The Big Dance

[Gregory Sager]

He did great with (and seemed to derive great joy from saying) names like Ruiz Plaza, Alejos, etc. even if the abrupt change of accent isn't as smooth on the ears.  (side note: having lived in Brazil for several years, I've repeatedly experienced this in reverse where the Brazilian announcers break their native accent to say an American, English, etc. name leaving me both (a) impressed with the skill to accurately switch accents for a single word (name) while talking a mile a minute, and (b) finding it a little jolting to the ear.)

I do the same thing in pronouncing the names of North Park's Swedish and Norwegian players, but the reason why I do so is common courtesy. Our broadcasts get substantial viewers from Scandinavia, and it's polite to use the proper way of saying a player's name when you know full well that his friends and family may be watching back home.  I try to do the same thing with North Park's football players from American Samoa (Samoan names are infinitely more difficult to pronounce properly than are Scandinavian names).

On the goal call, the announcer just seemed to be trying a little too hard to mimic the goal calls that you'd hear from announcers throughout Latin America.

That stereotypical "Gooooooooooooooooooooooooal!" nonsense is exactly why I try not to use the g-word on my goal calls. I either say, "It's in!" or "He scores!"

I can only imagine what people have thought the few times I have stepped in to do play-by-play or color commentary for broadcasts.  Of course, I don't have a lick of training or education or background in this field, so going in I know I'm not going to measure up very well and can only hope that more people are thinking that "any announcer is better than no announcer" instead of thinking that "silence would be better than having to listen to this guy".

I do play-by-play for eight different sports at NPU, and, while I wouldn't say that men's soccer is the hardest (that would be volleyball), it's the most physically challenging -- ninety minutes of talking, forty-five of them at a stretch, with no breaks. Since I don't have a color commentator, I'm filling in that aspect of the broadcast as well, as much as I am able. It has its own pleasures, in that it's easy to find a rhythm in this sport that you don't find in other sports, and, because you can see plays develop, you can modulate more and thus make your crescendos mean more than they do in other sports.

Men's soccer was one of the last sports that I added to my repertoire. I was fortunate in that I worked as the spotter and occasional scorekeeper in the press box while North Park had another broadcaster call the matches, a former player who worked the mic for several years for NPU, which meant that I got to hear on a regular basis how someone else called the games and thus I had a yardstick to use when I took over. And I put in some time on YouTube as well, listening to various PBP announcers from around the world and how they worked games. It's not rocket science, but, as you can attest, anybody who thinks it's easy ought to give it a try him- or herself sometime. It can also be a lot of fun, especially if you have a good program for whom you're calling matches.

[Mr.Right]

Shooter,

Seems like you were at the Lycoming v Drew game this past weekend....Give us some goods on Drew...Formation? How did they play Lycoming? Was Lycoming pressing them and how they deal with that? Who am I lookin at for their top players?

[Mr.Right]

Fair enough. You are probably right. Do we have a scout on UR...System? GK? playmakers? How will they adjust to Messiah's field size? Stuff like that

In past they have played 4-3-3, but this year seems to be more of a 4-3-2-1 with Rouin at the top. Pretty much the same setup with the striker a bit further up. They try to spring him a lot, he's got some wheels. They do not have any real dynamos in midfield or playmakers, but they are very good in terms of positional awareness. Goalkeeper is solid but not spectacular.

As for the field, interesting question. I think they will use the extra space well, but while Amherst likes narrow fields I do think Amherst will be better suited to the surface. We can say they're even in terms of having to adapt to that.

How about Drew? Anyone have any idea about what Drew will be playing? If they took down Lycoming than they must be able to deal with physicality and pressing rather well. The Brandeis v Drew match has all the makings of an extremely tight one goal game

No idea about system, but they definitely have some size based on the look I had at their roster and reading a few game recaps. Cserhat at CF is 6-5 and 200 so I can imagine they might be trying to hit him on crosses against the Brandeis CBs who are 6' and 5'10".

Yea if you take a look at Drew's highlights from their conference tournament they have some serious size up top along with speed and athleticism.

[Ejay]

Shooter,

Seems like you were at the Lycoming v Drew game this past weekend....Give us some goods on Drew...Formation? How did they play Lycoming? Was Lycoming pressing them and how they deal with that? Who am I lookin at for their top players?

I posted this after their Landmark Championship...

Made the 45 minute drive to Madison to watch Drew vs. E-Town in the Landmark Championship.  I've seen them a few times via stream and wasn't super impressed, but seeing them in person today I get the feeling they are legit. At 19-0-1, they are certainly capable of making a very deep run in the tournament.  Yes I know their SOS isn't as impressive as others, but until someone demonstrates they can beat Drew, they are an elite 8, if not final 4, contender in my eyes.

While the stats may indicate today was a fairly close game, honestly there was never a doubt that Drew was going to win. Obviously they benefited from playing an only slightly-above-average E-Town team, but they have some serious talent. What's scary is they are loaded with underclassman having started only 2 seniors!

Forwards: Imoh and Cserhat, both sophomores, are extremely dangerous. Cserhat has an incredibly soft touch for someone that's 6'5.  He's not just a big body, but has skill and finesse. Simply put, he's hard to defend. He scored two today to bring his season total to 20. Imoh showed today why we was conference ROY last season and a Regional All-American.  He had two assists to bring his season numbers to 10g, 9a.  At 6'2, 200lbs, he's a beast who you cannot knock off the ball.  Although not overly speedy, he's still deceptively fast and has very good foot skills. He's as good, if not better, than Wasso from E-Town.   My only knock on Cserhat and Imoh is they are both lazy on D, don't track back, and are content to take their time getting back onside, thereby negating Drew's ability to play quickly forward after a MF turnover.

Midfielder: Martinez pulls the strings.  He too is a big body at 6'2, 195.  He plays as a holding MF, rarely taking more than 2 touches. He has great vision and is capable of making a crisp 40 yard pass.  Defensively he keeps it simple, tackling when necessary but usually just clogging the passing/dribbling lanes.  Audi, Kwak and Correra were extremely effective and have good motors - definitely the workhorses on the team. 

Defense: 3 in the back.  The elder Cserhat, at 6'3 is a fine CB.  Thought he took some unnecessary chances, but overall was pretty solid. Rodriguez at 6'1, 195 uses his size to his advantage and didn't really get beat. Goncalves is smaller but obviously quicker.  Both he and Rodriguez play simple and smart - rarely taking chances and are happy to play through Martinez or up top to Imoh and Cserhat. 

Keeper: Adamo wasn't really tested so it's hard to say what he's got.  Listed at 5'9" so that can certainly be a challenge. 

Subs: Drew went about 6 deep with any significant playing time - again mostly fresh/soph. In fact, their starting unit in the second half featured 4-5 bench players and they scored within the first 45 seconds.

Drew was incredibly impressive in the first half, less so in the second, but that could be because they were up 3-0 and had the bench getting a lot of minutes. In my opinion, this is not a team you want to play.  They have the size to play physically, and the skill to play pretty.  Imoh/Cserhat have to be one of the best 1-2 forward combinations in the country and either of them can beat you so you can't just focus on shutting down one of them.  I'd love to see a better work rate from them but maybe that's just me.

Now don't get me wrong, they are beatable, but I don't see it being 0-1. I can see losing 2-3 in OT, or perhaps PK's, but they will certainly be an interesting team to follow through the tournament.     

[Shooter McGavin]

Shooter,

Seems like you were at the Lycoming v Drew game this past weekend....Give us some goods on Drew...Formation? How did they play Lycoming? Was Lycoming pressing them and how they deal with that? Who am I lookin at for their top players?

I watched the game online and was tuned in for its entirety. Lycoming had the better run of play for a majority of the game and the shots were 10-3 in the first half to Lycoming but they couldn't find the back of the net. Shots clearly favored Drew in the second half but many of those came from counter attacks after they scored when Lycoming was flying numbers forward to equalize. 12-4 advantage to Drew in shots in the second half but I would say 6 or 7 of those came in the final 15 minutes after the goal so that number is certainly deceiving.

It's hard to say they were ever dangerous unless they had a free kick or a corner kick. Lycoming had the ball for most of the game and Drew never got too dangerous in the run of play. They have 2 massive forwards but neither of them did much in this game and from what I can tell they didn't do anything in the previous game vs F&M either, according to the box score. They are both skillful no doubt but lack any kind of pace so they won't get in behind a defense and that was evident vs Lycoming. As for formation they play 3 in the back. At times it looked like a 3-5-2 and at times it looked like a 3-4-3 but always only 3 in the back. The 2 forwards never track defensively and they seemed to rely on the 3 CB's for all defensive purposes. This is why I think they can become exposed vs a good Brandeis team and allow multiple goals. Lycoming easily could have had 4 or 5 goals and that isn't counting the non-PK calls throughout. As for the GK he was small but not sure on an exact height but 5'9" seems accurate as mentioned in a different post. He wasn't impressive but wasn't poor by any means. He made a couple quality saves when called upon.

Drew seemed frustrated throughout since they couldn't get going offensively but survived every attack Lycoming managed. Lycoming was able to turn them over and attack down the flanks successfully. As for top players no one really stood out. The 2 forwards will make you take notice with their size and skill but like I said neither of them ever got dangerous in the run of play. Although they do try and connect 1 touch through the middle but weren't successful with it. The one forward seemed to be the hot head on the team. I was impressed with whatever kid had the cast on his arm defensively. He seemed to be a ball winner despite his lack of size.

EB gives a more detailed description which seems fair although I was not as impressed with the 2 forwards as others have been I guess. Brandeis should be able to pick them apart but if they go down at any point it will be difficult to mount a comeback as seen in the last game.       

[sokermom]

Fair enough. You are probably right. Do we have a scout on UR...System? GK? playmakers? How will they adjust to Messiah's field size? Stuff like that

In past they have played 4-3-3, but this year seems to be more of a 4-3-2-1 with Rouin at the top. Pretty much the same setup with the striker a bit further up. They try to spring him a lot, he's got some wheels. They do not have any real dynamos in midfield or playmakers, but they are very good in terms of positional awareness. Goalkeeper is solid but not spectacular.

As for the field, interesting question. I think they will use the extra space well, but while Amherst likes narrow fields I do think Amherst will be better suited to the surface. We can say they're even in terms of having to adapt to that.

How about Drew? Anyone have any idea about what Drew will be playing? If they took down Lycoming than they must be able to deal with physicality and pressing rather well. The Brandeis v Drew match has all the makings of an extremely tight one goal game

No idea about system, but they definitely have some size based on the look I had at their roster and reading a few game recaps. Cserhat at CF is 6-5 and 200 so I can imagine they might be trying to hit him on crosses against the Brandeis CBs who are 6' and 5'10".

Yea if you take a look at Drew's highlights from their conference tournament they have some serious size up top along with speed and athleticism.

And super confident.  My son played against Drew and said players were obnoxious, overly confident, and know they can win any game.  Basically play with a chip on their shoulders.

[franklyspeaking]

Yes they do play with a chip on their shoulder.  You can frustrate the brothers enough that they will retaliate.

[NEsoccerfan]

Fair enough. You are probably right. Do we have a scout on UR...System? GK? playmakers? How will they adjust to Messiah's field size? Stuff like that

In past they have played 4-3-3, but this year seems to be more of a 4-3-2-1 with Rouin at the top. Pretty much the same setup with the striker a bit further up. They try to spring him a lot, he's got some wheels. They do not have any real dynamos in midfield or playmakers, but they are very good in terms of positional awareness. Goalkeeper is solid but not spectacular.

As for the field, interesting question. I think they will use the extra space well, but while Amherst likes narrow fields I do think Amherst will be better suited to the surface. We can say they're even in terms of having to adapt to that.

How about Drew? Anyone have any idea about what Drew will be playing? If they took down Lycoming than they must be able to deal with physicality and pressing rather well. The Brandeis v Drew match has all the makings of an extremely tight one goal game

No idea about system, but they definitely have some size based on the look I had at their roster and reading a few game recaps. Cserhat at CF is 6-5 and 200 so I can imagine they might be trying to hit him on crosses against the Brandeis CBs who are 6' and 5'10".

Yea if you take a look at Drew's highlights from their conference tournament they have some serious size up top along with speed and athleticism.

Where did you find this highlight vid? Mind sharing?

[rudy]

Sounds like the Brandeis vs Drew game may depend a lot on how tightly the refs call the game and whether they issue any yellow cards early for so called aggressive play. I have not seen Drew play but basing my statement on other comments here about their style of play. If the refs let a lot go as just aggressive play then Drew may have advantage. Otherwise Brandeis may prevail.

[blooter442]

Sounds like the Brandeis vs Drew game may depend a lot on how tightly the refs call the game and whether they issue any yellow cards early for so called aggressive play. I have not seen Drew play but basing my statement on other comments here about their style of play. If the refs let a lot go as just aggressive play then Drew may have advantage. Otherwise Brandeis may prevail.

From what I've come to understand, refs are more inclined to "let them play" at this point in the year where the games are very high-stakes. Of course, it varies from official to official, but seems to be the general trend.

[lastguyoffthebench]

Should let them play with a slow whistle to see if an advantage gets there, without calling the "play on"... bring it back to the spot.

Second foul by player... address him/her.  Third or fourth foul by same player or on the same player... boom 'em...     

[lastguyoffthebench]

-32 KARMA.  HAAAAAA

[firstplaceloser]

Sounds like the Brandeis vs Drew game may depend a lot on how tightly the refs call the game and whether they issue any yellow cards early for so called aggressive play. I have not seen Drew play but basing my statement on other comments here about their style of play. If the refs let a lot go as just aggressive play then Drew may have advantage. Otherwise Brandeis may prevail.

From what I've come to understand, refs are more inclined to "let them play" at this point in the year where the games are very high-stakes. Of course, it varies from official to official, but seems to be the general trend.

100% correct. would you rather watch a game be called like field hockey or let them play

[2xfaux]

Certainly, "let them play" is the best case.  However, everyone has seen games where the ref who "let them play" early struggles to keep control in the second half.  Consistency makes for the best games.  If it not a foul in the first minute but is a foul in the last minute ...we have a problem.  The best refs set the tone early and stick to it and that is why they get the big bucks

[rudy]

For Messiah's quadrant this weekend.  Previews of the teams will be up soon I expect..

http://gomessiah.com/sports/2017/11/13/MS111316-20161st2nd.aspx?id=311