NESCAC

[amh63]

Missed the games in Willie Town.  Was in Clinton NY watching Amherst in another type of football.
Thanks Jump4Joy for a "F air" post of the contest .   A point to you.

[PaulNewman]

Tufts follows up impressive win over Brandeis 3 days later with 0-0 tie against Plymouth State.  Have to wonder about the consistency for this very talented team.  Loss to Wesleyan, win over Brandeis, tie to PSU.  I wouldn't make too much of the Brandeis loss for Brandeis. 

[cacalum]

Interesting start to the season from a lot of perspectives. Seems to me that no team has really separated themselves from the pack decisively. Amherst and Tufts were widely expected to be the class of the league but seem to have hit roadblocks (Amherst 0-0 tie at home against Conn, Tufts loss to Wesleyan and tie to Plymouth State tonight) but have won some big games (Amherst 1-0 win @ Williams and Tufts win against Brandeis).

Wesleyan seems to be the biggest wildcard, as the suspensions seem to change games pretty drastically (which is what it seems like from the outside, I haven't seen Wesleyan play live yet).

I think Conn tying Amherst away is a sign of a team that might be figuring it out. I wouldn't count the camels out of making some noise in the NESCAC tournament.

Tufts can certainly play with anyone, which isn't a surprise, yet they have a couple bad results. I've seen them a bit live and they are certainly talented, looking forward to watching them play Amherst this weekend in person and seeing how they respond to a frustrating tie to Plymouth State. If they're ready to make the next step they will get a win or a result, if they aren't ready they might self-destruct. We'll see how far they've come against an Amherst team that has had a week to prepare.

Williams puzzles me again. Didn't make the drive to see the rivalry game, but Amherst does post all their goals (little tacky if you ask me, but whatever, good to be able to see things), and Fikke's goal was a great run and pass from the right midfielder (the freshman, think it's Chris Martin but not sure) but what's more alarming is that everyone on Williams is flat footed. Plenty of guys back behind the ball, none of them paying attention. Russo needs to get these guys dialed in, Williams teams don't make mistakes like that especially at that point in the game.

Anyway, those are some ramblings, I'll have more once I can get out and watch more games. Picks for the weekend:

Colby 0 @ Midd 2 - Colby can't win this game, don't think they're talented enough against a pretty impressive panther squad that looks like it's getting better every week.

Trinity 1 @ Bates 0 - Just going off of results here, haven't seen both teams play but Trinity seems to be playing better as of late.

Conn 2 @ Williams 2 - Conn can certainly play on the wings with the freshman from NYC having some good speed and Hawkey is a threat all game. Williams doesn't know who they are yet and have some injuries that are hurting them.

Tufts 0 @ Amherst 2 - Game of the weekend? I think Amherst gets a goal on a set piece (shocker) and then gets another one late when Tufts is pushing forward. Difference here is 1-15 Amherst is more talented and tougher. Tufts has the two most talented players in Hoppenot and Santos but it's towards the end of the depth chart where they will struggle. Also think the Plymouth State tie is a sign of poor leadership, good teams with good leaders win games like that. Just my opinion.

Weselyan 3 @ Hamilton 1 - Wesleyan just far more talented than Hamilton.

Sidenote: Anyone who tried to watch the Conn Amherst game via stream knows this, but that was the worst soccer game I've ever seen. Largest waste of 90+ minutes I've had in a long time. Had to get that off my chest.

[amh63]

Cacalum...enjoyed your post.  Enjoy the contest this weekend...whichever team you prefer!
Did catch a portion of the Camel vs Jeff's game on line.  Agreed with your view...for many reasons.  Enjoy soccer more live and when I know players.  Followed Noon '13 for four years...got to know his parents from both soccer and basketball games.  Have not picked a favorite yet but am leaning towards Norton since he is from my area of the world.  One must remember that Amherst is playing a lot of young players to date and is missing Milton Rico and Julian A. play....two impact players..for many games.  Did I get my tenses right?  Oh well...can claim that English is my second language

[madzillagd]

Williams puzzles me again. Didn't make the drive to see the rivalry game, but Amherst does post all their goals (little tacky if you ask me, but whatever, good to be able to see things), and Fikke's goal was a great run and pass from the right midfielder (the freshman, think it's Chris Martin but not sure) but what's more alarming is that everyone on Williams is flat footed. Plenty of guys back behind the ball, none of them paying attention. Russo needs to get these guys dialed in, Williams teams don't make mistakes like that especially at that point in the game.

I only caught the OTs this weekend so I didn't see much play overall, but the main thing I noticed different this year from last year is they really miss Rashid right now.  They had some opportunities but like you said they seem a little flat-footed.  He was a bit of a sparkplug last year that could make something out of nothing and I don't see that right now from the team.  I think if they can hold on and grind out some wins, they'll be a different team at the end of the year if they can get healthy.  They aren't exactly falling apart when you consider both loses came in the second OT but I don't think anything is going to come easy the way they are playing now.

[Bucket]

In perhaps the most lopsided 1-0 match I have ever witnessed, Middlebury finally puts away a vastly overmatched Colby Sawyer squad in Middlebury.

Honestly, I bet CS was able to advance the ball within Middlebury's 18 twice during the entire 90 minutes of play. On the other end, under relentless pressure, the CS keeper played as if there were two of him.

The stat sheet bears this out. Midd out shoots CS 34-1. The CS keeper made 18 saves. 18. In a soccer match. He was all over the place. Other times he was in precisely the right place at the right time. Hats off to Colby Sawyer. 

Frosh Bean nets the winner w/ about 8 minutes left off a Deklan Robinson assist.

[amh63]

Bucket....caught part of the game in the second half.....wanted to check out the NSN webcast.  I feel for you.....find college soccer hard to watch at times, especially online.  Still, better than pro soccer.

[amh63]

After a win over Tufts on Sat afternoon, the LJs win at Bates today 3-1 on a warm sunny day.  Goal keeper Bull scored the first goal from midfield!  With about 25 minutes to go, Bates scores and cuts the lead to 2-1.  Amherst scores soon after.  Amherst dominated the play for most of the game.

[LaPaz]

Was at Williams v Amherst a week ago and that 106 minutes of wasted time...ball flying around like a basketball, of course we will surmise that Amherst succeeded in playing "their " game. I will say the best chance of the game was the first OT until Morell made a great save on I think Caslin or Fikke not sure. Amherst is for real and will win the conference, not as good as last year but they are having injury problems. Williams def misses Rashid but what they miss most is LUCK...last year they would win those 2ot games not lose them. Defensively they seem exposed at times and offensively User looks lost and disinterested.

Was at Tufts v Trinity today- Nice first half goal on a set piece by Sam Williams, Tufts lucked out as big Sam walked in free on a defensive breakdown by Trinity. Santos didn't start(pretty sure his MONO is gone by now) and when he did play he injured his groin first minute off the bench. when he went back in he played up top. The 2nd goal was a nice play down the right flank by the speed of Tal Smith and the finish of #14 forgetting his name I think Conner Brown. Very nice finish. Tufts started in a 4-4-2 then went to a 4-2-3-1 and were much more successful. Trinity also had there chances on some set pieces and thru balls but couldn't finish. Tufts #3 Ewing cleared one off the line that had beaten the keeper. Also, This Greenwood( the keeper) kid is a HUGE improvement over that kid last year. With him in goal and the speed of that Smith kid and the steady Nakamura and of course Santos if he wakes up and Hoppenot they are a legit legit team. They are a bit susceptible in the back as there wingbacks are not great, one got benched after 10 minutes and I don't like #6 Schiable in the middle. He is a good wingback , they miss that Kramer kid a tall lanky defender from last year as he is injured. 

[madzillagd]

Goal by the Ephs with just under 5 minutes left to keep their season alive.  Game was audio only today because someone sent the video equipment to the wrong place it sounded like.  Williams got one 12 minutes in to take the early lead and were able to hold Midd scoreless the majority of the match despite Midd having a lot of chances.  Midd finally broke through with just about five minutes left, but Williams came right back and took the lead again a moment later.  Tough loss for Midd who could have jumped up to a tie for second with a win.

[Bucket]

Midd-Williams was a great match, evenly played. Williams's first goal and Midd's equalizer came from the identical spot on nearly identical free kicks—about 21 yards out, both balls bent around the wall and inside the left post. The only difference was that the Eph's goal was low and Greg Conrad's equalizer was top corner.

Looked like we were headed to overtime after Conrad evened things up, but then Williams shocked the home crowd with a nice counter and laser shot--didn't see who scored it, maybe because I was cringing.

Both teams played well; Williams might have had a 52-48 possession, if that. So evenly played. Midd's best chance before the Conrad goal was a Glaser blast—inside the box, but very tough angle, almost parallel w/ the end line)—that was just knocked down. Subsequent volley then went wide.

Fun game. Looking forward to the rest of the season.

[nescac1]

I see that Rashid is back for Williams and already made his presence felt by assisting on the game-winning goal.  That is big news for the Ephs, as his offensive dynamism was sorely missed.  He and Muralles should form a potent duo up front going forward. 

[Bucket]

I should have pointed out how fast to the ball the Ephs were. Their speed is quite impressive.

[amh63]

Nice to see the BB posters moving over here.  I admit I watch soccer games live only if they occur around the football games.  I enjoy it when I know the players and/ or their parents.  Do admit that's I prefer the "long ball" game more than the possession style....just as I like the fast break game in basketball over the "Princeton" possession approach.

[LaPaz]

Saturday Oct 5th 9am....little late but I feel like predicting. Lets see how I do.

Bowdoin at Trinity- Trinity has a real tough road ahead schedule wise. Last year they started out like this and collapsed. This year I feel might be a bit different. I underrated them in the beginning of the season as I didn't factor in some key frosh they have been key in helping them. Solid defensively, keeper a bit suspect but up front with Savonon and Carrisquillo and in midfield with Tobias they can be dangerous going forward. Also, coming off a tough week so they should get up for this game. Bowdoin has had a tough league schedule so far but the Thomas tie was shocking. They have been awful in goal since they went to the final four in 2010. They have weapons to win this game and if they go at the Trinity wingbacks they could win this however my prediction is :   1-1

Colby at Wesleyan- Colby coming off a 5-0 thrashing from Midd did beat Thomas 2-1. I feel they can stay in this game if there keeper has a decent game. He is on and off. Still have solid players in Pratt, Tollman etc and are decent defensively but have lacked any kind of scoring threat in years. Wesleyan playing there key players in league games with Sousa, Issiroff etc. I haven't seen them live yet so my guess is  :  Wesleyan 2-0

Skidmore at Williams- Liberty league vs Nescac. Skidmore has a couple key Jamacains and a Nigerian center half that could cause Williams some trouble if they come out sleeping. Williams a huge 2-1 win at Midd. Maybe the first win at Midd in 10 years for Williams. Rashid is back but not starting but Muralles playing out of his mind and Williams to solid defensively and in goal for Skidmore to score   :   Williams 2-0

Bates at Conn- Havent seen Bates but when you let a free kick goal in from halfield that tells me their keeper is either weak, small or makes horrible decisions. I do not believe they have anything up front that is dangerous for Conn to handle. Conn needs this win more than anyone today and will get it. Fast on the wings with O'Brien and frosh Weller and dangerous up front with Hawkey. Their keeper seems solid and defensively ok in the middle and suspect at wingback. I bet they come out in a 4-3-3 and go right at Bates. Bates does have a couple 0-0 draws so if they sit in maybe some trouble for Conn. Predicition :  Conn 2-1

Amherst at Hamilton- Hamilton playing very well at home. I still do not see a real scoring threat for Amherst like last year but they have managed to get goals from all around. Still they have already made long road trips to NH, Maine and now Western NY and next week again way up to Maine. At some point this might take a toll. Not today. Amherst 3-1

Midd at Tufts- Game of the day. Midd coming off a heartbreaker to Williams. They have better weapons with Glazer and Conrad who bent a great free kick ball past Williams' keeper. I still feel there backs are slow and they might have one of the worst keepers in Nescac in Collins. He is small and does not have good hands. Tufts to dangerous attacking and better in net. Midd still very dangerous on restarts as they are very big. If Tufts avoids those they can win this game.  0-0