New England Soccer Discussion

[Mr.Right]

Ya Bloots that is a beast of a schedule for Brandeis. My guess is since Mt.Ida closed shop maybe Amherst had to find a game quickly like last year when Merchant Marine cancelled their season and they had to pick up RUN. I believe Mt.Ida was consistently on Amherst schedule but could be wrong. Either way a great game for both schools. Site TBA is also interesting. I would rather see them play on the turf at Brandeis as the game would be much more entertaining than on Amherst grass field for numerous reasons. What I like about Brandeis schedule is they are playing the best schools from each conference. Tufts and Amherst, Endicott and Gordon, Top half of the Newmac, etc etc. To me I would guess a .620-.625 SOS by November. I do not see any schools that would really drag the SOS down as Elms and Mass Maritime will be around .500. My only question is what happened to the Wheaton game? That was a constant on both schools schedule for the last 20 years. I cant imagine Margolis dropped Wheaton so my guess is Wheaton dropped Brandeis. Will be interested to see Wheaton's schedule and then all of the Nescac's especially Middlebury with the coaching change.

[blooter442]

Ya Bloots that is a beast of a schedule for Brandeis. My guess is since Mt.Ida closed shop maybe Amherst had to find a game quickly like last year when Merchant Marine cancelled their season and they had to pick up RUN. I believe Mt.Ida was consistently on Amherst schedule but could be wrong. Either way a great game for both schools. Site TBA is also interesting. I would rather see them play on the turf at Brandeis as the game would be much more entertaining than on Amherst grass field for numerous reasons. What I like about Brandeis schedule is they are playing the best schools from each conference. Tufts and Amherst, Endicott and Gordon, Top half of the Newmac, etc etc. To me I would guess a .620-.625 SOS by November. I do not see any schools that would really drag the SOS down as Elms and Mass Maritime will be around .500. My only question is what happened to the Wheaton game? That was a constant on both schools schedule for the last 20 years. I cant imagine Margolis dropped Wheaton so my guess is Wheaton dropped Brandeis. Will be interested to see Wheaton's schedule and then all of the Nescac's especially Middlebury with the coaching change.

Wheaton is still there — Tuesday after the Tufts game. Barring an apocalypse (which doesn't seem totally off the table with today's news involving our friend in La Casa Blanca and his pal Rocket Man) I think Brandeis and Wheaton play every year and will continue to do so. Jokes aside, interesting insight in terms of why Amherst would schedule Brandeis with Mt. Ida's "situation." When the schedule first came out (the iteration without Tufts listed) it said Amherst at home at 7:00 p.m. on Monday the 22nd and considering it is a weekday afternoon I am guessing it may end up being at Brandeis. Can't imagine they will be driving out to Amherst for a weekday game since — while I know that Hitchcock doesn't have lights — I do not believe Amherst has a soccer-lined turf field with lights (like Bates, where most games are on Russell but a few are on turf under the lights). Either way don't be surprised to see it at Brandeis.

[Buck O.]

Brandeis' 2019 schedule is out, and boy does it seem tough (at least on paper) with six consecutive away games to start the season. I believed someone in the video said the field is getting re-laid, which would explain the number of away games to start the season and would make sense given the turf was first laid in 2005, but I could be imagining things. Either way, wow.

The field is definitely being re-laid.  Just drove by it earlier this evening.

[blooter442]

The field is definitely being re-laid.  Just drove by it earlier this evening.

A-ha! Good to know I wasn't imagining things.

It definitely needed it — it was wearing even five or six years ago. Wonder if they are going to re-lay the track as well, as it, too, has been wearing for a while, though I don't believe Brandeis has held an outdoor track meet since at least 2011 — it is pretty much just used for practices (it is solely an eight-lane track with long jump and steeple pits; throws and javelin are done on the grass field by the RR tracks).

[blooter442]

Tobias Muellers of Williams just won the Decathlon at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships. He looked absolutely gassed (as did all of his competitors) in the last event, the 1500m, but — for perspective — his time of 4:29.86 still converts to a 4:51 mile. Very impressive all across the board!

[NEsoccerfan]

My biggest takeaway: notwithstanding the profanities, Christian Hernandez is a FANTASTIC leader and motivator. Some of those pregame speeches (Emory, in particular) gave me goosebumps. Hearing speeches like those would make me want to run through a brick wall for him. It's no wonder the team voted him captain. I wouldn't be surprised if he found his way into coaching.

One thing I found funny, if not surprising: the younger Russo (who is featured extensively around halfway through the video) sounds just like his eldest brother did when I knew him. Same way of speaking, tone of voice, etc.

I played with Lee and you are totally right their tone of voice (i.e., sarcasm) and cheeky smirks are identical. I find it interesting that when Lee came in he tried to please all the upperclassmen, whereas it sounds like the younger Russo has ruffled some feathers (in a benign way, of course). I guess we can chalk that up to youngest v. eldest dynamic differences.

[Buck O.]

Well, it's finally here. A fellow alum passed along the documentary of Brandeis' season. Was to be released earlier, but my understanding is that it was held for a bit in respect to Rutgers-Newark, who is featured in the documentary, after their tragedy earlier this year. Objectively really well done. Honest, raw, and great cinematography. Big ups to Andrew Allen, who was the master behind the project, as well as the University, which funded it according to the credits. Around 1:50:00 in length, and I haven't watched the full thing yet, but plenty to enjoy and what I have seen I have to say is very well done.

So I was going to watch this ... and when I clicked upon the link, I found out that it's been taken down for violating Google's terms of service.  Blooter, any idea as to what's up and where it might be available?

[blooter442]

So I was going to watch this ... and when I clicked upon the link, I found out that it's been taken down for violating Google's terms of service.  Blooter, any idea as to what's up and where it might be available?

No idea. My guess is some kind of copyright thing with all the music, although usually those kind of things only happen with Facebook/YouTube rather than Drive. Usually just a slap on the wrist in the form of the video being taken down. I'll let you know if I hear anything about it being available elsewhere.

[Mr.Right]

Since I  have been commenting on schedules I have to give props to UMASS Boston for their 2018 Non-Conference schedule.

v MIT
at Tufts
Plattsburgh St(at Oneonta)
at Oneonta St
at Conn College
at Colby


They are playing a TON of games. I think 19 or 20 games. No true cupcakes on the schedule except maybe Emerson and Worcester St.

[NEFutbol90]

UMASS Boston will also be playing St.Joes (ME) in a friendly on 8/24 as St.Joes first test after their pre-season trip to Bermuda.

[blooter442]

UMASS Boston will also be playing St.Joes (ME) in a friendly on 8/24 as St.Joes first test after their pre-season trip to Bermuda.

Just looked at the SJC schedule. I was happy to see they picked up Gordon and Endicott (dumping Maine Maritime and Farmington in the process). Those are two very good CCC teams and two of the better teams in the NE region which — coupled with games against Bowdoin and last year's MASCAC champion Salem State — makes for a solid non-conference slate (Husson and USM being the other two non-conference games). You have to remember that St. Joseph's isn't "close" to schools like Brandeis, Tufts, and Wheaton (whether it's the ME or MA school traveling, Gordon and Endicott's North Shore locations likely make them preferable to having to wrangle extensively with 93 or the 128 belt) so I think they did well to get those two schools on the schedule.

I was a bit disappointed that SJC did not get Colby back on there after last year's cancellation. I think that could be a good game, especially with Colby's emergence over the last couple of years (it really was a shame they ended October like they did, because 11 days before that last-minute 2OT loss to Bates they had beaten Amherst). Ah well, water under the bridge.

Given the strength of SJC's conference (and the 11 games it is obligated to play in-conference), any complaints about their SoS have to be made in the right context. 11 of the 17 games on their schedule are in-conference, and, of the six non-conference games, they have 3 NCAA teams and the CCC runner-up. Sure, it's not the nation's strongest schedule, but it is certainly a step in the right direction compared to last year (although I think they were hard done by in terms of getting the Colby game pulled and having the Keene State game cancelled). And with SJC returning quite a bit of talent this year they have to be in with a shout to improve on last year's 2nd Round appearance.

[1970s NESCAC Player]

I was a bit disappointed that SJC did not get Colby back on there after last year's cancellation. I think that could be a good game, especially with Colby's emergence over the last couple of years (it really was a shame they ended October like they did, because 11 days before that last-minute 2OT loss to Bates they had beaten Amherst). Ah well, water under the bridge.

Next time I speak to the Colby coach, I will see if I can get an explanation as to why Colby and SJC have not rescheduled after last year's cancellation.  Colby really only has 4 non-conference games, as the Thomas game is an annual Waterville rivalry for the Elm City Bowl, and will not be dropped from the schedule.  With two strong teams in Gordon and UMB on the 2018 schedule, it would have necessary for Colby to drop Husson (whom Colby has played forever and who is a perennial contender in their conference) or UNE (who is coached by a former Colby assistant) to pick up SJC, so there probably wasn't much flexibility for this year.

[Mr.Right]

Well, it's finally here. A fellow alum passed along the documentary of Brandeis' season. Was to be released earlier, but my understanding is that it was held for a bit in respect to Rutgers-Newark, who is featured in the documentary, after their tragedy earlier this year. Objectively really well done. Honest, raw, and great cinematography. Big ups to Andrew Allen, who was the master behind the project, as well as the University, which funded it according to the credits. Around 1:50:00 in length, and I haven't watched the full thing yet, but plenty to enjoy and what I have seen I have to say is very well done.

I got a chance to watch the documentary and really enjoyed it. Fantastic cinematography and a great look at the whole 2017 season game to game. It gave me a chance to see what a UAA schedule can do to a team on the road. I think it allows for more team bonding than most D3 teams get because of the travel but I realized because of cost that they probably can only take I am guessing 18-19 players on each trip so the Coach of these UAA schools(especially deep teams like Brandeis) must make difficult decisions on who to take and who to leave off. Not with this squad but I imagine it could become problematic with team chemistry sometimes. However, I am guessing it can also makes things much more competitive in practice and what not. So some positives and negatives I guess.

Funniest thing:  On community service day before the Final 4 when the kid from the elementary school randomly does a cartwheel and smacks his classmate in the face with his foot. The reaction from the Brandeis player is priceless.

Unnecessary Drama:  The athletic trainer having a "moment" on the hill before getting on the bus after the Elite 8 win at Tufts. Not trying to be snarky or anything but that was a bit much for me. Yes yes I know ONE-TWO-THREE FAMILY but still it made me cringe a bit. BTW I have never seen an athletic trainer so involved in a program. I guess I am just used to underpaid over-worked athletic trainers complaining about pampered kids and taping ankles all day. He is a definite plus for the program and gets the guys in prime physical shape which is VERY KEY. I am confused does he work for the Brandeis Athletic Dept or is he just under the Men's Soccer budget? If it's the latter than Brandeis certainly have an advantage over many D3 programs. Of course to me he looks like a Strength and Conditioning Coach which is normal at most schools but in the documentary they have him listed as an Athletic Trainer so maybe they had his title wrong. IDK.

I had heard that Ocel was a bit of an introvert years ago but was surprised that Flahive looked to be a bit camera shy as well. Maybe it was just the editing that made him seem a bit quiet. If I had never seen the documentary and had to guess both their personalities by watching them play I would have thought the opposite. It is always interesting to see a players personality both on and off the field because they can vary a ton. I really enjoyed watching Flahive and Ocel play and both their passion and work ethic were fantastic.

Obviously, Hernandez was the team's vocal leader and got the guys pumped on and off the field. I agree his passionate pre-game speeches were very motivating and inspiring for the guys. I always liked him as a player as he was tough as nails and played with a passion that cannot be replaced easily. I was a bit disappointed in one of his speeches where he said he never reads the scouts before games. At least that is what I think he said as someone correct me if I am wrong. I think it was before the Elite 8 match at Tufts. I have seen plenty of players over the years that play, like Hernandez, with pure passion and emotion and do not give a damn what team or individual is on the other side of the field. I actually LOVE players like that BUT to be fully prepared you must know the other teams tendencies especially individual player scouts. While players like Hernandez will win you games just on pure emotion I have seen over the years that same player make a fatal mistake that can lose you a key game as well because they were not fully prepared and aware of the tendency of the player they are marking. Little things can get magnified in a hurry especially in Soccer. Still just a fantastic player that Brandies will miss.

LOL I still have not seen the goal that Brandeis scored on Meith in the 109th minute in the Elite 8 as the highlight of the goal was the same one we have seen on here kind of behind the play but you get the idea of what happened. I was interested to see the Rochester goal that beat Brandeis 1-0 as I never saw that one and that was off a long throw and poor marking in the back that left a UR player a free look on net. Could not tell if Woodhouse got a hand to it but that was a defensive breakdown for sure. I had watched the Emory game on the stream but it reminded me of how well Woodhouse played in that game. He stood on his head and kept Brandeis in the game until Flahive finished Emory off late in OT. A great win. I was never able to see the Chicago goal because Brandeis stream went haywire that day but it looked like a failed clearance and a Chicago player getting the ball back with Irwin making the initial save but another Chicago player putting the rebound home. Another tough loss that gave Chicago the UAA Title that day.

Anyway, like I said I really enjoyed the whole documentary and getting an inside look at how hard these guys worked before and during the season. Fantastic job.  Also, You have to respect the way Brandeis plays the game as they play the right way and keep the ball on the carpet for the most part. It will be tough to replace all those productive seniors but they have a ton of talent coming back, a few injured players that should be healthy, very solid GK in Irwin and I think a very solid backline. I think in 2018 Brandies strength will be their back 4 and GK. I still say Walter played well filling in last year and he is a tremendous athlete and should stay as a starting CB plus you have Hennessy and DePietto and Handler all coming back. I believe Vinson has eligibility so that would be a massive bonus but not a necessity. My worry will be scoring goals as they lose a ton in midfield and up top. Lynch, Flahive and Ocel are all big losses but Brandeis has proven under Margolis they reload very quickly with some great recruiting classes. I liked the 1 kid I saw on the Hot Stove but he looked to be a back so guys like Andrew Allen and Gans and a whole boatload of midfielders and forwards are going to have to all contribute and help with the scoring in 2018.

[Buck O.]

Well, it's finally here. A fellow alum passed along the documentary of Brandeis' season. Was to be released earlier, but my understanding is that it was held for a bit in respect to Rutgers-Newark, who is featured in the documentary, after their tragedy earlier this year. Objectively really well done. Honest, raw, and great cinematography. Big ups to Andrew Allen, who was the master behind the project, as well as the University, which funded it according to the credits. Around 1:50:00 in length, and I haven't watched the full thing yet, but plenty to enjoy and what I have seen I have to say is very well done.

I got a chance to watch the documentary and really enjoyed it. Fantastic cinematography and a great look at the whole 2017 season game to game. It gave me a chance to see what a UAA schedule can do to a team on the road. I think it allows for more team bonding than most D3 teams get because of the travel but I realized because of cost that they probably can only take I am guessing 18-19 players on each trip so the Coach of these UAA schools(especially deep teams like Brandeis) must make difficult decisions on who to take and who to leave off. Not with this squad but I imagine it could become problematic with team chemistry sometimes. However, I am guessing it can also makes things much more competitive in practice and what not. So some positives and negatives I guess.

Funniest thing:  On community service day before the Final 4 when the kid from the elementary school randomly does a cartwheel and smacks his classmate in the face with his foot. The reaction from the Brandeis player is priceless.

Unnecessary Drama:  The athletic trainer having a "moment" on the hill before getting on the bus after the Elite 8 win at Tufts. Not trying to be snarky or anything but that was a bit much for me. Yes yes I know ONE-TWO-THREE FAMILY but still it made me cringe a bit. BTW I have never seen an athletic trainer so involved in a program. I guess I am just used to underpaid over-worked athletic trainers complaining about pampered kids and taping ankles all day. He is a definite plus for the program and gets the guys in prime physical shape which is VERY KEY. I am confused does he work for the Brandeis Athletic Dept or is he just under the Men's Soccer budget? If it's the latter than Brandeis certainly have an advantage over many D3 programs. Of course to me he looks like a Strength and Conditioning Coach which is normal at most schools but in the documentary they have him listed as an Athletic Trainer so maybe they had his title wrong. IDK.

I had heard that Ocel was a bit of an introvert years ago but was surprised that Flahive looked to be a bit camera shy as well. Maybe it was just the editing that made him seem a bit quiet. If I had never seen the documentary and had to guess both their personalities by watching them play I would have thought the opposite. It is always interesting to see a players personality both on and off the field because they can vary a ton. I really enjoyed watching Flahive and Ocel play and both their passion and work ethic were fantastic.

Obviously, Hernandez was the team's vocal leader and got the guys pumped on and off the field. I agree his passionate pre-game speeches were very motivating and inspiring for the guys. I always liked him as a player as he was tough as nails and played with a passion that cannot be replaced easily. I was a bit disappointed in one of his speeches where he said he never reads the scouts before games. At least that is what I think he said as someone correct me if I am wrong. I think it was before the Elite 8 match at Tufts. I have seen plenty of players over the years that play, like Hernandez, with pure passion and emotion and do not give a damn what team or individual is on the other side of the field. I actually LOVE players like that BUT to be fully prepared you must know the other teams tendencies especially individual player scouts. While players like Hernandez will win you games just on pure emotion I have seen over the years that same player make a fatal mistake that can lose you a key game as well because they were not fully prepared and aware of the tendency of the player they are marking. Little things can get magnified in a hurry especially in Soccer. Still just a fantastic player that Brandies will miss.

LOL I still have not seen the goal that Brandeis scored on Meith in the 109th minute in the Elite 8 as the highlight of the goal was the same one we have seen on here kind of behind the play but you get the idea of what happened. I was interested to see the Rochester goal that beat Brandeis 1-0 as I never saw that one and that was off a long throw and poor marking in the back that left a UR player a free look on net. Could not tell if Woodhouse got a hand to it but that was a defensive breakdown for sure. I had watched the Emory game on the stream but it reminded me of how well Woodhouse played in that game. He stood on his head and kept Brandeis in the game until Flahive finished Emory off late in OT. A great win. I was never able to see the Chicago goal because Brandeis stream went haywire that day but it looked like a failed clearance and a Chicago player getting the ball back with Irwin making the initial save but another Chicago player putting the rebound home. Another tough loss that gave Chicago the UAA Title that day.

Anyway, like I said I really enjoyed the whole documentary and getting an inside look at how hard these guys worked before and during the season. Fantastic job.  Also, You have to respect the way Brandeis plays the game as they play the right way and keep the ball on the carpet for the most part. It will be tough to replace all those productive seniors but they have a ton of talent coming back, a few injured players that should be healthy, very solid GK in Irwin and I think a very solid backline. I think in 2018 Brandies strength will be their back 4 and GK. I still say Walter played well filling in last year and he is a tremendous athlete and should stay as a starting CB plus you have Hennessy and DePietto and Handler all coming back. I believe Vinson has eligibility so that would be a massive bonus but not a necessity. My worry will be scoring goals as they lose a ton in midfield and up top. Lynch, Flahive and Ocel are all big losses but Brandeis has proven under Margolis they reload very quickly with some great recruiting classes. I liked the 1 kid I saw on the Hot Stove but he looked to be a back so guys like Andrew Allen and Gans and a whole boatload of midfielders and forwards are going to have to all contribute and help with the scoring in 2018.

Where did you find the documentary?  I'd love to watch it, but as I noted a few weeks ago, when I clicked on the link that Blooter provided, I got the following message from Google Drive: "We're sorry. You can't access this item because it is in violation of our Terms of Service."  I just checked again and I still get that same message.

[blooter442]

Buck, I sent you a PM. Go up to "my messages" and click on that.