NCAA TOURNAMENT 2024

[Falconer]

For those who come looking later here is that moment clipped

https://youtube.com/shorts/5RwWHZTKJVw?si=1PRuRMGE9kZGmzUA

certainly a foul

In real time it was unquestionably a foul that led directly to the GW.

On the replay, it looks to my biased eyes that the Williams player directly, intentionally threw either an elbow or his shoulder, or both, into the Messiah player, who stayed down. In other words, it should have been a straight red. As others have asked above, how could that play not be whistled? I hope the main official is not allowed to officiate again in this tournament. It's incredible, isn't it?

If the game hadn't ended this way, I wouldn't hesitate to congratulate Williams. They were every bit as good as Messiah, though not better. I expected PKs and hoped for a different result from 2022. But this one leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

If anyone thinks I'm just being a homer (I am certainly a homer), please tell me what I'm missing.

This was a tough way to lose.

On the other hand, the Messiah players are always winners. In life. That's what matters most. If not, then let's cash it in and forget sports altogether.

[Dustin_Patrón]

The ref had a great position and that "foul" looks like it belongs in an acting class. Williams scored the goal and won the game. Messiah didn't do nearly enough to deserve a result today.

Also, why are the messiah players always winners in life? Are the Williams players losers in life then? Not sure what you're getting at bird man.

[Another Mom]

No commentary on the W&L Hopkins game?

[dacac]

No question a foul - and a shame that it decided the outcome of such an important match. But those types of calls are routinely missed.

Definitely not a red card. Just a bad missed call at a bad time.

[jknezek]

It's 100% a foul. Took out the man without playing the ball. No question. I wouldn't say it was a card, but anyone who disputes it as a foul is wearing giant homer goggles or doesn't know the game.

[Kuiper]

HALF:  CMS 1 - Colorado College 0

CMS' James Gomez strips the CC defender on a pass from the GK in the box and slots it home in the 16th minute for the only goal.  Kind of a "when playing out of the back goes wrong" kind of goal where the keeper and the defender didn't really see Gomez creeping up as the pass was made, the defender was way too slow to get the ball off his feet under the circumstances, and the GK was out of position when the ball was stolen.

[jknezek]

No commentary on the W&L Hopkins game?

Shhhh... Just let it roll on the way it is going.

[PaulNewman]

No commentary on the W&L Hopkins game?

Please commentate.  What do you think?

[Hopkins Walk-On]

No commentary on the W&L Hopkins game?

W&L is dominating. Lots of pressure on Hopkins. Hopkins not having their best CB has hurt as it means their best player, Francis Meyer, is playing center back rather than CDM.

Hopkins has given up lots of pressure in the first half before and come back (see the Dickinson game in the Centennial Conference tournament) but this will be a tough hill to climb in the second half.

[PaulNewman]

If Amherst gets Wisc-Superior in the Sweet 16 I will lose my mind.

GAC gone.

Denison looking like they want a piece of Mary Wash.

If Messiah had pulled out that game in OT or PKs they would have been very deserving.  Both teams played with tremendous heart.  Should have been a yellow and at minimum a foul and a free kick.  A real shame to see that.  However, Williams was the stronger side, just like Messiah was the stronger side a couple of years ago.

[Newenglander]

Another quirk in the draw is the strong possibility of last year's finalists meeting in the Sweet 16...with the difference in a rematch being some roster differences but also where the game likely would be played.

I'm really curious about how the NCAA will award the hosting privilege for the 3rd/4th rounds there. I'm aware of the bracketing procedures, but it is kind of an ideal case for them to make an exception. They'd be paying for flights for the 3 teams if Amherst hosts vs only one flight if one of the Midwest schools host. What is kind of funny is if Gustavus and St. Olaf win today, and Amherst ends up as host, then UWEC/Gustavus/St Olaf might all be on the same flight out since MSP is the most convenient major airport for all.
I don't know the rules around when the NCAA pays for a hotel, but they might not even have to do that in a scenario where a Midwest team hosts if it is UWEC/Gustavus/St Olaf. Olaf is about 100 miles to Eau Claire, and GAC is about 150. GAC and Olaf are less than 50 miles apart. I just wonder if the cost savings would be significant enough (could be as much as $30k-$40k) that they would justify a Midwest host.

I didn't see this until I hit SEND below you, but yes.  I'm sure this won't factor in at all, but if it did end being Amherst and Conn those are two of the worst fields among any of the top 50 programs.
I'm not even sure where teams fly to to get to Amherst.  Albany? Hartford? Logan? Rutland? Bernardstown?

Agreed but UMW's field is no treat either

[eaglesoccerdad]

Hartford is pretty close - 60-90 minutes away I think.

Especially this year with how dry it's been I agree that the UMW field is somewhat lacking but at least it is grass

A field upgrade is in the works in the next year or two.

[GKForverr1]

The ref had a great position and that "foul" looks like it belongs in an acting class. Williams scored the goal and won the game. Messiah didn't do nearly enough to deserve a result today.

Also, why are the messiah players always winners in life? Are the Williams players losers in life then? Not sure what you're getting at bird man.

I can't speak for Falconer but for myself as a Messiah alum (track and field)...winning in sports is not the priority. Across the programs the coaches facilitate a culture that puts character development and growth in our faith above all else. I am a very different person as a result of my 4 years at Messiah and I credit that to the culture. I love competing but I had to learn that winning isn't everything.

If winning is everything then you can (but not always) get a culture that approves of the behavior seen above.

If that behavior/attitude persists...I have a hard time saying that person is winning at life regardless of what "success" might come their way

[Kuiper]

Colorado College almost ties it up in the 54th minute, but the ref blows the whistle on a yellow card foul instead of playing advantage and a goal scored is negated.  CC players have a right to be upset about not playing on, but once the ref blows the whistle it's over. 

CMS is pinned back now.  It's been one way traffic for awhile as Colorado College has dialed up the pressure in search of the equalizer.

[dacac]

"the behavior seen above?" What are you referring to?

The ref had a great position and that "foul" looks like it belongs in an acting class. Williams scored the goal and won the game. Messiah didn't do nearly enough to deserve a result today.

Also, why are the messiah players always winners in life? Are the Williams players losers in life then? Not sure what you're getting at bird man.

I can't speak for Falconer but for myself as a Messiah alum (track and field)...winning in sports is not the priority. Across the programs the coaches facilitate a culture that puts character development and growth in our faith above all else. I am a very different person as a result of my 4 years at Messiah and I credit that to the culture. I love competing but I had to learn that winning isn't everything.

If winning is everything then you can (but not always) get a culture that approves of the behavior seen above.

If that behavior/attitude persists...I have a hard time saying that person is winning at life regardless of what "success" might come their way