NESCAC

[jknezek]

Anyone interested in participating in the D3soccer Fan poll this season?

If you are interested in participating, I will run the poll again if we get enough pollsters. My only caveat is that if you agree to participate you try your best to do it every week so that things are consistent. Also, you try to be on time because it's no fun for anyone if I have to track you down every week and pester you to get your votes in.

Unless someone has a better idea, I'll run it the same as last year with the same deadlines, so the poll will include games that start before Sunday at midnight EST and will be due to me before Tuesday EST at midnight and I will try to post on Wednesday.

I will not do a preseason poll. I hate them. They set up a ton of positional bias and, especially with 400+ teams in D3, there simply is no way to do a good one. The first poll will be based on games played prior to 9/11 and will be due to me on 9/13. That gives us roughly 2 weeks of games to start making judgements.

If you are interested, and I realize we about 2 weeks out, please send me a PM. I hope we get our pollsters back from last year, as they did an excellent job, but if you want to join in, I'm always open to more!

[NESCAC_Soccer_Fan]

Hi all,

I'm a parent of an incoming freshman and was delighted to find this forum. Looking forward to following what will hopefully be a great season!

[Another Mom]

Hi all,

I'm a parent of an incoming freshman and was delighted to find this forum. Looking forward to following what will hopefully be a great season!

Welcome! There are a few of us parents on the board.

[Novacat]

this is a good summary of the situation.

COLLEGE
D3 Men: Which New England teams start the season in our Top 10 rankings?
By Matt LangoneAugust 22, 2022


Connecticut College enters as the defending national champion, having defeated Amherst in dramatic fashion for the title last December. However, simply getting out of the mighty NESCAC again in 2022 will be no easy task, as four programs from the powerful league start the season in our top four.

Some teams across the region will kick-off the 2022 season as early as next week, while just about everyone else will play their first match within the first seven days of September. That will begin a three-month quest to crown a national champ.

Before the season begins in full force, here are our preseason Top 10 rankings

1. Connecticut College
Record in 2021: 19-4-1 | Head coach: Reuben Burk | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mitchell

It's only right that the defending Division 3 national champions start the season off in the top spot, following their unforgettable 2021, which landed the program its first national title. The Camels return the majority of their starters and reserves. On the offensive end, All-America and NESCAC Player of the Year Augue Djerdjaj and fellow All-NESCAC teammate Steve Yeonas highlight a strong returning midfield. Jack Kelesoglu anchors an experienced back line, while goalkeeper Sam Maidenberg returns for a second consecutive year. Rye Jaran and Jake Creus also return as capable goal-scorers for a side that outscored opponents, 42-19, last year.

2. Amherst
Record in 2021: 17-3-2 | Head coach: Justin Serpone | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. College of Mount St. Vincent

Amherst fell to NESCAC rival Connecticut College in a penalty kick shootout in the national championship match last December in Greensboro, N.C. It was one of the few blemishes in a campaign that saw the Mammoths allow just nine goals. Sophomore Laurens ten Cate (Staples, Conn.) returns to that solid back line, while midfielder Alex Shahmirzadi is also back. Junior forward Ada Okorogheye is the leading returning scorer with four goals and six assists in 2021, and senior midfielder Ignacio Cubeddu has proven to be a clutch playmaker in big matches.

3. Tufts
Record in 2021: 15-2-4 | Head coach: Kyle Dezotell | Season opener: Sept. 6 at MIT

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2018 and 2019, Tufts fell in the Elite 8 last year against NESCAC foe Connecticut College. Depth and a balanced attack have become the hallmarks of this perennial power, as five players had double-digit points last year. Sophomore Erik Lauta provides a stellar presence in net, while 6-foot-3 junior defender Max Clivio returns after leading all field players in minutes in 2021 with 1,949, and senior defender Ian Daly was a First Team All-NESCAC selection last year. Senior forward Sean Traynor could be poised to take a major step forward as a goal-producer this season.

4. Middlebury
Record in 2021: 13-5-3 | Head coach: Alex Elias | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mount Saint Mary College

Yet another NESCAC program lands in our preseason top four. Middlebury surrendered only nine goals in 2021 and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tourney, falling to Amherst. Junior goalkeeper Ryan Grady is one of the best in the country and was First Team All-NESCAC last year. Junior forward Jordan Saint-Louis had eight goals and six assists last season. Sophomore defenders William O'Brien (Norton, Mass.), Hank Nelson and Aidan Pape all saw heavy minutes last year and should anchor the back line this fall.

5. MIT
Record in 2021: 13-4-2 | Head coach: Ken Bovell | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Gordon

MIT lost in the NEWMAC championship game last year to Babson. The Engineers boast a potent offense, capable of putting big numbers on the scoreboard. They scored at least four goals in a match on four different occasions last season. Junior midfielder Garrett Robinson had six goals and four assists in 2021, while senior forward Will Seiple had five goals and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Paarth Desai returns after making 13 starts and posting a 1.09 goals against average in 2021.

6. Babson
Record in 2021: 12-5-3 | Head coach: Jon Anderson | Season opener: Sept. 3 at Rutgers-Newark

After capturing the NEWMAC tournament championship, Babson advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to Amherst. Senior midfielder Jack Dugan returns after being named Second Team All-NEWMAC last year. Senior back RJ Parilla (Pawcatuck, Conn.) anchors the defense, after starting 20 matches last season.

7. Wesleyan
Record in 2021: 10-3-3 | Head coach: Geoff Wheeler | Season opener: Sept. 7 at Eastern Connecticut State

Wesleyan was defeated by Middlebury in a penalty kick shootout in the NESCAC quarterfinals last year. Still, for the first time since the 2011 campaign, Wesleyan finished with double-digit wins. The team returns All-NESCAC selections in senior goalkeeper Liam Devanny (Concord, N.H.) and sophomore midfielder Lucas Ruehlemann.

8. Saint Joseph's (Maine)
Record in 2021: 16-2-2 | Head coach: Will Pike | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. Southern Maine

Last year, the Monks claimed their sixth GNAC tournament title, then dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to NYU in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Six players posted double-figure points last season and the side only allowed 15 goals. Sophomore forward Gus Ford (Falmouth, Maine) and sophomore midfielder Rion Dos Santos (Falmouth, Maine) give the team two reliable playmakers.

9. UMass Boston
Record in 2021: 13-4-1 | Head coach: Jake Beverlin | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Salve Regina

UMass Boston outscored opponents, 51-16, in 2021, but came up shy of qualifying for the NCAA tourney. Senior back Emelson Barbosa returns after a season that saw him earn Second Team All-American honors. Senior midfielder Vangjel Gjergo (North Quincy, Mass.) will be counted on to make up for some of the production that left with the graduation of Nilton de Andrade (20 goals, nine assists).

10. Gordon
Record in 2021: 12-6-2 | Head coach: Matt Horth | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. MIT

Fresh off winning their first CCC tournament title since 2018, the Fighting Scots nearly knocked off perennial powerhouse Montclair State in the NCAA Tournament's first round, only to lose 1-0. Sophomore forward Benji Wright is back, as is junior defender Casey Torres, who led the team in minutes last year with 1,807.

Matt Langone is the managing editor for New England Soccer Journal. You can email him at matt.langone@nesoccerjournal.com or follow him on Twitter @MattLangone.

shameless plug





Shameless plug of what?  I am just passing on a decent analysis.

[Mr.Right]

Looking at these schedules I would say Tufts and Brandeis not playing this year is my biggest eye opener so far.

[Mr.Right]

I am hearing Williams and Midd ended in a 1-1 Draw up on the turf at Midd. Williamstown local and now Williams Senior #3 Brady Foehl had the Goal for Williams. I think the Mt.Greylock native can score Goals for Williams this season. Mount Greylock RHS begins its season against Easthampton on Labor Day.

[Mr.Right]

The Score with 10 minutes left (I had to leave early) was Williams 2 Williams Alums 1. 1st Half Williams looked to be in more of a 4-4-2 and then 2nd Half it was a definite 4-2-3-1. My first Game in person in over 8 months and it was a great feeling. A nice sunny day down at Cole Field cannot be beaten this time of year even if we are still in a drought. Alumni Games usually bring the most recent alums and then a mix of some old boys and this year was no different. The alums gave Williams a solid competitive Game that should only help them in their preparation for Tuesday's Home opener v Springfield. Alums do not have the fitness but they usually have "the want" to not only play hard but defeat the current team and show off doing it.

Good News / Unknown News / Bad News:

Good News: "Fitness and Organization"
Williams is again coming into this season a very fit team. The difference between 2022 and 2021 is they are starting the Season having had a full year with their new HC. This means they should be much more organized defensively than 2021 when they were still adjusting to the wants, needs, demands, asks and habits of their new Gaffer.

Unknown News: "Umm who is scoring Goals for me?"
Similarly to 2021 I am curious where the Goals are going to come from? #13 Will Felitto looks to be heading back up front after playing very well at CB in 2021. He will be very dangerous in the air and should score some Goals on set pieces this year.  #7 Nathan Song and his 7 Goals are back as are #16 Keel Brissett's 3 Goals. If Song can replicate that number and Brissett can match it then this team will be in good shape. Yesterday Song did not play many minutes and Brissett did not play at all so maybe some injuries to start or just giving them more time to recover.  We will find out Tuesday but in 2021 other than Song's 7 Goals and Brissett's 3 Goals, Williams had 4 players score 2 Goals and 5 players nab 1 Goal. That's it.

Good News: "Oh we got a player"
It was hard for me to see numbers(my eyes are bad) and other Frosh were not wearing a number but #24 Mohamed Keussom looked to be a Frosh that will help right away on the flank. Quick, skilled and most importantly a dangerous 1v1 player that can beat wingbacks with his talented "dogs".  This is something Williams lacked a bit last year and along with #19 Henry Osborn they both have excellent speed. I could not tell yet how his left foot is but the kid is going to help open up the box for his teammates. However the problem with the flanks is----

Bad News: "Where did me 120 x 80 go?"
I have not actually stepped the field yet but it looks to have been narrowed. My guess is 75 yards which I suppose is still acceptable but if it is down to 70 than completely unacceptable. This only forces Games to become more physical with less space to maneuver and players playing right on top of each other. I hate it. It is like hearing the Nursing Home you have selected for your Grandfather has just been bought by Private Equity. You know the Profits over People thing. Williams for the most part avoided the flanks for much of the Game yesterday and in the flow of play were trying to drive it down Main Street like most Nescac teams now. With a kid like Keussom or any fast and skilled winger you want to give them as much space to work as possible. You do not want to restrict it. One positive is it is easier to defend a more narrow field which is why it was probably "cut down" to begin with. Easier to defend and less running. The 120x80 had always given Williams an advantage at Home by outrunning their opponents and using the flanks with their skill to beat guys 1v1 and get solid crosses in.

Good News: "Returning Players working hard"
Williams has a solid core of returning players that looked fit and worked hard yesterday. You got #6 Nick Boardman "Boardo" and #8 Felipe Gutierrez back in midfield although it looked Boardo was playing some CB yesterday. #11 Eamon Gara Grady is an experienced defender that will move to CB from RB which is probably why they feel comfortable trying Felitto up top to start the year. #18 Jaime Holland is the other experienced CB and along with Gara Grady will give Williams some size and physicality. #3 Brooks Foehl will be at LB as he played there last year. He should be up and down that flank all day but I still think he could score Goals as an attacking CM. #29 Daniel Zhang, #9 Dylan Keleman and #23 Dan Rayhill will need to continue the good play from their Frosh seasons. Rayhill played both out wide and in the middle of the field yesterday. Both Keleman(who played up top) and Rayhill will need to chip in with some Goals this season. #22 Jake Saudek will be in a Central role and btw was a fantastic Color Guy for Men's Lax last Spring(I listened to a few) as his ability to identify tactical problems for Williams and then its opponents PLUS how each team should respond to those challenges was excellent.

Good News: "Locals tearing it Up" 
I mentioned Williamstown native and now Williams Senior #3 Brady Foehl but another Williamstown / Mt.Greylock RHS kid is Williams Junior #14 Luke Swann who came onto the center of the field in the last 25 minutes or so and put on a show. Had no idea he had all that skill as he was dipsy-doozing a couple of alums pretty good and if given space from his teammates could really help out as one of the first players off the bench Centrally. Good to see local talent on this roster or any roster for that matter.

Bad News / Unknown News / Good News wrapped into one: "The Most Dangerous Player on the Field was an Alum"
#13 Demian Gass looked as dangerous a striker as he looked 3 years ago in his Final season. Had his finishing been up to snuff he would have easily nabbed a Hatty(sorry been watching a lot of Hockey along with Soccer). Gass was all over the field in the O-Zone(I promise that's it) and was causing all kinds of problems for Williams Central defenders. Gass was an absolute beast yesterday and you can tell he is still playing somewhere but man this kid might of had a shot to play Pro instead of jumping right into Investment Banking(IHNI just a guess). Still even with his new career and maybe savage ruthless slaving 60-70 hour work weeks the kid has stayed in futbol shape and frankly could be starting striker on Tuesday for Williams in my book.

[Another Mom]

I'm still curious about what's going on at Bates . . .

[Mr.Right]

I'm still curious about what's going on at Bates . . .

I have no information but as per usual will offer up a guess. An August resignation suggests he was forced out by some combination of Administration / Player Job reviews that show up at the end of the year in June. Maybe he had 3 years of consistently bad reviews and the school offered him a generous severance and he took it? Maybe he was told this was his last year and resigned before the season started? Maybe the school and HC were not a good fit? Either way these schools need to understand timing and waiting until a month before the season begins to do this is not good for anyone involved including the current players. These admin/player reviews should be evaluated a month or two after your season ends and then a decision should be hashed out in January, NOT JUNE. They should not wait until the end of the academic calendar but unfortunately they do this because that is how the contracts for Faculty / Staff are set up.

Bates wll be an improved side with a veteran backline but in such a loaded conference like Nescac it could be tough sledding in 2022.

[Mr.Right]

2022 Nescac Predictions:

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


I fully expect 5 Nescac's in the NCAA's with most likely a 6th after all is said and done.

[Mr.Right]

After a serious drought all over Massachusetts here in the Berkshires we have had non stop rain for 24 hours and it is looking like it will continue all day today. This should have an impact on results later today.

Two Challenging Games:

-Both Newmac teams should be bringing a solid effort as they are still looking for their first Win of the Season.

Springfield at Williams   


Tufts at MIT


Five Cupcakes:

-Anything other than a W would be a disaster.


College of Mount Saint Vincent at Amherst(Yes I realize Mount Saint Vincent went 14-2-2 and beat NYU last year to get the AQ in the Skyline and that is precisely why they are on Amherst schedule. This will be considered a huge Win for Amherst at the end of the Year by the committee as long as Mount Saint Vincent continues to dominate the Skyline. However on the field and on paper this is a mismatch.)



Bates at Maine Maritime(although they might remember that 8-0 thrashing Bates rolled on them last year, still will it even matter that they do remember?)


Bowdoin at UNE


Mitchell at Conn


Mount Saint Mary(NY) at Midd

[EnmoreCat]

Mr Right, do you think we can get this MA weather sorted out please?  I am flying in from Sydney and will be at the Mammoths' game against Middlebury on Saturday.  Sydney had one of its wettest winters on record this year, I am really keen to see some sun!.

[PaulNewman]

Speaking of Amherst, I just looked at their roster.  Another huge team...definitely on paper at least significantly bigger than last year's edition.  It's kind of funny since Serpone is maybe 5'8 and 155 lbs soaking wet but he loves really big back lines and oversized forwards.  Amherst doesn't have a lot of fans outside of Mammoth nation, and they don't much care.  But cannot argue with the success over the past 15+ years.  Phenomenal record of consecutive Sweet 16s or better, and have remained at or near the top of NESCAC despite some changing chief rivals.  For a handful of years, it was Williams, then Tufts, and now Tufts, Midd, and Conn.  Amherst has been the constant and they will be very difficult to take out again this year.

[College Soccer Observer]

After a serious drought all over Massachusetts here in the Berkshires we have had non stop rain for 24 hours and it is looking like it will continue all day today. This should have an impact on results later today.

Two Challenging Games:

-Both Newmac teams should be bringing a solid effort as they are still looking for their first Win of the Season.

Springfield at Williams   


Tufts at MIT


Five Cupcakes:

-Anything other than a W would be a disaster.


College of Mount Saint Vincent at Amherst(Yes I realize Mount Saint Vincent went 14-2-2 and beat NYU last year to get the AQ in the Skyline and that is precisely why they are on Amherst schedule. This will be considered a huge Win for Amherst at the end of the Year by the committee as long as Mount Saint Vincent continues to dominate the Skyline. However on the field and on paper this is a mismatch.)



Bates at Maine Maritime(although they might remember that 8-0 thrashing Bates rolled on them last year, still will it even matter that they do remember?)


Bowdoin at UNE


Mitchell at Conn


Mount Saint Mary(NY) at Midd

Midd with a 1-0 win.  Not really threatened at all as Grady had only 3 saves to make, but Midd was wasteful in front of goal, with numerous offside calls and one goal disallowed for offside resulting in a one goal output despite 21 shots.  Too much 1 v 1, holding the ball too long in general.  Looked like a lot of first game rust that needs to be knocked off.  Performance will need to be much sharper to get a result at Amherst.

[Very_Biased]

Halftime in Cambridge: Tufts 3 - MIT 0. First goal from Ian Daly off a cross that found its way into the net. The second came just a few minutes later via a Mark Huynh corner that snuck inside the far post. Toward the end of the half, an easy PK call against MIT lead to Daly burying his second of the match. Tufts is looking very comfortable and in control.