NCAA TOURNAMENT 2024

[Newenglander]

For those in attendance - the field conditions are terrible

[Freddyfud]

Well struck but think the W&L GK would want that one back. 

[Johnny231]

Horvath-Diano has quietly been one of the players of the tournament. If Conn wins today and Saturday, and the MVP doesn't go to Sylvester, watch out for him as a dark horse.

[jknezek]

Painful. Conn can't do anything if it's not a clean break. If any of those W&L chances had gone in and Conn had to chase with W&L sitting back a bit this would be a different game.

The Camels just... Nothing with the ball. All credit to the goalie. If Conn goes through this is his victory.

It was a nice free kick, I'll give them that.

Soccer is a weird and frustrating game sometimes.

[Newenglander]

Painful. Conn can't do anything if it's not a clean break. If any of those W&L chances had gone in and Conn had to chase with W&L sitting back a bit this would be a different game.

The Camels just... Nothing with the ball. All credit to the goalie. If Conn goes through this is his victory.

It was a nice free kick, I'll give them that.

Soccer is a weird and frustrating game sometimes.

yes - but game changed after goal - w&L pressed - would be a different game in any other situation

[Bucket]

What a run for Conn.

Finished 6th in the NESCAC.

Incredible post-season run for the Camels.

[dacac]

Easy win for the camels

[Freddyfud]

Painful. Conn can't do anything if it's not a clean break. If any of those W&L chances had gone in and Conn had to chase with W&L sitting back a bit this would be a different game.

The Camels just... Nothing with the ball. All credit to the goalie. If Conn goes through this is his victory.

It was a nice free kick, I'll give them that.

Soccer is a weird and frustrating game sometimes.

yes - but game changed after goal - w&L pressed - would be a different game in any other situation

I agree with this.  And would add in addition to the obvious and oft-mentioned strength of Conn's GK and backline their midfielders were lights out in the first half, especially #7.  Really good game and glad I tuned in to watch.

[Freddyfud]

Easy win for the camels

But I don't agree with this.

[jknezek]

Painful. Conn can't do anything if it's not a clean break. If any of those W&L chances had gone in and Conn had to chase with W&L sitting back a bit this would be a different game.

The Camels just... Nothing with the ball. All credit to the goalie. If Conn goes through this is his victory.

It was a nice free kick, I'll give them that.

Soccer is a weird and frustrating game sometimes.

yes - but game changed after goal - w&L pressed - would be a different game in any other situation

Not really. W&L had the better of the first half and the goal came completely against the run of play. Conn had the moments of brilliance, so kudos to them for winning.

From what I saw, I don't think they would have had much hope if they had fallen behind. They had nothing going forward, and would have had even less space if they had to chase.

That being said, they did what was needed and W&L could not. Congratulations to the Camels and good luck on the Finals.

[SierraFD3soccer]

Both good games. I'm going with Amherst in the finally. Conn was lights out first two games. Last 3 imo not so great.

[PaulNewman]

W&L is outstanding.  Played very, very well...and deserved to get at least one and probably more.  I was surprised to what degree they dominated, especially being quicker to the ball and winning 50/50s.  W&L is not short on physicality either.  But, yes, dominant and Conn struggled to keep the ball beyond 3 passes because of the W&L pressure and then W&L's ability to move the ball around the pitch.  Conn usually is very good in possession but W&L did not let them breathe and were a nearly constant threat.  Now, all that said, I never had a feeling Conn was gonna lose that game.  Maybe just biased towards Conn after these past few years, but even though they knew they were getting overwhelmed they somehow remained resilient, got a goal, and gutted it out.  As as aside, a much more pleasureable game to watch.  Not always beautiful but it felt like a real soccer match.  Congrats to both teams.

[PaulNewman]

Both good games. I'm going with Amherst in the finally. Conn was lights out first two games. Last 3 imo not so great.

LOL.  They're in the national final!

[Saint of Old]

W&L is outstanding.  Played very, very well...and deserved to get at least one and probably more.  I was surprised to what degree they dominated, especially being quicker to the ball and winning 50/50s.  W&L is not short on physicality either.  But, yes, dominant and Conn struggled to keep the ball beyond 3 passes because of the W&L pressure and then W&L's ability to move the ball around the pitch.  Conn usually is very good in possession but W&L did not let them breathe and were a nearly constant threat.  Now, all that said, I never had a feeling Conn was gonna lose that game.  Maybe must biased towards Conn after these past few years, but even though they knew they were getting overwhelmed they somehow remained resilient, got a goal, and gutted it out.  As as aside, a much more pleasureable game to watch.  Not always beautiful but it felt like a real soccer match.  Congrats to both teams.

Hats off to W&L for an amazing season and a good run over the past few years. The competetion at the top is extreme and when you have a chance to win it you have to win it. I am sure W&L will be back, but they have to focus on winning because no program is on top forever but when you win the program will always be a champion.

Amherst can attest to the confidence one gets when you climb that hill.
There is a lot of pressure on Amherst in the final.
They have lost 3 finals in the past 5 years.
Amherst has been the dominant team in NESCAC for the past 20 years.
More so than Tufts with 4 rings and more than Williams who had the iconic coach Russo and his 400 wins and Championship in mid 90s still is seen as  next level program nationally.

Conn can make it 2 championships and twice as much as Williams, Amuerst and  Middlebury despite being a relatively new kid on the block Nationally atleast.

May the best team win.
All these boys playing in the final 4 are winners.
You don't make it to this level as a Coach or player unless you have that something special. That bond that makes teammates become brothers.

[NEsoccerfan]

Dear lord, today I am thankful for exercising restraint in not asking my friend who currently referees at a high level and has zero ties to anything related to d3 soccer to unobjectively opine on the VAR calls.