NESCAC

[PaulNewman]

BTW, Ocel is a 1st Team All-American.  Unusual player with great versatility and a real feel for the game.  Slippery and yet physical at the same time.

[blooter442]

Brandeis kid made a decision to go with a big slide and didn't come up with ball allowing Braun (thought Rojas at first as both big tall kids) to make a play to the end line and find a player for an open net.  Superb play by Braun in a big moment.  And will be tough for Brandeis who has their chances and from what I saw was mostly controlling the two OTs.

As a neutral a very exciting, intense game even on video.  Like a Sweet 16 game.  Would love to hear about the atmosphere in person.

A good play, no doubt, but they should never have been allowed to get that far down the pitch in the first place. I think of the saying "if you can't win, at least make sure you don't lose," and getting caught on the break in the last minute of 2OT (without PKs coming up) is absolutely bone-headed. Brandeis misses the experience of Lanahan back there, as both 2OT losses this year have come as a result of silly defensive mistakes (a PK and then this tonight). I can't remember the last time that Brandeis lost at home in overtime - it was certainly before I was ever there.

Aside from the obvious reason of losing, it's somewhat frustrating to see Brandeis blowing these 2OT games because, you know, if you're getting shellacked and completely dominated, then that's symptomatic of its own set of problems. But when you are firmly "in" the game, and very much could have won, and lose because of dumb mistakes, that's almost more frustrating because there is the sense that it is preventable. (I must say that these guys are far more capable of handling these pressure situations than I would be, but that's why they're out there and I'm not. ) Perhaps I've been spoiled because Brandeis has won so many one-goal/OT/2OT games in the time that I've been a student/alumnus, so I've just become accustomed to thinking "they'll find a way to get it done or at least manage to keep from losing," but this team is clearly still finding its feet.

BTW, Ocel is a 1st Team All-American.  Unusual player with great versatility and a real feel for the game.  Slippery and yet physical at the same time.

Also agree with this. His physicality was a major factor in Brandeis' 2014 win over Tufts, the Judges' first win over a NESCAC side in years. The central midfield of Ocel, Hernandez, and Miskin that has been around since the start of 2014 is by far Brandeis' most physical in the time I've watched them, and has allowed them to compete with physical teams much better than before.

[Ommadawn]

I certainly enjoyed the fiercely contested game online, but was a bit surprised at how long and lumpy both teams were playing.  Was that a function of the teams adopting a conservative approach and not "really opening things up" (as Blooter noted)?

[Mr.Right]

Williams / Amherst Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:

1. Amherst scrappiness and finishing----They were cool as cucumbers today in their finishing. Faster to 2nd balls and more physical then Williams all day. Williams was fouling to much(maybe because of tired legs) and not getting to loose balls as fast as Amherst was(especially Lehnhart. Amherst was quicker to loose balls and very precise with their finishing.

2. Jackson Lehnhart---2 goals. Not the prettiest but he will take them.

3. Williams attacking 5---I thought for 70 minutes Williams looked very good. The last 20 minutes they looked very leg heavy and gassed. Sullivan's scheduling has to be criticized for this. 7th game in 15 days and it really showed at the end of the game. Williams worked so hard for 70 minutes and just had nothing left. Williams showed some nice crisp passing and interchanging up top. They were dangerous on the counter as usual. Rashid, Moutenot, Bahr-DeStefano, Madding, and Sisco were causing problems for Amherst defense. Rashid and Sisco were burning Aoyama at right back for a good chunk of the game. Rashid had a great strike to tie the game 2-2.

4. Amherst Set Pieces----These were dangerous all day especially with a beast the size of Orozco. He was banging all day and causing havoc with his flicks.

5. The Game----I thought I would be witnessing a typical Amherst defensive slug fest. Instead there were plenty of goals, a ton of action and was happy with the way Williams was able to stick to their possession oriented game on the attack. Amherst was just to physical today.


Zeroes

1. Williams GK Christian Alcorn------Alcorn looked very shaky in net today and should have saved 2 of the 4 goals. His defense did not help him by fouling so much and not clearing balls that should have been cleared that led to Amherst goals. With a game tomorrow at Bates, I would not be surprised if Sullivan sits him tomorrow in favor of Schein or Schneiderman. It's just a hunch and even though he is a captain he did not play well today.

2. Amhest GK Lee Owen-----Thomas Bull he IS NOT. He looked shakier then Alcorn. The 1st Williams goal was completely his fault as he was to far off his line. He had butter fingers all day and teams MUST test this kid with shots. Had trouble in the sun and catching routine crosses. Amherst will not be going far in the NCAA's if Owen plays like he did today. YIKES.

3. Sullivan's scheduling------ They have gotten away with it up to now but it is starting to catch up with them. For 70 minutes Williams played well but the last 20 minutes they were heavy legged and gassed. This led to numerous defensive mistakes and lunging in and fouling instead of tackling. Credit Amherst for taking advantage. Tomorrow will be their 8th game in 16 days which is mind boggling especially in Nescac and now are travelling another 3 1/2 hours up to Bates for tomorrow's game. I am not expecting much against Bates tomorrow and have a bad feeling about a game they MUST win.

4. Amherst CB's-----While they are trees and very good in the air they are a step slow and better teams can and will take advantage if they are physical enough.

[Mr.Right]

The only other game I caught today was Midd v Bowdoin 1st half online.....I completely disagree with NCAC as the 1st half Midd looked very good. They were not whacking it and with O'Grady, Goulart and Dils in midfield they were knocking it around the carpet. Goulart's thru ball to Glaser was perfection and Glaser's finish was nasty for Midd's 1-0 lead at halftime. I did not see the 2nd Half or Bowdoin's goal but Midd will be a tough out for any team in the country especially with Sydor in net. Besides Williams and Tufts I expect Midd to cruise the rest of the way and if they stay injury free they will be tough to break down and beat. With their favorable schedule I expect them to win Nescac and host right thru the Sweet 16.

[Mr.Right]

Tomorrow's games:

Conn v Colby-----Conn wil bounce back well tomorrow and handle Colby rather easily. 2-0 Conn

Bates v Williams-----Can Bates ride the high of he Wesleyan win and have its best weekend in years. Can Williams run for a solid 90 minutes and focus mentally for this game? In years past Williams always had the depth on their bench to give significant minutes to for some fresh legs. I am not so sure they have the depth they used to have. If Bates can stay organized defensively and focused they could win the game. 1-0 Bates

[Off Pitch]

Conn 2 - Colby 0
Bates 1 - Williams 1

The three Connecticut schools now sit at the bottom of the standings, but Conn gets well today against a Colby team that lost at Husson.  Williams is the superior side vs. Bates, but Bates is at home coming off a big win over Wesleyan while Williams comes into town tired and down.

[PaulNewman]

Clarification on Middlebury...

No disrespect intended.  In my mock national poll I believe I've had Midd in my top 6-8 range since the beginning of the season and I still do.  If the Panthers win the NESCAC and end up hosting two weekends they indeed will have a great shot.  And teams that haven't played them will find them an unusual and difficult team to play with the combo of Conrad and Glaser.  I would agree that their midfield play looks improved as well.  Also in their favor is that as a team moves forward the games can come down to one or two plays and Midd is the kind of team that can get that vital goal off a set piece or strike from Conrad or Glaser. 

These are my caveats.  Midd's out of conference schedule consists of Norwich, Keene St, Plymouth St, Castleton and Colby-Sawyer.  All of the other upper tier NESCACs have tougher schedules than that so I think Midd has a smaller margin of error.  I'm going to assume Amherst will have a bid locked up.  Let's say the NESCAC gets 3 bids overall.  I see Williams and Tufts as real threats, and Midd has both left to play and perhaps again in a NESCAC semifinal.  If NESCAC gets 4 bids then Midd should be fine, but if the out-of-conference factor again comes into play they could be in trouble if they are the team counting on a 4th bid.  In their favor, I don't see many teams in the region outside of UMass-Bos and Gordon challenging for bids (if they lose their conference tourneys), and then there is Brandeis.  The NEWMAC doesn't look like more than an AQ league at the moment nor does the LL although Vassar may have a shot beyond SLU.  And especially if Midd is not at home, I don't necessarily see them winning a round of 32 or Sweet 16 game with a Rowan, Oneonta, Amherst, SLU or maybe even a Brandeis, Tufts, Haverford, Plattsburgh.  We shall see.

I think Williams will find a way to win today.  They need this win.  I liked the emotion and intensity Rashid showed yesterday. 

Does anyone know if and when Majumder is coming back?  Of course a question will be if he can jump right in and perform at the level he is capable of?  Also curious about Corkery at Haverford, as Haverford's fate may intersect with the NESCAC down the road.

[Jump4Joy]

Happy for Rashid that he's healthy and playing well overall. Ephs will have to remain focused in late stages of games. Can't stop playing cuz you think you've been fouled only to concede ball in final third for the insurance goal. Lots of physical effort by both teams yesterday. Williams looks nifty on the quick counter--more so than they do around the box. Amherst able to string passes together to get in dangerous areas for looks at goal and important set pieces. For the record: did not see the right back get schooled as has been stated. More than solid defender. Williams attackers like to dance on the ball but were forced back and laterally most of the time. However you see it, a great rivalry.

[PaulNewman]

Oh, come on, really? 

I'm gonna try not to comment on negative karma the rest of the season, but if people are going that route could you at least give a brief explanation when you dole it out, or at least cite the offending trigger?  That would allow recipients to further clarify, correct oversights, misunderstandings, etc, and to acknowledge when there simply are honest disagreements.

[Mr.Right]

I didn't give it to you but now Ill give u a -k for complaining about it. My own rule now for giving -/+ k is when I give it, which is not that frequent anymore I wil let u know and why. I got like 3 -k from some of these Amherst homers that didnt like my posts...Oh well...

[PaulNewman]

I didn't give it to you but now Ill give u a -k for complaining about it. My own rule now for giving -/+ k is when I give it, which is not that frequent anymore I wil let u know and why. I got like 3 -k from some of these Amherst homers that didnt like my posts...Oh well...

Your sense of integrity coupled with that fine logic has me speechless.

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Saw Devlin in person yesterday, and would be shocked if there is a better player in the league.

[EasyGoer27]

Got to think Devlin could have made a difference in Hamilton.

That being said,

Hamilton 1-0 over Middlebury.  I still think Middlebury will make sweet 16, but Hamilton's home, they are hot, why not?  Upset special.

Tufts over Wes 2-0, think Tufts will start to get it going.........

[Jump4Joy]

OK. Full disclosure...
Metro: -1 for calling "he who must not be named" by name. 
Rudy: +1 for recognizing celebratory sports traditions as normal
Mr. R: -1 for seeing them as "classless."

Meanwhile, I'll take my two negative karma points from this weekend with a grain of salt.