Liberty League

[stlawus]

You are indeed correct, I was wrong.  For some reason I thought Copeland scored way more goals than he did that season and thought he got it as a result of that.

I'm not saying the most goals means POY, obviously there are examples of the leading goal scorer not getting it.  Most impactful on offense should have been what I originally said.  And even then, as mentioned that still doesn't necessarily mean the best player, but often times those players are on teams that did not finish high in the standings. 

[Saint_Dad]

I'm still absolutely baffled at how Clarkson has had 3 .630 or higher win percentage seasons in a row and missed the conference tournament each time. 

And they are the third ranked LL team in the NPI rankings. 

[stlawus]

The magic runs out for Hobart.  Strong finish to their season given their circumstances.  RIT looked pretty decent today, I suspect they'll give Vassar a much bigger test than last week, but Vassar should win by 2 goals I think.

[stlawus]

Skidmore with the chalk as they win in penalties.  Pretty boring game, seemed like neither team wanted to take any risks.   

[Saint_Dad]

Skidmore with the chalk as they win in penalties.  Pretty boring game, seemed like neither team wanted to take any risks.   

Skidmore doesn't let up many goals. They could be tough to beat, and with their goalie, I would be looking for the win in regulation.

[stlawus]

Yep, they're well disciplined.  Major testament to their first year head coach.  Should be a great slate of games Friday.

[stlawus]

As I predicted, RIT gave Vassar a much better game compared to last week.  Scored early but Vassar's offense was too much to overcome.  Shots weren't egregiously lopsided but talent wins out in the end.

Really great game between SLU and Skidmore.  SLU once again pulls a rabbit out of the hat late to tie things.  Wind was really bad in the 2nd half which played a big role in Skidmore's first goal.  Thought if SLU could survive the wind in the first OT they'd have a good shot in the 2nd, which was the case.  Goal of the season for SLU came at the right time.  How could anyone want to continue to scrap overtime in the regular season, just makes the game more exciting. 

[ArsenalFan]

What a game. These SAINTS have tremendous character to not give up on the game after Skidmore's late go ahead goal. They were pretty lackluster most of the game but, credit to Skidmore's stingy defensive commitment and organization. They are a tough team to break down. Henry Brown finds a way and absolute screamer from the Dutchman. Can't wait for Sunday!It would be quite the story for the critics and the doubters if they can find a way to pull an upset at Vassar.

[StatesSoccerFan]

Totally agree that removing OT from the regular season has taken away from the excitement of games. Too many teams just packing it in & way too many games end in ties. Golden goals like in the SLU game today are fantastic.
Congrats to both Vassar & SLU. We're the best two teams in LL this year and should be a great game Sunday.

[Saint_Dad]

WOW! What a game! SLU does it again!
How many come from behind ties and victories?. This team has each others back. They were not going to let their senior goalkeeper end his collegiate career on a miscue.  Vassar will be tough tough to beat. Both deserve to go to the NCAAs, but mostlikely only one team will.  Good luck to both.

[stlawus]

Tough way to see SLU end their season but that was one of the best LL finals I can remember even with the game ending with a shootout after 0-0.  Congrats to the Brewers for winning the league double, represent the Liberty League well in the NCAA tournament!

[Ejay]

Vassar GK with a huge top hand save on 3rd shooter, and then SLU sends final kick wide of net to give VC the deserved win.

[kevdog]

Great game although I think Vassar had the better of the play though. Defense for both teams were tough and resilient. Tough way to go out for the seniors but they can hold their heads up high. Hope Tosh hits the recruiting trail hard because he has some tough, skilled and all around good seniors to replace.

[stlawus]

11 saves for SLU's keeper, 10 for Vassar's.  Game could have easily been 5-5.  Major corner kick disparity but SLU's big CBs cleaned up a lot of danger on them.  Thought SLU needlessly turned the ball over repeatedly off of goal kicks, but Vassar did very well to immediately get the ball back into the middle to pull SLU defenders around the final third.  SLU had to throw in first year Grant Gilmer into left back when Will Baker could not continue at right back, major big game experience for him and Kyle Reddish who played extremely well given their youth and the stakes of the game.  Nothing more needs to be said about Charalambous in net, played the game of his life and left it all on the field.  Sad for SLU's seniors to go out in such a cruel fashion, but they left their mark on the program with a 41-17-19 record for their careers along with 2 LL titles and a finals appearance.

As for Vassar, they made no mistakes and dictated much of the tempo for long stretches of the game.  Forwards and midfield perfectly positioned themselves all game in and behind the SLU backline to create chances and cause chaos in the box.  A very well coached team with lots of talent.  That will be a dangerous team in the tournament, and hopefully they get a favorable draw and leave a statement on the national scene.

[kevdog]

Reddish played well. Very impresssed with hm today. With Baker, Gustuv, Reddish, and Ogong coming back, that will be a very good defense.