NESCAC

[PaulNewman]

ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.

So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!

Didn't say that because the odds of any one team versus the field is low, especially this year, but I certainly think the Jumbos will be in the mix.  Of course I may be overly influenced by having just seen them live.

Tufts men's soccer comparison after 7 games:
Goals For vs Goals against
2014      2015
19-4        11-4
so how are they better this year vs last, they have scored almost half as many goals this year, perhaps even vs weaker competition!

This is getting convoluted.  I didn't say they are better or better than they were at the end of last season.  I said an argument could be made.  Just a week ago folks were insisting that Tufts had to be ranked #1 in both polls.  Last year at this time I don't think they were even in the RV category.  Not saying that was right but it was the facts.  And yes, they lost some key players, but so did a lot of good teams.  Consider what Messiah lost.  And I agree about Santos.   I got killed on this board right around this time last year for questioning why Santos wasn't starting.

[ECSUalum]

ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.

So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!

Didn't say that because the odds of any one team versus the field is low, especially this year, but I certainly think the Jumbos will be in the mix.  Of course I may be overly influenced by having just seen them live.

Tufts men's soccer comparison after 7 games:
Goals For vs Goals against
2014      2015
19-4        11-4
so how are they better this year vs last, they have scored almost half as many goals this year, perhaps even vs weaker competition!

Look, There is no doubt that the Jumbos are a fine soccer team and may very well be in the elite 8 or final 4 this year, ( I would bet money they don't repeat), they are well coached and Coach Shapiro always does a great job backfilling the graduating class, but last year they scored 8 goals vs UM Boston, who, maybe had an off game on D but were not a bad side, and this year scored 1 goal vs Plymouth State, who, although not terrible, lets face it, are not a NE powerhouse! 
I agree with Mr Right in that against a big, tall, strong backfield and goalkeeper, the Jumbos may have difficulties scoring enough goals to win.
NCAC NE, I think we can agree that straight stats may not be the best indicator so early in the season and that a lot of intangibles and a bit of luck comes into play by the end of the season
We will just have to see how it all plays out!!

[PaulNewman]

I'm so disappointed Kenyon isn't playing that I'll just go ahead and argue a little more

Brandeis only beat Bridgewater State, Nichols and Clark 1-0.  Last year, when the Judges were considered a very strong contender for the Final Four and I believe ranked #1 in New England, they beat Mt Ida 1-0 for heaven's sakes.  Not sure comparing scores like that works.

And who would you bet money will win the tournament at this point?

I'm not betting Tufts is going to repeat either, but just a short week ago Tufts was considered da bomb.

[Brother Flounder]

I'm so disappointed Kenyon isn't playing that I'll just go ahead and argue a little more

Brandeis only beat Bridgewater State, Nichols and Clark 1-0.  Last year, when the Judges were considered a very strong contender for the Final Four and I believe ranked #1 in New England, they beat Mt Ida 1-0 for heaven's sakes.  Not sure comparing scores like that works.

And who would you bet money will win the tournament at this point?

I'm not betting Tufts is going to repeat either, but just a short week ago Tufts was considered da bomb.

I wouldn't bet on any one team winning it. First, Wheaton Illinois was the "bomb", then Loras, then Tufts, now Amherst or Kenyon.   And yes, Tufts lost players like other teams (though I believe Kayne and Brown were the second and third leading scorers last year).  The loss of the central defenders were just as important as Santos........  The winner will probably be a team not mentioned in my first sentence...

[Mr.Right]

Bowdoin at Husson has been postponed. No idea why since Husson plays on turf

[Mr.Right]

I did not catch the Tufts v Wesleyan game yesterday but after reading the recap I did not realize the game was called after the 1st OT due to darkness. I would not think it gets pitch black dark until 6:45pm-7:00pm. This game started at 4:30pm so I am confused on why the game was called. Some refs will defer to the coaches and some of the veteran refs will call it themselves. I would imagine that Wheeler for Wesleyan was happy with a 0-0 draw so he might not of cared but Shaprio at Tufts might have wanted to continue. That is just a guess but actually if Wesleyan had some good opportunities than maybe Wheeler would wanted to finish it.

Either way if darkness is an issue there is no reason for this game to have started at 4:30pm. It should have started at 4pm. In the first place this matchup between Tufts v Wesleyan should not be a midweek fixture. It was last year for the first time. Mid week fixtures should be only games 1 hour apart. Maybe a Conn v Wesleyan or Trinity v Wesleyan but not Tufts v Wesleyan. This should be a back to back game on a Sat / Sun..

[ECSUalum]

I'm so disappointed Kenyon isn't playing that I'll just go ahead and argue a little more

Brandeis only beat Bridgewater State, Nichols and Clark 1-0.  Last year, when the Judges were considered a very strong contender for the Final Four and I believe ranked #1 in New England, they beat Mt Ida 1-0 for heaven's sakes.  Not sure comparing scores like that works.

And who would you bet money will win the tournament at this point?

I'm not betting Tufts is going to repeat either, but just a short week ago Tufts was considered da bomb.

As I have stated in the past re top 25 polls, which supposedly provides an indication of team strength, the only important one is the final, however to your point above, having a small sample of games/stats/info has never stopped anyone on this or any other thread from debating who the best NCAA D-III soccer team in the country currently is.  You would have to have the time to actually watch many many matches, which IMHO, is the best way to evaluate and debate a teams potential  at any given time vs the rest of the field.  Most of us don't have that luxury, so its always a matter of opinion, which ideally should be aired freely on these threads.  Good Luck to the Jumbos this year!!!

[blooter442]

I did not catch the Tufts v Wesleyan game yesterday but after reading the recap I did not realize the game was called after the 1st OT due to darkness. I would not think it gets pitch black dark until 6:45pm-7:00pm. This game started at 4:30pm so I am confused on why the game was called. Some refs will defer to the coaches and some of the veteran refs will call it themselves. I would imagine that Wheeler for Wesleyan was happy with a 0-0 draw so he might not of cared but Shaprio at Tufts might have wanted to continue. That is just a guess but actually if Wesleyan had some good opportunities than maybe Wheeler would wanted to finish it.

Either way if darkness is an issue there is no reason for this game to have started at 4:30pm. It should have started at 4pm. In the first place this matchup between Tufts v Wesleyan should not be a midweek fixture. It was last year for the first time. Mid week fixtures should be only games 1 hour apart. Maybe a Conn v Wesleyan or Trinity v Wesleyan but not Tufts v Wesleyan. This should be a back to back game on a Sat / Sun..

Ah, so that was it! Figured that I was missing something, as only one OT was played (I was going back-and-forth between the game and other tabs.) Didn't know if I had just missed the first OT, or if the game went quicker than I thought.

And normally I would agree that Wheeler would be happy with a point, but ACH fluffed a chance just before the end where Greenwood saved but he really should have scored. That said, 0-0 against Tufts is a good result for Wesleyan, especially on the balance of play.

Either way, you'd think they might have anticipated that it might go to 2OT? Sounds like awful planning by the athletic department, or whatever other powers that be.

[Mr.Right]

Well the Nescac office does all Nescac scheduling but certainly AD's and coaches can look at the conference schedule which is made in advance the year prior and talk to Nescac about any possible issues. I am not sure but I think the schools determine the time of the game.


On another Note:

A small local newscast had a short highlights or lowlights for the Hamilton keeper of the Midd v Hamilton game

http://www.wcax.com/story/30147096/middlebury-soccer-doubles-up-on-hamilton



Someone needs to tell the Hamilton keeper not to stand planted on the 6 yard box.

[greenoguy]

I know Hamilton's not doing well right now, but I won't accept the argument that they don't have talent.  Every team in the NESCAC has talent.  Hamilton can move the ball they just need to do it more.

[Mr.Right]

From what I have seen of Hamilton they do try to possess, I will give them props for that but they just do not have the talent yet to win in Nescac. They have been an afterthought since joining Nescac in 2011. They did graduate a lot of good players from a decent 2014 side so they are young. If Trinity was not such a disorganized mess than Hamilton would finish in the basement but because Pilger cannot organize Trinity and really recruit like he should, Hamilton might finish above Trinity. That being said, Trinity has more talent than Hamilton IMO

[All NESCAC]

From what I have seen of Hamilton they do try to possess, I will give them props for that but they just do not have the talent yet to win in Nescac. They have been an afterthought since joining Nescac in 2011. They did graduate a lot of good players from a decent 2014 side so they are young. If Trinity was not such a disorganized mess than Hamilton would finish in the basement but because Pilger cannot organize Trinity and really recruit like he should, Hamilton might finish above Trinity. That being said, Trinity has more talent than Hamilton IMO

agree.

[Mr.Right]

Saturday Prediction: Home team listed first.

Midd v Colby                           1-0                   A matchup of two teams who rely on long throwers for some of their goals. This game will be closer than most expect. Colby will have a tough time creating anything going forward against Midd's defense but they will have some chances off set pieces.  If Stanton for Colby is injured that will hurt but they will stay very compact defensively and they are organized enough to frustrate Midd. All that being said, Midd just has more talent and will find a way to score early and keep Colby at bay.

Hamilton v Wesleyan               0-1            Another game that will be tighter than people may think. Hamilton has a knack of playing well at home and Wesleyan could be over confident against Hamilton because of their SOLID effort v Tufts. Wesleyan's keeper this year has been a nice surprise as he is playing very well. In Wheeler's system you need a good keeper behind his solid and organized back 4. Wesleyan always attacks with 5 and defends with 5 like most teams. They are structurally more set up in a 4-1-4-1 but attacking they look like a 4-4-1-1. This game will be no picnic as the longer Hamilton stays in the game the more frustrated Wesleyan will get. The frosh Pez will net the gamewinner.

Williams v Conn                      2-0           Williams gets back on track v Conn. I think Williams GK and backline have enough quality to thwart anything that Conn has going forward. With a week to think about a horrendous weekend Williams comes out pumped up and focused. Rashid and Moutenot get on the score sheet as they can take Conn's wingbacks 1v1. One thing to watch for is Sullivan's lineup. He must be thinking about some changes after last week and who will or will not be sacked.

Bates v Trinity                        1-2           This is Trinity's 2nd trip to Maine this year because of an unfair scheduling quirk. This is the game that Trinity wakes up and plays to its potential. They looked uninterested and unmotivated against Conn mid-week. Let's see if Pilger can get these guys going. If Bates wins they will have to be considered for a national ranking, something almost unthinkable at the beginning of the year.

Amherst v Tufts                      2-0          Game of the week. Both teams have played a couple games in the past week and both I feel will be tired a bit. Who is the fittest team? That might prove to be the X factor in this game. NPL, Martin and Singer is a forward line that has to be considered  Top 3 in the country. NPL was not that active against WPI and Martin was unheard from until his blazing run down the right flank to hit Singer with the game winner. That is all that matters with strikers as you can disappear all game and out of nowhere STRIKE.  Amherst will be xtra pumped for this one and I believe will overwhelm Tufts at home. Bean and Okijama can handle Majumder and Tufts will find it hard to break down Amherst's D.

Sunday:

Hamilton v Tufts                     0-2             This will be Tufts 4th game in 8 days and that is asking a lot. Throw in the amount of travel the past days and you have a tired bunch. Hamilton is basically playing for pride at this point as after Saturday they might not be able to see the 8th seed even if they squint. Tufts bounces back and rights the ship

[Mr.Right]

Mr.Right, how would you rank top 5 GKs in NESCAC?

Ranking based on THIS year alone, not career or potential.  I will copy and paste on Nescac board as really this is a Nescac issue

1. Midd-                   Greg Sydor
2. Amherst-              Tom Bull
3. Tufts-                   Scott Greenwodd
4. Wesleyan              Jack Katkavich
5. Williams               Christian Alcorn


Stevie Van Siclen is one of the best goalies in the league but has not quite played up to potential this year. Also, I was kind of harsh in my critique at the beginning of the year of Conn's Austin Dacunha as he is beginning to wear on me and I have seen him make some tremendous saves this year.

Trinity's Zabala makes some great saves but also makes some grave mistakes. That also goes for Bates GK Polito.

Not a fan of Pollack of Hamilton and Colby cannot figure out themselves who to start week in and week out.

[blooter442]

Ranking based on THIS year alone, not career or potential.  I will copy and paste on Nescac board as really this is a Nescac issue

1. Midd-                   Greg Sydor
2. Amherst-              Tom Bull
3. Tufts-                   Scott Greenwodd
4. Wesleyan              Jack Katkavich
5. Williams               Christian Alcorn


Stevie Van Siclen is one of the best goalies in the league but has not quite played up to potential this year.

I'd agree with this. Previously said that Bull was #1, and I think he and Sydor are the top two, but after watching Bull last night for the second time this year I think I would put Sydor ahead of him at the moment.

In comparing #2 vs. #3, Bull and Greenwood are very opposite 'keepers. I know I've slated Greenwood time and time again for his set piece issues, but he's probably a better pure shot-stopper than Bull. Bull, meanwhile, is normally commanding in his own box, but last night had some issues. Still, he's a good shot-stopper and is handily better than Greenwood on high balls - and given the importance of defending set plays in the NESCAC, this is more crucial than in other leagues.

Really hope that Bowdoin turns the corner, because Van Siclen is a fantastic talent. To be fair to him, his defense was much more solid (in the latter part of) last year - I think Goitia was an underrated player and really was the "leader" of that Bowdoin backline. They miss him for sure.