2021 Game Notes

[SimpleCoach]

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.

@Mom.  I kind of liked my theory that coaches don't want to be scouted.  It's ok to lie to me.

[SimpleCoach]

Susquehanna v Catholic
Catholic
Bias? – None.
Link – Cardinals v River Hawks

   Catholic does a solid job finding the open man when they are moving it around the back.  Helps that Susquehanna is not pressing that high, which makes sense to me.
   Very early on, Susquehanna had a through ball coming from deep in the back, that landed in between the two central defenders that were a mile apart.  It didn't lead to anything but shows the vulnerability in the back.
   Susquehanna just being more patient with the ball.  Doesn't have this burning need to get the ball forward ... and build from the front (?) that Catholic does.
   And this is where the soccer seems to always let down Catholic, at least when I watched them.  Catholic Keeper sends a wonderful ball out wide to a wide open outside mid, Catholic#CantSee .  Had plenty of time to receive it and settle the ball, but his first touch is terrible and goes to Susquehanna#CantTell who slots the ball to Susquehanna#ToughtoSee who is making a run between the two center backs.  He does a good job of turning and on the far side, Susquehann#9 is making a run into space being trailed by Catholic#11.  He receives the ball, cuts it across traffic and hits the ball to the keepers right.  Susquehanna 1, Catholic 0.
   I think Catholic has the better of the play, maybe even a better idea, but really kind of fizzles out in the final third.  Again, they are looking for some chaotic event that lets them hit the ball on frame.
   Catholic is so undisciplined in back that Susquehanna could get a second goal.
   If the Susquehanna outside mids got tighter on Catholic's wide mids, Catholic would have no outlet pass.
   Catholic can pin Susquehanna's defensive posture deep. Then always floats a ball in, regardless of which side it is being played right now.
   Susquehanna just had another look at goal that just went wide right.  Again making runs through a very soft Catholic defense.
   Catholic#7 is kind of muted today.  Could be by design by Susquehanna as he is the most effective player Catholic has.
   What?  Susquehanna defender just got a red for tripping Catholic#7 just outside the box.  Probably because he was going to goal?  Susquehanna now playing with 10 men.  19 minutes left.  All started because the Susquehanna#5(?) defender gave an atrocious ball back to his keeper.  Have to say, that was overly harsh from the referee.  Not too sure.  Yellow?  Perhaps.
   Susquehanna's best defense is to wait until Catholic gives them the ball because of their need to get forward with such urgency.
   If I were Susquehanna, I would go with 5 in the back.
   All the stats point to Catholic should have no troubles with this game.
   Halftime.  Susquehanna 1, Catholic 0.

[susanc]

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.

Just as a future FYI with playsight.  You don't think you actually have to pay, just sign up for free account. Dumb and outdated anyway.

[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.

Just as a future FYI with playsight.  You don't think you actually have to pay, just sign up for free account. Dumb and outdated anyway.

Thank you @SusanC.  Had no idea.  Will register.  Do you know if I can watch games already played?  Would very much like to watch St. Olaf since many hold them in pretty high regard.

[Hopkins Walk-On]

@simplecoach. Here is the link for past St. Olaf games. https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/streams/archive/athletics

[Hopkins Walk-On]

Darn, never mind. Requires a username and password. Cretins.

[SimpleCoach]

CCNY v Montclair
Montclair
Bias? – None. 
Link – Hudson Derby?

   Turnover 30 yards out, won my Montclair.  Montclair#26 takes a few touches forward and drills a ball from 24 out and scores.  Not sure the CCNY Keeper was ready for that one.  CCNY 0, Montclair 1.  2 minutes into the game.
   CCNY looks like they are trying to build out of the back but are real deep in their half.  Montclair keeping them pinned.
   CCNY#4 is not a bad midfielder.  Keeps pace of the attack and drops to defend.
   CCNY just outmatched by a very strong Montclair team.  From the announcers, apparently this lineup is full of backups.
   CCNY turns over the ball deep in their half.  Montclair#26 goes into the box and is tripped for a PK.  Montclair#21(?) converts going to the left of the CCNY Keeper who dove right.  CCNY 0, Montclair 2.
   Dare to say that even the second string of this Montclair team could compete in and challenge for a championship in some conferences like the Landmark or even the Centennial.
   CCNY keeps trying to play the ball on the ground.  Trying to work it out of the back, but Montclair is just too strong for them.  They might have more success if they picked up the sense of urgency with the ball, but otherwise Montclair is just pressing them all over the field.
   Montclair does a good job of being patient when they have the ball in the back.  Very patient with the ball and only look to get forward when the space is there.
   And Montclair get's another.  Through ball into the box between two CCNY defenders.  Montclair#18l chases the ball down to the line then drops it back to Montclair#13(?) who buries from 6 yards out.  CCNY 0, Montclair 3.
   CCNY Keeper couldn't do anything on any of those goals.
   CCNY tries to get the ball up top but the forwards are isolated and often double teamed.  CCNY keeps trying to build, but Montclair is just too strong for them.
   Ok.  Halftime.  Just one of those mismatches between a very strong team, like Montclair, versus a minnow that is CCNY.  Not terribly interesting other than seeing a Montclair team made up of some very talented subs.

[Ejay]

I really wish Montclair would play a better schedule.  While they did pick up some decent out of conference games like NYU and RPI, they're mostly loaded with cupcakes like Centenary, Hunter, CCNY, Keystone, etc. I'm also a bit surprised stronger teams aren't interested in putting Montclair on their schedule. They have a great facility and would be a good test and SOS booster.

edit to add: The freshman who scored 3 last night had played a total of 90 minutes all season. So I guess these games are good for sitting all your starters and getting the subs a run.

[Hopkins92]

Yeah, I don't like to swoop in and randomly criticize a goalie, but... Imma do it anyways. First goal is struck well, but it's right down the middle. Goalie seemed unprepared for a shot with pace and just plain whiffs.

[SimpleCoach]

Tufts v Bowdoin
Bowdoin
Bias? – Multiple times each.
Link – Oso v Snuffleupagus

   Grass field.  Looks like it is raining at a good clip.  Let's play!
   Somewhat of a sloppy game, for obvious reasons.  Think Tufts does what it does and Bowdoin looks to move the ball although it presents itself with issues.
   I like the duo of Bowdoin#11 and Bowdoin#21.  They play off each other very well.
   Announcer saying that they are expecting the Perfect Storm a little later, so the wind will be a factor.
   Ok, am going to say it.  Not sure if it has been the last few games but Tufts looks pretty ... Pedestrian?  They look vulnerable through the back and middle and leave a lot of space to take advantage of.
   Bowdoin has had several opportunities to put the ball across the box but has not taken advantage of them.  Wind might be a factor on some of the crosses as they are going long.
   Players having a difficult time with their footing.
   When Bowdoin crosses midfield they do a good job of finding where Tufts is not.  Seems like Tufts does not defend on that side except for the outside back.
   Looks like there is something going on with the Referee.  Maybe hurt?  He keeps pointing to his ankle.  Both teams are at their benches.  Confirmed the Center Referee has gotten injured and getting his ankle wrapped.
   The Bowdoin announcer is good.
   The fourth official is now in the center.
   It just looks like it is pouring.
   Bowdoin#8 is a solid CDM.
   If I were the Tufts coach I would shore up the right side defensively.  If I were the Bowdoin coach, I would have all my play go down the left wing.  I am neither coach.
   Bowdoin Keeper just came up solid with a save on a shot from the 18.  I heard he is like 6'5" and seems pretty solid.
   Bowdoin Keeper just made a save on a header that was going far post.  He got up and looked like he got his finger tips to the ball.  It hit the crossbar and bounced away.
   If nothing else, Tufts knows how to get dangerous in front of goal.
   Play develops out wide to Bowdoin#26.  Tried to make a pass in the box but blocked.  Takes the rebound passes it out wide to Bowdoin#32 and from about 18 hits a low driven ball on the ground that goes far post side netting.  Tufts Keeper dove to his right but looked like he couldn't see the ball until it was too late.  Tufts 0, Bowdoin 1.
   Tufts Keeper could not see the ball or didn't expect the shot to be coming.  Not sure especially given the conditions.
   7 minutes left in the half.
   And Tufts levels.  Ball finds it was out wide to Tufts#7 who is one on one.  Dances and instead of taking the Bowdoin defender on, turns it back to Tufts#5 who is at the 22 and one times a ball that goes upper corner to the Bowdoin Keepers left.  Seriously, what a goal.  Tufts 1, Bowdoin 1.
   2 minutes left.
   Halftime.  Messy game, but glad to be able to watch on this rainy day.

[Hopkins92]

I did a mini-summary over on NESCAC and had the same reaction to the Bowdoin goal.

As you probably know, but just for the non-goalies reading, whenever a goalie doesn't take a jab-step before diving, particularly from distance... Something is amiss. A flat-footed dive is one of the uglier things you'll see in sports.

[SimpleCoach]

I did a mini-summary over on NESCAC and had the same reaction to the Bowdoin goal.

As you probably know, but just for the non-goalies reading, whenever a goalie doesn't take a jab-step before diving, particularly from distance... Something is amiss. A flat-footed dive is one of the uglier things you'll see in sports.

I probably watched the goal about 10 times trying to figure out what was going through his mind.  I am leaning toward ... "No way is he going to hit a ball from there. Wait, what the ... !"

[Maine Soccer Fan]

Tufts v Bowdoin
Bowdoin
Bias? – Multiple times each.
Link – Oso v Snuffleupagus

   Grass field.  Looks like it is raining at a good clip.  Let's play!
   Somewhat of a sloppy game, for obvious reasons.  Think Tufts does what it does and Bowdoin looks to move the ball although it presents itself with issues.
   I like the duo of Bowdoin#11 and Bowdoin#21.  They play off each other very well.
   Announcer saying that they are expecting the Perfect Storm a little later, so the wind will be a factor.
   Ok, am going to say it.  Not sure if it has been the last few games but Tufts looks pretty ... Pedestrian?  They look vulnerable through the back and middle and leave a lot of space to take advantage of.
   Bowdoin has had several opportunities to put the ball across the box but has not taken advantage of them.  Wind might be a factor on some of the crosses as they are going long.
   Players having a difficult time with their footing.
   When Bowdoin crosses midfield they do a good job of finding where Tufts is not.  Seems like Tufts does not defend on that side except for the outside back.
   Looks like there is something going on with the Referee.  Maybe hurt?  He keeps pointing to his ankle.  Both teams are at their benches.  Confirmed the Center Referee has gotten injured and getting his ankle wrapped.
   The Bowdoin announcer is good.
   The fourth official is now in the center.
   It just looks like it is pouring.
   Bowdoin#8 is a solid CDM.
   If I were the Tufts coach I would shore up the right side defensively.  If I were the Bowdoin coach, I would have all my play go down the left wing.  I am neither coach.
   Bowdoin Keeper just came up solid with a save on a shot from the 18.  I heard he is like 6'5" and seems pretty solid.
   Bowdoin Keeper just made a save on a header that was going far post.  He got up and looked like he got his finger tips to the ball.  It hit the crossbar and bounced away.
   If nothing else, Tufts knows how to get dangerous in front of goal.
   Play develops out wide to Bowdoin#26.  Tried to make a pass in the box but blocked.  Takes the rebound passes it out wide to Bowdoin#32 and from about 18 hits a low driven ball on the ground that goes far post side netting.  Tufts Keeper dove to his right but looked like he couldn't see the ball until it was too late.  Tufts 0, Bowdoin 1.
   Tufts Keeper could not see the ball or didn't expect the shot to be coming.  Not sure especially given the conditions.
   7 minutes left in the half.
   And Tufts levels.  Ball finds it was out wide to Tufts#7 who is one on one.  Dances and instead of taking the Bowdoin defender on, turns it back to Tufts#5 who is at the 22 and one times a ball that goes upper corner to the Bowdoin Keepers left.  Seriously, what a goal.  Tufts 1, Bowdoin 1.
   2 minutes left.
   Halftime.  Messy game, but glad to be able to watch on this rainy day.

I just returned from watching the first half at Bowdoin. I live 15 minutes away so I felt kind of obligated. Agree with just about all that you wrote.
 Thought a lot of Tuft's offense came from winning second balls in mid-field.
 Tufts looked at their best when they took players on one v one in the half spaces but the guys carrying the ball into the box didn't seem hungry to shoot
 Bowdoin's goal...having only seen it once, I thought the keeper expected it to be blocked by a defender. Everyone seemed rather statuesque when the shot was struck.
 Play wasn't really that physical or rough but a lot of loose passes
 I didn't see any of the Tufts power game or overwhelming confidence on display...they just looked solid but not particularly creative going forward or indomitable in the back
 Tufts goal was beautifully struck and even more beautifully teed up
 I'm home and dry now. Hope I don't miss much in the second half.

[SimpleCoach]

Augsburg v St. Olaf
St. Olaf
Bias? – None.  Based on records this looks like it could be a good game.
Link? – Don't know if the link will work after the game, but there is no cost to register from what I am told.

   It's a turf field, but I do like Rolf Mellby Field.  Looks like a great place to play a game.
   Looks like a professional video production of the likes I have never seen at D3.
   The field seems as large as a Kansas wheat field.
   Two very good teams so far.  Both know how to move the ball in the back, get the midfield in play, and switch the point of attack.  St. Olaf has a better idea of how to get the ball into dangerous spots, but this may be something Augsburg is conceding and just clogging the middle.
   Augsburg#14 is a crafty midfielder and has a vision for the game.  And Augsburg#8 looks like a force when he is able to get forward, although his defensive tracking seems somewhat lacking.
   St. Olaf has a real solid midfielder in St. Olaf#29.
   St. Olaf is doing a good job of pinging the ball to outside mid on the left.  Because Augsburg seems to be defending very narrow, he has acres of space to receive a long ball.
   So far, St. Olaf has peppered the goal from out wide, and down the middle.
   Augsburg tries to get Augsburg#24 in the  middle, and Augsburg#8 out wide left.  They are both big and strong and can hold the ball well.
   Augsburg is not afraid of knocking it in tight spaces.
   Seems like the tide has turned somewhat and its Augsburg trying to move the ball and get forward.  St. Olaf has been sitting deeper as a result.  They have to connect up top though.  Kind of looking like Hope right now.  Passing without a purpose.
   St. Olaf#16 would be good if he learned when to release the ball and not take so many touches.
   And like that, a set piece get St. Olaf on the scoreboard with 3 minutes left in the half.  Silly foul out wide about 20 from the end line.  Everyone for St. Olaf and Augsburg are inside the six expecting the ball to come into the mix.  Instead ball is sent on the ground to an unmarked St. Olaf#17, who takes a touch and hits the ball on frame, beating the Augsburg Keeper high from 18.  Augsburg 0, St. Olaf 1.
   And like that, its halftime.  I like both teams, but think St. Olaf has more of a purpose going forward.

[Centennial1]

I caught that St. Olof goal and about 10 minutes of play preceding it. It was a well-executed set piece. St. Olof look legit.

Conditions were just a tiny bit better than the Tufts/Bowdoin match. In fairness, the Bowdoin field wasn't a muddy travesty, but there was no grip at all. It reminded me of the old Pirelli commercial where Carl Lewis is in the sprinter's blocks with stilleto pumps on, the caption reading 'Power is Nothing Without Control'. Both teams adapted well, tiptoing around the pitch. As the match wore on Bowdoin had the better purpose and possession. It looked like the Tufts attack ran out of ideas, and Bowdoin won a majority of the 50/50 balls at the midfield.