New England Soccer Discussion

[blooter442]

Have to say I'm not totally convinced by this Babson team. They have no doubt been better than their rival Judges this year -- as evidenced not only by their record but their H2H win -- and they do appear to be superior to Wheaton, but while solid defensively they do not seem to have much creativity outside of Parker. I was not impressed with their display against Tufts -- obviously, not many teams look good against Tufts -- but as far as playing against a top team it does not seem to bode well to advancing past the NCAA 1st Round for the first time since 2011 (they have hosted the first 2 rounds in 3 of 4 tournament appearances since 2011 but haven't won an NCAA game in that time). I will say that they seem to have improved their speed of play since moving to turf halfway through the season (is that a permanent move?) but I don't find them to be setting off the alarm bells every time they come forward. Maybe I'm not giving them enough credit. The FY Collins does look like a player I must say and Heintzelman has done a nice job between the sticks.

[blooter442]

I will say that Parker would be my choice for NEWMAC PoY. The numbers he's put up this year as a center mid (7g, 6a) are very good, particularly the goals figure.

[blooter442]

Collins with the effort that clanks off the post.

[Mr.Right]

Wheaton playing very conservative which is understandable because they just do not have the talent especially in attack. Their backs immediately are hoofing the ball not taking any chances with stupid giveaways but their GK looks solid. In attack they have their Captain Curran Wait and not much else that I can see. Still if they can keep Babson off the board and try to steal one on the counter they are trying to find feet once they cross midfield but the problem is under the Babson pressure Wheaton is rushing a bit and forcing the ball and giving it away....Still 0-0 halfway thru 1st Half.

[Mr.Right]

I will say that Parker would be my choice for NEWMAC PoY. The numbers he's put up this year as a center mid (7g, 6a) are very good, particularly the goals figure.

Parker is a stud and would be putting up numbers in the UAA or Nescac....The kid is very cagey....

[Mr.Right]

Collins with the effort that clanks off the post.

Collins is a legit Frosh with skill who is undersized but has some fight..Nice technical player though

[blooter442]

Greenspan is the other Babson player who I think is very legit. Reminds me of Conor Lanahan in terms of physical presence and composure. He's for sure the leader back there.

[blooter442]

Babo does not have its shooting boots on today...a few efforts from distance in space that have gone way high and wide.

[Mr.Right]

Have to say I'm not totally convinced by this Babson team. They have no doubt been better than their rival Judges this year -- as evidenced not only by their record but their H2H win -- and they do appear to be superior to Wheaton, but while solid defensively they do not seem to have much creativity outside of Parker. I was not impressed with their display against Tufts -- obviously, not many teams look good against Tufts -- but as far as playing against a top team it does not seem to bode well to advancing past the NCAA 1st Round for the first time since 2011 (they have hosted the first 2 rounds in 3 of 4 tournament appearances since 2011 but haven't won an NCAA game in that time). I will say that they seem to have improved their speed of play since moving to turf halfway through the season (is that a permanent move?) but I don't find them to be setting off the alarm bells every time they come forward. Maybe I'm not giving them enough credit. The FY Collins does look like a player I must say and Heintzelman has done a nice job between the sticks.

Well we also have to put the bigger picture into consideration. This Babson team was AWFUL last season with some of the same talent they have now but for whatever reason just could not put it together. So I am just excited/interested because I like the class Anderson brought in and I think this Babson side could possibly make a little noise in the NCAA's depending on the draw. To the naked eye they do not look like much but with a solid GK and a stud CB and Parker plus a ton of role players that are capable you can sneak an upset or two on over confident opponents. They also look quite adjusted to turf now which could come in handy.

Bubble teams should be rooting for Babson as they are a virtual lock for the NCAA's no matter what. However, if Babson could win the Newmac they might get a chance to host a 1st/2nd round pod.

[blooter442]

Well we also have to put the bigger picture into consideration. This Babson team was AWFUL last season with some of the same talent they have now but for whatever reason just could not put it together. So I am just excited/interested because I like the class Anderson brought in and I think this Babson side could possibly make a little noise in the NCAA's depending on the draw. To the naked eye they do not look like much but with a solid GK and a stud CB and Parker plus a ton of role players that are capable you can sneak an upset or two on over confident opponents. They also look quite adjusted to turf now which could come in handy.

Bubble teams should be rooting for Wheaton as Babson is a virtual lock for the NCAA's no matter what. However, if Babson could win the Newmac they might get a chance to host a 1st/2nd round pod.

I don't disagree with that, I think they do have some potential. I just haven't been totally sold by them in terms of if they face a NESCAC or another strong Northeast team in the opening weekend of NCAAs, because they are a virtual lock. I could well be wrong -- I have certainly been wrong before -- and wouldn't be entirely surprised if they sprung an upset. I do agree that it is interesting that they were poor last year while playing a relatively "meh" schedule but have looked much more solid this year with most of the same cast. To be fair 8 of their 9 losses last year were by one goal so they were definitely "in" games but just couldn't finish.

Ooooof just over by Fromhein with the Wheaton 'keeper off his line. That's better.

The freshman class is strong. The other FY I think could be legit is Shellow. He has size and athleticism to be Parker's heir apparent as CAM but does make the wrong pass occasionally. That will lessen with experience.

[Mr.Right]

Well we also have to put the bigger picture into consideration. This Babson team was AWFUL last season with some of the same talent they have now but for whatever reason just could not put it together. So I am just excited/interested because I like the class Anderson brought in and I think this Babson side could possibly make a little noise in the NCAA's depending on the draw. To the naked eye they do not look like much but with a solid GK and a stud CB and Parker plus a ton of role players that are capable you can sneak an upset or two on over confident opponents. They also look quite adjusted to turf now which could come in handy.

Bubble teams should be rooting for Wheaton as Babson is a virtual lock for the NCAA's no matter what. However, if Babson could win the Newmac they might get a chance to host a 1st/2nd round pod.

I don't disagree with that, I think they do have some potential. I just haven't been totally sold by them in terms of if they face a NESCAC or another strong Northeast team in the opening weekend of NCAAs, because they are a virtual lock. I could well be wrong -- I have certainly been wrong before -- and wouldn't be entirely surprised if they sprung an upset. I do agree that it is interesting that they were poor last year while playing a relatively "meh" schedule but have looked much more solid this year with most of the same cast. To be fair 8 of their 9 losses last year were by one goal so they were definitely "in" games but just couldn't finish.

Ooooof just over by Fromhein with the Wheaton 'keeper off his line. That's better.

The freshman class is strong. The other FY I think could be legit is Shellow. He has size and athleticism to be Parker's heir apparent as CAM but does make the wrong pass occasionally. That will lessen with experience.

Yes I can definitely sniff ur skepticism BUT when they played at Williams in September I was sold because they took a nice 1-0 lead in the 1st Half and easily could have added to it but just could not finish. Williams equalized and then took control in the 70th minute and won the game but Babson proved to me on that day they were not only improved but could play with a Nescac. I think they would be shell shocked against an Amherst but they can hang with a Midd/Williams and should feel comfortable enough against Tufts. I do think Amherst would dominate them as that would not be a great matchup for them at all.

[blooter442]

Yes I can definitely sniff ur skepticism BUT when they played at Williams in September I was sold because they took a nice 1-0 lead in the 1st Half and easily could have added to it but just could not finish. Williams equalized and then took control in the 70th minute and won the game but Babson proved to me on that day they were not only improved but could play with a Nescac. I think they would be shell shocked against an Amherst but they can hang with a Midd/Williams and should feel comfortable enough against Tufts. I do think Amherst would dominate them as that would not be a great matchup for them at all.

Fair 'nuff. I didn't see the early part of the Williams game but I can believe it, so perhaps they are able to hang around.

[blooter442]

Babo gets the first one off a scrum off a rebound.

Right, don't you mean that other bubble teams would be rooting for Babson, not Wheaton?

[Mr.Right]

Jeez.....Wheaton caught flat-footed on that goal.....1-0 Babson......Wheaton MUST attack now....This could either go to a gametying goal or more likely Babson adding to its lead with Wheaton pushing numbers...Question will be when does Wheaton Head Coach decide to push?

[Mr.Right]

Babo gets the first one off a scrum off a rebound.

Right, don't you mean that other bubble teams would be rooting for Babson, not Wheaton?

FWIW Just a reminder Right is always Right....

Also we need to have a sir down on the Nor'easter News.....Not to play editor but there was a WPI/Springfield paragraph that made 2 appearances in the piece AND you mentioned 7 of the last 8 Nescac Championships have been played at Amherst but off the top of my head IIRC it would go:

2010--Bowdoin
2011--Amherst
2012--Williams
2013--Amherst
2014--Amherst
2015--Midd
2016--Amherst
2017--Tufts


Either way your the man no matter what so keep up the good work....However, since you corrected me like a month ago and noted how you hated to be that guy I decided to get involved on this one....