NESCAC 2014

[Becks]

Summary of team comparisons against last year.

Most Improved:
Conn

Significantly Improved:
Amherst
Tufts
Williams

No Significant Change/Mixed Bag:
Bates
Bowdoin
Colby
Hamilton

Some Drop-off:
Wesleyan

Substantial Drop-off:
Middlebury
Trinity

[rudy]

Comments on Sat, Oct 4 games:

Middlebury 1-0 Tufts - Stats show a deserved win for Middlebury, as Tufts' offense, so impressive early in the season, was totally shut down. Middlebury outshot Tufts 15-3 and out SOGd them 4-1.

The person keeping stats on this game was way off.  Tufts had more than 3 shots in this game.  More like 7 or 8..have no idea where they get 3 from.  With 6 corner kicks they must have had 3 shots off corner kicks alone.  Not sure what game they were watching.  Nonetheless, Tufts again was not able to capitalize on early opportunities (shot hit post off corner kick early in game) and played flat in 2nd half.  Middlebury outplayed them in 2nd half but first half Tufts had better chances. Weather was a factor on the lone goal by Middlebury as defender slipped and fell - but it was wet for everyone so no excuses.   Best defender (perhaps best player) was out due to a red card at end of previous game...she is key on corner kicks..at 5' 10" she gets head on the ball and creates problems.  One starting forward out for season after serious injury a few games back. So small squad even smaller in this game and fatigue seems to be a factor.  Couple that with a long drive and away game and it was ripe for a tough loss.  They have to make some adjustments to get back on track but they did beat a pretty good Leslie team away early in the week.  They will have to get a win against some good NESCAC teams to get in the top 4 of the league but it can still happen..time will tell.    Big weekend in CT that will determine if they are in the lower half or top half of standings.

Middlebury plays good possession soccer..Amherst was fortunate to get an own goal win over them early in the year.  Sometimes it is simply a good or bad bounce that can cost or win a game.  Connecticut 3-0 win over Middlebury was probably a case of good fortune for CT and bad luck for Middlebury.  Not taking anything away but probably a bit of a fluke score.  Would not be surprised to see Mid fight back to be in the top 4-5 teams by end of year and do well in league playoffs.

[All NESCAC]

Comments on Sat, Oct 4 games:

Middlebury 1-0 Tufts - Stats show a deserved win for Middlebury, as Tufts' offense, so impressive early in the season, was totally shut down. Middlebury outshot Tufts 15-3 and out SOGd them 4-1.

The person keeping stats on this game was way off.  Tufts had more than 3 shots in this game.  More like 7 or 8..have no idea where they get 3 from.  With 6 corner kicks they must have had 3 shots off corner kicks alone.  Not sure what game they were watching.  Nonetheless, Tufts again was not able to capitalize on early opportunities (shot hit post off corner kick early in game) and played flat in 2nd half.  Middlebury outplayed them in 2nd half but first half Tufts had better chances. Weather was a factor on the lone goal by Middlebury as defender slipped and fell - but it was wet for everyone so no excuses.   Best defender (perhaps best player) was out due to a red card at end of previous game...she is key on corner kicks..at 5' 10" she gets head on the ball and creates problems.  One starting forward out for season after serious injury a few games back. So small squad even smaller in this game and fatigue seems to be a factor.  Couple that with a long drive and away game and it was ripe for a tough loss.  They have to make some adjustments to get back on track but they did beat a pretty good Leslie team away early in the week.  They will have to get a win against some good NESCAC teams to get in the top 4 of the league but it can still happen..time will tell.    Big weekend in CT that will determine if they are in the lower half or top half of standings.

Middlebury plays good possession soccer..Amherst was fortunate to get an own goal win over them early in the year.  Sometimes it is simply a good or bad bounce that can cost or win a game.  Connecticut 3-0 win over Middlebury was probably a case of good fortune for CT and bad luck for Middlebury.  Not taking anything away but probably a bit of a fluke score.  Would not be surprised to see Mid fight back to be in the top 4-5 teams by end of year and do well in league playoffs.

Rudy, was at the Conn vs Midd game believe me this game was no fluke or case of bad luck.  Conn dominated possession, shots, play and score and completely outplayed Midd.   Conn is young and talented, but vs Williams they were completely outplayed and dominated.  This happens with young teams.  Conn is a good team.  No fluke there.  They will be a thorn in the side of many teams for the rest of this year and for the next few years.

[Becks]

Rudy, was at the Conn vs Midd game believe me this game was no fluke or case of bad luck.  Conn dominated possession, shots, play and score and completely outplayed Midd.   Conn is young and talented, but vs Williams they were completely outplayed and dominated.  This happens with young teams.  Conn is a good team.  No fluke there.  They will be a thorn in the side of many teams for the rest of this year and for the next few years.

I just noticed that 4 of the Conn girls (Cathy Higgins, Annie Higgins, Michelle Medina and Nicole Medina) all came from the same CT Northwest Catholic team. One of the best CT teams in recent memory.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nULrkLF71qk&app=desktop Not surprising that they are doing well at the college level. Probably doesn't hurt that they all played together for years. I also noticed that one of the Conn girls (Morgan Cowie-Haskell) is the older sister of a frosh who is starting for the Wes men's team.

[Ocean 1]

Anyone see the Mid v. St. Lawrence game yesterday...NESCAC v. Liberty League?

Wasn't expecting much from St. Lawrence but ultimately realized they play a pretty good brand of soccer in the Liberty League where William Smith is typically head of the pack. Bennett Rankings now has the Liberty League as the #2 power conference with NESCAC following at #3.

[Becks]

Anyone see the Mid v. St. Lawrence game yesterday...NESCAC v. Liberty League?

Wasn't expecting much from St. Lawrence but ultimately realized they play a pretty good brand of soccer in the Liberty League where William Smith is typically head of the pack. Bennett Rankings now has the Liberty League as the #2 power conference with NESCAC following at #3.

Based on how BR has rated teams compared to Massey, I am now a much bigger fan of Massey. I think it is much more nimble and more quickly reflects the strength of teams in any given year. Heck, BR still has Wesleyan and Trinity ranked ahead of Conn, which is ridiculous. Based on Massey rating, NESCAC is still clearly stronger than the Liberty league. The median NESCAC team (Middlebury) has a Massey rank of 344, while the Median Liberty team (Union) has a Massey rank of 452. Massey has the UAA as clearly the top D3 women's conference, with a median rank of 299.

Both BR and Massey were predicting a 1-goal Midd win over St Lawrence and, based on the game stats, that or a tie would have been a fair result. Midd outshot St Lawrence 17-11 and out SOGd them 7-5.

[amh63]

Amherst plays at ECSU tonight under the lights.  First time this year, I believe.  Do not know what the "pitch" surface is....think I am slowly getting the lingo in soccer.  Interesting to see under the conditions...especially if the field is turf.
Midweek game with Colby arriving this weekend.  Game tonight is scheduled for 7 pm.  webcast/video available.

[amh63]

Amherst gets beat in the second half by ECSU....2-1.  Could say it was cold and under the lights...on turf....etc.  Plain and simple the Warriors came out strong in the second half and dominated the Lady Jeffs.  The Warriors go over 500 for the season.  The announcers stated that Amherst dominated the first half.  Halftime lead was 1-0, Amherst.  In the 2nd half with less than 20 minutes to go and the lead holding, Amherst quite mentally and physically.  The goal that tied the game with 15 minutes left was a mistake by Gibson of Amherst and Burwick, the GK that fell down coming out for the ball.  The game winner was off a corner kick and a fine header that saw Amherst and its GK out of position.  Fine shot by the ECSU player. 
I am disappointed..yes.  Amherst had the advantage in talented players..ECSU had the advantage in coaches....imo.

[Ocean 1]

Amherst gets beat in the second half by ECSU....2-1.  Could say it was cold and under the lights...on turf....etc.  Plain and simple the Warriors came out strong in the second half and dominated the Lady Jeffs.  The Warriors go over 500 for the season.  The announcers stated that Amherst dominated the first half.  Halftime lead was 1-0, Amherst.  In the 2nd half with less than 20 minutes to go and the lead holding, Amherst quite mentally and physically.  The goal that tied the game with 15 minutes left was a mistake by Gibson of Amherst and Burwick, the GK that fell down coming out for the ball.  The game winner was off a corner kick and a fine header that saw Amherst and its GK out of position.  Fine shot by the ECSU player. 
I am disappointed..yes.  Amherst had the advantage in talented players..ECSU had the advantage in coaches....imo.

Saw the game video as well. One heck of an effort by ECSU given they were outshot by Amherst 14-4. Agree as well that Amherst may have sat back in H2 thinking they could protect the lead. That header by ECSU was spectacular! Gives the rest of NESCAC hope that another conference loss by Amherst is certainly possible. Who will be the team to do it?

[ECSUalum]

amh,
Most of ECSU women's home games are played at ECSU's Mansfield Sports Complex, which is artificial turf.  Sometimes they will play on campus where the men play which is natural grass.  Looks like the Warrior win tonight was first in a looong time over the Lady Jeffs.  Warrior Gods must be watching over the soccer teams this week as the NESCAC teams have dominated play, yet lost the game.

[amh63]

ECSU.....those Warrior ladies deserve to know that last night they beat the ninth ranked team in the nation.  Your broadcasters...a really fine crew...best I heard all season...we're a little behind.  They mention Amherst as the 14th ranked team.  If you can...doesn't matter to the coaches...let the players know their accomplishment.  It may spur them on to finish the season strong and into the post season.
I see that your MBB team will meet both Amherst and Williams this season.  I must warn Coach Hixon that the Warriors Den this season will be dangerous and point to the soccer upset. 

[ECSUalum]

ECSU.....those Warrior ladies deserve to know that last night they beat the ninth ranked team in the nation.  Your broadcasters...a really fine crew...best I heard all season...we're a little behind.  They mention Amherst as the 14th ranked team.  If you can...doesn't matter to the coaches...let the players know their accomplishment.  It may spur them on to finish the season strong and into the post season.
I see that your MBB team will meet both Amherst and Williams this season.  I must warn Coach Hixon that the Warriors Den this season will be dangerous and point to the soccer upset. 

Thanks for the kind comments amh63!!!  Again hoping the Warrior men and women make a good showing on the basketball court this fall/winter

[rudy]

Comments on Sat, Oct 4 games:

Middlebury 1-0 Tufts - Stats show a deserved win for Middlebury, as Tufts' offense, so impressive early in the season, was totally shut down. Middlebury outshot Tufts 15-3 and out SOGd them 4-1.

The person keeping stats on this game was way off.  Tufts had more than 3 shots in this game.  More like 7 or 8..have no idea where they get 3 from.  With 6 corner kicks they must have had 3 shots off corner kicks alone.  Not sure what game they were watching.  Nonetheless, Tufts again was not able to capitalize on early opportunities (shot hit post off corner kick early in game) and played flat in 2nd half.  Middlebury outplayed them in 2nd half but first half Tufts had better chances. Weather was a factor on the lone goal by Middlebury as defender slipped and fell - but it was wet for everyone so no excuses.   Best defender (perhaps best player) was out due to a red card at end of previous game...she is key on corner kicks..at 5' 10" she gets head on the ball and creates problems.  One starting forward out for season after serious injury a few games back. So small squad even smaller in this game and fatigue seems to be a factor.  Couple that with a long drive and away game and it was ripe for a tough loss.  They have to make some adjustments to get back on track but they did beat a pretty good Leslie team away early in the week.  They will have to get a win against some good NESCAC teams to get in the top 4 of the league but it can still happen..time will tell.    Big weekend in CT that will determine if they are in the lower half or top half of standings.

Middlebury plays good possession soccer..Amherst was fortunate to get an own goal win over them early in the year.  Sometimes it is simply a good or bad bounce that can cost or win a game.  Connecticut 3-0 win over Middlebury was probably a case of good fortune for CT and bad luck for Middlebury.  Not taking anything away but probably a bit of a fluke score.  Would not be surprised to see Mid fight back to be in the top 4-5 teams by end of year and do well in league playoffs.

Rudy, was at the Conn vs Midd game believe me this game was no fluke or case of bad luck.  Conn dominated possession, shots, play and score and completely outplayed Midd.   Conn is young and talented, but vs Williams they were completely outplayed and dominated.  This happens with young teams.  Conn is a good team.  No fluke there.  They will be a thorn in the side of many teams for the rest of this year and for the next few years.

I have no doubt that CT is a good and much improved team this year.  I was just saying that a 3 goal win in any NESCAC game may not be an indicator of how close the game really was. Sounds like on that particular day CT was the better team.   I think consistency over the season is key..especially when most teams can beat any other team on a given day.  It will be interesting to see if Tufts can play a full game against CT on Saturday.  This is important game for both teams. I hope to make it to watch at least some of the game.

[Becks]

Games scheduled for Sat, Oct 11:

Bowdoin @ Hamilton - BR makes Bowdoin a 1-goal favorite. Massey say Bowdoin 2-1. I'll say Bowdoin 1-0.

Middlebury @ Trinity - A battle between the two teams with the biggest drop-offs since last year. BR makes Middlebury a 1-goal favorite. Massey says 1-1. I'll say Middlebury 2-1.

Colby @ Amherst - BR makes Amherst a 3-goal favorite, while Massey says Amherst 1-0. I'll say Amherst 2-0.

Wesleyan @ Williams - BR makes Williams a 2-goal favorite, while Massey say Williams 2-0. I'll go with Massey.

Tufts @ Conn - BR makes Tufts a 1-goal favorite, while Massey says Conn 2-1. I'll go with Massey again.

[amh63]

Seems the Lady Jeffs do not like wet cold weather....see Wednesday lost.  Amherst wins over a game Colby team in OT....winning 2-1.  Amherst's coaches needs to get her players head straight against teams that look weaker ON PAPER!  Game started in rain, on a grass field.