NESCAC

[Novacat]

Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.

A guy spends 1.5-2 hours putting together a detailed, very neutral, insightful recap and this is how you chime in?



I understand, because this is what most of us do who really care about our teams, but are you absolutely sure a Conn fan could watch the entire game again and not find any questionable calls in Tufts' favor or bad luck plays for Conn that easily could have gone the other way?  Off the top of my head I remember a play late in the 2nd half when just outside the 18 Aroh very aggressively took out the legs of a Conn player with no apparent attempt to get the ball at all.  I think he got a yellow for that.  Could that have been a red?  Or a second yellow if he had been shown yellow for fouls earlier in the game?

I agree that it was a great write up, just interested in his biased view on the handball.

I do think there is a big difference between an overly aggressive soccer play like the one you referenced from Aroh and a blatant 2 hand tackle from behind when you are doing nothing but intentionally stopping the play.

The point of my comments is that the referees rarely have the guts to make these type of calls.

I do think the write up captures the essence of the game - Conn's ability to make the right play and convert in the final third was the difference.  Their soccer IQ and technical ability shined and for that reason they deserve to go Greensboro.

[jknezek]

The handball was just weird, but not a red card. The pull down of Cano was not DoGSO, not a red.

seriously, not trying to be combative at all, but why do you think this was not a red? (a) not intentional (b) not a goal scoring opportunity or (c) refs never make that call so (a) and (b) do not matter

He says not a DoGSO in his post...   DoGSO = Denial of Goal Scoring Opportunity. So I'm going with "B"

[PaulNewman]

Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.

A guy spends 1.5-2 hours putting together a detailed, very neutral, insightful recap and this is how you chime in?



I understand, because this is what most of us do who really care about our teams, but are you absolutely sure a Conn fan could watch the entire game again and not find any questionable calls in Tufts' favor or bad luck plays for Conn that easily could have gone the other way?  Off the top of my head I remember a play late in the 2nd half when just outside the 18 Aroh very aggressively took out the legs of a Conn player with no apparent attempt to get the ball at all.  I think he got a yellow for that.  Could that have been a red?  Or a second yellow if he had been shown yellow for fouls earlier in the game?

I agree that it was a great write up, just interested in his biased view on the handball.

I do think there is a big difference between an overly aggressive soccer play like the one you referenced from Aroh and a blatant 2 hand tackle from behind when you are doing nothing but intentionally stopping the play.

The point of my comments is that the referees rarely have the guts to make these type of calls.

How was he biased?  You said he didn't mention it and I checked and didn't see him write anything biased about it...so you must mean he was biased because he didn't mention it. 

As for your distinction between different ways to get reds, two yellows works as well, and Aroh fouls frequently with no legit intent to get the ball.  I've got no gripe with that....he's making his presence felt, but wouldn't be a shock to see him pick up two yellows in a game.   The box score doesn't indicate that Aroh got any yellows even though I recall one of the announcers suggest he did on the play I noted.

BTW, if we're reviewing these things, Tufts led fouls 19 to 9.

[Novacat]

My mistake I meant to say "unbiased". Cannot figure out how to use edit function.

[Hopkins92]

The handball was just weird, but not a red card. The pull down of Cano was not DoGSO, not a red.

seriously, not trying to be combative at all, but why do you think this was not a red? (a) not intentional (b) not a goal scoring opportunity or (c) refs never make that call so (a) and (b) do not matter

He says not a DoGSO in his post...   DoGSO = Denial of Goal Scoring Opportunity. So I'm going with "B"

Yep. :-)

[camosfan]

The hand ball was intentional, you can argue as to whether it was a clear goal scoring opportunity or not but not about the players intention.

[Hopkins92]

The hand ball was intentional, you can argue as to whether it was a clear goal scoring opportunity or not but not about the players intention.

Intent doesn't matter, though. What matters is the denial of a goal scoring opportunity. You don't get a red card for intentionally handling the ball. You get a yellow for denying the opposition from gaining possession (which is what happened in the game we're discussing) and a red card if the hand ball prevents a goal scoring opportunity.

Even if a player handles the ball "accidentally," those two criteria can lead to yellow or red if the arm is in an unnatural position or is moving towards the ball. The latter instance is the one that is currently under the most scrutiny by FIFA, because it's really difficult to glean that action even with VAR.

[lastguyoffthebench]

I only caught the second half of the Tufts/CONN game.  Is this archived anywhere to watch in its entirety?

[SimpleCoach]

I only caught the second half of the Tufts/CONN game.  Is this archived anywhere to watch in its entirety?

Tufts v Connecticut
Quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament
Tufts Bello Field
Link – Third meeting between the two of them this season

-   Tufts owns much of the ball to start.  Controlling the middle.  Conn just doesn't have a rhythm with the ball yet.
-   Taken 10 minutes, but Conn is getting the ball under control and working it through their midfield.  Doing a very good job of having Tufts chase for a little.
-   Tufts really sitting deep just keeping Conn in front of them.
-   Conn is getting dangerous and getting closer to the Tufts goal. 
-   Tufts needs to get a hold of the ball for a little bit, but not sure they are built for that.
-   Or score a goal.  Like they just did.  Long throw for Tufts that finds its way back post where Tufts#11 turns his man and hits a ball that goes over the Connecticut Keeper.  Tufts 1, Connecticut 0.
-   By the by, the PBP is fantastic.  Give these guys lots of credit.  Some great color on the game and on the players.  Really impressed and can see they took the necessary preparations
-   Not sure what the Connecticut Keeper.  Looks like he was getting low and big and the ball went high and he wasn't ready?  Not sure, but that what it appears to be.
-   This just highlights the damage Tufts can do.  Goal came against the run of play.
-   And like that, Conn gets the equalizer.  Foul about 35 yards out. Conn#8 puts the ball into the box and Connecticut#9 steps in front of his defender and heads the ball in from 6 yards out.
-   Its not the first time I have said this but Tufts is not good defending on set plays. 
-   23 left in the half.
-   And Tufts gets another.  Corner kick from the Connecticut Keeper's right ball sent in and bounces out to Tufts#25, who gets a shot off, then on the rebound hits it into the back of the net.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 1.
-   Not the best of goals to allow.  The sort of goal you don't want to concede because its more of a case of not defending and clearing the ball out.
-   Think Conn is moving the ball too slow.  You don't even see the Tufts line moving at all.  All they do is pivot.
-   And every time I type something of profound importance, I get proved wrong.  Ball gets out to Conn#17 and he one times a ball across the box.  Ball is fought for between a Conn forward and a defender, but the ball drops to Conn#13 who rifles a ball to the right of Tufts Keeper, into the upper corner.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 2.  And this with 25 seconds left.
-   Great work by Conn to keep persisting for the equalizer.
-   And halftime.  Pretty even game, although from a soccer perspective, I think Connecticut is better with the ball.
-   2nd half
-   To start it looks like Tufts is trying to have a little more control of the jewel.
-   Conn looking to do what it is doing.  Hold the ball, be more methodical on attack.
-   And boom what a goal.  Conn corner gets cleared out, shot is blocked and comes out to Conn#17 about 22 out, who one times a ball that hits off the cross bar and goes in to the Tufts Keepers left.  What a shot.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 3.
-   43 minutes left in the half.
-   Tufts trying to get a hold of the ball, but, especially defensively, they send the  far where the Conn defenders start over.
-   And Conn is just feeling it!  Perfect through ball to Conn#14 who slides the ball past the rushing Tufts Keeper for their fourth.   Again, suspect defending by Tufts.  He started his run from midfield and ran between two Tufts defenders and no one thought to cover him.
-   There is 35 minutes left and Tufts knows it has to turn things around.  Huddle before the restart.
-   Impressive game by Connecticut.  Really exposing the weaknesses of a very good Tufts team.
-   Tufts has really picked it up given the pickle of a game they find themselves in.
-   The video is just awful.
-   Connecticut can't get too cute.  Ball is played out of the back, and a bad touch leads to a Tufts counter and the Conn defender tackled him like a linebacker.  Literally.  For a yellow card.
-   Tufts definitely has a goal or two in them.
-   With 29 left, Conn is now sitting deep and just cleared a ball off the line on a shot.  Not a fan of sitting but think this is a case of Tufts just getting it forward. 
-   And things are just going right for Connecticut now.  Against the run of play, the ball goes back to the Connecticut Keeper who just hits the stuffing out of the ball.  Tufts is stepping up except for the center back who is sitting deeper.  Ball clears all the lines and lands at the feet of Conn#17 who turns has the center back to his right and 10 yards further, is his partner Conn#9 who slots it past the onrushing Tufts Keeper.   Tufts 2, Connecticut 5.  I had to double check.  5 indeed. 
-   Wonder when the last time Tufts conceded 5 goals in a 90-minute game?
-    23 minutes left in the game.
-   Will say I think Conn may get a sixth.  Which I think would be something that Tufts would be reminded of every time they play Conn for years to come.
-   Tufts isn't quitting, that's for sure.  They have to take on some risks if they want to get some goals.  But they have no more options.
-   And now Tufts claws one back!  Tufts#3 does a fantastic job of bringing the ball down with his chest after flicking the ball over a Conn defender, getting into the box and driving a ball across where Tufts#9(?) hits the ball high.  Tufts 3, Connecticut 5.
-   20 minutes left.
-   The intensity of the game and the overall quality is why I just love this game.
-   Oh my stars.  This is insane.  Tufts with another goal!  Ball put across and the left back swings and misses to clear the ball that lands to Tufts#19(?) who gets into the box and hits a ball to high to the left of the Conn Keeper.  Tufts 4, Connecticut 5. 
-   This is seriously a crazy game.
-   19 minutes left.
-   This is exactly why I am not a fan of sitting back.  Ever.
-   Tufts is now all over Connecticut. The best thing Conn could do is get the ball and possess it.  Don't worry about getting forward with urgency, just kill the clock and recover some poise.
-   I think when Conn went up, they subbed some guys out and it made all the difference.  Especially defensively.
-   15 left.
-   This video is just killing me.  Having a seizure as a result.
-   Everything that gets to a Conn player is sent long.  Tufts just turns around and goes after the tying goal.
-   1:40 left.
-   And that's it!  What a great game.  Second best game I have watched all season.
-   Connecticut heading to the Final Four.  Tufts 4, Connecticut 5.

See the link in the game notes.  Just checked so you should have access to the game.

[NEsoccerfan]

At what minute was the play that some have claimed to be an intentional handball? I'd like to take a look at it for my own curiosity.

[lastguyoffthebench]

At what minute was the play that some have claimed to be an intentional handball? I'd like to take a look at it for my own curiosity.

35th min... you're going to get a massive split in terms of a live time ruling.  Center ref could justify his decision either way.  Is it by the book? is it game management? Is it ego? combination?

We have the benefit of replay and terrible angles on live stream.   Definite potential for DOGSO-H, but this should only called when the ball is actually going in the goal.   NCAA does not differentiate for "last man", and even in this case, the GK is still in position to make a save.  This is such a grey area and VERY close to the 4Ds.  Is it in fact, OBVIOUS?   Refs are mic'd up and have 4 various angles on open communication with time to discuss to get it right before the restart, but it ultimately falls on the center official from the information collected.

When you get to Elite 8 at D3 level, most officials are D1/Pro/Semi-pro experience.   Have faith they will get it correct.

[Mr.Right]

It was a clear omission. I also forgot to mention the Paoletta DNP injury even though he was warming up. I suppose I avoided mentioning the Kelesoglu play because one it left me dumbfounded and two it would have ruined a great game for me. I am a neutral in respect to having nothing to do with either of these programs however I will always favor attacking teams that are not afraid to play aggressive and risky futbol. For me Conn has been that team this year and you could certainly see signs of it in 2019. Now they have some real depth and overall more talent in the program. They play some good futbol. So it is just a futbol thing for me not a school or program thing. We saw how good Tufts was in that game. Had they opened up and played like that all year I would be glued to every game as would probably more students. They have plenty of talent to play the same way but even in the Shapiro years I was critical of the cautiousness of play in regards to the talent in the program but see what do I know they absolutely blew everyone away with 4 titles in 6 years. Tufts style has been extremely successful. I watched most Tufts games in 2019 because they were stacked with talent and fun to watch. I want to be entertained. Talent along with style of play do that for me. Even a defensive battle like a Colby coming in and advancing over Amherst or something I can get in to those games as well but not for a full season. I will say 2017 Nescac Men's Soccer did an absolute number on me so gotta be a little patient. Just as Amherst changed the league in 2007 and Tufts in 2014 I think Conn could change it again.

Kelesoglu's stupidity was the only possible Red in that game. The foul later on in the game by Conn's #5 Cerezo was a YC which was given. Kelesoglu's looked to be a Red in my book but that call was not about guts. It was about it being an NCAA Elite 8 match and the ref not wanting to effect the outcome by penalyzing stupidity with a Red. If it was a gruesome challenge by Kelesoglu then you would have seen Red. I actually thought the ref did a fantastic job of letting the guys play the game. He wasn't stopping play every two minutes to try and take over the match. He wanted to be as neutral as everyone else and let the talent win out. As a Tufts supporter I would be really pissed but I do kind of see how the ref did not want to penalize stupidity. Had Tufts done the same thing we would see Conn supporters flipping out. I think the ref called all the hard fouls and gave cards when necessary like when Conn was targeting Cano 1st Half with successive whacks to his legs. #21 Dutkewych got the card but the ref was on top of it. Not the answer you were looking for but the best explanation of why I think the ref gave a YC instead of RC. I am sure other Refs would have given Red but a ref is not a robot. Humans react differently in different situations so maybe different human different card.


Kenny Murphy started to resurrect Conn in 2009 and he left current HC Burk a stocked cupboard. Burk has elevated it from Murphy and put his own style on it and he is under 30. It is becoming a young man's game for HC's. Recruiting is half the battle these days but training is the other half and I am guessing these Conn boys train with purpose. I am looking forward to see if they can continue this style and aggressiveness into Greensboro. Sometimes we see teams get thrown off with the extended time between games played. It will be almost 2 weeks between the NCAA Elite 8 and NCAA Semi's. They used to play Thanksgiving weekend which looking back was crazy but for the actual team you could catch a hot streak late in the season without any interruptions. Players would stay on campus and have Thanksgiving together with any and all family that wanted to come but usually it was a team thing and teams would draw pretty well from a mix of students and certainly the local community. Williams got 2,000 on Cole Field in 1993 and 1995 when they hosted.

[Mr.Right]

At what minute was the play that some have claimed to be an intentional handball? I'd like to take a look at it for my own curiosity.

35th min... you're going to get a massive split in terms of a live time ruling.  Center ref could justify his decision either way.  Is it by the book? is it game management? Is it ego? combination?

We have the benefit of replay and terrible angles on live stream.   Definite potential for DOGSO-H, but this should only called when the ball is actually going in the goal.   NCAA does not differentiate for "last man", and even in this case, the GK is still in position to make a save.  This is such a grey area and VERY close to the 4Ds.  Is it in fact, OBVIOUS?   Refs are mic'd up and have 4 various angles on open communication with time to discuss to get it right before the restart, but it ultimately falls on the center official from the information collected.

When you get to Elite 8 at D3 level, most officials are D1/Pro/Semi-pro experience.   Have faith they will get it correct.

Completely Agree

[Mr.Right]

After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

[SimpleCoach]

After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

I guess they don't coach keepers to remain calm throughout the 90 minutes ... not get caught up in the emotional peaks and valleys of a game ...