2021 Game Notes

[SimpleCoach]

MIT v Babson
Babson
Bias? – Watched multiple times.
Link – Babson TV Network

   MIT connecting very well in the back and up in Babson's half these first couple of minutes.
   Ok.  To show I am not a passing snob.  MIT holds the ball in the back, literally at the 18, and passes between, the back, the CDM and MIT Keeper.  They will do this back and forth, passing 8, 10, 12 times before MIT#23 gets the ball.  He'll take a few touches, then make a long pass to a forwards feet on the ground if they are checking.  Or he hits a long ball to the left wing who by that time, is largely open.  Babson seems to shut off at the passing in the back and giving away that pass or long ball.  MIT can then get forward or control the ball at least in Babson's half.  This is very effective.  If I were the Babson coach, I would have my forward stand on MIT#23 and see how the distribution would change.
   Game has settled and Babson is seeing more of the ball.  Starting to work it in the back then going to their right wing who lays it off for the outside back running down the line.  Is effective as I think there is a height advantage.
   MIT is exposing Babson's right wing.  Babson#24 and Babson# CantSee really have a gap between them that MIT exploits on the long ball.
   MIT forwards have to be careful when they shift as they are crowding any attacks with additional defenders.
   Think the Babson coach figured out the second bullet and is now being pressed by Babson#17 or big Babson#14.  Effectively shuts the long ball down.
   MIT is finding the small gaps in Babson's back line but can't find that final pass.  MIT#27 and MIT#29 are walls.  And big ones.
   MIT#5 is a very technical and effective CDM. 
   Babson just not able to get connected in the final third to pose a threat to MIT Keeper.  MIT's defensive posture is just too organized and doesn't let balls through.
   If I am going to be critical of MIT, I would say they are too ... mechanical?  It's predictive, but they are good.  And yes, an unintentional pun. +1 Kharma for that anyone?
   MIT just had an opportunity working down the right side after having stripped Babson#12 of the ball.  Shot went wide to the Babson Keeper's right.  Probably the clearest opportunity yet.  13 minutes left.
   And then another opportunity for MIT.  Poor header from the Babson defender intended for the Babson Keeper.  Comes up short and is chipped by the MIT forward.  Goes over the bar.
   I will say, MIT#23 would be a great field goal kicker after the free kick he just took. 
   Halftime.  MIT 0 Babson 0.  Think MIT has had the better of the play, and better chances.  Babson really hasn't threatened.  Think MIT has some legs this season and could be a contender.
   More games to go.

[SimpleCoach]

Tufts v Connecticut
Connecticut
Bias? – Multiple times each.
Link – Dromedarians v Elephants.

   This one is a firecracker of a game....
   Wow.  Even think this game has a fourth official... and with ear things!    Now we need the Champions League anthem to really add to the atmosphere.
   Will say, don't know the playing surface, but think the Conn field is fantastic right there in the center part of campus.
   And was impressed with the Arts Center when we visited.  Oh, and the Camel Cookies.  Outstanding.
   Conn just had a nice build up that led to a long ball to the left wing, who took it along the end line, dropped it to the 18.  Shot made the Tufts Keeper tip it over the bar for a corner.
   On the corner, header by big Conn#24 straight to the Tufts Keeper.
   Tufts just had an a chance that went wide right at goal.
   Sort of thing that annoys me.  Conn#24 makes a great sliding tackle on a Tufts forward trying to get around him.  Wins the ball clean.  Runs 30 yards with the ball ... then passes it to a Tufts midfielder.  I know, call me critical.  And I like him.  Think he is one of the best backs in the NESCAC, that I have seen ...
   Conn can cross midfield with the ball.  They move it around very well.  It's getting it to the forwards that they struggle with Tuft's suffocating defensive posture.
   It does seem, at least from where I sit, that Tufts get's to Conn's 18 with a little more ease than Conn.
   Tufts does well defending in numbers.  Really work hard to make sure they always have more players around the ball then Conn.
   Conn#12 has excellent holding skills and can deal with some very difficult balls.
   It is near impossible to read the numbers on the back of the Tuft (away?) jersey.
   Another reason why Tufts is Tufts.  They do a masterful job of keeping the pressure on up top when they have the other team defending at their 18.  They never let them settle or get organized.  They are always putting pressure on the backs.
   Conn see's or knows something about the right back for Tufts.   That is where they are having the most success at getting behind the line.  Tufts Keeper made a real good one on one save from one of those plays.
   Tufts#25 is a sizeable force on defense.
   Another thing about Tufts.  They are dangerous on all free kicks.  Conn just had to clear one off the line on a corner.
   Conn has gotten a bit of control and putting Tufts on the defensive.  Don't think they are overly dangerous, but they are getting closer.
   I can see Conn getting a goal on a corner or of they can catch them too high up the field and are able to get someone behind them, like the left wing.
   I really like Conn's set play.  30 yards out.  Player runs over the ball going away from the and no defender picks him up.  Other player on the ball (Conn#25) reads it and plays a ball into his stride.  All the traffic from the far side is no in the box.  Conn player who ran over the ball drills it in and the ball is live until a Tufts defender gets it out.  Simple but so effective.
   Have to give Conn a lot of credit for playing mana a mano with Tufts.  And giving them a run for their money.  They need to reward themselves with a goal.  Don't think it is not possible.  For as dangerous Tufts can be, defensively think Conn is holding their own.
   Halftime.  Tufts 0, Conn 0.  Excellent game.

[SimpleCoach]

St. Olaf v Concordia Moorhead
Concordia Moorhead
Bias? – I am against pay walls for D3 soccer.
Link – Pay Per View Game Link

   Was set to watch ... but I am not paying.

[SimpleCoach]

Calvin v Hope
Hope
Bias? – Watched both multiple times.
Link – Michigan Tractor Pull

   Love this stadium.  Would love to see a game there.
   I am going to venture to say, that Hope has nailed possession without a purpose to a T.  I really like them, how they play, how they try to build, but they have no purpose up top.  Midfield turns it back when it gets a little hairy up top.
   Meanwhile Calvin has sat back and kept them in front.  Don't think they have really broken a sweat trying to defend them.
   Calvin#3 is big and tough and almost impossible to get around on the dribble.  Impressive.
   Obviously, Calvin is a lot more direct than Hope.  But do think they have players, Calvin#18 and Calvin#21 with some ideas.
   Hope just past the circle is very clear on how to move it, not so much the closer to the Calvin 18.
   Calvin#26 is also an intelligent player on the ball.  Calvin is more capable with the ball when they get than Hope is.
   Hope#7 should be pressured.  Not the cleanest of feet and think he generally defaults to the wrong decision when moving the ball.
   Calvin is starting to defend at midfield, making it difficult to get the ball up higher.  As a result, Calvin is starting higher in their half when they attack.
   Calvin is very quick to get into a defensive posture. Always outnumbering Hope attackers 2 to 1.
   If Hope is going to attack, they have to do one of two things.  One, is to slow down and hold the ball so everyone can get into the attack or go blazing fast with everyone getting forward as fast as possible.  Right now, they get forward fast to give the ball to a forward who has 5 Calvin defenders to get through.
   And Calvin strikes first.  Short corner floated in and Calvin#24 gets his head on the ball and hits it back post from about 10 yards out.  There is an effectiveness with the ball that Calvin doesn't seem to possess.  Calvin 1, Hope 0.
   And again, Calvin being very effective on set pieces.  Unnecessary foul 30 yards out to the Hope Keepers left. Calvin#18 delivers a well placed ball to the PK spot and Calvin#3 unmarked, heads the ball far post.  Calvin 2, Hope 0.
   I mean look, he is the biggest guy out there.  How he was let go is beyond me.  Terrible defensive error, especially with 5 minutes till half.  Down 1 at half is much different then down 2. 
   And halftime.  Calvin 2, Hope 0.  Calvin just so much more effective in the attack.  Hope just lacks something in the final third.

[Centennial1]

Calvin v Hope


   I am going to venture to say, that Hope has nailed possession without a purpose to a T.  I really like them, how they play, how they try to build, but they have no purpose up top.  Midfield turns it back when it gets a little hairy up top.

This is hope in a nutshell. I want to love them, but their wheels are spinning.

[SimpleCoach]

Drew v Elizabethtown
Drew
Bias? – Multiple time watching each.
Link – Drew v Etown

   A Landmark Conference Battle.
   Drew is owning the ball for the most part, especially at the center of the park.  Drew#24 seems to set the tempo.
   Neither team is really threatening the goal.  Etown is defensively solid for now, but not sure how much then can go without moving the ball around.  They haven't really crossed midfield with any consistency or danger.
   Drew not letting Etown have space when they do cross midfield.  Midfielders doing a good job closing space.
   Oof.  Drew Keeper looks a little shaky coming out for crosses.
   Drew committing a series of silly fouls 30/40 out from goal.  No reason.
   Etown seems to be pulling it together, and Drew seems to be losing the organization that was making it effective the first 15 minutes.
   From previous games too, Drew lacks the discipline to stay organized on both sides of the ball.
   Drew#13 is the man to watch.  From his boots will come a goal.
   On the attack, Drew lacks precision.
   Drew likes going to the left and try to isolate Drew#34.  Don't think it is particularly effective, but it's what they do.
   Etown trying to dictate the tempo a little more as the half wears on.  Drew went from mas a menos.
   Not the greatest of games so far.  Lots of silly mistakes on both sides.
   Drew just had a great opportunity.  Drew#34 got behind his defender not by dribbling but with a give and go, put it across the box and that to some desperate Etown defending, the ball is cleared off the line.  That's the first real opportunity either team had in the first 38 minutes.
   Think Etown is a bit more disciplined when they are in their defensive posture, but their outside backs are vulnerable, especially as the ball moves.  I would be playing short with a lot of movement to try and spring the wingers behind the line.
   Halftime.  Elizabethtown 0, Drew 0.  Pretty even match, but I think Elizabethtown could squeak away a result.  Something about Drew that I find unconvincing.  They start out strong but then things go a bit sideways for them.  Have yet to see them play a real solid game, not even a whole half.

[SimpleCoach]

Wabash v OWU
OWU
Bias? – Multiple times watching each.
Link – Little Giants v Battling Bishops

   There is this hum on the audio that is enough to drive any captured prisoner nuts to the point of saying anything if you would just stop the hum.
   Saw OWU lose to Kenyon where they looked like they ran out of gas.  I was real impressed with Kenyon so not saying they didn't play, just surprised at how OWU looked as the game wore on.
   Interesting to note at the start is how little possession OWU has on the ball.  Wabash has more run of play, OWU tries to get it up as quickly as possible down the right flank to OWU#7.
   OWU is just very strong defensively, making it very difficult for teams especially when they cross midfield.  This is their strength.  They are also good at immediate offensive pressure.  Meaning they look to get the ball in the box, or dangerous, or test the Wabash Keeper as quickly and as often as possible.  But where are they weak?  Kenyon did it.  Pressure them in their half, and put pressure on them when they attack, OWU can't sustain it for an entire game.  Easier said than done of course. 
   Wabash needs to figure out a way to get higher up the field and get in their half for longer stretches.
   Wabash does well when they counter on OWU.  When they have speed on their side and OWU doesn't have time to get into it's defensive posture of a block of 8 behind the ball, a goal can be had.  Problem is they are not taking advantage of space out wide and play slows up down the middle.
   Wabash has a foul problem, as in giving silly fouls outside the box.  OWU is dangerous enough on these that they can get a goal.
   OWU does a great job of stretching the field when they get the ball.  Rarely are they caught in a situation where multiple OWU players are around the ball crowding the space.  When they check for a ball they don't continue the run into the space.  If they are not getting it, the peel off.
   Both teams making it difficult to get to goal, but OWU making it a bit more difficult for OWU.
   Ok.  Half.  Kind of what I expected from OWU, and a little more play out of Wabash.  Wabash needs to stretch the field a little and not go down OWUs central defenders, and OWU needs to get the ball to the forwards in better positions and with space.  Will give the edge to OWU in terms of being dangerous on attack.
   Wabash 0, Ohio Wesleyan 0.

[SimpleCoach]

Montclair v Rowan
Rowan
Bias? – I played again one when they were called Glassboro State and know some players on the other.
Link – NJ Street Fight

   This could be one ugly game.  Knives, chains, crowbars could all come out of the bag.  There is no love lost between these two.
   Not even a minute in and bodies are hitting the floor...
   Montclair#9 is talented as a winger
   Montclair Keeper came up big on a one on one on Rowan's first real look at goal.
   Lot's of grabbing, shirt pulling...
   No way Montclair#11 should be playing Division 3.  He is seriously way too good.  Probably one of the best in the country.  Best left footed striker I have seen, for sure.
   Montclair#10 is one of the best midfielders I have seen as well.  Great sense for the game.
   Montclair has the better of the play.  Rowan can't get through or they don't connect on that final pass.
   Montclair transitions into attack quickly.  Montclair#19 is lightening with the ball.
   Rowan relies on Rowan#6 and Rowan#15 to get the ball moving from the back.  They  have had to turn it back and send to Rowan Keeper because of the lack of options.  Montclair is just defending too tight for them to handle.
   Best opportunity for Rowan to get forward seems to be on the left wing when they give and go and get Rowan#7 can get the ball into space.
   Getting chippy with 22 minutes in the half.
   Montclair is getting Rowan to defend deeper and deeper.
   And at 0-0, 22 minutes left Rowan#18 has received his second yellow and Rowan now playing with 10 men. 
   Montclair has been doing a masterful job of switching the point of attack, getting everyone involved.  It's a matter of when, not if they score. 
   If you isolate Montclair#19 on the left, when he gets the ball he is going at you.  If you try to double up, he passes it to the open man.
   Rowan just can't pass midfield in any organized fashion.  Montclair works it around the horn trying to stretch Rowan out.  Anytime they do get the ball, Rowan has few options going forward.
   On a corner, it looks like Montclair headed the ball and it crossed the line before Rowan cleared it.  13 minutes left.  Video is not helpful in trying to figure out what's going on.
   Looks like its not a goal, so play continues.  And Rowan had a good look at goal with a solid save by the Montclair Keeper.
   Rowan packs it's 6 with 8 players on corners and just waits for the ball to come to them.
   Rowan has dropped off so much, pressure is minimal, gives Montclair plenty of time and space when they get the ball. 
   Halftime.  Rowan 0-Montclair 0.  Rowan coaches are all over the refs for the cards, I would presume.  Not an easy game to ref, that's for sure.

[Ejay]

   No way Montclair#11 should be playing Division 3.  He is seriously way too good.  Probably one of the best in the country.  Best left footed striker I have seen, for sure.

Again, this is freshman Amer Lukovic who was a HS AA committed to Rutgers.  Wonder if it was an academic thing that kept him from enrolling?  Will also be interesting to see if he sticks around to run roughshod over D3 for the next four years, or if he transfers. Also interesting that he's playing striker since he played as a CDM in HS/club. 

[SimpleCoach]

   No way Montclair#11 should be playing Division 3.  He is seriously way too good.  Probably one of the best in the country.  Best left footed striker I have seen, for sure.

Again, this is freshman Amer Lukovic who was a HS AA committed to Rutgers.  Wonder if it was an academic thing that kept him from enrolling?  Will also be interesting to see if he sticks around to run roughshod over D3 for the next four years, or if he transfers. Also interesting that he's playing striker since he played as a CDM in HS/club.

@Ejay, remembered you mentioned him in the past.  He looked real good in stretches against Rowan where you couldn't help but notice.

[PaulNewman]

   No way Montclair#11 should be playing Division 3.  He is seriously way too good.  Probably one of the best in the country.  Best left footed striker I have seen, for sure.

Again, this is freshman Amer Lukovic who was a HS AA committed to Rutgers.  Wonder if it was an academic thing that kept him from enrolling?  Will also be interesting to see if he sticks around to run roughshod over D3 for the next four years, or if he transfers. Also interesting that he's playing striker since he played as a CDM in HS/club.

I see #19 was 2020 NJAC Offensive POY.  And #10 was 2020 1st team All-NJAC.

Montclair really is hard to figure.  They could storm through to the Final Four or lose in the 1st or 2nd round.  No one they can't beat but also vulnerable to a surprise loss or an implosion against another very good to top team.  The dud performance vs Tufts in 2018 has been talked about quite a bit.  They had a player or two on that team considered among the very best in the country...maybe not at the level of Lukovic but very highly rated...and esp for an Elite 8 game the whole team looked disinterested.  Montclair had only lost one game that year, a 5-1 shellacking by Messiah and they did survive two PK games in the NCAA tourney leading up to the Tufts loss.  A better gauge might be 2015 when they hosted and in a round of 32 game led Tufts 2-1 with 7 minutes left before the Jumbos scored twice late.  In 2019 they snuck by Kenyon at Kenyon in the Sweet 16 in 2OT, only to followup the next day with an OT loss to Centre (who had their own superstar player Garuba).

[SimpleCoach]

Chicago v North Park
North Park
Bias? – I walked 10 blocks in Chicago on one of the coldest nights in a decade.
Link – Windy and Cold Chicago Game

   Didn't realize but I started this game in the second half, not the first which is usually my custom.  Chicago is leading 1-0 and I did not see the goal.
   NPU#13 is a crafty player.  Impressive and has an idea about the game.
   NPU is moving the ball very well, just not converting that work into danger in front of the goal.  In fairness, Chicago is being very disciplined on defense.  Very difficult to get around them.
   NPU has a sense of urgency to how they play, and Chicago is just making sure everyone is behind the ball.
   Not sure I am following what this ref is doing.  Making calls on things that I am not sure I understand.  He is causing a great deal of confusion.
   Getting chippy.  Ref is not helping.
   Chicago is happy just countering where they can.
   NPU just must be careful in keeping its wits about them so as not to give away a silly second.
   Chicago is being more dangerous than NPU has been for the entire half.
   NPU#29 gets double teamed every time the ball gets near him.  If he has the space and can turn, he could do some damage.
   Chicago defends with 4 in the back, 2 mids in front of them, then two more in front of them.  And NPU keeps trying to get the ball down the middle.  The limited success to goal that they have had has been getting it wide, going down the line and driving it across.  But they are not doing this enough.
   NPU Keeper with two pointblank saves, one at near post, then on the rebound came across the goal and made the second save to keep it a 1 goal game.
   Think NPU may be out of steam and seemingly out of ideas.  They can't get a hold of the ball.  Just had a break on a stolen ball that had them 2 v 1, but all for naught.
   NPU Keeper is doing a fantastic job in nets.  Has made a number of real big time saves.  Definitely one of the better keepers I have seen all year.
   10 minutes left and this is going back and forth.  Break one way, turns into a break the other way.
   I like both these teams and can see them going far in their playoffs if not winning outright.  Only issue for NPU is finding the right answer on the attack.
   Game over.  Chicago 1, North Park 0 

[SimpleCoach]

Moravian v Scranton
Scranton
Bias? – None.  Multiple times watching each.
Link – Game Link

   Come on!  Am starting to look for black helicopters flying around!  Is this board bugged?  Hello?

Gettysburg v Haverford
Battlefield
Bias? – Love the Battlefield.
Link – Can't think of any pithy Civil War descriptors

   No recording.  Am starting to think that teams are not posting their videos because they are worried about my insightful commentary and tactical analysis.  Or, it's Sunday and they haven't had the opportunity to load them.  The former sounds so much more realistic though.

Randolph Macon v Washington & Lee
Washington & Lee
Bias? –
Link- Wash&Lee Game Link

   Can't find the stream?  Total conspiracy shaping up here.

La Verne v Claremont Mudd Scripps
Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bias? –
Link – Game Link

   Couldn't get access to the stream.  Asking for a password for the event??  Is it me? 

[Another Mom]

The W&L games can only be watched live. I suspect they are not on demand so that it is that little bit harder to scout them. I am sorry you couldn't watch the game, I would have really enjoyed your analysis.

[Gregory Sager]

Chicago v North Park
North Park
Bias? – I walked 10 blocks in Chicago on one of the coldest nights in a decade.
Link – Windy and Cold Chicago Game

Ugh. I'm trying hard not to think about the Chicago winter that's waiting right around the corner.

   NPU#13 is a crafty player.  Impressive and has an idea about the game.

That's junior MF Angel Barriga. He was a d3soccer.com second-team All-American two years ago. He was a defender then, and he's since been moved to left mid.

   NPU#29 gets double teamed every time the ball gets near him.  If he has the space and can turn, he could do some damage.

I think that you meant NPU#39, since #29 is strictly a reserve squad member. NPU#39 is Jesse Anamoo, a freshman forward from Chicago's north suburbs who was born in Ghana. He has nine goals and four assists this season and is definitely a bright light in both NPU's present and its future. Great kid, too; he is one of our camera operators for football games.

   NPU Keeper is doing a fantastic job in nets.  Has made a number of real big time saves.  Definitely one of the better keepers I have seen all year.

That's Alfie Sward, another freshman. He wasn't even supposed to start this season, but the expected starter in goal was one of three projected NPU starters who suffered a season-ending injury in August. He's been a pleasant surprise, even though he's hardly been tested at all recently until last night because the Vikings have so badly overmatched most of their CCIW opponents.

   I like both these teams and can see them going far in their playoffs if not winning outright.  Only issue for NPU is finding the right answer on the attack.

This shouldn't be a problem. The Vikings are in the top 20 in D3 in scoring offense, and they have six players who are already into double digits in points. But they did get bogged down during a September stretch against Luther, Hope, and Christopher Newport, and last night's contest was reminiscent of that early stretch of games in that NPU generated a lot of activity around the box without a focused idea of how to attack the defense. Spontaneous creativity and opportunism are one thing, but I think that you need to execute a concerted plan to crack open the walnut against an upper-echelon team.