2015 NCAA TOURNAMENT THREAD

[lastguyoffthebench]

Good thing I checked the forum.   The score shows St Olaf 2, Wheaton 1 on the GameTracker...

Kenyon puts up 3 on Tufts.  Impressive.   Didn't see either gsme, would Kenyon be the small favorite?

I'd say. 
Kenyon +150
Calvin +175
Draw +200

[lastguyoffthebench]

If Haverford and Oneonta advance, that game will be an up-and-down battle.   

Predictions:
Amherst 2, Lycoming 0
Trinity 1, Brandeis 0
Haverford 2, SLU 1
Oneonta St 3, MIT 0
Loras 2, DePauw 1
Wheaton 3, St. Olaf 1
Tufts 1, Kenyon 1.  PKs
F&M 2, Calvin 1.

Today fairly straight forward.  Which likely dog will pull it off?   Will be in attendance  at Haverford regardless of who makes it.  Four very good teams in that pod

[PaulNewman]

Thoughts on Tufts Kenyon game. Thought Tufts had the better play all around. Great goal at the end by Kenyon. Thought Barnes played excellent for Kenyon. I think Kenyon's defense will be the weakness that keeps them from winning the title. Amolo was the worst of the 3 forwards Tufts played this tournament. The pk was questionable and it deflated Tufts for a short period. The Tufts midfield could have played a a little quicker. Kayne was double teamed but managed to get off some good balls. He had several steals on defense.  Kenyon has a nice midfield. Don't know why they stopped using them in second half. think their defense will have trouble with tall strong forwards. Majumber played excellent. I can see
Kenyon winning tomorrow. Stop Amolo and Barnes and and pressure their defense is the way to beat them.

Tony has another year left, so hopefully he will work on his game this summer and show a lot of improvement.

Yes, he has skill. Just think he needs to work on his focus and get a little more blue collar attitude.

I posted earlier that I don't see him as a 90 minute player, and the assessments that he has difficulty with physical play are correct IMO. Good news for him - his weaknesses are few, and they are obvious. Get to work lad!

You also said that you told the Chicago fans that they better foul him when he was 1 on 3 as soon as he touched the ball.  The kid has 18 goals.  He's scored some big goals.  He's not a big kid, about 5'8 or 5'9 and 150ish lbs.  I think he's done OK for himself.

An unsung player is Glassman.  He unfortunately missed the last 2 Sweet 16 games with injuries and they could have used him.  He made one of the more remarkable plays of the season against OWU -- regardless of how you feel about a PK being called -- when under 10 secs when he chested a long ball 5 yards in front of himself between two defenders to put himself in 1v1 with the GK, and today, he shielded for Myers to have a path to take the shot with 20 seconds left.  He gives Kenyon the physical bite that perhaps Amolo doesn't.  Barnes I thought was just outstanding.

Domino, were you at the game?  Going tomorrow?

[Domino1195]

NCAC: Yes and Yes. Calvin game became a grind fest - got the goal and sat in. Give them credit for knowing how to win and finishing a game. But hardly a thing of beauty.

Tony looked gassed early in the second half - Kenyon used subs in the first half but shortened the bench too soon in the second. #28 played so many more minutes last weekend - he brings a flair to the team and he doesn't over do it - knows when to give it up.

I have to say the biggest difference in the teams that make the tournament: they don't over dribble, they share the ball. Love that.

F&M shut down #11 pretty well; #26 had moments of success on the ball - he'll match up against Barnes - should be an interesting dual.  #11 and #15 attacking Kenyon's outside backs and defending set pieces is what Kenyon needs to focus upon. Calvin can "complain" when play gets physical - except for #5 - he has no problem with physical play. He got a yellow today and is quite the enforcer - Amolo needs to avoid him

[PaulNewman]

NCAC: Yes and Yes. Calvin game became a grind fest - got the goal and sat in. Give them credit for knowing how to win and finishing a game. But hardly a thing of beauty.

Tony looked gassed early in the second half - Kenyon used subs in the first half but shortened the bench too soon in the second. #28 played so many more minutes last weekend - he brings a flair to the team and he doesn't over do it - knows when to give it up.

I have to say the biggest difference in the teams that make the tournament: they don't over dribble, they share the ball. Love that.

F&M shut down #11 pretty well; #26 had moments of success on the ball - he'll match up against Barnes - should be an interesting dual.  #11 and #15 attacking Kenyon's outside backs and defending set pieces is what Kenyon needs to focus upon. Calvin can "complain" when play gets physical - except for #5 - he has no problem with physical play. He got a yellow today and is quite the enforcer - Amolo needs to avoid him

Interesting.  Yeah, I don't mind Tony coming out in the 2nd half....as long as he goes back in.  I hope it was clear earlier today that I was being sarcastic about Amolo working hard over the summer.  I'm sure he will do that, but IMHO and biased opinion, He ALREADY is one of the best players in the country and depending on how Kenyon does from here forward should be very much in the conversation for national player of the year.  He may well leave Kenyon as the most decorated player in Kenyon history.  To suggest that he was the "worst" of anything was just preposterous. 

I believe #5 is the one RH mentioned who could have been tossed against OWU.  Maybe he can meet Kenyon's #24.

FWIW, I have it on very good authority that the PK today was NOT for a handball and was for a pull down on a Kenyon player.  I have no way of knowing how legit or how blatant the foul was but of course I am told it was legit.  It always legit when your team and always "questionable" when it's not your team. 

Should be a good one tomorrow.  Undefeated Calvin vs 19-1-1 Kenyon.  Ironically, given both of their ties to OWU, Calvin and Kenyon last played AT OWU in the annual early season OWU tournament in 2013.

[blooter442]

FWIW, I have it on very good authority that the PK today was NOT for a handball and was for a pull down on a Kenyon player.  I have no way of knowing how legit or how blatant the foul was but of course I am told it was legit.  It always legit when your team and always "questionable" when it's not your team. 

This is very believable. I saw the Kenyon player go down and assumed that that was what the PK was called for, rather than a phantom handball. It wasn't until after that I even realized there was allegations of handball. What a great pen by Barnes, though. Top shelf every time.

[D3soccerwatcher]

All teams in this year's tournament who have conceded 3 or more goals in a game have NOT advanced. The old adage rings true...defense wins championships.

[SandyMac]

If Haverford and Oneonta advance, that game will be an up-and-down battle.   

Predictions:
Amherst 2, Lycoming 0
Trinity 1, Brandeis 0
Haverford 2, SLU 1
Oneonta St 3, MIT 0
Loras 2, DePauw 1
Wheaton 3, St. Olaf 1
Tufts 1, Kenyon 1.  PKs
F&M 2, Calvin 1.

Today fairly straight forward.  Which likely dog will pull it off?   Will be in attendance  at Haverford regardless of who makes it.  Four very good teams in that pod

See you there! I'll be amongst the SLU supporters. Would love to chat.

[Domino1195]

NCAC: Yes and Yes. Calvin game became a grind fest - got the goal and sat in. Give them credit for knowing how to win and finishing a game. But hardly a thing of beauty.

Tony looked gassed early in the second half - Kenyon used subs in the first half but shortened the bench too soon in the second. #28 played so many more minutes last weekend - he brings a flair to the team and he doesn't over do it - knows when to give it up.

I have to say the biggest difference in the teams that make the tournament: they don't over dribble, they share the ball. Love that.

F&M shut down #11 pretty well; #26 had moments of success on the ball - he'll match up against Barnes - should be an interesting dual.  #11 and #15 attacking Kenyon's outside backs and defending set pieces is what Kenyon needs to focus upon. Calvin can "complain" when play gets physical - except for #5 - he has no problem with physical play. He got a yellow today and is quite the enforcer - Amolo needs to avoid him

Interesting.  Yeah, I don't mind Tony coming out in the 2nd half....as long as he goes back in.  I hope it was clear earlier today that I was being sarcastic about Amolo working hard over the summer.  I'm sure he will do that, but IMHO and biased opinion, He ALREADY is one of the best players in the country and depending on how Kenyon does from here forward should be very much in the conversation for national player of the year.  He may well leave Kenyon as the most decorated player in Kenyon history.  To suggest that he was the "worst" of anything was just preposterous. 

I believe #5 is the one RH mentioned who could have been tossed against OWU.  Maybe he can meet Kenyon's #24.

FWIW, I have it on very good authority that the PK today was NOT for a handball and was for a pull down on a Kenyon player.  I have no way of knowing how legit or how blatant the foul was but of course I am told it was legit.  It always legit when your team and always "questionable" when it's not your team. 

Should be a good one tomorrow.  Undefeated Calvin vs 19-1-1 Kenyon.  Ironically, given both of their ties to OWU, Calvin and Kenyon last played AT OWU in the annual early season OWU tournament in 2013.

Per Amolo - did not see any previous mention that he was a poor player - and I do recall your earlier comment about fitness - and we have the same assessment on that!

On the PK - the referee was explaining the call to a F&M player, gesticulating with his arms above his head, then pulling both arms down to his right side. The gesture looked like one a player would use to block a shot coming at their face - could also be interpreted as a pulling- down movement.

The Kenyon player who needs to be careful is Henry - I watch him off the ball - he "likes" to engage his opponents.

Interesting referee assignments we've received at Kenyon - two of the last three are active PRO MLS referees; Sorg - who did Kenyon's game yesterday - did MLS about 5 years ago - still does college at a national level.

[PaulNewman]

Good morning Domino.  Hope you get a good game today.

First of all, watching on video vs live is so different that folks are bound to see and/or notice different things.

I never said a word about Amolo's fitness.  I had questioned him sitting out the last 25 or so minutes in tight games vs Oberlin and OWU.  He's a very hard worker and Brown doesn't give you a jersey number if you aren't fit.  I think the forwards do need breaks though because they are asked to high press when they are out there.  And I wasn't suggesting that you said anything negative.  The only question about him going into this season was scoring in the biggest games.  He's done that consistently all season -- CMU, Oberlin, Denison, OWU x2, Chicago -- so that question I think can be put to bed.  Tufts did a good job on him.  Good teams can neutralize great players on opposing teams if determined to do so.

I personally don't see Myers as a chippy player.  There are other Kenyon candidates for that.  My take is that he is a converted attacking mid and like on the play you felt he should have seen red in Chicago game had made a play and then was on a run with the ball, lost the ball a bit out in front of them, resulting in a clumsy or poor challenge.  You were there live, though, and you're a ref, so I give your take a lot of credence.  Aside from that, Myers as a soph has been huge all year as a CB and providing key goals at critical times.  Two GWs late in the last 3 games.  He and Lowry as a pair have to be the upside major surprise of the team.  Wynn, also a soph, who has played at right and left back, has had a breakout year as well.  Another converted attacking mid, he's had a bunch of assists and scored the 2nd big goal yesterday.  The left back was out for more than a month with illness/injury.  He actually is one of the fastest players on the team, but I'm sure he is still getting back into optimal condition.  The other primary outside back is very calm and good on the ball and makes great crosses.

I think some of the confusion about the PK is that the ball did hit a hand, but a Kenyon hand (not Tufts) in the process of the foul, and the foul was for pulling a player down.  Confirmed now twice.

[Domino1195]

Good morning Domino.  Hope you get a good game today.

First of all, watching on video vs live is so different that folks are bound to see and/or notice different things.

I never said a word about Amolo's fitness.  I had questioned him sitting out the last 25 or so minutes in tight games vs Oberlin and OWU.  He's a very hard worker and Brown doesn't give you a jersey number if you aren't fit.  I think the forwards do need breaks though because they are asked to high press when they are out there.  And I wasn't suggesting that you said anything negative.  The only question about him going into this season was scoring in the biggest games.  He's done that consistently all season -- CMU, Oberlin, Denison, OWU x2, Chicago -- so that question I think can be put to bed.  Tufts did a good job on him.  Good teams can neutralize great players on opposing teams if determined to do so.

I personally don't see Myers as a chippy player.  There are other Kenyon candidates for that.  My take is that he is a converted attacking mid and like on the play you felt he should have seen red in Chicago game had made a play and then was on a run with the ball, lost the ball a bit out in front of them, resulting in a clumsy or poor challenge.  You were there live, though, and you're a ref, so I give your take a lot of credence.  Aside from that, Myers as a soph has been huge all year as a CB and providing key goals at critical times.  Two GWs late in the last 3 games.  He and Lowry as a pair have to be the upside major surprise of the team.  Wynn, also a soph, who has played at right and left back, has had a breakout year as well.  Another converted attacking mid, he's had a bunch of assists and scored the 2nd big goal yesterday.  The left back was out for more than a month with illness/injury.  He actually is one of the fastest players on the team, but I'm sure he is still getting back into optimal condition.  The other primary outside back is very calm and good on the ball and makes great crosses.

I think some of the confusion about the PK is that the ball did hit a hand, but a Kenyon hand (not Tufts) in the process of the foul, and the foul was for pulling a player down.  Confirmed now twice.

Myers got on the end of just about every corner yesterday - we saw the game winner against Westminster. Set pieces will decide this game - as they have for most of the games I've seen this tournament. Goals from the run of play are almost extinct!

Yesterday you saw what Calvin will do today - stay very connected across the back line - get the ball to 15 and 11 on the wings and attack outside backs. Vetger takes all throws within 35 yards of goal. I sat behind some F&M fans yesterday - before his first throw I said "Watch this." Afterwards I heard several incredulous gasps. To F&M 's credit they had that play scouted - but being able to put that many more balls into the mixer gives them 2x the number of corners. Funny episode - #5 went on a run first half - pushed up even with the attackers. Keeper screams- "Nick - you're a center back!".  If Calvin executes as they have been you're looking at 0-0 or 1-0 them.

Kenyon needs to pressure their backs in the attacking third, force a turnover, and cash in. As I recall last year this tactic was very effective early in the season - and then they got away from this later in the season. Kenyon will find success doing this by doubling up on the outside backs. I would consider a hockey style - dump the ball into the corners - lock them I and get the TO. Based on what I've seen from ref's this tournament the tolerance for physical has expanded, which gives Kenyon an edge IMO.

[KnightFalcon]

What are the conditions at Kenyon today? Field and weather-wise

[Mr.Right]

Ugh we have the aussie announcer at Amherst today for both games.

Let's see how it goes

[stlawus]

Haverford's video feed is more choppy than a CCTV security camera. 

[Mr.Right]

hmm..I remember Haverford's feed to be quite good.