NESCAC

[Mr.Right]

With the news that Merchant Marine has canceled their season it looks like Amherst has lost a game and had to find a game quick before the season. Looks like Rutgers Newark will make the trek back up to Amherst this season in what should be a great game. I really enjoyed RUN last year but they looked sluggish and slower on Amherst grass field when they were beaten down by Brandeis in the NCAA Sweet 16. They will get a chance to go back up to Amherst and prove they belong. Good on Amherst for actually playing a legit team in one of their 5 non-conference games but I wonder if Serpone's hand was forced as it is near impossible to find a game 2 months before the season.

[OldNed]

One game on the Amherst schedule I'm intrigued about is September 27 vs. the College of New Rochelle.  New Rochelle sophomore forward Jovanni Garcia scored 30 goals and added 20 assists last year as freshman - crazy stats.  It'll be interesting to see if he can find any space to operate against the Amherst D.

[blooter442]

As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

[Bengalsrule]

As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

blooter442. Looking for some honest feedback !  I have a nephew ( my favorite nephew) who starred in his high school team in Brooklyn and captained his travel team too.  He's looking to try out for the Tufts team this weds. He actually played against a Tufts recruit, back during Memorial Day weekend, in Maryland !  I believe that his defensive skills, size and athleticism at the very least warrant a good look by Tufts assistant coaches during walk on tryouts weds. One of Tufts coaches saw him play in MD tourney also !

    My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

I can also take offline p messages too!

[Brother Flounder]

As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.


Good point, Bloots.... but I recall posters, including myself, saying this after the 2016 class graduated...and look what happened...  NCAA hardware....
As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

[blooter442]

My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

While I'm not associated with the Tufts program, I would imagine that they would at least give him a fair shake (Brother Flounder might be able to give you a better answer regarding walk-ons within the Tufts program). A few years back, a D1 transfer (not walk-on, but similar "outside of the recruited class" situation) came in, and while the coach said that they don't usually go out of their way to take those players in order to control the team's cohesion, this guy evidently was good enough to crack the lineup. Shapiro is a classy guy -- not overly gregarious or warm, but very fair and pragmatic -- and I think your nephew would get an objective assessment of his potential as far as being in the squad.

Ironically, the one case I do know of a guy trying to walk on at Tufts, he was cut -- only then did he go out for track, where he won four NCAA individual titles at 800 meters (including sub-1:50, which is insane)! Mitch Black. He grew up the town over from me, and one of my good friends from high school was his training partner and teammate in indoor and outdoor track. I knew he was a good talent, but couldn't have imagined that he would be that good.

Good luck to your nephew! Regardless of whether he succeeds, he is at a great school, so he shouldn't take much stock in whether he ends up playing soccer or not.

Good point, Bloots.... but I recall posters, including myself, saying this after the 2016 class graduated...and look what happened...  NCAA hardware....

For sure, and you can never count the Jumbos out. For me, the big difference between this year and last year was that, while Tufts lost key players last year (Patel, Kayne, Pinheiro, Brown, etc.) the majority of the offense and defense remained intact. Of course, midfield is a big part of any team's success, so you can't underestimate the losses of 2 out of 3 midfielders (as was the case with Tufts last year), but when you keep three of your back four, plus most of your offensive firepower, you always have a good chance -- particularly if you have a standout goalkeeper and a solid center back (the adage "defense wins championships" comes to mind).

It will be interesting to see what kind of start they put together -- those players might not be missed at all. Time will tell.

[Bengalsrule]

blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

[Brother Flounder]

blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

Based on what I hear, he will get an honest look. I've also heard that walk ons have made the team in the past.... it's not easy, so he should give it all he's got.... that's all he can ask of himself... Good luck!

[blooter442]

blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

I've realized that the previous link didn't work -- my bad! Not to get too far off track (no pun intended), but here's a link to an even better story about Black -- and one in which Shapiro is featured. The latter says he "would tell [himself] now that [he] probably made the wrong decision [to cut Black] knowing how competitive and motivated a kid is." Oh well, hindsight is 20/20!

It also spoke to the previously-mentioned criteria that Shapiro had in building his first two recruiting classes -- athleticism in the first, technical ability in the second. Given that his team won a national title during the time period that Black was at Tufts, I think Shapiro has been vindicated, and given how successful he has been on the oval, I would bet Black is (indirectly) grateful that he was cut.

[Bengalsrule]

blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

Based on what I hear, he will get an honest look. I've also heard that walk ons have made the team in the past.... it's not easy, so he should give it all he's got.... that's all he can ask of himself... Good luck!

Thank you Brother Flounder! An Honest Look is all that 1 can ask. He will definitely give it all that he's got...plus 1! I almost want to drive up there tomorrow just to encourage him (tryouts). I think that i'll just cheer him on from Buffalo! Here's to hoping that Weds Sept 6th, has a special meaning to me !!  Thanks again to both you and blooter442!!

Plus k to you both!

[Flying Weasel]

New England Soccer Journal
Division 3 Underrated Men's Teams
http://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nesoccerjournal/august_2017/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1144205&apstp=false#articleId1144205

4. Williams

The NESCAC is often dominated by Tufts and Amherst, but Williams is consistently competing for top spots, too. Just a year ago, the Ephs went 9-4-3 and 6-3-1 in conference play.

They've lost a handful of key starters to graduation, but head coach Erin Sullivan puts out a solid squad year in and year out.

Williams underrated?  NESCAC often dominated by Tufts?  And is Erin Sullivan's two years at Williams enough to talk in terms of "year in year out" (or is his time at WNE being referenced here as well)?

[Mr.Right]

As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

blooter442. Looking for some honest feedback !  I have a nephew ( my favorite nephew) who starred in his high school team in Brooklyn and captained his travel team too.  He's looking to try out for the Tufts team this weds. He actually played against a Tufts recruit, back during Memorial Day weekend, in Maryland !  I believe that his defensive skills, size and athleticism at the very least warrant a good look by Tufts assistant coaches during walk on tryouts weds. One of Tufts coaches saw him play in MD tourney also !

    My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

I can also take offline p messages too!

Here is my honest and blunt feedback. Your nephew has no shot. I would not say that usually BUT u referenced that Tufts staff and / or Shapiro saw the kid in November and must have not been impressed by something because they did not reach out to him. Since he got in on his own he must be an excellent student BUT again Shapiro who know if the kid had the grades and boards to get in on his own and offer him a shot in preseason without wasting a Tip/ Protect or Ice in admissions. Also, you only have so many roster spots available SO the kid will have to blow away Shapiro in that tryout which is asking alot for a kid in one practice / scrimmage. By blow away I mean his athleticism or skill or speed. Again, if the kid had any of those 3 qualities when Shapiro saw him in November then he would have been contacted. Also, the kid is at a disadvantage in the tryout because Shaprio will be looking for something SPECIAL and in the back of his mind he will remember that performance the kid had in November. It is only natural. Maybe the kid had a bad showing when Shapiro saw him? Happens all the time and coaches miss out on a ton of good players by not watching them more than once.

[Mr.Right]

New England Soccer Journal
Division 3 Underrated Men's Teams
http://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nesoccerjournal/august_2017/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1144205&apstp=false#articleId1144205

4. Williams

The NESCAC is often dominated by Tufts and Amherst, but Williams is consistently competing for top spots, too. Just a year ago, the Ephs went 9-4-3 and 6-3-1 in conference play.

They've lost a handful of key starters to graduation, but head coach Erin Sullivan puts out a solid squad year in and year out.

Williams underrated?  NESCAC often dominated by Tufts?  And is Erin Sullivan's two years at Williams enough to talk in terms of "year in year out" (or is his time at WNE being referenced here as well)?

Interesting...New England Soccer Journal is not known for going "to deep" into D3 College Soccer so I would not put to much stock into it but Williams lost a ton to graduation last year and IMO their best recruit from Berkshire School decided not to enroll this fall and will wait a year. Not good. They are 1-2 key injuries away from disaster and for Williams Men's Soccer disaster is .500.

[Bengalsrule]

As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

blooter442. Looking for some honest feedback !  I have a nephew ( my favorite nephew) who starred in his high school team in Brooklyn and captained his travel team too.  He's looking to try out for the Tufts team this weds. He actually played against a Tufts recruit, back during Memorial Day weekend, in Maryland !  I believe that his defensive skills, size and athleticism at the very least warrant a good look by Tufts assistant coaches during walk on tryouts weds. One of Tufts coaches saw him play in MD tourney also !

    My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

I can also take offline p messages too!

Here is my honest and blunt feedback. Your nephew has no shot. I would not say that usually BUT u referenced that Tufts staff and / or Shapiro saw the kid in November and must have not been impressed by something because they did not reach out to him. Since he got in on his own he must be an excellent student BUT again Shapiro who know if the kid had the grades and boards to get in on his own and offer him a shot in preseason without wasting a Tip/ Protect or Ice in admissions. Also, you only have so many roster spots available SO the kid will have to blow away Shapiro in that tryout which is asking alot for a kid in one practice / scrimmage. By blow away I mean his athleticism or skill or speed. Again, if the kid had any of those 3 qualities when Shapiro saw him in November then he would have been contacted. Also, the kid is at a disadvantage in the tryout because Shaprio will be looking for something SPECIAL and in the back of his mind he will remember that performance the kid had in November. It is only natural. Maybe the kid had a bad showing when Shapiro saw him? Happens all the time and coaches miss out on a ton of good players by not watching them more than once.

Not sure where you got "Shapiro saw the kid in November". I said that an assistant saw him in May. Brother Flounder and blooter pretty much covered all of my bases for me already (thanks again fellas....you are right....there's nothing like a TUFTS education. Today was his first official day of matriculation). 

But thank you, Mr Right, for your blunt, candid and helpful feedback!!

[PaulNewman]

Let's keep this real. If a kid is determined to attend Tufts, with soccer or no soccer, that's a great choice. But if a kid is determined to play soccer and see the field there are plenty of equal and even a few arguably stronger academic choices where you aren't competing with recruits at a place that has won  2 out of the last 3 national titles.  Aside from other NESCAC choices, there are schools like Carleton, Swat, Haverford, W&L and Oberlin more in the LAC category and then choices similar in size to Tufts like Hopkins, Chicago, Wash U, Emory, CMU and the rest of the UAA schools.