2021 Game Notes

[SimpleCoach]

Based on the game last night, revising my Top... 27

1   Amherst
2   Ohio Wesleyan
3   Calvin
4   Franklin & Marshall
5   Montclair State
6   Hope
7   Muhlenberg
8   Carnegie Mellon
9   Ohio Northern
10   Haverford

This weekend's action for SimpleCoach's Top 10...

1   Amherst  - @ Bowdoin. Haven't lost to Bowdoin since 2008. Can't imagine things change this weekend.
2   Ohio Wesleyan – Hosting Muskingum and Grove City in The Fred Meyers Invitational. Muskingum's been pounded this season by CMU and Denison by a combined score of 12-1. Should be an easy victory.  Grove City will be a better game but having to face Kenyon the previous day won't help their cause.
3   Calvin – Hosts Aurora (2-0) and Carthage (2-0-1) this weekend. Decent test, but I see two victories for the Knights 
4   Franklin & Marshall – Host long-time rival Elizabethtown (2-0) in the Battle for the Smith-Herr Boot, which is an actual Bronze boot that was originally worn by Al Hershey, a 2-time AA at Elizabethtown before later coaching both schools. F&M has won 2 of the last 3 meetings and has to be the favorite.
5   Montclair State – May finally get a game when they host NYU (1-0-1), but a win is still the likely outcome in this one.
6   Hope – Will join Calvin in going 2-0 against Aurora and Carthage this weekend.
7   Muhlenberg – Coming off an ECAC Championship in 2019, starting the year 2-0, and hosting Messiah at 7pm Saturday night.  Expecting a big crowd to see just what the Muhles have this year.  A draw would be a great, though unlikely result.
8   Carnegie Mellon – Great win Thursday over #20 John Carroll will give the Tartans plenty of confidence going into a rather easy game at Westminster (2-2) who they own a career record of 14-0-1 against.
9   Ohio Northern – Host Concordia (2-1) and NAIA foe Huntington (4-1) this weekend.  Unfortunate start to the season for ONU, having lost to #3 Calvin on a late game winner and then drawing with Hope in a tightly contested match. Two wins this weekend would put ONU on the right side of .500
10   Haverford – An uncharacteristic 0-2 start makes this weekend's jimmy Mills Tournament games vs. #15 Rowan (3-0) and Widener (1-2) all the more important. Look for the Fords to pick up their first win this weekend, but unfortunately a victory over Rowan seems unlikely.

Love it.  Thanks @Ejay.  Think I will try to catch Haverford v Rowan game, Muhlenberg v Messiah and the Montclair v NYU games.  Also looking forward to the Williams v Tufts match.... hopefully there wont be streaming issues in the Tufts game.  Want to see what they are made of.  Oh, and will be catching a couple of games today.... Christopher Newport v Lynchburg... and will try the Mount Union v Chatham game. 

Thanks again for the previews.... kind of makes looking for better games to watch, easier.... Some of the ones I watched but didn't do write ups on were ... 

[WUPHF]

I do recommend that North Park at Washington University match as previously mentioned.  4:00 pm CST on Saturday.

[SimpleCoach]

I do recommend that North Park at Washington University match as previously mentioned.  4:00 pm CST on Saturday.

@WUPHF.  Will add it to my list.  Actually North Park is on my radar because they seem to be ranked highly. 

Thanks again.

[Ron Boerger]

Speaking of rankings, anyone have any idea when the United Soccer Coaches will release a poll?   Nothing since the preseason rankings over a month ago...

[SimpleCoach]

Mount Union v Chatham
Chatham University – Graham Field
Bias? – Second game I've watched for both teams.

   Lovely field.  And a lovely day to watch a game.  Neat stadium with covered seating .... Almost wish it were raining.
   Game is being played in honor of a Chatham soccer player lost in a car accident some years ago. 
   Mount Union starts press at the 30.... field has football lines....  They let the passing go back and forth.  Otherwise, they wait for the ball to come to them.
   Chatham looks better than they did against Hiram.  But they do stand a chance of getting countered as they do step high up the field when they have the ball.
   7 minutes in.  Chatham does a better job of moving the ball around on the attack.  Mount Union seems to be playing more defensively.  Not sense of urgency.  The 2 some hour drive in the bus must be weighing on their legs.
   Ten in and most of the play is in Mount Union's half.
   Game mostly being played between the 30s.  Not much happening in front of goal.... Until now.
   12 minutes in.  Punt by Mount Union keeper that is poorly head away by a Chatham defender and is recovered by Mount Union right wing, who turns his man.  Takes some touches and drives it across, and poorly cleared again.  The ball comes out to the 12 and a Mount Union player hits the ball far post side netting with his left peg for the goal.  Mount Union 1, Chatham 0.  33 left in the half.
   Chatham now feels the pressure of being behind.
   Mount Union feeling confident on the ball now.  Very patient with the ball now.  Actually an impressive stretch of possession that ends in a lofted ball that is headed to the hands of the Chatham keeper.
   Chatham loses the ideas battle once they get closer to Mount Union.  Think they have an idea when they have the ball in their half, but lose them when they cross midfield.
   Mount Union playing with more pace when they decide to get forward.
   With 20 minutes left, think Mount Union scores before Chatham does.
   Najar (?) #11 for Mount Union is the type of player a lot of teams I have watched, could use.  A central midfielder who conducts the ball from deep and makes sure the ball circulates.  Too many teams go without a player like him so there is a complete lack of control on the tempo or structure to the game.  This is my favorite type of player on the field ... too bad it is not a sentiment widely held.  Big, strong and fast wins every time.
   12 left.  Chatham keeps trying, but its Mount Union that gets dangerous.  Chatham still struggles with the final pass or move and can't seem to get dangerous.
   8 minutes left in the half and Chatham had its first real opportunity in the half but is cleared away.
   Mount Union does pretty well in possession.  Really needs to reward itself with another goal. 
   Halftime.  Mount Union 1, Chatham 0.
   Mount Union continue to maintain a strong defensive posture.   Chatham continues to struggle breaking through.
   Much of the same ten minutes into the second half.  Can see Chatham trying to move the ball with more urgency.   But Mount Union continues to be the more constant in control of the ball and on the attack.
   A thought.  Think teams, including Mount Union spend a lot of time and effort getting the ball wide so they can drive it into the middle and hope to connect there for a shot on goal.  Think there is another set of runs that gets overlooked and that is instead of just go wide, they should mix in through balls into the box.  Make the center forward battle in front of the goal.  If anything just to keep the defenders very honest about how they have to defend.
   20 minutes left, and it's a bit sloppy right now.
   21 minutes left, and Chatham crosses midfield.  Midfielder who won the ball, makes a terrible pass, and the ball is picked up by a Mount Union midfielder who hits a pass behind the Chatham defensive line that was stepping up.  Mount Union forward runs on to the ball, and slots it far post to the right of Chatham's keeper.  Just reward.  Mount Union 2, Chatham 0. 
   On that note, think I will head home.  Don't see much changing here.

[Buck O.]

I do recommend that North Park at Washington University match as previously mentioned.  4:00 pm CST on Saturday.

@WUPHF.  Will add it to my list.  Actually North Park is on my radar because they seem to be ranked highly. 

Thanks again.

I was going to make this request, but WUPHF beat me to it.  I'm just catching up and really enjoying these notes.  Will be looking forward to your observations.

[SimpleCoach]

New York University v. Montclair State       12:00
Montclair State
Bias? – Second time watching Montclair, and know a few people who go to NYU

   Joined 30 minutes left in the first half currently 0-0.
   MSU seems to be keeping NYU on their heels.  Good ball movement and looking to get the ball in dangerous places.  Some desperate defending.
   When NYU does get the ball, they move up top quick then press where they can. 
   MSU looks a little slower than what I saw at Hunter College.  Probably because this is a game they know it will be difficult to pad stats.
   NYU getting a bit lucky.  MSU is getting in dangerous spots.  Poor defensive clearance gave MSU a 1 on 1 but pushed it wide left.  27 left in the half.
   NYU too wasteful on the last pass.  Hard enough with MSU defensive posture.
   MSU has to be careful and can't sleep on defense.  NYU can break out quick and get dangerous. 
   MSU outside backs press up high every time leaving the two center backs.  Plenty of  space behind the outside backs to exploit as they are not quick enough to get back.  Timed right, Center backs are each marking two forwards, and NYU trails two wingers.  If they can clean up the passes, they could do some damage.
   MSU gets the ball upfield.  Player splits three defenders then lays a ball to Owen Murphy who hit a long ball across the field to their outside back.  Little bit of popcorn ball, and lands a cross at the 12 to the same player who started the play by splitting defenders, who settles and drills a ball back of the net.  MSU  1, NYU 0.  22 left in the half.
   NYU defense looked stretched and outnumbered on the play.
   MSU now has confidence and a bit of another gear now.
   NYU is looking a little shaky.  Trying to get their wits about them, especially as they try to deal with MSU trying to get a second goal.
   Difference right now.... NYU get three forwards up, MSU defends with 5.  MSU attacks with 4, NYU defends with 3.
   10 minutes left, NYU gets a foul just beyond center circle in MSU half.  Put 6 far post and float a ball inside the 12.  From about six out ball is awkwardly headed by NYU player, ball hit's the post and bounces in.  MSU 1, NYU 1
   Lots of errors with the ball following the goal, from both teams.
   NYU is back in it with some enthusiasm.
   Lot of the play is between the 30s.  Each trying to break down the other. 
   Halftime.  All square at ones.
   Much of the same in the second half.  NYU defending better with numbers, making it difficult for MSU to break through.
   This is a stalemate going to OT.
   Good competitive game.  Each trying to break down the other with little luck.
   First overtime.  Think this is Golden Goal.
   When MSU can't attack on the break, NYU is just too good defending.  And MSU doesn't have the patience.
   5 minutes left in the first OT and its getting chippy.  Probably a good level of frustration from both sides cause the other team isn't making it easy.
   For MSU, they are either stopped by NYU defense or they force a ball long.
   NYU strikes me as being more methodical and patient on the ball.  Waiting for their moments.
   MSU seems to have given up really using it's midfield and is trying for the big ball out wide.
   Poor defense by MSU, fail to attack the ball.  Midfielder doesn't pick up a wide-open winger making a run down the middle.  NYU player takes a touch then slots the ball to the middle.  And big forward hits the ball first time. 
   Game Over.  MSU 1, NYU 2.
   Two very good teams, definitely with different styles.   Will watch them again.
   Am out.

[CC United]

North Park v Washington U. Just turned the game on. Wash U up 2-0 18 minutes into the first half.

[PaulNewman]

North Park v Washington U. Just turned the game on. Wash U up 2-0 18 minutes into the first half.

Looked like very soft foul call to give NP an attractive free kick....2-1.

[SimpleCoach]

Williams v Tufts               3:00
Tufts Bello Field
Bias? – I was not smart enough to go to either school.

   That looks like one heck of field to play on.
   Sorry Williams.  Silly, but let's end the gimmicks on tap off from the center circle.  They never work.
   Williams is playing with a lot of enthusiasms.  Pressing high, and launching balls up every chance they get.
   Williams forcing a lot of Tufts turnovers.  Don't look comfortable with the ball.  Williams coach keeps yelling "PRESS!! PRESS!! PRESS!!"
   Tuft's just not getting in front of the goal.  Midfield needs to get involved more.  They are just bystanders right now.  31 left in the half.
   15 minutes in, first real Tuft's opportunity on a cross.  Ball headed over the goal.
   Tufts plays it short every time on goal kicks.
   The excitement of the game is waning, and Tufts is trying to gets it's game going, but still struggling.  But will say they seem pretty patient and understand this will be a 90-minute game.
   Lots of speculative play from both.  Trying to get something going.
   Not the prettiest of games.
   Tufts has a deep midfielder, think #5.  Not the fastest of guys but understands his role and tries to make sure the ball is moving and make sure they retain possession.  Lots of teams I watch could use a guy like him.
   With maybe 10 minutes left, Tufts looks like they are starting to assert themselves.
   Think this is going to halftime in a stalemate.
   And half.  0-0
   Can see what Tuft's wants to do, but Williams isn't obliging.  The pressure is too much for Tufts.  Having said that, they were starting to settle down and connect the ball better, especially toward the end of the half.  As my theory goes, high pressure only works for the half.  Will be interesting here in the second as thing start to open up.
   Start of the second half.
   Tufts places 4 or five players inside the six, with one stepping to near post on the kick.  There are three additional players at the 18.  Probably have a number of options on the corner, depending on how Williams defends.
   Tufts has someone with a dangerous long throw who can get it in front of goal.  Effective at creating some danger, but also get a few corners.
   Tufts moving the ball a lot better this half, and Williams is on the back foot. 
   Tufts gets the ball out wide, after a couple of passes, ball is crossed in and ends up far post.  Tufts player chest the ball and one time it for maybe 8 yards out and buries it in the back of the net.  Tufts 1, Williams 0  40 minutes left.
   Williams looks like they are fighting for dear life.  They try to break out fast but Tufts handling much better this half.
   Tufts getting very dangerous on corners.  Have multiple looks that Williams struggles with.
   32 minutes and Williams makes 4 subs.  Think they are trying to change how this game is going.
   Tufts is imposing its soccer on Williams.  With press, don't think Williams is particularly effective.
   This reminds me of the last game I watched NYU v Montclair.  Montclair pressed but as the game wore on, NYU started to figure out how to play, until they scored in OT.  In a 3 month season, pressing alone is too unreliable.  You need some soccer players out there.  Granted it's a theory of mine.... Need more time to validate.
   21 minutes left.  Tufts doesn't make mistakes in the back for the most part.  Williams isn't having much luck on the attack since they launch the ball hoping for a bad play or a lucky bounce, but Tufts isn't having any of it.
   Getting a little sloppy right now.  Neither team has control.
   Williams with a sense of urgency with 13 left.  But again, so long as Tufts keeps the play in front, Williams will get nowhere.
   Think I am done with this one.  Think Tufts is definitely the better and the way it has been going, they should be able to close this one out.
   I'm out.  4 minutes left.

[d4_Pace]

The #5 you mentioned is Calvin Aroh who along with German at Amherst is the best player in the country. He comes across as slow at times on film but when you watch in person you see is everywhere defensively and breaks up counter attacks single handedly. Then with the ball he is very clean, mainly keeps it simple and helps set the pace for Tufts along with 13 van Brewer.

[Gregory Sager]

Craptastic half by NPU's backliners, who looked their age (they're all freshmen, although Christian Vaaland was around for last spring's scrimmage season) for the first time this year. Two bad mistakes by the backs, one leading to a switchover to an open man coming up on the right and a run-of-play goal, and the other leading to a 20-yard free kick deflected in off the wall, put the Vikings in an early hole. They got a nice free-kick header to grab one back, but the fact that the goal was scored by the little-used Oscar Säfström tells you that NPU head coach Kris Grahn was pretty disgusted by what he saw early and went to his bench pretty liberally.

Wash U is playing very smart and is picking its spots up top very well. They look like the veteran team of the two thus far, even though North Park has a lot of experience in Olsen, Ericsson, Knap, Lundeen, and Barriga.

[SimpleCoach]

The #5 you mentioned is Calvin Aroh who along with German at Amherst is the best player in the country. He comes across as slow at times on film but when you watch in person you see is everywhere defensively and breaks up counter attacks single handedly. Then with the ball he is very clean, mainly keeps it simple and helps set the pace for Tufts along with 13 van Brewer.

My favorite kind of center mid.  I am amazed that more teams  don't look for a player of similar type.  Not seeing too many with a good solid defensive center mid.  Does the dirty work that no one notices, until he is there.  I was very impressed with him.

[SimpleCoach]

Craptastic half by NPU's backliners, who looked their age (they're all freshmen, although Christian Vaaland was around for last spring's scrimmage season) for the first time this year. Two bad mistakes by the backs, one leading to a switchover to an open man coming up on the right and a run-of-play goal, and the other leading to a 20-yard free kick deflected in off the wall, put the Vikings in an early hole. They got a nice free-kick header to grab one back, but the fact that the goal was scored by the little-used Oscar Säfström tells you that NPU head coach Kris Grahn was pretty disgusted by what he saw early and went to his bench pretty liberally.

Wash U is playing very smart and is picking its spots up top very well. They look like the veteran team of the two thus far, even though North Park has a lot of experience in Olsen, Ericsson, Knap, Lundeen, and Barriga.

Actually think they can play, but don't seem to have a sense of urgency with the ball.  Not to mention, WashU has them in a position where they can just sit back and wait for NPU to force the ball and pick it up from there.

[Gregory Sager]

NPU now chasing two again, as Wash U scored off of a crossbar ricochet with twelve minutes to go.