NESCAC

[amh63]

So excited about the start of the Fall season, that I could not read.  There are 7 not 6 FY players listed on the prel roster.  Also the first a game is on Wednesday, the 4th at New England College in the evening.  The real test should be on Sat., the 7th against Middlebury at home.
Things change by the hour. 
Seems the final roster is posted.  Julien's younger brother, Justin, is now listed.  There are 8 new players !  Size and weights are provided.  The California FY  player is listed at 6'6"!  Oh yes, there is a Sucre '13 brother listed as an assistant coach.

[nescac1]

Amherst easily won its first game, as expected.  Looks like a few key guys may be injured, as Julian Aoyama and Milton Rico did not play.  The Jeffs did give up an early goal -- of course with a younger team, there is no way they will replicate last season's three goals allowed on the year. 

It looks like Amherst has brought in a stellar first-year class.  Serpone noted in the season preview that 7/10 pre-season goals were scored by frosh, and that trend continued in the first game: two goals and an assist from new starting striker Christopher Martin (replacement for Noon, it looks like ...), and then another goal and assist from two frosh coming in off the bench -- one of whom is a 6'6 MF!  In addition, Julian's little brother Justin started in his place, and Amherst's entire first-year class saw playing time in the game. 

It will be interesting to see how a young Amherst squad fares vs. stronger competition this weekend, especially if Aoyama and Rico are out.  But in all events, Serpone appears to have reloaded the roster. 

[amh63]

Thanks for the post on the Amherst game Nescac1!  Watched the game online...got on late and then saw that Amherst was behind!  Made an excuse to myself that NEC had more practice time, etc.  Still, it is often the nature of soccer that I never quite understand...unexpected ball bounces and quick strikes.  Wonder whether the turf field was a factor...being that the practices to date by Amherst has been on grass.  Seems that Both teams were playing a long ball game.  Amherst's goalie Bull even was credited with a shot attempt!

[Bucket]

Wow. 11 freshmen on Middlebury's roster, and I understand a number of them will see significant minutes this year.

Now, there was a rumor floating around the boards that the freshmen would not be making the trip down to Amherst on Saturday due to orientation obligations. Have no idea if there is truth to this rumor, though if so, the Lord Jeffs will be seeing a much different team than the rest of the league. Even so, for a team so reliant on first-year players, who knows what we can expect early. Should be a wild ride. Can't wait for things to get started.

[amh63]

If FY orientation events impact participation in this weekend contest at Amherst, it will prove significant...in that there are Field Hockey and Women Soccer contests scheduled against the Panthers!  My take is that the FY players will be available...consider it part of orientation.

[nescac1]

Williams beats Colby 1-0.  Williams' lone goal was from first-year Patrick Gordon, who I assume is related to former Eph Peter Gordon as they both hail from Woburn.  Rashid did not play as predicted, and the Williams offense was not terribly dynamic without him, creating a lot of corners but few really good scoring opportunities.  They will need him back ASAP.  Still, they gutted out the road win.  Strong play from the backs and goalie for the Ephs, and nice to see a young player make an impact. 

[nescac1]

Oh, and by the way, if you can, listed to a Colby webcast.  The announcers are truly awesome.  Two British guys who both know soccer and are extremely entertaining.  Among the best student commentary you'll ever hear. 

[Bucket]

So, rumors were true—Midd frosh don't play today against Amherst.

Lord Jeffs slip past a severely undermanned Panther squad, 2-1 in OT.

I understand that several of the 11 FYs are expected to be big contributors this year so an eyebrow raising result today.

[amh63]

Watched the game online and gathered that the Mid's bench was short today.  Played a tough game against Amherst that has played a number of their FY's.  Midd scored first on a penalty kick.  Stats show that Amherst led in all cats, including penalties.  Amherst's All-American Julian did play today with his younger brother Justin for awhile.  Julian missed  the first game due to an ankle injury.  Another star player Rico did not play, I believe.  Still, it was nick and tuck.  However, the FY's showed skill and speed but will need to play more team offense as they gather experience.  It was a bit warm as reported so I think the Panthers wished they had a bigger bench at times.

[LaPaz]

Amherst got a lucky come from behind win against a depleted Midd squad.

Williams lucks out as their offense looks anemic against Colby but frosh Patrick Gordon(brother of Peter '09) gets the gamewinner and Williams holds off a Colby push at end of game.

Wesleyan apparently only suspended players for ONE game and still surprised everyone with an impressive 3-1 road win at Bowdoin.

Tufts hammers Bates 3-0. This "interm" ne coach for Bates has done nothing in the 2-3 years he has been there. This job should have been opened up to a national search. We ill continue to follow this.

Trinty squeaks by Hamilton 1-0. I honestly thought these 2 teams were relatively even on the day as this is the game I watched. Hamilton has a huge home game against Bates on Saturday and must win it to secure its first ever Nescac Playoff berth in my opinion.

[Jump4Joy]

LaPaz, interesting that Wes suspended players for a non-leaguer against Framingham State but not for their league opener. According to the student newspaper, Wes plans to stagger the suspensions (consequence of hazing) throughout the season so they'll have enough players available for games. I wonder if those staggers will include non-league games only? Also, with 42 (!) men on the roster, how could they not have enough players available? Not looking for dirty laundry, just curious about the thinking here.

On another point: What was "lucky" about Amherst's and Williams' wins?

[madzillagd]

Anybody try the Williams feed this afternoon on NSN?  Just gave it a go on a couple different browsers and not getting anything. 


Update -Reached out to NSN via twitter and got the following response:  "experiencing internet fluctuations, working to get the feed back up."

Which I read as NSN was unaware that other people would be using the internet this afternoon.  But, better to get the bugs worked out early so they can set up an infrastructure to handle the bandwidth they need to provide a superior broadcast. 

[amh63]

Madz's...just tried the connection from the Nescac website.....got the link to the NSN broadcast on the Williams web...blank screen for a minute and then a notice that there is no connection.  Was on a IPad ...will try my Mac laptop since the IPAD does not support Flash.

[amh63]

Amherst won a 4-1 contest over Curry last night in Milton, Ma.  Only stats online...it seemed to me that Amherst started slowly again...but won a game in which it out shot Curry 3 to 1...30-11 shots, same ratio in corner kicks and about the best combos in  the same in fouls.  I read an aggressive offense.
Again Julien Aoyama and Milton Rico did not play.  Justin Aoyama played and was listed as a defender.  Actually, the box score had 4 players listed as "D" , 3 players as midfielders and only 2 as forwards.  Don't know enough about the game to make anything of the designation differences.  Actually seen Justin in the attacking area...so it maybe early season sifting of young talented players in non conference matches to find the best combos for given situations.

[Jump4Joy]

amh63, it seems Justin is becoming a fixture in the back. I believe it's the only position he has played thus far. Another talented Aoyama.