NESCAC

[Mr.Right]

Wow...after tying it up Amherst almost wins it in the last minute with a shot cleared off the line. Have to admit, that was a great combination play for the equalizer.

Also, haven't found the trucker mom, but I swear I heard the bird call at this same game. Admittedly, I didn't watch the Tufts game.

Bloots you do not hear a possibly psychotic woman screaming at the top of her lungs

[blooter442]

Bloots you do not hear a possibly psychotic woman screaming at the top of her lungs

The commentary was so bad I muted it after about 3 or 4 mins.

[PaulNewman]

OK, that was good enough for Conn to win me over.  I'm sure they are disappointed but they could have lost in that last 30-40 secs of regulation as it seemed like Amherst had 3-4 point blank chances.  I liked how Conn wasn't bullied and still for the most part kept their own rhythm, and I was impressed that they stayed composed enough to walk away with at least a draw.  And the Camels have a huge plus on their side with Marcucci.  Now if only they can do something with that woman who sounded like a Mom who gets tossed 1st period at a U10 hockey game.

Amherst is tough to love and McMillian seemed especially obnoxious....but they are gonna be a handful to deal with come November barring serious injuries.

[PaulNewman]

I didn't realize Amherst outshot Conn 37-15.  I know Amherst was chasing an equalizer but 37 shots is still a ton.  And Conn out-fouled Amherst by 10.

[The_View_From_732]

I didn't realize Amherst outshot Conn 37-15.  I know Amherst was chasing an equalizer but 37 shots is still a ton.  And Conn out-fouled Amherst by 10.

I don't think they had 37 genuine shots. They only way you get to 37 is if every long ball played in that went to the goalie is considered a shot

[The_View_From_732]

Wesleyan and Bowdoin finish 0-0. Bowdoin nearly won it in the 106th with a 30 yard rifle by Julian Juantorena. Bagged the crossbar instead of the net though and the game finished at zeroes with both teams adding a point to the standings and another shutout to their defensive stats but WHERE ARE THE GOALS? These two teams each have players that can step up but someone needs to get going or both teams will fade.

Was going to try and clip some video from this game, specifically to highlight some of the struggles Wesleyan are having to create chances, but it downloaded kind of funky.

Anyways, here's my breakdown for Wesleyan: given the struggles this program has had over the past few years, there were a bunch of things they needed to correct beyond just finding goals, though that had been a persistent problem. In the past, Wesleyan would drop into a deep block defensively and would struggle to find a way to go out of that, generally choosing to simply boot it long hoping that their forwards could hold the ball up 1 v 4/2 v 6 and slowly win field position, instead of trying to pass out of the back or have patterns of play they could counterattack out of. That was always going to fail. 

This year, to Wheeler's credit, his team has been much more courageous about trying to pass out of the back, being willing to stick to that (for the most part) even as teams press high up the field. By building out of the back, they make it easier to have their front four (Wesleyan is generally playing out of a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, depending on personnel) to occupy spaces higher up the field. Quite a few times today, they were able to break Bowdoin's pressure in their own defensive third, affording Wesleyan the space to play line-splitting passes into the half-spaces (https://spielverlagerung.com/2014/09/16/the-half-spaces/). The problem is that things break down for Wesleyan from there. Instead of using the half-space to then play into the central channel and keep a shifting defense under pressure, too often Wesleyan takes the easy way out by simply bouncing the ball into the wide channel, moving Wesleyan away from goal and allowing opponents' defenses to re-establish a compact shape. Similarly things get quite static once the ball goes out wide; generally, the wide midfielder is asked to drive 25-40 yards to the goal line, beat his defender, and deliver good service across. It's a big ask. I tried to diagram a version of this scenario below, where from left sideline to right sideline there are 5 channels [Left wide channel, Left half-space, Central channel, Right half-space, Right wide channel]:


Otherwise, a forward or attacking midfielder will offer an option by making an inside-out run from the half-space to the wide channels, further moving attacking numbers away from goal.

To be fair, there *were* times when they attempted to play centrally and created some danger for Bowdoin, or simply missed out connecting on the final pass. Connecting on those passes will come with more cohesion, especially as this young team gets more experienced. And the fact that they've clearly worked on how they want to build out from the back is promising. But this program has long suffered from not drilling attacking patterns of play the same way they do on the defensive side on the ball. Soccer is a free flowing game, but you drill defensive tactics and organization to reduce the collective action problems that come from trying to get 11 players on the same page. Giving your team replicable attacking patterns means that you have to do less guessing and reading of your teammates movement and body language, and you can play quicker because you know what spaces your teammate will run into before you get the ball.

This is true beyond Wesleyan; too many teams still look like their attacking strategy is "roll the ball out and make something happen" when the game has moved far beyond that. That's at least, I think, in part, why so many of these games feel like they are 0-0 or 1-1 slogs --- the defenses are cohesive and organized, while the attacks... are not. Now, coaches don't need to be Pep Guardiola, but Pep's teams regularly demonstrate how simple rehearsed attacking patterns through the half-spaces can slice up opponents: 





Finally, we can see a successful use of the half-space in the NESCAC using Amherst's well-worked equalizer against Conn today:





(Sorry, I can't figure out how to make these clips smaller, I would resize them a bit if I could)

[Middlebury Dad]

Middlebury finally gave up a goal. It was on an iffy penalty kick call with the subs in in a 7-1 rout of Castleton. 650 minutes played before conceding. 1st yr GK Ryan Grady still has not conceded this season, starting all 6 games.. very challengi.g conference weekend coming up--home vs Conn College and at Amherst.

[SlideTackle]

Wesleyan and Bowdoin finish 0-0. Bowdoin nearly won it in the 106th with a 30 yard rifle by Julian Juantorena. Bagged the crossbar instead of the net though and the game finished at zeroes with both teams adding a point to the standings and another shutout to their defensive stats but WHERE ARE THE GOALS? These two teams each have players that can step up but someone needs to get going or both teams will fade.

Was going to try and clip some video from this game, specifically to highlight some of the struggles Wesleyan are having to create chances, but it downloaded kind of funky.

Anyways, here's my breakdown for Wesleyan: given the struggles this program has had over the past few years, there were a bunch of things they needed to correct beyond just finding goals, though that had been a persistent problem. In the past, Wesleyan would drop into a deep block defensively and would struggle to find a way to go out of that, generally choosing to simply boot it long hoping that their forwards could hold the ball up 1 v 4/2 v 6 and slowly win field position, instead of trying to pass out of the back or have patterns of play they could counterattack out of. That was always going to fail. 

This year, to Wheeler's credit, his team has been much more courageous about trying to pass out of the back, being willing to stick to that (for the most part) even as teams press high up the field. By building out of the back, they make it easier to have their front four (Wesleyan is generally playing out of a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, depending on personnel) to occupy spaces higher up the field. Quite a few times today, they were able to break Bowdoin's pressure in their own defensive third, affording Wesleyan the space to play line-splitting passes into the half-spaces (https://spielverlagerung.com/2014/09/16/the-half-spaces/). The problem is that things break down for Wesleyan from there. Instead of using the half-space to then play into the central channel and keep a shifting defense under pressure, too often Wesleyan takes the easy way out by simply bouncing the ball into the wide channel, moving Wesleyan away from goal and allowing opponents' defenses to re-establish a compact shape. Similarly things get quite static once the ball goes out wide; generally, the wide midfielder is asked to drive 25-40 yards to the goal line, beat his defender, and deliver good service across. It's a big ask. I tried to diagram a version of this scenario below, where from left sideline to right sideline there are 5 channels [Left wide channel, Left half-space, Central channel, Right half-space, Right wide channel]:


Otherwise, a forward or attacking midfielder will offer an option by making an inside-out run from the half-space to the wide channels, further moving attacking numbers away from goal.

To be fair, there *were* times when they attempted to play centrally and created some danger for Bowdoin, or simply missed out connecting on the final pass. Connecting on those passes will come with more cohesion, especially as this young team gets more experienced. And the fact that they've clearly worked on how they want to build out from the back is promising. But this program has long suffered from not drilling attacking patterns of play the same way they do on the defensive side on the ball. Soccer is a free flowing game, but you drill defensive tactics and organization to reduce the collective action problems that come from trying to get 11 players on the same page. Giving your team replicable attacking patterns means that you have to do less guessing and reading of your teammates movement and body language, and you can play quicker because you know what spaces your teammate will run into before you get the ball.

This is true beyond Wesleyan; too many teams still look like their attacking strategy is "roll the ball out and make something happen" when the game has moved far beyond that. That's at least, I think, in part, why so many of these games feel like they are 0-0 or 1-1 slogs --- the defenses are cohesive and organized, while the attacks... are not. Now, coaches don't need to be Pep Guardiola, but Pep's teams regularly demonstrate how simple rehearsed attacking patterns through the half-spaces can slice up opponents: 





Finally, we can see a successful use of the half-space in the NESCAC using Amherst's well-worked equalizer against Conn today:





(Sorry, I can't figure out how to make these clips smaller, I would resize them a bit if I could)

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

[BendIt007]

I didn't realize Amherst outshot Conn 37-15.  I know Amherst was chasing an equalizer but 37 shots is still a ton.  And Conn out-fouled Amherst by 10.

I was curious so checked the official scoring summary.  They break shots down to ....A. shots .... and then of those B. shots on goal.  Amherst 37 shots - 15 on goal;  Conn 15 shots - 10 on goal.

[Mr.Right]

Not sure what u were looking for when watching #23 but the kid is a stud athlete. If he has the willingness to listen and learn he has unlimited potential. It's really up to the kid and frankly the coaching staff to get it right.

[Mr.Right]

As I had previously stated this was a big weekend for Wesleyan. They fought hard and got 4 out of 6 pts against a decent Bowdoin squad and a faltering Colby side. I agree with most if your assessment of Wesleyan but again it comes down to talent. Find a system for ur players not find players for ur system. The latter is for consistent winning programs NOT programs trying to regain some prominence. Wheeler had seemed in the past to be more stuck in his system but recently he has been willing to change. Every team in practice should be working separately with attackers and mid/defenders. I would imagine teams that are not at the top of  the league would need to work more on defensive positioning and really focus and double check that ur GK and defenders are on the same page. I am sure he spends a ton of time on defending set pieces and on and on but you can see where the attackers might get lost in the priority shuffle at some practices

[The_View_From_732]

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing and long shots are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area.

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

[PaulNewman]

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing and long shots are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area.

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

Is this about Amherst or Wesleyan?  Confusing.

[SlideTackle]

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing and long shots are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area.

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

[The_View_From_732]

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing and long shots are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area.

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

I get the incentive to be in win-now mode every season, particularly for coaches and senior athletes. But on some level, when you get a good group of underclassmen, you kind of have to shift your mindset into thinking of it as multi-year process: how do you build things up so that by the time your FRs/SOs are JRs/SRs, you can start truly competing for titles again. In some ways, this mirrors the conversation around the US Men's National Team under Berhalter. And like, I don't want to have a true discussion here about whether he is the right coach, etc. etc., but the basic idea is that he's trying to implement a definitive style of play for the national teams, across all levels, that is predicated on having the ball and using positional play to create opportunities -- instead of sitting back and countering, as the US used to do. The USMNT was always quite good at being a counter-attacking team but it was always going to limit the USMNT's ceiling. Obviously, this USMNT doesn't quite have the talent at the moment to execute this new system as we've all seen, but guys like Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Dest, Weah, Sargent, etc. are all 21 and under, so the hope is that in 3 years when we are in a WC cycle and these guys are hitting their primes, the groundwork laid now allows the group to hit a new level.

Anyways, it's not like Wesleyan has to do anything super intricate, but making sure they get numbers forward and making a more concerted effort to attack towards the center, would be enough of a start.