Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 11, 2013, 01:59:13 PM
Carthage, even though I predicted the committee would select them, isn't a big surprise to be left out given the 7 losses, and personally I agree with it.  I just figured the Central region was still good for two at-large selections.  North Park as the No. 2 team in the Central region is a surprise omission. 

And who is the surprise inclusion?  Misericordia from the Mid-Atlantic. After Messiah and then the Centennial pair of F&M and Dickinson, I thought the Mid-Atlantic was rather weak.  So I figured maybe Catholic, but not Catholic and Misericordia.  I'll have to review how their number compare to North Park and Carthage as well as some of the other teams I had on my "bubble".

Overall, though, rather predictable selections based on the regional rankings and knowledge of past year's selections.  And that's the intent: that there's no real surprises and teams have a good sense where they stand before today.

Interested to get your thoughts on having Ohio Wesleyan, Messiah and Wheaton all in the same quarter of the bracket.

Quote from: tjcummingsfan on November 11, 2013, 01:16:16 PM
No Pool C bids for the Central Region?  That seems a bit bizarre, no?

Very bizarre!  A very "east centric" tournament bracket.  Very sad not to see North Park or Carthage in.  Both very good teams. 

I like your pairings. I would switch Luther with North Park. Wheaton has played north Park twice in the last week. That move would also keep teams from the same conference in different quarters of the bracket.

Check out the d3soccer.com analysis

http://www.d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2013/at-large-analysis-and-predictions

I think Calvin is out as well

Interesting analysis by d3soccer.com. They have 6 teams in from North Region.

http://www.d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2013/at-large-analysis-and-predictions

I think Luther will get in as well.

I think Luther is in as well. Strength of sched and record against ranked teams. Check out the d3soccer.com analysis here:

http://www.d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2013/at-large-analysis-and-predictions

Quote from: KICKIN95 on November 07, 2013, 08:54:22 AM
I was streaming Loras v Simpson on the TV and Wartburg v Simpson on the computer, but I looked away from the computer for about 10 seconds in the double OT and didn't get a chance to see the foul that led to the PK and to Luther's exit from the tourney. Anyone have eyes on that one, thoughts and comments.  I did see a foul by Luther in the box about 4 minutes prior to the PK foul and the ref made a no call and I think it was a legit PK foul itself.  Maybe the ref didn't want to end such a tight match like that, but obviously a 2nd foul was committed and could be ignored.  That match was as evenly battled as I have seen in some time, both sides were attacking and disrupting each other all night. 

Loras v Wartburg will be a battle, but in the end the Duhawks will reign supreme for 3 reasons. #1- the match is at the Rock Bowl and Loras just doesn't lose at the Rock Bowl, it's the home turf and will be defended to the death (or close to death) These seniors hold a 43-3-2 record at home and will be making that 44 come saturday. #2- and the most important reason, Loras is pissed that they have that one glaring zit and are on the warpath to avenge it!  Oh and #3 they're going to score more goals than Wartburg, 2 to be exact, making it a 2-0 victory.

I have no connection to either team in the Wartburg vs Loras game and I have to say that is one of the worst calls I've ever seen to end a game.  Especially a game of that magnitude towards the end of the second overtime.  You only make that call if it is an obvious scoring opportunity right in front of the goal.  The "foul" was on the 18 on a free kick in a pile of players waiting for a ball that had been headed out.  The kid that went down wasn't even close to the ball.  Brutal call.  Let the players determine the outcome of the game.  If I was Luther I would be livid.

Quote from: gustiefan04 on November 05, 2013, 11:10:30 PM
There is no set number of Pool C bids per region.

I think NPU is definitely on the bubble. Likely they needed a strong showing in the CCIW playoffs to be awarded a Pool C. But you never know...

The game tonight vs Wheaton officially went down as a tie (PK's were because of conference tournament).  So, North Park has a one goal loss and a tie against the #1 team in the region in their last two games.  Yes, they did have a couple bad losses but they were early in the season.  It would be a shame for them not to make the tournament.  They won their first round NCAA Tournament game handily last year (4-1 vs Wash U) and gave Loras all that they could handle in a 0-1 game in the second round with essentially the same team.  They may be on the bubble but I think they should get in.  We will see....... Jonas Peterson is probably the most dangerous player I've seen in the last couple years.

Quote from: voiceofseason on October 29, 2013, 05:02:37 PM

Quote from: Thunder1 on October 21, 2013, 06:57:26 PM
IWU basically went "Dennis Rodman" on Thunder.  Lots of cheap fouls behind the play, trash talking and diving.  IWU 21 fouls, WC 13.  Center ref let game get out of control.  Brutal slide tackle from behind in the 78th minute was last straw.  Broke the foot of one of WC's top players.  Might be out for the rest of the season.  WC guy went after the offender and got the red.  Played the last 12 mins down a man.  I used to have a lot of respect for IWU and coach Lakin.  They have had some great teams the last several years and can play "soccer" and always have played hard, but never cheap.  They went way over the line on Saturday.  Sad to see.......... WC boys were tired (3rd game in 4 days in a mid term finals week) and probably could have handled it a little better but at some point you have to say enough is enough.

It will do no good to get into a back and forth here, but your comments are without merit and moreso, without fact.  To my view, Wheaton was constantly late and dirty, which is atypical and disappointing of such a storied program.  To each is own - you have your opinion, and I have mine.

But where facts don't lie, the Wheaton player received the red card for shoving the ref.  You can't pin that one on IWU.

The most factual thing you said is that Wheaton was tired.  I believe one of the games (Benedictine) had to get shoe-horned into the schedule - I'm sure Coach G didn't want to do that to the kids.  Soccer is too intense of a game to play 3 games in 4 nights.

Fair enough voiceofseason.  I can appreciate that someone might have a different opinion as to what transpired during the game.  Please keep in mind that my response was to someone who was NOT at the game looking for some context to the game statistics and why WC reacted, as you stated correctly, in an "atypical" manner.  Additionally, I was not condoning WC's behavior.  As I stated, I felt WC could have handled the situation better.  My point was that I felt it was in response to IWU.  I can understand your response to my statements of opinion, but to suggest that my comments were without merit and fact is disingenuous.

Facts from previous statement

Fouls.  IWU 21  WC  13 
Slide tackle from behind broke the foot of one of WC's top players in 78th minute.  Out the rest of the season.
WC got a red after that foul
Played last 12 mins a man down
3rd game in 4 days for WC

Just the foul totals alone would suggest who was instigating that type of play
Slide tackle from behind ends the season of one of WC's top players.  Enough said.
Was not trying to "pin" the red card on IWU.  He deserved the card.  And yes, he did push the referee (who was trying to restrain him from going after the offending player)

Additional facts to consider

Prior to that game, WC had a total of 5 yc's in the previous 15 games
In that same time period IWU had 21 yc's

Why would a team who has had only 5 yc's in 15 games get 6 cards in one game?  It was a fair question to ask.

The facts are pretty clear, but I guess the answer to that question is a matter of opinion.............

No hard feelings voiceofseason.  I appreciate your comments.  Just calling it as I see it.  Good luck against NC.  If the boys meet again, hopefully BOTH sides will be better behaved.

IWU basically went "Dennis Rodman" on Thunder.  Lots of cheap fouls behind the play, trash talking and diving.  IWU 21 fouls, WC 13.  Center ref let game get out of control.  Brutal slide tackle from behind in the 78th minute was last straw.  Broke the foot of one of WC's top players.  Might be out for the rest of the season.  WC guy went after the offender and got the red.  Played the last 12 mins down a man.  I used to have a lot of respect for IWU and coach Lakin.  They have had some great teams the last several years and can play "soccer" and always have played hard, but never cheap.  They went way over the line on Saturday.  Sad to see.......... WC boys were tired (3rd game in 4 days in a mid term finals week) and probably could have handled it a little better but at some point you have to say enough is enough.

"The Wheaton crowd cheered wildly" ... five words that have probably never appeared in the same sentence before.

Touché on that one Sager. Most Wheaties are to busy studying or sipping latte's to care about a sporting event although they do tend to show up for "title" games. It has been that way for many years. Not sure why...

Gentlemen. Interesting discussion on foreign vs American players. I have no problem with foreign players coming to the states to play but you have to admit having 17 players (9 out of 11 starters) from Sweden is quite unusual. I don't think there is another NCAA team in the country in any division with this many foreign players much less from the same country. I think the concern people have is that these players act like professional players and tend to be "a year or two older" as you stated. Just pointing out the perception. This sentiment was demonstrated at the NP v Wheaton game at Wheaton. As they announced the starting lineup for NP, the Wheaton crowd cheered wildly when they got to the kid from CO after 8 straight players announced from Sweden. It was a funny moment in a great rivalry game. The Swedish connection just adds to the drama. (By the way, I am Swedish and am familiar with the Covenant church, so I get the NP/Swedish connection)

As for the Wheaton roster, it is still quite diverse with players from TN, MI, CA, NY, IN, NC and France. They have to cast their recruiting net a little wider because of the academic (30 ACT average) and religious requirements of the college.

Hello again fellas. Hate to say it, but I called the NP victory over Wash U earlier this week as well as the tight NP vs Loras game. Kicken, not sure if you were at the Wheaton vs Loras game earlier in the year. True, it was a 2-0 game but it was a great game with end to end action, even shots and possession. Could have gone either way. It was a 0-0 game with 8 minutes to play, the second goal on a missed offsides call with about a minute left in the game with Wheaton pressing for the tie. Wheaton was working out kinks early in the year (start 6 freshmen and sophomores with a completely new back line) and had one of toughest schedules in the country with a ton of travel and only seven regular season home games this year. It should be another great weekend of soccer. If Wheaton is fortunate enough to get by Dominican and Lora's gets by UWP, the Loras vs Wheaton rematch could be a barn burner. First things first with Dominican though....another very good team.

As for the academy debate, Wheaton does have 4 players from the Chicago Fire Academy. I'm not sure about the other teams.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 07, 2012, 07:12:50 PM

Quote from: Thunder1 on November 07, 2012, 04:24:02 PMHello fellas. Just wanted to chime in on the Loras/NP discussion. Actually NP has played a foe in Loras's category. Twice as a mater of fact. Wheaton played Loras early in the year and the 2-0 score was not reflective of the game. It was a track meet with even shots and possession. The score was 0-0 with 8 minutes left to play. Could have gone either way. After Loras scored Wheaton was forced to press for the tie. Second goal was on a missed offsides call with a minute or so left in the game.

That's good to know. Thanks for that game breakdown. After checking the box score, it's true -- Wheaton actually outshot Loras, although Loras had more shots on frame, and the two goals by the Duhawks did come very, very late in the contest. I still think that NPU would be a decided underdog in a potential NPU @ Loras matchup, but I do feel better about NPU's chances now. First things first, though -- Wash U is on the docket, and the Bears will not be a pushover.

Just for reference on Wash U, Wheaton played them earlier in the year at Wash U. Wash U was never really in the game. Wheaton was up 3-0 early in the second half and subbed liberally in the second half. Shots were 16-7 Wheaton with lots of possession and Wash U only had 2 shots on goal. In Wash U's defense I had heard that a couple of their players were out but with their lack of speed they never really threatened. I like NP's chances against them.




(modified by GS for formatting)

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 06, 2012, 05:17:07 PM

Quote from: blue_jays on November 03, 2012, 11:14:26 PM
Couldn't be more pleased to see Wheaton send North Park's annoying fans home empty handed.

And I couldn't be more pleased that Dave DiTomasso's crew of Elmhurst leg-breakers are at home right now putting away their brass knuckles after a 1-6 CCIW campaign -- a 1-6 campaign that included a 2-0 loss to Millikin, for crying out loud.

Quote from: KICKIN95 on November 03, 2012, 10:47:09 PM
Wow! Wheaton's keeper must have time traveled ahead and came back to stop those first 2 goals in the shootout.  He looked like he knew exactly where they were going from the get go.

Ryan Seager did a fantastic job in the shootout, and I tip my hat to him. But I'm on record as hating shootouts. Soccer is the only sport in the world in which the outcome can be settled in a format different than that of the game itself. Does basketball eschew overtime by having the two teams play a game of H-O-R-S-E to settle the outcome? Does baseball say "no" to extra innings, and instead have the two teams do a Home Run Derby to determine the winner?

And, yeah, I'd be saying the same thing if NPU had beaten Wheaton in the shootout. I just wouldn't be saying it as loudly.

Quote from: Saldner F.F. on November 05, 2012, 09:09:58 PMI believe, and hope that NP will have a pretty good group of fans driving out to Dubeque for the game vs Washington. What do you think about North Park and  Wheatons chances to do well in the tournament? Personally I believe that North Park has had a great run the last part of the season and has a great chance of at least winning the first round. Loras in the second round will probably be a more difficult game to win but I do believe that on a good day, the Vikings can beat any team.

Optimism must be tempered. NPU's been a very strong regular-season outfit in recent years, but the postseason has been another matter. The Vikings are only 1-4 in the tournament over the past decade. They have to focus exclusively on Wash U, because beating the Bears will be more than enough of a task to hold their attention. As for Loras ... well, let's just say that NPU has yet to face a foe in Loras's category this season.

Hello fellas. Just wanted to chime in on the Loras/NP discussion. Actually NP has played a foe in Loras's category. Twice as a mater of fact. Wheaton played Loras early in the year and the 2-0 score was not reflective of the game. It was a track meet with even shots and possession. The score was 0-0 with 8 minutes left to play. Could have gone either way. After Loras scored Wheaton was forced to press for the tie. Second goal was on a missed offsides call with a minute or so left in the game. For those of you that don't know, Wheaton starts 6 freshmen and sophomores and has a completely new back line this year. It took a while for them to work out some kinks early in the season.

If NP gets through the first game I think the can give Loras some trouble. Their conditioning is a little suspect in my opinion but if they can hang in there, Jonas can strike in a heartbeat. Very dangerous player.

As for NP fans, they can be a little obnoxious but all in good fun in my opinion. I was glad they got into the tournament and certainly believe they deserve to be there. The CCIW Championship game at Wheaton was one of the best college soccer atmospheres I've seen at any level.