A League that produced 3 NCAA teams last year is as competitive as ever in 2012.
Vassar fresh from its NCAA appearance in '11 is 1-1-1 in the conference after losing 2-0 to a SLU squad that was hungry for vengeance, and tying a surprisingly active Clarkson squad who is also now 1-1-1 and looking to make some noise of their own.
Hobart has bounced back to 2-1 after scoring 2 unanswered goals against a previously stingy Skidmore defense.
Skidmore defeated SLU with a taste of its own medicine, grinding defense and a bit of flair from a Jamaican striker. 3-1 is a good place for Skidmore to be, but they must get a result against a desperate Vassar Squad in order to gurantee Tournament play.
RPI is a strong team year in year out, and will look to bounce back for a top 4 spot in the league and the corresponding playoff berth.
SLU dropped its first league game in 3 years to Skidmore but will look to recover against Hobart on Saturday as the two 2-1 teams look to take a big step to booking a spot in the league Tourney.
The real season begins this Saturday.
Predictions?
I would think tonights game for RPI and Union is a big one. Im thinking 1-1 or 0-0 but have not seen either team. A win for RPI would really solidify there playoff chances. Two excellent road wins at Hobart and RIT. Still do not understnad why the Liberty League does not open up there tournament to at least 6 teams to make it more intereesting. This 4 team playoff setup puts way to much pressure on regular season games. Maybe thats a good thing but I would like to see a tournament with a 3v6 4v5 and 1 and 2 with byes.
That is an excellent suggestion.
Moving the playoff format from 4 to 6.
It is starting to get more and more support from the powers that be.
Last years #4 seed Vassar went on to take the tournament crown after stunning SLU (0-0 tie, and took it in penalties) in the 4v1 match up.
You are right also abut RPI.
They are the one team that is still a mystery to me. How good are they. They lost a great keeper (Penny) in 10', but this kid between the sticks looks to have substance this year.
Like you Vassar,Hobart and Clarkson are all hoping for a 1-1 tie between RPI and RIT later tonight.
RIT (1-2) @ Clarckson (1-1-1)
This will be the most decisive game of the weekend. Loser is out of the Tournament in all likelyhood. RIT lost a hard fought game to RPI their last time out while Clarkson held a good Vassar team to a 2-2 tie. I give the home advantage to Clarkson in a tight 2-1 game.
Vassar (1-1-1) @ Skidmore (3-1)
A would be devastating for Vassar, especially as that would make Skidmore a lock for tournament play taking 1 of only 4 available spots. Skidmore must be careful as well since they do not want to lose back to back league games after a strong 3-0 start.
This game should end in a 1-1 tie, which would help Skidmore much more than Vassar.
Union(0-2) @ Bard (0-3)
Battle of the winless. Bard is continuing to adjust to Liberty league play (only in their 2nd full year). As Hamilton can tell you (Now in NESAC) there can be growing pains associated with switching leagues. Any result here for Bard would be comendable. They will not lose all 8 league games, and see this game at home as one of their best chances to avoid a doughnut fate.
For Union, anything less than 3 points and their season will be over.
Hobart @ SLU:
SLU lost to Skidmore. Hobart beat Skidmore.
As any student of soccer can tell you, this means absolutely nothing.
Both teams have been strong in the league as well as the region in recent years. Although both likely to make post season play, neither wants to prolong the time spent making the reservation.
SLU's loss to Skidmore woke up the Red giant and they will be looking for blood on their home field. Hobart meanwhile wants to show that they are truly a top 25 team, and a victory in Canton would do just that.
SLU 2-0.
Agree or Disagree.
Mind you I follow the league but still have yet to see any teams so a total hunch.
I like RIT winning at Clarkson.
I like Union beating Bard and rather convincingly. I do not see Bard gettin a point in this league all year.
I like Skidmore beating Vassar, but I would be willing to bet Skidmore has the most ties in this league the last 10 years. So a tie def possible.
I like SLU over Hobart 2-0 but am a big fan of the Ghana kid #25 on Hobart as he is a game changer, I realize he plays in the back but if i were behind i would be puching him up front. It seems SLU has gotten much bigger in the last few years, as I see them on video they look huge. Has this hurt there style at all? speed?
SLU has always been a big team (with the exception of the wingers on the squad).
The last 3-5 years however the big boys have been more of the all-american/impact players on the team.
Speed is still well above average, but the trick with the team is more fitness than speed.
I would go with all your points, except, Bard will get points this year.
They have lost their last 2 league games by a combined 10 goals.
These guys have pride. They will shock someone at home with a result.
RIT (2-2) @ Bard (0-4).
I still say Bard will get a result in this league, despite dropping three straight by a 5-0 scoreline.
RIT are still very much alive, might even be in the playoff picture after the weekend, but first things first!
(0-0)
Clarkson (1-2-1) @ Union 1-2.
Clarkson needs a result to stay in the hunt, a win on the road will have this team looking dangerous.
Union will hope to prevail today and get some momentum to face the hungry Saints from Canton, who they play 22 hours later.
(1-1)
Vassar (2-1-1) @ Hobart (2-2)
Easily the game of the weekend. Loser will be on the outside looking in at the tournament.
Teams have almost identical overall and conference record. Both strong squads who will be searching for a possible at large bid. A loss here however would destroy that possibility.
Vassar 2 HOB 1
SLU (3-1) RPI (3-1)
Battle of the alphabets and alpha teams in the league at this stage.
RPI at home is always a tough matchup. The last game in Albany between these two teams ended in controversy.
A win here means aconference tournament spot is secured. A loss, and look over your shoulder at a charging Hobart/Vassar/Skidmore/RIT.
SLU (2-0)
im gonna go:
Bard v RIT 0-6
Union v Clarkson 2-0 - Union plays such a weak out of conference. but Clarkson is weak.
Hobart v Vassar 2-1- Vassar some impressive results on road. Not here
RPI v SLU 1-0 -depending on what field RPI plays on. If its that tight short field i like this result. If the football stadium then 3-0 SLU
SLU (3-1-1) @ UNION (2-2)
SLU 3 Union 0
Strong 5-0 win over Clarkson yesturday but SLU is a different team.
A win puts SLU into the post season. A loss and Union is done.
Clarkson (1-3-1) @ RPI 3-1-1.
2-2
RPI pushed to double overtime against SLU less than a day ago will fight hard, but Clarkson is playing for pride.
RIT (3-2) @ Vassar 3-1-1
Both teams in striking position of playoff berth. Vassar too strong at home 2-1.
RIT will be in a dog fight with Hobart Skidmore the rest of the way!
Teams out of League Tournament:
Hobart
Bard
Clarkson
Teams that could still win the League Title:
Vassar
RPI
Union
Teams that Could still miss/make the League Tournament:
Vassar
Union
RIT
Skidmore
SLU
Union loss to Skidmore means that RIT is now out of playoff contention.
Vassar can still top the league which would likely mean a date with SLU and a semifinal remmatch of lastyears Conference Tourney.
Union v. Skidmore now becomes all important.
Union Win and they advance
A Win for Skidmore or a Tie, and Skidmore moves on.
Saint of Old
Do you know why Sam DeMello hasn't been playing? Assuming he was injured in the Union game as he was subbed out that game and hasn't played since. Hope it isn't anything serious, especially since he is a senior and a great player.
Perhaps the Best midfielder the program has ever had (which is saying a whole lot).
He looks bigger on the field than he does in person, that has to do with his domination when playing.
I'm really not sure.
Didn't really make sense to play him against Plattsburgh.
My guess is that he is being rested toward the end of the season to make sure he is sharp for the playoff run.
The team is deep enough to make the dance without him, but having him adds a good passing and great scoring talent.
He has a problem with his hammy. He'll be out until the playoffs next week, which they should make as they play Clarkson at home tomorrow. No sense to overextend him if they don't need to.
#1 Vassar (5-1-2) v #4 Union (5-3)
Vassar got a taste of NCAA action last year and they seem to have loved it.
Union had one hell of a season. This group is trying to build a tradition of success.
It took 100 minutes for Vassar to gain a hard fought 2-1 OT victory when these two met in the regular season.
A tournament title might be the only ticket these two have of possibly dancing, however a slim chance of an at-large bid could hang in the balance for whoever wins.
Vassar at home is a bit too strong with home field and NCAA experience.
2-1 Vassar.
#2RPI (5-1-2) v #3 SLU (5-2-1)
RPI Seniors have seen their program become a conistent player in the conference over the last 4 years. Nothing would solidify this more than a trip to the NCAA.
A Tournament title or a victory over SLU might just do the trick. Earlier this year they earned a good 0-0 result against SLU. They will now be hoping that a SLU team hit with injuries and home field advantage will be the added fuel needed to topple men from Canton.
SLU lost their emotional and phisical leader for the last 5 games of the season and has had to rely of previously untested young guns.
0-0
PKs.
Union has the best player in the league this year, which makes them dangerous. Vassar plays everyone tough at home. PKs would not be a surprise.
Is DeMello available for the RPI game? If so, SLU has a definite edge. RPI coming off back to back losses to Williams and Keene.
We will see based on tomorrows regional rankings but it seems to me that all 3 teams besides SLU need to win this tourney. Union with an easy SOS out of conference and not even regionally ranked as of now. There best win is over SLU and at Hobart and maybe at SKidmore but the rest of the schedule is weak. Vassar is regionally ranked and if they can beat Union maybe they have a shot but i doubt it. RPI should be commended for their schedule out of conference with Oneonta, Williams, Keene, etc however when you have a tough schedule you need to win 1 or 2 of those games to make it worthwhile and they really didnt get that part of it done. Records aganist regionally ranked opponents from any region play a big factor into at larges.
Still think DeMello is the best player in the Liberty League - 2nd in goals and points while missing 3 games due to injury. Jansen has the most goals so he may be the best offensive player - also has 4 yellow cards.
I think SLU's big striker has the most league goals (8).
A Clarkson rookie who missed 2 league games has (6).
Jansen is a dangerous threat for sure a good finisher, actually scored against SLU in Unions win.
It is just tough when your leading scorer has half more than half (20) of team's overall goals (37).
This means that if Vassar shuts him down, it will be difficult for Union to advance.
To be an All-American, it helps if one "Dances".
Jansen had 9 league goals. Scored against everyone except RPI.
DeMello's career is done....hamstring tear...hats off to a great kid and great career
Its RPI through on the automatic bid.
Vassar 1 RPI 1 (4-2 on penalties)
All playoff teams finished with 5 league wins.
2 of 3 games ends ina shootout.
The most competitive I have ever seen this league.
Vassar has nothing to be ashamed of and have an outside (albeit slight) of making the NCAA tourney. They finish with 4 losses to good teams.
SLU should get an atlarge bid (though stranger things have happened), but hats off to a determined and diciplined RPI team.
They scored 21 yes 21 goals all year and find themselves in the dance.
They play good football and are well coached.
The most deserving team in the Liberty league won for sure.
Now will the Libery league produce 3 NCAA teams or 2 or 1?
SLU definitely gets in. Too bad no DeMello, although SLU still dominated RPI without him.
Vassar does not get in.
I was wrong! Congrats to Vassar for being selected. Best of luck to all LL teams.
Good to see 3 Liberty League teams advanced (second year in a row).
Funny thing is, the only way we get three was for RPI to win, and Vassar to not have a loss in the tournament.
Both things happened.
To the present:
Vassar has a good shot to get by Tufts. Brewers play a tough schedule year after year. This is why you do it!
RPI v Chris Newport:
I wont bet against RPI. I have seen them play twice this season, and they have that something special teams do... (Obviously there is no name for it).
Would be good to see how good Chris Newport is, they have been in the the Top25 for a few years running and even topped the charts a few times in the last couple years. They must prove themselves in the dance with a nice run to be taken seriously nationally (as every team must).
SLU v. ECSU:
SLU is coming in off a sub par performance, but look to peak at the right time. The squad is without "currently" its top player, but deep. They can ill afford to overlook a 1 loss team in the NCAAs playing close to home.
Good luck Freedom Players!
St. Lawrence downs Eastern Connecticut 2-1 in double OT. The Saints will now face Williams College at Williams on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 for the right to advance to the sweet 16. Williams advanced to the next round with a 2-1 victory over Thomas College on Saturday.
Congrats to Union's Sebastiaan Jansen on 1st team AA! Gifted talent. Good showing by the LL! Jansen joined by Laird (SLU), Mrlik (Vassar), and DeMello (SLU).
This D3 AA list has a HEAVY midwestern bias.....
Quote from: LaPaz on December 14, 2012, 08:37:16 PM
This D3 AA list has a HEAVY midwestern bias.....
FWIW . . .
FIRST TEAM DISTRIBUTION| Region | Selections | (Pct.) |
| New England | 2 | (18%) |
| East | 3 | (27%) |
| Mid-Atlantic | 2 | (18%) |
| South Atlantic | 1 | (9%) |
| Great Lakes | 1 | (9%) |
| Central | 0 | (0%) |
| North | 2 | (18%) |
| West | 0 | (0%) |
New England + East + Mid-Atlantic + South Atlantic = 8 (72%)
Great Lakes + Central + North + West = 3 (27%)
OVERALL DISTRIBUTION (all three teams)| Region | Selections | (Pct.) |
| New England | 5 | (15%) |
| East | 6 | (18%) |
| Mid-Atlantic | 6 | (18%) |
| South Atlantic | 1 | (3%) |
| Great Lakes | 4 | (12%) |
| Central | 1 | (3%) |
| North | 6 | (18%) |
| West | 4 | (12%) |
New England + East + Mid-Atlantic + South Atlantic = 18 (54%)
Great Lakes + Central + North + West = 15 (45%)
Thanks Flying Weasel, your posts are always well thought out and informative.
Lapaz there is some bias in your post, but i think the bias is on your part for everything East. 2 of the three AA picks from the midwest were from loras who is the 2nd best team in the nation and came very close to being national champions. I suppose you think there should have been no selections from the midwest
Quote from: d3fan1 on December 15, 2012, 11:41:36 PM
Thanks Flying Weasel, your posts are always well thought out and informative.
Lapaz there is some bias in your post, but i think the bias is on your part for everything East. 2 of the three AA picks from the midwest were from loras who is the 2nd best team in the nation and came very close to being national champions. I suppose you think there should have been no selections from the midwest
YES - to both D3fan1 and FW. And congrats to all who made NSCAA All American or Region or D3 AA. Whether or not any of us in the peanut gallery think there are biases, it is a great honor.
Skidmore nightmare hazing incident in November....story here
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323549204578320421391744096.html
leads to a most likely forced resignation / retirement of longtime Head coach Ron McEachen...story here
http://www.skidmoreathletics.com/news/2013/1/29/MSOC_0129131351.aspx
New Coach Appointed comes from Elmira....story here
http://www.skidmoreathletics.com/news/2013/3/12/MSOC_0312130412.aspx
End result...this is a shame because I dont think McEachean was ready to retire and aftre seeing Skidmore a couple times last year they had seemed to turn the corner with some nice Jamaicans and other solid players. They had always been tough to break down but this roster they had last year, they had some offensive weapons also...Now who knows what players are suspended and this could really hurt them for 2013.
This league for 2 years running had 3 teams (SLU/Vassar/RPI) in the final 32.
In addition, Union/RIT/Hobart and Skidmore can well feel hard pressed to not have made it to the NCAA in 2012.
This leaves two teams, Coached by men with NCAA Championship experience, Bard and Clarkson.
2013 Here we go.
Game of the weekend may well be Stevens v. SLU on 8/30/13.
Good early test of where the power lies in the State and Region.
Vassar v. Skidmore
0-0
Both teams seem to be a bit weaker than last year.
Vassar has suffered some close losses so far this year and will want o have a better start to conference play than they did in 12'.
Skidmore's new young Coach knows that conference post season play would be a big accomplishment for the new era.
RIT v. Clarkson
2-1 RIT
Clarkson (2-5) have a strong young core, but on the road, a victory over RIT might just prove too much.
RIT knows it only gets much harder from here and will not want to leave points on the table.
SLU v. Hobart
2-0 SLU
Hobart (4-3) has strong young guns hoping to get the program back to the National prominence it slipped from 3 seasons ago.
Not making the conference tourney in 12'i s extremely disappointing for a program like Hobart. A win over SLU would send a strong signal in the region.
St. Lawrence is much younger than previous years, but seem to have steadied after a rough opener with a good Stevens squad.
An unusual 2 road (conference) defeats last season will have the Men from Canton will be aware of the threat posed by the Men of the State.
Last Weeks Prediction was %100 spot on.
WE have beens don't know when to quit when we are ahead, so here goes:
Union at Clarkson:
1-1
Union has a great record(8-0-1), but have not played strong opposition @ 2-5 (0-1) Clarkson knows the weekend must go well in order to keep hope alive.
RPI at SLU
SLU 2-0
The last 4 games between these two clubs have been Classics. RPI is an up and coming power, but knows it must overtake St.Lawrence to gain true National Attention. A disallowed last second game winner by SLU @ RPI in 10' led to a draw. Vengeance was taken by SLU at home in the 10' Conference final. Two games last season resulted in ties, the second coming in the conference Semi Final that RPI went on to win penalties. Both teams danced their way to the round of 32 in 12'.
RPI currently lacks confidence, losing to a good Potsdam squad while St. Lawrence will look to cement their status in the region.
Hobart at Vassar
1-1
More than likely, one of these teams will make it to the dance, while the other will not.
This game has the potential to decide. Vassar, after a tie to Union last week must go hard after all three points, Hobart after losing to St. Lawrence at home are equally desperate. A tie will do either one much good, but is most probable.
Big clash today between Union and RPI.
0-0
Facing a hungry RPI team, 9-1-1 (2-1) Union will want to bounce back after their first loss of the season at St. Lawrence. RPI is defending tournament champs and know a loss to Union might put them at risk of missing the Tourney.
Union, if they can pull off the W can make a good early case for an at large should they fail to automatically qualify by winning the Tournament.
Hobart/Vassar and Skidmore will all be rooting for a tie, and this is also the most likely result.
Alot of parity in the league this year.
1999 St. Lawrence University National Championship team was inducted to the SLU Hall of Fame this weekend. The entire team, minus 3 guys, gathered in Canton to celebrate the induction. It was a powerful experience for all of our brothers, one that will be cherished for a lifetime. Safe to say that it was a fitting honor for the team who re-wrote all the record books in Division III soccer. One love!!
I love your alias. It has a nice Ring to it.
The best thing about what that squad did, was the legacy it left in the form of a successful program.
The one sure way, Generally Speaking, to ensure continued success of your program is to win a championship.
We all only have 4 years (tops) to do this, but a lifetime to enjoy our boyz.
What France did in '98 means every French team in the future must be considered a threat!
Strong Start (Week-end) predictions:
Vassar v. SLU
SLU 1 Vassar 0
Vassar lost 3/4 of their starting back line and have had some growing pains this season.
They are still a good squad, as they are undefeated in league play so far (1-0-2).
Five points from four games with RPI and Union still to play might be lights out.
To solidify their status in elite of the League, Vassar must atleast make an appearance in the League Tourney.
St. Lawrence in the mean time have had a more difficult season than their (9-1-2) record suggests.
A good young core of talent knows that a win today means the Tourney will be played in Canton NY.
Clarkson at Bard
Clarkson 2-0
Bard at home eill see this as their best opportunity to get that first conference point.
Both teams have lost all conference games so far, the difference is Clarkson has been competitive while doing so.
Skidmore v. RIT
RIT 1-0
Both teams are working hard to outpace Union and Hobart as the favourites for that 4th seed and the possibilities it offers...
RIT played a great game on the road only to lose 1-0 to St. Lalwrence last weekend.
Both teams already have 2 league wins, but can ill afford anything less than 3 points from the game.
RPI v. Hobart
RPI 1-0
Both teams have switched spots in the league over the past 2-3 seasons with RPI on the acendency.
Hobart who historically a lock for a playoff spot has missed out on Liberty League Tourney play the last 2 seasons, while RPI have made it to the second round of the NCAA's in '11 and 12.
This year, however, RPI knows there is very little chance they will get the at-large, and must likely win the Tourney away in order to dance.
As the regular season wraps up, 3 of 4 playoff spots are decided with the fourth to be either Vassar or Union.
Vassar has the advantage, but anything can happen here:
Vassar:
This team has been playing really good football for the past few years. The program has been built by an Englishman who knows the game.
The most southern team in the conference has made it to the Tourney final and the 2nd round of the NCAAs the last two years. Winning the Conference Tourney in '11.
This year though, the ties have really done them in. 4 conference ties is a lot, but those 4 precious points might just get them by (unless Union beats skidmore that is).
Union:
This year started out promising and showed signs of being historical.
An 11 game win streak to start the season was followed by consecutive losses to St. Lawrence and RPI.
Union must now beat Skidmore, and hope that Bard can keep Vassar to a respectable scoreline in order to make the Conference Tourney.
In Other News:
SLU v. Clarkson
St. Lawrence hast he chance to win the regular season title.
Clarkson will be at home.
Can anyone explain the criteria used by the LL to break the 4th place tie between Union and Vassar? The teams tied 2-2 in their head-to-head game, so the tie breaker must have been based on some other factor. Virtually all the traditional criteria (except fewest losses) -- goal difference, goals scored, most wins, record against other teams in the playoffs -- all favored Union.
Possibly win percentage the tie breaker?
Vassar lost to SLU, tied RPI and Skidmore.
Union lost to SLU, lost to RPI, beat Skidmore.
Judging by that, you can rule out the record vs opponents ranked above you (unless for some reason they also factor in win percentage)
Higher middle 50% SAT scores??? ;)
Just kidding. Union is a fantastic school.
The tiebreaker after head to head is performance against the top teams starting with first place and going down from there. Union and Vassar both lost to St. Lawrence. The next comparison would be RPI as the second place team. Vassar tied RPI and Union lost. That was the decider. Tough way to go for Union as they had such a tremendous pre-season, but if you can't make the conference tourney an NCAA bid is out of the question. For three years now Union's season has effectively ended with a game against Vassar. Must be frustrating for them.
Thanks deutschfan! My son was on one of those U teams that started 11-2-1 (ranked 18th in country at time) only to lose a 3-0 shocker to Vassar (whom U had previously dominated). Vassar has certainly extracted its revenge! Liberty League should consider expanding the playoffs to 6 teams, as some really strong teams are excluded annually, this year on an arguably questionable criterion.
Vassar is in due to fewer conference losses (1) compared to Union (3).
Vassar had (4) league ties, and only lost to SLU.
Union has nothing to hang it s head about. A great year, they should really be looked at as a Pool C team, but that wont happen.
Vassar meanwhile keeps going. They have heart (equalized at Union with 15 mins left to keep their season alive).
This team has arrived in the LL elite.
What are some thoughts on who is winning the Liberty League this year? St Lawrence going to run away with it? Who is going to get POY for the League?
Liberty League MVP: Aaron Castello.
The kid always makes the big save and has luck on his side. Ingredients of a special Goal Keeper.
Vassar at SLU:
St. Lawrence the 2010 LL Tourney and regular season champs are an established National threat. This season the team worked to form a personality after losing some special players to graduation and injuries. A 13-2-2 record and regular season crown does not guarantee a selection to the dance, but this team stands the best chance at an atlarge should the Tournament title goes South (geographically).
Vassar are 2011 Champions and 2012 finalists. This program has made a habit of beating league foes in the past few seasons and have joined SLU and RPI as Elite teams in the league. This seasons march to the Tourney was extremely difficult. The only loss came at home to St. Lawrence, but 4 ties against league foes meant bearly edging out a good Union squad.
Vassar knows only a Tourney Championship will result in an invite t o the dance. The upper class men also know that in 2011 they got by a previously perfect St. Lawrence squad in the semi-final of the tourney en route to their first league crown.
SLU 2-1
SLU 2-1 at Home
I agree with your prediction about slu winning. But Costello will get defensive poy and bednarski will get mvp.... Senior captain with a young team and is the work horse of that team plus hes been a 1st all league and region since 2011
I do love Bender.
The only player in the history of the program to start all regular season games over a 4 year stretch.
This means that the kid, stayed fit and in form for four straight years. He played 3 years next to Demello, so he learned well how to be a star. He would deserve the award for sure.
I think there is true greatness in Castello.
He will only improve.
First let me say Saint that your predictions have been very accurate and I think you are right about the SLU-Vassar game, however, having watched the video of the first game this could be a great rematch. Despite the 3-0 score Vassar missed a goal by inches on a tap-in in the first 10, could have put SLU down a man when a forward was pulled down on a break, and finally Vassar missed a goal on a break-through in the second half by inches again. Last two SLU goals were when Vassar played 3 defenders and their goalie was out with injury. Breaking it down: Mental: Advantage SLU not only due to home field but also Vassar has a monkey on their back not having scored against SLU since 2010. Goalie: Advantage SLU--Costello's numbers don't lie although Grimme has come up huge in big games including the last playoff game between these two. Defense: Push--SLU strong but Vassar has been able through experimentation find the best group to replace last year's starters. Midfield: Big advantage SLU: Bender is great both shooting and distributing, and the midfielders around him are good to excellent. Vassar has an excellent defensive midfielder who scores alot of goals on set pieces but Vassar generally does not generate alot of offense from its attacking mids. Forward: Push. Vassar has one of the top forwards in the league but they could use a second consistent scoring threat. SLU has a number of forwards who can put the ball in the net, including from off the bench, and who complement their attacking midfielders. Overall--Advantage SLU. If Vassar scores first, and the monkey jumps off their back, it is a whole different ball game.
Quote from: deutschfan on November 03, 2013, 11:49:56 AM
. . . , but if you can't make the conference tourney an NCAA bid is out of the question.
I almost thought that there was an example of a team missing their conference playoffs and yet getting an at-large berth, but I can't find it. More likely, it wasn't inconceivable but didn't happen. And I'm thinking of 2007 Swarthmore who was the odd man out (6th place at 5-3-1) in a very, very strong and deep Centennial Conference that ended up getting four teams in the NCAA tournament (AQ + 3 at-large berths) that year. Swarthmore was 14-3-3 overall and 11-3-3 "in-region". Their SOS wasn't the best back then as their non-conference schedule wasn't the greatest, and that may have hurt them as much as not making the conference playoffs.
SLU through to the LL tournament Final 1-0 over Vassar.
Not likely that Vassar will get an atlarge, but the program keeps building on its solid reputation.
The winner of tonight RPI v. Skidmore will be forced to travel North.
0-0
RPI 4-2 PKs
Tough to pick a winner in this game, both teams are evenly matched.
Skidmore will have vengeance on their minds after losing 3-2 OT heartbreaker while giving up a 2 goal lead when the two teams met earlier this season.
With both Brockport and Oneanta losing today, both Skidmore and RPI Know that they must play in the final in order to have any chance at a Pool C bid and a ticket to the big dance.
Skidmore has the better attack, but RPI has the slightly better team. This one may go down as a classic.
With Skidmore's win tonight RPI likely out, and if St. Lawrence wins Saturday, good chance only one LL team in the Dance. Costello comes up big again this afternoon. First minute, one on one with the leading goal scorer in the league, and he gets last second deflection. If Vassar scores first the monkey may have disappeared but Vassar will have to wait til next year to get a couple more cracks at SLU.
Vassar will have blood in their eyes next season, as will Union and Hobart.
This league is only gonna get better.
Skidmore's ascendency means that there are always 7 teams fighting for 4 playoff spots.
Every wknd is big.
Aaron is playing big, he will need to continue his solid play if the Saints are to make a deep run this season.
I watched the RPI v Skidmore video. Skidmore was the better team and had on the night better offensive weapons. McEachen did a great job recruiting this group. Beek is the real deal and is a cagey skilled fast player. The kid Brockwell from Arizona looks like a natural finisher. They do seem suspect in other areas and def have weaknesses but on the night looked very sharp against an uninterested RPI team. They looked as flat as can be with maybe one or two scoring chances all night. A HUGE HUGE thumbs up to that RPI.tv production. I have never seen a D3 soccer game produced and shown like that. 3 different camera angles, instant replay, etc. I guess I would expect nothing less from engineers.
RPI has been sick with their broadcasts for a few seasons now.
I agree, the best I have ever seen, almost like NBCSN!
RPI must have a good season next year to be as elite as thier broadcasts.
They have proven themselves a good and consistent team, and a couple more strong seasons will cement that status.
They are well coached, and despite losing 3/4 of the backline had a good season.
Next year the Liberty league only gets tougher after it seemed every team took a step back from last year. Some bigtime studs left the league in '12.
Jansen/Mello et al.
'13 solidified the pecking order moreso than redefining it (with Skidmore taking the biggest step).
All four teams in the Tourney:
Vassar, RPI, Skidmore, SLU proved themselves to be the best teams in the conference.
St. Lawrence wins the double as Saint Bender stars.
SLU wrapped up an impressive Liberty League season with a 3-1w in over a determined Skidmore.
Skidmore has signaled their intent to challenge for a league title and has a young team and bright future.
SLU is still SLU. Total football.
Bednarsky scored a wonder goal followed by a historic celebration to seal the League Tournament title as a Freshman '10, and scored a wonder goal with a HISTORIC celebration to capture the Tournament title his Senior year. Tough to not see the kid's name on an all-time St. Lawrence starting 11.
Now the real season begins however.
Saint, as much as I root for this league, SLU has proven in the last 6 years to be a cut below the elite teams, even when hosting NCAA tourney games. Maybe they'll go a bit further this year.
Any other Liberty League teams get in?
Elite is subjective.
Championships are not.
Saw the SLU goals online...WOW!!!! all three were nice goals. I think SLu can host and go far in NCAA if they play like that
Too much parity in the Liberty League this year. The conference deserved more than one team in the dance.
SLU is the lone representative from the LL this season.
Union/RPI/Skidmore all have a legitimate gripe about not getting an invite.
This weekend will be a tough test for a young St. Lawrence.
Fortunately the squad is improving each game.