2021 Game Notes

[SimpleCoach]

St. Olaf v North Park
Sweet Sixteen NCAA Tournament
University of Chicago - Amos Alonzo Stagg Field
Link – Battle of North Men

-   Winner plays against Chicago v Calvin
-   Rough start to the game for North Park #3.  45 seconds in and he takes a ball off his face.  Ouch
-   North Park is very good in possession, but space is tight.  St. Olaf is closing quickly.  St. Olaf seems content with keeping North Park possession in front and countering when they do get the ball on a turnover.
-   St. Olaf is a very organized defensively.  Three in the back.  Cover with 4 midfielders.  North Park finds no space when they cross midfield.
-   North Park looks like 4 in the back. St. Olaf is more comfortable in North Park's half.  North Park is outnumbered in the midfield.
-   North Park needs to make it more difficult for St. Olaf.
-   St. Olaf with the first real opportunity.  Shot from outside the box and the North Park Keeper makes the save.
-   Like all tight games, this is shaping up to being a game where both teams try to figure out how to break them down defensively.  Both are willing to no have the ball, but neither is willing to give anything away defensively, especially in the first half.
-   North Park needs to stop playing so many lazy balls.  Especially in the back.
-   North Park#39 just had a great one on one.  Tough angle but the St. Olaf Keeper came up with a big save by getting big.
-   Defensively both teams a losing their shape and the result is that offensively, both are getting closer to goal.  Some close calls so far for both teams.
-   I would be more nervous if I were the North Park coach than if I coached St. Olaf.
-   North Park had a 3v2 and on the final pass that could have led to the goal ... North Park#39 swung and missed. 
-   Game has opened in the last 20 minutes. 
-   9 left in the half.
-   Think both will be happy to get to halftime at zeros.  They each had some chances. 
-   North Park#13 is a real solid outside back.  He is tough to get around.
-   Halftime.  Pretty evenly matched.  Each had their opportunities and errors.  Probably a justified score line.
-   St. Olaf got inspired at half time because they have come out with a little more of a purpose.  North Park is slowly asserting itself however.  They don't seem to panic or get caught up in the ebbs and flows of a game.
-   St. Olaf can't connect with their forward.  North Park still doing a good job defensively.
-   I like North Park's possession of the ball.  Both teams have locked down the final third, but North Park has the control of the ball that lets them force St. Olaf to move and open gaps in their defense.
-   North Park is trying to get a shot off, but there are 9 St. Olaf players inside the box.  Too much mass to be able to get anything on goal. But St. Olaf is getting close.  A pass away.
-   20 minutes left in the half.
-   St. Olaf just had an opportunity for a goal on cross.  Just an inch to far for a diving forward to get a touch on.  Best chance for St. Olaf in the half.
-   Pretty obvious, but North Park can't let St. Olaf get behind their defensive line.  They become very vulnerable.  North Park look's unconvincing on defense...
-   St. Olaf is pressing with 15 minutes left.  Keeping the press and the ball in North Park's half.
-   7 left.  Just don't see a goal ... which we will now see a goal.  St. Olaf has had a couple of chances, but is struggling to get into the final third ..... Oh I am not kidding ....
-   North Park just scored.  A wonderful through ball between three St. Olaf defenders by North Park#49 to North Park#30.  Is behind the defensive line, gets into the box and slots it past the on coming St. Olaf's keeper.  St. Olaf 0, North Park 1.
-   5:40 left in the game.
-   And on the kickoff, St. Olaf launched the ball that hit the top of the cross bar.  North Park Keeper had it covered though.
-   Ok, maybe I am nit picking, and it would have been a goal anyhow, but I though St. Olaf Keeper should have done better coming off his line.  He stayed high, got megged, and was still moving when the shot was made.  I would have been benched if I did that.  May have still been a goal, but he should have given it a better effort... again.  Nit Picky.
-   St. Olaf is now just throwing it all forward.  Could see North Park getting a second in the next two minutes.
-   Free kick for St. Olaf from 40 away.  Floated in but cleared out.
-   Love the PBP guys.  This game is over.  St. Olaf 0, North Park 1.
-   Think this would come down to one play, and that's what happened.  Could have gone either way.

[SimpleCoach]

Cortland v Amherst
Sweet Sixteen NCAA Tournament
Amherst College – Hitchcock Field
Link – Battle of Extinct Animals – Sweet 16

-   Think field conditions may play a factor in this game.  I keep hoping for a 1980's late season mud battle but haven't seen one yet.   Hoping today.
-   No mud bowl today.  Field looks splendid.
-   Here is an example of why I am no fan of Amherst.  And don't care of their success.  Amherst#5 has a killer flip throw.  Can really send it 40/50 yards.   But have a real issue when they use the flip throw in their own half.  "Building from the Front" I guess.
-   Just like any team playing Amherst.  Can Cortland go the first 15 minutes of each half until the pressure and running is not as intense and the game is less chaotic. 
-   Cortland is trying to play soccer.  Cortland#8 looks like he carries the baton. 
-   So far, Cortland is organized defensively and really not letting Amherst getting behind them.
-   Cortland is attacking Amherst's right back.  Cortland#9 or Cortland#7 is going after Amherst#22.
-   And Cortland Keeper comes out on a 1 on 1 and trips Amherst#23.  Just as I was typing Amherst#23 has to be watched.  Amherst#9 scores to the left of the Cortland Keeper, who goes to his right.  Cortland 0, Amherst 1
-   Guess Cortland couldn't hold out for the first 15.... Penalty in the 13th.
-   Oh gees.  And Amherst now gets a second.  Poor pass from the Cortland Keeper to Cortland#25 who gets pick pocketed 25 yards out by Amherst#16.  Both central defenders collapse on the ball, leaving Amherst#9 who receives the ball and takes a touch and slots it past the Cortland Keeper who was all out of sorts because of his bad pass. Cortland 0, Amherst 2
-   Probably the nerves of the game, but what do they say?  The Cortland Keeper is having a howler today.  Just at 15.  Neither goal is a result of Amherst playing, it's the result of mistakes of the other team.  Still have yet to see Amherst play ....
-   Cortland trying to play, but not moving the ball quick enough.  They have to figure out a way to catch Amherst off balance.
-   Ok, another bad pass but Cortland, leads to a ball being picked off by Amherst#22 who gets forward, makes a good pass to Amherst#9, who gives a wonderful ball behind the line to Amherst#23 who is making a run to the Keeper's left who slots it to the Cortland Keeper's right .... Who wasn't set, and tried to make the save with his foot.  Cortland 0, Amherst 3
-   This is turning into a walk in the park.  I mean seriously, might just end this at half time.
-   In less than 10 minutes, Amherst has crushed Cortland's hopes and dreams.
-   19 minutes left.
-   If Cortland is going to have any semblance of a chance, they need to get on the board before half.  Then they are down 2 and have some momentum going into half.  And early goal then it will be a game.
-   11 minutes left.
-   In hindsight, the PK really hurt.  Cortland was holding it's own, getting it's game on, and the PK totally shook them.
-   5 minutes left.
-   Cortland is imprecise in attack.  Not making enough runs off and to the ball when their forwards get in.  Amherst closes the area down with5 defenders and the nearest Cortland player is 20  yards away.
-   This half is done.  Am thinking of picking this up if Cortland gets on the  board, but right now, don't see it happening.
-   Halftime.  Cortland 0, Amherst 3.

[Hopkins92]

Third goal was... not good from a goalkeeping perspective. You nailed it. Guy never got his feet set, then tries to Hextall his right pad out to no effect.

[SimpleCoach]

Washington v Tufts
Sweet Sixteen NCAA Tournament
Tufts
Link – Hard to come up with a pithy title for this one... – Sweet 16

-   Washington is having a sort of dream season.  Let's see if they can keep it going against Tufts.
-   Beautiful day for a game.
-   Tufts is being very patient.  Not sending long balls that Washington can just deal with.  They are being selective with how the ball gets forward.
-   Like last game, Washington is ok with letting Tufts have the ball in front of them.  Make it difficult to get behind them.
-   Tufts with most of the possession so far.
-   Ok.  Not sure if it is me or what, but the video quality is something less than desired.
-   I like the PBP but think the timing between their commentary and the video is off.
-   Tufts is going after the left side.  Smart cause Washington like to get their right back up high into the middle and participate in the attack.  This will keep him local, or take advantage of the space.
-   Washington hasn't really crossed midfield in possession.  Tufts really closes the space especially in the midfield.
-   Washington#10 needs to get more of the ball.  Super talented.
-   First time Washington has gotten across midfield and got a header on goal.  Seems like they are starting to assert themselves.
-   29 minutes left in the half.
-   It's ebbed and flowed, but been pretty even, perhaps with a slight edge for Tufts.  But Washington holding it's own ...
-   This is a classic chess match at the moment.
-   4 minutes left in the half.
-   Can't tell clearly, but a Tufts corner was cleared off the line, or so it appeared.  Probably the clearest opportunity of a goal that I have seen.
-   And halftime.  Pretty even half with each having stretches of possession.  This could very well be a 1 goal game off of a set play.
-   Second half.
-   In previous games, Washington would come out very differently, looking to get on the attack and that's where they would inflict the most damage.  Wonder if Tuft's will get caught up in that.  Don't think Tuft's played the game the way Washington expected, so will see how it plays out.
-   And 6 minutes into the second half, Tufts goes ahead.  Going down the left side and taking advantage of the higher position of the outside back, ball gets played across the box.  Player running near post can't get to it and the ball falls to Tufts#3 drills the ball back post.  Nothing Washington Keeper could do.  Washington 0, Tufts 1.
-   Washington now finding a bit of urgency on their possession.
-   And if anything Washington is resilient.  Ball gets out to the left to Washington#22 who takes the space as Tufts is shifting across.  Puts the ball across at the 18, and falls to a Washingto#CantSee who takes a touch and hits a near post laser for the tying goal.  Washington 1, Tufts 1. 
-   Remarkable.  This is almost the same goal that Tufts scored.
-   35 minutes left in the half.
-   Cool shot of dogs playing during an injury.
-   Much of the same for last 20 minutes or so.  Back to a bit of a stalemate.
-   13 minutes left.  Washington has taken it to Tufts for the last 15 minutes or so.
-   Regardless of the outcome, will say Washington is one resilient team.
-   2 minutes left in regulation.
-   This is going to OT.  Washington 1, Tufts 1.
-   And first OT.  Here we go in search of a golden ticket.
-   Oh my gosh.  Ball is floated into the box to the back post, catches the Washington Keeper off guard, but hits side netting for the win.  Washington 1, Tufts 2.  Think the goal was from Tufts#11.  What a goal.
-   Such a disappointment for Washington.  So close.

[SimpleCoach]

Middlebury v Amherst
Quarterfinals NCAA Tournament
Amherst Hitchcock Field
Link – Amherst continues to barrel through ... now taking on Middlebury – NCAA Quarterfinals

-   Surprise Middlebury is hitting its stride, and now faces Amherst for a golden ticket to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
-   Sadly, no mud bowl.
-   Again, Middlebury needs to weather the storm for 15/20 minutes.   Bleed the clock, make Amherst run.  Keep the ball and avoid putting balls in 50/50 scenarios.
-   Amherst trying to push.  Midd is doing well containing them.
-   Lots of double teaming out wide when necessary.  Neutralizes Amherst#23 who is good at turning defenders.
-   So far, Amherst is finding getting into the final third with space very difficult. They are comfortable in chaos, but not having any space to shoot is presenting itself as a challenge.
-   For its part, Midd has gotten to the Amherst Keeper twice and been dangerous, but its few and far between that they have possession not in their half.
-   First real chance for Amherst came in the 25th minute with a shot that went over the bar.  Credit to Midd defensive posture that is limiting Amherst.
-   I don't know the Amherst coach, but he is yapping at the fourth official non-stop.  I get talking to the ref, but this seems a bit ridiculous.
-   21 minutes left.
-   Midd almost scored... and was claiming it crossed the line ... on a far post corner.  Amherst Keeper came up big on the save.  Can't say as it was crowded and the video angle, but can only assume the AR was properly positioned to see the ball and if it crossed the line.
-   Big save now by Middlebury Keeper on a quick counter.  Amherst#9 dribbled toward 2 Midd defenders.  When they committed to the ball, he passed to his left Amherst#23 hit the ball on time back across where the Middlebury Keeper made a kick save.  It was then cleared out.
-   Little bit of a back and forth here.  Both getting to opposite box with speed and threatening.
-   Midd has had 6 corners so far this half.
-   15 minutes left.
-   Middlebury#32 is a very good defender.  Very intelligent on when to challenge.
-   This is the part that Amherst thrives on.  They get away with a lot of borderline physical challenges but are allowed to play.  Then when Midd responds with a tackle, they jump up and down like it is a murder and ultimately get the call.
-   7 minutes left.
-   Middlebury#23 has to do a better job challenging for high balls.  Makes it too easy to win a ball.
-   Oh my gosh, and Amherst gets a goal.  Great ball sent forward to Amherst#9 who cuts the ball on Middlebury#32 who slips on the ground, then then cuts back on a second defender who went to ground to block a shot, leaving him one on one with the Middlebury Keeper  and slots the ball into the back of the net.  Middlebury 0, Amherst 1. 
-   1:42 left in the half.
-   Halftime.  Tough way for Middlebury to end the half, and a great way for Amherst to go into the locker room.  Impressive from Middlebury#9.  Fantastic from him.
-   Second half.  Middlebury has come out looking for the equalizer, but Amherst is defending tight.
-   Two challenges by Amherst from behind.  One got called.  No cards.
-   So there is a dude on the Amherst bench, wearing a safety vest with no shirt.  I don't know what to think about that.
-   Middlebury continues to push.
-   In fairness, Middlebury would deserve to be tied with Amherst.  Soccer is not fair, and can't say that Middlebury is being terribly dangerous.  They have had a couple of opportunities, one on a shot that the Amherst Keeper made a big save on.  But most everything is from distance.
-   16 minutes left for Middlebury to find the equalizer.
-   I think the Ref is atrocious.  Just called a foul on a forward for going up for a ball with the Amherst Keeper, where he got the ball, but they collided and all of Amherst went bonkers.  As I have said before, outside the 6 it's a different game for a keeper.
-   10 minutes left.  And another tackle from behind.  No foul, play on.
-   Wow.  And a missile from 35 away that gets touched over the bar by the Amherst Keeper.  Think he may be my player of the game.
-   Amherst just under a lot of pressure.
-   8 minutes left.
-   Everything from Amherst is going long.  Wait, that's what they do all the time.
-   And that's the game.  Amherst goes to the Final Four.  And a fight breaks out between both teams.     Classless taunting and celebrations from Amherst players.  At least from what I can tell.

[SimpleCoach]

Tufts v Connecticut
Quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament
Tufts Bello Field
Link – Third meeting between the two of them this season [

-   Tufts owns much of the ball to start.  Controlling the middle.  Conn just doesn't have a rhythm with the ball yet.
-   Taken 10 minutes, but Conn is getting the ball under control and working it through their midfield.  Doing a very good job of having Tufts chase for a little.
-   Tufts really sitting deep just keeping Conn in front of them.
-   Conn is getting dangerous and getting closer to the Tufts goal. 
-   Tufts needs to get a hold of the ball for a little bit, but not sure they are built for that.
-   Or score a goal.  Like they just did.  Long throw for Tufts that finds its way back post where Tufts#11 turns his man and hits a ball that goes over the Connecticut Keeper.  Tufts 1, Connecticut 0.
-   By the by, the PBP is fantastic.  Give these guys lots of credit.  Some great color on the game and on the players.  Really impressed and can see they took the necessary preparations
-   Not sure what the Connecticut Keeper.  Looks like he was getting low and big and the ball went high and he wasn't ready?  Not sure, but that what it appears to be.
-   This just highlights the damage Tufts can do.  Goal came against the run of play.
-   And like that, Conn gets the equalizer.  Foul about 35 yards out. Conn#8 puts the ball into the box and Connecticut#9 steps in front of his defender and heads the ball in from 6 yards out.
-   Its not the first time I have said this but Tufts is not good defending on set plays. 
-   23 left in the half.
-   And Tufts gets another.  Corner kick from the Connecticut Keeper's right ball sent in and bounces out to Tufts#25, who gets a shot off, then on the rebound hits it into the back of the net.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 1.
-   Not the best of goals to allow.  The sort of goal you don't want to concede because its more of a case of not defending and clearing the ball out.
-   Think Conn is moving the ball too slow.  You don't even see the Tufts line moving at all.  All they do is pivot.
-   And every time I type something of profound importance, I get proved wrong.  Ball gets out to Conn#17 and he one times a ball across the box.  Ball is fought for between a Conn forward and a defender, but the ball drops to Conn#13 who rifles a ball to the right of Tufts Keeper, into the upper corner.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 2.  And this with 25 seconds left.
-   Great work by Conn to keep persisting for the equalizer.
-   And halftime.  Pretty even game, although from a soccer perspective, I think Connecticut is better with the ball.
-   2nd half
-   To start it looks like Tufts is trying to have a little more control of the jewel.
-   Conn looking to do what it is doing.  Hold the ball, be more methodical on attack.
-   And boom what a goal.  Conn corner gets cleared out, shot is blocked and comes out to Conn#17 about 22 out, who one times a ball that hits off the cross bar and goes in to the Tufts Keepers left.  What a shot.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 3.
-   43 minutes left in the half.
-   Tufts trying to get a hold of the ball, but, especially defensively, they send the  far where the Conn defenders start over.
-   And Conn is just feeling it!  Perfect through ball to Conn#14 who slides the ball past the rushing Tufts Keeper for their fourth.   Again, suspect defending by Tufts.  He started his run from midfield and ran between two Tufts defenders and no one thought to cover him.
-   There is 35 minutes left and Tufts knows it has to turn things around.  Huddle before the restart.
-   Impressive game by Connecticut.  Really exposing the weaknesses of a very good Tufts team.
-   Tufts has really picked it up given the pickle of a game they find themselves in.
-   The video is just awful.
-   Connecticut can't get too cute.  Ball is played out of the back, and a bad touch leads to a Tufts counter and the Conn defender tackled him like a linebacker.  Literally.  For a yellow card.
-   Tufts definitely has a goal or two in them.
-   With 29 left, Conn is now sitting deep and just cleared a ball off the line on a shot.  Not a fan of sitting but think this is a case of Tufts just getting it forward. 
-   And things are just going right for Connecticut now.  Against the run of play, the ball goes back to the Connecticut Keeper who just hits the stuffing out of the ball.  Tufts is stepping up except for the center back who is sitting deeper.  Ball clears all the lines and lands at the feet of Conn#17 who turns has the center back to his right and 10 yards further, is his partner Conn#9 who slots it past the onrushing Tufts Keeper.   Tufts 2, Connecticut 5.  I had to double check.  5 indeed. 
-   Wonder when the last time Tufts conceded 5 goals in a 90-minute game?
-    23 minutes left in the game.
-   Will say I think Conn may get a sixth.  Which I think would be something that Tufts would be reminded of every time they play Conn for years to come.
-   Tufts isn't quitting, that's for sure.  They have to take on some risks if they want to get some goals.  But they have no more options.
-   And now Tufts claws one back!  Tufts#3 does a fantastic job of bringing the ball down with his chest after flicking the ball over a Conn defender, getting into the box and driving a ball across where Tufts#9(?) hits the ball high.  Tufts 3, Connecticut 5.
-   20 minutes left.
-   The intensity of the game and the overall quality is why I just love this game.
-   Oh my stars.  This is insane.  Tufts with another goal!  Ball put across and the left back swings and misses to clear the ball that lands to Tufts#19(?) who gets into the box and hits a ball to high to the left of the Conn Keeper.  Tufts 4, Connecticut 5. 
-   This is seriously a crazy game.
-   19 minutes left.
-   This is exactly why I am not a fan of sitting back.  Ever.
-   Tufts is now all over Connecticut. The best thing Conn could do is get the ball and possess it.  Don't worry about getting forward with urgency, just kill the clock and recover some poise.
-   I think when Conn went up, they subbed some guys out and it made all the difference.  Especially defensively.
-   15 left.
-   This video is just killing me.  Having a seizure as a result.
-   Everything that gets to a Conn player is sent long.  Tufts just turns around and goes after the tying goal.
-   1:40 left.
-   And that's it!  What a great game.  Second best game I have watched all season.
-   Connecticut heading to the Final Four.  Tufts 4, Connecticut 5. 

[Hopkins92]

I guess I was so traumatized by the W&L camera operator that the JumboCast didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, the camera is at once too low and too close to the near sideline. A  lot of whiplash when it's too close, and then they are playing around with the zoom function on the far side which results in the same whipping around of the view.

I just like that they mix in replays and, as mentioned all over the place, the 2 man crew makes up for a lot of the technical deficiencies.

[jknezek]

I guess I was so traumatized by the W&L camera operator that the JumboCast didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, the camera is at once too low and too close to the near sideline. A  lot of whiplash when it's too close, and then they are playing around with the zoom function on the far side which results in the same whipping around of the view.

I just like that they mix in replays and, as mentioned all over the place, the 2 man crew makes up for a lot of the technical deficiencies.

The Generals video today was definitely better. Much better. Yesterday was rough at times and dizzying. Today was smoother, rarely lost the ball, and didn't just get forgot about at key moments. That being said, still thankful we can watch them at all.

[SimpleCoach]

I guess I was so traumatized by the W&L camera operator that the JumboCast didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, the camera is at once too low and too close to the near sideline. A  lot of whiplash when it's too close, and then they are playing around with the zoom function on the far side which results in the same whipping around of the view.

I just like that they mix in replays and, as mentioned all over the place, the 2 man crew makes up for a lot of the technical deficiencies.

The Generals video today was definitely better. Much better. Yesterday was rough at times and dizzying. Today was smoother, rarely lost the ball, and didn't just get forgot about at key moments. That being said, still thankful we can watch them at all.

If it is still available, I am going to watch the Messiah v W&L game tomorrow.  Honestly, didn't think W&L had it in them, but here we are.

[jknezek]

I guess I was so traumatized by the W&L camera operator that the JumboCast didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, the camera is at once too low and too close to the near sideline. A  lot of whiplash when it's too close, and then they are playing around with the zoom function on the far side which results in the same whipping around of the view.

I just like that they mix in replays and, as mentioned all over the place, the 2 man crew makes up for a lot of the technical deficiencies.

The Generals video today was definitely better. Much better. Yesterday was rough at times and dizzying. Today was smoother, rarely lost the ball, and didn't just get forgot about at key moments. That being said, still thankful we can watch them at all.

If it is still available, I am going to watch the Messiah v W&L game tomorrow.  Honestly, didn't think W&L had it in them, but here we are.

All season I wondered if they were clinical enough. This weekend they were. Ruthless with their chances. And tight today for 80 minutes in defense. Totally different from yesterday's  slugfest. Today was a nice game to watch. Yesterday was survive and advance.

[Gregory Sager]

-   And every time I type something of profound importance, I get proved wrong.

I had to give a rueful laugh at that, SC. The exact same thing you type onto a keyboard during a game, I speak into a microphone.

[PaulNewman]

I guess I was so traumatized by the W&L camera operator that the JumboCast didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, the camera is at once too low and too close to the near sideline. A  lot of whiplash when it's too close, and then they are playing around with the zoom function on the far side which results in the same whipping around of the view.

I just like that they mix in replays and, as mentioned all over the place, the 2 man crew makes up for a lot of the technical deficiencies.

The Generals video today was definitely better. Much better. Yesterday was rough at times and dizzying. Today was smoother, rarely lost the ball, and didn't just get forgot about at key moments. That being said, still thankful we can watch them at all.

If it is still available, I am going to watch the Messiah v W&L game tomorrow.  Honestly, didn't think W&L had it in them, but here we are.

I always thought W&L would have a good chance especially if the draw was favorable.  I think they would have had a harder time with Tufts because of the size and physicality of Tufts and not being used to having so little time on the ball.  I'm biased but Kenyon might have been tough too.  Messiah is a good team relative to other top 15-20 teams but imo compared to its own standard this was the weakest Messiah I've seen since I started paying attention a decade ago.

[Hopkins92]

I guess I was so traumatized by the W&L camera operator that the JumboCast didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, the camera is at once too low and too close to the near sideline. A  lot of whiplash when it's too close, and then they are playing around with the zoom function on the far side which results in the same whipping around of the view.

I just like that they mix in replays and, as mentioned all over the place, the 2 man crew makes up for a lot of the technical deficiencies.

The Generals video today was definitely better. Much better. Yesterday was rough at times and dizzying. Today was smoother, rarely lost the ball, and didn't just get forgot about at key moments. That being said, still thankful we can watch them at all.

If it is still available, I am going to watch the Messiah v W&L game tomorrow.  Honestly, didn't think W&L had it in them, but here we are.

I always thought W&L would have a good chance especially if the draw was favorable.  I think they would have had a harder time with Tufts because of the size and physicality of Tufts and not being used to having so little time on the ball.  I'm biased but Kenyon might have been tough too.  Messiah is a good team relative to other top 15-20 teams but imo compared to its own standard this was the weakest Messiah I've seen since I started paying attention a decade ago.

I'll be really curious to see SC's take on this game. I have a different take, as noted in the other thread. All friendly banter, of course, and why I love this game. Two guys who've seen a lot of ball can still see things through a slightly different lens.

[SimpleCoach]

Unfortunately, the replay of the game doesn't seem to be available.  Will try again later.

[Hopkins92]

And just to be clear, a ceded the point about W&L "controlling" the game in the other thread to folks who saw a lot more of the game firsthand than I did.