NCAA TOURNAMENT 2024

[futbolislife247365]

Paul Newman's NCOY picks...

1) Brandon Bianco
2) Jon Anderson
3) Lumumba Shabazz
4) Jason Kilby
5) Reuben Burk

Wild Cards...Casey Holm (UWEC), Paul McGinlay, Brent Ridenour (Franciscan), Francesco Cardillo (Buffalo State)

Addendum:  Jorge Chapoy (Dickinson)....and someone may have to drop out of my top 5

Justin Serpone. Losing a final and not only returning to a final but winning the next year is pretty impressive...

[Bucket]

Paul Newman's NCOY picks...

1) Brandon Bianco
2) Jon Anderson
3) Lumumba Shabazz
4) Jason Kilby
5) Reuben Burk

Wild Cards...Casey Holm (UWEC), Paul McGinlay, Brent Ridenour (Franciscan), Francesco Cardillo (Buffalo State)

Addendum:  Jorge Chapoy (Dickinson)....and someone may have to drop out of my top 5

Justin Serpone. Losing a final and not only returning to a final but winning the next year is pretty impressive...

He's in the next 5 for sure. Along with Elias. But doesn't rate top 5.

[PaulNewman]

Paul Newman's NCOY picks...

1) Brandon Bianco
2) Jon Anderson
3) Lumumba Shabazz
4) Jason Kilby
5) Reuben Burk

Wild Cards...Casey Holm (UWEC), Paul McGinlay, Brent Ridenour (Franciscan), Francesco Cardillo (Buffalo State)

Addendum:  Jorge Chapoy (Dickinson)....and someone may have to drop out of my top 5

Justin Serpone. Losing a final and not only returning to a final but winning the next year is pretty impressive...

That's fair...and he'll probably win the real official COY, as coaches of national champions often do.  Serpone is not easy to place.  I mean, didn't you expect Amherst to get back?  I'd say they have a 50-60% chance of making the F4 most years and if you get there enough you;'re gonna win a few.  There is no question what he has accomplished with the program is phenomenal.

Folks forget (or are too young) that Amherst used to be in the Middlebury role vis-a-vis Williams.  At least a couple of years Amherst had the superior team, but Amherst just couldn't get past the Ephs.  OT goals, falling in PKs, etc, etc.  And then they finally got over the hump with Williams before starting similarly intense rivalries with Tufts and Midd.

[LibbyMoore]

PN delay (vs continuation) was curious on that one. I felt the 2nd game crew was solid overall .

Head ref in Midd-Amherst game was weak from the start.  Let the Amherst boys have their way with physical play and Midd followed suit.  #32 kicks Mid goalie in the head when it was clearly possessed by keeper.  An automatic red but somehow he gives a yellow.  Fine, he does not want to make such a big decision with so much on the line.  Then he awards them a very weak pk.  I have watched the reply endless times.  there was no way there was sufficient conclusive evidence to award PK.  Such a shame it had to end that way and not in the run of play.  Honestly, he was very weak all around and should not be handling a semifinal game in national championships.  I dont think he will be handling key matches anytime soon.  at least I hope not.  Other than that it was a hard fought game by both side, just unfortunate it ended the way it did.

Agreed. And they let him officiate today. That ref may have gifted Amherst a national title--had they played from 1-1 it could very well be a different day for the Mammoths. They had to know that back in their hotel after the semi, what an undeniable gift that PK was.

[EnmoreCat]

Connecticut College 0 Amherst 0 (Amherst win on penalties and are the 2024 D3 Champions)

Before today, one would have to go back eight games to find one between these teams where the margin was wider than a goal, so there was no doubt how evenly matched these two teams would be.  Plus, the games are tough, I understand that's not everyone's thing, but the prevalence of NESCAC teams late in the tournament at least suggests to me that those who espouse a more "beautiful" game have work to do if they are going to materially impact this dominance.  It's probably a good time to remind of my standard disclaimer, everything today is purely coming from the father of a player who in some parts of Vermont, is considered unable to read.

Conn were very good, I can't truly tell you who the two best teams in the country are, but I can tell you the two who before today had both managed to win five consecutive games in a very tough tournament.  In addition, Conn won NESCAC and were clearly peaking at the right time.  Their keeper caught everything, much to the chagrin of those with purple in their hearts and whilst I had a slight bias to Amherst maybe edging it, the gap was tiny.

Things rolled on and whilst both teams had chances, it did start to feel like we were heading towards OT and then it moved on to penalties.  I suspect the Camels supporters possibly felt more confident, particularly given they had been successful in the NESCAC quarter final against Amherst on that basis, but of course, the Mammoths possess a senior who knows a bit about winning shoot outs too.

The details are by now well known and both sides had chances to finish things, but it took EnmoreKitten to do so and things proceeded to go just a little crazy.  It will be no surprise that this correspondent was quite emotional as were all Mammoths supporters.  It's a stunning way to finish a college career and of course, now goes down into folklore.  I will have more to say about that.

To Conn, commiserations, an excellent team that works hard in transition and which just about handled what at times was a rampant Amherst attack.  I am sure they will be around next year.

I do have to advise that yet again, I have petitioned the NCAA, this time about how Amherst is recorded as 2024 Champions.  I have proposed that an asterisk is noted against it, reflecting the fact that so many posters here despised the manner in which it was achieved.  I am not sure if it will be successful, but I do hope it might just placate both the casual and active Amhaters

Speaking of Amhaters, if you are one, now might be a good time to look away...

So onto the team, but firstly the coach.  I'm never quite sure how much direct contact the more critical in here have actually had with him, but am feeling in a magnanimous mood today and will give them the benefit of the doubt.  I will tell you that this is someone who deeply cares about the young men in his charge and has utmost respect in the Amherst community.  That may not be enough for some, but it's more than enough for me.  To lead a team that has made four of the last five finals, won one, plus two NESCACs and also achieved a 2015 title suggests he should be given much more credit than what he gets and I don't mean of the begrudging kind.

As for the team, well where do you start? Two key players injured permanently inside the first few weeks of the season should have been and was, a massive blow.  But game after game this team found ways to win, not always to this correspondent's ultimate satisfaction, but good enough.  Last year I described the team as efficient, this year, "resilient" would be my label.  They mostly successfully defended slender leads and a team that let in four goals in the 2023 FF found a way to just concede one this time around, that speaks to the quality of the defence.

A skilfully assembled freshman class quickly paid dividends and today three of them played important roles and executed well.  The sophomores, including one well deserved AA, played their part too, but my highest praise must go to the seniors.  A superb group of young men who play with skill, make contests and most importantly, refuse to give up.  Their resilience was something to behold.  Along with a national title, this group also managed two NESCAC titles and multiple all NESCAC honours, that's a pretty outstanding return for four years.

This will be my last match report, but I know I will find it hard to stay away and I am sure I will occasionally opine.  I know it's not long until August and the opportunity to speculate about this and that.  I don't think anyone selected Amherst at any stage as the 2024 champion, but lots of others were nominated.  Maybe we don't know as much as we think we do.

Final Foul Count: Conn 15 Amherst 14 quite ironic that the Mammoths lose this count on the most important game of the season

[SKUD]

Bravo, proud to call you my friend!  I am thankful to the board for that.

[SimpleCoach]

I know, I know.... Coach of the Year candidate....

Adrian's Charlie Miles.  In 2023 the Bulldogs went 1-13-2.  This year?  11-4-2 and 11-0-2 before their first loss.

SC

[Kuiper]

Amherst Tops Connecticut College in PKs for first National Championship since 2015

Sweet redemption.

The Amherst men's soccer team captured the 2024 Division 3 national championship on Saturday in dramatic fashion over a familiar foe.

The Mammoths defeated NESCAC rival Connecticut College, 4-3 in penalty kicks, after a scoreless triple overtime showdown in Las Vegas, Nev. It's Amherst's first championship title in nine years and second all-time, after the program fell in the 2023 NCAA championship game.

In fact, Amherst played its fourth final in five seasons and it was a rematch of the 2021 NCAA final that saw Connecticut College win in a PK shootout.

[PaulNewman]

Connecticut College 0 Amherst 0 (Amherst win on penalties and are the 2024 D3 Champions)

I do have to advise that yet again, I have petitioned the NCAA, this time about how Amherst is recorded as 2024 Champions.  I have proposed that an asterisk is noted against it, reflecting the fact that so many posters here despised the manner in which it was achieved.  I am not sure if it will be successful, but I do hope it might just placate both the casual and active Amhaters

Speaking of Amhaters, if you are one, now might be a good time to look away...

So onto the team, but firstly the coach.  I'm never quite sure how much direct contact the more critical in here have actually had with him, but am feeling in a magnanimous mood today and will give them the benefit of the doubt.  I will tell you that this is someone who deeply cares about the young men in his charge and has utmost respect in the Amherst community.  That may not be enough for some, but it's more than enough for me.  To lead a team that has made four of the last five finals, won one, plus two NESCACs and also achieved a 2015 title suggests he should be given much more credit than what he gets and I don't mean of the begrudging kind.

As for the team, well where do you start? Two key players injured permanently inside the first few weeks of the season should have been and was, a massive blow.  But game after game this team found ways to win, not always to this correspondent's ultimate satisfaction, but good enough.  Last year I described the team as efficient, this year, "resilient" would be my label.  They mostly successfully defended slender leads and a team that let in four goals in the 2023 FF found a way to just concede one this time around, that speaks to the quality of the defence.

A skilfully assembled freshman class quickly paid dividends and today three of them played important roles and executed well.  The sophomores, including one well deserved AA, played their part too, but my highest praise must go to the seniors.  A superb group of young men who play with skill, make contests and most importantly, refuse to give up.  Their resilience was something to behold.  Along with a national title, this group also managed two NESCAC titles and multiple all NESCAC honours, that's a pretty outstanding return for four years.

This will be my last match report, but I know I will find it hard to stay away and I am sure I will occasionally opine.  I know it's not long until August and the opportunity to speculate about this and that.  I don't think anyone selected Amherst at any stage as the 2024 champion, but lots of others were nominated.  Maybe we don't know as much as we think we do.

Final Foul Count: Conn 15 Amherst 14 quite ironic that the Mammoths lose this count on the most important game of the season

Enmorecat, (and I'm guessing more than a handful of non-Amherst and non-bff fans feel similarly) I, non-begrudgingly, extend my heartiest congratulations and tip my cap to the 2024 World Champion Amherst Mammoths, especially the senior class, and especially to Justin Serpone, a truly mammoth legendary D3 coach who already has planted himself firmly in the discussion for greatest all-time D3 soccer skipper.  Mild embellishment, but all truthful.

Whilst you tried very hard (appreciated) to be more than gracious with your beaming purple heart, I do wish you had handled the grievance-oriented, vindicating portions of your post with a simple "Take that MFers!"

The underdog, we came out of nowhere, and no one ever guessed Amherst might be a F4 and national title threat rant is just a little bit much.  NO TEAM, and I mean not a single one, has been featured, extolled, criticized, and dominated the headlines of D3 men's soccer (including on this board) more than Amherst over a minimum of every year for the past 12-14 years.  This year was no different.  You'd be better off arguing that Amherst is treated unfairly because they get too much respect (even if much is of the so-called begrudging kind).  Call us lazy, call us cynical, call us haters...but my gosh, you certainly have not been ignored.  Like the argument about program with best decade, if anything, Amherst suffers from the disease of inevitability....so good for so long, and an automatic favorite pick to make the F4 every single year, that we often do commit the sin of taking the Amherst program for granted.

Put aside the perseveratively referenced style of play.  Has Amherst fairly or even marginally unfairly ever contributed to earning a reputation?  The history of arrogant, obnoxious, and even ugly behavior has been well-documented probably well before you ever heard the word 'Amherst.'  Surely you saw a couple or more examples during your three-year tenure.  It's the unapologetic arrogance.  We're the best...regarding everything...and indeed we're so much better and so superior we shouldn't even be playing and fraternizing with you.  Amherst (and NESCAC more broadly) have (rightly) dominated the narratives on this board and beyond.  But it's never enough.  The Amherst appetite is insatiable.  Like, you are too good to even be talking about or to us, and yet we should be constantly talking about and showing our respects for you. (And by you, I obviously do not mean you personally.)  Dear Lord if some backwater, public outfit like Mary Washington enjoys a portion of sunlight for a few weeks.

I wish you all had scored a couple and won 2-1 or 3-0 (and I'm also thinking about your lament during the season about sparse scoring).  But as I think I suggested in my first post post-match, the victory was still well deserved, and while I'll admit I would not have been bawling in my living room if Conn had edged the penalties, Amherst absolutely is the deserving champion based on a dominant performance on the field.

Be honest, though...if I told you Silvester would have three saves in PKs, would you think Amherst prevailed?

Two random player thoughts...

Jonny Novak must be one of the best barely talked about right backs in the country...and I mean over the past handful of years.

Who won the F4 MVP?  Even though tradition might argue otherwise, I think I honestly would have voted for Silvester, especially when considering his performance over two games.  W&L and Amherst both had Conn under heavy pressure for large portions of the matches, and Silvester's performance imo was nearly heroic.  I think that's my only regret about Conn not prevailing...the Silvester performance would have gone down in the annals as one of the great F4 performances.
 
Now back to the bonfire!

[Another Mom]

I think Silvester was named best defensive player of the Tournament (Max Landa was named best gk).

Yes, if it weren't for Silvester, W&L would have probably scored a goal or two.

[PaulNewman]

I think Silvester was named best defensive player of the Tournament (Max Landa was named best gk).

Yes, if it weren't for Silvester, W&L would have probably scored a goal or two.

Or four...

[Another Mom]

I hate it when our opponents have good goalkeepers!! 😅

[PaulNewman]

I hate it when our opponents have good goalkeepers!! 😅

Everybody does!  Imo D3 has more great GKs than any other position.  I might go with CBs next.  A lot of very good CBs and CB combos.

[Sabrina76]

As a former player and alum, I was glad that Amherst won, but I still struggle with soccer's insistence on all levels that penalty kicks decide the winner. It's the last game of the year, plenty of subs, why can't they play it out? The international game frequently is spoiled as teams do little in overtime, preferring to risk PKs than exposing themselves to a goal. And the loser counts it as a tie not a loss! Way too many crucial games are decided by penalties. I'd love to just see sudden death on all playoff games, but at least have it for the championship.

[Ejay]

I've heard a few ideas that would make for intriguing ways to break a tie. I haven't given much thought to either, but they sure sound interesting.

1. Start removing players (similar to hockey). OT1 is 10v10, OT2 is 9v9...
2. Conduct PKs before the game. The PK loser knows they have to win in OT so they'll be more inclined to attack.
3. Use statistics... Winner is team with fewer fouls and cards; team with more shots; team with most corner kicks, etc.