NESCAC

[blooter442]

I did not see the opening goal live, so I just watched it back. An equally impressive solo effort from Ziad who broke on a counter from an Amherst corner and beat his defender for pace before sliding into the exact same corner as the equalizer was scored. Well taken goal. That being said, when Amherst gets an equalizer they often go on to win, so that may have been Babson's opportunity gone.

[blooter442]

Amherst takes the lead with about 12 minutes left. A loose touch by a Babson player turns a clearance over in Babson's own half, and the resulting long ball was played forward to Giammattei who laid it off for Lind, who bent a nice one from about 15 out on the left of the box and into the far corner.

[blooter442]

Babson ties it with less than seven minutes left! Free kick, header flicked on and goes off the bar, but then Collins – who I believe took the original kick – stormed in and placed a header past everyone and into the far corner.

[blooter442]

Okorogheye wins it for Amherst in the first overtime. Two goals today and one on Saturday – he appears to be a talent: good pace, physicality, and composure. Probably a fair result, but I do feel for Babson as they fought well and showed grit to come back and tie it.

[Domino1195]

Haven't seen the flip-throw in a while . . . Just caught the last 10 minutes plus OT.

[Ommadawn]

Okorogheye is not your run-of-the-mill freshman striker.  Babson was game, but there was just too much size and athleticism for the Beavers to overcome (they are the Mammoths, after all!).  Amherst has a potent attack, with Giammattei, Derby, Lind, Okorogheye, McMillian, Cubbedu, etc. coming at their opponents all game long.

[blooter442]

Haven't seen the flip-throw in a while . . . Just caught the last 10 minutes plus OT.

You're not watching enough Amherst games!

[PaulNewman]

Haven’t seen the flip-throw in a while . . . Just caught the last 10 minutes plus OT.

You're not watching enough Amherst games!

And just a few years ago Babson had a flip thrower...Patrick Ellis...who is a cousin of former Akron national champ and NE Revs midfielder Scott Caldwell...whose father played with the NY Cosmos and still referees...and whose brother Keith was All Ivy at Brown with pal Larentowitz (sp?) and sister Amy was in youth WNT program and played at BC.

https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2015/06/10/family-affair-passion-soccer-runs-deep-scott-caldwell%E2%80%99s-household

Oh well, I guess the father played against the Cosmos.

[PaulNewman]

Amy Caldwell was a big deal in Mass until eclipsed by her younger buddies, the Mewis sisters, as they all played for same club.

[Mr.Right]

Ahhh...better late than never....have some catching up to do but I caught the Williams v Tufts match live this past weekend and being the first league game for both teams I thought the rust showed in parts of the game and in other parts defensive breakdowns cost both teams but both teams cause some problems for the other throughout. Obviously, teams start to look just a little more gassed than Tufts around the 75th minute and Williams was no exception although Williams is usually one of the fitter teams in the league under Sullivan. I was not expecting much from Williams after glancing at their roster for the first time that morning and looking at some of the talent that has moved on and not seeing much in the form of replacements in the Frosh corps. Williams came out strong and I thought were the better team 1st Half as Tufts looked more sloppy than normal and while Tufts controlled possession in the 1st Half they were not creating anything very dangerous out of it. This gave Williams confidence especially Gass who was causing some problems for Tufts. They took a 2-1 lead into Halftime and had to feel good even after giving up such a soft goal to Tufts by failing to clear a ball for over 10 seconds before Tufts took full advantage. I had seen this movie play out the past few years watching Williams Mens Soccer to know that there would be more goals 2nd Half and most likely by the opponent. I was mildly optimistic but Tufts roared backed 2nd Half as Van Brewer was the best player on the field and Williams had no answer. I thought both GK's looked questionable. Williams 2nd Goal off the corner was inexplicably bad defending as a 5'8 striker was allowed to get a wide open header 8 feet from goal. Gass and Van Brewer goals were highlight reel and they are both highlight reel players. Williams CB's had a nightmare game.

[Mr.Right]

Amherst-Babson is the first time the programs will meet since 2003...should be a good one. I think we all have a tough time seeing past Amherst, and I predict the Mammoths will win, but I think Babson will give them a game.

I was SHOCKED when I saw this on the schedule....Amherst dropped Babson in 2003 not the other way around but glad to see Serpone getting more gutsy with these games..

[Mr.Right]

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.

[Mr.Right]

Okorogheye is not your run-of-the-mill freshman striker.  Babson was game, but there was just too much size and athleticism for the Beavers to overcome (they are the Mammoths, after all!).  Amherst has a potent attack, with Giammattei, Derby, Lind, Okorogheye, McMillian, Cubbedu, etc. coming at their opponents all game long.

You are correct..Amherst was starting to overwhelm opponents by the end of last year in attack( think the 3 goal outburst v ST.Joe's in NCAA 2nd rd). Now add this man and it is potent. These are the type of recruits that the bigdogs in Nescac get. Williams used to be a big dog but if they want to compete for titles again Sullivan MUST re-assess and analyze his recruiting vision IMO..I just have to be honest but Shapiro/Serpone are doing laps around him recruiting wise. Even Bates and Wesleyan brought in some decent classes.

[SlideTackle]

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.

Great to have your analysis again! Watched the Wes/Midd game. Too bad you missed regular time. I saw one stud on Wes and it's their frosh GK Devanny. Terrific athlete. He will be a difference maker. Stopped one no-doubter from Potter and then another that would go in on most others. Wes didn't threaten much in the game. Will be interested in your thoughts when you see him play. The game against Williams will be a tough one for both sides with Williams playing to win big I am guessing. 

[Mr.Right]

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.

Great to have your analysis again! Watched the Wes/Midd game. Too bad you missed regular time. I saw one stud on Wes and it's their frosh GK Devanny. Terrific athlete. He will be a difference maker. Stopped one no-doubter from Potter and then another that would go in on most others. Wes didn't threaten much in the game. Will be interested in your thoughts when you see him play. The game against Williams will be a tough one for both sides with Williams playing to win big I am guessing.

Good to hear for Wheeler. Wheeler's system and program is predicated on solid GK'ing which he has not had since 2013..BTW is the Captain his brother? Kid has serious wheels..I agree as Williams is absolutely desperate. This is their worst start since 1982. Can Wesleyan take advantage?