Boy, I've been traveling the past few weeks and not had a chance to visit the boards.
Congrats to Loras for the AQ, hopefully a deep run in the NCAA Tourny.
My second favorite IIAC team, Wartburg had a disappointing year.
I have no worries about Loras next year putting a similar or better product on the field.
With Wartburg lossing 6 seniors who were significant contributors the past few years, they may be in for a bumpy season next year.
Only time will tell.  Go Duhawks!!

Wartburg shuffles their starting 11 and comes up with a win against a regionally-ranked opponent.
Waiting until the 86th minute to have a defender score on a cross from a sub.
Rematch with Simpson awaits (4th/5th seed).

Henry, I agree with the Coe ove Central, surprising result.

Here are my predictions:

Luther over Coe
Simpson and Wartburg is a push depending on which Wartburg team shows up, Simpson has been playing well and considering they are home, I go Simpson over Wartburg.

Luther over UD; Loras over Simpson
Suprise, surprise, Loras over UD, Loras gets the AQ and the only IIAC representation in the NCAA tourny (unfortanetly as UD, Luther and Wartburg all at some point in the season may have received an at large [in addition to Loras] but the season and teams have been too inconsistent).

Just saw Wartburg dropped another one over the weekend.
Looking back on their 6 loses, outscored 1-10.
Truley a Jekyl and Hyde team, score 2+ goals/game average on the weaker teams they defeated, but can't score on the majority of quality opponents.
I must say I'm a little surprised with this as they were pre-season top 20 as well as picked to win the conference along with Loras.
Loras has clearly separated, but again they are the DuHawks!!
As others have said on this topic, Loras getting ready to make a run.

First Regional Ranking is out and no bones with what they have in the North except for Knox.
Weak schedule but great record.  I think one of the MIAC or IIAC schools with a lesser recorder but stronger SOS would be warranted.

Sir Victor, ......and Wartburg is back from where?
Dispatched two of the bottom teams in IIAC.
Olaf outplayed them I think, both team had chances.
Wartburg controlling OT and then they sub in and it's over.
Don't understand the need to sub in at that pont??
Oh, Wartburg needs the AQ now for sure.
Pretty disappointing for a team that was picked (along withLoras) to win the conference.

Well things got a bit more interesting after UD drops a 0-3 game to Luther.
I don't think this will impact the standings in the conference too much but more so in the region.
Loras should win out as should Wartburg.
Luther and UD have to both play Loras as well as more difficult opponents and could be looking at dropping 2 or 3 more games each.
If so, that would push UD further down the regional rankings and maybe Wartburg in the top 5??

Wisco
I agree with you assessment.
Last year's Wartburg being smashmouth, I think last year they only way they got in was to win the AQ.
They had like 6 draws last year.
They did some good things and some bad as Loras last weekend.
For them to win the AQ, they need to figure out a few things out like scoring/finishing.
They have their highlights (if you can call it that) up on their website and they show two pretty good chances but couldn't put the ball in the net.

Goose and others, just curious to how you see the IIAC playing out.
Goose as you posted
"As for the IIAC, UD will probably have the best chance to get an at-large depending on how they finish out and if Loras wins the tournament. But if Wartburg/Luther wins the conference tournament, Dubuque would be out."

Loras - safe to say they are in the dance regardless of the rest of the season
UD - must they get the AQ?  Not sure about their SOS.  They do have two tuff matches left and could conceivalbly drop both.
Wartburg - in theory have a good chance to run the table the rest of the regular season, weak SOS and loss to UW-S could hurt them.  Do they need the AQ to get in?  Stranger things have happened such as Luther last year not getting an at large.
Luther- probably need to get the AQ.

So, if Loras wins the AQ, are they the only IIAC team to represent??

OK KICKIN, after wathcing the highlights on the Loras website, you have a point, those goals really do make the back line look suspect.
Poor defensive execution on both.  I haven't seen so many defenders dive in feet first.  Both goals could have been prevented with better defense.
Also, why do guys (see this in pro ranks as well) hope to convince the AR the guy is offside after they get beat for a goal?

Kickin
A few points to ponder.
I think it's more an inability to finish than Wartburg's backline.
I didn't really see much flat out speed and technical either.
I ddi see lot's of poor touchs and passing from most of their mids and fowards.
I indicated in an earlier post that Wartburg's inability or inconsistency (especiallly against very good teams) to finish would be their downfall.

Hugh game 2NIGHT
Loras at Wartburg.
Two predictions based upon which Wartburg team shows up.

The Wartburg team that lost to UD, UW-S and CC:  Loras 2 -0 in dominanting fashion
The Wartburg team (although they really haven't beaten anyone worth mentioning) that plays to their potential:  Wartburg 2-1 over Loras.

Nice to see Dubuque and Luther crack the top 10 in the North and Loras back on top.

Sir Victor, I watched part of the Wartburg-Dubuque game.
I"d hardly calll that back in good form.
PK/Foul in the box with less than 30 sec til the half and then a miscommunication or lack of communication with keeper leads to second goal.
Very inconsisten team right now that needs to figure it out real quick or they may finish no better than .500 in conference.

Kickin,  I agree with your statement except for one thing.
IF Wartburg can manage to go undefeated from here on up to the Loras game, that game, I think becomes do or die for them.
A win over Loras may be their only chance to get back into the national spollight/top 25.
Wartburg loses that game, they will pretty much have to win the AQ and that would have to be done in the RockBowl.
And I know it happened last year, but lighting never strikes twice in the same place.

Anyone know what's up with Carleton?
Saw they dropped another game yesterday, 1 - 3 to Wartburg.
I had a pretty good feeling about them going into the season but they have not looked very competitive (at least on the box scores).