NESCAC

[SlideTackle]

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing and long shots are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area.

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

I get the incentive to be in win-now mode every season, particularly for coaches and senior athletes. But on some level, when you get a good group of underclassmen, you kind of have to shift your mindset into thinking of it as multi-year process: how do you build things up so that by the time your FRs/SOs are JRs/SRs, you can start truly competing for titles again. In some ways, this mirrors the conversation around the US Men's National Team under Berhalter. And like, I don't want to have a true discussion here about whether he is the right coach, etc. etc., but the basic idea is that he's trying to implement a definitive style of play for the national teams, across all levels, that is predicated on having the ball and using positional play to create opportunities -- instead of sitting back and countering, as the US used to do. The USMNT was always quite good at being a counter-attacking team but it was always going to limit the USMNT's ceiling. Obviously, this USMNT doesn't quite have the talent at the moment to execute this new system as we've all seen, but guys like Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Dest, Weah, Sargent, etc. are all 21 and under, so the hope is that in 3 years when we are in a WC cycle and these guys are hitting their primes, the groundwork laid now allows the group to hit a new level.

Anyways, it's not like Wesleyan has to do anything super intricate, but making sure they get numbers forward and making a more concerted effort to attack towards the center, would be enough of a start.

And once again . . . . I agree on all fronts.

[Mr.Right]

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing and long shots are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area.

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

I get the incentive to be in win-now mode every season, particularly for coaches and senior athletes. But on some level, when you get a good group of underclassmen, you kind of have to shift your mindset into thinking of it as multi-year process: how do you build things up so that by the time your FRs/SOs are JRs/SRs, you can start truly competing for titles again. In some ways, this mirrors the conversation around the US Men's National Team under Berhalter. And like, I don't want to have a true discussion here about whether he is the right coach, etc. etc., but the basic idea is that he's trying to implement a definitive style of play for the national teams, across all levels, that is predicated on having the ball and using positional play to create opportunities -- instead of sitting back and countering, as the US used to do. The USMNT was always quite good at being a counter-attacking team but it was always going to limit the USMNT's ceiling. Obviously, this USMNT doesn't quite have the talent at the moment to execute this new system as we've all seen, but guys like Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Dest, Weah, Sargent, etc. are all 21 and under, so the hope is that in 3 years when we are in a WC cycle and these guys are hitting their primes, the groundwork laid now allows the group to hit a new level.

Anyways, it's not like Wesleyan has to do anything super intricate, but making sure they get numbers forward and making a more concerted effort to attack towards the center, would be enough of a start.

Hey I agree with all of this..ur preaching to the choir though...If you just take a look
at ur last paragraph that sums it up for Nescac. All Wheeler has to do or any other Nescac coach has to do is send #'s u say. BUT THEY REFUSE to play like this because either they are unsure or unable to implement such a playing style or they are to cautious and just not comfortable leaving themselves open to the counter all game...its all about nutsack.  Trust me the players would prefer this as well as the fans...

Something along the lines of above I had a chuckle this wknd when watching Amherst v Conn. Amherst had a deep throw-in from their defensive zone as the ball was kicked way out of bounds. An Amherst Frosh jogs over grabs the ball and was about to take a quick throw to his teammate to swing the ball around the back like he did at the club level..He was quickly grabbed and b4 he knew it #5 Johnson was heaving a long bomb just to clear the ball out of the zone..the kid had an expression of like what in sweet hell..Welcome to Hitchcock

[d4_Pace]

To be fair Tufts has scored ten goals the last two games playing a back 3 with true wingers as the wingbacks. That's about as attacking and sending #s forward as you can get.

[Mr.Right]

To be fair Tufts has scored ten goals the last two games playing a back 3 with true wingers as the wingbacks. That's about as attacking and sending #s forward as you can get.

When Tufts plays like that consistently against the Amherst/Conn/etc teams then I would agree. Tufts does play some nice futbol against weaker competition, like most teams do, but the tougher the competition the more cautious Shapiro gets. 
Obviously it has worked for him.  However, when Tufts went up to Bowdoin last year in the last regular season game and I think had something still to play for they came out in a 3-5-2 and were playing some serious futbol. Knocking the ball around and playing freely it was the best game of the year in Nescac last year. It also FORCED Bowdoin to attack and counter themselves because the players saw more opportunities in attack than they had all year...My point then and now is YES Tufts can play some great futbol but then they fall back into a 4-2-3-1 or defending with a 4-5-1. Usually this happens against better teams and then the game turns into a massive slog.

[BendIt007]

Trying out predictions for Saturday games:

Bowdoin at Trinity  - Bowdoin has 1 goal in 4 games, Trinity has let in a ton, but looked better against Williams.  I think Bowdoin gets a couple, but Trinity plays hard at home and gets one as well.
Bowdoin 2 - Trinity - 1

Colby at Hamilton - Only saw the Colby/Conn game and none of the Hamilton games ... so just looking at stats with Hamilton without a goal in 3 games.  Hopefully they could get one... but mathematically I'll go with...
Colby 1 - Hamilton 0

Conn at Middlebury - Conn is willing to push up and go for offense and goals (13 on the season) where in Middlebury's first three games there has only been 1 goal in total. Middlebury has yet to let in NESCAC goal.  Hope the game opens up, and give the scoring edge to Camels.  (Plus, Camel alum so have to go with them..)
Conn 2 - Middlebury 0

Amherst at Williams - Should be an interesting match.  Still impressed by William's close game with Tufts.  Amherst, as folks here point out, aggressive & physical and tough to keep off the scoreboard.  Hoping for an entertaining one.
Amherst 2 - Williams 1

Tufts at Bates.  Tufts is so strong, but I am impressed with how hard Bates play.  Interesting to see how they can try handle #1 team in D3 at home.  Have to give big advantage to Tufts.
Tufts 2 - Bates 0.

[Mr.Right]

Busy week....so today will be my first day this week to sit down and take a look at some of these teams sine last weekend.

Amherst at Williams is the game of the weekend. No matter if these teams were both 0-7-0 this would still be the game of the weekend. That fact right there pisses off some outside the Amherst/Williams bubble yet still inside Nescac world in EVERY sport not just Men's Soccer. Watching this play out in real time with real antagonists and instigators can be fun entertainment.  To the game it will go one of two ways. 1. Amherst comes storming into town with last year's game on their mind and they start the game on an all out assault on Williams net. Amherst has more talent and the ability to put Williams on their heels. So Amherst would do to Williams what they did to St.Joe's in last years NCAA's. Blitz early score a couple goals and milk it.  2. Amherst still comes out pumped up and blitzing in attack BUT they do not finish and let Williams hang around long enough to start to gain some confidence of their own and go right at Amherst themselves. Keep in mind an all of a sudden "suspect" GK in net again and doubt starts to creep in. Doubt comes quick, swiftly and rips you right in the gut when you are least expecting it.   1-1

Colby at Hamilton----These teams are both struggling and desperately need 3pts..Colby cannot score and Hamilton cannot defend....

Conn at Midd------Conn is playing very well right now and showed well at Amherst. Midd's spine is legit and defensively and in net they are solid. I do not see either team generating a ton of opportunities and I actually think Midd will win this game at Home. For years Midd had dominated this matchup until maybe two years ago when Conn won up here and then won again last year. I'll say Midd gets one off a set piece like the good old days and see it out. 1-0 Midd

Bowdoin at Trinity---Absolute MUST 3 pts for the PB's. We are starting to get into dangerous territory for the Bantams...Could we have 2 consecutive 0-10-0 seasons here?

Tufts at Bates----Statement time for the Bates Men's Soccer program...I know they are for real and are turning the corner but a Win or even a Draw would be a huge statement to the rest of the league.

[BendIt007]

Hi - Home with an injured knee from playing old socks soccer, so had time to create a NESCAC games played spreadsheet.  Not sure it will come out well here, but will give it a try.  Sorted teams based on % of Pts.  And notes whether future games home or away.   I apologize if it comes out wacky.. or not at all.  A bit tech challenged. 

[Mr.Right]

Brandon Reid gives Midd a 1-0 lead with a BURST of speed with the ball at his feet to blow by Conn defender gives himself enough space to bury one. Midd had buried one earlier off a set piece header but he was offside(good call). Very nice goal and pure class to finish it. Striker's goal.

Conn comes back to tie it up with 2 quick one touch passes and a nice finish by Conn's #14 Augie Djerdaj who is having a break out season here...He showed well last week at Amherst as well. PISS POOR defensive effort by Midd's 25 Barsamian as he basically waived at Djerdaj on his way by and then jogged to track him...

Both teams giving each other tons of space and goals look to be coming today if the flow continues like this...

[Mr.Right]

1-1 at the Half Conn/Midd....Well all that fun in the Conn/Midd game only lasted 7 minutes because after all that space, passing, creativity and risk taking it was just all to much for everyone. The rest of the half degenerated into a first class slog err snore...Both teams just go back to feeling each other out the rest of the Half with neither team having many chances let alone possession in the opponents defensive 3rd.

[Mr.Right]

Midd/Conn still 1-1 about halfway thru 2nd Half...This Half has been better as the ball is staying on the ground and Conn is trying to possess a bit. I love how Conn's striker checks to the ball hard and then switch it up. Butera has hit some perfect set pieces that could have been finished. You look at Butera and the word skill doesn't jjump at you but the kid is skilled and deft with the ball and he does have a presence in midfield for someone his size.

[Mr.Right]

Midd with a golden chance to take a lead but the Soph Drazen whiffs on a chance with about 15 left...I really did not realize how little depth Midd has this year. Their bench is very young and inexperienced and most are not quite ready for prime time yet...Both teams will get some chances to win this thing

[Mr.Right]

Conn/Midd 1-1 Heading to OT not before some fireworks before the end of the game.....Conn 2 CB's Stoneback and Bocchetti are pretty solid especially Stoneback. The RB Stokes is a veteran and a tough kid however he might be a little high on his own skill as if i were the opposing coach I would be pressing him the minute the ball touches his feet.

[Mr.Right]

Serpone giving Frosh Ignacio Cubeddu his first career start in a pretty big game..he is a skilled player from what I have seen but nesds some mass.

[Mr.Right]

So Williams in  a 4-2-3-1 and have moved Gass and Fabricant wide with Felitto up top. I like that as Gass should be wide with his speed however Sullivan is asking his two wide guys to track back so he has Fabricant and Gass tracking instead of staying in attack which again against Amherst I understand but to score he has to take some risks.

[Mr.Right]

Looks like Midd pulled out a 2-1 Win over Conn in OT but I missed it as I switched to the Williams/Amherst game..That is a huge 3 pts for Midd and a very important game for Conn tomorrow to avoid having a disaster weekend.