2021 Game Notes

[SimpleCoach]

Christopher Newport v. Washington & Lee
Washington & Lee
Bias? – I remember when Newports were the rage and wish I would have rode with George and "Light Horse" Henry

   Nice field, great video, and some of the best announcers I have heard so far.
   Looks like grass?
   4 minutes in, W&L corner kick.  Ball is sent far post and a wide open forward heads the ball into the back of the net about 7 yards out.  Christopher Newport 0, Washington & Lee 1.
   CNU really doesn't control the ball.  Kind of chaotic and don't look to control.
   W&L like the ball of the deck and do well through midfield.  Guys make good use of space and have some forwards who are making good runs.
   CNU does not look like a ranked team
   W&L looks like they can break through for a second goal before CNU even gets its first shot on goal.
   CNU wastes good opportunities to break forward with lazy passes.
   CNU gets the ball to the wingers and they try to go one on one
   W&L is well organized and really not letting CNU get through easily.
   Counters can hurt W&L.  CNU just needs to not cough it up stupidly when they do
   23 minutes left
   CNU looks like they are playing a man down.  Midfields are evenly matched but W&L just looks more comfortable when the get the ball and have plenty of times
   Having some video issues.
   W&L is just picking players out to give them the ball.  Guys who are wide open. 
   Maybe it was the ranking but was expecting more out of CNU.
   W&L on the front foot.  Keep pushing CNU deep
   CNU even struggling with first touch. 13 minutes left
   Having said that, there are glimpses of what CNU seems capable of doing.  Just very erratic and not enough of those moments.
   W&L is keeping CNU in front of them but looks like gaps are starting to open up.  CNU getting to the 18 a little easier than in the first 30.
   W&L is missing that last pass to get in front of goal.
   Some CNU players really love the ball....
   With 7 minutes left, it's getting sloppy
   Halftime
   But of a reversal in the last ten minutes. CNU started to push it while W&L was doing a bit of defending

[SimpleCoach]

Trinity v Colorado College
Trinity
Bias? – I know a professor at one and am a big fan of the Rockies.

   Great video production.  Wonderful grass field.  Love the stadium.
   Trinity presses very high.
   And like that, on a corner, Trinity plays it short.  Crosses the ball far post and there is a Trinity player to head it into the back of the net.  Not sure what Colorado was doing defensively as he seemed to have snuck in there unmarked.  Trinity 1, Colorado 0.  2 minutes into the first half.
   Colorado struggles to get across midfield. Only had one look at goal in the first half.
   Trinity seems to work there corners short.  Purposefully position 4 players to support.  Looking for the defense to adjust and in the confusion look to get the ball across.  Not comfortable for Colorado
   Been all Trinity in the first ten minutes.  Been impressed with both teams and how they play.  Clearly Trinity is more comfortable with the ball and getting forward.  But Colorado tries to play.  Not just looking to boot the ball forward.  Both teams have some skillful players who have a good understanding of the game.
   Colorado just needs to hold onto the ball, even if it is deep in their own half.  If anything, to just stop Trinity from running at them.
   This is where stats alone don't tell the story.  Colorado has a better Pass Ratio (7.6) than Trinity (4.3) but it has been Trinity's game so far.  This is where Colorado's Attack Percentage is much lower than Trinity's.  Trinity has been taking the game to Colorado with 47% of their possession in Colorado's half, while only 21% of Colorado's possession is in their Attacking half.  Concluding that Trinity's pass ratio is worse because they are working it higher up the field in greater pressure than Trinity.
   15 minutes in and Colorado really hasn't gotten to Trinity's half.  Tough to say where Trinity is weak defensively at this point.
   Trinity could use being a bit more patient on the attack.  Sometimes seems to be forcing it rather than letting the play develop a little bit.
   Wow.  One of Colorado's first real methodical attacks leads to a goal.  Ball into the box Colorado player one times a ball on the ground across the box.  Trinity defender can't reach, a second defender goes to tackle the ball that is going to land at a center forwards feet, but neither touch the ball.  Keeps going through and a Colorado winger enters the box and from 10 yards out hits the ball far post for the tying goal.  Trinity 1, Colorado 1.  16 minutes into the first half.
   Trinity looks a little discombobulated after the goal.  Although still able to get dangerous.  Colorado is feeling confident. 
   Trinity still trying to force the ball forward while Colorado tries to be more selective about how it gets forward.  This is a good game. When the teams work it on the deck, they are much more successful than when they try to occasional long ball.
   Colorado has found itself defensively and now makes it very difficult for Trinity.  This was not the case the first 15 minutes. 
   Colorado getting deeper and deeper in the attack.  Trinity being pushed back farther and farther making their attacks more predictable and a little easier to defend against.  They still are dangerous on set pieces though.
   And like that.  On a foul 40 yards from goal, ball is floated to the penalty spot and a Trinity player gets his head on the ball and manages to get the ball on the back of the net.  Kind of floated up and away from the keeper before dropping in under the cross bar.  And like that Trinity 2, Colorado 1.  2 minutes left in the half.  Will say, how the Trinity player won the ball over two Trinity defenders is beyond me.
   Apparently the two goals, both headers were scored by the same player.
   Not sure it was deserved, but as I said, Colorado is very organized on set pieces.  Whether corners or free kicks, they seem to have a game plan for how they are attacking the ball.
   So that's half.  Entertaining, good soccer.  Impressed with both teams.

[Ron Boerger]

Glad you enjoyed.  A little unusual for both teams in that Colorado's most dangerous scorer was out the entire game, Trinity didn't start either their best striker or defensive mid (both came in later in the game).  Trinity also playing their backup keeper who has not seen much action.  Second half was all Trinity and ended 6-2 in the home side's favor.  This was not a SCAC match so both teams doing things they won't when it counts.

Rule (the kid with two goals off headers) doesn't usually play that far forward.  Glad to see him get his first points on the season.

[SimpleCoach]

Bryn Athyn College v Clark Summit University
Bryn Athyn
Bias? - I have an affinity for obscure Christian denominations and always climbing toward something.

- Beautiful campus and great field with a hill to enjoy the game from.
- Bryn Athyn in white, Clark Summit in blue.
- Clark Summit is better on the ball.  Bryn Athyn just late on tackles.  Giving up some dangerous free kicks near the box that Clark Summit could capitalize on.
- I have yet to see a long ball out of the back reach any of its intended targets, from either team.
- Clumsy game.  Lots of unnecessary fouls.  Not much soccer.
- 0-0 at the half.

[SimpleCoach]

Tufts v Colby
Colby
Bias? – Elephants and cheese, who doesn't like these things?

   This is not the same Tufts team I watched a few games ago.  Lethargic, struggling to connect.
   Colby looking much more like a championship team. 
   Colby has been on the front foot.  Most of the game being played in Tuft's half. 
   No real chances to speak of with almost 15 gone, but you get the sense that Colby is closer to a goal than Tufts.
   It's a bare-knuckle kind of game, but Colby has clearly been the better.
   Tufts knows how to play.  Just slow and not the best of touches.  Not sure if it is the grass or what.
   Tuft's had their first shot.. err, half shot, at 29:52.
   When they win the ball, Tufts keeps turning back into pressure.  They seem to get forward a little more.
   I think this is a case where Colby has been playing well, and Tuft's maybe slow to start.  Although if they are not careful, Colby will find a way to goal.
   Colby does well to get the ball between and behind midfielders.  And they have been tenacious on defense.
   Tuft's is lacking movement off the ball.  Guys get the ball and don't have many options.
   When Colby is able to get it into the attacking half, whether by passing it or winning a ball, they actually move the ball well.  Not impressed with Tufts midfield defending.  Almost like they are surprised someone is trying to play against them.  22 left.
   20 minutes in and Tuft has an opportunity from maybe 4 yards and the Colby Keeper comes up big and blocks the shot.
   Tuft forwards seemingly trying to do too much.
   And that left back for Tuft's is a beast.
   Colby starting to be put under pressure, but Tufts can't seal the deal.  Starting to win ball in the middle because they are quick to get to the man with the ball.
   Another chance for Tufts.  Keeper comes out on a ball floated into the box, misses and ball finds its way to the 6 where a Tufts player tries a diving header but puts the ball wide.
   Colby now can't get out of their half.  Tufts has them pinned and when they do get forward 3 or 4 players converge on the ball.
   Looks like there is an injury sub with 12 minutes left in the half.  Colby keeper must have gotten dinged when he came out for the ball earlier.
   And why we loves this game ... or drives us mad.  From driving forward and putting a ball across the box just beyond a diving forward, Tufts gets stung by Colby.  Good give and go to get out of pressure, and passed outside the left wing, #20, who is one on one with a Tufts defender.  Slots a ball to the center forward who drops it back.  Two quick passes to the opposite side and a Colby player makes a move and hits the roof of the net.  Tufts 0, Colby 1. 
   If you account for the first 20 minutes, Colby deserved the goal.  Would say Tufts probably should have had 3, just on the opportunities they missed... not because of play which they are unimpressive right now.
   Of course, they are back to pinning Colby back, but without much luck.  Keep putting the ball in the box, but Colby is doing well defending and getting the ball away.
   Tufts just too imprecise when it matters. 
   And halftime.  Tufts 0, Colby 1.
   Tons of games to watch but expect Tufts to come out and force the issue until they at least get the equalizer.  And would be expecting Colby to be defending for dear life.

[SimpleCoach]

Washington College v Muhlenberg
Muhlenberg
Bias? –Second time watching both.

   Joined when it was already Washington 1, Muhlenberg 0. 
   Muhlenberg moves the ball in the back and looking to spring a winger when they get the opportunity.  31 left.
   Muhlenberg moves the ball well.  Real solid in the middle but are getting closed quickly and Washington is tight defensively.  Very disciplined.
   I like Muhlenberg's back line and midfield, but the forward line is a bit too static.  North/South runners that are waiting for the ball rather than trying to create.  They also need to stretch the Washington back line.  There are no real gaps and no real patience to work the ball to create them.
   There are two things I noticed in all the games I have watched.  By and large, players on the field are largely unaware of two things – Time and the score.  If they are winning or losing, no matter how much time is left, they rush to score.  In this case, Muhlenberg has a whole lot of time and is playing like their hair is on fire.  If they are not careful, Washington will hurt them.  Washington is sort of hunkered back as if there are 30 seconds left in the game... not my definition of being patient.
   17 left.
   Muhlenberg is trying to force the ball in the worst spots.  Washington is just collecting the ball and going on the attack, although not effective.
   You can see that Muhlenberg is getting frustrated.
   Didn't see the goal but this is right now a game between the 18s.  No one is getting a clear look on goal.
   Muhlenberg #8 is a solid mid.
   Lot of popcorn ball going on.
   No space for either team... but they keep forcing everything.  Both teams seem to be playing in the center of the field.  Not using the width of the field.  As a result, the last 10 minutes have been akin to a 19th century Rugby match.
   I really should start counting good//bad first touches ...
   Ok.  Halftime.  More games, so am done with this one.

[SimpleCoach]

Catholic v Moravian
Catholic
Bias? – Multiple times for each team.


   Nice first attack by Catholic that almost led to a goal.  Keeper with the save.
   Moravian tries to work the ball, but Catholic is so energetic...
   Catholic doesn't do much with the ball but both times they got it forward they were dangerous.  Moravian defense is left wanting.
   Moravian defenders do well marking but movement confuses them and leave gaping holes.
   Another counter by Catholic that leads to a header just wide.  Moravian tries to move the ball but breaks down easily on turnovers.
   Neither team is adept at moving the ball.  Careless turnovers that shouldn't be.  Inconsistency in the movements off the ball, and lack of organization on attack.
   Catholic is always looking for the big ball, even if it is on the ground.
   If Catholic had a midfielder with a good passing range and stayed at home a bit, someone who could connect the back with the midfield, they could be good.
   Moravian is just too slow with ball movement.  Gives Catholic the opportunity to defend.
   The gaps in the middle of the field are enormous.  All the midfielders are forwards who start deeper...
   No control of the ball.
   No defensive disciple from Catholic.  Slow to get out for corners.
   26 minutes in.
   A team with defensive discipline so as not to lose their shape when on the attack, that can exploit the space in the middle by controlling the ball, and that on the attack keeps space and doesn't get caught to tight in the middle, would have a field day against either team.
   This is another theory of mine.  Lots of teams like to play some version of a 4-3-3.  Most teams don't know what it means to play a version of a 4-3-3.
   Aside from those couple of chances early on, there hasn't been much in the way of dangerous attacks.  At times this seems more like a game of Quidditch than soccer.
   Someone is going to have to shoot from range to break the deadlock.  Neither team has the consistency or creativity to create something that will lead to a goal.
   2 minutes left and I am done. 
   This is the sort of game that drives me nuts.  I can take bad passes and popcorn ball.  What I can't take is chaos.  Some might like that, but I hold to the notion that unless you have some semblance of discipline and organization, you are playing adult Sunday league ball.  And that's what this looked like for long stretches of the game.
   Halftime.  Catholic 0, Moravian 0.

[D3_Slack]

@simplecoach - would love to get your take on Carnegie Mellon.  UAA is going to be a very tough league this year and they're off to a very good start.  Only loss came in OT to Ohio Northern playing down a man (one of the softest cards I've ever seen).  Check out their schedule.  They play 5 very tough games in a row (not sure of the order) - NYU, Chicago, Rochester, Wash U, Emory so they have a chance to prove how good they are.  Worth a watch.

[SimpleCoach]

@simplecoach - would love to get your take on Carnegie Mellon.  UAA is going to be a very tough league this year and they're off to a very good start.  Only loss came in OT to Ohio Northern playing down a man (one of the softest cards I've ever seen).  Check out their schedule.  They play 5 very tough games in a row (not sure of the order) - NYU, Chicago, Rochester, Wash U, Emory so they have a chance to prove how good they are.  Worth a watch.

Funny, thought I watched them but apparently I haven't.  Will see if I can check out a game.  If they archive video, I will catch a game they have played.  Always like CMU as at least historically, they have been competitive and try to play.  Played against them a number of times.

[SimpleCoach]

@D3_Slack... no better time than the present to watch another game...

Carnegie Mellon v Westminster
Westminster, PA
Bias? – Played against one and been to the Abbey

   Love the field/stadium.  Seems like a great spot for it.
   Impressive from both teams.  Trying to work the ball through the middle and trying to retain a degree of control of the play.
   CMU has three very good midfielders, controlling the tempo and changing points of attack.
   Both have gotten to goal early on.
   CMU uses the midfield like most teams use their back line.  They have the ability to hold onto the ball high up the field and in the attacking half.  Helps that their forwards are dynamic and make effective runs to space.
   Westminster is having to be disciplined defensively because CMU is moving side to side pretty effectively.
   Westminster struggling to get forward consistently and is spending much of the time so far in their half.
   CMU being very patient with the ball and tries to get their midfield involved early. 
   Lots of run through the back line from the CMU midfielders.  Can see this being a problem for any team that can't track them.
   29 remaining.
   CMU Always has a midfielder sitting deep as a CDM.  As the play develops in the back he supports the central defenders and becomes an option.  Wherever the space is, another midfielder checks in.  If it's not on, the backs, keep the ball between themselves.  Farther up, the other midfielder or forward checks into the space in the midfield that is now open.  This is the third option for the backs.  Usually, one is on.  The third option is always on because the Westminster defender is slow to pick up that he is looking for the ball.
   Westminster is covering well, but the gap between the back line and their defensive posture in the middle is too wide and is usually where CMU is trying to get the ball.
   22 remaining and the game is between the 18's.
   CMU needs to be a little more patient early on.  There will be gaps, just can't force it, especially down the middle.
   Westminster starting to break out of their defensive shell.  Getting more of the play in CMU's half.  Still not precise, and CMU is very disciplined in covering.
   #5 for CMU is a very solid holding Mid.  More teams could learn to have a player like that to connect the backs and the midfield.  No nonsense, not trying anything too flashy, everything simple... And keeps a Westminster player busy because he has to be marked.
   Westminster doing well to find outlet passes while under pressure.  Just when CMU thinks they have cornered the ball, Westminster moves it away.
   CMU seems to have gone a little flat.  Doing well in possession, but the forward line is a little static.  Big center forward just going north and south looking to get a ball to beet so he can try to beat the defender.  Never does though.
   Makes no sense for Westminster to press high because CMU is too good with the ball in the back.  If I were the coach I would have them drop to midfield and have them defend from there.
   And like that CMU gets on the board first.  Westminster looks to break out to get on the attack, and man with the ball tries to get it out wide.  CMU defender reads it like a book and picks off the pass about 40 yards out.  Ball lands at the feet of a CMU 25 yards out, who was left unmarked as the Westminster was stepping forward.  Takes a touch and from 22 hits a low driven ball inside the post to the Keepers right.  Great goal.  Carnegie Mellon 1, Westminster 0.
   The goal is that shows that transitions can be the most vulnerable moments for a team.  Westminster was starting to get on the attack and a quick, well defended play turns on them and CMU punishes.
   10 left in the half.
   And then just like that.  Westminster gets the ball forward and get a couple of throw ins 18 yards in.  The kid has a bomb of a thrown in easily reaching the near post.  First one is dealt with no problem.  Second one the keeper comes out but over commits and ball goes through his hands and into the back of the net.  Assuming the keeper got his hands on the ball for the goal to stand.  Carnegie Mellon 1, Westminster 1.
   This is why being a goalkeeper is the loneliest place on the field...
   And soccer is a game of goals.  There is no place on the score sheet for style points... 7 left.
   And now another mistake.  Ball floated in from a foul at midfield that somehow gets beyond Westminster defenders to a CMU player who heads the ball down.  Actually looks like he miss hit the ball ...  Keeper drops to his knees and the ball bounces over him.  Kind of bizarre, kind of play I would be furious about.  Just get the ball out no matter what.  You just tied the game and there is less than a minute left.  Really bad to let something like this allow to happen... out of nothing.  Carnegie Mellon 2, Westminster 1.
   And then with 10 left, CMU had another chance but the keeper came up big with a save.  Total lack of awareness on Westminster's part in the last couple of minutes.
   Halftime.

[SimpleCoach]

Hamilton College v Connecticut College
Hamilton
Bias? – If you accuse me of bias, let's duel, and second time watching.

   Conn owns the ball.  Only reason why Hamilton may be in Conn's half is because Conn has let them come try to take the ball away as they work it around the back.  Lots of chasing for Hamilton.
   Am hoping for Hamilton's sake that they are just having a slow start.  Really can't get a hold of the ball.
   Midfield very active for Connecticut.  Do take control of the game.  Hamilton is just sitting so deep, but even so, wings are wide open and a long ball across the field can get to them without a challenge. 
   Conn doing well to wait for its moments.  Still probing for open space. Hamilton will break down in the back if they keep this up for much longer.
   Think Hamilton is trying to slow it down.
   Not a matter of "if" but "when" will Connecticut take advantage of a defensive turnover and punish Hamilton.
   Conn keeping Hamilton in front of them when they don't have the ball.  Hamilton does not have the ideas to get through.
   This is the point in the game where the good team can take control or starts to slow down and lets the lesser team into the game.  Not sure where it is headed.  15 minutes into the first half.
   Hamilton is starting to get higher up the field.  Just can't connect in the final third ... largely thanks to a solid playing back line.
   Connecticut is still much in control, just needs to find the gaps.
   And just like that.  Hamilton defender clears the ball right into a Connecticut player.  Ball bounces to another just at the 18.  He has no one around him and takes a couple of touches and lines up the perfect shot far post for a goal.  Hamilton 0, Connecticut 1.  21 minutes left in the half.
   Connecticut is now knocking for a second.  Can see that happening before the Connecticut keeper is even put under pressure.
   8 left.
   And again, Connecticut connecting through the middle to #14 who takes the ball into Hamilton's half and slots his right wing #12 ... who is wide open ... who rips a shot upper corner to the left of the keeper.  Not a shot that he makes the save.  Hamilton 0, Connecticut 2.
   Unless Connecticut collapses in the second half, this game is done.
   Halftime.

[SimpleCoach]

Messiah v NYU
NYU – Gaelic Park
Bias? – Second time watching both

   Messiah, doing what it does.  Owning the ball and playing mostly in NYUs half.  Midfield is active and always looking to be on the ball. 
   Speed of their ball movement is hard to keep up with by NYU is being disciplined in the back.
   First real opportunity from Messiah.  Well played ball floated far post to a wide-open player.  NYU keeper comes up big with a high save.
   7 minutes into the first half.
   Messiah thrives on simple one touch give and go... or in other parlance ... give the ball, get the ball ... Really something to watch especially since not many teams do it.  By far the best passing team in the country.
   NYU has only completed one pass in the last 5 minutes.  Literally.
   Both teams are talented and Top 20 in my book.
   Once again, my only issue with Messiah is that they are looking for perfection in the attack.  And while that may come, probably comes fewer than good opportunities.
   15 minutes in and NYU is trying to get the ball forward and are a little more effective, but when Messiah gets the ball in space its like one big game of keep away.  They are not wasteful at all when they are in possession.
   Really fun to watch Messiah and how a player has his head down, intuitively knows where he can put the ball because he can expect a teammate to be there.
   NYU has its first shot on goal at the 27th minute.  Looked like a little miscommunication in the back that landed the ball to the NYU forward.
    And like that.  Without going into detail, Messiah keeper gets the ball and passes to his nearest back.  From there, 20 consecutive passes, 10 of which made their way through NYU.  Forward turns on his defender and ends up with the ball where he is off to the keepers right and hits a worm burner far post for the go-ahead goal.  Messiah 1, NYU 0.
   NY defends with 9 and are all with their defensive third.  Just can't get on the ball.
   22 minutes left in the half.
   Think NYU is making a mistake by defending so deep.  Midfielders have tons of space to pick where they want to go.  I would clog their midfield play as best I could.  Probably under normal circumstances against lesser teams, they can swarm the man with the ball.  Messiah you need to be man to man and making sure passing lanes are blocked or at least makes putting the ball there a risky proposition.
   NYU needs to have some patience with the ball.  Otherwise, they are playing into Messiah's game plan.
   15 minutes left in the half.
   Some technical difficulties with the video...
   NYU is pressing higher and putting Messiah under a bit of pressure in the back.  Starting to get closer to the 18.  Able to get the ball out wide and put it across.  Could be dangerous for Messiah.
   Of course, the Man with the Mullett ... the Messiah keeper is super solid between the pipes.
   3 minutes left in the half.
   NYU has had the better of the play for the last 15 or so, but still a little too far from goal.
   Halftime.  Game is good enough to watch the second half.
   Wasn't taking any notes, but with 17 down, NYU got a second.  Messiah keeper punts the ball this time.  Big center forward, the player who gave his hair to the goalkeeper, heads a ball to the teammate who is running forward to down the line.  The big man continues his run and gets to the 18.  There are 2 NYU players covering deep, and two trailing.  No one is really marking except for the man on the ball.  Between the 40 NYU players there is a passing lane that leads to the big man at the 18.  The big man receives the ball and with all the calm in the world, as a 5 defender tries to close him down, he hits a low ball with his instep that bends around the defender and goes far post side netting.  Keeper didn't even see it and if he could have, he wouldn't get to it.  Masterclass goal.  Seriously.  Doesn't kill the ball, just easily hits it and boom.  Messiah 2, NYU 0.
   Think that's going to call it for me.  I end on that beautiful goal.  Stunning.

[Falconer]

Great account of the first half of the MESSIAH-NYU game, Simple Coach. Thank you for it. One correction: the first goal was scored by a defender, not a forward. Even though he made a forward-type play, running straight for the goal after receiving the ball from his normal position fairly deep in the attacking third. I think he was momentarily dispossessed, but it came off his chest and back to his feet for the shot. A brilliant decision to initiate that play, when normally that's not his role. This is an aspect of the messiah attack often not seen by those with limited experience watching them: the veterans (and this year's team is full of them) are allowed to go off script in the attacking end, when they see opportunities present themselves. Usually they don't do this. In general the outside backs will sometimes have the ball near the goal line and initiate plays from there after fast overlapping runs, but it's uncommon for them to go to goal with the ball as in this instance. NYU could not have anticipated that play—perhaps a factor in its success.

The stream was terrible, to be generous. Literally dozens of times it went blank, sometimes for minutes at a time. Thus, I didn't see the late goal by NYU that cut the deficit in half. Overall I think NYU is as talented as anyone out there. They were easily the most physical team the Falcons have played thus far, taking the Falcons out of their scheme often even though Messiah still had the majority of possession. This one had the feel of a Final Four contest, to be frank. I would not be shocked if (a) NYU wins their loaded conference and (b) makes the Final Four: they're that good. No weak links on the starting team. You take them lightly and you're going home with your posterior in your hands.

This game showed me the Falcons are for real, even though they don't have a reliable finisher, or at least not yet identified as such. The backup forward with the shaved head who scored that textbook second goal could emerge to fill that role, but McCarty so far isn't starting him. I haven't seen anyone else with the classic skill set of a target, and the best Falcon teams over the years have had a target who can get the ball, keep it under pressure in or around the box, and do the right things from there. If this man gets more PT and doesn't change his game, they could take a step up on the attacking end—which could be the key come November.

[Falconer]

Despite my legitimate frustration with the streaming, i am grateful for the fact that I could still see much of that game from a hotel room 4000 miles away. About a mile from here, the street markets are full of little rag dolls with "Modric" displayed across the back of the jersey. Love that guy. Maybe I'll take one home and put a Falcon cap on him. That's a thought. 😂

[SimpleCoach]

Great account of the first half of the MESSIAH-NYU game, Simple Coach. Thank you for it. One correction: the first goal was scored by a defender, not a forward. Even though he made a forward-type play, running straight for the goal after receiving the ball from his normal position fairly deep in the attacking third. I think he was momentarily dispossessed, but it came off his chest and back to his feet for the shot. A brilliant decision to initiate that play, when normally that's not his role. This is an aspect of the messiah attack often not seen by those with limited experience watching them: the veterans (and this year's team is full of them) are allowed to go off script in the attacking end, when they see opportunities present themselves. Usually they don't do this. In general the outside backs will sometimes have the ball near the goal line and initiate plays from there after fast overlapping runs, but it's uncommon for them to go to goal with the ball as in this instance. NYU could not have anticipated that play—perhaps a factor in its success.

The stream was terrible, to be generous. Literally dozens of times it went blank, sometimes for minutes at a time. Thus, I didn't see the late goal by NYU that cut the deficit in half. Overall I think NYU is as talented as anyone out there. They were easily the most physical team the Falcons have played thus far, taking the Falcons out of their scheme often even though Messiah still had the majority of possession. This one had the feel of a Final Four contest, to be frank. I would not be shocked if (a) NYU wins their loaded conference and (b) makes the Final Four: they're that good. No weak links on the starting team. You take them lightly and you're going home with your posterior in your hands.

This game showed me the Falcons are for real, even though they don't have a reliable finisher, or at least not yet identified as such. The backup forward with the shaved head who scored that textbook second goal could emerge to fill that role, but McCarty so far isn't starting him. I haven't seen anyone else with the classic skill set of a target, and the best Falcon teams over the years have had a target who can get the ball, keep it under pressure in or around the box, and do the right things from there. If this man gets more PT and doesn't change his game, they could take a step up on the attacking end—which could be the key come November.

Thanks Falconer.  Appreciate the comments.

Will say the streaming is hard to follow players and since i am not familiar with them, hard to know who is who.  Plus unless I really hone in on individual player then I am basically watching it differently.  Having said that, not  surprised.  Messiah is master masterclass when it comes to moving and filling in space where appropriate.  They intuitively know where to go and seems very natural.  I think this was the best game I have watched so far.  Without a doubt.