Liberty League

[deutschfan]

Let us know about the game if you get there Mr. Right.  It should be interesting.  Coach Tosch loses 10 seniors to a covid marred season, and Harvard has won 5 games total in the past 3 seasons, including no wins in 2019--an unbelievably embarrassing record for arguably the finest college in the world and one who should have its pick of the Jordan Morrises that are out there.

[stlawus]

The SLU scrimmage against Harvard will be at 7 PM on Harvard's home field.   I was hoping there would be a stream somewhere but I don't think there will be. 

[deutschfan]

Clarkson posts roster. Unlike SLU it retains 3 Jr starters from its 2019 team that almost made the NCAA tourney including Mack Walton and Brandon Bahr. Two of these players are listed as grad students. Clarkson is loaded for a redux.

[deutschfan]

RPI also posts.  League should be afraid, very afraid.  Not surprising that Coach Clinton who is loved by his players would retain all of his elgible stars.  All American Trevor Bisson, and First Teamer Michael Harten return as 5th years.  POY Josh Gaudiano instead of perhaps seeking greener D1 pastures returns for his second season.  Perhaps Mr. Right can chime in on this--how difficult will it be for Williams to beat RPI in its first game after RPI already has two games under its belt?

[deutschfan]

I am going to continue to blog with myself until the SLU fans can get past their early season dread, see the light at the end of the tunnel (although likely not this year's tunnel) and start contributing again.  Last year I predicted that Hobart would win it all, and since I was right, i will be presumptuous enough to share my predictions for this year:
1) RPI--loaded from back to front
2) Hobart--word on the street is that they have more than enough new talent to replace their graduates
3) Vassar--last year was one win away from winning league regular season and did it with scotch tape and twine (at least judging by the LL awards).  This year coach Jennings will find a way again and game with Clarkson with decide who is 3rd or 4th.
4) Clarkson--hasn't beaten Vassar in Poughkeepsie since 2010 and will not change this year
5) Ithaca--Not enough up top to be top tier in this defense oriented league
6) SLU--Making the playoffs will be noteworthy given their losses to graduation
7) RIT--Having been shut out of the NCAA since joining the LL, the school with the largest enrollment should have the horses but doesn't
8) Bard--Makes it out of the cellar because Union's pre-conference schedule makes it unprepared to compete
9) Union--Pre-conference schedule is simply an embarrassment

[deutschfan]

Oops, forgot Skidmore which slips in after RIT as it loses its best offensive threat to the covid lost season.

[stlawus]

I don't disagree with any of those predictions on paper.  But as the saying goes, nothing is played on paper.   There's nothing else to base these predictions on, so you pretty much have to go with them, I just think everyone missing a year will result in some weird happenings by the end of the season.   Many a time a team that was considered to be "loaded" ended up floundering and teams that had no expectations flourished.  This could be exacerbated by the fact no one has played in 2 years.  And no this not me trying to cope with the SLU prognostications lol.    Ultimately RPI has some of the best coaching, as does Hobart so they have an advantage for a season like this even if they didn't have the personnel. 

I'm just grateful that there's a chance for me to be upset because that means a season is being played.  While we all have our fandoms and predictions, the fact that there is a season is most important, and hopefully results in the league having a great showing come tournament time.

[stlawus]

Lots of LL action tonight, I'll be tuning into Hobart and Clarkson primarily.   Hopefully a great start to the season!

[Saint of Old]

Great game to tell us where two of the top teams in the league stand.
Sooo very happy for these boys.
This is what they love this is what we love.
Playing the games, competing.

We all took this thing somewhat for granted, but the absence has made the heart grow fonder for watching the game we love played by the men who love the game.

[OldNed]

I am going to continue to blog with myself until the SLU fans can get past their early season dread, see the light at the end of the tunnel (although likely not this year's tunnel) and start contributing again.  Last year I predicted that Hobart would win it all, and since I was right, i will be presumptuous enough to share my predictions for this year:
1) RPI--loaded from back to front
2) Hobart--word on the street is that they have more than enough new talent to replace their graduates
3) Vassar--last year was one win away from winning league regular season and did it with scotch tape and twine (at least judging by the LL awards).  This year coach Jennings will find a way again and game with Clarkson with decide who is 3rd or 4th.
4) Clarkson--hasn't beaten Vassar in Poughkeepsie since 2010 and will not change this year
5) Ithaca--Not enough up top to be top tier in this defense oriented league
6) SLU--Making the playoffs will be noteworthy given their losses to graduation
7) RIT--Having been shut out of the NCAA since joining the LL, the school with the largest enrollment should have the horses but doesn't
8) Bard--Makes it out of the cellar because Union's pre-conference schedule makes it unprepared to compete
9) Union--Pre-conference schedule is simply an embarrassment

Not a good opening day for Vassar, losing 3-1 to Western Connecticut. Box score indicates Western Connecticut had a player red carded in the 26th minute just after they went up 2-0.  Vassar had a man advantage until the 78th minute when a Vassar player was red carded, too.  Not only did Western Connecticut hold the line while playing a man down, they managed to score another to make it 3-0 before a late Vassar goal. 

[Ejay]

I watched some of that Vassar game.  They had some glaring holes, but I think WCU deserves credit.  They showed a lot of individual skill and were able to create several good counterattacking opportunities.

[deutschfan]

I am sticking with my early calls even though Vassar looked hapless at times blowing an unbeaten streak in opening games that lasted more than a decade, while RIT potted 4 against Brockport.  West Conn dominated even at a man down and deserve props.  The most awe-inspiring LL soccer performance of the day belonged to William Smith who dropped a dime on Oneonta from 39 shots.  Incredible.

[deutschfan]

Saint--if you are watching the game you must be dying.  Buffalo State gifts a goal to SLU on a pass back to the keeper and then SLU gives up an own goal on an easy pass back to its keeper. 

[stlawus]

The yearly injury bug already affecting SLU.  Best player is in a walking boot.   Good to win that game but Buff State played down a man most of the 2nd half.   First half it was the typical pass back to the keeper BS that has stunted the team and resulted in an own goal, but 2nd half they eschewed that strategy for possession going forward.  Not really a revolutionary concept.   

[Mr.Right]

Big wins for SLU and WCONN...RPI striker is the real deal...