2021 Game Notes

[SimpleCoach]

Mount Union v Wooster
Wooster
Bias? – Not the first time watching.

   15 minutes in and Mount Union is up 1-0.  Didn't see the goal.
   Mount Union does well in possession.  Able to move it into tight spaces in the midfield.
   Wooster called for a tremendously weak or non-existent penalty kick. 
   Keeper goes to his right, ball goes the opposite side, upper corner.  Really well-placed ball.  Mount Union 2, Wooster 0.
   20 minutes down.
   Wooster just can't the numbers around the ball, while Mount Union is defending tight and deep.
   Mount Union keeper sits on his line when a throw in goes into his six.  I don't understand this.
   Don't think the announcers are loving the ref much... can't blame them.
   Mount Union does well when they win the ball deep and move forward as a team.
   Wooster just can't get a hold of the ball, beyond being able to keep it in the back.  Soon as it passes midfield Mount Union presses and wins the ball.
   17 minutes left.
   Wooster is starting to apply some pressure in the middle of the field.  Mount Union is having to go long or down the line.
   I can see why Mount Union is ranked in the region.  Solid defensively and make plays happen in the attack.  Will be interesting when they face Otterbein and John Carroll.  I think both teams are legit.
   Halftime.  Many games to watch so calling this one early.

[SimpleCoach]

Johns Hopkins v McDaniels
McDaniels Golden Arches Field
Bias? – I had a player go to one, and a chemist to another.

   McDaniels looks like a lovely place.  Beautiful grass field.
   McDaniels defenders need to stop jumping in.  Johns Hopkins has good enough players to welcome the opportunity to make the defender look bad.
   If I were the McDaniels head coach, I would play with two left backs.  Seems to be the only part of the field Johns Hopkins goes to in the attacking third.
   And doing what Johns Hopkins does, they got it to the right wing who took it to goal and shot it just wide far post.
   Johns Hopkins owns the ball.  Don't even think its close.  Don't think McDaniels has completed more than three passes in a row.
   Every time McDaniels has gotten the ball they have hoofed it forward ... for Johns Hopkins to recover the ball and start all over.
   Its not a matter of if but when will John's Hopkins score.
   Now, they are good, but Johns Hopkins is very predictable on attack.  If your team is not egomaniacal about the ball, when Johns Hopkins starts passing between their backs ... let them.  Just make sure you have numbers on your left.  That's where they are coming from.
   I would add that Johns Hopkins midfielder really don't move for the ball.  As if they know they wont get the ball from their backs.
   17 down in the first.
   Hopkins keeper comes out strong for a floated ball to the 12.  How refreshing to see.
   Johns Hopkins center backs are the creative ones on the team.
   Want to say something about McDaniels, but they haven't done anything.  The fact that Johns Hopkins hasn't scored yet says more about them then it does about McDaniels.
   Too slow with the ball.  If Johns Hopkins were quicker, they would have two goals by now.  Meanwhile they have resorted to launching every ball up top ... that they haven't won yet.
   Honestly, I love soccer.  Just not sure how much more of this I can watch.  Maybe its because it is a mid-week game.
   Am starting to think Johns Hopkins isn't THAT good.  Not even sure they deserve to be ranked.  They strike me as very one dimensional.
   Ok.  15 minutes left in the half and I am calling it.  I am slowly being killed by the law of thermodynamics.
   And just as I type that, Johns Hopkins scores an ugly melee in the box type goal.  Johns Hopkins 1, McDaniels 0. 
   Ok.  Now I am done.

[SimpleCoach]

Calvin v Chicago
Chicago
Bias? – My favorite piano bar is there, and

   22 minutes left in the half.  At zeros.
   Chicago seems to be more aggressive on the attack.  Hold possession well in Calvin's half.
   Calvin sitting deep defensively and when they get possession seem content to keep the ball in the back.
   Haven't been watching long, but most of the play is in Calvin's half.
   Calvin is disciplined defensively.  And patient.  I will give them that.
   Chicago is just going up against a wall of Calvin defenders when they get 30 yards out.  Real difficult to break it down.
   Chicago is very disciplined.  Calvin can't get beyond midfield because there is nothing there for them.
   10 left.
   Calvin is an enigma to me.  If I were a betting man, from what I have seen these last 15 minutes, I would put a 20 on Calvin playing for a draw.
   Will say if Chicago can move the ball quickly, they can get through Calvin.  It's when they slow it down that Calvin become impenetrable.
   And on a nice set piece from the 18 that should have been called a PK, Chicago with the go ahead.  Taps it to a player more central about 22 yards out who one times it on frame.  Keeper gives up a bad rebound and a Chicago player is there to hit it into the back of the net.  Calvin 0, Chicago 1.
   5 minutes left in the half.
   Calvin now has a sense of urgency on the ball.
   Since getting scored on, Calvin is now pushing to get forward and have had a couple looks at goal.
   Halftime.  Want to catch a few more games.

[SimpleCoach]

Franklin & Marshall v Muhlenberg
Muhlenberg
Bias? – Not the first time I have watched them play.

   Another lovely night game at Muhlenberg.
   Muhlenberg is taking it to F&M.  Hold a majority of the possession and mostly playing in their half.
   But soccer is a cruel mistress.  One of the first forays down to the Muhlenberg box, ball gets clearly to an F&M player sitting at the top of the box and volley's the ball into the back of the net.  F&M 1, Muhlenberg 0.
   6 minutes down.
   Muhlenberg is aimless up top.  I get the sense that they are looking for a lucky break or something like that to get on the board.  If a goal comes it will be F&M makes it happen, not because Muhlenberg was doing anything other than pressing.
   I liken Franklin and Marshall to Calvin, from what I have seen.  A team built for the press and long ball.  Although I think Calvin has better ball handlers.
   Franklin and Marshall has certainly perfected the strategy of kick and hope.
   Muhlenberg needs to stick with what it does well.  Otherwise, the game is chaotic and I think F&M thrive in that.
   Franklin & Marshall just wants to isolate you 1 on 1 and then go at you.  How they do that, they don't care.  And they are effective at it.  May be sacrilege, but I don't rate F&M that highly. 
   And unbelievably Muhlenberg levels it up.  Nice through ball to player running through .... Away from goal mind you ... takes a touch, turns, and chips a ball to the six... Keeper comes out, punches the ball .... Right into his defender who uses his face to put the ball in the back of the net.  F&M 1, Muhlenberg 1.
   Glaring goalkeeper error.  16 minutes remaining on the clock.
   Its devolved into a game of kick ball since the goal.
   And it seems Muhlenberg has beaten F&M at their own game.  Big kick from the keeper.  Muhlenberg player with his back to the goal kicks the ball overhead that happens to land at the chest of a forward running to the 18, who takes it down and hits a ball far post for the second goal of the night.  F&M 1, Muhlenberg 2. A well taken goal.
    Muhlenberg feeling it now.
   Halftime. 
   Game is definitely not over and think it could still go either way.  Not convinced Muhlenberg has more goals in them unless they come from F&M mistakes.  And obviously, can't count out F&M.  They deserve the respect.

[Hopkins92]

Johns Hopkins v McDaniels
McDaniels Golden Arches Field
Bias? – I had a player go to one, and a chemist to another.


   If I were the McDaniels head coach, I would play with two left backs.  Seems to be the only part of the field Johns Hopkins goes to in the attacking third.

   Johns Hopkins owns the ball.  Don't even think its close.  Don't think McDaniels has completed more than three passes in a row.

   Now, they are good, but Johns Hopkins is very predictable on attack.  If your team is not egomaniacal about the ball, when Johns Hopkins starts passing between their backs ... let them.  Just make sure you have numbers on your left.  That's where they are coming from.

   Johns Hopkins center backs are the creative ones on the team.

   Too slow with the ball.  If Johns Hopkins were quicker, they would have two goals by now.  Meanwhile they have resorted to launching every ball up top ... that they haven't won yet.

   Am starting to think Johns Hopkins isn't THAT good.  Not even sure they deserve to be ranked.  They strike me as very one dimensional.
   Ok.  15 minutes left in the half and I am calling it.  I am slowly being killed by the law of thermodynamics.
   And just as I type that, Johns Hopkins scores an ugly melee in the box type goal.  Johns Hopkins 1, McDaniels 0. 
   Ok.  Now I am done.

This is poetry. This is what I've been saying. Appleby (the coach) is good at implementing a system, but, it's, like... Not a good system?

It works against middling and crappy teams, but when you get the Qfinals, you get found out. Loads of talent (maybe not top 5 talent, but still) and you just sort of box them into this system. I will say... It makes sense given the types of students that permeate Hopkins. They need a system to thrive.

[d4_Pace]

One thing I noticed playing Hopkins that I had never seen before is that they had set plays the bench would call out during the run of play. I was defending in front of their bench so I could hear it and eventually figured it out but when certain situations developed the coach would yell out a number which corresponded to the forward lines making specific runs and a specific pass being made. I had never seen that anywhere else.

[Hopkins92]

One thing I noticed playing Hopkins that I had never seen before is that they had set plays the bench would call out during the run of play. I was defending in front of their bench so I could hear it and eventually figured it out but when certain situations developed the coach would yell out a number which corresponded to the forward lines making specific runs and a specific pass being made. I had never seen that anywhere else.

What's funny, if I'm catching your timing the right way... That was player directed back then.

[SimpleCoach]

Pomona-Pitzer v. Redlands
Pomona-Pitzer
Bias? – I like to visit.

   This game is from a few weeks ago.
   Video is going to make this a going to make this a bit difficult to follow.
   Both teams feeling each other out.  Redlands more imprecise than Pomona.
   Pomona does a good job of getting control of the ball inside their half but breaks down once they cross midfield.
   Redlands has a longer range of passing and gets into the attacking half.  No one has really tested the goalkeepers yet, but things are starting to stretch out.
   Pomona starting to press, forcing Redlands to start going longer.
   Redlands has a solid back line and a couple of talented midfielders.  Need to move the ball a little quicker and clean up some of the wasted balls they are giving up.
   Pomona is feeling it and pressing higher, and Redlands really doesn't have an answer for it.
   Game is largely between the 18s right now.  Each trying to find a way through.
   Redlands keeper looks shaky off his line.
   And like that, a missed clearance from the Pomona back line gives Redlands an opportunity.  Ball gets out wide and is crossed in for an easy header from 3 yards away.  Pomona-Pitzer 0, Redlands 1.
   Redlands now sitting back, content in letting Pomona come to them and try to break out quickly.
   Pomona left back takes too many touches.  Is good holding the Redlands forward up, but can be vulnerable on a turnover.
   Redlands letting Pomona have the right wing.  The outside mid on that side doesn't track back and leaves that side wide open for Pomona to exploit.
   7-minutes remaining.
   And Redlands gets punished from that left side.  Ball sent across that Redlands does not clear, and lands at the feet of a Pomona forward about 12 out.  He settles and very calmly takes a touch and with his instep, passes it into the back of the net far post.  Keeper dove but no chance.  Pomona-Pitzer 1, Redlands 1.
   4 minutes left.
   Redlands midfield doesn't put up much of a challenge to Pomona.  Lots of space to move the ball around.
   And Halftime.  Pomona-Pitzer 1, Redlands 1.

[SimpleCoach]

Kenyon College v Wittenberg College
Wittenberg
Bias? – Played one in a snowstorm and another where I scored a goal.

   Let us all come together to make it illegal to send the ball long from kickoff. I think this will go a long way at coming closer to world peace.  Who is with me?
   Popcorn ball to start the first 10 minutes or so, but Kenyon clearly trying to get a hold of the ball. 
   Couple of good chances for Kenyon, one where the Wittenberg keeper came up with a big save.
   Kenyon can handle the ball, but they go long more times than not.  That and when there are 5 Kenyon players around the ball.
   #8 from Kenyon is talented on the ball, and does hunt for it.
   Wittenberg in a 4-3-3, defending in 3-1-2-2-1.  This devolves under pressure but when the ball is high, thats what they are trying to do.
   #3 from Wittenberg steps into the midfield when they do manage to have some semblance of possession.
   Between Kenyon #8 and #10, they do have the ability to get through the Wittenberg midfield, just need to connect better.
   Kenyon looks a little unsettled defensively.  On corner 3 float free middle to near post, while the other mark man to man.  So hit it far post, or make runs to see if you can't have another midfield at the top of the box to receive the ball.
   Kenyon #2 looks like the CDM.  Doesn't do anything dramatic with the ball, but does a good job in keeping possession of the ball.  On corners, he looks to sit back post at the 18 to head the ball back into the middle.
   Wittenberg has parked the bus in the back, and Kenyon keeps try to force its way in.  Needs to spread the field and start making some run. 
   Kenyon will have 6 players in their half.  2 center backs, the outside back stepping into the middle, and two central midfielders, including #2.  When they try to play the ball and stretch Wittenberg, it's so much easier to get to their 18.  If not, they launch the ball up to the lone forward who is going up against a 4-man back line... hoping they will get the second ball.
   Kenyon lacking patience.  Get the ball out wide very nicely and their instinct is to launch it in the box where it is congested.
   Wittenberg shift over so much that if Kenyon could get on the break on the week side, it would be lights out.  No balance.
   Wittenberg does not live by the principle of "Give the ball you want to receive."  So many times, do they put their teammates under tremendous pressure because they have to deal with terrible passes.
   Wittenberg defends at times with 8, and Kenyon still tries to break through with 3 or 4 players.
   This is the sort of game where Wittenberg will sneak a goal, and Kenyon will be banging on the door but no one will answer.
   I can see why Kenyon is considered one of the best in the region.  Not sure they deserve a look nationally, but would need to watch another game or two. 
   Halftime.  Am done.  Action packed day tomorrow.  Kenyon 0, Wittenberg 0.

[PaulNewman]

SC, very interesting observations re: Kenyon and most resonate as accurate imo.  As "the Kenyon guy" on the site, a few thoughts...

First, I agree that based on how the game was going Witt could have nicked a goal against the run of play and stuck the Lords with a bad loss.  Witt rarely got out of own half, but they had arguably the two best chances of the 1st half with long balls over the top that nearly had the striker on the Kenyon GK 1v1.  This happens to Kenyon a lot and they often pay particularly against better sides (like the opening season game vs JCU and historically others).  I've said before that as an opponent of Kenyon I would bide my time, wait for the Lords to get extended into the other team's defensive half with the outside backs up. At any rate, Kenyon continued to dominate possession in the 2nd half probably 85/15 and got out of Springfield, OH with a 2-0 win (A gorgeous free kick first and then a nice cross by #8 (talented, smallish creative mid from TX reminiscent of another similar mid from TX a few years ago) and then a one-time volley into the back of the net from the super-fast Sam Carson (#4). 

My only slight disagreement was about the holding mid position.  #2 came out in first 10 minutes skying several balls way up in the air and some of his passes on the ground were bouncing around on the turf.  He settled in and was more solid thereafter but then his sub #7 scares the heck out of me giving up the ball in bad spots and also fouling to give Witt a couple of their only chances on free kicks from 35-40 yards out.  My biggest annoyance (which I see from other teams too) is when they have a mid, usually the holding mid, do the cycling back in their own half to receive the ball.  I'm sure it looks like that play is open but often there are two defenders running up the back of the receiver who is put in a position to cough up the ball in a bad spot unless he can make a quick, decisive turn in the correctly guessed direction.  I've seen a bunch of goals in numerous games given up on just those kinds of plays.  Kenyon gave up a goal to JCU just like that...soft pass into that pocket area to a mid with his back to the defense that gets stripped or intercepted and 4 secs later the ball is in the back of the net.

As for how to evaluate Kenyon I think your comment based on that 1st half was fair.  I'm biased but try to be ruthlessly fair.  The Lords are one of the top teams in the region and are worth a mention nationally.  If measured over the past 5-6 years Kenyon has been the #1 program in the region.  After repeated heartbreak they finally became a true peer with OWU in 2013 and 2014 (more heartbreak) and then have had the edge from 2015 to 2019.  OWU currently looks better and probably is better but Kenyon played 23 players last night (in a game that was still tight scoreboard-wise until about 4-5 minutes left), a third of whom are sophs and frosh still getting integrated.  Most of their key players from 2019 when they were on top remain.  No predictions and while I would favor OWU at the moment any OWU-Kenyon games will be super-competitive with the rivalry matching any rivalry in the country (including NESCAC, UAA, etc).  The games also should feature OWU's phenomenal Hector Gomez versus fellow AA Scott Upton (both #10).  The both went to St Francis DeSales, which seemed odd since Hector is from Columbus and Scott from Perrysburg, a suburb of Toledo.  Google helped me realize that St. Francis DeSales is some kind of franchise with outlets in Columbus and Toledo (although apparently one is DeSales and the other is de Sales).

[SimpleCoach]

SC, very interesting observations re: Kenyon and most resonate as accurate imo.  As "the Kenyon guy" on the site, a few thoughts...

First, I agree that based on how the game was going Witt could have nicked a goal against the run of play and stuck the Lords with a bad loss.  Witt rarely got out of own half, but they had arguably the two best chances of the 1st half with long balls over the top that nearly had the striker on the Kenyon GK 1v1.  This happens to Kenyon a lot and they often pay particularly against better sides (like the opening season game vs JCU and historically others).  I've said before that as an opponent of Kenyon I would bide my time, wait for the Lords to get extended into the other team's defensive half with the outside backs up. At any rate, Kenyon continued to dominate possession in the 2nd half probably 85/15 and got out of Springfield, OH with a 2-0 win (A gorgeous free kick first and then a nice cross by #8 (talented, smallish creative mid from TX reminiscent of another similar mid from TX a few years ago) and then a one-time volley into the back of the net from the super-fast Sam Carson (#4). 

My only slight disagreement was about the holding mid position.  #2 came out in first 10 minutes skying several balls way up in the air and some of his passes on the ground were bouncing around on the turf.  He settled in and was more solid thereafter but then his sub #7 scares the heck out of me giving up the ball in bad spots and also fouling to give Witt a couple of their only chances on free kicks from 35-40 yards out.  My biggest annoyance (which I see from other teams too) is when they have a mid, usually the holding mid, do the cycling back in their own half to receive the ball.  I'm sure it looks like that play is open but often there are two defenders running up the back of the receiver who is put in a position to cough up the ball in a bad spot unless he can make a quick, decisive turn in the correctly guessed direction.  I've seen a bunch of goals in numerous games given up on just those kinds of plays.  Kenyon gave up a goal to JCU just like that...soft pass into that pocket area to a mid with his back to the defense that gets stripped or intercepted and 4 secs later the ball is in the back of the net.

As for how to evaluate Kenyon I think your comment based on that 1st half was fair.  I'm biased but try to be ruthlessly fair.  The Lords are one of the top teams in the region and are worth a mention nationally.  If measured over the past 5-6 years Kenyon has been the #1 program in the region.  After repeated heartbreak they finally became a true peer with OWU in 2013 and 2014 (more heartbreak) and then have had the edge from 2015 to 2019.  OWU currently looks better and probably is better but Kenyon played 23 players last night (in a game that was still tight scoreboard-wise until about 4-5 minutes left), a third of whom are sophs and frosh still getting integrated.  Most of their key players from 2019 when they were on top remain.  No predictions and while I would favor OWU at the moment any OWU-Kenyon games will be super-competitive with the rivalry matching any rivalry in the country (including NESCAC, UAA, etc).  The games also should feature OWU's phenomenal Hector Gomez versus fellow AA Scott Upton (both #10).  The both went to St Francis DeSales, which seemed odd since Hector is from Columbus and Scott from Perrysburg, a suburb of Toledo.  Google helped me realize that St. Francis DeSales is some kind of franchise with outlets in Columbus and Toledo (although apparently one is DeSales and the other is de Sales).

@PaulNewman.  All fair points and know Kenyon's pedigree.  I just didn't watch enough.  Regarding #2, the first ten minutes were nothing but seeing how high everyone could kick the ball.  I may have not noticed the sub but I did notice a couple of times where your annoyance looked like it was about to happen.  And I do like #8.  Think he is kind of special out there.

Thanks for the input.  I don't know these teams/players so hearing about the individuals helps make a bit more sense of what I am watching.

[SimpleCoach]

MIT v Coast Guard
Coast Guard Academy
Bias? – Even saying MIT makes me feel dumb and I admire the service academies.

   Beautiful setting for a game... right next to a body of water... which is no surprise given that it is the Coast Guard Academy.
   Coast Guard sitting deep and letting MIT have the ball.
   MIT is patient and moves the ball around the back a lot.  Waiting for the opportunity to get the ball forward in a dangerous spot.  Especially on the left wing where they seem to attack the most from.
   And like that from the left, MIT sends a ball across where two MIT forwards are being marked by 2 Coast Guard defenders.  Keeper gets cause in no mans land.  Ball rebounds off of an MIT player and lands at the feet of another who buries it in the back of the net.  MIT 1, Coast Guard 0.
   MIT is taking the game to Coast Guard.  15 minutes down in the first half.
   MIT does have numbers back when they are defending.  Makes it difficult for Coast Guard to get anything into dangerous spot.
   Coast Guard is now trying to deal with the MIT pressure.  They are not comfortable with it.
   MIT is feeling it.  They are moving the ball quickly.
   Coast Guard does have to do better defensively when they are near the ball.  Too many outlets for MIT to take advantage of.
   MIT does have to be careful in the back.  Careless at times with the ball.  Coast Guard is good enough to take advantage of it when given the opportunity.
   So long as the score is the way it is, MIT is not in a hurry.  Keep possession in the back waiting for the right opportunity to spring someone loose up top.
   Coast Guard is pressing a bit higher, but MIT is not giving an inch. 
   MIT defends with 9 on set pieces.  Lot of bodies competing the high balls in the box for Coast Guard.
   MIT is very selective when they go forward.  And when the do, the odds are that they will get dangerous.
   Defensively, Coast Guard has to get higher and compress the space, especially when MIT is in their half passing the ball around in the back.
   Coast Guard needs to be selfish with ball.  They keep giving it back to MIT.  Need some patience.
   MIT will score before Coast Guard does, unless Coast Guard can change things up at the half.
   Coast Guard sitting so deep that they can't win a ball and keep it.
   Halftime.  Done here.  Will need to watch again, but not too sure they deserve a national ranking ... but like I said, need to watch more.

[jknezek]

Body of water is the CT River and Coast Guard's campus is amazing. I was tempted to apply but back in the stone ages of the mid 90s, they offered very few majors and I didn't have interest in being an engineer. But the campus is amazing and worthy of the other service academies.

[SimpleCoach]

Unfortunately, not able to cover as many games today with notes.  Here are a couple that I did manage to do before my weekend went haywire.

Catholic v Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown
Bias? – Watched one not the other.

   Dead ball from 30 out, deflection and catches the keeper going the other way.  Doesn't go in by defying the laws of physics.
   Elizabethtown sat back for the first 15 or so and let Catholic have its way with the ball.  Now they are growing into the game.
   Elizabethtown is prone to errors in the back that Catholic could take advantage of.
   Catholic can control the tempo of the ball just beyond midfield, then it devolves.  They are looking to spring their left wing with a long ball over the top.  Or, through the press they are looking to recover the ball and go to the races down the middle. 
   Every time Catholic launches the ball, all you hear is "Second Ball!!"
   Someone should teach #12 to hold the ball up instead of trying to turn into 3 Elizabethtown defenders.
   Most of the play in Elizabethtown half.
   Elizabethtown had a pretty good stretch of possession in Catholic's half.  Didn't result in anything, but they have the capacity to break down the defensive posture of Catholic.
   Catholic defense really falls apart organizationally when they are forced back on a quick counter.  Ready to be exploited by a quick Elizabethtown attack.
   #18 from Catholic is the only player who has some semblance of an idea of what to do with the ball when he gets it.  Opts mostly for the simple pass but think its because of him playing CDM.
   I don't think Elizabethtown has made the Catholic keeper get dirty yet.
   This is where playing keep away would help one of the teams. 
   I do find it amusing the instruction one hears from the sideline.  Never about what to do with the ball.  Always about pressing, getting out, hard tackle.... 
   Elizabethtown front three don't mark.  They wait to react for the ball near them.
   Catholic made some subs up front, I don't notice a difference between them.  Probably a 30-yard gap between the forward line and the midfield... if you can find them since they run around chasing the ball all over the field.
   If Elizabethtown can just hold the ball and diffuse Catholics kick and chase, they could do something.
   If I were the head coach of Elizabethtown, I would let Catholic forwards get the ball, then I would just go on the attack once they give up the ball on a bad touch or bad pass.  If I were the Catholic coach, I would hold the ball between the midfield and back line and keep knocking it around... then watch the gaps open for the forwards to run through.  I am neither coach.
   And like that.  Turnover beyond midfield on a bad 10-yard pass into pressure.  Elizabethtown passes the ball (On the ground!) to the center forward who turns and incomprehensibly goes between two Catholic defenders .... Who don't get the ball.  The forward sends the ball (On the ground!) to the winger who takes it to the line, and incomprehensibly turns a defender at the end line.  The winger takes the ball and drives it on the ground to another forward maybe 6 yards out, who buries the ball for the go-ahead goal.  Catholic 0, Elizabethtown 1.  Incomprehensible because Catholic could have stopped Elizabethtown on several occasions on the attack but didn't or couldn't.  And the ball was dummied by one attacker.  If the second player doesn't bury it, there were two other Elizabethtown forward sitting back post waiting for the ball, wide open.
   Catholic lacks in ideas going forward.   Common theme from all four (?) games I have watched.  They look like they hold the ball, but that possession is deep in their half.  When it comes to translating that possession into a cogent attack, it always starts with a long ball to the wing.
   Elizabethtown was opportunistic on its goal.  Can't say they played well, but they were patient and just took advantage of some of the glaring errors that Catholic has.
   Halftime.  I'm out.  Game could go either way still.  Neither team impresses enough on the attack to think they will score more goals, and defensively they both look like they are a mistake away from conceding.

[SimpleCoach]

Washington College v. Ursinus
Washington College
Bias? – Watched one, not the other.

   Right off the bat, Ursinus is vulnerable in turning over the ball in the back.  Washington is pressing high up on them and they are not being good stewards of the ball.
   Ursinus' only real possession is passing the ball between the two center backs and the keeper.
   Don't understand why on a corner that is floated into the six, why the Ursinus keeper stays on his line.
   And in that deep possession, keeper gets pressed and loses the ball.  Washington forward one times a ball that hits off the post.  Ursinus is counting their stars for not having gone down 1-0.
   Ursinus is doing a better job holding the ball, albeit with a certain fragility.  They seem to be a pass away from disaster.  Washington really hasn't gotten a hold of the ball and is sending everything long out of the back.  But they are pressing high and forcing Ursinus to work it out of the back or try to get it to their outside mids.
   Aside from the ball off the post, I think Ursinus has had the better of the play with Washington just chasing.  Ursinus just can't break down the back line so easily.
   As the clock keeps ticking, Ursinus is getting more comfortable.  Washington seems to be struggling in possession.  A little too static in midfield and the inaccurate passes into the middle aren't helping much.
   When Washington back's get the ball, not many options in the midfield because Ursinus is doing a good job marking the midfielders ... and the midfielders really aren't showing for the ball.
   And Ursinus is rewarded for it's work.  Corner kick that's swung out, Ursinus player gets up and masterfully heads the ball in the back of the net from the 12.  Washington 0 , Ursinus 1.
   So on the corner, 5 Ursinus players start their runs at the 18.  Not sure who, but there are three defenders marking them.  Washington has 7 players inside the six, not marking anyone, with one defender covering any short play. So many players just covering air.  It's a goal on a corner that really shouldn't have happened.  Granted I don't like players who float on corners.  Can understand one just charged with going after the ball, but everyone should have a role.
   And then like that, Washington punishes Ursinus for diving in.  Washington recovers the ball about 30 yards out and passes it out wide.  Instead of just holding him there the Ursinus player over commits allowing the Washington player to take a touch into the middle and slot a ball between two defenders to a forward running into the box. The Washington forward does well to hit it low and to the far post while off balance.  Washington 1, Ursinus 1.
   In response, Ursinus is trying to break down Washington again. 
   Washington continues to be dangerous on set plays.
   And it goes to halftime all even at 1.