Liberty League

[Mr.Right]

Skidmore beats Hobart 1-0 at Hobart. Thoroughbreds controlled the game and kept Hobart from ever really getting into a rhythm. Statesmen had a couple of chances but never got anything going really. Skidmore reminds me a lot of MIT: not particularly skilled in the final third or midfield, but they find goals, are very organized and big, and do well in the middle of the field due to their shape. My guess is that Hobart will have to sweat it regarding a Pool C mainly due to their SOS.

I thought the same thing a couple weeks ago when I saw MIT because I have seen Skidmore maybe 3 times. Now I am more inclined to compare Skidmore and Bowdoin. Very structured and organized defensively. Very good GK's(Bowdoin's is better) , athletic and anemic offensively. Very deliberate after getting the first goal. Meaning willing to waste time early in the 2nd Half. Absolutely hate THAT PART but the rest of it is commendable. Bowdoin has a bit more quality but not by much.


I will give Skidmore a slight advantage after Union upsets SLU because Union will be so high after a win like that they would be prime for a beating.

[Mr.Right]

1-0 Union on an absolutely horrible Gk'ing mistake. Sun caused him some problems but cmon that was WEAK

[Mr.Right]

i am shocked Union has not gone to a block of 7 defensively. They are actually staying in their shape and not dropping to deep after losing the ball.

[stlawus]

SLU plays a high line, Union coach clearly isn't content with trying to protect a one goal lead.  Better chance scoring again than not conceding an equalizer I guess. 

[SandyMac]

If it continues at this rate, you'll see Copeland, Yarros, and Dorney up top for the last 15 min...

[Mr.Right]

The way SLU's backs are passing, I would consider throwing a wrench in and press them hard 2nd Half if they want to get that 2nd goal

[stlawus]

Man, how SLU have missed Grant.  He has a ridiculous goal scoring record in the playoffs.

[blooter442]

1-1 Grant. Really nice give-and-go, opened Union up like slicing butter.

[Saint of Old]

Grant is perhaps the most technical forward in school history, which is SAYING a lot!!!!

Not quite as creative as Ballantyne, but just as skillful.

[Sandy]

Did Roche, Dede, and Yarros all get injured during practice this week? None of them started.

[stlawus]

He's not your typical CF. Has the ball skills of a CAM and positioning of a true striker. 

[Saint of Old]

The game will be close.
Never underestimate school pride.

The game, and I say it again was not a 8-0 game circa 2012 Wheaton in the NCAAs

The game was even and 0-0 after 44:59 seconds.
Union had played a double OT game the day before and faced a rested SLU on Sandy.

SLU is tough to play on Sandy when they are going on all cylinders and they just happened to be on that day.

Great game by the Dutchmen.

I knew they would come out and fight hard. They had a great season indeed and will be among the best teams in conference next year.

Saints must try to  clinch the league now against Skidmore.
A repeat of the 2013 finals.
Should be a great game.

[deutschfan]

Congrats to the Saints and Skidmore.  Regional Rankings still have RPI at number 4, with Skidmore and Hobart nowhere to be found.  If Saints give a 6th loss to Skidmore once again this could be a 1 LL NCAA qualifier year.  Hopefully this is Roethel's worst game or it will be a very short Saints run. 

[stlawus]

Congrats to the Saints and Skidmore.  Regional Rankings still have RPI at number 4, with Skidmore and Hobart nowhere to be found.  If Saints give a 6th loss to Skidmore once again this could be a 1 LL NCAA qualifier year.  Hopefully this is Roethel's worst game or it will be a very short Saints run.

Uncharacteristic 1st half by Roethel, but he played much better in the 2nd half.  Sun was clearly bothering him but that was a pretty bad gaffe nonetheless. 

[SandyMac]

Roethel's been rock solid all year. No need to throw him under the bus.  The way he handled some of those crosses and corners in the 2nd half was downright impressive.

SLU has always prided itself in the team picking each other up when they need it, and today was no exception.

Can't wait for the final!