2021 Game Notes

[PaulNewman]

Not sure if OWU is overrated but I know what you mean.  The influence of brand I think is big even in D3 soccer.  Souders is also a psychological genius.  Went on and on in his quote last night about his respect for UR and Apple after a 4-0 win and then said now we look ahead to "the original blue blood" of men's D3 soccer.  This was a bad draw for OWU.  They want to play Calvin even less than Kenyon wants to play OWU, even if you have to at least in theory play someone even better in exchange.  OWU and Calvin seem to play every year in the tournament and they play in the regular season too (3-3 draw first week of season).  The only time I recall OWU beating Calvin in tourney was 2011 national title game and in 2014 in PKs (which devastated me because that meant Kenyon would have to play OWU again two weeks after beating them for first time in probably a decade...and hasn't lost to OWU since then).  .  And then there's having to play Friday/Saturday.  I don't know if that has any impact or not but it's strange when most of the 1st round games are going and you're playing a second round match for the 1st spot in the Sweet 16.

[Mr.Right]

Seriously? Kenyon has not lost to OWU in 7 years? That is impressive.

Well done SimpleCoach on the recaps. So helpful because it is impossible to watch every game.. Curious if anyone knows about the St.Olaf pod. Loras and St.Olaf to go today. How is Loras playing under its new HC? Here is the presser after the match. Seems like a good guy the HC and the players look focused for tomorrow.

https://duhawks.com/news/2021/11/13/mens-soccer-miklavcic-catapults-duhawks-into-second-round-with-win-over-north-central.aspx


#11 Cardenas looks to be a pretty relaxed kid. Day to Day type and not going to panic if Loras goes down a Goal which is probably the Eugene, OR in him.

[SimpleCoach]

Seriously? Kenyon has not lost to OWU in 7 years? That is impressive.

Well done SimpleCoach on the recaps. So helpful because it is impossible to watch every game.. Curious if anyone knows about the St.Olaf pod. Loras and St.Olaf to go today. How is Loras playing under its new HC? Here is the presser after the match. Seems like a good guy the HC and the players look focused for tomorrow.

https://duhawks.com/news/2021/11/13/mens-soccer-miklavcic-catapults-duhawks-into-second-round-with-win-over-north-central.aspx


#11 Cardenas looks to be a pretty relaxed kid. Day to Day type and not going to panic if Loras goes down a Goal which is probably the Eugene, OR in him.

Thanks @Mr. Right.  I will add the Loras v St. Olaf game to my watch list today.  Not sure how many I will get to, but as always, will try to catch as many as I can.  The Kenyon v Messiah is on my list as well.

I didn't know that Calvin was a bit of a thorn in OWUs side, but I did know about Kenyon.  Over the years as Kenyon has ebbed and flowed the OWU game was always special.  Would think OWU has a target on its back when they play any team, let alone an Ohio team.  Where I think Kenyon gets OWU is that they don't hold back on attack, where as OWU always strikes me as defense first.

[PaulNewman]

Seriously? Kenyon has not lost to OWU in 7 years? That is impressive.

Lords 7-0-3 vs OWU since 2015, 8-1-4 since 2014.

Top 4 programs by winn pct since 2014....

Calvin....148-14-8         89.41%

Messiah...132-14-12      87.34%

Kenyon...126-15-12       86.27%

Trinity....134-19-7          85.94%

[SimpleCoach]

Babson v Amherst
Babson
NCAA Second Round Match Up
Link – Rodents v Extinct Dinosaurs in NCAA Second Round Game

   Silly turnover by Babson#5 is picked up by Amherst#9 who is surrounded by 3 Babson players.  He cuts between two of them at the 18 and hits the ball on frame testing the Babson Keeper.  Babson Keeper comes up with a good save but gives up a rebound that is left to Amherst#16 who pounces on it an slots it between the Babson Keeper's legs for the go ahead goal.  Babson 0, Amherst 1.
   43 minutes left in the half.
   So much went wrong here for Babson.  To start the lost ball.  Then it was the poor defending where they outnumbered Amherst#9.  Then it was the unfortunate rebound the Babson Keeper gave up.  Although not sure he can be faulted for it.
   Video is so much better today, as is the PBP.  Kudos to Babson on this one.
   There is a certain level of absurdity that I find in the Amherst coaching staff.  Through ball for Babson, great ball.  Keeper comes out and get the ball, and the Amherst defender steps in front of the Babson forward ... as is expected ... and they bump.  Amherst players goes into a heap and the coaching staff flips out.  Considering the do this sort of thing themselves, am surprised they don't like this.
   This is the first time I have watched Babson for some reason.  I am impressed with how they try to play, but Amherst is tough to deal with if you are too slow with the jewel.  I think that's the reason for the goal, and why Amherst is successful pressing high up the field.
   Babson is not afraid to be physical.
   Will say this about Amherst.  Set plays ... they are dangerous as heck.  The flip throw is dangerous as hell.  If you don't have the discipline in the back to defend these situations, each set play becomes a nightmare.
   23 minutes left.  Most of the play is in Babson's half and are struggling to get the ball out of their half.
   I think as a coach playing against Amherst, the most important tactical point you have to make is how can you stretch the field as much as possible so Amherst's press is not as effective.  I also think you would need to decide how you will get on the attack with numbers.
   I think Amherst players feign a lot of injuries in hopes of drawing a card for the other team.  And I don't say that lightly.
   Babson has had a few opportunities at goal, best one from a set piece that the Amherst Keeper tipped over the bar for a corner kick.
   7 minutes left in the half.
   I think Babson can equalize if they can prevent Amherst from scoring a second.
   And as if an omen, Amherst gets its second.  Babson Keeper slips while taking a free kick inside his box and it goes straight to Amherst#23 who controls and gets it forward.  He cuts across a defender and takes a shot that goes to the left of the Babson Keeper.  Babson 0, Amherst 1.
   That one kills.  3:43 left in the half.  Will go to the locker room down 2, when they could have gone with a manageable 1 goal deficit.
   May end it for me so I can catch the NYU v Conn game.
   Halftime.  Amherst with a comfortable 2-0 lead.  Don't see anything that Babson is able to do to get caught up.  I'd also bet that Amherst gets another unless it throttles back... which would be nuts ... in the second half.

[SimpleCoach]

NYU V Connecticut – 1:30
Connecticut
NCAA Second Round Match Up
Link – York v London NCAA Second Round Matchup

   If the game is played on the grass field, I suspect this is advantageous for Conn.  If they move this game to the turf, then I think NYU has a leg up.
   Oh, game is being played on the grass.
   Conn moves the ball and is getting deep into NYUs half.  NYU gets the ball and sends it al the up ... to the Conn defensive line so they can start over.
   Conn just had a one on one that just went wide by a hair. 
   40 minutes left in the half.
   NYU looks suspect on defense.  Conn will be able to get the ball behind them with relative ease.
   The PBP Announcer is enthusiastic about the game.
   Not surprised that Conn has been having trouble finding the back of the net.  They had a could real good looks at goal and have hit it wide or for a field goal.  Guys are trying too hard.
   NYU is defending deep and closing down at Conn player with the ball very quickly.  Conn can't find the space.
   Not sure how NYU gets a goal the way they are playing but we shall see.
   NYU Keeper with a spectacular save to his left on a shot from the 18.  That would have been a goal without his one hand intervention to the top corner.
   And then NYU Keeper comes up big again.  So far man of the match.
   I thought NYU was better than this. 
   Conn is so intent on hitting that cross-field ball to the wing on the opposite side, that they end up giving the ball away more times than not.
   I think Conn is in a difficult spot right now.  They know that they should be up by now but can't get the first goal.  This can weigh on a team the longer they go without scoring.
   Love the setting at Conn.  Great day for a game.
   Conn  is more successful when they can get the ball to the opposite wing when they connect mid-range, and that player gets it wide.
   Halftime.  Tied at zero's.  Conn with the better of the play, just can't score.  NYU hoping for something to happen.
   Second half.
   Looks like NYU is pressing the two central backs to prevent them from having the time to hit that cross-field ball.
   NYU floating balls into the box is hopeless.  Conn Keeper is very solid coming out for high balls.
   Lots of silly little fouls being called.  Game seems a bit disjointed.
   31 minutes left.
   Another silly foul out by the sideline about 18 from the end line for Conn.    NYU just mindlessly goes into tackles.
   And from that play, Conn get the go ahead.  Ball in the air near post to Conn#9 who heads the ball back post for the goal.  Great delivery and great header. NYU 0, Connecticut 1.
   Now NYU has to play.  Not sure they are able to.
   Conn is pressing for the second.  29 minutes left in the half.
   NYU playing with more urgency but are definitely a bit ineffective in getting forward.  And Conn's back line is coming up with a solid game.
   And on the attack, Conn#17 faces his man and gets around him in the box, and he is tripped.  Clear PK for Conn.  Conn#25 steps up to the ball and hits it to the NYU Keepers left.  Nice and smooth.  NYU 0, Connecticut 2.
   21 Minutes left.
   Conn is in control and just waiting to win the ball while NYI is on the attack so they can go on the counter.
   Think this one is done.  And I have other games I want to catch.
   And like that, Conn gets a 3rd to put this one to bed.  Throw to Conn#14 , who turns and beats his man in the box and lines up a left footed laser that goes high on the NYU Keeper.
   3 minutes left.  And I am out.

[SimpleCoach]

Loras v St. Olaf – 2:00
St. Olaf
NCAA Second Round Match Up
Link – Dr. Seuss v the 6th Warrior in the NCAA Second Round Match Up

   I think St. Olaf's has the best video production I have seen.  And it looks cold there.
   4 minutes in and St. Olaf had the first opportunity to score.
   St. Olaf getting to goal with a little more ease than Loras.
   Both teams are trying to play it.  Very refreshing.
   Mostly a game between the 18s, each trying to figure the other out, while trying to minimize errors.
   Loras got its first look on goal with a give and go that resulted in a shot that just went over the bar.
   Go back an forth at each other.
   Loras defends well with two lines of 4.  Well organized.
   28 left.
   Looks like St. Olaf got away with a Hand of God ball inside their box.  Should have been a PK awarded to Loras.
   St. Olaf has the better of the play.  Loras is defending well but St. Olaf is keeping most of the game in the Loras half.
   And St. Olaf just scored a peach of a goal.  St. Olaf#2 works his way down the rightwing, beats a defender on the dribble then makes a good solid pass inside to St. Olaf#16 , who receives the ball and turns and hits a classic far post left peg bender to the right of the Loras Keeper who manages to get a touch on it, but can't keep it  out of the net.  Loras 0, St. Olaf 1.
   23 minutes left in the half.
   Loras is trying to work it forward but aren't attacking in numbers or a unit.  When they are able to get the ball in the St. Olaf's half and do get their team up, then can make some plays, but they don't do it often enough.
   Definitely St. Olaf has slowed down after they got their goal, and Loras is pressing, but think St. Olaf is just able to be patient with the game as is develops now.  Would say they will need to hunt more.
   And they do just that.  Ball worked across the field ... on the ground .... To St. Olaf#25, whose defender had slipped, and takes a left footed shot across his body to go back against the run of play, catching the Loras Keeper flat footed, giving St. Olaf's its second for the day.  Loras 0, St. Olaf 2.
   Think I will call this one at half time. 12 minutes left.
   I will say, St. Olaf can play and may shock someone in the next match.  I like how they play.
   Loras is a bit helpless right now.  Can't defend well, and can't attack well.
   And it's halftime.  Fully expect more goals from St. Olaf's, and none from Loras.

[SimpleCoach]

Kenyon v Messiah
Messiah Shoemaker Field
NCAA Second Round Match Up
Link – Does this game kick off the coming of the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

   Out of the gate, Kenyon is going after Messiah.  Not letting them get into a rhythm or start controlling the ball.
   Messiah covers well on defense.  Someone can commit and know that if they get beat, someone will step in to cover.
   Messiah Keeper the Mullet does well to recover a loose ball on shot he blocked. 
   5 minutes in and Kenyon has owned this game.
   Kenyon making Messiah's play difficult.  Can't get the ball.
   Kenyon just quick on the counter.  Not sure Messiah is ready to deal with it. 
   It is a luxury having a big bald center forward like Messiah#21 who plays like Horst Hrubesch, who is good at holding up the ball and has skill and strength to deal with defenders.
   Messiah seems to be getting a better handle of things.
   32 left in the half.
   And Kenyon commits a foul in the box for a PK.  Looked like Kenyon# just pulled Messiah#23 down in the box.  Messiah#10 steps up and hits the ball to the right, side netting.  Thought the Kenyon Keeper was going to get it.  Kenyon 0, Messiah 1.
   27 left.
   Kenyon goes on the charge again.
   If it wasn't for the PK, this would be an even match.  Kenyon doing very well just disrupting the run of play.
   Think the PBP Guys for the Messiah game are excellent, albeit Homers.  Which is fine.
   Kenyon has Messiah hunkered down in the back.
   When Messiah is able to move the ball, play two touch, the game changes.  It's when they don't that they get bogged down by Kenyon.
   I think Kenyon thinks between pressure and hitting players, this is the recipe to beat Messiah.  Hard not disagree.
   Halftime.  Kenyon 0, Messiah 1.
   Second half has the same feel as the first half.  Kenyon moving the ball and attack with speed, and Messiah trying to get the ball.
   Real test for Messiah.  This Kenyon team is the one that came out in the second half against Catholic.
   Messiah must get the ball.  They are under a lot of pressure and Kenyon is getting the ball closer and closer to Messiah Keeper the Mullett. 
   Kenyon#8 is having a great game.
   If Kenyon scores, I don't think Messiah has a goal in them from the run of play.  That's how well Kenyon is playing and how little Messiah has control of the ball.
   27 minutes left in the half.
   And deservedly so, Kenyon gets the game tying goal.  Ball gets into the box, and a follow up shot by Kenyon#8 who ropes to the right of Messiah Keeper the Mullett who didn't stand a chance of making the save. Kenyon 1, Messiah 1
   I see Kenyon scoring a second, before Messiah gets the ball.
   This is a great game.  And a great game by Kenyon.
   Think the PBP Guys are apoplectic about how this game is going.  Messiah is looking more like Franklin & Marshall's "Building from the Front" rather than Messiah.
   Kenyon is getting dangerous.  Floated a ball into the box that Messiah Keeper the Mullett came out for to punch, ball landed, and a Kenyon player ripped a shot that got deflected for a corner.
   Holy smokes.  On the ensuing corner, ball is headed off the crossbar and down onto the line and is somehow cleared away by Messiah. 
   16 long minutes left for Messiah.
   Can't say enough about how impressed I am in with Kenyon.  They are impressively good today.  Moving the ball with speed and pace.  Very effective in mixing up the point of attack, keeping Messiah very unsure of itself defensively.
   Oh my gosh.  And after all that and how close Kenyon was to getting the go-ahead goal, Messiah finds a miracle and scores their second.  The Big Bald Messiah#21 gets the ball on the outside and beats his man to the line and drops it back to Messiah#11 who hits it first time and buries from 6 yards out.  Kenyon 1, Messiah 2.
   6 minutes left for Kenyon to reward itself with a second goal.
   4:50 left.
   Kenyon has been the better team on the day by a country mile, but Messiah found a way to take advantage of probably the one opportunity they had the entire game ... outside of the PK in the first half.  And I am not exaggerating.
   3:25 left.
   Kenyon is sending their Keeper up on free kicks.
   1:30 left.
   Utter chaos with a Kenyon shot in the box that went off the post and cleared away by Messiah with seconds left.
   What a great game.  As the PBP Guys said, "Messiah stole this game."  Kenyon deserved to win.
   And that's it.  Messiah moves on.  Shame they couldn't have met in a couple of rounds instead of now.
   Will say it, probably the best game I have watched all year.

[SimpleCoach]

Washington v Montclair
Second Round NCAA Tournament
Montclair
Link – Battle of Route 95? .. Kinda Sorta?  Maybe not.

For some reason I keep getting an error when I try to post the notes.  Once I can figure it out, will post.

[SimpleCoach]

Still getting the database error.  If anyone wants the notes to Washington v Montclair, DM or email me.

[futbol_watcher]

I'm taking a shot in the dark, but If you using Word to type up your notes it might be something to do with special characters that are hidden in the editor, but cause a problem when saved to the database. Maybe try using an editor like Notepad to paste into and then copy again before pasting into the d3boards window.

[SimpleCoach]

Washington v Montclair
Second Round NCAA Tournament
Montclair
Link – Battle of Route 95? .. Kinda Sorta?  Maybe not.

- When Montclair has the ball in the back, they set up in a 2-3-2-3
- Defensively Montclair set's up in a 4-5-1.
- Washington seems to be in a 4-1-4-1, and not pressing in Montclair's half, except for the lone striker, Washington#9 who looks to channel the ball.
- Montclair has the energy and Washington just being patient.
- Washington#6 looks to be the distribution point from the back.
- Montclair#15, the center defensive mid and probably one of the best in the country as far as I am concerned, steps up high to close in the passing from the back into one of the high midfielders checking to receive.  Once that is neutralized, he is very disciplined in getting back to his position.  Lots of CDM's could learn by watching him.
- Smart, Montclair#11 and Montclair#19 press the two center backs, only when the ball is passed, not when they have the ball.  Catches them concentrating on the ball not the pressure coming.
- Washington hasn't had much of the ball.   Mostly Montclair in their half. 
- Montclair trying to get a goal early, not afraid to hit the ball from distance.  Helps when you have Montclair#11 who can hit it with his left.
- About 30 minutes left in the half.
- Just wonder about Montclair.  Look more like a collection of 11 players, than a team.  They have some great talent ... that like the hold the jewel to show everyone how great they are.
- Only time there is a flow with the ball is when they are passing around the back.
- Montclair#9 takes corner from the right of the Keeper.  Pretends to go long then makes a pass to a back that has joined in to put it across, hoping to catch Washington stepping out.
- Montclair just had a great opportunity that was saved by the Washington Keeper.  Big time one on one save against Montclair#9 who got behind his defender.  Washington Keeper came up big and the rebound was cleared off the line as defenders rushed back to cover the goal.
- Montclair is quick in transition.  On previous play, Montclair#19 wins the ball takes one touch and plays it between Washington#6, the CDM, and the outside back Washington#14 , into space for Montclair#9 to run on to.  Montclair#11 was making a run straight to goal and Montclair#19 followed up on the play.  Should have been a goal.
- Again, corner to right of the Washington Keeper, Montclair#9 plays short to Montclair#10, who passes it to Montclair#19 for a cross.  This seems to be the model.  Man 5/10 yards away then another maybe 20 away.  Three options.  Play short on the ground, play long on the ground, or cross it as an in swinger.
- A lot of discussion tactically about having numbers when you have the ball in an area.  Discussion doesn't talk about outnumbering the opponent in a zone when you are defending.  Washington is doing that very well in the midfield.  Montclair cant find space which is causing a lot of errors on the ball.
- I have not seen Washington do anything in the minutes that have gone by that would make me think they have a goal in them.  I see they have a tie in them.  But, this was the same process they went through with Johns Hopkins and look how that went in the Conference Final.
- Montclair#10 needs to get on the ball more.  Being marked tight by Washington#7.
- Washington is comfortable with bleeding the clock.  Something I am sure that Montclair finds frustrating.
- I like Washington#8.  Good vision and work rate.  Along with Washington#7, they are super effective managing the tempo of the game.
- Montclair is getting some chances, but takes a touch too many, or loses patience, takes angled shots instead of dropping it back, hits it from distance instead of trying to stretch the defense.
- Montclair#12 is having a rough game.  Can't connect and looks out of position most of the time.
- Looks like Montclair just drops in an in swinger from corner when they are to the left of the Washington Keeper.
- Getting a bit chippy.
- Montclair has had most of the play and clearly taking it to Washington.  Washington has been comfortable in defense and just waiting for the moment to get forward.
- Halftime Washington 0, Montclair 0.
- Second half
- Much of the same game profile with Montclair trying to play with speed and Washington trying to be patient and opportunistic on the attack.
- Montclair continues to lack precision in the final third.
- Notice that Montclair#11 is dropping deeper into the midfield to try to get the ball.  Tells me Washington is doing a good job keeping him isolated from the play.
- This is the same strategy they took against Johns Hopkins, they were very cautious in the first half, then started getting forward in the second half.  Doing a great job controlling the ball and keeping possession.
-  I like the cadence of Washington's game.  Sure, has thrown Montclair for a loop.  I am sure the half time speech for Montclair was about keeping up the attack, getting a goal.  Not expecting for Washington to come at them and press them in their half.
- Maybe because I've watched them before, but I am noticing how dependent Montclair is on Montclair#11 to get forward from 40 in. 
- Will say the noticeable difference in this half is that Washington is playing two-touch in most parts of the field, where as Montclair keeps getting cornered with ball at their feet.  And Washington, when the keep the ball on the deck do it well.
- And holy smokes.  Washington scores a fantastic goal to go ahead.  I said they were being opportunistic.  On a throw-in, Washington#9 settles the ball, with a man a couple yards off his back.  Should have been doubled teamed since he was at the 18 and another defender was right there.  As the defender is stepping to, Washington#9 takes a touch to his left and unleashes a shot that goes into the upper corner to the Montclair Keeper's right.  What a spectacular goal.  Washington 1, Montclair 0.
- Montclair is in a very uncomfortable spot and look stunned.
- Washington is doing so well defensively.  Very organized and now they are sitting back like they did in the first half, waiting for the right opportunities to get forward.  Probably one of the best organized defensive postures I have watched all year.  Just nowhere to go if you are looking to get through.
- Washington Keeper just came up big on a quick through pass.  Came off his line quickly to cut down on the scoring angle and stuffed the Montclair forward who received the ball behind the line.
- On the flip side, I am surprised at how ineffectual Montclair is on the attack.  Outside of the dribble, they don't have many ideas about how to get to goal.  I think that may be their problem.  Forwards aren't playing quick looking for a pass, then getting into space.  They take that space on the dribble.
- And like that, Washington patiently waits for the opportunity and takes it.  Washington wins the ball at Montclair's 18 and passes it back all the way to the center deep in their own half.  Montclair steps, and chases and as it steps out from the back, Washington# sends a long ball that is awkwardly headed by a Montclair defender that gets collected by Washington#26.  There are two defenders who close in on him.  Montclair#14 and the player who headed the ball.  Washington#26 goes between them as both had overcommitted and goes off the races.  He runs 15 yards unopposed and gets in the box and slots it past the on rushing Montclair Keeper.  Wonderful play that started near the Montclair corner, made its way back to the Washington back deep in his own half, then out to the opposite side to Washington#26 that capped it off.  And this one is done.  Washington 2, Montclair 0.
- This game is over. 
- Have to say Washington looks very impressive.  They seem to be playing very well at the right time.  Am not surprised by Montclair.  I've seen them very good in some games, but when it gets tough, they don't seem to have any answers or the ability to adjust their game.  Would say the Washington coach knew exactly who he was playing and how to play them.

[SimpleCoach]

I'm taking a shot in the dark, but If you using Word to type up your notes it might be something to do with special characters that are hidden in the editor, but cause a problem when saved to the database. Maybe try using an editor like Notepad to paste into and then copy again before pasting into the d3boards window.

Hot dog.  Had no idea why this time it didn't work, but your trick seemed to have worked.

[Hopkins92]

That's the third time I've watched chunks of Washington. It's a lovely story, but I give them next to zero chance to knock off Tufts. I don't see Tufts giving them an inch, where as Montclair was very lax on occasion, including the goal, on their marking and checking down to the guy with the ball. That guy just walked the ball to his shooting foot and nobody from MSU seemed all that bothered. That was training ground stuff.

[SimpleCoach]

That's the third time I've watched chunks of Washington. It's a lovely story, but I give them next to zero chance to knock off Tufts. I don't see Tufts giving them an inch, where as Montclair was very lax on occasion, including the goal, on their marking and checking down to the guy with the ball. That guy just walked the ball to his shooting foot and nobody from MSU seemed all that bothered. That was training ground stuff.

Don't disagree.  I have always found Montclair to lack disciple on both sides of the ball, which explains why against lesser teams the looked real good, but not so much against better teams.  I think Tufts doesn't have that issue.  And as far as Washington is concerned, I am not sure they can play  passive against Tufts and get away with it.  Although I will be rooting for them .... sorry Tufts fans.