Notre Dame Lacrosse Open thread

[irishrb]

Maybe if they can sneak in, we can see Ryder return after the semester ends which will allow Gleebo to run through the box. Is Garnsey allowed to practice? I like the change at goalie but no one can stop D1 shooters on the doorstep forever. Get that team D fixed. Pick 3 primary SSDMs and don't slide so fast to your top notch poles. Looks to me like our team D is backsliding and knowing the talent on the field pretty well that's 80% on the coaching. Leave the hubris and self promotion hype in a box until you win the SHIP! Coach em up.....

I have no clue if Garnsey is allowed to practice, but I think he comes back if they are able to sneak in....and then I think they are a dangerous team. He would add so much to their offense!
1000 % agree with you analysis on D, and like you said no one is going to stop those bunny shots....well Duke did once...LOL
Duke wasn't going to lose 3 in a row, just wan't going to happen, but that wasn't a good showing for ND. I can say, there is A TON the coaches/team can take away from that film...Hopefully they get better from it!

 

[Picasso]

I have no clue if Garnsey is allowed to practice, but I think he comes back if they are able to sneak in....and then I think they are a dangerous team. He would add so much to their offense!
1000 % agree with you analysis on D, and like you said no one is going to stop those bunny shots....well Duke did once...LOL
Duke wasn't going to lose 3 in a row, just wan't going to happen, but that wasn't a good showing for ND. I can say, there is A TON the coaches/team can take away from that film...Hopefully they get better from it!

Went back through the W-L records today. If they don't turn it around against Cornell and UNC (I expect a complete blowout against Marquette at Arlotta) and make a deep run in the playoffs, they're in danger of being the worst (W-Ls) ND lacrosse team since 2003. I know their schedule is tough but it's supposed to be: ND has been and aspires to be a perennial top ten program.

 

[IrishLax]

I didn't watch the game, was busy coaching.

I think they need to win the next three games to make the tournament... I think any loss and they're out, short of bouncing back and winning the ACC tournament championship. The blown leads against UVA and Ohio State are going to haunt them, especially considering Ohio State is not actually good and the Denver win is getting significantly devalued.

Bottom line is I'm not sure if it even matters because the way the team is playing right now they have a 0% chance to win a championship. Their defense continues to be subpar, and their offense -- while as balanced as it has been in a long time -- lacks the star power of other contenders. They need to show in the next three games that they are capable of playing a "complete" 60 minutes with excellence in all phases of the game.

 

[Picasso]

I didn't watch the game, was busy coaching.

I think they need to win the next three games to make the tournament... I think any loss and they're out, short of bouncing back and winning the ACC tournament championship. The blown leads against UVA and Ohio State are going to haunt them, especially considering Ohio State is not actually good and the Denver win is getting significantly devalued.

Bottom line is I'm not sure if it even matters because the way the team is playing right now they have a 0% chance to win a championship. Their defense continues to be subpar, and their offense -- while as balanced as it has been in a long time -- lacks the star power of other contenders. They need to show in the next three games that they are capable of playing a "complete" 60 minutes with excellence in all phases of the game.

I think you're spot on. What I don't understand is why the defense is on the decline? You have the entire close D back sans a great LSM. Your FO game is better. You have a seasoned pair of SSDMs on the roster and your anointed keeper is back and is a year older. Is this an inability to focus for 60 minutes or has this regime run its course and are we watching the decline of an Empire?

My predictions: This staff has bested Joe Amplo at every turn and will continue to do so this week. I also like us versus Cornell. The Ivies always seem to wilt versus the Irish. Carolina on the other hand is Jeckyl and Hyde. It all depends on who you get that day.

 

[Picasso]

I think you're spot on. What I don't understand is why the defense is on the decline? You have the entire close D back sans a great LSM. Your FO game is better. You have a seasoned pair of SSDMs on the roster and your anointed keeper is back and is a year older. Is this an inability to focus for 60 minutes or has this regime run its course and are we watching the decline of an Empire?

My predictions: This staff has bested Joe Amplo at every turn and will continue to do so this week. I also like us versus Cornell. The Ivies always seem to wilt versus the Irish. Carolina on the other hand is Jeckyl and Hyde. It all depends on who you get that day.

Irish roll over Amplo as predicted. Me thinks the Irish staff is still bitter after being shut out by the USA staff. Seriously though, the keeper change is paying dividends. Let’s hope they didn’t wait too long. One down, two to go boys.

 

[irishrb]

Irish roll over Amplo as predicted. Me thinks the Irish staff is still bitter after being shut out by the USA staff. Seriously though, the keeper change is paying dividends. Let’s hope they didn’t wait too long. One down, two to go boys.

Ya, pretty sloppy first half..I think they had 17 turnovers, and really struggled early with the 10 man ride. Down, I believe 5-4 early third, and then they just took over..Face-off unit was lights out ( I thought Restic stepped up at wing.) Costabile looked good, Crance is a beast, and ya, new goalie literally stepping up with some big saves.
Syracuse really controlled Cornell, so hopefully the Irish do the same!!!

 

[IrishLax]

Two very big, very winnable games on the horizon. ND wins both they are an NCAA tourney lock. Lose one and they are on the bubble needing work in ACC tourney. Lose both the season is likely over.

 

[stpeteirish]

might end up playing North Carolina twice in a five day stretch, last regular season game and then the 4-5 game on Thrusday 4/25.

 

[IrishLax]

might end up playing North Carolina twice in a five day stretch, last regular season game and then the 4-5 game on Thrusday 4/25.

Very possible, the permutations right now for ACC seeding are kind of absurd. Nothing is settled except UVA being the 1 seed. All other teams could end up anywhere between #2 and #5.

 

[Picasso]

Very possible, the permutations right now for ACC seeding are kind of absurd. Nothing is settled except UVA being the 1 seed. All other teams could end up anywhere between #2 and #5.

Tied at 4 at half. God I love Zullo in the cage. If he's there for some of the earlier losses they're Ws. Offense needs to step up.

 

[stpeteirish]

ugh. another winnable game lost

 

[irishrb]

So frustrating...Total domination on face-offs and they just get outplayed.
First why wasn't this game played indoors???
Notre Dame's SSDM exposed....
Notre Dame missing layups....
Just not a good year so far...probably need to beat unc 2 weeks in a row to get in...
I'll say it...Time for Corrigan to leave! This team needs fresh blood on the sidelines to get the most out of their offensive units.

 

[Picasso]

ugh. another winnable game lost

Ah yes, a couple of observations: the same SSDMs killed them again down the stretch. Zullo had a killer save when they were making their comeback but an SSDM breakdown gave the Big Red the game. Overall close D did not look their normal great self: stickwork was sloppy and defensive slides (especially to the shorties) looked late. Loved the irish play at the X but Constiblie going cold in the second half, Gleebo turning the ball over too many times on dive plays (one with three guys covering him) as well as a predictable O made the Big Red D's job a lot easier. Here's a question for the former players on the forum: why is the DC putting in the worst SSDM when you've just scored three goals (your defensive players are all well rested) and are within a goal of tying up the score? Who's running the box: Socrates?

A coaching observation: Aside from needs improvement on the Xs and Os, the HC needs to bite his lip more. You've just made a great run to come within one and he's going apoplectic on the sideline. When you're on a run and your team makes a mistake, you need to "shake it off" smile (even if it kills you), clap your hands and encourage (see John Danowski), An overly negative reaction will cause your players to tighten up and play poorly. Watch the film if you want to see a textbook training video on how to sabotage a comeback from the sidelines.

 

[IrishLax]

The season is probably over. UNC is a must win, and then they probably need to win at least one and maybe two games in ACC tournament.

 

[irishrb]

Ah yes, a couple of observations: the same SSDMs killed them again down the stretch. Zullo had a killer save when they were making their comeback but an SSDM breakdown gave the Big Red the game. Overall close D did not look their normal great self: stickwork was sloppy and defensive slides (especially to the shorties) looked late. Loved the irish play at the X but Constiblie going cold in the second half, Gleebo turning the ball over too many times on dive plays (one with three guys covering him) as well as a predictable O made the Big Red D's job a lot easier. Here's a question for the former players on the forum: why is the DC putting in the worst SSDM when you've just scored three goals (your defensive players are all well rested) and are within a goal of tying up the score? Who's running the box: Socrates?

True to the first bold....
No clue to the second bold....

The first is why I want new blood on the sidelines...The second just adds fuel to the fire to me...

 

[Picasso]

The season is probably over. UNC is a must win, and then they probably need to win at least one and maybe two games in ACC tournament.

It's too late (and this staff is clearly incapabable of make wholesale changes) for a schematic enema folks. That being said, I still have hope for this team. If the coach puts BC at the point on fast breaks, runs Gleebo out of the box more, and most importantly switches up the SSDM coverage, this team can beat anyone especially an undisciplined Tarheel squad.

If Leonard dominates the X the way he did today next week, I would start running a two way O middie (maybe two) on the wing. With the way Leonard pinches and pops, I like a 5 on 4 break with an O middie in the mix. Also, Constabile is a much better passer than Serge ever was: how about putting him at the point on FOs. Roll him into the point position and he'll stretch the opposition's transition D out thereby giving you more layups. In summary, ND needs a higher conversion rate out of their transition O and better SSDM play (coupled with better stickwork and team D by the poles). P.S.: Mirer needs to play more, he's a tough match up (physically) to cover for a shortie.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

I'll be honest guys, I haven't had the opportunity to watch at all this year but I'm surprised by the weakness at the SSDM position from your reports. Seems like each week is plugging a new leak between goal and other issues popping up. Have they put together a complete game yet this year?
It troubles me a bit as an attackman that Picasso thinks a middie is a better transition option at the point to run the break. Damn, must not be good. Seems like even Breschi could figure out to prevent the break off of the FO.
Corrigan still acting like a hybrid Petro/Tierney on the sidelines? Not a good look, and like Pic said, not very helpful.
Going to try to find a replay of today. Have a great week guys, I have to get back into it. My favorite time of the year and been too damn busy to watch.

 

[irishrb]

Just saw this on insidelacrosse.com:

The Irish host UNC this weekend.
Unofficially, here are Anish Shroff’s calculations.

If UNC wins the ACC seeds are:
1. Virginia
2. North Carolina
3. Syracuse
4. Duke
5. Notre Dame

If ND wins:
1. Virginia
2. Duke
3. Notre Dame
4. Syracuse
5. North Carolina
So either way, it'll be 'Cuse vs. Carolina and Duke vs. Notre Dame.

Obviously HUGE game against unc. I just don't see ND beating Duke....Beat Carolina, and hope the hard schedule gives them a high enough RPI to have a fighting chance to get in...

 

[IrishLax]

Just saw this on insidelacrosse.com:

The Irish host UNC this weekend.
Unofficially, here are Anish Shroff’s calculations.

If UNC wins the ACC seeds are:
1. Virginia
2. North Carolina
3. Syracuse
4. Duke
5. Notre Dame

If ND wins:
1. Virginia
2. Duke
3. Notre Dame
4. Syracuse
5. North Carolina
So either way, it'll be 'Cuse vs. Carolina and Duke vs. Notre Dame.

Obviously HUGE game against unc. I just don't see ND beating Duke....Beat Carolina, and hope the hard schedule gives them a high enough RPI to have a fighting chance to get in...

Ideal scenario is playing Duke in 2v3 after beating Carolina, because then that win gets you in the NCAA tournament.

Other scenario means you need to win 3 in a row in ACC tournament to get in and that's highly improbable.

So we have a two game season, and it starts next weekend.

 

[irishrb]

If they can beat unc, I think they might still have a chance to get in. Pretty slim...but still a possibility.

 

[stpeteirish]

Just saw this on insidelacrosse.com:

The Irish host UNC this weekend.
Unofficially, here are Anish Shroff’s calculations.

If UNC wins the ACC seeds are:
1. Virginia
2. North Carolina
3. Syracuse
4. Duke
5. Notre Dame

If ND wins:
1. Virginia
2. Duke
3. Notre Dame
4. Syracuse
5. North Carolina
So either way, it'll be 'Cuse vs. Carolina and Duke vs. Notre Dame.

Obviously HUGE game against unc. I just don't see ND beating Duke....Beat Carolina, and hope the hard schedule gives them a high enough RPI to have a fighting chance to get in...

is our game the only ACC conference game left?

 

[irishrb]

is our game the only ACC conference game left?

Yes, it is.

 

[irishrb]

According to Laxmagazine.com:
Notre Dame has a top-10 RPI, a top-five schedule and a pair of high-end victories (Maryland and Syracuse). The Irish’s chances of inclusion will be pretty good if they fend off North Carolina this weekend....

 

[Picasso]

According to Laxmagazine.com:
Notre Dame has a top-10 RPI, a top-five schedule and a pair of high-end victories (Maryland and Syracuse). The Irish’s chances of inclusion will be pretty good if they fend off North Carolina this weekend....

Seriously, if they fix (hubris and pride can kill seasoned coaches) the aforementioned defensive issues and play with more consistent energy this team could be a giant killer down the stretch. Even a FF team and if they make it that far anything can happen. How far they go in largely a matter of coaching adjustments and ability to motivate. Wouldn't a NC in a year you hit 300 be a grand slam. Here's hoping it happens.

 

[irishrb]

Seriously, if they fix (hubris and pride can kill seasoned coaches) the aforementioned defensive issues and play with more consistent energy this team could be a giant killer down the stretch. Even a FF team and if they make it that far anything can happen. How far they go in largely a matter of coaching adjustments and ability to motivate. Wouldn't a NC in a year you hit 300 be a grand slam. Here's hoping it happens.

Well Carolina's last championship came in Philly, when they just squeezed into the tourney to begin with...So let's get the ball rollin'

 

[irishrb]

Well the Irish took care of business today beating carolina 12-10. Big games by Gleason, Willets. Notre Dame outshot unc 50-26!
Top 10 NCAA reveal didn't have ND in it, but I think that win gets them in, especially if conference favorites take care of business.
Head scratcher with the coaches changing goalies...which did not work out...Not the time to be playing mental games with your goalies!

 

[Picasso]

Well the Irish took care of business today beating carolina 12-10. Big games by Gleason, Willets. Notre Dame outshot unc 50-26!
Top 10 NCAA reveal didn't have ND in it, but I think that win gets them in, especially if conference favorites take care of business.
Head scratcher with the coaches changing goalies...which did not work out...Not the time to be playing mental games with your goalies!

When a staff can't admit it was mistaken that falls in the category of coaching hubris: based on the stats, yesterday's hubris was not a good decision for the team. Let's hope everyone learns their lesson (team first, ego second), shakes it off and the Irish beat the Dookies in the ACC tournament and win their second Conference SHIP in a row. By the way, no team wins a national championship without a hot confident keeper.

Gleebo getting #40 was spot on. Great selfless player playing in the right era: shot clock with the new dive rule is perfect for his game.

 

[stpeteirish]

Well the Irish took care of business today beating carolina 12-10. Big games by Gleason, Willets. Notre Dame outshot unc 50-26!
Top 10 NCAA reveal didn't have ND in it, but I think that win gets them in, especially if conference favorites take care of business.
Head scratcher with the coaches changing goalies...which did not work out...Not the time to be playing mental games with your goalies!

Yeah the Goalie thing was baffling. To me Zullo has been much better than Schmidt. Schmidt was particularly bad yesterday. He gave up 4 goals with only one save.

If Schmidt starts vs Duke I'm very surprised and disappointed.

 

[IrishLax]

FYI ACC semifinals on now.

 

[irishrb]

ND ousts duke 12-10!!! That will lock them in!
Great Face-offs
The move to play Schmidt paid off...today...as that's the best he's looked all year.
Costabile just continues to impress!
Overall frustrating year but this team can definitely make some noise, especially if they get face-offs and goalie play like they did today!
Anyone know if Garnsey is a possibility come tourney time??