2021 Game Notes

[backheel18]

Catholic v Juniata
Juniata
Bias? – First time watching Juniata.
Link – Battle of the Birds

   This is what I will call the Ejay Experience.  I am watching the second half of this game.  Not counting passes.
   Catholic 0, Juniata 1.  Went back and watched the goal.  Came on a corner.  Catholic doesn't mark man to man, they all go inside the six.  Big man gets up, unmarked, and scores a header.
   I mean this is where I scratch my head and say I can't believe they are not better.  Catholic has the ball in the back.  Catholic #4 receives the ball from his left from Catholic#29/.  Takes a touch then passes it to Catholic#24.  To his right is the third leg of the triangle, but he is not in the right position because he is too high.  Catholic#24 receives the ball and passes the ball out of bounds instead of to the man on his right.  And so you go from an easy build up to giving Juniata a throw in deep in Catholic's half. 
   I am watching too much soccer and starting to nit pick.
   And then Juniata throws the ball in, and the receiver on touches the ball... out of bounds.
   Catholic has the opportunity to tie the game early in the second half with three or four shots from two yards out.  Juniata Keeper comes up big on a couple, defense on a couple and finally get the ball out.  Should be 1-1. 
   Those shots inside the six is exactly what Catholic looks for in their attach.  The more chaos ball, the better.
   Catholic now gets a ridiculous penalty from what I can tell.  Shoulder to shoulder for a ball.  Catholic#7 to step up and take it.  Puts it to the Juniata Keeper's right, he dives left.  Catholic 1, Juniata 1.
   Am baffled by the work some of these players do to win the ball, then to squander it with a bad pass or ill-timed attempt to beat the man on the dribble.
   Juniata caught Catholic sleeping on a restart, and Juniata#7, who received the ball, did a poor job controlling the ball and it went out of bounds.
   Catholic is keeping Juniata deep in their half.  They can't connect to get out of the pressure.
   If I were the Juniata coach, I would press Catholic#32 every time the ball came to him.
   Think this referee is losing it.  Just handing out cards indiscriminately as if they were business cards.
   Lets be clear, Catholic is the better team.  Why it is even tied is beyond me.  The only two players that stand out for me are Juniat#8, a big tall center back, and Juniata#23(?) , a speedy forward.  Other than that, think Catholic should have the run of these guys.
   I find that with Catholic and a lot of teams, they lack awareness in their positions, and that their positions are starting points, not areas of responsibility, if that makes sense.
   Catholic attacks without any sense of organization, which is fine.  But their CDM, Catholic#18 is hunting for a goal and stepping up high.  Result is that there is a 30 yard gap between defenders and the midfielders.  This is where Juniata should have a man sitting, hovering for the ball to come to him and then go on the attack.  That's where Juniata will get a goal.
   Catholic is having all sorts of shots blocked or cleared off the line. 
   Catholic Keeper just came out for a corner ... more like went fishing on a corner.  Big Juniata player snapped a header that went off the cross bar.  They got the corner ... because of two bullets before.
   Unless Juniata can counter quick, they have no hope of getting the ball past midfield.  If done right, two passes can leave 7 Catholic players chasing back.
   Getting a little chippy.
   Juniata is dangerous on corners.  Different looks and have four real tall players.
   Catholic attacks North/South.  So predictable.  If I were the Juniata coach, I would man mark Catholic#3 and Catholic#12 shut them down and the wings will be shut down.
   And end of the second half.  Catholic 1, Juniata 1.  OT it is.
   According to the stats, Catholic has 24 shots, Juniata 5.  How is it only 1-1?  Seriously, that is a question I would be asking if I were the Catholic head coach.
   First OT .... Same as it ever was.
   Second OT.  Catholic Keeper has a spectacular save on a Juniata shot to keep it level.  On a corner... Catholic chaos.  Shot, block, shot, header, block, shot block, rebound goal.  Catholic 2, Juniata 1.

Watched this as well. Agreed with all of your points. I was waiting for Juniata to start pressing the back line and then break out through their speedy winger, but it did not happen.

This is the most chaotic Catholic team that I have seen in recent years. Normally they have a few CMs that control the tempo and move the ball side to side. Instead, it is get the ball wide and go.

I will be interesting to see how the Landmark semi-finals go tonight. I could see Susquehanna pressure Catholic's back line enough to get the W.

[SimpleCoach]

Watched this as well. Agreed with all of your points. I was waiting for Juniata to start pressing the back line and then break out through their speedy winger, but it did not happen.

This is the most chaotic Catholic team that I have seen in recent years. Normally they have a few CMs that control the tempo and move the ball side to side. Instead, it is get the ball wide and go.

I will be interesting to see how the Landmark semi-finals go tonight. I could see Susquehanna pressure Catholic's back line enough to get the W.

I have to give the whole thing to Catholic.  I would say I haven't seen much in the way of competition to them.  Not because I think they are that good, but because I am not sure I have seen anyone better.  Having said that, they are a mistake or two away from conceding a goal in every game.  Question is , in this case, can Susquehanna take advantage of that.  Their backs are indeed vulnerable and lack discipline.  I think their left side is the weakest, but if the right presses up high, Susquehanna will have acres of space.  Actually think Drew has the best chance of beating Catholic, but not sure they have the stamina to keep up.  And they are very wasteful in attack. 

[SimpleCoach]

Susquehanna v Catholic
Landmark Conference Semifinals
Catholic University – Carlini Field
Link – Susquehanna v Catholic Conference Semifinal Match
Prediction – Susquehanna 1, Catholic 3
Actual Score - Susquehanna 0, Catholic 4

   Am watching this real time, side by side with the Elizabethtown v Drew game.
   Think the Susquehanna coach read some of my notes.  Early pressure down the right on Catholic#4.
   Neither team is details oriented.  Careless mistakes with ball.
   Questionable call for a PK.  Looked to me that the defender makes contact with the ball before he made contact with the Catholic #7.  Catholic #7 takes the PK and hits it to the Susquehanna's Keeper's right, he went left.  Susquehanna 0, Catholic 1.
   Interesting that the play before, Susquehanna was on the verge of scoring a goal.  And after the PK, Susquehanna almost scored again.  Catholic#24 over committing on a ball.
   35 left in the half.
   Both team's defensive posture is left wanting.  Too much space, too little man marking.  Leaving tons of space.
    Susquehanna is looking to get the ball to Susquehanna#11.  The clear target up top.
   Susquehanna started off well, enough, but between the goal and Catholic's drive to get the ball up top they have been playing in Catholic's game.  If I were the Susquehanna coach, I would ask to move the ball around not try to get forward and stop playing panicky.  Plenty of time on the clock, and I am not the coach.
   Catholic seems to be controlling the game, getting to goal more frequently with some decent opportunities to get another.  Susquehanna is bending, but not breaking on the run of play. 
   Catholic runs North/South.  Susquehanna needs to not allow players to turn, or needs to do a better job dealing with balls into space behind the defensive line.  Catholic doesn't have any plan if those two things are taken away.
   And like that, ball out wide behind the right back sent across and Catholic#3 gets his head on the ball and scores.  Susquehanna 0, Catholic 1.  Probably one of the better build up goals I have seen from Catholic all year.
   13 minutes left in the half.
   Lost my enthusiasm for this game, bit predictable at this point.
   Susquehanna is worse.  Worse in terms of ideas for getting goals.  Thinking my prediction should have been 4-0 at this point.  Thought it would be tighter.
   Halftime.  This is Catholic's game to lose.  Susquehanna 0, Catholic 2.
   Start of the second.  Catholic goes back to working it  around until they can get it wide then play it in.  Susquehanna is trying.
   Susquehanna#11 just rifled a ball off the crossbar.  Probably their best opportunity to get on the scoreboard.  He got the ball at midfield and Catholic and did a Moses until he got 25 yards out and hit a solid shot.  Catholic Keeper made like a tree.
   And this is over.  Catholic just got its third.  Shot from Catholic#24 from 25 yards out that tucked itself in under the cross bar.
   On the dribble, Catholic#12 only uses his left foot for standing.
   13 minutes left.
   Honestly, why haven't they scored more?
   And like they heard me, Catholic goes down the wing and puts it across, and Catholic#19 does a pseudo diving header and scores.  Susquehanna 0, Catholic 4.  It was never this close.
   Game over.

[SimpleCoach]

Elizabethtown v Drew
Landmark Conference Semifinals
Drew University
Link – Drew Etown Semi Final Conference Match
Prediction – Elizabethtown 2, Drew 1
Actual Score - Elizabethtown 1, Drew 2.

   Watching both semi-finals side by side.
   Elizabethtown seems to have the run of play, with Drew defending deeper in their half.
   Drew seems to struggle when they get the ball in the back.  Can't seem to move it up field with any consistency.  Speaks to Etown's press and discipline to mark any open space.
   Etown moving the ball around with some fluidity.  Not panicking or forcing anything.
   Drew seems to be settling down and Elizabethtown seems content with slowing play down and very deliberately getting forward.
   I learned the Drew Mascot is in the crowd!  Ranger the Bear.
   Etown is pressing for a goal and has had several looks.
   Etown is always holding three players back.  Don't think Drew knows or can figure out why they aren't connecting top.
   Halftime at 0-0.  Etown has the better of the play, but really the game is being played between the 18s.  Could go either way.
   Strikes me as a game where neither side wants to take risks for fear of making a mistake and being punished.  Would think this will open up in the second half.
   Start of the second half.
   Drew seems to have a bit more urgency on the ball.  Just needs to find away to get their forwards in a dangerous place.
   Drew is having the better of the play and Etown now finding it difficult to connect.
   Both are defending in numbers.  But they have to convert it to offense.
   And Drew breaks the ice first.   Corner kick to the Elizabethtown's left.  Gol Olimpico!  Hits the side net, back post.  Drew#10.  How its not a foul on the Elizabethtown Keeper is beyond me.  Elizabethtown 0. Drew 1.
   Etown is now finding that sense of urgency.
   15 Minutes left.
   Much more even match than the other semi-final.  Etown still has a chance to even this game.
   And on another corner, Etown equalizes!   Everyone crowd the six, and Elizabethtown#25 gets up at the six and heads it in.  Must have just crossed the line because I thought initially the Drew Keeper came up with a big save.  Elizabethtown 1, Drew 1.
   Elizabethtown Keeper just came up with a big couple of saves on another corner.  Thought that was it for them, but he managed a double save that was fantastic.
   So Drew.  I think they can play but they remind me of teams I played on in certain leagues ... so as not to offend ...  where individual talent was abundant, but ask them to play a team sport well, that didn't work so much.  Result was that as games wore on, they became more vulnerable because guys were just doing their thing, not so much what the team needed.  That's what I see in Drew.
   And like that we are going to overtime.
   1st OT.  Each team cautiously trying to bring the game to the other ... without being too adventurous or careless.
   He is a little raw, but I like the Elizabethtown Keeper.
   2nd OT.
   With threw minutes left in OT, Drew has a long throw.  Bit of chaos in the box and Drew#10 scores again.  Hits a laser from 10 yards out.  Nothing Elizabethtown Keeper can do.  Elizabethtown 1, Drew 2.

[SimpleCoach]

Combined observations of watching both games side by side.

• I do think Drew and Elizabethtown are better soccer teams but think Catholic with win outright as they have homefield advantage.
• I get the whole ... league has a tournament, and you get an NCAA bid ... but am starting to believe this is the equivalent of everyone getting a snack at the end of a game because they played hard and had fun. 
• In the Landmark, between 1, 2, and 3, think the difference is minimal.  Difference between 3 and 4 is about a mile.
• I think the crowding of goalkeepers on corners is getting ridiculous.  I am a bit old school on this one.  I think a Goalkeeper should be able to make a play for a ball inside the six without having to contend with someone who intentionally "marking" him so as to make his life difficult on a corner.  Outside the six, all bets are off... but some of this nonsense is literally with Keepers standing on their lines.  Like it or not, it's a specialized position, with advantage and disadvantages like any other.  If you are not going to have a free use of your arms to get to a ball, or push off from center when you are jumping, it's no difference if a field player gets tripped or pushed from behind.

Drew v. Catholic Team Tactics

If I am Drew –

• Defend as a unit in the back.  I would consider sacrificing on the attack, and play with 4 defenders.  Keep the CDM central.
• Keep Catholic in front.  They will go sideways unless they get a ball in behind the outside backs.
• Catholic#7 needs to be marked tight.  He roams but is the guy who transitions the team from defense to offense.
• Catholic#24 and Catholic#4.  Let them have the ball.  Force them to go long. 
• Catholic#18 is the other lynchpin in their transition.  If you can mark him tight, it becomes more difficult to work the ball.
• On corners, start from the 18 or 12.  They don't mark man to man, unless you are in the six.

If I am Catholic –

• Go at the Drew left back.  He is slow.
• Through Drew#10 goes their fortune.  He needs to be man marked.
• Make them run by moving the ball.  They lack the positional discipline and will open up gaping holes if you keep moving them side to side.
• Drew forward up top... Drew#13.  Fast, crafty and only has a left foot.  Don't let him go left.
• Drew#24 is another midfielder who needs to be watch.  He controls the flow of the game.
• Watch the very long throw into the box.  Whichever Catholic Keeper you use, know that he will be tested on these.

[SimpleCoach]

Capital v Wilmington
Game One - OAC Quarterfinals
Wilmington
Link – Capital v Wilmington Quarterfinal Match
Prediction – Capital 1, Wilmington 3
Actual Score - Capital 4, Wilmington 3

   Watching both quarterfinal matches simultaneously.
   Capital is definitely one of the better OAC teams in a very tough conference.  Already being ambitious trying to get to goal.
   Wilmington is a bit more passive, being more patient.
   This game is definitely the better of the two.
   Wilmington has settled in and has had the better run of play.  Capital sitting deep just dealing with the pressure.
   Game so far is between the 18s with Wilmington keeping Capital on defense looking for a quick break.  Building out of the back doesn't seem like an option for Capital right now.
   17 left in the half, and Wilmington has Capital pinned back.
   Wilmington gets on the board first with a long throw into the box, and headed in from six yards out.  Sorry, difficult to tell #s in this broadcast.  Capital 0, Wilmington 1.
   The goal is forcing Capital to play.
   Capital has its first real look on goal.  Wilmington Keeper comes out and punches the ball, lands at the feet of a Capital forward who drills a shot.  Wilmington Keepers comes up big with a tight kick save.  Ball bounces to another Capital forward who drills the ball, and it is cleared of the line.  Should have tied  up the game.  Ended up with a corner kick.
   By no means is Capital out of this one.
   4 Minutes remaining.
   And with 2 minutes left, Capital concedes a very silly penalty to Wilmington. 
   Wilmington forward steps up and hits the ball high to the Capital Keeper's right.  He didn't move and think he was expecting him to goal down the middle of the goal.  Capital 0, Wilmington 2.
   That is a real killer for Capital.  Chance of going to the locker room only down one to being down 2.
   Going to be a good second half.
   And 122 miles away, within 30 seconds of each other, a Capital forward gets a through ball, cuts it to his left and from 18 hits a ball to the Wilmington Keeper's right for a goal.  Capital 1, Wilmington 2.  Great goal.
   Big goal for Capital that get's to shake off the second goal they conceded just before half.
   39 minutes left.
   Capital has gotten some bounce in their step and is really hunting for the equalizer.
   Kind of going back and forth but seems like Capital is closer to scoring than Wilmington.  Have a better control and tempo of play.
   And Wilmington just added another.  Capital floats a ball in that the Wilmington Keeper punches out.  Turns into a counterattack and lands at the feet of the winger who races with the ball from midfield to goal.  Capital Keeper comes out and the Wilmington forward slots it thru.  Capital 1, Wilmington 3.
   Capital players look crushed.
   15 minutes left.
   Capital is back at it and looking to find the net again.  Nice save by Wilmington Keeper on a header from a corner kick.  Still showing some patience.
   Wilmington looks to have dropped off a little bit instead of looking for another.
   Capital has yet begun to fight.  Spectacular goal from Capital#? Who takes a ball off his chest from 25 yards out and volleys a ball reminiscient of Paul Caliguiri's goal against T&T back in 1989.  BBall comes off his foot and drops in behind the Wilmington Keeper who grew roots.  Capital 2, Wilmington 3.
   Wilmington has 13 minutes to hold on.
   Wilmington Keeper didn't even move for it.  Just watched it the whole way.
   Capital is just working it as fast as they can, while Wilmington is trying to bleed the clock where they can.
   OMG.  A banger of a goal to tie it up.  Foul 36 yards out from goal, just outside the hashmark to the left of the Wilmington Keeper.  Harmless right?  Everyone at the 18, 2 man wall 10 yards away.  Capital#? Steps up and tees off on the ball instead of floating it in.  Laser shot that goes in the upper corner to the Wilmington Keeper's right.  Amazing goal.  Play starts at 2:09:00.  Incredible.  Capital 3, Wilmington 3. 
   8 minutes left.
   That's two shots to the Wilmington Keeper's right that he didn't even react to.  Not saying he should have saved it, but I do think he should have made an effort.  Makes me wonder...
   Wilmington had the opportunity to get a fourth, but think the Wilmington forward is trying out for the Browns as a field goal kicker.
   Capital is trying to get a hold of the ball when they win it on defense, Wilmington is trying to pop the ball.
   And dare I say this has to be one of the best games I have watched in a long while ... over 100 games this season ... Capital gets the ball and gets it out to their right wing who is behind his defender.  Turns and goes down the line.  The one central defender steps over to challenge.  Two Capital players are far post.  The other Wilmington central defender is stepping into the middle and doesn't have a line of sight to the tow Capital players to his right who are running in.  One of the two runs between the outside back and the Wilmington center back and heads in a cross that goes to the Wilmington Keeper's left.  Goal!  Capital 4, Wilmington 3.
   58 seconds left.  Wilmington players are stunned.
   Third time the Wilmington Keeper doesn't make a play.  In fairness he was coming across his goal as the header went in the opposite direction.
   Holy cow.  And the Capital bench goes wild.
   And the game is over.  What a turnaround!  Capital now plays either John Carroll or Otterbein.

[SimpleCoach]

Marietta v Ohio Northern
Game Two - OAC Quarterfinals
Ohio Northern
Link – Marietta v Ohio Northern Quarterfinal Match
Prediction – Marietta 0, Ohio Northern 2
Actual Score - Marietta 0, Ohio Northern 4

   Watching both quarterfinal matches simultaneously.
   Ohio Northern has started working the ball.  Not sure Marietta has the talent to compete.
   Marietta is mounting some semblance of an attack, but when the surrender the ball, ONU breaks out quick.
   Marietta looks like they are defending with numbers.  Almost more concerned about conceding than they are about scoring.
   ONU is knocking on the door, getting closer and closer to goal.  Marietta starting to be pushed back deep.
   ONU is just that last pass away from scoring.  I do think they need to stay disciplined defensively cause Marietta seems to be able to get it moving if they get the chance.
   Marietta is playing every goal kick long, trying to get the game to be played up higher.
   Actually, I like the way ONU tries to play.  Not panicky, no chaos ball, just trying to get the ball into dangerous places.
   4 minutes remaining.
   Marietta is making a couple of plays getting dangerous.  But I don't get the sense that they are close to scoring.
   Halftime.  Game even at zeros with Ohio Northern owning most of the play.
    And out of the gate, Ohio Northern goes on the attack and gets its first goal.  Shot from outside the box, goes low and near post to the Marietta's right.  Great goal.  Marietta 0, Ohio Northern 1.
   Certainly, the Polar Bears deserved to be on the scoreboard.  Just rewards.
   39 minutes left.
   And 6 minutes later they reward themselves again.  ONU winger beats his man to the line and passes back to the six, where an ONU forward hits it low.  Marietta Keeper made an effort but couldn't stop it.  Marietta 0, Ohio Northern 2.
   This game is done and dusted as far as I am concerned.
   Don't see what Marietta has to come back on this one.
   Ohio Northern is having the benefit of being ahead, but they are a good team.  Think they could win it the OAC outright.  Think they need to be a bit more consistent attacking and getting their forwards involved early on.
   12 minutes left.
   And ONU gets a third.  In swinger from a set piece about 30 yards out to the Marietta Keepers right.  Floated in and header is saved by the Marietta Keeper, who comes up with another save on the rebound, until that rebound is buried to the left of the keeper.  Marietta 0, Ohio Northern 3.
   And then in the waning seconds of the game, Ohio Northern gets a through ball, first shot is saved, but the rebound is buried by a trailing player.  Marietta 0. Ohio Northern 4.
   Done. They face either John Carroll or Otterbein in the semifinal game.

[SimpleCoach]

General Observations about the OAC Quarterfinal Games

• I don't know if a ranking exists of conferences but think the OAC has some talented teams.  And a number of them.
• There is something to be said about game management that a lot of teams don't know how to do.
• Have to say, watching a game that is played on a soccer field and not a football field, is so much more pleasurable to watch.  Don't feel like I have gone through some test from the 60's testing psychedelics on squirrels.
• I'll try to catch the OAC semis if I can.  Have some other games that I have to watch, so may be delayed.

[Mr.Right]

I watched the last 30 minutes of the Capital at Wilmington on ur advice and it was entertaining. If you wpick it up with Wilmington leading 2-1 about 30 minutes left. You forgot to mention the AD of Wilmington or Capital got thrown out of the stadium by the referee around the 33 minute mark. Old  white guy sitting in a golf cart doing god knows what to get tossed. The game paused for 5 minutes as the AD took his sweet ass time leaving while walking across the field instead of just from where he was.

[SimpleCoach]

I watched the last 30 minutes of the Capital at Wilmington on ur advice and it was entertaining. If you wpick it up with Wilmington leading 2-1 about 30 minutes left. You forgot to mention the AD of Wilmington or Capital got thrown out of the stadium by the referee around the 33 minute mark. Old  white guy sitting in a golf cart doing god knows what to get tossed. The game paused for 5 minutes as the AD took his sweet ass time leaving while walking across the field instead of just from where he was.

@Mr. Right.  Because I am literally watching two games at once, I don't have the audio on.  I did notice the stoppage, but just let it play through while I concentrated on the Marietta-ONU game.  One of the hazards of the job.

[LetteroftheLaw]

Combined observations of watching both games side by side.

• I do think Drew and Elizabethtown are better soccer teams but think Catholic with win outright as they have homefield advantage.
• I get the whole ... league has a tournament, and you get an NCAA bid ... but am starting to believe this is the equivalent of everyone getting a snack at the end of a game because they played hard and had fun. 
• In the Landmark, between 1, 2, and 3, think the difference is minimal.  Difference between 3 and 4 is about a mile.
• I think the crowding of goalkeepers on corners is getting ridiculous.  I am a bit old school on this one.  I think a Goalkeeper should be able to make a play for a ball inside the six without having to contend with someone who intentionally "marking" him so as to make his life difficult on a corner.  Outside the six, all bets are off... but some of this nonsense is literally with Keepers standing on their lines.  Like it or not, it's a specialized position, with advantage and disadvantages like any other.  If you are not going to have a free use of your arms to get to a ball, or push off from center when you are jumping, it's no difference if a field player gets tripped or pushed from behind.

Drew v. Catholic Team Tactics

If I am Drew –

• Defend as a unit in the back.  I would consider sacrificing on the attack, and play with 4 defenders.  Keep the CDM central.
• Keep Catholic in front.  They will go sideways unless they get a ball in behind the outside backs.
• Catholic#7 needs to be marked tight.  He roams but is the guy who transitions the team from defense to offense.
• Catholic#24 and Catholic#4.  Let them have the ball.  Force them to go long. 
• Catholic#18 is the other lynchpin in their transition.  If you can mark him tight, it becomes more difficult to work the ball.
• On corners, start from the 18 or 12.  They don't mark man to man, unless you are in the six.

If I am Catholic –

• Go at the Drew left back.  He is slow.
• Through Drew#10 goes their fortune.  He needs to be man marked.
• Make them run by moving the ball.  They lack the positional discipline and will open up gaping holes if you keep moving them side to side.
• Drew forward up top... Drew#13.  Fast, crafty and only has a left foot.  Don't let him go left.
• Drew#24 is another midfielder who needs to be watch.  He controls the flow of the game.
• Watch the very long throw into the box.  Whichever Catholic Keeper you use, know that he will be tested on these.

Some interesting insight about each team.
Couple thoughts I'd like to add ahead of the game Saturday;
Catholic:
- I agree that home field advantage will be big for Catholic, they had a good crowd Tuesday night and their students/ alums always show up for finals at home so definitely advantage Catholic.
- Catholic seems to be playing their best at the right time, the game against Susquehanna was never really in doubt after the early PK.
- Catholic was most dangerous on the wings Tuesday night and I think that was a result of what Susquehanna was giving them.
- I think Catholic's center backs are the weakest part of their team and Drew can expose them if they attack through the middle. I like Catholics freshman left back, think he has some pace and works hard, their right back seems a little reckless.
- I agree that #18 is their best player in the middle of the field and I like #24, while he is a bit slow, he wins tackles and can find space for himself.
- Offensively #3 had a field day Tuesday and was really going at Susquehanna's back line. Good pace and pretty fearless, made a lot happen for them going forward. I also think #12 and #7 can be quite dangerous in the attacking third.
- Susquehanna allowed Catholic to combine at the top of the 18 way too easily.

Drew:
- The first time these two teams met #8 for Drew got carded in the 4th minute and Lenny sat him the rest of the game. He is kind of a holding CM and can be a key for them this time around.
- #10 and #11 for Drew are pretty dangerous and could be a tough assignment for Catholics center backs.
- Drew will come in and try to make things ugly early and often.

Crazy to think this is the first time these two teams have met in the final, these games between them always seem to be really tight and come down to who wants it more. I can see it getting pretty chippy especially if Catholic grabs a lead. Catholic still has plenty of guys from the 2019 team that beat Etown and they know what it takes, I think Catholic ends up winning this one 2-1.

[SimpleCoach]

Rowan v Montclair
NJAC Semi-Final Match
Montclair
Link- The Turnpike Cup Semifinals Game
Prediction – Rowan 1, Montclair 0
Actual Score – Rowan 1, Montclair 0

   This is a rematch of a game that was played last week I think where Montclair travelled to Glassboro and won 2-0 in a feisty match.  Rowan played a man down for 3/4s of that match if I recall.
   Would expect some fireworks on this one.
   Not watching the other semi-final since I can't find the link.
   Rowan starts off by passing the ball very well.  Patient and methodical.
   Montclair looks very unsettled to start.
   Montclair settling in now and controlling the run of play.
   Rowan is sitting deep and challenging Montclair to come at them.  Really compact, and not yielding once Montclair gets beyond the center circle.
   Montclair struggling to penetrate the Rowan defensive posture, resorting to distance/off balance shot.
   Like last game, guys are going in hard and getting chippy.
   Referee is letting these teams play.
   Rowan is looking to catch Montclair off balance when they attack so their forward can go one on one with defenders.
   15 minutes left in the first half.
   This is a different Rowan team than the one I watched a couple of weeks ago.
   Looks like Rowan is in a 4-4-2 and very compact defensively.
   Rowan getting dangerous on corner kicks.  Just had a scramble in front of the box, that got cleared out.  Montclair doesn't look sure of itself in those situations.
   Last tens minutes, Rowan had best of the play.  Really controlling the ball and tempo of the play.  Rowan certainly more patient that Montclair on the attack.
   Halftime. Rowan 0, Montclair 0.
   Start of the second.  Rowan is doing a really good job of keeping control of the ball when they have it.  They aren't lumping it and are actually trying to connect.  Preventing Montclair for challenging for 50/50 balls.
   Rowan Keeper came up with a big save.  Montclair forward got into the box and drilled a ball to the Rowan Keeper's right.  To give credit to Rowan though, it was an impossible angle where Montclair was able to penetrate.
   Now the referee seems to be calling everything.
   And seemingly against the run of play, Rowan goes ahead.  Ball out wide to the keepers left.  Shot is deflected and comes off a Rowan forwards head.  Ball bounces between two Montclair defenders and Rowan#5 comes between them and takes the ball and goes through the defensive line and slots the ball to the Rowan Keeper's right as he was coming out to meet him.  Rowan 1, Montclair 0.
   Montclair now has to chase the game.  Not sure if that is something they are used to.  Will say issue I have with Montclair is that when I am about to say how good they are, they look pedestrian. They also seem to lack the discipline to keep it together ... like Capital did in their OAC quarterfinal game.
   Montclair is losing the plot.  Surrounding the referee for a call on a PK, which I don't think it was.
   Plenty of time on the clock and it's getting bit ridiculous. Montclair#12 is throwing a temper tantrum.
   Meanwhile, Rowan is sticking to its game plan.
   Montclair is a bit panicked and giving away the ball far to easily especially as they try to transition into the attack.  They need to hold on to the ball.
   33 minutes left in the half.
   Montclair is going for broke and pushing forward with speed.  Working to get the ball in the box, but Rowan Keeper is playing solid when he comes out for high balls.
   Rowan is defending but they look like they can catch Montclair for another goal on a quick break.
   Montclair Keeper just made a spectacular "palomita" save on a chip to the far post that could have been Rowan's second.
   Rough and tumble of a game and Rowan is not backing down.
   Don't understand why Montclair is not getting Montclair#9 the ball every time they are on the attack.  He is by far the most effective winger.
   You can sense Montclair getting a little bit desperate as the clock winds down.  Causing them to make silly mistakes when they are in possession.
   Rowan sitting deep with 9 players and a lone forward.  So little space for Montclair to operate in.  Rowan just being super disciplined defensively.
   8 and half minutes left.
   Montclair throwing everything they can at Rowan. 
   For being the only player up high, Rowan#7 is really effective at getting to lose balls, holding it up, and creating opportunities where there shouldn't be any.
   2.5 minutes left.
   Oh my gosh.  Long throw into the box that bounces around, and Montclair#29 rips a ball off the crossbar.  That was it.  That was the tying goal.
   And that is it.  Rowan win's this NJAC semifinals and goes on to play the winner of Rutgers-Newark and Kean. 
   Apparently, Montclair has not been held scoreless all season.
   What a great game.

[SimpleCoach]

Some interesting insight about each team.
Couple thoughts I'd like to add ahead of the game Saturday;
Catholic:
- I agree that home field advantage will be big for Catholic, they had a good crowd Tuesday night and their students/ alums always show up for finals at home so definitely advantage Catholic.
- Catholic seems to be playing their best at the right time, the game against Susquehanna was never really in doubt after the early PK.
- Catholic was most dangerous on the wings Tuesday night and I think that was a result of what Susquehanna was giving them.
- I think Catholic's center backs are the weakest part of their team and Drew can expose them if they attack through the middle. I like Catholics freshman left back, think he has some pace and works hard, their right back seems a little reckless.
- I agree that #18 is their best player in the middle of the field and I like #24, while he is a bit slow, he wins tackles and can find space for himself.
- Offensively #3 had a field day Tuesday and was really going at Susquehanna's back line. Good pace and pretty fearless, made a lot happen for them going forward. I also think #12 and #7 can be quite dangerous in the attacking third.
- Susquehanna allowed Catholic to combine at the top of the 18 way too easily.

Drew:
- The first time these two teams met #8 for Drew got carded in the 4th minute and Lenny sat him the rest of the game. He is kind of a holding CM and can be a key for them this time around.
- #10 and #11 for Drew are pretty dangerous and could be a tough assignment for Catholics center backs.
- Drew will come in and try to make things ugly early and often.

Crazy to think this is the first time these two teams have met in the final, these games between them always seem to be really tight and come down to who wants it more. I can see it getting pretty chippy especially if Catholic grabs a lead. Catholic still has plenty of guys from the 2019 team that beat Etown and they know what it takes, I think Catholic ends up winning this one 2-1.

@LetteroftheLaw.  No disagreements from me.  I think Catholic's performance was largely the result of Susquehanna's lack of performance.  I too think they win because I am not sure Drew is disciplined enough defensively to prevent Catholic from getting goals.  If I thought they could stay sharp in the back, I would be inclined to say Drew can pull it off.

[Hopkins92]

• I think the crowding of goalkeepers on corners is getting ridiculous.  I am a bit old school on this one.  I think a Goalkeeper should be able to make a play for a ball inside the six without having to contend with someone who intentionally "marking" him so as to make his life difficult on a corner.  Outside the six, all bets are off... but some of this nonsense is literally with Keepers standing on their lines.  Like it or not, it's a specialized position, with advantage and disadvantages like any other.  If you are not going to have a free use of your arms to get to a ball, or push off from center when you are jumping, it's no difference if a field player gets tripped or pushed from behind.

I wanted to circle back on this, just to say 1) I'm reading this stuff :-) and 2) this is so spot on... It's definitely a (negative) evolution, as far as I'm concerned. It's also a wonder more of these don't turn into melees. I had to use this, but "back in my day" if you camped out right in front of me like that, you're going to come away with stomped foot or kidney punch. i wasn't a dirty player, but there were some boundary issues and it was just understood.

Kind of like hockey goalies back in the day using their stick to clear guys out of the crease. You can hang out there, but you're going to pay a price.

I don't mind one guy camping out, really. It's when they do everything they can to get in the goalie's way and literally keep the goalie from getting any air. Refs need to call that as obstruction.

[d4_Pace]

I think there is a lot of bias here as a goalkeeper. As a field player I don't think the goalie has any god given right to freedom of movement any more than any other player. As long as they aren't being actively obstructed or bumped while in the air, I don't see anything wrong with crowding the goalie so its more difficult for them to maneuver. In fact I think in most cases goalies have it both ways where they come through and clobber guys and then complain anytime anyone lays a finger on them. Don't think either one of us is wrong but easy to see where playing different positions affects your perspective.