NESCAC

[OldNed]

Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?

Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...

If you have the chance to play in good weather vs. a nor'easter, why would you choose the nor'easter?  I would agree if it's just a simple rainstorm, but there is added uncertainty with a nor'easter (I've heard possible snow in some areas of Maine, and since there are still leaves on trees that could mean power outages, etc), as well as possible travel impacts to the away team and spectators.

[Bobcat1]

Looks like 3 of the games have already been moved to Sunday... per the NESCAC Championships website:

2018 NESCAC Men's Soccer Championship
Date    Away    Home    Location    Status    Links

October
Sat. 27    Williams %    Middlebury    NESCAC Quarterfinals - Middlebury, Vt.    12:00 PM    

Sun. 28    Hamilton %    Connecticut College    NESCAC Quarterfinal - New London, Conn.    12:00 PM    

     Bowdoin %    Amherst    NESCAC Quarterfinal - Amherst, Mass.    2:30 PM    

        Colby %    Tufts    NESCAC Quarterfinal - Medford, Mass.    2:30 PM    

[Mr.Right]

Mr. Right and others, I am wondering people's thoughts on whether some of these teams should play for PKs on Saturday rather than extending themselves and giving up cheap or fluke goals? I have seen a few games at tufts and Conn this season and while solid sides, they don't score that easily. Same for Midd. Bowdoin, Williams, even Colby have solid defenses that would be stronger by not over extending themselves. Look at Williams. They have a very solid back line and a gk who has done well against PKs this season stopping several. It is clear that Sullivan can't create a scheme to score goals. Each time they do push forward they end up not scoring but frequently expose themselves to attack. I'll hang up now and see what everyone's thoughts are on this.

Please.....These Nescac Coaches do not extend themselves AS IT IS....They are all VERY conservative and you can expect that to continue this weekend. Teams do not "play" for PK's but some will play compact defensively with an opportunity to counter and sneak a goal 2-3 times a game and in the meantime just absorb pressure for the Draw. That does not mean they are "playing" for PK's but rather playing very conservative with the idea of somehow countering throughout the game and trying to get a goal. That will most certainly be Colby's strategy against Tufts. I will try to preview each game when I get a chance.

Williams actually played very well in their 3-1 loss at Tufts. Sullivan new they had to try to possess and play quickly and forward to beat Tufts before they could get set. They just got burned on the counter and frankly LB fill in defender Griffith was the issue on Tufts 2nd and 3rd Goals as he committed to early on Tufts counter on the 2nd Goal and the 3rd Goal he was beat. Then Williams for some reason starts 5 Frosh against Midd and comes up with 1 SOG all game while looking listless and uninterested. It was not a good performance but I do expect them to play much better this weekend at Midd while I also expect Midd to be a tad over confident because of their easy victory at Williams on Tuesday. Like I said I will try to predict the 4 games today or tomorrow.

[Mr.Right]

Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?

Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...

If you have the chance to play in good weather vs. a nor'easter, why would you choose the nor'easter?  I would agree if it's just a simple rainstorm, but there is added uncertainty with a nor'easter (I've heard possible snow in some areas of Maine, and since there are still leaves on trees that could mean power outages, etc), as well as possible travel impacts to the away team and spectators.

Because if I am an underdog I would be wishing for rain and win and snow. That evens the game out very quickly. I love Soccer in snow and wind.

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?

Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...

I think the weathermen (who, like baseball players, only need to be right occasionally to be good) are predicting up to two inches of rain and 30-55 mph winds.  I don't care if the kids theoretically could play in that weather, there's no reason to play Saturday if Sunday is forecast to be nice and the winners have five days off anyway.

[Mr.Right]

Well Football is playing all games on Saturday and they could play on Sunday as well...I guess Football players and spectators are just naturally tougher than Soccer players.

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Well Football is playing all games on Saturday and they could play on Sunday as well...I guess Football players and spectators are just naturally tougher than Soccer players.

Ask any Football player, and they will tell you that statement is correct . . .  And besides, if Football players had their heads screwed on correctly, they would be playing futbol.

[Mr.Right]

I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

[blooter442]

I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

Well, I'm supposed to be flying back in on Saturday evening from Barcelona (this is my last travel venture for a while — $263 round trip) so I hope it's not as bad as forecasted in terms of gusting 50+ mph because I'd rather my flight not be cancelled or diverted (most TATL aircraft can land up to around 45 mph). Those forecasts do have a tendency to change, however, so I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being closer to 20/30 mph and maybe a gust over 40. Regardless, it's gonna be nasty. Unplayable? Probably not, but I would guess most schools will postpone if given the option.

[blooter442]

On the topic of playing surfaces and conditions, how many schools have turf fields that are lined for soccer?

Obviously Middlebury and Tufts (since 2016) play their home games on turf, but I have to say I don't know for sure with many of the others.

I know that Amherst, Bates, and Wesleyan have all played night games on turf, but this is done occasionally (e.g. not every game in a single season) rather than regularly. I also seem to remember Hamilton playing Ithaca on turf earlier this year but I thought they played on grass for the most part, the same with Conn. and their game with Endicott earlier this year.

I know Colby has turf fields but don't know if they're lined for soccer, although I seem to remember them playing a night game there a few years ago against Thomas (although that may well have been across town at Thomas' place).

Bowdoin just re-did its football field to turf and added lights and lacrosse lines but didn't put soccer lines down as I recall, which is a pity because I think a turf night game or two at that field would be fantastic (I ran track there for three years in high school and it's got a nice old grandstand, too). Trinity is another one I feel like plays on grass but might have had a game or two on turf. And I do not recall Williams having a turf field.

[1970s NESCAC Player]

On the topic of playing surfaces and conditions, how many schools have turf fields that are lined for soccer?

Obviously Middlebury and Tufts (since 2016) play their home games on turf, but I have to say I don't know for sure with many of the others.

I know that Amherst, Bates, and Wesleyan have all played night games on turf, but this is done occasionally (e.g. not every game in a single season) rather than regularly. I also seem to remember Hamilton playing Ithaca on turf earlier this year but I thought they played on grass for the most part, the same with Conn. and their game with Endicott earlier this year.

I know Colby has turf fields but don't know if they're lined for soccer, although I seem to remember them playing a night game there a few years ago against Thomas (although that may well have been across town at Thomas' place).

Bowdoin just re-did its football field to turf and added lights and lacrosse lines but didn't put soccer lines down as I recall, which is a pity because I think a turf night game or two at that field would be fantastic (I ran track there for three years in high school and it's got a nice old grandstand, too). Trinity is another one I feel like plays on grass but might have had a game or two on turf. And I do not recall Williams having a turf field.

Yes, Colby's new athletic field complex (opened Fall 2017) has both a grass soccer field and an adjacent lighted, multi-purpose field turf playing surface that has soccer lines.  They did play there last year, but not this year (all day games).  In previous years, they played on the field turf surface in the football stadium (which has/had soccer lines) for night games.

[Buck O.]

I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

It's a Nor'easter.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/video-cool-temperatures-ahead-of-nor-easter/24231883

[Mr.Right]

I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

It's a Nor'easter.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/video-cool-temperatures-ahead-of-nor-easter/24231883

Please.....I could grab my clubs and play a round right now if I had to....WPI v Clark playing right now and it looks fine to me...

[NESCAC11]

Driving to the middlebury game. It is starting to rain and it's the rain that clinks off your windshield.

[Mr.Right]

I did not get a chance to preview the Nescac Quarters so let me do a couple quickhitters without predictions.



Williams at Midd-----Winner of this game gets an extra day rest and a rare opportunity to scout their possible next opponent in the Nescac Semi's but there is usually an upset so you might end up scouting the wrong opponent. Midd won this game in a tedious match a couple days ago. Couple injury question marks....Is Midd's Captain O'Grady healthy enough to go? I am guessing he is never 100% but he is a warrior and I am sure will give it a run. Midd will need him in this game. Williams has a couple question marks. LB Ranieri has been in and out of the lineup since getting a concussion, Andreou did not play against Midd at all last weekend, RB Andrew Mathew has been out of the lineup for a couple weeks now and their best striker Gass has not played since September. Those are all key players that Williams will need but not sure if anyone of them will play. Sullivan started 5 Frosh against Midd last Saturday and if he does it again they will be in trouble. I think both of these teams are very even and in a rainstorm anything can happen so I would not be surprised to see a 0-0 PK's match or defensive mishaps and GK errors that lead to a 3-2 match. Midd is 4-1-0 in their last 5 against Williams but it is very hard to beat the same team twice in the matter of a week especially when these two teams are so even.


Colby at Tufts-----Colby has played Tufts very hard the past few seasons without anything to show for it as Tufts has always found a way to get a goal for the win. Tufts came out in a 3-5-2 against Bowdoin on Tuesday and got burned defensively and Colby could only be wishing they come out in that system again. Shapiro switched it up in the middle of the game and Tufts got the victory so I do not expect him to go back to a 3-5-2 but he did play that a bit last year as well.  The problem is with 3 backs he uses Najjar, Paoletta and Weatherbie as his 3 backs with Aroh in front of them. I think it would work fine if it was Kulcsar holding but with Aroh getting lost positionally on occasion you can get at Tufts defense when they set up like that. I do not know who Shapiro will start at RB as it seems he has lost confidence in Frosh Ian Daly who I thought was playing well and Tanner Jameson who played at RB v Williams who got burned a couple times in that game. Jameson might be injured because he did not play at Bowdoin. Colby has had problems scoring goals now for years an this season is no different. Clouse has 4 Goals to lead them and I am betting they have been off his head and recently Ethan Fabricant has been getting a ton of minutes up front and has a couple goals. Meanwhile their two quickest and trickiest players wingers Kyle Douglas and Jeff Rosenberg have not scored yet this season and not really assisted on much either. Those two will create though and can be very dangerous with their speed on the counter. Colby will play a 4-2-3-1 and pinch as CB Dickey should be on Braun like glue as they match up well and Braun should be taken out of this game by Dickey. The other CB Frosh Pugh is quick,skilled and smart so he will need to deal with Jacobs, Rojas, Van Brewer or whoever else gets thru Colby's holding midfielders Asa Berolzheimer and Clouse. Colby can match Tufts size BUT they must play a near perfect game and defend with precision. I will say again that Colby's wingbacks make me real nervy and Tufts wide guys Lane and Tasker can beat them which will draw over Pugh and Dickey and then free up other Tufts attacking players so it is important for Berolzheimer and Clouse to stay compact with the defense. GK Carlson I expect to play well and actually I give Colby a fighting chance if everything goes their way.



Bowdoin at Amherst-----Bowdoin has not defeated Amherst since 2008. That is a hell of a long time for such a quality side like Bowdoin. At some point they will defeat Amherst and they have one of their better chances to do this tomorrow. Besides the crazy defeat to Tufts where they were 2 minutes from the Win they have been along with Tufts the best side in Nescac in October. Bowdoin is #6 in New England right now which does not include the loss to Tufts but also does not include the SOS bump they will get from Tufts and Amherst. Still I do not think Bowdoin can lose this game as they need some kind of a result to get a Pool C. If not they will be on the bubble for sure and a loss will put them on the wrong side of it. I will say I am not sure a loss definitely eliminates them so I would bet they will still practice all next week. They can put all this to bed by advancing tomorrow and they have the horses to do it. Amherst has been playing much better lately starting with GK White although I still say he has not been tested as Brandeis did not get to him as much as I thought they would. Serpone has gon with Fitzgerald at CB who adds plenty of size but lacks foot speed. Bowdoin will be able to deal with Amherst long throws and set pieces rather easily as they have the two biggest CB's in Niang and Reid. Where Niang can struggle is defensively in the run of play as he is not a natural defender and can be caught 1v1 and on the counter. I expect a physical win at all costs match that should be tight with both teams getting some good looks. Amherst stud Luke Nguyen limped off the field at Brandeis on Monday so if he is not playing that will hurt BUT they do look to have a healthy Jimmy McMillian back up front.



Hamilton at Conn------Conn has not been as sharp as they were in the beginning of the season but still look dangerous enough. They are an NCAA team no matter what so they should be able to play nice free flowing futbol without any stress. However, a deep run in the Nescac tournament including a Win over Tufts and they could be hosting all the way to the NCAA Final 4 and even snag one of the two byes along with Messiah. They play very well at Home so it would behoove them to make a run. I would guess they will be hosting no matter what a 1st/2nd rod pod and that is a testament to how well they are playing and what Murphy has done for this program. It is not easy to Win at a school like Conn in Nescac and Murphy has proven he knows what he is doing and getting results. Hamilton has not played a game in 8 days so should be well rested. They were having all kinds of problems scoring goals until a surprise 2-0 Win at Colby got them the 7th seed. They are going to need Wood to step up and find a goal anyway he can. The Frosh Benson has proven he is a capable GK and will be seeing plenty of shots in this one. I expect Conn to outshoot Hamilton 2:1 but that does not mean Conn will score as they have had their own problems finding goals recently. I expect Conn to control play but Hamilton is plenty capable of pulling an upset as they have proven the past 2 years in the Nescac Tournament.