The JCU vs. Otterbein comments left me scratching my head.  JCU played mediocre in both games and the first only went to OT because of a goalie error and considering JCU still had an average shot total of 23 or 24 to 7.5 for Otterbein and a lions share of the possession...the games should have been 2 or 3-0.  Otterbein had a nice season and will only get better and in my opinon deserved to be in the dance over Ohio Northern, but JCU playing average was still enough.

I am sure JCU would have been thrilled before the start of the season to know they would be 8 -1-1 after the first 10 games.  Their schedule is about as difficult as possible, but today I watched them play the best team (by far) they have played to date.  Messiah is king in D3 and had they been full strength at the beginning of the season I can't see them having a defeat.  Nothing against the teams that beat them, but my son was recruited by Ithaca and we watched a couple of games and there is no way that team is on the same level as Messiah.   They took advantage of their depth in the heat  ( believe 20 players saw the field) and regardless who was on the field the play was basically the same.   The first half was a dead heat with Messiah getting a gift on a poor pass to the goalie for a 1-0 lead.  In the second half Messiah dominated the last 20 minutes. The game was far closer than 3-0, but Rochester, Kenyon, Case, and Carnegie Mellon were nowhere near the team I watched today.    A great start for JCU, but now Ohio Wesleyan comes to town.  Go Blue Steaks.

A nice away win (all of about 8 miles) for JCU last night, but still 3 more tough ones upcoming.  I'm obviously biased with a son in the program, but it is good to see so many programs excelling or improving. The D3 soccer landscape in the Great Lakes seems to be on the rise and there will no doubt be some head scratching results coming in over the remainder of the season.   Will be fun to see things unfold.

As for the JCU let down, I'd give a lot of credit to Mt. Aloyuis or however you spell it coaches.  They knew the only chance they had was to pack it in and put 9 in the box and that is what they did....The goalie made some outstanding saves and they hung around waiting for the JCU error and when it came they tied it up.   JCU had about 80 percent of the possession and out shot them 32 or 34 to 4 or 5 on the game.  It was certainly a mediocre performance by the Blue Streaks...but have a feeling they will face this strategy against lesser opponents and we'll see how they grow from it.   As for Denison and Marietta game...I still think Marietta far better team, but time will tell.  The OAC is going to be fairly balanced and should make for some interesting games up and down the table.

Enjoying the comments on here.   I have a son on the JCU squad and was pleased to see people recognizing the abysmal officiating in the Rochester game ( all in the second half) but JCU was clearly the better side.  The same can be said about Kenyon...they simply weren't strong enough and lost many 50/50's because of it.  Someone said is this the making of a special season for JCU and there is a long way to go with their schedule, but it should be a solid year with more to come.  The team is actually fairly young, they had a strong class of freshman enter so I assume they will be even stronger next year.  I'm curious to see everyone's take on Capital, OWU and Case.   I have never comment on a board before, so if I sound like an idiot..please let me know.