NESCAC

[nescac1]

Good result for the Ephs beating a 2-0 Wheaton team, which has a win over highly-ranked Montclair, on the road.  Things will only get more difficult vs. Tufts.

After suffering a lot of attrition in Siebert's first off-season, the program suffered none (other than two players out of eligibility) this year, so the roster went up from 24 to 29 players.  Siebert clearly has the kind of guys he wants to build around now.  Interesting, Siebert does not seem to have changed his philosophy of playing a very, very deep rotation.  23 non-goalies played yesterday (!!) - all played at least 14 minutes and only four played 60 plus minutes.  Of the non-GKs who didn't play, Andrew Coelho is the only big surprise, given that he was last year's points leader - so I would guess he is currently injured. The other three all played limited minutes last year. 

Subbing in so frequently, especially early in the season, builds a deep roster of experienced options, keeps guys fresh both within the game (needed for Williams' hyper-pressing style) and in the long run, and allows for a lot of tactical within-game adjustments.  The downside I imagine is guys may not always be thrilled having unpredictable minutes and also there is likely a cost in terms of continuity of play.  I assume that the rotation will be reduced a bit over time, but it's clear that Siebert trusts virtually every guy on the roster to be out there in key situations and is going to go very deep into the bench every game. 

Siebert also seems to trust his FYs right away, all but a GK played and they rewarded him with five of the Ephs' nine shots and two goals, all coming off the bench. 

[EnmoreCat]

Amherst 4 Suffolk 0

Sadly, a 9.00am Sydney work day kick off is sub-optimal for me, but I was able to keep an eye on proceedings.  Coach was able to rotate most of the roster through the game which of course makes the advance scout's task just that little bit trickier.

One of the freshmen scored which I am sure he will remember forever and from what I could tell, all of them appeared capable of pushing for serious minutes this Fall, which of course, is a lovely problem to have.

NESCAC starts on Saturday and Conn at home will present a quality foe and if both of last year's games are any sort of a guide, will be great viewing for the neutral watcher.

Foul Count: Amherst 10 Suffolk 7

[flyingdutchman]

NESCAC DAY 1 Predictions:

Bowdoin 2 - 0 Colby
Both teams faced challenges in their opening out-of-conference games. However, based on their performances, Colby seems to be in a more precarious position, especially after the losses of key players Casanova and Cully. Bowdoin, on the other hand, returns the majority of their squad and had a strong showing last season. This leads me to favor Bowdoin in this matchup.

Middlebury 2 - 1 Hamilton
Middlebury retains most of their team from last year, with the notable exception of JSL. It will be interesting to see who steps into this role and contributes to their goal-scoring efforts. I believe it will take some time and a collective effort from multiple players rather than just one individual. Given Hamilton's recent struggles against Oswego State, I don't foresee them overcoming Middlebury in this contest.

Tufts 2 - 0 Williams
While winning at Williams is always a challenge, I believe Tufts will secure a victory on the road. With the experience of a team returning 10 starters, the Jumbos should be able to control the match. I anticipate a closely contested game for most of the duration, but expect Tufts to score and then add another as Williams pushes for an equalizer.

Amherst 1 - 1 Conn
These two teams are likely to be at the top of the NESCAC standings by November. With lingering tensions from their national championship encounter, it's difficult to envision either side securing a decisive victory. A late equalizer seems likely, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Trinity 0 - 1 Bates
Trinity appears poised to face significant challenges this season, starting with this match. The loss of their best player, Donaldson, along with the graduation of several key seniors, will likely impact their performance. While Bates may not be significantly stronger, I expect them to have the upper hand in this contest, particularly on their home field in Lewiston.

[northman]

I just returned from watching the Bowdoin vs. Colby game.  What a new phenomenon at Bowdoin...night games under the lights.  There was a huge crowd and a lot of energy on the sidelines for an early season game.  Colby was surprisingly up 1-0 when I arrived.  I heard that someone hit a low shot under the Bowdoin keeper early in the game.  Bowdoin then equalized before the half.  Colby then regained the lead on a free kick that eluded the Bowdoin keeper...completely against the run of play of the previous 20 minutes or so.  Bowdoin equalized with about 20 minutes to go, and scored the winner with 5 minutes to go to walk off with a 3-2 win.

My quick assessment:  Colby was opportunistic in scoring their two goals.  And they were doing some weird things trying to play the ball out of the back on goal kicks.  It almost backfired on them several times.  I think they'll need to reevaluate that tactic when they're facing the iron of the NESCAC.  Bowdoin looked energetic and dangerous on the attack against a low block.  But I think their keeper Alex Ainsworth...who had a very good season as a sophomore last year...was a bit shaky and will need to solidify his game if Bowdoin are going to be competitive with the Amhersts, Tufts, Conns, and Middleburys of the world.

[YSS10278]

Bowdoin 3 - 2 Colby

Bowdoin win a disturbingly close match against maine rivals Colby in the opening game of the Nescac season. I say disturbingly close as last year's matchup ended 5-1 to Bowdoin and historically Bowdoin win this game.

Bowdoin went down 0-1 and 1-2 only to come back and win in a game where the overall play probably didn't justify the score.

Bowdoin had much more of the ball and had possession in the Colby half for solid chunks of the match.  Colby seemed comfortable without the ball looking to press at key moments. When in possession (especially from goal kicks), Colby seemed dead set on building out, often to a fault. Bowdoin didn't capitalize on these chances. Colby's 2 goals came off their only 2 real chances during the match. A long ball that lead to a 1 v 1 and a 26 yard free kick. Both very well taken opportunities but highly preventable from a Bowdoin perspective. Bowdoin winner came from a deep cross to back post headed in by CB.

Predictions:
Midd 3- 1 Hamilton
Hamilton will score but Midd always win this

Tufts 1 - 1 Williams
Tufts should win but Williams are difficult

Amherst 1 - 1 conn
Feel like this game often ends in a tie.

Trinity 1 - 2 bates
Bates will be upset about losing this last year.

[EnmoreCat]

"Amherst 1 - 1 conn
Feel like this game often ends in a tie."

5 of the last 27 have been draws apparently...I'm ready to nibble on humble pie later on of course...

[EnmoreCat]

Amherst 1 Connecticut College 0

Albeit at 4.30am Sydney time, it is great to have NESCAC soccer back.  Whilst Amherst dominated field in the first half, it wasn't quite accompanied by regular genuine danger and on balance, both teams probably had things they could be happy about at the break.  I thought Conn largely absorbed the pressure quite well, it was a case of whether the Mammoths could maintain that intensity.

Ultimately, the crispest Amherst move of the game led to a goal and on balance, that was just about deserved.  As sometimes happens when a team takes the lead, they start to drop back ever so gently and really, to my uneducated eyes, I would have liked to see the white shirts continue to push on and maybe get a second to kill the game off.  Conn did get more play around midfield and started to look a little dangerous, but were typically repelled without much trouble.  Amherst could have had a second very late in the game, which would have been nice and spared those with purple in their hearts from undue stress, but that wasn't to be.  Coach made liberal use of the freshmen and they all appear to be adjusting well to the rigours of not just college soccer, but NESCAC life.  There is a lot to look forward to from that class.

Nice to start conference with a very good win against ranked opposition.  It of course doesn't get any easier next week, away to Williams will be another big game, but equally, a great platform to consolidate a position at the top end of NESCAC.

Foul Count: Amherst 25 Conn 13

[jumpshot]

Lord Jeffs: 25 fouls and 5 yellow cards. Could have easily been more except for forbearance from home officials.Same old "direct" style.

[northman]

Regarding Amherst vs. Conn, I think I may have a more balanced perspective relative to the previous two posters.  I watched the end of the first half and most of the second half.  In the first half, I was impressed with Conn's team play on and off the ball.  That said, they were never much of a threat in the final third during the entirety of the game I watched.

I actually thought Amherst played a higher quality possession game than they've been known for in past years.  But they definitely relied on the individual brilliance of Nuhu to score the decider.

I'm thinking that both teams likely deserve their national rankings...but the Camels will need to find a bigger threat in attack to get to where they want to be this season.

[EnmoreCat]

It's exciting to see a new category of Amhate for this season, the concept of the "home" or "Amherst" referee.  I am sure that that particular whistle will attract more than its fair share of dogs.  However, in the spirit of an upcoming debate which I understand will capture the American nation's attention on Tuesday, I did some fact checking. 

I have no idea where today's referee lives, or any affiliation he may have, but I can say that if the box score recaps from last season are accurate, that he didn't referee one game last season at either Gooding or The Billiard Table That Is Hitchcock Field respectively.  For the sake of completeness, he didn't referee any Amherst women's games either, but I haven't extended that search to other sports.     

[Kuiper]

Colby hires TCNJ AD Amanda DeMartino as new Athletic Director

Colby has hired Amanda V. DeMartino, executive director of athletics at The College of New Jersey, as the new Harold Alfond Director of Athletics, following a national search. DeMartino, who was named Athletic Director of the Year for Division III by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in 2022, will begin her new role at Colby on Oct. 7.

"Amanda is a proven leader with an impressive history of success," said President David A. Greene. "Colby has made important strides in athletics and recreation in recent years, and Amanda has the experience and skills to take our programs to the next level. We can't wait to welcome her to campus."

DeMartino became executive director of athletics at The College of New Jersey, a public university in Ewing Township, N.J., in 2017, where she oversaw 20 varsity programs whose successes included four individual national championships, five Final Four appearances, 147 NCAA appearances, and 65 conference regular season and tournament championships. She has also served as board chair of the New Jersey Athletic Conference and on the NCAA DIII Football Region Advisory Committee. Previously, she served as director of athletics at Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey beginning in 2011 and as director of athletics and head women's basketball coach of Northwood University in Florida starting in 2008.

Sounds like a good resume, but given the recent soccer coaching situation at TCNJ, I wonder if DeMartino either had one foot out the door already or the problem was lack of institutional support.  Colby seems an upgrade on athletics ambition.

[College Soccer Observer]

NESCAC DAY 1 Predictions:

Bowdoin 2 - 0 Colby
Both teams faced challenges in their opening out-of-conference games. However, based on their performances, Colby seems to be in a more precarious position, especially after the losses of key players Casanova and Cully. Bowdoin, on the other hand, returns the majority of their squad and had a strong showing last season. This leads me to favor Bowdoin in this matchup.

Middlebury 2 - 1 Hamilton
Middlebury retains most of their team from last year, with the notable exception of JSL. It will be interesting to see who steps into this role and contributes to their goal-scoring efforts. I believe it will take some time and a collective effort from multiple players rather than just one individual. Given Hamilton's recent struggles against Oswego State, I don't foresee them overcoming Middlebury in this contest.

Tufts 2 - 0 Williams
While winning at Williams is always a challenge, I believe Tufts will secure a victory on the road. With the experience of a team returning 10 starters, the Jumbos should be able to control the match. I anticipate a closely contested game for most of the duration, but expect Tufts to score and then add another as Williams pushes for an equalizer.

Amherst 1 - 1 Conn
These two teams are likely to be at the top of the NESCAC standings by November. With lingering tensions from their national championship encounter, it's difficult to envision either side securing a decisive victory. A late equalizer seems likely, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Trinity 0 - 1 Bates
Trinity appears poised to face significant challenges this season, starting with this match. The loss of their best player, Donaldson, along with the graduation of several key seniors, will likely impact their performance. While Bates may not be significantly stronger, I expect them to have the upper hand in this contest, particularly on their home field in Lewiston.

I would include goalkeeper as a noteable exception for Midd, as this is the first season since 2018 that someone other than Grady has started a game in net.

[flyingdutchman]

Trinity's prospects in the NESCAC look grim after the early results. A 2-0 loss to Bates and then a 5-0 loss to Wesleyan. Will they even score a goal in the NESCAC this year?

[Sir.MixALotz]

Trinity seems to be taking the Amherst approach this year by committing more fouls, yellow cards and general unsportsmanlike  actions...

[Kuiper]

Trinity's prospects in the NESCAC look grim after the early results. A 2-0 loss to Bates and then a 5-0 loss to Wesleyan. Will they even score a goal in the NESCAC this year?

Trinity is currently losing 8-0 to Middlebury in the 60th minute and they are being outshot 19-0.  I think relegation might be in order if this keeps up.

FINAL:  Middlebury 9 - Trinity 0

Trinity's prospects are still grim, but they did manage one shot in the game (that was blocked), only being outshot 26-1.  Progress?