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And so another year begins.  Consider the following my pre-season in note taking....

North Carolina Wesleyan University v Shaw University
Pre-Season Scrimmage
8.29.2022


- Pre-Season Scrimmage
- Field looks huge.
- NCWU four in the back with #19(?) pushing up high
- Miscommunication between the central defender and the goalkeeper, and Shaw U forward takes the ball and hits it into the open net.  Actually, center back gave the keeper a terrible ball and was picked off before the keeper could make a play.  Not even 2minutes in.
- NCWU-0; Shaw U-1
- Looks like a 4-4-2 for Shaw and a 4-3-3 for NCWU.
- Real choppy to start.  Little control, everything seems like a contested ball.
- For some reason, the camera the use is blurry on the right side, but crystal clear on the left.
- NCWU with some semblance of control out of the back, but the minute it goes forward, they lose it.
- Shaw U is just content to sit back and wait for NCWU to put up a 50/50. 
- Filming is being done from the International Space Station.
- Field is so large but NCWU is too slow with the ball to make use of it.
- Starting to take advantage of the left back who is staying wide and high and switching the ball when the opportunity presents itself.
- First real chance at goal for NCWU comes at 34 minutes left in the half.  Ball down the left to the line, is put across to the middle where it is skied over the bar.
- Big and beautiful field.  Seriously.
- Shaw defends in block very well and very compact. 
- NCWU just goes right into it expecting a different result.
- Why they aren't switching the point of attack at every chance is beyond me.
- Shaw U is in no rush to get forward with the ball.
- This is great.  NCWU clear a ball down the line.  Shaw U defender expects it to go out, and starts to slow down.  NCWU makes a play for it and ball just walks the line.  Takes it to the end line, cuts it in and with 3 defenders in front of him rifles a low ball to the keepers left and near post and ties it up.  Text book reason why you should never stop playing because you think something is going to happen.
- NCWU-1; Shaw U-1
- Kind of sloppy play after the goal.
- Left wing is for NCWU to take every time.
- Shaw really doesn't seem to have ideas other than frustrating NCWU
- Shaw is so compact in the center that it makes it difficult to get anything going.  That's why out wide left is wide open.  Seems the right side is a little tighter controlled.
- 25 minutes left.
- NCWU has a talented #10(?) but doesn't seem to have the supporting cast to make something happen for them.
- Runs on the attack are really not that effective.  Lack balance and sense on cohesion from NCWU. 
- And of course, I type that and NCWU scores on a through ball to their ginormous forward who hits it in from 12 yards out.
- Ball from #15 from just beyond midfleld between two Shaw U defenders, NCWU forward runs in behind.  It was actually a great ball, but can help but think the defenders mess that one up.
- NCWU-2; Shaw U-1
- 22 minutes left in half
- That seems too have settled them down quite a bit.  And you can start seeing cracks in Shaw U defensive posture.  Legs and minds are faltering.
- NCWU now starting to build to create some real chances.  Not sure if that's the case, but Shaw U doesn't look fit.  Lot of walking and lack of defensive discipline.  Really not closing down space effectively.
- Ok.  That's it.  15 minutes left.  Just trying to get back into the swing of things with my note taking.

Lesley University @ Dean College Grant Field
1 September 2022

- Season Opener for both teams
- Dean is part of the GNAC; Lesley is part of the NECC
- Lesley was 0-17-1 last year, Dean was 3-13.
- Am sorry, but Dean College's Grant Field has got to be the worst possible set up for a soccer field I have watched on a livestream.
- Put two football fields side to side length wise on a massive turf field, then put a soccer field with blue lines that runs across both football fields.  I am concerned with going into an epileptic seizure.
- A bit slow and chaotic ball movement.  Both teams lack pace with the ball.
- Dean#7 looks like he is a good ball player as a left wing. 
- Dean seems to struggle with moving the ball out of it's half.  And Lesley seems to be pressing high.
- Dean trying to bully its way through midfield.  Really not moving it to space.
- Lesley trying to connect when they do get the ball.
- 34 minutes left in the half, lots of imprecision from both teams.
- First opportunity I have seen comes from Lesley.  Win the ball at the 40, and pass to player running down the left.  Takes it to the lines and drops it back to the 6 at the near post.  Player one times the ball and it goes wide.
- Dean then sends a long ball and tries to get it away.  Lands at the feet of a forward who hits a ball from outside the 18.  Ball sails over the top.
- So far, shots from range with little effectiveness
- Lesley is trying to move the ball and be a little more intentional with their position.  Think Dean is looking to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.
- Think the Lesley Lynx who has a first year coach who seems to have an idea how he wants them to play, but still has work to do, in particular in the attacking third.
- Ok.  That's it for me. 0-0 with 15 left.  Nothing too exciting.

Messiah at Washington & Lee
September 1, 2022
Season opener for both teams.

Very interestingly this is a rematch of the 2021 NCAA Tournament semifinal which W&L won 3-1.

Messiah wins 4-1

- I was at the game and didn't take notes so just some general impressions from the game.
- Messiah scored 3 goals in the first 35 minutes so the game was essentially over at HT, Messiah scored its fourth goal a couple minutes into the second half. W&L scored with about 15 minutes left.
- Messiah was at their crisp, passing, lots of movement off the ball best; dominating possession, constantly creating chances, never giving the other team a chance to settle.
- Messiah's midfield moved the ball constantly and was seldom dispossessed.
- MacDonald scored 2 goals and was a constant menace, as was LeFever on the other wing. W&L just couldn't contain them.
- W&L generated one shot in the first half and that wasn't on target. The field was tilted toward the W&L goal at a pretty severe angle.
- After the 3rd goal, I think, W&L switched to a 4-4-2 to try to clog the middle of the field and gain some possession.

- As well as the Falcons played, there's no getting around that the Generals just weren't very good tonight. They tried to play Messiah straight up and couldn't. Their midfield couldn't keep possession, their attack was stranded, and while the defenders are big and strong, they're very, very slow. When isolated 1v1, the Messiah wings constantly beat them. Following the second goal, they looked shellshocked and gassed.

- Messiah had a goal scored by a freshman, #10 Lee. Yeah a kid named "Lee" gets his first goal in his first college game against Washington & "Lee". That should be in next year's program.

Actually that should say Quarterfinal.

Rowan University at Johns Hopkins University

- Season opener for both
- This should be a good game between two very good teams.  Think the start time, 1:00 pm is a little odd, but I'll take it.
- This game is at JHU.
- Rowan in their all brown with gold socks, and JHU in their classic white tops, blue shorts and white socks.
-  Hopkins goes right to it.  Working the ball and being patient.
- Rowan goes right at it.  Works the ball well but they look to get forward quick.
- Hopkins needs to be mindful of its defense posture when they are being countered.  Outside mids need to track back.
- Rowan ok with Hopkins hold the ball with their backs.
- Rowan is lightening when they win the ball.
- Will say, Hopkins looks very comfortable with the ball, and with their passing, and very very patient.
- Hopkins is making Rowan run, switching the point of attack, and waiting for space to open to get forward.
- Hopkins just had a great opportunity to go ahead with a ball on the ground to a forward who went one on one with the Keeper.  Ended up sailing it high and wide, but great build up.
- 15 minutes in.
- Hopkins does like the ball to the space behind the Rowan outside backs, which Rowan seems to struggle dealing with.
- Rowan is a bit all Jersey.  Not afraid to get physical.
- Rowan Keeper#1 did well punching out a set play.
- Hopkins#6 needs to be mindful of his passes and his dribbling.  Had a ball picked off for a counter and is getting a little too bold for my taste
- Rowan has two solid center backs who do a good bit of building out of the back.  Very secure on the ball.
- Rowan#7 looks like a tank and could be pretty lethal.
- Announcing is fantastic by the by.
- Where Hopkins seems vulnerable is when they turn over the ball in midfield.
- Yellow card for a professional foul for Rowan#18.  Lost the ball in a vulnerable spot and didn't let the Hopkins forward get away with it.  Free kick from Hopkins#17 goes straight to the keeper.
- Big loss for Hopkins was the extraordinary goalkeeper Xander Lafavre.  His replacement Hopkins Keeper#0 is pretty solid in his own right.
- Will say, this years Hopkins team looks like a potential force to reckon with.  They need to reward themselves with some goals though.
- Rowan does look dangerous on the attack.  Hopkins deals with them well, but you do get nervous.
- Free kick for Rowan from 40 yards out.  This is the result of a heavy touch from Hopkins#6.  Ball floated in for a header that just went wide.  Maybe tone down the dribble for a little?
- Hopkins' positional movement is very good.  Pass/Move/Cover.
- Hopkins owns the ball, and Rowan seems to be a bit muted. 
- Rown#25 yellow card for another professional foul.
- Rowan has made some subs and is looking to press higher up the field and not let Hopkins defensive backs have so much time to move the ball.
- Gets as little ugly when Rowan able to be disruptive in the middle of the field.
- This announcer is so good and professional, and even sounds like Emmy Award Winning New York Red Bull announcer Steve Cangialosi.  Seriously.
- Where I think Hopkins falls short is in the final third.  Don't have the ideas to create opportunities, where as Rowans direct play leads to sketchy moments on the attack.
- Halftime.
- Hopkins is being very effective at working the ball between the backs and midfield.  Have done a masterful job keeping Rowan off balance.
- Rowan has been effective on the defensive end, especially in the final third.  On the attack when they can counter and get forward quickly they unsettle Hopkins and make them scramble a bit.
- I do think this was Hopkin's half, just haven't rewarded  themselves for there work with a goal.  Although they have come close a couple of times.
- Second Half
- Ok.  So seems like Johns Hopkins is being a little more aggressive getting forward. 
- Hopkins just headed a ball on a short corner that the Rowan Keeper#1 tipped off the cross bar.  Most dangerous opportunity for Hopkins so far this game.
- 7 minutes in.
- Rowan sitting deep defending and is still trying to break forward quick, this time trying to get the ball to Rowan#7 into space on the run.
- You do get the sense that the chess match has turned into a bit of a cage match.
- Rowan seems to really rely on their back four and goal keeper for the defending.  Think the midfield is a bit disconnected from the back four.
- This is where Hopkins scares.  A little too confident in the back, is stolen by a pressing Rowan forward, forcing the Hopkins Keeper#0 to make a big one on one save.
- Ok, just dawned on me.  Is this the way a team will play, on the road, for a tie or try to steal a win.  Sit a bit deeper, hope for a quick break, but aim to frustrate the home team?  Just thinking allowed and the consequences of having no OT.
- 29 minutes left.
- Will say Hopkins#22 and Hopkins#18 works their tails off defensively.
- Rowan has been doing a better job in this stretch to hold the ball, and taking some steam out of Hopkins.  But they don't have much going forward.   Hopkins needs to get a hold of the ball get back to what they know best.
- 21 minutes left and Hopkins is being a bit sloppy with the ball.  Rowan is growing into the game.
- Hopkins#27 can play.  He is a very good ballplayer.  Should get the ball in the middle more often.
- Hopkins had an opportunity called offside, but how they made the play happen is what they should double down on.
- Dangerous free-kick for Hopkins about 22 yards out.  Foul on the back from Rowan.  Hopkins#17 on the ball.
- OFF THE CROSSBAR!  Wonderful shot from the super Sophomore Ian Whamond on the dead ball.
- 15 minutes left on the clock.
- And Hopkins goes up 1-0.  Foul on the sideline about 40 yards out.  Swing the ball around and ball is sent into the box to Hopkins#3 who challenges the Rowan Keeper#0.  He punches the ball and it pops up and Hopkins#18 heads it in from 12 yards out.  Rowan 0; Johns Hopkins 1.
- 13 minutes left.
- Now Rowan has a sense of urgency to their game.
- Hopkins needs to get the ball and take steam out of the game.
- Rowan is now forcing the issue.  Hopkins is defending a bit deeper and being smart defensively.  When they do get the ball, they try to hold on to it.
- Am liking Hopkins Keeper#0.  Really commands his box.  Strong.
- With 5 minutes left, Hopkins is trying to manage the game in front of them.  Think they need to be a bit more aggressive and try to keep Rowan defense honest
- And I know why I like Hopkins Keeper#0.  On a short corner sent in to the box.  It isn't cleared and a Rowan player from 18 out rifles a ball to the right side of the keeper.  Hopkins Keeper#0 goes parallel and get his fingers on the ball and deflects off the post.  Ball lands at the feet of another Rowan player and the Hopkins GK gets up and blocks the follow up shot.  I mean serious goalkeeping stuff on this play.  Outstanding.  Still 1-0 Hopkins.
- 4 minutes left.
- I guess Hopkins Keeper#0 is a transfer??  Well what a transfer that is!  If they end it with the W, he has my vote for MOTM.
-  Hopkins playing this game out.
- And game over.  Hopkins beats Rowan by a score of 1-0.
- This is a great game by Johns Hopkins.  Need to shore up the final third, but defensively and midfield were exceptional in their handling of any challenges could mount and any possession they had.

Montclair v RPI
MSU Soccer Park

- Came in with 10 minutes left.
- Think man for man, Montclair is better, but RPI is a disciplined team. 
- Defensively they are keeping MSU in front.
- Montclair seems to own more of the ball, but aside from a couple balls, they really haven't had a clean look at goal.  RPI does a great job at keeping passing lanes very limited
- Halftime 0-0
- Montclair came out in the second half and is taking the game to RPISimplePlayer#2 makes the observation that Montclair is surprisingly very direct, especially since they have so many good players with the ball at their feet.
- Montclair does not value the ball.  Many wasted long balls, over hit corners, RPI can't get a hold of the ball.  They are sitting deep just defending
- Very disciplined but not getting much on the way offensively.
- Montclair just had the best possession of the ball on the ground that ended up with a shot on goal from inside the box. That's the way to do it.33 minutes left
- RPI is definitely defending for the most part.  Haven't had an opportunity on goal yet
- RPi is doing a great job of covering as players move around
- RPI is starting to turn the game around a bit.  Growing in confidence to move forward.  As if Montclair expended all its energy in the first 20 minutes if the half
- Montclair sometimes seems to tune out of game situations which makes them flawed.  Simple drop ball that they didn't challenge allowed RPI to go into an attack that ended in a cross that had to be cleared out in Extremis
- Details.  Montclair is faltering on the details.  Errant passes in the back.  Over hit corners.  Fundamental things.  Seems to me15 minutes left
- RPI is trying to make something happen.  When they do attack it's a bit more methodical than Montclair.  Never looking for a big ball forward.
- Less than three and RPIs back line is heroic right now.0-0 final.  RPI hangs on for a point.

I noticed the All American striker for Montclair was not listed, any insights?

Quote from: camosfan on September 02, 2022, 06:38:48 AM
I noticed the All American striker for Montclair was not listed, any insights?

Lukovic did not play.  No idea why.

SC.

Ohio Northern @ Kenyon

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, 5:15 p.m. — Mavec Field, Gambier, Ohio

- Ok.  I am going to come out and say it.  I prefer the Kenyon Lords.
- They groundskeeper who did the field lines ... may have have forgotten that they should be straight
- ONU with their grey with orange  striped tops and orange shorts and socks.
- Kenyon with the classic Lor ... er.... Owls uniform - White tops, black shorts and whit socks.
- Oh, and this is one of the most beautiful places for a game.
- Kenyon just had their first counter and they looked very impressive.
- Also based on the announcer, sounds like Kenyon is starting a number of Freshmen.  No Luke Muther?
- Gerardo Martinez is playing a big role already.  Team is looking for him to get the ball.
- Kenyon had a goal called back for offside.  Shot from Martinez, ONU Keeper#0 does a poor job and spills it and a forward comes in and knocks in the rebound.  All for naught.
- Kenyon really dominating the play to start.  ONU just struggling to hold on to the ball.
- Ball is spending a lot of time in the air
- Kenyon trying to go direct.  ONU is getting a hold of the ball.
- 35 left in the half.
- And like that ONU picks the pocket of a defender and drops it back for another player to drive in to the back of the net from 12 yards out.  This was a mistake on the defender.
- ONU 1;  Kenyon 0
- 34 minutes left.
- And not even a minute later, Kenyon wins a corner.  Ball is sent in for a corner, ONU Keeper comes out for the ball and unopposed, bobbles it and a Kenyon player buries it from 10 yards out.  Major mistake, and intolerable mistake from the ONU Keeper.  Think he tried to get a call for a foul but think he just spilled it.
- ONU 1;  Kenyon 1
- ONU Slowly started to get some control of the ball.  Kenyon still moving it quicker and is ready to jump into the attack, while ONU seems more thoughtful about how they move it up the field.
- Kenyon does a great job of switching the point of attack.  Forces ONU to constantly have to shift.
- Kenyon is knocking.  ONU Keeper#0 redeemed himself with a big one on one save.
- Halftime locked at 1-1
- Kenyon back at it.  ONU looks to be a bit more aggressive the start of this half.
- Kenyon showing early that they are able to get to goal.
- ONU looks to get their attack going, but Kenyon making it difficult.  Kenyon has been a little imprecise in the final third.  If they connect then goals will come.
- And like that.  Kenyon gets a drop ball at midfield, make a couple of short passes then send it up top.  ONU defender misjudges the ball and it goes over his head to the onrushing Kenyon#16(?) , who then buries the ball past the ONU Keeper.
- ONU 1;  Kenyon 2
- ONU refuses to go gently into that good night. ONNU Gets the ball in the box, takes it to the line and drops it back to the 6 and ONU#13 one times the ball past the Kenyon Keeeper .
- ONU 2;  Kenyon 2
- 30 minutes left in half.
- Kenyon keeps working the spaces trying to break down Onu
- Corner sent far post, Kenyon#21 settles the ball, shoots and is blocked, recovers the rebound and rifles it in top corner past the keeper.
- 15 minutes left, ONU 2;  Kenyon 3
- The ONU Keeper looks very shaky.  Careless with the ball, his hands are unsure.  Game day nerves?
- ONU still defending but obviously have shown they can be effective when they are able to get on the attack. 
- Gerardo Martinez is a bit more muted this half.
- And under pressure, Kenyon recovers a ball.  Kenyon#4 goes into the box and is pulled down... naively... from behind.  Penalty Kick.
- Kenyon#10 steps up and buries it high down the middle.  ONU Keeper goes to his left.
- 10 minutes left.
- ONU 2;  Kenyon 4
- At twos, I thought ONU could claw it back.  With ten minutes, down by two, just don't see it happening.
- And with 2 minutes left, Kenyon works the ball through to a forward who is unmarked, who passes it to Kenyon#3, who one times the ball from about 12 past the ONU Keeper.  Game set match.
- ONU 2;  Kenyon 5
- ONU just seemed to lose the plot.  Some poor defensive decisions and mistakes and Kenyon takes advantage.
- And to add insult to injury, Kenyon adds a 6th.  Kenyon#10 picks off a poor pass by an ONU defender and takes it to goal and puts it to the left of the ONU Keeper.
- Full time.  ONU 2;  Kenyon 6
- All I can say is I was expecting more from ONU.  Thought Kenyon was competent, but didn't light it up for me.

   
   
   
   

   

Ok.  Wanted to watch the W&L v Messiah... but no video recording.  Such a bummer.  Sounds like Messiah really handed it to them in the first half.

SC.

First, congrats to Messiah and the Messiah faithful.  I didn't get to watch as closely as I wanted.  I'm not sure how much the game reflected that Messiah is great or that W&L simply showed poorly.  No question a very disappointing, lackluster performance for W&L as a team with such sky-high expectations, but clearly Messiah is gonna be a handful for anyone in the country.  I will caution again against any huge overreactions.

I was mildly disappointed in the Kenyon performance and the scoreline did not reflect the competitiveness of the match.  ONU has North Park, OWU, KZoo, Hanover, RHIT, CMU coming up so we'll get a better sense about the Polar Bears.  As for Kenyon, Muther not playing obviously is a major concern and I have no intel there.  Also very concerning that Martinez only played 23 minutes, pretty evenly divided between the two halves.  I think he was the first starter subbed both halves.  Again, not sure what that was about.  Kenyon had a lot of talent but I thought they were sloppy and careless at times, and they also imo looked small.  They are going to miss Hosmer-Quint in the back especially on corners and set pieces.  The new CB that Domino mentioned in another thread is a Massachusetts kid who I know nothing about other than he transferred from Marshall.  I thought he was very solid but worried that he could get beat by quick forwards.  The left outside back yesterday is an Ohio kid who transferred from Drexel and apparently was out all last season with an injury.  Brown played a lot of guys and some for critical minutes who I would not have expected to maybe even play.  He's got a good problem with how to sit prior starters, mix in the frosh talent, mix in the transfers, etc but that also can be a lot to navigate and still keep overall team morale high.  Also wondered if he was resting some players with JCU on tap for tomorrow night, but ONU is too good to play around with, so I just not sure what was going on.

Otherwise, the games that stood out were Rochester handling hyped Cortland and the RPI-MSU draw.

@PaulNewman. 

Was a bit surprised as well.  Expecting much more from Kenyon.  Thought it was choppy, not crisp, and quite average looking.  I am not close enough to the program, but even with the 6 goals, not sure I would be pleased.

I can't believe the Rochester v Cortland school.  Going to watch today if  it is available and see if I get it.....

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 02, 2022, 10:00:49 AM
@PaulNewman. 

Was a bit surprised as well.  Expecting much more from Kenyon.  Thought it was choppy, not crisp, and quite average looking.  I am not close enough to the program, but even with the 6 goals, not sure I would be pleased.

I can't believe the Rochester v Cortland school.  Going to watch today if  it is available and see if I get it.....

SC.

Forget it.  Rochester charges to watch games.

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 02, 2022, 10:02:36 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 02, 2022, 10:00:49 AM
@PaulNewman. 

Was a bit surprised as well.  Expecting much more from Kenyon.  Thought it was choppy, not crisp, and quite average looking.  I am not close enough to the program, but even with the 6 goals, not sure I would be pleased.

I can't believe the Rochester v Cortland school.  Going to watch today if  it is available and see if I get it.....

SC.

Boggles my mind that a school would charge...

Forget it.  Rochester charges to watch games.

SC.

Quote from: PaulNewman on September 02, 2022, 09:52:58 AM
Otherwise, the games that stood out were Rochester handling hyped Cortland and the RPI-MSU draw.

I would add a third: Carthage 2, Wash U 1. It was the debut of the Firebirds' new head coach, D1 refugee Paul Leese.

It's hardly the end of the world for the Bears, whom I still expect to be very good and very competitive in the UAA. But it says something for Carthage, what with the new coach and the loss of their best backliner (who transferred to Calvin). The Firebirds have underperformed the last few seasons, but that is nevertheless a dangerous team that still has a considerable amount of talent on their current roster.

SC, agreed.  For now I'm going to rely on first game sloppiness and trying to mix in so many players.  Strange to lose only one starter or key sub and see odd line-ups out there but we'll see how they look after a few games.  JCU will be a big test, although the Blue Streaks also really struggled to put away Oberlin.  I was pleased about Scottie Upton (#10 for Kenyon) who looked sharp.  Not a big kid, but one of the toughest in D3, and talented.  Gaese #16 also showed well, and I see plenty of firepower up front with Carson #4 and sophs Duratovic #21 and Dujakovich#18.  Realizing that Johannson #2 who started all last year at holding mid also had very limited minutes, and it was the midfield imo that looked the sloppiest and error-prone.  Nardiello-Smith #3 also had a pretty good game.  Hopefully Muther will be back soon and Martinez will get back to 65-70 minutes.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 02, 2022, 10:21:34 AM

Quote from: PaulNewman on September 02, 2022, 09:52:58 AM
Otherwise, the games that stood out were Rochester handling hyped Cortland and the RPI-MSU draw.

I would add a third: Carthage 2, Wash U 1. It was the debut of the Firebirds' new head coach, D1 refugee Paul Leese.

It's hardly the end of the world for the Bears, whom I still expect to be very good and very competitive in the UAA. But it says something for Carthage, what with the new coach and the loss of their best backliner (who transferred to Calvin). The Firebirds have underperformed the last few seasons, but that is nevertheless a dangerous team that still has a considerable amount of talent on their current roster.

Agreed.  Forgot that one.

And as for Rochester, I've complained for 10 years about that paywall which is just insane for a school charging 70K+ a year.  I'm gonna have my daughter rescind her diploma.

University of Scranton @ King's College

- King's College in their home All Whites
- Scranton in their away all black with purple sash.
- Very chaotic start.  Middle is really crowded.  Both teams seem to be looking to control the ball on the deck.  Passing is very sketchy once past midfield.
- Seems things are too tight for Scranton.  Meaning not doing the best trying to take advantage of width.
- King's also not messing around defensively.  Happy to get it out if needed.
- King's doing a better job with have numerical advantages in the midfield.  Scranton seems to be struggling in making sure players are marked.
- 30 Minutes left.
- King's is owning more of the ball.
- Very imprecise transitioning to offense.  Both teams are looking for a killer punch that is not there.
- King's takes advantage of their possession and poor tacking by Scranton to take a shot from 35 out that just went over the bar.
- Scranton comes done the field and from a tight angle, a shot just goes over the bar. 
- Announcer is very enthusiastic.  I like him.
- Impressed by King's College.  Really do try to play the ball and knock the ball. 
- Scranton had a chance from an errant pass but sailed the ball over the bar.
- 17 minutes left.
- King's had a dead ball from 40 yards out, that almost connected back post inside the 6.  Scranton Keeper sat on his line.... Dangerously.
- Oh my gosh.  King's College just goes ahead on a shot that should have been inconsequential.  Kings#6 gets the ball, cuts it back and hits it on frame.  Scranton Keeper leeps to get the ball and it inexorably goes through his hands for a goal.
- Scranton 0; Kings 1.
- Scranton Keeper should have at least tipped it over the bar.  You can see that from the body language, that they feel let down by that goal.
- 7 left in half.
- Scranton trying to get something going.  But come up against halftime.
- Scranton 0; Kings 1.
- Much of the same, but Scranton trying to me intentional going forward and move the ball quickly.  Still lack of precision is hurting them.
- Scranton is pressing and getting dangerous.  Couple of nice through balls and balls swung in has given King's anxiety.
- King's need to get back into control of the game and try to get Scranton out of this game.
- Scranton had two melee's that should have led to a goal.  They are knockin'
- 20 minutes left for Scranton to equalize.  Think in this second half they deserve to reward their hard work with a goal.
- Where was this Scranton team in the first half.  Playing with urgency and very intentional on the attack.  King's is chasing at this point.
- And against the run of play, King's sends a nice through ball to a forward who from 30 yards out, puts it past the Scranton Keeper who cam charging out.  Think he should have be a bit more patient as a defender may have gotten to him just in time.  A cruel game.
- Scranton 0; Kings 2.
- 10 minutes left.
- Scranton still on the hunt while King's is just managing the game out.
- And with 3 minutes left, Scranton gets on the scored board.  Ball cleared on a corner, Scranton#15 settles at the 18, and hits it.  Ball is deflected into the back of the net.
- Scranton 1; Kings 2.
- Scranton is now pressing with 6 players and King's is doing everything it can to get the ball up high.
- Scranton has run out of time and the King;s take the game.
- Final Scranton 1; Kings 2.

Thanks for this, validates my untrained eye on the first goal that went in. Didn't see the 2nd Kings goal.

Moravian University @ Virginia Wesleyan University

- Looks like VWU in White top, black shorts, and white socks.
- Moravian in all blue.
- Beautiful grass field.
- Moravian trying to get something going, but are struggling to keep the ball. 
- VWU is has possession for long stretches, and press really well when they lost it.
- Moravian is defending well.  Deep and compact. 
- Moravian just intercepted a bad pass and went on a counter.  Through ball to a forward who scores, but ruled off.  I am not too sure.  It was very close.
- VWU#21 has to do a better job with his passes into the middle.  Needs to be much more precise.
-  I actually think that was a goal, at least by the angle I am seeing it from.
- VWU pressing on the attack.  Between lack of precision and VWU defense, it's been tough to break through.
- VWU isn't patient either, they make some passes and launch it up to the winger.
- Moravian is content with VWU having possession in the back.  They are waiting for them to come forward.  Don't really press until VWU gets to the center circle.
- Moravian much more positionally disciplined.
- VWU doesn't have a clear idea on the attack.  Really not coming close.  Moravian is intent when they get forward and are able to create something that cause VWU problems.  Not often but often enough.
- 22 minutes left in half.
- Really a midfield battle right now.  Keep waiting for something to break, but neither team seems to be willing to take risks.
- Managing the heat with a water break.
- VWU#11 needs to get the ball more.  He is critical for anything they want to do at this point.
- Are "wife beater" tee's making a come back?
- Moravian just had a chance, but VWU came up big with a couple of close range save.
- Think VWU lack some cohesion and discipline.
- 12 minutes left.
- I don't want this to sound bad, and don't am not making this personal, but from a  soccer perspective, VWU strikes me lazy.  Seemingly always looking for the easy way out, and never fully committing to do the work.  Moravian is growing into this game because they are willing to put in the work.
- Moravian seems to vulnerable at the left back spot.  A number of fouls for late tackles. 
- Halftime
- 5 minutes in and Moravian is pressing high on VWU.  Think they sense that they can really get a goal if they can get the right ball.
- VWU trying to play with urgency, but not accurate in their build up.
-   Moravian is doing well finding the midfielders feet.
- And like that, Moravian has a Steven Gerard moment.  Center back with a simple ball slips, and the VWU forward takes the ball and hits it past the Moravian Keeper who was out of position.
- Really, soccer is such a cruel mistress.
- And Moravian just came back and the VWU Keeper made a really good one on one save to preserve the lead.
- Hopefully this does not weigh on Moravian as there are 38 minutes left in the game.
- Moravian 0; Virginia Wesleyan 1.
- Moravian keeps trying to find the equalizer while VWU is trying to manage the game in front of them.
- 30 minutes remain.
- VWU also just trying to bleed the clock.
- Moravian is weak on the back post.  VWU found that spot a few times.  Could get a goal from there.
- Again VWU, lazy.  Soft header back to the keeper who is forced to come out of the box to clear it otherwise the Moravian forward has an open net.
- Actually think Moravian is the better team, but let VWU have that silly goal.
- VWU spending most of this half, pinned in this half.
- Moravian conceding a little more on defense, especially as their legs and minds get tired.
- VWU getting more of the ball and initiative.
- 18 left.
- 5 left.  Moravian keeps trying.
- Moravian had the equalizer.  Long throw ball ended up on the six for a header against the keeper, but the Moravian player sailed it over the bar.
- Game over.  Moravian 0;   Virginia Wesleyan 1.  Think Moravian deserved more.

Case Western Reserve @ Ohio Wesleyan University
9.2.2022

-  At Jay Martin Soccer Complex
-  Season Opener for both teams.
-  Field looks immaculate.  I mean its just perfect.
-  Case is in all white.
-  OWU in red and black stripes , black shorts and socks.
-  OWU does what it does.  Patient in the back.
-  Case doesn't press until the ball gets to the semi circle.
-  Case is a talented team with an idea of how they want to play.  Making it difficult for OWU.
-  Case has gotten closer to goal by playing quick.
-  OWU just got to goal for the first time by breaking quick before Case had a chance to get back into its defensive shape.  Ended up as a corner for OWU. 
-  First real chance for OWU.
-  OWU is pressing forward, but Case is defending well.
-  35 minutes left in the half.
-  Will say I am impressed with the control on the ball of both teams especially in tight spaces.
-  Case can get to the OWU 18 and make them sweat.  OWU doesn't seem so confident defensively as they are offensively.
-  WHAT A GOAL! 
-  Foul on Case at the center circle to the far post.  OWU#20 sside volleys the ball, and bounces over the keeper for the lead.
-  CWRU 0; OWU 1
-  Just a great ball taken out of the air.
-  And like that Case ties it up! Poor goal kick by the OWU keeper that goes to a Case forward.  Dribble into the box, and after a couple passes, and bad defensive tackles it lands at the feet of a forward to the left of the OWU keeper.  Rifles a shot on the ground between the OWU keepers legs.
-  CWRU 1; OWU 1
-  15 minutes left.
-  Halftime.
-  Think I am done with this one.  It's late and am tired.

Montclair State @ Catholic University

-  Finale of the Turk Emekli Classic at Carlini Field in DC.
-  Montclair is ranked 23rd in the country standing at 1-0-1
-  Catholic is a favorite to repeat as Landmark Champions are 1-0, beating Baruch College soundly at 5-0
-  Montclair in all White, and Catholic in all Black.
-  Catholic starts with the Worst Play in D3 Soccer.
-  Catholic trying to press and break out on the attack quickly.  Don't think the press bother Montclair much.  Have the skill to knock around in tight spaces.
-  Continuation of last year for Catholic.  Perfectly fine in the inconsequential in the back, passing characteristic of so many teams, but lose the ball because they go long with it.
-  Montclair is man for man, and as a team, better at handling the ball than Catholic.
-  3rd corner for Montclair.  34 minutes left in the half.
-  Montclair doing well closing down the space.  Catholic struggles to get the ball moving past midfield because of it.
-  Chance for Montclair, but Catholic Keeper  makes a save.  Montclair is have success getting to the line and dropping it back.
-  Catholic#7 needs to get the ball if Catholic is going to be successful.
-  Montclair#10 is looking pedestrian today. 
-  28th minutes left in half.
-  Catholic looks gassed trying to chase so much.
-  Catholic has 5 players who gets touches on the ball.  Two backs.  Catholic#25, Catholic#19 and Catholic#17. 
-  Someone should tell Catholic#17 he needs to stop with the back heel chop.  Worked once, not anymore.
-  Montclair#11 is the best Montclair player.  Give him the ball and watch him dine on the Catholic D.
-  And like that, Montclair#11, receives a ball... unmarked.  You would think Catholic would have done their scouting.... Or read my games notes from 9.1.2022 or see my 2022 season preview.  -  -  With plenty of space turns and goes at the back peddling defender and hits a ball far post, for the go ahead goal.
-  Montclair 1; Catholic 0
-  Someone should tell Montclair#8 to stop being a petulant little spoiled brat every time he doesn't get a call.
-  This is where Catholic shows it deficiencies with their passing and control of the ball.
-  This is where Montclair is at it's most vulnerable.  Going up one and thinking they got this.  They then make silly mistakes.  Like the keeper almost getting the ball stolen from Catholic#7 just as I am typing this.
-  Montclair needs the second because Catholic has it in them to create enough chaos in the box that could lead to a tie.
-  First shot by Catholic.  Shot from Catholic#16 from 25 yards out.  16 minutes left in the half.
-  Catholic#7 is getting more involved, and making the attack a bit more fluid.  But they rely on him.
-  Catholic now creating chaos in the box with some throw ins and a couple of corners.
-  And on one, ball is headed, going in, but cleared off the line.  Cleared for another Catholic corner.
-  13 minutes left.
-  Catholic getting more dangerous, because of Montclair's carelessness.  Perhaps overconfidence.
-  Montclair is trying to bleed the clock whenever they can.
-  Catholic need's to press and go after Montclair#4.   Weakest defender out there.
-  6 minutes left in the half.
-  This is the second game I have watched Montclair, and for all the talent, I think they play to the level of their competition.  Should dominate, but they come across as lazy, or I don't know, not connected. Uninspired is another word.
-  Montclair Keeper really doesn't do well with the ball at his feet.  Doesn't have the best of kicks.
-  Catholic#20 serves as a body.  How other do you explain him subbing on Catholic#7?????
-  With a  minute left, Catholic totally butchered a goal kick.
-  Halftime.
-  Montclair lazily playing but good enough to get a goal.  Catholic looking to create chaos in the final third.
-  Second Half
-  Catholic back to what it does.  Knock the ball in the back, and launch it down the right side.
-  Like I said, 42 minutes in.  And Catholic capitalizes on a poor GOALKICK by the Montclair Keeper.   I mean comedy.
-  Montclair 1; Catholic 1
-  I mean, is the Montclair Keeper the weakest part of their game?  He can't take goal kicks.
-  And of course, Catholic is now feeling it.  Like they can take this game.  And Montclair is full of doubt.
-  Seriously, when is a team going to listen to me and sit deep defensively and force Catholic to come at you, rather than getting caught up in their pursuit of chaos?
-  Catholic#16 is a poor replacement for last years CDM.  At least last years CDM has an idea about the game.
-  Now Montclair is looking to gain the advantage again.
-  Not sure if it is the heat, but it just looks slow.
-  Catholic cant connect real passes.  They turn over and their midfield is so far up they Montclair clears the ball it lands at a Montclair forward feet with no one around.
-  Dead ball for Montclair gets floated in and it bangs off the post.
-  Montclair is now alive again.  Catholic Keeper just made a key save on a one on one.  Saved Catholic.
-  Catholic really struggling to deal with Montclair's pressure.
-  Get a counter and a 3v2, and Catholic #24 delivers a crappy ball that Montclair#4 is able to hit back to the Keeper who... poorly clears the ball.
-  If Catholic gets a result this game, MVP is the Catholic Keeper.
-  30 Minutes left in 2nd half.
-  Since the tying goal, Catholic is under quite a bit of pressure.  Montclair is careless defensively though.
-  Catholic announcers are not bad.  Interesting observations.... And enthusiasms!
-  This is not the same Montclair team as last year.  Lack the energy and precision of last year.
-  Hydration break.
-  Think they struggle against compact defenses, like Catholic.  In part because they aren't patient.
-  Catholic#7 loses the ball.  Commits a tough foul for a deserved yellow.
-  Montclair with a dead ball from 35 out.
-  20 minutes left.
-  Montclair does not defend in midfield.
-  Catholic trying to isolate Catholic#7 so they can get him in to goal in a foot race.
-  Montclair#17 is probably the most energetic player out there for Montclair.
-  Catholic will score on Montclair in large measure because Montclair is defensively undisciplined.
-  Catholic#16 is positionally naïve.  Lacks an understanding of where he needs to be.
-  Montclair now looks like they want this game to be over.  Look exhausted.
-  7 minutes left.
-  2 minutes left.
-  Catholic being opportunistic and Montclair not the team I thought had so much potential last year.
-  Montclair just looks not fit.  That and a lack of enthusiasm for playing.
-  Game over.
-  Unless they do something different, not sure Montclair deserves the ranking in the 23rd in the nation.

Carnegie Mellon University @ Allegheny College

-  The soccer at The Robertson Athletic Complex just looks  immaculate.  Beautiful grass field.
-  Allegheny was the team of reference in the 80's when I played.  They were a really serious program.
-  Always looking at Carnegie Mellon to perform, if only for their pedigree.
-  Allegheny in all white.  CMU in red top, black shorts and socks.
-  Think the coach is "Interim" at Allegheny
-  Carnegie Mellon breaks quick on the attack.
-  Start is a little chaotic.
-  First corner leads to an opportunity for CMU.  Goes near post but cleared away.
-  Carnegie Mellon is taking it to them.  Allegheny has had a couple of forays into the CMU half.
-  Allegheny keeper just made a big save.
-  And the next play, CMU sends a ball far post from about 40 yards away and buries the ball in the back of the net.
-  Carnegie Mellon 1; Allegheny 0
-  CMU is clearly the better team.  Think more goals are coming.  This is definitely not the Allegheny of old.  Which is a shame.
-  Allegheny is playing with really one forward while the 9 others end up dropping back to defend to a 4-5-1 when they are defending then transition to a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3 when they try  to get on the attack.  CMU is not letting them attack though.
-  CMU is controlling the rhythm.
-  25 minutes left in the half.
-  CMU is doing well knocking the ball 1/2 touch, when they do  that they move down the field quickly.  Allegheny struggles to adjust.
-  But, for the most part this is all CMU.
-  16 left
-  Allegheny back four doing ok as long as the ball is in front of them.  CMU looking to get behind the outside backs, and that's where Allegheny has shown to be vulnerable.
-  Allegheny did work the ball down the left and dropped it back for a player to one time the ball from 12.  Keeper made the save and the ball was cleared out.  Definitely their best opportunity.
-  And a counter  by CMU. Ball out on the right, player takes it to the line and chips the ball back post when a CMU player heads the ball into the back of the net.  And like that CMU up by 2.
-  Carnegie Mellon 2; Allegheny 0
-  Ok.  Not the best of games and think Carnegie Mellon is the better team.  This game is in hand and not even half.  Calling this over. 

Franklin & Marshall College @ Stevens Institute of Technology

-  Stevens is ranked 25th in the country
-  F&M is ranked 19th in the country
-  Love the city setting of the DeBaun Athletic Complex.  Hoboken in the background.
-  Stevens in all white; F&M in all blue.
-  Running and gunning to start the game.  Everything long, everything at a fast pace.
-  Stevens shows that they like to move the ball on the deck.
-  F&M steps up high when the ball is on the end.  Chases down clearances rather than waiting for the ball to get to him in the box.  This is super smart especially since F&M really wants to keep the ball deep in their opponents end and not give them the opportunity to reset.
-  Stevens forces the keeper to punch the ball out on a corner.  Well played by the F&M keeper.
-  Stevens#9 is a talented ball player.  Skillful on the dribble with an idea to make things happen.  And makes really intelligent runs.
-  Both teams are knocking each other around.  This is a bit of a brawl.
-  Battle between the 18s so far.  Neither team getting to goal clearly.  Both teams have a lock tight grip on defense.
-  A chess match between two different teams.
-  F&M going at a pace and trying to get the ball forward and throttle Stevens in the back.
-  Stevens trying to keep control of the ball and work the ball on the deck and penetrate when they can.
-  17 minutes left.
-  Stevens just had the best chance of the game.  Ball fell to a forward who hit it from 4 yards out and the F&M keeper managed to get his foot on the ball.  Cleared out by an F&M defender.  Best opportunity so far.
-  14 left.
-  Stevens#19 is an intelligent player.  Stevens#10 is special and really runs the offense from Stevens.
-  F&M just had an opportunity go wide on a deflection for a corner.  Close call.
-  The announcer is very good.  Really does have a good understanding of the game.
-  Stevens does mix up the point of attack, but definitely has more success going at the right back for F&M

-  Halftime.  Bit of a chess match. 
-  Stevens 0; Franklin & Marshall 0

-  Stevens does a good job taking the sting out of the pace and play their way.  Do well at connecting through the midfield.
-  And like that.  A long throw for Stevens ends up bouncing in the box and ends up at the back post where a Steven#22 one times a ball and beats the F&M keeper to his right.
-  Stevens 1; Franklin and Marshall 0
-  36 minutes left.
-  Something had to give, and I think Stevens was threatening a bit more than F&M.  They were finding spaces and taking advantage of them.
-  Stevens is now feeling it and pushing forward.
-  And I am not sure about this.  Stevens just got a penalty.
-  Wonderful through ball that puts a Stevens players one on one with the F&M Keeper.  Keeper comes out for the ball and looks like he gets the ball and the players trips up.  Ref calls it a PK.  Not sure.  Not sure at all.
-  Stevens#11 goes to F&M right who almost saves it.
-  Stevens 2; Franklin and Marshall 0
-  30 minutes left.
-  Wow.  And like that Stevens notches another one!  Great floated ball to the back post, masterfully settled by Stevens#19, who is by himself and slots the ball to past the F&M Keeper.  This is a goal of skill.  His first touch is perfect, and slots the ball perfectly on the ground.  No bounce, no panic.  Masterclass of a finish.
-  Stevens 3; Franklin and Marshall 0
-  Honestly, am surprised F&M conceded two goals the same way.  Back post man unmarked.  I think the PK was a bad call, but the other two was just bad defense.
-  25 minutes left.
-  Not sure how F7M reacts to this.  They need a goal but don't seem to be getting close.
-  Can tell that third goal really took something out of F&M.  Definitely a position they are not accustomed to.   
-  Game is over.
-  Another result I was not expecting this opening weekend.  A number of Top 20 teams didn't look like Top 20 teams.  Get it's early, but who knows.
-  And with 30 seconds left, Stevens almost got a fourth but was cleared off the line.  Astounding.
-  Ok.  Am out.

  Someone should tell Montclair#8 to stop being a petulant little spoiled brat every time he doesn't get a call

that's what he is, people even wonder how he got into the starting 11, has a history from his PDA days!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 04, 2022, 06:49:11 PM
Carnegie Mellon University @ Allegheny College

-  The soccer at The Robertson Athletic Complex just looks  immaculate.  Beautiful grass field.
-  Allegheny was the team of reference in the 80's when I played.  They were a really serious program.
-  Always looking at Carnegie Mellon to perform, if only for their pedigree.
-  Allegheny in all white.  CMU in red top, black shorts and socks.
-  Think the coach is "Interim" at Allegheny
-  Carnegie Mellon breaks quick on the attack.
-  Start is a little chaotic.
-  First corner leads to an opportunity for CMU.  Goes near post but cleared away.
-  Carnegie Mellon is taking it to them.  Allegheny has had a couple of forays into the CMU half.
-  Allegheny keeper just made a big save.
-  And the next play, CMU sends a ball far post from about 40 yards away and buries the ball in the back of the net.
-  Carnegie Mellon 1; Allegheny 0
-  CMU is clearly the better team.  Think more goals are coming.  This is definitely not the Allegheny of old.  Which is a shame.
-  Allegheny is playing with really one forward while the 9 others end up dropping back to defend to a 4-5-1 when they are defending then transition to a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3 when they try  to get on the attack.  CMU is not letting them attack though.
-  CMU is controlling the rhythm.
-  25 minutes left in the half.
-  CMU is doing well knocking the ball 1/2 touch, when they do  that they move down the field quickly.  Allegheny struggles to adjust.
-  But, for the most part this is all CMU.
-  16 left
-  Allegheny back four doing ok as long as the ball is in front of them.  CMU looking to get behind the outside backs, and that's where Allegheny has shown to be vulnerable.
-  Allegheny did work the ball down the left and dropped it back for a player to one time the ball from 12.  Keeper made the save and the ball was cleared out.  Definitely their best opportunity.
-  And a counter  by CMU. Ball out on the right, player takes it to the line and chips the ball back post when a CMU player heads the ball into the back of the net.  And like that CMU up by 2.
-  Carnegie Mellon 2; Allegheny 0
-  Ok.  Not the best of games and think Carnegie Mellon is the better team.  This game is in hand and not even half.  Calling this over.

Allegheny does not have the players, full stop.  They are not attracting top players and what's worse, do not seem interested in trying.  Your preseason best eleven goalkeeper has a father and uncle who both played at Allegheny in the 80's and they did not even really respond to an email from him expressing interest beyond a generic response with no follow up. 

Montclair State @ University of La Verne

-  Montclair in their All Whites
-  La Verne in All Blacks with Orange #s
-  Montclair has much to prove since they have looked pedestrian in the last couple of games I have watched them.
-  La Verne is organized defensively, but letting Montclair own the ball, and looking to break out on a counter.
-  Montclair more fluid offensively, but the La Verne back four doing a great job of keeping them in front and forcing long balls into the box.
-  Montclair looking to get their wingers the ball, but can't seem to get it there.
-  I don't  get the Montclair midfield.  Not sure I understand what Montclair#8 does and why Montclair#6 sits so deep.  He should get the ball more often.  And Montclair#19 is good but is a bit all over the place, which may explain why the midfield is a but of an enigma to me.
-  Again, Montclair seems to like ideas that will get their forwards, especially Montclair#11, active on the ball.
-  La Verne is very compact and makes a swath of 20 yards almost impossible to play in.
-  13 minutes in.
-  La Verne just looked sloppy in the back with the ball and almost gave Montclair a goal.
-  Can't say Montclair has gotten very dangerous, but they have been getting closer and more often to goal than La Verne.
-  In 35 minutes I think La Verne got to goal maybe 3 times.
-  A bit sloppy chaotic ball with 10 minutes to go or so.
-  So far an uninspiring performance by Montclair.  I like La Verne's defensive discipline but would say that when they do have possession which is not often, it's a bit lackluster as well.
-  And on a corner, Montclair just scored.  Looks like it was shot from the 18, and was redirected for the goal.  Not sure who scored.  Looks like the center back??  Montclair#4 I think.  He redirected it from 3 yards out.
-  La Verne 0; Montclair State 1
-  5 minutes left.
-  Montclair has a little lift in their game after that goal and are definitely on the hunt for a second.
-  Think I may call this one at half.
-  Montclair SHOULD win this comfortably despite playing well below their potential.
-  Halftime.  La Verne 0; Montclair State 1
-  Good night and good luck.

John Carroll University @ The College of Wooster
9.8.2022

-  John Carroll in their All Blues with White Sleeves.
-  Wooster is in All White.
-  Wooster starting out to pit John Carroll on the ropes.  Early so JCU just needs a couple of stretches of possession.
-  Wooster pressing high making it difficult for JCU to get forward.
-  40th minute and JCU gets a play on goal for the first time.
-  JCU Keeper distribution with his feet is not terribly accurate. 
-  Wooster has a pretty good long throw that can create an opportunity in the final third.  Watch out.
-  JCU just too slow with the ball, letting Wooster get men behind the ball.
-  JCU doing well with possession in the back, but getting into the attack is a bit of a challenge.
-  And on a Wooster long throw, Wooster gets an opportunity on goal that the JCU Keeper saves.  Not super dangerous but illustrates the value to the long throw.
-  JCU with a good opportunity on a throw in that the Wooster Keeper gets a foot on an manages to put it out for a corner.
-  JCU seems to be turning the corner.  Starting to pin Wooster back as the game has worn on. 
-  Wooster losing possession in the midfield is an issue.  This is where JCU is forcing the issue.
-  25 minutes in, JCU subs the entire team.  Literally.  Except for the keeper.  Helps when you have a deep bench.
-  JCU just a lot more patient with the ball.  Not looking to get forward at a break neck speed.  Where as Wooster wins the ball and just tries to get forward as quickly as possible.
-  Wooster is sitting deeper and deeper.
-  20 minutes in and JCU is getting closer to goal and becoming more dangerous.
-  Wooster making subs.
-  Another long throw leads to a header for Wooster.  But that's the only offensive threat they have had in the last 15 minutes.
-  JCU does a good job defending as a team.  Wooster has to get through a solid block of 8 players when they win the ball.
-  JCU Keeper really isn't good with his foot distribution.
-  Both teams are struggling to really break down the other.  Really a battle of the midfield.
-  Wooster#25 needs to get the ball more often.  Really only player making something happen in the attack.  Kind of a freight train.
-  And after a series of plays deep in Woosters defensive third, JCU breaks through and scores.  Long throw of their own that gets cleared out poorly that rolls out of the box.  JCU#8 hits a low ball that is tapped in by JCU#10 for the go ahead goal.
-  John Carrol 1; Wooster 0
-  Wooster just did a poor job defending.  JCU#10 was wide open.
-  5 minutes left in the half.
-  Wooster now trying to press, but lacks precision on the attack.  One pass away from making something happen.
-  And Halftime. 
-  John Carrol 1; Wooster 0

-  John Carroll is another team I am looking at, but didn't impress me this half.  Another Top 20 team that looked pedestrian.  Wooster needs to do a better job taking care of the ball, especially up top and not feel so rushed  to get forward.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 02, 2022, 10:21:34 AM
It's hardly the end of the world for the Bears, whom I still expect to be very good and very competitive in the UAA. But it says something for Carthage, what with the new coach and the loss of their best backliner (who transferred to Calvin). The Firebirds have underperformed the last few seasons, but that is nevertheless a dangerous team that still has a considerable amount of talent on their current roster.

I'll say one quick thing of note about this game.  Washington University did play their freshman keeper and it showed with the second goal.  The Bears did return their first-team all UAA keeper to action on Wednesday.

Muhlenberg @The College of New Jersey

-  TCNJ in All Whites
-  Muhlenberg in All Maroon
-  Started watching the second half, where I think the goals are scored.
-  TCNJ starts with a corner.... That ends up in a PK against Muhlenberg. 
-  Muhlenberg#21 may have swung an elbow?  The video kind of glitched.
-  TCNJ#14 buries the PK down the middle.  Think it was scored by the son of someone I played with years ago.
-  Muhlenberg 0; TCNJ 1
-  Muhlenberg#10 is talented with the ball, but passing is eh....
-  Muhlenberg trying to respond on the attack.  TCNJ just keeping it all in front of them.
-  Muhlenberg#4 is a liability at Right Back.  Needs to step to the ball, can't allow a forward to get behind him, and needs to stop committing stupid fouls.
-  TCNJ does better in possession, something Muhlenberg struggles with.  Their midfield is not designed for possession.  They are designed to be a second line of forwards.
-  Muhlenberg is wasteful with opportunities because they are not focusing on the details.
-  TCNJ# is a solid back.
-  TCNJ is closer to a second than Muhlenberg is to their first.
-  Muhlenberg is more times than not looking to send someone up top.  Completely by pass the midfield.  Unfortunate because I think Muhlenberg#8 can play, just doesn't have a supporting case to move the ball around.
-  Muhlenberg#10 is good with the ball at his feet, but his passing and crossing have the precision of an Iraqi SCUD missile.
-  TCNJ#28 is a liability at left back.  Needs to simplify how he plays.
-  And Muhlenberg just ties it up.  Sequence of possession and moving up the field is very good.  6 players play one touch and the ball is threaded behind the line where Muhlenberg#16 put it past the TCNJ Keeper.
-  I think TCNJ Keeper made a mental error in coming off his line way to late.  He may or may not have saved it, but he would have made it more difficult on the player had he come off his line much sooner.
-  Muhlenberg 1; TCNJ 1
-  TCNJ looking a little panicked.  Starting to make mistakes with passes.
-  Muhlenberg can sense the unease.
-  TNCJ needs to settle the ball, and regain their composure.  Right now, Muhlenberg is looking the better.
-  And of course, against the run of play, TCNJ gets the go ahead goal!
-  Ball gets cleared out to TCNJ#10 who from 22 yards out, chips the ball to TCNJ#5 who is left unmarked.  Takes it off his chest and hits the ball from maybe 10 yards out.  Ball goes on the ground to far post, hits the post and goes in.  Muhlenberg was call for off but Muhlenberg#2 was slow to get up with the line and kept him on
-  Muhlenberg 1; TCNJ 2
-  Just not sure Muhlenberg does the details well.  Also, lacks movement.  Some North/South running, but in possession, there is no movement from the forwards looking for the ball.
-  Muhlenberg hunting for the tying goal, but TCNJ isn't conceding much.
-  TCNJ is looking for the counter as they hold off Muhlenberg's attack.  They could get a third.  Muhlenberg Keeper just came up big on a shot that could have been a third goal for TCNJ.
-  Muhlenberg just got a foul on the edge of the box.  You could make a case that it was a PK, but the ref didn't see it that way.
-  Shot into the wall.
-  And with that, game over.

Carthage College @ Messiah University
9 September 2022

-  Messiah in their classic All Whites with Blue Sleeves
-  Carthage is decked out in All Red
-  Shoemaker Field looks immaculate.
-  Carthage begins with the worst play in Division III soccer.
-  Messiah starts with possession with 1/2 touch.  Leads to the first opportunity to goal.  Ball is sent high on a ball dropped back to the 12.
-  Messiah#5 is just so so good.  Slots a ball for the Mighty Bald Man Messiah#21 and the Carthage Keeper comes up bid and sends it to a corner.
-  Carthage just cant keep the ball.  They are defending from inside their own half. 
-  Messiah working the ball down the right mostly.
-  Messiah is forcing Carthage to hit their goal kicks long.  All three forwards hang out at the 18.
-  I don't think Carthage has had possession of the ball in Messiah's half.
-  This is a different team than last year.  Almost as if they are on a mission.
-  Carthage Keeper has had two big saves on Messiah.
-  Jared "The Mullet" Pavlovic hasn't touched the ball.... And does not have a mullet anymore.
-  Messiah#16 and Messiah#5 are amazing inter-changeable.  Able to rotate so well, that it's almost impossible to defend the middle if you are Carthage.
-  If there is an achilles heal for Messiah, is that they are not cold enough in front of goal.  They have to be lethal with their chances.
-  And as I type the Mighty Bald Man Messiah#21 buries a ball from 6 yards out.  Ball was played out wide and driven across.  Looks like it was deflected out of reach of the defenders and -  -  -  -  -  Messiah#21 just buries it.
-  Carthage 0; Messiah 1
-  27 minutes left.
-  Messiah continues to dominate.
-  Carthage just had a well executed counter that if not for a timely slide tackle by Messiah#15, it could led to a tying goal.
-  14 minutes left.
-  Carthage#19 is a work horse.  Lacks precision in his passing but he the only Carthage player looking to make something happen.
-  Game has gotten a little choppy.  Messiah made some subs and think they are not at game speed.  Passing is a half step off.
-  Messiah#25 is one tough defender.
-  Carthage has gotten a bit more possession and movement, but Messiah's press is brutal.
-  Halftime.  Messiah in clear control of this game.  Need to put numbers on the scoreboard though.
-  Carthage 0; Messiah 1
-  Second half starts much like the first.  Carthage trying to hold on to the ball.
-  If there is one thing I love about Messiah's possession is that they don't even engage with defensive pressure.  They move the ball so quickly and efficiently that pressure doesn't have time to develop around them by the time they get rid of the ball.
-  Only a one goal difference and Carthage has the horses to score a goal.  They need get a second to really take this game away from any Carthage goal.
-  27 minutes left.
-  Carthage is trying to get a goal by taking advantage of set plays when they get them.  They are trying to catch them on some designed play, but Messiah is on to the tricks.
-  And with 24 minutes left in the half, Messiah grab a second.  Messiah #28 gets the ball and free's himself from a defensive challenge, takes a touch and hits the ball from 20 yards out.  Ball on the ground far post, side netting.  Just a great goal.
-  Carthage 0, Messiah 2
-  I don't see Carthage coming back  from this second one, so calling it an evening with this one.

Hope College @ Ohio Wesleyan University
9 September 2022

-  Second half
-  Hope in All Whites
-  OWU in Red Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks
-  Hope 1; Ohio Wesleyan 0
-  And OWU just scores after a bizarre/heads up play form OWU#7... man with the best hair in Division III.
-  Ball goes out of bounds for OWU.  As the defender turns to run into the middle, OWU#7 throws the ball in off his back and takes the ball down the line and puts it back for a death pass.  Ball goes outside the 18 and is one timed by OWU#8 and beats the keeper.
-  Hope 1; Ohio Wesleyan 1
-  42 minutes left.
-  Hope knocks the ball around very well and complicates things for the OWU defense.  They have within themselves to score another goal. 
-  35 left.
-  Hope playing with energy they did not seem to have last year.  And seem much more mature.
-  OWU is pushing hard to get a go ahead goal.  Stingy on defense.  Hope is defending deeper and deeper and get forward is becoming more difficult.
-  I think this is a game OWU needs to win.  At 0-1-1 getting the W before the face Calvin would be good.  Hope needs the win as they stand at 0-0-2 and face Hanover next.
-  18 minutes left.
-  OWU Has had several opportunities as they are really pressing the issue.  Hope is caught reacting and really is not getting a hold of the ball.
-  Hope coaches are urging their team to step forward and press higher up the field.
-  12 minutes left.
-  OWU has had some opportunities, including one where OWU#7 heads it down for OWU#20 who takes a heavy touch and the Hope Keeper comes out and smothers it.  Just a touch away for the go ahead goal.
-  This ends in a tie.
-  Hope 1; Ohio Wesleyan 1
-  No time to regret this one, big games for both teams coming up.

Swarthmore College @ Juniata College
10 September 2022

-  Picked this game up in the second half.
-  Juniata 1; Swarthmore 2
-  Juniata has some punch to their game.  Much improved from last year.
-  And on a corner, Juniata just scored the tie breaks.
-  Corner for Juniata is sent in to the box.  Juniata pretty much lines up in the six.  Ball goes far post and a Juniata player  buries it in the back of the net from like a yard away.
-  Juniata 2; Swarthmore 2
-  Juniata is very compact defensively, making it difficult for Swarthmore to move the ball.
-  And with 30 minutes left on the clock, Swarthmore buries a shot to the right of the Juniata Keeper.
-  Juniata 2; Swarthmore 3
-  Swarthmore is comfortable in the lead and doing well possessing the ball.  Juniata is doing a lot of chasing at this point.  Taking the sting out of the game.
-  Juniata is playing very direct when they have the  opportunity.  Problem is that they are turning the ball over too easily.
-  Looks like a great place to play.  Beautiful setting.
-  Connecting on passes in an issue for Juniata.  Even what should be pretty simple one.
-  21 minutes left.
-  Swarthmore is doing well to keep numbers on defense.  As a result Juniata is struggling to connect with the forwards.
-  Left back Juniata#17 has one pass.  Long driven left footed ping, across the field to the right wing.  That invariably gets cut off.
-  Juniata trying to play out of the back, but have no connection to their forward line.  No surprise then that the second goal was from a set piece.
-  And Swarthmore just sentenced this game with a wonderful left footed strike from outside the 18.=18 by Swarthmore#11
-  Juniata 2; Swarthmore 4
-  Calling this game over with 9 minutes left on the clock.

Connecticut College @ Tufts University
10 September 2022

-  Tufts in All Whites
-  Conn in All Blue with Light Blue sleeves.
-  Some chirpiness to the tackles.  You would think they don't like each other.
-  Connecticut with a good stretch of possession.  Clearly looking to stretch Tufts and getting the ball into the wings.
-  Connecticut needs the keep possession.  Prevents Tufts from getting anything forward.  When they win the ball they are on the attack with speed.
-  And seem to be having video issues.  Skipping
-  Connecticut looks a bit sloppy in the back.  Last year part of their success was their defensive organization.  Almost gave Tufts an opportunity for a goal.
-  Video is getting real bad for me.  Not sure I understand why.
-  Conn just isnt the same as team.  Seems nervous.
-  12 minutes left
-  Tufts#29 has no positional discipline.  Runs all over the place to little effect.  Hard to say what his actual position is.
-  7 minutes left.
-  This is a tough game for both teams obviously.  And neither team looks that good.
-  Tufts press is not well organized.  Seems disjointed.
-  Tufts Keeper comes up with a great save on a well place Conn shot.  That could have been the first goal if not for the acrobatics.
-  Halftime.
-  Good intense match.  Not much of a technical game.  Connecticut is playing better soccer, and Tufts is the more intense team.
-  Tufts 0; Connecticut 0
-  Same as the first half.
-  Honestly, I don't see goals being scored.  Seems like it's a game stuck between the 18s.  Tufts Keeper came up big a few times, but for the most part, defenses have been good at keeping the play in front of them.
-  I do think Tufts is closer to a goal thanks to set pieces and the constant pressure.
-  31 minutes left.
-  I could see an error from Conn.  Tufts just had a dangerous counter attack that started with a poor pass from Conn#3.
-  25 minutes left in the second half.
-  Conn really hasn't gotten past midfield.  And as I typed that, Conn passed midfield and got a corner....
-  Conn just looks sloppy this half.
-  Conn getting forward now.  Not getting dangerous, but They are getting the ball in the box.
-  15 left.
-  And Tufts just had a one on one with the Conn Keeper who makes a big time save to prevent a goal, and pushes it out for a corner.  Big time, but how the Conn forward won the ball is beyond me.
-  I love the enthusiasms of the Tufts announcers.
-  Conn has had a couple of opportunities in the closing minutes, including a proverbial game saving tackle.
-  1 minute left.
-  Utter chaos to end the game.
-  Conn has had maybe three shots in a 1 minute span.  But somehow the ball did not go in.
-  Game over.
-  Didn't find either team that impressive.  Could have been the game.  Both teams had strong defensive outings, but on the attack didn't seem to work for me.
-  Connecticut 0; Tufts 0

Hanover College v Hope College
Played at Ohio Wesleyan
10 September 2022

-  Hope in All Orange
-  Hanover in All White
-  Played at Ohio Wesleyan
-  Hanover on the front foot from the outset. Move the ball well through the midfield.
-  Hope is absorbing the pressure but making a number of unforced errors. 
-  Hanover is a solid defensive team.  Really well balanced.  And move the ball in transition very well.
-  35 minutes
-  Hanover is in better control of the flow of the game.  Hope seems to start deeper and deeper in their own half, while Hanover is getting up higher and higher.  Seem to have a better idea of what to do with the ball.
-  20 minutes left, and it a battle of the midfield.
-  Really a battle of midfields.  Locked down defensively and looking to not make mistakes that could lead to a goal.
-  4 minutes left in a pretty muted game.
-  Hope keeps fouling in dangerous spots.  Hope Keeper made a good save on a free kick.  Another is served in from the side.  Hope is playing with fire.
-  Halftime.  Gonna tune out of this one.
-  Hanover is someone to keep an eye on.  Move the ball well.
-  Hanover 0; Hope 0

@Simplecoach, just out of curiosity how are you able to watch so many games? Watch them on 1.5x speed?

RPI @ Plattsburgh State
10 September 2022
First Half Only

-  Beautiful soccer stadium at Plattsburgh.
-  RPI in All Blacks
-  Plattsburgh in All Whites.
-  And RPI gets a free kick just outside the box, and goes over the wall and it goes in for the first goal of the game.
-  Plattsburgh 0; RPI 1
-  RPI  clearly on the front foot.  Plattsburgh tries to get the ball forward but RPI defending well as a unit.
-  Plattsburgh looks to get it long when they work it in the back.  Send it up high, then win it up high, or so is the idea.
-  RPI is the better team, but not playing that way.  Lack control of the ball, should slow it down and own it more instead of trying to force it forward.
-  Plattsburgh is wasteful with the ball.  Free kicks , long balls and passing, not taking care of it when they have the ball.
-  Plattsburgh has a good stretch of possession but really not going anywhere with it.
-  Both teams are guilty of lazy play.  Simple passes being under hit.  Long balls coming up well short.  Not making the runs that they have in front of them. 
-  And on a corner, RPI concedes the tying goal.  Plattsburgh with the corner from the RPI Keepers left, an out swinger, gets headed out and a Plattsburgh player one times the ball from about 18 out.
-  19 minutes left.
-  Plattsburgh 1; RPI 1
-  Maybe that will give RPI a sense of urgency.  Plattsburgh is getting more of the ball and forcing RPI to defend in numbers.
-  Halftime
-  Plattsburgh 1; RPI 1

Am done with this one.

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on September 10, 2022, 06:44:19 PM
@Simplecoach, just out of curiosity how are you able to watch so many games? Watch them on 1.5x speed?

Truth be told, I only will watch a half of a game.  Only watch full games that are of real interest... ie I watched Conn v Tufts.  The rest I scan over the course of a few days.  Have a number of games I want to watch today, but will more than likely look at tonight and tomorrow.  Oh, and I have 5 monitors at home and will watch 4 games at the same time and type my notes on the fifth.

SC.

Gettysburg College @ Catholic University
10 September 2022

-  Catholic in their All Whites
-  Gettysburg in their All Blues.
-  And remarkable.  Gettysburg caught napping not even a minute in.  Ball gets sent down the line after being masterfully controlled by Catholic#5.  In a foot race, Gettysburg#3 is slow to catch -  -  Catholic#13 who cuts it in and hits the ball off the crossbar.  The rebound is buried by Catholic#7 for the go ahead goal.
-  Catholic 1, Gettysburg 0
-  I mean you really can't make up the play.  Talk about ball watching.  Not sure how I would feel about that if I were Gettysburg Coach.
-  And then 30 seconds later, Catholic gets a corner on another dangerous play.
-  Gettysburg is terrible defensively.  I mean no one marking.
-  Gettysburg#3 is a liability for them at left back.  Twice he got caught watching.
-  Catholic is just throttling Gettysburg.  Perfectly timed run by Catholic#7 who settles a well placed long ball, cuts it in and bangs the ball off the post.
-  Seriously, its only like 3 minutes in.  This is the best I have seen Catholic since the Gettysburg game of last year where they lost 2-1 but thought they played some fine soccer.
-  Now the soccer is really good.  Catholic#16 is still a liability though.  Positionally naïve and lacks fundamental passing skills.
-  Gettysburg just made its first attempt on goal in a good one on one situation but the ball gets cleared for a corner.
-  Gettysburg does this thing on corners where four players are on the line, and then they cross it in tight on the keeper.  Seen before.  Puts a ton of pressure on the Catholic Keeper and it is dangerous.
-  Gettysburg seems to have woken up from their nap and has been gaining control of the game slowly.  Catholic is still going a mile a minute forward.
-  Catholic is defending deeper and deeper with Gettysburg's possession and effective transition.
-  29 minutes left.
-  Gettysburg#6 is just very good with the ball.  Great at controlling the flow of the game. 
-  In 25 minutes, Gettysburg#3 is still asleep.  If I were Catholic, I would be going down the right hand side.
-  Catholic#6 with a rough tackle gets a yellow card.  Trainers have come out.
-  Gettysburg really pinning Catholic deep.  They are getting close.
-  And this is where you see the weakness of Catholic.  Lack the ability to control a game.  Lack the ability to move the ball around.  Rely more on creating chaos than in controlling the tempo of a game.  Really don't create options to control the ball, nor do they have the skill to do it.  With a couple of exceptions that I have highlighted.
-  Catholic Keeper just came up with a big save to his right to preserve the tie. 
-  10 minutes left in the half
-  And Gettysburg just  had another close chance.  Headed wide.
-  And then another opportunity wasted by Gettysburg.
-  4 minutes left in the half.  Think Catholic cant get to half fast enough.
-  Pressure on Catholic is a lot and they can't even pass the ball out of their half.
-  And against the total run of play, Catholic gets a goal with 50 seconds left in the half.  Just general level defensive incompetence by Gettysburg.
-  Ball gets behind the back line and is buried to the Keeper right.  Catholic#3 with the well struck ball.
-  Half.  Catholic with goals 30 seconds in and 30 seconds left in the half.  Outside backs for Gettysburg are just not good.
-  Second Half
-  Its been all Gettysburg the first ten minutes of this half.  Just been dominating the half.  Need to reward themselves with a goal.  If they score.
-  Catholic Keeper is playing out of his mind.  Catholic#25 can't pass the ball.
-  Catholic does not play with a midfield.  They pretend to have midfielders, including putting the word next to names, but that's a feint.
-  26 left.
-  Catholic gets a corner.  First sign of offense in the half.
-  And like that Gettysburg executes a masterful counter attack.  Ball is sent back post to an open Gettysburg#8 who heads it past the outstanding Catholic Keeper who has no chance.
-  Catholic 2, Gettysburg 2
-  Pretty exciting 21 minutes left.
-  Catholic#3 really botched it up and as a left back its not helping Catholic stay ahead.
-  12 minutes left.
-  If Catholic knew how to maintain possession, they would be very good.
-  Gettysburg is now being wasteful with their free kicks.
-  And Gettysburg#32 shows his brilliance.  Dribbles through the defense and ties it up with a left footed shot into the upper corner to the right of the Catholic Keeper.  Nothing he could do to save that one.
-  Gettysburg is now feeling it and could get a third.  Catholic now looks rattled.
-  5 minutes left to play.
-  Catholic#16, out of position, commits a foul from 20 yards out. Dangerous free kick that goes nowhere.
-  2 minutes left.  And Catholic may have an opportunity to play.
-  And with a minute left, Gettysburg gets a corner,
-  And game over.  Ends in a tie, but a great game.
-  Final Catholic 2, Gettysburg 2.

Emory University @ Johns Hopkins University

-  JHU in their classic White tops, blue shorts and white socks.
-  Emory is in All Blues
-  Emory is ranked 23rd in last seasons national poll but has had a rocky start to the season at 1-1-2
-  Healthy amount of rain in Baltimore and the field has standing water.
-  Pass back got a little too close for comfort after the ball slowed in a puddle, and the Emory Keeper just had to clear it out.
-  Emory trying to work the ball, JHU just keeping it in front of them.  Emory has no rush to get forward.
-  Things need to settle down a bit for JHU.
-  Emory pressing high.
-  Johns Hopkins starting to impose itself on the game.  Getting control of the ball and getting forward.  Emory now struggling to get control of the ball.
-  The rain is clearly affecting how each team plays.  Turf in the center is best for moving the ball.
-  JHU just launched a ball over the bar from 6 yards away.  Should have been a goal.
-  20 minutes left.
-  Just a sloppy game.  Slipping and sliding. 
-  Emory struggles to keep the ball for stretches.
-  Not the prettiest of games.  Going to see if I can catch something else.
-  Halftime
Johns Hopkins 0; Emory 0

St. Olaf @ University of Chicago
9.11.2022

-  Chicago in All Whites with Maroon Horizontal stripes
-  St. Olaf in All Black
-  St. Olaf really trying to take the game to Chicago.  Really being aggressive on the attack
-  Chicago#9 has some serious speed.  Right now he is the only threat that Chicago seems to have.
-  38 minutes and Chicago getting some control to the ball.
-  And in the 37th minute, Chicago wins the ball at midfield, and gets it out to Chicago#9 who uses his pace to get into the box and slot the ball past the St. Olaf Keeper for the go ahead goal.
-  Chicago 1, St. Olaf 0
-  Chicago#9 is just causing havoc in the St. Olaf defensive third.
-  St. Olaf is trying to get the ball and working it up, but Chicago#3 and Chicago#4 are just so difficult to break down.  Passing around the back, but not getting it up top yet.
-  Chicago having a lot more success working it through the St. Olaf midfield.  Chicago#7 is a handful when he has the ball at his feet.
-  St. Olaf must see something as they keep going at the Chicago right back.
-  Chicago#7 just received a ball from Chicago#9 to go one on one with the St. Olaf keeper.  Great goal scoring opportunity but St. Olaf Keeper came up big with the save.
-  Chicago is in clear control of the game.
-  24minutes remain in the half.
-  Chicago is just has a great defensive posture.  Gives nothing for St. Olaf to exploit.
-  St. Olaf gaining some momentum and pushing Chicago deeper into their half.
-  Just had a nice buildup of the ball.
-  From the left, ball is crossed far post.  Headed back the 18 where it is controlled and dropped back to St. Olaf#23 who one times the ball from 25 yards out that catches the Chicago Keeper for the tying goal.
-  Chicago 1, St. Olaf 1
-  19 minutes left.
-  Chicago just struggling to connect now in the final third.  St. Olaf is in control now.
-  Score is pretty justified right now.  They've split the first half and each deserved a goal.
-  Chicago doing a better job marking up in the midfield and this limits St. Olaf getting forward.
-  Chicago needs to stop giving up the ball when they transition into attack.  Makes it easy on St. Olaf.
-  St. Olaf is doing well forcing Chicago to shoot from long range and not giving up space behind them.
-  St. Olaf#25 would be a good to lock down.  He is a key piece of their building out of the back from that left mid position.
-  Halftime. 
-  Chicago 1, St. Olaf 1
-  Second Half
-  St. Olaf looking to counter quickly, and Chicago being patient in possession.
-  Looks like the rain picked up in Chicago land.
-  Like how Chicago really involves their midfield in the attack.
-  Chicago#3 reads the game very well and is very timely as he moves into the attack from the back.
-  Chicago Announcers are very good.  Make the game much more enjoyable.
-  35 minutes left
-  And Chicago uses a stretch of possession to tee up a shot for the go ahead goal!.
-  Chicago#24 turns the ball and goes between St. Olaf defenders, takes a touch and rips a shot far post that looks like it skipped by the St. Olaf keeper.  Think the rain really did a number on that shot.  Not sure if it goes in on a sunny day....
-  Chicago 2, St. Olaf 1
-  Chicago is feeling good and really trying to take the game to St. Olaf
-  Chicago is closer to a third than St. Olaf to the tying goal.  St. Olaf is rattled and needs to get its defensive composure.  Chicago is making runs through the back line that is causing head aches for St. Olaf defenders.
-  Looks like it is pouring there.
-  28 minutes left.
-  St. Olaf is starting to take some chances and giving Chicago the opportunity to take advantage of the extra space up top.
-  Chicago is playing much better, much more confidently than in the first half.
-  St. Olaf#7 is awfully quiet this game.
-  St. Olaf can't deal with the Chicago pressure and seems to have run out of ideas.  And too slow moving the ball.
-  12 minutes left.
-  St. Olaf is getting to goal, think Chicago is tiring.
-  Chicago has to do a better job managing the game and keeping possession by stretching the field out.
-  Straight Red for a St. Olaf player on a tackle on Chicago#3.  5 minutes left and St. Olaf is now laying with 10 men.
-  This game is over.  Chicago hands St. Olaf another loss.
-  Chicago 2, St. Olaf 1

Rhode Island  college @Connecticut College
13 September 2022

-  Home opener for Connecticut.  Playing on the turf field.
-  Conn in their All Whites
-  RIC in All Maroon.
-   I don't know.  I sort of was expecting something.  Like they announced a new score board or something.  They are national champions.  But nothing that I am aware of.
-  RIC is working very hard, but Conn is the better.
-  RIC is trying to get to goal.
-  Not sure Conn Keeper is the best at distribution.  Regularly puts his players under pressure.
-  Conn doing its thing.  Knocking the ball around, trying to get it to the wings with space to run.
-  RIC has been caught watching the ball.
-  Conn is good in possession in the back line and deep midfield.  A bit careless with the ball once they get past the center circle.
-  First real team play that ends up in shot.  Worked the ball from the back all the way to the 18 that netted a shot over the goal.  Was a wasted chance, but you start to see what Conn is capable of.
-  RIC is having trouble tracking all the movement.
-  Not a matter of if, but when for Conn.
-  RIC really trying to figure out how to get through Conn, Conn#14 and Conn#25 just run the show in the middle and just run circles around RIC midfield.
-  Conn surrenders free kicks and corners quite a bit. 5 free kicks inside the 40 and 3 corners in 25 minutes.
-  16 left
-  RIC defending tough, but Conn has had some chances that if they were sharp would have been goals.
-  4 minutes left.
-  Halftime.
-  Conn 0; Rhode Island College 0
-  Can tell Conn is still trying to figure things out.  Not sure they are sharp and no accustomed to playing together.  That will take some time.  Clearly the better team.
-  Checking out of this one since I think Conn will change the scoreboard.  Barring anything they should get goals.  If Conn scores one, they will score multiples.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 13, 2022, 05:50:03 PM
Rhode Island  college @Connecticut College
13 September 2022

-  Home opener for Connecticut.  Playing on the turf field.
-  Conn in their All Whites
-  RIC in All Maroon.
-   I don't know.  I sort of was expecting something.  Like they announced a new score board or something.  They are national champions.  But nothing that I am aware of.
-  RIC is working very hard, but Conn is the better.
-  RIC is trying to get to goal.
-  Not sure Conn Keeper is the best at distribution.  Regularly puts his players under pressure.
-  Conn doing its thing.  Knocking the ball around, trying to get it to the wings with space to run.
-  RIC has been caught watching the ball.
-  Conn is good in possession in the back line and deep midfield.  A bit careless with the ball once they get past the center circle.
-  First real team play that ends up in shot.  Worked the ball from the back all the way to the 18 that netted a shot over the goal.  Was a wasted chance, but you start to see what Conn is capable of.
-  RIC is having trouble tracking all the movement.
-  Not a matter of if, but when for Conn.
-  RIC really trying to figure out how to get through Conn, Conn#14 and Conn#25 just run the show in the middle and just run circles around RIC midfield.
-  Conn surrenders free kicks and corners quite a bit. 5 free kicks inside the 40 and 3 corners in 25 minutes.
-  16 left
-  RIC defending tough, but Conn has had some chances that if they were sharp would have been goals.
-  4 minutes left.
-  Halftime.
-  Conn 0; Rhode Island College 0
-  Can tell Conn is still trying to figure things out.  Not sure they are sharp and no accustomed to playing together.  That will take some time.  Clearly the better team.
-  Checking out of this one since I think Conn will change the scoreboard.  Barring anything they should get goals.  If Conn scores one, they will score multiples.

I guess you picked the wrong half to watch, although you got your prediction for the second half right.  Conn wins 4-0

Denison University @ Capital University
9.13.2022

-  Catching this game as the Wesleyan/Tufts game has a lightening delay.
-  Capital in All Black with White Sleeves
-  Denison in their traditional All Reds
-  Starting from the second half where Capital is ahead by a goal
-  Capital 1, Denison 0
-  Wait, since when are the Capital Crusaders the Capital Comets?
-  Denison is showing some real good ball movement.
-  And a minute in, Denison levels it up!
-  Ball sent behind the right back for Denison#(?).  Defender and the forward are chasing the ball down, but the Capital defender inexplicably slows down thinking the ball is going out of bounds.  -  Denison forward gets to the ball and puts it across to a Denison player coming down toward the back post who buries it for the tying goal.
-  Capital 1, Denison 1
-  Neither the defender or the Keeper thought the Denison forward could get the ball.  Think they were surprised.
-  Denison is now feeling it and just breaking forward with speed and purpose.
-  Capital cant get a hold of the rock.  Denison is just all over them.
-  Think Capital is relying on that time honored strategy of Kick and Hope.  Not sure there is much purpose other than to relieve some of the pressure on the back and midfield.
-  Denison is closer to a second than Capital is.
-  30 minutes left.
-  Capital just had a series of opportunities on a corner.  Doing a better job of getting a hold of the ball.
-  Denison is now lacking the intensity they had the first 15 minutes.
-  Denison had a free kick just outside the box.  Shot into the wall.
-  Capital is purposely trying to put the ball very close to the Denison Keeper to force a possible mistake.  But credit to Denison Keeper, he is playing those high balls flawlessly.
-  Oh my gosh.  Denison with the go ahead goal!
-  Shot from the  18 that was a worm burner at the Capital Keeper.  Goes down for it like he has trained a thousand times but the ball comes off his hands and goes through his legs.
-  Capital 1, Denison 2
-  Denison is not quitting.  They want a third to put this away. 
-  Capital Keeper comes out and punches the ball out.  Ball is settled and hit from the 18.  Keeper slows the ball but goes towards goal where It is cleared off the line by a defender.
-  10 left
-  Capital is throwing a but of caution to the wind really pushing for a goal.
-  Can't see his #, but the same Denison player that chased down the ball on the first goal, has some serious wheels on him.
-  Game over.  Entertaining game.
-  This Denison team is much more comfortable in possession than last year.
-  Capital 1, Denison 2.

SC, I agree.  I thought Denison might lose tonight and that was kind of game they would have lost a few years ago.  They are just a more confident, more complete soccer team.  I was confident Bianco would transform the Denison program but he's at least one and maybe two years ahead of what I expected even with very high expectations.

Tufts @ Wesleyan University
9.13.2022

- Playing on turf.  Thought Wesleyan played on grass?
- Wesleyan in All Black
- Tufts in their Light Blues.
- Wesleyan is pressing very high on Tufts.
- Wesleyan with a nice play for a shot.  Sent ball across to back post.  Player settled and hit the ball wide of the far post.
- Wesleyan now sitting back deep defending in numbers making it difficult for Tufts to find any opening in the back.
- Both teams are runnin' and gunnin'.  Need to gain control of the tempo.  I would say that Tufts should use its talent to get control of the ball and move it around quickly.
- Tufts getting closer to goal.  Some good passing to open up the Wesleyan defense.
- 30 minutes left.
- Wesleyan 0, Tufts 0
- Will say, Smith Field is pretty impressive looking.  Is this a new place?
- I think Tufts needs to shorten its passes instead of trying the imprecise, long and mid range balls.  Think their attacks would be so much more impressive.
- Wesleyan does have the capacity to surprise Tufts with a quick break.  Just had a good attack that ended with a good header on net, but went to the Keeper.
- Think Tufts will take advantage of a corner at some point this game.
- Wesleyan needs to get some control of the ball, if only so they can take a breather defensively.  Dealing with a lot of pressure from Tufts.
- Another opportunity for Tufts that the Wesleyan Keeper saves.
- Wesleyan also needs to keep the ball on the deck.  Don't think I have seen them win a head ball.
- Another Tufts shot that for the second time in a row, the Wesleyan Keeper spills and gets awfully close to giving up a rebound...
- Wesleyan defender literally passed to a Tufts forward that put the Wesleyan Keeper in a one on one.  Keeper got to the ball first, but that's not the way Wesleyan is going to win a game.
- Tufts dominating offensively but Wesleyan doing well defensively.
- With 12:15s left, there is a lightening delay.
- After the delay, it start out ... understandably so ... choppy and messy.
- Tuft with an opportunity with a header on goal that is tipped over the cross bar for a corner.
- Halftime.
- Shorten half from the Announcer said.
- Not sure I would judge anything about the 12 minutes after the delay.  And really don't know what to expect in the second half.
- Would say, am surprised with how often the Tufts backs send the ball forward.  Very little working the ball through the middle.
- Ok.  Not sure I am saying this right.  But this is the second time I've watched Tufts this year.  They seem to play to the level of the team they are playing.  It looks a lot closer than it should be?  I get it.  NESCAC.  Tough conference with many good teams, but I am expecting a bit more of a domineering performance than I have seen so far.  There I said it.
Wesleyan is keeping Tufts away from goal.  And as I type this, Tufts just gets a shot that the Wesleyan Keeper manages a finger tip save to push the ball wide.
- 20 minutes left in the second half.
- Except for the back four, I am not sure Tufts has positional discipline. Maybe that is by design, but it makes moving the ball, at least in my view, a bit more difficult.
- 15 left.
- Wesleyan is doing a good job of controlling the run of play right now.  Have Tufts a bit on their heals.
- Think Wesleyan does some things well, but then fails in the worst times to do the basics, the details of the game.
- Wesleyan really trying to press the Tufts back line.
- 11 minutes left.
- And a free kick off to the right of the Tufts Keeper for Wesleyan.  Sends in a beautiful near post ball that is glanced and goes into the back of the net.
- Wesleyan 1, Tufts 0
- 9:30 left in the game.
- Great opportunity to even it up, but Tufts forward sends it over the bar.
- 5 minutes left and Tufts with a corner.  Cleared to midfield. 
- Wesleyan just clearing everything as far as they can.
- Whomever is taking the set pieces and corners for Tufts should not be taking the free kicks and corners for Tufts.
- Tufts naturally rushing so much, that they are wasting balls and just panicking.
- 2 minutes left.
- Game is over.  Wesleyan with the win.
- Wesleyan 1, Tufts 0.

I've got my eye on that Weslyan team.  They're loaded with talented players who my son played with and against. And I find the Montclair pipeline fascinating. 6 kids from Montclair HS, plus Wheeler from the private HS (MKA) next door.  By the way, those Montclair teams were loaded which just goes to show that you can have a great experience and successful career when you stay and play for your HS instead of jumping to Academy only. I may be missing some, but the 2020 roster included...
Mason Davisson   Weslyan
Evan O'Brien   Weslyan
Ben Ceccio   F&M
Felipe Gutierrez   Williams
Xavier Harris   Rutgers-Camden
Aidan McGrath   Arcadia
Mateo Neighbors   Weslyan (via St. Johns)
Dylan Schulman   Carnegie Mellon
Soren Tollis   Weslyan

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 13, 2022, 10:11:48 PM
Tufts @ Wesleyan University
9.13.2022

- Playing on turf.  Thought Wesleyan played on grass?
- Wesleyan in All Black
- Tufts in their Light Blues.
- Wesleyan is pressing very high on Tufts.
- Wesleyan with a nice play for a shot.  Sent ball across to back post.  Player settled and hit the ball wide of the far post.
- Wesleyan now sitting back deep defending in numbers making it difficult for Tufts to find any opening in the back.
- Both teams are runnin' and gunnin'.  Need to gain control of the tempo.  I would say that Tufts should use its talent to get control of the ball and move it around quickly.
- Tufts getting closer to goal.  Some good passing to open up the Wesleyan defense.
- 30 minutes left.
- Wesleyan 0, Tufts 0
- Will say, Smith Field is pretty impressive looking.  Is this a new place?
- I think Tufts needs to shorten its passes instead of trying the imprecise, long and mid range balls.  Think their attacks would be so much more impressive.
- Wesleyan does have the capacity to surprise Tufts with a quick break.  Just had a good attack that ended with a good header on net, but went to the Keeper.
- Think Tufts will take advantage of a corner at some point this game.
- Wesleyan needs to get some control of the ball, if only so they can take a breather defensively.  Dealing with a lot of pressure from Tufts.
- Another opportunity for Tufts that the Wesleyan Keeper saves.
- Wesleyan also needs to keep the ball on the deck.  Don't think I have seen them win a head ball.
- Another Tufts shot that for the second time in a row, the Wesleyan Keeper spills and gets awfully close to giving up a rebound...
- Wesleyan defender literally passed to a Tufts forward that put the Wesleyan Keeper in a one on one.  Keeper got to the ball first, but that's not the way Wesleyan is going to win a game.
- Tufts dominating offensively but Wesleyan doing well defensively.
- With 12:15s left, there is a lightening delay.
- After the delay, it start out ... understandably so ... choppy and messy.
- Tuft with an opportunity with a header on goal that is tipped over the cross bar for a corner.
- Halftime.
- Shorten half from the Announcer said.
- Not sure I would judge anything about the 12 minutes after the delay.  And really don't know what to expect in the second half.
- Would say, am surprised with how often the Tufts backs send the ball forward.  Very little working the ball through the middle.
- Ok.  Not sure I am saying this right.  But this is the second time I've watched Tufts this year.  They seem to play to the level of the team they are playing.  It looks a lot closer than it should be?  I get it.  NESCAC.  Tough conference with many good teams, but I am expecting a bit more of a domineering performance than I have seen so far.  There I said it.
Wesleyan is keeping Tufts away from goal.  And as I type this, Tufts just gets a shot that the Wesleyan Keeper manages a finger tip save to push the ball wide.
- 20 minutes left in the second half.
- Except for the back four, I am not sure Tufts has positional discipline. Maybe that is by design, but it makes moving the ball, at least in my view, a bit more difficult.
- 15 left.
- Wesleyan is doing a good job of controlling the run of play right now.  Have Tufts a bit on their heals.
- Think Wesleyan does some things well, but then fails in the worst times to do the basics, the details of the game.
- Wesleyan really trying to press the Tufts back line.
- 11 minutes left.
- And a free kick off to the right of the Tufts Keeper for Wesleyan.  Sends in a beautiful near post ball that is glanced and goes into the back of the net.
- Wesleyan 1, Tufts 0
- 9:30 left in the game.
- Great opportunity to even it up, but Tufts forward sends it over the bar.
- 5 minutes left and Tufts with a corner.  Cleared to midfield. 
- Wesleyan just clearing everything as far as they can.
- Whomever is taking the set pieces and corners for Tufts should not be taking the free kicks and corners for Tufts.
- Tufts naturally rushing so much, that they are wasting balls and just panicking.
- 2 minutes left.
- Game is over.  Wesleyan with the win.
- Wesleyan 1, Tufts 0.

Thanks for the great recap.  This was a great win for the Cards.  Devany made some terrific saves to keep the score even.  Tufts was dominating the first half until the lightening delay and if they came out of it down 0-1 I suspect Wesleyan would have had a difficult time getting a point.

As for you question about the field, they typically play on that field (Smith Field) at night under the lights or when the weather makes the grass field unplayable.

Masur at Bucknell.

I may be missing some, but the 2020 roster included...


Masur, at Bucknell. I also think there is a kid that went to Wash U.

Quote from: Ejay on September 14, 2022, 09:03:02 AM
I've got my eye on that Weslyan team.  They're loaded with talented players who my son played with and against. And I find the Montclair pipeline fascinating. 6 kids from Montclair HS, plus Wheeler from the private HS (MKA) next door.  By the way, those Montclair teams were loaded which just goes to show that you can have a great experience and successful career when you stay and play for your HS instead of jumping to Academy only. I may be missing some, but the 2020 roster included...
Mason Davisson   Weslyan
Evan O'Brien   Weslyan
Ben Ceccio   F&M
Felipe Gutierrez   Williams
Xavier Harris   Rutgers-Camden
Aidan McGrath   Arcadia
Mateo Neighbors   Weslyan (via St. Johns)
Dylan Schulman   Carnegie Mellon
Soren Tollis   Weslyan

Well yeah, they're all playing D3.  Most of the Academy only kids probably went D1

Well yeah, they're all playing D3.  Most of the Academy only kids probably went D1


there are quite a few D3 teams that could compete in some of the D1 leagues, there are also players playing D3 that could start at elite D1 schools.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 13, 2022, 09:02:21 PM
-  Wait, since when are the Capital Crusaders the Capital Comets?

Apparently the new name was announced at the end of September of last year. 

Capital becomes the sixth Division III athletic program to drop the Crusaders nickname:

• Wheaton (Ill.)  -  Crusaders to Thunder  -  2000
• Eastern Nazarene  -  Crusaders to Lions  -  2009
• Maranatha Baptist  -  Crusaders to Sabercats  -  2014
• Susquehanna  -  Crusaders to River Hawks  -  2016
• Alvernia  -  Crusaders to Golden Wolves  -  2017
• Capital  -  Crusaders* to Comets  -  2021

     * Fighting Lutherans until 1963

Two of my favorites names.... Lords and Crusaders meet their untimely demise.  Although look, Fighting Lutherans, is pretty off the hook as well.

SC.

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 14, 2022, 01:06:15 PM

Quote from: Ejay on September 14, 2022, 09:03:02 AM
I've got my eye on that Weslyan team.  They're loaded with talented players who my son played with and against. And I find the Montclair pipeline fascinating. 6 kids from Montclair HS, plus Wheeler from the private HS (MKA) next door.  By the way, those Montclair teams were loaded which just goes to show that you can have a great experience and successful career when you stay and play for your HS instead of jumping to Academy only. I may be missing some, but the 2020 roster included...
Mason Davisson   Weslyan
Evan O'Brien   Weslyan
Ben Ceccio   F&M
Felipe Gutierrez   Williams
Xavier Harris   Rutgers-Camden
Aidan McGrath   Arcadia
Mateo Neighbors   Weslyan (via St. Johns)
Dylan Schulman   Carnegie Mellon
Soren Tollis   Weslyan

Well yeah, they're all playing D3.  Most of the Academy only kids probably went D1

Take a look at the Conn roster: https://camelathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster

I count 6 players from MLS Next teams.  There are MLS Next players on other Nescac teams, including Middlebury, Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan. 

Notice too that those Montclair players mostly went to pretty strong academic schools to play soccer. 

Quote from: camosfan on September 14, 2022, 10:57:07 AM
I may be missing some, but the 2020 roster included...


Masur, at Bucknell. I also think there is a kid that went to Wash U.

Masur had graduated already and wasn't on that 2020 roster.

Masur and Mason graduated the same year, they both played on my son's MatchFit team, my kid has a November birthday so he  was the youngest on the 2019 team, next year Evan joined.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2022, 01:48:02 PM
Two of my favorites names.... Lords and Crusaders meet their untimely demise.  Although look, Fighting Lutherans, is pretty off the hook as well.

SC.

My high school team was known as the "Lords," but that was half a century ago and that HS no longer exists owing to consolidation.

Apparently it's still OK to call yourselves the "Fighting Irish," or the "Deamon Deacons," as long as the implicit slur is directed at your own people, just as certain non-white (only) rappers are allowed to use the "N" word.

Of course, some might regard the use of "Falcons" or "Bears" or even "Banana Slugs" as simply "speciesist," and thus unacceptable. Crazy world.

Quote from: SlideTackle on September 14, 2022, 02:45:01 PM

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 14, 2022, 01:06:15 PM

Quote from: Ejay on September 14, 2022, 09:03:02 AM
I've got my eye on that Weslyan team.  They're loaded with talented players who my son played with and against. And I find the Montclair pipeline fascinating. 6 kids from Montclair HS, plus Wheeler from the private HS (MKA) next door.  By the way, those Montclair teams were loaded which just goes to show that you can have a great experience and successful career when you stay and play for your HS instead of jumping to Academy only. I may be missing some, but the 2020 roster included...
Mason Davisson   Weslyan
Evan O'Brien   Weslyan
Ben Ceccio   F&M
Felipe Gutierrez   Williams
Xavier Harris   Rutgers-Camden
Aidan McGrath   Arcadia
Mateo Neighbors   Weslyan (via St. Johns)
Dylan Schulman   Carnegie Mellon
Soren Tollis   Weslyan

Well yeah, they're all playing D3.  Most of the Academy only kids probably went D1

Take a look at the Conn roster: https://camelathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster

I count 6 players from MLS Next teams.  There are MLS Next players on other Nescac teams, including Middlebury, Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan. 

Notice too that those Montclair players mostly went to pretty strong academic schools to play soccer.

The comment was about high school vs. Academy only.  Anybody who has played within the past 15 years knows there is a huge quality difference between the two.   Most players should play Academy (or equivalent) over high school if they have the choice

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2022, 01:48:02 PM
Two of my favorites names.... Lords and Crusaders meet their untimely demise.  Although look, Fighting Lutherans, is pretty off the hook as well.

SC.

Here in the midwest, "Fighting Lutherans" means that somebody cut in line at the potluck in the church basement in order to get the last remaining serving of Mrs. Larsen's noodle casserole.

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 14, 2022, 09:00:53 PM
Most players should play Academy (or equivalent) over high school if they have the choice

I would argue that scoring a game winner in OT against your rival town-next-door high school, getting mobbed by the 100 classmates and in the stands and celebrating all night with your girlfriend at a house party is a lot more fun, and creates a longer lasting memory then any PA Classics vs. Baltimore Armour game played in front of 50 parents and no friends.

But yeah, Academy and D1 or bust. 

Quote from: Ejay on September 15, 2022, 09:04:59 AM

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 14, 2022, 09:00:53 PM
Most players should play Academy (or equivalent) over high school if they have the choice

I would argue that scoring a game winner in OT against your rival town-next-door high school, getting mobbed by the 100 classmates and in the stands and celebrating all night with your girlfriend at a house party is a lot more fun, and creates a longer lasting memory then any PA Classics vs. Baltimore Armour game played in front of 50 parents and no friends.

But yeah, Academy and D1 or bust.

Karma +50....

I vaguely recall a recent discussion....


ECSU Stats
Scoring Statistics
Scoring Statistics
Season   GP           GS           G           A          PTS         SH          SH%SOG   SOG%   GW   PK-ATT   MIN
2018           19           18           9           3           21          43          0.209   26   0.605   4   0-0          1015
2019           20           20          21           7           49          86          0.244   58   0.674   6   1-1          1267
Total           39           38          30          10           70         129          0.233   84   0.651   10   1-1          2282

Biography
2018: LEC Rookie of the Year...LEC First-Team...3x LEC Rookie of the Week on Oct. 28th, Oct. 1st, and Sept. 17th...appeared in 19 games, 18 as a starter...lead the team with 9 goals and 21 points and contributing 3 assists... points while averaging 53.4 minutes per game...in LEC regular season, appeared in 8 games, 7 as a starter...scoring 4 goals and 1 assist for 9 points...had a season high of 5 points, 2 goals, and 1 assist against two different teams...ranked 4th in the LEC for goals...

High School:played soccer and ran indoor track all four years... played volleyball for three years... was a varsity starter in soccer for two years, indoor track for three years and volleyball for three years... Named all conference in the 2017 soccer season... named all state in indoor track (2017-2018)... named all state in volleyball in his senior year...helped beat hillhouse in state tournament by scoring two goals and had one assist.. helped volleyball team make it to semi-finals... made it to the New England championship in indoor track...was named captain of soccer team... contributed 17 goals and 12 assists in his senior year soccer season.. helped senior year soccer team place 2nd in the conference and 8th in the state.

PERSONAL: born Patrick K. Agyemang November 7, 2000... Parents: Emelia and Patriac... Siblings: Enoch, Emmanuel... Major: Health Science... Career Objectives: Physical Therapy/Nurse... Residence: East Hartford, CT...

URI info
Career Honors & Awards

2022 Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team
2022 United Soccer Coaches Division I Players to Watch List
2021 Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team
2021 Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team
2x College Soccer News National Team of the Week (Sept. 21, 2021; Nov. 8, 2021)
TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week (Sept. 21, 2021)
2x Atlantic 10 Player of the Week (Sept. 20, 2021; Oct. 25, 2021)
2021 (Redshirt Junior)

Led the team in goals (10), assists (6) and total points (26).
Scored his first goal of the season in URI's 2-0 win over Central Connecticut.
Scored an 88th-minute equalizer in Rhody's 1-1 double-overtime draw with Providence.
Assisted on Isak Oystese's game-winning goal at Merrimack.
Recorded a hat trick, scoring all three Rhody goals in a 3-1 victory over Brown
Picked up an assist in URI's double-overtime win against #22 VCU.
Had an assist at UAlbany.
Scored in a win over St. Bonaventure.
Recorded a goal and an assist in URI's win over La Salle.
Scored URI's only goal of the game at #4 Saint Louis.
Registered two goals and an assist to lead Rhode Island to a 3-1 win over Davidson in the A-10 Quarterfinals.
Assisted on the lone goal of the game for the Rams in a 2-1 A-10 semifinal loss to Duquesne

Quote from: Ejay on September 15, 2022, 09:04:59 AM

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 14, 2022, 09:00:53 PM
Most players should play Academy (or equivalent) over high school if they have the choice

I would argue that scoring a game winner in OT against your rival town-next-door high school, getting mobbed by the 100 classmates and in the stands and celebrating all night with your girlfriend at a house party is a lot more fun, and creates a longer lasting memory then any PA Classics vs. Baltimore Armour game played in front of 50 parents and no friends.

But yeah, Academy and D1 or bust.

A girlified and a house party in High School? I can't relate!

Quote from: Ejay on September 15, 2022, 09:04:59 AM

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 14, 2022, 09:00:53 PM
Most players should play Academy (or equivalent) over high school if they have the choice

I would argue that scoring a game winner in OT against your rival town-next-door high school, getting mobbed by the 100 classmates and in the stands and celebrating all night with your girlfriend at a house party is a lot more fun, and creates a longer lasting memory then any PA Classics vs. Baltimore Armour game played in front of 50 parents and no friends.

But yeah, Academy and D1 or bust.

lol how old are you?  Honest question, because the majority of posters on this board are boomers who have no clue.  It's not D1 or bust but the trend has obviously been to forego high school for obvious reasons.  Life isn't some John Hughes movie.  High school games are largely meaningless

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 15, 2022, 01:16:02 PM
High school games are largely meaningless

That Beachside vs. FC Westchester game is going to be huge I tell you!

Every HS kid I know who played Academy but came back to HS for their Sr. year has said "I wish I could have played HS 4 years". It's a much more fun, enjoyable and memorable experience. Full stop.

I'm sure Lucas Ruehlemann thoroughly enjoyed winning a HS state championship and then leading the NESCAC is assist his freshmen year at Weslyan. Add to that, he'll likely be inducted into his HS Athletic Hall of Fame one day too.  But yeah, that Beachside/Westchester game. I can't wait!!!

I agree with Ejay  on this   Academy v high school thing, my kids have done both and without a doubt high school was the better experience. They played Prep A in NJ, schools like Pennington, Peddie, Lawrenceville, St Benedict, Blair ; Schools in Pa, Hill, Episcopal , Chestnut hill and Mercersburg. There were other schools that that rotate in and out of the schedule, like Germantown and Malvern Prep.
     Some of these teams could beat  Academy teams, the academies  in the area would actively recruit players from these teams. These schools had players from all over the world some already played in international U17 tournaments. The bonding created in high school is not present in academies.

Quote from: Ejay on September 15, 2022, 01:51:44 PM

Quote from: paclassic89 on September 15, 2022, 01:16:02 PM
High school games are largely meaningless

That Beachside vs. FC Westchester game is going to be huge I tell you!

Every HS kid I know who played Academy but came back to HS for their Sr. year has said "I wish I could have played HS 4 years". It's a much more fun, enjoyable and memorable experience. Full stop.

I'm sure Lucas Ruehlemann thoroughly enjoyed winning a HS state championship and then leading the NESCAC is assist his freshmen year at Weslyan. Add to that, he'll likely be inducted into his HS Athletic Hall of Fame one day too.  But yeah, that Beachside/Westchester game. I can't wait!!!

With due respect to all parties involved in this debate over HS soccer v. playing MLS Next (or DA previously) and not HS, the worth of HS soccer both on and off the field is uber local, which is why it's almost impossible for people to come to any agreement over it or to even understand where the other person is coming from.  In some places and in some schools (and for some players), HS school soccer is meaningful, at least socially if not on the field too.  In others, especially where the concept of a "neighborhood" school has long died away due to the growth of private schools, charters, magnets, home schooling, online schools and other things, or where the school allocates no money to field upkeep, uses volunteer coaches who only run the kids because they don't know much, and play very limited schedules because they lack funds for buses, it may be meaningless for any player, let alone one who takes their soccer seriously.  In some schools, the coaches and players take it seriously, even if the quality of players is uneven.  In others, no one takes it seriously, least of all the kids on the team or in the school generally.  Finally, there are some kids who feel like they are missing out when they can't play with their HS buddies, while others who feel like the game isn't fun anymore and it's all a waste of time when their club team breaks for HS play (and they may like the kids on their club team better than the kids on their HS team - or even the kids at their HS generally).

The reality is that there are good players going to both options.  As with the D1 v. D3 debate, playing HS soccer rather than MLS Next might widen the skills gap over time just because of the amount of time spent in a high quality soccer environment, but it depends upon the quality of the HS program, the quality of the club team, and the drive and needs of the player whether that really happens.  As a result, whether the decision to play HS is worth it is a very personal one based on a ton of factors that are hard to generalize.   

Fair point Kuiper. My original comment was merely highlighting that you can have a great time playing HS (spurning the option of playing Academy) and still find yourself in an excellent college soccer situation. I think the majority would agree, but some clearly do not.

Quote from: Ejay on September 15, 2022, 03:59:58 PM
Fair point Kuiper. My original comment was merely highlighting that you can have a great time playing HS (spurning the option of playing Academy) and still find yourself in an excellent college soccer situation. I think the majority would agree, but some clearly do not.

I'd put it this way...if I'm a D3 coach of a good to very good program, assuming no character/attitude red flags, if there is a choice between kids of equal ability who played high school and higher-end club vs just Academy, I'm taking the kid who played high school more often than not...including for leadership/teammate reasons.  Even for those who consider D3 so close to D1, if I'm starting out Academy with an end-goal of D3 I've got to seriously question what my objectives are (which is different than shooting for D1 as part of the Academy commitment and ultimately going D3).  I'm always surprised at the resistance to the idea that if you chose D3 you're actually playing D3 soccer.  I just don't get the value on harping on D3 being a poor man's or even a middle-class man's D1. I think it diminishes both.

Oglethorpe @ Washington & Lee
9.16.2022

-  W&L in All Whites
-  Oglethorpe in All Blacks
-  Beautiful set up at W&L
-  W&L certainly pressing high.
-  Oglethorpe is comfortable needing to work it out of the back.
-  Oglethorpe needs to be tighter defensively the closer W&L gets to goal.  Seems like they leave a lot of space
-  I don't know what a Stormy Petrel is.
-  W&L looking for a PK, but I didn't think it was a bad tackle.
-  Give credit to Oglethorpe.  W&L pressing high.  And they keep playing it short and doing a very masterful job working the ball up passed midfield.  Very competent with the ball at their feet.
-  Oh, didn't realize, W&L scored with a 1:30 into the start of the game.
-  The Goal = Throw in to the right of the goal.  W&L#10 gets the ball and inside the box and passes it wide to W&L player who one times the ball from 12 out past the Oglethorpe Keeper.
-  W&L certainly more dangerous.  They work the ball out well, but lose it at midfield and W&L just goes forward.
-  Oglethorpe can't seem to get  hold of the ball in midfield.  They are trying to work through the mid, but the struggle for possession.
-  29 minutes left in the half
-  Washington & Lee 1, Oglethorpe 0
-  W&L have a set play where for players make runs off the ball.
-  And W&L gets a second.  Ball played our wide to the left of the Oglethorpe Keeper.  Ball gets drilled across the mouth of the goal and tapped in far post.  This game is over.  W&L is too good.
-  Washington & Lee 2, Oglethorpe 0
-  Referee was fouled but a blade of Bermuda grass.
-  Oglethorpe struggling with the details.... Touch on the ball, weight of the pass...
-  22 minutes left.
-  W&L successfully keeping Oglethorpe deep in their half and not being able to break with speed.  W&L can pick its attack almost at will.  Oglethorpe struggling to close down passing lanes.
-  The announcers are very good.
-  I think W&L has to do a better job in the final third and be a little more patient if the pass is not on. Don't seem as fluid in the final third.
-  Granted Oglethorpe  is defending with 9, so credit to them for making it difficult.
-  Long ball sent over the top before Oglethorpe can get back.  One on one with the Oglethorpe Keeper and slots the ball past him.
-  Washington & Lee 3, Oglethorpe 0
-  Ok, there are 6 minutes left.  I am checking out of this one.

Franciscan University @ University of Mount Union
9.16.2022

-  At the renamed Kehres Stadium
-  If you are curious, check out the Fields of Dreams I did for Mount Union ...
-  Should be a tight match, as Mount Union is 8th in the region and Franciscan is undefeated at 5-0-1. 
-  Raiders are in White tops, Grey shorts and grey socks.  The Barons are in Green tops and Black shorts and socks.
-  Franciscan not having much success with the ball.  Mount Union doing well in possession.  I am surprised saying this,, but Mount Union is very good in possession.  Again, the details are very good. And a good dose of patience too.
-  Franciscan is trying to get the ball into the middle but Mount Union is very effective in their defensive posture.
-  Mount Union owns the ball.  And the patience to own it.  Transition is not as smooth but they are putting Franciscan on notice.
-  Mount Union Keeper kicks and hopes.
-  Franciscan holds the ball for short stretches but does not threaten. 
-  I think Matt McDonald of Messiah has a doppelganger who is a defender for Mount Union.
-  29 minutes left in the half
-  This is a game between the 18s.
-  And oh my gosh.  Quite possibly the worst goal I have seen this year.  Mount Union Keeper has possession of the ball, and goes to make a pass.... Right to a Franciscan forward.  He is challenged and the ball bounces to another Franciscan forward who one times the ball from the 18 and hits side netting on the ground to the Mount Union Keepers left.
-  Totally against the run of play.  I mean that is the worst goal to concede on a Keeper error.  Utterly deflating.
-  Mount Union 0, Franciscan 1.
-  27 minutes left.
-  Mount Union has certainly picked up the pace of their play.  Very good possession for Mount Union, but its not translating into opportunities.
-  First real chance for Mount Union
-  After coming to my senses, I purposely listen to whomever the announcer is for any game I am watching.  Mount Union has a pretty solid announcer.  Has some good insights about the game.  I appreciate that.  Meanwhile some dudes are having a jolly good conversation what seems like in the same area, so listening to the announcer is kind of difficult.  I mean, am I becoming cranky in my youth?
-  And as I am venting, Mount Union levels the score.  Mount Union throw in.   Winger settles the ball and turns his defender, takes it to the line and cuts it in.  When the Franciscan defender commits, he drops it back to a midfielder coming into the box who one times the ball and slips between players and scores.
-  Mount Union 1, Franciscan 1.
-  Mount Union keeps pressing the issue and the same players score a second within 30 seconds of the restart! 
-  Mount Union winger cuts in on his defender and squares the ball across the 18.  Mount Union player settles, takes a touch and hits it from the 18 on the ground to the right of the Franciscan -  Keeper for the goal ahead goal.  Think he should have done better with it, but hard to say from the angle and distance of the camera.
-  Mount Union 2, Franciscan 1.
-  "Yeah, bru. That's what he said."  I mean its almost like a loud talker on the phone when you are riding the PATH.  And the guy just cut his hair.
-  21 minutes left in half.
-  Franciscan is trying to get something goal, but Mount Union is pretty tenacious defensively and doesn't concede the space.
-  Hafltime.
-  Mount Union 2, Franciscan 1.
-  Mount Union drove the half, although Franciscan started to mount something after the second goal.
-  Mount Union starts with the worst play in Division III soccer.
-  Franciscan is a bit more direct this half, trying to catch Mount Union further up the field.
-  Much of the same tenor as the first half.  Mount Union in possession with Franciscan trying to press the issue... albeit  with little success.
-  And a ball cleared out by Mount Union over midfield, the Franciscan center back mistimes it and leaves it for a Mount Union forward who goes to goal and from outside the box catches the Franciscan Keeper coming out and hits the ball to his left for Mount Unions 3rd goal of the afternoon.
-  Mount Union 3, Franciscan 1.
-  Tough blow to Franciscan to start the second half.
-  Franciscan really starting to take Red Route One.
-  And they just avoid a fourth on an own goal, but the Franciscan Keeper comes up big with a reaction save to hit it off the crossbar!
-  Franciscan very susceptible to the counter and to be outgunned as they are pressing higher up the field to try to cut the Mount Union lead.
-  And Mount Union Keeper with another error.  Comes out for a high ball and... spills it.  As the ball is getting bounce around Franciscan forward goes up for a ball and kind of gets levelled by a Mount Union defender.  Ref points to the spot.
-  Frankly, that is a terrible call.  Really.
-  And the Franciscan player buries it.
-  Mount Union3, Franciscan 2.
-  I hope he is better than he is showing today.  Otherwise, I think Mount Union has a goalkeeper problem.  Both Franciscan goals should not have happened.  Under any circumstance.
-  26 minutes left.
-  Franciscan keeps pushing.
-  Legs are tired and now you start to see errors that otherwise should be.  Mount Union's possession is a bit more perilous.  This wouldn't have been the case if the Mount Union Keeper had not made it a game.
-  2 minutes left.
-  And with 2 minutes left, Mount Union pays the price.
-  Throw in for Franciscan to the right of the box.  Ball headed to the 18, and 3 Mount Union defenders play hot potato leaving it for a Franciscan player to head it back into the mixer where it lands at the feet of a teammate who pokes it in past the Mount Union Keeper.  Stunning.
-  Mount Union 3, Franciscan 3
-  2 minutes left.
-  And Franciscan celebrates like it's a victory because they are leaving Kehres Stadium with a tie that they never should have had.
-  I'm Out.

Marietta College @ Denison University

-  Denison in all Whites and Marietta in All Blues with white sleeves
-  Denison must be still dealing with issues with their grass field, which would explain why they are playing on the turf.
-  Denison starts the game keeping Marietta pinned in their own half, pressing high.
-  Marietta Keeper does well to come and snatch a high ball floated into the box.
-  Denison staying tight during a stretch of Marietta possession. Needs to keep possession and show some patience.  Think they need to make their runs less north and south.  Too predictable.
-  Play has evened out quite a bit.  Marietta has a bit more room to move the ball.  Denison is trying to be more aggressive going forward.
-  Marietta lets itself down when they give up the ball in bad spots.  Mostly cause they are trying to force something that's not there.
-  And credit to the Pioneers who get the go ahead goal!
-  Denison defender gets the ball with space in Marietta's half.  Loses it under pressure and Marietta takes the opportunity to get forward.
-  Ball gets swung out wide to a trailing winger.... Something I love ... a delayed run... Ball gets played inside to a Marietta player who takes a touch outside the 18 and hits an off balance shot.  -  -  -  Denison defender blocks the shot and the rebound lands at the feet of a Marietta#14 who side volleys it and buries it to the right of the Denison Keeper who didn't have a chance.
-  Very nice goal.
-  Denison 0, Marietta 1
-  30 minutes left in the first half.
-  Denison is really pressing now.  Marietta is bleeding the clock where they can.
-  No need to panic as there is plenty of time.
-  20 minutes left.
-  And Denison squares it up.  Great ball to a forward making a run behind the right back.  Goes to the line and drops the ball across the box.  No defender or Marietta Keeper can make a play on -  the ball that goes back post and is buried by Denison#21.
-  All level at 1.
-  19 minutes left.
-  Best think about goals is that it makes team change what they are doing.  Always love seeing the dynamic changes teams   make after a goal.
-  15 minutes left.
-  Marietta has had some looks to goal.
-  The Ninja Keeper from Marietta is really helping his team wit his aggressiveness coming out for high balls.
-  Oh, no sure I can figure out which lines are the soccer lines.
-  I see what Marietta wants to do, but fails in the execution.  A pass away or a trap away.  And Denison is too good to get away with it.
-  4 minutes left.
-  Little pushy shovey going on at the center circle.  Couple cards.  Some chirpiness.
-  Marietta Ninja Keeper is one of the best Keepers I have seen controlling the 18 when balls are gloated in.
-  Halftime.  Think the ref may be losing the plot of this one.
-  Denison 1, Marietta 1
-  Time for me to call it here.  Lots of games tomorrow.

Tufts @ Amherst College
9.17.2022

-  Tufts in their All Light Blues
-  Amherst in their All Whites
-  I don't expect a soccer game.  And Amherst scores on their favorite play!
-  Long throw by Amherst #8.  Tufts does a terrible job defensively and lets the ball go to back post.... I don't think anyone got their head on it.  And not one but two Amherst players are open in the back post and bury it in the back of the net.
-  Amherst 1, Tufts 0.
-  That is such a terrible goal.  Kudos to Amherst, but just so bad defensively.
-  And Tufts answers pretty quickly!
-  Foul about 25 yards out for Tufts.  And I mean just terrible.  Tufts player hits the ball from 25 yards out.  Keeper has an easy ball to play and it pops and drops to the feet of Tufts#3 who buries it.
-  Someone should tell the Amherst Goalkeeper Coach that its no good having a 6'6" Keeper if he can't catch.
-  Amherst 1, Tufts 1
-  Final third is tough to break for both sides, but think Tufts is getting a little closer to goal.
-  There are times that it is one big ping pong match.
-  Neither team holds the ball very long.  Just look to hit it long.
-  Amherst#8 cannot pass, even on a dead ball.
-  Tufts can be a lot quicker on the counter than Amherst, largely because they move the ball with purpose.
-  Amherst#8 can't even cross a ball.
-  Tufts is better with the ball.  Still not as precise as I expect them to be, but certainly play the ball with purpose and pace.  Amherst kicks the ball.
-  No flip throws anymore for Amherst anymore, but Amherst#8 has some good distance on his throws.  Probably that's why he plays, cause when the ball is at his feet, it's a challenge.
-  I do like the Announcer.  Knows his stuff and makes some good observations.
-  Credit to Tufts as they try to play at least.
-  Halftime.
-  Thought Tufts was slightly the better, but pretty even hockey game if you as me.
-  Second Half
-  And oh my gosh.  Literally just started the second half.  Amherst does what it does, gets the ball out wide where it is crossed and Amherst#23 gets up and heads the ball down and to the right putting them ahead.
-  Amherst 2, Tufts 1.
-  Couldn't start worse for Tufts.
-  And seriously!  Tufts comes down into the Amherst box and Tufts scores!  The 6'6" Amherst Keeper just watched it go into the upper corner.
-  Amherst 2, Tufts 2
-  Video following the game is making me dizzy.
-  Much of the same.  Tufts needs to weather the start of this as Amherst generally goes crazy the first ten minutes.
-  Ok, I don't know but the Amherst grass always looks a shade long and the ball moves slow on the ground.  I am wondering if this is not intentional?
-  Another Amherst header but Tufts Keeper makes a good save.
-  Amherst is controlling the run of play.
-  And Tufts gets the go ahead goal!  Dead ball floated in and headed into the middle.  Amherst defender tries to get his head on the ball.  Takes an interesting bounce and the ball goes over the -  6'6" goalie for the foul.
-  Amherst 2, Tufts 3.
-  And if I am honest, I think it looks like a foul on the 6'6" Amherst Keeper.
-  The goal was a bit against the run of play.
-  Word is that Bowdoin shocks Connecticut at home with a 1-0 win.
-  71st minutes.  Amherst with 11 corners.
-  Game has slowed.  Tuft is bleeding the clock wherever they can.
-  Tufts#29 puts Tufts in a touch spot by dribbling into a tight spot and losing it.  Amherst goes on the counter.
-  Amherst heads the ball off the crossbar.
-  Amherst has had now 12 corner kicks, but think a third of them went out on the service.
-  10 minutes left.
-  I don't think Amherst has any answers for Tufts.  They resort to hard tackles.  Largely because soccer dies many deaths here at Amherst.
-  Tufts is getting some good opportunities on the counter.  Amherst is pushing everyone high.
-  Last minute corner for Amherst and the 6'6" Amherst Keeper.  And on the corner, ball is hit off the crossbar.
-  Game Over.
-  Not the best of games.
-  Amherst 2, Tufts 3.

I'm impressed you watched the whole game. The swinging camera gave me whiplash.

University of Chicago @ Luther College

-  Chicago in their All Maroons
-  Luther in their All Whites
-  Battle of the undefeatable Maroons at 6-0, against the maurading Norse who stand at 5-0-1
-  What a beautiful field.  Seriously.
-  Chicago is capable of breaking quick and getting behind the Luther defenders.
-  Luther does well in possession when they have the ball.
-  Chicago is definitely able to get to go with a little more consistency than Luther.
-  Luther giving away free kicks with some silly fouls.
-  Getting a little chippy.
-  Luther is a pass away from breaking through, but credit to Chicago#3 and #4 who keep everything in front of them.
-  Ref is letting too much go.  Needs to lower the temperature.
-  17 minutes left in half.
-  Chicago Keeper comes up big on a one on one and pushes the shot wide for the corner.
-  And with 7 minutes left, Chicago is called for a hand ball in the box for a PK.
-  And Luther#24 buries it to the Keepers right.
-  Luther 1, Chicago 0
-  6 minutes left.
-  Halftime
-  Chicago pretty much is defending with 9 back.  Not a fan of sitting so deep with so many players.
-  Luther is playing with a lot more confidence.  The goal obviously has helped.  Really trying to find a second.
-  Chicago is defending deep and really hasn't gone on the attack. 
-  Luther showing patience with the ball.  Really working it.
-  34 minutes left.
-  Starting to see Chicago try to pin Luther back with a higher press.
-  Luther back line bleeding the clock where they can.
-  When Chicago does get it forward, Luther's defensive posture is working well.
-  And on a corner Chicago finds the equalizer!
-  Corner to the right of the Luther Keeper is whipped in where  Chicago#15 gets up untouched and heads the ball into the back of the net.
-  Luther 1, Chicago 1.
-  29 minutes left.
-  Now its Chicago's turn to turn up the heat.
-  Luther#24 does a real good job of controlling the midfield and keeping a rhythm for Luther.  Very good at keeping the ball.
-  17 left
-  Seriously wonder how much playing on grass impacts Chicago.  Not as crisp as they have been.
-  10 minutes left.
-  Neither team has any coherence to their attack.  Think they are throwing a bit of caution to the wind.
-  I do think that both teams are ok with the result.
-  And Luther just had it.  Ball out wide swung across.  Luther player one time it with a volley and it sales over the bar.  That could have easily been 2.
-  And now Chicago with a corner on the play right after.
-  Swung in again, tight on the keeper.  Looking for the trees to have an impact in the box.
-  And now, "My name is Jose Jimenez" was subbed on.  Points to anyone with the reference .....
-  4 minutes
-  Little bit of  a scuffle on a hard tackle.
-  Oh my gosh, and with 1 minute left, looks like a ball was crossed in and headed in for Chicago to go ahead!
-  Video didn't track the play.
-  Starts as a throw in and sent into midfield.  Worked around the horn and crossed in to a wide open forward.
-  34 seconds left.
-  And game over.  Heartbreaker for Luther.  Chicago now 7-0.
-  Luther 1, Chicago 2

Bowdoin @ Connecticut College
9.17.2022

-  Connecticut in All White
-  Bowdoin All Black
-  So, they win the National Championship.  I've said it before, but I was looking for something for Connecticut.  Maybe a new scoreboard.  Nope.  A couple of those long narrow flags.
-  Looks like a good crowd in attendance... must be the flags.
-  Connecticut College with an opportunity that was sent over the bar.  But should have at least been on frame.
-  Connecticut Keeper gives a ball away with a terrible pass.  Sort of thing teams can take advantage of.
-  Bowdoin has had more looks on goal than Connecticut.  They have Conn pinned a bit in their end.
-  I like the way Conn tries to play, but they are not sharp.  Not sure I understand why.
-  When they are precise with their movements and passing, they get dangerous.
-  25 left
-  Bowdoin has Ronald Koeman as their forward. 
-  Bit of a battle of the midfields and who can gain the upper.
-  Conn is moving the ball too slowly.  Allows Bowdoin to better set themselves defensively.
-  Brutal tackle in the last minute.  Yellow card for Bowdon.
-  Halftime.  No Score
-  Think Connecticut  has owned the ball, but something is amiss not sure what it is, but its not the first time it seems this way this season.
-  Surprised by the amount of missed passes as if they are expecting players to move to certain spaces.
-  Bowdoin just hunkers in making it impossible to get through them.  And they really haven't threatened.
-  Connecticut is wasteful with their opportunities in attack as well.
-  Connecticut is clearly on the front foot.
-  Oh my gosh, and the one counter and Bowdoin goes ahead.  Ball sent to the right wing who takes the ball gets through a tackle and centers the ball to the top of the box, where a Bowdoin players puts it by Connecticut Keeper as he came out to close down the angle.
-  Bowdoin#21(?) is wide open on the goal.
-  Connecticut 0, Bowdoin 1.
-  Connecticut is putting everything they have in getting the equalizer.
-  I just don't see Connecticut scoring.  Honestly.  Just not there.
-  3 minutes left.
-  Some chaotic moments where Connecticut could have scored, but it ultimately ends up getting cleared.
-  Literally bodies are flying everywhere.
-  This game is over.
-  I said enough.
-  Connecticut 0, Bowdoin 1.

Johns Hopkins University @ Swarthmore College
9.17.2022

-  Johns Hopkins in their Blues with Dark Blue Shorts
-  Swarthmore in White tops and black shorts and socks.
-  Johns Hopkins needs to make the ball do the work for a little bit.  Settle down the game.
-  Swarthmore looks to spring guys up top.
-  Hopkins is starting to get into a rhythm and move the ball well.
-  Swarthmore doesn't track in the midfield all that effectively.  They will pay for that unless they fix that.
-  And Johns Hopkins gets a PK.  JHU player gets around a defender and cuts down the end line, and is tripped from behind. 
-  Swarthmore 0, Johns Hopkins 1.
-  I think it was well deserved.  Think Hopkins has been doing the playing while Swarthmore has been reacting where ever they could.
-  21 minutes left.
-  Swarthmore doesn't have any answers.  Think Johns Hopkins may be too much for them.
-  Swarthmore looks like an incredible place to play sports.
-  14 minutes left.
-  Swarthmore is trying to move the ball, but Johns Hopkins keeps forcing them to turn back.  Think when they are behind the ball, JHU is very solid defensively.
-  5 minutes.
-  Swarthmore just can't get past midfield.  JHU just stifling everything.
-  Halftime.
-  Think I will call it for the evening.  Kind of tired today.
-  Think Swarthmore needs to figure out how to create some space so they can attack.
-  Hopkins need to reward themselves with another goal. 
-  Will also say, am thinking  Johns Hopkins can make it to the final four.  Think they look pretty solid on both ends of the ball.

I had this game on mute, on my laptop, while my wife and I watched a silly RomCom on Netflix (happy wife, happy life...)

The first half, just from a birds eye view, looked like massive possession for Hop and a very tilted field. Swat must've made some adjustments, because the second half was at a minimum a draw on this front, if not looking like Swat was more in control.

/weird way to watch a game.

Tufts @ Williams College
9.18.2022

-  Williams in their All Purples
-  Tufts in All Whites
-  After that emotional win against Amherst, lets see if Tufts can bring again to this much improved Williams team.
-  First off, I hope I can watch this because the Video is not the best.
-  Williams has a long throw player as well in Williams#12.
-  Get it's the second day after a crazy game before, but they showed this in the past few games.  The lack of precision in what Tufts does has to troubling for Coach Dezotell.
-  Williams Keeper can't punt the ball.
-  Williams doesn't strike me as a team that should give Tufts a difficult time.  They have some individual skill that doesn't add up to much.  And the throw in may be their best play.
-  And incredibly, Williams gets a penalty kick on a thoughtless defensive play. Ball floated far post and a Williams player had the inside on the Tufts defender.  Tufts#4 bumps him in the back.  PK.  -  Think that's a legit call.
-  And Williams#13 misses.  Goes left on Tufts#1 who easily dives on it.  Terrible PK.
-  And a minute later, from a dead ball, Williams#12 floats  a ball into the box.  Tufts#1 comes out fishing for the ball, but a Williams player gets his head on the ball and scores.\
-  Williams 1, Tufts 0
-  Just think its just a bad decision by Tufts#1 to come out into a big crowd when he should have let his defenders do their jobs.
-  Tufts is now trying to get something going.
-  I like the Announcer even though he calls fouls, "violations."
-  I learned that Williams are the "EVES" not the "EFFS".... And everything now makes sense to me.
-  I just think that the way Tufts is playing, their lack of an ability to keep control of the ball because they are always going long, keeps the "EVES" in the game when they shouldn't be.
-  And Tufts ties it up!  Throw In that Tufts#3 receives back and drives the ball across and it is volleyed in from 7 yards out. 
-  I think Williams was basically caught ball watching.
-  First off. Tufts#3 is wide open on the return ball and there are two Williams defenders right there.  Talk about giving it to them easy.  And then the Tufts#19, th goal scorer has no one on him.  -  -  Literally.  At the 7.  Inside the box.  In the middle.
-  24 minutes left.
-  Williams 1, Tufts 1
-  A bit of a slugfest. 
-  And Tufts#29, makes something happen with a 30 yard shot that goes in the back of the net.
-  I don't think the Williams Keeper was even expecting it.
-  Williams 1, Tufts 2.
-  1 minute left.
-  Halftime.
-  Start of the second half.
-  2.5 minutes in, Williams hits the post off a header from one of the long throws from Williams#12
-  37 minutes left
-  Tufts is now having stretches of possession, but then launch it into a 50/50 situations.  And yes, they are winning.  Don't need to force it.
-  Let Williams have to do the work. 
-  And Williams is getting to goal.  Two opportunities to score on crosses.  They are searching for the goal....
-  Man, got booted from the video and now Williams wants me to pay $9.99 to watch the remain 20 minutes of the game.  Don't think so.
-  So, where it was at Williams 1, Tufts 2.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 18, 2022, 02:14:04 PM
The first half, just from a birds eye view, looked like massive possession for Hop and a very tilted field. Swat must've made some adjustments, because the second half was at a minimum a draw on this front, if not looking like Swat was more in control.

Good description. Hop dominated the first half but didn't take as much advantage as they might have. The PK was deserved but the ref called a ton of fouls throughout the game. Very difficult for either team to get much flow going. Swat had the better of the play in the second half as they pressed the midfield much harder but Hopkins had two golden opportunities in the late minutes to add to the lead.

Pacific Lutheran @ Willamette
9.18.2022

-  Pacific Lutheran in All Whites
-  Willamette in All Maroonish.
-  Pacific Lutheran moves the ball well on the ground, lots of give and goes.
-  Willamette double teams the ball, and doesn't realize the open man they are leaving to receive the ball.
-  Only 6 minutes in, but its been Pacific Lutheran so far.
-  Willamette is getting more of the ball.  Pacific Lutheran really isn't being effective in the final third.
-  Willamette dispenses with the niceties and gets forward ASAP.
-  And like that Willamette get the go ahead goal.  Dead Ball from outside the box, its floated in And Willamette#9 heads the ball in.  The celebration dance was something out of one of the Alien movies.
-  He was wide open.
-  Willamette 1, Pacific Lutheran 0
-  Pacific Lutheran is slow.
-  And on another set piece, this time on a corner for Pacific Lutheran, ball is cleared out.  Pacific Lutheran#6 hits it back in.  At the top of the is Pacific Lutheran#16 who one times the ball and hits the back of the net.  It was a great strike.
-  Willamette 1, Pacific Lutheran 1
-  25 left in the half.
-  Pacific Lutheran#7 es un Monstruo!  Seems like a tough as nails defender and very good as a right back.
-  Both having some looks to goal.  So far both Keepers have been solid.  Defending could be tighter but I like the technical aspect of these teams.  When they say possession, they mean possession.  Not a lot of long balls.
-  Halftime.
-  Pretty even game.
-  Willamette 1, Pacific Lutheran 1
-  Second Half
-  Willamette starting out strong.
-  Pace has definitely picked up from the first half.
-  By the by, looks like this field would make a great Fields of Dreams.
-  Pacific Lutheran comes up with a big save on a shot.
-  25 minutes in.
-  Both teams do a good job moving the ball.  Really impressed.
-  Great run by Willamette#13 who drives it to the end line and passes it back to the 12.  Willamette#9 hits it one time and manages to sneak it in near post!
-  Willamette 2, Pacific Lutheran 1
-  The goal doesn't surprise me.  Willamette has been going after the game more aggressively than Pacific Lutheran.
-  9 minutes left.
-  Pacific Lutheran is now very intent on getting forward with speed.  Turning over the ball because they have a sense of urgency.
-  Pacific Lutheran also showing their frustrations with, well, everything.
-  And it is getting very chippy.
-  45 seconds left and Pacific Lutheran has everyone in the box.
-  And game over.  Pacific Lutheran falls.

Trinity College @ Connecticut College
9.20.2022

-  Connecticut in their All Whites
-  Trinity is their All Blue(?)
-  I just learned that Trinity's NESCAC losing streak is at 34 consecutive games.
-  7 minutes in.
-  Trinity defends deep.  They are very aware and alert to conceding.
-  It's early, but Connecticut looks unsure of itself.... Which is not a good thing. 
-  Trinity is pressing Connecticut back trying to stay in their half.
-  And at 32 minutes, Conn's best build out so far, get the ball out wide left, and put it across.  Not sure who hit it, but buries the ball in the back of the net.
-  That was very positive because that looked like what I expect out of Conn.
-  Connecticut 1, Trinity 0
-  And now Conn is feeling it.  Seem to have their confidence back.
-  Trinity tries to mount an attack but Connecticut remains organize defensively.  And in spite of the press, Connecticut does not give up the ball in tough spots.
-  For their own sake, I think Connecticut needs a second goal before the half.  I think it would be a good way to go into the locker room and organizing themselves for the second half.
-  Since the goal, Trinity has kept the play in Connecticut's half more than in their own.  Not sure if this is because of Trinity or because Conn has eased up.
-  Trinity is still trying to get organized as a team.  A bit disjointed in the attack.... Lots of open space where players should be running.
-  6 minutes left.
-  Halftime.  Clearly Connecticut is better, but not as dominating as I expect them to be.  Trinity is organized defensively but doesn't have an effective attack again this Conn Defense.
-  Think will call it at half.
-  But think Connecticut should have this one in hand.  If they concede a goal, or don't score multiple goals, I think that's an issue.

My thoughts on the Amherst 3-1 win @ Babson

A little bit embarrassed for my squad.  Amherst just has next-level strikers compared to Babson.  Rainford is about the only guy Babson has that can beat you off the dribble in the box and turn for a quality shot or cross, but not at Amherst's level, and Rainford is not the 2-way player that keeps him on the field.

The first Mammoth goal was beautifully orchestrated and began when they were beaten off the dribble leading to zigzag touches into an open net.

The 2-0 lead was an own goal when the Babson back appeared to lose track of real estate.  That's about as kind as I can put it because while a Mammoth was bearing down there was an opportunity to clear the ball before the line.

And the 3-0 lead came after allowing their top threat to take his man off the dribble from 30-35 yards before burying it inside of 10.   

Babson scored off a mercy penalty, but the precision passing game for 80 yards continuously bogged down in the final 18.  Too many set pieces volleyed too close to the goalie, with too much air for him to gather;  too many shots airballed over the frame, including one in the final 3 minutes when anything under the bar on the right side likely would have resulted in a tally.  But mostly just out-skilled from 18 yards in on both ends,

It's funny Babonation, I was actually quite impressed with many facets of Babson's play today.  There were some good switches, but it felt like a 10 that could pull the strings more would be a good addition as like you say, the approach work can be pretty slick.  I think the forward you mention has really nice movement that isn't capitalised on.  My first visit to Hartwell-Rogers field and it's a great place to watch at.  The pitch was something else too, it looks like it might be hand cut with nail scissors.

Enough nice things about the hosts, for the Mammoths this was an important result and hopefully starts the recalibration.  The endeavour was typical of the level I can now associate with this team, punctuated by some real skill, most notably the third goal.  The team now moves onto Maine for a double header this weekend, whilst I move onto NYC and start to work my way home at the end of next week.  Whilst I can watch via stream, absolutely nothing beats being at the game and I am jealous of all of you who will continue to have the opportunity.  I am already thinking about the 2023 trip!

Chicago @ Calvin College
9.21.2022

-  Calvin in All Whites
-  Chicago in All Maroons
-  Love the field at Calvin.  Fans sitting along the track opposite the benches.  Grass.
-  Calvin is not afraid to go in hard on tackles.
-  Two good teams that move the ball on the deck.
-  6 minutes in and Calvin is getting through Chicago and making plays in front of the goal.
-  It's a case of possession.  Both teams when they own the ball, have looks to goal.
-  Definitely entertaining so far. 
-  33 minutes left.
-  I like how both Calvin and Chicago make the game expansive, use the entire field and don't collapse the field into half it's size.
-  The Announcer is very good.
-  Calvin#7 is at a different level than most of the players I watch.
-  Calvin doing a good job getting around the outside backs.  Had a number of opportunities dropping the ball back for a shot that have been blocked by the pair of excellent Chicago central defenders, Chicago#4 and Chicago#3
-  Chicago trying to work the ball forward, but Calvin doin a very good job staying compact. 
-  Chicago sits deep in a 5-4-1.  Only way through them is around them.  Too many bodies.
-  Chicago really hasn't threatened Calvin's goal for a good 20 minutes.
-  20 minutes left.
-  Soft yellow on a Calvin defender.  Not sure I understand why, but ok.
-  Calvin is really bought into the press all over the field.
-  Wow.  And what maybe five minutes, same player gets a second yellow for another soft challenge.  Not sure why the ref gave either one.  First one could have easily been a talking to but now he made his bed and has to stick to his card.  Shame.  This is  going to have to change their plans...
-  And the Calvin coach is flipping out.  And giving an ear full to the ref.
-  The Calvin Defender who got tossed was a solid mass in the center of the defense.
-  5 minutes left in the half.  Chicago playing a man up.
-  The press is now off since they have had to drop back a man.
-  Credit to Calvin for still pressing ahead.
-  Ok.  Ref gave that defender a yellow card for obstructing a player or trying to hold him off from getting the ball.  It was sketchy.  He gave him a yellow card for swiping a Chicago players arm hoping to knock him off balance, which it didn't.  He was running into pressure.  So he was tossed.  Calvin#24 does a tackle on a Chicago player running down the line, clearly late, clearly with no intent on the ball.  Nothing.  No card.
-  And Chicago strikes first!  On a corner, sent far post.  With two defenders right their, Chicago player gets up in the air and heads the ball into the back of the net.  That hurts.
-  Calvin 0, Chicago 1.
-  1:42 left in the half.
-  And Halftime.  That's gotta hurt Calvin.  Going down a man on some lame yellows, and then getting scored on just before the half.
-  Second Half.
-  Calvin is holding strong.
-  Again, going back to the two yellow cards.  Hard challenge on Calvin#7, wasn't even going for the ball.  Whistled for a foul.  No card.  And totally stopped a counter.
-  Chicago is pretty ineffectual on the attack.  Calvin is doing very well with 3 in the back.
-  And Calvin gets a PK on a foul to Calvin#7.
-  Who also buries it in the back of the net.
-  Calvin#1, Chicago 1.
-  We got a game!
-  40 minutes left in the half.
-  Calvin is now energized.
-  And again.  Foul on Calvin#7.  And no card.
-  Really impressed with Calvin's control of this game.  Their possession is smart and keeps Chicago in its heals.
-  Chicago trying to work it out of the back, and when they do, they try to send it up to the forwards trying to get behind the defenders.  Calvin going with 3 in the back.
-  Chicago just hit the ball off the crossbar.  Cleared for a corner.
-  And Calvin scores the go ahead goal!  Ball sent through over the top and the forward challenges the keeper for the ball and puts it in the back of the net.
-  And the ref consults with the linesman and calls it a foul on the Calvin Keeper.
-  This ref has lost the plot.
-  16 minutes left.
-  Will say, Chicago is tough to break because if there is one thing Coach Sitch has them is organized.
-  Chicago is wearing Calvin down and finding the spaces.  I think Calvin should start considering hunkering in instead of trying to press high.
-  After all, no OT.
-  6'6" Calvin Keeper comes up with a big save on a dead ball.
-  11 minutes left.
-  Anatomy of goal - In the attacking third, Calvin #24 gives up the ball by making a bad pass.  Chicago defender gets the ball and breaks the line behind two midfielders... now there are 5 Calvin players on the wrong side of ball.  Chicago player drives the ball forward and crosses midfield.  He has two teammates running to his right and one to his left.  He plays the ball to the left into space and continues his run to the corner.  There are two Chicago players now positioning far post, one of them wide open.  There are 2 Calvin defenders deep.  One on the ball, one tracking the defender going to the corner, and 2 other tracking back. 
-  Defender running to the corner receives and takes a touch, beats his defender (Or more looks like the defender overran the play) and hits the ball far post for the go ahead goal.
-  And like that Chicago scores.  Where did it start?  A bad pass. 
-  Calvin 1, Chicago 2.
-  11 minutes left.
-  Calvin is chasing the game.
-  Now Chicago only really needs to play keep away. 
-  Think Calvin is suffering from tired legs.
-  Give a yellow to a Chicago player for .... Delay of game.  The inconsequential stuff he is good at calling and giving cards for.  The more egregious tackles though... PLAY ON!
-  Game over.  Shame.  Think if Calvin is at full strength they could have had this game.  Despite that, I thought they were are very good team that someone will have to reckon with in the NCAAs.

John Carroll University @ Denison University
9.22.2022

-  Denison in All Whites
-  John Carroll in All Blues with White sleeves.
-  John Carroll does very well dealing with the press.  Move the ball quickly and move well into space.
-  Think Denison is struggling to get forward.
-  Love the sharing of the ball JCU does when they have it.  1/2 touch as they spread it around to their next guy.
-  Denison is struggling to get  hold of the ball of any amount of time.  When they do win it, they get it up as fast as they can, which leads to turnovers.
-  Perhaps JCU is too purposeful all the time, leading to fewer opportunities to call.  Denison is not purposeful enough, more concerned about getting the ball up high than trying to mount a methodical attack.
-  With 12 minutes left, seems Denison got it's first real look at goal with a shot that the JCU Keeper saved
-  Denison Keeper with a weak punt to midfield headed back toward the JCU center forward who turns, ball finds its way out wide where it is one time from 20 yards and goes to Denison Keepers right for the go ahead goal!
-  Denison 0, JCU 1.
-  Will say, think JCU deserved it's reward for really controlling the game through long stretches and really pinning Denison back in their half.
-  5 minutes left.  JCU#19 scored.
-  Coach Bianco will have to sort things out at half time.  Maybe this is what Denison needed to get going.
-  Halftime
-  Field looks a little slippery.  Guys losing their footing.
-  Denison is getting forward a little more, but JCU is still clearly in control of the ball.
-  Denison has to still has to watch itself from getting forward too eagerly.  JCU is quick to get forward when they recover.
-  20 minutes left.
-  Denison working hard to get on the scoreboard.  Just not finding the answers as JCU really has it locked down.
-  12 left/
-  Clock is not working for Denison at this point.
-  The need for goal has helped Denison gain some focus and purpose that they lacked in the first half.  Just can't be wasteful with the ball when they do have it.
-  JCU just had a wonderful combination that ended in a shot wide of the goal.  But it was a masterclass of possession.
-    8 minutes.
-  Denison is knocking.
-  5 left
-  Keep trying but don't see Denison scoring.  They are getting to the wings but just coming up short.
-  A very business like performance by John Carroll.  Very efficient with the ball, and really good defensively.  Denison struggled to get into a rhythm.
-  Denison 0, John Carroll 1

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 22, 2022, 05:50:52 PM
Chicago @ Calvin College
Calvin#7 is at a different level than most of the players I watch.

I think I've mentioned this before - my son played with Oliver maybe u8-u11. He was a stand out player then too. Head and shoulders faster and more skillful than everyone else. His career stats at Calvin are impressive thus far... 18-12 in 39 Games.

Quote from: Ejay on September 22, 2022, 09:29:39 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 22, 2022, 05:50:52 PM
Chicago @ Calvin College
Calvin#7 is at a different level than most of the players I watch.

I think I've mentioned this before - my son played with Oliver maybe u8-u11. He was a stand out player then too. Head and shoulders faster and more skillful than everyone else. His career stats at Calvin are impressive thus far... 18-12 in 39 Games.

Usually you see speed or skill, not both.  He does have both.  And every time he gets the ball, you can totally see him making something happen.

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 23, 2022, 07:01:28 AM

Quote from: Ejay on September 22, 2022, 09:29:39 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 22, 2022, 05:50:52 PM
Chicago @ Calvin College
Calvin#7 is at a different level than most of the players I watch.

I think I've mentioned this before - my son played with Oliver maybe u8-u11. He was a stand out player then too. Head and shoulders faster and more skillful than everyone else. His career stats at Calvin are impressive thus far... 18-12 in 39 Games.

Usually you see speed or skill, not both.  He does have both.  And every time he gets the ball, you can totally see him making something happen.

SC.

I find that the special players, the truly special ones (at any level)  are the players who are very good at dribbling and also very good at passing.
Sounds simple, but there are a unique few players who can do both very well.

Moderator Note:  Revised to pull response outside the quoted posts.

Babson @ Tufts University
9.27.2022

-  Tufts in all Whites
-  Babson in All Green
-  Started watching at 0-0, with 23 minutes left in the half.
-  So super cautious start from both.  No risks behind.
-  Tufts looks unsure of itself.
-  Really ugly, reckless challenge on a head ball.  Yellow card for Tufts.  Don't think he even looked at the man.  Blood for the Babson player.  Free kick.
-  15 minutes left in the half.
-  Babson is very organized and very disciplined in shape.
-  I get Tufts is a 2nd ball team, but it is largely ineffective against an organized team.  Also, understand it is a young midfield, but would be nice if they actually could hold onto the ball.
-  I keep looking for and expecting .... More from Tufts.
-  Babson tries to control the ball but is moving the ball too slowly.  Defend deep.  Let their forwards chase a little bit to keep the back honest, but the rest sit deep 10 yards past midfield.
-  11 minutes left.
-  Babson is loosing its grip on defense, but that final pass for Tufts is lacking.
-  Everything out of Tufts midfield is a long ball.  Work hard to get the ball to the two deep backs who seem to lack the vision and only see a pass 40 yards away.  Looking like they prefer to create chaos more than anything.
-  6 minutes left.
-  0-0 at the half.  Nothing too dynamic on the attack for Tufts.  Just slugging it out up top.  Babson is counting on a set play for a look at goal, otherwise their highlight is how organized they are.
-  Second Half
-  Details are real poor for Tufts.  Things you should take for granted from a team like Tufts.  Traps, passes, even decision making, is just poor.
-  Babson is pressing higher up the field. 
-  Little less cautious from both teams.
-  Tufts really going after it to start the half.
-  Babson is holding its own defensively, really making difficult for Tufts to get a clear look to goal.
-  34 minutes in and Babson has an opportunity for a goal, but Tufts Keeper knocks it out for a corner.
-  The follow up corner leads to a clear header for Babson.  That's the sort of play they are looking to capitalize on.
-  Babson isn't getting to goal with force, but they are stretching Tufts out and are finding their spots.
-  Tufts creates a header on a confusing play causing the Babson Keeper to have to come up with a great save.
-  So far better 15 minutes in the second half than in the whole first half.
-  29 minutes in.
-  Babson is closer to their first, than Tufts is.
-  18 left in the game.
-  I think at least barring mistakes, Babson is showing the way.  Sit deep on 2nd ball teams. Hold out and be opportunistic.  Have to avoid silly fouls for free kicks.
-  Babson Keeper comes up big on a free kick to keep it scoreless.
-  12 left.
-  Tufts Keeper managed to keep Babson out of the goal with a couple of big saves.
-  Tufts really trying to get it up, Babson clearing everything out of the back.
-  4 minutes left.
-  Corner for Babson with 30 seconds left.
-  This is my second time watching Babson.  They are organized and do have a situational awareness to their game.
-  Game over.
-  Tufts 0, Babson 0.
-  Think I have said enough about the game.  No summary needed.

Eastern University @ Catholic University
9.27.2022

-  Catholic in All White
-  Eastern in All Black
-  Not sure if Catholic Keeper is hurt.  Seems the #2 Keeper is in goal.
-  Catholic is a good 2nd ball team.  Meaning they don't care what happens to the first ball they send up top, they only care about the 2nd ball and how much chaos they can create as a result.
-  Eastern has had a rough go this season, but they are showing to be pretty effective at controlling the ball. 
-  As I have said before, when a soccer game breaks out, Catholic struggles.  Lack execution on details, in particular on lazy passes.
-  38 minutes in.
-  Eastern has been owning the ball.  Catholic looks too slow.
-  Just realize Catholic#7 is not on the field.  Hurt?
-  Eastern is moving the ball well in Catholic's half.  So long as they don't get sucked into a cortex of bodies and stay balanced, they create opportunities or at least unsettle Catholic back line.1
-  21 minutes left.
-  Looks like Catholic has a 5 man back line.
-  17 minutes
-  Catholic scores but is waived offside.
-  Eastern#10 has a lot of their game run through him.
-  Catholic#7 is on the field.  Tactical decision?  Not sure I understand leaving your best player off the field, but ok, tactics.
-  Catholic#4 cannot pass the ball.
-  When Catholic can't get the ball in the attacking third, because Eastern is sitting deep just waiting for the Kick and Hope by Catholics back line, they have no answers and no other way of getting to goal.
-  7 minutes left.
-  When Catholic can break quick, and catch Eastern higher up the field, they get to goal very quickly.
-  Eastern is business like in it's approach to the game.
-  With 5:51 left, you can see how it is difficult for Catholic when they don't surprise Eastern.
-  Catholic#7 is double teamed out why.  There are two Catholic forwards in the box.  Eastern has 6 defenders back, with two joining.  You have to be very lucky to score under such circumstances.  And of course, they lose the ball.
-  5 left.
-  And we go to half 0-0.
-  Blah game.
-  Second half.
-  And not the sort of start Catholic wanted.  Three defenders are standing him up.  Takes a touch to his right
-  Ball gets out wide to the right of the Catholic Keeper.  Takes a touch to his right and from the corner of the box rifles a shot far upper corner for the go ahead goal.
-  Catholic 0, Eastern 1.
-  Lots of time on the clock, no need to panic.
-  Love the Enthusiasms of the Announcers.
-  Catholic playing with a little bit more purpose in the second half, but outside of whipping balls in from out wide, they don't have much.
-  Catholic#7 makes something out of nothing.  Settles the ball at the 18, turns and hits to the lower left of the Eastern Keeper, who makes a good save and sends it out for a corner.
-  21 left.
-  Eastern slowing the ball down when they get the chance. But Catholic trying hard to not give them breathing room.
-  And what just happened??? Ball cleared by an Eastern defender.  There are two Catholic backs and the Catholic Keeper comes to clean it up.  Instead, the Catholic Keeper makes a hideous pass ... straight to Eastern#36 who one times the ball from 35 yards.  Goal is wide open, cause the Catholic Keeper is 30 yards away.  Astounding.
-  Catholic 0, Eastern 2
-  Now Catholic is in a hole.  Crazy thing is that there wasn't really a lot of pressure on the Keeper.
-  Eastern is now just bleeding the clock where they can.
-  And Catholic claws one back.
-  Really well done by Catholic#24.  Gets a ball in box, cuts it to his right and hits a ball far post for a goal.
-  Catholic 1, Eastern 2.
-  And the follow up play, Catholic Keeper comes up but with a one on one save.
-  Catholic is now energized.
-  12 minutes left.
-  Catholic hunting for the tying goal.  Eastern really inviting the pressure.
-  3 minutes
-  Getting chippy.
-  And with 20 seconds left, Eastern has a player thrown off with a Red as a result of a real tough challenge.
-  And one last ball sent into the box and the game is over.
-  Catholic 1, Eastern 2.

Any notes on the Eastern keeper? He stood on his head in some of the games I watched last year, when I think he was a freshman?

When Catholic played Eastern last year, it was a different keeper- who stood on his head and earned Eastern a point.  The contest last night was tough to watch as a Catholic fan. Hopefully CUA can put full squad on the field for Drew. I think 7 new starters yesterday with goalie, center back, and top scorer out.  Credit to Eastern for capitalizing on weak performance.

Quote from: Pilsner on September 28, 2022, 12:25:05 PM
When Catholic played Eastern last year, it was a different keeper- who stood on his head and earned Eastern a point. 

Diesel Fiore - he's now 3rd (or 4th) string at D1 Rider.

That, my friends, is an incredible name.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 28, 2022, 09:19:45 AM
Any notes on the Eastern keeper? He stood on his head in some of the games I watched last year, when I think he was a freshman?

Are you referring to Diesel Fiore?  He was a freshman at Eastern last year who came from Bishop Gorman HS in Las Vegas.  He was the Gatorade Nevada Boys Player of the Year in 2020-2021 and played with Heat FC in ECNL.  Frankly, I'm not sure how or why he ended up in Eastern.  Maybe they offered him immediate playing time and a good financial aid package.  He started most of the games last year for Eastern (had a 16 save game against Messiah), but transferred to Rider for this season.  He's an example someone was asking about in another thread on this Board of a kid who started at D3, prove himself and then moved to D1 (although Rider is a lower level D1 program), perhaps for a better financial package and a chance for higher-level competition.  Rider's coaches may have been scouting some of the local D3 games in the area as they look to elevate their program, because he surely stood out.  Fiore's behind a senior and junior at Rider and hasn't played yet, but he may be taking a redshirt season to get up to speed.  He certainly has the quality to play D1.

Quote from: Pilsner on September 28, 2022, 12:25:05 PM
When Catholic played Eastern last year, it was a different keeper- who stood on his head and earned Eastern a point.  The contest last night was tough to watch as a Catholic fan. Hopefully CUA can put full squad on the field for Drew. I think 7 new starters yesterday with goalie, center back, and top scorer out.  Credit to Eastern for capitalizing on weak performance.

Yep, and it's funny, his bio at Rider specifically mentions the game I'm talking about against Messiah.

"Honorable Mention All-MAC as a freshman at Eastern University in 2021... Started 15 games, winning eight, with three via shutout... Recorded a season-high 16 saves against Messiah (Oct. 16)... Gatorade Player of the Year at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas... Won a State Championship with the Gaels, while also earning First Team All-State and All-Region... Goalkeeper of the Year in the Sunrise Conference... Also played for Heat FC ECNL."

He's a sophomore. With what I saw last year, I'd be pretty surprised he's not playing D1, somewhere, at some point in the next 2 years. He was doing anticipatory/innate stuff you can't coach... you just are that goalie.

Oh, sorry Kuiper... We're on the same page!

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 28, 2022, 12:53:16 PM
That, my friends, is an incredible name.

That name is next-level cool.

North Park @ University of Chicago
9.28.2022

Watched the game last night.  Took notes on the first half and thought I would do the second have notes today.... but guess they don't archive the games so I didnt get to do notes.  Let's just say they were better in the second half and never thought North Park was close to an upset.....

-  Big game of two of the Top 5 ranked teams in the country.
-  Chicago in All Whites
-  North Park in All Black.
-  North Park is defending in numbers and taking no chances with the ball in the back.  Good in possession, but Chicago is stepping high and doing a better job get a hold of the ball.
-  When North Park has possession, Chicago does sit deep making sure no one can get behind them.
-  Both teams need to get out quickly if they are going to find the goal.  Both teams are just very disciplined defensively.
-  Chicago getting closer to goal even though shots are not on the mark.
-  North Park is fantastic in control in the back and under pressure.  Play with a lot of confidence when you think it's a but risky.
-  28 minutes left in the half
-  North Park#60 is, as Michael Jackson sings... THE Man in the Middle.
-  Chicago is just very difficult to break in the final third.  Probably the best part of the game.
-  North Park really doesn't have much going forward.  Keep coming up against a wall.
-  22 left
-  The defensive triangle of the two center back and North Park#60 really see most of the ball when in possession.
-  Chicago just not conceding space anywhere.
-  On offense, Chicago shifting points of attack very effectively.  North Park is tracking well, but could be a problem later in the game.
-  Opportunity on a one on one for Chicago, but player sends the ball over the North Park goal.  Not that many opportunities, but they are getting there.
-  15 minutes left in half.
-  First corner for Chicago, ball lands at the six and is sent over the bar.  Chicago player was wide open.
-  10 minutes left.
-  Chicago isn't dominating, but they are certainly in control of this game.  North Park has yet to get on its horse.
-  Always talk about the two Chicago#3 and Chicago#5, but another very able outside back, who really does shut down the wing is Chicago#5.  Really has made it difficult for North Park to come down his flank.  And is also an excellent ball handler stepping high into the midfield and helping moving the ball down the field.
-  Chicago pressing higher and higher.  North Park really doesn't pass midfield comfortably.
-  Shout out to the other wing back, Chicago#2 who closes down the space and really forces North Park to not go down the wing, instead to try and cut it into the middle.
-  Halftime.
-  Not sure North Park is on the level of Chicago.  Trying to make something happen, but Chicago is just shutting them down all over the field.  They are now caught in knocking the ball around the -  18 trying to open up space but Chicago is just not having any of it.
-  Second Half.

New to this board. My son is a Fr playing at Messiah so thought I needed to be more in tune with all things D-3 soccer related. Have listened to you on twitter and watched last nights time with Paul Newman. Love it. You both are awesome and love what you are doing. Thanks!

Quote from: Fitz@615 on September 29, 2022, 03:45:47 PM
New to this board. My son is a Fr playing at Messiah so thought I needed to be more in tune with all things D-3 soccer related. Have listened to you on twitter and watched last nights time with Paul Newman. Love it. You both are awesome and love what you are doing. Thanks!

Well thanks @Fitz@615.  Really do appreciate the kind words.  Happy for your son... and makes me like him more!

Again, appreciative of your support.

SC.

Amherst College @ Williams College
10.1.2022

-  Joined this at the start of the second.
-  Williams in All White
-  Amherst in All Black
-  The 6'4" Amherst Keeper can't punt the ball.  For as big as he is you would think he would be good.
-  Williams is the better on possession.  Amherst is experiencing what its like to play against a team that plays soccer.
-  Amherst looks like Amherst but with a greater degree of mediocrity than I am used to.  Seems the enthusiasm isn't there.
-  35 minutes left.
-  Williams is pretty good on set plays, and makes them dangerous.
-  I think Amherst just had a player ejected from the game.
-  Being a man down, Williams needs to be a bit more patient and methodical.  The space is there but no need to force everything.  And by being patient, I don't mean just passing it around the back line.  Makes life easy for Amherst.  You need to keep the ball higher up the field.
-  Would love to do a Fields of Dreams from Williams.  Its beautiful.
-  Delivering in the ball is real inaccurate for Williams.  Waste more balls than create opportunities
-  Amherst is devoid of soccer as much as they are devoid of ideas of how to get forward.
-  This is a general observation but I think most teams succumb to the ideas of what to do with the ball in the back, from what was designed on a white board.  No creativity/ideas that come out of the back.  Not sure if that makes sense.
-  I am not saying Williams is better and deserving  of the win, but they enjoy having the ball more than Amherst.
-  And Amherst still has the possibility of scoring, because that's what they do.
-  Amherst Keeper takes a free kick from midfield and sends the ball to an area... where there were 2 Amherst players.... And 5 Williams players.  He should not be taking free kicks from midfield again.
-  Amherst creates enough chaos in the box that they can get a goal.
-  19 minutes
-  Opportunity for Williams on a floated in where the player turned and hit a volley that floated over the bar.  Seriously brilliant.
-  I think Amherst is ok with bleeding the clock and taking the tie.
-  Williams is winning ball in the air on free kicks, but not resulting in anything. 
-  I get it's the conference.  There is history.  I get it.  But this was an average game at best.  I like Williams and how they play, but think they lack in the final third, which may explain their record with three ties.
-  Game over.
-  Williams 0, Amherst 0

Hamilton College @ Connecticut College
10.1.2022

-  Connecticut in All Whites
-  Connecticut in All Whites
-  Hamilton in All Blue.
-  Playing on the turf overlooking the Thames.  Beautiful place to play, but the wind must be brutal.
-  I say it again.  I keep looking for something for the team for having won a national championship. Field level banner?  Something?
-  Bit ugly.  Lots of turnovers.
-  Hamilton has Connecticut pinned back a bit.  Make it very difficult for them to get past midfield.  When they do get forward, Hamilton does well turning them back.
-  Connecticut is steadily taking ownership of the game.  Now its Hamilton struggling to get out of its own half.
-  Hamilton needs to get a hold of the ball if they are going to stand a chance. 
-  18 minutes left.
-  Wonder how much Hamilton is suffering from the altitude ... of being in first place in the conference?
-  One of the first things I learned when started playing, was if it was windy, you keep the ball on the ground.  Hamilton could learn the lesson.
-  Connecticut is now relentless getting forward.  And Hamilton sits deeper and deeper. 
-  Strikes me as a gut check game... who is willing to put up with the elements and take the game.
-  And looks maybe like Hamilton!
-  6 minutes left, they get the ball down the right wing and drive the ball across.  Hamilton's forward heads the ball very well to the far post.  Nothing Connecticut Keeper can do.
-  Amazing how open the forward was.  Headed it between two defenders.
-  Connecticut 0, Hamilton 1
-  And Connecticut get a goal waived off for offside.
-  Connecticut needs to not try so hard... forcing too much.
-  Halftime.
-  Just watching first half.  So many more games.
-  Hamilton in All Blue.
-  Playing on the turf overlooking the Thames.  Beautiful place to play, but the wind must be brutal.
-  I say it again.  I keep looking for something for the team for having won a national championship. Field level banner?  Something?
-  Bit ugly.  Lots of turnovers.
-  Hamilton has Connecticut pinned back a bit.  Make it very difficult for them to get past midfield.  When they do get forward, Hamilton does well turning them back.
-  Connecticut is steadily taking ownership of the game.  Now its Hamilton struggling to get out of its own half.
-  Hamilton needs to get a hold of the ball if they are going to stand a chance. 
-  18 minutes left.
-  Wonder how much Hamilton is suffering from the altitude ... of being in first place in the conference?
-  One of the first things I learned when started playing, was if it was windy, you keep the ball on the ground.  Hamilton could learn the lesson.
-  Connecticut is now relentless getting forward.  And Hamilton sits deeper and deeper. 
-  Strikes me as a gut check game... who is willing to put up with the elements and take the game.
-  And looks maybe like Hamilton!
-  6 minutes left, they get the ball down the right wing and drive the ball across.  Hamilton's forward heads the ball very well to the far post.  Nothing Connecticut Keeper can do.
-  Amazing how open the forward was.  Headed it between two defenders.
-  Connecticut 0, Hamilton 1
-  And Connecticut get a goal waived off for offside.
-  Connecticut needs to not try so hard... forcing too much.
-  Halftime.
-  Just watching first half.  So many more games.

Christopher Newport University @ Messiah University
10.1.2022

-  Homecoming for Messiah.
-  And it's pouring and they are playing on Shoemaker Field.
-  Throwback game from the 80s!
-  Messiah in their traditional Whites and Blues
-  Christopher Newport in Grey.
-  Messiah doing what Messiah does.
-  And 3 minutes in, ball slotted for Messiah#21 who takes a touch around the CNU Keeper who trips him for a PK!
-  Pretty clear and you can't argue.
-  And Messiah#22 shoots to the Keepers left and the Christopher Newport Keeper comes up bit.
-  Weather is not cooperating.
-  Messiah just peppered the goal and came up with nothing.
-  Oh, my gosh and on the ensuing attack, CNU takes a shot on goal, and it deflects off a Messiah Defender for a go ahead goal.
-  Messiah 0, Christopher Newport 1
-  Announcers are just outstanding.  Professional.
-  Clear CNU is looking for the counter when they can.
-  Looks like it's a great crowd.
-  No need to panic.  Early in the game.  Lots to be played.
-  And like that, Messiah with a great individual effort, scores the tying goal.
-  Ball comes out of the back, worked through the midfield, and swung out to the left wing who goes 1v1 with the outside back, takes a touch to his right and hits the ball far post for the goal! Messiah#8 with the great play on his end. 
-  Just for the record, the ball never got off the ground.
-  29 minutes left.
-  Holy cow.  I mean that's an amazing goal for Messiah.  Similar play, same side, this time Messiah#11 ropes the ball to hit far post upper corner.  That's just lethal.
-  Messiah 2, Christopher Newport 1
-  Messiah is explosive going forward.  CNU has to really be alert or Messiah will take advantage
-  Halftime
-  Messiah 2, Christopher Newport 1
-  Second Half
-  Christopher Newport is stepping higher and trying to hold on to the ball a little.
-  But it all falls apart in the blink of an eye
-  Ball cleared out and CNU defender running back to recover.... No real pressure.  CNU#5 makes a pass that gets cuaght up in the wet grass and is recovered by Messiah#8.  He faces up the defenders.  He has a runnner wide open to his left that I don't think he say, and Messiah#21 going full blast to his right.  He lays it off to his right and Messiah#21 buries the ball far post for the goal!
-  43:35 left in the half. 
-  Just a remarkable heads up play and great execution.
-  Messiah 3, Christopher Newport 1
-  And Messiah with a shot off the post five minutes later.
-  CNU is definitely hurt by that third goal.  But truth is they have no answers to what Messiah is doing.
-  CNU is a good team, but truth be told, against Messiah, they look like a mid table ECNL team.
-  And CNU may be the MVP because he has kept it from being worse.
-  Speaking of keeper, Messiah Keeper Jared "The Mullet" Pavlovich hasn't had a mullet all season.
-  And finally, on a corner, Messah#22 gets up on a corner and heads the ball that's blocked but comes back to head the ball into the back of the net for the fourth.
-  Messiah 4, Christopher Newport 1. 
-  This is turning out into a real shellacking.
-  35 minutes left in the game.
-  Messiah is just dominant.
-  22 minutes left.
-  All respect to University of Chicago who I do think is ... the second best team in the country ... there is something about this Messiah team that for me, makes it the #1 team.  And I don't think it is close.  There I said it.
-  16 minutes left and CNU kind of had a half chance to goal.
-  And Jared "the Mullet" Pavlovich makes a great save to his left on a opportunistic shot off a rebound for CNU.
-  11 minutes left.
-  Think I will let this one go for the evening.  This one is done and dusted.
-  By the Messiah#6 is a monster in the back.  Tough as nails.
-  I'm out.

Messiah looked super smooth tonight against CNU.  I know CNU was missing their #1 center-back (transfer from Virginia Tech) that has played nearly every minute this year.  Not sure it would've mattered.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 01, 2022, 04:50:00 PM
Hamilton College @ Connecticut College
10.1.2022

-  Connecticut in All Whites
-  Connecticut in All Whites
-  Hamilton in All Blue.
-  Playing on the turf overlooking the Thames.  Beautiful place to play, but the wind must be brutal.
-  I say it again.  I keep looking for something for the team for having won a national championship. Field level banner?  Something?
-  Bit ugly.  Lots of turnovers.
-  Hamilton has Connecticut pinned back a bit.  Make it very difficult for them to get past midfield.  When they do get forward, Hamilton does well turning them back.
-  Connecticut is steadily taking ownership of the game.  Now its Hamilton struggling to get out of its own half.
-  Hamilton needs to get a hold of the ball if they are going to stand a chance. 
-  18 minutes left.
-  Wonder how much Hamilton is suffering from the altitude ... of being in first place in the conference?
-  One of the first things I learned when started playing, was if it was windy, you keep the ball on the ground.  Hamilton could learn the lesson.
-  Connecticut is now relentless getting forward.  And Hamilton sits deeper and deeper. 
-  Strikes me as a gut check game... who is willing to put up with the elements and take the game.
-  And looks maybe like Hamilton!
-  6 minutes left, they get the ball down the right wing and drive the ball across.  Hamilton's forward heads the ball very well to the far post.  Nothing Connecticut Keeper can do.
-  Amazing how open the forward was.  Headed it between two defenders.
-  Connecticut 0, Hamilton 1
-  And Connecticut get a goal waived off for offside.
-  Connecticut needs to not try so hard... forcing too much.
-  Halftime.
-  Just watching first half.  So many more games.
-  Hamilton in All Blue.
-  Playing on the turf overlooking the Thames.  Beautiful place to play, but the wind must be brutal.
-  I say it again.  I keep looking for something for the team for having won a national championship. Field level banner?  Something?
-  Bit ugly.  Lots of turnovers.
-  Hamilton has Connecticut pinned back a bit.  Make it very difficult for them to get past midfield.  When they do get forward, Hamilton does well turning them back.
-  Connecticut is steadily taking ownership of the game.  Now its Hamilton struggling to get out of its own half.
-  Hamilton needs to get a hold of the ball if they are going to stand a chance. 
-  18 minutes left.
-  Wonder how much Hamilton is suffering from the altitude ... of being in first place in the conference?
-  One of the first things I learned when started playing, was if it was windy, you keep the ball on the ground.  Hamilton could learn the lesson.
-  Connecticut is now relentless getting forward.  And Hamilton sits deeper and deeper. 
-  Strikes me as a gut check game... who is willing to put up with the elements and take the game.
-  And looks maybe like Hamilton!
-  6 minutes left, they get the ball down the right wing and drive the ball across.  Hamilton's forward heads the ball very well to the far post.  Nothing Connecticut Keeper can do.
-  Amazing how open the forward was.  Headed it between two defenders.
-  Connecticut 0, Hamilton 1
-  And Connecticut get a goal waived off for offside.
-  Connecticut needs to not try so hard... forcing too much.
-  Halftime.
-  Just watching first half.  So many more games.

In the second half, right after Hamilton scored a second goal to go up 2-0, you can hear on the broadcast Coach Burk screaming to his players, or to Djerdjaj specifically, to "show some leadership."  He seemed to be asking him to join the half-hearted huddle that some of the players were trying to get going and Djerdjaj had apparently walked by going to the center circle.  That moment seemed to sum up the game, and perhaps the season, thus far.

Quote from: Kuiper on October 01, 2022, 09:33:14 PM
In the second half, right after Hamilton scored a second goal to go up 2-0, you can hear on the broadcast Coach Burk screaming to his players, or to Djerdjaj specifically, to "show some leadership."  He seemed to be asking him to join the half-hearted huddle that some of the players were trying to get going and Djerdjaj had apparently walked by going to the center circle.  That moment seemed to sum up the game, and perhaps the season, thus far.

They are not the same.  Not sure if it is complacency, or what.  But so far, I find the season to be very disappointing especially coming off a national championship.

SC.

Quote from: Kuiper on October 01, 2022, 09:33:14 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 01, 2022, 04:50:00 PM
Hamilton College @ Connecticut College
10.1.2022

-  Connecticut in All Whites
-  Connecticut in All Whites
-  Hamilton in All Blue.
-  Playing on the turf overlooking the Thames.  Beautiful place to play, but the wind must be brutal.
-  I say it again.  I keep looking for something for the team for having won a national championship. Field level banner?  Something?
-  Bit ugly.  Lots of turnovers.
-  Hamilton has Connecticut pinned back a bit.  Make it very difficult for them to get past midfield.  When they do get forward, Hamilton does well turning them back.
-  Connecticut is steadily taking ownership of the game.  Now its Hamilton struggling to get out of its own half.
-  Hamilton needs to get a hold of the ball if they are going to stand a chance. 
-  18 minutes left.
-  Wonder how much Hamilton is suffering from the altitude ... of being in first place in the conference?
-  One of the first things I learned when started playing, was if it was windy, you keep the ball on the ground.  Hamilton could learn the lesson.
-  Connecticut is now relentless getting forward.  And Hamilton sits deeper and deeper. 
-  Strikes me as a gut check game... who is willing to put up with the elements and take the game.
-  And looks maybe like Hamilton!
-  6 minutes left, they get the ball down the right wing and drive the ball across.  Hamilton's forward heads the ball very well to the far post.  Nothing Connecticut Keeper can do.
-  Amazing how open the forward was.  Headed it between two defenders.
-  Connecticut 0, Hamilton 1
-  And Connecticut get a goal waived off for offside.
-  Connecticut needs to not try so hard... forcing too much.
-  Halftime.
-  Just watching first half.  So many more games.
-  Hamilton in All Blue.
-  Playing on the turf overlooking the Thames.  Beautiful place to play, but the wind must be brutal.
-  I say it again.  I keep looking for something for the team for having won a national championship. Field level banner?  Something?
-  Bit ugly.  Lots of turnovers.
-  Hamilton has Connecticut pinned back a bit.  Make it very difficult for them to get past midfield.  When they do get forward, Hamilton does well turning them back.
-  Connecticut is steadily taking ownership of the game.  Now its Hamilton struggling to get out of its own half.
-  Hamilton needs to get a hold of the ball if they are going to stand a chance. 
-  18 minutes left.
-  Wonder how much Hamilton is suffering from the altitude ... of being in first place in the conference?
-  One of the first things I learned when started playing, was if it was windy, you keep the ball on the ground.  Hamilton could learn the lesson.
-  Connecticut is now relentless getting forward.  And Hamilton sits deeper and deeper. 
-  Strikes me as a gut check game... who is willing to put up with the elements and take the game.
-  And looks maybe like Hamilton!
-  6 minutes left, they get the ball down the right wing and drive the ball across.  Hamilton's forward heads the ball very well to the far post.  Nothing Connecticut Keeper can do.
-  Amazing how open the forward was.  Headed it between two defenders.
-  Connecticut 0, Hamilton 1
-  And Connecticut get a goal waived off for offside.
-  Connecticut needs to not try so hard... forcing too much.
-  Halftime.
-  Just watching first half.  So many more games.

In the second half, right after Hamilton scored a second goal to go up 2-0, you can hear on the broadcast Coach Burk screaming to his players, or to Djerdjaj specifically, to "show some leadership."  He seemed to be asking him to join the half-hearted huddle that some of the players were trying to get going and Djerdjaj had apparently walked by going to the center circle.  That moment seemed to sum up the game, and perhaps the season, thus far.

This is the best I have seen Djerdjaj played all year, last year they lost 5 games I think, still early!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 02, 2022, 08:10:11 AM

Quote from: Kuiper on October 01, 2022, 09:33:14 PM
In the second half, right after Hamilton scored a second goal to go up 2-0, you can hear on the broadcast Coach Burk screaming to his players, or to Djerdjaj specifically, to "show some leadership."  He seemed to be asking him to join the half-hearted huddle that some of the players were trying to get going and Djerdjaj had apparently walked by going to the center circle.  That moment seemed to sum up the game, and perhaps the season, thus far.

They are not the same.  Not sure if it is complacency, or what.  But so far, I find the season to be very disappointing especially coming off a national championship.

This is why they say that the hardest thing to do in sports is to repeat a championship, especially at the college level. I saw this happen at North Park, basketball version but the exact same thing that Kuiper's talking about with Djerdjaj and the Camels. There's always a little voice in the back of your mind if you've won a ring that says, "This is yours forever. Nothing and nobody can ever take it away from you." And that little voice in the back of your mind can seep into your unconscious and affect your motivation, your decision-making, your attitude. The drive that got you to where you were the year before can be affected. The terrible pain of losing can seem to be a little lessened once you've tasted the ultimate joy of winning a natty. And if you can live with that pain, you're probably not going to win another one ... because, strange as it may sound, I've been told by several people who own national championship rings that the pain of losing is the greatest motivator they've ever felt.

Johns Hopkins University @ Gettysburg College
10.2.2022

-  Johns Hopkins in their Blues
-  Gettysburg in their Whites
-  Weather courtesy of Hurricane Ian.
-  Love the field at Gettysburg.  Another great place I would love to do a Fields of Dreams. 
-  Clearly to start, JHU is better in possession.  It's there game.
-  Gettysburg holding then trying to break out up high when they can.  But Johns Hopkins is too good defensively to be caught off guard.
-  Will say, JHU is one of the more disciplined teams positionally than most.  This is why I rank them so highly.  Makes it hard breaking them down.
-  38 minutes in, Gettysburg has a chance in front of goal, but the Hopkins Keeper comes up big with a save to his left.
-  The final third for Hopkins is where I think they rush it or are a bit imprecise.
-  Gettysburg trying to press, but Hopkins deals with it cooly by keeping the ball.
-  Wow, Gettysburg#7 just gets a red card for a pretty reckless tackle with studs up.  Straight Red.
-  27 minutes.
-  Three minutes later, Gettysburg still able to get to goal.  This time on a set piece where they win a header and force the save by the Hopkins Keeper.
-  Hopkins can be masterful with the ball in the back and midfield, but don't seem to get the changing dynamics when you get closer to goal.  Still need depth and varying runs to make goals happen.
-  With a man down, the space kills Gettysburg.  Working twice as hard to keep the same shape going.
-  Halftime.
-  Gettysburg down a man for last 15 after a pretty reckless challenge.  Johns Hopkins is starting to own the ball.
-  Second Half
-  For Gettysburg, only have one player pressing high.  Trying to force them into tight spaces when they get further up the field.
-  Johns Hopkins just being patient with the ball until they can find that space.
-  Gettysburg for obvious reasons, can't get out of their own half with the ball.
-  Johns Hopkins is peppering the goal, but it's not terribly dangerous.  Close, but nothing the Gettysburg Keeper or the defenders are not capable of dealing with.
-  Gettysburg just had a set play where their guy dribbled out of bounds....you would think they would respect the ball a bit more since being down a man.  This is the sort of details that make a team much better.
-  24 minutes left.
-  Gettysburg just had a chance to go ahead but ball is shot wide.  Careless defending and the Gettysburg forward is to goal all alone.  Wide ride.  Probably most dangerous play this half.
-  And finally, on a dead ball foul out wide that get's floated in, Johns Hopkins gets the go ahead goal on a header to the far post.  Nothing the Gettysburg Keeper could do.  Defender let his man cut in front of him.
-  Gettysburg 0, Johns Hopkins 1
-  14 minutes left in the game.
-  Johns Hopkins is in control but not really getting to goal as much as I thought.  Gettysburg is now pressing trying to get something going to find the equalizer, but they are caught chasing the ball too much.
-  4 minutes left.
-  Ok.  Not sure I understand this.  Gettysburg Keeper seems to be a fine net minder.  Dead ball, 25 yards out.  Shot is hit directly at him, rather than catching it, he punches it out.  Now you can argue the merits of should he have caught it or not, but the consequence of that decision is that Johns Hopkins won the ball and now has them pinned in their back because they were not able to clear it out.  Oh and a minute has been burnt of the clock. 
-  2 minutes left.
-  Gettysburg left with a corner in under a minute
-  Everyone in the box including the Gettysburg Keeper.  Goes out for a goal kick.
-  Game over
-  Gettysburg 0, Johns Hopkins 1.

You had me worried that I was losing my mind, SC... Final score was 1-0 for Hop. :D

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 02, 2022, 01:28:42 PM
You had me worried that I was losing my mind, SC... Final score was 1-0 for Hop. :D

Oops.

SC.

Southwestern University @ Trinity University
10.2.2022

-  Trinity in All Maroon
-  Southwestern in All Yellow.
-  Love the Trinity stadium.
-  Also their games are professional.  Multiple camera angles and an outstanding announcer.
-  Trinity seems to have a better handle on the game.  Getting up the field more than Southwestern.
-  Trinity presses high and make it difficult for Southwestern.
-  And six minutes in Trinity#5 gets tripped as he is going into the box.  Ref calls a PK on Southwestern.
-  Trinity#8 puts it to the left of the Southwestern Keeper who dives to his right.
-  Trinity 1, Southwestern 0
-  Don't think there was much arguing the call.  Thought it was pretty clear.
-  Southwestern has a monster of a throw in.   Lands in the middle of the box.
-  Southwestern seems to have gotten into gear and is getting a bot more forward.  Haven't been dangerous but at least pinning Trinity back a bit.
-  They are doing water breaks.  It is Texas after all.
-  Not sure if it is the game or not, but expected a but more control from Trinity.
-  And now Southwestern gets a PK for a hand ball on Trinity#6.  The replay shows a hand ball.
-  Southwester#9 buries it to the left of the Trinity Keeper who dove to his right.
-  Trinity 1, Southwestern 1
-  Again, Trinity is wasteful with the ball in attack.  Sends the ball up with no real purpose.
-  Trinity Keeper is very good in the air.  Has snagged a couple of ball floated into the box as if it was no problem.
-  And Halftime.
-  All even at 1.

Quote from: Chargers96 on October 01, 2022, 08:17:07 PM
Messiah looked super smooth tonight against CNU.  I know CNU was missing their #1 center-back (transfer from Virginia Tech) that has played nearly every minute this year.  Not sure it would've mattered.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 02, 2022, 03:16:46 PM
Southwestern University @ Trinity University
10.2.2022

-  Trinity in All Maroon
-  Southwestern in All Yellow.
-  Love the Trinity stadium.
-  Also their games are professional.  Multiple camera angles and an outstanding announcer.
-  Trinity seems to have a better handle on the game.  Getting up the field more than Southwestern.
-  Trinity presses high and make it difficult for Southwestern.
-  And six minutes in Trinity#5 gets tripped as he is going into the box.  Ref calls a PK on Southwestern.
-  Trinity#8 puts it to the left of the Southwestern Keeper who dives to his right.
-  Trinity 1, Southwestern 0
-  Don't think there was much arguing the call.  Thought it was pretty clear.
-  Southwestern has a monster of a throw in.   Lands in the middle of the box.
-  Southwestern seems to have gotten into gear and is getting a bot more forward.  Haven't been dangerous but at least pinning Trinity back a bit.
-  They are doing water breaks.  It is Texas after all.
-  Not sure if it is the game or not, but expected a but more control from Trinity.
-  And now Southwestern gets a PK for a hand ball on Trinity#6.  The replay shows a hand ball.
-  Southwester#9 buries it to the left of the Trinity Keeper who dove to his right.
-  Trinity 1, Southwestern 1
-  Again, Trinity is wasteful with the ball in attack.  Sends the ball up with no real purpose.
-  Trinity Keeper is very good in the air.  Has snagged a couple of ball floated into the box as if it was no problem.
-  And Halftime.
-  All even at 1.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 01, 2022, 07:46:57 PM
Christopher Newport University @ Messiah University
10.1.2022

-  Homecoming for Messiah.
-  And it's pouring and they are playing on Shoemaker Field.
-  Throwback game from the 80s!
-  Messiah in their traditional Whites and Blues
-  Christopher Newport in Grey.
-  Messiah doing what Messiah does.
-  And 3 minutes in, ball slotted for Messiah#21 who takes a touch around the CNU Keeper who trips him for a PK!
-  Pretty clear and you can't argue.
-  And Messiah#22 shoots to the Keepers left and the Christopher Newport Keeper comes up bit.
-  Weather is not cooperating.
-  Messiah just peppered the goal and came up with nothing.
-  Oh, my gosh and on the ensuing attack, CNU takes a shot on goal, and it deflects off a Messiah Defender for a go ahead goal.
-  Messiah 0, Christopher Newport 1
-  Announcers are just outstanding.  Professional.
-  Clear CNU is looking for the counter when they can.
-  Looks like it's a great crowd.
-  No need to panic.  Early in the game.  Lots to be played.
-  And like that, Messiah with a great individual effort, scores the tying goal.
-  Ball comes out of the back, worked through the midfield, and swung out to the left wing who goes 1v1 with the outside back, takes a touch to his right and hits the ball far post for the goal! Messiah#8 with the great play on his end. 
-  Just for the record, the ball never got off the ground.
-  29 minutes left.
-  Holy cow.  I mean that's an amazing goal for Messiah.  Similar play, same side, this time Messiah#11 ropes the ball to hit far post upper corner.  That's just lethal.
-  Messiah 2, Christopher Newport 1
-  Messiah is explosive going forward.  CNU has to really be alert or Messiah will take advantage
-  Halftime
-  Messiah 2, Christopher Newport 1
-  Second Half
-  Christopher Newport is stepping higher and trying to hold on to the ball a little.
-  But it all falls apart in the blink of an eye
-  Ball cleared out and CNU defender running back to recover.... No real pressure.  CNU#5 makes a pass that gets cuaght up in the wet grass and is recovered by Messiah#8.  He faces up the defenders.  He has a runnner wide open to his left that I don't think he say, and Messiah#21 going full blast to his right.  He lays it off to his right and Messiah#21 buries the ball far post for the goal!
-  43:35 left in the half. 
-  Just a remarkable heads up play and great execution.
-  Messiah 3, Christopher Newport 1
-  And Messiah with a shot off the post five minutes later.
-  CNU is definitely hurt by that third goal.  But truth is they have no answers to what Messiah is doing.
-  CNU is a good team, but truth be told, against Messiah, they look like a mid table ECNL team.
-  And CNU may be the MVP because he has kept it from being worse.
-  Speaking of keeper, Messiah Keeper Jared "The Mullet" Pavlovich hasn't had a mullet all season.
-  And finally, on a corner, Messah#22 gets up on a corner and heads the ball that's blocked but comes back to head the ball into the back of the net for the fourth.
-  Messiah 4, Christopher Newport 1. 
-  This is turning out into a real shellacking.
-  35 minutes left in the game.
-  Messiah is just dominant.
-  22 minutes left.
-  All respect to University of Chicago who I do think is ... the second best team in the country ... there is something about this Messiah team that for me, makes it the #1 team.  And I don't think it is close.  There I said it.
-  16 minutes left and CNU kind of had a half chance to goal.
-  And Jared "the Mullet" Pavlovich makes a great save to his left on a opportunistic shot off a rebound for CNU.
-  11 minutes left.
-  Think I will let this one go for the evening.  This one is done and dusted.
-  By the Messiah#6 is a monster in the back.  Tough as nails.
-  I'm out.

simple coach, 

nice job on your you tube channel I enjoy it.  You did admit on your top 25 show when you selected messiah at number one, that it is with some bias when selecting your top 5.  I can only assume it was with messiah and maybe Kenyon.  If there is some bias, maybe you shouldn't vote.  Chicago beat A pretty defensively stout Rochester squad today on the road 1-0. Keep up the good work. 

[Moderator edit:  moved response outside the quoted posts]

nice job on your you tube channel I enjoy it.  You did admit on your top 25 show when you selected messiah at number one, that it is with some bias when selecting your top 5.  I can only assume it was with messiah and maybe Kenyon.  If there is some bias, maybe you shouldn't vote. Chicago beat A pretty defensively stout Rochester squad today on the road 1-0. Keep up the good work.

Shouldn't vote......in a fan poll?  Where did he have Chicago at?  All the way down to #2 or #3?  Do you truly think any voter could vote without considering who we thought they were last year, what we've seen this year, reputation, expecations of who we thought they would be, impressions of the quaity of wins, etc?  Especially when the voters, even the "real ones," can't possibly watch every game or even most games?

I'm voting Chicago #1 this week but I've had them at #3 (behind North Park).  Obviously the win over NPU was very impressive and I'll take your word for it that 1-0 over UR is a great result.  Chicago, like most highly related teams, have had some less than blow-ya-away results...like 1-0 against DePauw and KZoo, and they were fortunate to win over a 10 man Calvin team and easily could have drawn or lost at Luther.

no. not in the least bit.  I've watched in excess of 50 games in their entirety thus far this year and I understand every thing your saying about fan poll, games watched etc. there's no way to watch every one but to say one team is tops in the nation and quoting " and I don't think it is close" is statement that that supports my thoughts.  I don't think that statement should/ can be made based on the fact that you cannot possibly watch every team.

I did not go to University of Chicago, and don't have a personal connection to the school. I'm a CCIW guy who played for the conference and really enjoyed.  Yes, I've watched all of the Chicago games plus many others all over the country, except maybe out west.  I'm pretty sure I've watched every team in the current top 25 in its entirety.  IMHO you can't use the should've and could've because again we haven't seen all teams, so results are results.  Early season, mid season late Sean. Did you know that 3 of the five goals Chicago has given up were due to inadvertent hand balls in the box.  IMO opinion all were just bad luck.  As far as blo away results, how'd that work in the final four last year, which I thought was tremendous.
Maybe that's just me.

Quote from: 4samuy on October 02, 2022, 09:18:45 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 01, 2022, 07:46:57 PM
Christopher Newport University @ Messiah University
10.1.2022

-  All respect to University of Chicago who I do think is ... the second best team in the country ... there is something about this Messiah team that for me, makes it the #1 team.  And I don't think it is close.  There I said it.

simple coach, 

nice job on your you tube channel I enjoy it.  You did admit on your top 25 show when you selected messiah at number one, that it is with some bias when selecting your top 5.  I can only assume it was with messiah and maybe Kenyon.  If there is some bias, maybe you shouldn't vote.  Chicago beat A pretty defensively stout Rochester squad today on the road 1-0. Keep up the good work. 

Here's the thing: Messiah has proven to be a dynasty in D3 soccer. They get to Final Fours and title games more regularly than anyone. They look as formidable as ever and are blowing people out. They can be voted #1, bias or not. It's really splitting hairs at this point between these undefeated teams. And don't be surprised when the eventual NESCAC champ who took some lumps in conference ends up winning the title. Polls are not the be-all, end-all. They're just fodder for conversation and comparison really.

UChicago last year was ridiculously young (over half the roster had never played a varsity game), couldn't score consistently, they lost 5 times in the regular season due to mental errors late in games, and they STILL made the Final Four and should have beaten Amherst if it wasn't for that huge save in OT. They also boasted a top 3 best defense in the country while playing the hardest schedule in the country. This team showed it can be very good and would only get better.

Now in 2022, the Maroons are realizing their potential. The smothering defense is basically just as good as last year. The offense has taken a considerable leap forward, led by the ever-dangerous Yetishefsky aka Yeti, and some precocious youngsters. They aren't afraid of close games (they played 11 games last year that ended in a 1-0 scoreline).

Are they the #1 team in the country? Maybe, who knows. Blowing teams out every game isn't how they do things, they aren't Messiah in that way. At the same time, North Park was blowing out everyone on their schedule, and they just took a 3-0 loss at UChicago where the Maroons really turned the heat up on them in the second half. But that's the norm for UChicago teams: they wear you out as the game progresses and then hit you hard once you slip up. Just look at their goal distribution the last two years. 2022 season = 7-2 in first halves, 14-3 in second halves. 2021 = 11-2 in first halves, 19-8 in second halves.

Do I see Messiah losing a game on their remaining schedule? Highly doubt it. Do I see UChicago taking a loss or two the rest of the way? Most likely. UChicago is very vulnerable on grass because the slower surface hurts their dribbling and precision passing. The Maroons love playing on turf, the faster the better, it plays right into their strengths. Even though the UAA is slightly down this year, everyone is capable of beating each other, just takes one bad bounce to do it. Back in 2017, UChicago took a big fat 3-0 loss at home on grass to Emory. Fast forward 6 weeks, and they take down Emory in PKs to get to the Final Four on UChicago's turf field.
So when UChicago takes a maybe-inevitable loss, are we just going to think they're not a top 5 team anymore? Ultimately it's about a body of work, and the Maroons have built an impressive resume.

Addendum: UChicago beat Chris Newport 3-1 last year despite being outshot.

That's all fine...as long as it's understood that no one has disrespected Chicago in the least.  Quite the contrary.  And SC endorsed them being #2 in the country.  Last week I said the two teams had separated from everyone else, at least for now.  I mean EVERY poll...fan, D3 soccer, coaches poll...has had Chicago at #1 (and that was before North Park!), so I think everything is OK.

As for Chicago winning differently I don't care how they win and I think they're very explosive...with Yetishevsky and a few of those frosh and sophs and set play prowess with the two stud CBs...but that's different than maybe not winning, which could of happened a couple of times. 

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2022, 11:33:53 PM
That's all fine...as long as it's understood that no one has disrespected Chicago in the least.  Quite the contrary. 

We are in agreement, no one has slighted them. UChicago has gotten its recognition due this year. Messiah is equally deserving of the top spot. My bigger point was UChicago can take a loss or two, drop some spots in the rankings, and still be just as good a team as we thought. Ultimately wins in November are the end goal.

Every poll is an exercise in bias.  Bias for which teams one believes to be ranked, and where.

Re: Messiah specifically.  After watching them dismantle Christopher Newport, I am more convinced than ever of their #1 spot.  I think they are more dynamic and lethal on the attack than Chicago.  Now can Chicago beat Messiah in a single game?  Of course, I think Chicago is a fantastic team but think their strength rests on their outstanding defensive posture. 

But from an attacking perspective, Messiah can put the ball in the back of the net in any which way.  Dead ball, run of play, corners ... and do so at lightning speed.

Hence why I am sticking to #1.

SC.

Because you (SC), kuiper and I seem to be banging this drum:

Was watching the Scranton v. Goucher game, and for Scranton's second goal (I think), the Goucher keeper came off his line and could've EASILY just basket-caught a lofted cross. Instead, he kind of flap-punched it about 8 yards to his right. Scranton player collects it, and proceeds to knock it back a few yards to a player outside the box. Dude lifts his head up, spanks the ball with the outside of his boot(!) into the far side netting. Beautiful goal... That never should've happened.

SC, just watching Around D3 now...

Love the coffee segment!  And, please tell me you didn't cheat, Rochester IS a Barnes and Noble bookstore!

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 05, 2022, 10:32:49 AM
SC, just watching Around D3 now...

Love the coffee segment!  And, please tell me you didn't cheat, Rochester IS a Barnes and Noble bookstore!

Thanks @PaulNewman!  Appreciate the feedback.  Re: Barnes and Noble, I honestly had no idea.  None.

SC.

As a safeguard against deep shame, I had to check to make sure Kenyon does not have a B&N bookstore.  Thank goodness they don't.

Fact: The Bookstore is the nation's longest continuously operating college bookstore and the third-oldest bookstore of any kind in America.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 05, 2022, 10:47:02 AM
As a safeguard against deep shame, I had to check to make sure Kenyon does not have a B&N bookstore.  Thank goodness they don't.

Fact: The Bookstore is the nation's longest continuously operating college bookstore and the third-oldest bookstore of any kind in America.

This does not excuse them from the whole pay wall thing ... By the by, Moravian, from what I understand, has the oldest bookstore in the US.  The things you learn from Fields of Dreams!

SC.

SC, the quote in purple is from the Kenyon website, not UR...thankfully the Owls do not have a paywall OR a B&N bookstore.

And Kenyon and Moravian cannot both have the longest running college bookstore so we'll have to get a few of the folks in the research department to look into that.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 05, 2022, 11:46:16 AM
SC, the quote in purple is from the Kenyon website, not UR...thankfully the Owls do not have a paywall OR a B&N bookstore.

And Kenyon and Moravian cannot both have the longest running college bookstore so we'll have to get a few of the folks in the research department to look into that.

I am still angry at the whole Lords/Owls thing.  May sting for awhile ....

Re: Moravian and from their website - Moravian Book Shop - Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest bookstore in America, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world and home to the Moravian University student bookstore

A battle over who has the oldest bookstore is PEAK D3 sports smack talk.

(I know you guys aren't talking smack, you get what I'm saying.)

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 05, 2022, 12:39:40 PM
A battle over who has the oldest bookstore is PEAK D3 sports smack talk.

(I know you guys aren't talking smack, you get what I'm saying.)

LOL!  I just emailed the Kenyon bookstore.  I NEED ANSWERS!

Seriously, I am disturbed by how normal I say (or write) some things and then (sometimes) catch myself afterwards.  Like, did I really share that I watched a good portion of UWEC at Augsburg??!!  I caught myself a week ago after I said something about W&L outshooting Sewanee 22-2 despite only winning 1-0 as I, basically apologetically, demurred that I had not actually seen that game.  Oh wow, buddy, you missed the W&L-Sewanee game?  Slacker. Really, really crazy when I think about it but I don't want to think about it.  "Hey guys, I know you're watching The Voice or American Idol here and the boys are watching Steelers vs Patriots down in the basement, but if it's OK with everyone I'm going to watch UWEC @ Augsburg."  That is literally insane....but ya know, I'm a "voter" so I have responsibilities, including very close tracking of how many unlucky inadvertent handballs Chicago has suffered this season as a required part of my data assessment.

Which, quite frankly, is why I pulled my hat out of the ring this year. I'm already getting side-eyed from my wife while following just the Mid-Atlantic... If I let my "hobby" drift further from those shores, I'd be pushing the limits big time.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 05, 2022, 01:46:46 PM
Which, quite frankly, is why I pulled my hat out of the ring this year. I'm already getting side-eyed from my wife while following just the Mid-Atlantic... If I let my "hobby" drift further from those shores, I'd be pushing the limits big time.

Maybe I'm not supposed to say this but I don't watch those games because I'm in a little fan poll group.  And that's the problem. I don't have any justification at all...not even a silly one.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 05, 2022, 01:06:33 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 05, 2022, 12:39:40 PM
A battle over who has the oldest bookstore is PEAK D3 sports smack talk.

(I know you guys aren't talking smack, you get what I'm saying.)

LOL!  I just emailed the Kenyon bookstore.  I NEED ANSWERS!

Seriously, I am disturbed by how normal I say (or write) some things and then (sometimes) catch myself afterwards.  Like, did I really share that I watched a good portion of UWEC at Augsburg??!!  I caught myself a week ago after I said something about W&L outshooting Sewanee 22-2 despite only winning 1-0 as I, basically apologetically, demurred that I had not actually seen that game.  Oh wow, buddy, you missed the W&L-Sewanee game?  Slacker. Really, really crazy when I think about it but I don't want to think about it.  "Hey guys, I know you're watching The Voice or American Idol here and the boys are watching Steelers vs Patriots down in the basement, but if it's OK with everyone I'm going to watch UWEC @ Augsburg."  That is literally insane....but ya know, I'm a "voter" so I have responsibilities, including very close tracking of how many unlucky inadvertent handballs Chicago has suffered this season as a required part of my data assessment.

I share your pain.  Thinking we need some type of 12 step program......

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 05, 2022, 12:34:36 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 05, 2022, 11:46:16 AM
SC, the quote in purple is from the Kenyon website, not UR...thankfully the Owls do not have a paywall OR a B&N bookstore.

And Kenyon and Moravian cannot both have the longest running college bookstore so we'll have to get a few of the folks in the research department to look into that.

I am still angry at the whole Lords/Owls thing.  May sting for awhile ....

Re: Moravian and from their website - Moravian Book Shop - Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest bookstore in America, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world and home to the Moravian University student bookstore

The Moravian Book Shop does NOT claim to be the oldest college bookstore, just the oldest bookstore.  While it currently is also home to the college/university bookstore, it does not say that was always the case. And, in fact, Moravian University had is roots in Nazareth, PA about the same time the Book Shop was founded in Bethlehem, PA.  The educational institution remained in Nazareth for over a century before gradually relocating to Bethlehem, PA.

Kenyon does NOT claim to have the oldest bookstore, or even the first (oldest) college bookstore, only the longest continuously operating college bookstore.

So, they both can simultaneously be completely accurate.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 05, 2022, 12:39:40 PM
A battle over who has the oldest bookstore is PEAK D3 sports smack talk.

(I know you guys aren't talking smack, you get what I'm saying.)

Is it time for a separate ranking discussion?

Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 05, 2022, 02:41:21 PMAnd, in fact, Moravian University had is roots in Nazareth, PA about the same time the Book Shop was founded in Bethlehem, PA.  The educational institution remained in Nazareth for over a century before gradually relocating to Bethlehem, PA.

I'm sure that I'm not the first one who's pointed out that moving from Nazareth to Bethlehem gets it backwards. ;)

Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 05, 2022, 02:41:21 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 05, 2022, 12:34:36 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 05, 2022, 11:46:16 AM
SC, the quote in purple is from the Kenyon website, not UR...thankfully the Owls do not have a paywall OR a B&N bookstore.

And Kenyon and Moravian cannot both have the longest running college bookstore so we'll have to get a few of the folks in the research department to look into that.

I am still angry at the whole Lords/Owls thing.  May sting for awhile ....

Re: Moravian and from their website - Moravian Book Shop - Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest bookstore in America, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world and home to the Moravian University student bookstore

The Moravian Book Shop does NOT claim to be the oldest college bookstore, just the oldest bookstore.  While it currently is also home to the college/university bookstore, it does not say that was always the case. And, in fact, Moravian University had is roots in Nazareth, PA about the same time the Book Shop was founded in Bethlehem, PA.  The educational institution remained in Nazareth for over a century before gradually relocating to Bethlehem, PA.

Kenyon does NOT claim to have the oldest bookstore, or even the first (oldest) college bookstore, only the longest continuously operating college bookstore.

So, they both can simultaneously be completely accurate.

Co-champs...I can live with that.

It's very confusing because Moravian as a school in some form (according to history on website) dates back to 1742 when both a girls and boys school (separately) opened.  And then the bookshop started in 1745, so when you read those dates together one could conclude that there is a thread there that ties the bookshop to the eventual college/seminary....becoming chartered to offer degrees in like 1871 and going co-ed in I believe 1954.  Anyway, I assumed there was a technicality with the words 'continuously' and existing throughout on the exact same site continuously.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 05, 2022, 02:53:58 PM

Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 05, 2022, 02:41:21 PMAnd, in fact, Moravian University had is roots in Nazareth, PA about the same time the Book Shop was founded in Bethlehem, PA.  The educational institution remained in Nazareth for over a century before gradually relocating to Bethlehem, PA.

I'm sure that I'm not the first one who's pointed out that moving from Nazareth to Bethlehem gets it backwards. ;)

;)

That was fun.  Where else could you get some complaining about how bad Rochester's paywall sucks to UR's bookstore being a B&N franchise to a battle over oldest bookstore between Moravian and Kenyon with a dash of biblical training along the way?

Oh, and SC, wanna guess what kind of coffee they serve at the Rochester B&N bookstore?

If we accomplish nothing else this season let's (Reagan voice) tear down that paywall, Mr. Gorbachev.

Before we move on and back to D-III soccer discussion . . . .

The Moravian Book Shop is operated by B&N these days.  In 2018, the Moravian Church Northern Province approached Moravian College (now University) seeking to sell the Moravian Book Shop to entrust the legacy of the store to an owner within the "Moravian Family" and continue its focus on their 85 congregations. In April 2018, the college announced its purchase of the Book Shop and in June the store became the official college bookstore and went under the management of Barnes & Noble.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moravian_Book_Shop
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/erry-2018/10/a807e27a364250/whats-to-come-for-americas-old.html
https://lithub.com/how-americas-oldest-bookstore-has-survived-across-the-centuries/
https://www.change.org/p/moravian-college-save-america-s-oldest-bookstore

And we might have a controversy on our hands. Kenyon College Bookstore may not be the "third-oldest bookstore of any kind in America" as claimed on their webpage.
1. Moravian Book Shop, 1745
2. Andover Bookstore, 1809 (https://andoverbookstore.com/our-story/)
3. Brattle Book Shop, 1825 (https://www.brattlebookshop.com/about)
4. Kenyon College Bookstore, 1829 - "Planning for the store began in 1825" (https://www.shopkenyon.com/about-0), but it "began as a log cabin established in 1829" (https://kenyoncollegian.com/features/2014/09/once-upon-a-bookstore/)

FW...always trying to knock Paul Newman down lol.

You left out the word 'college'.

Fact: The Bookstore is the nation's longest continuously operating college bookstore and the third-oldest bookstore of any kind in America.

Addendum:  OK, you got me again.  But, as long as the first part is true, I'm good.

Getting further a field.  I grew up in a town between Bethlehem and Nazareth and we always thought the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem as a totally separate entity from Moravian College and whatever bookstore it may have had.  The book shop was always a very popular place to shop especially around Christmas.  It is actually physically located about a mile from the Moravian Univ. campus. So locally it was never associated as a "college book store" even though now the book shop may be a college book store as well.

FYI, if you are ever in the Bethlehem area in August, make sure you check out Musikfest which is an great time and right around the Moravian Book Store.

Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 05, 2022, 03:42:05 PM
Before we move on and back to D-III soccer discussion . . . .

The Moravian Book Shop is operated by B&N these days.  In 2018, the Moravian Church Northern Province approached Moravian College (now University) seeking to sell the Moravian Book Shop to entrust the legacy of the store to an owner within the "Moravian Family" and continue its focus on their 85 congregations. In April 2018, the college announced its purchase of the Book Shop and in June the store became the official college bookstore and went under the management of Barnes & Noble.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moravian_Book_Shop
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/erry-2018/10/a807e27a364250/whats-to-come-for-americas-old.html
https://lithub.com/how-americas-oldest-bookstore-has-survived-across-the-centuries/
https://www.change.org/p/moravian-college-save-america-s-oldest-bookstore

And we might have a controversy on our hands. Kenyon College Bookstore may not be the "third-oldest bookstore of any kind in America" as claimed on their webpage.
1. Moravian Book Shop, 1745
2. Andover Bookstore, 1809 (https://andoverbookstore.com/our-story/)
3. Brattle Book Shop, 1825 (https://www.brattlebookshop.com/about)
4. Kenyon College Bookstore, 1829 - "Planning for the store began in 1825" (https://www.shopkenyon.com/about-0), but it "began as a log cabin established in 1829" (https://kenyoncollegian.com/features/2014/09/once-upon-a-bookstore/)

Some great bookstore trivia going on here - love it.  I grew up Andover, MA and I knew the Andover Bookstore was old, but I had no clue it was THAT old.

Babson with a dominating 3-0 win at home over Coast Guard,  Coupled with Emerson's win over MIT, Babson takes over the NEWMAC lead alone.  And 4 straight shoutouts.

But I'd trade all that for a draw rather than see midfielder Kalishman go down to what appeared to be a knee injury and needing assistance off the field.  He's arguably their most skilled at possession, precision passing, and building the attack.

Carthage did not show well against Messiah and Chicago.  They played with very little team chemistry in either of these games.  Only get one shot against Messiah and 6 against Chicago.  Just my thoughts on Carthage's season

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 10:30:19 PM
Carthage did not show well against Messiah and Chicago.  They played with very little team chemistry in either of these games.  Only get one shot against Messiah and 6 against Chicago.  Just my thoughts on Carthage's season

The Firebirds only got seven shots against North Central yesterday, including just two on frame.

The Firebirds seemed to try and get all ten field players behind the ball and give both teams half field before they started to challenge them.  Are they coached to play that way or are they hoping not to lose by too many goals.  Must try to go to goal.  NCAA are encouraging ties but I think this is a mistake to play that way.

Hey all.  New episode of Around D3.  Make a few comments of the sad news out of York College this past week at the end.

Around D3- The Power of Prayer (https://youtu.be/-aXOMcgVF60)

Thanks @Jknezek and @Christan Shirk for the tie data.

SC.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 11:40:29 PM
The Firebirds seemed to try and get all ten field players behind the ball and give both teams half field before they started to challenge them.  Are they coached to play that way or are they hoping not to lose by too many goals.  Must try to go to goal.  NCAA are encouraging ties but I think this is a mistake to play that way.

Carthage has a new coach this year. This may simply be his style. It's certainly not the way that the Firebirds played under previous head coach Steve Domin.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 12, 2022, 11:18:53 AM
Hey all.  New episode of Around D3.  Make a few comments of the sad news out of York College this past week at the end.

Around D3- The Power of Prayer (https://youtu.be/-aXOMcgVF60)

Thanks @Jknezek and @Christan Shirk for the tie data.

SC.

York Men played very well under the very difficult situation.  Please continue to remember them in your prayers.

Bookstore update....finally got response to my email today...

We don't know for sure when Kenyon College's bookstore first opened for business.  But we have good reason to celebrate the bookstore's 188th birthday today, August 3.  This is the date in 1825 when Philander Chase wrote a letter asserting the need for such a store.  "We must have a bookstore belonging to the Institution," he said.  But the store was more than just a glimmer in his eye.  Chase's letter describes sourcing, shipping, pricing and other business details in terms that are not unfamiliar today.


And also directed me to this...

Finefrock estimates that students come into the bookstore, on average, seven to nine times a day. They'll pop in to play chess, write term papers, meet up with friends, check out the newspapers, and chat with professors. It's a general store, living room, kiosk, unofficial student center, and coffee shop rolled into one. "We're a de facto student union," claims Finefrock. He has been told that the bookstore bears more traffic than a downtown Cleveland office building.

The bookstore wasn't always the campus center that it is today. It has a varied history nearly as long as that of the College. In fact, as reported in Publishers Weekly, the American Booksellers Association recently saluted Kenyon's as the longest continuously-operating college bookstore, and the third-oldest bookstore of any kind, in America. At 172 years of age, the bookstore has never been in better health.

Created after four years of planning, the bookstore was the brainchild of Philander Chase, founder and first president of the College. In a letter dated August 1825, Chase sought funds to establish a bookstore at Kenyon, for, he wrote, "school books cannot be had in our poor country `bookstores.' . . . Is every young man to send hither and thither for a book and perhaps be obliged after all to send to the East before he can be accommodated? Surely not. We must have a bookstore belonging to the Institution . . .," with the profits to support a scholarship fund.

Housed in a log cabin, the bookstore opened in 1829. After several intervening moves, it took up residence in its current, center-campus location in 1968.

The store has been most successful during those eras in which it has sold a broad, if not bewildering, range of merchandise. In the 1860s, for example, a former store manager, one Mr. Putnam, received a letter praising the store's astonishing variety of wares, everything from "squirrel traps to gingham dresses." And books, of course.

Anyone interested in the full text of Philander Chase's 1825 letter to Reverund Boyd, click on link below...

https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/535/

Interesting to consider the challenges that a student faced when attempting to obtain an education on the western edge of the country in the early 1800s.

Where do I get books?

Connecticut @ Amherst
10.19.2022

-    Conn insists working out of the back, in spite of Amherst pressure.
-  Looks like a windy, chilly day.
-  And a PK is called.  A soft PK against Conn.  I think the call is pretty lame to be honest.
-  And buried to the right of the Conn Keeper.
-  Amherst 1, Connecticut 0
-  15 minutes left in the half.
-  So many forced balls.  For Amherst, that's a tactic, for Connecticut it's a killer.
-  Don't know the back story around the Keeper situation, but Connecticut#1 is a poor decision maker.  Come out or stay.  His distribution.  He is a good shot stopper.
-  I don't understand how Amherst gets away with so much shirt grabbing without a call.
-  Think whatever confidence Connecticut had in reserve from being National Champions is totally gone.  Plays with neither confidence or conviction.
-  For someone who hates tequila, Amherst is the Patron of Tequila.
-  Not sure if this is the game plan, but distribution out of the back consists a lot of launching the ball up to the forward, who invariably does not win the ball.
-  Halftime.
-  Conn needs to hold the ball for stretches and force Amherst to chase for awhile.  They do well in possession.  Start of the 2nd they have held on to the ball for the first 7 minutes.  When they force it they look like an average High School team.
-  Conn doing better forcing Amherst to start deeper because they have to defend.
-  I don't understand the corner that goes to the near post that doesn't get over the first defender.
-  With 25 minutes left, it's devolved back into the game that was played in the first half.  Conn forcing it, and Amherst using its size to defend, and then go on the counter.
-  Certainly an entertaining, hard fought contest now.  Let the bodies hit the floor ...
-  Not the first time I have said this, Amherst Keeper is terribly inconsistent and inaccurate when punting.
-  Seriously, Amherst got lucky.  Playing pulls down Conn#14 when he is on the break.  Make the case that it should have been a red, instead it's a yellow.
-  And on that same play, Keeper comes out on the cross from the free kick... drops it and Conn puts it in the back of the net for the goal. 
-  Amherst 1, Conn 1.
-  This gives me an aneurism seeing this.  He is 6 foot ginormous and can't hold on to the ball, which tells me he didn't have good control of it EVEN if he was knocked, which I am wondering if he was since they really didn't protest or go nuts on it.  This to me is elementary.  It's a decision he made to catch it.  So he should have caught it.  If he decided the traffic was too much so he decided to punch the ball, then punch it to the moon.  He either made the right decision, but failed to execute.  Or made the wrong decision, and cost the team the goal.  Either way it's all on him.   Give me a smart, athletic 6 foot keeper over one who is 6 foot ginormous but can't catch, or doesn't have a mind for the game.
-  So, tweaked by this I am done watching.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:15:22 PM
Connecticut @ Amherst
10.19.2022
-  And on that same play, Keeper comes out on the cross from the free kick... drops it and Conn puts it in the back of the net for the goal. 
-  Amherst 1, Conn 1.
-  This gives me an aneurism seeing this.  He is 6 foot ginormous and can't hold on to the ball, which tells me he didn't have good control of it EVEN if he was knocked, which I am wondering if he was since they really didn't protest or go nuts on it.  This to me is elementary.  It's a decision he made to catch it.  So he should have caught it.  If he decided the traffic was too much so he decided to punch the ball, then punch it to the moon.  He either made the right decision, but failed to execute.  Or made the wrong decision, and cost the team the goal.  Either way it's all on him.   Give me a smart, athletic 6 foot keeper over one who is 6 foot ginormous but can't catch, or doesn't have a mind for the game.
-  So, tweaked by this I am done watching.

Sounds like I didn't need to reference a "Simple Coach-like reaction" in my reference to this play on the NESCAC thread (quoted below).  Simple Coach gave us the real thing!

"That Conn College goal was a classic illustration of why height does not mean a GK is good with balls in the air.  Not sure why the Amherst GK couldn't hold onto the ball.  My guess is @Hopkins92 will have a Simple Coach-like reaction to that one being why his prediction of a Mammoth win didn't come true"

Quote from: Kuiper on October 19, 2022, 07:21:49 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:15:22 PM
Connecticut @ Amherst
10.19.2022
-  And on that same play, Keeper comes out on the cross from the free kick... drops it and Conn puts it in the back of the net for the goal. 
-  Amherst 1, Conn 1.
-  This gives me an aneurism seeing this.  He is 6 foot ginormous and can't hold on to the ball, which tells me he didn't have good control of it EVEN if he was knocked, which I am wondering if he was since they really didn't protest or go nuts on it.  This to me is elementary.  It's a decision he made to catch it.  So he should have caught it.  If he decided the traffic was too much so he decided to punch the ball, then punch it to the moon.  He either made the right decision, but failed to execute.  Or made the wrong decision, and cost the team the goal.  Either way it's all on him.   Give me a smart, athletic 6 foot keeper over one who is 6 foot ginormous but can't catch, or doesn't have a mind for the game.
-  So, tweaked by this I am done watching.

Sounds like I didn't need to reference a "Simple Coach-like reaction" in my reference to this play on the NESCAC thread (quoted below).  Simple Coach gave us the real thing!

"That Conn College goal was a classic illustration of why height does not mean a GK is good with balls in the air.  Not sure why the Amherst GK couldn't hold onto the ball.  My guess is @Hopkins92 will have a Simple Coach-like reaction to that one being why his prediction of a Mammoth win didn't come true"

I've always thought that if someone uses your name as a verb, you've made it.  This is close enough for me!

To make matters worse, I may do some analysis on the type of keeper errors and how many teams get scored on as a result.  I have no time for it, but I feel pushed to having to do this to let my mind find some peace....

SC.

"Seriously, Amherst got lucky.  Playing pulls down Conn#14 when he is on the break.  Make the case that it should have been a red, instead it's a yellow."

You can make the case Simple Coach, but that's all it is and given: (courtesy of the English FA):

The following must be considered:

distance between the offence and the goal: Inside the Amherst half, past the centre circle only, a long way to go
general direction of the play: the ball was going away from goal
likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball: The Conn player didn't have the ball and the much maligned Amherst keeper was at least close enough to potentially clear it
location and number of defenders: There was still one other central defender a little deeper, who could have intercepted the Conn player.

The case doesn't look strong to me at all, but of course in the heat of the moment, people will shout for it.  VAR would have overturned it pretty quickly had the referee given that decision.

Very happy to disclose my vested interest, it was Son of Enmorecat.   I would prefer he doesn't get yellow cards, mainly because I want him to play, but it's an occupational hazard of the position.  He deserved one for that particular incident.    I would guess that parents of central defenders understand this better than most.   

Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 20, 2022, 03:48:44 AM
"Seriously, Amherst got lucky.  Playing pulls down Conn#14 when he is on the break.  Make the case that it should have been a red, instead it's a yellow."

You can make the case Simple Coach, but that's all it is and given: (courtesy of the English FA):

The following must be considered:

distance between the offence and the goal: Inside the Amherst half, past the centre circle only, a long way to go
general direction of the play: the ball was going away from goal
likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball: The Conn player didn't have the ball and the much maligned Amherst keeper was at least close enough to potentially clear it
location and number of defenders: There was still one other central defender a little deeper, who could have intercepted the Conn player.

The case doesn't look strong to me at all, but of course in the heat of the moment, people will shout for it.  VAR would have overturned it pretty quickly had the referee given that decision.

Very happy to disclose my vested interest, it was Son of Enmorecat.   I would prefer he doesn't get yellow cards, mainly because I want him to play, but it's an occupational hazard of the position.  He deserved one for that particular incident.    I would guess that parents of central defenders understand this better than most.

@EnmoreCat.  The issue about what card to issue is debatable certainly.  My point I was making that I didn't explain was that the ball was going away from the defenders, and the forward was beyond your son.  Now don't get me wrong.  Not blaming your son for the foul or suggesting it was robbery.  That was a play that had the potential to be very dangerous, and taking him down at the speed of play was a smart move.  As you say, sometimes in that position you are called to make those decisions.  As you say, an occupational hazard.

Not for nothing, and I had no idea he was your son, but he is a very good ball player.

SC.

The Ref went into a compensating mood after he made that questionable penalty call, that adds to the high yellow count, I think he missed a few calls against Conn.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:27:01 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on October 19, 2022, 07:21:49 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:15:22 PM
Connecticut @ Amherst
10.19.2022
- 

To make matters worse, I may do some analysis on the type of keeper errors and how many teams get scored on as a result.  I have no time for it, but I feel pushed to having to do this to let my mind find some peace....

SC.

SC, make sure you count the open goal opportunities missed and easy shots not on frame at the other end. I am pretty sure they'll out number the dropped catches that lead to goals.

Nobody tells Simple Coach what to do!

:D

I will say, as I stated in the NESCAC thread, Amherst really should've been up 2-0 at half. Their striker tried an outside of the boot tap in on his breakaway when he had oodles of time and space to just open up his hips and pass the ball into the net on a breakaway about 10 minutes from HT.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 11:40:29 PM
The Firebirds seemed to try and get all ten field players behind the ball and give both teams half field before they started to challenge them.  Are they coached to play that way or are they hoping not to lose by too many goals.  Must try to go to goal.  NCAA are encouraging ties but I think this is a mistake to play that way.

Well, it certainly worked last night. I've watched the Firebirds multiple times this season, and it's apparent that they're finally getting used to their new coach Paul Leese's system. Carthage is a very, very different animal now than it was during the Steve Domin era. This is far from the most talented Carthage team I've ever seen, but it's the most organized and disciplined. The Firebirds will be dangerous in the CCIW tourney.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 20, 2022, 10:22:13 AM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 11:40:29 PM
The Firebirds seemed to try and get all ten field players behind the ball and give both teams half field before they started to challenge them.  Are they coached to play that way or are they hoping not to lose by too many goals.  Must try to go to goal.  NCAA are encouraging ties but I think this is a mistake to play that way.

Well, it certainly worked last night. I've watched the Firebirds multiple times this season, and it's apparent that they're finally getting used to their new coach Paul Leese's system. Carthage is a very, very different animal now than it was during the Steve Domin era. This is far from the most talented Carthage team I've ever seen, but it's the most organized and disciplined. The Firebirds will be dangerous in the CCIW tourney.

It does appear that a DRAW is a good result this year LOL.  Well soon all teams will have to play for a win or PK's it is.  NOt a great way to finish a game but it is the best we have.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 20, 2022, 10:22:13 AM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 11:40:29 PM
The Firebirds seemed to try and get all ten field players behind the ball and give both teams half field before they started to challenge them.  Are they coached to play that way or are they hoping not to lose by too many goals.  Must try to go to goal.  NCAA are encouraging ties but I think this is a mistake to play that way.

Well, it certainly worked last night. I've watched the Firebirds multiple times this season, and it's apparent that they're finally getting used to their new coach Paul Leese's system. Carthage is a very, very different animal now than it was during the Steve Domin era. This is far from the most talented Carthage team I've ever seen, but it's the most organized and disciplined. The Firebirds will be dangerous in the CCIW tourney.

IMO, wouldn't take much to be more disciplined than the last couple years of Domin teams, lol. Can't say I was impressed with his comportment over the years. They were even late for their game at UChicago last year.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:27:01 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on October 19, 2022, 07:21:49 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:15:22 PM
Connecticut @ Amherst
10.19.2022
-  And on that same play, Keeper comes out on the cross from the free kick... drops it and Conn puts it in the back of the net for the goal. 
-  Amherst 1, Conn 1.
-  This gives me an aneurism seeing this.  He is 6 foot ginormous and can't hold on to the ball, which tells me he didn't have good control of it EVEN if he was knocked, which I am wondering if he was since they really didn't protest or go nuts on it.  This to me is elementary.  It's a decision he made to catch it.  So he should have caught it.  If he decided the traffic was too much so he decided to punch the ball, then punch it to the moon.  He either made the right decision, but failed to execute.  Or made the wrong decision, and cost the team the goal.  Either way it's all on him.   Give me a smart, athletic 6 foot keeper over one who is 6 foot ginormous but can't catch, or doesn't have a mind for the game.
-  So, tweaked by this I am done watching.

Sounds like I didn't need to reference a "Simple Coach-like reaction" in my reference to this play on the NESCAC thread (quoted below).  Simple Coach gave us the real thing!

"That Conn College goal was a classic illustration of why height does not mean a GK is good with balls in the air.  Not sure why the Amherst GK couldn't hold onto the ball.  My guess is @Hopkins92 will have a Simple Coach-like reaction to that one being why his prediction of a Mammoth win didn't come true"

I've always thought that if someone uses your name as a verb, you've made it.  This is close enough for me!

To make matters worse, I may do some analysis on the type of keeper errors and how many teams get scored on as a result.  I have no time for it, but I feel pushed to having to do this to let my mind find some peace....

SC.

I feel that because a few of us tend to be GK-centric in our comments, we may be veering too much in the direction of those parents in the youth games that blame everything on the goalkeepers and ignore the mistakes their own kids make.  For example, I've seen multiple games in the past week (Emory v. NYU and Tufts v. Conn College) where a GK made a mistake on a free kick that led to a last minute goal.  We tend to focus on the GK mistake in part because it's so obvious and in part because the commentators and/or press releases ignore the GK's actions or even praise it (the Emory PR recap even called it "a great diving save to block the free kick").  Giving up a free kick at the top of the box in both games, however, was the original sin (something I think Simple Coach mentioned in at least one of his game reviews).

On those plays, we could rightly point out that the defenders evidenced the same deficiencies in skills and/or poor decisionmaking that plagues goalkeepers.  I know both fouls weren't committed by players in the 6 (defensive midfielder) position, but that's one area where few players know how to play that correctly to avoid fouling by getting a hip in front of the attacker and edging them off the ball or to circle behind the center back if they are beaten and the CB has to come up and cover for the ball.  Moreover, far too many defensive midfielders lack the ball skill and decision making to circulate the ball out of trouble while still being positive and not just going laterally or backward.  Observers talk about long kicks, but lots of breakaways are the result of bad passes and poor traps giving the ball to the other team in dangerous positions, which is why some coaches want their defenders booting the ball starting in the youth game.  Because of the pressure to not concede, some players have never developed the ball skills necessary for the position and are essentially just hustlers and rugby players.  In fact, Amherst's style is in part to take advantage of the inability of teams to play out of pressure.  When a team is actually skilled (and Conn College is one of the more individually skilled teams), then the Amherst players tend to foul as Plan B. 

I just saw an example of this GK v. defender mistake situation in the Pomona-Pitzer v. Chapman game yesterday.  Pomona-Pitzer is a possession-based team.  Not as skilled as Conn College in most positions, but they definitely are structured to play that way.  They also play their GK high and use a high line to try to get some offensive push and allow their GK who is quite small (maybe 5'8.5" or 5'9" even though he is listed as 5'10") to help recirculate the ball like an extra field player since he's good with his feet.  Chapman, like Amherst, presses high, so this game was a little bit like a west coast version, at least stylistically, of Conn College/Amherst.  A few minutes into the game, following a throw-in on the left side, a Pomona-Pitzer player got into trouble around midfield and passed it back weakly to a teammate (it may have taken a deflection).  The teammate, who I think was playing the 6, tried to shift his hips to receive it on the inside and pass it centrally, but the decision to let it cross his body to his right foot allowed the pressing striker to take the ball off him.  The Chapman player took one touch outside, and passed it ahead to a Chapman teammate who took one or two touches, realized the GK was far off his line, and one-timed it from 25 yards out into the goal for a 1-0 lead.  At first, I was blaming the GK because he should have been backpedaling (or sprinting) and shading to the side where the ball was before the shot was taken to at least give himself a chance.  In reality, though, the back pass was ill-advised, the 6 failed to shield the ball first and recognize the danger, the center backs had sagged back, but they were just in space and that only allowed the Chapman striker to push forward for the pass while remaining onside and uncovered.  The GK involvement was last and while he seemed to fall asleep a little in his positioning, he hardly committed the worst mistake of the group.

From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

No doubt, @Kuiper.  Believe it or not, I try hard NOT to blame the keeper in certain situations.  And in a game like yesterday, I could equally say that #23 should have buried the ball in the first half to make to 2-0.  The Keeper errors though, right or wrong as you know, are the most unforgiveable because it potentially leads into having the pick the ball out of the net.

SC.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 10:36:36 AM

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 20, 2022, 10:22:13 AM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 11:40:29 PM
The Firebirds seemed to try and get all ten field players behind the ball and give both teams half field before they started to challenge them.  Are they coached to play that way or are they hoping not to lose by too many goals.  Must try to go to goal.  NCAA are encouraging ties but I think this is a mistake to play that way.

Well, it certainly worked last night. I've watched the Firebirds multiple times this season, and it's apparent that they're finally getting used to their new coach Paul Leese's system. Carthage is a very, very different animal now than it was during the Steve Domin era. This is far from the most talented Carthage team I've ever seen, but it's the most organized and disciplined. The Firebirds will be dangerous in the CCIW tourney.

It does appear that a DRAW is a good result this year LOL.

It is when you're the 2022 edition of Carthage and your opponent is North Park.

When you're North Park? No, not so much.

Quote from: blue_jays on October 20, 2022, 12:08:09 PM
IMO, wouldn't take much to be more disciplined than the last couple years of Domin teams, lol. Can't say I was impressed with his comportment over the years. They were even late for their game at UChicago last year.

Domin was a fantastic recruiter, but I've never been sold on his abilities in the other phases of coaching.

His legacy lives on in his recruits in some ways, however. Even after the departure of his surly, provocative self, Carthage and North Park still go at it hammer and tongs. Last night was by far the chippiest contest, with the most shoving, entanglements, and back-and-forth yapping, that I've seen all year (compounded by a referee who was more interested in being the center of attention than in lowering the temperature on the field). There's a pretty stark contrast in terms of NPU's two long-standing rivalries: North Park vs. Wheaton is typically all about good soccer, while North Park vs. Carthage always seems to be teetering on the edge of becoming a street brawl. The Vikings have usually been good about maintaining their composure against Elmhurst, the other CCIW program with a reputation for excessive physicality, but against the Firebirds all bets are off -- probably because Carthage has typically been able to back up its pugnacity with genuine soccer skill.

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

In my own poll I've had Messiah at #1 since week 1 for the very same reasons you have outlined in other games I watched.

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 20, 2022, 01:21:27 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

In my own poll I've had Messiah at #1 since week 1 for the very same reasons you have outlined in other games I watched.

SC.

Maybe so, but Hood has been smacked around by much lesser teams this year.  In the last 5 or 6 they have not won more than 2 conference games.

Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on October 20, 2022, 01:31:01 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 20, 2022, 01:21:27 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

In my own poll I've had Messiah at #1 since week 1 for the very same reasons you have outlined in other games I watched.

SC.

Maybe so, but Hood has been smacked around by much lesser teams this year.  In the last 5 or 6 they have not won more than 2 conference games.

I wasn't talking about Hood.  What they did to W&L and Christopher Newport, probably the two best teams they have faced, was pretty impressive.

SC.

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

Maybe. But it was extremely impressive. Hood effectively played a 1-9-1 formation last night and packed the 18, and Messiah didn't waiver in their approach. They move and possess the ball better than any team I have watched (especially in tight spaces). While I am not into crowning anyone ahead of a single elimination tourney that can easily create upsets - messiahs ability to move the ball and score is uncanny. And while I guess you have to call them "second team" - any other D3 team would be thrilled to start and play every member of that bench for the entire 90 minutes.  They will be fun to watch this postseason - and while they have to earn it - I do think they are #1 for many reasons.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

I don't disagree, I don't think any crowing should happen until after the final's been played :) Was just making some commentary on how I've ranked teams in my head thus far in the season and last nights game was enough for me to say they were just that dominant in a game to flip from #2 - #1. Messiah, Chicago, and Kenyon could all arguably be #1 though.

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 20, 2022, 02:06:47 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

Maybe. But it was extremely impressive. Hood effectively played a 1-9-1 formation last night and packed the 18, and Messiah didn't waiver in their approach. They move and possess the ball better than any team I have watched (especially in tight spaces). While I am not into crowning anyone ahead of a single elimination tourney that can easily create upsets - messiahs ability to move the ball and score is uncanny. And while I guess you have to call them "second team" - any other D3 team would be thrilled to start and play every member of that bench for the entire 90 minutes.  They will be fun to watch this postseason - and while they have to earn it - I do think they are #1 for many reasons.

I definitely use second team loosely. The guys coming off the bench this year have scored close to if not more goals than the first team. It should really be the starting 22 not starting 11.

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 02:16:03 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 20, 2022, 02:06:47 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

Maybe. But it was extremely impressive. Hood effectively played a 1-9-1 formation last night and packed the 18, and Messiah didn't waiver in their approach. They move and possess the ball better than any team I have watched (especially in tight spaces). While I am not into crowning anyone ahead of a single elimination tourney that can easily create upsets - messiahs ability to move the ball and score is uncanny. And while I guess you have to call them "second team" - any other D3 team would be thrilled to start and play every member of that bench for the entire 90 minutes.  They will be fun to watch this postseason - and while they have to earn it - I do think they are #1 for many reasons.

I definitely use second team loosely. The guys coming off the bench this year have scored close to if not more goals than the first team. It should really be the starting 22 not starting 11.

I will take it to another level  - Id call them the starting 27.......The entire squad is first team quality.

Quote from: Kuiper on October 20, 2022, 01:01:34 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:27:01 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on October 19, 2022, 07:21:49 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:15:22 PM
Connecticut @ Amherst
10.19.2022
I feel that because a few of us tend to be GK-centric in our comments, we may be veering too much in the direction of those parents in the youth games that blame everything on the goalkeepers and ignore the mistakes their own kids make.  For example, I've seen multiple games in the past week (Emory v. NYU and Tufts v. Conn College) where a GK made a mistake on a free kick that led to a last minute goal.  We tend to focus on the GK mistake in part because it's so obvious and in part because the commentators and/or press releases ignore the GK's actions or even praise it (the Emory PR recap even called it "a great diving save to block the free kick").  Giving up a free kick at the top of the box in both games, however, was the original sin (something I think Simple Coach mentioned in at least one of his game reviews).

Well said. Great examples. Thank you. A lot often has to go into the misplays, stupid fouls that end up being goals. Dangerous free kicks can lead to opportunities.  Another good example was the JHU-Dickinson game last night.  Stupid, stupid foul by Dickinson (not a very good practioner of the dark arts) followed by really really bad marking on the free kick which in turn subjected the keeper to a nightmare scenario. See https://www.centennialconference.tv/?B=396550 at the 1.44 mark for the events leading up to and the goal itself.

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 20, 2022, 02:27:26 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 02:16:03 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 20, 2022, 02:06:47 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

Maybe. But it was extremely impressive. Hood effectively played a 1-9-1 formation last night and packed the 18, and Messiah didn't waiver in their approach. They move and possess the ball better than any team I have watched (especially in tight spaces). While I am not into crowning anyone ahead of a single elimination tourney that can easily create upsets - messiahs ability to move the ball and score is uncanny. And while I guess you have to call them "second team" - any other D3 team would be thrilled to start and play every member of that bench for the entire 90 minutes.  They will be fun to watch this postseason - and while they have to earn it - I do think they are #1 for many reasons.

I definitely use second team loosely. The guys coming off the bench this year have scored close to if not more goals than the first team. It should really be the starting 22 not starting 11.

I will take it to another level  - Id call them the starting 27.......The entire squad is first team quality.

MessageBoardMessi I read your post about Messiah's Second team scored almost the same as the starting 11.  I found that interesting so I went to Messiah's webpage and looked it up because I new that McDonald (starter) had 16 goals on his own.  The first 11 have 41 goals leaving only 23 for the other players.  I thought your stats were a little off.  I do agree that the team as a whole is very deep and anyone can score.  They are fun to watch.

The scary thing about this Messiah team is they're also not graduating many players after this season.  I'm sure one of the Messiah fans/parents with better info can chime in but they're graduating Groothoff, Brautigam, and Swartz and then who else?  I'm assuming the seniors listed on the roster will be taking their additional eligibility year from Covid. 

Obviously, losing the "Super Seniors", but I have told only 1 of the true Seniors is NOT returning at this point. It comes from good intel as I have a son on the team.

Quote from: paclassic89 on October 21, 2022, 12:12:37 AM
The scary thing about this Messiah team is they're also not graduating many players after this season.  I'm sure one of the Messiah fans/parents with better info can chime in but they're graduating Groothoff, Brautigam, and Swartz and then who else?  I'm assuming the seniors listed on the roster will be taking their additional eligibility year from Covid.

Their Keeper Pavlovich is a super senior as well

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 09:07:59 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 20, 2022, 02:27:26 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 02:16:03 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 20, 2022, 02:06:47 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2022, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: thesoccerguy17 on October 20, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
From a national perspective, up until last night, I saw Chicago at #1 with a perfect 14-0 record and Messiah at a close #2 because of the 1 tie early in the season and a weaker overall SOS but last night's game Messiah vs Hood blew me away. I have no choice but to put Messiah at #1 now. They were up 9-0 with 20 minutes to play and just passed in circles to avoid making it 10+ and at least half of the goals were from the second team. In a game where the starters play the majority of the game and no goal restrictions I can only wonder if they would have scored 20. (I have to assume the coaching staff told them not to score anymore the way they were playing at the end). It was one of the most dominant D3 games I have ever seen in my life across the board. Here is the link to the stats sheet in case anyone doesn't believe it https://gomessiah.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2022/hood-college/boxscore/10385

Let's take a look at Hood over the year.  They are currently 3-10-2 and only scoring 10 goals so far and giving up 38 (9 last night).  To be honest it looked like Messiah was playing a good High School team.  They gave up 4 goals off of uncontested headers and 13 corners.  I looked at their 3 wins Neuman, EMU, and Marymount have a combined record of 15-21-7 creating a win % of 35.  I am not ready to crown them D3 champs yet.  This win is a win but not a crowning moment.  They are supposed to win these games.

Maybe. But it was extremely impressive. Hood effectively played a 1-9-1 formation last night and packed the 18, and Messiah didn't waiver in their approach. They move and possess the ball better than any team I have watched (especially in tight spaces). While I am not into crowning anyone ahead of a single elimination tourney that can easily create upsets - messiahs ability to move the ball and score is uncanny. And while I guess you have to call them "second team" - any other D3 team would be thrilled to start and play every member of that bench for the entire 90 minutes.  They will be fun to watch this postseason - and while they have to earn it - I do think they are #1 for many reasons.

I definitely use second team loosely. The guys coming off the bench this year have scored close to if not more goals than the first team. It should really be the starting 22 not starting 11.

I will take it to another level  - Id call them the starting 27.......The entire squad is first team quality.

MessageBoardMessi I read your post about Messiah's Second team scored almost the same as the starting 11.  I found that interesting so I went to Messiah's webpage and looked it up because I new that McDonald (starter) had 16 goals on his own.  The first 11 have 41 goals leaving only 23 for the other players.  I thought your stats were a little off.  I do agree that the team as a whole is very deep and anyone can score.  They are fun to watch.

That was Soccer guy17 post - not mine.....but we are really splitting hairs here.....23 goals out of the non starting 11 -  news flash - that's good.  Another News Flash....Messiah is good.  Messiah is deep.  Messiah will make a run for a national title.  We can all spend energy making sure the decimal is in the right place - but all the energy around this level of detail is superfluous.

@PaulNewman and I go into the some interesting subjects, including a fun discussion around programs that could/should be better.

The New Show - I Got Vision and the Rest of the World Wears Bifocals (https://youtu.be/yufq7b1DmBE)

You guys are doing great work man.
It is not unappreciated.

Quote from: Saint of Old on October 21, 2022, 10:56:34 AM
You guys are doing great work man.
It is not unappreciated.

Thanks @Saint of Old.  I/We do appreciate the kind words.

SC.

Quote from: Saint of Old on October 21, 2022, 10:56:34 AM
You guys are doing great work man.
It is not unappreciated.

Thanks, Saint.  I know it may be a lot of sit through but hopefully there's a little something for most folks...everything from FW to Emerson soccer, to programs in decline and some in decline that shouldn't be, to a SC special GK segment with video dissection, to shoutouts for Josh Shapiro and Brandon Bianco, to games of the week with special attention on Trinity (TX) @ St Thomas tonight and OWU @ Denison on Saturday.

Another good show gentlemen.  In particular I was intrigued when your discussion shifted to teams that were on the radar annually and have recently dropped off a bit.  You had mentioned a school who someone who has some insight to the school, had mentioned a drop off due to an increase in academic standards and in IMHO I couldn't disagree more.  Now I agree that there may be an acclimation process for particular school that raises its academic standards and will admit that I have no internal knowledge of said school, but as SC mentioned Tufts has high academic standards with Plenty of athletics success.

I'll take it a step further and use MIT and Univ of Chicago (yes two other top research institutions) .  The last I checked both are the top two in all of division 3 (could be off with up to date numbers) with 7 % acceptance rates which are extremely low #'s.  The best of the best kind of numbers.  Both institutions are in the top ten in lowest acceptance rates  for all sports divisions nationwide.  Since this is a soccer board, I would say both have done quite well over the last eight or nine years.  Since the Scott Wiercinski era at Chicago (who seems to have finally carved a nice niche at bowdoin) the Maroons have been a top program doing it with three different coaches, two of whom have taken them to the final four (Mike Babst, head coach at Davidson and Pat Flinn head coach at Drake) and the third Julianne sitch who's destiny is yet to be determined, but seems to be keeping to the programs high standards.

You guys also mentioned coaching continuity which IMHO is an important piece to winning programs.   I'll also use Chicago as an example due to the fact that they have had three coaches in the last nine? Years.  But within those nine years, the two head coaches who followed babst were previously part of the Chicago program in different capacities.
So even though coaches were promoted to D1 jobs and all of its benefits they were able to keep the continuity and familiarity that IMO has kept the program competing on a national level.

Now,  please don't get me wrong comparing said school in your discussion with Chicago and MIT.  Im not that blind....yet, and I won't go down a rabbit hole as it relates to endowments of some of these research institutions.

IMO It's as simple as an athletics program (soccer in this case)indentifying the student athlete they feel fit into their program and the admission standards of the institution and go out and recruit your program and the institution. And IMO that job can be made much easier with continuity within the coaching circles, Program vision /success and the academic reputation of the university/campus

@4samuy, appreciate your post and appreciate you watching.  I can understand how you parsed out that one statement but as noted SC immediately countered with Tufts having difficult admissions and of course we all know that some of the best programs have been some of the ones hardest to gain admission to.  As I think we acknowledged it's hard to know the exact factors in every instance for why certain programs have slipped or appear near life-support status.  Obviously a complex issue with likely very different explanations depending on who we are talking about.  What seems like a disadvantage for the most academically elite is in some ways a huge advantage....soccer in many areas tends to be an upper income sport where families spend a lot of money on club soccer, camps, SAT tutors, etc, etc and there are natural pipelines from some of the most elite prep schools, most elite public schools, various Catholic schools with strong academics and athletics programs, etc.  The exclusivity becomes a plus for recruiting actually as the elite seek the elite and nothing says elite more than being center-mid at Phillips Exeter, or Phillips Andover, or Choate Rosemary Hall, or Woodberry Forest or Harvard Westlake and the like, and oh, btw, I also play for MLS Next somewhere.   Then schools like Messiah and Calvin have natural pipelines as a result of their orientation and some clear parameters in terms of what they are looking for.  I've had an interest in schools that are NOT at risk for shutting down and are in general quite healthy who have dipped or don't have strong soccer programs currently....like Trinity (CT), Union (NY), DePauw, etc...all of those are very attractive schools but not impossible to get in for those who can't quite access Amherst, Williams, Chicago, Swat, Hopkins, Wash U, etc, etc.  Those I named that are peer schools with other very attractive places like Denison, F&M, Dickinson, Gettysburg, etc for me looking from a distance and not presuming to know the particulars in each case have the resources to have stronger programs.   Similar answer for the coaching.  Stability is great...IF the coach is great.  As you aptly noted, some programs have had changeovers in coaching and never or barely missed a beat.  And getting a great new coach doesn't happen without a coach retiring, being encouraged to retire, or pursuing something else.  Tufts doesn't get Shapiro unless Ferrigno quits, and Bianco doesn't get a chance at Denison unless their coach for the past 20 years steps aside.  It would take too long to go through each one and decipher why more "midstream" coaching changes worked for Chicago, Conn Coll, probably Tufts, etc and did not work so much at Wheaton (Ill) or Wheaton (MA) for that matter, Loras, and a slew of others. 

Quote from: 4samuy on October 21, 2022, 03:17:20 PM
Another good show gentlemen.  In particular I was intrigued when your discussion shifted to teams that were on the radar annually and have recently dropped off a bit.  You had mentioned a school who someone who has some insight to the school, had mentioned a drop off due to an increase in academic standards and in IMHO I couldn't disagree more.  Now I agree that there may be an acclimation process for particular school that raises its academic standards and will admit that I have no internal knowledge of said school, but as SC mentioned Tufts has high academic standards with Plenty of athletics success.

I'll take it a step further and use MIT and Univ of Chicago (yes two other top research institutions) .  The last I checked both are the top two in all of division 3 (could be off with up to date numbers) with 7 % acceptance rates which are extremely low #'s.  The best of the best kind of numbers.  Both institutions are in the top ten in lowest acceptance rates  for all sports divisions nationwide.  Since this is a soccer board, I would say both have done quite well over the last eight or nine years.  Since the Scott Wiercinski era at Chicago (who seems to have finally carved a nice niche at bowdoin) the Maroons have been a top program doing it with three different coaches, two of whom have taken them to the final four (Mike Babst, head coach at Davidson and Pat Flinn head coach at Drake) and the third Julianne sitch who's destiny is yet to be determined, but seems to be keeping to the programs high standards.

You guys also mentioned coaching continuity which IMHO is an important piece to winning programs.   I'll also use Chicago as an example due to the fact that they have had three coaches in the last nine? Years.  But within those nine years, the two head coaches who followed babst were previously part of the Chicago program in different capacities.
So even though coaches were promoted to D1 jobs and all of its benefits they were able to keep the continuity and familiarity that IMO has kept the program competing on a national level.

Now,  please don't get me wrong comparing said school in your discussion with Chicago and MIT.  Im not that blind....yet, and I won't go down a rabbit hole as it relates to endowments of some of these research institutions.

IMO It's as simple as an athletics program (soccer in this case)indentifying the student athlete they feel fit into their program and the admission standards of the institution and go out and recruit your program and the institution. And IMO that job can be made much easier with continuity within the coaching circles, Program vision /success and the academic reputation of the university/campus

This is a good characterization of schools like U Chicago and MIT.  My younger son, who was a top notch public school student, was recruited by both before electing to go to Bowdoin.  My older son was recruited by, played for, and graduated from Brown.  I can tell you that it's a lot easier to get into an Ivy as a recruited athlete than it is to get into MIT, or the top UAA and NESCAC schools (e.g. U Chicago, Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin, etc.).

Wiercinski is an interesting through line here.  He grew up in Brunswick, was an all-NESCAC goal keeper at Middlebury, was the outgoing assistant coach at Brown when my older son was being recruited by Mike Noonan, became the head coach at U Chicago when my younger son was being recruited, and then landed back in his hometown as Bowdoin's head coach after my younger son had graduated.  His wife Alice is a well regarded assistant AD at Bowdoin.

I'll add York to the list of schools that have dipped recently.  They were a regional powerhouse in the 2000's, nationally ranked, making runs in the tournament consistently and probably had enough talent to win a national title if some PK shootouts went their way.  There was a stretch where they beat Messiah 3 years in a row in the regular season during the years that Messiah was winning national titles.  It all went downhill after Ludwig left as head coach.

With the caveat that I do not know the details, I sometimes think about a school like Ursinus (and I know, they actually had a pretty good last year but over the past 10-15 years typically have struggled and had losing records).  And this is where not having a very clear target population to recruit hurts and why some of the more elite schools and the faith-based school have some major advantages (even for the ones with tiny admissions rates).  Back in the day when I was a fanatic about researching every possible college I could think of and included all of the CTCL (Colleges That Change Lives) schools I developed a real affection for the school.  They recruited a great President who was doing some great things but iirc he suddenly died.  The truth is that Ursinus is a good safety school for many high to very high end students and athletes.  How in the world is Ursinus gonna beat out Hopkins, F&M, Dickinson, Swat, Haverford, Gettysburg and all the New England schools for a recruit?  They aren't.  Even when they offer 20-30K in merit money.  It's enticing, it makes you think about it, but in the end most who can access those others are not gonna pull the trigger on Ursinus. 

Quote from: paclassic89 on October 21, 2022, 04:54:10 PM
I'll add York to the list of schools that have dipped recently.  They were a regional powerhouse in the 2000's, nationally ranked, making runs in the tournament consistently and probably had enough talent to win a national title if some PK shootouts went their way.  There was a stretch where they beat Messiah 3 years in a row in the regular season during the years that Messiah was winning national titles.  It all went downhill after Ludwig left as head coach.

Coaching change makes complete sense.  I'm curious about the schools with long time coaches that had great success but now don't. SC mentioned TCNJ and Elizabethtown. Those coaches have been around a long time and once had great programs. What happened? Game pass them by?

I'd argue that Etown still has a solid program. It's just tough, at any level, to be consistently elite.  I think the youth soccer landscape has changed considerably in the past decade or two and this has had an impact on recruiting. 

Btw, in referencing St Johns (MN) a week or two ago I mentioned that there was one other D3 in a different state based in a town called Collegeville.  That other school was Ursinus. 

I have learned so much about my own elitism over the past decade (and still admittedly very much a work in progress).  Most East Coasters know nothing about St John's (MN).  For folks in MN and ND and surrounding states it's considered an excellent school that often several generations of families attend.  When the vast majority of people in the country (and even the majority of people in the states where these schools are) hear the names Williams, Swarthmore, Bowdoin, Carnegie Mellon, Brown, etc those names don't register with them at all....not out of disdain for privilege/elitism but truly because they have never heard of them.  I remember one time driving to Gambier after renting a car at the Pittsburgh airport and I was at a Wendy's drive-thru I think in Coshocton, OH about 25 minutes away and I asked the kid which direction to get to Kenyon and they kid looked at me like I had four heads. Most people who live in Mt Vernon, OH literally 2 miles from campus would not know any difference between Kenyon and Mt Vernon Nazarene College.  I guarantee if I go to my closest McDonalds just outside Boston there will not be a single employee (or maybe patron inside the restaurant) who has ever heard of Williams or Colby or Wesleyan.

This East Coaster knows St Johns. Played there against them and Wheaton (Il) and got smoked. Snowing in early October too. Not a great introduction to Minnesota.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2022, 05:18:08 PM
Btw, in referencing St Johns (MN) a week or two ago I mentioned that there was one other D3 in a different state based in a town called Collegeville.  That other school was Ursinus. 

I have learned so much about my own elitism over the past decade (and still admittedly very much a work in progress).  Most East Coasters know nothing about St John's (MN).  For folks in MN and ND and surrounding states it's considered an excellent school that often several generations of families attend.  When the vast majority of people in the country (and even the majority of people in the states where these schools are) hear the names Williams, Swarthmore, Bowdoin, Carnegie Mellon, Brown, etc those names don't register with them at all....not out of disdain for privilege/elitism but truly because they have never heard of them.  I remember one time driving to Gambier after renting a car at the Pittsburgh airport and I was at a Wendy's drive-thru I think in Coshocton, OH about 25 minutes away and I asked the kid which direction to get to Kenyon and they kid looked at me like I had four heads. Most people who live in Mt Vernon, OH literally 2 miles from campus would not know any difference between Kenyon and Mt Vernon Nazarene College.  I guarantee if I go to my closest McDonalds just outside Boston there will not be a single employee (or maybe patron inside the restaurant) who has ever heard of Williams or Colby or Wesleyan.

Actually, I'm a lifelong New Englander, but lived and worked in Minneapolis for several years.  I'm very aware of St. Johns and it's a great school.  And let's not forget Carleton in Northfield, MN (location of the demise of the James Gang by the way), which is one of the absolute top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Of course, any New Englander who is really into elite schools knows about Carleton...and Macalester...and Grinnell...but most would not know St John's or that there are families who feel about St John's the same way you do about Bowdoin and Brown.

Quote from: Ejay on October 21, 2022, 05:28:35 PM
This East Coaster knows St Johns. Played there against them and Wheaton (Il) and got smoked. Snowing in early October too. Not a great introduction to Minnesota.

Right, but how many folks in your town, on percentage basis, who aren't into D3 sports or have some tie to MN know about St John's?  And to be honest I don't much about it other than what I know from MIAC soccer and that it has a women's affiliated college, Benedictine.

The thread here about Messiah's depth is getting frustratingly fatter as earlier posts are copied with comments, so I'll just resume that thread without copying it to save eyeballs.  :)

The Falcons have an outstanding group of new players this year, the kind of overall quality that is higher than their usual highly talented incoming class. Except to replace injured starters in one or two instances, none of the newbies have started—unlike some earlier banner years. For example, future AA defender Cooper Robbins and another D1 level player, Shay Quinton, both started right from the gate in their first season. Starting as a FY for Messiah indicates the real possibility of being an AA down the road, though only rarely in that season (Groothoff and Kai Kasiguran were AAs as FY players).

This year's group includes a player who was a finalist for HS POY in Tennessee (the winner went I think to Maryland or another ACC power), POY in West Virginia, and a terrific two-footed player from central PA (Davis Padgett) who's better than advertised. Three or four of the incoming players are indeed good enough now to start for most NESCAC or Centennial teams—and at least two are good enough now to start for Messiah even though they don't.

The three super-seniors are the backbone of the club, playing the 3 central positions: Groothoff up front, where he is a Messi-type player; Brautigam behind him, where his steady presence and deep knowledge of his teammates are evident; and Swartz in the DMF though he often comes up into the box. Except for Groothoff's irreplaceable ball skills and aerial dominance, each guy could play the other guys' roles without skipping a beat. They will be sorely missed next year, but (yes) most of the seniors plan to play again, including the very dangerous striker Macdonald. My very reliable source for that information seconds the reliable source above. No rumors yet about who might be coming in next fall, but with this year's version of the Falcons being a throwback to the Uber-high scoring teams of 20 years ago, I imagine some potential recruits on the borderline between Messiah and D1 or somewhere else will be persuaded to become Falcons.   

Pn

Thanks for your thoughts!

I just really dislike the word elite or elitism as well as privileged class, upper class or high society, so I used the synonym best of the best to describe the acceptance rates at MIT and Chicago.  That's just me.

As for soccer being an upper income sport I have to disagree.  Now if your talking ice hockey I can go with that. IMO, at least in the Midwest, hockey is the upper income sport.

I totally agree with you on the faith based institutions and their pipelines to great soccer players and their reasons for selecting where they want to spend their next four years.  Heck, I almost attended wheaton to pursue my soccer career. 

So, I guess best of the best can be parsed in many different ways depending on the culture your looking for as well as the program and your faith.

One other question I had relating to your podcast.  You had mentioned that there were some signs during COVID that Kenyon may have some difficulties, but with Kenyons endowment, I was trying to figure out how that would be.

Be good.  Thanks

Quote from: 4samuy on October 21, 2022, 06:52:10 PM
Pn

Thanks for your thoughts!

I just really dislike the word elite or elitism as well as privileged class, upper class or high society, so I used the synonym best of the best to describe the acceptance rates at MIT and Chicago.  That's just me.

As for soccer being an upper income sport I have to disagree.  Now if your talking ice hockey I can go with that. IMO, at least in the Midwest, hockey is the upper income sport.

I totally agree with you on the faith based institutions and their pipelines to great soccer players and their reasons for selecting where they want to spend their next four years.  Heck, I almost attended wheaton to pursue my soccer career. 

So, I guess best of the best can be parsed in many different ways depending on the culture your looking for as well, the program and your faith.

One other question I had relating to your podcast.  You had mentioned that there were some signs during COVID that Kenyon may have some difficulties, but with Kenyons endowment, I was trying to figure out how that would be.

Be good.  Thanks

Yeah, there's no need for us to get hung up over certain words.  And my point was not whether people here on a very specialized board have heard of certain schools.  The point was that 90% of people in Western Mass don't know or react to the words Williams or Amherst...just like the vast majority of people in Maine could not care less about Bowdoin, Colby or Bates.  If you don't know D3 soccer and are part of secular America you most likely have never heard of Messiah either.

Maybe someone will post the spreadsheet SC and I mentioned.  There were like maybe five tiers listed...a top tier where all schools were expected to continue thriving, another one like almost thriving, another like feeling the pain, another for like borderline in distress, and then a last one for deep, deep trouble.  I think they got Kenyon wrong (in the middle group maybe iirc) but of course I'd think that.  Also may have had something to do with prognosticating about what states would struggle more, and maybe elite to highly elite schools in New England would have better odds than similar places in the Midwest.

Messiah sure better win the national title or at least get to the final.  Given that they are three deep with AAs at every position a few injuries even to "key" players won't be a legitimate excuse given what we've heard here.  And how in the world did Tufts win four titles without the crutch of that Muhlenberg field?

To get us a bit back on topic, let's compare Conn Coll and Trinity (CT).  If you asked most folks 15 years ago which one would win a national title their first answer would probably be neither, but in a forced choice I'd guess that most would have picked Trinity.  Same state, very much peers, with probably a ton of overlap applicants.  If anything Conn might be a little harder to get in and at this point might be preferable for many but not necessarily 15 years ago.  So what's the difference?  Why did Conn win a national title while Trinity has gone two full years without winning a conference game?

The Coach?

I don't have historical knowledge,  only know Ruben Burke is super highly regarded as someone who is straightforward and transparent during recruiting-- and he works hard at it. I definitely saw a correlation with successful programs and coaches that put effort into recruiting.  I know that's only one element of a successful program, but I expect that effort carries over to the other aspects.

Quote from: Another Mom on October 21, 2022, 07:37:03 PM
The Coach?

I don't have historical knowledge,  only know Ruben Burke is super highly regarded as someone who is straightforward and transparent during recruiting-- and he works hard at it. I definitely saw a correlation with successful programs and coaches that put effort into recruiting.  I know that's only one element of a successful program, but I expect that effort carries over to the other aspects.

Yes, I absolutely believe the coach is the biggest factor (presuming relatively similar desirability of the schools being discussed).  But what goes into getting that coach?  Burk is incredible...could not have been more impressed with him.  But who picked him and why?  His resume certainly wasn't glaringly obvious.  Maybe more importantly, what are the factors that result in ending up with a less than stellar coach?

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2022, 07:45:01 PM

Quote from: Another Mom on October 21, 2022, 07:37:03 PM
The Coach?

I don't have historical knowledge,  only know Ruben Burke is super highly regarded as someone who is straightforward and transparent during recruiting-- and he works hard at it. I definitely saw a correlation with successful programs and coaches that put effort into recruiting.  I know that's only one element of a successful program, but I expect that effort carries over to the other aspects.

Yes, I absolutely believe the coach is the biggest factor (presuming relatively similar desirability of the schools being discussed).  But what goes into getting that coach?  Burk is incredible...could not have been more impressed with him.  But who picked him and why?  His resume certainly wasn't glaringly obvious.  Maybe more importantly, what are the factors that result in ending up with a less than stellar coach?

All about the coach in college soccer.
Coach is the Coach.
Coach is also the GM as well as the PR guy.
In mu opinion, the best coach is the guy who was a good player based on effort more than ability, but with that eye to catch and scout the ability when he sees it.
They can then get into the mindset of those talented players and give them and the team what is necessary to succeed at that high level. Work ethic.
The mind game is where a coach has to succeed even more than X and O coaching.
You have a diverse bunch of young men 17-22 who are already super confident (a good thing) in their abilities.
The coach has to: caress/build -up/manage those egos at a time in life for young men where this is not easy to do.
Foster competition while maintaining a high degree of love and respect in the team. Hard balance


Some of the best in the business over the past 30, from Williams to Tufts and Ohio Weslyan and Messiah and Wheaton  in between have had coaches that built more families than programs. The men who know how to do this are the real good coaches.

^^^^ This.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2022, 04:36:42 PMWhat seems like a disadvantage for the most academically elite is in some ways a huge advantage....soccer in many areas tends to be an upper income sport where families spend a lot of money on club soccer, camps, SAT tutors, etc, etc and there are natural pipelines from some of the most elite prep schools, most elite public schools, various Catholic schools with strong academics and athletics programs, etc.  The exclusivity becomes a plus for recruiting actually as the elite seek the elite and nothing says elite more than being center-mid at Phillips Exeter, or Phillips Andover, or Choate Rosemary Hall, or Woodberry Forest or Harvard Westlake and the like, and oh, btw, I also play for MLS Next somewhere.

Yep. The irony of American soccer is that the sport for the world's working-class and poor people has traditionally been a sport for the upper crust here in the States. Of course, that's been changing for at least a generation now, as the sport's popularity increases in the U.S. and the soccer-mom phenomenon steers kids who would've played football in past generations away from the gridiron and towards the soccer pitch. And in some metropolitan areas -- Chicagoland is a great example of this -- the combination of a large immigrant population hailing from soccer-mad countries with the huge expansion of local club soccer (and the commensurate shift in the affordability of club fees due to competition) has led to a large wave of outstanding D3 soccer players whose parents up in the stands speak broken or heavily-accented English.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2022, 06:41:20 PM

Quote from: Ejay on October 21, 2022, 05:28:35 PM
This East Coaster knows St Johns. Played there against them and Wheaton (Il) and got smoked. Snowing in early October too. Not a great introduction to Minnesota.

Right, but how many folks in your town, on percentage basis, who aren't into D3 sports or have some tie to MN know about St John's?  And to be honest I don't much about it other than what I know from MIAC soccer and that it has a women's affiliated college, Benedictine.

It's a very good school with a large and passionate fan base in the one sport that really matters there, football. Even though the Johnnies tend to be good in all sports, that campus eats, sleeps, and breathes football.

BTW, the affiliated women's college next door to SJU is College of St. Benedict, not Benedictine. Benedictine is the coed NACC school in the southwest Chicago suburbs.

Quote from: Saint of Old on October 21, 2022, 07:57:33 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2022, 07:45:01 PM

Quote from: Another Mom on October 21, 2022, 07:37:03 PM
The Coach?

I don't have historical knowledge,  only know Ruben Burke is super highly regarded as someone who is straightforward and transparent during recruiting-- and he works hard at it. I definitely saw a correlation with successful programs and coaches that put effort into recruiting.  I know that's only one element of a successful program, but I expect that effort carries over to the other aspects.

Yes, I absolutely believe the coach is the biggest factor (presuming relatively similar desirability of the schools being discussed).  But what goes into getting that coach?  Burk is incredible...could not have been more impressed with him.  But who picked him and why?  His resume certainly wasn't glaringly obvious.  Maybe more importantly, what are the factors that result in ending up with a less than stellar coach?

All about the coach in college soccer.
Coach is the Coach.
Coach is also the GM as well as the PR guy.
In mu opinion, the best coach is the guy who was a good player based on effort more than ability, but with that eye to catch and scout the ability when he sees it.
They can then get into the mindset of those talented players and give them and the team what is necessary to succeed at that high level. Work ethic.
The mind game is where a coach has to succeed even more than X and O coaching.
You have a diverse bunch of young men 17-22 who are already super confident (a good thing) in their abilities.
The coach has to: caress/build -up/manage those egos at a time in life for young men where this is not easy to do.
Foster competition while maintaining a high degree of love and respect in the team. Hard balance


Some of the best in the business over the past 30, from Williams to Tufts and Ohio Weslyan and Messiah and Wheaton  in between have had coaches that built more families than programs. The men who know how to do this are the real good coaches.

Good coaching starts with getting the most talented players possible that fit your school's profile onto your campus and into your program's kit. There's an old expression in college football -- "It's not the X's and O's, it's the Jimmys and Joes" -- that holds true in every college sport. Not to downplay all of the things that you mentioned about mentality and ego management, which are very important, but you can orchestrate your group of young men into one tightly-knit, maximum-effort unit that would charge the guns at Balaklava at your command, and they're still not going to be a winning team if they don't have the talent. Of course, soccer is more generous in that superior talent is somewhat less likely to lead to sure victory on a given day than it is in other sports, but over the course of a season talent still wins out.

Recruiting is the dominant responsibility of a coaching staff in intercollegiate sports, and soccer is no exception.

Two of my sons have played or are playing D3 Soccer.  They have had great experiences but one thing I noticed that was different between the two colleges was that one program's coaching staff took the current players input about a recruits on campus visit into consideration.  In other words if the players felt the player wasn't a good fit for the team culture the coaches would reevaluate the recruit.  The other school would bring the player in and try to mold the player into the culture.  Both programs are fairly successful.  One thing they had in common was the coaches spent a lot of time learning about our sons outside of soccer.  They were interested in family life, hobbies, career aspirations, world view etc.  They empathized that they were recruiting the whole person not just the player.  It was very reassuring for us as parents.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 21, 2022, 09:45:17 PM
Two of my sons have played or are playing D3 Soccer.  They have had great experiences but one thing I noticed that was different between the two colleges was that one program's coaching staff took the current players input about a recruits on campus visit into consideration.  In other words if the players felt the player wasn't a good fit for the team culture the coaches would reevaluate the recruit.  The other school would bring the player in and try to mold the player into the culture.  Both programs are fairly successful.

Interesting. I would say that there's risk/reward with both approaches. It depends upon the coach's charisma and strength of personality, I think, to really get buy-in from a recruit whose older peers didn't view him as "a good fit," because otherwise the coach could be playing with fire. On the other hand, 20- and 21-year-olds don't know everything and aren't always the greatest evaluators of other people, especially within the short time frame of a recruiting visit -- and you don't want to miss out by losing a future All-American (especially if he ends up at a school in your league!) just because one of your players misread the kid's vibe on a campus visit.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 21, 2022, 09:45:17 PMOne thing they had in common was the coaches spent a lot of time learning about our sons outside of soccer.  They were interested in family life, hobbies, career aspirations, world view etc.  They empathized that they were recruiting the whole person not just the player.  It was very reassuring for us as parents.

This is important, too, Most parents are not dummies. They can sense if a coach intrinsically values their kid as a human being or if he views their kid as a potentially high-functioning cog in a machine.

It works the other way around, too. Coaches have to evaluate parents as well. I love this video by Notre Dame men's basketball coach Mike Brey about that side of the relationship:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z62AuGXuyiw

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2022, 07:04:30 PM
Messiah sure better win the national title or at least get to the final.  Given that they are three deep with AAs at every position a few injuries even to "key" players won't be a legitimate excuse given what we've heard here.  And how in the world did Tufts win four titles without the crutch of that Muhlenberg field?

I knew I'd get your goat with that, PN. If the truth be told, that goat is easy to catch.  :o

Just two comments coming back at you.

(1) IMO the three key players—the guys who can't be replaced in the lineup without a significant loss in quality of play—are Groothoff, Macdonald, and Lent-Koop. The players who back them up are good enough to start for most teams, but not (at least presently) on the same level. Groothoff really is to Messiah what Messi  has been to his club and national teams: he sets people up to score, including sometimes himself. He's irreplaceable, and when he went down for the season last October I knew the Falcons weren't going to win it all. That hasn't changed. Likewise, losing either of the other two guys would seriously hinder their chances. CB Lent-Koop is to Messiah what Muther is to Kenyon—one of the very few truly elite defenders in D3, and everyone now knows who Macdonald is. Anyone else, relatively speaking, is a speed bump with their depth.

(2) Unquestionably, Tufts proved over several years that they were on the same level with Messiah. Nothing takes away from that, including the awful conditions on that field. However, to be fair and frank, I think it was you yourself on this board who said of that group of Falcons, that 3 of them were each individually better than anyone in NESCAC, by which I took you to mean that they would be listed 1, 2, and 3 from that imaginary sample set. I agreed with that. In other words, it's understandable if I believed (and still do) that the one Tufts-Messiah game we have actually seen had a fluke result: a deflected shot in the first minute that got past the keeper, while the field itself greatly hindered the beautiful game Messiah plays. Tufts obviously had the same field to play on. They won and deserve the accolades, but they weren't the better team that year—clearly they were in the next few seasons, though in 2017 they probably weren't. We'll never be able to answer that particular question.

Knowing you well, PN, you'll probably come right back at me, but I have nothing more to say about this one. My best to you, my friend.

Oh, Falconer, just so you know, my friend, you don't always remember to fully secure the gate on your own goat farm, although to be fair, you do have by far the best goats and by far the best fields for them to graze on. 

No worries.  Glad to see you so excited about your team.  With a little good fortune, you'll be able to avoid any apologist posts down the line related to injuries, a tough field, an unlucky draw, teams being overly physical, fluke plays so good they carry a team all the way to a national title, any inclement weather that might hamper execution of their wildly superior skills and playing style, bad refs, or even the one in a zillion chance that a team might actually outplay the Falcons on the day.

Loved your insight on Juantorena.

Beep, beep, beep....This is a test of the National Broadcast System....This is just a test...beep, beep, beep...

Chicago has the best two CBs in the country.

Beep, beep, beep...This has been a test of the National Broadcast System...Now we return you to your regular programming.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 22, 2022, 12:39:08 PM
Beep, beep, beep....This is a test of the National Broadcast System....This is just a test...beep, beep, beep...

Chicago has the best two CBs in the country.

Beep, beep, beep...This has been a test of the National Broadcast System...Now we return you to your regular programming.

After Messiahs Lent-Koop. Beep, Beep, Beep

Gotta love some of the new cool features on these 3rd generation burner accounts.....now come factory pre-installed with their own goats.  Quaint.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 09:31:14 AM
Gotta love some of the new cool features on these 3rd generation burner accounts.....now come factory pre-installed with their own goats.  Quaint.

As a new, first generation, never been on here before or tended a goat in my life account - I must have missed an unwritten rule or two on ones ability to simply banter no different that others on this board.  Saying that, let me try this in what I hope to be a more palatable way......

Mr. Newman, that is an interesting take regarding the CBs at Chicago.  In your humble yet expert opinion, do you feel that they are better than Messiah's Lent Koop?  I only ask because that kid is pretty much a stud, and I don't think I have seen him make a mistake all season....not to mention the fact he also has 5 ish goals based on his ability to be a force on set pieces and full field runs.  Would love to hear  what you have discerned about the Chicago CBs.....

I don't know how anyone can declare any single team's CBs the absolute two best in D3 nationally...unless they have exhaustively studied every CB this season among the 300+ D3 programs...  Just sayin'...

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 04:05:49 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 09:31:14 AM
Gotta love some of the new cool features on these 3rd generation burner accounts.....now come factory pre-installed with their own goats.  Quaint.

As a new, first generation, never been on here before or tended a goat in my life account - I must have missed an unwritten rule or two on ones ability to simply banter no different that others on this board.  Saying that, let me try this in what I hope to be a more palatable way......

Mr. Newman, that is an interesting take regarding the CBs at Chicago.  In your humble yet expert opinion, do you feel that they are better than Messiah's Lent Koop?  I only ask because that kid is pretty much a stud, and I don't think I have seen him make a mistake all season....not to mention the fact he also has 5 ish goals based on his ability to be a force on set pieces and full field runs.  Would love to hear  what you have discerned about the Chicago CBs.....

The truth is I have no idea and in general agree with northman.  There are a lot of VERY good CBs on very good teams around the country.  I haven't watched Lent-Koop much at all despite the begging to watch all of Messiah's great plays and goals.  The drooling and self-congratulation always send me a little over the edge....and hence why I'm so "goatable."  I've watched the Chicago guys several times and they are superb.  All three -- Kent-Loop and Gillespie and Wada were FIRST TEAM D3soccer.com AAs last year with Gillespie winning national Defender of the Year.

From the D3soccer.com website....

Richard Gillespie of Chicago is the D3soccer.com Defender of the Year, teaming with fellow junior Griffin Wada to form the nation's best center back pairing. Despite playing one of the toughest schedules in Division III, the Maroon defense ranked fourth in goals conceded (0.47 GAA), posted 13 shutouts (twice each against high-scoring Calvin and North Park), and only conceded multiple goals in a game once. Chicago trailed for less than 91 minutes all season (the least by percentage in the nation) despite a low 1.32 goal scoring average. Credit goes to Gillespie & Co. who not only held opponents to just 7.0 shot attempts on average (5th best) but did even better limiting quality looks as reflected in a nation-leading 2.29 shots on goal allowed per game. They were the stingiest defense in the NCAA tournament, not conceding a single goal until the 18th minute of overtime in the national semifinal. Gillespie also contributed offensively with five goals and a pair of assists, all but one coming with the game still scoreless, often in the second half. The versatile defender was highly effective with both his head (2g, 1a) and feet (3g) inside the eighteen on set pieces.

I have paid attention to McDonald and he is a great player.  Chicago has its own lethal offensive players...Yetishefsky, Kai Walsh, Alex Lee, Lyndon Hu. 

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:11:32 PM
I don't know how anyone can declare any single team's CBs the absolute two best in D3 nationally...unless they have exhaustively studied every CB this season among the 300+ D3 programs...  Just sayin'...

While as you'll see above  that I agree with you, I am not sure an exhaustive search would come up with a better tandem.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:30:58 PM

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:11:32 PM
I don't know how anyone can declare any single team's CBs the absolute two best in D3 nationally...unless they have exhaustively studied every CB this season among the 300+ D3 programs...  Just sayin'...

While as you'll see above  that I agree with you, I am not sure an exhaustive search would come up with a better tandem.

Thanks for the additional detail on your take, and for citing your source.  the one thing that I find the most difficult in determining the "best" players or outcomes is what seems to be a lack of parity between conferences and teams across the country. I know that this may key up a good discussion around the strongest conferences -  but there still seems to be a huge divide between teams - even in a single conference.  W&L is on a different planet compared to Guilford just like Messiah compared to Hood or Albright.  I am sure there are similar examples across the other conferences. So - how do you get close to apples to apples  - or can you ahead of the NCAA Tourney when the parity gets a bit more normalized......I think that is what makes the tourney even more interesting......while you may have dominated all season, are you the real deal, or have you simply been the tallest person in a room full of short folks???

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 04:39:42 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:30:58 PM

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:11:32 PM
I don't know how anyone can declare any single team's CBs the absolute two best in D3 nationally...unless they have exhaustively studied every CB this season among the 300+ D3 programs...  Just sayin'...

While as you'll see above  that I agree with you, I am not sure an exhaustive search would come up with a better tandem.

Thanks for the additional detail on your take, and for citing your source.  the one thing that I find the most difficult in determining the "best" players or outcomes is what seems to be a lack of parity between conferences and teams across the country. I know that this may key up a good discussion around the strongest conferences -  but there still seems to be a huge divide between teams - even in a single conference.  W&L is on a different planet compared to Guilford just like Messiah compared to Hood or Albright.  I am sure there are similar examples across the other conferences. So - how do you get close to apples to apples  - or can you ahead of the NCAA Tourney when the parity gets a bit more normalized......I think that is what makes the tourney even more interesting......while you may have dominated all season, are you the real deal, or have you simply been the tallest person in a room full of short folks???

Sure, but that doesn't apply to Chicago who year in and year have one of the very highest SoSs in the country.  It DOES apply, as you note, to Messiah (who schedules well and usually has a good SoS anc obviously cannot control the weakness of the conference).  Not getting your thing with W&L or frankly with Guilford and short people.  Odd.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:43:20 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 04:39:42 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:30:58 PM

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:11:32 PM
I don't know how anyone can declare any single team's CBs the absolute two best in D3 nationally...unless they have exhaustively studied every CB this season among the 300+ D3 programs...  Just sayin'...

While as you'll see above  that I agree with you, I am not sure an exhaustive search would come up with a better tandem.

Thanks for the additional detail on your take, and for citing your source.  the one thing that I find the most difficult in determining the "best" players or outcomes is what seems to be a lack of parity between conferences and teams across the country. I know that this may key up a good discussion around the strongest conferences -  but there still seems to be a huge divide between teams - even in a single conference.  W&L is on a different planet compared to Guilford just like Messiah compared to Hood or Albright.  I am sure there are similar examples across the other conferences. So - how do you get close to apples to apples  - or can you ahead of the NCAA Tourney when the parity gets a bit more normalized......I think that is what makes the tourney even more interesting......while you may have dominated all season, are you the real deal, or have you simply been the tallest person in a room full of short folks???

Sure, but that doesn't apply to Chicago who year in and year have one of the very highest SoSs in the country.  It DOES apply, as you note, to Messiah (who schedules well and usually has a good SoS anc obviously cannot control the weakness of the conference).  Not getting your thing with W&L or frankly with Guilford and short people.  Odd.

Washington and Lee - Good.  Guilford - BAd.  Messiah - Good , Hood  - Bad.  If you are 5'7 in a room full of people that are 5"5, are you tall?  No.  Just taller than the other short people.  Its an analogy.  Hoping that helps......

In the meantime, I will look a little closer at the power conference that Chicago seems to be a part of.....

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:25:04 PM




From the D3soccer.com website....

Richard Gillespie of Chicago is the D3soccer.com Defender of the Year, teaming with fellow junior Griffin Wada to form the nation's best center back pairing. Despite playing one of the toughest schedules in Division III, the Maroon defense ranked fourth in goals conceded (0.47 GAA), posted 13 shutouts (twice each against high-scoring Calvin and North Park), and only conceded multiple goals in a game once. Chicago trailed for less than 91 minutes all season (the least by percentage in the nation) despite a low 1.32 goal scoring average. Credit goes to Gillespie & Co. who not only held opponents to just 7.0 shot attempts on average (5th best) but did even better limiting quality looks as reflected in a nation-leading 2.29 shots on goal allowed per game. They were the stingiest defense in the NCAA tournament, not conceding a single goal until the 18th minute of overtime in the national semifinal. Gillespie also contributed offensively with five goals and a pair of assists, all but one coming with the game still scoreless, often in the second half. The versatile defender was highly effective with both his head (2g, 1a) and feet (3g) inside the eighteen on set pieces.

A very interesting tidbit here is the kid who broke Chicago's scoreless string in the NCAA tourney in the 18th minute of OT in the national semi was Ignacio Cubeddu (#10) for Amherst.  No one really has mentioned (and I forgot) that Cubeddu has not played this season (not a minute I don't think).  He would make a BIG difference in the Amherst attack and he is a dynamic, highly skilled soccer player who had an absolute wonder strike to take Amherst to the final.

MBM, if you are truly unfamiliar with the strength of Chicago's conference we can safely return to referring to you as a troll.

And no, your analogy and explanation did not help.  Btw, Guilford has a bunch of kids 6'2 and above, so there's that.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:55:11 PM
MBM, if you are truly unfamiliar with the strength of Chicago's conference we can safely return to referring to you as a troll.

And no, your analogy and explanation did not help.  Btw, Guilford has a bunch of kids 6'2 and above, so there's that.

And if you cannot process that analogy outside of a literal review of guilfords roster - I may have to re asses the level of intellect I am dealing with on this Board.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:25:04 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 04:05:49 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 09:31:14 AM
Gotta love some of the new cool features on these 3rd generation burner accounts.....now come factory pre-installed with their own goats.  Quaint.

As a new, first generation, never been on here before or tended a goat in my life account - I must have missed an unwritten rule or two on ones ability to simply banter no different that others on this board.  Saying that, let me try this in what I hope to be a more palatable way......

Mr. Newman, that is an interesting take regarding the CBs at Chicago.  In your humble yet expert opinion, do you feel that they are better than Messiah's Lent Koop?  I only ask because that kid is pretty much a stud, and I don't think I have seen him make a mistake all season....not to mention the fact he also has 5 ish goals based on his ability to be a force on set pieces and full field runs.  Would love to hear  what you have discerned about the Chicago CBs.....

The truth is I have no idea and in general agree with northman.  There are a lot of VERY good CBs on very good teams around the country.  I haven't watched Lent-Koop much at all despite the begging to watch all of Messiah's great plays and goals.  The drooling and self-congratulation always send me a little over the edge....and hence why I'm so "goatable."  I've watched the Chicago guys several times and they are superb.  All three -- Kent-Loop and Gillespie and Wada were FIRST TEAM D3soccer.com AAs last year with Gillespie winning national Defender of the Year.

From the D3soccer.com website....

Richard Gillespie of Chicago is the D3soccer.com Defender of the Year, teaming with fellow junior Griffin Wada to form the nation's best center back pairing. Despite playing one of the toughest schedules in Division III, the Maroon defense ranked fourth in goals conceded (0.47 GAA), posted 13 shutouts (twice each against high-scoring Calvin and North Park), and only conceded multiple goals in a game once. Chicago trailed for less than 91 minutes all season (the least by percentage in the nation) despite a low 1.32 goal scoring average. Credit goes to Gillespie & Co. who not only held opponents to just 7.0 shot attempts on average (5th best) but did even better limiting quality looks as reflected in a nation-leading 2.29 shots on goal allowed per game. They were the stingiest defense in the NCAA tournament, not conceding a single goal until the 18th minute of overtime in the national semifinal. Gillespie also contributed offensively with five goals and a pair of assists, all but one coming with the game still scoreless, often in the second half. The versatile defender was highly effective with both his head (2g, 1a) and feet (3g) inside the eighteen on set pieces.

I have paid attention to McDonald and he is a great player.  Chicago has its own lethal offensive players...Yetishefsky, Kai Walsh, Alex Lee, Lyndon Hu.

Now that I'm returning to this forum after an absence of several years, I rely on some of you who really study D3 soccer more broadly to get me up to speed on what's going on nationally.  I admittedly have a very narrow view, as I'm a former Bowdoin parent and I really enjoy the competitiveness of the NESCAC across a number of sports.  That said, the NCAA tournament results over the past decade suggest the NESCAC is a deeper conference than U Chicago's UAA conference.  In this particular regular season, the Bowdoin D has played consistently well.  This is borne out by the stats:  0.36 GAA, .878 save percentage.

https://nescac.com/stats.aspx?path=msoc&year=2022

They do have a good center back tandem (Dylan Reid and Jack Selig), but how much of their defensive solidity is due to the CBs, the keeper, the entire back 5, or even the defending up front and in the midfield?  That's why I think it's difficult to make apples to apples comparisons of CB quality across the universe...

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 05:06:17 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:55:11 PM
MBM, if you are truly unfamiliar with the strength of Chicago's conference we can safely return to referring to you as a troll.

And no, your analogy and explanation did not help.  Btw, Guilford has a bunch of kids 6'2 and above, so there's that.

And if you cannot process that analogy outside of a literal review of guilfords roster - I may have to re asses the level of intellect I am dealing with on this Board.

This was metaphorical?

Guilford really shouldn't be better, nor will they be.  Their entire athletic program struggles, and have never been seen as legitimate in the region. Why would you think they would be better? Their location?  There is nothing attractive about that program, or special about the location.....and they typically attract the players that are short or without options

I'm sure it's me.  You can move on to more intelligent posters.

Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

LOL, northman.  Never said UAA was better than NESCAC.  We all know NESCAC is the #1 conference.  UAA is clearly #2...and last place Emory has been to at least one Elite 8 in the past 5 years, next to last Brandeis has been to two Final Fours in the past 8 or so years, Rochester went to Final Four a few years ago, and Chicago has been twice in the past few years.  Maybe you can just agree that Chicago has some pretty good CBs.  And, like Bowdoin, the Maroons seem to be having a pretty decent season.

Well, this year they are basically neck and neck but UAA has the slight RPI edge.  So, by one objective measure, UAA is the stronger conference.     Trinity drops the NESCAC into 2nd.  Take them out and NESCAC is stronger on average

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

OMG, you Messiah folks......  Van Dyck?  Groothoff is Messi?  Who is McDonald....Ronaldo?  Kane?  Haaland? Benzema?

You folks live in your own echo chamber similar to a few of the NESCAC folks.  Kent-Loop obviously is fantastic.  Gillespie is also tremendous offensive CB...or did you not bother to read the paragraph from D3soccer.com?

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 05:25:42 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

OMG, you Messiah folks......  Van Dyck?  Groothoff is Messi?  Who is McDonald....Ronaldo?  Kane?  Haaland? Benzema?

You folks live in your own echo chamber similar to a few of the NESCAC folks.  Kent-Loop obviously is fantastic.  Gillespie is also tremendous offensive CB...or did you not bother to read the paragraph from D3soccer.com?

MacDonald is actually faster than Kane, Haaland, and Benzema...but not Ronaldo in his prime.

You can tell the tournament is approaching.  Anxiety, hyperbole, and the chippiness are ramping up.

The biggest news in that last slew of posts is Cubeddu for Amherst. 

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:27:19 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 05:25:42 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

OMG, you Messiah folks......  Van Dyck?  Groothoff is Messi?  Who is McDonald....Ronaldo?  Kane?  Haaland? Benzema?

You folks live in your own echo chamber similar to a few of the NESCAC folks.  Kent-Loop obviously is fantastic.  Gillespie is also tremendous offensive CB...or did you not bother to read the paragraph from D3soccer.com?

MacDonald is actually faster than Kane, Haaland, and Benzema...but not Ronaldo in his prime.

I'm disappointed.  You didn't sneak in a Nick West reference.

MacDonald's pro analogue is Dirk Kuyt lol

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 05:30:06 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:27:19 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 05:25:42 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

OMG, you Messiah folks......  Van Dyck?  Groothoff is Messi?  Who is McDonald....Ronaldo?  Kane?  Haaland? Benzema?

You folks live in your own echo chamber similar to a few of the NESCAC folks.  Kent-Loop obviously is fantastic.  Gillespie is also tremendous offensive CB...or did you not bother to read the paragraph from D3soccer.com?

MacDonald is actually faster than Kane, Haaland, and Benzema...but not Ronaldo in his prime.

I'm disappointed.  You didn't sneak in a Nick West reference.

Who's Nick West?

Not to get severely off topic from the point of this strand "Game Notes." Have had an opportunity to watch Chicago, specifically their game against CMU and I was impressed with a lot of their tactical movements (ability to fluctuate between a 3/4 back, midfielders dropping into the backline to create overloads, etc . . .) Interestingly, when they switched to a three back in the second half, Wada seemed to play the central role of the three backs/I was a little more impressed with his ability to anchor the defense than Gillespie. Maybe I haven't seen enough or maybe this just showcases the quality of their backs, either way I am looking forward to seeing how they match up against a decently fluid/dyanmic/sizeable NYU attack.

I guess I need to try and watch a U Chicago game online.  Some of the previous commentary seems to thrust them into the stratosphere of an upper tier Premier League side...   :)

Quote from: paclassic89 on October 23, 2022, 05:25:27 PM
Well, this year they are basically neck and neck but UAA has the slight RPI edge.  So, by one objective measure, UAA is the stronger conference.     Trinity drops the NESCAC into 2nd.  Take them out and NESCAC is stronger on average

Who in the UAA can beat Chicago and it would not be a big surprise?

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

And while we're at it, as a Liverpool fan (currently feeling some pain and discomfort), I need to clarify that Virgil's last name is spelled Van Dijk...

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 05:12:11 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 05:06:17 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 04:55:11 PM
MBM, if you are truly unfamiliar with the strength of Chicago's conference we can safely return to referring to you as a troll.

And no, your analogy and explanation did not help.  Btw, Guilford has a bunch of kids 6'2 and above, so there's that.

And if you cannot process that analogy outside of a literal review of guilfords roster - I may have to re asses the level of intellect I am dealing with on this Board.

This was metaphorical?

Guilford really shouldn't be better, nor will they be.  Their entire athletic program struggles, and have never been seen as legitimate in the region. Why would you think they would be better? Their location?  There is nothing attractive about that program, or special about the location.....and they typically attract the players that are short or without options

I'm sure it's me.  You can move on to more intelligent posters.

I'm pretty sure it is. You clearly don't get it. I will only comment on your posts in the future to tell you that you smart, and know all there is. That seems to be what you are needing. I enjoy discussions, not gaslighting. 

You are the man!  Thanks for all your Wisdom!

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:14:21 PM

Quote from: paclassic89 on October 23, 2022, 05:25:27 PM
Well, this year they are basically neck and neck but UAA has the slight RPI edge.  So, by one objective measure, UAA is the stronger conference.     Trinity drops the NESCAC into 2nd.  Take them out and NESCAC is stronger on average

Who in the UAA can beat Chicago and it would not be a big surprise?

No clue. 

So how are you going to conclude that the conference is stronger than NESCAC?

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:29:22 PM
So how are you going to conclude that the conference is stronger than NESCAC?

NOBODY has made the claim that UAA is better than NESCAC.  Virtually everyone considers NESCAC #1 and UAA #1A or #2.  It would not be a shock for any UAA to beat Chicago and if this is what you are after, Chicago almost certainly would not mow through the NESCAC unblemished.  Where would you rank Chicago right now?

SC, PLEASE post some game notes!  PLEASE.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 06:37:08 PM

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:29:22 PM
So how are you going to conclude that the conference is stronger than NESCAC?

NOBODY has made the claim that UAA is better than NESCAC.  Virtually everyone considers NESCAC #1 and UAA #1A or #2.  It would not be a shock for any UAA to beat Chicago and if this is what you are after, Chicago almost certainly would not mow through the NESCAC unblemished.  Where would you rank Chicago right now?

SC, PLEASE post some game notes!  PLEASE.

Probably not smart to keep after PN on this - he clearly exists to be a Chicago troll, and a fanboy of their Conference. 

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 06:37:08 PM

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:29:22 PM
So how are you going to conclude that the conference is stronger than NESCAC?

NOBODY has made the claim that UAA is better than NESCAC.  Virtually everyone considers NESCAC #1 and UAA #1A or #2.  It would not be a shock for any UAA to beat Chicago and if this is what you are after, Chicago almost certainly would not mow through the NESCAC unblemished.  Where would you rank Chicago right now?

SC, PLEASE post some game notes!  PLEASE.

Actually, I'd love to hear his thoughts on how he can make sense of 1 goal wins against Wheaton, Depaw, Luther, Carthage who Messiah smacked, Rochester who lost to Alvernia...... maybe he could quote D3 soccer's opinion on it all.


(modified by GS for formatting)

NESCAC/UAA are two totally different/almost equally exciting conferences. The typical playing style of the NESCAC schools lends itself to closer games as lower end teams do not have a problem with booting the ball down the field and staying compact in order to keep games competitive with the upper end teams. Likewise, schools such as Carnegie Mellon are going to have years in which they severely struggle in the UAA based on the fact that they will try and possess and go toe-to-toe with teams that are more talented than themselves.

Overall, fun games, good teams.

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 06:16:02 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

And while we're at it, as a Liverpool fan (currently feeling some pain and discomfort), I need to clarify that Virgil's last name is spelled Van Dijk...

What's worse is I spent two years pronouncing it Van Dick, much to my two sons' embarrassment.

The comparison to Virgil stems from Lent-Koop's ability to hit cross field balls with his left foot to kickstart attacks.

Btw, Messiah would not go through the NESCAC unblemished either.  That has no necessary correlation with whether Chicago and Messiah (in either order) are the two best teams in the country.

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 06:58:25 PM

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 06:16:02 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

And while we're at it, as a Liverpool fan (currently feeling some pain and discomfort), I need to clarify that Virgil's last name is spelled Van Dijk...

What's worse is I spent two years pronouncing it Van Dick, much to my two sons' embarrassment.

The comparison to Virgil stems from Lent-Koop's ability to hit cross field balls with his left foot to kickstart attacks.

I love that!  How old are your sons?  It's amusing to contemplate their embarrassment.  VVD has had an uncharacteristically uneven season thus far.  He did not perform well during the first part of the Premier League and Champions League season, came alive for Man City and West Ham, and then didn't distinguish himself in Liverpool's pathetic loss to bottom dweller Nottingham Forest.  Nonetheless, he's still likely a tad better than U Chicago's or Messiah's center backs...  :-)

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 07:09:32 PM
Btw, Messiah would not go through the NESCAC unblemished either.  That has no necessary correlation with whether Chicago and Messiah (in either order) are the two best teams in the country.

Last time such a feat was accomplished, 2005 Williams

Quote from: D3SoccerTalker on October 23, 2022, 07:17:06 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 07:09:32 PM
Btw, Messiah would not go through the NESCAC unblemished either.  That has no necessary correlation with whether Chicago and Messiah (in either order) are the two best teams in the country.

Last time such a feat was accomplished, 2005 Williams

Tufts beat Messiah 2014!

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 07:11:51 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 06:58:25 PM

Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 06:16:02 PM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 23, 2022, 05:15:31 PM
Lent-Koop was also voted First Team All American by United Soccer Coaches last year. The two Chicago center backs in questions didn't receive a mention for 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. Also, Massey has Messiah's SOS as significantly higher than Chicago's.

I haven't watched Chicago much but Lent-Koop is more than a pure defender, he pings the ball around like Van Dyck and is often the second-fastest guy on the field (after MacDonald). He's a lot more than a big, athletic guy winning headers and playing square passes.

And while we're at it, as a Liverpool fan (currently feeling some pain and discomfort), I need to clarify that Virgil's last name is spelled Van Dijk...

What's worse is I spent two years pronouncing it Van Dick, much to my two sons' embarrassment.

The comparison to Virgil stems from Lent-Koop's ability to hit cross field balls with his left foot to kickstart attacks.

I love that!  How old are your sons?  It's amusing to contemplate their embarrassment.  VVD has had an uncharacteristically uneven season thus far.  He did not perform well during the first part of the Premier League and Champions League season, came alive for Man City and West Ham, and then didn't distinguish himself in Liverpool's pathetic loss to bottom dweller Nottingham Forest.  Nonetheless, he's still likely a tad better than U Chicago's or Messiah's center backs...  :-)

They were college students at the time.

VVD is looking like a shadow of his former himself. It seems like he's never fully recovered from his knee injury.

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 07:19:30 PM

Quote from: D3SoccerTalker on October 23, 2022, 07:17:06 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 07:09:32 PM
Btw, Messiah would not go through the NESCAC unblemished either.  That has no necessary correlation with whether Chicago and Messiah (in either order) are the two best teams in the country.

Last time such a feat was accomplished, 2005 Williams

Tufts beat Messiah 2014!

@camosfan, this is a seemingly random, irrelevant, and tangential response to the posts you're quoting here.

2014?  Let me introduce you to a fellow that goes by Falconer.

Is your son a current Tufts player, or former?

I think D3SoccerTalker responding to you is implying that Messiah would go through Nescac,did I get him wrong? I do have a son currently at Tufts.

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 07:55:31 PM
I think D3SoccerTalker responding to you is implying that Messiah would go through Nescac,did I get him wrong? I do have a son currently at Tufts.

Well, he or she can jump in but I took that post to mean that it's extremely difficult to go unblemished in the NESCAC.  Hence, referring to Williams and 2005.  Seemed like the post was essentially agreeing that Chicago and Messiah most likely would not go unblemished.

Where is Novacat this year? 

Btw, that 2005 info was helpful to me.  I would have guessed that Amherst had an unblemished conference regular season.  I know they had a very long unbeaten streak.

Amherst or Williams?

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 08:05:23 PM
Amherst or Williams?

I'm sure Williams had some good streaks too back in the day but I was referring to Amherst somewhere between 2008 and now.

Btw, you were all over that 2014 reference.  Do you know any details about that game?  Like who scored or anything?

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 07:55:31 PM
I think D3SoccerTalker responding to you is implying that Messiah would go through Nescac,did I get him wrong? I do have a son currently at Tufts.

No, just merely showing the difficulty of going through the NESCAC completely unblemished (sans ties and what not.) I do think Messiah could, I do think Chicago could, Kenyon, Tufts, Amherst. I just think the likelihood is low given the competitiveness and style of the conference.

Just back from a good work out, feeling good and refreshed and opened the board and was laughing so hard I actually started crying.  Thanks for everyone's opinions, thoughts and knowledge.  Cracks me up!

The end of the thread turned the discussion toward top conferences, and I  agree with the NESCAC and UAA historically being the best of the best even though the styles of each are much different.  Then the conversation turned to running through a conference unblemished.  Univ of Chicago as recently as 2019, the last pre COVID season, ran the table in the UAA and did not cede a goal throughout the entire conference season (first time ever done in the conference). It was the first post Lopez/Koh season (for those that don't know were two of the most prolific scorers in recent Chicago memory).  So IMO was kind of a transition period on the offensive end.  But, it was the first year on campus for both Gillespie and Wada.

To be fair it was a down year for the UAA as a whole, but still a pretty darn good accomplishment.  I believe ( but don't quote me on this). It was a year in which women had priority hosting in first round of NCAA tournament and Chicago's women's team was one of the tops in the country, the men's team was sent to Holland Mi at Hope eventually losing to Ohio Wesleyan in the second round.


Thanks for all of the hysterical banter.

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:14:21 PM

Quote from: paclassic89 on October 23, 2022, 05:25:27 PM
Well, this year they are basically neck and neck but UAA has the slight RPI edge.  So, by one objective measure, UAA is the stronger conference.     Trinity drops the NESCAC into 2nd.  Take them out and NESCAC is stronger on average

Who in the UAA can beat Chicago and it would not be a big surprise?

The NYU game this weekend looms huge, and the Violets on their home field will be a big challenge for the Maroons after not playing at all last week.

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 06:46:37 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 06:37:08 PM

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:29:22 PM
So how are you going to conclude that the conference is stronger than NESCAC?

NOBODY has made the claim that UAA is better than NESCAC.  Virtually everyone considers NESCAC #1 and UAA #1A or #2.  It would not be a shock for any UAA to beat Chicago and if this is what you are after, Chicago almost certainly would not mow through the NESCAC unblemished.  Where would you rank Chicago right now?

SC, PLEASE post some game notes!  PLEASE.

Actually, I'd love to hear his thoughts on how he can make sense of 1 goal wins against Wheaton, Depaw, Luther, Carthage who Messiah smacked, Rochester who lost to Alvernia...... maybe he could quote D3 soccer's opinion on it all.

I guess I'll fall for the mistake of feeding the troll. It's pretty simple. The Maroons possessed the best overall defense last year IMO while playing against the hardest SOS in the country in 2021. They rode that defense and timely goals to the Final Four last year. UChicago still has that rock-solid defensive identity, and now this year they're finally starting to score after struggling offensively last year. So yes, some 1 goal wins are gonna happen. Their offense is not in Messiah's league, we can all agree on that.
At the same time, UChicago led that Wheaton game 3-0. Their 2-1 win over Case was 2-0 until the last 30 seconds. Same with the Carthage game. It's about context, and you'd know that if you watched the games. Which is fine, no one has time to watch every school. But if you're gonna judge UChicago's quality as a team and their CB duo, IDK, maybe watch so you know what you're talking about.
Messiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

(modified by GS for formatting)

Quote from: D3SoccerTalker on October 23, 2022, 05:55:12 PM
Not to get severely off topic from the point of this strand "Game Notes." Have had an opportunity to watch Chicago, specifically their game against CMU and I was impressed with a lot of their tactical movements (ability to fluctuate between a 3/4 back, midfielders dropping into the backline to create overloads, etc . . .) Interestingly, when they switched to a three back in the second half, Wada seemed to play the central role of the three backs/I was a little more impressed with his ability to anchor the defense than Gillespie. Maybe I haven't seen enough or maybe this just showcases the quality of their backs, either way I am looking forward to seeing how they match up against a decently fluid/dyanmic/sizeable NYU attack.

Wada is more of an anchor player while Gillespie is the one who makes forward runs with the ball due to his quickness/speed.

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 23, 2022, 06:46:37 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 06:37:08 PM

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:29:22 PM
So how are you going to conclude that the conference is stronger than NESCAC?

NOBODY has made the claim that UAA is better than NESCAC.  Virtually everyone considers NESCAC #1 and UAA #1A or #2.  It would not be a shock for any UAA to beat Chicago and if this is what you are after, Chicago almost certainly would not mow through the NESCAC unblemished.  Where would you rank Chicago right now?

SC, PLEASE post some game notes!  PLEASE.

Actually, I'd love to hear his thoughts on how he can make sense of 1 goal wins against Wheaton, Depaw, Luther, Carthage who Messiah smacked, Rochester who lost to Alvernia...... maybe he could quote D3 soccer's opinion on it all.

I guess I'll fall for the mistake of feeding the troll. It's pretty simple. The Maroons possessed the best overall defense last year IMO while playing against the hardest SOS in the country in 2021. They rode that defense and timely goals to the Final Four last year. UChicago still has that rock-solid defensive identity, and now this year they're finally starting to score after struggling offensively last year. So yes, some 1 goal wins are gonna happen. Their offense is not in Messiah's league, we can all agree on that.
At the same time, UChicago led that Wheaton game 3-0. Their 2-1 win over Case was 2-0 until the last 30 seconds. Same with the Carthage game. It's about context, and you'd know that if you watched the games. Which is fine, no one has time to watch every school. But if you're gonna judge UChicago's quality as a team and their CB duo, IDK, maybe watch so you know what you're talking about.
Messiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Appreciate the balanced response. They are clearly a dominant defensive team - which may be the key to their success this offseason.  No taking away from them - I think a fair question to ask is the reality of the scoring on the season.....

(modified by GS for formatting)

Quote from: camosfan on October 23, 2022, 06:14:21 PM

Quote from: paclassic89 on October 23, 2022, 05:25:27 PM
Well, this year they are basically neck and neck but UAA has the slight RPI edge.  So, by one objective measure, UAA is the stronger conference.     Trinity drops the NESCAC into 2nd.  Take them out and NESCAC is stronger on average

Who in the UAA can beat Chicago and it would not be a big surprise?

While I agree that this year it wouldn't be a surprise if they won the rest of their games I don't think a Chicago loss in the UAA is really a surprise. I mean they didn't even win the UAA last year.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Totally get the SOS discussion.  And understand how an easier schedule makes it look like a team may be more dominant.  But this is where I think Massey adds some value.  Don't know how he calculates it so, keep that in mind.  But Messiah's strength of  schedule puts them at 12th in the country. behind all but one NESCAC team (Bates), Mary Washington and Emory.  Chicago's SOS puts them at 34th.  Now I don't think that matters a hill of beans because both, as far as I am concerned, are the best teams in the country.  But then add to the fact that Messiah scores on average 4.5 goals a game, to Chicago 2.5, and Chicago only concedes .5 goals a game... to Messiah's .533 goals a game, its pretty darn close.  I have Messiah and Chicago at #1 and #2, and have had them there since the first poll.  One of them has to prove me wrong, but neither do.

SC.

Not for nothing, and I wanted the dust to settle in here, but...

I'd caution folks about throwing around the "troll" word too much, when what I observed was more of provocation and response, and then some general group waving of hands at the provocateur.

If making statements without a full understanding of a team/game/conference is going to get you called a troll, I guess I'll go find my spot under the bridge. :D I mean, I do try to shy away from that type of posting, but I think we can all understand getting wrapped up a bit too much in an argument and saying something without sound footing.

But, man... I've experienced a fair share of trolling in my time on message boards, and I'd take the banter on here the last couple of days over a legit troll every day of the week.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 04:23:09 PM
Not for nothing, and I wanted the dust to settle in here, but...

I'd caution folks about throwing around the "troll" word too much, when what I observed was more of provocation and response, and then some general group waving of hands at the provocateur.

If making statements without a full understanding of a team/game/conference is going to get you called a troll, I guess I'll go find my spot under the bridge. :D I mean, I do try to shy away from that type of posting, but I think we can all understand getting wrapped up a bit too much in an argument and saying something without sound footing.

But, man... I've experienced a fair share of trolling in my time on message boards, and I'd take the banter on here the last couple of days over a legit troll every day of the week.

Thank you for your comments.  I think discussion is good, and even better when we can be "the dumbest in the room"  I don't think this message board will be as good as it can be if it is only open to those that can intimately know every detail of every conference...... IMHO provoking discussion is a good thing - and at the end of the day, a conference or team is only as good as the year we are in.... and the result(s) that they post

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 24, 2022, 04:09:15 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Totally get the SOS discussion.  And understand how an easier schedule makes it look like a team may be more dominant.  But this is where I think Massey adds some value.  Don't know how he calculates it so, keep that in mind.  But Messiah's strength of  schedule puts them at 12th in the country. behind all but one NESCAC team (Bates), Mary Washington and Emory.  Chicago's SOS puts them at 34th.  Now I don't think that matters a hill of beans because both, as far as I am concerned, are the best teams in the country.  But then add to the fact that Messiah scores on average 4.5 goals a game, to Chicago 2.5, and Chicago only concedes .5 goals a game... to Messiah's .533 goals a game, its pretty darn close.  I have Messiah and Chicago at #1 and #2, and have had them there since the first poll.  One of them has to prove me wrong, but neither do.

SC.

SC I have been right there with you all year.  UChicago and Messiah are definitely have stellar seasons and that is the enjoyment I get in watching the game of soccer at the D3 level.  Most of these players careers will end by their senior (super senior) year.  Very few get a look over seas or in the MLS combine.  IMO that is why players give it their best because it may be their last game or season.  They still make mistakes but overall they have a good sense for the game. 

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 24, 2022, 04:35:38 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 04:23:09 PM
Not for nothing, and I wanted the dust to settle in here, but...

I'd caution folks about throwing around the "troll" word too much, when what I observed was more of provocation and response, and then some general group waving of hands at the provocateur.

If making statements without a full understanding of a team/game/conference is going to get you called a troll, I guess I'll go find my spot under the bridge. :D I mean, I do try to shy away from that type of posting, but I think we can all understand getting wrapped up a bit too much in an argument and saying something without sound footing.

But, man... I've experienced a fair share of trolling in my time on message boards, and I'd take the banter on here the last couple of days over a legit troll every day of the week.

Thank you for your comments.  I think discussion is good, and even better when we can be "the dumbest in the room"  I don't think this message board will be as good as it can be if it is only open to those that can intimately know every detail of every conference...... IMHO provoking discussion is a good thing - and at the end of the day, a conference or team is only as good as the year we are in.... and the result(s) that they post

Agreed, to a point. It's when things veer into the personal that one walks a very fine line.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Long-time listener, first-time caller.  Not a coach, not a parent, not a player.  Former D3 athlete who has followed D3 soccer for a long time.

I agree with the whole argument about UAA and NESCAC. However, I'd point out that while Messiah's SOS may be lower due to the MAC-C, the ability for them to get the rest of their bench involved and racking up minutes/points will prove invaluable down the stretch.  I'd also submit the perspective that those subs are practicing against some of the most technical and versatile offensive players currently in D3.

I know we all have opinions and biases, and we have to go off of the metrics and observations available to us.  But that's something that stands out for me.
Not sermon, just a thought :D

Quote from: jdfranklin23 on October 24, 2022, 05:08:50 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Long-time listener, first-time caller.  Not a coach, not a parent, not a player.  Former D3 athlete who has followed D3 soccer for a long time.

I agree with the whole argument about UAA and NESCAC. However, I'd point out that while Messiah's SOS may be lower due to the MAC-C, the ability for them to get the rest of their bench involved and racking up minutes/points will prove invaluable down the stretch.  I'd also submit the perspective that those subs are practicing against some of the most technical and versatile offensive players currently in D3.

I know we all have opinions and biases, and we have to go off of the metrics and observations available to us.  But that's something that stands out for me.
Not sermon, just a thought :D

With a name like Franklin you could be a great evangelist ....HAHAHA  I agree Messiah is getting a lot of valuable minutes from their bench.  The ability to rest the starters for the post season would never hurt any team.  IMHO most of the second team as it has been stated could start at other institutions but they still chose Messiah U.

Quote from: jdfranklin23 on October 24, 2022, 05:08:50 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Long-time listener, first-time caller.  Not a coach, not a parent, not a player.  Former D3 athlete who has followed D3 soccer for a long time.

I agree with the whole argument about UAA and NESCAC. However, I'd point out that while Messiah's SOS may be lower due to the MAC-C, the ability for them to get the rest of their bench involved and racking up minutes/points will prove invaluable down the stretch.  I'd also submit the perspective that those subs are practicing against some of the most technical and versatile offensive players currently in D3.

I know we all have opinions and biases, and we have to go off of the metrics and observations available to us.  But that's something that stands out for me.
Not sermon, just a thought :D

The harder your qualifying group is, the better prepared you are for a tournament, South American  group winner will always be one of the favorites in FIFA world cup.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 05:03:10 PM

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 24, 2022, 04:35:38 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 04:23:09 PM
Not for nothing, and I wanted the dust to settle in here, but...

I'd caution folks about throwing around the "troll" word too much, when what I observed was more of provocation and response, and then some general group waving of hands at the provocateur.

If making statements without a full understanding of a team/game/conference is going to get you called a troll, I guess I'll go find my spot under the bridge. :D I mean, I do try to shy away from that type of posting, but I think we can all understand getting wrapped up a bit too much in an argument and saying something without sound footing.

But, man... I've experienced a fair share of trolling in my time on message boards, and I'd take the banter on here the last couple of days over a legit troll every day of the week.

Thank you for your comments.  I think discussion is good, and even better when we can be "the dumbest in the room"  I don't think this message board will be as good as it can be if it is only open to those that can intimately know every detail of every conference...... IMHO provoking discussion is a good thing - and at the end of the day, a conference or team is only as good as the year we are in.... and the result(s) that they post

Agreed, to a point. It's when things veer into the personal that one walks a very fine line.

Couldn't agree more......

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 04:58:22 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 24, 2022, 04:09:15 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Totally get the SOS discussion.  And understand how an easier schedule makes it look like a team may be more dominant.  But this is where I think Massey adds some value.  Don't know how he calculates it so, keep that in mind.  But Messiah's strength of  schedule puts them at 12th in the country. behind all but one NESCAC team (Bates), Mary Washington and Emory.  Chicago's SOS puts them at 34th.  Now I don't think that matters a hill of beans because both, as far as I am concerned, are the best teams in the country.  But then add to the fact that Messiah scores on average 4.5 goals a game, to Chicago 2.5, and Chicago only concedes .5 goals a game... to Messiah's .533 goals a game, its pretty darn close.  I have Messiah and Chicago at #1 and #2, and have had them there since the first poll.  One of them has to prove me wrong, but neither do.

SC.

SC I have been right there with you all year.  UChicago and Messiah are definitely have stellar seasons and that is the enjoyment I get in watching the game of soccer at the D3 level.  Most of these players careers will end by their senior (super senior) year.  Very few get a look over seas or in the MLS combine.  IMO that is why players give it their best because it may be their last game or season.  They still make mistakes but overall they have a good sense for the game.

This is strange. The NCAA SOS rankings only have two NESCAC schools ahead of Messiah (Amherst & Middlebury), one tied (Trinity), and a few far behind (Bates, Bowdoin, & Colby). We seem to have more than just data, we have interpreted data as far as SOS
And the reason Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby are lower is because the play out of conference Maine teams which tend to be weaker. I'm pretty sure it's to limit travel time.

Within reason, the most important thing to be heading into a single elimination tournament is - healthy.

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 24, 2022, 06:14:24 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 04:58:22 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 24, 2022, 04:09:15 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Totally get the SOS discussion.  And understand how an easier schedule makes it look like a team may be more dominant.  But this is where I think Massey adds some value.  Don't know how he calculates it so, keep that in mind.  But Messiah's strength of  schedule puts them at 12th in the country. behind all but one NESCAC team (Bates), Mary Washington and Emory.  Chicago's SOS puts them at 34th.  Now I don't think that matters a hill of beans because both, as far as I am concerned, are the best teams in the country.  But then add to the fact that Messiah scores on average 4.5 goals a game, to Chicago 2.5, and Chicago only concedes .5 goals a game... to Messiah's .533 goals a game, its pretty darn close.  I have Messiah and Chicago at #1 and #2, and have had them there since the first poll.  One of them has to prove me wrong, but neither do.

SC.

SC I have been right there with you all year.  UChicago and Messiah are definitely have stellar seasons and that is the enjoyment I get in watching the game of soccer at the D3 level.  Most of these players careers will end by their senior (super senior) year.  Very few get a look over seas or in the MLS combine.  IMO that is why players give it their best because it may be their last game or season.  They still make mistakes but overall they have a good sense for the game.

This is strange. The NCAA SOS rankings only have two NESCAC schools ahead of Messiah (Amherst & Middlebury), one tied (Trinity), and a few far behind (Bates, Bowdoin, & Colby). We seem to have more than just data, we have interpreted data as far as SOS
And the reason Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby are lower is because the play out of conference Maine teams which tend to be weaker. I'm pretty sure it's to limit travel time.

Within reason, the most important thing to be heading into a single elimination tournament is - healthy.

Healthy and rested.  Never hurts to give your starts breaks in the end of the season games when the situation allows for it.

Quote from: MessageBoardMessi on October 19, 2022, 10:22:23 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 19, 2022, 07:14:06 PM

Quote from: northman on October 19, 2022, 07:05:29 PM
Actually...as Flying Weasel pointed out...these rankings are alphabetized...so Messiah and their fans need not be concerned.

If you were responding to me that was a joke.  Guilford is not ranked and never will be.  But congrats on Bowdoin!

My 88 year old mother actually lives 3/4 of a mile from the Guilford campus.  Guilford imo should be better but they are one of the many D3 schools that was probably struggling with viability before Covid and certainly considered at risk in the middle of and in the wake of Covid.

Horrid loss for Lynchburg.  Just mind blowing.  Guilford really shouldn't be better, nor will they be.  Their entire athletic program struggles, and have never been seen as legitimate in the region. Why would you think they would be better? Their location?  There is nothing attractive about that program, or special about the location.....and they typically attract the players that are short or without options  - but really want to play in college.

(emphasis mine)

To be fair, Guilford's men's basketball team has been pretty good at least intermittently since the turn of the millennium. The Quakers were in the D3 tourney as recently as 2019.

And Guilford's men's golf program has been quite good. Over the years the Quaker linksmen have been to the D3 championships 25 times, and they brought home the Walnut & Bronze twice (although their most recent title was 17 years ago). Those two nattys weren't a fluke, either, as the Quakers have finished in the top five on ten different occasions. In fact, they finished third in the nation last season.

Whether someone considers golf a sport or not is a matter of one's own belief system ;), but since both the NCAA and the ODAC sponsor golf championships for both men and women I gotta come down on the side of this being bona-fide evidence of the legitimacy of the Guilford athletic department.

Greg, can you adjust that somehow?  The way it's posted makes it seem like that was my quote or comment about Guilford and it wasn't.

Quote from: jdfranklin23 on October 24, 2022, 05:08:50 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 12:16:24 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 24, 2022, 11:30:18 AMMessiah based on their dominance so far this year should be viewed as the overall favorite to win it all. UChicago will be one of the other favorites as well, even if they do take a loss in their final 3 contests of the regular season.

Be careful when you state 'over all dominance' when Messiah's last 2 wins were against teams with a combined 5-22-4 record and 0-12 in the weak MAC commonwealth conference.  Scoring 16 goals against Average High school players is expected by a team of Messiah's quality.  Playing in a tougher conference you would not see scores like this every game.

Long-time listener, first-time caller.  Not a coach, not a parent, not a player.  Former D3 athlete who has followed D3 soccer for a long time.

I agree with the whole argument about UAA and NESCAC. However, I'd point out that while Messiah's SOS may be lower due to the MAC-C, the ability for them to get the rest of their bench involved and racking up minutes/points will prove invaluable down the stretch.  I'd also submit the perspective that those subs are practicing against some of the most technical and versatile offensive players currently in D3.

I know we all have opinions and biases, and we have to go off of the metrics and observations available to us.  But that's something that stands out for me.
Not sermon, just a thought :D

Welcome, Franklin!

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 24, 2022, 09:49:22 PM
Greg, can you adjust that somehow?  The way it's posted makes it seem like that was my quote or comment about Guilford and it wasn't.

Yes, sorry about that. I hit POST prematurely, and was in the midst of re-formatting that jumble of quotes when the power went out on my computer. >:(

Now that I've got the problem fixed, I'll re-post my Guilford thoughts, correctly attributed.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 24, 2022, 10:05:51 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 24, 2022, 09:49:22 PM
Greg, can you adjust that somehow?  The way it's posted makes it seem like that was my quote or comment about Guilford and it wasn't.

Yes, sorry about that. I hit POST prematurely, and was in the midst of re-formatting that jumble of quotes when the power went out on my computer. >:(

Now that I've got the problem fixed, I'll re-post my Guilford thoughts, correctly attributed.

Thanks!

Another Episode.....

Around D3 - Standing Athwart Inflation (https://youtu.be/_5YhxgEitA8)

U. of Chicago vs. NYU
Just some random notes, as I only saw the second half.

- NYU manages to hold UC scoreless down a man for 60 minutes.
- I have no idea if the red was warranted as I didn't see it, but there seemed to be a number of soft yellows given in the second half.
- If the game had been decided by xG, NYU would have won. UC had no good looks in the second half until the final minute when a player banged one off the crossbar.
- I was very impressed by NYU's composure and confidence playing a man down, no matter their ability to create chances a man down.
- I was not impressed by UC's lack of urgency and creativity when a man up. One would have thought they were up by two goals given the tempo of play.
- UC refused to use the width of the field to their advantage and insisted on playing low-percentage balls through the middle when in possession. They really lacked patience.
- A couple of the NYU attackers showed great 1 v1 strength and skill when creating chances for themselves.

Big Takeaway - UC's #1 ranking will be taken away next week

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 28, 2022, 06:14:13 PM
U. of Chicago vs. NYU
Just some random notes, as I only saw the second half.

- NYU manages to hold UC scoreless down a man for 60 minutes.
- I have no idea if the red was warranted as I didn't see it, but there seemed to be a number of soft yellows given in the second half.
- If the game had been decided by xG, NYU would have won. UC had no good looks in the second half until the final minute when a player banged one off the crossbar.
- I was very impressed by NYU's composure and confidence playing a man down, no matter their ability to create chances a man down.
- I was not impressed by UC's lack of urgency and creativity when a man up. One would have thought they were up by two goals given the tempo of play.
- UC refused to use the width of the field to their advantage and insisted on playing low-percentage balls through the middle when in possession. They really lacked patience.
- A couple of the NYU attackers showed great 1 v1 strength and skill when creating chances for themselves.

Big Takeaway - UC's #1 ranking will be taken away next week

Yes it was a red card the player did not even complain after being sent off.

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 28, 2022, 06:14:13 PM
U. of Chicago vs. NYU
Just some random notes, as I only saw the second half.

- NYU manages to hold UC scoreless down a man for 60 minutes.
- I have no idea if the red was warranted as I didn't see it, but there seemed to be a number of soft yellows given in the second half.
- If the game had been decided by xG, NYU would have won. UC had no good looks in the second half until the final minute when a player banged one off the crossbar.
- I was very impressed by NYU's composure and confidence playing a man down, no matter their ability to create chances a man down.
- I was not impressed by UC's lack of urgency and creativity when a man up. One would have thought they were up by two goals given the tempo of play.
- UC refused to use the width of the field to their advantage and insisted on playing low-percentage balls through the middle when in possession. They really lacked patience.
- A couple of the NYU attackers showed great 1 v1 strength and skill when creating chances for themselves.

Big Takeaway - UC's #1 ranking will be taken away next week

Which is totally fine, and I'm sure the Maroons won't be crushed by dropping a place or two in the rankings. Messiah has been plenty deserving of the top spot, and I bet the undefeated start was beginning to weigh on UChicago a bit. Every team is gonna have its off day, so may as well get it over with now and reset yourself mentally.
Rankings are arbitrary things and likely several people on these boards will pounce with hot takes of UChicago being overrated, etc. Ultimately the Maroons just have to move on and get ready for Brandeis. The postseason result is the end goal after all.

Quote from: blue_jays on October 29, 2022, 12:42:54 AM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 28, 2022, 06:14:13 PM
U. of Chicago vs. NYU
Just some random notes, as I only saw the second half.

- NYU manages to hold UC scoreless down a man for 60 minutes.
- I have no idea if the red was warranted as I didn't see it, but there seemed to be a number of soft yellows given in the second half.
- If the game had been decided by xG, NYU would have won. UC had no good looks in the second half until the final minute when a player banged one off the crossbar.
- I was very impressed by NYU's composure and confidence playing a man down, no matter their ability to create chances a man down.
- I was not impressed by UC's lack of urgency and creativity when a man up. One would have thought they were up by two goals given the tempo of play.
- UC refused to use the width of the field to their advantage and insisted on playing low-percentage balls through the middle when in possession. They really lacked patience.
- A couple of the NYU attackers showed great 1 v1 strength and skill when creating chances for themselves.

Big Takeaway - UC's #1 ranking will be taken away next week

Which is totally fine, and I'm sure the Maroons won't be crushed by dropping a place or two in the rankings. Messiah has been plenty deserving of the top spot, and I bet the undefeated start was beginning to weigh on UChicago a bit. Every team is gonna have its off day, so may as well get it over with now and reset yourself mentally.
Rankings are arbitrary things and likely several people on these boards will pounce with hot takes of UChicago being overrated, etc. Ultimately the Maroons just have to move on and get ready for Brandeis. The postseason result is the end goal after all.

For the record, Chicago is already #2 in the SimpleCoach Top 25....  8-)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 29, 2022, 06:20:14 AM

Quote from: blue_jays on October 29, 2022, 12:42:54 AM

Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 28, 2022, 06:14:13 PM
U. of Chicago vs. NYU
Just some random notes, as I only saw the second half.

- NYU manages to hold UC scoreless down a man for 60 minutes.
- I have no idea if the red was warranted as I didn't see it, but there seemed to be a number of soft yellows given in the second half.
- If the game had been decided by xG, NYU would have won. UC had no good looks in the second half until the final minute when a player banged one off the crossbar.
- I was very impressed by NYU's composure and confidence playing a man down, no matter their ability to create chances a man down.
- I was not impressed by UC's lack of urgency and creativity when a man up. One would have thought they were up by two goals given the tempo of play.
- UC refused to use the width of the field to their advantage and insisted on playing low-percentage balls through the middle when in possession. They really lacked patience.
- A couple of the NYU attackers showed great 1 v1 strength and skill when creating chances for themselves.

Big Takeaway - UC's #1 ranking will be taken away next week

Which is totally fine, and I'm sure the Maroons won't be crushed by dropping a place or two in the rankings. Messiah has been plenty deserving of the top spot, and I bet the undefeated start was beginning to weigh on UChicago a bit. Every team is gonna have its off day, so may as well get it over with now and reset yourself mentally.
Rankings are arbitrary things and likely several people on these boards will pounce with hot takes of UChicago being overrated, etc. Ultimately the Maroons just have to move on and get ready for Brandeis. The postseason result is the end goal after all.

For the record, Chicago is already #2 in the SimpleCoach Top 25....  8-)

Well that is why we all listen to you way to go SC