WCLL week 4, Post scores, comments, discussions here

[Ravaging Beast]

I was at the UCSB v BYU game last night. My prediction was pretty close to the final outcome. The BYU goalie had some pretty good saves. The UCSB crowd gave up 3 goals. They gave up two goals for some idiot throwing a tennis ball at the BYU bench (3 minute unreleasable) and another for throwing tortillas in the air or cursing. BYU looked a little rusty to start the game, but obviously turned it around. They have some huge attackman (can't remember his number). He seemed like he could run through anyone. UCSB is very young but talented group of players. There is a huge difference between playing BYU and playing UCLA. I think with UCSB's experienced coaching staff, they will have this team in their rightful place by seasons end. As far a the Chapman game, my prediction stands. I actually think Chapman has a good chance at winning. As long as they can keep their crowd under control, I wouldn't be surprised if they win.

[SoCalLaxDoctor]

I was at the UCSB v BYU game last night. My prediction was pretty close to the final outcome. The BYU goalie had some pretty good saves. The UCSB crowd gave up 3 goals. They gave up two goals for some idiot throwing a tennis ball at the BYU bench (3 minute unreleasable) and another for throwing tortillas in the air or cursing. BYU looked a little rusty to start the game, but obviously turned it around. They have some huge attackman (can't remember his number). He seemed like he could run through anyone. UCSB is very young but talented group of players. There is a huge difference between playing BYU and playing UCLA. I think with UCSB's experienced coaching staff, they will have this team in their rightful place by seasons end. As far a the Chapman game, my prediction stands. I actually think Chapman has a good chance at winning. As long as they can keep their crowd under control, I wouldn't be surprised if they win.

[laxdad03]

Pretty much agree with you on most things, Beast. UCSB is good and strong, I like the team and coaching staff and the way they play and conduct games, and look forward to them continuing to do well. UCSB did have a 4 game experience edge going into this one (BYU's first of the year), and managed to keep the ball on their end of the field and out of the BYU O's hands for just about the whole first half, it seemed (although they scored ok when they did get it down there). Not quite thrilled with the bulk of the (rather sauced?) crowd as a whole, though; entire large sections of fans shouting F-bomb chants somehow never seem quite classy, for example. Tortillas (as a celebration) are fine by me, and actually seem kind of a cool and unique tradition (except maybe when they get too far onto the field and disrupt play), but it was actually 2 or 3 tennis balls, plus beer cans, water bottles, gum, rolls of TP, etc. launched at the other bench that seemed a little much, as well as booing opposing goals and such. Much to their credit, UCSB coaches and players were pleading with the crowd and strongly trying to quell things (even going up into the stands on occasion), but didn't seem to have much success, until many seemed to leave as the score didn't go UCSB's way (I'd like to see 'em SUPPORT their team and the sport, and respect their great skills and effort and dedication). I saw the N.R. signalled, maybe I missed something, but don't remember anything being 3 minutes (hard to tell with the scoreboard clock turned off though -- the box score I saw doesn't show it as a 3 either, FWIW, but of course they are far from perfect sometimes). I think you mean Pat Matheson (34), actually a (big) middie. And yes, the Chapman game tomorrow should be a good one; I've seen them play too, and they do look good. Best of luck to the Gauchos team through the season (will be interested to see how 4/12 goes for you as well).

[Theflow]

I always knew that crowd at SB was rowdy, but that is pretty costly for the home team to have so many penalties.

The USD v Chapman game last night was a fun one to watch. USD has a truck load of young talent, and I really think they are going to be a force in the future. I was a little confused by their team write up of the game when they said:

"A series of mental errors on behalf of USD and unfortunate penalties eventually secured the game for Chapman. Chapman proved their offensive strength came in the form of their lethal sharp shooters. USD proved that they could compete for a Top 25 spot but only if they are able to not commit mental errors."

By my count, Chapman probably had 3 times the penalties that USD had (maybe more), and I think mental errors can be called "getting beat on d." I just don't think USD needs excuses. They have an exciting up and coming team, but they were not yet up to par with a team like Chapman. I think they are going to do pretty well this year, and even better in years to come.

Excited about the Chapman game on saturday. Should be a full house...

[RopeNoRope]

Why do so many fans in the MCLA seemed to get bent out of shape over rowdy fans. I personally think it is a good thing.

Of course there is a line between tasteful and not. I.E. Throwing things on the field or at the opposing team = not tasteful. However, I see no problem with chanting, booing the other team's goals or players.

I'm pretty sure most teams would love to have a faithful rowdy fan section, provided they are not costing them penalties.

[3rdPersonPlural]

I too was at the game. I noted that the officials warned the UCSB bench about the fans, then dinged them a dead ball technical (costing just a face off) and then called the USC when a tennis ball hit either a player or a coach on the BYU bench. It is by rule incumbent on the home coach to control the home fans, and projectiles scoring hits on the visitor's bench players is by definition out of control.

Doctor, the refs were not part of the problem. They called a clean, tight game. I'm a UCSB fan and an official myself, and I sat next to a BYU parent who was knowledgeable of the rules, and we never differed about the calls. That says something!

As far as I'm concerned, the game was won by the BYU shooters. They got open on the crease, they released quick, and they rarely missed.

[dallax]

What time is the A&M at Sonoma game on Sunday? I haven't seen anything other than TBA.

[westcoastlax]

What time is the A&M at Sonoma game on Sunday? I haven't seen anything other than TBA.

1:00pm

[Jeff Harlos]

Who leads ?


Texas A&M at UC- Davis tonight ?



soon halftime ???



Thanks




jeff
lacrosse fan

[laxdad03]

Why do so many fans in the MCLA seemed to get bent out of shape over rowdy fans. I personally think it is a good thing.

Of course there is a line between tasteful and not. I.E. Throwing things on the field or at the opposing team = not tasteful. However, I see no problem with chanting, booing the other team's goals or players.

I'm pretty sure most teams would love to have a faithful rowdy fan section, provided they are not costing them penalties.

Rope, I'd like to take an honest shot at answering your question, for what it may be worth. I think it is because of the very nature ("virtual varsity" and all) of the MCLA that we continually try to improve our product, reputation, and experience (and I hope my comments don't seem too much like "bent out of shape..."). I too remember the keg-on-the-sidelines, drink-out-of-the-cleats days, and there were some good things there too, but I don't think we (or at least many of us) really want to confine ourselves to that sort of existence, now or into the future.

I agree, a "faithful rowdy fan section" CAN be a good thing (and even BYU crowds have some elements of that, too, at times). Teams and players do love and need support, that's a lot of what it's all about. Some (good natured? "tasteful"? "classy"?) booing, heckling, "getting in the other team's head", etc., can have their place. But I don't think that translates to wanting a frat party in the stands, either. I suspect (particularly judging from their actions) that the Gauchos team and staff would much prefer a crowd who actually cares about the game and the team and the athletic endeavor, rather than folks just looking for a place to be obnoxious and "funny" (hurtful? baiting? gratuitous? for the "shock" value?) and then bail when it's apparently no fun any more. Yes, as discussed, the crowd (unfortunately, but probably necessarily, to get the requisite attention) cost UCSB a couple penalties last night (BYU still had to actually score the goals), but I really don't think the crowd (or refs, or anything related) had much impact on the outcome of the game. Were the "rowdy fans" really helping?

And thank you VERY much, "them" (or should it be "they"? Anyway, 3rdPP) for providing a good example of how it can and should be (at least in my opinion) between good competitors and their supporters -- you were great, and such things (even though they may not be quite so visibly or vocally noticeable to crowds at large) really do happen relatively often, with very positive results, respect, and growth for individuals and organizations concerned. Again, I think that's really why we're here.

I guess I'd like to think that no discussion should be needed as to on which side of the "tasteful" line belong things like, for only one example among many, "F- You" cheers. And it truly does pain me to hear, as I did afterwards, players (even rowdy ones) sincerely saying things like "I'm glad my Mom wasn't at this game", and maybe actually meaning it on the sad-but-true balance. A goodly number of Moms, families, and youngsters (looking up to Collegiate Atheletics for good examples), were.

I think we (the MCLA) are better than that.

[azlaxmax45]

anyone know the score of the asu vs/ cal poly slo game?

[left coast bias]

I don't know where to send "letters to the editor" kinds of things but I was reading Marc Lea's article Cougars Survive Season Opening Ruckus and just wanted to correct him on the following quote:


Coming into the game, the Gauchos owned a slim advantage in the all-time series (7-6), one of the best inter-conference rivalries in the MCLA. Although BYU defeated the Gauchos twice last season, including in the MCLA semi-finals, they had never beaten the Gauchos on their home turf.

That would change by the end of the night, as BYU evened the series record and put an emphatic stamp on the first step in their title defense, racing to an impressive 15-9 victory at “The Pit.”


The game was not at "The Pit." It was played in Harder Stadium. Its not a big deal but being a UCSB player I'd like to think that our record on the infamous PIT still stands against BYU. Then again we haven't played them on it in at least the past 3 years.

Also, I agree with the comments about the crowd. I like having large numbers of fans out but they were acting ridiculous and without class. I think they kept us fired up in the first half as we traded goals with BYU but started acting classless in the 2nd half and our bench and coaching staff were screaming at them to stop as they were only making things worse for us. Great game though and my hat is off to BYU. Hopefully we will get to see them again later this season.[/u]

[Aaron Myers]

10-9 ASU

[CPLaxGM]

I don't know where to send "letters to the editor" kinds of things but I was reading Marc Lea's article Cougars Survive Season Opening Ruckus and just wanted to correct him on the following quote:

That would change by the end of the night, as BYU evened the series record and put an emphatic stamp on the first step in their title defense, racing to an impressive 15-9 victory at “The Pit.”


The game was not at "The Pit." It was played in Harder Stadium. Its not a big deal but being a UCSB player I'd like to think that our record on the infamous PIT still stands against BYU. Then again we haven't played them on it in at least the past 3 years.

[/u]

I actually didn't write "the Pit" part; I'm all too familiar with the difference between the Pit and Harder Stadium. That must have been an editorial addition. I don't have access to editing the articles once they're posted so Sonny will have to make that correction for us.

[Sonny]

I don't know where to send "letters to the editor" kinds of things but I was reading Marc Lea's article Cougars Survive Season Opening Ruckus and just wanted to correct him on the following quote:

Try clicking that handy dandy "Contact Us" link on the menu bar above or below.

The error has been corrected. Sorry about that.