Liberty League

stlawus · November 14, 2015, 01:05:30 PM

Ugly game by SLU, but the tournament isn't about style, it's about advancing. Mature performance by SLU to kill the game off. Lots of credit to Sage. They played a very good game and stuck to their plan.

deutschfan · November 14, 2015, 01:20:18 PM

If Sage could defend corners SLU would be cleaning out their lockers. SLU is very fortunate they are not playing Amherst again tomorrow. Based on today's showing that would be a blood bath. Hopefully for the reputation of the LL SLU's evil twin takes the rest of the tournament off.

stlawus · November 14, 2015, 01:27:43 PM

To be fair, it's extremely hard for any team to defend SLU corners when when a 6'5" first team All American is in the mixer. He had the assist on the goal, it was just SLU playing to their strengths. Have to give credit to Sage. The played a very compact defense that disrupted SLU's typical free flowing game plan. Would have been hard for anyone to get a good result there. However, it was still a poor performance for 60 minutes by SLU. Lots of bad passes and heavy first touches. Like you said hopefully they've worked out the kinks. A young team is bound to be a bit nervy in their first tournament game.

Saint of Old · November 14, 2015, 01:40:01 PM

Great first game.
The problem for SLU over the past few seasons in my opinion is not being tested in the early rounds of the dance.

Now that "bad" game is out of the system the boyz should be much looser for tomorrow's opponent.

Good first Tourney win for Tosh while getting to rest his secret weapon.

stlawus · November 15, 2015, 01:09:59 PM

SLU goes up 1-0 on some set piece trickery

deutschfan · November 15, 2015, 11:01:17 PM

So checking out next week's games SLU has as good a shot as any to get to the final four. Their defense has been playing lights out and a goal or two off set pieces should get them past Haverford. Oneonta is vulnerable. They lost against RPI and were a post away from losing to Vassar. RPI's demise leaves the LL banner with the Saints.

SandyMac · November 16, 2015, 08:53:29 AM

At this point in the tournament, the "anything can happen" mantra really becomes reality. Almost all of the teams left at this point are good enough to win it all, so it's all about who shows up on the day. Defending, set pieces, brilliant finishing, etc. will determine who comes out of the East region sectional.

I had assumed that the matches would be held at Haverford, but Oneonta would make far more sense from a centrally located campus perspective. Curious to see where it ends up. I'd imagine SLU would prefer to play on Haverford's grass vs. Oneonta's turf though.

Flying Weasel · November 16, 2015, 10:15:15 AM

Already determined. It's a Haverford.

Sectional hosts: Amhesrt - Haverford - Loras - Kenyon

SandyMac · November 16, 2015, 10:39:46 AM

Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 16, 2015, 10:15:15 AM
Already determined. It's a Haverford.

Sectional hosts: Amhesrt - Haverford - Loras - Kenyon

Where are you seeing that information? Or are you just assuming because of the byes? I was under the impression that the sites would be chosen today.

Flying Weasel · November 16, 2015, 12:15:38 PM

The NCAA's printable bracket was updated last night and shows the Sectional hosts: http://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/gametool/brackets/soccer-men_d3_2015.pdf

Flying Weasel · November 16, 2015, 12:17:22 PM

Also, some of the men's and women's teams had made edits to their Sunday game recaps to mention that they were hosting sectionals.

deutschfan · November 21, 2015, 12:07:00 PM

Although the game is only half over, there is no indication that the second half will be any better than the first for SLU. I assumed SLU's defense would keep them in any game but I was wrong there. Also, it didn't help SLU to start with two weak opponents at home last weekend. Haverford is for real. Finally, SLU's forwards have totally disappeared in the tournament. Well, they have 45 minutes to save their season.

deutschfan · November 21, 2015, 12:44:53 PM

Wheels have just fallen off.

stlawus · November 21, 2015, 01:00:59 PM

Disappointing end to SLU's season. That was very frustrating to watch. However, all credit goes to Haverford. They are a very good squad and could very well make a run to the finals. Congrats to the Fords. SLU has a good, young foundation to build upon the next coming years. Hunt and Copeland will be missed greatly, but the team has lots to look forward to.

Part_Bart · November 21, 2015, 02:30:42 PM

I was impressed with the full effort of Saints, no shame to their end.
Forwards across the Northeast, and particularly the rest of the LL, will be glad to see Copeland watching from the sidelines next year....
Haverford a bit better than I expected, hmm.