Quote from: Middfan on November 24, 2024, 05:57:46 PMNot the right board, I know, but...  Midd women just won their 7th consecutive Field Hockey national title over NESCAC rival, Tufts.  Unfortunately, the game was marred by numerous life-threatening fouls, ugly language, knife pulling and other examples of NESCAC on NESCAC violence. 

I hope they enjoyed the trip to Lexington. It's a fantastic facility. Not the best for hotel rooms or easy access for flights, but a nice setting for a final four.

Quote from: paclassic89 on November 24, 2024, 06:05:04 PMIt probably did but you have to play to the whistle.  Insane that the UWEC right back completely gave up on the play before a call was made. 

edit: replied to a deleted comment about the ball going out of play before Amherst's 2nd goal

my bad man, still learning how to use this thing lol

the crazy thing is that watching it again, it looks like the ball may have gone out.  if it didnt, then Nuhu looks like he was offside on the pass from the Amherst centerback

but totally agree with playing to the whistle

Quote from: paclassic89 on November 24, 2024, 04:26:55 PMThis Amherst/UWEC game is shaping up to be a brutal watch

That is an understatement. It looks like helter skelter out there and I don't think both teams have strung 3 passes together. Would have loved to see UWEC 26 goal scorer play but he was injured. The PK I guess you can say was controversial as many players stopped except for NuNu who just took off with it. Don't think the ref or linesman was in position make a call but it happened so fast. Smart play by NuNu to keep playing though.

Final Four.....three NESCACs and the "NESCAC of the South" (a singular distinction because Davidson is D1).

We were very close to having all four from NESCAC...and also close to having none.

Anyone who watched W&L vs Dickinson and Babson vs Midd, what were your thoughts

Quote from: PaulNewman on November 24, 2024, 10:21:46 PMFinal Four.....three NESCACs and the "NESCAC of the South" (a singular distinction because Davidson is D1).

We were very close to having all four from NESCAC...and also close to having none.

I think every Final Four team had to win on PKs at least once, W&L twice. Given the awfulness of deciding a game that way, and often the randomness, W&L had amazing PKs against Col College last year and then couldn't hit the broadside of a barn against Amherst, I struggle to think of this as a conclusive Final Four.

They are, however, the last 4 standing and Vegas should be interesting. Unfortunately, unlike last year, there will be no road trip for me to see the Generals. I'm willing to drive a long way, but not that far, and spending $2k to fly and rent a car is just a step too far, even for this proud alum!

Quote from: Garden12 on November 24, 2024, 10:50:22 PMAnyone who watched W&L vs Dickinson and Babson vs Midd, what were your thoughts

W&L had Dickinson's number. The Red Devils ping ponged in a goal and got one on a PK, but W&L was very much in control of the vast majority of the game and contained the Red Devil offense pretty easily. The PK provided more drama and hope for Dickinson than the game deserved.

I was amazed how well the Generals stifled Dickinson in the midfield and just smothered them in the attacking 3rd. Dickinson did well to keep W&L out of the goal through the run of play, but they had no answer for set pieces. Which mirrored a lot of challenges in the middle of the field. W&L just kept winning balls.

UW Eau Claire 1 Amherst 2

Up front, I have to say I was quite busy at work at kick off time, so whilst I was paying as close attention as I could, I definitely don't claim to have seen every moment. Irrespective, I felt considerable tension as every supporter does as the season deepens and stakes get commensurately higher.

I thought the Mammoths started well and were good value for their initial lead, but had the same feeling from the season's start that very good teams like the Blu-Golds can reduce that margin quickly and that a second goal at least, was a necessity.  I didn't see the lead up to the penalty, but did see it taken and felt just that bit more comfortable.  Of course, that's not the same thing as believing the game was done and it was no surprise that UWEC came back hard and for a few minutes at least, Amherst was well and truly tested and it wasn't a surprise that they got things back to 2-1. 

I may have been fortunate to being distracted by work, but eventually it started to feel like Amherst had ridden out the storm and were holding the Blu-Golds at bay and actually launching dangerous attacks and holding the ball further up the field.  And I think on the balance I saw, that the Mammoths deserved to progress.

Commiserations to UWEC, it's completely obvious why they have enjoyed a stellar season and it's clear to me that the game is alive and well in Wisconsin.  For Amherst, it will be the third final four in four seasons and irrespective of what comes next, is an outstanding achievement.  I suspect those with purple in their hearts felt nervous about the trip to WI and playing very good teams in their own environment, but the reality is that this squad got through and now gets the team building benefits that accrue from a serious and successful road trip.

Under normal circumstances, I would be quite unlikely to visit Las Vegas, but I now have a very good reason to go.  I was watching The Hangover for about the ninth time on my way back home in October and will do my best to avoid anything to do with Mike Tyson's tiger.

Foul Count: UWEC 9 Amherst 14 (although the commentators made it sound like were lots more)

The silence in this thread is deafening. My thoughts and prayers are with the nescac haters, must be a dark day for them.

Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 24, 2024, 11:50:29 PMThe silence in this thread is deafening. My thoughts and prayers are with the nescac haters, must be a dark day for them.

Thanks for your true touch of class and helping support the hatred they have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quote from: Garden12 on November 24, 2024, 10:50:22 PMAnyone who watched W&L vs Dickinson and Babson vs Midd, what were your thoughts

Babson-Midd.  Midd outplayed Babson much of the game but once again had hard time finishing, giving Babson key opportunities to score.  A few clutch saves from Waterman in net kept them in it.  Still trying to figure out why babson had their keeper lead off on the pens.  overall a great match and class from both sides. 

Middlebury v Babson [Elite 8]

What an entertaining match. This was my first time watching Midd this season (I know, shame) and I was mightily impressed. They are loaded with skillful, tall midfielders that have a certain edge to them. #17 in particular caught my eye (was it the green cleats?).

Babson was impressive in the sense that they were incredibly organized defensively. I loved how Babson built out of the back - both CBs displaying top notch composure and distribution. They often looked for penetrating passes to skilled MFs who were comfortable receiving the ball with pressure on their back. I thought they were dangerous on the counter and quite sound in defense. There was one moment in OT where a Babson player had a smash from the top of the box through heavy traffic, and I'm sure the Midd players had hearts in mouths as they watched the ball whistle past the post.

The Midfield in this match was tightly contested and became increasingly more of a warzone as the two teams entered deeper into OT.

And of course, as mentioned previously, any announcer with an English accent is automatically over qualified to announce a D3 match 

PKs were a thrill to watch. Felt Babson were in for it as soon as their keeper took the first PK and skied it.

Overall, two really good sides who showed why they belonged in the final 8 teams of the tournament.

For those unfamiliar with the Midd broadcasts, the English accent belongs to former Midd coach David Saward, who coached the Panthers from 1985-2017, compiling a record of 359-126-59 (.714), including the 2007 National Championship.  He also coached Alex Elias (current Midd coach), Kyle Dezotell (current Tufts coach), and Scott Wiercinski (current Bowdoin coach). 

Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 25, 2024, 08:17:17 AMFor those unfamiliar with the Midd broadcasts, the English accent belongs to former Midd coach David Saward, who coached the Panthers from 1985-2017, compiling a record of 359-126-59 (.714), including the 2007 National Championship.  He also coached Alex Elias (current Midd coach), Kyle Dezotell (current Tufts coach), and Scott Wiercinski (current Bowdoin coach). 

CSO, thanks for the context. Just found his Hall of Fame page...

https://athletics.middlebury.edu/honors/hall-of-fame/david-saward/66

Met him last year during the NESCAC finals weekend, nice person.