NCAA TOURNAMENT 2024

[College Soccer Observer]

I think part of what @EnmoreCat was trying to say is that within NESCAC, Hamilton is not perceived as a team that plays the same style as say Amherst, where set pieces are a major part of their attacking arsenal.  Not every team in the NESCAC plays the same way, and styles evolve based on the players you have.  When my son got to Middlebury, they were a grind it out defensive team who relied on counter attacks.  By his final year in 2023, they were a dynamic attacking team.  What NESCAC teams have in common is that they have played so many strong teams in conference that they will not be intimidated by anyone they encounter in the NCAAs.

[paclassic89]

It is what it is.  I don't think it's controversial to state that the NESCAC has a reputation for a more direct style of play compared to other conferences (to varying degrees depending on the NESCAC team).  It's not a style I enjoy watching but it's effective at this level.  Also, believe it or not, there are some NESCAC teams that I would root for depending on matchup (Hamilton, Conn College)

[Ejay]

What NESCAC teams have in common is that they have played so many strong teams in conference that they will not be intimidated by anyone they encounter in the NCAAs.

This. 

[Hopkins Walk-On]

Is Nathan Donovan for UWEC hurt? I don't see him listed on the game report.

[camosfan]

The only feature common among NESCAC teams is resolute defense, the attacks all vary.

[paclassic89]

Trinity.  Known for resolute defense

[jknezek]

So here's an interesting thought. I did hear from a friend of mine at a bubble-ish type school that there were some conversations between teams around the bubble who had lost in the conference tournament to try and arrange an extra game around the time of conference title games. The thought was, if you could get 2 bubble teams together, a win might push you off the bubble and back into the field.

Since the NPI information was coming daily it was pretty clear which schools might benefit. There were some questions about whether it was allowed, and nothing happened this year obviously, but there are schools expected to at least make inquiries about the possibility next year.

Lining up a game for teams in the mid to high 30s or low 40s, with an opponent in the same area, is probably not real feasible in a lot of places, but would a SUNY-Oneonta (43)/Plattsburgh State (42) rematch have boosted the winner enough to make a difference?

To be honest, looking for a sub 3 hour trip, I'm not really sure I see too many games that might fit besides that one.

With Mount Union the first team out, and in a decent D3 area, you'd think something would make sense. But Covenant, Rhodes, Va Wes, Plattsburgh State, York, all too far away and some were still playing. Go further down the list and I'm not sure the incentive for the opponent is there, but even if it was, Augsburg, Redlands, Tex Lutheran, Montclair St, Edgewood... not exactly reasonable trips on short notice. UMU's football team knows the way to Roanoke (Salem, VA) real well, but it's still 6 hours by car. So you would have to get all the way to Otterbein at 52, and a conference rematch. Would that move the needle to push UMU above Buff State? And a win for Ott probably doesn't do much for them, so what's the incentive?

Maybe a Roanoke/Va Wes game? But at 49, is Roanoke really going to jump enough to make it worth the expense? Same with a Washington College vs Montclair State game. I just don't see it being worthwhile for Washington College, even if the win would help Montclair St.

Anyway, it's an interesting new dilemma for the NPI system. If the information is that transparent, can the system be gamed by scheduling an extra game? And is that even allowed.

What about York vs. Washington? That's not a brutal trip. Not sure it moves the needle enough for either team. I don't really do math, so...

York to Buff St is a 5.5 hour drive.

York was playing Messiah for the conference title. They would not have been available.

[camosfan]

Trinity.  Known for resolute defense

Dude! there is an exception to most statement, relax.

[jsoxbo]

#10 for Kenyon, Gerardo Martinez, is a quality little maestro for the Owls. Extremely tricky on the ball and checks into great spots to help break lines. I was surprised to see he's only a senior. I remember performances from his freshman year in the tournament, namely the Messiah game.

So frustrating to be a diehard Kenyon fan.  Absolutely no reason not to win that game 3-0 or 4-0.  One goal, or even two, likely will not be enough to get by Calvin or Hamilton.  Anbd because we're constructed to be a strong offensive team, the defense isn't set up to win 1-0 games.  But if we're only going to score one (or none) then the defense needs to be far more intentional in terms of staying organized, tight, and compact. They really, really miss Duratovic...and also Robert Little.  Soooooo close to being a really good team but just not enough offensive finishing.  No one can finish, except for Dujakovich, and he's more of a offensive center mid guy.  I am thrilled that Wall finally is playing #12...who imo was their best forward player today and should get even more minutes.  Very good skills, great vision, precision, crafty passes, and he'll score if he can get a few more minutes and touches.  Also frustrating to watch the Owls dominate possession but get so few truly good chances in the run of play.  They start out playing negative balls repeatedly out of the back, initially further up the field, and each five minutes that go by they are possessing deeper and deeper in their own territory.  And Martinez is super frustrating...among the best in D3 with the ball, but too often goes for spectacular passes that trickle gently out of bounds harmlessly OR he takes 35 yard shots that have no chance.  Penetrate, get into or around the box, and make a truly dangerous offensive play, Gerardo!  I will say that the Buchwalter kid (I think out of Houston and Shattuck St Mary's or whatever it is in Minnesota) who got the goal is a superb player...and NCAC Newcomer of the Year.  Will be one of the top players in NCAC and probably nationally for the next three years.

Can someone confirm if Buchwalter is right footed, left footed or even two-footed?  His goal today and the left-footed screamer he scored against CNU certainly points to him being two-footed.  If so, that is quite impressive.

[paclassic89]

Trinity.  Known for resolute defense

Dude! there is an exception to most statement, relax.

 

[NescacUltra]

This Hamilton group are looking sharp. They have been unlucky to miss out in a few of the years between now and their last tournament berth, but they look primed to take this opportunity. Hat trick of assists today for Luke Ehrenfreund, two goals for Pandelis Margaronis, and more stellar play from Charles Hawthorn and Luke Peplowski to get over the line. The Continentals dance on!

[Hopkins92]

I share PN's angst about "my" teams inability to put teams away. Wis. Eau-Claire with a 5-0 shellacking of #179 Lake Forest is a great example of just getting out ahead of much lower ranked team and getting it done.

Kenyon's opponent today is ranked #247.

Hopkins plays PSU-Behrend tomorrow, who are ranked #212. Not quite as small a minnow... But we'll see how well the Jays produce tomorrow.

No style points, of course, but it shows who is firing on all cylinders, for sure.

[camosfan]

I like to see teams just do enough to get to the next game in a knockout situation, don't overextend and pick up unnecessary injuries. 

[mngopher]

The PbP guy at Kenyon sounds like he doesn't want to disturb others at a nice restaurant. Understated.

I think he's fantastic. Less is more

[Hopkins92]

The PbP guy at Kenyon sounds like he doesn't want to disturb others at a nice restaurant. Understated.

I think he's fantastic. Less is more

Yeah, wasn't really complaining, but he had a bit of an ASMR vibe. Like, I was editing a document and he was so low-key I didn't have to mute him in order to concentrate.

I actually made the less is more comment re: a guy calling a Hopkins game last week.