NESCAC

[EnmoreCat]

Congratulations to Conn, their championship success sums up what has been, at least of the three NESCAC seasons I have engaged with, by far the most even. 

[Middfan]

Great soccer game in Middlebury today.  Two high level teams playing with speed, skill and aggression all match. As a partisan, I'd say the score didn't mirror the game (check the stats) but it really doesn't matter.  Conn finished and Midd didn't, often from point blank. Congrats to the Camels. I believe the prospects for both teams are very strong in the tournament.

[Newenglander]

Great soccer game in Middlebury today.  Two high level teams playing with speed, skill and aggression all match. As a partisan, I'd say the score didn't mirror the game (check the stats) but it really doesn't matter.  Conn finished and Midd didn't, often from point blank. Congrats to the Camels. I believe the prospects for both teams are very strong in the tournament.

Which stat are you referring to? Corner kicks? Middlebury had three more shots with Conn having one more shot on goal.

Middlebury did miss a sitter but both teams missed chances close to the net throughout.

Being there- Not much of an argument for either team winning besides the final score...

[PaulNewman]

Great soccer game in Middlebury today.  Two high level teams playing with speed, skill and aggression all match. As a partisan, I'd say the score didn't mirror the game (check the stats) but it really doesn't matter.  Conn finished and Midd didn't, often from point blank. Congrats to the Camels. I believe the prospects for both teams are very strong in the tournament.

which stat are you referring to?

As a Conn-friendly neutral who has some admiration for their hot-head, volatile coach I'm guessing Middfan is referring mostly to 13 corners to 1.  And maybe amount of possession in the 2nd half.  Midd almost equalized (and probably should have equalized) several times in the 2nd half and then Conn went up 3-1 mostly against the run of play with a brilliant individual effort and finish by I think Spatz.  Conn did exactly what a good team needs to do against another really good team on the road and in a final.

[Middfan]

I'm surprised by your prickliness, Newenglander.  I offered congratulations, complimented your team's ability to finish and suggested they'd do well in the tournament.  Perhaps, I could have bought you coffee for the ride home. My only point was that possession and chances were more even than the score.   

[camosfan]

Congrats to Conn, I remember last year you got knocked out at the semis, we had to wait until you checked out of that one hotel in town to get your rooms for the finals!

[Camelparent]

Just wanted to say Middlebury were great host both the fans and the players showed great sportsmanship throughout

[Middfan]

Just wanted to say Middlebury were great host both the fans and the players showed great sportsmanship throughout

Great to hear!  Good luck next weekend.

[MunnyTim]

Was in person up at Midd yesterday.  Great experience with Midd hosting - great job by the school, players, and fans.

I tend to see it in the same light as MiddFan.  Great game.  Conn had the upper hand early and the Midd keeper was forced into at least one strong save to keep the game scoreless (including one off his face after he had to come off his line to close down a Camel with a scoring chance).  After Conn scored the opener, the tide shifted in the Panthers' direction.  The goal (off a corner) was well taken.  Great delivery, great header.  Conn was fortunate to get to the half tied.

Second half, play was more balanced.  Both teams were able to generate possession and opportunities.  After Conn scored their second, play swung (again) in the direction of the Panthers.  Conn's third was definitely against the run of play, but that is what happens when a team is forced to push forward to get an equalizer.  Conn's third also happened immediately after a Panther missed a sitter (over the bar) on a rebound.  The very next trip up the field, Conn scored the third.

In the end, great game.  Conn took advantage of their chances, Midd did not.  No slight to Midd, they are really, really good.  Game could have easily been 3-1 in their favor.

It will be interesting to see how these two (and other NESCACs) are slotted in NCAA selection later today.

[NescacUltra]

Buzzing for this Hamilton group. They have had tough luck with injuries and some tight post-season results, but this is an amazing opportunity. This team has the talent to rival any team in the country, especially with the form Luke Peplowski has been in recently.

[rdanie03]

I feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke

[Newenglander]

I feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke

agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.

[PaulNewman]

I feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke

agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.

I agree.  I think this is a fantastic spot for Bowdoin.  Get out of the New England/Northeast cauldron...and getting to visit one of the most historic non-NESCAC programs in a great city.  What's not to like?  Far better than getting stuck in Maine after a mass shooting.  Trinity is very good but are they that much better than whoever Bowdoin would have to face in a 2nd round match elsewhere?  Tremendous opportunities for both Bowdoin and Hamilton.  I think they're fortunate.

[Yankeesoccerdad]

I feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke

agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.

I agree.  I think this is a fantastic spot for Bowdoin.  Get out of the New England/Northeast cauldron...and getting to visit one of the most historic non-NESCAC programs in a great city.  What's not to like?  Far better than getting stuck in Maine after a mass shooting.  Trinity is very good but are they that much better than whoever Bowdoin would have to face in a 2nd round match elsewhere?  Tremendous opportunities for both Bowdoin and Hamilton.  I think they're fortunate.

You are correct, PN.  Particularly after the way last season ended with a tough loss at Tufts after being on lock-down, Bowdoin is thrilled to be in the tournament.  A flight to sunny San Antonio in November beats a bus trip to Middlebury.  I realize some teams that regularly make the tournament don't see it this way, but the opportunity to be playing in the tournament is a huge win, no matter where you go or who you play against.

[Middfan]

Does anyone ever remember 8 teams getting in to the tournament from NESCAC or any other conference?