NESCAC

[oldonionbag]

So far, it's not like Messiah has really dominated in the tourney. They can be beat this year. The way Tufts is playing, if they get past Muhlenberg, they are up to the task. Their SOS should help them. All games from now on will be battles.....

I think one of the things that people are missing about Messiah this year is their defense. Only four teams have scored against Messiah all year. And Tufts has not been scoring a ton of goals lately. When Messiah dominates defensively like they have been, they don't have to run up big scores to win.

I think you're a bit off here D3SoccerWatcher- Tufts has been scoring, especially of late. In fact, the last time they did not score was in a 0-0 tie away at Middlebury in driving rain on OCTOBER 4. Since then they have scored 19 goals in 9 games, for a 2.1 goals per game average, and have scored 2 goals in each NCAA game. Not sure where that argument is coming from?

[blooter442]

Look, I'm no Tufts fan, but I admire their program and the way they play the game. I objectively think they are very, very good—they have a well-coached, well-balanced team, front-to-back, and a very good goalkeeper. I personally thought that Wheaton (MA) was a bit better prior to Sunday's game, but Tufts went down there and played like the home team. They are a force.

Can Tufts beat Messiah? Certainly! If Tufts gets past Muhlenberg, they'd be fired up for that game. When such a mountainous task is only 90 minutes in front of you, the mentality is different than at the beginning of, say, the NESCAC tournament (which might be why Tufts was punished for being complacent against Conn., thinking they were in for a long run by default.) As a result, Tufts would no doubt give Messiah everything possible, and are capable of winning. Furthermore, Messiah would no doubt be possessing and attacking, which, as a previous poster said, could leave gaps as the game goes on.

Will Tufts beat Messiah? Don't think so. I think Tufts has Elite Eight potential, no doubt, but I don't see them being Final Four material. They have struggled at times this season to break down teams which are good, not great (read MIT, Conn), teams that you would expect to see them beat. Then again, they did beat Wheaton convincingly at their place this weekend. Defensively, they seem to have lapses in concentration at times (giving up two goals in quick succession against both Brandeis and Bowdoin.) Additionally, their offensive tactics are, while effective, a tad predictable—a huge part of Tufts' gameplan is sending the ball to Hoppenot, who holds it up for Santos, Kayne, and Pinheiro. I could very well see Messiah's center backs isolating Hoppenot (who is not the quickest player in the world) and Santos (who doesn't have the best workrate) and shutting off service from midfield, which would counter Tufts' attacking gameplan very well.

Hey, anything can happen, but I think it's a bit premature to be suggesting that Messiah is not that good, especially when the Jumbos have their own shortcomings.

[All NESCAC]

I really don't think F&M is as undersized as you make them out to be. I'll readily admit that I've seen very little of Amherst, but I have no doubt that F&M has just as much in the size department as really any team might want to throw out there. Now, maybe Amherst is a bit more physical than F&M, and if that's the case it may be an advantage for them. However, it also may be a disadvantage - you never know how tightly the game is going to be called, and that can work against teams who play that style.

I think F&M will also be helped by their performance against Rochester - even though it went to PKs, their offense looked like it had woken up a bit compared to the lackluster display they put on against J&W. If they can continue that through the weeklong break, I think the Dips have a decent shot at getting through the section. Assuming they move past Oneonta St. (and I really think that's still a big if in and of itself), an Amherst/F&M matchup would be a lot of fun to watch.

Sherlock Holmes....ask Watson if F&M can put 5 starting field players who are 6'3", 6'4", 6'4", 6'5" and 6'6" who are all very good players...and oh forgot to mention the keeper is 6'3" and sturdy....I haven't looked at F&M's roster, but haven't seen another team this year yet who can match Amherst's size....they are deadly on set pieces whether corner kicks, free kicks or throw ins (they have a long throw in defender)...and the rest of the team is very talented and they give constant high pressure...I'm not a big fan of how Amherst plays or conducts themselves, but they are a very good team and well coached.  I see both Amherst and Tufts advancing.

[Brother Flounder]

Look, I'm no Tufts fan, but I admire their program and the way they play the game. I objectively think they are very, very good—they have a well-coached, well-balanced team, front-to-back, and a very good goalkeeper. I personally thought that Wheaton (MA) was a bit better prior to Sunday's game, but Tufts went down there and played like the home team. They are a force.

Can Tufts beat Messiah? Certainly! If Tufts gets past Muhlenberg, they'd be fired up for that game. When such a mountainous task is only 90 minutes in front of you, the mentality is different than at the beginning of, say, the NESCAC tournament (which might be why Tufts was punished for being complacent against Conn., thinking they were in for a long run by default.) As a result, Tufts would no doubt give Messiah everything possible, and are capable of winning. Furthermore, Messiah would no doubt be possessing and attacking, which, as a previous poster said, could leave gaps as the game goes on.

Will Tufts beat Messiah? Don't think so. I think Tufts has Elite Eight potential, no doubt, but I don't see them being Final Four material. They have struggled at times this season to break down teams which are good, not great (read MIT, Conn), teams that you would expect to see them beat. Then again, they did beat Wheaton convincingly at their place this weekend. Defensively, they seem to have lapses in concentration at times (giving up two goals in quick succession against both Brandeis and Bowdoin.) Additionally, their offensive tactics are, while effective, a tad predictable—a huge part of Tufts' gameplan is sending the ball to Hoppenot, who holds it up for Santos, Kayne, and Pinheiro. I could very well see Messiah's center backs isolating Hoppenot (who is not the quickest player in the world) and Santos (who doesn't have the best workrate) and shutting off service from midfield, which would counter Tufts' attacking gameplan very well.

Hey, anything can happen, but I think it's a bit premature to be suggesting that Messiah is not that good, especially when the Jumbos have their own shortcomings.

Believe me, I am not suggesting nor did anyone else suggest that "Messiah is not that good."  I think everyone knows that.  I am just opining that they can be beat.  I think Tufts has a better chance given their diverse scoring options but the Jumbos still have to get past Muhlenberg.

[blooter442]

I am just opining that they can be beat.

That's definitely fair; I suppose my interpretation was a bit narrow.

[oldonionbag]

Good bit of banter here. Blooter- I think you just pointed out how any team - not just Messiah - can counter the Jumbos. It's just that Messiah will probably be able to do it more effectively than any other team  Additionally, let's keep in mind that Muhlenberg is no one-trick pony, and the Jumbos better not put the cart before the mule. (bada-bing! ) They must focus all of their attention and energy on the task at hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No need to ask Watson! I consulted the internets instead. According to their rosters, Amherst has 15 players 6-0 or taller. Four of those are goalkeepers. F&M has eleven players 6-0 or taller. One of those is a goalkeeper. So, both teams could easily field a tall team. Again, all I said is F&M is not as undersized as what some are making them out to be. What may have been a huge advantage for Amherst most of the season could very well be muted, if not cancelled out altogether, by the relative height of F&M. The Dips are equally deadly on set pieces, and they too play the "long throw" game very well. I'm no NESCAC expert, but it sounds like these teams could be incredibly similar, and it'll be interesting to see what happens if and when they meet.

[All NESCAC]

No need to ask Watson! I consulted the internets instead. According to their rosters, Amherst has 15 players 6-0 or taller. Four of those are goalkeepers. F&M has eleven players 6-0 or taller. One of those is a goalkeeper. So, both teams could easily field a tall team. Again, all I said is F&M is not as undersized as what some are making them out to be. What may have been a huge advantage for Amherst most of the season could very well be muted, if not cancelled out altogether, by the relative height of F&M. The Dips are equally deadly on set pieces, and they too play the "long throw" game very well. I'm no NESCAC expert, but it sounds like these teams could be incredibly similar, and it'll be interesting to see what happens if and when they meet.

Sherlock...I pulled a Watson and consulted the internet via F&M...your research is correct, however of F&M's starters they have one who is 6'3" and one 6'2" vs Amherst's 5 giants....both have big keepers....will be an interesting match....I will be curious to see how F&M handles Amherst's "over the line" physicality as the Lord Jeffs will foul you hard on most plays, some get called, but most don't because they would be whistling foul for 90 minutes if they called everything.

[PaulNewman]

F&M, similar to Brandeis and Kenyon, seems to be one of those teams that folks can't quite believe in as for real.  The Dips got a huge break last year when OWU lost so their Elite 8 appearance looks (and was) soft, and that impression was bolstered by the woodshed licking they took from Messiah.  And yet F&M has been in the top 5 of the rankings essentially the entire season.  They've lost one game all season to a good Haverford squad.  They got my attention the very first weekend when they went 2-0 against Camden and York (and that was before anyone realized those usual powerhouses were going to struggle).  They also have been the dominant team in the Centennial for two years running, a conference that certainly has its share of strong programs.  It is possible they won't be able to handle Amherst's size and physicality, but it won't be because they are used to playing weakling teams from a weak schedule.

[All NESCAC]

F&M, similar to Brandeis and Kenyon, seems to be one of those teams that folks can't quite believe in as for real.  The Dips got a huge break last year when OWU lost so their Elite 8 appearance looks (and was) soft, and that impression was bolstered by the woodshed licking they took from Messiah.  And yet F&M has been in the top 5 of the rankings essentially the entire season.  They've lost one game all season to a good Haverford squad.  They got my attention the very first weekend when they went 2-0 against Camden and York (and that was before anyone realized those usual powerhouses were going to struggle).  They also have been the dominant team in the Centennial for two years running, a conference that certainly has its share of strong programs.  It is possible they won't be able to handle Amherst's size and physicality, but it won't be because they are used to playing weakling teams from a weak schedule.

OK...very good points...however we digress and jump ahead....I'll be rooting for the Judges of Brandeis to top the Lord Jeffs....thus not sure if we'll see the Amherst vs F&M....Brandeis is a very good team and well coached and should be very interesting in the contrasting styles between Brandeis and Amherst....I believe Coach Coven's team shocks Amherst.

[PaulNewman]

Brandeis is not in the underdog role this year.  If anything, they should be a slight favorite vs Amherst.  They should, and I believe they will, fully expect to prevail over the Lord Jeffs.  Will not be surprised in the least to see any of the 4 teams in this sectional advance.

[4231CenterBack]

I have seen Brandeis play twice this year. Once against Tufts and again v. Bowdoin. They are very a good mix of technical ability and athleticism.  Savonen and Soboff are exceptional.  They are certainly a better soccer team than Amherst. Of course it will likely be close because Amherst will defend well and they may even score an ugly goal off a free kick.  Field conditions, and weather could be in Amherst's favor......the uglier the better.

[12SNoon]

Re: Amherst v. Brandeis, Head to Head

It's much too early to spoil my prediction for this game so early in the week, but here's some food for thought.

http://cl.ly/image/210h1g2q302d/Brandeis_-_Brandeis_Athletics_and_NESCAC.png


[Preview]

Couple of thoughts:

• Brandeis' defense appears to have the edge
• Brandeis scores more goals
• Amherst shoots more
• Amherst gets more corner kicks
• Brandeis only managed 1.0 goals/game in conference, compared to Amherst at 1.8 goals/game...

More to come soon...

[Mr.Right]

I have to admit the past 2 games have changed my view on Brandeis. I have underrated them all year. I have seen them in person 5 times now and on video about 8 times. The past two games on their carpet they have looked like the 2nd best team in the country. Soboff looks like one of the best players in D3 and everyone else is playing exceptionally well. They have excellent speed on the flank, strikers that can finish under pressure, solid GK and blooter you are right they are playing with 4 backs now.

That being said I still favor Amherst in this game. Amherst high pressure and workmanlike approach this year has really rattled some opponents. Admittedly, this is Amherst least talented side since 2008. 2008 was the last Amherst team and only Serpone team to make it to the final 4. That team was big, not very good team speed and technically average. That team beat Trinity TX in Pk's and then got trounced by Stevens in the Final 4 and were severely over matched. This team is more talented than that one and I favor them in this pod. They have been unable to get by Williams in 2 straight elite 8 games for various reasons but this road match up will serve them well

[Mr.Right]

To add to this I believe Amherst has the ability to intimidate Brandeis at the start. Brandeis will have Williams in the back of their minds as they have lost to them the past 2 years and it is basically the same team minus a couple players. They have also seen Amherst and Williams dominate this region for a long time. If Amherst plays it's cards right an I am sure they will I could see Brandeis being intimidated to start the game and maybe for about 10 or 15 minutes until they get into their own rhythm. Brandeis will recover fine but the first 10-15 minutes Amherst needs to try to get on the board and by then it could be to late for Brandeis.  Lat year, Williams scored 4 minutes in and won the game 2-0. Brandeis out possessed Williams a bit but they got man handled physically. Brandeis might have that in the back of their heads and come out fired up and actually take it to Amherst to start. I really want to watch this game as it will be interesting to see who dictates play. To me Brandeis is about the same and plays the same as SLU so it will be the same type of game. Can Brandeis finish what SLU could not