NESCAC

[Mr.Right]

Agreed. Goitia is a big loss but I did not think it would be a loss to this extreme. Ben Brewster loss I can see but not Goitia.

[blooter442]

If Bates wins they will have to be considered for a national ranking, something almost unthinkable at the beginning of the year.

This is a crazy thought to me, although you may be right. I'm well aware that I just wrote a praise-filled post about Bates, but the fact that they currently have the same record as Tufts of all teams has more to do with the caliber of opponents Bates has played rather than them being on equal levels. To be fair, Tufts up to this point hasn't really had a super difficult schedule aside from Brandeis and Wesleyan, either, but even with their defensive hiccups they're still a vastly superior side to Bates IMHO.

What "big wins" does Bates have so far? Sure, Williams was exciting and unexpected, but that was more based on historical sentiment than an actual giant slaying. This is a Williams team that is 3-4 so far, and while Bates was the underdog, it wasn't like they were playing a top-10 Williams side. The first talented team Bates played against - Wesleyan - they got hammered 5-0 away, illustrating major defensive deficiencies. They barely slipped by Thomas at home in OT, which is still more than Colby could do, but they've yet to face any of Tufts, Midd, or Amherst. Those three games are at home, sure, but the best I could see Bates doing in any of those is a draw. Knoth is a good striker but I have a feeling that all three of those teams could mark him out of the game. Same thing with Merchant - good player, not great. Conn and even Colby away will be tough, given the in-state rivalry. The reality is that there are no easy games in the NESCAC, but Bates still has the toughest part of its schedule to come, and the picture quickly becomes ominous.

On the flip side, there are a lot of two-loss and three-loss teams nationally, and Bates is currently not one of them. Furthermore, the Bobcats have already eclipsed their win totals from each of the last five years. So maybe they are onto something.

Hey, if Bates goes on a run and does well, I'll give credit where it's due, but the fact that they could even be in with a shout for a national ranking is an absolute farce at this point.

[Mr.Right]

Hey I am in total agreement with you Blooter but if they can somehow go 1-1-1 against Midd, Tufts and Amherst and beat Conn away than they will have an excellent chance at a Pool C. That of course is not realistic and my guess is they go 0-4-0 against those 4 teams and sneak the 7th seed in the tournament and lose in 1st round to the #2 seed and their season will end on Halloween 10-31-2015 and we will forget all about Bates....

[blooter442]

Fair point. Regardless, will make for good viewing.

What are the chances of some games getting moved to artificial turf tomorrow? I know we spoke of Amherst potentially doing that against Tufts, but what schools would be able or be willing to do that?

[Mr.Right]

I have heard Western Mass is not going to get as much rain as the Boston area / coastal areas. I am not sure how much rain has already fallen though. Amherst and Williams fields do not drain well so I either could move their games if needed but I do not think they will. If Amherst does move it to turf I feel that will be to Tufts advantage a bit.

Not sure about Western NY either but I do not believe Hamilton has a turf field option. someone can correct me if I am wrong

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Hamilton has a turf field behind the soccer field, but in my experience it has been used exclusively for football (which has a home game tomorrow anyway).

[Mr.Right]

Yes you are correct but I do not think they can use that field for soccer. It might have lacrosse lines but not soccer. I would imagine Hamilton's field drains decently well even though there is a hill behind the field, the track must soak up a bunch of water

[Mr.Right]

Midd v Colby ready to kick off..Of course the SUN is out in Middlebury, VT

[Mr.Right]

1-0 Midd..Corner and a great header by a Colby defender into his own net....

[Mr.Right]

Colby has a great chance but A GREAT save by Sydor.

[Jump4Joy]

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.

Sydor has 3 ga; Bull has 2. Feel significant that it's Hamilton that scores twice against Sydor.

[Mr.Right]

Midd is dominating this game and are obviously so dangerous on set pieces and throw-ins, they have had a couple chances to make extend their lead. Colby had a great chance but a remarkable save by Sydor thwarted Colby's lone chance. Midd really needs to extend this lead as you need to bury a team like Colby not keep them in the game. Midd Frosh O'Grady having a nice half.

[Mr.Right]

Midd scores and goes up 2-0 with about 25 minutes left..ONCE AGAIN a defense caught napping / losing concentration. Nice ball by Deklan Robinson over Colby's back line into the feet of Glaser and he buries it.  All 4 defenders caught ball watching and a nice touch by Glaser to take a 40 yard ball of his foot and bury it.

Hook-Line-Sinker...This game is done..25 minutes left 2-0 Midd. No way Colby's anemic offense gets 2 back. I would bet my soul on it.

This was an absolutely dominating performance by MIDD. They are looking very dangerous come November, especially on their home turf

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Colby in shambles at the moment, with some key injuries.  Looks like some of the freshmen are starting to get discouraged.  They may lose out unless they get a result very soon.

[Bucket]

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.

Sydor has 3 ga; Bull has 2. Feel significant that it's Hamilton that scores twice against Sydor.

Steady downpour during the Hamilton game; second goal was late and slipped through Sydor's hands with the game standing at 4-1. Perhaps slight lack of concentration coupled with a very slippery ball.