Ah, there's nothing like the industrial vapors of the Great Lakes wafting on to and over the shorelines to welcome us back into the bosom of D3 soccer intercollegiate competition.
Which begs the question....why are Carnegie Mellon, Wabash, DePauw, Transylvania, Spalding, Hanover, Rose Hulman, Denison, etc in the Great Lakes region, and not the Chicago, Michigan, and Rochester, NY area schools?
The sabbatical year imo has created a bit of a 'wild card' feel. Will the usual/former stalwarts rise to the top, perhaps with some re-shuffling, or will we see a larger shake up?
Here are my early season observations...
OWU, the granddaddy of Great Lakes, is setting the pace. A win and a draw against Hope and Calvin, respectively, should come in handy if Bishops' NCAA dreams hinge on an at-large bid, although Martin and crew will be energized to unseat Kenyon at the top of the NCAC. Hector Gomez is off to a strong start and should be in the conversation for lofty national honors. I am obviously not a huge OWU fan, but Martin's coaching records were lauded as a huge deal back in 2011 when OWU captured their last national title. Here we are a full decade later and he is still at the helm padding his wins lead on the national coaching leaderboard.
Carnegie Mellon is always somewhat of a conundrum, but the Tartans match OWU at 4-0-1 and hold a valuable win versus John Carroll.
John Carroll, a preseason favorite, is feeling the burden of possibly the toughest schedule in the nation. Fortunately, the Blue Streaks' opening day road win at Kenyon softens the blow of a 4-3 loss to Carnegie, a match I believe JCU led at least twice and maybe three times. Draws with Rochester and CWRU shouldn't hurt JCU, but monster games keep coming, with OWU, Chicago, and a tricky in between trap game with Denison. The OAC may be more competitive than expected as well (more below).
Kenyon, expecting to have another very good year after returning most of the 2019 edition (that failed yet another hosting-to-the-Final-Four opportunity) and adding significant underclassmen talent, already is feeling the heat. The loss to JCU will almost certainly be a ranked loss come selection time, and the Lords have few chances for ranked wins (barring big surprises). CWRU may or may not be ranked come November and other than that two probable contests with OWU may exhaust ranked opportunities. Of course there is the conference tournament and the NCAC automatic bid, but one or two hungry NCAC challengers to OWU and Kenyon could emerge.
I've watched CWRU a couple of times and the Spartans look good. However, CWRU already dropped a game to Otterbein, and after drawing with JCU faces a big home test with Kenyon. Then there is the grueling UAA gauntlet interrupted briefly by a difficult away challenge at Carthage.
In the "watch out, I didn't see these guys coming" category, there is Otterbein, Denison, and Mt Union. Otterbein is 4-0 with an impressive 3-0 win over CWRU and also a 4-1 shellacking of Hanover. Denison has rebounded from an opening day loss to Mt. Union to win 4 straight, including a decisive 4-1 score over Capital (ludicrously ranked at #7 nationally off of I don't know what). And Mt Union is sitting at 4-0-1 with the win over Denison and a draw versus Carnegie.
Other squads to keep an eye on, possibly in the context of spoiler roles, are Capital, Rose Hulman, Hanover, DePauw, Wabash, and Wooster. DePauw sprinted to 5-0 on a cupcake binge but were brought back to reality by a 3-1 thumping at the hands of Rose Hulman. Ohio Northern has played a very solid schedule but the Polar Bears will have a hard time overcoming their 0-2-1 ledger versus the trio of Calvin, Hope, and OWU.
Circling back to Denison, we had to wait a year to see what kind of impact the coaching change to OWU-alum Bianco (via
CWRU) might have. I said at the time of the hiring announcement that Denison had made a very wise choice. Just a few minutes browsing the Denison men's soccer web pages reveals a fresh new atmosphere. Video game and practice clips, player features, a coach "mic'ed up" video, and quotes from the coach in game recaps are little things, but they add up to a very favorable impression. Bianco may have learned some of this from his mentor, Martin, but I've seen other programs like JCU, CWRU, and others doing some similar things. Once one sees a coach/program utilizing their websites and social media effectively with a bit of flair it's fair to wonder why more don't do so.
Two big Great Lakes matches tomorrow.....Kenyon @ CWRU in the early tilt, followed by a great nightcap with JCU @ OWU.
OWU in its current form appears to be the best outfit in Great Lakes.
Watched the majority of John Carroll @ OWU last night and saw both goals scored by the Battling Bishops. OWU was dominant against a very good JCU team and has a few of the type of difference makers needed when otherwise mostly evenly matched squads face off. I also thought JCU looked fatigued. An ambitious schedule looks great on paper but then you have to play it. JCU no doubt is still the OAC favorite but hosting now seems improbable and based on last night's performance I don't see the Blue Streaks getting past an OWU, Calvin, or North Park in a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 tilt. JCU really could use a week off or at least a couple of cupcake games, but that's not happening as a mid-week night match with Denison (in Granville) looms followed by another road game at Chicago. Also wondering if Turritin is dealing with some kind of injury. He's logging a ton of minutes and seems to be playing deeper and deeper. It's hard to be a great holding mid like Aroh at Tufts and a super-dynamic attacking mid like Gomez for OWU all at the same time, and even harder if injured/fatigued.
I gave Denison and Bianco some love in the first post above and the Big Red went out and laid an egg, at home, to Wilmington. The stats look OK for Denison but the hard fact is that Denison was down 3-0 until getting a very late game tally in the 89th minute. I am very curious to see what happens Wednesday in Granville versus JCU.
Speaking of Wilmington the Fightin' Quakers are very quietly 5-0-1 with not-nothing 4-0 and 3-1 road wins at KZoo and Denison. I keep forgetting that the OAC played a full conference schedule in the Spring and apparently Wilmington showed well. I had thought Marietta was the usual mid to lower tier OAC program on the rise, but for this season at least Wilmington is worth keeping an eye on. Otterbein and Mt Union also will have something to say. And kudos to Ohio Northern for a really good OT road win at Carnegie Mellon.
Not sure what to make of Kenyon. I will take a road win at CWRU any day, but we don't know yet if CWRU is going to be a threat in the UAA or at the bottom. Match seemed pretty even with Kenyon perhaps more dynamic and threatening overall. Kenyon's press doesn't seem to generate a steady supply of dangerous offensive opportunities but does result in multiple very good counter-attack chances by decent to good opponents. As I've noted before, it can be deflating and demoralizing to exhaust a ton of energy in an initial offensive onslaught off the press only to come up empty and find yourselves down a goal.
Also frustrating (especially after the first few) to see Kenyon give up what seemed like 20 dangerous throw-ins by CWRU's long-throw specialist. The Lords have changed GKs from a senior who started since his frosh year to a freshman. Carson, one of the quick forwards, didn't play yesterday, and CB Hosmer-Quint didn't go back in after getting subbed around the 36th minute. Kenyon could really use Bruneau too who now is at Springfield. I suspect the Lords will gel into a very formidable side by the end of the season, but will that be too late?
Around the horn in Great Lakes...
The contenders in alphabetical order...
CMU -- 6-1-2 -- Key results = Mt Union (T); JCU (W); ONU (L); Mt Aloysius (T)
Just saw a minutes ago that CMU drew with St. Aloysius a few nights ago. Dreadful result although a T or L with a team that won't be regionally ranked in another month doesn't hurt that much. However, the luster is wearing off the big win over JCU. After entertaining Brandeis this weekend, CMU faces a brutal away stretch at NYU, Rochester, and Emory before a final big home stand vs Wash U, Chicago, and CWRU. Really need to get a W against Brandeis as CMU currently appears to be trending down.
CWRU -- 5-2-1 -- Key results = Otterbein (L); JCU (T); Kenyon (L)
CWRU has NYU at home before going on a tough four game road stretch vs Brandeis, Emory, Rochester, and Carthage. Then they're home with Chicago and Wash U before ending away at CMU. Especially given the results noted above CWRU is on thin ice and will need to pull some surprises in the UAA and a win at Carthage would be a plus.
Denison -- 4-3-1 -- Key results = Mt Union (L); Wilmington (L); OWU (L); Otterbein (T)
The Big Red likely have played themselves out of the at large picture but I think they're still among the better squads and are a common foe with most of the others. After taking care of Allegheny, Denison needs a result vs Kenyon and a W vs Wabash (both at home). Denison could have trouble away at DePauw and/or Oberlin but also could run the table after Wabash. I would pick Denison to make the NCAC tourney and will be a tough out with Bianco at the helm. Holding the lead in the final 4 minutes against Otterbein would have been a big boost but still a decent result.
John Carroll -- 3-3-2 -- Key results = Kenyon (W); Rochester (T); CMU (L); CWRU (T); OWU (L); Chicago (W); PS-B (L)
JCU in my mind is still the favorite in the OAC but there definitely are challengers with Otterbein, Mt Union, and a mysterious Wilmington side lurking. The Blue Streaks had to be bitterly disappointed with the last loss after pulling out an enormous W at Chicago. With a current projected RvR of 2-2-2 JCU is still very much viable if an at large is needed but important to not lose more than one or two additional games. I would expect JCU to go on a tear in the next couple of weeks and they certainly won't face anyone the rest of the way more difficult than what they've already faced.
Kenyon -- 6-1-1 -- Key results = JCU (L); Hanover (T); CWRU (W)
I prefer to abstain with the Lords but they are going to need a win against OWU or else win the NCAC tourney without facing OWU a second time which is highly unlikely. They need an OWU win (and preferably two) because currently they may have no ranked wins depending on how the UAA gauntlet works out for CWRU. I do think Kenyon is quietly starting to get things together and fans of Great Lakes soccer will want to tune in on October 12 when the Battling Bishops visit Gambier. Kenyon has Wittenberg away tonight in an odd Friday night fixture, and then enters a key trio of games away at Denison, home with OWU, and away at Wabash.
Mt Union -- 7-0-1 -- Key results = Denison (W); CMU (T)
We still need more data on the Purple Raiders. Next three games: Otterbein and then away at JCU and Wilmington. Mt. Union ends the OAC schedule at home with ONU.
Ohio Northern -- 5-3-2 -- Key results = Calvin (L); Hope (T); OWU (L); CMU (W); Hanover (L); RHIT (W); KZoo (T)
ONU has a strong list and some decent results versus likely ranked teams. The Polar Bears need to string together wins going forward, and as luck have it their next three tilts are very winnable. After that ONU gets Wilmington at home followed by a trip to JCU. The Polar Bears finish with two tough away games at Otterbein and Mt Union.
OWU -- 7-0-2 -- Key results = Hope (W); Calvin (T); ONU (W); JCU (W); Otterbein (T); Denison (W)
OWU is in the driver's seat and roaring. They should win the next two before Kenyon (although at Wooster could be a bit of a trap game), and regardless of the Kenyon result OWU should run the table thereafter. OWU is in a great position and you can pencil them into the tournament. The only real drama left for Battling Bishops fans before the NCAA tourney is the likely two showdowns with the Lords.
Otterbein -- 6-0-2 -- Key results = Hanover (W); CWRU (W); OWU (T); Denison (T)
Big game in the OAC tomorrow with Otterbein traveling to Mt Union. Otterbein has a more balanced schedule than some, with tough games followed by easier matchups. Look for the Cardinals at home vs JCU on 10/13, away at Wilmington on 10/20, and ONU at home on 10/27.
Wabash -- 7-2-1 -- Key results = Chicago (L); Hanover (W); Wooster (T)
The Little Giants gave Chicago a run for their money but otherwise have had a relatively soft schedule. Wabash should win their next two before going to Granville for Denison followed by Kenyon at home. I would have given Wabash a puncher's chance against OWU but unfortunately that game is in Delaware. And Wabash closes with the Little Brown Jug or Monen Bell or whatever it is versus DePauw.
Wilmington -- 7-0-1 -- Key results = KZoo (W); Denison (W)
One of the big mystery teams in the country along with Augsburg and maybe a couple of others. Wilmington still needs a couple of key wins against JCU, Otterbein, Mt Union, ONU along with hoping at least a couple of those end up ranked in late October/early November. I don't recall even talking about Wilmington over the last decade, but the KZoo and Denison wins, while perhaps not earth-shattering, were both away and decisive. Wilmington should win their next two before having Mt. Union at home on 10/9, being away at ONU on 10/13, home with Otterbein on 10/20, and closing out away at JCU on 10/30.
If I were to rank them, from what I have seen so far ... Funny, but half of the teams I am not sold on. I can see why they can be good, but I also see the part where an ill timed loss and the whole thing comes crashing down....
OWU
CMU
Otterbein
Wabash
CWRU
Kenyon
Denison
John Carroll
Ohio Northern
Mt Union
Wilmington
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 01, 2021, 08:53:09 PM
If I were to rank them, from what I have seen so far ... Funny, but half of the teams I am not sold on. I can see why they can be good, but I also see the part where an ill timed loss and the whole thing comes crashing down....
OWU
CMU
Otterbein
Wabash
CWRU
Kenyon
Denison
John Carroll
Ohio Northern
Mt Union
Wilmington
I would have OWU clearly in the top spot for now, followed by JCU, CMU, Kenyon, and maybe Otterbein in no particular order. I am very curious to see Wilmington and I also am not very familiar with Mt. Union.
Otterbein isn't going away. Tough team. Went down 2-0 away at Mt. Union. Got one back before the break and then three straight unanswered in 2nd half. And Mt Union only had given up 3 goals all season before tonight.
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will. We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days. Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.
CMU stands at 6-2-3 and 0-1-2 in last three. I said before the Tartans really needed the 3 pts at home vs Brandeis but only got a draw. Taking NYU into a 2nd OT away shows that CMU is certainly competitive but that still counts as 0 pts. I haven't seen anyone explain in detail what happened in terms of some kind of fracas and I think I saw a suggestion that the CMU coach/bench behavior was an issue. Unfortunately that's a recurrent theme over the past handful of years. The schedule doesn't let up as the Tartans face away tilts with Rochester and Emory before a home stretch versus Wash U, Chicago, and CWRU. CMU needs a win badly but Rochester also has had a couple of setbacks...won't say must win for CMU but getting close to that.
CWRU was looking like they might be headed to the UAA basement (and they still might), but the Spartans got a very nice road win at Brandeis to creep up to 6-3-1 and 1-1. Now the bad news...CWRU hits the road for the trio of Emory, Rochester, and Carthage. Coming home isn't always good news either, as Chicago, Wash U, and CMU will be visiting. A binge of Ws certainly is possible, but, truth be told, CWRU may already be in the spoiler role as a best case scenario.
Denison has slipped to 5-4-1 and 1-2. Denison fell to Kenyon last night 2-0. That's a rivalry game and usually tight, but Denison hasn't beaten the Lords since 2011. They seemed to get frustrated and focused on getting their pound of flesh as the game wore on. The good news is that OWU and Kenyon are now behind them. The Big Red is a program in transition and as long as Bianco doesn't bolt for OWU in the next few years, the crystal ball predicts a good future. Denison also still has much to play for, as they are good enough to make the NCAC tournament. The margin for error has gotten tighter, and nest up is Wabash, probably the 3rd strongest NCAC outfit. After those four the NCAC imo drops off significantly although Wooster, Wittenberg, DePauw, and Oberlin can pull off an occasional upset. Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.
The roller-coaster ride of the John Carroll season is on an upswing with three straight Ws after the home shock loss to Penn State-Behrend, a squad in fairness that is capable of winning a 1st round NCAA game. The Blue Streaks now sit at 6-3-2 and 3-0-0 after routing Capital 5-1. JCU has a showdown with and at Otterbein Tuesday, followed by Ohio Northern, at Marietta, and close with still somehow unbeaten Wilmington. Hopefully star Turritin is healthy and firing on all cylinders for the stretch run. JCU's ace card is holding a projected RvR profile that will only be eclipsed by OWU, which is important because in the OAC tourney any of the top four seeds could knock out the other.
I particularly like to avoid projections regarding Kenyon. I haven't put them in my top 20 yet even though in my heart of hearts I'm pretty sure they are a top 10-15 team being overlooked for whatever reason. Denison coach Bianco said after last night's game "Congrats to Kenyon. They're the best team in the region over the past 5-7 years for a reason." That's an OWU grad saying that. By this time next week we'll have a better base for evaluation. Kenyon has registered eight straight Ws after opening 0-1-1. The schedule hasn't been great which again puts the Lords in a bind especially for RvR. Denison may not end up being ranked regionally but that still was a big win. One of the showdowns in all of Great Lakes happens Tuesday with the OWU industrial complex rolling into town. Midweek afternoon games are weird games, but Kenyon-OWU almost always in a midweek game which gets more buzz when at OWU because they're under the lights in Delaware. Kenyon I'm sure hasn't minded OWU getting the national attention thus far, but I can assure you both teams will fully expect to win. Unreal to think that OWU hasn't beaten Kenyon since the Sweet 16 game in 2014. There is perhaps more pressure on Kenyon this time, as the Lords need the win worse than OWU does (as OWU is basically already a lock for an at large bid if needed). The Lords then travel to Crawfordsville, IN to take on a Wabash squad having a strong season and with a history of pulling the upset.
OWU appears to be in the midst of a special season. The Battling Bishops have been ranked top 5 or so nationally since the 2nd or 3rd week of the season. They are already in the tournament. But nothing would make Martin and crew happier than taking Kenyon down and regaining what they no doubt view as their rightful place at the top of NCAC and Great Lakes in general. These teams I believe share mutual respect, but there's no love lost. Amherst vs Tufts has nothing on OWU-Kenyon as a high profile rivalry (other than a handful...literally..of national titles since 2014). Gomez continues to be good as anyone in the country and he inspires his teammates by playing both ways.
Otterbein remains one of the surprises of 2021, still unbeaten at 9-0-2. Since a 9/29 draw with Denison at Denison, the Cardinals have won three more including two big road wins at Mt. Union and Marietta. On Great Lakes Super Tuesday, Otterbein hosts JCU in a match that may determine the OAC regular season winner. They next travel to Wilmington for another key clash on 10/27 before closing at home with well-tested Ohio Northern.
I'm guessing a number of folks on the East Coast don't even know what state Wabash is in. The Little Giants are quietly 9-2-1. They played Chicago early at Mud Hollow Stadium and that contest was 1-1 until the Maroons scored again in the 84th minute. No question Wabash has racked up a lot of Ws against some weak opponents, but they got a solid win at Hanover. The Little Giants tend to be a handful for both Kenyon and OWU, and both of those are coming soon. First, though, Wabash can earn a bit more street cred if they can get a W away at Denison in Granville.
What to make of Wilmington? The Quakers also remain unbeaten at 9-0-2. I don't know anyone who saw that coming. It was getting harder to keep Wilmington out of my top 20 but a draw to Heidelberg this past week left a sour taste. A win over suddenly spiraling Mt. Union helped, but the Quakers will have to do more. And they'll get plenty of chances...ONU, Marietta, Otterbein, and JCU await.
Other Great Lakes squads still relevant imo are Ohio Northern at 7-4-2, Mt. Union at 7-3-1, DePauw at 8-4-0, Hanover at 8-3-1 following five straight Ws, Rose-Hulman at 7-4-1, and Penn State-Behrend at 8-3.
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will. We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days. Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.
I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.
Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2021, 03:42:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will. We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days. Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.
I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.
Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.
Yep, Ryan and Domino were two of the best on the site (although neither liked me too much, but then again few do haha). Ryan is way too smart for me and there's no way "the OWU guy" and "the Kenyon guy" could sustain good relations. Just too raw imo but he's one of the great ambassadors for not only OWU soccer, but OWU in general. Very impressive guy. And Domino knows more about the Ohio soccer scene than I could know in three lifetimes.
I don't know anything about Chris Payne. Didn't know who was coaching Hiram.
I can share a bit of trivia, though. Mark Waterman, Tufts asst coach, is a Denison grad who was a frosh same year as my kid when Denison beat Kenyon in Gambier in 2011 4-2. He also was on the the pitch in Granville in 2014 when Kenyon scored with 28 secs left in 2nd OT.
And just made plans with former AA and NCAA Postgraduate Scholar Sam Justice to go to Amherst-Tufts game on Saturday. Sam just moved to Boston after getting Ph.D. in Iowa and is working as some kind of stats guy in research dept at BWH where my son is a 2nd year internal med resident. Figuring out where to sit in the stands at Bello will be a challenge!
Addendum...wouldn't be surprised at all if RH and/or Domino are in Gambier Tuesday afternoon.
I'll find you a spot if you agree to yell at Serpone with the rest of us
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 11, 2021, 05:42:09 PM
I'll find you a spot if you agree to yell at Serpone with the rest of us
LOL. Are you gonna be there?
I'll probably sit where I was when your buddy Majumder sent me home in tears in the 109th minute.
Yes I'll be there wishing I was still on the field like I was back then
The good news is I'm sure I'll do a full and fair write-up of the game as a very interested neutral. I think the Tufts broadcast team should have me on at halftime.
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 11, 2021, 05:36:56 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2021, 03:42:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will. We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days. Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.
I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.
Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.
Yep, Ryan and Domino were two of the best on the site (although neither liked me too much, but then again few do haha). Ryan is way too smart for me and there's no way "the OWU guy" and "the Kenyon guy" could sustain good relations. Just too raw imo but he's one of the great ambassadors for not only OWU soccer, but OWU in general. Very impressive guy. And Domino knows more about the Ohio soccer scene than I could know in three lifetimes.
I don't know anything about Chris Payne. Didn't know who was coaching Hiram.
I can share a bit of trivia, though. Mark Waterman, Tufts asst coach, is a Denison grad who was a frosh same year as my kid when Denison beat Kenyon in Gambier in 2011 4-2. He also was on the the pitch in Granville in 2014 when Kenyon scored with 28 secs left in 2nd OT.
And just made plans with former AA and NCAA Postgraduate Scholar Sam Justice to go to Amherst-Tufts game on Saturday. Sam just moved to Boston after getting Ph.D. in Iowa and is working as some kind of stats guy in research dept at BWH where my son is a 2nd year internal med resident. Figuring out where to sit in the stands at Bello will be a challenge!
Addendum...wouldn't be surprised at all if RH and/or Domino are in Gambier Tuesday afternoon.
Regarding Allegheny, they have become so non-competitive they are leaving the NCAC to go back to the PAC, which they left to be a founding member of the NCAC in 1983. They don't even try to recruit seriously anymore. As a former player there whose brother also played, it is embarrassing how far the program has dropped.
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2021, 03:42:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will. We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days. Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.
I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.
Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.
+k PN.....well done to fill in the void...
I 2nd this
Kenyon highlights from yesterday....for goal start around 1:05...Gerardo ("NCAC Maradona" lol) Maritnez wins ball in OWU half, slices through midfield and frosh Duratovic does the rest.
https://youtu.be/Bo3BBApxsFk
Results in a few key GL matches...
Denison gets a result they needed with a nice win at home over Wabash 1-0. Good step towards making the NCAC playoffs.
And Wilmington, wow. I may not be able to look myself in the mirror if I don't rank them next week. Win 3-1 away at ONU, an ONU team that really needed a good win and is well-tested by good teams. Seems like Wilmington won pretty comfortably.
Same for Otterbein, who, although ranked now for several weeks running, I think some like me expected to falter. Otterbein and JCU draw 0-0 at Otterbein.
The OAC definitely seems to have eclipsed the NCAC as the more interesting league.
Speaking of GK adventures, towards the end of this Kenyon clip below Wooster GK appears to fall into net with ball crossing line. Ref looked to his AR who waved it off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Jl41jeTEk
Watched it in .25 speed @1:04. Ball almost certainly is over the line as it appears to be behind the post. The AR would have no way of knowing if it went in as their view would be blocked by the goalkeepers legs.
Quote from: futbol_watcher on October 20, 2021, 12:45:16 PM
Watched it in .25 speed @1:04. Ball almost certainly is over the line as it appears to be behind the post. The AR would have no way of knowing if it went in as their view would be blocked by the goalkeepers legs.
Agreed. Ball definitely went over but AR was blocked. Ref needed to make the call, maybe saw a goal, wanted to confirm with AR who couldn't so no goal. Didn't matter much for this one but certainly would be unfortunate in a tighter game or tournament game.
Update...
Rose-Hulman (RHIT) took commanding control of the HCAC with a narrow 1-0 win this week over perennial challenger Hanover. Hanover was regionally ranked and RHIT wasn't, but that is likely to flip unless RHIT's SoS is even worse than I think (since Hanover's was only borderline around .529). Neither is likely to snare a Pool C so the HCAC tourney will be almost certainly be determinative for both.
The often less heralded OAC has been one of more interesting conferences in the country in 2021. There appears to be a clear top 4 with Otterbein, John Carroll, Capital, and fresh face Wilmington. Otterbein and JCU both are 5-0-1, with the draws against each other. Schedule-wise, Ottrerbein would appear to have a slight advantage with Muskingum, ONU, and Capital left while JCU has Marietta, Heidelberg, and Wilmington. Capital at 4-1-1 is staring at a gauntlet...ONU, Wilmington, Otterbein. And Wilmington at 3-1-2 closes with Baldwin-Wallace, Capital, and John Carroll. One would think Otterbein and JCU are near-locks for Pool C bids if needed. Capital, although regionally ranked, seems like a longshot for Pool C, and Wilmington despite their stellar season so far didn't even get a regional ranking which strongly suggests the Quakers need to win the OAC tourney. Even Mt. Union got ranked, despite sitting at 1-4-1 in-conference.
Kenyon with the H2H advantage over OWU has a pretty firm stranglehold on the NCAC regular season crown and home field for the NCAC tourney, only needing a win at home today vs Hiram and then another vs either Oberlin or DePauw. The latter two are on the road, but I doubt those games will involve a playoff spot for the Yeoman or Tigers. No one is going to catch OWU in 2nd place, as OWU already has the H2Hs with Denison and Wabash. And 3rd place is right there for Denison to grab as the Big Red own the H2H against 4th place Wabash. Denison has three very winnable games left, and I wouldn't be surprised if Bianco wins COY for the NCAC over Brown if Denison reaches 7-2 in-conference. And who knows, if Denison can pull off a semifinal win over OWU (or Kenyon) then maybe the Big Red can sneak into Pool C contention. Denison notably was regionally ranked this week and Wabash wasn't, and I'm sure that was all about SoS more so than the H2H.
Sixth straight regular season NCAC title for Kenyon.
Denison finishes a strong third after a draw with Wooster today and will take on OWU in a NCAC semi
Wabash nailed down the 4th spot with a draw at home versus a game Oberlin squad who didn't quit midweek versus Kenyon after being down 2-0 and later 3-1 and came close to pulling off an upset in Crawfordsville. Wabash will travel to Gambier next week for the other NCAC semi.
Wilmington at JCU coming soon tonight at 7:30.
Quick diversion to NCAC women's semi played today in Gambier because of men's game tomorrow. Wooster after 0-0 match prevails in PKs 10-9, with all makes until 10th round miss for Kenyon. Not rare to go to extra rounds but 9 and a half rounds without a miss is fairly rare.
Wilmington was up 3-1 with 12 minutes left and Capital has leveled. Tied game off a free kick from a good 35-40 yards out and Wilmington GK did not move even an inch...as though he was sure the ball was going well wide.
Just checked in on OWU-Denison NCAC tournament semi final, 0-0 with 7 min left, and Denison scores in what looks like a chip over the GK. 5 min left, and Denison leads 1-0.
Update, well that's a new twist -- Denison beat OWU 1-0 and will face Kenyon in NCAC tournament finals.
Congrats, midwest. That's a big one.
My player has graduated, but I'm happy for the boys and for Coach Bianco. Now they get to play Kenyon . . . again.
Quote from: midwest on November 03, 2021, 09:00:57 PM
My player has graduated, but I'm happy for the boys and for Coach Bianco. Now they get to play Kenyon . . . again.
Right...my kid's senior season was 2014! And regardless of Kenyon Denison may have just earned a Pool C.
Two good ones in GL region today.
First, Denison at Kenyon. I was praising Denison coach Bianco when he was at CWRU and as predicted he already has had a major impact at Denison. IMO should be in consideration for both NCAC and national COY. I'm sure part of my praise is related to sharp memories that come from sharp pain. In 2018 Kenyon was 18-1-3. The single loss was to CWRU in the regular season. Then the Lords drew CWRU in the Sweet 16 on that ugly field and fell in PKs 5-4. Kenyon would have had a real shot at taking out Calvin, which CWRU imo did not, but whatever... Trauma and memory have a very incestuous, insidious relationship. I was there a full 8 years ago when Kenyon last lost to OWU when the Lords were 18-1-2 going into yet another Sweet 16 match. The success since then vs OWU has been nice but 2014 is still what I remember most. I usually don't even think about 2018 when musing over Kenyon's best seasons but that shows just how easy it is to overlook phenomenal success if a program doesn't fully break through...16-5-3; 18-2-2; 19-2-1; 20-3; 16-3-3; 18-1-3; 19-2-2.....and now again 15-1-1. 14 losses in 8 years (7 seasons)..has got to be top 3 or better nationally over that time.
And second, Otterbein at John Carroll. Very even match with two very experienced, mature teams that no one will want to face in the tournament.
As an aside, this is the first year in a long time that both CMU and CWRU have not been in the at-large picture.
Denison up 1-0 against Kenyon at the half in the NCAC finals. Bianco certainly has made a difference and is putting the program on a new trajectory.
Updated -- that's game, Denison beats Kenyon 1-0 to win the NCAC championship.
Congrats to Denison! Whether one was impressed with the strategy/tactics or not, not many teams in the country could pull a Delaware/Gambier double in two big games, holding two high powered offenses scoreless for 180 minutes. Very impressive. And Brown just cannot beat Bianco in a big spot. The ref let them play, which was to Denison's advantage, but the calls (or lack of them) were consistent and fair. The ref called the first foul of the game in the 25th minute. For the whole game, which was quite physical and chippy, only 8 fouls for Denison and 5 for Kenyon. The Lords started out crisply but as so often happens did not score in the initial barrage and made a huge, unforced error in the back directly resulting in the Denison goal...completely self-inflicted. Kenyon continued to make similar mistakes throughout the game despite dominating possession and having a ton of corners and short throw-ins. Kenyon had 70+ minutes to level and go ahead but did not. Just a miserable performance and outcome for Kenyon.
The player of the game was the Denison GK, offensively and defensively, but especially offensively as he was Denison's offense. He never played short and bombed punts and goal kicks into the Kenyon final third which created a bunch of bouncing balls that Kenyon struggled to settle. Brown (the GK) also controlled the tempo beginning in the first half....always talking his time, methodical, using as much clock as possible without seeming totally egregious. He had a couple of good saves but more all the possession and chances the Lords didn't put a lot of credible shots on goal. Tons of forays across the 18 and into the box only to shoot balls 15 yards both high and wide or weakly right into the GK.
I could go on and on critiquing Kenyon's performance, but bottom line is a major program-affirming win for Denison and a deserved NCAA AQ bid and a terribly disappointing day for Kenyon in front of a very large crowd that never got a chance to help out. Hard not to overreact so I'm just gonna overreact.
@PaulNewman -- you have always been a fair, reasonable observer of this game we love, and I'm sorry that you and your son are disappointed tonight. When my kid went through recruiting, the Kenyon coaching staff was quite clear that a national championship was the goal, and I'm confident that is on the horizon for the Kenyon team. As the parent of a Denison soccer alum, I'm happy that there is finally a strong coach leading the program. My kid chose the school, rather than the soccer program and, as a result, suffered through some lousy days and seasons. But like other young men at D3 schools across the country, he carries with him the great friendships and memories of 4 years as a D3 soccer player.
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2021, 06:34:25 PM
Congrats to Denison! Whether one was impressed with the strategy/tactics or not, not many teams in the country could pull a Delaware/Gambier double in two big games, holding two high powered offenses scoreless for 180 minutes. Very impressive. And Brown just cannot beat Bianco in a big spot. The ref let them play, which was to Denison's advantage, but the calls (or lack of them) were consistent and fair. The ref called the first foul of the game in the 25th minute. For the whole game, which was quite physical and chippy, only 8 fouls for Denison and 5 for Kenyon. The Lords started out crisply but as so often happens did not score in the initial barrage and made a huge, unforced error in the back directly resulting in the Denison goal...completely self-inflicted. Kenyon continued to make similar mistakes throughout the game despite dominating possession and having a ton of corners and short throw-ins. Kenyon had 70+ minutes to level and go ahead but did not. Just a miserable performance and outcome for Kenyon.
The player of the game was the Denison GK, offensively and defensively, but especially offensively as he was Denison's offense. He never played short and bombed punts and goal kicks into the Kenyon final third which created a bunch of bouncing balls that Kenyon struggled to settle. Brown (the GK) also controlled the tempo beginning in the first half....always talking his time, methodical, using as much clock as possible without seeming totally egregious. He had a couple of good saves but more all the possession and chances the Lords didn't put a lot of credible shots on goal. Tons of forays across the 18 and into the box only to shoot balls 15 yards both high and wide or weakly right into the GK.
I could go on and on critiquing Kenyon's performance, but bottom line is a major program-affirming win for Denison and a deserved NCAA AQ bid and a terribly disappointing day for Kenyon in front of a very large crowd that never got a chance to help out. Hard not to overreact so I'm just gonna overreact.
@Paul Newman. If we can't overreact about soccer, not sure we can about anything. Overreact, by all means.
LOL...appreciate that @midwest and @SC.
Believe me, my overreaction is in high gear, but don't want to distract any more than I already have from Denison. I don't know why I like Bianco so much, but I do. Developed a lot of respect for what he did with the CWRU program which had usually been at the bottom of the tough UAA. As soon as Denison hired him I think I was first or second on this board praising the hire. Some asked why you would leave CWRU for Denison....well, could be a lot of reasons...like $$$, family, etc...but also because Denison has everything to be a consistently high level program. And I like that he seems to relate to and care about his players and thinks about "how am I going to win this game" or at least give his team their best chance to win. And while I 'm sick to my stomach tonight, the NCAC is a much better league with more than two top teams, and this is a great start for Denison. And that said, I wouldn't mind if Kenyon (assuming they get in) draws Denison 1st or 2nd round.
A lot of teams, especially if they are in an unfamiliar position, react by trying to do what they've already been doing but just with a little force. But when you've already maxed out on full force, maybe have a Plan B and a Plan C...something I think Shapiro was great at with Tufts. So here's a random thought for the Kenyon coaching staff. Maybe sit in and counter once in a while so teams aren't loaded up defensively for 90 straight minutes.
And, lol, my son probably doesn't even know Kenyon lost yet.
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2021, 08:25:21 PM
A lot of teams, especially if they are in an unfamiliar position, react by trying to do what they've already been doing but just with a little force. But when you've already maxed out on full force, maybe have a Plan B and a Plan C...something I think Shapiro was great at with Tufts. So here's a random thought for the Kenyon coaching staff. Maybe sit in and counter once in a while so teams aren't loaded up defensively for 90 straight minutes.
You hit on one of my big issues with a lot of coaches. They only know one way. And I think there is a lot of nuances in a game that requires teams to be a bit nimbler.
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 06, 2021, 08:36:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2021, 08:25:21 PM
A lot of teams, especially if they are in an unfamiliar position, react by trying to do what they've already been doing but just with a little force. But when you've already maxed out on full force, maybe have a Plan B and a Plan C...something I think Shapiro was great at with Tufts. So here's a random thought for the Kenyon coaching staff. Maybe sit in and counter once in a while so teams aren't loaded up defensively for 90 straight minutes.
You hit on one of my big issues with a lot of coaches. They only know one way. And I think there is a lot of nuances in a game that requires teams to be a bit nimbler.
Exactly. Bianco played 4 years for Jay Martin. He knows how to play attractive soccer, and that will improve as Denison's talent level increases. But he realizes the biggest thing right now is winning as much as possible. I assume this was intentional on his part but they seemed very focused on limiting Kenyon's dangerous right back, Muther, who didn't get his normal amount of penetrating runs down the right side where he can play balls across the box from the touchline area. Muther also like some others made some highly uncharacteristic mistakes...almost all soft passes totally unforced that put the defense in a bind where there was nothing.
Attended the John Carroll / Otterbein OAC final on Saturday, great game! JCU controlled much of the game tempo and moved the ball well. They deserved the W but it was a good, hard-fought match that could have easily gone to pks. Otterbein had a few dangerous chances on set pieces /corners but JCU was able to shut those down. I had also attended the regular season matchup between these two in Westerville and felt JCU stepped up their game and looked a bit more poised the second time around. Both squads will be a dangerous draw early on in the upcoming NCAAs.
Well, SimpleCoach, your guy Muther was named NCAC Defensive POY.
OWU, Kenyon, and Denison dominated the selections, with Jaggar and Gomez getting Offensive POY and Midfielder POY. Martinez for Kenyon also Newcomer of Year. Brown won COY in what I would consider almost an upset over Bianco (who I would have voted for) but Kenyon was 9-0-0 for the regular season. Dylan Brown for Denison was 1st team GK which seems right.
I would have thought Jaggar and Burns for Kenyon would have been in the running as sophs for Newcomer. Burns made the 2nd team as a defender with Hosmer-Quint.
Hosmer-Quint and forward Gaese named Academic All District. Hosmer-Quint must be quite a young man, having done internships with an international reforestation group and at a migrant shelter in AZ.
Link to the NCAC info below...
https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/v/0/p7o0n1tgyrhg70/All-NCAC_Men-s_Soccer_21.pdf
https://owu_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/files/ms/2022/2022%20NCAC%20Men's%20Soccer%20Preseason%20Poll.pdf
Pleased and relieved to see the Lords (I mean Owls) are returning most if not all of the key players who I was worried might not use their last year of eligibility. Muther, Upton, Carson all back as well some key underclassmen. This is of course based on the press release being accurate.
Bottom line...Kenyon along with OWU should be very much in the mix nationally.
And I just figured out the that Lords are the Owls...
https://youtu.be/XEtCmG-ouJs
Btw, Owls looks eerily a little too much like OWU..
And Allegheny officially begins a new era outside the NCAC. The Gators were relatively competitive until about 8-9 years ago. Not sure what happened. Wonder how long Hiram can hold on.
Their sports nosedived across the board. Recruiting has been awful. I played at Allegheny when it joined the NCAC, and I am deeply disappointed they returned to the PAC. It just seems like striving for excellence in athletics is not part of their mission statement.
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on August 18, 2022, 09:17:46 PM
Their sports nosedived across the board. Recruiting has been awful. I played at Allegheny when it joined the NCAC, and I am deeply disappointed they returned to the PAC. It just seems like striving for excellence in athletics is not part of their mission statement.
That's sad to hear. They used to be a reference program for us back in the 80s. Good soccer all around, great field.
SC.
Denison finishes the preseason with 1 win and 1 tie after a 2-2 tie with Ohio Northern yesterday
Any update on the Kenyon V Otterbein game ?
Quote from: D3Dad on August 28, 2022, 10:45:46 AM
Denison finishes the preseason with 1 win and 1 tie after a 2-2 tie with Ohio Northern yesterday
Any update on the Kenyon V Otterbein game ?
I haven't heard or seen anything. I tend to agree with those suggesting these preseason/exhibition tilts mean very little and are almost akin to NFL preseason games. I am now curious, though, about ONU as the Polar Bears are the first opponent for Kenyon this Thursday. Especially after my comments in another thread, I was interested to see that ONU just had a 10 day trip to England/Scotland at the beginning of August. So one would think ONU is further along than many teams because of that very recent additional time together. Big game for both teams. Kenyon can't afford to be 0-1 heading into an away match with John Carroll.
Denison had a similar trip to Portugal , Denny led 2-0 late into the second half before ONU equalized but I agree these don't mean a ton but it's better to play well going into game 1 than struggling and trying to figure things out
Anyone interested in participating in the D3soccer Fan poll this season?
If you are interested in participating, I will run the poll again if we get enough pollsters. My only caveat is that if you agree to participate you try your best to do it every week so that things are consistent. Also, you try to be on time because it's no fun for anyone if I have to track you down every week and pester you to get your votes in.
Unless someone has a better idea, I'll run it the same as last year with the same deadlines, so the poll will include games that start before Sunday at midnight EST and will be due to me before Tuesday EST at midnight and I will try to post on Wednesday.
I will not do a preseason poll. I hate them. They set up a ton of positional bias and, especially with 400+ teams in D3, there simply is no way to do a good one. The first poll will be based on games played prior to 9/11 and will be due to me on 9/13. That gives us roughly 2 weeks of games to start making judgements.
If you are interested, and I realize we about 2 weeks out, please send me a PM. I hope we get our pollsters back from last year, as they did an excellent job, but if you want to join in, I'm always open to more!
Merry New Year from the Great Lake Region. As previously noted, only Lake Erie is in the territory defined by DIII soccer as the GL Region. No need to pluralize "lakes."
Watched a few yesterday - Kenyon vs ONU was a mistake-filled affair with just about every goal coming off miscues. Perhaps some nerves initially for poor play but as the game wore on ONU's backs made too many mistakes that led directly to Kenyon goals. I was surprised as to the amount of direct play from both sides but it provided 3 goals for Kenyon, so keep it up! Also surprised to see Kenyon's 6th goal on the score sheet as the announcer and clock both reached "Zero" seconds before the ball crossed the line.
Freshman CB for Kenyon - played the entire game if I remember correctly - really showed well. Nice job for the young man in his first college game.
Watched video of the second half of JCU vs Oberlin. Much more of an even affair than I expected, but JCU had a significant turnover in their roster and it will take time for new team chemistry to set in. They do have 5 DI/DII transfers this year, as well as several sibs of former and current players in the team. I watched until JCU got the first goal - sad for Oberlin as the two CB's collided going for the ball, allowing the JCU forwarded to go in on an uncontested breakaway.
Interesting games this weekend here in Central Ohio as Case Western and Loras come to town to play OWU and Capital Friday and Sat. Loras coach Steve McCarthy, Dayton native and former standout player for Capital, was inducted into the Cap HOF during the Covid season. Tonight there will be more of a formal recognition for Steve prior to the game.
Next weekend OWU treats us to a festival of talent as Calvin, Hope and Hanover come to Delaware, OH. I'd stay all weekend in Delaware if they had even one hotel . . .
Big Win For Denison over Springfield college 5-0, they have been putting the ball in the back of the net with regularity throughout the preseason . Brandeis on deck tomorrow . Still early but team looks to be improved from last years team which was pretty good.
Quote from: D3Dad on September 03, 2022, 09:18:15 AM
Big Win For Denison over Springfield college 5-0, they have been putting the ball in the back of the net with regularity throughout the preseason . Brandeis on deck tomorrow . Still early but team looks to be improved from last years team which was pretty good.
Now that we know you are a new Denison affiliate it's easier to answer your original question about Tufts and room for other programs. The answer would have different if by NCAC you meant Oberlin, Wabash, Wooster, Wittenberg or Hiram. So yes, you're in a great spot and seems very realistic that Denison could make at least a couple of NCAA tourneys with a chance to go very deep by your kid's junior or senior years. In other words, this is a fantastic time for a kid to be starting out at Denison and he can be part of an exciting emergence to the upper tier of D3. The future is very bright as long as Bianco stays there and I don't see him leaving for anywhere else in D3 and Denison and Bianco seem like a perfect match. The wild card would be OWU but Martin doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon and honestly I'm not sure OWU would be a better job once Martin turns in his clipboard. It doesn't hurt that Denison has NESCAC-type money. Anyway, Bianco for my money is a top 5 D3 coach right along with Souders, Burk, Singleton, etc. Plus he's very media savvy and is using their website for better previews than other teams and taking after his mentor in terms of getting coach comments into game recaps. And btw, as a Kenyon nutjob, none of the above makes my the least bit happy.
I'm very curious to see how the Denison @ Brandeis game plays out. I actually should go see that one but probably won't.
Loras v Capital was a classic grinder. Possession hard to come by - Loras had a definite advantage on this point. A difference throughout the game was the emotional commitment by Loras players and their bench. Getting to the second ball, duels won - Loras had to have close to 75% edge here. Converting on 1 of their 11 corners was the score difference. They need to guard against a letdown tonight at OWU.
OWU v Case - tale of two halves with OWU having the possession/territorial in the first half, Case turning the tables second half. Each team was able to control the ball and maintain possession - much more so than the Loras-Capital game. Yet there were an extraordinary number of fouls and cards in this match. I would not say there was dirty play or that the game was chippy; the team without the ball worked hard to regain it and committed lots of charges and trips in doing so. The 1-1 score was a just result IMO.
Case at Cap, Loras at OWU tonight. Thunderstorms are moving south to north in Ohio - may cause delays. Since I have tickets to the Columbus Crew game at 5:30, that almost assuredly guarantees weather delays. I believe there is some type of college football game in town tonight also . . .
The Calvin vs Hanover game was the best I've seen this year. Both teams enjoyed spells of possession and created opportunities. This is not the strongest team Calvin has fielded in recent years but they're Calvin. I imagine the game against Hope will be for the conference title.
Hope vs OWU also a good game. Hope started very well, but after the gifted goal by the OWU defense the balance of play was dictated by OWU. Up until the goal I thought Hope dictated play.
Must be climatic conditions in central Ohio to that cause games to end in draws - see the pathetic Columbus Crew for the latest example of how not to protect a 2-0 lead with 15 minutes left to play.
Too early to say who the top 10 in the region will be come first regional ranking. In the OAC Otterbein has its first real test today at Case; CMU likewise vs JCU. NCAC: Kenyon off to a great start but no real competition until their game against Case later this month. Not sold on OWU as second. The next 3 teams in the NCAC - Denison, Wabash and DePauw - off to decent starts. Wabash vs RH today - Wabash's first real challenge of the year.
Really liked Hanover yesterday. They have challenged themselves with their non-conference schedule, given the weak SOS of the Heartland. Beast of a CB, two holding mids that partnered very well yesterday- #7 is an AA caliber player no question. Wing backs were really challenged by Calvin's wings - see Calvin's second goal. Hanover returns to Otterbein next Wednesday - that should be a beauty
Starting to see comparative strengths and weaknesses. Bottom line: I am sick and tired of defenders trying to do crap in the defensive third. These mistakes have cost their teams points and there's no reason or excuse to do so. Just stop!
Denison vs Grove City - I'm sure that defender feels like crap but damn it lad - walk away with an undeserved draw. But you didn't and handed Denison a win on a platter. Just dumb. Denison dominated play after conceding a CK goal early - but stayed composed and got the win.
Otterbein vs Case: superbly taken DFK at the top of the D gives Bein the 1-0 early in the game. But Case dominated play for the balance of the game and earned the 2-1 victory. I'm sure the Bein keeper regrets mishandling the ball prior to the first Case goal. But Case was deserving of this result.
It IS Ohio water. Hanover vs Hope: Hope now 0-0-4 on the year. No Kool Aid for you! And if I could extend my admiration for #7 on Hanover: dude - you are a player. Thank you for your effort - will see you next week at Otterbein.
JCU vs CMU - heartbreaking loss for JCU in the final minute. CMU struggles for a 1-0 vs Muskingum but nicks a winnner late here. JCU in a rebuild year - will be a factor on conference play.
Baldwin Wallace off to a surprisingly strong start. Are they strong or is the competition weak? We shall see.
Capital vs Wash Jeff: Cap gets the 1-0 lead only to lose 2-1. Ironically it was Cap's best possession game of the year, but stats be damned. Cap's win vs Case was more wide open - maybe counters with their speed is their game?
Calvin vs OWU - Calvin stuns OWU with goals within 2 minutes late to eek out the 2-1 victory. Did not see this game - will review tomorrow- but the top two regional teams are Kenyon and Hanover - good luck guessing the next 8.
First regional rankings - well, this will change over the next two weeks. No real arguments except for Baldwin Wallace. Their current 4-0-1 record will most likely not include a loss prior to conference play. With juggernauts Defiance, Waynesburg, Bluffton, Earlham and Hiram left to play, their entire preconference schedule features perennial bottom dwellers. Geneva was an NCAA team a few years ago - and that's it.
PAC leader Franciscan has Marietta tonight, then away at MTU and Hiram before next week's rankings. They should be ranked with a 3-0 record this week.
Perennial AMCC champs PSU-B is off to a 1-0-3 start - drew at MTU. With their annual challenge usually coming from Medaille, who left to join the Empire 8, I expect they'll be ranked at some point and will win the AMCC for the 849th time.
Denison just may be the second choice in the NCAC. Solid game against Capital last night - trailed 1-0 at half, got an early gift goal to start the second half, and applied relentless pressure throughout the half, getting the winner. Almost a carbon copy of their game against Grove City on Saturday.
Tonight's matches : OWU at ONU, Otterbein hosting Hanover, JCU at Case, and Kenyon at Wilmington must see tv! Not sure how I'm going to pull this off.
With so many tight games against fellow NCAA pool candidates - that is teams that have historically been selected or have been in contention - it's really too difficult and too early to predict the next two regional rankings. The style of play for a large number of teams is similar - well organized back lines, getting the ball wide and attacks from the wings in form of crosses or 1 v 1 dribbles.
As to who comes out ahead 1-0 and who doesn't in games between contenders:
- decision making. I've seen poor GK's and backs do ill-advised maneuvers in their defensive third that have directly resulted in goals against. Directly. Teams playing their butts off only to have a dumb mistake cost them a game.
- poor skill. Skill has let every player down - it happens. But the number of mistakes in the area that have led directly to goals, in games decided by one goal, has occurred too often.
- "switching off". Two evenly matched teams playing to their potential - scoreless game until one play where the defense loses concentration- and you're down 1-0. I'm trying to avoid naming specific incidents because they all indict an individual player, but Kenyon's 1-0 win vs Wilmington had two defenders ball watching, losing track of the eventual goal scorer. A perfectly lofted cross over their heads to an unmarked attacker - game over.
Said another way: I've seen a couple golasos, a handful of well executed attacks leading to goals. But I've seen too many errors that have resulted goals against. Let's hope things improve this weekend.
Did not get the matchup I hoped for Hanover vs Otterbein as a third minute RC on Hanover's CB - one of their better players - forced Hanover to defend for the entire game. Sadly, the only goal Otterbein got did not need to happen if better decisions were made by the Hanover D. Hanover play ONU this weekend and have challenged themselves with their non-conference schedule. They know their conference is weak and scheduled to give themselves an at-large chance - should they not win their conference.
Which is a similar storyline for OWU, JCU, Case, etc. Two teams I believe will be 1 & 2 next week are Kenyon and Denison. Denison trailed twice 1-0 in their last two games and won both 2-1. They have the Xtra Factor - they have the will to win. Kenyon plays a more free flowing, one touch, attacking style than any other team I've seen in the GL. If ONU gets a result at Hanover- third. Unless RH beats Hope - either way there's your 3rd and 4th. MTU winning versus Franciscan tonight - 5th - but if Franciscan wins tonight and tomorrow at Hiram??
Yes, CMU will be undefeated come next week, as will be Baldwin Wallace. But their non conference schedules are woefully weak. CMU: I don't know if they've ever played a weaker schedule to be honest. They will be ranked - but not for long.
2-1 MTU at the half.
Where have I know you before? For the RTF fans out there.
Franciscan goal - GK passes the ball directly to a Franciscan player - heavy touch - MTU defender swings and knocks the ball off the Franciscan player - rebound and goal.
MTU - great penetrating dribble along the byline- ball dropped back into a central space - runner fills space - goal. Near post - keeper???
But MTU defines the style of play that is dominating GL teams. Possession. Possession. Possession. I repeat myself when distressed- for the King Crimson fans out there. So - as to parity: if everyone plays the same style, recruits the same players - all equally competent: what do you think is going to happen? Sameness boils down to who makes the fewest mistakes.
Color me embarrassed. MTU goes up 3-1 - I tune out and find the final score 3-3. MTU and their extremely protective AD/ football program deny reviews of games past but I'm going to try to find the last 30 minutes.
From what I saw: MTU should have won. They didn't. Franciscan has a chance to go 2-0-1 this week - and would be deserving of a regional ranking
And for the third consecutive game Denison wins 2-1 after falling behind 1-0. Looking forward to what NCAC holds for them
OK, while I'm in a ranting mood, I do NOT understand why in the world Kenyon keeps scheduling Muskingum. It does nothing but destroy their SoS. And if you're gonna insist on playing a cupcake at least do it at home with another game that weekend or the following Tuesday so parents can enjoy seeing their kids play who rarely play. Why Kenyon has 10 road games and only six at home astounds me especially given that their is no longer an away SoS benefit as I understand it. There are few things better than early to mid Fall in Gambier so I can't understand not trying to max out on home games or at least do 50/50. Also thought Kenyon looked pretty average against Wilmington, and the contrast between seeing NESCAC teams go at each other and the overall level of competition for the good non-NESCAC, non-UAA schools can be pretty stark. Messiah can overcome it, maybe North Park can, but I think come November the NESCAC and UAA teams are better prepared even allowing for other good teams trying to have strong non-conference schedules.
Also concerned because Muther did not dress the first two games, played limited minutes the next two, and now has not played the last two. Hamstring injury? Further, their other best defender CB Aidan Burns did not play today. Several others who play regularly also have been out. If Kenyon is healthy and playing on all cylinders they are a threat for a deep run, but otherwise not. And to be honest, while there are several Great Lakes teams capable of beating Kenyon, I don't see another one right now in the region that could get beyond the 2nd round or Sweet 16.
I haven't watched any of game yet but Jack Foht for John Carroll scored twice within a minute inside the last two minutes of the first half. At around 55 minutes the stats say OWU has not had a shot or shot on goal.
What's going on with OWU? They're about to be winless through 6 games. When is the last time that happened?
Quote from: stlawus on September 17, 2022, 07:40:23 PM
What's going on with OWU? They're about to be winless through 6 games. When is the last time that happened?
1927...
But they'll end up winning the NCAC tourney and snagging AQ.
So here's more for why you absolutely don't schedule Muskingum. I used to think Kenyon had bad luck as each year they have to sweat out the SoS at the end more than would be expected at the start of the season. But once you factor in a couple of 1-15, 2-15 teams (like Muskingum and Hiram), you can't absorb other teams unexpectedly having horrible seasons. Centre lost to friggin Brevard. Brevard! I didn't even know there was a Brevard College in D3 and I'm from North Carolina. So after drawing with DePauw today Centre, in the Final 4 just two seasons ago, is 0-4-2....same as OWU, who of course also is on the Kenyon schedule, and could be that Denison is the only team in the NCAC that actually helps the SoS. Throw in Spalding and a couple of the OACs on the schedule landing below .500 and you've got real trouble.
Per the latest coach's poll: Case has one "signature" win over Otterbein, draws against OWU and JCU. Maybe that win puts them above 7-2 Wabash (no significant opponents beaten), but I think ONU at 4-2 - losses at Kenyon and at home vs North Park, wins home vs OWU, Oberlin, and K-Zoo, at Hanover - is more deserving of a spot in the rankings. Much more competitive pre conference schedule than most GL teams.
The most over-ranked team - CMU - will be lucky to see an SOS above .425 with their preseason schedule. As the soccer gods would have it, CMU is at ONU on Sunday the 25th. ONU also has RH at home on Sat the 24th: their preseason fortunes (and possible at-large bid) are in their hands.
Another team off to a great start and with tough games this week: Denison. Nothing like having a bullseye out on your back with a national ranking of 16 before playing JCU at home tomorrow, away at Wilmington and away next Wednesday at Otterbein. From what I've seen - style of play - the JCU and Otterbein and Denison are eventually matched. Games will most likely boil down to: which team makes the fewest mistakes.
Denison at this five minutes might have the best chance for an at-large bid should they not win the NCAC. Kenyon, with a win vs Case and maybe 1-2 losses in conference, would also be in consideration.
DePauw and Wabash bear watching but I think they'll need the AQ to go to the NCAA. OWU has only one chance - AQ.
Per OWU : gives up a pinball goal in the area, off a throw, at ONU; gives up a penetrating dribble from near midfield and a shot from 22-25 yards out - near post - for the first JCU goal, runner to the near post heads in a corner a minute later. Of the goals conceded, OWU is making too many mistakes in the defensive third.
The OAC will be interesting. There are 5 teams that could win the conference, with no guarantee that the conference winner gets the AQ. Otterbein's wins to date may be not as impressive - depending how Transy and Hanover do for the rest of the year. They are playing very well - strong first half against Transy. I like how they start games on the front foot - Case, Transy. They need to play a full 90 minutes. At OWU tomorrow - going to be the closest we've come to 90 degrees in about 5 weeks. Mount Union and JCU are enigmas - or a box of chocolates - they should be in the top four with Bein and ONU. Wilmington and Marietta could also challenge for a top 4 spot - but these 6 are my leading candidates for the OAC tourney as of this moment. Capital might challenge for the 6th spot along with BW - Capital is very young - 3 seniors, only one who plays (when fit). Using a lot of Soph's and Freshman right now; still learning.
Marietta - has Kenyon and PSU-B before conference - very likely 0-2 in these games.
JCU - at Denison and PSU-B, home vs Calvin. If they win 2 of these games - I'll be super impressed.
MTU - still don't know how they lost a 3-1 lead vs Franciscan, and with Bethany and Wooster remaining: they should win both, or tie?
Wilmington has Denison next week; they just might put 9 up against MT. St. Joe on Thursday.
Weather impacts on schedule tonight. So far, Cap/Oberlin canceled, Denison/JCU, Bein/OWU and Wilmington/MSJ moved to tomorrow. All other games are "on" at this moment
Thx for the update -- now I need a new procrastination/work avoidance technique since I was going to have Denison vs. JCU on tonight in the background while I work . . ..
I believe Kenyon/Marietta is still a go - if you can bear watching night games on that dark blue turf. Very disconcerting . . .
https://boxcast.tv/view/mens-soccer-marietta-vs-kenyon-t4xykjoo9ef0sibhgeiz
Makes sense that a different weather pattern in Marietta -- it is not close to anything!
The free-flowing, one touch attacking play from Kenyon that I mentioned previously was excellently executed last night. All you need to do is watch the first 10 minutes when they went up 2-0 (could have been more). Their style of play is so much different than any other GL team. Marietta did give them too much respect - said another way: did not press the ball and allowed more freedom of movement than they should have. If you want to beat Kenyon you're going to have to play with much more intensity and physicality.
Forget to mention Otterbein's DFK prowess: they have scored twice directly on DFK's from 20-25 yards out. Two different players too - a left and right-footed player. See the goal at Case and second goal vs Transy. Not sure which central Ohio game I'll attend tonight - both are intriguing!
Denison playing on their home grass field for the first time this year. Missing the CR at the start of the game - don't think they'll start with two officials
Denison playing on their home grass field for the first time this year. Missing the CR at the start of the game - don't think they'll start with two officials
do you need to subscribe to watch?
Sorry - just seeing this at half.
https://www.northcoastnetwork.com/denison/
JCU dominating possession - got a rebound off a deflected shot for their goal.
Denison has made halftime adjustments the last four games where they trailed 1-0. JCU is large - I mean they could put together a basketball team from this squad. Interesting that Denison has tried several route 1 balls to get a 1v 1 with their CB. Denison hasn't had any real wing play to challenge the ability of these big backs to stay with pacy forwards
JCU did enough to secure the win, but after the 70th minute Denison had the better of play and possession. Combination of Denison's resolve to find the leveler and JCU pulling back a bit. If JCU plays a full 90 minute game they are the second best team in the GL. The interplay of 21 and 4 up top, the steady influence of 22 controlling the midfield - these players stood out to me - not to slight the others out there. Looking forward to their OAC games against Bein and ONU (Oct 15 home vs ONU, Oct 19 at Bein).
Denison almost gets the equalizer off a late corner - shot just goes wide right. #22 is a special player for this team - a workhorse who wins the ball back and maintains possession in tight spots. They need to guard against a flat performance at Wilmington on Saturday, where Kenyon escaped with a 1-0 win.
And I take back every comment about defensive mistakes I've seen from GL players. What a gutless, lifeless effort from the US today. Even coach Glen from Letterkenny wouldn't have the energy to kick the trash can , which is where our team belongs.
Watched almost all of JCU vs Denison. Very important win for the Blue Streaks that may be needed at selection time. I thought JCU started the 2nd half strong looking to get a 2nd goal and they almost did, but as the half wore on I thought they hunkered down too much and were almost begging Denison to get an equalizer. Multiple good half-chances and JCU looked especially shaky defending corners. Denison imo is relying too heavily on Miracle (#21) who has emerged as their leader and most dangerous attacking player. He basically stayed up as high as possible hunting chances, and on another day luck might have been served up a loose ball around the six with an open net. He saved the Big Red the last two or three games so a fourth was a lot to ask. Denison imo is right there and could beat almost anyone but I still don't think they're quite ready to beat several very good teams in a row.
Kenyon versus Marietta showed a glimpse of what they can be, especially the first 10-15 minutes. I don't love (and I've said this in years past) how they get a team pinned in for several minutes at a time with the outside backs way, way up which leaves them highly vulnerable to counters and which I think equal teams could expose. I do not like their look when they suddenly are in scramble mode, which iirc is what burned them on the late GW for Messiah last year. Anyway, the overall talent and depth are there and the Owls should be a contender IF they can get and stay relatively healthy. For whatever reason Martinez doesn't look quite as dynamic and they've got to have Muther available.
I have no idea what to make of Otterbein @ OWU not being played this week and possibly cancelled. That was a big game for both teams and I wonder what the story is and who benefitted most by not playing. Can a team decline to play or res-schedule if they have a turf field available? Like insisting it's our grass field or bust?
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 23, 2022, 10:51:29 AM
I have no idea what to make of Otterbein @ OWU not being played this week and possibly cancelled. That was a big game for both teams and I wonder what the story is and who benefitted most by not playing. Can a team decline to play or res-schedule if they have a turf field available? Like insisting it's our grass field or bust?
From a purely legal perspective, I would be shocked if a contractual agreement to play a non-conference game has a same-season specific performance clause when a game is postponed because of an Act of God situation. At most, the parties would be obligated to use their best efforts to reschedule, but that may include for a future season. Even if one party cancelled in breach of the contract (i.e., because of something in their control), it seems more likely that there is a clause of the contract requiring that the cancelling school reimburse the other school for any costs incurred, rather than being required to find another open date on the calendar before the end of the season.
From a less legal and more practical perspective, coaches and ADs are repeat players and they don't want to get sideways with another school in their region, both because they want to preserve their relationship with that school and they don't want to develop a bad reputation with other schools who might think twice about scheduling them in the future. So, most try to be accommodating if possible. If they aren't rescheduling, chances are the school saying no has a plausible enough reason that the other team doesn't feel like pressing the matter further. They just will be less likely to schedule that team in the future.
Quote from: Kuiper on September 23, 2022, 12:33:43 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 23, 2022, 10:51:29 AM
I have no idea what to make of Otterbein @ OWU not being played this week and possibly cancelled. That was a big game for both teams and I wonder what the story is and who benefitted most by not playing. Can a team decline to play or res-schedule if they have a turf field available? Like insisting it's our grass field or bust?
From a purely legal perspective, I would be shocked if a contractual agreement to play a non-conference game has a same-season specific performance clause when a game is postponed because of an Act of God situation. At most, the parties would be obligated to use their best efforts to reschedule, but that may include for a future season. Even if one party cancelled in breach of the contract (i.e., because of something in their control), it seems more likely that there is a clause of the contract requiring that the cancelling school reimburse the other school for any costs incurred, rather than being required to find another open date on the calendar before the end of the season.
From a less legal and more practical perspective, coaches and ADs are repeat players and they don't want to get sideways with another school in their region, both because they want to preserve their relationship with that school and they don't want to develop a bad reputation with other schools who might think twice about scheduling them in the future. So, most try to be accommodating if possible. If they aren't rescheduling, chances are the school saying no has a plausible enough reason that the other team doesn't feel like pressing the matter further. They just will be less likely to schedule that team in the future.
Thanks. I per usual way over-complicated it. Really just wanted to know why JCU-Denison made up the game the next night and Otterbein-OWU didn't. Neither had another game yesterday or today so not clear why they didn't play last night and wondered if either thought it was to their advantage not to play.
I will guess the availability of officials had something to do with rescheduling the next day. Thursday is HS play - almost no college games on Thursdays in Ohio. Incidentally, the CR last night (Denison) was Eric Tattersall - he did the D3 final last year. Been working his way up with PRO too - saw him at a Crew game as the 4th official couple weeks ago
I'm not gonna nitpick anything with Kenyon today. 4-0 over a very good CWRU team that they could see again down the road. And Muther got 10-15 minutes each half which is good news. The field looked fantastic and now we know why Kenyon has so few home games. Coach Brown is a fanatic about that field and win or lose the players are out there for a good 45 minutes after the game to repair divots all over the pitch. He wants that field in good shape come November.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 24, 2022, 06:19:23 PM
I'm not gonna nitpick anything with Kenyon today. 4-0 over a very good CWRU team that they could see again down the road. And Muther got 10-15 minutes each half which is good news. The field looked fantastic and now we know why Kenyon has so few home games. Coach Brown is a fanatic about that field and win or lose the players are out there for a good 45 minutes after the game to repair divots all over the pitch. He wants that field in good shape come November.
@PaulNewman - Is Muther hurt or recovering from an injury? Realized he has only played 2 games this season.
SC.
SC, I've got no direct intel, but missing first couple of games, playing limited minutes for a couple, then out again for several, and back yesterday for limited minutes strongly suggests recovering from an injury to me. Sounds very consistent with a hamstring injury, right? They seem to also have one of their more talented freshmen out with injury (started for Muther at right back for the season opener but I don't think has played at all since the second game) and a a couple of sophs who also would likely get playing time have been out.
Storms moving through western Ohio - one large thunderstorm in Lima headed to Ada. I'd bet there will be at least an hour delay in the ONU/CMU game. 7 minutes played.
What did I say about JCU and playing a full 90 minute game a day ago? They didn't.
Set pieces are killing teams in the middle/bottom of their respective leagues. Of course the Calvin winner off a throw; all 4 goals in the Hanover/Capital game - although the leveler from Cap with 17 seconds left may help that young squad come league play next Sat. Still have OWU on Wednesday , who finally got into the win column vs Trine.
Nice rebound by Denison to win at Wilmington 2-1, especially considering they played nearly 30 minutes a man down and got the game winner with 10 men. Looked at the RC several times - have no idea what the foul/call was warranting the card. Can only assume language or VC based on the video. First Denison goal: set piece naturally. Wilmington's goal came off a careless TO at midfield and a long pass to one of Wilmington's mist dangerous scorers. Didn't see the play much as the Wilmington camera coverage was late getting to the action - as it was with Denison's winning goal. But Denison plays to the final whistle - getting the winner with about 10 minutes left. DePauw's loss at Wittenberg certainly surprised me, but I think Denison is a clear #2 in the NCAC.
Denison red card was for language
Some conference play has begun - PAC - Heartland begins today. Grove city off to a 2-0 start - the thumping of Franciscan 6-0 away caught my attention. Only three, four teams vying for the AQ - Franciscan's last three results have them heading in the wrong direction. Geneva and Bethany looking like contenders.
Juiciest match tonight is Denison at Otterbein. As things stand, Bein's pre conference schedule looks weaker than it might have before the season - so they need a signature win tonight. I expected Otterbein to be a top 3-4 team in the OAC and they're going to need to get to the conference tournament final for a chance at an at-large bid. JCU at PSU-B: PSU-B has had good results against decent GL competition so far. They have no chance for an at-large bid and will most likely get the AQ from the AMCC.
The enigmas that are OWU and Capital square off in Delaware tonight - I have no idea what to expect.
ONU/CMU Sunday: somewhere Jose Mourinho is smiling. While CMU doesn't exactly employ a low block, they are a defensive oriented side that seeks quick counters. I'm not sure what this style will do in UAA play , but as they did at JCU: they will frustrate the opposition and look for that one opportunity for a goal.
Otterbein dominated my Big Red and really stifled our offense without our starting striker who was out on a red card . Hoping the spanking lights fire into Denison for conference play . Looking forward to Kenyon vs OWU on Tuesday
I am NOT looking forward to Kenyon @ OWU on Roy Rike Field at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer complex at night in front of 1000+ fans. I never do look forward to it and probably never will. Would much rather be playing Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, or Tufts Tuesday night.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 30, 2022, 01:39:48 PM
I am NOT looking forward to Kenyon @ OWU on Roy Rike Field at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer complex at night in front of 1000+ fans. I never do look forward to it and probably never will. Would much rather be playing Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, or Tufts Tuesday night.
Is that kind of like .... playing Stoke on a Tuesday, in the cold rain??
SC.
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 30, 2022, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 30, 2022, 01:39:48 PM
I am NOT looking forward to Kenyon @ OWU on Roy Rike Field at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer complex at night in front of 1000+ fans. I never do look forward to it and probably never will. Would much rather be playing Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, or Tufts Tuesday night.
Is that kind of like .... playing Stoke on a Tuesday, in the cold rain??
SC.
If by Stoke you mean Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, then yes.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 30, 2022, 01:46:44 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 30, 2022, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 30, 2022, 01:39:48 PM
I am NOT looking forward to Kenyon @ OWU on Roy Rike Field at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer complex at night in front of 1000+ fans. I never do look forward to it and probably never will. Would much rather be playing Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, or Tufts Tuesday night.
Is that kind of like .... playing Stoke on a Tuesday, in the cold rain??
SC.
If by Stoke you mean Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, then yes.
Yes. Of course. The draining of blood from ones veins is a bit more impactful than.... cold rain.
SC.
Actually in my memories of the film there always is a cold rain in Transylvania.
And in my ongoing segment of TMI, both of my parents were from Eastern KY coal mining towns (aka Appalachia)...and they met at....Transylvania (Transy).
"But can they do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?"
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 30, 2022, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 30, 2022, 01:39:48 PM
I am NOT looking forward to Kenyon @ OWU on Roy Rike Field at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer complex at night in front of 1000+ fans. I never do look forward to it and probably never will. Would much rather be playing Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, or Tufts Tuesday night.
Is that kind of like .... playing Stoke on a Tuesday, in the cold rain??
SC.
Kenyon is looking great and OWU struggling mightily, nothing to worry about right
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 30, 2022, 01:39:48 PM
I am NOT looking forward to Kenyon @ OWU on Roy Rike Field at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer complex at night in front of 1000+ fans. I never do look forward to it and probably never will. Would much rather be playing Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, or Tufts Tuesday night.
If they've ever had 1,000 fans there I'll cover your retirement. The statistician had OWU with 33 shots in the Cap game on Wednesday - I was there and ain't no way that number is close. The Dept. of Mathematics at OWU might be turning out inferior grass . . .
For the record: the biggest crowd I saw there was when they were the #1 seed at lost 1-0 to Rose Hulman NCAA first round. 2012??
Game Information
Date/Time: September 2, 2011 - 7:30 pm
Location: Delaware, Ohio, USA
Stadium: Roy Rike Field
Game Length: 1:56
Attendance: 1400
Referee: Daniel Drunel
Asst. Referee: Mikael Lundqvist
GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: November 8, 2014 - 7 p.m.
Location: Delaware, Ohio, USA
Stadium: Jay Martin SocComplx
Game Length: 2:12
Attendance: 1212
Referee: Brian Apswich
Asst. Referee: Michael Kinder
Rose Hulman was daytime...2013...
GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: November 17, 2013 - 1 p.m.
Location: Delaware, Ohio, USA
Stadium: Jay Martin SocComplx
Game Length: 1:48
Attendance: 1020
Referee: Andrew Bigelow
Asst. Referee: Jason Krnac
Very sloppy, disappointing performance from Kenyon today, especially after a full week off. Won 3-1 over Wooster but made things very difficult for themselves. The pattern continues of giving a team almost no possession and then giving up a goal the first time other team gets a chance, usually off an awful error in the back. I realize playing the ball back in your own defensive third including repeatedly including the GK in that is in vogue but when without any pressure at all you are hitting beautiful through balls to the other team that's a problem. The GK is fine but he's not Pele back there.
And then after giving up a goal again exactly like that you'd think they would be more careful and/or the coach would be yanking guys off the field for repeated intercepted passes with no pressure, but no, they keep doing it! Even Muther the AA made a perfect pass to Wooster to create a wide open, point blank chance. In general the starting back four is solid and Burns was very good but when the outside backs get subbed the speed and athleticism takes a hit (although those weren't the players making mistakes). And another missed PK blasted well over the bar after a failed cheeky attempt soft down the middle last week. Finally, Brown put in his third line with 4-5 minutes left up 3-1 and they did not do a good job a closing the game out as Wooster almost scored 2-3 times. Kenyon dominated possession in the first half but far less so in the second and if they passed in the final third like they do in the defensive third they'd get more good chances. I will say that Burns' 65 yard driven ball from deep in his own third that fell right to the feet of streaking Carson was exceptional.
The only program that charges for admission has been OWU - but senior entry is only $3. Tonight at Otterbein - $8 plus fees - almost $10. Watch online for free? Geez guys . . . This is bull****
Kenyon barely, barely squeaks by a highly motivated Wabash squad in Crawfordsville 1-0 (Burns, a CB scored off an early 2nd half corner).
1) Kenyon clearly the better team and dominated in spurts but not nearly to the degree one would expect for a team ranked so highly. Wabash has some skilled, talented offensive players, had their chances, and definitely could have earned an upset.
2) Kenyon amazingly continues to gift lazy back passes within the back four or easy strips of the CDM deep in their own final third. I do not understand how that keeps happening. Kenyon also fortunate that an otherwise trigger-happy referee refrained from awarding Wabash a PK a couple of times. In fairness, Kenyon also had a few wide open chances at the six or just outside the six where they should have scored.
3) The referee made himself the star of the match. Called 40 fouls, many of them on simple touches and very minor contact (or no contact). He was equally bad for both teams I think, but Kenyon acted like they were victims way too often, way too much dissent, and very surprised the coach is allowing this to happen. In that regard, Brown should focus on his own players and not the referee. A very veteran team with supposedly strong leadership should be handling themselves with far greater maturity.
4) Kenyon must have 7-8 guys injured or several injured, several suspended, and/or several who quit or something. Martinez and Nardiello-Smith did not play, and at least 4-5 other regular players did not play. Brown played four to five guys major minutes who are in my mind third line guys several of whom should not have been on the field. Does not make sense given that this was a key game in the NCAC. If I didn't know where the game was being played and saw who was on the field I would have thought it was Kenyon Senior Day or something.
5) Overall love the job that Nguyen is doing (kid Domino praised). But Matt, please introduce yourself to the kid 10 yards to your right who happens to be an All American. Nguyen 90% of the time passes over the the other CB Burns, plays the cycling CDM coming back to the ball who then gets strips in a dangerous spot (I still don't get why so many teams try to make that play over and over), or hits a long ball over the top. At any rate, Muther not getting nearly enough touches and didn't have a touch at all until maybe 7 minutes in. Of course Muther is the one who could have been called for a foul in the box very late which most likely would have ensured the game ending in a draw.
6) Kenyon will have to get much better over the next several weeks if they hope to get anywhere near their aspirations. The midfield especially has got to be stronger holding the ball and creating more chances.
7) Caught a break with Denison being held to a draw by Oberlin. Denison has to travel to Gambier but will get OWU in Granville.
A good effort by my Little Giants in an aggressively contested match in Crawfordsville. Can not rightly say that the Owls didn't earn the win, but would have loved to sneak out of that contest with a tie. A missed assignment on a corner kick is going to keep one of our defenders up this evening.
As for the referee....try harder.
Quote from: Martindale on October 08, 2022, 06:30:07 PM
A good effort by my Little Giants in an aggressively contested match in Crawfordsville. Can not rightly say that the Owls didn't earn the win, but would have loved to sneak out of that contest with a tie. A missed assignment on a corner kick is going to keep one of our defenders up this evening.
As for the referee....try harder.
OK, I've waited this out long enough. If no one else is stupid enough to ask I certainly am. Is there any chance your first name is this emoji ;)?
Get a win against Denison Tuesday and your Little Giants will be in good shape.
FYI, you probably have to be 55+ to get the joke above.
LOL No it is not. Martindale is the name of the dorm I lived in many, many years ago.
"...maybe the most famous game show host of all time."
When you consider a recent/current celeb who was a game show host that's saying quite a bit.
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wink-martindale-explains/story?id=27034447
Big win for Denison at Wabash, 2-0.
Some pretty big games the rest of this week, and with the first real regional ranking coming next week, things will start to heat up!
CMU vs Chicago
The biggest game of the week by far. Two nationally ranked teams. CMU's only blemish being against a solid NYU side. Chicago obviously unbeaten and the number one team in the country. Still think it will be an exciting game
Case vs Wash U
Both teams boasted similar records so I think it will be a typical tough, UAA battle.
ONU vs JCU
Arguably the second biggest game of the week in region. Both teams are unbeaten and #1 and #2 in conference play. Both are neck and neck as far as record and regional ranking standpoints. Both have a history of battling it out for OAC Champs. Winner of this should be OAC Champions.
OWU vs Wooster
No question OWU had a terrible start to the season but are on a 5 game unbeaten streak and with a notable tie vs Kenyon, they have a good chance to compete/win the NCAC. If they continue winning conference games they have a decent shot to sneak into one of the regional rankings spots. Wooster, however will not make it easy for them
OWU vs Denison - battle for second in the NCAC. Winner would likely be the host for a rematch of the semi final game in a few weeks.
Wilmington vs Mount Union - hard game between the current third and fourth place in the OAC
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 17, 2022, 07:50:24 PM
Quote from: stlawus on September 17, 2022, 07:40:23 PM
What's going on with OWU? They're about to be winless through 6 games. When is the last time that happened?
1927...
But they'll end up winning the NCAC tourney and snagging AQ.
Rather prescient prediction!
Yes, and I was serious at the time lol. That poor start by OWU was very deceptive. They were up 1-0 on Calvin and in every other game, and you just knew they would recover.
Couple of KFTM to settle GL tourneys.
Undefeated in conference play, 10-0, Grove City gets left out of the NCAA via shoot-out. PAC winner tonight - it's Franciscan's to lose.
Heartland had the two best teams meet for God knows how many years now, and true to form, this conference required kicks to see Rose Hulman take the NCAA ticket.
OWU steals a bid from someone. With Case taking care of CMU today and finishing second in the UAA - they are in. Kenyon gets an at-large. That's 7 from the GL. If Wilmington pulls off the upset tonight, stealing another bid, that leaves JCU and ONU doing a lot of praying.
Should JCU win, ONU is still praying for an 8th bid, a 3rd at-large to the GL.
Top D3 soccer student athletes still trying to make a decision or narrowing down where to visit? Check out the best school in the country (no bias). And meet former Kenyon AA David Anderson...
https://youtu.be/UwrOg9U2M3w
https://youtu.be/RDhJzAuy_Kg
Another clip of Anderson highlights will give you better idea of his career and best of all some rare video of Coach Brown at the end.
Coach Brown, if you're listening, email SimpleCoach today and schedule an appointment! Every year we all gotta push a little bit beyond what we think our limits are.
Didn't want to mess up the new schedules thread.
This is a story for the literally hundreds (haha) of D3 parents like myself and @Another Mom who still have active players or players starting their college journeys in a few months....
2011 was OWU's 2nd and most recent national title season. Travis Wall was the NPOY....just a phenomenally talented player imo on a par with Messiah's top players historically. OWU actually started the season losing the first game at home to Messiah 2-1 in front of 1400 under the lights at Roy Rike....Danny Thompson scored for the Falcons 29 seconds into the match while younger brother Jack put Messiah ahead 2-0 in the 78th before Wall clawed one back in the 86th. OWU outshot Messiah 18-10 but of course was chasing the game. OWU didn't lose again until a NCAC tourney final shock defeat to DePauw 4-2 on that same Roy Rike pitch. Thereafter, the Battling Bishops went through Wash U, ONU (with come from behind Wall heroics), Hope, Montclair, and Calvin. Messiah? The defending champs lost in the 2nd round in stunning fashion to Neumann 1-0 in OT courtesy of a header off a free kick.
2011 was a rebuilding year for Kenyon coming off a 2010 NCAA appearance which had been the Owls' first in a long, long time. A very talented senior class moved on and a class of 20 frosh, including my son, came in for 2011. They struggled and ultimately failed to even make the NCAC tournament. It was hard to see what would be coming in subsequent years, and at the time that was the least of my worries.
What an exciting but nerve-wracking time. Your kid is going somewhere that feels very far away to a place that literally in guidebooks is described as "in the middle of nowhere," so on the one hand, there are just the normal huge worries about adjusting to college. Then there was the anxiety about the soccer. I of course was anxious for him and his happiness but also for my own. More than anything, we all wanted verification that he had made the best decision when in reality there is never any way to know that for sure. He loved it from the start and he loved the comaradarie of his teammates from the start. I think he would have been pretty happy for at least a year or two if he never played but I wouldn't have handled that well at all. Anyway, I knew he wasn't an elite recruit, and indeed, once the coach knew he was getting 20 to enroll, we knew the coach wouldn't mind at all if he took his talents anywhere else. Thank God he didn't.
I've written about this before so I'll be quick to get back to the OWU part. My son initially didn't get a jersey or dress for the first 3 games. I actually managed my hysteria fairly well and my kid kept a great attitude, kept plugging away at practice, and after a practice the coach said they were taking him on a road trip. He got one of the extra jerseys (#34), came on as a sub, and scored. Then he got the only goal in the next game at home. Suddenly he was starting in the midfield and kept that spot for the rest of the season.
So fast forward to our away game at OWU. For whatever reason, there was no video so we were "watching live stats." It is truly amazing how engrossed you can be by "live stats" when you are waiting to see if your team goes ahead or goes behind and/or your kid's name is flashed with "shot wide" or "hit post" or "goal!" In the 11th minute I see the score change to Kenyon 1, OWU 0, followed by the goal going to a soph CB from NZ and an assist swung in from the left side from my son. It seems so silly, and sillier still to write now, but that is the essence of D3 parent euphoria. You, your wife, maybe a sibling a two huddled around a computer screen or IPad when something happens for your kid and then two sets of grandparents and aunts and uncles are in exhiliration texting mode. Kenyon held on until Wall broke through in the 68th minute, they scored again to go up 2-1 in the 86th minute, and that was that.
One team headed towards a national title. A very mediocre season for the other. But perhaps some foreshadowing of battles to come. Another crazed D3 parent forever addicted to D3 soccer.
https://www.d3soccer.com/seasons/men/2011/boxscores/20111026_giam.xml
Nothing like the highs and lows of being a soccer parent!! I loved your post @paulnewman!
Great story @paulnewman! Thanks for sharing it. You hinted at taking a step back at the end of last season. I hope you continue to be engaged and post frequently when the season kicks off.
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on May 29, 2023, 01:07:40 PM
Great story @paulnewman! Thanks for sharing it. You hinted at taking a step back at the end of last season. I hope you continue to be engaged and post frequently when the season kicks off.
We are currently negotiating a new contract for his return. Am hopeful.
SC.
Cross-posted from the Coaching Carousel thread:
Chris Brown and Darren Moore, Head Coach and Assistant Coach, respectively, of Kenyon Men's Soccer, have stepped down
https://athletics.kenyon.edu/news/2023/6/20/mens-soccer-end-of-a-coaching-era-for-kenyon-mens-soccer.aspx
I happened to notice that no one from Kenyon was at the MLS Next Cup and Showcase this weekend (there are a ton of D3 coaches there), but I didn't think anything of it. I guess this was in the works since they stepped down together. Two months before the season is pretty short timing though and there isn't an assistant left to serve as interim (unless their GK coach stepped up).
I know many probably tire of me talking about Kenyon, and some may tire of seeing my posts, period. I do try to compensate with a genuine interest in and attention to other prominent programs and a mix of regions.
At any rate, I'm posting this off the major highways (threads) and on this little regional cul-de-sac.
I'm sure I'm missing an obvious one, but only Middlebury and maybe Messiah come to mind in terms of a school like OWU that has one of the most decorated coaches in D3 history and the winningest coach among all divisions...and where two very notable alums are now leading the programs at OWU's greatest rivals (at least in conference but arguably nationally as well).
The new dynamics are fascinating. There is Bianco at Denison who is just outstanding and already has turned around the Denison program after taking CWRU to heights that program had never experienced. He's pretty inarguably one best and brightest young coaches in D3. He no doubt much preferred the Denison-Kenyon rivalry with Coach Brown at the helm. Indeed, disliking Kenyon I'm pretty convinced is requirement inside OWU Nation. And now Kenyon is led by the OWU player probably most responsible for earning Jay Martin's second NCAA title in 2011. When one thinks of OWU soccer, Travis Wall is no doubt one of the first people who come to mind for anyone who has a decent awareness of OWU soccer and its history.
So this time I'm actually more curious about how the OWU faithful will perceive and react to the new landscape. Can you really look at Kenyon (or Denison) as hated rivals when the coaches of your rivals are your own family? I am very curious to see how it all plays out...and of course there's still the question of who will replace Dr. Jay when he retires 25 years from now.
In more Kenyon-specific news, the 2023 roster is out. Everyone appears to be back that could be back. I was hoping Mac Nardiello-Smith would be back for a Covid year but looks like he isn't. His extremely unfortunate head injury/concussion suffered in the Calvin round of 32 clash kept him out of the W&L and Williams games. Of course Kenyon also lost a strong senior class highlighted by Upton, Carson, Gaese, and Muther. Big losses, but plenty of talent remains and hopefully at least 2-3 of the newcomers will contribute.
Kenyon hosts OWU this year, but maybe next year when the Owls head to Delaware OWU will retire Wall's jersey before the match or at halftime.
Quote from: PaulNewman on August 24, 2023, 07:38:17 PM
I know many probably tire of me talking about Kenyon, and some may tire of seeing my posts, period. I do try to compensate with a genuine interest in and attention to other prominent programs and a mix of regions.
At any rate, I'm posting this off the major highways (threads) and on this little regional cul-de-sac.
I'm sure I'm missing an obvious one, but only Middlebury and maybe Messiah come to mind in terms of a school like OWU that has one of the most decorated coaches in D3 history and the winningest coach among all divisions...and where two very notable alums are now leading the programs at OWU's greatest rivals (at least in conference but arguably nationally as well).
The new dynamics are fascinating. There is Bianco at Denison who is just outstanding and already has turned around the Denison program after taking CWRU to heights that program had never experienced. He's pretty inarguably one best and brightest young coaches in D3. He no doubt much preferred the Denison-Kenyon rivalry with Coach Brown at the helm. Indeed, disliking Kenyon I'm pretty convinced is requirement inside OWU Nation. And now Kenyon is led by the OWU player probably most responsible for earning Jay Martin's second NCAA title in 2011. When one thinks of OWU soccer, Travis Wall is no doubt one of the first people who come to mind for anyone who has a decent awareness of OWU soccer and its history.
So this time I'm actually more curious about how the OWU faithful will perceive and react to the new landscape. Can you really look at Kenyon (or Denison) as hated rivals when the coaches of your rivals are your own family? I am very curious to see how it all plays out...and of course there's still the question of who will replace Dr. Jay when he retires 25 years from now.
In more Kenyon-specific news, the 2023 roster is out. Everyone appears to be back that could be back. I was hoping Mac Nardiello-Smith would be back for a Covid year but looks like he isn't. His extremely unfortunate head injury/concussion suffered in the Calvin round of 32 clash kept him out of the W&L and Williams games. Of course Kenyon also lost a strong senior class highlighted by Upton, Carson, Gaese, and Muther. Big losses, but plenty of talent remains and hopefully at least 2-3 of the newcomers will contribute.
Kenyon hosts OWU this year, but maybe next year when the Owls head to Delaware OWU will retire Wall's jersey before the match or at halftime.
Based on the SimpleCoach interviews, it doesn't look like Coach Martin really cares about rivalries or who he is coaching against so I'm guessing there won't be much drama or jersey ceremonies at these games. All 3 programs seem like great places to coach at so I doubt Bianco or Wall or waiting for OWU. It looks like Martin's assistant coach has been there a long time so i'd imagine his hat is in the ring or he is waiting for a good job like when Bianco and Wall left OWU, especially if he does wait 25 more years like PaulNewman said lol
Is Coach Brown just done with coaching now? That seems crazy to me if so.
This warms my heart....and embarrassed I missed this since it's almost 3 weeks old...
https://twitter.com/kenyonmsoc/status/1688930386284519425/photo/1
So a few days ago I lamented the absence of Mac Nardiello-Smith on the Kenyon roster, and poof, just like me wishing Coach Wall on the Owls' sidelines a couple of months ago, here he is...
https://twitter.com/kenyonmsoc/status/1696203379091947608?t=3YB6jAoH2fKs-esFqAmEGg&s=19
Attended the Cap Transy game Friday - off to see Roanoke in a bit. Temps expected to be in the upper 80's here in Ohio this afternoon. Watched OWU at Calvin last night. Way too early to make observations BUT - with my lantern in hand I'm looking for standout midfielders who can dictate play, distribute the ball and direct their team in the attacking third. I'll let you know when I see such a performance.
Otherwise it's been two grind it out games - ball forced wide because midfield defending had been strong. Calvin was especially good dispossessing OWU.
Cap legit underrated side.. Kossoudji best attacking player in every game this year remember I said so...
Brilliant, decisive, mature, and physically dominant performance by John Carroll today. The Blue Streaks embarrassed Kenyon in Gambier, outclassing and bullying the Owls all over the field. The transfer from Akron got the first tally and then added insult to injury throughout the game. JCU is a very, very good team and should prove to be a legitimate national threat. They stayed compact and seemed to swallow up every Kenyon offensive effort, and then used the counter-attack to great effect, resulting in transition forays where every JCU player seemed to receive the ball with no Owl within 15 yards. I don't recall such an anemic performance by Kenyon in a long, long time. The Owls are just a mess right now, lacking cohesion and unable to create genuine scoring opportunities. They didn't come remotely close to scoring a goal. They were crushed in the midfield and the defending thus far has been horrendous. Giving up 8 goals in two games, even to very good teams, is hard to fathom,
We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....
Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal
https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx
"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."
You probably have to be 55+ to have a shot at getting this reference, but in the final scene of Body Heat William Hurt wakes up in the middle of the night in his prison cell to realize that Kathleen Turner is not dead (and the film ends with her lounging with a cocktail on the beach at a secluded, exotic island).
More current film/tv analogies might be the "Bear Trap" from Succession...or Jack Ryan realizing that Sulieman wanted them to raid the compound and free the hostages who had been infected with Ebola so that the favored hostage would unknowingly infect the President after the rescue mission....or back to the 55+ crew, we could go with my personal favorite The Sting.
After two days of binge-watching the first season of Jack Ryan, I woke up last night to ask myself why a very unsure, unsettled Kenyon squad was dominating the first five minutes given the revenge element and overall importance of the match to John Carroll. And it hit me...JCU intentionally wanted and allowed the Owls to have the illusion of being OK, to think "oh, this isn't going to be that bad," and to get comfortable. After luring the Owls in the Blue Streaks locked the door behind them and the game was over. Yes, that sounds crazy, but there's at least a grain of truth there. The Owls got rope-a-doped into oblivion.
Histrionics aside, the top of the OAC has made a major statement. We'll know relatively soon for sure whether JCU and ONU are the class of the region. Both have some monster games ahead. ONU hosts Calvin next, and after Colorago College (trap game), the Polar Bears are away (consecutively) at OWU, at North Central, at North Park, and at Trine and Rose-Hulman.
JCU next heads to Pittsburgh to take on Carnegie Mellon. JCU should win this one, but CMU desperately needs this game as the rest of the schedule pre-UAA is ridiculously weak. After Wooster and CWRU at home, JCU is at OWU, hosts Denison, and then is at Calvin and a neutral site for North Park back-to-back.
Otterbein has been a mild disappointment early, but Capital has surprised.
CWRU should be 3-0 before hosting Capital and then going down the street to JCU.
After next weekend, Kenyon could be easily be 1-3 or even 0-4 or 0-3-1. OWU could be 1-2-1 or 0-2-2. The Owls and Battling Bishops have the same opponents. Hanover is hard to predict at 1-1 but I don't see St Olaf losing twice (or maybe even once).
Denison should be 6-0 heading into a road trip gauntlet featuring JCU, CWRU, and Otterbein.
Pablo - too early to say. Perhaps Kenyon's start will be a wake up call. JCU had a miserable pre conference a couple years back - ridiculous SOS -went into conference play with a losing record and stormed their way to the OAC title.
Saw both Cap games: very unimpressed with their energy yesterday. Yes - they survived the first 20 minutes and got a goal against run of play. Previously acknowledged Kossoudji got a second - kid is nuts. Part Tasmanian Devil from cartoons, mostly cat in that his sense on balance, quickness and speed is unlike any soccer player I've seen - got a second by running straight through Roanoke's defense from 35-40 yards. OG early in second half - then Cap parked the bus for 40 frickin' minutes. Roanoke was dominate before the PTB tactics, but they scored 0 goals in two games in their visit to Ohio. Once they figure out final third issues they will be a dominating team. Midfield and D is solid - GK a ?
Best game I saw this weekend was Calvin - OWU. Calvin had better possession stats but could only get the one goal. A classic grind game between two teams that will qualify for post season.
Otterbein's draw against Trine - a head scratcher. They end the weekend having been shut out twice. Watched some, but switched to Case/Wooster as it was on at the same time.
Case scores off a corner in the second minute, then a PK. Third goal in the second half due to
a marauding GK leaving the 6 unnecessarily- Paul - really question the first JCU goal
- a spirit breaker - also due to an unnecessary GK challenge outside the 6. Case solid across the back and midfield - fortunate scoring - but if Cap shows up comatose as they did yesterday Case should handle them easily. Bulletin Board material, but the lame effort last year vs Loras was replayed yesterday. The want to win - which you see with Calvin, OWU - is completely absent with Capital. They are young, talented, and have a disciplined GK. Maybe leadership will emerge - playing with a experienced interim coach is not the issue.
Denison 2-0 - took care of business. Eye opener: DePauw's dominate wins. Is coach coach McCarthy edging closer to home (GFR reference, nod to Pablo's nostalgia trip)?
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 03, 2023, 11:12:00 PM
We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....
Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal
https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx
"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."
That quote & headline was from a member of the media. A more honest take from one of the captains later in the article:
"This game gave us a lot of momentum going forward, but we're not satisfied...we haven't won anything yet. All focus is on Carnegie Mellon on Thursday."There is good experience & leadership on this team, so I'll take him at his word.
Quote from: southsidejet on September 05, 2023, 10:22:52 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 03, 2023, 11:12:00 PM
We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....
Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal
https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx
"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."
That quote & headline was from a member of the media. A more honest take from one of the captains later in the article:
"This game gave us a lot of momentum going forward, but we're not satisfied...we haven't won anything yet. All focus is on Carnegie Mellon on Thursday."
There is good experience & leadership on this team, so I'll take him at his word.
SSJ
No question JCU is a very mature squad with major talent...They have at least 4-5 guys who are very dangerous and excellent at finishing. If Jaden Wright (transfer from Akron) turns out to be one of the top players in D3 then JCU is going to be super-dangerous. That said, let's see if JCU can finally break through the Sweet 16/Rd of 32 barrier.
As for the article, I could be wrong but my impression always has been that most coaches provide the overall storylines and what to emphasize. And I would guess that many coaches are involved in reviewing what gets posted. Certainly JCU had every reason to be in a celebratory mood.
I assumed my post was pretty transparent insofar as I was using the article to call out Kenyon and ignite a competitive edge. It wasn't really about JCU. If the article happens to provide some solid bulletin board material if they meet again in November then all the better.
Quote from: OWU Dad on September 05, 2023, 10:51:05 AM
Last year, OWU started the season 0-4-2, which apparently was the worst start ever during Jay Martin's tenure. Then they went undefeated till the 2nd round of the NCAAs. The start to this season is eerily similar to last year. I'm hard-pressed to believe that they'll make the NCAA tournament this year if they go winless again after the first six games this year. They need at least one win this weekend.
Both ONU and JC are legit contenders for a D3 national championship. I heard Dejan say that this year's JC team is better than last year's.
Don't forget that OWU could have been 0-7-2 to start and still would have made the tournament by winning the AQ (which they did). It is probable that the AQ will come from the trio of OWU, Kenyon, and Denison, and so that would leave two of them sweating out a bid. I expect the NCAC race to be tight, but would give the edge to OWU right now. Denison should sport a gaudy record at least until the three road games with JCU, CWRU, and Otterbein. I underestimated Kenyon's roster losses, but turns out losing five of your very best players who led a class with probably the best four year runs in Kenyon history makes a difference. Martinez not playing (at least so far) really hurts too. Perhaps a couple of incoming players will grow into meaningful roles but none look like true difference-makers. Will be interesting to see what Wall does. Kenyon's best player imo has had a two game nightmare and I'm wondering if he might be more valuable and protective at CDM instead of CB.
As for JCU and ONU, I have no doubts that they could beat the top NCAC teams in the Rd of 32 or Sweet 16. But can they beat Calvin, North Park, or Chicago, or maybe St Olaf?
I'm going to put an official "watch out for" DePauw. Veteran lineup - starting two freshman - one from England. One sophomore from Canada and Jrs and Srs to fill out the starting 11. Junior CB - from England - 6'6" - several starters over 6'. While the first two opponents aren't traditional powerhouses, DePauw wins two road games by a combine score of 9-0.
Rose Hulman, Hope before conference play. Trip to Capital as well.
Quote from: OWU Dad on September 05, 2023, 03:33:32 PM
I'm stunned that Kenyon has struggled as much as they have early. But JC and ONU are legit contenders. To be honest, I've not seen either play; my opinion is based on what I've heard from friends closely associated with the teams. I'm also very familiar with a couple of the star players on each.
IMHO, I think both JC and ONU are further along than Calvin. I watched the OWU game against Calvin, and I know I'm biased, but I think OWU outplayed them. Stats show OWU outshot Calvin 18-12, most of which happened in the second half. Calvin's score came on a long-distance banger, which was a beaut. But OWU had the better opportunities but could not finish. Two kids who missed their chances, including a late 1v1 against the keeper, were heart-broken afterwards.
OWU plays St. Olaf this Friday. I can't wait to see how OWU bounces back.
I was stunned too...but then I realized the Owls lost two AAs in Muther and Upton, two near AAs in Gaese and Carson, another stud in Nardiello-Smith, and Johannsson. And Martinez hasn't played yet. That's six or seven starters (all high level) gone. I'm sure they will be competitive and get better, but it's hard to see them reaching last year's level. There are nowhere close to the team that beat Calvin and W&L back to back. I expect a similar story out of W&L, who also lost a handful of guys who were the heart and soul of the squad.
As for Calvin, do not ever underestimate the Knights. Mark it down...Calvin or Messiah will be the 2023 champion.
This week....Calvin 3, ONU 1.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 05, 2023, 10:44:12 AM
Quote from: southsidejet on September 05, 2023, 10:22:52 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 03, 2023, 11:12:00 PM
We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....
Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal
https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx
"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."
That quote & headline was from a member of the media. A more honest take from one of the captains later in the article:
"This game gave us a lot of momentum going forward, but we're not satisfied...we haven't won anything yet. All focus is on Carnegie Mellon on Thursday."
There is good experience & leadership on this team, so I'll take him at his word.
SSJ
No question JCU is a very mature squad with major talent...They have at least 4-5 guys who are very dangerous and excellent at finishing. If Jaden Wright (transfer from Akron) turns out to be one of the top players in D3 then JCU is going to be super-dangerous. That said, let's see if JCU can finally break through the Sweet 16/Rd of 32 barrier.
As for the article, I could be wrong but my impression always has been that most coaches provide the overall storylines and what to emphasize. And I would guess that many coaches are involved in reviewing what gets posted. Certainly JCU had every reason to be in a celebratory mood.
I assumed my post was pretty transparent insofar as I was using the article to call out Kenyon and ignite a competitive edge. It wasn't really about JCU. If the article happens to provide some solid bulletin board material if they meet again in November then all the better.
Good luck the rest of the season... I'm sure JCU (& ONU) would want nothing more than for Kenyon to now go on a tear. ;)
No place I'd rather be in early November than Don Shula Stadium...and maybe I can catch a Cavs game.
And I'm sure JCU and ONU hope the Owls rebound just enough to still qualify for a RR ;)
Wow. Jaden Wright scores for JCU inside of 4 minutes in Pittsburgh after long delay to start of match. One to watch definitely.
I agree with PN which I don't often do :D Jaden Wright is a player to watch, game changer. Just watched John Carroll v CMU early goal 4th minute by JCU. Lightning delay for over 50 minutes. JCU won the game and the card battle. 5 yellow cards and 3 for CMU. JCU Moher saved a PK in the second to preserve the win. I felt the Jaden Wright from JCU was the best player on the field. If you get a chance he was a playmaker for the streak.
Quote from: Coach Jeff on September 07, 2023, 10:36:02 PM
I agree with PN which I don't often do :D Jaden Wright is a player to watch, game changer. Just watched John Carroll v CMU early goal 4th minute by JCU. Lightning delay for over 50 minutes. JCU won the game and the card battle. 5 yellow cards and 3 for CMU. JCU Moher saved a PK in the second to preserve the win. I felt the Jaden Wright from JCU was the best player on the field. If you get a chance he was a playmaker for the streak.
Formerly of U of Akron. Outstanding ball player. Along with Matt MacDonald of Messiah and Victor Gaulmin of St. Olaf, he should be in the discussion of a potential Player of the Year.
SC
Another interesting tidbit is that Wright scored on headers early to take 1-0 leads, both off services from another leading JCU player, Hayden Haffner. I didn't see the goal vs CMU but sounds like Wright scored near or inside the six beating the GK. Against Kenyon Wright scored over 6'5 Pedeschri who came out to make a play for the cross from some distance. Wright imo is generously listed at 5'9 and I would have guessed 5'7.
JCU clearly appears to be a top team but we need to see more to put them tippy top. Hard to peg after 2-1 vs Oberlin (Oberlin scored last second but JCU also got their second pretty late), the 4-0 demolition of Kenyon (1-0 at half), and then 1-0 vs CMU.
Addendum: Just read the JCU recap by the emerging JCU journalist, Gianluca DiGiacomo. Yes, the CMU keeper was on-rushing on the play and DiGiacomo linked the play to the Kenyon play by Wright/Haffner as well. The recap really is worth a read, and I mean that genuinely....far better than the cookie-cutter recaps with pre-fab crap like What Happened and Up Next. You will be treated to references to Outkast, Will Ferrell in Elf, and more than 7000 days for JCU waiting to break a winless streak against CMU. Also deep play by play in the recap that reads like he was either there and/or received a major assist from the coaching staff.
https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/7/mens-soccer-beats-carnegie-mellon-in-significant-road-win.aspx
I've been thinking that JCU reminds me of top end NJACs (think Montclair and Rowan) and NYU where there are some extremely talented players but also some "Jersey-style" grit. The difference is that JCU looks more cohesive and connected with team goals rather than individual goals. The recap notes that the CMU game was extremely physical and quite chippy.
A few more phrases/words from the recap...
"A showdown on Pittsburgh soil for the ages..."
"...scanned his parameters before delivering a delicious cross..."
"...circumnavigate..."
Mr. DiGiacomo should have his own column on D3soccer.com.
Caught buts and pieces of a few games this week, with a great slate of games thus weekend.
OAC - I think this conference has three potential champions (JCU, ONU and Mt. Union), 3 or 4 candidates for the next three playoff spots (Otterbein, Capital, Marietta and Wilmington), and three teams that will be lucky to win more than 2 conference games.
JCU playing to their identity- solid defense - love to see how many times they win the ball back, restart with the ball at the keeper's feet. And physical - 3 games, 15 fouls per game. 9 YC - might have issues with YC accumulation later in the season.
Both CMU and JCU (add OWU, Mt. Union - dominate in their win over Franciscan; CWRU based on their Sunday win vs Wooster) make it impossible to find space in the central channel. You'll have to have great wing play to attack these sides.
Denison looked strong in their win at the Field of Screams this week. Need to see more of them against quality opponents- Marietta looked as bad as that awful field they plan on.
ONU with Calvin tonight and Colorado College tomorrow. Wilmington with the reverse fixture also today and tomorrow - then at Kenyon on Wed. Wilmington very easily looking at 0-5 to start the year.
Not sure what's going on in the Heartland but Anderson's 3-0 start is misleading - outplayed in their comeback win over Wilmington. Other than Hanover, RH and Transy the other conference teams play such a weak schedule, and this being a one-bid conference - really no point in tracking them until their conference tournament. Weather permitting I'll be at the Kenyon-Hanover game at 5.
Well, Kenyon has clawed its way back to .500...a long way to go and still missing a couple of real difference makers to support Duratovic, Dujakovich, Ramirez, and the two very good, experienced CBs. Still don't know about Martinez and whether he is out for the season or will be back relatively soon. He would make a difference by himself. Duratovic is gonna need to play 75 min and Dujakovich 80 at least until Wall figures out his rotations. A couple of stalwarts from last year are not playing well and need to pick it up to avoid being liabilities. One thing that has not changed yet with Wall is the Owls giving up loads of free kicks. Fortunately none were super-close but several were close enough for Gaulmin or Morgan to score. St Olaf may drift from the convo for a spell but they should be fine. I think Kenyon benefited today from the Oles being exhausted. Chasing a game for 65 minutes with 10 men on Roy Rike can do that to you. St Olaf was competitive and won the stats battle (in part because of being down 1-0 and then 2-0), but they also looked like a team that was ready to get back home.
This might be the most competitive year with the largest number of teams in Great Lakes in a long time....JCU, CWRU, ONU, OWU, Denison, Kenyon...at least a couple more should emerge out of Otterbein, Rose Hulman, DePauw and/or Wabash, CMU, etc.
Quote from: OWU Dad on September 11, 2023, 01:09:15 PM
Good for Kenyon. OWU had a similar bounce-back beating the same two teams. We'll know a lot more about OWU after this week- playing ONU and JCU on Wed and Fri, respectively. Then, they play Otterbein on the following Wed.
Yep, the next two weeks or so should tell us a lot about the pecking order between those four schools mentioned...along with CWRU. OWU does have the advantage of getting ONU and JCU and home, and also don't have the Chicago/North Park double dip to worry about like ONU and JCU.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 10, 2023, 04:46:48 PM
Well, Kenyon has clawed its way back to .500...a long way to go and still missing a couple of real difference makers to support Duratovic, Dujakovich, Ramirez, and the two very good, experienced CBs. Still don't know about Martinez and whether he is out for the season or will be back relatively soon. He would make a difference by himself. Duratovic is gonna need to play 75 min and Dujakovich 80 at least until Wall figures out his rotations. A couple of stalwarts from last year are not playing well and need to pick it up to avoid being liabilities. One thing that has not changed yet with Wall is the Owls giving up loads of free kicks. Fortunately none were super-close but several were close enough for Gaulmin or Morgan to score. St Olaf may drift from the convo for a spell but they should be fine. I think Kenyon benefited today from the Oles being exhausted. Chasing a game for 65 minutes with 10 men on Roy Rike can do that to you. St Olaf was competitive and won the stats battle (in part because of being down 1-0 and then 2-0), but they also looked like a team that was ready to get back home.
This might be the most competitive year with the largest number of teams in Great Lakes in a long time....JCU, CWRU, ONU, OWU, Denison, Kenyon...at least a couple more should emerge out of Otterbein, Rose Hulman, DePauw and/or Wabash, CMU, etc.
Dujakovich is really learning the rhythm of the game as a more traditional center midfielder than the role he played in the past. He is looking like an early NCAC offensive POTY candidate imo, singlehandedly drives the team forward at times while still having an understanding of tempo. He and Ramirez are a physically dominant midfield too, perfect complement to Martinez when he returns. The backline is also looking much more settled now. Lantz brings some much needed speed as a wide back that can get involved in the attack and still cover the ground defensively.
I thought Wall did a good job managing minutes this weekend starting on Friday ahead of the short turnaround. Will get easier when the schedule settles into a regular midweek-weekend pattern, but this team still has depth despite the 14 players graduating since last season.
It's not parity in the GL - it's mediocrity. Observations based on a few games - second week in - but some teams have fundamental issues. Issues that should have been beaten out of players by U12.
Like playing the ball in the direction you're facing; letting the ball do the work; don't play into pressure. Also - some real poor fundamental skill - shanked kicks; passes directly to opposition. I've turned games off because they were so poorly played. Excessive dribbling without awareness of any teammate, lethargic/ineptness in marking. There are a few GL excelling; but there are many more going through the motions.
Still too many teams I haven't seen yet, but now having some comparative results, AQ considered:
Maybe 2 teams from the NCAC and OAC - but would not be surprised that 3 is the number. JCU and OWU looking like conference champs - if they win the AQ - that could reduce at-large options for the second place teams. Case is legit - Vatne is on my AA watch.
The three other conferences get one bid and there is NO team standing out at this moment - Alfred undefeated, PSU-B having a troubled start. Heartland up for grabs, maybe Franciscan in the PAC.
But as a lifelong player, ref and fan: there's some real garbage being played out here right now.
Quote from: SpacemanSpiff on September 12, 2023, 01:10:27 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 10, 2023, 04:46:48 PM
Well, Kenyon has clawed its way back to .500...a long way to go and still missing a couple of real difference makers to support Duratovic, Dujakovich, Ramirez, and the two very good, experienced CBs. Still don't know about Martinez and whether he is out for the season or will be back relatively soon. He would make a difference by himself. Duratovic is gonna need to play 75 min and Dujakovich 80 at least until Wall figures out his rotations. A couple of stalwarts from last year are not playing well and need to pick it up to avoid being liabilities. One thing that has not changed yet with Wall is the Owls giving up loads of free kicks. Fortunately none were super-close but several were close enough for Gaulmin or Morgan to score. St Olaf may drift from the convo for a spell but they should be fine. I think Kenyon benefited today from the Oles being exhausted. Chasing a game for 65 minutes with 10 men on Roy Rike can do that to you. St Olaf was competitive and won the stats battle (in part because of being down 1-0 and then 2-0), but they also looked like a team that was ready to get back home.
This might be the most competitive year with the largest number of teams in Great Lakes in a long time....JCU, CWRU, ONU, OWU, Denison, Kenyon...at least a couple more should emerge out of Otterbein, Rose Hulman, DePauw and/or Wabash, CMU, etc.
Dujakovich is really learning the rhythm of the game as a more traditional center midfielder than the role he played in the past. He is looking like an early NCAC offensive POTY candidate imo, singlehandedly drives the team forward at times while still having an understanding of tempo. He and Ramirez are a physically dominant midfield too, perfect complement to Martinez when he returns. The backline is also looking much more settled now. Lantz brings some much needed speed as a wide back that can get involved in the attack and still cover the ground defensively.
I thought Wall did a good job managing minutes this weekend starting on Friday ahead of the short turnaround. Will get easier when the schedule settles into a regular midweek-weekend pattern, but this team still has depth despite the 14 players graduating since last season.
Welcome Spaceman! Nice to have another Kenyon friend on the board. Last year a guy who said he played in the 80s or 90s made a cameo with an excellent post and a semi-promise to continue participating and then we never heard from him again.
You mentioned when Martinez comes back....does that mean he is coming back? Any intel here would be great.
And presuming you would like to preserve anonymity, can you at least peg yourself to 2007-2010, 2011-2014, 2015-2018, 2019 to present?
If Martinez is returning then that should give Kenyon a plus midfield presuming some luck going forward on the injury front. Still need to find another offensive threat up front to complement Duratovic.
Gorgeous fall day here in central Ohio. And some key games that might start separating the real contenders in the region from the rest.
Early start at OWU, hosting ONU. Thanks , BTW, as JCU and Case start at 7:30 - I can get both games in! Given the fall weather and OWU's field , which seems to be always wet with evening dew - footing could be an issue. If both teams play to their potential this could be a classic grind. I've only seen OWU vs Calvin so I can't give a proper assessment. Have seen ONU a couple times - pretty typical style of play as in the past. One thing they do that can cause issues is their tendency to try to turn into pressure vs playing the ball to a teammate facing up field. If OWU plays direct balls over the back line, making defenders face their goal, they could force turnovers.
JCU and Case should also be a grind. Two stifling defenses - could easily see a 0-0 draw.
Important game for DePauw and RH in Terre Haute. DePauw coming off a disappointing lose at Millikin, blowing a 3-1 lead with about 20 minutes left in the game. RH is an enigma, as are most of the usual Heartland leaders. And very quietly Wabash is putting together a potential strong SOS.
Perennial AMCC conference champ and PAC top three team - PSU-B and Grove City - off to troubled starts, meet tonight. As with the DePauw-RH game, could be a defining moment for either team.
Quote from: Domino1195 on September 13, 2023, 09:12:59 AMImportant game for DePauw and RH in Terre Haute. DePauw coming off a disappointing lose at Millikin, blowing a 3-1 lead with about 20 minutes left in the game.
It was much worse than that. DePauw held that 3-1 lead going into the 87th minute of the game. Millikin scored three goals in the final 3:48, including the game-winner with a whopping 1.1 seconds left on the clock. That's the kind of loss that can haunt a team for a long time -- especially since Millikin was picked to finish in a last-place tie in the CCIW.
Interesting when recaps aren't quite so easy to find after a blemish.
Surely Kenyon is gonna post the goal by Miko Warshaw somewhere....right? If anyone comes across it please post.
The JCU at OWU game Saturday night might be the best game of the year so far. Should be a fantastic match. Let's go Bishops!!!
Imagine this conference (for soccer only)....and yes I know this would never happen although we are in an era of crazy re-alignments...
Capital
Denison
DePauw
John Carroll
Kenyon
Mt Union
Ohio Northern
Ohio Wesleyan
Otterbein
Rose Hulman
Wabash
Could be the OIAC...
It's funny to see the contrasting perspectives that fans of different sports bring to the d3boards.com universe. Here's a fan of an NCAC soccer program suggesting that it might be a cool thing to see OAC teams (including Mount Union) realigned in a superleague alongside NCAC teams ... while, meanwhile, over on the football boards, NCAC football fans have a habit of insinuating that the knuckles of Mount Union football players must be heavily scarred from being dragged on the ground all of the time. ;)
Well, look who is on the cover of the current 2023 OWU media guide...
https://owu_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/files/ms/2023/ms23.pdf
I mentioned this on the SC show. I couldn't find a clip yet but I'm sure it's out there somewhere of Wall heroics in Sweet 16 vs ONU, coming from 2-0 down at the half to win 3-2, and march on to a national title with Wall NPOY.
Here's a line from the 11-18-11 recap...
Wall rang up the game-winner with a run along the left end line, beating 3 Polar Bear defenders before burying a shot into the right side of the net with 4:09 left in the game.
The OWU media guide....50 pages in small font...is worth browsing. I can't imagine any other program has anything close. Maybe Messiah?
Anyway, for perspective on a 30+ year stretch and then the last 10 years, I think this is helpful.
PREVIOUS NCAC REGULAR-SEASON LEADERS
Year Champion(s) (Record) Runner-Up (Record) OWU
1984 Ohio Wesleyan (5-0-1) Denison (4-1-1) —
1985 Denison (6-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (5-1-0) —
1986 Ohio Wesleyan (6-0-0) Wooster (5-1-0) —
1987 Ohio Wesleyan (6-0-0) Oberlin (4-2-0) —
1988 Ohio Wesleyan (5-0-1) Wooster (4-1-1) —
1989 Wooster (8-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (6-2-0) —
1990 Kenyon (8-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-0) —
1991 Ohio Wesleyan (8-0-0) Kenyon (6-2-0) —
1992 OWU, Kenyon (7-1-0) Wooster (6-2-0) —
1993 Kenyon (6-0-2), Witt (7-1) Ohio Wesleyan (6-1-1) —
1994 Ohio Wesleyan (8-0-0) Kenyon (7-1-0) —
1995 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-1) Kenyon (6-1-1) —
1996 Kenyon (7-0-1) Wittenberg (7-1-0) —
1997 Kenyon (8-0-0) OWU, Wittenberg (6-2-0) —
1998 Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-0) Denison (6-2-0) —
1999 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Allegheny (6-1-2) —
2000 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Earlham (6-2-1) —
2001 Ohio Wesleyan (8-1-0) Denison (7-2-0) —
2002 Wooster (7-0-2) Allegheny (7-2-0) T4th (5-3-1)
2003 Denison, Wooster (8-1) Ohio Wesleyan (7-2-0) —
2004 OWU, Wooster (8-1-0) Denison (7-2-0) —
2005 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Oberlin (6-2-1) —
2006 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-2) Denison (7-1-1) —
2007 Kenyon (7-1-1) Ohio Wesleyan (7-2-0) —
2008 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Hiram, Wittenberg (6-3-0) —
2009 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Denison (6-1-2) —
2010 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-1) Kenyon (6-1-1) —
2011 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) DePauw (8-1-0) —
2012 Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) DePauw (6-1-2) —
2013 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-2) Kenyon (6-0-3) —
2014 Ohio Wesleyan (8-0-1) Kenyon (7-1-1) —
2015 Kenyon (8-1-0) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) —
2016 Kenyon (8-1-0) Oberlin (7-2-0) 5th (5-2-2)
2017 Kenyon (9-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) —
2018 Kenyon (8-0-1) Ohio Wesleyan (6-1-2) —
2019 Kenyon (7-0-2) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) —
2020 season canceled
2021 Kenyon (9-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (8-1-0) —
2022 Kenyon (7-0-1) Ohio Wesleyan (6-0-2)
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 01:23:02 PM
The OWU media guide....50 pages in small font...is worth browsing. I can't imagine any other program has anything close. Maybe Messiah?
I concede. North Park's is only 41 pages long.
Maybe after the season I'll add some picture pages to it to pad it out further. :D
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2023, 01:34:01 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 01:23:02 PM
The OWU media guide....50 pages in small font...is worth browsing. I can't imagine any other program has anything close. Maybe Messiah?
I concede. North Park's is only 41 pages long.
Maybe after the season I'll add some picture pages to it to pad it out further. :D
For soccer only? And is the font tiny, lol?
Quote from: OWU Dad on September 14, 2023, 09:01:50 AM
OWU vs ONU was a well-played and very entertaining game. The only goal came on a penalty kick for OWU in the first half. OWU dominated the first 20 minutes of the game and had to have at least 90% of the possession. ONU came on strong in the second half and probably had the better opportunities to score. But generally, the teams looked evenly matched. The only negative was an injury to one of our star players when an ONU player shoved him in the back, knocking him to the ground and injuring his shoulder. For privacy reasons, I won't say more about the injury. The ONU player appropriately received a yellow card for the violation.
Was there as well as totally agree with your assessment. My concern was about the style of play - very direct - either from long balls or dribblers receiving the ball and just going balls to the wall forward. By the time attackers looked up they'd see they've dribbled into pressure - surrounded by 3-4 defenders. The energy in this game certainly was a factor, influencing player decisions. Compare this to the JCU-Case game - tons of possession and patience- but intensity once each time got into the attacking 3rd. Case is very legit - looking forward to their UAA games.
It should be mentioned that the officiating crew at OWU had a high tolerance for shenanigans - lots of shirt pulling on both sides. But when #9 took the elbow to the mouth, drawing blood, and nothing was called . . . ?? #9 had the ONU defender trapped in the corner against the flag, AR1 inches - I mean inches away - player drops to the ground, play continues for another 30 seconds - then the officials decide to check on the player?
Paul - +1 for your suggestion for an Ohio soccer conference. The MAC has different members for soccer and pointy ball - but that's d1. When I was still reffing there was a proposal to spread HS soccer games over 4 days: girls playing Mon-We'd; boys Tues-Th. This to address the extreme shortage of officials. HS AD's - many of whom were knuckle dragged themselves - only cared about 3 things: pointy ball, pointy ball and fudging academic records of pointy ball players!
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2023, 01:34:01 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 01:23:02 PM
The OWU media guide....50 pages in small font...is worth browsing. I can't imagine any other program has anything close. Maybe Messiah?
I concede. North Park's is only 41 pages long.
Maybe after the season I'll add some picture pages to it to pad it out further. :D
OK, I checked it out. Can't believe you conceded so easily. Especially when with pictures you might have even topped 50.
The thing is, though....how many programs have a Gregory Sager? That's basically cheating.
To be fair, and not to suggest that North Park hasn't had tremendous success, but you do have to have success to warrant pictures in the media guide. It is interesting to see the different jerseys and haircuts over the decades....and of course pictures of Dr. Martin when he took over the program in 1977 at age 12 through the years to the present. He seriously looks like he could coach another 20 years, and he currently is in his 47th year....47. He will easily eclipse 50 if he wants to do so.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 02:23:44 PM
To be fair, and not to suggest that North Park hasn't had tremendous success, but you do have to have success to warrant pictures in the media guide. It is interesting to see the different jerseys and haircuts over the decades....and of course pictures of Dr. Martin when he took over the program in 1977 at age 12 through the years to the present. He seriously looks like he could coach another 20 years, and he currently is in his 47th year....47. He will easily eclipse 50 if he wants to do so.
I set the bar high for including pictures. Heck, I didn't add pics to the NPU men's basketball recordbook until this year, and the Vikings have won five national titles in that sport.
But I will probably get around to it for NPU men's soccer in next year's edition of that recordbook, especially since I have great sources for photos that date back to the program's beginning. After all, the traditional D3 sports program media guide is going the way of the dodo and the passenger pigeon, given how overworked the typical D3 sports information department tends to be, so the next most logical repository for a program's photography is either the recordbook or a special dropdown section of the program's webpage devoted strictly to pictures.
Quote from: Domino1195 on September 14, 2023, 01:59:19 PM
Quote from: OWU Dad on September 14, 2023, 09:01:50 AM
OWU vs ONU was a well-played and very entertaining game. The only goal came on a penalty kick for OWU in the first half. OWU dominated the first 20 minutes of the game and had to have at least 90% of the possession. ONU came on strong in the second half and probably had the better opportunities to score. But generally, the teams looked evenly matched. The only negative was an injury to one of our star players when an ONU player shoved him in the back, knocking him to the ground and injuring his shoulder. For privacy reasons, I won't say more about the injury. The ONU player appropriately received a yellow card for the violation.
Was there as well as totally agree with your assessment. My concern was about the style of play - very direct - either from long balls or dribblers receiving the ball and just going balls to the wall forward. By the time attackers looked up they'd see they've dribbled into pressure - surrounded by 3-4 defenders. The energy in this game certainly was a factor, influencing player decisions. Compare this to the JCU-Case game - tons of possession and patience- but intensity once each time got into the attacking 3rd. Case is very legit - looking forward to their UAA games.
It should be mentioned that the officiating crew at OWU had a high tolerance for shenanigans - lots of shirt pulling on both sides. But when #9 took the elbow to the mouth, drawing blood, and nothing was called . . . ?? #9 had the ONU defender trapped in the corner against the flag, AR1 inches - I mean inches away - player drops to the ground, play continues for another 30 seconds - then the officials decide to check on the player?
Paul - +1 for your suggestion for an Ohio soccer conference. The MAC has different members for soccer and pointy ball - but that's d1. When I was still reffing there was a proposal to spread HS soccer games over 4 days: girls playing Mon-We'd; boys Tues-Th. This to address the extreme shortage of officials. HS AD's - many of whom were knuckle dragged themselves - only cared about 3 things: pointy ball, pointy ball and fudging academic records of pointy ball players!
Illinois gets around the official-shortage problem by having the boys play soccer in the fall and the girls play soccer in the spring. It's the only way they'll get a sufficient number of refs.
VA does that too
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2023, 03:38:18 PM
Quote from: Domino1195 on September 14, 2023, 01:59:19 PM
Quote from: OWU Dad on September 14, 2023, 09:01:50 AM
OWU vs ONU was a well-played and very entertaining game. The only goal came on a penalty kick for OWU in the first half. OWU dominated the first 20 minutes of the game and had to have at least 90% of the possession. ONU came on strong in the second half and probably had the better opportunities to score. But generally, the teams looked evenly matched. The only negative was an injury to one of our star players when an ONU player shoved him in the back, knocking him to the ground and injuring his shoulder. For privacy reasons, I won't say more about the injury. The ONU player appropriately received a yellow card for the violation.
Was there as well as totally agree with your assessment. My concern was about the style of play - very direct - either from long balls or dribblers receiving the ball and just going balls to the wall forward. By the time attackers looked up they'd see they've dribbled into pressure - surrounded by 3-4 defenders. The energy in this game certainly was a factor, influencing player decisions. Compare this to the JCU-Case game - tons of possession and patience- but intensity once each time got into the attacking 3rd. Case is very legit - looking forward to their UAA games.
It should be mentioned that the officiating crew at OWU had a high tolerance for shenanigans - lots of shirt pulling on both sides. But when #9 took the elbow to the mouth, drawing blood, and nothing was called . . . ?? #9 had the ONU defender trapped in the corner against the flag, AR1 inches - I mean inches away - player drops to the ground, play continues for another 30 seconds - then the officials decide to check on the player?
Paul - +1 for your suggestion for an Ohio soccer conference. The MAC has different members for soccer and pointy ball - but that's d1. When I was still reffing there was a proposal to spread HS soccer games over 4 days: girls playing Mon-We'd; boys Tues-Th. This to address the extreme shortage of officials. HS AD's - many of whom were knuckle dragged themselves - only cared about 3 things: pointy ball, pointy ball and fudging academic records of pointy ball players!
Illinois gets around the official-shortage problem by having the boys play soccer in the fall and the girls play soccer in the spring. It's the only way they'll get a sufficient number of refs.
This is Ohio. Pointy Ball is king. And I hear you - but between the knuckle
draggers and women who support softball and could kick my ass - ain't nothing going to change.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 02:04:37 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2023, 01:34:01 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 01:23:02 PM
The OWU media guide....50 pages in small font...is worth browsing. I can't imagine any other program has anything close. Maybe Messiah?
I concede. North Park's is only 41 pages long.
Maybe after the season I'll add some picture pages to it to pad it out further. :D
OK, I checked it out. Can't believe you conceded so easily. Especially when with pictures you might have even topped 50.
The thing is, though....how many programs have a Gregory Sager? That's basically cheating.
Ohio Wesleyan and Wheaton always had very good, thorough record books. In recent times, Wheaton broke up their yearbook/media guide that contained their record book and now some of the content is on webpages instead of in a PDF document. For a pure records book/historical record, Ohio Wesleyan's 50 pages is impressive. Which is fitting for one of the longest-standing and historically successful programs.
Many schools have a combination of yearbook, media guide and record book, and some of them (not many) start approaching 50 pages. Scranton had always had good archives and their media guides have exceeded 50 pages, but only about 30 of those pages were the record book.
Messiah has a pure record book that currently has 46 pages, so it's not a too risky assumption that, by page-count, Ohio Wesleyan has the biggest record book in men's D-III soccer. Messiah, like North Park, does not insert pictures throughout and it also has no player index. One of the coolest things found in the Messiah record book that you don't usually find is that the game-by-game all-time results includes the goal scorers for every single game in program history (going back to 1967). That helps jog the memory about games and/or helps you correctly connect your recollections to a specific game.
The Hopkins record book is 46 pages (at least the flipbook/pdf is that length.)
I having flashbacks to last year and my bid to award oldest bookstore to Kenyon...which I stand by after an actual direct consultation with the bookstore and despite FW I think suggesting Leb Valley or maybe the town of Annville had the oldest...or I might just be making up who he said.
More amazing to me than the page numbers for media guides is that OWU has Travis Wall on the cover of its 2023 addition. The coach of your biggest rival on the cover of your media guide? How many times has that happened?
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 15, 2023, 12:42:34 PM
I having flashbacks to last year and my bid to award oldest bookstore to Kenyon...which I stand by after an actual direct consultation with the bookstore and despite FW I think suggesting Leb Valley or maybe the town of Annville had the oldest...or I might just be making up who he said.
Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA. http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=9326.msg2052520#msg2052520
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 15, 2023, 04:40:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 15, 2023, 12:42:34 PM
I having flashbacks to last year and my bid to award oldest bookstore to Kenyon...which I stand by after an actual direct consultation with the bookstore and despite FW I think suggesting Leb Valley or maybe the town of Annville had the oldest...or I might just be making up who he said.
Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA. http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=9326.msg2052520#msg2052520
Ah, yes.
Straight from the website today...
"Fact: The Bookstore is the nation's longest continuously operating college bookstore and the third-oldest bookstore of any kind in America."
I encourage everyone to get some gear...
https://www.kenyon.edu/kenyon-on-a-tour/bookstore/
I'm hoping my Lords...I mean Owls...don't relax today. Mt Aloysius has saddled up to and maybe overtaken PS-Behrend in the AMCC and I believe have made the last two NCAA tourneys...and last year in the first round took Ohio Northern to PKs. Coach Hutchinson, better known as simply "Hutch," has the Mounties off to a 3-0-2 start.
A look at the Mt. Aloysius website cost me 20 minutes of internet search time...The roster finds these countries represented...
England 4
Spain 4
Jamaica 3
Columbia 2
New Zealand 2
Sweden 1
France 1
Australia 1
But then I vaguely recalled NC Wesleyan is known for a high volume of international players...and wow, look at these numbers from the Bishops' roster...
Argentina 16
France 8
Italy 5
England 2
Spain 2
Brazil 2
New Zealand 2
Netherlands 2
Mali 1
Ecuador 1
Iceland 1
Germany 1
Sweden 1
Portugal 1
Uruguay 1
Pretty sure someone like Sager has explained this before but how do so many internationals end up in Cresson, PA and Rocky Mount, NC?
The Australian is from my hometown, Perth. I can't imagine too many Western Australians have made it to D3 soccer. There wouldn't be many longer trips possible.
Perhaps not because of the teams you are used to, but Great Lakes (now known as Region 7) is on fire. JCU, CWRU, and Mt. Union are the current leaders, with Ohio Northern, OWU, Kenyon, Denison, Otterbein, and Carnegie Mellon hoping to stay within shouting distance.
JCU continues their remarkable season and indeed look to be the best Blue Streaks squad I can remember. JCU consistently has been good to very good, and now has a chance to be great. Not many teams could go on the road and win in Gambier, Pittsburgh, and Delaware in succession. CWRU holding JCU to a draw (at JCU) was a mild surprise, but now the Blue Streaks get to see if they can pull off beating Calvin away and North Park at a neutral site with Denison at home to begin the next trio of matches. After the big win at Roy Rike JCU found a way to get a recap out pretty quick and front and center, with Gianluca putting together another enjoyable, fun-filled narrative, replete with a major tribute to Jay Martin that was only marred by turning Martin's two national titles into runner-up ribbons. Seriously, though, and I wouldn't have said this right after the drubbing of Kenyon, JCU has a very legit chance to make a run to the Final Four.
CWRU also has remained unbeaten while doing so a little more quietly. Denison also remains unbeaten by arguably has had the easiest schedule among the most likely regional contenders.
And don't look now, but here come the Mt Union Purple Raiders galloping around the turn. Impressive win over Calvin that was not the least bit fluky. I'm gonna have to dig into research on Mt Union now.
I'm guessing OWU is a little stunned after JCU last night. The Battling Bishops were missing one of their two best players but still...not many teams go into Roy Rike and handle OWU like that. The silver lining is that these kind of losses enable teams like OWU and Kenyon to reassess where they are at with time for corrections.
Speaking of Kenyon, imo the Owls are a good team with potential to be very good (akin to OWU) IF they can get several key injured players back. Very good looks like might the ceiling this year but if you can get to very good with a little luck you still have a shot to knock off great. Mt Aloysius hung in with Kenyon and managed to equalize but a late Kenyon goal where the Mounties shouted for offsides led to a Mounties meltdown in the final minutes and two shows of red. Getting Ramirez, Cortez, and hopefully Martinez back in the midfield would be huge, and they also need Martens and Thesing to produce. Would be nice if 13th year senior Hrafnkelsson could make a few positive plays or else Wall is gonna have to look elsewhere on his bench to support the profilic Duratovic up front.
My Little Giants would like to stay within screaming distance of that race.
Quote from: JFPIV on September 17, 2023, 02:42:55 PM
My Little Giants would like to stay within screaming distance of that race.
Noted. Win your next six or at least go 5-0-1 heading into the match with Denison. One of the difficulties for Wabash is a traditionally low SoS (and I don't see a big bump this year) which means they basically need to win the NCAC AQ. The Little Giants should schedule more like RHIT and Hanover. They did make a trip South this year but not sure Berry and Birm-So (both solid programs) are gonna do much for them.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 01:23:02 PM
The OWU media guide....50 pages in small font...is worth browsing. I can't imagine any other program has anything close. Maybe Messiah?
Well, Messiah has multiple documents of this type, and I'm honestly not sure which one(s) to count. Perhaps this one, called "The Men's Soccer Program Record Book," though it's accessed from a link called "Complete Program Guide." (https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/messiah.sidearmsports.com/documents/2019/7/11/MSOC-Record_Book.pdf) It's 46 pages, and the only photo is on the front cover. Some related documents at https://gomessiah.com/sports/2012/1/9/MSOC_0109123659.aspx?path=msoc overlap a great deal with that one.
Mt. Union starts 8 seniors, soph keeper and two freshman. From their 4-4-2 they can play very defensively - medium to low block - or use a swarming midfield to win balls and get them wide to overlapping backs. Against Bethany, who employed a low block, they were challenged to attack more. Against Calvin they didn't push their forwards much past midfield, drawing Calvin across, dispossessing and launching a quick counter. The only other game I saw was at Franciscan where they dominated. Their keeper's mistake vs Bethany cost them a goal - and that's the worst I've seen from them. SoS may not be as strong as JCU, ONU or OWU but a win Tuesday at home vs Case would just about guarantee two ranked wins. They start OAC play away at ONU, have JCU at home later in the season.
Heartland - only three teams with winning records right now: Manchester, Anderson and Bluffton. Never in my history of writing about GL teams have I found these three leading this conference. This conference usually has one team make to regional rankings but that looks doubtful this year.
AMCC - perennial conference champ PSU-B in a rebuild year - or off to a crappy start? Two new conference members without a win so far - Wells even further away from western PA than Alfred St. No ranked team coming from this conference.
PAC - I guess it's Franciscan's title to lose? As with the previously mentioned conferences, would not expect any ranked teams here.
Which leaves the 8 ranked teams coming from the OAC, NCAC, and UAA reps - CWRU and CMU. Have seen Case three times, CMU once. CMU's non conference schedule is very pedestrian and other than JCU (a loss) their opponents SoS might be below .500. They will have to have a top 4 finish in UAA to be ranked. Case "should" be a top 3 GL team, played a much stronger NC schedule
, so it gets down to UAA results.
OAC - probably 2-3 ranked teams by the last regional rankings. Have not seen Otterbein - but the comeback against W&L caught my eye. I'm tipping MTU for a top two finish - ONU, Bein next two, Cap - and then you pick the 6th. I've no clue.
NCAC - 2-3 teams as well. Top 4 right now OWU, Kenyon, Wabash and Denison. While Denison is 5-0-1 their next three games are at JCU, CWRU and Otterbein! Yikes. we'll know a lot more about them in a week's time. Wabash remaining NC games vs Hope and Ill Wesleyan (while 2-2 they did beat Wash U).
Kenyon - no real threats left before conference play and OWU has Bein home, Cap away. They did not look good on Sat and it appears they will be without a key starter (injured in the ONU game) for a while. Still too much individual play. JCU, Case and Mt. Union are a joy to watch if you like connected team play.
Commented to a fan that JCU wound restart play from their keeper's feet at least 20 times Sat. I think they achieved that in the first half. Whatever you do - do NOT create a drinking game based on the number of times they do that.
Wabash lose 2-1 Hanover. Get the sense that I spoke that negative result into existence. Big match against the Dutchmen this weekend.
Quote from: JFPIV on September 19, 2023, 12:35:21 PM
Wabash lose 2-1 Hanover. Get the sense that I spoke that negative result into existence. Big match against the Dutchmen this weekend.
Sorry about that. I lost track and thought the game was today. Stats looks pretty even. Hanover also was desperate for a win after a brutal early schedule, and maybe the experience of playing some tougher competition was the difference.
Today's GL and national rankings will add a little spice to tonight's matchup at Mt. Union. I thought Case had the better of play at JCU - by the slightest of margins - but their attempts in the attacking third were dangerous. MTU off a very emotional win, Case ranked below MTU - would not be surprised to see Case win. I expect MTU to come out defensively, their two back lines of 4 compact, forwards not pressing across midfield. They will wait for counter opportunities. Case will be given a lot of the ball - let's see what they can do with it.
Mt. Aloysius (3-1-2) ranked 8 is comical. Denison at 5-0-1, off what has to be a disappointing draw at Franklin, is not ranked but MTA is?? MTA with CMU tomorrow, Denison at JCU.
Watched the entire match - very entertaining for a neutral! First half saw the teams stay in their structure, sparring and jabbing like the initial rounds of a boxing match. Each team scores off a set piece - beautifully taken DFK from 22yds, curving around the wall for MTU. Header off a DFK cross to back post - Case player found himself wide open for an uncontested header.
Both teams used a 4-2-3-1, with the ball side winger pushing up to pressure the ball once Case approached midfield. As expected MTU sat in and waited for a counter. Case pushed the issue offensively but could find no room to shoot.
Second half things opened up a bit. I thought MTU looked tired - physically and emotionally. Can't blame them with back to back games vs ranked opponents. But they lost a bit of poise also - getting 4 of their 5 YC after the 60th minute. Double YC to goal scoring silly - sitting on a YC removes his shirt after scoring the winner for a second YC. Case was having much more success breaking through MTU's midfield - combining many times to bypass defenders (ball watching or just tired). But MTU's back 4 are a fortress - limiting Case to one or two dangerous chances and stuffing everything else.
Notice to all who play MTU: set pieces are essential to their attack. Scoring once, hitting the crossbar and post on two other corners. Two of their three goals vs Bethany off set pieces. You've been warned.
One other oddity I need to research was the dead ball YC against MTU -61st minute. During a MTU throw in an MTU player pushed/struck - could have been another color if ref was so inclined - a Case player. After the card Case was awarded the throw even though play never restarted. The year after I retired from reffing a bunch of crazy changes were made - namely that non players could commit fouls. So maybe this restart last night is part of the new rules?
Sorry, random pop-in... Your last paragraph... I'm confused. He switched the call on a throw-in after an off the ball kerfuffle? I can see putting the ball down for a free kick, but I don't think I've ever heard of a foul resulting in the reversal of an out of bounds call.
Maybe I'm misreading/-understanding your post.
This was 100% a screw up by the officials. It should still have been a throw in for white because the misconduct occurred while the ball was not in play.
That's how it was for the 30 years I reffed. A foul takes place on the field, during play (ball is live) against an opponent who is a player. Now - it changed to where fouls can be called against non player opponents: example - a substitute, substituted player or bench personnel leaves the bench and tackles an opponent on a breakaway, inside the 18. LOTG now allow a PK to be awarded. I believe.
Denison beats JCU, 2-1 at JCU. Denison was down 0-1 much of the game, tied it up with about 7 min left, then a minute later, there was an own goal as JCU defender tried to clear a cross.
Wow! Great result - was at the Columbus Crew game, watching several college games at the same time. Turned your game off with 14 minutes to go. At least I know where to start watching again.
And while I was dismissive of MTA being ranked over Denison, they did draw against CMU tonight 1-1 - away. Less a fan of CMU than convinced MTA is legit. But they very well may win the AQ from the AMCC. But Denison - one down, two to go.
Want to add one thing about Denison-JCU. The Big Red seemed to go a great job keeping Jaden Wright under wraps. Barely noticed him, and then I can't recall if it was right after Denison scored or before but a long ball was sent into the box that looked very similar to the plays Wright scored with a contested header just out of reach of the GKs vs Kenyon and CMU, and he almost got the one I'm mentioning, but Prokos managed to go up with him and snag the ball at the top. It really is impressive what Bianco has done with the Denison program in a short period of time.
Schedule makers - games between or after big games against lesser competition- MTU meet Hiram. Two wins against nationally ranked programs - leader scorer out because of dumb RC - a game, on paper, that MTU should run away with. Hiram - they look at this game as a statement for their underperforming team. MTU can't let up, but if this was a betting proposition, depending on the spread/odds - might MTU be over valued?
Denison gets no favors - away at Case. Case off their first loss of the year - emotions high for them - will Denison have the intensity after the JCU game? Away? I'll say this - if Denison gets a result against Bianco's former team - bet the house against them next game.
PS: Poe facing his former team - didn't go so well.
Capital quietly winning games - one loss at Case 1-0; not indicative of play as Case dominated play , but a statement about Cap's keeper. Defense was horrid in the Franciscan game, Vante could have had 3 in the Case/Cap game if it weren't for Cap's keeper. Cap home vs DePauw tomorrow , OWU midweek. Cap can score - defense has to be sharper.
OWU struggling - yes they have won games but they're not pretty. At Wilmington tomorrow- the OAC split with a top 5 and bottom 5; Wilmington on the bubble. OWU is not playing team ball; individuals loosely connected . The Pete Maravich of D3 soccer up top - never saw a shot he won't take, of course oblivious to teammates nearby. They will win games but long term - maybe third in the NCAC.
I'm gonna hide this sheepishly in the local thread....
Worst loss, at least in top 3, since at least 2013 for Kenyon. Incredible. Came from behind Trine twice to get even, then took the lead 3-2 either right before or shortly after Trine went down to 10 men. 18 minutes left, up 3-2, opponent down to 10 men. Within minutes give up a 3rd goal to star forward Murphy to even at 3-3. And then without a little 4 minutes left, Trine scores off a corner to go up 4-3. Awful performance from the Owls, and some of the most key players made the same mistakes over and over, repeatedly trying to hold up the ball in vulnerable places and beat a defender who was nearly 50/50 with them already. At least two and maybe three goals came from bad giveaways from a Owl trying to do too much that Trine very effectively turned into breaks and basically no one to beat except the GK. Trine is a tough, proud team. They had a fairly rough start with a good schedule but they're a pretty good team. I can see thy'eve occasionally troubled Calvin. Even when they went down to 10, everytime a Kenyon player received a ball or had ball and tried to dribble into space there were at least 4 and sometimes 5 Trine players surrounding him. Very, very deflating loss for Kenyon. Even with Trine being solid, Owls had no business losing that game. Very strange that they ended up so opened up and vulnerable so frequently to cough up repeated breakaways. Bottom line is that they did not adjust and don't have enough talent right now to overcome mediocre performance and making things too easy for the opposition. Trine's Murphy with his hat-trick (and really should have had four but had one breakaway he just missed) imo put on one of the single most impressive performances I've seen on that field going back to Austin Juniet who starred for Thomas More before Thomas More left D3.
A 3-0 loss saw my Little Giants over run through the midfield by the Hope Dutchmen. It was not pretty.
Caught a few games Sat, even those that were almost impossible to watch.
Such as Otterbein at Hanover. Hanover's video has always been a challenge as the camera is set in the next county. Sat's broadcast featured a monochrome feed - ranging from a light lime green to chartreuse. It was during this time that Hanover was awarded a PK and a RC issued to the Bein player. I rewatched the sequence several times and can't figure out what the card was for. The defender appeared to fall forward towards the attacker, no contact, attacker got the shot off. After the CR signaled for the PK, he gave the card and the player truly looked dumbfounded. All I can surmise is his hand touched the ball - extremely harsh card if so - or he said something. Hanover converts and takes a 1-0 lead into halftime. Second half - if you didn't know which team was playing a man down you'd assume it was Hanover. Otterbein had several spells of total ball control and equalized off a set piece, getting the game winner a few minutes later. Great comeback win, playing 70 minutes a man down.
Similarly Capital went down 1-0 at half, scoring twice in the second half for the win. Cap was missing their leading point man, Kossoudji, and a starting CB, using a freshman and sophomore in their stead - both showed very well.
Commented on JCU elsewhere but a great game to watch. It might sting a bit to drop two straight but I don't think JCU has any fundamental issues to address. The OAC appears to me at least: MTU and JCU battling out for 1st and 2nd; Bein, Cap and ONU (another game plagued by broadcast issues - never aired due to technical difficulties) fight for the next three spots. Then there's the rest . . .
NCAC: Denison played Case fairly evenly for the portions of the game I saw. They and OWU look like the only "sure" teams for the NCAC tourney - the other two up for grabs. I have not seen Kenyon since the Hanover game, but they were not impressive then. Compared to past teams this year's squad was less technically competent, it does not have the dominant midfield I've seen in years past. I may attend the first half of tomorrow's game - Cap hosting OWU is the priority. Everything can change come conference play.
Also saw Mt. Aloysius vs Alfred - which appear to be the front runners for the AMCC regular season title. Alfred's second minute goal off a corner lasted almost 60 minutes until a PK for MTA ties it up. With exactly 17 minutes to play #10 for MTA hits a golaso bomb from 25+ yards - from the right side to the upper corner, left post. Dipping, crushed - a beauty. Got chippy to be sure - not a fan of the CR's mgmt style - lots of stoppages to "talk" to players. Rabbit ears got the best of him as he gave a YC and a RC to Alfred after the game ended.
PAC - Grove City already 2-0 in conference play, significant win vs contender Franciscan. Conference play for most everyone else begins Sat. Got Cap/OWU tomorrow; Denison at Bein Wednesday- weather for Wednesday looks very dicey. Haven't had rain for two weeks out here so I guess we're due. I will say driving a golf ball 270+ yards on bowling alley fairways has been fun; trying to land a wedge on concrete greens - not so much.
I wanted to wait until the non-conference portion was completed before giving my overview of Region VII.
AMCC - This conference will most likely come down to Behrend and Mount Aloysius. Alfred St could be a sneaky contender as they are sitting on a decent record. I don't see any ranked teams from this conference, unless Behrend or MAC wins out and sneaks into the bottom of the rankings, as SOS will be a major issue for most of these teams.
PAC - Similar SOS issues as AMCC. This will probably come down to Franciscan and Grove City, with Grove City already grabbing a 3-1 win against Franciscan. Once again, don't believe any ranked teams here.
HCAC - I'd think Rose Hulman is the favorite. They scheduled some good games and pulled out a big win against ONU. Hanover should be in the mix with RHIT but they seem down a step compared to previous years.
UAA - Case Western has impressed me so far. Good results against good competition. Carnegie Mellon, on the other hand, have a great record against lower competition. Lost to John Carroll and tied against MAC in their toughest games of the year. UAA play will help us figure out where they rank.
NCAC - Denison, Kenyon, or Ohio Wesleyan? I think this year is very even at the top. All of these game against each other will be crucial and, I think come tournament time, it could go any direction.
OAC - Favorites have to be JCU and Mount Union at this point. Thought Mount could be pretenders, then they beat Calvin and Case Western. They will be tested at ONU this Saturday. JCU has played a very tough non-conference schedule and could easily have been 7-1-1 if not for a 1 minute slip up against Denison. Next group would include ONU, Otterbein, and Capital. ONU has also played a very tough schedule and had a tough 4 game stretch with results. Capital and Otterbein seem to have some talented players that can punish you if caught on and off day. These top 5 seem very solid, so I'm excited to see how it all shakes out shortly!
Oacalum, you nailed that.
On the NCAC, feels like the top dogs have come back closer to the pack. The presumed top 3 are all flawed...good to very good instead of the floor/ceiling being very good to outstanding.
Keep forgetting to mention (because denial is a powerful thing) that I finally heard the Kenyon announcer say that Gerardo Martinez is out for the season. He gave Messiah fits as a frosh 2 years ago, and when healthy is one of the more talented playmaking midfielders in the country. Most of the injured players have returned, although 2 key guys did not play against Centre.
It's too bad that injuries play such an outsized role in what we all know is a very compressed season.
Concur with OAC alum: not really going to pay attention to the three lesser conferences until their respective conference tourneys.
Seems playing a tougher NC schedule may have prepared Grove City better for conference play - their 3-0 win over Franciscan, who most likely represents their most significant challenge for a NCAA bid. A rematch in the conference tourney final would be a neutral's wish.
It's between RHIT and Hanover, both played a challenging NC schedule, probably for the AQ. I've seen Hanover a couple times - 1 goal losses at Kenyon and OWU, at home versus Otterbein. Bounced back in conference play after their collapse vs Otterbein. Set piece goals seem to be their Achilles heel.
OAC: MTU and JCU - first and second. MTU's back four are maybe the strongest in the conference - at a minimum equal to JCU. JCU with a ridiculously difficult NC should start 3-0 before facing ONU away. The MTU game is Oct 25 at MTU - must see tv! MTU got the win at Wooster - not a great field so they didn't look sharp. Luckily all but two OAC teams play on turf, which better suits their game. I'm concerned about their keeper's decisions - the Wooster goal - it wasn't necessary for him to leave the 6 - didn't get the ball - goal. There are going to be a few 1 goal wins amongst the top 4 OAC teams - can't afford mistakes like this in the big games.
Otterbein and ONU- 3rd and 4th. Bein's come from behind victories against Hanover and Denison, tying Wash & Lee after being down 2-0 and 3-2, show their level of compete, especially late in games (after 70 minutes). The Denison game was like watching a tennis match between two players engaged in baseline to baseline volleys. This game went back and forth from 18 to 18 with little being allowed by either defense once entering the 18. A vicious OG - hard cross off the face of an Otterbein - gave Denison the lead; a PK and goal off a corner with 30 seconds left for Otterbein's win. Both teams very strong across the back - nothing either keeper could do about the three goals. Wednesday's game at ONU for a third place showdown.
ONU also had a difficult NC schedule against what might turn out to be 5-6 ranked teams by season's end. They have all three top contenders at home this year, beginning with MTU this Saturday. Both ONU or Otterbein have a realistic chance to finish second.
Capital - fifth at best. They have an above average keeper - the Case final score could have been 3 or 4-0 if it weren't for him. Talented players but no real cohesion when attacking. Injuries to senior backs has forced a couple of freshman to start - including one at CB who's played very well. They may nick a point that they probably didn't deserve, but if they continue to show up 20 minutes late to every game it will be a long season. See OWU result for the kind of beating they'll get vs JCU, ONU and possibly MTU if they're not ready by the opening whistle.
NCAC: that OWU performance at Capital was a complete and thorough ass kicking. From jump street. If they play that way in conference they will finish with maybe one loss. Their talent on offense is the best in the NCAC; there are teams like Denison that play great defense and are opportunistic on offense, but I haven't seen a team in the NCAC who can attack like they can. But as we saw in the JCU game their defense can let them down. But on an average day they have attacking prowess, the grit to grind out tougher games. Start the season off with a bang at Kenyon, end the season at home vs Denison.
Denison probably 2nd. Only saw them once vs Otterbein, saw Kenyon twice. Edge to Denison on defense and technical skill. Kenyon lost a lot of talent from last year's side, and quite honestly this year's team is not as skilled. Shanked kicks, poor passing - much sloppier than any Kenyon side I've seen in the past 9 years. Not sure about the 4th place team but the bottom three should be Oberlin, Hiram and Wittenberg, leaving DePauw, Wabash and Wooster to duke it out. Wooster is a feisty team - gave MTU and Case spells of tough play before eventually making crucial defensive errors.
Conference play - here we come
No surprises in the early games. Strengths and weaknesses previous discussed were all evident in these games.
Kenyon got a good, important road win at DePauw...and I will slide right over the fact that the Owls were not very impressive. With Kenyon up 2-0, DePauw goes down to 10 men when maybe their star player got red for I'm not sure what since the aftermath of the play was a fairly dangerous free kick for the Tigers. And of course the Kenyon D in cahoots with GK Pedreschri made a total mess of a clearance and it was 2-1, making things dicey again until Duratovic got a 3rd (his 8th of the season). The Owls have given up 3 goals in a half and a half of a half against 10 men. They do not seem able to manage a game properly...and Pedreschi has been pretty solid for 3 years but seems to be struggling more this year. Would help when he realizes he isn't Messi. And I realize rolling the ball five yards to your right or left right around the six yard box to play out of the back is all the rage...but sometimes you don't need to be playing tikky-tac inside the 18 with 10 passes.
Kenyon's season can go one of two ways now...the next two games will likely determine whether the Owls can get back into NCAA contention...OWU in Gambier midweek and then away at Denison next Saturday. Imo, Kenyon really needs to win both but could probably live with 1-0-1.
I should add that the next two obviously are important for the NCAC race and for home field for the NCAC tournament, but even more importantly, these are likely Kenyon's last opportunities to grab ranked wins...unless meeting one of them (and winning) in a NCAC semifinal.
Quote from: Rcjh2245 on October 01, 2023, 02:39:40 AM
Mom post, so take it for what it's worth. I have a Jr. Kenyon player, and a freshman OWU player. Marinating on this week - OWU v. Kenyon on Wednesday. Going to be elated and deflated at the same time. Play your best boys.
One of my son's teammates had a brother who played for Otterbein - he at Capital. Their mom had a custom sweatshirt made - half purple, half red with Capbein printed on the front. She paced the entire game when we played them.
We'll see what happens Saturday, but rumors of Kenyon's demise might have been a little overdone. OWU now has not beaten Kenyon in the regular season since.....2012.
I would have given the edge to OWU in the first half by a small margin. Kenyon probably had a little more possession but could not get close to getting through the very good OWU backline. OWU just seemed a little more difficult and dominant physically. West is an outstanding CB and a beast to get by. OWU several times in the first half managed to get deep into Kenyon territory and had the better chances imo. That said, the Owls kept Jaggar and Guerra pretty much in check. Somehow hear the end of the half a Kenyon frosh dribbled quite a distance down to the touchline, looked like he was gonna be stripped at least a couple of times but kept going and somehow got the ball into the net.
I thought Kenyon outplayed OWU in the second half. They didn't get caught out of position so often as in recent previous matches and managed well after going up 2-0 on a gorgeous cross from Cortez to Dujakovich who finished clinically with a powerful header. OWU did not allow Duratovic to get many clean looks.
Denison tying Oberlin 0-0 seems like a surprising result, right? Denison did go down a man with a red card, but that was with only a few minutes left in the game. Seems like a game you have to get the full three points given the other places where you may drop points in the NCAC.
Quote from: Domino1195 on October 01, 2023, 08:51:07 AM
Quote from: Rcjh2245 on October 01, 2023, 02:39:40 AM
Mom post, so take it for what it's worth. I have a Jr. Kenyon player, and a freshman OWU player. Marinating on this week - OWU v. Kenyon on Wednesday. Going to be elated and deflated at the same time. Play your best boys.
One of my son's teammates had a brother who played for Otterbein - he at Capital. Their mom had a custom sweatshirt made - half purple, half red with Capbein printed on the front. She paced the entire game when we played them.
Went with the neutral shirt, also a pacer, spent time on both sides of the field and loved the student peanut gallery for each team - sometimes it's the best part of the game.
Speaking of trap games and favorites that deserved to lose....Kenyon miraculously got out of Wooster with a 2-1 win...finally scoring on a Duratovic free kick in the 82nd minute and a goal off a corner with 8 seconds left. Wooster had a brilliant game plan that prevented the Owls from connecting any penetrating passes, and despite clogging up the middle of the pitch and also containing the wings, Wooster had its fair share of chances and were almost even on shots attempted...and Wooster overall had the more dangerous chances. Kenyon was very sloppy and playing lazy passes in their own third and trying to beat tow or three Wooster players in their own third. Nguyen was not good, Duratovic was not good (except for the free kick) and actually gave Wooster a chance by committing a ridiculous foul with 3.8 seconds on the Wooster kickoff after the second Owls score. Ramirez, who is a very good player, keeps trying to snake through guys in his own third too and he manages most of the time to draw fouls by falling on top of the ball. One of these times, or more than once, he's not gonna get those calls. Burns also tends to get himself in similar jams. Anyway, kudos to Wooster. They deserved better...at worst a draw. The Owls didn't deserve a draw or a win.
Despite the harsh review above which imo was mostly fair while wanting to fully credit Wooster, Kenyon did extend their NCAC regular season unbeaten streak to 55 games. Last conference regular season loss was in 2016 (I think to DePauw).
Despite some rocky outings and still trying to figure out rotations,Travis Wall has the Owls where they would want to be with wins over their biggest rivals back to back and with a team still missing 2-3 key players that has a ceiling significantly lower than in recent seasons.
Quote from: oacalum on September 28, 2023, 10:32:04 AM
I wanted to wait until the non-conference portion was completed before giving my overview of Region VII.
AMCC - This conference will most likely come down to Behrend and Mount Aloysius. Alfred St could be a sneaky contender as they are sitting on a decent record. I don't see any ranked teams from this conference, unless Behrend or MAC wins out and sneaks into the bottom of the rankings, as SOS will be a major issue for most of these teams.
PAC - Similar SOS issues as AMCC. This will probably come down to Franciscan and Grove City, with Grove City already grabbing a 3-1 win against Franciscan. Once again, don't believe any ranked teams here.
HCAC - I'd think Rose Hulman is the favorite. They scheduled some good games and pulled out a big win against ONU. Hanover should be in the mix with RHIT but they seem down a step compared to previous years.
UAA - Case Western has impressed me so far. Good results against good competition. Carnegie Mellon, on the other hand, have a great record against lower competition. Lost to John Carroll and tied against MAC in their toughest games of the year. UAA play will help us figure out where they rank.
NCAC - Denison, Kenyon, or Ohio Wesleyan? I think this year is very even at the top. All of these game against each other will be crucial and, I think come tournament time, it could go any direction.
OAC - Favorites have to be JCU and Mount Union at this point. Thought Mount could be pretenders, then they beat Calvin and Case Western. They will be tested at ONU this Saturday. JCU has played a very tough non-conference schedule and could easily have been 7-1-1 if not for a 1 minute slip up against Denison. Next group would include ONU, Otterbein, and Capital. ONU has also played a very tough schedule and had a tough 4 game stretch with results. Capital and Otterbein seem to have some talented players that can punish you if caught on and off day. These top 5 seem very solid, so I'm excited to see how it all shakes out shortly!
Mid-conference check up.
AMCC - Nothing to really note here. Should be Mount Aloysius or Behrend. MAC having the more consistent results (except a loss to Behrend) and Behrend has some interesting results. Neither running away with it, but MAC has at least been sneaking into the bottom of the USC regional rankings.
PAC - Geneva with a 7-0 conference record out of nowhere and a game against second place Franciscan coming up midweek. Grove City not doing as well as I would have imagined, so this should really be a toss up in the conference tournament.
HCAC - Another surprise at the top with Manchester. Rose Hulman dominated the shots stats and Manchester scored their own shot on goal. I would think RHIT can avenge their loss, but could potentially have to do so on the road.
UAA - Case Western with a so-so start to conference play, and Carnegie Mellon starting to drop some games. They both play Washington St. Louis and Chicago this weekend.
NCAC - I thought the three at the top would be pretty even, although I might've ranked Kenyon third pre conference. Big wins against Ohio Wesleyan and Denison sets them up to host their way through the tournament as long as they take care of business in their remaining games. The Denison-OWU game could potentially be big for hosting.
OAC - John Carroll taking care of business and have some big games versus Otterbein, Capital, and Mount Union in a row. A good week this week would all but see them lock up the top seed. The top 4 of JCU, Otterbein, Mount Union, and ONU have separated themselves from the rest of the conference.
Regional ranking thoughts:
Region 7
1. John Carroll
2. Mt. Union
3. Kenyon
4. OWU
5. Case Western
6. Denison
7. Otterbein
Others: Manchester, CMU, Mt. Aloysius, ONU
Kenyon has been tempting fate in some recent matches and again was very fortunate last night getting a very difficult 1-0 win over a Wittenberg side that clearly was very highly motivated with an exuberant, rowdy crowd. Witt played a fantastic game just as Wooster recently did against the Owls. The Tigers outhustled and out-physicaled Kenyon for the entire game. Kenyon did all of the things I complained about teams doing on another network....playing too ticky-tacky inside their own third and inside their own 18. Even when the Owls needed some relief, Pedeschri (GK) rolled the ball to a CB next to him. The Owls also fell to the ground just as I had described frequently and sometimes in their own third, falling on the ball, and waiting for a foul call. The ref seemed to catch on...to the point of then not calling some fouls that looked like real fouls. And then to top it off the Owls started taking the ball the the corner with five minutes left, including when they had a very dangerous free kick with maybe less than three minutes left. They of course lost the ball quickly allowing Wittenberg another counter chance. Very, very odd game where probably 70% (and nearly 80%) of the game was played in the Kenyon half. The commentator for Witt, despite being a little monotone was often right on the money with his observations....praising Kenyon's skill and ability to move the ball around and also extolling the effort and defensive shape maintained by Witt. Kenyon did have more of the possession but especially in the second half could not manage to play on Witt's side of the field. Witt repeatedly stripped or stole the ball and seemed like they had 13 players going against 11. The only problem for Witt is that they couldn'y keep the ball either. Coach Wall should watch this game with the team with the announcer's commentary.
Given the poor start of the season it's hard to get too upset about the Owls as they clawed back and have kept their streak of unbeaten regular season conference games going to now 57, but part of my "job" is to be critical and point out issues that even a layman like myself can see. Kenyon must embrace that their gap between floor and ceiling is more compressed than in some recent years...and not playing at or near their ceiling will result in losses and a quick dismissal from the tournament if they make it.
Also curious if anyone knows if the Owls are expecting to get any players back who have not been playing. I know Martinez is supposedly out for the entire season, but what about Lantz and Sanchez-Kornfeld?
One last thing about not getting a foul call and losing the ball in your own third. I was thinking that the players if they are going to try to draw fouls like that it would be much better to do in the other team's final third. Now I'm wondering if that's not always the case...and whether losing the ball like that in the other team's final third actually provides better counter opportunities and potential breakaways than losing the ball in your own end because depending where the ball is lost your team may have more players in that half of the field to provide more congestion that might not be available in the other scenario. For example, I think I just read yesterday that SLU did not get a PK call and Union immediately turned SLU's loss of the ball into a breakout the other way.
Kenyon runs regular season conference unbeaten streak to 58 and in process claims Owls' 8th consecutive NCAC regular season title. Better today, and although frustrating, probably good that CR did Kenyon no favors with the whistle allowing Wabash to play an extremely physical match. Team has to learn how to deal with non-calls and not allow the opponent unnecessary extra chances. Duratovic put Kenyon ahead in the 12th minute on a nifty bicycle kick goal, and running mate Dujakovich put the game away finally in the 86th minute.
And the best news of all? Gerardo Martinez played! And looked pretty good in limited minutes. Still feel like they might need one more stud, but barring other major injuries to key guys his return is significant in terms of the Owls being a legitimate contender. Ramirez didn't play today so hopefully that is short-term.
Great win for the Owls on Senior Day, nice to see Martinez back in the mix. Getting closer to a healthy squad, and my gosh who doesn't love a bicycle kick goal! Check it out: https://youtu.be/HxdNtCGt3zc?si=f5XiuVKPXns7juxL.
John Carroll drops second game in a row...today to Capital. Despite the mini-slump JCU is likely to remain top dog in Region VII as I can't see who would catch and surpass them, which will be important for hosting decisions.
Forgot to note last night that Carnegie Mellon lost at home 3-0 to Wash U. Hard to see how CMU is going to get a bid at this point.
With all due respect let's look at the facts.. The results on the pitch. Kenyon smashed by JCU and Ohio Northern and would be mid table in the OAC. Kenyon needs the automatic bid to go through to the tournament. The OAC could get 3 if you look at the results..
Quote from: TableMax on October 21, 2023, 08:17:10 PM
With all due respect let's look at the facts.. The results on the pitch. Kenyon smashed by JCU and Ohio Northern and would be mid table in the OAC. Kenyon needs the automatic bid to go through to the tournament. The OAC could get 3 if you look at the results..
Not sure what you're reacting to as I was very clear that JCU will still be considered the #1 team in the region.
On the rest, with all due respect you have no clue what you are talking about.
No need to get aggressive about my opinion. I was just pointing out JCU table maxed Kenyon and ONU had their way as well. I thought this was the "Great Lakes Navigation Channel" and opinions were welcomed..Good Luck..
Oh, so opinions can't go both ways? I found your first post to be a little aggressive. You made very declarative statements and it was clear you don't fully understand Pool C selections. And if you're gonna give so much weight to the first two games of the season, how much weight should the cmte give to two back to back losses later in the season? In reality the cmte doesn't care about when losses happened. Winning pct, regionally ranked results, and SoS are the variables.
"you clearly don't understand pool c selections". Another back slap. Relax. Just pointing out your obvious bias. I have 1 post and you get nasty. You have pages of posts I would disagree on. Am I allowed to stick up for the OAC?? Otterbein..Mt. Union. JCU. ONU. Cap. need some commentary as well.. Again. Good Luck to you..
Quote from: TableMax on October 21, 2023, 09:14:23 PM
"you clearly don't understand pool c selections". Another back slap. Relax. Just pointing out your obvious bias. I have 1 post and you get nasty. You have pages of posts I would disagree on. Am I allowed to stick up for the OAC?? Otterbein..Mt. Union. JCU. ONU. Cap. need some commentary as well.. Again. Good Luck to you..
What bias? What was the original point you wanted to make? Yes, Kenyon got smoked in its first two games by JCU and ONU. Facts. But what is your point with that? If you or others think Kenyon is getting too much attention in this thread, you and others can fix that easily. Give us a deep dive on your team. That's Capital, right?
Can you stick up for the OAC? Of course! Have you read my posts praising the OAC and endorsing that it is clearly stronger overall than NCAC? I've praised and written about JCU frequently. I'm also an Otterbein fan. I was hoping Wilmington would do better this year.
I have to admit that I do get annoyed and defensive about jabs that seem like they're coming out of left field and/or I'm not sure what the poster is reacting to.
My best guess on this one is that I post too much about Kenyon. Fair enough. Kenyon is one of primary reasons I'm here as I presume is the case for many of us. I also regularly have posted commentary and content about programs all across the country as much or more than any poster on the site. One year I did features on the Wisconsin schools in the Greater Milwaukee area. I did a feature on Keuka College. I brought Sewanee and Rhodes into conversations. I've posted more stuff about the OAC and OAC teams than any poster with the possible exception of one. In the most recent edition of the show with SC we spent an entire segment specifically on the OAC. But somehow I'm the reason there isn't more commentary on OAC teams? If posters feel their teams aren't getting the attention they deserve then they should post about them. When I talk about Kenyon I try to be as objective and fair as I can, especially when it comes to critiques regarding my own team.
Here is what I wrote on Sept. 3rd after the JCU-Kenyon game....
Brilliant, decisive, mature, and physically dominant performance by John Carroll today. The Blue Streaks embarrassed Kenyon in Gambier, outclassing and bullying the Owls all over the field. The transfer from Akron got the first tally and then added insult to injury throughout the game. JCU is a very, very good team and should prove to be a legitimate national threat. They stayed compact and seemed to swallow up every Kenyon offensive effort, and then used the counter-attack to great effect, resulting in transition forays where every JCU player seemed to receive the ball with no Owl within 15 yards.
And below are all the comments about the actual game from all of the OAC/JCU fans...
Quote from: TableMax on October 21, 2023, 08:41:33 PM
No need to get aggressive about my opinion. I was just pointing out JCU table maxed Kenyon and ONU had their way as well. I thought this was the "Great Lakes Navigation Channel" and opinions were welcomed..Good Luck..
Tablemax - you just have to try to let it go. PN has zero self awareness....does this to most everyone that has an alternate take - then lords over the board As if he is the true north of all things D3 soccer, or tries to draw attention to where he thinks he is fair and balanced. Then - when called out - he seeks approval and justification from the board related to his self centered and gas lit comments. Sadly, many still pander to him....and even more sadly.....the board just gets quieter and quieter.
Any projections about regionally ranked teams are based solely on projections of who most likely will be regionally ranked for the 3rd and 4th weeks of the NCAA regional rankings.
For breadth of discussion I selected 12 Region VII teams for consideration even though apparently there are only 7 ranking slots. A team could make the week 4 rankings based on conference tourney/last weekend results, and also could fall out for the same reason. However, it is my understanding that being regionally ranked in EITHER week 3 or 4 "counts" for the final calculations for selection day.
I may make very broad inferences about SoS but SoS also will shift to some degree over the next two weeks.
Capital – 8-6-1 (2-4-1) – CWRU (L); OWU (L); Otterbein (L); ONU (L); Mt Union (L); JCU (W)
Asssessment: Even presuming a very solid to very high SoS it is difficult to see how Capital will be in contention for a Pool C. The winning percentage is not competitive and projection for RvR is 1-5. Capital needs to win the OAC tournament.
Carnegie Mellon – 7-4-3 (0-2-2) – JCU (L); Mt Aloysius (T); Brandeis (T); Rochester (T); York (L); Emory (L); Wash U (L)
Assessment: Winning percentage not great but would not be disqualifying. What hurts the Tartans is a more pedestrian SoS than usual and more importantly a lack of ranked wins. Also likely/possible for draws with Mt. Aloysius and Brandeis to not count for RvR, so that would project today as possible RvR of 0-2-1. CMU however could force themselves into the conversation by winning at least two out of their last three....Chicago (today), NYU, CWRU.
CWRU – 7-2-3 (1-1-2) – Otterbein (W); Capital (W); JCU (T); Mt Union (L); Denison (W); NYU (W); Emory (L); Rochester (T); Chicago (T)
Assessment: Good enough winning percentage and high SoS. Don't think Capital will be regionally ranked and Denison also easily could fall out, so right now I would project RvR at 1-2-3. Denison keeping a ranking and/or NYU gaining one would be very helpful, and there is not a clear-cut RvR opportunity with the three remaining tilts against Wash U, Brandeis, CMU. Bottom line imo is that CWRU still controls its own fate but would really benefit from positive results in the last three (at least 2-1 or 2-0-1) with at least one of those teams getting ranked.
Denison – 9-3-3 (3-1-2) – JCU (W); CWRU (L); Otterbein (L); Kenyon (L)
Assessment: The Big Red are in trouble. Decent record and average SoS but RvR today projects as 1-3 (albeit the one win coming against JCU). Denison is almost certainly going to play OWU twice in the next couple of weeks, and imo they need at least one and preferably two wins (1-0-1 might suffice) against OWU. Of course Denison should have an opportunity to do what they did two years ago...knock off OWU and maybe Kenyon back to back in the NCAC tourney for the AQ.
John Carroll – 11-4-1 (5-2) – Kenyon (W); CMU (W); CWRU (T); OWU (W); Denison (L); Calvin (L); North Park (W); ONU (W); Otterbein (L); Capital (L)
Assessment: JCU is still in good shape with only Mt. Union to face before OAC tourney. Good enough record, strong SoS, and here's the biggie, a probable RvR as of today at 4-1-1 which could be impacted a bit by what happens to Denison and last game with the Purple Raiders. Regardless, four wins are in the bag and no other team in the region is likely to have four or more. That said, JCU should be motivated to finish strong for hosting preferences and momentum going into tournament play.
Kenyon – 13-3 (7-0) – ONU (L); JCU (L); St Olaf (W); Mt Aloysius (W); Trine (L); OWU (W); Denison (W)
Assessment: Kenyon barring losses in their next two should have one of the higher winning pcts (with maybe only Mt Union better there) but the SoS could land at just average. Denison ironically is probably the Owls' biggest variable. Losing that ranked win would hurt (but also hurt a couple of other teams in contention) as Kenyon would then only have two ranked wins. Actually Kenyon losing in the NCAC final to Denison would probably be OK because that might mean Denison picked up two more ranked wins and thereby would close the rankings season in a ranked position. RvR today is 4-2, but could slip at worst to probably 2-3 depending on Denison and whether Trine slips in in Region 8. I do not excerpt Mt Aloysius to hold a ranked position so that W will go.
Mt Aloysius – 10-2-3 (7-1) – Buffalo St (T); Lycoming (T); Kenyon (L); CMU (T)
Assessment: Almost certainly AQ or bust for Mt Aloysius. No ranked wins and no chance for any in remaining contests.
Mt Union – 14-1-1 (5-1-1) – Calvin (W); CWRU (W); ONU (L); Capital (W)
Assessment: Outstanding record and two solid ranked wins with late season opportunity as still have JCU and Otterbein left. Comparatively lower SoS but that will rise once they've played JCU and Otterbein. RvR currently at 2-1. May not need a third one but that would probably insulate them in the event they don't win the OAC tourney.
Ohio Northern – 9-5-2 (5-1-1) – Kenyon (W); Calvin (L); Colorado Coll (T); OWU (L); North Central (L); North Park (W); Rose Hulman (L); Mt Union (W); Otterbein (T); Capital (W); JCU (L)
Assessment: One of the more interesting resumes in the country. Last week had 2nd highest SoS (.648) among ranked teams, second only to Amherst (.649). Polar Bears have improved record to viability on that score, and RvR appears relatively set at 3-4-2. ONU should win their last two regular season games putting them at 11-5-2 and able to absorb another loss in the OAC tourney and still get a bid.
Ohio Wesleyan – 11-3-1 (5-1) – Hope (T); Calvin (L); St Olaf (W); ONU (W); JCU (L); Otterbein (W); Capital (W); Kenyon (L)
Assessment: Good record. Strong SoS that may dip some since last week but still will be above average. And at least three ranked wins that look safe. OWU will be highly motivated to win the NCAC tournament, but if Pool C is needed the Battling Bishops are in a pretty strong position unless they lose twice to Denison in the next two weeks which could allow them to be edged out by Denison or one of the OAC teams.
Otterbein – 10-2-3 (6-0-1) – CWRU (L); W&L (T); OWU (L); Denison (W); Capital (W); ONU (T); JCU (W)
Assessment: Don't look now but Otterbein quietly has run up to the top of the OAC with Mt Union still to play. Above average record, probably above average SoS, but at the moment project for possibly only one ranked win, a couple of ranked draws, and two ranked losses. Even though not regionally ranked last week they will be going forward, and a win over Mt Union could be enough without another ranked win in the OAC tourney (which may be possible to get without winning the OAC tourney).
Rose Hulman – 10-4-2 (6-1-1) – Wash U (L); North Central (L); Hope (L); ONU (W)
Assessment: Not quite enough meat on the bone so RHIT will very likely need to win conference tournament (as they often do).
Overall analysis.....JCU, Mt Union, ONU, and probably Otterbein (especially if can get one more ranked win) all appear to be in pretty good shape and if selections were today it would be hard to keep any of them out. Imo it is definitely possible that the OAC could get four teams in (and definitely at least 3). As indicated above, imo CWRU still has some work to do. The high SoS will make them very competitive. Another ranked win might seal the deal (which could come from Denison and/or NYU being ranked in a couple of weeks) or with a win against one of the last three on schedule getting ranked. Kenyon and OWU have very similar resumes. OWU I'm sure will close with a higher SoS and perhaps one more ranked win, and then Kenyon (for now at least) owns the head to head. So, imo, the seven most viable candidates, in alphabetical order, are likely CWRU, JCU, Kenyon, Mt Union, ONU, OWU, and Otterbein. Denison and/or Capital could disrupt the above, but let's assume form holds. That would mean one of the four OACs named and either OWU or Kenyon would be off the board, leaving five teams for Pool C consideration. In deference to the OAC let's say at least two at large bids come from the remaining three OAC teams (which does seem quite likely). That would leave CWRU, the 4th OAC team, and the loser of OWU/Kenyon (if that happens) vying for...how many remaining spots? Normally I would guess there wouldn't be more than one more but remember that FW said there are two more Pool Cs this year than in previous years. The latter leads me to think Region VII could get four Pool Cs (and I'm not sure five is inconceivable especially if there is more weakness than usual out of, say, Regions II and IV (or any others).
Massive match in the OAC tonight as John Carroll travels to Mt Union. JCU is looking to rebound and reassert itself as a legitimate top tier national contender. Mt Union is still a bit of an enigma -- on this site (and especially for Eastcoasters) -- probably best known as SC's alma mater and "a football school." The Purple Raiders are having perhaps their greatest season ever with back to back chances to enhance the resume further....JCU tonight and then Otterbein on Saturday. Mt Union reminds me a little of Carleton...stellar campaigns but still with a lot to prove. Would be fantastic if a few with knowledge of the top four in the OAC, their style of play, and key players to watch shared some insights and commentary.
In the NCAC, Denison has really stumbled (losing to Wooster last night at "historic Columbus Crew Stadium") and now must beat OWU (at Roy Rike) on Saturday to avoid dropping to 4th in the conference. Perhaps they will prefer facing Kenyon first but in any case Big Red hopes for a Pool C are almost certainly dashed and so they will have to beat their two rivals back to back again to get an AQ. The other thing is that teams holding a win over Denison will be negatively impacted by their recent slide, losing a valuable "ranked win." Wooster travels to DePauw Saturday with high stakes. The winner may rise to 3rd in the conference but the loser will find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture.
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2023, 08:19:07 AM
Massive match in the OAC tonight as John Carroll travels to Mt Union. JCU is looking to rebound and reassert itself as a legitimate top tier national contender. Mt Union is still a bit of an enigma -- on this site (and especially for Eastcoasters) -- probably best known as SC's alma mater and "a football school." The Purple Raiders are having perhaps their greatest season ever with back to back chances to enhance the resume further...
Fact. Most wins in a season before being broken this year? 2003 and 2018. Who was an Assistant in 2003? You guessed it.
SC.
2nd ranking prediction:
Region 7
1. John Carroll
2. Kenyon
3. OWU
4. Case Western
5. ONU
6. Mt. Union
7. Denison
Others: Capital, Otterbein, Mt. Aloysius, CMU
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2023, 08:19:07 AM
Massive match in the OAC tonight as John Carroll travels to Mt Union. JCU is looking to rebound and reassert itself as a legitimate top tier national contender. Mt Union is still a bit of an enigma -- on this site (and especially for Eastcoasters) -- probably best known as SC's alma mater and "a football school." The Purple Raiders are having perhaps their greatest season ever with back to back chances to enhance the resume further....JCU tonight and then Otterbein on Saturday. Mt Union reminds me a little of Carleton...stellar campaigns but still with a lot to prove. Would be fantastic if a few with knowledge of the top four in the OAC, their style of play, and key players to watch shared some insights and commentary.
In the NCAC, Denison has really stumbled (losing to Wooster last night at "historic Columbus Crew Stadium") and now must beat OWU (at Roy Rike) on Saturday to avoid dropping to 4th in the conference. Perhaps they will prefer facing Kenyon first but in any case Big Red hopes for a Pool C are almost certainly dashed and so they will have to beat their two rivals back to back again to get an AQ. The other thing is that teams holding a win over Denison will be negatively impacted by their recent slide, losing a valuable "ranked win." Wooster travels to DePauw Saturday with high stakes. The winner may rise to 3rd in the conference but the loser will find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture.
I know Mount's field (very small) is difficult to play against, especially with their defensive style. I think Coach Poe (now at Case) had a similar tactic when he was there. I haven't seen Mount play this year but their two biggest wins (Calvin, Case) were at home where I heard Mount had no problem sitting deep and waiting to counter. Kudos to them regardless, they have had a great season so far.
REGION VII - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - October 25, 2023
Rank
|
School | . Div. III .
Record | . Div. III .
SOS |
. R-v-R .
| . Overall .
Record | . Prev. .
Rank |
1. | Kenyon | 13-3-0 | 0.568 | 3-2-0 | 11-3-0 | Y |
2. | Ohio Wesleyan | 11-3-1 | 0.588 | 2-3-1 | 11-3-1 | Y |
3. | John Carroll | 11-4-1 | 0.574 | 4-2-1 | 11-4-1 | Y |
4. | Ohio Northern | 9-5-2 | 0.613 | 3-4-1 | 9-5-2 | Y |
5. | Case Western Reserve | 7-3-3 | 0.609 | 1-2-3 | 7-3-3 | Y |
6. | Otterbein | 10-2-3 | 0.535 | 2-2-2 | 10-2-3 | -- |
7. | Mount Union | 14-1-1 | 0.501 | 2-1-0 | 14-1-1 | Y |
Does anyone know why OWU isn't receiving credit for three ranked wins (ONU, Otterbein and St. Olaf)?
The RvR only includes the teams from the previous week's rankings. Otterbein wasn't ranked last week so they don't count as an RvR eligible team this week.
What paclassics said...and this means Kenyon will lose the Denison W next week and be down to 2 ranked wins which means OWU and couple of others could jump Kenyon.
SOS. R-V-R. Serious question for the d3 "gurus" on this board. How can these rankings have 2 NCAC team 1 and 2 and have every worthy OAC team behind them after watching the games? LOL..I say OWU and Kenyon good or maybe great teams but seriously? CWRU legit team too.. Is there a bias I'm not familiar with when it comes to the Tournament. EH
Otterbein wins OAC regular season title with 2-0 win over Mount Union.
The seeding for the OAC Conference Tournament are set:
1) Otterbein 8-0-1
2) Ohio Northern 7-1-1
3) Mount Union 6-2-1
4) John Carroll 6-3
5) Capital 4-4-1
6) Marietta 4-5
Denison 2-0 vs OWU. Rematch Wednesday @ OWU for NCAC conference semis. Going to be a game.
Denison defibrillated itself at the Dr. Jay Martin Soccer Emporium last night, outplaying OWU from pretty much start to finish and leaving with a 2-0 win. Kudos to Coach Bianco for having guys prepared and ready after a very disappointing loss to Wooster just a few days earlier. I suppose the Big Red had more to play for, but win, lose, or draw Denison most likely still was going to need back to back wins over OWU and Kenyon in the NCAC tourney with only the order of those matches changing if Denison had lost last night to OWU. OWU had something to play for presuming the Battling Bishops would have preferred a NCAC semi against DePauw instead of Denison.
Denison provides a good window into how competitive Region VII is in the battle for regional rankings spots and positioning therein. Denison was regionally ranked the first week but not the second, and I'm not sure even two back to back regionally ranked wins over OWU would get the Big Red back into the rankings. Who could they overtake? Maybe, maybe CWRU, although Denison lost to the Spartans head to head. One glaring weakness when scanning the Region VII rankings is that Mt Union was in the last spot because of a dangerously low SoS. However, otherwise, the Purple Raiders have the best record in the region and three ranked wins, and the SoS should jump to a more respectable .530+ level following matches with JCU and Otterbein.
So there is a scenario where Denison could finish 11-5-3 with three ranked wins and still not get back into the regional rankings. Denison's SoS is a little lower than one might expect but the back to back OWU games should boost the SoS to the .550+ range. Regardless, even losing the next match with OWU, Denison comfortably would land in the #2 spot in Region II.
I do not envy the Region VII committee. All seven currently ranked teams are very viable Pool C candidates. Otterbein, who was unranked the first week, could jump all the way to the top spot. If you had to pick two of the seven to leave out of a Pool C bid that would and will be difficult. CWRU with an OK but not great record and only one ranked win might be most vulnerable but the Spartans also have one of the higher SoSs. This is how complicated things can get. CWRU would benefit from Denison sneaking into the rankings nest week or the very last week (which we won't see until after the selections), but Denison is the team that if ranked could knock CWRU out. All the other teams have strong but not flawless resumes. The margins between the teams are razor-thin.
JCU most likely wins easy at home tonight. But if they lose I still say they get in if you use the sub par SOS and RVR scrub methodology..The OAC the strongest conference in Region 7 I say.. EH
@TableMax JCU won, but it was certainly not easy. Capital keeper with a great save with 30 seconds left in OT that led to a corner. Uncontested header on goal that keeper got a hand to but could not keep out. JCU 2, Capital 1 OT
Quote from: TableMax on October 31, 2023, 07:02:19 PM
JCU most likely wins easy at home tonight. But if they lose I still say they get in if you use the sub par SOS and RVR scrub methodology..The OAC the strongest conference in Region 7 I say.. EH
Feeding the troll here but what alternate methodology would you use in place of SOS and RvR?
The common sense troll..Heartbreaker tonight at JCU..
Moronic answer as expected
How so? Because u say so.. LOL And u call me Moronic! Who r u to sling insults.. U know my name. Who r u.. LOL
The irony of course is that RvR and SoS are precisely what would have saved JCU if they had lost or lose in next round. Definitely have slipped a bit in a critical phase of the season.
Very impressed with Capital. Comets had their chances but I thought their defense was really, really good. Tremendous effort play after play.
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 31, 2023, 10:04:05 PM
Moronic answer as expected
Hey if you gonna talk smack and call my answer "Moronic" when im just commenting for fun. You gotta at least stop hiding behind your keyboard...BWAHAHA
REGION VII - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 01, 2023
Rank
|
School | . Div. III .
Record | . Div. III .
SOS |
. R-v-R .
| . Overall .
Record | . Prev. .
Rank |
1. | Kenyon | 14-3-0 | 0.565 | 2-2-0 | 14-3-0 | 1 |
2. | Ohio Wesleyan | 12-4-1 | 0.592 | 3-3-1 | 12-4-1 | 2 |
3. | Ohio Northern | 11-5-2 | 0.590 | 2-4-2 | 11-5-2 | 4 |
4. | Case Western Reserve | 8-3-3 | 0.597 | 1-2-3 | 8-3-3 | 5 |
5. | John Carroll | 12-5-1 | 0.564 | 3-3-1 | 12-5-1 | 3 |
6. | Otterbein | 12-2-3 | 0.547 | 2-2-2 | 12-2-3 | 6 |
7. | Mount Union | 15-2-1 | 0.521 | 3-2-0 | 15-2-1 | 7 |
If I am not mistaking ONU should have 3 wins against ranked teams as Trine is now ranked. Am I correct? Thank you.
The rankings are as of Monday, so anyting that happened last night is not reflected in this ranking.
The ONU win over Trine occurred back in September.
Quote from: D-Three Fan on November 01, 2023, 05:08:51 PM
The ONU win over Trine occurred back in September.
Christian Shirk's post includes the RvR ranking (and other information about records and SoS) that the committee had before it when it made this week's ranking decisions. Trine was not ranked in the last regional rankings, so that game is not reflected in the RvR numbers he lists the committee considered for this week's ranking. When the committee makes Pool C (and seeding) decisions, the RvR numbers will reflect only the record against opponents ranked in these final rankings, so many team's RvR numbers will look different come tournament selection time. Someone can correct me if I have any of this wrong.
Quote from: Kuiper on November 01, 2023, 05:51:13 PM
Quote from: D-Three Fan on November 01, 2023, 05:08:51 PM
The ONU win over Trine occurred back in September.
Christian Shirk's post includes the RvR ranking (and other information about records and SoS) that the committee had before it when it made this week's ranking decisions. Trine was not ranked in the last regional rankings, so that game is not reflected in the RvR numbers he lists the committee considered for this week's ranking. When the committee makes Pool C (and seeding) decisions, the RvR numbers will reflect only the record against opponents ranked in these final rankings, so many team's RvR numbers will look different come tournament selection time. Someone can correct me if I have any of this wrong.
I think D-Three Fan misinterpreted CSO's phrase "so anyting that happened last night is not reflected in this ranking." So I presume D-Three was thinking, well, ONU didn't beat Trine last night but long ago, instead of getting that when the victory happened (unless it actually was this week) doesn't matter and rather when Trine got ranked is what matters. In other words, Trine needed to be ranked last week in order for ONU to get the credit in today's rankings. They will benefit from that win though next week.
Thank you for clearing this up.
Denison stunned OWU, scoring in the 87th minute to win 1-0. I'm sure there have been very, very times in OWU's illustrious history where they've lost to the same team on their own field within just a few days.
Denison is one more win away. Now speaking of RvR imagine how I'd love to complain that Kenyon's win over Denison doesn't "count" as a ranked win/game. Denison clearly is good enough to be ranked, and would be ranked in several other regions. The Big Red are also up to 3 ranked wins (and of the high quality variety...OWU x2 and JCU). They are getting a SoS boost as well from playing OWU back to back and now Kenyon again.
OWU looking like they are in dangerous territory with the back-to-back losses to Denison at home. It will be interesting to see the OAC results tonight and how the whole region shakes out.
I would think that OWU is big fans of Otterbein and Mount Union tonight and then Kenyon on Saturday. Although, the way Denison has played the past couple games, I would expect them to put up a good fight in Gambier. Bianco has those boys rolling.
Otterbein and ONU win in PKs. Should be a great final.
Wondering if Mount Union will be on the bubble or did they have enough quality wins to make the NCAA's. Thoughts
I think Mount Union should be on the right side of the bubble, given their resume. 16-2-2 looks really good on paper and the quality wins vs Calvin, CWRU and JCU put them just above some of the other Region VII (e.g., CWRU and JCU).
But the Region VII beating up on each other really making this year interesting. A lot of similar resumes with H2H going every which way.
Quote from: RoyRike on November 03, 2023, 09:03:29 AM
I think Mount Union should be on the right side of the bubble, given their resume. 16-2-2 looks really good on paper and the quality wins vs Calvin, CWRU and JCU put them just above some of the other Region VII (e.g., CWRU and JCU).
But the Region VII beating up on each other really making this year interesting. A lot of similar resumes with H2H going every which way.
See response on national thread. As I noted in other thread, it may be very hard to move Mt Union above CWRU, JCU, etc (since they started the week below) because their resume didn't improve since the last ranking, so they would have to hope a team above them somehow falls below which is hard to see where that would be coming from.
I agree with PN. I don't believe Mount Union will be able to jump any of Otterbein, JCU, or Case on the basis of a ranked draw this week.
Maybe I am missing something here, but I see Mount Union #3 with CWRU #4 and JCU #6?
Quote from: RoyRike on November 03, 2023, 10:39:38 AM
Maybe I am missing something here, but I see Mount Union #3 with CWRU #4 and JCU #6?
Probably looking at the wrong regional rankings...USC doesn't count...only NCAA.
Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 01, 2023, 04:18:45 PM
REGION VII - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 01, 2023
Rank
|
School | . Div. III .
Record | . Div. III .
SOS |
. R-v-R .
| . Overall .
Record | . Prev. .
Rank |
1. | Kenyon | 14-3-0 | 0.565 | 2-2-0 | 14-3-0 | 1 |
2. | Ohio Wesleyan | 12-4-1 | 0.592 | 3-3-1 | 12-4-1 | 2 |
3. | Ohio Northern | 11-5-2 | 0.590 | 2-4-2 | 11-5-2 | 4 |
4. | Case Western Reserve | 8-3-3 | 0.597 | 1-2-3 | 8-3-3 | 5 |
5. | John Carroll | 12-5-1 | 0.564 | 3-3-1 | 12-5-1 | 3 |
6. | Otterbein | 12-2-3 | 0.547 | 2-2-2 | 12-2-3 | 6 |
7. | Mount Union | 15-2-1 | 0.521 | 3-2-0 | 15-2-1 | 7 |
These are the ones that matter for the NCAA tournament.
Quote from: oacalum on November 03, 2023, 10:45:15 AM
Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 01, 2023, 04:18:45 PM
REGION VII - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 01, 2023
Rank
|
School | . Div. III .
Record | . Div. III .
SOS |
. R-v-R .
| . Overall .
Record | . Prev. .
Rank |
1. | Kenyon | 14-3-0 | 0.565 | 2-2-0 | 14-3-0 | 1 |
2. | Ohio Wesleyan | 12-4-1 | 0.592 | 3-3-1 | 12-4-1 | 2 |
3. | Ohio Northern | 11-5-2 | 0.590 | 2-4-2 | 11-5-2 | 4 |
4. | Case Western Reserve | 8-3-3 | 0.597 | 1-2-3 | 8-3-3 | 5 |
5. | John Carroll | 12-5-1 | 0.564 | 3-3-1 | 12-5-1 | 3 |
6. | Otterbein | 12-2-3 | 0.547 | 2-2-2 | 12-2-3 | 6 |
7. | Mount Union | 15-2-1 | 0.521 | 3-2-0 | 15-2-1 | 7 |
These are the ones that matter for the NCAA tournament.
Ah, yes. Thank you.
Yes, and Otterbein will climb even with a finals loss because of major SoS boost playing JCU and ONU back to back. I'm guessing CWRU is most vulnerable out of the teams above Mt Union as the Spartans could fall to 8-4-3 with only one ranked win (unless Denison comes back in) but the CWRU SoS is hard to ignore.
One could make a case that 7 teams could get at large in OAC and NCAC. And CWRU. Tough decision for whomever
makes the decision. Who is on the committee?
Quote from: TableMax on November 03, 2023, 02:35:10 PM
One could make a case that 7 teams could get at large in OAC and NCAC. And CWRU. Tough decision for whomever
makes the decision. Who is on the committee?
REGION I David Kulik
Assistant Athletic Director/Head Men's Soccer Coach
Johnson & Wales University (Providence)
REGION IIGabe Margolis
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Brandeis University
REGION III Brian Marcantonio
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Utica College
REGION IVCarl Christian
Interim Director of Athletics
York College
REGION V Rob Dallas
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Cabrini University
REGION VIJon Waters
Director of Athletics
University of Lynchburg
REGION VII Justin Newell, chair
Assistant Athletic Director
Kenyon College
REGION VIIINate Stewart
Director of Athletics
Carthage College
REGION IX Travis Wall
Head Men's Soccer Coach
St. Olaf College
REGION XBrad Bankhead
Head Men's Soccer Coach
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Above is posted in the prechampionships manual. Not sure who replaced Travis Wall when he took the Kenyon job, but obviously he would not continue to serve as the member for Region IX
Someone will have to replace region V next season due to the closing
Cabrini University to be sold
D3sports
https://www.d3sports.com › notables › 2023/06 › cabr...
Jun 23, 2023 — Cabrini University is being sold to Villanova University and will cease operating as a separate entity after the 2023-24 academic year and ...
How do they get on the committee is it elected of nominated?
Someone gotta make a decision at the end. It sure does help if you have peeps that put u at the top of the rankings in the weeks prior to the end when it all goes down. Seriously. I say they should playoff and end it on the field regionally vs. the current massively flawed arbitrary scrub system. On a positive note the games are truly great to watch..eh
Last ranking-
Kenyon 14-3 Tops in Region
Mt. Union 15-2-1
MTU 2 huge out of conference wins..
Kenyon a .04 stronger SOS..???
LOL
Don't mean to `bogart the board but let me get this straight...
MTU #7 Kenyon #1 in region..
Better Winning %
Better RVR
Better QUALIty CWRU/Calvin Wins
Much deeper Conference
But .04 SOS less..
And they 6 teams back??
Whaa
I apologize in advance that accurate information doesn't support the very singularly focused narrative offered here....
Here is the actual Region VII chair and cmte members for 2023 (not 2022)...
REGION VII
Treg Lunger, chair Waynesburg Presidents' Athletic Conf.
Gabriel Kuhn Alfred State Allegheny Mountain
Aaron Gustine Earlham Heartland Collegiate
Dejan Mladenovic John Carroll Ohio Athletic Conference
Andy Zidron Wooster North Coast Athletic
Keith Danley Chatham Presidents' Athletic Conf.
That entire group of people is who determines what RR spots teams land in based on essentially the criteria that have been employed for years and years and years.
Of course this does not exonerate Kenyon from masterminding being the only school in Region VII (and for that matter, the country) to have their own special algorithm for conjuring up a fake SoS while also manipulating the SoS of Mt Union...and only Mt Union.
I do hope we get a very accurate, fine-grained analysis -- putting aside the Kenyon obsession for just a half-second -- of exactly why the other five teams are ahead of Mt Union in Region VII. And why these other five teams have been held so harmless (since those are actually the ones Mt Union needs to jump)?
Denison beats Kenyon 3-1 to win NCAC -- I didn't watch so don't know much other than that.
ONU beat Otterbein 3-1.
Denison 3 shots, 3 goals. Efficient!
PN- Your 24/7/365 analysis to D3 Soccer is as good as it gets. But don't think other "moronic" (per PAClassic) observers don't have another opinion that might not be similar to your humble opinion. You giving your opinion. As I am. The fact 2 NCAC teams hold the 1st and 2nd spots in the "Rankings" is comedy to me as I watch not all but most of the games. The OAC is the better and deeper conference this year. Being ranked higher in the weeks leading up to the finish means allot..
And who is handing out my Karma ranking..? LOL
Region VII looking good today with selections. Rough 1st round draw for some but absolutely anything could happen.
Rooting for all the Region 7 teams that get to play with their teammates another match and beyond. I get to research who they playing. I don't watch too many games from other far away conferences. Nothing like the tournament to settle it on the field..
Impressive haul of bids for Region VII with only one deserving team left out from the entire rest of the region, so hard to complain although that provides zero solace for Mt Union players, coaches, and fans.
Let's take a quick look at what's ahead...
First, a minor complaint (kind of a poor man's Texas/Region 10 situation) where in one sub-quadrant only one of three Region VII teams can go beyond the Sweet 16 (JCU, Kenyon, Otterbein).
CWRU -- Welp, CWRU is the ultimate stealth team...or put another way, a generic version of a really good medication that works just as well as the brand label but nobody can remember the generic name. The Spartans have an excellent player named Vatne but otherwise I can't name a single player without cheating. CWRU appears to have a "pick 'em" game with Hobart, and maybe Hobart is the "CWRU of the Liberty League," as despite reading every LL thread post I still know almost nothing about Hobart except some SLU folks think the Statesmen are pretty good. Then, with an advance, CWRU would get the pleasure of facing Cortland on the Cortland pitch...with Cortland being touted as one of the hottest and most formidable teams in the field. Upset Cortland, which I think CWRU could do, then you could be looking at Middlebury, at Middlebury or Amherst, or Hopkins or Babson. And then Amherst, who I think would be challenged by CWRU who has played very good, very high profile teams. In a word, I could see CWRU winning a single game against any of the above mentioned but cannot see them winning four in a row against that gauntlet.
Denison -- Congratulations on another incredible run through OWU and Kenyon...but that said, pack light. To bring back a popular meme, I'll eat a hat if Denison gets past Conn College...but please, an edible hat. If Denison can prevail the there's absolutely no reason not to pick the Big Red against F&M on Tylus. And if they dispose of Conn and F&M, then Mary Washington won't seem any more difficult than Mary Baldwin...or why not be greedy and hope for yet another win over JCU or Kenyon for Denison's first trip to the Final Four.
John Carroll -- Trap game with St Mary's and then a date with one of the top 5 and maybe top 2 teams in the country in Mary Washington. If the Blue Streaks can pull off the upset, which at one point in the season would have seemed doable and close to a 50/50 deal, then JCU would be looking at Kenyon, Otterbein or Wash College. If Denison continues on a miraculous run then the Big Red could be waiting in the Elite 8...in another revenge match as the Big Red scored twice in a minute to beat JCU at JCU. At any rate, a very difficult draw for the previously presumed best team in Region VII. An early exit, even to Mary Washington, will be a huge disappointment.
Kenyon -- Oh Kenyon, oh Kenyon. Here we go again. Dominican is going to be very competitive and hungry...and the Owls will be in trouble if the Stars can get to the 2nd half even or with a 1-0 lead. If Kenyon survives the 1st round then they certainly could get knocked out by Washington Coll or Otterbein. If the Owls can survive the weekend there's a good chance they'd be traveling to Fredricksburg or Lancaster. When you get to the 2nd weekend irrationality starts to seep in and grandiosity gets loose out the front door...and so IF the Owls can get to Mary Washington I think they'll get the upset. If they reached that stage and faced JCU I'd have to go with JCU because OAC nation would experience too much enjoyment to deprive them of that moment. In the Elite 8? Already mentioned Conn, Denison, and F&M. Also on the other side are merely Montclair and Christopher Newport.
Ohio Northern -- Arguably the hottest team in Region VII the Polar Bears got shipped to Lynchburg to play the "Denison of the ODAC." Very, very even matchup on paper with the Hornets. If ONU wins then they can breathe a sigh of relief in anticipation of Baruch....I mean Messiah. That's probably not a great matchup for ONU as Messiah would not be a good matchup for literally anyone in the tournament. But ONU is good enough to have a puncher's chance. From there reaching the Final Four should be a piece of cake...with only Emory or Colorado Coll/Oglethorpe and then Tufts, W&L, Rochester, or Oneonta standing in the way.
Ohio Wesleyan -- I was a little surprised to see OWU maintain the #2 slot in Region VII, and it's been underscored already that the margins between #1 and #8 were paper thin. The Battling Bishops saved themselves with an outstanding SoS to fend off the back to back losses to Denison which resulted in five ranked losses. Jay Martin and the OWU brand don't accept losing...ever...and there could be no better miracle ointment than progressing past the 1st weekend...which almost certainly means getting past Chicago. The jury is out on whether SC is correct about Chicago or if the Maroons have been treading water until this tournament. Old friend and foe Calvin could be waiting (or maybe GAC or Wartburg) and that only gets you to the Elite 8 where St Olaf or North Central could be waiting in a corner booth.
Otterbein -- Another stealthy-type squad, except for Isaac and Isaac, Incorporated. Otterbein apparently was the last Region VII to get a Pool C but imo the Cardinals have as good a chance to get to the 2nd weekend as any of the other Region VII teams. The first game with Washington College should be one of the best 1st round tilts. Otterbein then would be more than happy to face Dominican but the Cardinals also would relish an opportunity to add salt to the Owls' OAC wounds in Gambier. Is it possible JCU could be next? Yes, possible, but let's assume form holds and it's Mary Washington. Hard to see Otterbein winning that one.
To recap, despite getting seven, Region VII could have the entire cadre out by the end of the first weekend. Denison will be a big underdog in the 1st round. Lynchburg should be a slight favorite over ONU at home. Otterbein at best is 50/50 with Washington Coll, and then the winner of that I would say is 50/50 against Kenyon (or favored over Dominican). CWRU is probably a slight favorite over Hobart but will be the underdog against Cortland. OWU in the 2nd round will be an underdog to Chicago. JCU would be an underdog to Mary Washington. As I've said all along, a lot of good to very good teams, but none great and none that look like Final Four material or even the Elite 8. That said, it only takes a huge win against a favorite to put a team in a great position for a deep run. Hoping that at least two or three can get to the Sweet 16 and take their chances from there.
Pessimism with a sprinkle of optimism, aka false hope. Enjoyed the read even so. Can't wait to see which R VII team(s), if any, come out the other side of the w/e.
ONE Region VII team advances past the 1st weekend.....Ohio Northern. Congrats, Polar Bears!
The other six showed well but not quite well enough. Two tie and fall in PKs. One loses on a 90th min Chicago goal. Denison had the game on a foot against Conn but couldn't convert. JCU took Mary Wash to the wire and lost on a last minute goal.
ONE Region 7 Team through..But 5-2 on the first day, 6-6 overall against some great teams and conferences. Great games to watch no doubt. Had 3-4 games on at once. The OAC showed well vs. the 1st and 2nd Ranked teams in D3 mens soccer on the road..
What a day. Dujakovich household melancholy with Kenyon/OWU losses but happy to see ONU's result against Messiah, who also couldn't seem to make it thru the first weekend of NCAA post season, notwithstanding a #1 ranking for most of the reg season. Let's go Polar Bears!!
Whether friend or foe of John Carroll, this is an epic read....just make sure your morning coffee is not within reach.
https://jcusports.com/news/2023/11/12/journey-ends-in-second-round-of-ncaa-tournament-for-mens-soccer.aspx
ONU Colorado College game a toss up...Interesting CC has only 1-2 kids on roster from Colorado..822 million dolla endowment.. They can afford to travel..- I'm rooting for the OAC and ONU and Region 7..
Quote from: TableMax on November 16, 2023, 06:45:03 PM
ONU Colorado College game a toss up...Interesting CC has only 1-2 kids on roster from Colorado..822 million dolla endowment.. They can afford to travel..- I'm rooting for the OAC and ONU and Region 7..
The NCAA pays for the team that is farther than 500 miles away and has to fly to the game site, so the number of local kids or the size of the endowment doesn't really matter (not that who is paying has anything to do whether the players are tired who have to do it). If endowment mattered, Chicago (~$10 billion), Amherst (~$3.2 billion), and Tufts (~$2.4 billion) would definitely NOT be hosting games this weekend. ;)
I understand the NCAA flips the tab.. And on that note with all the "grift" in college sports the NCAA should pay for the travel regardless of round and venue..
This happened a month ago, but it was when the board was down, so some people may have missed it or not gotten a chance to discuss it.
The NCAC announced that John Carroll is leaving the OAC and joining the NCAC starting in 2025-2026
https://northcoast.org/news/2024/1/17/general-north-coast-athletic-conference-welcomes-john-carroll-university.aspx
As I said on the D3Soccer.fans board, I get why this makes sense for the NCAC, since it bumps them up from 9 to 10. They dropped to 9 when Allegheny left in 2021. For John Carroll, the claim is that it allows them to have a more national platform to spread their name.
https://www.jcu.edu/news-center/john-carroll-university-joins-north-coast-athletic-conference-ncac#:~:text=John%20Carroll%20University's%20momentum%20continued,NCAC)%20beginning%20in%20Fall%202025.
QuoteOur Board of Directors and University leadership are committed to ongoing strategic investments that will ensure that the gift of a Jesuit education from John Carroll is available for generations to come. We are pleased to align with a group of academically and athletically competitive partners in the NCAC who enjoy national reach and reputation as high-ranking liberal arts institutions.
Others (@SimpleCoach) point out that this will mean John Carroll will not longer have to compete with perennial power Mount Union for the automatic bid in football.
Regardless of the reason, it is probably only the first domino to fall in another set of conference realignments.
Cross-posting this from the 2024 Schedules thread because it might be of particular interest to Great Lakes fans
John Carroll (https://jcusports.com/sports/mens-soccer/schedule/2024)
Last year in the OAC, but they are getting a jump start on NCAC play by playing at Oberlin and home to Kenyon on the first weekend of the season. That isn't a surprise since they often play NCAC teams and these are just the second legs of home/away series that they started last year, but it is a chance for Kenyon to get revenge after losing 4-0 to John Carroll last year in Gambier. They are also hosting Stockton and Trine for something called the Cleveland Classic in mid-September on a Friday/Sunday, which probably means Trine and Stockton will play each other on that Saturday. Always nice to see those East Coast/Midwest clashes. Another interesting addition to the schedule is they are traveling to Williamsport to play Lycoming on Sept 21 after playing Ohio Wesleyan on the 18th, and before playing Case Western on the 25th and hosting Calvin on the 28th. That's a murderer's row of games. In fact, in their 10 non-conference games to start the season, only Oberlin and Trine did not have winning records last year and Trine was 7-7-3 and beat Kenyon.
Hiram is moving from the NCAC to the PAC in all sports, starting 2025-26
https://pacathletics.org/news/2024/4/23/general-hiram-college-to-return-to-pac.aspx
QuoteDr. Robert Bohrer II, the 24th president of Hiram College, has announced the College's plans to re-join the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) as the league's 12th full-time member. Hiram will become a full-time PAC member with all voting and membership rights effective on July 1, 2024, with competition in all sports set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year.
The announcement marks a return for the College to an athletic conference where it was previously a member from 1971 through the spring of 1989. During its prior 18-year tenure in the PAC, Hiram won 13 team championships, including multiple titles in men's basketball (five), women's track and field (three) and baseball (two). In addition to the 13 team championships, Hiram also has 71 individual championships achieved by 30 different student-athletes during its previous tenure in the PAC.
The College also won the PAC Women's All-Sports Trophy in the first year it was awarded by the league in 1985-86.
The return to the PAC will offer Hiram improvements for the student-athlete experience according to Dr. Bohrer, including reduced time out of the classroom while competing and creating a better blend of the student-athletes' interests in and out of competition.
"Athletics has long been an integral part of the student experience at Hiram College with more than half of our students participating in one or more sports," stated Dr. Bohrer. "We are pleased to accept the invitation to again join the Presidents' Athletic Conference, which not only means that our student-athletes will compete with schools more locally and give our fans the opportunity to support our teams at away competitions, but also that our students will spend less time out of the classroom traveling for competition, helping to promote a balanced structure between athletics and academics."
Just when I thought it was safe to print out the new five year schedule for NCAC sports! :(
OAC Commissioner leaves to become Commissioner of the UAA
https://uaasports.info/news/2024/5/13/general-sara-otey-named-new-uaa-commissioner-succeeds-retiring-dick-rasmussen.aspx
This is a bit of a blow for the OAC I assume. In a period where conferences generally, and the OAC in particular, are in a period of some unrest with departures, mergers, financially troubled schools, changing NCAA selection criteria potentially influencing scheduling decisions, and the possibility of new revenue streams like Flo Sports, strong leadership is particularly needed.
Denison has posted its 2024 Roster (https://denisonbigred.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations:
- 30 on the roster, compared to 28 last year
- 6 freshman added to the roster, including one from Lithuania. I haven't seen many Lithuanians recruited to American college soccer
- One of the freshman is Kaden Kist. He is the younger brother of Kameron Kist, a junior who was first team All-NCAC and third team all Region VII last year as a sophomore.
-
Quote from: Kuiper on July 28, 2024, 11:40:44 PMDenison has posted its 2024 Roster (https://denisonbigred.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations:
- 30 on the roster, compared to 28 last year
- 6 freshman added to the roster, including one from Lithuania. I haven't seen many Lithuanians recruited to American college soccer
- One of the freshman is Kaden Kist. He is the younger brother of Kameron Kist, a junior who was first team All-NCAC and third team all Region VII last year as a sophomore.
-
Amherst has a Lithuanian. Looking at the Denison recruit, I have to say that that name doesn't look particularly Lithuanian to me and it's a topic I am comfortable claiming proficiency in!
might be German...
https://fkzalgiris.lt/en/player/alexander-homuth/?tid=101
Quote from: EnmoreCat on July 29, 2024, 02:55:41 AMQuote from: Kuiper on July 28, 2024, 11:40:44 PMDenison has posted its 2024 Roster (https://denisonbigred.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations:
- 30 on the roster, compared to 28 last year
- 6 freshman added to the roster, including one from Lithuania. I haven't seen many Lithuanians recruited to American college soccer
- One of the freshman is Kaden Kist. He is the younger brother of Kameron Kist, a junior who was first team All-NCAC and third team all Region VII last year as a sophomore.
-
Amherst has a Lithuanian. Looking at the Denison recruit, I have to say that that name doesn't look particularly Lithuanian to me and it's a topic I am comfortable claiming proficiency in!
Probably lots of ethnic Lithuanians or players with Lithuanian ancestry (many of whom had their names changed when their great-grandparents reached Ellis Island), but not many who went to secondary school in Lithuania and list Vilnius as their home town. Seems like most college int'l recruitment doesn't find kids in Lithuania, although an American School in Lithuania probably made the family already pre-disposed to consider it. I'm mostly interested in patterns of recruitment internationally, whether based on coach/school/alum connections to a country (eg North Central and Italy) or sports recruiting services that operate internationally. This might have been different.
When you put it that way, Kuiper it does make some sense. It would be quite an expense compared to income there I would have thought. Anyway, "labas" to him and hope it goes well.
Oberlin has posted its 2024 Roster (https://goyeo.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations:
- 28 on the roster, which is the same as they had last year
- Two junior GKs last year -- Colvin Iorio and Luke Yates -- don't appear on the roster, although two freshman are added to the mix (including one from Liechtenstein, which is another country I don't see represented that much on DIII rosters). Not a lot of experience returning to man the nets, considering Iorio started most games and Yates was one of two others to get any games. Interestingly, Yates shows up on the Oberlin track and field roster for 2024-25 (where he specialize in long jump and triple jump) and Iorio might be playing club volleyball based on a story (https://oberlinreview.org/32328/sports/in-the-locker-room-with-colvin-iorio-and-neva-tayler/)I found about him from March.
- 11 Freshman added to the squad
- Defender Kboy Mbonu returns for his senior season after not playing in 2023
-
Included on Coach Carousel string, thought I would share here as well:
https://battlingbishops.com/news/2024/8/7/MS_08072024.aspx
Ohio Northern has posted its 2024 Roster (https://www.onusports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/roster)
Here are a few observations:
- They have 50 players on this season's roster, compared with 45 last year. ONU is a school that has a reserve team with a full schedule. Although I don't see the 2024 reserve team schedule up yet, the 2023 schedule had 9 games against a variety of DIII and DII opponents. They also identify one of their first team assistant coaches as head coach of the reserve team. So, while 50 is a massive roster size, they at least have some structure in place to occupy all of those players.
- Only two of the 50 players - Cade Winchester and Will Shaffer - are 5th year seniors. Winchester played 23 games last year, but only started 6. He did score 5 goals though. Shaffer, who started his career at D1 Wright State before transferring for his junior year, was one of the team's leading scorers with 10 goals and 6 assists.
- 15 freshman join the squad
- Virtually the entire roster returns, including last year's two leading point scorers - Ryan Sommerfield with 11 goals and 5 assists and Will Shaffer - as well as GK Lucas Hickey, who started every game last season.
Kenyon has posted its 2024 roster (https://athletics.kenyon.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
Here are a few observations:
- 34 on the roster this year, compared with 30 last year
- 15 freshman are on the 2024 roster, which is a pretty massive number. You might typically expect a quarter of the roster to be freshman if you recruit and equal number every year (doesn't always work out that way), but they account for approximately 44% of the entire roster for Kenyon this year. With almost half the roster freshman, you've got to expect that at least a few of them are going to have to step up and play meaningful roles at some point in the season. Since this is Travis Wall's first recruiting class, my guess is that he rates some of them ahead of those who were on the roster when he arrived anyway.
- Lots of high-level experienced returnees, including GK Jack Pedraschi (although there is very little experience behind him at GK), M Eamon Dujakovich, and F Alem Duratovic
- Some departures of important players too, including D Aidan Burns who was captain, NCAC Defensive Player of the Year, and USC All Region VII team. I think Alex Ramirez' transfer back to Texas to play at Trinity is a meaningful loss too. I don't doubt that Kenyon has enough depth to put a quality player in his position, but Ramirez started every game he played and he hardly came off the field when the games were close, including playing the full 110 minutes in the tournament loss to Washington College.
Marietta has posted its 2024 Roster (https://pioneers.marietta.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
It's actually labeled 2024 Preseason roster, which seems like the title all teams should use at this time of year since players can always drop out during pre-season.
Here are a few observations:
- 37 on the roster, compared with 33 last season
- 7 freshman
- a couple of transfers come in from DII Notre Dame college, which has closed
- Several players are back for super senior years, including last year's leading point scorer and 3rd team all-OAC player Reggie Grayek
John Carroll has posted its 2024 Roster (https://jcusports.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
Here are a few observations:
- 58 players on the roster, compared with 43 last year
- 24(!) freshman on the roster
- 3 players transferred in from DII Notre Dame College, which closed. 1 (Diego Calixto) transferred from Hiram College
- 4 players are back for either a fifth year or a grad year to make up for the Covid year, including regular starters and conference, region, and nationally recognized players D Izac Coleman, D Daniel Kalic, F Patrick Koenig, and M Hayden Heffner
- Almost all of their top scorers are back
Quote from: Kuiper on August 13, 2024, 12:12:53 AMJohn Carroll has posted its 2024 Roster (https://jcusports.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
Here are a few observations:
- 58 players on the roster, compared with 43 last year
- 24(!) freshman on the roster
- 3 players transferred in from DII Notre Dame College, which closed. 1 (Diego Calixto) transferred from Hiram College
- 4 players are back for either a fifth year or a grad year to make up for the Covid year, including regular starters and conference, region, and nationally recognized players D Izac Coleman, D Daniel Kalic, F Patrick Koenig, and M Hayden Heffner
- Almost all of their top scorers are back
They do have a full reserve team/schedule as well.
The NCAC has released its 2024 Preseason Coaches Poll (https://northcoast.org/news/2024/8/12/mens-soccer-kenyon-selected-as-preseason-favorite-in-2024-coaches-poll.aspx)
1. Kenyon (7)
2. Denison (1)
3. Ohio Wesleyan
4. Depauw
5. Wabash
6. Wooster
7. Wittenberg
8. Oberlin (1)
9. Hiram
I'm assuming coaches were allowed to vote their own school as #1 because it's hard to see how Oberlin got one first place vote otherwise
Quote from: Kuiper on August 15, 2024, 02:55:32 PMThe NCAC has released its 2024 Preseason Coaches Poll (https://northcoast.org/news/2024/8/12/mens-soccer-kenyon-selected-as-preseason-favorite-in-2024-coaches-poll.aspx)
1. Kenyon (7)
2. Denison (1)
3. Ohio Wesleyan
4. Depauw
5. Wabash
6. Wooster
7. Wittenberg
8. Oberlin (1)
9. Hiram
I'm assuming coaches were allowed to vote their own school as #1 because it's hard to see how Oberlin got one first place vote otherwise
Come on @Kuiper. We all know Oberlin is going to rock it this year....
SC.
Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 16, 2024, 07:29:55 AMQuote from: Kuiper on August 15, 2024, 02:55:32 PMThe NCAC has released its 2024 Preseason Coaches Poll (https://northcoast.org/news/2024/8/12/mens-soccer-kenyon-selected-as-preseason-favorite-in-2024-coaches-poll.aspx)
1. Kenyon (7)
2. Denison (1)
3. Ohio Wesleyan
4. Depauw
5. Wabash
6. Wooster
7. Wittenberg
8. Oberlin (1)
9. Hiram
I'm assuming coaches were allowed to vote their own school as #1 because it's hard to see how Oberlin got one first place vote otherwise
Come on @Kuiper. We all know Oberlin is going to rock it this year....
SC.
They are going to really miss Hiram when they depart for the PAC!
Quote from: Kuiper on August 16, 2024, 11:36:05 AMQuote from: SimpleCoach on August 16, 2024, 07:29:55 AMQuote from: Kuiper on August 15, 2024, 02:55:32 PMThe NCAC has released its 2024 Preseason Coaches Poll (https://northcoast.org/news/2024/8/12/mens-soccer-kenyon-selected-as-preseason-favorite-in-2024-coaches-poll.aspx)
1. Kenyon (7)
2. Denison (1)
3. Ohio Wesleyan
4. Depauw
5. Wabash
6. Wooster
7. Wittenberg
8. Oberlin (1)
9. Hiram
I'm assuming coaches were allowed to vote their own school as #1 because it's hard to see how Oberlin got one first place vote otherwise
Come on @Kuiper. We all know Oberlin is going to rock it this year....
SC.
They are going to really miss Hiram when they depart for the PAC!
Clearing the deck for JCU
Capital has posted its 2024 Roster (https://athletics.capital.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations
- 27 on the roster, which is the same as in 2023
- 9 freshman
- Notable departures include leading scorer and leading assist man (11/9) M Jack Koussoudji, who was first team All-Region VII and the OAC's Forward of the Year, and F Jack Francisco
The OAC has posted its 2024 coaches preseason poll (https://www.oac.org/sports/msoc/2024-25/releases/24MSOCPreseasonPoll)
Ohio Northern seems to be the consensus pick among the coaches
Coaches Poll
Rank
School (1st Place Votes)
Pts.
1 Ohio Northern (8) 80
2 Otterbein (1) 69
3 John Carroll (1) 67
4 Mount Union 60
5 Capital 42
6 Marietta 41
7 Baldwin Wallace 33
8 Wilmington 32
9 Muskingum 16
10 Heidelberg 10
The Wabash soccer roster has been posted for the '24 campaign. The roster includes eleven freshman including three from Texas and one from California.
The squad's first match is just ten days away against Principia in Saint Louis.
https://sports.wabash.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster?sort=class (https://sports.wabash.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster?sort=class)
WAF!
Quote from: EnmoreCat on July 29, 2024, 02:55:41 AMQuote from: Kuiper on July 28, 2024, 11:40:44 PMDenison has posted its 2024 Roster (https://denisonbigred.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations:
- 30 on the roster, compared to 28 last year
- 6 freshman added to the roster, including one from Lithuania. I haven't seen many Lithuanians recruited to American college soccer
- One of the freshman is Kaden Kist. He is the younger brother of Kameron Kist, a junior who was first team All-NCAC and third team all Region VII last year as a sophomore.
-
Amherst has a Lithuanian. Looking at the Denison recruit, I have to say that that name doesn't look particularly Lithuanian to me and it's a topic I am comfortable claiming proficiency in!
North Park had a Lithuanian GK a couple of years ago named Sebastianus Uribe.
It left me wondering if a goalkeeper from a Lithuanian women's soccer team somehow met and married a shortstop from the Dominican Republic a while back.
In the name of humility, accountability, and sportsmanship, I want to apologize to the emerging "voice of the Blue Streaks" of John Carroll University, Gianluca DiGiacomo, and to supporters of JCU men's soccer.
At the beginning of last year, in the aftermath of JCU throttling Kenyon 4-0 in Gambier, I engaged in some friendly trolling by highlighting DiGiacomo's very flowery recap detailing the debacle. I caught some blowback from a couple of the JCU faithful that no doubt was well-deserved.
I continued to follow JCU and if memory serves I did later in the season tip my cap in appreciation of DiGiacomo's efforts, both from the booth and the writers' desk.
I of course listened to the broadcast of JCU vs Kenyon this year from Don Shula Stadium. Gianluca was outstanding. Always colorful and searching for a turn of phrase that is always hilarious if not entirely accurate on semantic details, he is thorough, on top of the action, extremely fair, and perhaps most importantly, obviously invested, interested, loyal to JCU, and appreciative of both program and matchup histories. During the broadcast Gianluca shared comments made by Kenyon coach, Travis Wall, apparently from an interview that week.
What spurred me to comment again now was seeing a couple of game previews Gianluca wrote (most recently regarding JCU tilts with Carnegie Mellon and Wooster). Some of the best and most comprehensive previews I've seen, inclusive of opposing coach interview snippets. This guy obviously loves the game and has enthusiasm for weeks.
I am reminded of Lynchburg Hornets broadcasting and media sensation, "Jumpin' Joe" Hutzler. The latter was perhaps a little more polished in a Sportscenterish kind of way, but imho Gianluca is on a similar trajectory.
I recommend a listen and a read from all diehard D3 fans. I don't know anything else about Gianluca or his situation, but I have high confidence he would be a great hire for a lot of folks in the sports journalism/broadcasting space.
Wittenberg's game at Earlham today has been cancelled because of the ongoing bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio
https://wittenbergtigers.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/schedule
Tue 17 at Earlham
Game cancelled due to campus security threat
Wittenberg has also cancelled all home and away athletics contests involving the school through 9/22
https://x.com/WittAthletics/status/1836060283803947470
https://www.wittenberg.edu/alert
QuoteWittenberg is continuing to take precautions due to ongoing threats the University has received in recent days. As the threats continue to be assessed by Wittenberg police, local law enforcement, and the FBI, all classes and most operations will be delivered remotely until at least Sunday, Sept. 22, and on-campus activities and events are canceled.
Latest Update
After receiving new threats on Monday, Sept. 16, and in the context of ongoing threats of violence on our campus and in the Springfield community, Wittenberg will go fully remote for the rest of the week (Monday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 22). The University is taking each threat seriously, and Wittenberg Police are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate any and all threats made toward our campus, employees, and students.
All students engaged in field, clinical, or other off-campus experiences should cease attending their placement until in-person classes on campus are resumed. Faculty and staff are also expected to work remotely, except for essential employees. All academic facilities will remain locked throughout the week. The Center Dining Room (CDR) will remain open but may have limited options.
Saw that on The Athletic just now... Tough to keep politics out of all this, but this site has been remarkable civil over the years, so...
*fingers crossed*
Posting primarily to give a shout out to Otterbein coach, Jason Griffiths, an England transplant who had a strong collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, had a cup of coffee with New England after being drafted by the Revolution, tore up his knee, and his professional career ended. Griffiths has elevated (or at least restored) the Cardinals' program since arriving in Westerville in 2017. He led Otterbein to a Sweet 16 appearance in his first campaign, and he has kept Otterbein very much in the OAC and national mix to the present. Sometimes overshadowed by JCU and ONU, Otterbein has been right there with those programs for more than a half-decade, and I would consider Otterbein one of the Ohio "Gang of Seven," along with JCU, ONU, CWRU, Kenyon, OWU, and more recently, Denison. At any rate, my impression is that Griffiths is one of the more under the radar outstanding coaches and I'm also guessing would be a great hire by any top D3 program or possibly in D1.
While I'm here, a few observations from last night...
Kenyon 0, Otterbein 0
Off the top, I have no sense about whether the weather had a significant impact or not, as Otterbein had no audio and I had the audio muted for Denison game.
An overall sloppy, physical match with both sides struggling to keep the ball and rarely threatening. Kenyon looked fairly talented but concerningly anemic with literally almost zero chances, except for a Duratovic attempt very late where he had a decent opening from distance. I'm sure missing arguably their best overall player (and NCAC midfielder of the year), Dujakovich, did not help, and the Owls also are trying to integrate 7-8 frosh who are either starting or playing major minutes. A good problem to have I suppose, at least longer term, but there are also a few talented frosh who haven't gotten much of a chance yet who have looked good in limited mop-up minutes. In addition to the alarming lack of offensive prowess, the Owls suffer from far too many lazy or overly optimistic long square passes, including ones in their own half gifting free opportunities to the opponent. Otterbein wasn't much more effective, UNTIL, for a 10-12 minutes stretch late in the match, when the Cardinals generated a series of fairly dangerous chances even though Owls GK Pedeschri only was forced to make one good save. I'm not sure if Kenyon was pressing the last 15 minutes to avoid a draw, or not, but the Cardinals seemed to catch the Owls out of sorts on multiple counters. On balance, Otterbein deserved a W if there was gonna be a W, but a draw seemed about right too. I do want to highlight the performance of Kenyon CB, Matt Nguyen. Transferred from Marshall two years ago after not playing as a frosh and getting stuck with a jersey number in the 50s, and he has been a stalwart cog for Kenyon defensively for now his third season and just may be the best Owls CB since the All-American, Bret Lowry. Nguyen was all over the field winning balls, and he can be pretty effective initiating some offense as well. I do worry about fatigue. The CB next to him is very good too but a frosh.
Denison 4, Christopher Newport 2
Long bus ride? Tough flight? Underestimating the Big Red with the Kenyon match tomorrow looking like the sexier of the two fixtures? Weather? I have no idea, but Denison was up 2-0 before CNU had barely gotten off the bus. I didn't really watch because of the other game, but the Captains once down 4-1 surely felt they had been dragged into an unwelcoming vortex they didn't expect. I would guess that the Denison honeymoon of being underestimated is over...or it should be. Big wins against OWU, beating Kenyon at Kenyon in the NCAC tourney final two out of the last three years, taking Conn Coll to OT in the NCAA tourney after narrowly missing on a great chance in the last minute of regulation, and several other very good results should be enough to get everyone's attention. Plus they got that spanking new home venue.
On Sunday, will be interesting to see if Denison can create more good chances against Otterbein than the Owls did, and one would presume that CNU will have a much better performance in a bounce-back scenario against a high profile opponent.
P.S. This question will expose just how unsophisticated of an observer I am, but I know there are a handful of GK experts, so what the heck. I don't know exactly when the change happened, at least to the current extreme, but are GKs now required to do the short roll pass to a CB every single time??? It reaches a point where it just seems stubborn/obstinate, like we are not going to give in, lower ourselves, and occasionally get the ball out of one's own end to relieve a little pressure and allow the defense to catch a breath. I also do not need my 6'5 GK trying to be Neymar inside the six (or anywhere on the field).
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 28, 2024, 09:47:53 AMP.S. This question will expose just how unsophisticated of an observer I am, but I know there are a handful of GK experts, so what the heck. I don't know exactly when the change happened, at least to the current extreme, but are GKs now required to do the short roll pass to a CB every single time??? It reaches a point where it just seems stubborn/obstinate, like we are not going to give in, lower ourselves, and occasionally get the ball out of one's own end to relieve a little pressure and allow the defense to catch a breath. I also do not need my 6'5 GK trying to be Neymar inside the six (or anywhere on the field).
Here is a long answer based upon what I have seen over the last couple of decades. There has been a change in youth club soccer where at certain high-level, or aspiring high-level, teams and clubs (and even whole leagues - like MLS Next). Short balls are the primary option. Punting has become a dying art, sometimes replaced by throws for quick distribution or putting the ball on the ground and kicking it instead, both of which are more accurate. Long balls by the GK to relieve pressure are very rare, replaced by "pings" designed to break the first line and nicely deposit the ball off to a wingback or outside midfielder's feet. Long goal kicks are almost forbidden, especially at the younger ages. Mostly, these change are for an admirable reason - to prioritize development over winning. Kids naturally panic at younger ages and boot the ball and booting the ball benefits the bigger, faster, more athletic, strikers who can outrun the defenders, so there are rewards for kicking the ball. Coaches want to break that reward-return development cycle by forcing young players to be uncomfortable and learn to solve problems with their feet, with player movement, and by rewarding the development of technical skill. Of course, that helps develop the technical foot skills of GKs too (who are significantly better with their feet than past keepers), but it hurts their goalkicking and punting skills. It also hurts tactical development for all players. This is because coaches make this a hard-and-fast rule since kids aren't really good at figuring out when it's appropriate to kick long (e.g., when you've drawn in the other team and now you've opened up space that leaves them vulnerable over the top). They tell parents that this may cost them some goals and if they don't like it they can find another team that prioritizes winning over development. Still, sacrificing some tactical awareness for technical development might be a good tradeoff at a younger age.
Fast forward to older ages. Most coaches don't really have hard-and-fast rules anymore, but they have primary approaches and they yell at players when they deviate from the primary approach in what the coaches consider are the "wrong" times, without much guidance about what times are right and wrong because film study is still uncommon or ineffective. Most coaches don't give praise when players do make smart adjustments (the best youth coaches at the older ages will call out "good decision" for a punt or long clearance by the GK or they will ask them after the game or at a break what they saw at the time that led them to choose that approach), leaving the player to interpret it as a hard-and-fast rule since they only get yelled at or ignored when they deviate.
In college, coaches are uber risk-averse. They only get rewarded for their record and not for the players' development and most D3 players are error-prone under pressure. Plus, pressure is more common in college because of roster and substitution rules. So, my observation is that there are far more coaches in the entirety of D3 who insist on long goal kicks, clearances, and punts, even when the short pass is available, then there are those who insist on always playing it short (plus, some coaches are old and still coach the way they used to play, including the "kick it to the flag" approach). Some play short because their goalkeepers aren't good at punting/kicking it long given the youth development system. Others play it short because center backs have gotten so dominant in the air that goal kicks are just giveaways higher up the field that often leave the defense on its heels facing waves of attacks. Also, the new rules on being able to pass the ball to a defender in the box on goal kicks has opened up new tactical strategies that eschew long kicks.
Regardless of the reasons, one of the tactical developments that has occurred - and Kenyon seems to have adopted it - is that goalkeepers are taught to use their defenders as release valves as a way to prevent the other team from setting easily in one spot on the field. It rarely involves kicking it long to the center of the field, which helps to keep the long balls away from the opponents tall center backs standing at midfield, while still keeping the short ball option to the midfielders available. Typically, they eventually get the ball out to a right or left back or midfielders, which minimizes the cost of mistakes on short balls since the locus of play has shifted to one side of the field (reducing counter-attacking options if they lose the ball) and it unbalances the opponents by causing them to shift over. Kenyon has a freshman left back from Los Angeles who has played most of his older youth career this way and you can see how his left foot is a real weapon on long balls, including on diagonal runs by the forwards that drag the center backs covering them out of the center and open up space for midfielders running through the center. At the same time, he has the technical skill to play it short. So, it creates indecision on the part of the other team.
The GK should still play it long some of the time in this system to keep the other team off-balance, but it usually leaves the GK's defenders out of position since they routinely split out wide to receive a pass. So, the GK often plays the ball to them since the alternative is to risk a ball being lost and coming straight back through an unprotected center. Plus, the center back is the one moving and calling for the ball and, for most players, if you move and call for the ball, you're going to get the ball (there's probably a cognitive bias for that based on difficulty overturning the confidence/commitment of the player calling for the ball).
So, that's a way too long way of answering your question, but it offers some of the explanations for why it's occurring.
Thx, Kuiper. That's mostly consistent with what I thought. My only quibble is that based on my limited sample kicking away long is not in the majority. That may reflect the games I've found interesting enough to watch, but I believe I've seen even significantly challenged squads trying to rely on the short roll to a CB.
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 28, 2024, 01:09:55 PMThx, Kuiper. That's mostly consistent with what I thought. My only quibble is that based on my limited sample kicking away long is not in the majority. That may reflect the games I've found interesting enough to watch, but I believe I've seen even significantly challenged squads trying to rely on the short roll to a CB.
I have seen plenty of long kicking (and not necessarily always by bad teams), but I also haven't seen enough teams to really know the actual percentages, so I wouldn't be surprised if you were right. The reality is that most coaches have trouble finding higher-level club players who consistently play it long out of the back anymore. I think there was a coach from upstate NY that Simple Coach interviewed once who was exasperated that he couldn't find a GK who could kick a long GK anymore.
Interesting discussion and hard to argue with any of this. Just to add the club perspective is often more than just goal kicks and extends to almost any restart such as free kicks. I heard many coaches say "just put the ball in play" to support Kuiper's point of emphasis on problem solving. If you think about a typical D3 90 minute game how many minutes are spent on restarts? Goal kicks, free kicks to be placed in the box, even SC's favorite the long throw. These minutes add up and take away from problem solving time at the club level.
Also as Kuiper mentions there is a mix of philosophy not only among coaches but the players themselves. Ask 11 18-22 year olds the best way to solve a problem and you will get many different answers. Even with direction from a coach. The transition is probably more challenging for the players than we can comprehend. Some get an early dose of this if they happen to play both club and high school.
I haven't seen as many D3 games as others here but for the ones I have I've yet to see one team completely bought into this philosophy. (Glimpses here and there and will put Kenyon on my radar now as suggested.) When executed with success at the club level at least it is compelling but in a very subtle way. Strong midfield play can literally drive an opponent to exhaustion. It does not show up in the stats though.
The opposite is also true. Sprinting back from an opponent's box to defend a counter resulting in the ball rolling over the end line requires physical effort. Two minutes later if the ensuing goal kick is launched as a 50/50 ball at best and results in the opponent regaining possession it can be mentally exhausting.
And substitution rules seem to be a variable as acknowledged by others.
Midseason Region VII review and outlook time.
OAC - The usual top dogs of Ohio Northern (6-2-2) and John Carroll (6-2-2) once again are looking like strong contenders. Mount Union (6-3-1) built on the success of last year but will need results in conference play to prove themselves. Otterbein (4-3-2) with some questionable performances to start the year but have bounced back nicely to close out nonconference play. The biggest surprise is Wilmington sitting at 7-0-3, although they have had a pretty light schedule.
NCAC - Kenyon (6-0-3) being undefeated heading into conference play with schedule they had is quite impressive. Ohio Wesleyan (5-3-1) seems to be slightly underperforming in Jay Martin's last year based on previous years but still have good results against Stevens, Calvin, Otterbein, and Mount Union. Denison (5-1-3) with a solid start to their year and should have themselves in the mix for the conference tournament. Wabash (7-2-1) and DePauw (6-2-2) both with solid records. Kenyon, OWU, and Denison should be the top 3 and I imagine Wabash and DePauw will battle for the last spot.
The HCAC, PAC, and AMCC are all the lesser discussed conferences in the region, but I'll try to give them a little love even though I'm in the dark about most of these teams.
HCAC - Hanover has usually been a strong presence in the conference in years past, but are off to a 2-5-2 start. I expect Rose-Hulman to take care of it like they have the last few years.
PAC - I expect it to be one of Franciscan, Geneva, or Grove City to win the AQ out of here, with more of a chance to Franciscan or Geneva who have both faced stiffer competition so far.
AMCC - Alfred St. seems to be the favorite. Previous years favorites of Mount Aloysius and Penn St. -Behrend don't seem to be at the level they usually are.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HnTvkpLoiwiV8aU8A
Looks good on you! I've been waiting for OWU to get a little love this season. They definitely earned it again on Wednesday. Now let's see what the big red can do at 1pm today...
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2024, 09:42:00 AMhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/HnTvkpLoiwiV8aU8A
Do I have you permission to post this picture? Quite possibly the greatest thing I have seen...
SC.
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 12, 2024, 10:17:02 AMQuote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2024, 09:42:00 AMhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/HnTvkpLoiwiV8aU8A
Do I have you permission to post this picture? Quite possibly the greatest thing I have seen...
SC.
LOL....Have I ever objected to world-class (and free) advertising?
Watch to see if Bianco uses same strategy Martin brilliantly used to defeat the star pupil....keep defense very tight, allow Kenyon to have possession all day in their half, wait until Owls feel like they are progressing and pushing up, capitalize on turnovers by leaving Brooker and Guerra up high so that when OWU won the ball back those two were open in the Kenyon half with space to create and an advantage in numbers. Just substitute Krueger and maybe one of the Kist boys up top and the Big Red will be pulling off yet another stunner in Gambier. Also doesn't help (alert: whiny portion of the post) when your two senior AAs are sidelined.
Though I didn't see the match, sounds like Denison's second goal was off the counter attack, for a 2-1 win over Kenyon.
Hopefully this will be my last post for a while if my massive support system can finally hold for once.
What a brutal week in Kenyonland...started week 56-0-4 in NCAC regular season play dating back to 2016 (2016!) when the then Lords dropped one to DePauw but went on to an Elite 8 finish and a 109th minute defeat in double OT in Medford, MA. Welp, inside of four days in 2024 the now Owls are 56-2-4 since that DePauw match. And it gets worse. Fresh off of celebrating a rise to #2 in the country (which was always too high as the Owls even at full strength probably were a top 10-15 team and not top 5 despite the deceptively strong start to the campaign), again, inside of four days, the Owls now find themselves looking at a 3rd place finish in the NCAC AT BEST, and playing a NCAC semi on the road. Going on the road isn't necessarily a negative as Kenyon lost its last two (or three?) NCAC finals at home. They also barely (and fortunately) eked out a 3-2 win over DePauw, AT HOME, just over a week ago. How quickly fortunes can turn. #2 in the country a few days ago and now looking like a bubble team and/or a team that will need to win two tough games on the road to get the AQ. Throw in injuries to the two AAs and you're in trouble. Dujakovich should be fine, but Duratovic looks doubtful given how close we are to early November. He tried to play yesterday, but after getting the initial assist for a 1-0 lead, he pulled up lame after 25 minutes. I feel terrible for Duratovic as he was set to have a special senior season becoming one of the all-time leading Kenyon goal scorers, but injuries are often a major challenge for teams who at least in theory have a chance at a big run. Insult to injury was next as the replacement striker for Duratovic who had been playing well also got injured and could not return.
Full credit to Denison. The Big Red definitely have Kenyon's number. Reminds me of when Kenyon was chasing OWU, pulled even, and then dominated the series for nearly a decade. Denison is here to stay and at best Kenyon will try to keep pace over the next several years. But if Denison has Kenyon's number, then Coach Bianco REALLY has the Owls' number. In addition to three massive wins over Kenyon in the past three years, Bianco won a couple of huge games against Kenyon at CWRU, including a draw/5-4 PK win in a Sweet 16 match in Cleveland.
Kenyon as they often do started out sharply, dominating the first 10-12 minutes but not scoring. The game leveled out to the point of Kenyon going up 1-0, and especially after Duratovic was forced out (and btw he didn't really look right leading up to his exit) Denison carried more of the possession and I could tell at the half that Kenyon likely would lose or at best get a draw. I thought Kenyon actually had a better 2nd half than the first, and despite some excellent chances they just couldn't score agaib. Dujakovich almost got one to level after Denison scored two on a gorgeous pass from one of the frosh that put Eamon right in on Prokos, the Big Red keeper, but the space was too tight to push the ball around Prokos. The first Denison goal was preventable (as the majority of goals are, including the Owls' in the 1st half). But the second was a real killer. Kenyon earned a very dangerous free kick after some shifty moves and footwork by Martinez, but his free kick iirc was poor and did not clear the initial defenders and 10 seconds later the ball was in the back of the Kenyon net as Denison exploited the apparent disadvantage by employing the Brooker/Guerra OWU strategy. Somehow the Owls left Denison's most lethal threat wide open up the field with 30-40 yards of space and only one Kenyon player on that side of field as Denison walked in a goal. Just brutal but imo reflective of the overall match and the current status of both teams.
Kenyon may be marginally more "talented" but Denison appears to be very connected as a team. They're also more skiiled than they were in the pre-Bianco era. I've sung his praises before but he really is excellent. Are they too physical? I wasn't there in person but I will say as a Kenyon fan that I thought the Owls got manhandled and punked quite a bit. If Mavec had a logo at the center I'm sure the Big Red would have stomped on it (and maybe they did anyway). Anyway, Bianco knows that building a top program involves winning, and the "prettiness" can wait. In short, Kenyon looked like they wanted to win (maybe even expected to win) but Denison was determined to win. Even being down 1-0 at the half, like I said, I already was prepared for a poor result. The Kenyon players look like they get along fine and have a strong team spirit, but roles are still evolving and there has been a lot of trial and error. The talent has not meshed yet. When you have so many freshmen I'm not it's obvious about which ones to play and which ones will remain glued to the bench. And then having your stars out is a problem of course. My biggest gripes? 80% of the match was played in Kenyon's final third, often very close or even inside the Kenyon 18, and 60-80% of that 80% resulted from Kenyon CHOOSING to play in their own third. I don't know if that is a lack of connectedness, arrogance, or what. I almost lost it when one of the talented frosh who is playing heavy (too many?) minutes tried something like a Cruyff move inside their 18 and of course lost the ball. That same player probably played at least 8-10 cheeky, blind heel passes and not a single one connected. A handful of players kept trying to make plays in bad spots. Imo looking for phenomenal when regular, smart, efficient plays usually carry the day.
I capped off my evening by watching Vanderbilt beat Kentucky at UK's Kroger field in a horrendously poor performance....and afterwards (like after press conferences and showers) the entire Vandy team came back out on the field to stomp on the UK logo.
And hello midwest, I know you're curious about what I might say. You seem to be far more invested and tuned in than you suggest. I'm sure you're thrilled...and rightfully so. Congratulations!
Now back to my burgeoning pickleball career...
@Paul Newman, you have great insights into the game and are more than fair when it comes to Kenyon's match ups. As a parent of a former Denison player (pre-Bianco, rough times), I realize I take a bit too much pleasure in seeing Kenyon off its stride, as that rivalry could get mean during my kid's four years. I don't follow the season anymore, but still get social media posts from Denison athletics, so I pay attention to the occasional surprise.
Wabash 0 - Denison 4.
They were better then we were. Faster to the ball. Cleaner with the touch.
Lost a goal late in the first half on an offside call, but that would have only saved some blushes.
A mini-addendum...
Can't believe I'm promoting Denison so much but I appreciated the deft, kind response from @midwest.
I didn't watch a minute of Denison @ Wabash today, but 4-0 is 4-0, especially given the take offered by a Little Giant legend above.
Very impressive, on short days and after a long bus ride, to beat Wabash on the historic site that was Mud Hollow Stadium (one of the great stadium names imho) in such a clear and decisive fashion. Wabash is pretty good...something like 8-2-2 coming into the match albeit against a somewhat soft schedule. Would have been easy for Denison to have a letdown, and now not of ton of NCAC left until the last day of regular season when Coach Martin takes his troops to Granville. Denison has a stranglehold on the NCAC race and it's hard to see many hurdles for the Big Red until at least the NCAC tourney.
Here's the riddle for Denison imo as they are flying higher than they have since (maybe ever?)....Seems like they are a veteran, very cohesive group and we know one of Bianco's strengths is having his team's ready to play and at or near their ceiling. Can they ride their growing confidence and success to reach another level? I'm personally not sure, but I am sure that Denison is a problem.
Does anyone think that Adrian can get any type of result vs Calvin or Hope?
Tue 10-29 Calvin
Sat 10-26 at Hope
Wed 10-23 at Trine
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2024, 09:22:56 PMDenison has a stranglehold on the NCAC race and it's hard to see many hurdles for the Big Red until at least the NCAC tourney.
DePauw will have a big say as to who wins the reg season. DePauw plays OWU and Denison. Playing OWU at home, I think DePauw has a great chance. Ultimately, it'll probably go down to the final game between OWU and Denison.
Coach Wall, I know it's getting late, and I know it's tough dealing with the absence of one of the top strikers in D3. The back to back losses were obviously concerning....but just as concerning have been the hard to fathom performances against Hiram and Wabash. It's certainly no disgrace to get out of Crawfordsville with a 1-0 win, but this result comes after Denison and OWU handled Wabash 4-0 and 8-0 respectively. Yes, Kenyon dominated play on the field but the dearth of scoring (and good chances) seems problematic. I've watched mop up duty time in two games this year...and based on that miniscule sample size I'd recommend giving some real run to #12 and #33. The latter impressed me in a match a few weeks ago, and the former impressed me (a lot) both times. To be clear I know absolutely nothing about either one of them beyond seeing them on the field late in a couple of blowouts for a total of 25-35 minutes. Lastly, you have a few frosh who are gonna be good but not all of those are 80 minutes good (yet). And I'm not referring to #17 who has become more and more essential by the game.
Since I'm offering free coaching advice, I'd move Dujakovich around a little more (especially if Duratovic isn't able to make any sustained return this season). I get why he would be out on the wing, but sometimes you need more strength, speed, playmaking, and talent in the offensive center mid area. Great, great player who has had an excellent Kenyon career.
Region VII - Poll 8 - October 29, 2024
Rank School Prev W-L-T
1 Denison University 1 10-1-4
2 Kenyon College 3 11-2-3
3 Ohio Northern University 2 11-3-3
4 University of Mount Union 4 12-4-1
5 John Carroll University 5 12-3-2
6 Ohio Wesleyan University 8 10-3-2
7 Geneva College 7 12-0-4
8 Carnegie Mellon University NR 7-4-4
Re-posting from national thread...
Welp, I waited to see if someone would step up on this, but, alas, I will do my best as a bitter rival/hater.
First, congrats to Denison on a great season for a surging program. We now will see how the Big Red respond as the hunted rather than the hunter. Denison has the perfect set-up on Saturday evening....a home match on their brand new, sparkling pitch, an end of of the regular season tilt against historical behemoth, Ohio Wesleyan, and a regular season NCAC title on the line for two teams unbeaten and once-tied in the conference. Certainly these squads have higher ambitions than a regular season conference title, but it's been a minute since either held up a banner for the regular season. There is of course seeding to chase for the bigger tournament and there is a good chance these two squads will meet again next weekend (and possibly again in 2-3 weeks). It is also the last regular season match for the legendary Jay Martin. Dr. Martin surely would like to win his last NCAC campaign and also a NCAC tourney towards an ultimate storybook ending with a Final 4 run. And surely Martin's players will want to see him off as a champion. No doubt he would have liked to pick up a couple more national titles along the way, but OWU holds the record for NCAA tourney appearances (by a lot), won the NCAC virtually every single year for about 30 or more years, and captured two national titles in 1998 and 2011 (the latter featuring national POY and current rival coach, Travis Wall). Definitely an interesting tilt for OWU nation and its legions of loyal and dedicated player alums. Bianco and Wall are both beloved, I presume, but I would guess the heartstrings are getting pulled hard in Martin's direction. The significance of this match goes well beyond any real or imagined impact on the rest of the season. This is an event. I also would guess that Wall will be there, ostensibly for scouting purposes, but more so to pay his respects (and it doesn't hurt that Granville is about a half-hour drive on rural, dead-deer-laced roads in Ohio's Amish country).
I expect Bianco (and Denison) to honor Dr. Martin by really going for a win and an outright NCAC title. I think Denison will play well. That said, my gut tells me OWU will pull this one out, or at least earn a draw. Remember they very easily could play again the following Saturday night on the pitch of whoever wins this weekend. Speaking of NCAC seeding, in prior years these teams might have had at least a slight interest in avoiding Kenyon in a semi, but they've both already beaten Kenyon this year and I'm sure are quite confident about taking on the Owls again. The winner will get DePauw (I think), and I wouldn't be shocked if that is the upset in NCAC tourney land.
Speaking of my Owls, I am less confident going into this part of the season than I have been since 2012. I lean pessimistic by nature, but Kenyon has not been playing well. Last night they had only one goal (that came late) and started diving for steals when Oberlin had the ball deep in their own third. The lunges (and misses) for the ball led to big openings for the Yeomen and of course they scored with a little over two minutes left. The Owls miraculously scored when with 4.4 seconds left the GK put a ball into the box that was headed forward and somehow put into the back of the net at literally 89:599. Supposedly the ball crossed the line with 01. left. Oberlin bitterly disputed the goal to no avail. At any rate, you can't be struggling with Hiram and Oberlin, especially heading into tourney season. In part there are too many injuries to too many players, but there also seems to a lack of rythym perhaps as a function of trying to figure out who is going to play and where. If they get some of the key players back (like Duratovic) then I will more hopeful, and if in form I would like our chances versus both Denison and OWU away from home with a chance to turn the tables on these programs that have won NCAC finals in Gambier.
Right now the big event is the game on Saturday night. Would be huge for Denison to come out on top over Kenyon and OWU. But, again, I think this is mostly about Jay Martin.
Tip of the cap to Dr. Martin. I'll never forgive you for 2014.
PREVIOUS NCAC REGULAR-SEASON LEADERS
Year Champion(s) (Record) Runner-Up (Record) OWU
1984 Ohio Wesleyan (5-0-1) Denison (4-1-1) —
1985 Denison (6-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (5-1-0) —
1986 Ohio Wesleyan (6-0-0) Wooster (5-1-0) —
1987 Ohio Wesleyan (6-0-0) Oberlin (4-2-0) —
1988 Ohio Wesleyan (5-0-1) Wooster (4-1-1) —
1989 Wooster (8-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (6-2-0) —
1990 Kenyon (8-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-0) —
1991 Ohio Wesleyan (8-0-0) Kenyon (6-2-0) —
1992 OWU, Kenyon (7-1-0) Wooster (6-2-0) —
1993 Kenyon (6-0-2), Witt (7-1) Ohio Wesleyan (6-1-1) —
1994 Ohio Wesleyan (8-0-0) Kenyon (7-1-0) —
1995 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-1) Kenyon (6-1-1) —
1996 Kenyon (7-0-1) Wittenberg (7-1-0) —
1997 Kenyon (8-0-0) OWU, Wittenberg (6-2-0) —
1998 Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-0) Denison (6-2-0) —
1999 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Allegheny (6-1-2) —
2000 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Earlham (6-2-1) —
2001 Ohio Wesleyan (8-1-0) Denison (7-2-0) —
2002 Wooster (7-0-2) Allegheny (7-2-0) T4th (5-3-1)
2003 Denison, Wooster (8-1) Ohio Wesleyan (7-2-0) —
2004 OWU, Wooster (8-1-0) Denison (7-2-0) —
2005 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Oberlin (6-2-1) —
2006 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-2) Denison (7-1-1) —
2007 Kenyon (7-1-1) Ohio Wesleyan (7-2-0) —
2008 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Hiram, Wittenberg (6-3-0) —
2009 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) Denison (6-1-2) —
2010 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-1) Kenyon (6-1-1) —
2011 Ohio Wesleyan (9-0-0) DePauw (8-1-0) —
2012 Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) DePauw (6-1-2) —
2013 Ohio Wesleyan (7-0-2) Kenyon (6-0-3) —
2014 Ohio Wesleyan (8-0-1) Kenyon (7-1-1) —
2015 Kenyon (8-1-0) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) —
2016 Kenyon (8-1-0) Oberlin (7-2-0) 5th (5-2-2)
2017 Kenyon (9-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) —
2018 Kenyon (8-0-1) Ohio Wesleyan (6-1-2) —
2019 Kenyon (7-0-2) Ohio Wesleyan (7-1-1) —
2020 season canceled
2021 Kenyon (9-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (8-1-0) —
2022 Kenyon (7-0-1) Ohio Wesleyan (6-0-2) —
2023 Kenyon (8-0-0) Ohio Wesleyan (6-2-0) —
n's Soccer
BISHOP SOCCER YEAR-BY-YEAR
Year Coach W L T Pct GF GA League
1913 Frederick Dixon 1 1 0 .500 2 2
1914 Frederick Dixon 3 0 1 .875 15 5
1915 Frederick Dixon 1 0 3 .625 8 6
1916 Frederick Dixon 2 1 0 .667 8 5
Dixon (4 years) 7 2 4 .692
1955 Dick Gordin 3 4 1 .438 21 16
1956 Dick Gordin 0 7 1 .063 7 36
Gordin (2 years) 3 11 2 .250
1957 Fred Myers 5 4 1 .550 23 22
1958 Fred Myers 0 10 0 .000 11 41
1959 Fred Myers 3 6 1 .350 24 27
1960 Fred Myers 4 5 1 .450 24 20
1961 Fred Myers 6 3 1 .650 27 23
1962 Fred Myers 4 4 2 .500 23 16
1963* Fred Myers 10 1 1 .875 48 24
1964* Fred Myers 9 3 0 .750 58 33
1965* Fred Myers 6 6 0 .500 36 30
1966* Fred Myers 7 3 1 .682 37 23
1967 Fred Myers 4 5 2 .455 26 21
1968 Fred Myers 6 4 0 .600 25 16
1969 Fred Myers 5 5 0 .500 27 18 3-4-0
1970* Fred Myers 8 5 0 .615 24 17 7-1-0
1971* Fred Myers 9 1 3 .808 41 14 8-0-1
1972 Fred Myers 9 2 0 .818 32 12 8-1-0
1973 Fred Myers 8 4 2 .643 33 20 7-1-1
1974 Fred Myers 8 4 1 .654 41 20 7-3-0
1975* Fred Myers 13 4 2 .737 50 23 5-0-0
1976* Fred Myers 9 3 3 .700 31 13 5-0-0
Myers (20 years) 133 82 21 .608 50-10-2
1977 Jay Martin 7 4 3 .607 29 14 5-0-0
1978* Jay Martin 11 5 2 .667 42 19 3-1-1
1979* Jay Martin 16 3 2 .810 51 13 4-0-1
1980* Jay Martin 16 4 1 .786 53 15 4-1-0
1981* Jay Martin 17 4 4 .760 65 23 5-0-0
1982* Jay Martin 17 2 3 .841 49 10 5-0-0
1983* Jay Martin 16 5 1 .750 54 20 5-1-0
1984* Jay Martin 15 4 1 .775 69 17 5-0-1
1985* Jay Martin 15 4 1 .775 61 17 5-1-0
1986* Jay Martin 20 3 0 .870 70 14 6-0-0
1987* Jay Martin 19 4 0 .826 68 16 6-0-0
1988* Jay Martin 17 1 3 .881 71 17 5-0-1
1989* Jay Martin 19 2 1 .886 70 11 6-2-0
1990* Jay Martin 20 4 1 .820 74 19 7-1-0
1991* Jay Martin 22 2 0 .917 59 10 8-0-0
1992* Jay Martin 20 4 0 .833 77 23 7-1-0
1993* Jay Martin 18 2 1 .881 75 15 6-1-1
1994* Jay Martin 20 0 1 .976 80 11 8-0-0
1995* Jay Martin 17 2 3 .841 53 13 7-0-1
1996 Jay Martin 13 4 2 .737 43 14 6-1-1
1997* Jay Martin 16 8 0 .667 44 24 6-2-0
1998* Jay Martin 18 6 0 .750 59 23 7-1-0
1999* Jay Martin 18 3 1 .841 59 11 9-0-0
2000* Jay Martin 23 1 0 .958 80 14 9-0-0
2001* Jay Martin 19 6 1 .750 57 19 8-1-0
2002* Jay Martin 18 4 1 .804 48 16 5-3-1
2003* Jay Martin 17 4 1 .795 54 16 7-2-0
2004 Jay Martin 16 2 2 .850 50 17 8-1-0
2005* Jay Martin 20 1 0 .952 57 14 9-0-0
2006* Jay Martin 15 1 6 .818 38 7 7-0-2
2007* Jay Martin 15 5 2 .727 38 17 7-2-0
2008* Jay Martin 18 5 1 .771 57 22 9-0-0
2009* Jay Martin 18 2 2 .864 57 6 9-0-0
2010* Jay Martin 19 2 2 .870 52 11 7-0-1
2011* Jay Martin 23 2 0 .920 77 23 9-0-0
2012* Jay Martin 13 3 5 .738 40 16 7-1-1
2013* Jay Martin 19 1 3 .891 63 17 7-0-2
2014* Jay Martin 17 5 4 .731 54 28 8-0-1
2015* Jay Martin 16 5 2 .739 63 23 7-1-1
2016* Jay Martin 10 5 3 .639 27 15 5-2-2
2017* Jay Martin 12 7 2 .619 39 28 7-1-1
2018 Jay Martin 13 4 2 .737 37 15 6-1-2
2019 Jay Martin 15 5 4 .708 45 12 7-1-1
2020 Jay Martin season canceled
2021 Jay Martin 15 3 2 .800 38 12 8-1-0
2022 Jay Martin 11 5 4 .650 28 12 6-0-2
2023 Jay Martin 13 6 1 .675 36 19 6-2-0
Martin (47 years) 762 164 81 .797 303-32-24
TOTALS (73 years) 905 259 108 .759
DIVISION III
1975 NATIONAL 3RD PLACE/Midwest-Far West Reg. Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 6, Wheaton (Ill.) 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, MacMurray 0
N- Babson 5, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Johns Hopkins 0
1976 Midwest-Far West Regional
H- Wheaton (Ill.) 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1 (OT)
1978 Midwest-Far West Regional Runner-Up
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Wheaton (Ill.) 2
A- Washington (Mo.) 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1979 Midwest-Far West Regional
A- Washington (Mo.) 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1980 Great Lakes Regional Runner-Up
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Bethany 1
H- Calvin 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1981 NATIONAL 4TH PLACE/Great Lakes Regional Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 4, Calvin 2
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Bethany 2
N- Scranton 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1 (OT)
N- Brandeis 4, OHIO WESLEYAN 2
1982 Great Lakes Regional Runner-Up
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 4, Hope 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 0, Bethany 0*
1983 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Champion
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Denison 1+
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Hope 0
H- Scranton 4, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
1984 Great Lakes Regional
H- Washington (Mo.) 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0 (OT)
1985 Great Lakes Regional
N- Washington (Mo.) 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1986 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Kalamazoo 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Wheaton (Ill.) 0
H- Messiah 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1987 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Runner-Up
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Calvin 1
H- Washington (Mo.) 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1988 Great Lakes Regional
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Kalamazoo 2*
1989 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Champion
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, DePauw 1 (OT)
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Wheaton (Ill.) 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 0, Elizabethtown 0
1990 NATIONAL RUNNER-UP/Great Lakes Reg. Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Kalamazoo 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Kenyon 0
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Elizabethtown 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Wheaton (Ill.) 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Glassboro State 1*
1991 NATIONAL SEMIFINALIST/Great Lakes Reg. Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Wittenberg 0 (4 OT)
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Calvin 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Bethany 0
A- Cal-San Diego 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
1992 NATIONAL RUNNER-UP/Great Lakes Reg. Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Wittenberg 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Kenyon 2
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Methodist 1 (OT)
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 5, Colorado College 0
A- Kean 3, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
1993 Great Lakes Regional Runner-Up
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, DePauw 0 (OT)
A- Kenyon 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
1994 Great Lakes Regional Runner-Up
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, DePauw 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Hope 2*
1995 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Kenyon 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Hiram 0 (OT)
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Chapman 1*
1997 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Champion
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Hope 0
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Kenyon 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Alma 0
A- Wheaton (Ill.) 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1 (OT)
1998 NATIONAL CHAMPION/Great Lakes Regional Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 5, Alma 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Otterbein 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Trinity (Texas) 1
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Williams 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Greensboro 1 (OT)
1999 Mid-Atlantic Regional Runner-Up
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 4, Bethany 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Gettysburg 1
A- Messiah 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2000 Quarterfinalist/Great Lakes Regional Champion
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, DePauw 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Wilmington 0
H- Linfield 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0 (4 OT)
2001 NATIONAL SEMIFINALIST/Great Lakes Reg. Champion
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Otterbein 0
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Chicago 1
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Kalamazoo 2 (OT)
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Greensboro 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 0, Richard Stockton 0* (2 OT)
2002 Great Lakes Regional Runner-Up
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Pitt-Greensburg 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Otterbein 1*
2003 Great Lakes Regional
H- John Carroll 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2005 Second Round
H- Calvin 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
2006 NATIONAL SEMIFINALIST
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Hope 1+
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Ohio Northern 0
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 0, Case Reserve 0+ (2 OT)
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Dominican (Ill.) 0
N- Wheaton (Ill.) 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2007 First Round
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Transylvania 1*
2008 Sectional Semifinalist
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Susquehanna 0 (2 OT)
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Carnegie Mellon 0
N- Trinity (Texas) 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
2009 Second Round
H- Transylvania 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2010 Quarterfinalist
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Catholic 1
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Kenyon 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Johns Hopkins 0
H- Lynchburg 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2011 NATIONAL CHAMPION
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Washington (Mo.) 0
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Ohio Northern 2
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Hope 1
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 4, Montclair State 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Calvin 1
2012 First Round
N- Centre 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1 (2 OT)
2013 Second Round
H- Rose-Hulman 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2014 NATIONAL SEMIFINALIST
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Penn State-Behrend 2
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Calvin 1+
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Kenyon 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Christopher Newport 2+
N- Tufts 3, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2015 Second Round
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Milwaukee Engineering 1
H- Calvin 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
2016 First Round
A- Carnegie Mellon 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
2017 First Round
A- John Carroll 3, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
2019 Third Round
A- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Hope 0
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 3, Chicago 1
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 0, Luther 0*
2021 Second Round
H- OHIO WESLEYAN 1, Knox 0
H- Calvin 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2022 Second Round
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Penn State-Harrisburg 1 (2 OT)
A- Mary Washington 1, OHIO WESLEYAN 0
2023 Second Round
N- OHIO WESLEYAN 2, Rose-Hulman 0
A- Chicago 2, OHIO WESLEYAN 1
+advanced on penalty kicks
*eliminated on penalty kicks
TOP TEN NCAA DIVISION III
TOURNAMENT TEAMS
Rank Team NCAA Appearances*
1. Ohio Wesleyan 44
2. Wheaton (Ill.) 36
3. Messiah 33
4. Rowan 30
5. Babson 29
6. Elizabethtown 26
7. Trinity (Texas) 25
8. St. Lawrence 24
9. Washington (Mo.) 24
10. Cortland (N.Y.) State 22
bold face denotes teams which competed in
the 2023 NCAA Division III tournament.
Note: NCAA Division III tournament play began
in 1974. Prior to that, Ohio Wesleyan competed in
the NCAA's College Division.
@PaulNewman - The irony is Kenyon is ranked ahead of both OWU and Denison in the NPI. Kenyon has many quality wins in its non-conference schedule. I understand Kenyon has some injuries that they're dealing with, but it sounds like those players are back or are very close. Moving forward, I think Kenyon still has the potential to make some noise in the NCAA tourney. Their non-conference wins show they can compete against anyone.
As far as Oberlin is concerned, they kept it close against Denison and OWU as well. In fact, I think they lost to OWU when the ball hit a divot and bounced over the keeper's head in the last minute for an OWU goal.
I think Depauw can surprise folks in the conference tournament. They're a tough team and has ties playing at North Park, at Hope, and at Denison. And all of their losses were by one and against good teams.
DH, I would love to wholeheartedly embrace your take. And perhaps you have more favorable news on the injury front than I do (which is very possible since I know virtually nothing). The Kenyon group in recent games is imo some distance from the group that made the early season run. Also easy to forget how close those matches were, as they easily could have lost the Hopkins and F&M games. The frosh are certainly more seasoned now but missing an AA as well as several other starters/key subs is a lot to overcome. I just don't see them creating a lot of dangerous chances and I'm frustrated that most of the goals they've conceded have occurred because they get overcommitted deep in the opponent's final third and have insufficient numbers for the ensuing breakout. There's also no reason especially with a lead to be pressing and lunging for steals when the other team is 90 yards from goal, helping the opponent to create chances that otherwise would not occur. Unfortunately (and surprisingly) I'm also not sold on the lineups Wall has been putting out there, and I wish they had another few games to figure out where adjustments should be made. I see the same players repeatedly giving the ball away and being advertised as more dangerous than I've observed so far. I do at this juncture prefer the underdog role, so I'll hang all of my hats on that.
Sounds like you are a DePauw supporter. Any color on the game with OWU?
I wasn't sure before about DePauw having the 4th seed for NCAC tourney sewed up or not...and they do not...although a win today will put the Tigers through.
DePauw is sitting on 11 points and Monen Bell rival, Wabash, is on the Tiger doorstep with 10 points.
As fate would have it, both Hoosier state schools travel to the Buckeye state. They could ride on the same bus! DePauw heads to Wooster and Wabash visits Oberlin. Will Oberlin show up for the final day and embrace a potential spoiler role? DePauw cannot count on a draw versus Wooster, as a Wabash win would sideline the Tigers into next season.
In looking at the NCAC standings I noticed that Denison has gone through conference play only allowing one goal (and the are GF 38/GA 6 overall). Of course they haven't played OWU yet, but still.
Also should correct my note above as the main event match is taking place at 3:30. I had assumed Denison (and OWU) would have favored a night game.
ADDENDUM: I have received a flurry of calls from Little Giant and Tiger Nations correcting me on the ultimate prize in the Rte US-231 derby....MONON BELL, not Monen Bell...
You might need to provide security on that shared bus ride.
Let's Go Wabash!
Wow. DePauw draws with Wooster 0-0, and gets bailed out by Oberlin smashing Wabash 5-1. The Little Giants have had some lopsided losses.
And looks like ONU came from behind twice to edge JCU 3-2.
Thursday, November 7 - Semifinals
Game 1 - No. 4 DePauw at No. 1 Ohio Wesleyan, 7:00 p.m.
Game 2 - No. 3 Kenyon at No. 2 Denison, 7:00 p.m.
I was wondering how the tiebreakers would fall with both teams ending with identical records and I believe both having 1 goal against in-conference. Denison has been the best team and was the more threatening team today, so the consequences of the draw feel a little harsh or at least unfortunate. This is not to say OWU won't have trouble with DePauw, but Denison and Kenyon imo are the two best teams and OWU would only have to play one of them. OWU is very much alive but this team doesn't look as strong as past editions. There is less great possession and combo play than the OWU squads in the late 2000s and first half plus of the 2010s. Probably fair to say something similar about Kenyon, and Denison of the three has been the ascending program. At any rate, looks like they just keep Guerra and Jaggar up top with pretty average midfield play (by their standards), and Guerra in particular was almost invisible. Ugly game and not sure the ref was up to it. I'll add that the refs in at least a couple of the NESCAC matches today allowed a lot as they weren't even calling fouls on plays that usually would draw a yellow.
I completely agree that Denison looked like the stronger team on Saturday. OWU was very fortunate to walk away with a draw. However, curious to know why you feel Denison and Kenyon are the two stronger teams in the conference. When you compare OWU and Denison against common opponents, including all in conference, OWU has a definite advantage. Head-to-head against Kenyon, OWU won 3-0. I will say Kenyon by far has the best non-conference showing. All in all, it's hard for me to tell which of the three is best.
To answer your earlier question, no, I don't really follow Depauw. I have a couple good friends who are parents on the team. The team I follow is a UAA team, whose season in all likelihood has come to an end. However, I live in the midwest and have ties not only to the UAA team, but also, OAC and NCAC teams.
Quote from: DH on November 04, 2024, 08:48:54 AMI completely agree that Denison looked like the stronger team on Saturday. OWU was very fortunate to walk away with a draw. However, curious to know why you feel Denison and Kenyon are the two stronger teams in the conference. When you compare OWU and Denison against common opponents, including all in conference, OWU has a definite advantage. Head-to-head against Kenyon, OWU won 3-0. I will say Kenyon by far has the best non-conference showing. All in all, it's hard for me to tell which of the three is best.
To answer your earlier question, no, I don't really follow Depauw. I have a couple good friends who are parents on the team. The team I follow is a UAA team, whose season in all likelihood has come to an end. However, I live in the midwest and have ties not only to the UAA team, but also, OAC and NCAC teams.
Fair question. Just my opinion based on a decade plus of watching these teams, and I readily concede I haven't closely tracked these teams, their rosters, who is injured and who isn't, etc, so (not that this means a thing) my confidence level on my opinion is moderate. I'm also a psychologist by trade and as you may already know I tend to over-psychologize. That said, I do strongly believe (just as in politics) that psychology and vibe do play major roles, especially at the margins when talking about relatively even teams.
I am relying heavily in my assessment of Denison and OWU on what I just saw. Denison was the more dominant team. OWU could have won 1-0 or 2-1 but that would have been well against the run of play. Yes, OWU beat Kenyon 3-0 but scorelines are not always the best barometer. OWU got their first goal very much against the run of play, then there was a PK, and next iirc an own goal. Imo Kenyon might be (slightly) the most talented, but it's close with Denison and I could be wrong. The Kist boys, Kreuger, McIntosh, a couple of the defenders, and the GK are excellent. Denison definitely edges on talent if Kenyon has 3-4 starters out including Duratovic. And if not the most talented Denison imo is the most balanced, toughest to break down, and (to borrow politics again) the most pathways to victory/advancing. As I said in another post imo the talent level at OWU has dropped just a smidge....doesn't mean they aren't still a top-tier program but they are not the very obviously dominant program they used to be. Kenyon imo is the biggest wildcard of the three teams with the most potential variability....think highest ceiling but also lowest floor.
Speaking of psychology I will say this. I think OWU DOES have the psychological edge. Denison DID have it but now the Big Red have to adjust to a bit of role reversal, being the favorite instead of the underdog. If Denison wins the next two games then imo they are a real Final 4 threat and would have a very good chance to host both NCAA weekends. OWU has a legendary coach in his last season. I think that may play a very large role. So imo OWU now has the biggest psychological edge. I still remember vividly when I was 15 in 1975 my beloved UK Wildcats made the national final. Either right before the F4 or literally in between the national semi and the final John Wooden announced his retirement. There was no way UCLA was gonna lose that game. Of course they might have won regardless. I think it was 92-85 in favor of the Bruins. Jack "Goose" Givens was a frosh on that UK team and had to wait until 1978 to get a title against future big nemesis, the despicable Duke Blue Devils.
I don't know if this will sound contradictory or not, because I do think Denison is in the best form (but currently holding the worst psychology). I put the odds of these three teams winning the NCAC tourney at...OWU 60%, Kenyon 45%, and Denison 35%. Now watch DePauw take it.
If you watched OWU versus Denison with the audio on I wonder if you caught the announcer declaring 2-3 times that Kenyon had completely dropped out of the rankings. Looks like the latest NPI has Kenyon at 10, OWU at 17, and Denison at 19. I don't recall the Owls ever dropping out of the coach's poll either, although imo way too much is made of polls.
John Carroll bids farewell to the OAC after dropping a 0-1 decision to Capital in the conference tournament. Otterbein also advances with a win over Wilmington.
Denison over Kenyon
OWU with a huge defensive blunder in OT hands DePauw the victory.
wow, two interesting results. OWU likely lost the abilty to host a pod and Denison may get to now. Kenyon may also fall and not be able to host. Geography may dictate that one of OWU/Kenyon still need to host though.
The NCAC is just topsy turvy this year. Thought Kenyon at the start was going to take it to Denison, but credit to Coach Bianco's men for being resilient. And count me impressed with DePauw. Really able to neutralize OWU after the first goal.
SC.
Let's not forget SC's men getting it done! Not easy to beat a team 2x in a row.
The DePauw Tigers are your 2024 NCAC Champions after defeating Denison in PKs. DePauw GK saved the first two PKs and their shooters took care of their rest.
Quote from: Ejay on November 10, 2024, 03:46:16 PMThe DePauw Tigers are your 2024 NCAC Champions after defeating Denison in PKs. DePauw GK saved the first two PKs and their shooters took care of their rest.
Wow! I didn't see that coming.
USC All Region teams, Region VII:
https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-NCAA-D3-Men-All-Region-Teams-112623.pdf