NESCAC

[blooter442]

Whoever took this picture (found in the Amherst Student this week) deserves a raise (or to be paid).

[BendIt007]

Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.   

[blooter442]

Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

[OldNed]

Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

I'm with you, Blooter.  Seems to me that a flip throw is just making it a 50/50 ball somewhere on the field, while most throw-ins have a higher likelihood of the throwing team actually controlling the ball, and in my book that's much more important that sheer distance.

[rangerfan]

I've seen his throws in person and on the streams and I think it often looks illegal. His feet rarely appear to be down when he releases the ball. Curious to hear if other armchair refs agree.

[lastguyoffthebench]

Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

I'm with you, Blooter.  Seems to me that a flip throw is just making it a 50/50 ball somewhere on the field, while most throw-ins have a higher likelihood of the throwing team actually controlling the ball, and in my book that's much more important that sheer distance.

Isn't that Amherst brand... direct style of play with a preference for 50/50 balls?

[Mr.Right]

Nescac Predictions:


Trinity at Bowdoin--------Trinity sits at 0-6-0 in Nescac and are well on their way to finishing 0-10-0. After this match in Brunswick, ME they have Midd, Tufts and Amherst left. I suppose they have a chance in this game to get some kind of a result against a Bowdoin side who has only played 3 Nescac games to date. That is amazing considering we are five days into October. They are 5-3-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Nescac. They are in the drivers seat as they can determine their fate the rest of the way. They finish the season with 7 GAMES IN 18 DAYS which is ridiculous. I believe Coaches have a say in if they want to play their "wildcard" game either midweek or on a back to back on the weekend. I believe Bowdoin's wildcard game is either Bates or Colby and Bowdoin is playing both of those games during the week instead of a back to back.  Nescac scheduling has done no favors to Bowdoin with this finishing schedule. I will say if history tells us anything since Wiercinski has taken over the program in 2013 Bowdoin has started slowly every year and put the gas pedal to the floor to end the season going on winning streaks almost every year in October. 4 of their last 7 games(all Nescac games) are at Home including their toughest games v Tufts and Conn. That is a good sign and I think while Bowdoin lost a ton to graduation and I predicted before the season began they would struggle early they have had a month to get their team in order. Bowdoin has so many games in hand that their season is in their hands and they do not have to rely on results from others and conceivably still has a shot at a Top 4 finish. I have not seen Bowdoin play in about two weeks so IDK if Wiercinski still has Niang and the Frosh Reid at CB with Miller and McColl wide and the 2 Frosh splitting time in net. Is McPherron attacking and Stenquist holding? Byrd and Oliver wide? They had Morant coming off the bench up top with Masterson(He has not played the past 3 games so he might be injured). Frosh Uek, Ward and Cooper have all seen significant time along with the small but cagey midfielder Alex Chaban. Still, Wiercinski has only used 15 Field players all year...That shows a real lack of depth which is what they will need in the next 18 days with 7 games to play. That would be worrisome to me. Still they get things rolling against a Trinity side that worked hard at Wesleyan but still came up short. The lack of recruiting as finally caught up to Pilger as they are just lacking in talent to compete in Nescac. They need to start focusing on 2019 and beyond and really hit the road and get talent into the program again. Bowdoin 2-0



Tufts at Midd------This IMO is the game of the weekend. Midd should be focused 100% in this match to knock off a Tufts team that blew them off the field in the 2017 Regular Season and then lost to them in the Nescac Championship on a Brett Rojas Goal with 2 minutes left. Middlebury has not defeated Tufts since 2010 before Shapiro took over at Tufts and is 0-6-2 in their last 8 games v Tufts since Shaprio took the reins at Tufts as he has had great success against his former Head Coach Dave Saward. Saward is gone now and I have been quite impressed from what I have seen since Alex Elias took over this season. From what I have heard they are stepping up the recruiting and more importantly getting scouts on each opponent and spending a good time watching video. These are all things that happened sparingly during Saward's tenure and had to be implemented for Midd to get back on track. More importantly, Midd has looked very solid on the pitch using a consistent starting lineup with some decent pieces coming off the bench.  They came out and dominated Colby last weekend and should of been very disappointed to give up the tying Goal and leave Waterville, ME with a Draw. As most teams in Nescac they play much better on their own field and will need to stay organized and compact defensively against Tufts which I expect them to do. Tufts is 5-0-0 in Nescac and 9-0-0 overall but all 5 Nescac Wins have been tight games being decided by 1 Goal and 4 Games have been 1-0 Wins. Tufts has relied on Braun up top recently to get some key Goals but he should be handled by Midd's size in the back. Midd starting 11 is just as good as Tufts starting 11 but they do fall off considerably when Tufts goes to its deep bench. I think Max Jacobs could be more effective than Braun in this game with his skill going against Midd's CB's than Braun but Braun is red hot right not scorin some key Goals. Tufts CB Paoletta did not play last Sunday v Hamilton and I am not sure if he was just banged up and getting rest or if he is out longer. Tufts does Tanner Jameson to fill in on the backline if need be. I really like the Frosh Daly at LB who will be a serious player the next 3 years. This game will be played 18 to 18 with not many SOG but Tufts does have a significant advantage in net. Midd must protect GK Hyer from seeing to many dangerous looks by Tufts midfielders and forwards and counter when possible. Midd has looked dangerous on the counter this year as they can move quick and with skill with Potter, Goulart, O'Grady and Barsamian. My upset special has Midd getting its first victory over Tufts in 8 years and gives them a key Win v Ranked teams in November....Midd 1-0



Wesleyan at Colby-----The winner of this match(if there is one) will be in good position for a Top 8 finish and have a key tie-breaker against the other at the end of the season. I have been disappointed with Colby this year as I was expecting more bite in attack and more skill in central midfield. I have been very impressed with Senior GK Dan Carlson who has stepped up and filled in nicely for the mystery disappearance of 2017 GK Avery Gibson. Junior Asa Berolzheimer has been busting his ass in midfield running 18 to 18 but has had to focus more on the defensive end as he has not scored and only has 9 SOG counter that to last year where he got a couple key Goals and had 31 SOG. He did have Heilbron and Smith which is obviously a big loss for this program. In the beginning of the year I thought Colby could handle losing those 2 key players but they have struggled so far without them. They have speed and skill on the flanks with Rosenberg and Douglas and Pereira up top. The issue is that Rosenberg and Douglas have NOT SCORED a Goal this season and Pereira has 1 Goal. Rosenberg and Douglas are dangerous on the counter and have created some chances for their teammates but they MUST start scoring if Colby is to be successful. Pereira is a decent striker with some size and skill but is not the quickest or an assassin up top. These 3 must start contributing on offense or this season will be over very quickly for Colby. I like the Frosh Pugh at CB as he is a smart and athletic kid. Dickey is a tree who works hard and runs ok for his size. As I have said the past few weeks Colby has a serious problem at wingback. LB Grady Jendzejec has cost Colby in 2 Games by my count and possibly 3 and I am shocked he is still starting at LB. Wyett MacDonald has been a pleasant surprise at attacking CM and is a dangerous player on the counter. Colby brings the tree Tower off the bench up top and a couple other role players but they are really lacking in depth. Wesleyan got an important result at Home on the turf against Trinity this week and they really need a Win in this game to get to 3-3-0 in Nescac. A loss at Colby and Wesleyan will be in big trouble with a finishing schedule that includes Midd, Williams, Amherst and Conn. I do not see them beating any of those sides but they might get a couple Draws out of those games but they need 3 points in this match at Colby IMO to finish in the Top 8. This will be another tight match between the 18's without many SOG and whoever scores first will Win. Wesleyan somehow scratches and claws to an upset Win.....1-0 Wesleyan



Conn at Bates-----Conn is rolling along at 9-0-0 overall and 5-0-0 in Nescac. I have seen them a couple times and am impressed with their work ethic and GK. I think they have a very solid spine with GK Marcucci, CB's Donelan and Frosh Stoneback, midfielders Manoogian, Butera and Milhollen. Up top they were using Ben Highton but he has missed the past 3 games and has been replaced by MT Tshuma who I believe is better than Highton. He is more skilled and quicker and more dangerous on the counter. Highton is a solid player and has a couple Goals but Tshuma should stay in the starting lineup IMO. Dieng and Murphy have been VERY EFFECTIVE out wide and IMO the key to Conn's success so far this year. The weakness to me is at wingback with LB Tyler Hoadley and RB Freddy Stokes as the weak links of this team. Not sure why Murphy does not give Miranda a run in the back instead of using him in midfield but Conn has some serious weapons in attack and in net that they have not had in years. This Conn side is a better side than 2017 and are well on their way to a 2nd straight NCAA appearance which for Conn and Murphy quite an achievement. It is not easy to Win at Conn while they do have some advantages like in admissions and having no Football they do not have the facilities to compete with the Nescac top dogs and recruits love facilities. Bates has been the surprise team in Nescac in 2018. Bates is 6-3-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac. Bates is 3-1-0 at Home this year under first year Head Coach Tyler Sheikh who has done an amazing job with this bunch even with the loss of Nate Merchant. Does anyone really think Bates would be 6-3-0 under former stiff Stuart Flaherty? Doubtful....Peder Bakken might be the hottest player in the league right now as he has 4 Goals this season(all against Nescac opponents) and Goals in 3 straight Games. Opoku is always dangerous on the flank and Sheikh has gotten some solid production from Frosh Bardong and veterans Ben Lyons and Sam Huebschmann. Bates is not an easy opponent to defeat this year especially in Lewiston, ME. Conn is really playing well this year but I have a hunch their players are looking ahead to their next 2 games after Bates as they will play Amherst midweek and Tufts next Saturday both at Home. If Conn thinks this Bates side is like the sides they have seen the past 3 years they are sorely mistaken and I will continue my bets of dogs this weekend. Conn gets caught looking ahead and then has a long 5 hour road trip Home to New London.....Bates 2-1



Hamilton at Amherst-------Amherst has obviously disappointed to start 2018 as they are 5-3-0 overall and 2-3-0 in Nescac. None of those 5 Wins will be ranked Wins come November IMO and based on their remaining schedule the only match left that will be against a ranked opponent will be on Tuesday at Conn unless Brandeis and Bowdoin go on massive Winning streaks which I am not seeing. So Amherst could finish the year at say 10-4-1 and if they lose to Conn will have ZERO ranked Wins. I do not see how they get a Pool C as their SOS will hover around .565. Obviously, a ton to be decided but that Conn game is HUGE. Hamilton has like 2017 been a bit inconsistent this year. They are 6-4-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac with a Win over Oneonta, at Bates and at Wesleyan. Still they have had real trouble scoring Goals this season more trouble than I expected. Key strikers Aidan Wood and Jefri Schmidt have a combined 2 Goals and 16 SOG in 10 Games. That is not going to cut it especially against the Top of Nescac. The Frosh GK Benson has filled in very well for Linds Cadwell and Hamilton does have size in the back with Luke Eckels being the stud on that backline. Chapman has been playing well like he did in 2017 in midfield and Nizzi has gotten some solid production from Senior veterans Matt Casadei and Greg Milnarik. Also,  A Frosh that has stood out with key GW'ing Goals is Sam Dils and Soph Noah Giovannelli. Hamilton played Amherst VERY WELL last year with a Draw in Clinton,NY during the Regular season and their famous Win at Amherst in the Nescac Quarters. Amherst is a program that remembers these things and while they have seemed "off" or disjointed in 2018 so far they still on paper have more talent than Hamilton. However, I am on a run of dog predictions and will stay in line with my other dogs and go with Hamliton in a major upset......Hamilton 3-2

[Mr.Right]

Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

I'm with you, Blooter.  Seems to me that a flip throw is just making it a 50/50 ball somewhere on the field, while most throw-ins have a higher likelihood of the throwing team actually controlling the ball, and in my book that's much more important that sheer distance.

Isn't that Amherst brand... direct style of play with a preference for 50/50 balls?

It totally is and I am shocked that we have posters that are surprised by all of this.......The problem Amherst has is they do not quite have the size to take advantage of these throws without benching some key players that have skill and speed. They have trees on the bench but besides winning airballs they are for the most part stiffs...I would rather see Amherst stay with what they are doing as their schedule is in their favor to finish the year and I think they could go on a bit of a run to finish the year. The Frosh looks to be a solid GK and Dane Lind has been a stud this year so Amherst has been close BUT I think their backline is surprisingly a weakness this year.

[Bobcat1]

Nescac Predictions:


Trinity at Bowdoin--------Trinity sits at 0-6-0 in Nescac and are well on their way to finishing 0-10-0. After this match in Brunswick, ME they have Midd, Tufts and Amherst left. I suppose they have a chance in this game to get some kind of a result against a Bowdoin side who has only played 3 Nescac games to date. That is amazing considering we are five days into October. They are 5-3-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Nescac. They are in the drivers seat as they can determine their fate the rest of the way. They finish the season with 7 GAMES IN 18 DAYS which is ridiculous. I believe Coaches have a say in if they want to play their "wildcard" game either midweek or on a back to back on the weekend. I believe Bowdoin's wildcard game is either Bates or Colby and Bowdoin is playing both of those games during the week instead of a back to back.  Nescac scheduling has done no favors to Bowdoin with this finishing schedule. I will say if history tells us anything since Wiercinski has taken over the program in 2013 Bowdoin has started slowly every year and put the gas pedal to the floor to end the season going on winning streaks almost every year in October. 4 of their last 7 games(all Nescac games) are at Home including their toughest games v Tufts and Conn. That is a good sign and I think while Bowdoin lost a ton to graduation and I predicted before the season began they would struggle early they have had a month to get their team in order. Bowdoin has so many games in hand that their season is in their hands and they do not have to rely on results from others and conceivably still has a shot at a Top 4 finish. I have not seen Bowdoin play in about two weeks so IDK if Wiercinski still has Niang and the Frosh Reid at CB with Miller and McColl wide and the 2 Frosh splitting time in net. Is McPherron attacking and Stenquist holding? Byrd and Oliver wide? They had Morant coming off the bench up top with Masterson(He has not played the past 3 games so he might be injured). Frosh Uek, Ward and Cooper have all seen significant time along with the small but cagey midfielder Alex Chaban. Still, Wiercinski has only used 15 Field players all year...That shows a real lack of depth which is what they will need in the next 18 days with 7 games to play. That would be worrisome to me. Still they get things rolling against a Trinity side that worked hard at Wesleyan but still came up short. The lack of recruiting as finally caught up to Pilger as they are just lacking in talent to compete in Nescac. They need to start focusing on 2019 and beyond and really hit the road and get talent into the program again. Bowdoin 2-0



Tufts at Midd------This IMO is the game of the weekend. Midd should be focused 100% in this match to knock off a Tufts team that blew them off the field in the 2017 Regular Season and then lost to them in the Nescac Championship on a Brett Rojas Goal with 2 minutes left. Middlebury has not defeated Tufts since 2010 before Shapiro took over at Tufts and is 0-6-2 in their last 8 games v Tufts since Shaprio took the reins at Tufts as he has had great success against his former Head Coach Dave Saward. Saward is gone now and I have been quite impressed from what I have seen since Alex Elias took over this season. From what I have heard they are stepping up the recruiting and more importantly getting scouts on each opponent and spending a good time watching video. These are all things that happened sparingly during Saward's tenure and had to be implemented for Midd to get back on track. More importantly, Midd has looked very solid on the pitch using a consistent starting lineup with some decent pieces coming off the bench.  They came out and dominated Colby last weekend and should of been very disappointed to give up the tying Goal and leave Waterville, ME with a Draw. As most teams in Nescac they play much better on their own field and will need to stay organized and compact defensively against Tufts which I expect them to do. Tufts is 5-0-0 in Nescac and 9-0-0 overall but all 5 Nescac Wins have been tight games being decided by 1 Goal and 4 Games have been 1-0 Wins. Tufts has relied on Braun up top recently to get some key Goals but he should be handled by Midd's size in the back. Midd starting 11 is just as good as Tufts starting 11 but they do fall off considerably when Tufts goes to its deep bench. I think Max Jacobs could be more effective than Braun in this game with his skill going against Midd's CB's than Braun but Braun is red hot right not scorin some key Goals. Tufts CB Paoletta did not play last Sunday v Hamilton and I am not sure if he was just banged up and getting rest or if he is out longer. Tufts does Tanner Jameson to fill in on the backline if need be. I really like the Frosh Daly at LB who will be a serious player the next 3 years. This game will be played 18 to 18 with not many SOG but Tufts does have a significant advantage in net. Midd must protect GK Hyer from seeing to many dangerous looks by Tufts midfielders and forwards and counter when possible. Midd has looked dangerous on the counter this year as they can move quick and with skill with Potter, Goulart, O'Grady and Barsamian. My upset special has Midd getting its first victory over Tufts in 8 years and gives them a key Win v Ranked teams in November....Midd 1-0



Wesleyan at Colby-----The winner of this match(if there is one) will be in good position for a Top 8 finish and have a key tie-breaker against the other at the end of the season. I have been disappointed with Colby this year as I was expecting more bite in attack and more skill in central midfield. I have been very impressed with Senior GK Dan Carlson who has stepped up and filled in nicely for the mystery disappearance of 2017 GK Avery Gibson. Junior Asa Berolzheimer has been busting his ass in midfield running 18 to 18 but has had to focus more on the defensive end as he has not scored and only has 9 SOG counter that to last year where he got a couple key Goals and had 31 SOG. He did have Heilbron and Smith which is obviously a big loss for this program. In the beginning of the year I thought Colby could handle losing those 2 key players but they have struggled so far without them. They have speed and skill on the flanks with Rosenberg and Douglas and Pereira up top. The issue is that Rosenberg and Douglas have NOT SCORED a Goal this season and Pereira has 1 Goal. Rosenberg and Douglas are dangerous on the counter and have created some chances for their teammates but they MUST start scoring if Colby is to be successful. Pereira is a decent striker with some size and skill but is not the quickest or an assassin up top. These 3 must start contributing on offense or this season will be over very quickly for Colby. I like the Frosh Pugh at CB as he is a smart and athletic kid. Dickey is a tree who works hard and runs ok for his size. As I have said the past few weeks Colby has a serious problem at wingback. LB Grady Jendzejec has cost Colby in 2 Games by my count and possibly 3 and I am shocked he is still starting at LB. Wyett MacDonald has been a pleasant surprise at attacking CM and is a dangerous player on the counter. Colby brings the tree Tower off the bench up top and a couple other role players but they are really lacking in depth. Wesleyan got an important result at Home on the turf against Trinity this week and they really need a Win in this game to get to 3-3-0 in Nescac. A loss at Colby and Wesleyan will be in big trouble with a finishing schedule that includes Midd, Williams, Amherst and Conn. I do not see them beating any of those sides but they might get a couple Draws out of those games but they need 3 points in this match at Colby IMO to finish in the Top 8. This will be another tight match between the 18's without many SOG and whoever scores first will Win. Wesleyan somehow scratches and claws to an upset Win.....1-0 Wesleyan



Conn at Bates-----Conn is rolling along at 9-0-0 overall and 5-0-0 in Nescac. I have seen them a couple times and am impressed with their work ethic and GK. I think they have a very solid spine with GK Marcucci, CB's Donelan and Frosh Stoneback, midfielders Manoogian, Butera and Milhollen. Up top they were using Ben Highton but he has missed the past 3 games and has been replaced by MT Tshuma who I believe is better than Highton. He is more skilled and quicker and more dangerous on the counter. Highton is a solid player and has a couple Goals but Tshuma should stay in the starting lineup IMO. Dieng and Murphy have been VERY EFFECTIVE out wide and IMO the key to Conn's success so far this year. The weakness to me is at wingback with LB Tyler Hoadley and RB Freddy Stokes as the weak links of this team. Not sure why Murphy does not give Miranda a run in the back instead of using him in midfield but Conn has some serious weapons in attack and in net that they have not had in years. This Conn side is a better side than 2017 and are well on their way to a 2nd straight NCAA appearance which for Conn and Murphy quite an achievement. It is not easy to Win at Conn while they do have some advantages like in admissions and having no Football they do not have the facilities to compete with the Nescac top dogs and recruits love facilities. Bates has been the surprise team in Nescac in 2018. Bates is 6-3-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac. Bates is 3-1-0 at Home this year under first year Head Coach Tyler Sheikh who has done an amazing job with this bunch even with the loss of Nate Merchant. Does anyone really think Bates would be 6-3-0 under former stiff Stuart Flaherty? Doubtful....Peder Bakken might be the hottest player in the league right now as he has 4 Goals this season(all against Nescac opponents) and Goals in 3 straight Games. Opoku is always dangerous on the flank and Sheikh has gotten some solid production from Frosh Bardong and veterans Ben Lyons and Sam Huebschmann. Bates is not an easy opponent to defeat this year especially in Lewiston, ME. Conn is really playing well this year but I have a hunch their players are looking ahead to their next 2 games after Bates as they will play Amherst midweek and Tufts next Saturday both at Home. If Conn thinks this Bates side is like the sides they have seen the past 3 years they are sorely mistaken and I will continue my bets of dogs this weekend. Conn gets caught looking ahead and then has a long 5 hour road trip Home to New London.....Bates 2-1



Hamilton at Amherst-------Amherst has obviously disappointed to start 2018 as they are 5-3-0 overall and 2-3-0 in Nescac. None of those 5 Wins will be ranked Wins come November IMO and based on their remaining schedule the only match left that will be against a ranked opponent will be on Tuesday at Conn unless Brandeis and Bowdoin go on massive Winning streaks which I am not seeing. So Amherst could finish the year at say 10-4-1 and if they lose to Conn will have ZERO ranked Wins. I do not see how they get a Pool C as their SOS will hover around .565. Obviously, a ton to be decided but that Conn game is HUGE. Hamilton has like 2017 been a bit inconsistent this year. They are 6-4-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac with a Win over Oneonta, at Bates and at Wesleyan. Still they have had real trouble scoring Goals this season more trouble than I expected. Key strikers Aidan Wood and Jefri Schmidt have a combined 2 Goals and 16 SOG in 10 Games. That is not going to cut it especially against the Top of Nescac. The Frosh GK Benson has filled in very well for Linds Cadwell and Hamilton does have size in the back with Luke Eckels being the stud on that backline. Chapman has been playing well like he did in 2017 in midfield and Nizzi has gotten some solid production from Senior veterans Matt Casadei and Greg Milnarik. Also,  A Frosh that has stood out with key GW'ing Goals is Sam Dils and Soph Noah Giovannelli. Hamilton played Amherst VERY WELL last year with a Draw in Clinton,NY during the Regular season and their famous Win at Amherst in the Nescac Quarters. Amherst is a program that remembers these things and while they have seemed "off" or disjointed in 2018 so far they still on paper have more talent than Hamilton. However, I am on a run of dog predictions and will stay in line with my other dogs and go with Hamliton in a major upset......Hamilton 3-2

Well done again! I will take Bowdoin 2-0, Tufts/Midd 1-1, Wes/Colby 1-1, Bates 1-0, Amherst 2-1.

[truenorth]

Nescac Predictions:


Trinity at Bowdoin--------Trinity sits at 0-6-0 in Nescac and are well on their way to finishing 0-10-0. After this match in Brunswick, ME they have Midd, Tufts and Amherst left. I suppose they have a chance in this game to get some kind of a result against a Bowdoin side who has only played 3 Nescac games to date. That is amazing considering we are five days into October. They are 5-3-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Nescac. They are in the drivers seat as they can determine their fate the rest of the way. They finish the season with 7 GAMES IN 18 DAYS which is ridiculous. I believe Coaches have a say in if they want to play their "wildcard" game either midweek or on a back to back on the weekend. I believe Bowdoin's wildcard game is either Bates or Colby and Bowdoin is playing both of those games during the week instead of a back to back.  Nescac scheduling has done no favors to Bowdoin with this finishing schedule. I will say if history tells us anything since Wiercinski has taken over the program in 2013 Bowdoin has started slowly every year and put the gas pedal to the floor to end the season going on winning streaks almost every year in October. 4 of their last 7 games(all Nescac games) are at Home including their toughest games v Tufts and Conn. That is a good sign and I think while Bowdoin lost a ton to graduation and I predicted before the season began they would struggle early they have had a month to get their team in order. Bowdoin has so many games in hand that their season is in their hands and they do not have to rely on results from others and conceivably still has a shot at a Top 4 finish. I have not seen Bowdoin play in about two weeks so IDK if Wiercinski still has Niang and the Frosh Reid at CB with Miller and McColl wide and the 2 Frosh splitting time in net. Is McPherron attacking and Stenquist holding? Byrd and Oliver wide? They had Morant coming off the bench up top with Masterson(He has not played the past 3 games so he might be injured). Frosh Uek, Ward and Cooper have all seen significant time along with the small but cagey midfielder Alex Chaban. Still, Wiercinski has only used 15 Field players all year...That shows a real lack of depth which is what they will need in the next 18 days with 7 games to play. That would be worrisome to me. Still they get things rolling against a Trinity side that worked hard at Wesleyan but still came up short. The lack of recruiting as finally caught up to Pilger as they are just lacking in talent to compete in Nescac. They need to start focusing on 2019 and beyond and really hit the road and get talent into the program again. Bowdoin 2-0

I haven't seen Bowdoin play in a couple of weeks, but I think your overall assessment of the lineup and team depth is fairly accurate.  Bowdoin's big weakness this year (as in most years during Wiercinski's era) is the lack of an attacking threat in the final third.  They have to manufacture goals against stronger teams off of set pieces and scrambles in the box.  But I think Wiercinski does the right thing with the cards he's dealt.  He builds the team from the back, typically with the strongest and most athletic players in the center back positions anchoring the back line.  Per your prediction, I could see them going on a bit of a run if healthy.  I think they'll be in every game remaining, including Tufts and Conn.  Back to back next weekend at Hamilton and Williams will be tough...

[BendIt007]

Thanks Mr. Right for Predictions.  I'd like to take a shot:
Trinity 1 - Bowdoin 1: Trinity plays hard in back and forth game, Bowdoin tries to finish them off but Trinity hangs in the game and through overtime for a tie. 
Tufts 1 - Middlebury 0: Tufts defense stays tough and in normal fashion, get a goal at some point, and that's the game. 
Wesleyan 1 - Colby 1 ... Colby will play tough at home and this ends in a tie. We really haven't seen many ties this year (which is nice), so think there will be at least one this weekend.
Conn 2 - Bates  0 : Bates looks solid and plays hard, but I think Conn does take this very seriously and comes in all out, and plus, since an ex-camel, not too objective and have to go for them to score a few.
Hamilton 2 - Amherst 1 :  Flip throw in be damned, I'm going with Hamilton staying in this one and getting lucky. Although on video the actual Amherst grass field looks a little slow, and Amherst plays  hard and at times rough, so this is a tough one to call.  Amherst should win, but going with Hamilton.

[BendIt007]

Trinity goalie plays too aggressively coming out too far, and easy Bowdoin goal in the first 2 minutes.  Horrible start for Trinity.

[Mr.Right]

Trinity goalie plays too aggressively coming out too far, and easy Bowdoin goal in the first 2 minutes.  Horrible start for Trinity.

Sounds about right....Trinity is an absolute MESS....Just took a quick look at Bowdoin's Goal and that was a horrific mistake by Trinity GK. He comes barreling out of his net an then fails to communicate with his defender who looks to have tapped the ball by the GK and Bowdoin's Niang finishes...Well now Trinity gets the tying Goal on a thru ball by either Henry Belt or Baker as I could not tell on a counter and what looks to be a defensive lapse as Trinity's Alistair Matule finishes 1v1 on Bowdoin's GK...Good effort by Trinity to get right back into the game. I still think Bowdoin has enough to get a GW'ing Goal.

[BendIt007]

Trinity ties it at 1-1 at 21 minute mark on breakaway score, putting them back in the game. 

[Mr.Right]

Bowdoin takes a 2-1 lead with about 20 minutes left. It should be the winning Goal. Long ball by Bowdoin CB hits the head of Bowdoin's Matt Uek who flicks it perfectly into space to Bowdoin's #11 Drake Byrd who burns Trinity's CB and rips it into the left panel...2-1 Bowdoin and Byrd has played very well today.