NESCAC

[flyingdutchman]

Is this the year Trinity finally gets a NESCAC win? The way this season is going, I think they might beat Conn College

[Soccerlover]

At a minimum it seems like Trinity has a more dynamic front line than Conn

[Hotskull]

Like I mentioned before, Conn College losing Jake Creus was the worst thing that could have happened to the program. That kid had some sort of dark arts working for him and the program. Whenever he was on the field, all bets were off, as they always just found a way to win.

I think the NESCAC this year is an open race, as it doesn't seem like there are three to five powerhouses with the rest fighting for scraps. With Trinity already having two wins this season, Amherst and Middlebury already dropping points twice, and Conn being an utter disappointment, we're seeing more of an even playing field.

The two questions I'm asking myself are: Can Williams keep it up? And what are the "big dogs" (Tufts, Amherst, Midd) going to do about it? Tufts is facing a serious injury problem but still has quite a bit of depth. As I said before, if Xavier Canfin can get hot, there's no stopping that team from winning it all.

[Hotskull]

Also, I do NOT want to hear any Dezotell slander. Taking over a team with that level of success is no easy task. Winning a NESCAC title in his first season is a testament to his capabilities. Now, in his fifth year, he finally has a full team recruited by himself and, in my opinion, is ready for some real judgment. How has he responded? A 5-1-1 record and second place in the NESCAC. Yes, they had an embarrassing home loss to Williams, but I wouldn't be surprised if that ends up being more of a blessing than a reflection of how the team will shape up.

[Camelparent]

Also, I do NOT want to hear any Dezotell slander. Taking over a team with that level of success is no easy task. Winning a NESCAC title in his first season is a testament to his capabilities. Now, in his fifth year, he finally has a full team recruited by himself and, in my opinion, is ready for some real judgment. How has he responded? A 5-1-1 record and second place in the NESCAC. Yes, they had an embarrassing home loss to Williams, but I wouldn't be surprised if that ends up being more of a blessing than a reflection of how the team will shape up.

I think Dezotell has done a solid job overall. I wouldn't say it's especially difficult to take over a successful program that already has strong foundations in place. Expectations might be higher, but if you inherit a talented group of players and benefit from being at the top end of the recruiting power in the country, I wouldn't consider it too challenging for a reasonably capable coach.
Without slating my own education my too much, coaches at places like Tufts, Amherst, Williams, and Middlebury will always have an easier time attracting top talent compared to schools like Wesleyan, Conn, and others.

Also, if you love Jake Creus that much I'm sure I can get you two to meet. He may even give you his autograph

[Soccerlover]

Coming into a big NESCAC weekend, my objective predictions for Saturday's games are below:

Colby 1 - Williams 1: Williams has had a good season thus far but think they struggle when they have to go out and be the aggressor. It could easily be a game they end up losing, but both the Ephs and Mules are no strangers to a classic NESCAC draw.

Bowdoin 2 - Hamilton 1: This is a must and should win game for Bowdoin. Going to Hamilton is never easy, but this Hamilton team is uninspiring, to put it lightly. Bowdoin needs to step it up, and this is the game to do so for them.

Middlebury 1 - Conn 0: Conn is not going to score against this Middlebury team and will struggle majorly to get even a point at home in this one. Do not think this Midd team is as good as the past 2-3 years, but is still significantly more dynamic, gritty, and cohesive than this floundering Conn group.

Wesleyan 0 - Tufts 2: This is a should-win game for a Tufts team that has not put its best foot forward in the NESCAC this season. They had a good weekend last week, but still have a lot to prove that they are serious contenders this year. This Wesleyan team seems more or less their typical selves and can put up a good fight against any team in the country, but still seems a step behind the "Big Dogs" of the conference.

Bates 0 - Amherst 0: Feel like this could be a tricky game for Amherst this year. Bates have a good defense and are a very hard team to play against when they sit in. Amherst has had several goalless draws this year, and I think this will be another game added to that list. This will be a tough watch for sure, so I would recommend not tuning in if you like soccer.

Trinity 2 - East Conn State 0: Massive game for the battling bantams who will be sure to put this heated Connecticut rivalry to bed

[camosfan]

Don't write-off the Camels, they have a solid midfield and has a tendency to start slow!

[Soccerlover]

Camosfan - I am a long-time fan of your writing and prose, so glad to see you reappear on the boards. Feels a bit different this year but would love to be proven wrong by the Camels.

[Newenglander]

Camosfan - I am a long-time fan of your writing and prose, so glad to see you reappear on the boards. Feels a bit different this year but would love to be proven wrong by the Camels.

love it - count Conn out!

[paclassic89]

Bates beating Amherst 3-0 at Hitchcock.     

[Newenglander]

NESCAC-ageddon!

[jumpshot]

Yes, Bates shocks amherst 3-0 today after 19 consecutive losses to the lord jeffs. Bobcats not intimidated at all by the usual bullying, rough play by the jeffs. A joyous ride by the Maine .... 

[EnmoreCat]

Amherst 0 Bates 3

Congratulations to Bates on a well-deserved win.  Not much more to say really.

Foul Count: Amherst 10 Bates 20

[Newenglander]

Amherst 0 Bates 3

Congratulations to Bates on a well-deserved win.  Not much more to say really.

Foul Count: Amherst 10 Bates 20

clearly not following the formula.......

[Hotskull]

3-0... At Home...on the day of their "Pride game"...Terrible day to be a Mammoth! One of the worst results I have seen in my last 6 years following the NESCAC. This might cancel out last year's National Championship!