NESCAC

[quicksilver]

Just saw on twitter that Tufts and Bowdoin played a "preseason" game today. Anyone have any more info about this game and how the 2 teams looked?? It might have been at Tufts but am not sure about the location . .

[Bucket]

Middlebury and Williams also scrimmaged today. Had hoped to go, but then the day got away from me...

[amh63]

Bucket.....nice to hear from you!  Understand well your post.  Seems that Amherst took a trip to Iceland to build team and practice.  If what I have seen on the Amherst website, FYs are still busy on their class "bonding".  Convocation is tonight and the team 's first game is on Tuesday.
The season is underway!

[rudy]

Just saw on twitter that Tufts and Bowdoin played a "preseason" game today. Anyone have any more info about this game and how the 2 teams looked?? It might have been at Tufts but am not sure about the location . .

I heard it was 1-1 tie but no details on how either team looked.

[truenorth]

In recent years (at least during the Fran O'Leary era) Bowdoin typically scrimmaged Colby and/or Bates.  It's good to change it up a little bit.  On paper these should be two of the stronger sides in the league this season based on talent and experience.

[blooter442]

In recent years (at least during the Fran O'Leary era) Bowdoin typically scrimmaged Colby and/or Bates.  It's good to change it up a little bit.  On paper these should be two of the stronger sides in the league this season based on talent and experience.

Truenorth, I have been predicting that Bates will have a breakout season for the past two or three years, and it hasn't come to fruition yet.

They did well enough in 2015, going 5-1-1 to start the season and getting big Ws over Williams and NCAA participant Thomas, and draws against NCAA sides Tufts and Bowdoin. Yet even though they had arguably their three most difficult games at home -- Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury -- they got a disappointing return of 1 point from those three games. They didn't have a particularly "young" team then, either -- as a Maine native, I was rooting for them to have a successful season, as they had several players from the Greater Portland area on their roster. However, it was not to be.

Given their recent history, I can't see them turning a corner this year, but I would welcome the opportunity to be proved wrong.

Edit: After the fact, I realized you might have meant Tufts and Bowdoin will be two of the stronger sides, not Colby and Bates. Still wouldn't mind seeing Bates or Colby surprise this year, although I root for the Polar Bears first and foremost in the NESCAC.

[truenorth]

Blooter, sorry if my note was confusing.  Yes, I meant that Bowdoin and Tufts should be two of the stronger sides in the NESCAC this season.

My son played for the Polar Bears and thus I'm a Bowdoin fan first and foremost, but I'm a Maine resident and like you I generally wish good things for both Bates and Colby as well.

[Bobcat1]

Tufts-Bowdoin scrimmage was at Bowdoin late Saturday afternoon. 1-1 tie. 

Bates opens the season this afternoon at Farmington.

[Off Pitch]

2017 predicted order of finish:

1.  Tufts
2.  Amherst
3.  Bowdoin
4.  Williams
5.  Wesleyan
6.  Middlebury
7.  Trinity
8.  Bates
9.  Conn
10.  Hamilton
11.  Colby

[nescac1]

Williams has its roster and season preview up.   Jules Oberg is not listed so I guess the rumor that he is delaying a year is true.  Not a huge deal because the Ephs' defense should still be a major strength this year.  Othewrise, the team has loads of question marks.  First, who will be the goalie?   Three candidates on the roster, hopefully someone steps up.  Second, who will provide the playmaking as offensive-minded midfielders and who will finish up top?  Sisco-Tolomeo, Singleton, and Young are a solid foundation up front, but none have shown consistent dynamism or ever been all-NESCAC; all three will need to really step up their level as seniors.  One frosh has quite an interesting bio, perhaps he can help: http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2017-18/bios/petrik_eli_ep58?view=bio.  Or perhaps one of the sophomore forwards will make a bigger impact, as well.  But as of now, definitely unclear where much the goal scoring will come from ...

[amh63]

Amherst opened its season this afternoon beginning at 4:30 Pm.  Due to the threat of thunderstorms in the area, game moved to Gooding field near the Fieldhouse...on artificial turf.  Closer to shelter in case of lightning, etc.  Opponent was Easrern Nazarene that had a short bench and a 0-2 record to date, I believe.  It was 0-0 at halftime with Amherst dominating the play but no score. Eastern even lost its starting goalie halfway through the first half due to an injury.  With about 30 minutes to go in the half, the game was delayed due to weather conditions.  Amherst had a 1-0 lead.  Game was called around 6 PM and is now listed as Postponed!   No stats are listed.  Guess the game will be played at a later date.  Interesting situation. 

[nescac1]

Very sad to share some tragic news about the death of former Eph player Pierre Meloty-Kapella:

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/bay_area/founder-of-social-media-firm-killed-in-train-strike/article_030e4258-92a6-11e7-bdf8-979a39ca6c6c.html

[Mr.Right]

Very sad to share some tragic news about the death of former Eph player Pierre Meloty-Kapella:

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/bay_area/founder-of-social-media-firm-killed-in-train-strike/article_030e4258-92a6-11e7-bdf8-979a39ca6c6c.html

That is a tragedy. Pierre was a solid striker and was an integral part of Williams' 2009 NCAA Final Four run. He was a dynamic striker with tons of speed and skill. Best wishes to his family.

[Mr.Right]

Amherst opened its season this afternoon beginning at 4:30 Pm.  Due to the threat of thunderstorms in the area, game moved to Gooding field near the Fieldhouse...on artificial turf.  Closer to shelter in case of lightning, etc.  Opponent was Easrern Nazarene that had a short bench and a 0-2 record to date, I believe.  It was 0-0 at halftime with Amherst dominating the play but no score. Eastern even lost its starting goalie halfway through the first half due to an injury.  With about 30 minutes to go in the half, the game was delayed due to weather conditions.  Amherst had a 1-0 lead.  Game was called around 6 PM and is now listed as Postponed!   No stats are listed.  Guess the game will be played at a later date.  Interesting situation.

You have to have played 70 minutes for it to be considered final I believe. Either 70 or 75 minutes. Obviously, that did not happen and now I believe if they cannot work out another time to play the game it will be considered cancelled. Not sure why Eastern Nazerene will be rushing to re-schedule a match with Amherst in which they will get clobbered. Because this is a non conference match it is not required to be re-played. My best guess in these situations with these type of one-sided games that Serpone schedules they will NOT replay this game and Serpone will need to find another game which is hard but not impossible as many teams would love a crack at Amherst. RUN made it happen a month ago when Amherst lost Merchant Marine.

[Mr.Right]

Trinity gets a brand new Men's and Women's Soccer field. Looks nice and with lights. Trinity will open against Williams Saturday.

http://www.bantamsports.com/sports/msoc/2017-18/releases/Men-s_Soccer_G_11718