UAA 2017

[blooter442]

I think I forgot about Soboff because he made me bang my head against a wall so many times when he would miss a seemingly easy goal. There were times he couldn't hit a barn door in terms of finishing. That said, he was an excellent player — big, physical, skilled, and scored some huge goals — and a former Tufts player said he'd never seen Sam Williams get handled like that by a striker.

[NEsoccerfan]

Digested...Really well done Bloots..I would have to agree with most of it..I thought your comments on Berg were fantastic and will have to find the youtube video as that would be great to watch..I am really surprised though that you thought Ocel was the best of the best that you have seen play for Brandeis..I meanyou are talking about a ton of talent the last 6-7 years come through the program..That is a real compliment and would be curious if Margolis agrees with you..real curious

Certainly a fair point in that they have had a ton of talent in the last 6-7 years, both with guys like S. Ocel, Applefield, Russo, Lanahan, and Savonen who were the headliners, as well as guys like R. Lynch, Eisenbies, and Brondoli who didn't necessarily get the same press as the others but were equally important. That said, in terms of four-year contribution and performance levels, I think J. Ocel is in his own class. A starter from Day 1, a leader, and 3xAA and 4xAll-UAA 1st Team. Wouldn't be surprised if Margolis had a different opinion — often times, coaches have a better appreciation for talent than the casual observer like myself.

Let's not forget Kyle Feather and going back further, Ben Premo.

[Mr.Right]

Digested...Really well done Bloots..I would have to agree with most of it..I thought your comments on Berg were fantastic and will have to find the youtube video as that would be great to watch..I am really surprised though that you thought Ocel was the best of the best that you have seen play for Brandeis..I meanyou are talking about a ton of talent the last 6-7 years come through the program..That is a real compliment and would be curious if Margolis agrees with you..real curious

Certainly a fair point in that they have had a ton of talent in the last 6-7 years, both with guys like S. Ocel, Applefield, Russo, Lanahan, and Savonen who were the headliners, as well as guys like R. Lynch, Eisenbies, and Brondoli who didn't necessarily get the same press as the others but were equally important. That said, in terms of four-year contribution and performance levels, I think J. Ocel is in his own class. A starter from Day 1, a leader, and 3xAA and 4xAll-UAA 1st Team. Wouldn't be surprised if Margolis had a different opinion — often times, coaches have a better appreciation for talent than the casual observer like myself.

Let's not forget Kyle Feather and going back further, Ben Premo.

Wow you are going back pretty far...I remember Ben Premo..He was a LEGIT striker for Brandeis...I remember catchin a couple Brandeis games during his time and kind of like Cody Savonen at Trinity he was not working with much around him..Those were very lean years talent wise right when Margolis arrived and really helped Coven get it goin....Brandeis used to do ok playing some average New England sides but once they hit the UAA they were overmatched to say the last...Premo was a legit striker though..Very fun player to watch

[blooter442]

Let's not forget Kyle Feather and going back further, Ben Premo.

Feather was very good, but I don't know that he had the same, consistent impact that those other guys did, which is why I didn't think of him initially. However, I think based on his four years he certainly belongs in the conversation. An All-UAA player at least once if I remember correctly.

Premo was well before my time, although I have read quite a bit about him. I have to imagine that he didn't get as many accolades as some of the other Brandeis guys not because of his own talent but because they had a bit of a lull in the late 2000s (6-10-2 in 2009 comes to mind).

[Mr.Right]

I think Brandeis just begun to turn the corner after like Margolis' 3rd or 4th year...I remember they won consecutive ECAC's and by 2011 or 2012 they just took off and have not looked back since...Premo had anedge to him that made him fun to watch long with his talent BUT he would CLEARLY get frustrated with the lack of talent around him...Put Premo on those sides after 2012 and you are talking about a National Champion

[blooter442]

I think Brandeis just begun to turn the corner after like Margolis' 3rd or 4th year...I remember they won consecutive ECAC's and by 2011 or 2012 they just took off and have not looked back since...Premo had anedge to him that made him fun to watch long with his talent BUT he would CLEARLY get frustrated with the lack of talent around him...Put Premo on those sides after 2012 and you are talking about a National Champion

That is a good observation. I think Terris would have done similarly well in those later sides. He was Boston Globe MA High School Player of the Year his senior year at Concord-Carlisle and won a state title there, and then went to GWU and BU. Didn't work out at those places for whatever reason but he ended up at Brandeis and was really good, and was unlucky to not be named All-American his senior year. That year was the second of the two consecutive ECAC titles, and I remember the players being bummed but they were firmly wrong side of the bubble so they could have no real complaints. However, they romped the other ECAC teams though and won the title 8-0 over Albertus Magnus, and I think that was the sign that things were starting to come together, and so it proved with the NCAA bid next year.

[Mr.Right]

Blast from the past since we are talking about Brandeis...2012 NCAA Sweet 16 Brandeis v Williams at Amherst...

Like Where's Waldo...Where is Bloots?

Coven's Corner

http://www.brandeisjudges.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/photos/0005/index#PhotoSwipe1512257962025

[blooter442]

Blast from the past since we are talking about Brandeis...2012 NCAA Sweet 16 Brandeis v Williams at Amherst...

Like Where's Waldo...Where is Bloots?

Coven's Corner

http://www.brandeisjudges.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/photos/0005/index#PhotoSwipe1512257962025

Ah, I wasn't there! Was visiting family in NJ that weekend. Pah.

The next year, though, I was there, and was very much in this picture, sans beard, so maybe you can find me. I shared this with my friend, who is standing right next to me, earlier this week. That was a "meh" game -- despite losing the year before I was pretty optimistic under Conder scored that fluke goal top left three minutes in, that killed any and every ounce of momentum Brandeis had in my view. Drove out with three other friends, and we had a fun time even with the result.

[Mr.Right]

Blast from the past since we are talking about Brandeis...2012 NCAA Sweet 16 Brandeis v Williams at Amherst...

Like Where's Waldo...Where is Bloots?

Coven's Corner

http://www.brandeisjudges.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/photos/0005/index#PhotoSwipe1512257962025

Ah, I wasn't there! Was visiting family in NJ that weekend. Pah.

The next year, though, I was there, and was very much in this picture, sans beard, so maybe you can find me. I was pretty optimistic under Conder scored that fluke goal top left three minutes in, that killed any and every ounce of momentum Brandeis had in my view. Drove out with three other friends, and we had a fun time even with the result.

Haha..Yea buddy there you are....Bein a Williams fan I can and will admit Conder's goal was a COMPLETE joke...He did MORE than make up for that fluke goal with a SICK strike to beat Amherst in the 2013 Elite 8 with 8 minutes remaining in a game played in possibly BELOW ZERO temps and a whipping wind...

[blooter442]

Haha..Yea buddy there you are....Bein a Williams fan I can and will admit Conder's goal was a COMPLETE joke...He did MORE than make up for that fluke goal with a SICK strike to beat Amherst in the 2013 Elite 8 with 8 minutes remaining in a game played in possibly BELOW ZERO temps and a whipping wind...

I saw that on video. That was a really nice hit with excellent pace and curl. I was convinced particularly after the previous year's disappointment and with Williams' regular season that Amherst would roll, but lightning struck twice (and the second time was as a result of a great hit).

[Ole Ollie]

Cleve Lewis (brother of Carl) was the best soccer player in Brandeis history -- hand's down. 

[Jump4Joy]

Ole Ollie, Lewis was a force to be reckoned with. Saw Babson man mark him out of a game back in the day. Babbo knew they couldn't allow him free range. That was back in the Babson-Brandeis hay-day!

[blooter442]

Funny story about Lewis -- Cleve was a good bit older than Carl. When Cleve was at Brandeis, Coven, I guess, had a conversation with Carl, basically saying "don't pursue track and field, go for soccer, track is a waste of time." When Cleve got inducted into the Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame, Carl was at the dinner, found Coven, and said "hey coach, remember that conversation we had?" Coven smiled and said jokingly "no, I have no idea what you are talking about."

[Buck O.]

I'm not sure that this will be up to the standards of Mr.Right's overviews of seniors, but I figured that -- now that their season is over -- it might be worth looking at the seniors on the Judges' roster.

Ocel: What can I say that hasn't already been said? Undoubtedly the team's best player the past two years, and filled the leadership role very well after Lanahan graduated. Broke his leg freshman year during pre-season but came in well as a sophomore, played a huge role in Brandeis winning the UAA his junior year, and making its first Final 4 in 32 years his senior year. This fifth year, he was even better -- 4 goals and 12 assists, the latter of which shattered the career school assists record which had stood for 40+ years. He could do it all: pass, dribble, defend, take set pieces, and score. Had the physical side of his game as well and didn't get bullied off the ball very often, and you always had the sense he would make something happen when he got the ball. I have recounted the anecdote of the time I was told he would be better than his brother, who had just been named All-American by both D3soccer.com (1st Team) and the NSCAA (3rd Team) at CF. I thought there was no way that could be true, and even now I can say that his brother had an excellent career and was a huge part of the program's resurgence from a mid-table side into a regional power. However, as a three-time NSCAA All-American (1st Team this year) and two D3soccer.com AA honors in his career thus far, Josh was, in my opinion, the best player I've seen come through the Judges' ranks since I started watching them 6 years ago.

Hernandez: Probably my favorite Brandeis player to watch. Gritty, passionate, physical, and had a very good workrate. Up until his arrival, Brandeis had struggled physically and athletically in big games, and while they often had the ball they would get bullied by bigger, more athletic sides (e.g. NESCACs, Rochester). During that time, I remember seeing a number of NESCAC fans discounting Brandeis, and I can't say I blamed them based on the Judges' results in those games: 0-3 against Tufts and Williams (2) in 2012 and 2013, and 0-2 in the Tournament. Since the start of 2014, however, Brandeis has gone 4-2-2 against the NESCAC, 2-0-2 in NCAAs (both ties were PK victories over Amherst) and 2-2 against Rochester vs. no wins between 2011 and 2013. Hernandez is a huge part of that change. As a freshman, he came in and played in some big games in midfield. I remember the Tufts game in 2014, a 2-0 win for the Judges, I showed up around halfway through the first half and it was 0-0, but Tufts had most of the ball. Hernandez was in the game, running about, and I remember thinking 'this is a big game for a freshman to be playing in.' I then remember thinking, 'wow, this kid can battle.' He wasn't necessarily the star that day, but what I did see was that the team looked different with him in it, and while he didn't have the same numbers or accolades as Ocel, he will be an equally big loss.

Vinson: A heck of a player. He transferred in last year from D1 Loyola-Chicago, and saw some time at LB, although he was a bit short of match fitness from what I knew, which is understandable, as I believe he sat out the year previous. Either way, he started at LB pretty much all of last year, and was excellent. Physical, skilled, and had great positional sense. Barely put a foot wrong, and made some big tackles in the match last night, as well as scoring a goal to give the Judges the lead on the hour mark. When the year started, I honestly wasn't that confident that Brandeis would even make the NCAA Tournament, as the Judges lost both starting CBs and outside forwards to graduation. However, it was a very astute move to bring both outside backs, Vinson and DePietto, into the middle, and they both did very well (DePietto did his ACL halfway through the season, and I believe he was just early enough to have another year of eligibility). As for Vinson, he did fantastic alongside new partner Alex Walter, who as a sophomore stepped up very well, but Vinson was the real leader back there. Not much got past him and Hennessy on that left side. I believe he has another year of eligibility, although I am not sure if he plans to use it. It would be great to have him back for another year.

Flahive: When Flahive was a freshman and was getting time at outside forward, I thought, 'this kid has some potential.' However, I wasn't sure that he could step up and be the "main man" in terms of shouldering the scoring responsibility. Some kids can come in as freshmen, play really well alongside talented upperclassmen, but really struggle when they are the ones who have to provide the goods. Flahive did not have that problem. As a sophomore, he took over up top, and had some big goals, including two in NCAA play. The Judges had trouble scoring that year, but Flahive was certainly reliable for the big goal. Last year, he had some big goals, too, and his winner against MIT with 47 seconds left ended the Judges' 28-day winless run and proved a turning point in their season. His numbers were never All-American caliber, but he played wherever he needed to help the team, worked his butt off, and scored some big, big goals, none bigger than the 2OT winner against Tufts in the Elite 8.

Lynch: A lot like Flahive in that he could play all across the front. He had some really bad luck with injuries, I can't remember in particular, although I do know he missed big parts of (at least) 2 seasons. He had a 5th-year campaign to remember, getting some big winners, including an OT victory against WPI, the first in a 3-0 win over WCONN, and the winners in 1-0 NCAA games against RUN and Drew. A lot like the elder Ocel in the respect that he wasn't necessarily the fastest or most skilled but he had a killer eye for goal and wasn't afraid to put his body on the line to score some big goals. As an aside, Brandeis soccer will be hit with another big loss from that family: his dad. I stood next to him at quite a few games, he is a riot, and it would be awesome to see him at a game or two in the future (I myself only got to around half of the Judges' games this year). Better yet, in 4 of the 5 home games I stood next to him, Mikey scored.

Berg: Often the first man off the bench for the Judges, Berg worked his butt off for the Judges wherever he was needed, usually in the defensive half of the field. A real utility player. Scored some big goals, too. I did not know Berg personally at all, and he seemed a quiet kid when I did see him. What I will remember Berg most for, though, is the relationship he formed with Brandeis' TEAM Impact player, Austin Flateau, a 10-year-old with epilepsy who was drafted by the Judges before last year's run to the Final 4. I guess Berg was injured in the first part of last year, and he and Austin spent a ton of time together on the bench, and while everyone on the team enjoyed Austin, Berg and Austin became particularly close. When Austin got drafted (there is a YouTube video somewhere), he was one of the people who gave speeches and his remarks were very sincere and heartfelt, and he mentioned him in his Final 4 speech as well. I have to be honest that he wasn't the kind of kid who I necessarily thought would be good with those types of kids, but it is genuinely heartening when you see someone surprise you like that, and it is evident that both he and Austin provided an equally positive influence in the other's life. I'd give him a +K if I was able.

Miskin: Hasn't played a ton over the last few years due to injuries, but very good in possession when he is healthy. Very technically sound. Scored a nice header against Bowdoin in the 1-0 win in the 2014 NCAA Tournament, his first collegiate goal, and the only goal in last year's win over Haverford. Not sure if he will be back for a 5th year, or even if he is eligible, although I think he might well be.

Espiga: Didn't play much, but I don't think it was due to a lack of talent -- I just think he had some really good players in the spots where he played up top. Provided a spark off the bench.

Ibas: Technically proficient but perhaps undersized compared to Ocel and Hernandez in the middle of the park. Reliable when called upon, though.

Ponte: Much like Ibas, although taller, a pretty reliable performer when in the game. Usually was brought in to give Ocel or Hernandez a rest. Solid in possession.

Woodhouse: Last but not least, the goalkeeper. A shame to see his career end in such heartbreaking fashion, but it's pretty clear the Judges would never have been in the Final 4 without him. He stepped in his sophomore year, won the starting job, and never looked back. I was initially somewhat hesitant about him in net, as he used to have a bit of trouble commanding his area and was pretty eager in coming off his line, but he improved massively in both of those areas. As a sophomore, he overcame a somewhat uncertain start and had a really good second half of the year, including big saves in the crucial UAA road game against Emory. Last year, he had a fantastic year, and stood on his head against Calvin in the semis, and kept his team in the game. This year, after a strong start to the year, he broke his hand halfway through the season, and while Greg Irwin did well I was somewhat uncertain about how the Judges would do in the postseason. When I walked down to the field for the 1st Round against WCONN and saw Woodhouse out there, I was almost convinced I was seeing things. As it was, he had his biggest game of the Tournament the next night against RUN, saving a PK and making two other jaw-dropping saves on seemingly sure goals. Every bit the equal of Minchoff and Graffy during their tenures between the pipes for Brandeis (I did not see Bracken, but he also had a good career for the Judges). A big loss, but seeing that Irwin did well in net this year in his few appearances, I am somewhat optimistic.

As someone who attended several Judges games myself this year, I thought this was an excellent review.  Thanks for writing it.

I'm assuming that, in order to match what Mr. Right did for NESCAC, you'll be writing a similar review for the other seven UAA squads.  Right??   

[Ommadawn]

I'm assuming that, in order to match what Mr. Right did for NESCAC, you'll be writing a similar review for the other seven UAA squads.  Right??   

And then, of course, they (or other correspondents) will be picking up the remaining conferences after that.  At the rate of a little more than a team per day, we'll all be up to speed a few days before preseason begins.     The off-season is WAY too long!