2016 NCAA Tournament

[blooter442]

Pretty wild to think that Brandeis and Tufts are in the Final 4. Both teams would have been considered outside shots for an at-large bid, perhaps Brandeis moreso than Tufts. Despite their superior ranking in the final RRs Brandeis only had one real big win this year, against Haverford, while Tufts beat Brandeis, Amherst, and Midd. Regardless, both teams' NCAA fates were far from certain, so considering both teams seemed out of contention for NCAA bids it's pretty amazing to think they're in the Final 4.

Aside from Bowdoin (a significant chunk of my family went there), Tufts is my favorite NESCAC side. I think they play the game the right way and Shapiro is a class act. What Tufts lacks in talent - I don't think there's any debate that the team of Williams, Kayne, Hoppenot, and Santos was more talented than this year's squad - they make up for in heart and fight. Greenwood has improved a lot and looked better than I've ever seen him on high balls this weekend, so I tip my hat to him. Sullivan and Coleman held firm in numerous high-pressure situations, and while Becherano carried the team when Majumder was out, it's been great to see Majumder come back to being his old self and making the difference in the tournament. Can they win the national title? Of the four teams (congrats to St. Thomas btw on your epic comeback!) I personally think Calvin is the favorite, but I wouldn't put it past the Jumbos. They might not be the surprise package of two years ago, and you can bet their opponents will have scouted them, but they have the tools and the invaluable experience.

Regarding Brandeis, I'm still in shock. Unlike many who optimistically pick their team to win regardless of the opposition (and there are some of you out there ), I am too much of a skeptic to ever feel completely confident in a result. With that said, I thought that the Brandeis team of two years ago was by far the best that I'd seen in my time, and would be Brandeis' only chance at a Final 4 for quite some time. Last year the guys made it to the Sweet 16 and were generally solid but this year I didn't think that Brandeis would make the NCAA Tournament, let alone the Final 4, so this has been a remarkable season for Coven and his boys regardless of what happens in Virginia and regardless of whether he is indeed retiring as has been rumored (although you can bet that the team will be fired up for the occasion and think it has as good of a chance as any).

As for me, I might not be on here much in the near future, if at all. The next two weeks will be pretty busy for me, as I'm wrapping things up at my current job and starting a new one, plus traveling for the holidays. In fact, watching both the Brandeis men and women in their Final 4 matches may be a bridge too far, as I'll be starting my new job, but I'll do my best to tune in. The good news is that you all will likely get a break from my incessant posting. As for potential matchups, I would obviously have to pick a side in a potential Brandeis-Tufts final, but the Jumbos would be worthy champions - actually, all of the sides would be worthy champions, because you can't fake your way to the Final 4.

Anyway, if I'm not on before or during the tourney, thanks all to you for enlightening, engaging discussion all season, and I look forward to enjoying a competitive, exciting, and clean (emphasis on the last part) tournament. Roll Deis!

[Jump4Joy]

Bloots, best wishes on your new venture. Something tells me you just might not be able to stay away altogether. This stuff is addictive. Happy Thanksgiving.

[blooter442]

Bloots, best wishes on your new venture. Something tells me you just might not be able to stay away altogether. This stuff is addictive. Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you, happy Thanksgiving to you as well! And I think I will, I just wanted to clarify that I am still alive and well if I do drop off the face of the...uh...boards.

[4samuy]

I know this may not be the forum for this, but congrats to the Chicago women for advancing to the final four along with fellow UAA sides Brandeis and WashU.

[blooter442]

I know this may not be the forum for this, but congrats to the Chicago women for advancing to the final four along with fellow UAA sides Brandeis and WashU.

I think it's relevant enough! Still think Messiah is the favorite on the women's side, but as we've come to know (e.g. Tufts in 2014) the favorite tag doesn't win you championships.

[Nutmeg]

Pretty wild to think that Brandeis and Tufts are in the Final 4. Both teams would have been considered outside shots for an at-large bid, perhaps Brandeis moreso than Tufts. Despite their superior ranking in the final RRs Brandeis only had one real big win this year, against Haverford, while Tufts beat Brandeis, Amherst, and Midd. Regardless, both teams' NCAA fates were far from certain, so considering both teams seemed out of contention for NCAA bids it's pretty amazing to think they're in the Final 4.

Aside from Bowdoin (a significant chunk of my family went there), Tufts is my favorite NESCAC side. I think they play the game the right way and Shapiro is a class act. What Tufts lacks in talent - I don't think there's any debate that the team of Williams, Kayne, Hoppenot, and Santos was more talented than this year's squad - they make up for in heart and fight. Greenwood has improved a lot and looked better than I've ever seen him on high balls this weekend, so I tip my hat to him. Sullivan and Coleman held firm in numerous high-pressure situations, and while Becherano carried the team when Majumder was out, it's been great to see Majumder come back to being his old self and making the difference in the tournament. Can they win the national title? Of the four teams (congrats to St. Thomas btw on your epic comeback!) I personally think Calvin is the favorite, but I wouldn't put it past the Jumbos. They might not be the surprise package of two years ago, and you can bet their opponents will have scouted them, but they have the tools and the invaluable experience.

Regarding Brandeis, I'm still in shock. Unlike many who optimistically pick their team to win regardless of the opposition (and there are some of you out there ), I am too much of a skeptic to ever feel completely confident in a result. With that said, I thought that the Brandeis team of two years ago was by far the best that I'd seen in my time, and would be Brandeis' only chance at a Final 4 for quite some time. Last year the guys made it to the Sweet 16 and were generally solid but this year I didn't think that Brandeis would make the NCAA Tournament, let alone the Final 4, so this has been a remarkable season for Coven and his boys regardless of what happens in Virginia and regardless of whether he is indeed retiring as has been rumored (although you can bet that the team will be fired up for the occasion and think it has as good of a chance as any).

As for me, I might not be on here much in the near future, if at all. The next two weeks will be pretty busy for me, as I'm wrapping things up at my current job and starting a new one, plus traveling for the holidays. In fact, watching both the Brandeis men and women in their Final 4 matches may be a bridge too far, as I'll be starting my new job, but I'll do my best to tune in. The good news is that you all will likely get a break from my incessant posting. As for potential matchups, I would obviously have to pick a side in a potential Brandeis-Tufts final, but the Jumbos would be worthy champions - actually, all of the sides would be worthy champions, because you can't fake your way to the Final 4.

Anyway, if I'm not on before or during the tourney, thanks all to you for enlightening, engaging discussion all season, and I look forward to enjoying a competitive, exciting, and clean (emphasis on the last part) tournament. Roll Deis!

Bloots, great analysis as usual! Will miss your posts.

The Jumbos won today because they were definitely the better team, especially against the wind. Yes, Halliday missed an open netter but the Jumbos held strong and get the revenge heartbreaking win against the lords. Halliday has been the glue. Greenwood made a great save also.  It's like the Jumbos had 2 different strategies....credit to Shapiro for a fine coaching job.

[PaulNewman]

Well, that was pure devastation.

Don't know what happened on the final play.  Looked like the Kenyon players expected a foul to be called maybe on the initial header or maybe on Majumder getting to ball.  Clougher seemed convinced something should have been called, but after talking to the refs shook all of their hands and then went around shaking hands with and hugging Tufts players.  A class kid who will be sorely missed.

A very interesting game live that maybe didn't come through on video.  The wind was a huge factor obviously.  I felt extremely confident when Kenyon survived the first half going into the wind and maybe even had the better of the play.  I was sure that was a good sign for the Lords and that they would create a lot more good chances and score in the 2nd half.  Instead, Tufts actually had the better of the play the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half which was hard to figure although that was a period when the wind calmed down and then picked up again later.  Kenyon got a break going into the wind in the 1st OT, and then it looked like we were definitely heading to PKs.  Kenyon gave up a corner which they survived but that led to a long throw.  BTW, deep throws are becoming such a weapon for many teams that perhaps they should be considered a stat like corners and shots.  A tie would have been a fair result, but that is how OT periods go with a stunning end where not everyone is sure what happened.  I see Kenyon outshot Tufts but had less corners.  Jeon had a clean chance very similar to a breakaway chance last year against Calvin and Greenwood made a good play.  Koval had a chance right around the six late in the 2nd OT about a minute before Tufts scored that he hit just wide.  I should add that Jeon played great both days and gave everything he had, as did almost all of the Lords players.  Could not be prouder of them.

I feel awful for the seniors (and Coach Brown) for not getting to a Final Four.  They deserved at least one out of those 4 years and probably 2 and got none.  Congrats to Tufts.  A sweet victory for them for sure.  They are a tough group.  We talk about their possession but they are gritty and physical and HUGE.  They outfouled Kenyon by a good margin in what at times was a chippy game, but after Tufts got through their immediate celebration there seemed to be a sense of mutual respect and players from both teams were hugging each other (except for the Kenyon players still in shock and disconsolate and on the ground).  Both teams played their hearts out.  Other than Tufts probably feeling more comfortable playing at home, I don't think that played a major role.  Kenyon had an excellent turnout and from that point of view the game almost felt like it was at a neutral site.

Shapiro made some interesting moves.  He started his 6'5 frosh up top and didn't start Becherano or Majumder.  Seemed like he tried that for 10 minutes to see if they could get an early goal with the wind and a height advantage.  Kenyon is not used to that, as Tufts seemed to roll out a slew of 6'2 and over players with several 6'4/6'5.   Shapiro must recruit for size and Tufts matched or exceeded Kenyon on depth today, or put another way, when Kenyon subbed they got smaller whereas Tufts got bigger.  Myers and Lowry (6'1 and 6'0) almost never lose headers and Tufts won some.  Don't know if that is relevant to the last play or not. 

Devastated but in a strange way content.  Kenyon put in a stellar performance against Trinity and fought tooth and nail with Tufts today in a game that easily could have gone either way and/or been decided in PKs.  Tufts now has an excellent chance to get to the final, and if they get to the final (against either Calvin or Brandeis) I would expect a game very similar to the one today but hopefully with better conditions.

[PaulNewman]

Pretty wild to think that Brandeis and Tufts are in the Final 4. Both teams would have been considered outside shots for an at-large bid, perhaps Brandeis moreso than Tufts. Despite their superior ranking in the final RRs Brandeis only had one real big win this year, against Haverford, while Tufts beat Brandeis, Amherst, and Midd. Regardless, both teams' NCAA fates were far from certain, so considering both teams seemed out of contention for NCAA bids it's pretty amazing to think they're in the Final 4.

Aside from Bowdoin (a significant chunk of my family went there), Tufts is my favorite NESCAC side. I think they play the game the right way and Shapiro is a class act. What Tufts lacks in talent - I don't think there's any debate that the team of Williams, Kayne, Hoppenot, and Santos was more talented than this year's squad - they make up for in heart and fight. Greenwood has improved a lot and looked better than I've ever seen him on high balls this weekend, so I tip my hat to him. Sullivan and Coleman held firm in numerous high-pressure situations, and while Becherano carried the team when Majumder was out, it's been great to see Majumder come back to being his old self and making the difference in the tournament. Can they win the national title? Of the four teams (congrats to St. Thomas btw on your epic comeback!) I personally think Calvin is the favorite, but I wouldn't put it past the Jumbos. They might not be the surprise package of two years ago, and you can bet their opponents will have scouted them, but they have the tools and the invaluable experience.

Regarding Brandeis, I'm still in shock. Unlike many who optimistically pick their team to win regardless of the opposition (and there are some of you out there ), I am too much of a skeptic to ever feel completely confident in a result. With that said, I thought that the Brandeis team of two years ago was by far the best that I'd seen in my time, and would be Brandeis' only chance at a Final 4 for quite some time. Last year the guys made it to the Sweet 16 and were generally solid but this year I didn't think that Brandeis would make the NCAA Tournament, let alone the Final 4, so this has been a remarkable season for Coven and his boys regardless of what happens in Virginia and regardless of whether he is indeed retiring as has been rumored (although you can bet that the team will be fired up for the occasion and think it has as good of a chance as any).

As for me, I might not be on here much in the near future, if at all. The next two weeks will be pretty busy for me, as I'm wrapping things up at my current job and starting a new one, plus traveling for the holidays. In fact, watching both the Brandeis men and women in their Final 4 matches may be a bridge too far, as I'll be starting my new job, but I'll do my best to tune in. The good news is that you all will likely get a break from my incessant posting. As for potential matchups, I would obviously have to pick a side in a potential Brandeis-Tufts final, but the Jumbos would be worthy champions - actually, all of the sides would be worthy champions, because you can't fake your way to the Final 4.

Anyway, if I'm not on before or during the tourney, thanks all to you for enlightening, engaging discussion all season, and I look forward to enjoying a competitive, exciting, and clean (emphasis on the last part) tournament. Roll Deis!

Bloomer great analysis as usual! Will miss your posts.

The Jumbos won today because they were definitely the better team, especially against the wind. Yes, Halliday missed an open netter but the Jumbos held strong and get the revenge heartbreaking win against the lords. Halliday has been the glue. Greenwood made a great save also.  It's like the Jumbos had 2 different strategies....credit to Shapiro for a fine coaching job.

Well, thank you, Mr. Kayne.  Regards to your other screen name too.  And congrats on the well-earned revenge.  Not sure a goal off a loose ball play in the 109th minute equates to "definitely better team."  I'm guessing Shapiro will express that a bit more generously, being the class guy that he is.

[Nutmeg]

Pretty wild to think that Brandeis and Tufts are in the Final 4. Both teams would have been considered outside shots for an at-large bid, perhaps Brandeis moreso than Tufts. Despite their superior ranking in the final RRs Brandeis only had one real big win this year, against Haverford, while Tufts beat Brandeis, Amherst, and Midd. Regardless, both teams' NCAA fates were far from certain, so considering both teams seemed out of contention for NCAA bids it's pretty amazing to think they're in the Final 4.

Aside from Bowdoin (a significant chunk of my family went there), Tufts is my favorite NESCAC side. I think they play the game the right way and Shapiro is a class act. What Tufts lacks in talent - I don't think there's any debate that the team of Williams, Kayne, Hoppenot, and Santos was more talented than this year's squad - they make up for in heart and fight. Greenwood has improved a lot and looked better than I've ever seen him on high balls this weekend, so I tip my hat to him. Sullivan and Coleman held firm in numerous high-pressure situations, and while Becherano carried the team when Majumder was out, it's been great to see Majumder come back to being his old self and making the difference in the tournament. Can they win the national title? Of the four teams (congrats to St. Thomas btw on your epic comeback!) I personally think Calvin is the favorite, but I wouldn't put it past the Jumbos. They might not be the surprise package of two years ago, and you can bet their opponents will have scouted them, but they have the tools and the invaluable experience.

Regarding Brandeis, I'm still in shock. Unlike many who optimistically pick their team to win regardless of the opposition (and there are some of you out there ), I am too much of a skeptic to ever feel completely confident in a result. With that said, I thought that the Brandeis team of two years ago was by far the best that I'd seen in my time, and would be Brandeis' only chance at a Final 4 for quite some time. Last year the guys made it to the Sweet 16 and were generally solid but this year I didn't think that Brandeis would make the NCAA Tournament, let alone the Final 4, so this has been a remarkable season for Coven and his boys regardless of what happens in Virginia and regardless of whether he is indeed retiring as has been rumored (although you can bet that the team will be fired up for the occasion and think it has as good of a chance as any).

As for me, I might not be on here much in the near future, if at all. The next two weeks will be pretty busy for me, as I'm wrapping things up at my current job and starting a new one, plus traveling for the holidays. In fact, watching both the Brandeis men and women in their Final 4 matches may be a bridge too far, as I'll be starting my new job, but I'll do my best to tune in. The good news is that you all will likely get a break from my incessant posting. As for potential matchups, I would obviously have to pick a side in a potential Brandeis-Tufts final, but the Jumbos would be worthy champions - actually, all of the sides would be worthy champions, because you can't fake your way to the Final 4.

Anyway, if I'm not on before or during the tourney, thanks all to you for enlightening, engaging discussion all season, and I look forward to enjoying a competitive, exciting, and clean (emphasis on the last part) tournament. Roll Deis!

Bloomer great analysis as usual! Will miss your posts.

The Jumbos won today because they were definitely the better team, especially against the wind. Yes, Halliday missed an open netter but the Jumbos held strong and get the revenge heartbreaking win against the lords. Halliday has been the glue. Greenwood made a great save also.  It's like the Jumbos had 2 different strategies....credit to Shapiro for a fine coaching job.

Well, thank you, Mr. Kayne.  Regards to your other screen name too.  And congrats on the well-earned revenge.  Not sure a goal off a loose ball play in the 109th minute equates to "definitely better team."  I'm guessing Shapiro will express that a bit more generously, being the class guy that he is.

Look, u make lots of explanations and insinuations, and have bashed the NESCAC in past years, and the student bodies. That's okay. I make a statement that Tufts was the better team, especially against the wind...which others have stated, and u make personal attacks. That's okay and u can think what you want. I feel bad for the Kenyon players. They played har, like Tufts last year, but it wasn't in their cards. Call me whomever u want or think. Congrats to Kenyon, and good luck Jumbos...

[Nutmeg]

Tufts scores on a long throw with 1 minute left in 2OT.  Brutal turn for Kenyon, who won game after game on long throws, corners, and set pieces.  Live by them, die by them I guess.

Some Kenyon players seemed upset about something on it, but it looked straightforward.  Long throw, flicked on, and Majumder prodded it home.  Only thing was maybe offsides?  But I couldn't see anything.  I'm sure someone who was there live could elaborate.

Tufts was the better team, by a small margin.  The wind really killed the game - anything in the air immediately died (if against the wind) or carried much too far (if with it).  Tufts created a little more from open play and should have scored twice before overtime.  Kenyon had one great opportunity early in the second half but Greenwood made a really good save after Amolo sprang someone behind.  Aside from that, Kenyon wasn't able to create anything from the run of play.

Going in we all figured the NESCAC and UAA would each get a team to the Final Four.  Just didn't think it'd be Tufts and Brandeis.  Weird sport we follow.

Yep, weird  sport for sure. Congrats to the Judges and Jumbos....

[PaulNewman]

Personal attacks?  Do you have two screen names or not?

Tufts and Kenyon are both great schools with great kids.  Nothing else to say there.  Like I said, I think there is a mutual respect.

I watched the end again several times on video.  Kenyon was pressuring in the Tufts end from 2:30 or down to 2:00 when Koval missed wide just to the right of the six.  Greenwood goal kick, Tufts possessed a little, Kenyon stole ball and had time for a full clear but instead ball sputtered back to Tufts, and then another chance for a clear and that's when ball went out for a pretty deep throw.

After watching the replay 4-5 times themselves Tufts announcers still weren't sure what happened.  After several look myself looks like Eichhorst got off a clean backwards nod header that fell in front of Majumder and Lowry, Clougher came out while Majumder got a bit of touch and ball rolls in net.  Clougher would have gotten it if had not come out as the 3-way collision with Lowry, Majumder and Clougher created the chance.

[Nutmeg]

Personal attacks?  Do you have two screen names or not?

Tufts and Kenyon are both great schools with great kids.  Nothing else to say there.  Like I said, I think there is a mutual respect.

I watched the end again several times on video.  Kenyon was pressuring in the Tufts end from 2:30 or down to 2:00 when Koval missed wide just to the right of the six.  Greenwood goal kick, Tufts possessed a little, Kenyon stole ball and had time for a full clear but instead ball sputtered back to Tufts, and then another chance for a clear and that's when ball went out for a pretty deep throw.

After watching the replay 4-5 times themselves Tufts announcers still weren't sure what happened.  After several look myself looks like Eichhorst got off a clean backwards nod header that fell in front of Majumder and Lowry, Clougher came out while Majumder got a bit of touch and ball rolls in net.  Clougher would have gotten it if had not come out as the 3-way collision with Lowry, Majumder and Clougher created the chance.

[Nutmeg]

Personal attacks?  Do you have two screen names or not?

Tufts and Kenyon are both great schools with great kids.  Nothing else to say there.  Like I said, I think there is a mutual respect.

I watched the end again several times on video.  Kenyon was pressuring in the Tufts end from 2:30 or down to 2:00 when Koval missed wide just to the right of the six.  Greenwood goal kick, Tufts possessed a little, Kenyon stole ball and had time for a full clear but instead ball sputtered back to Tufts, and then another chance for a clear and that's when ball went out for a pretty deep throw.

After watching the replay 4-5 times themselves Tufts announcers still weren't sure what happened.  After several look myself looks like Eichhorst got off a clean backwards nod header that fell in front of Majumder and Lowry, Clougher came out while Majumder got a bit of touch and ball rolls in net.  Clougher would have gotten it if had not come out as the 3-way collision with Lowry, Majumder and Clougher created the chance.

Both are great schools and great teams.....it's unfortunate one has to go home.... and, unfortunately only one team is happy at the end of the tourney.

[d3fan1]

I have been really impressed by Calvin. They look like they have what it takes to finally break through and win it all after 2 second place finishes.

[NEsoccerfan]

I know this may not be the forum for this, but congrats to the Chicago women for advancing to the final four along with fellow UAA sides Brandeis and WashU.

Impressive, and I wonder when the last time a conference had 3 members advance to the final 4 (Men's or Women's). Also, does Brandeis making the final 4 buy the oft criticized UAA a few months of reprieve?