NESCAC

[Brother Flounder]

MR, always a pleasure to read your NESCAC predictions!  FYI, although you may be aware, once the NESCAC football season starts (approximately the 3rd weekend in September), until the end of the soccer season (late October), men's and women's soccer, field hockey, and football from one school all travel and play the same school as a group.  So, for example, while Middlebury is playing Trinity in men's soccer, their football teams will be playing each other on the field next door.

With 6 teams with Nescac Doubleheaders this weekend we should have a much clearer picture of the Nescac Playoffs after Sunday

Nescac Predictions for Saturday:

Wesleyan at Williams---- 2-1 Williams

Bowdoin at Hamilton-----1-0 Bowdoin

Tufts at Conn------Game of the week.  I think your analysis is spot on.  Tufts doesn't have the likes of Kayne this year to defend Devlin.  Kayne played Devlin very well during his career and frustrated him defensively.  I think Majumbder steps up this game though and Tufts wins 2-1.

Midd at Trinity------2-2 draw

Colby at Amherst------Amherst 2-0

[Off Pitch]

Williams 2 - Wesleyan 0      Wesleyan lost at home to Wheaton (6th place NEWMAC) and is 1-3 in October.  Williams is undefeated at home.  I don't think Wesleyan has won a regular season game in Williamstown since 1992.

Hamilton 2 - Bowdoin 1    Hamilton just survived the toughest stretch of their schedule 1-2-1 (Conn, Middlebury, Tufts, Amherst) and remain in 2nd place.

Conn 1 - Tufts 2         Tufts is coming on (5-1-1 in their last 7) and gives the Camels another home loss.

Trinity 0 - Middlebury 2      Trinity is still an enigma.  They string together 4 wins in a row and then tie a weak Western Connecticut team at home. 

Amherst 4 - Colby 0              Since losing to Tufts, Amherst is 4-0 outscoring their opponents 12-1.  Colby has lost 2 of their last 3.  Amherst rolls.

[blooter442]

Williams 1-0 Wesleyan
Hamilton 2-1 Bowdoin
Conn 1-1 Tufts
Trinity 1-2 Middlebury
Amherst 3-0 Colby

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Nah.....The Football schedule does not follow Soccer and Field Hockey.

I stand corrected.  Football does not exactly track field hockey and soccer (and indeed, it cannot, as the conference has only 10 football teams).  What I should have said is that while the soccer and field hockey regular seasons are underway, when a school's teams in those sports are at home, then I believe that school's football team is also at home.  So when Trinity's soccer team plays at home this weekend against Middlebury, the football team will also be playing at home against Tufts.  [I believe that the reverse is also true:  when field hockey and soccer travel during their regular seasons, that school's football team also travels.]  And for some weekends, it is true (as stated in my OP) that two schools will play each other in all four sports.  In any event, the fact that there are typically multiple NESCAC events taking place simultaneously at a host school means that supporters of that school's sports teams may have to make choices about which game to watch.

[letsGOswans!]

I agree with those saying the Tufts - Conn game is the one to watch. It is also Conn's alumni weekend so the atmosphere will be electric. Don't count the Camels out yet. Tufts is definitely a more preferable team to play against compared to Amherst as they actually play soccer.

[PaulNewman]

Tufts at Conn------Game of the week.  I think your analysis is spot on.  Tufts doesn't have the likes of Kayne this year to defend Devlin.  Kayne played Devlin very well during his career and frustrated him defensively.  I think Majumbder steps up this game though and Tufts wins 2-1.

It's very, very tough to let go.  As a parent myself I know and I'm sure I'm the most blatant example on this site.

Kayne was a phenomenal player.  Definitely an All-American level player.  Seems like he is an outstanding young man as well.

That said, I wonder if you think Kayne's superior supporting cast, in addition to other more personal factors, might have influenced what transpired on the field and your perceptions of their head-to-head play.

[Brother Flounder]

Tufts at Conn------Game of the week.  I think your analysis is spot on.  Tufts doesn't have the likes of Kayne this year to defend Devlin.  Kayne played Devlin very well during his career and frustrated him defensively.  I think Majumbder steps up this game though and Tufts wins 2-1.

It's very, very tough to let go.  As a parent myself I know and I'm sure I'm the most blatant example on this site.

Kayne was a phenomenal player.  Definitely an All-American level player.  Seems like he is an outstanding young man as well.

That said, I wonder if you think Kayne's superior supporting cast, in addition to other more personal factors, might have influenced what transpired on the field and your perceptions of their head-to-head play.

That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

[blooter442]

That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

They played the same position but were very different players, much akin to Scholes (Kayne) and Gerrard (Devlin). One was an excellent passer and attacking midfielder who could defend as well, and the other a box-to-box leader whose bravado and energy are unparalleled. I only saw the two of them play once and I personally thought Devlin got the better of Kayne that time but I will reiterate that that was just one occasion so I will refrain from making a judgement of who was better head-to-head.

If I was a coach and I was going for versatility within an XI and a player who would get stuck in and lift a team I would personally pick Devlin, but if I needed someone to control the tempo and run the game for me I'd go with Kayne. All comes down to what you value more and what the needs of the team are: Kayne did very well in a very good team who needed a maestro to make them tick, and he was often the best player on the field for his Tufts side, while Devlin has grabbed Conn. by the scruff of the neck at times and gotten them to victory through sheer willpower and drive. Regardless, both excellent players, and fun to watch.

[PaulNewman]

That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

I don't have an opinion as I didn't see them go had to head and only have seen Devlin just a little bit on video.  Kayne played with a better team was all I was saying.  I ended up seeing Kayne in person (ironically in a loss to Brandeis) and I will say without hesitation that he may have been one of the top 2-3 midfielders in the country at least his last 2 years. 

And yes, Kayne scored a historical goal and nothing will ever change that.  More importantly, he won a national title.  And you and I will forever share something that could be a trivia question.  Your son, and my son, both scored goals against Messiah during the 2nd weekend of NCAA tournaments.

[Jump4Joy]

Tufts is definitely a more preferable team to play against compared to Amherst as they actually play soccer.

I'm not convinced that this is what was intended here (Swan, feel free to explicate), but the way I read this comment: Amherst makes it difficult for teams to play well.
Isn't that the objective? Impose yourself upon the competition to the point where you cancel out their effectiveness while scoring more goals than they do.

[letsGOswans!]

I'm not trying to bash Amherst. They know how to win and have a national championship to show for it. I'm just saying that this game will be a pleasant watch for spectators since the ball will spend a lot less time in the air.

[Nutmeg]

That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

They played the same position but were very different players, much akin to Scholes (Kayne) and Gerrard (Devlin). One was an excellent passer and attacking midfielder who could defend as well, and the other a box-to-box leader whose bravado and energy are unparalleled. I only saw the two of them play once and I personally thought Devlin got the better of Kayne that time but I will reiterate that that was just one occasion so I will refrain from making a judgement of who was better head-to-head.

If I was a coach and I was going for versatility within an XI and a player who would get stuck in and lift a team I would personally pick Devlin, but if I needed someone to control the tempo and run the game for me I'd go with Kayne. All comes down to what you value more and what the needs of the team are: Kayne did very well in a very good team who needed a maestro to make them tick, and he was often the best player on the field for his Tufts side, while Devlin has grabbed Conn. by the scruff of the neck at times and gotten them to victory through sheer willpower and drive. Regardless, both excellent players, and fun to watch.

I've haven't been on the boards much lately given work constraints, but both Bloots and Flounder have accurate analysis... would love to see the game but will be out of town.

[oldonionbag]

Having seen both play multiple times I think these are pretty accurate analyses. I'd say that each gave to their respective teams what the teams needed most - Kayne gave Tufts the silky smooth passing and vision needed to play Tufts' on the ground and link-up attacking style. Devlin gave Conn the presence on both sides of the ball in the midfield the team needed to stay in games. Not saying that Kayne lacks grit or Devlin skill, but just saying that their roles on their respective teams were the glue that held each together. 

[Nutmeg]

I see Tufts with a big shutout win on the road against Conn.  Any reports?

[Mr.Right]

Sunday's Predictions:

Williams v Bowdoin-------Williams defeated Wesleyan today in another poorly played game. Williams looked flat for most of the game and were lucky to pull out the Win in OT. Wesleyan had some great chances to win the game but absolutely cannot FINISH.  Williams is doing enough to win these games but it is not pretty. Christian Alcorn in net played very well today an made some nice saves to keep Wesleyan at bay. Their midfield is getting out played and they are giving the ball away way to much. Bowdoin got a HUGE win in OT at Hamilton today and look like a pretty formidable outfit the past few games. They have the athletes and skill to beat Williams and this will be a very even game. The question mark for Bowdoin is their backup GK. If Williams plays like it did today they will lose. Bowdoin 2-1

Middlebury v Wesleyan-----Wesleyan is very young as Wheeler started 3 Frosh and gave significant minutes to another 2-3 today. Wheeler has a very good Freshman class(I would say their Frosh are better than Williams' Frosh, which is alarming) as they have good speed and skill but they are young and inexperienced. They will be a pretty good side the next couple of years. Unfortunately, minus a miracle Wesleyan will not be participating in the Nescac tournament this year. They are solid at CB as Wheeler has moved Gruner back there with Nick Jackson and they possess the ball quite well and had some good counters today they just cannot finish. Middlebury is stuck in neutral after another draw at Trinity today. Another game and another Nescac game for Middlebury without a goal. This is starting to become worrisome as they are 0-1-2 in their last 3 Nescac games and have been shutout in ALL OF THEM. That's 5 goals in 7 Nescac games which is ABYSMAL. The good news is they have a dejected Wesleyan side coming into town. Wesleyan looked tired at the end of the game today and lack the size to deal with Middlebury on set pieces. You would think Middlebury will get out of its scoring slump tomorrow. If they do not get a Win v Wesleyan tomorrow their Pool C chances could start to flush down the toilet. They really need to get back on track as their only significant result is a 1-1 draw v Amherst. Middlebury 2-0

Tufts v Trinity----I did not catch the Tufts v Conn game today but Tufts somehow gets another Win with only 2 SOG according to the stats. The point is they ARE GETTING IT DONE for now. At 6-3-2 they have definite Pool C aspirations with some excellent road wins over Conn and Middlebury and a Home thrashing of Amherst. My guess is they will be regionally ranked this week at #4 and if they finish 3-1-0 and get 1 win in the Nescac tournament they will get an At-Large berth. Nescac is looking more and more likely to be only a 3 bid league this year and Tufts will be 1 of those teams as long as they do not collapse. Trinity has been playing some very competitive futbol the past few weeks and have gone 4-0-2 in their last 6 games. They have really dug their heels in and have come back from a 0-4-0 start and now instead of not playing in the Nescac tournamnet they are playing for the best seed they can get. I am going to go with the upset and say Trinity gets it done tomorrow...2-1 Trinity