2015 NCAA TOURNAMENT THREAD

[Shooter McGavin]

Calvin plays on grass Domino

My bad - I asked the parents at the OWU game what type of surface they played on at home - thought I heard turf.

You would think the parents would know since they know everything right? 

[PaulNewman]

I have cleaned out my locker and am heading towards the door (at least near term), but a few closing thoughts mostly in response to some of what I have read above and on maybe other threads.

The idea that Oneonta is going to steamroll Amherst is just ludicrous.  I don't believe we'll see a 3-0 game, but if we do it will be Amherst winning it.  I believe Oneonta is very, very good and with about as good a chance as anyone, but they are not far and away the best team in the country.  By that standard, Oneonta and before them Montclair have been overrated just a bit.    Haverford significantly outplayed Oneonta and could have won that game by 2 or 3 goals.  And I certainly do not think the Fords were innocent with all the chippiness and their star holding mid seemed to be in the middle of it every game.  The Amherst vs Oneonta match-up is intriguing and the game is going to be ultra-physical.  I would expect to see some cards flying in that one.  Remember, Oneonta already is down a key player, but they will not be bullied by Amherst so will be interesting to see what happens after the first half-dozen really hard tackles.

Still not sure how Calvin is doing it, but they are doing it.  I'll never be convinced that Kenyon shouldn't have beaten them, and potentially even comfortably, but even with a weak schedule 80 goals and only 5 against (and that's 5 against with a whopping 25 games) at some point has to tell us something, especially after going through legit teams like OWU, F&M and Kenyon (and the only goal they've given up in the tournament was off a deflected/re-directed free kick).  Bottom line is that Calvin is going to be playing at 8:30 pm in a national semifinal and the Knights are 2 wins away from an undefeated season.

The stuff about who is most physical, who deserved red cards and who didn't, who flops and who doesn't flop, etc, etc is probably all just noise related to some of us having trouble (and definitely me included) accepting our team's ultimate fate this season.  These games are intense and I'm sure there is enough stuff to complain about for every team.

Bull did have to make a game-saving save late against Trinity.  Horvath fired a dangerous shot ticketed for inside the far post moving left to right where Bull's vision was blocked by a good deal of traffic.  That was a clutch save.  I was more impressed by Trinity than others.  They kept the game 0-0 on a powerhouse's pitch and very easily could have stolen that game.  I mean, the game was 4 minutes from PKs.

All of the Elite 8 games so far have lived up to expectations.  You could take the 4 losers and have a great tournament, and you could argue about the overall quality of those 4 vs the 4 that survived/will survive.

Losing really sucks....no matter how many times you think you've learned how to handle it better.

[Mr.Right]

I cannot entice this Shooter fool anymore. If I were to picture him I would guess a complete spaz that spits when he talks especially when he thinks he is right. Arms flailing and the jimmy legs all to boot.

[Shooter McGavin]

I cannot entice this Shooter fool anymore. If I were to picture him I would guess a complete spaz that spits when he talks especially when he thinks he is right. Arms flailing and the jimmy legs all to boot.

Mr. Right we got off on the wrong foot in the beginning and proceeded to take each other seriously after that with some fun banana bets and so on and so forth and some good debate. But when you are being an idiot about something I have no problem telling you because that's what internet chat room buddies are for. If you think that Amherst didn't give up chances in either game then you are a fool and no one on this board will disagree with that. NCAC NE already provided one key save Bull made which wasn't the only one he had in 2 games I can assure you of that. You're picture is all wrong my friend as I think you are seeing your reflection in the glare from on your computer screen.

[Shooter McGavin]

I have cleaned out my locker and am heading towards the door (at least near term), but a few closing thoughts mostly in response to some of what I have read above and on maybe other threads.

The idea that Oneonta is going to steamroll Amherst is just ludicrous.  I don't believe we'll see a 3-0 game, but if we do it will be Amherst winning it.  I believe Oneonta is very, very good and with about as good a chance as anyone, but they are not far and away the best team in the country.  By that standard, Oneonta and before them Montclair have been overrated just a bit.    Haverford significantly outplayed Oneonta and could have won that game by 2 or 3 goals.  And I certainly do not think the Fords were innocent with all the chippiness and their star holding mid seemed to be in the middle of it every game.  The Amherst vs Oneonta match-up is intriguing and the game is going to be ultra-physical.  I would expect to see some cards flying in that one.  Remember, Oneonta already is down a key player, but they will not be bullied by Amherst so will be interesting to see what happens after the first half-dozen really hard tackles.

Still not sure how Calvin is doing it, but they are doing it.  I'll never be convinced that Kenyon shouldn't have beaten them, and potentially even comfortably, but even with a weak schedule 80 goals and only 5 against (and that's 5 against with a whopping 25 games) at some point has to tell us something, especially after going through legit teams like OWU, F&M and Kenyon (and the only goal they've given up in the tournament was off a deflected/re-directed free kick).  Bottom line is that Calvin is going to be playing at 8:30 pm in a national semifinal and the Knights are 2 wins away from an undefeated season.

The stuff about who is most physical, who deserved red cards and who didn't, who flops and who doesn't flop, etc, etc is probably all just noise related to some of us having trouble (and definitely me included) accepting our team's ultimate fate this season.  These games are intense and I'm sure there is enough stuff to complain about for every team.

Bull did have to make a game-saving save late against Trinity.  Horvath fired a dangerous shot ticketed for inside the far post moving left to right where Bull's vision was blocked by a good deal of traffic.  That was a clutch save.  I was more impressed by Trinity than others.  They kept the game 0-0 on a powerhouse's pitch and very easily could have stolen that game.  I mean, the game was 4 minutes from PKs.

All of the Elite 8 games so far have lived up to expectations.  You could take the 4 losers and have a great tournament, and you could argue about the overall quality of those 4 vs the 4 that survived/will survive.

Losing really sucks....no matter how many times you think you've learned how to handle it better.

Well said and I also was impressed with Trinity. I had not watched them previously and was surprised that they were able to stay with Amherst especially in the cold NE region of the country. I think Trinity is a bit unappreciated this year and that might be because of coming from the west region...but that team was legit this year.

As for Oneonta blowing out Amherst...I didn't read any of that but that is ludicrous. A 3-0 win would be astonishing to see. I think Oneonta has the best chance out of the remaining 3/4 to beat Amherst and I think they will win but not 3-0. I said earlier 2-1 gut feeling to Oneonta. But the winner of that game will most likely be your champ. NCAC NE thanks for all your conversations this year as they have been thoughtful, insightful, and fun to take part in. Febreeze that locker before you leave 

[PaulNewman]

I cannot entice this Shooter fool anymore. If I were to picture him I would guess a complete spaz that spits when he talks especially when he thinks he is right. Arms flailing and the jimmy legs all to boot.

Mr. Right we got off on the wrong foot in the beginning and proceeded to take each other seriously after that with some fun banana bets and so on and so forth and some good debate. But when you are being an idiot about something I have no problem telling you because that's what internet chat room buddies are for. If you think that Amherst didn't give up chances in either game then you are a fool and no one on this board will disagree with that. NCAC NE already provided one key save Bull made which wasn't the only one he had in 2 games I can assure you of that. You're picture is all wrong my friend as I think you are seeing your reflection in the glare from on your computer screen.

Shooter, you conveniently ignored all of the other ways I disagreed with you.  On balance, I am far more in agreement with Mr.Right.  I don't know how you can confidently pronounce Oneonta the best team in the country when they just got outplayed by Haverford.  If you read between the lines the Oneonta coach in his comments (on their website) seemed almost embarrassed that they prevailed.  And just because Amherst had a absorb a few shots doesn't mean that they weren't the dominant team against both Lycoming and Trinity (I would say mildly dominant in the Trinity game but with a more than mild physicality advantage).

[Shooter McGavin]

I cannot entice this Shooter fool anymore. If I were to picture him I would guess a complete spaz that spits when he talks especially when he thinks he is right. Arms flailing and the jimmy legs all to boot.

Mr. Right we got off on the wrong foot in the beginning and proceeded to take each other seriously after that with some fun banana bets and so on and so forth and some good debate. But when you are being an idiot about something I have no problem telling you because that's what internet chat room buddies are for. If you think that Amherst didn't give up chances in either game then you are a fool and no one on this board will disagree with that. NCAC NE already provided one key save Bull made which wasn't the only one he had in 2 games I can assure you of that. You're picture is all wrong my friend as I think you are seeing your reflection in the glare from on your computer screen.

Shooter, you conveniently ignored all of the other ways I disagreed with you.  On balance, I am far more in agreement with Mr.Right.  I don't know how you can confidently pronounce Oneonta the best team in the country when they just got outplayed by Haverford.  If you read between the lines the Oneonta coach in his comments (on their website) seemed almost embarrassed that they prevailed.  And just because Amherst had a absorb a few shots doesn't mean that they weren't the dominant team against both Lycoming and Trinity (I would say mildly dominant in the Trinity game but with a more than mild physicality advantage).

And I don't disagree with either of your statements NCAC. I have said from day 1 Oneonta St. was my pick to win it all so I am not going to change that now because they got outplayed in a game. This tournament is all about surviving and that's what they have done which is a credit to them. I also never said Amherst wasn't dominant in either of the games this weekend because they most certainly were. But it's ridiculous to say that they did not give up a SNIFF on goal in both games combined. That's 100% false.

I am fine with disagreements as that happens on here all the time and we have disagreed earlier this year NCAC but in an adult and mature way. But when Mr. Right posts garbage like there was not a sniff on their goal this weekend....I am going to call him or whoever out for an absurd and idiotic statement like that. I would hope you would be smart enough to understand that logic. 

[Medicated Pete]

Game time is upon us lads....
Hope the Rock Bowl is ready for a stellar match today


www.duhawks.com

[lastguyoffthebench]

How did you attach an image?   

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Shooter and Mr. Right you both need to simmer down. It's a joyous time of year as holidays and the final 4 are almost upon us. Enjoy the good soccer while it lasts. Amherst was the preseason favorite for most. Oneonta is a final 4 team for the 2nd straight year. It's hard to argue against either team at this point. Both are very good. I am interested to see how this lay off has affected(if at all) Wheaton and Loras. Should be a great match up. And NCAC it's been a pleasure this year. Look forward to hearing from you next season.

[KICKIN95]

0-0 at the half. Lords with 2 great chances, 1 in early on and 1 in the last minute.  Wheaton has had 1 good chance as well.  Game pretty much going as expected, Wheaton playing possession and Loras playing counter ball.

[NJrexSoccer03]

0-0 at the half. Lords with 2 great chances, 1 in early on and 1 in the last minute.  Wheaton has had 1 good chance as well.  Game pretty much going as expected, Wheaton playing possession and Loras playing counter ball.

Good explanation. Would love to see Wheaton's coach have their forward just sit on Loras' sweeper as he is so deep(about 10 yds back and assuming the stopper goes with him which is usually the case) this might open up Wheaton's midfield to not only have one on one match ups(which they have been winning the majority of) but also create space for them to knock it around. Based on how Loras has played so far they seem content in kicking the ball forward and playing for either a miscue on a bounce or being dangerous on their long throw ins. So far Wheaton has defended the throw ins well but Loras' last chance at the end of half came from a miscue in the midfield/defense by Wheaton.

[KICKIN95]

Loras goes up 1-0 with a fabulous header by Rummelhart

[Medicated Pete]

Loras goes up 1-0 with a fabulous header by Rummelhart

JOHNNNN BOY!!

[Shooter McGavin]

Loras goes up 1-0 with a fabulous header by Rummelhart

JOHNNNN BOY!!

Beautiful goal. This sets up for a nice/crazy finish!