Liberty League

[CU_GKnight]

I've lurked on this board for quite a few years and posted sporadically in the past about Clarkson, mostly at the end of the season. I've wanted to post more the past few years but didn't want to talk them up when they start strong and jinx them.  I don't think my superstition worked as they fell off a cliff most seasons anyway.  So i'm going to flip that and talk them up and maybe it will help them to maintain solid form through the full season.  So hopefully I can add a little bit of perspective on the Clarkson side of the LL.

I've watched parts of two of the games so far and I think they look to be a little better team than the past couple of years, at least compared with early season.  They appear to have more of an identity as a team that I think has been evolving over the past 4-5 years and now looks established.  Here are my takes on the roster:

Goalkeepers - They are definitely strong in goal with two seasoned juniors vying for the starts. Kladstrup is an incredible athlete that is able to make the dynamic saves, but has been prone to costly mistakes, while Morelli is less athletic but does everything well and makes very few mistakes and is always consistent.  Last Year Kladstrup won the job out of preseason and lost it early on with Morelli never relinquishing it.  It appears as though Kladstrup has won it again this year so hopefully he has grown and cleaned up the mistakes that pushed him the bench last year.  This is a case of having one keeper who is always a 7.5/10 rating (Morelli) and one who is anywhere between 6/10 and 9/10 (Kladstrup).  Hopefully we see a lot of 9/10 ratings this year.

Defense - As stlawus pointed out it looks like they may be susceptible up the middle, this may be the case - currently.  Losing Christian Silvano is a big loss (2022 All-LL 2nd Team as a freshman) as he did not return this year. It also looks like Kai Endo (2023 all-LL 2nd team) is on the roster but has not played yet this season. If he does return then this defense is substantially better than what it has been the first 3 games.  Kyle Otis is another outstanding player who can play as a central defender or CDM and was out this past weekend after playing the first game.  Assuming he returns I think the center of the park will be just fine.  The addition of freshman Morgan Burke looks to be a positive if he settles into how the program plays as he has played every minute so far in a central role and plays about how I would expect a 6'4" English back to play. Outside Logan Drake is a sold defender who plays well within the system.  If everyone on the roster suits up I think this group will continue to be a strength of the team.

Midfield - Having Eric McKean back for a COVID year after a breakout season last year brings strength and a player that can drive attacks and play the attacking style they are attempting play.  Jonathan Dereka is another solid central midfielder who distribute the ball well and looks more comfortable with the speed of play in his sophomore campaign. On the outside it appears to be a steady rotation of players with none standing out yet to me as a go to player, but hopefully someone will establish themselves in this role.

Forwards - This has been Clarkson's Achilles heel for a number of years with only a couple players exceeding the 5 goal mark in a season over the past decade.  It looks again like coach Lima is trying different pieces to see if a true striker emerges.

I think that if this team gets healthy and gels they have a chance to break through into the upper half of the league this season, especially given the struggles the rest of the league has had in out of conference play thus far.  I see some talent and potential in the new class and hopefully they can grow into their roles and propel the team forward.  Sitting at 2-0-1 at this point, given who has been out of the lineup, is a solid start. I think we will know more this week with a home game against Plattsburgh (who they are 1-14 against since 2003).  They also have a stiff test traveling to Rochester in two weeks before starting LL play.

[Saint of Old]

This WPI team is making the LL look soft.
Beat RPI amd handling Skidmore pretty easily right now.
They are a very good team.

A pleasure to see a team that does not have a game plan of keeping the ball in your own half for as song as possible.

[Saint of Old]

First ALL WHITE team at SLU for 30 years.
First opening 3 games without a win in 30 years.

Not your Daddy's Saints.

[kevdog]

Nice goal by SLU. All started by Argueta losing the ball but fighting to get it back and Gilmer being unselfish and making the easy pass across the goal mouth.

[Saint4life]

Great last 10 minutes in the first half with multiple dangerous chances. The boys rewarded themselves with a corner goal to make it 2-0, including a great save by Charalambous to keep it that way.

Let's see what the second half brings, will more players be subbed in to keep the teams legs fresh and injury free?

If the results holds this would be a much better weekend than anticipated.

[stlawus]

There's more of us!

[stlawus]

Union stole one against TCNJ with a late penalty. Even with the coaching change and losing their best player to transferring they are managing some good results early on.

I've said a few times I didn't think Hobart's run of scoring wonder goals at the end of last season would sustain, but they proved me wrong today with yet another 20+ yard upper 18 strike to secure a draw against Oneonta.

SLU ends up having the most successful weekend in Oneonta they've ever had.  Put this team on grass and they look a lot different.  Long ways to go but some of the goal scoring woes/bad luck reverted a bit today, Henry Brown getting 3 on the weekend.

[Saint4life]

Great turnaround after going 0-2 in the first weekend without scoring to a 1-0-1 weekend with 5 goals and 1 against as well as the Mayors Cup!

Brown was dynamic, aggressive and hungry bagging 3 goals and 2 assists on the weekend, showing that every opponent should be aware. Campbell contributed to the third goal winning the ball from a press and scoring 1 himself. Definitely a better start to the season for him compared to last year.
The Defense was solid today only giving up 1 shot on goal the entire game which in the past wasn't the case when playing Hartwick. I would like to see more from Pijpers as a 10 similar to Brown and regaining his deadly right foot.
Mogul seems to create a few good chances especially when he is tucked in and getting into the box, but I will be wanting to see more impact from him.
A player to watch is Scheibler who is stepping up as a 6 in the build up. If the team can connect the possession through him instead of the goalkeeper we will see much more dynamic attacks like today!
Any comments and observations about other players?

The team can be happy to have turned the bad start last week somewhat around at a usually negative prone weekend the past 4 years with injuries, an Oneonta loss, and a Hartwick scramble.
NOW it will show if the found their identity fighting through adversity and can keep going. SUNY Canton is up next which should be another dominance on Sandy followed by SUNY Potsdam and then opening LL Play. The right path has opened up for the path they just have to walk it with aggressive attacking hunger, dominant proud defending, and relying in the qualities of the team.

[stlawus]

Man us scarlet and brown folk are going to run everyone else off this board lol. Great to see another SLU faithful in here. 

I'm not going to say this team has turned things around just yet but it should be said they haven't had a weekend like that in Oneonta ever.  Was nice to see some more players get playing time, in particular first year Kyle Reddish.  Has lots of size, good vision and composed on the ball.  Would like to see him develop in that DM/B2B role over the next 4 years.

[ArsenalFan]

I really like Henry Brown... That young man could be big time over the next few years. He reminds me of Brendan Gorman with his smooth blend of pace, power and savvy.

It's really hard to play good football - be patient. The best is yet to come.

Go Saints!!

[Saint_Dad]

Great turnaround after going 0-2 in the first weekend without scoring to a 1-0-1 weekend with 5 goals and 1 against as well as the Mayors Cup!

Brown was dynamic, aggressive and hungry bagging 3 goals and 2 assists on the weekend, showing that every opponent should be aware. Campbell contributed to the third goal winning the ball from a press and scoring 1 himself. Definitely a better start to the season for him compared to last year.
The Defense was solid today only giving up 1 shot on goal the entire game which in the past wasn't the case when playing Hartwick. I would like to see more from Pijpers as a 10 similar to Brown and regaining his deadly right foot.
Mogul seems to create a few good chances especially when he is tucked in and getting into the box, but I will be wanting to see more impact from him.
A player to watch is Scheibler who is stepping up as a 6 in the build up. If the team can connect the possession through him instead of the goalkeeper we will see much more dynamic attacks like today!
Any comments and observations about other players?

The team can be happy to have turned the bad start last week somewhat around at a usually negative prone weekend the past 4 years with injuries, an Oneonta loss, and a Hartwick scramble.
NOW it will show if the found their identity fighting through adversity and can keep going. SUNY Canton is up next which should be another dominance on Sandy followed by SUNY Potsdam and then opening LL Play. The right path has opened up for the path they just have to walk it with aggressive attacking hunger, dominant proud defending, and relying in the qualities of the team.

SLU started to turn things positively this weekend.  The coach seems to be trying to figure out the midfield. First year Kyle Reddish made an impact in the middle with his size, and simple movement of the ball.  He subbed in for Pijpers in the middle, who seems to be more suited as a striker with his deadly shot,although Brown has that position in hand. I'd be interested to see how Brown would perform on the wing with Pijpers up top.  Mogul played wide vs Hartwick.  It seems that coach is trying to get him more involved in the attack as last year's team leader in shots has only two in the first four games.
I'm expecting a lot more offense when they hit their home field this weekend.  The large field suits the St Lawrence game.  In fact, the Saints have not lost a regular season home Liberty League game since 2021.
Baker Diaz is looking good on defense as well.  I'd like to see him send diagonal long balls to his right winger rather than the straight over the top ball to the left.  Diaz' foot is strong and if he gets this right I would expect some attacks from this transition.  Seniors Owen Lillis and Will baker are working hard on the defense as well.  As long as this defense stays healthy, they are going to be tough to score on.  Their weakness right now is the midfield, although I'm seeing Petrone continue to improve and gain confidence.  Huge improvement in corner kicks this year.  A lot of good balls into the box on free kicks as well.  But who is taking the direct free kicks on goal?  Pijpers? Mogul? Petrone? 
Away games are not easy.  Home cooking starts this weekend with another non conference game.

[kevdog]

Great turnaround after going 0-2 in the first weekend without scoring to a 1-0-1 weekend with 5 goals and 1 against as well as the Mayors Cup!

Brown was dynamic, aggressive and hungry bagging 3 goals and 2 assists on the weekend, showing that every opponent should be aware. Campbell contributed to the third goal winning the ball from a press and scoring 1 himself. Definitely a better start to the season for him compared to last year.
The Defense was solid today only giving up 1 shot on goal the entire game which in the past wasn't the case when playing Hartwick. I would like to see more from Pijpers as a 10 similar to Brown and regaining his deadly right foot.
Mogul seems to create a few good chances especially when he is tucked in and getting into the box, but I will be wanting to see more impact from him.
A player to watch is Scheibler who is stepping up as a 6 in the build up. If the team can connect the possession through him instead of the goalkeeper we will see much more dynamic attacks like today!
Any comments and observations about other players?

The team can be happy to have turned the bad start last week somewhat around at a usually negative prone weekend the past 4 years with injuries, an Oneonta loss, and a Hartwick scramble.
NOW it will show if the found their identity fighting through adversity and can keep going. SUNY Canton is up next which should be another dominance on Sandy followed by SUNY Potsdam and then opening LL Play. The right path has opened up for the path they just have to walk it with aggressive attacking hunger, dominant proud defending, and relying in the qualities of the team.

SLU started to turn things positively this weekend.  The coach seems to be trying to figure out the midfield. First year Kyle Reddish made an impact in the middle with his size, and simple movement of the ball.  He subbed in for Pijpers in the middle, who seems to be more suited as a striker with his deadly shot,although Brown has that position in hand. I'd be interested to see how Brown would perform on the wing with Pijpers up top.  Mogul played wide vs Hartwick.  It seems that coach is trying to get him more involved in the attack as last year's team leader in shots has only two in the first four games.
I'm expecting a lot more offense when they hit their home field this weekend.  The large field suits the St Lawrence game.  In fact, the Saints have not lost a regular season home Liberty League game since 2021.
Baker Diaz is looking good on defense as well.  I'd like to see him send diagonal long balls to his right winger rather than the straight over the top ball to the left.  Diaz' foot is strong and if he gets this right I would expect some attacks from this transition.  Seniors Owen Lillis and Will baker are working hard on the defense as well.  As long as this defense stays healthy, they are going to be tough to score on.  Their weakness right now is the midfield, although I'm seeing Petrone continue to improve and gain confidence.  Huge improvement in corner kicks this year.  A lot of good balls into the box on free kicks as well.  But who is taking the direct free kicks on goal?  Pijpers? Mogul? Petrone? 
Away games are not easy.  Home cooking starts this weekend with another non conference game.

I would like to see Pijpers up front more as a striker role with Brown.  I think they can be deadly with each other and gives the mids and defenders two target players.  When Ogobe comes back (don't know how long he is out for) i think he can take over the CDM role and play it well and have Mogul the attacking midfielder.

[Saint_Dad]

Great turnaround after going 0-2 in the first weekend without scoring to a 1-0-1 weekend with 5 goals and 1 against as well as the Mayors Cup!

Brown was dynamic, aggressive and hungry bagging 3 goals and 2 assists on the weekend, showing that every opponent should be aware. Campbell contributed to the third goal winning the ball from a press and scoring 1 himself. Definitely a better start to the season for him compared to last year.
The Defense was solid today only giving up 1 shot on goal the entire game which in the past wasn't the case when playing Hartwick. I would like to see more from Pijpers as a 10 similar to Brown and regaining his deadly right foot.
Mogul seems to create a few good chances especially when he is tucked in and getting into the box, but I will be wanting to see more impact from him.
A player to watch is Scheibler who is stepping up as a 6 in the build up. If the team can connect the possession through him instead of the goalkeeper we will see much more dynamic attacks like today!
Any comments and observations about other players?

The team can be happy to have turned the bad start last week somewhat around at a usually negative prone weekend the past 4 years with injuries, an Oneonta loss, and a Hartwick scramble.
NOW it will show if the found their identity fighting through adversity and can keep going. SUNY Canton is up next which should be another dominance on Sandy followed by SUNY Potsdam and then opening LL Play. The right path has opened up for the path they just have to walk it with aggressive attacking hunger, dominant proud defending, and relying in the qualities of the team.

SLU started to turn things positively this weekend.  The coach seems to be trying to figure out the midfield. First year Kyle Reddish made an impact in the middle with his size, and simple movement of the ball.  He subbed in for Pijpers in the middle, who seems to be more suited as a striker with his deadly shot,although Brown has that position in hand. I'd be interested to see how Brown would perform on the wing with Pijpers up top.  Mogul played wide vs Hartwick.  It seems that coach is trying to get him more involved in the attack as last year's team leader in shots has only two in the first four games.
I'm expecting a lot more offense when they hit their home field this weekend.  The large field suits the St Lawrence game.  In fact, the Saints have not lost a regular season home Liberty League game since 2021.
Baker Diaz is looking good on defense as well.  I'd like to see him send diagonal long balls to his right winger rather than the straight over the top ball to the left.  Diaz' foot is strong and if he gets this right I would expect some attacks from this transition.  Seniors Owen Lillis and Will baker are working hard on the defense as well.  As long as this defense stays healthy, they are going to be tough to score on.  Their weakness right now is the midfield, although I'm seeing Petrone continue to improve and gain confidence.  Huge improvement in corner kicks this year.  A lot of good balls into the box on free kicks as well.  But who is taking the direct free kicks on goal?  Pijpers? Mogul? Petrone? 
Away games are not easy.  Home cooking starts this weekend with another non conference game.

I would like to see Pijpers up front more as a striker role with Brown.  I think they can be deadly with each other and gives the mids and defenders two target players.  When Ogobe comes back (don't know how long he is out for) i think he can take over the CDM role and play it well and have Mogul the attacking midfielder.

Unfortunately I think Jeremy is out for the year.  Congrats to Henry Brown and George C. for offensive and defensive players of the week in the LL.  Well deserved.

[stlawus]

Vassar rescued disaster to scrape out a 2-1 win against New Paltz.  Not sure what New Paltz was doing on the final goal playing their line so high but they got burned by Tobalski's 5th goal for the game winner. 

Really good result for Clarkson to tie things up with Plattsburgh and hold onto the draw, especially since Plattsburgh vaulted into the rankings this week. 

Hobart is likely dealing with the common "get everyone's best game" dynamic as being a defending league champ.  Outshot Naz by a significant amount but Naz held on to win.

RPI had a shaky win against Keene, but a win is a win. 

[Crossit4fun]

Watched the NP vs Vassar match, Vassar dominated possession in both halves and looked more dangerous throughout the match. Vassar stayed calm throughout the match. I thought they were almost to patient. Agree you CANNOT allow a ball over the top in that situation but it started with NP giving ball away from the kick off.

Platts. missed a PEN (hit outside post) and hit the crossbar with a min or two left. Credit to Clarkson parked the bus with about 30 min to go and held on.
They were bringing all 10 field players back on corners in the 2nd half. Platts. Deserved better but thats soccer.