2021 Game Notes

[Mr.Right]

SimpleCoach...keep it up man these are excellent and more condensed. Very readable AND informative. It gives us a great insight into some of these teams we have not seen..

[SimpleCoach]

SimpleCoach...keep it up man these are excellent and more condensed. Very readable AND informative. It gives us a great insight into some of these teams we have not seen..

Thanks for the kind words @Mr. Right.  And here is another from last night.

Gettysburg v Johns Hopkins
Centennial Conference Semifinals
Johns Hopkins Homewood Field
Link – Centennial Conference Semifinals Game One
Prediction – Gettysburg 2, Johns Hopkins 0
Actual Score - Gettysburg 4, Johns Hopkins 1

   Not sure Johns Hopkins will be able to keep up with Gettysburg.  Too one dimensional from what I have seen this year.
   Johns Hopkins pressing high with some success.
   Johns Hopkins defender missed on a clearance and gave Gettysburg a great opportunity to score.  JHU Keeper came up with a big save and he pushed it over the bare to concede and corner.
   They then turned around and mounted an attack that led to a shot on goal and a save by the Gettysburg Keeper.  Tit for tat on offense.
   Once they get control of the ball, Johns Hopkins can get through Gettysburg's defensive posture.
   Johns Hopkins is not convincing at all on the attack.  Sloppy, very static.
   JHU surrenders the ball in their half trying to make a pass.  Leaves the two center backs defending alone.  Ball is swung out wide to a wide-open Gettysburg#34.  Takes a shot outside the 18 that is spilled by the JHU Keeper and the rebound is buried in the back of the net by Gettysburg#9.  Gettysburg 1, Johns Hopkins 0.
   Surprised by the rebound by the JHU Keeper who I consider one of the better ones I have watched this year.
   15 minutes left in the half.
   This is not the position Johns Hopkins wants to be in.  First, apparently the JHU Keeper got subbed out due to injury.  Second, I don't see anything in Johns Hopkins game that convinces me that they can turn the score around.
   Where they are strong, moving the ball around the back, is what led to Gettysburg goal after a JHU player was challenged.  If they can't pass the ball around effectively in the back, where else on the field can they do that??
   Gettysburg showing some discipline and not letting JHU play the ball easily.
   And like that, a long throw in for Gettysburg.  Johns Hopkins fails to clear it out and Gettysburg gets a loose ball inside the six and buries into the back of the net.  Gettysburg 2, Johns Hopkins 0.
   3 minutes left in the half, and JHU is now really in a very deep hole.  If they can't do their job defensively, it spells trouble.
   Halftime. Gettysburg 2, Johns Hopkins 0.
   Looks like Johns Hopkins has a renewed sense of urgency about the game.  Keeping Gettysburg pinned in their half.  Really moving the ball well, finding the open man.
   Johns Hopkins is finding the wingers with space and is able to get the ball into dangerous spots as a result.
   Gettysburg is holding their own, but I would be nervous.
   And Johns Hopkins makes some hay out of a missed clearance by Gettysburg#16(?).  Lands at the feet of a Johns Hopkins#17 who drops it back to Johns Hopkins#7 who buries it from 7 yards away.  Gettysburg Keeper really couldn't do anything about it.
   This is the boost they needed.  40 minutes on the clock, and we now have a game on our hands.
   Gettysburg shouldn't panic, but they need to start getting a hold of the rock for stretches and make JHU get frustrated.  First five minutes has been too easy for JHU to get forward.
   Oh my gosh.  Gettysburg got called for a hand ball in the box.  Opportunity to tie it up.  Think the linesman called it and is now conferring with the referee.  PK it is.
   Johns Hopkins#19 steps up to take the shot.  Gettysburg Keeper trying some kind of mind game with him.  And Johns Hopkins#19 goes left... Gettysburg Keeper goes right and saves the ball preserving Gettysburg's lead.  Outstanding save.  39 minutes left in the half.
   Now Gettysburg seems to have woken up and starting to make some plays happen in the JHU half.
   Really at a frantic pace now.  JHU trying to get an equalizer and Gettysburg trying to get on the attack when they get the ball.
   Johns Hopkins is having their chances, but not connecting when it matters.  Couple shots over or wide.  One goes in and we have a game.
   20 minutes left and Gettysburg is have a stretch of possession and keeping JHU pinned in their half.
   And then Gettysburg delivers the blow.  Foul by the corner flag that Gettysburg#24 delivers into the box.  An inswinger to the far post.  The JHU Keeper, under pressure, tries to palm it away but doesn't and behind him Gettysburg#7 heads the ball off the crossbar but falls to him again and he buries it.  Gettysburg 3, Johns Hopkins 1. 
   This one has to hurt Johns Hopkins.  You go form being close to tying it up, and end up conceding a silly foul that leads to a goal.
   JHU is still trying to get to goal, but Gettysburg is now a little more settled defensively.
   And with 5 minutes left, Gettysburg kills Johns Hopkins dreams by scoring it's 4th goal.  Kind of a little melee in the box, with Gettysburg finally dribbling through 3 JHU defenders and hits it far post for the goal.  Gettysburg 4, Johns Hopkins 1.
   4 minutes left.  Johns Hopkins, aside from the missed PK, just doesn't have the accuracy or threats around the 18 to make something happen.
   And that's it.  From what I gather, Gettysburg now plays Washington at Johns Hopkins for the Centennial Conference Finals.

[SimpleCoach]

Games that I am aiming to watch today -

• Middlebury v Tufts.  Not because I had planned to watch the NESCAC semi's, but because it is early.  Will definitely be watching the Finals tomorrow.  Heard on the boards that Conn's field will be a mud pit by tomorrow.  How awesome to watch an 80's game again...
• Oswego v Cortland.  SUNYAC Finals.  I have not watched much of the SUNYAC for some reason so looking forward to this one.
• Denison v Kenyon.  North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament Final. Really surprised by Denison's resurgence, but not sure they have enough to take out Kenyon.
• Carleton v St. Olaf.  MIAC Tournament Finals.  St. Olaf is good.   
• Lebanon Valley v Messiah. MAC Commonwealth Championship Game.  I like watching Messiah play.
• Drew v Catholic.  Landmark Conference Tournament Final.  Think this has the potential of being a real banger between two similar teams.
• Otterbein v John Carroll.  OAC Tournament Finals.  Two teams that have the potential of doing some damage in the NCAAs that aren't getting a lot of attention.
• Redlands v Claremont Mudd Scripps.  SCIAC Tournament Final.  Going out to Cali to watch this 1 v 2 game.  Had both ranked in my Top 20 poll at different times.

Thats a lot so some games may be brief... and late.  Will take any suggestions I can squeeze in.

[PaulNewman]

Games that I am aiming to watch today -

• Middlebury v Tufts.  Not because I had planned to watch the NESCAC semi's, but because it is early.  Will definitely be watching the Finals tomorrow.  Heard on the boards that Conn's field will be a mud pit by tomorrow.  How awesome to watch an 80's game again...
• Oswego v Cortland.  SUNYAC Finals.  I have not watched much of the SUNYAC for some reason so looking forward to this one.
• Denison v Kenyon.  North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament Final. Really surprised by Denison's resurgence, but not sure they have enough to take out Kenyon.
• Carleton v St. Olaf.  MIAC Tournament Finals.  St. Olaf is good.   
• Lebanon Valley v Messiah. MAC Commonwealth Championship Game.  I like watching Messiah play.
• Drew v Catholic.  Landmark Conference Tournament Final.  Think this has the potential of being a real banger between two similar teams.
• Otterbein v John Carroll.  OAC Tournament Finals.  Two teams that have the potential of doing some damage in the NCAAs that aren't getting a lot of attention.
• Redlands v Claremont Mudd Scripps.  SCIAC Tournament Final.  Going out to Cali to watch this 1 v 2 game.  Had both ranked in my Top 20 poll at different times.

Thats a lot so some games may be brief... and late.  Will take any suggestions I can squeeze in.

Strong list.

One with NCAA bid implications is Emory at Rochester...but alas, Rochester, a school with well over 200K of my hard earned money, has a ridiculous paywall which I refuse to pay for and which certainly don't expect you to do so.

Babson at MIT another good one.  And North Central hosting Wheaton in the CCIW final is a team that has attracted quite diverse opinions about their quality.  Dubuque hosts Loras in the ARC final, and Dubuque is a squad that had some pre-season buzz that has rebounded from a slow start and has not had much coverage here at all.

Totally agree about Otterbein and JCU....and could be the best game of the day.

[Mr.Right]

Your right PN CMS will get in regardless. I still think they will take 1 more west team and M-H-B it could be. Their ranked win was St.Olaf but they do not have a great RvR

[PaulNewman]

Your right PN CMS will get in regardless. I still think they will take 1 more west team and M-H-B it could be. Their ranked win was St.Olaf but they do not have a great RvR

St Olaf lost to Colorado Coll early on.  I think CMS' only ranked win was Redlands.  MHB has none.

[Ejay]

Heard on the boards that Conn's field will be a mud pit by tomorrow.  How awesome to watch an 80's game again...

lol - what a great comment.  So true.

Really surprised by Denison's resurgence, but not sure they have enough to take out Kenyon.

The hiring of Bianco was a game changer.  I told my son that Denison would be consistent a Top 20 team within 5 years and he should get on that ship and enjoy the ride up. He had some really good conversations with Bianco and had a visit tentatively scheduled, but ultimately decided he didn't want to travel that far to school.

[SimpleCoach]

Middlebury v Tufts
NESCAC Semi Finals Game One
Hosted by Connecticut College
Link – NESCAC Semis – Middlebury and Tufts Dance
Prediction - Middlebury 1, Tufts 2
Actual Score - Middlebury 1, Tufts 2

   Love the setting... love the grass field, and hope this turns out to be the Battle of Agincort all over again.
   Midd is trying to control the ball a bit, but still going long to the corners.  Tuft's is dealing with it.
   Midd#23 looks like a heck of a player.  Tall, lanky and seems to have a good touch.
   Tuft's looks a little slower than usual.  Going to attribute it to the grass field.  Why?  Because back in the day, we used to blame the turf... now we blame the grass.
   Ten minutes in and Tuft's doesn't look comfortable.  Midd is keeping Tuft's pinned.  Showing patience when they do get the ball in the back and trying to build and get wide.  Forced a number of corner kicks this way.
   Am thinking they watched the Connecticut v Tufts game and took some pointers from Conn.  Mixing up possession with some long balls to keep Tufts off balance.  Seems to be working so far.
   Having said that, Tufts is Tufts and turn a game in the blink of an eye.  Midd needs to be careful and not make any careless mistakes or missed marks when they are defending.
   Have to say, happy that Amherst is not here.  Equally as much as I am about Franklin & Marshall ... I know.  Am a terrible person. 
   Tufts not able to get players forward on the counter because Midd is keeping them deep.
   Tufts seems to be finding its own right now, taking the game to Midd.  Had a chance to get one on net, but the Tufts forward hit it wide left.  Lucky for Midd. 
   15 left in the half.
   Both Midd and Tufts are trying to find the key to breaking the other down. 
   Honestly, the amount of shot Midd has taken that has cleared the bar by over ten feet, makes you think maybe they shouldn't shoot.
   And like that, Tuft's get on the board. Quick counter with a ball slotted to a forward who takes a shot and the Midd Keeper makes a save.  Rebound is followed up and buried.  Middlebury 0, Tufts 1.
   And two minutes later, Midd#23 hits the cross bar from a 30 yard dead ball.  I am liking this guy.
   Under 4 left in the half.
   Midd will have to turn it up a notch in the second half if they went to get back into it.
   Halftime.  Middlebury 0, Tufts 1.
   Thought Middlebury had a good start to the game, but Tuft's took advantage when they had the opportunity.  As time wore on Tufts grew into the game.
   Second Half.
   Midd is trying to force everything in tight spots.  Turning the ball over to Tufts at midfield as a result.
   Midd has the run of play in the hunt for the tying goal.  Tuft's is trying to be opportunistic on turnovers.
   Think Tuft's needs to do more than just sit back and defend.  Need to be a little more proactive with the ball.  Would go a long way in neutralizing Midd.  And they are playing with fire.  Midd is showing they can get the ball in dangerous spots
   7 Minutes remain.  Midd pushing hard for the equalizer, and Tuft's dealing with the pressure and getting forward when they can, but not sacrificing defensively to do so.
   On a long throw, Midd just came close to an equalizer, but the Tuft's Keeper gets his hands on the ball.  Close, but not close enough.
   5 minutes left in the second half.  Unfortunately, I think this could go another 45 and not sure Midd get's an equalizer.
   Tuft's is knocking the stuffing out of the ball at this point.  3 minutes left.
   Little bit of pandemonium going on here.
   And game over.  Tufts takes it.

[SimpleCoach]

Drew v Catholic
Landmark Conference Tournament Final
Catholic
Link – Battle of Route 95
Prediction – Drew 1, Catholic 2
Actual Score – Drew 0, Catholic 2

   Defensively, Drew is missing some pieces of the puzzle to have a solid back line.
   Catholic gets a silly foul and floats it into the box. Catholic almost scores but cleared out for a corner.
   The corner is sent near post but neither team gets on the ball.  Goes to the back post where Catholic#29 hits the ball in.  Drew 0, Catholic 1.
   Drew#10 needs to get on the ball.  For some reason he is on the left wing, not where I thought he would be playing.
   Catholic is doing a good job of getting the ball out to midfield and forcing Drew back.  Drew has to get some control of the ball between Drew#24, Drew#10, Drew#13 and Drew#11 if they are going to have any success.
   Drew seems to be settling into the game.  But still vulnerable to giving the game away with silly play in the back.
   Drew#38 is a mistake waiting to happen.  Drew#10 is starting to see more of the ball.
   Catholic is trying to manage the game as Drew has the run of play.
   Couple of chippy moments.  Don't think these guys are best of friends.
   Since the goal, Catholic really hasn't connected in the final third. And as soon as I type that, they get a counter and Drew commits a foul for a yellow card.
   Halftime.
   Thought it was pretty even with an edge to Drew.  Aside from the goal, Catholic wasn't very dangerous but was better with the ball than Drew.
   Hagvingv issues with my keyboard.  Dangv nabbitt.
   This is how much of the same as in the first half.
   And like the first goal, another corner, this time far post, is buried into the back of the net by Catholic#18.  Drew 0, Catholic 2. 
   30 minutes left and not seeing how Drew come's back from this.  For a final, surprised at how uninspired they seem to be.
   And just as I type that, Drew wins a penalty kick.  Looks like Catholic#18 with a late tackle.
   Drew#11 steps up and hits it off the post and stays out.  That was Drew's opportunity to make it a game.
   27 left in the half.
   Drew trying, desperately trying to find a way to get to goal. Just wasteful with the ball when they do get it.
   Catholic Keeper has been solid this game.
   Gonna chalk this one as done.  Catholic are the Landmark Tournament Champions. Drew has a defensive discipline issue.  As in they have none.

[SimpleCoach]

Otterbein v John Carroll
OAC Tournament Final
John Carroll
Link – Battle for the OAC
Prediction – Otterbein 1, John Carroll 0
Actual Score – Otterbein 0, John Carroll 1

   Started with 15 remaining in the half.
   John Carroll has been having the run of play for the last ten minutes of the half.  Otterbein just absorbing the pressure.
   JCU is getting dangerous and has had a couple of opportunities in front of goal.
   Halftime.
   These are two very good teams going at each other.  Each trying to figure out how to break down the opponent with possession.
   Not taking as many notes because am enjoying the game.
   Really coming down to a midfield battle.  Otterbein has been winning it the start of this half.
   Some very good, fast ball movement for both teams.  Otterbein can be very quick in transition.
   Confused referee ... leading to a 20-yard free kick for Otterbein, but ball was sent over the net.
   30 minutes left.
   John Carroll needs to get the ball and keep it.  Otterbein is keeping the pressure and pushing JCU deep.
   JCU has to watch out for the stupid fouls around the box.
   26 minutes left.
   Otterbein#10 really handles the ball well and keeps the tempo of the attack.
   17 minutes left in the game.
   Don't know how the NCAAs work... hurts my head frankly ... but there are 5 Ohio teams who can legitimately make deep runs and would not be surprised if one of them made the final four.
   6 minutes left.
   Getting chippy.  But you can feel the tension.  Sounds like a large crowd is on hand for this game.
   John Carroll just had the game.  Recovered a ball on a poor touch and went one on one with the Otterbein Keeper the Tall.  But the JCU player skyed it.
   Heading into OT here at Don Shula Stadium.
   First OT.
   Both Keepers have been pretty flawless.
   And like that, JCU gets on the end of cross for a goal from 12 yards away.  Outstanding header.  Otterbein 0, John Carroll 1. 
   To the previous comments about the Keepers, the goal started with the JCU Keeper coming out strong and punching a ball out.
   John Carroll are OAC Tournament Champions and will get the bid to the NCAAs.

[SimpleCoach]

Lebanon Valley v Messiah     2:30
MAC Commonwealth Championship Game.
Messiah
Link – Tiki Taka for the Title Highlights
Prediction – Lebanon Valley 1, Messiah 2
Actual Score - Lebanon Valley 1, Messiah 2
   Messiah controlling the ball as expected.  Going back and forth trying to find where the defensive weaknesses are.
   Lebanon Valley just can't get the ball.  Think maybe LVC Keeper may be the busiest man on the team.
   Have to say, when they do get the ball, LVC tries to make the most with the ball.  And defensively they are stingy.
   And wow.  Just wow.  LVC Keeper punts the ball well into Messiah's half.  Cleared, and lands for LVC to attack.  Pass into the middle and LVC#11 strikes the ball from 25 yards out and lasers it to the left of Messiah Keeper the Mullett.  Lebanon Valley 1. Messiah 0.
   14 minutes left.
   There is a quiet confidence about Messiah that they continue on their way, despite the goal.  They go back to what they do expecting to get back in the game.
   Lost the video link.  Gosh darnit.
   Saw the highlight of Messiah's first goal.  Masterclass.

[Mr.Right]

Those are just fantastic GOALS all around.....Lebanon Valley looks to be a good team and maybe under performed during the year? Or not getting a justified regional ranking?

[SimpleCoach]

Those are just fantastic GOALS all around.....Lebanon Valley looks to be a good team and maybe under performed during the year? Or not getting a justified regional ranking?

Agreed @Mr. Right.  Actually enjoyed the game until I decided to try and fix my keyboard that has a spirit in the machine typing extra letters when I type ... SX HM HM SX GV.  Drigvingv hme crazy.

The goals were some of the best I have seen all year.

[SimpleCoach]

Denison v Kenyon – 1 PM
NCAC Tournament Championship Game
Kenyon
Link – Ohio Battle
Prediction - Denison 1, Kenyon 4
Actual Score - Denison 1, Kenyon 0

   Beautiful field, beautiful setting for a soccer game.  Loved the one game I played there.
   Denison is very disciplined defensively.  Not easy for Kenyon to get into a rhythm.
   Interesting that Denison is not allowing Kenyon to go down the right wing where Kenyon#15 ran roughshod over OWU.  Denison#21 shifts to cover the lane not the man.  Brilliant.
   Kenyon doesn't know patience.  Control the ball better than most teams but they only know to get forward.
   And Denison strikes.  Ball is cleared out by Denison and goes all the way back to the Kenyon right center back, who tries to one time a ball to the Kenyon Keeper.  The ball is short forcing him to come out of his box, and one times the ball ... poorly, and lands at the feet of Denison#15 who takes a touch and from 40 out hits the ball on frame while the Kenyon Keeper tries to scramble back to make the save but can't.  Great heads-up play.  Great goal.  Denison 1, Kenyon 0.
   23 minutes left.
   Looks like a great crowd.
   Denison is not launching itself into the attack, but when they are able to get forward they are dangerous in a way that Kenyon has not be able to.
   You can see Kenyon is feeling frustrated as they can't unlock the outstanding Defensive posture of Denison.  And the key for me is that they are shutting down Kenyon#15.
   Halftime.
   Start of the second half.
   Kenyon still trying to force it looking for the equalizer.  Denison is handling the pressure well and is still very disciplined defensively.  Kenyon in such a rush that they are turning over the ball stupidly.
   Denison#21 is having a masterclass in defending.  Not diving in on Kenyon#15, standing him up from 3 yards away, and he is effectively shut down.  Lot's of teams could learn a lesson or two from this.
   Denison Keeper is having a solid game all around.
   Kenyon starting to hit this 30-yard shots, trying to make something happen.  Best chances are coming from corners, but Denison is tenacious right now. 
   Any opportunities they are having, Kenyon is not getting them easily  headers from distance or off balance, long range shots...
   Seems like Denison could get a second ... because of a shaky defense ... before Kenyon could get its first.
   12 minutes left.
   Kenyon had it's chance on a corner that was cleared off the goal line.  Great header but cleared out by the man on the near post.
   Kenyon just throwing everything they can at the Denison goal.
   6 minutes left.
   2 minutes left and Kenyon is sending their Keeper in for corners.
   And that's it.  Denison wins the NCAC Tournament Championship and the automatic NCAA bid.  Seriously, thought this was a result of some serious tactical adjustments more than anything.

[PaulNewman]

SC, I at least quickly scan through your notes and I know I'm biased and far more interested in this one, but your review of Denison-Kenyon imo is one of your best.  I'm sure you saw last night that a layperson like myself underscored the job Denison did on Muther (#15), and then you described how they did it in detail.  It's like Bianco came into the locker room and said "OK, guys, this is how we're gonna do it..."  #21 for Denison is one of their most talented offensive players and most talented, period, and Bianco basically said "son, you're probably not gonna score today but you're gonna do this."  Got to the point where Muther was making mistakes he usually doesn't make and you're correct that Kenyon was very close to gifting Denison a second goal off a terribly self-inflicted giveaway. 

Secondly, the point about getting frustrated and trying to compensate by just "trying even harder."  The just do what you do with more force solution that is not really a solution at all.  That's maybe true if you really come out flat, and one can create that narrative easily.  Kenyon was expecting OWU, feels thankful to Denison for taking care of OWU (in a VERY similar fashion I might add), and after wbipping Wabash 8-0 comes out to a huge home crowd with tons of momentum, and observers finally turning the corner on Kenyon and seeing them as a real contender, etc, etc, and assumes they're gonna steamroll Denison.  I certainly bought into that and even when Denison scored I was more annoyed and thought OK, the Lords will win this one 3-1, especially with so much time left.  But besides doing the usual let's go with three in the back and add an attacker with 20 minutes left Kenyon did little different strategically.  What Denison did to Muther was my biggest takeaway, but they also really limited #8 and #10.  #3, another talented Kenyon player, did more of the playmaking and cut through Denison defenders multiple times only to make the wrong choice in the end by repeatedly firing 25 yard shots that only wasted another 30-40 secs for another goal kick.  How many times can you kick the ball 15 yards high AND wide and not do something different???

But here's the most valuable lesson.  It's so easy to feel hurt and aggrieved and do what I usually do when I see games like this and/or see the stats where one team has a huge advantage stats-wise but loses.  The instinct is to credit the other team but underscore how lucky they were or how unlucky your team was.  And of course you always have to have a little luck, but this was methodical. This was a game plan carried out to near-perfection.  I tell my team we're going to get 4-5 very good chances for the whole game and we'll score on at least one or two of them...while the other team puts up 25-30 shots, with half or more of those having no chance and the rest only quarter-chances to half-chances.  Part of the strategy is to actually let the other team think they are dominating possession and just minutes away from the floodgates opening...we'll just wait them out to make some lazy, critical mistakes, we'll score, and then the opponent will go right back to what they were doing and maybe we'll get another one.  I actually feel better thinking about it this way.  We weren't screwed or unlucky or anything...but rather a team had a plan and came in and executed it...so yes, a fully deserved win....and the loser has to learn the right lessons or else they will repeat their stubborn efforts again.  Outplayed and outcoached.  Full stop.

I found myself a little miffed when I read Bianco's quote in their recap, with not a word about the opponent or any good fortune, but instead highlighting the day as one of the best days a coach ever gets.  Exactly what he should say.  It was a fantastic day for Denison soccer, and not saying that Messiah or Tufts or some other excellent team couldn't beat OWU and Kenyon on the road back to back but it's a short list, and Denison did it.  Brilliant coaching and credit to the Denison team for doing it on the field.  And truth be told, I won't care a single lick, nor will a fan of any other team, if my team wins a title and does it in less than an attractive way.  It's the scoreboard that counts.  Period.  End of story.  Not lucky, but rather intentional and very, very smart.

Last thought.....arrogance is the other team's best friend...better than getting to play with two extra CBs.