Game of the week for D3 men's soccer

[Saint_Dad]

Is Amherst really going to be afraid of Husson?  Or SLU?  That they would rather play on an "unplayable" field?  They wouldn't rather play a real soccer game and show how good they are?
Of course I am rooting for the boys of SLU and would like to see some exciting games this weekend.  Hoping that they are all healthy and they have their striker Pipjers back.  He can score from distance.  And it looks like the most exciting player on the field, game after game, Max Mogul (7) is back to full strength.  Here is hoping that both Amherst and SLU get through the first round and meet Sunday on a quality field.

[Dustin_Patrón]

No, Amherst is not afraid of Husson nor are they  afraid of your SLU boys. Anyone who is familiar with coach Serpone knows that he tries to instill the utmost confidence in his squad before every match, however, this doesn't mean that they think they can't be beaten.

To answer your question regarding the "unplayable field"... yes... Amherst is more than willing to play in a mud pit if it means that the other team will have a harder time possessing the ball. Possession heavy soccer is not Amherst's game at all. They would rather have 20% of the ball and score a gritty goal off of a long throw or defensive error caused by their unwavering pressure. If  Amherst really want to "show how good they are" they'll be praying that the refs don't move this game to artificial turf. It's not the prettiest style to play but you have to respect their ability to get it done. Not sure how many consecutive sweet sixteens that Amherst has been to, but I highly doubt that SLU will be the group to end that streak, respectfully. To be fair, I know very little about SLU but follow Amherst more closely—not a fan of either.

For those who will be watching the Amherst game (especially those who will see it in person), keep an eye out for Amtics (Amherst antics) on any dead balls. Multiple teams have complained to officials this year that Amherst players are pinching/biting/stepping on opposing players' feet before corners and long throws. I find it pretty hilarious that they're getting away with this. I had the opportunity to watch the nescac semifinals in person this year and there was a point during the second half where a middlebury player yelled toward the ref "he just bit me!" while proceeding to pull up his sleeve to show him teeth marks. In short, Amherst is willing to do just about anything to throw the opponent out of focus and off their game. This does not exclude playing on a shell of a pitch or, apparently, biting the opponent. And if the SLU boys think they'll be taking  hot showers in the Amherst locker rooms, well, they've got no idea who they're up against.

[Saint of Old]

 "Not sure how many consecutive sweet sixteens that Amherst has been to, but I highly doubt that SLU will be the group to end that streak, respectfully. To be fair, I know very little about SLU but follow Amherst more closely—not a fan of either."

Last 2 teams that kicked Amherst out of the tournament also won the Chip.
Not many people know about SLU, they are a small private upstate school next to Canada.
As for their football, they have done OK since the 1970s(although they took the entire decade of the 80s off to recharge).

I guess we will see this weekend if coaches besides Serpone  "instill the utmost confidence in their squad before every match" seems to me they would all try to do that.

Great thing about the tournament is that teams and players have to talk with their feet.

[Maine Soccer Fan]

No, Amherst is not afraid of Husson nor are they  afraid of your SLU boys. Anyone who is familiar with coach Serpone knows that he tries to instill the utmost confidence in his squad before every match, however, this doesn't mean that they think they can't be beaten.

To answer your question regarding the "unplayable field"... yes... Amherst is more than willing to play in a mud pit if it means that the other team will have a harder time possessing the ball. Possession heavy soccer is not Amherst's game at all. They would rather have 20% of the ball and score a gritty goal off of a long throw or defensive error caused by their unwavering pressure. If  Amherst really want to "show how good they are" they'll be praying that the refs don't move this game to artificial turf. It's not the prettiest style to play but you have to respect their ability to get it done. Not sure how many consecutive sweet sixteens that Amherst has been to, but I highly doubt that SLU will be the group to end that streak, respectfully. To be fair, I know very little about SLU but follow Amherst more closely—not a fan of either.

For those who will be watching the Amherst game (especially those who will see it in person), keep an eye out for Amtics (Amherst antics) on any dead balls. Multiple teams have complained to officials this year that Amherst players are pinching/biting/stepping on opposing players' feet before corners and long throws. I find it pretty hilarious that they're getting away with this. I had the opportunity to watch the nescac semifinals in person this year and there was a point during the second half where a middlebury player yelled toward the ref "he just bit me!" while proceeding to pull up his sleeve to show him teeth marks. In short, Amherst is willing to do just about anything to throw the opponent out of focus and off their game. This does not exclude playing on a shell of a pitch or, apparently, biting the opponent. And if the SLU boys think they'll be taking  hot showers in the Amherst locker rooms, well, they've got no idea who they're up against.

Agreed and thanks for the color.

As far messy field conditions, that favors a team of Amherst's style when playing strong competition who like to play the ball on the floor. But it might level the playing field a bit for Husson who, with honest respect, just aren't nearly as strong as Amherst. Meaning torrential rain may just narrow the quality gap in this particular game. We'll see.

I've watched my alma mater win a knock out game they never should have won partly due to 25 mph winds and an absurd deflection.

[SimpleCoach]

No, Amherst is not afraid of Husson nor are they  afraid of your SLU boys. Anyone who is familiar with coach Serpone knows that he tries to instill the utmost confidence in his squad before every match, however, this doesn't mean that they think they can't be beaten.

To answer your question regarding the "unplayable field"... yes... Amherst is more than willing to play in a mud pit if it means that the other team will have a harder time possessing the ball. Possession heavy soccer is not Amherst's game at all. They would rather have 20% of the ball and score a gritty goal off of a long throw or defensive error caused by their unwavering pressure. If  Amherst really want to "show how good they are" they'll be praying that the refs don't move this game to artificial turf. It's not the prettiest style to play but you have to respect their ability to get it done. Not sure how many consecutive sweet sixteens that Amherst has been to, but I highly doubt that SLU will be the group to end that streak, respectfully. To be fair, I know very little about SLU but follow Amherst more closely—not a fan of either.

For those who will be watching the Amherst game (especially those who will see it in person), keep an eye out for Amtics (Amherst antics) on any dead balls. Multiple teams have complained to officials this year that Amherst players are pinching/biting/stepping on opposing players' feet before corners and long throws. I find it pretty hilarious that they're getting away with this. I had the opportunity to watch the nescac semifinals in person this year and there was a point during the second half where a middlebury player yelled toward the ref "he just bit me!" while proceeding to pull up his sleeve to show him teeth marks. In short, Amherst is willing to do just about anything to throw the opponent out of focus and off their game. This does not exclude playing on a shell of a pitch or, apparently, biting the opponent. And if the SLU boys think they'll be taking  hot showers in the Amherst locker rooms, well, they've got no idea who they're up against.

Agreed and thanks for the color.

As far messy field conditions, that favors a team of Amherst's style when playing strong competition who like to play the ball on the floor. But it might level the playing field a bit for Husson who, with honest respect, just aren't nearly as strong as Amherst. Meaning torrential rain may just narrow the quality gap in this particular game. We'll see.

I've watched my alma mater win a knock out game they never should have won partly due to 25 mph winds and an absurd deflection.

Its one thing to play on a muddy field.  It's another to play on a muddy field in terrible weather.  The muddy field would be an advantage for Amherst since they don't necessarily care how the ball gets up top.  A muddy field in lousy weather?  Well that's equally bad for both teams and neutralizes any advantages... or so that's what I think.

SC.

[Maine Soccer Fan]

Its one thing to play on a muddy field.  It's another to play on a muddy field in terrible weather.  The muddy field would be an advantage for Amherst since they don't necessarily care how the ball gets up top.  A muddy field in lousy weather?  Well that's equally bad for both teams and neutralizes any advantages... or so that's what I think.

SC.

Looks like they may be getting all of that and then some. It's supposed to rain Thursday and Friday then:

SATURDAY
Rain likely. Highs in the upper 60s. Temperature falling into the upper 50s in the afternoon. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph, becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

(modified by GS for formatting)

[Hopkins92]

hey all - i knew last year someone created a bracket, but haven't seen it yet. i went ahead and created a pool for this season, feel free to join here.

https://www.runyourpool.com/p/j/8da271f5b60243f586c393ea94dc3b62

let me know if you have any thoughts or questions!

Spreading the word on this, as I think it got buried in the thread it was posted.

[Coach Jeff]

Let the games begin.  Good luck to all the teams and fans.  May they play their best and stay free from injuries.

Friday, Nov. 11: All times Eastern

11:00  Greenville at Kenyon

1:30 PM Carnegie Mellon at Calvin

[MNBob]

May they play their best and stay free from injuries.

Amen! UWEC already suffered two broken legs this season. No more injuries please...

[Coach Jeff]

May they play their best and stay free from injuries.

Amen! UWEC already suffered two broken legs this season. No more injuries please...

Ouch!!!  I broke my leg and have 8 pins and a plate in it,,,,recovery is hard!  How is the recovery going? 

[MNBob]

Ouch!!!  I broke my leg and have 8 pins and a plate in it,,,,recovery is hard!  How is the recovery going?

First happened in September to one of the backup forwards and was a bad break that required pretty immediate surgery. Second happened to one of the starting forwards during the Augsburg game that UWEC lost and then followed up with loss #2 vs St Olaf as the team continued to adjust. Injury happened in the first half and he didn't realize a fracture had started. He tried to come out in the second half and went down the first time he tried to plant and cut. I believe both players continue to heal and the starter had hoped to possibly be back in the middle of this month if the team can advance.

[coach analytics]

No, Amherst is not afraid of Husson nor are they  afraid of your SLU boys. Anyone who is familiar with coach Serpone knows that he tries to instill the utmost confidence in his squad before every match, however, this doesn't mean that they think they can't be beaten.

To answer your question regarding the "unplayable field"... yes... Amherst is more than willing to play in a mud pit if it means that the other team will have a harder time possessing the ball. Possession heavy soccer is not Amherst's game at all. They would rather have 20% of the ball and score a gritty goal off of a long throw or defensive error caused by their unwavering pressure. If  Amherst really want to "show how good they are" they'll be praying that the refs don't move this game to artificial turf. It's not the prettiest style to play but you have to respect their ability to get it done. Not sure how many consecutive sweet sixteens that Amherst has been to, but I highly doubt that SLU will be the group to end that streak, respectfully. To be fair, I know very little about SLU but follow Amherst more closely—not a fan of either.

For those who will be watching the Amherst game (especially those who will see it in person), keep an eye out for Amtics (Amherst antics) on any dead balls. Multiple teams have complained to officials this year that Amherst players are pinching/biting/stepping on opposing players' feet before corners and long throws. I find it pretty hilarious that they're getting away with this. I had the opportunity to watch the nescac semifinals in person this year and there was a point during the second half where a middlebury player yelled toward the ref "he just bit me!" while proceeding to pull up his sleeve to show him teeth marks. In short, Amherst is willing to do just about anything to throw the opponent out of focus and off their game. This does not exclude playing on a shell of a pitch or, apparently, biting the opponent. And if the SLU boys think they'll be taking  hot showers in the Amherst locker rooms, well, they've got no idea who they're up against.

It kind of shocking to me that the NCAA does not set any standards regarding the fields.  Why do they leave it up to the host and then the refs.  If Amherst wants to host they should have to play on their turf field after a rain storm.

[OldNed]

No, Amherst is not afraid of Husson nor are they  afraid of your SLU boys. Anyone who is familiar with coach Serpone knows that he tries to instill the utmost confidence in his squad before every match, however, this doesn't mean that they think they can't be beaten.

To answer your question regarding the "unplayable field"... yes... Amherst is more than willing to play in a mud pit if it means that the other team will have a harder time possessing the ball. Possession heavy soccer is not Amherst's game at all. They would rather have 20% of the ball and score a gritty goal off of a long throw or defensive error caused by their unwavering pressure. If  Amherst really want to "show how good they are" they'll be praying that the refs don't move this game to artificial turf. It's not the prettiest style to play but you have to respect their ability to get it done. Not sure how many consecutive sweet sixteens that Amherst has been to, but I highly doubt that SLU will be the group to end that streak, respectfully. To be fair, I know very little about SLU but follow Amherst more closely—not a fan of either.

For those who will be watching the Amherst game (especially those who will see it in person), keep an eye out for Amtics (Amherst antics) on any dead balls. Multiple teams have complained to officials this year that Amherst players are pinching/biting/stepping on opposing players' feet before corners and long throws. I find it pretty hilarious that they're getting away with this. I had the opportunity to watch the nescac semifinals in person this year and there was a point during the second half where a middlebury player yelled toward the ref "he just bit me!" while proceeding to pull up his sleeve to show him teeth marks. In short, Amherst is willing to do just about anything to throw the opponent out of focus and off their game. This does not exclude playing on a shell of a pitch or, apparently, biting the opponent. And if the SLU boys think they'll be taking  hot showers in the Amherst locker rooms, well, they've got no idea who they're up against.

It kind of shocking to me that the NCAA does not set any standards regarding the fields.  Why do they leave it up to the host and then the refs.  If Amherst wants to host they should have to play on their turf field after a rain storm.

Here what I expect to happen - tomorrow's games will be on the turf, but Sundays games will be on the grass field.  This is deja vu for me because this could be very similar to what happened to my son's St. Joseph's (ME) team in 2018, also at Amherst.  There was rain on Friday so Saturday's games were on Amherst's turf field.  St. Joe's was able to overcome Middlebury 2-1 with a late goal and we were cautiously optimistic about Sunday's game against Amherst.  Until we found out that Sunday was going to be on the grass.  Honestly, I don't know how that field in 2018 was deemed playable because it was awful.  There was no standing water, but there was mud and combined with the long grass it made the pitch a nightmare.  That doesn't bother Amherst, though, because they play the ball in the air and count on their superior height to overcome smaller teams that might be able to advance the ball on a turf field but can't do that on Amherst's wet and muddy grass pitch.

Now my son is a grad assistant coach at SLU and I would be shocked if Amherst won't insist that Sunday's game be played on their grass field.

[OldNed]

Amherst lists their game at 11:00 tomorrow at Gooding Field, which is their turf field.  I can't find any mention of a field for Roger Williams/Saint Lawrence, but it should be the same field. 

[Saint_Dad]

I heard that the SLU/RW game is on the turf field as well.  The weather should be high 60's and partly sunny at game time for both games with the rain stopping by 10am.  Chance of rain Sunday.  If the grass field is bad, hopefully the Amherst coach will have the balls to play soccer against either SLU or RW on a playable field on Sunday.  Just sayin.