NESCAC

[maineman]

This is incredibly sad sad news.
Young man who accomplished so very much and had so  much more left to do.

The parents and loved ones will not know anything but sorrow in the days ahead, but as the time goes by I know they will appreciate that their son was a legend and Icon of Tufts and D3soccer. Also, the boys at Williams will no doubt attest to, when a special person/player like Scott goes, he has Brothers he played with and who will live from his legacy who will be linked to him and his family forever.

Truly will never be forgotten.

This is terrible news.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  RIP

[coach analytics]

As a retired coach I have been attending and watching a bunch of NESCAC games, I will post a mid season summary later today.

[camosfan]

welcome coach! big NESCAC weekend coming up.

[coach analytics]

NESCAC 2022 Mid-Season Report

Season Overview (through Saturday Oct 1)
It's obvious that the best word to describe this season so far is parity. Certainly the rule change eliminating overtime has caused a significant increase in the number of ties.  The rate of ties this season is 50% versus 25% in 2021 regular season and 22% in 2019 regular season.  The ratio of close games has also significantly increased.  So far this season, only 3 games out of 26 (12%) have been decided by more than 1 goal (and zero games that did not include either Trinity or Bates).  In 2021 that ratio was 35% including two 2-0 games featuring the conference regular season champs (Conn) versus the conference tournament champs (Tufts).

The number of goals has actually been very consistent this season versus the prior two seasons, despite losing talented scorers like Giamatti and Lind from Amherst, Braun and Aroh from Tufts, Wood from Hamilton and Gass from Williams. 

The teams continue to reload at Center back with relative newcombers like Clivio at Tufts taking over for Paoletta, Ghosh at Hamilton taking over for Eckels and, Ten Cate at Amherst taking the reigns from Johnson and Gitler.

Also the goalies remain outstanding, maybe the strongest position in the NESCAC, with most returning and improving like Devanny at Wesleyan, Grady at Middlebury, Maidenberg at Conn and Lauta at Tufts.

The scarcity in the league is that player who can break down these well organized, athletic defenses with strong technical abilities.  Sure some like Franco from Colby, Okorogheye from Amherst, Saint Louis from Middlebury, Yoenas, Djerdjaj and Creus from Conn, Huck from Bowdoin, Rohana from Hamilton and Siglestein and Traynor from Tufts still exist and are proven producers but many have been unsuccessful matching their historical production.

The league remains strong at producing aerial attacks from the striker spot.  Look no further than Fellito, leading conference goal scorer, from Williams as well as Hayton-Ruffner from Amherst and Ward from Bowdoin.

I do think one thing worth noting has been the overall improvement over the years in technical ability, especially in the midfield.  This improvement has allowed teams to play through the midfield and change the point of attack to create attacking opportunities for the outside players.  Conn College and Tufts have won the last three national championships with that approach and no one is doing it currently any better than Hamilton with Margaronis and Peplowski and Wesleyan with Rubinstein and Clarke. Conn with Jaran and Djerdjaj are also sticking with what has made them successful.

It does not surprise me that the two weakest teams so far – Trinity and Bates – each with new coaches – have employed a 4-2-2 system versus the much more common 4-3-3 system used in the NESCAC.  Most of these players have grown up within an American youth system that emphasizes a 4-3-3 system that encourages play through the midfield, playing to a target striker and getting the ball wide to attacking, creative players.  The 4-2-2 system encourages a more direct approach where possession is frequently sacrificed and the space out wide is not utilized when the weakside, outside midfielder tucks in to help defend.  Also a 4-2-2 system really requires two exceptional strikers with target/hold up potential as well as "run in behind" potential. These unicorn players are hard to find at all levels of American soccer, including the NESCAC.

[coach analytics]

NESCAC Mid-Season Review (part2)

Teams Overview

Amherst   

Overall:  Playing a 4-3-3 that emphasizes very tough play (lead league in fouls) to create corners and long throws.  They continue to execute this strategy masterfully and results with likely improve.  Their long throw capability and massive size, with seven players over 6'3" gives them an advantage in this aerial approach.  Only NESCAC sides Tufts and Conn have knocked them out of the NCAAs in the last two years.

Players:  23 Okorogheye is probably the most dangerous player in the league in a 1v1 situation with technical ability and speed. He does not see the ball as much as other stars in the league because of the approach and although 7 Murphy has been a good QB in the middle, they miss Giamatti (transfer to Maryand) and Cubeddo (injury?) who were their scorer and playmaker from last year.  28 Hayton-Ruffner provides a nice target and 9 Sung is dangerous moving forward and can create for himself. He has adjusted well to a new role this year. 3 Ten Cate and 33 Kalinauskas are next in a long line of rugged centerbacks and lead the league with 6 yellows.

Substitution strategy:  More than most, they stick to their guns with only 15 players who see 25+min in conference play
Summary: Its ugly but it has proven to work...for now. You don't lose a 30+ career scorer and future pro and not miss a beat.

Bates

Overall:  One of two teams with rookie coaches going with a 4-2-2 although unlike Trinity they have a strong athletic striker to fight the strong CBc needed in a direct approach. It shows that they have a young rookie coach who might lack the needed respect of his players.  They are fighting with Amherst for the league lead in yellows and fouls but do not have Amherst's strength to fight off the set pieces.  They argue with the officials an awful lot and even picked up a yellow and a red after a win
.
Players:  11 Agunloye is dangerous if they can win the ball in the depleted middle and get it to him wide.  He has the change-the-game ability. 24 Szwarcewicz is a traditional target/hold up striker who can also finish. 6 Iwowo is an intimidating force in the middle but is always outmanned 2v3 so has trouble building through the midfield.  Center back (like many in the NESCAC) is a strength with vets 8 McKersie and 3 Kovacs who have been multiple year contributors in similar positions and showing more confidence to carry the ball.  They have pretty skilled and athletic outside backs especially 2 Niehenke who can overlap and create in the final third, vital to a 4-2-2

Substitution strategy:  They stick with their guns and play a pretty vet-focused 14 field players over 25+min in conference play.

Summary: Need to show more discipline in many ways and get some game changing plays from the flank to have more success.

Bowdoin

Overall: A veteran team built like many in the league with a 4-3-3 formation and very strong in the back, up the middle and at striker.  They are a strong team in the air with 5 field players over 6'3".  They like to use their target striker to get it wide to attacking players. They do not generate a lot of shots or possess through the midfield but are super stingy giving up shots.

Players:  21 Ward is a prototypical target striker in the Haaland mold. This year versus years past he is getting it out wide to a dangerous duo of attacking players 35 Huck and 11 Cabal, who has been active on the score sheet in conference.  Huck has my vote for impactful rookie as he gives them a new dimension they have lacked in past with game changing 1v1 capabilities. 8 Juantorena is an imposing presence in the middle, wins everything in the air and distributes nicely when they have possession. 14 Steinberg is also capable of being a QB in the middle.  3 Reid is typical star veteran CB, anchoring the defense for 5 years. 

Substitution strategy:  They stick with their vets as only 15 field players see 25+minutes
Summary: They are a veteran team and its showing with minimal mistakes.  Do they have some new dynamics on the outside to create more against the steller defenses in the NESCAC?

Colby

Overall:  They play in a 4-3-3 formation and try desperately to get the ball to their best player, 22 Franco, a dangerous, heady player who works back for the ball or gets it out wide. His dynamic play has allowed them to be competitive in front of a maturing defense and goaltender

Players: In addition to Franco, 9 Fabricant and 7 Wilson form one of the best front threes in the league despite only decent output.  5 Traore, 8 Sullivan and 10 Lemire form a good three some in the middle but tend to be under a lot of pressure and lack the high end possession of some of the other stronger midfield groups. Their leading scorer from last year 21 Rubin has played limited minutes in a different role (injury).  They are susceptible in the aerial game in the back as Center backs are not as physical as some other groups.  Amherst in particular put them under a lot of pressure in this phase. 25 Simoes provides a dynamic boost off the bench. Also I like how left footed 20 Wood gets up the field as an overlapping outside back.

Substitution strategy:  They go a little deeper than some of the other veteran teams with 16 field players seeing 25+ min in conference play

Summary:  Franco is the real difference maker that can carry a team but this year he is on every teams scout after a fantastic inaugural season. Their defensive stats are decent but they give up too many opportunities.

Connecticut College
Overall:  They play in a 4-3-3 formation and while they lack size across the board, they make up for it with the best set of technical players in the league.  In addition, they play the most sophisticated tactical game with a focus on patience, possession and in tense desire to change the point of attack. I am not sure why the results have not been there this season with a loaded roster but every team brings the energy against the defending national champs.

Players:  14 Djerdjaj and 25 Yeonas are the best duo in the conference and are a threat everywhere on the field with or without the ball. 10 Jaran is off to another good start after being one of the most impactful first year players a season ago.  He is the engine at CDM that allows them to move the ball out of the back through the midfield. 21 Dutkewych and 5 Cerezo are solid distributors in the back and have filled in well for injured starter 24 Kelesoglu but are a bit susceptible to the aerial attacks of teams like Amherst and Williams.  I like the technical capabilities of leftback 6 Horvath Diano who gets into the offensive flow frequently.  GK Maidenberg is a great shot stopper but struggles a bit in distribution and has lost some starts to backup.

Substitution strategys:  Frankly, it has been a bit erratic.  I am not sure if its injuries or other issues but a lot of players are on the roster and a good many have seen time at one time or another.  I expected certain players who made big contributions last season like 17 Creus (tied for 2021 team lead in goals in limited role), 10 Robles, 13 Scoffone and 6 Horvath Diano to grow into larger roles but they have appeared to stagnate.  15 field players have gotten the core minutes (25+ in conference play)

Summary:  The Camels need to match every one's energy level for the rest of the season to get out of this funk.  The screaming on the sidelines from the coaching staff seems to imply the effort is not there but they still have high end talent all over the field. Get healthy and make a run.

Hamilton
Overall: Off to a great start implementing a system that emphasizes possession, playing through the midfield, and changing the point of attack.  Sophomore starters are maturing nicely and this squad will be challenging for a top NESCAC position this year and probably beyond.

Players: 10 Margaronis and 27 Peplowski are the engines in the middle.  They bring strong technical skills and high IQ to implement a possession-oriented system and most importantly, they have made the game changing plays when given the opportunity. Four 1-goal victories puts them atop the league and near top of the country.  4 Ghosh has matured in only his second year to a top tier, ball control-oriented CB.  He initiates the offense through patient possession and crafty distribution. He is much more comfortable on the ball and decision making versus his rookie season. They still need to defend the high fliers like Amherst and Williams who bring great size. They have no contributors over 6'3".  9 Hawthorne, target striker, and 7 Rouhana, attacking wide player, help capitalize on the possession.

Substitution strategy:  More than any in the league, they go with their starters.  Only 13 field players average over 25+min in conference play.

Summary:  Copying Tufts and Conn is a good strategy, getting players that fit the mold is even better.  No longer considered underdogs.  Lets see how they handle the back half of the season but an NCAA birth looks all but assured.

[coach analytics]

NESCAC Mid-Season Review (part 3)

Middlebury
Overall:  They bring great size and intensity to every contest and they are stingy in terms of giving up chances and goals. They are actually quite versatile.  They have the size and speed to play direct but also the talent in central midfield and outside to possess and get the ball to the flanks, either to wingers or overlapping defenders especially on the left side.

Players:  The left side attacking is dangerous with 23 St Louis, a dangerous attacking 1v1 player that is a game changer and 19 Lund, probably the best attacking wingback not named Daly in the NESCAC. 7 has emerged as their QB in the middle after a limited role as a rookie as he comes deep to receive the ball and build possession.  11 Payne has been active after a limited role last year.   They probably have the best and most experienced center back combo with 15 MacFarlane, who we have watched as a starter for 5 years and 13 Madden, a UNH transfer.  Teams will have limited success attacking this group through the middle. GK Grady is well know nationally and lives up to his reputation with size and instincts.

Substitution strategy:  They focus on their core, like other top teams, with only 13 field players averaging over 25+minutes per game in conference play. I am surprised that 12 Powers, a strong central player, has not seen his role grow after showing promise as a first and second year player.

Summary: After a trip to the final 8 last season, only to lose to bitter rival Amherst, in a game they outplayed the Mammoths, they will be looking to break through this year and take advantage of that stingy defense.  You have to go back to 2017 since they have lost a game by more than one goal.  They need their "game changers" to step up and make it happen to finish strong.

Trinity
Overall: The growing pains continue with a new coach, a new system and players in new positions.  Attempting a 4-2-2, more direct style but seem to lack the striker talent and overlapping outside backs to take advantage of this system.  They just do not attack the width with any regularity.

Players:  Like many NESCAC teams, the heart and sole is 4 year centerback starter 2 Moran who is a good defender and an aerial threat. 6 Donaldson has the game changing potential as well at the QB potential in the middle but is always over matched in the middle, lacking a partner with similar skill set. Where is 23 Bronson (injured?)  Top returning playmakers, 7 Traynor, who shows 1v1 game changing abilities, and 20 Sarieh who shows possession and finishing potential, have had limited roles (injuries?).  15 Kaldor and 4 Merlin, who showed promise as attacking outside backs are now in different roles.  14 Mangiafico a former starter at CB, now an attacking outside back. GK Simoes, a bit undersized, has continued his strong play but under fire.

Substitution strategy:  In addition to the 4-2-2, this strategy has been a head scratcher. After returning most of impact players from 2021 squad, 20 field players have seen over 25+ min of time in conference play.  Injuries? Lack of confidence? Or just focused on future generations?

Summary: If the focus continues on a direct approach, an entirely new system with many in new positions, and mass, hockey-like, substitution patterns it will be a long time before they pick up their first NESCAC win and gain respectability.

Tufts

Overall: They say dynasties do not rebuild, they reload.  While Tufts exhibits depth as most positions and have outplayed many opponents, they are having trouble finding the net.  They play a fantastic 4-3-3 possession-oriented approach generally with strong midfielders, most are new comers to the role and at times have played more direct and have not created as many chances as they have in the past, particularly on the flanks.  They do look to get their overlapping backs into the flow probably better than anyone in the league.

Players:  5 Clivio and GK Lauta man an impressive defensive core but have given up more goals than in the past.  3 Daly remains the engine, an attacking right back that they look to spring frequently and it works.  Like 19 Lund at Middlebury, he is their leading scorer.  Returning forwards 11 Traynor, 10 Sigelstein and 23 Feigen are creating chances but need to convert more frequently for Tufts to reach potential.  2 Gerkin has filled in nicely as QB in the middle after the lost of multiple all league players.  Newcomer 29 Yanez has dynamic, game changing potential in center midfield. I am surprised 23 Welsh has played limited minutes as a 5th year contributor, is he injured or has he been outplayed by newcomer 16 Feinberg.

Substitution strategy: Depth has been one of Tufts calling cards and you see it with significant contributions from relative newcomers like 2 Gerkin and 29 Yanez.  They do go solidly with their core as only 14 field players average more than 25+ min per game in conference but another 4 average more than 15.

Summary:  Tufts will need to ramp up their offensive production over the next couple weeks to solidify a spot at the top of the league.  If they do, they are always dangerous because of great goaltending, great defense and a team with potential to possess for long stretches.  This year is no different although a lot of experience has been lost especially in the midfield.

Wesleyan

Overall:  it is no surprise to see the early success of this skill-based team.  Last year as the 5th team in the NESCAC, they were left off the NCAA ballot to many's surprise.  Their 4-3-3 system of technically strong players is designed to work the ball through the talented and maturing midfield.  They have produced chances and converted including 16 goals over a 4 game stretch including 4 against conference foe Colby.

Players:  They have spread the scoring out across a number of players.  While no one player commands the attention, 20 Burbage, 9 Harmaty, 10 Ruehlemann,and 27 Burd all are comfortable checking back to receive the ball at their feet and make quick decisions in the final third to either attack or make quick combo plays in a similar fashion to Conn.  8 Rubenstein is the QB and has taken on an increased role over his 4 years.  He can both attack and create.  He is parterned well with 11 Clarke who had a big role last season and 4 Hartfeld who looked solid last season as a first year role player but now showing more confidence. GK Devanny is very strong.

Substitution strategy:  They are more expansive in their player pool than some as 16 field players play more than 25+ minutes including newcomers like solid defender 24 Geballe.

Summary:  Can they continue their strong run to the top of the league and represent the NESCAC with a deep run in the tournament?  The program has never been past the sweet 16.  Maintaining execution is key because they will not win ugly like a lot of teams.

Williams
Overview:  While playing the less common 4-2-2, the have the athleticism up front to make it work.  They play a more direct style to try to create deep throws and corners to take advantage of their strength in the box.  This approach has had limited success in getting offensive results as they do not generate a lot of chances or goals from the run of play but that has been offset by a very organized defensive approach.  They have had 2 scoreless ties with Amherst and Colby where they generated only 6 total shots on goal, mostly through the air.

Players:  The strategy to let 13 Felitto dominate an aerial focused game can get results.  He is very athletic and judges the ball well with position versatility. He can also get behind the D. 7 Song is also a threat as is 6 Boardman, two skilled players who are dangerous when facing the defender and attacking the goal.  They do use the width in this formation by getting their 2 outside backs 29 Zhang, a left footer and a newcomer, and 17 Gibson, also a freshman who brings forward skills.  Its critical in a 4-2-2 format to get skilled outside backs up the field to take advantage of the width and Williams does a good job of it. CB 11 Gara Grady has increased his role significantly, is really strong in the air and defends well.

Substitution strategy: They go deep into their bench frequently with 18 players contributing 25+ minutes in conference play.
Overall:  Like some others, their defensive prowess is keeping them in games but will need to increase the offensive production as their schedule gets tougher over the latter half.


Highlight game of the season
While its hard not to choose two NCAA Elite 8 revenge games from the first half of the season, I will go with Wesleyan over Colby 4-3.  This game featured a "coming out party" for Wesleyan's offense as they generated an unreal 15 shots on net but needed 2 goals in the last 15 minutes to prevail.  On offensive explosion, a rarity in the NESCAC. First time they have scored 4 goals in a conference game since 2017

Games/Dates to watch in the 2nd Half
I will go with two late seasons contests since it will be likely make or break for several teams.  The date will be Tuesday October 25th when the conference seeds will all be on the line.

Williams visits Middlebury – It may not be a high scoring contest with defensive strength on defensive strength.  Can St Louis make a game breaking play? Or will Filetto jump to the stars to convert a header into the game winner?

Wesleyan visits Conn College – since I live in this area, I will be at this game to watch former regular season champ against current regular season champ(?) in probably the finest display of technical soccer that the conference has to offer.

[EnmoreCat]

Painstaking analysis, really interesting & appreciated.  Kalinauskas has just 5 yellow cards however, but I do like the, "rugged" description, not sure you can be any other way in NESCAC in that position, it's a battle every game.

[Hopkins92]

That was an intense read and extremely helpful for a guy like me not following NESCAC that closely.

Curious, when you say 4-2-2... Do you mean 442? Or am I missing something.

[Hopkins92]

Now you're just messing with us.

[coach analytics]

That was an intense read and extremely helpful for a guy like me not following NESCAC that closely.

Curious, when you say 4-2-2... Do you mean 442? Or am I missing something.

AH! yes. I need an editor .....4-4-2.

[Yankeesoccerdad]

NESCAC 2022 Mid-Season Report

Season Overview (through Saturday Oct 1)
It's obvious that the best word to describe this season so far is parity. Certainly the rule change eliminating overtime has caused a significant increase in the number of ties.  The rate of ties this season is 50% versus 25% in 2021 regular season and 22% in 2019 regular season.  The ratio of close games has also significantly increased.  So far this season, only 3 games out of 26 (12%) have been decided by more than 1 goal (and zero games that did not include either Trinity or Bates).  In 2021 that ratio was 35% including two 2-0 games featuring the conference regular season champs (Conn) versus the conference tournament champs (Tufts).

The number of goals has actually been very consistent this season versus the prior two seasons, despite losing talented scorers like Giamatti and Lind from Amherst, Braun and Aroh from Tufts, Wood from Hamilton and Gass from Williams. 

The teams continue to reload at Center back with relative newcombers like Clivio at Tufts taking over for Paoletta, Ghosh at Hamilton taking over for Eckels and, Ten Cate at Amherst taking the reigns from Johnson and Gitler.

Also the goalies remain outstanding, maybe the strongest position in the NESCAC, with most returning and improving like Devanny at Wesleyan, Grady at Middlebury, Maidenberg at Conn and Lauta at Tufts.

The scarcity in the league is that player who can break down these well organized, athletic defenses with strong technical abilities.  Sure some like Franco from Colby, Okorogheye from Amherst, Saint Louis from Middlebury, Yoenas, Djerdjaj and Creus from Conn, Huck from Bowdoin, Rohana from Hamilton and Siglestein and Traynor from Tufts still exist and are proven producers but many have been unsuccessful matching their historical production.

The league remains strong at producing aerial attacks from the striker spot.  Look no further than Fellito, leading conference goal scorer, from Williams as well as Hayton-Ruffner from Amherst and Ward from Bowdoin.

I do think one thing worth noting has been the overall improvement over the years in technical ability, especially in the midfield.  This improvement has allowed teams to play through the midfield and change the point of attack to create attacking opportunities for the outside players.  Conn College and Tufts have won the last three national championships with that approach and no one is doing it currently any better than Hamilton with Margaronis and Peplowski and Wesleyan with Rubinstein and Clarke. Conn with Jaran and Djerdjaj are also sticking with what has made them successful.

It does not surprise me that the two weakest teams so far – Trinity and Bates – each with new coaches – have employed a 4-2-2 system versus the much more common 4-3-3 system used in the NESCAC.  Most of these players have grown up within an American youth system that emphasizes a 4-3-3 system that encourages play through the midfield, playing to a target striker and getting the ball wide to attacking, creative players.  The 4-2-2 system encourages a more direct approach where possession is frequently sacrificed and the space out wide is not utilized when the weakside, outside midfielder tucks in to help defend.  Also a 4-2-2 system really requires two exceptional strikers with target/hold up potential as well as "run in behind" potential. These unicorn players are hard to find at all levels of American soccer, including the NESCAC.

Great commentary that resonates with games I have watched live and on video. As a fan, it is helpful to see detailed analysis of the teams that goes beyond the top 3 or 4 teams most people focus on.  I know from sideline chatter many people come here for commentary and analysis even if they don't post, so thank you.

[camosfan]

Three very interesting games today Wesleyan v Amherst, after a strong start Wesleyan has lost the last two games.

Conn College v Williams, Williams is not giving anything away and Conn seems uncertain of themselves, I am predicting a draw.

Colby v Middlebury another draw!

[Ejay]

Conn College v Williams, Williams is not giving anything away and Conn seems uncertain of themselves, I am predicting a draw.

Not according to your weekly pool submission ;-)

[camosfan]

updated analysis

[Kuiper]

Bowdoin beat Trinity 1-0, but given that Bowdoin had a man advantage for most of the second half and only managed to score their lone goal in the 88th minute, it was a lot more challenging than it probably should have been for Bowdoin.  Trinity's Simoes was definitely the MVP for them, with an especially good reaction save over his head on a point blank shot in the second half.  Still, a win is a win and Bowdoin is 8-1-1 and 2-1-1 in NESCAC.