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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 18, 2013 8:58:46 GMT -6
Division III #1 Newman vs. #2 Episcopal BR Friday, February 22, 2013 at 7:30 Tad Gormley Stadium
Newman seeks its eighth title. Episcopal BR is playing in the program's first championship match. Who wins? Why?
FINAL:
Episcopal BR 2 Newman 1 (OT) Goals: Cody Mitchell, Adam Clausen (Episcopal), Allen Kuhn (Newman) MVP: Adam Clausen
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warrior16
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Post by warrior16 on Feb 18, 2013 13:21:39 GMT -6
I have Episcopal winning 1-0. Newman is a very good program, as always, but I think a lot of people are really underestimating Episcopal.
They are a tall, very physical team with good possession. Their goalkeeper, Erol Knaus, and his defense are the best in D-III in my opinion out of all the D-III teams I've seen this year. Their midfielders and forwards are technically skilled and very fast. And again height is a major advantage on set pieces and balls in the air, and the Knights have plenty of that.
They are playing their best soccer of the year, holding a very impressive fifteen game winning streak, and I just don't see their season ending in defeat, even to Newman.
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Post by hitstick on Feb 18, 2013 21:37:55 GMT -6
I'll take Newman in a close one
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Post by gooner on Feb 18, 2013 22:14:55 GMT -6
Warrior16, have you even seen Newman play this year? I don't doubt that Episcopal has a strong defense, but Newman's defense has been outstanding this year, led by three seniors and a very strong sophomore.
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Post by bschool on Feb 18, 2013 22:28:40 GMT -6
I think the coaches got this match-up right. #1 vs. #2. I think Newman has the advantage going in.
I have not seen Episcopal Baton Rouge (EBR) play this year. I am however looking at the six teams EBR and Newman played this year.
In chronological order and updated from my previous errors (as d3enthuisat pointed out, thanks).
EBR v. Catholic NI 1-1 tie EBR v. Country Day: 2-0 win EBR v. Northlake Christian: 0-4 loss EBR v. Lusher: 1-2 loss EBR v. St. Martin’s: 6-2 win EBR v. University: 1-0 win EBR v. University: 1-0 win #2 EBR v Lusher: 3-1 win #2 (quarter-final round) Episcopal’s record vs teams Episcopal and Newman played: 5-2-1. Average Goals for/game: 1.875
Average Goals against/game 1.25
Newman's record:
Newman v. Northlake Christian: 3-0 win Newman v. St. Martin’s: 5-1 win Newman v. University Lab: 1-1 tie Newman v Country Day: 4-0 win Newman v. Lusher: 3-0 win
Newman v. Catholic NI: 2-1 win Newman v. Lusher: 4-1 win
Newman v. Country Day: 4-1 win #2 Newman v University Lab: 2-1 win (semi-final round) Newman’s record vs. teams Episcopal and Newman played: 8-0-1
Average Goals for/game: 3.1
Average Goals against/game: 0.66
Episcopal lost to two teams in the set of teams both played. Northlake Christian and Lusher, 0-4 and 1-2 (mid-season), but University beat Lusher in the quarter-final round and most recent result 3-1). Newman beat Northlake Christian (once, early season) and Lusher (twice) (early and late season 3-0, 4-1).
Looking at likely the 'best' match-up would be the games both played v University Lab. Except for the fact that University has a style to suit its strengths. Kick a long ball and have their forward (#25 is it?) out run defense and shoot it. Evident University's lone forward caught off-sides several times trying to implement.
Episcopal played University Lab twice and late in the season (Jan 23 and Jan 26). Winning both 1-0. Newman played University Lab twice, once early (1-1 tie) and then again late in the semifinal round (2-1 win). I think prior stats support why Newman is ranked #1 and Episcopal #2.
IMHO it would be an upset if Episcopal wins and it would not happen twice this year.
But then the final match is not the best 2 out of 3 games!
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warrior16
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Post by warrior16 on Feb 18, 2013 22:47:35 GMT -6
Warrior16, have you even seen Newman play this year? I don't doubt that Episcopal has a strong defense, but Newman's defense has been outstanding this year, led by three seniors and a very strong sophomore. I have only seen a few minutes of Newman this season, and that isn't enough to really assess a team well. In contrast, I have seen Episcopal play three full games this season, and their defense was exceptional each time. I don't doubt for a second that Newman also has a phenomenal defense. I just didn't comment on them because is isn't good to spout off on things I haven't seen in person or had any experience with.
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Post by cubpride on Feb 19, 2013 7:41:29 GMT -6
With our team having played both teams twice, home and home, I see this one being close, and possibly dependent on how the game is called. While Newman's #17 is extremely physical, their team overall tends to play in a passing and elusive style, while EBR is very physical, hands-on team. If the game is tightly called, there will be ample opportunities for Newman to score off of PKs, where their ability to score off set plays make them tough to defend. If the ref lets them play, it will be difficult for Newman to escape the hugging and mugging enough to score, at least is was for our boys. EBR scored exactly one goal in regulation on us, and it was similar to the winning goal Saturday-the briefest of letdowns by the defense and a long range rocket that our keeper had no chance at. And if the game is not tightly called, EBR will be tough to keep out of the goal on corner kicks, as they are big and block out/box out better than a good college basketball team. I've got Newman winning 2-1, but with extra time to get there.
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Post by GoCosmos on Feb 19, 2013 8:33:01 GMT -6
bschool - good analysis. While the EHS players and fans are aware of Newman’s impressive record, few have seen them play this season. EHS cannot underestimate this strong Newman team, and they need to prepare for what will be by far their toughest game of the season. Not that it would change things much, you could add EHS’s playoff win over Lusher, 3-1. In a potentially wet, raining contest, I will go with EHS 2-1 in regulation!
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Post by goldenboots12 on Feb 19, 2013 10:51:55 GMT -6
I would say Newman takes this game 2-0 or 2-1. After watching them play all season I have only seen a few teams capable of playing with them for a whole game, one of them being University last week. Although University was a very talented team played with them in athleticism and spirit, they weren't comparable to Newman in ball control and skillful soccer play. Newman has a marvelous keeper, tough defense, exceptional midfield, speed and vision in it's forwards, and a kid with excellent hair. Nothing is guaranteed in the championship and winner takes all, but there is no doubt Newman is the best team in DIII this year. Hopefully the rain won't play a role in what is sure to be a Jolly good game.
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Post by d4enthusiast on Feb 19, 2013 11:50:51 GMT -6
Newman v. Lusher: 3-0 win
Newman v. Catholic NI: 1-1 tie Newman v. Lusher: 4-1 win Newman v University Lab: 2-1 win (semi’s)
Looking at likely the 'best' match-up would be the games both played v University Lab.
Newman actually beat Catholic NI 2-1 and tied University mid-season 1-1, but neither of these results should be used to compare Episcopal of Baton Rouge and Isidore Newman. Games played in early and mid season don't always accurately reflect the two teams for a variety of reasons. To get the most accurate reflections, I think district matches and playoffs should be the main focus for comparison because the teams aren't likely to change very much from how they played in those matches. The intensity is also pretty guaranteed in these types of games. The two teams that could act as a potential barometer for this final in my opinion are Lusher Charter and University Lab. Ignoring mid-season results (Newman draw with University), Newman beat Uhigh in a hotly contested semi-final and Episcopal beat them twice, both times 1-0 in district. Uhigh is very good team that imposes their direct style on their opponents. They are very effective in altering how the other team wants to play. For this reason, we may not see the true styles of Episcopal and Newman, and how they tend to score their goals. Ignoring mid-season results (Episcopal loss to Lusher), Episcopal beat Lusher handily in the quarterfinals 3-1 (not 3-0 as posted earlier by GoCosmos), and Newman beat them twice 3-0 and 4-1, both times in district. While there are similar results against both opponents, Lusher, in my opinion, provides a better insight into Newman and Episcopal. Unlike University, Lusher plays a possession-oriented style with competent players all over the pitch who lack the strength and physicality of Uhigh. Teams can dictate the game when playing Lusher despite their quality. Examining the more recent game between Lusher and Newman and also Episcopal vs Lusher, both finalists jumped on Lusher early with a disheartening first goal. Newman played a through-ball that seemed too far for their forward who was just able to swing around it and chip the goalie far post less than two minutes into the game. Episcopal's first goal came off of a free kick that hit the Lusher wall, more specifically the hand of a player in the wall. A pk was awarded and converted, and while I am not disputing the call, Lusher players sure were, and it seemed to affect them for the rest of the game. The rest of the two games was also telling. Newman's primarily possession style was able to break down Lusher with some clinical passes and finishing in the final third, but they don't lack physicality either. #17 for Newman, the previously referenced big striker, demonstrated his nimble feet as well as his force as he maneuvered his way on a counter from his own side of the field single-handedly broke down 3 Lusher defenders en route to a great finish to end the first half up 3-0. Episcopal utilized their aerial strengths in getting their goals. Their other two goals against Lusher came off attempts to find the head of #16 in the box (once off a free kick and once off a long-throw). Both times Episcopal was able to finish off the scrum. Episcopal's offense is very adept at scoring once the ball reaches the box, so access to said area must be denied if Newman hopes to keep them off the board. Their goals come off of direct plays, but it is a bit unclear whether Episcopal will look to play direct in their buildup or if they would rather break Newman down with the pass. As far as the final goes, I don't see a scenario where this is not a one-goal game. I see one team taking the lead in the first half, the other responding, and the game winner coming in the waning minutes or potentially overtime. So, in my opinion first goal wins it, and I give Newman a 57.1% chance of scoring first.
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Post by goalz1 on Feb 19, 2013 12:00:41 GMT -6
This is defiantly going to be a close game. number 16 for EHS is great in the air which could definitely hurt Newman. I think this game is too close to call, but I think it will go to overtime.
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Post by thebirdistheword on Feb 19, 2013 19:11:46 GMT -6
3-1 Newman, Episcopal's goal comes early in the game and Newman dominates the rest of the match.
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Post by barnacle13 on Feb 21, 2013 15:58:24 GMT -6
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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 21, 2013 16:09:42 GMT -6
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soccer007
All-District
Go Big or Go Home
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Post by soccer007 on Feb 21, 2013 20:57:16 GMT -6
I ll take Episcopal with the win 1-0 or 2-1. Late goal or OT
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Post by pOkLE on Feb 22, 2013 8:18:08 GMT -6
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Post by GoCosmos on Feb 22, 2013 16:01:25 GMT -6
TWC indicates 90-100% chance of rain at game time. In traffic in N.O. looking at high over cast. Hope it holds off until after game. EHS is fired up, I'm sure Newman is too. Looking forward to a great match-up!
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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 22, 2013 16:09:59 GMT -6
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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 22, 2013 17:22:40 GMT -6
Looking at the radar, doesn't look to be much coming up from the southwest. Looks like we'll have a dry Div. III Finals. Feels very comfortable for a soccer game.
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Post by drogba on Feb 22, 2013 17:40:42 GMT -6
The way I see it Newman probably should be DII I know student populations warrants DIII but soccer player population is another story. I expect Newman to win. But good luck to both squads.
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