NESCAC

[PaulNewman]

Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

[Shooter McGavin]

Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

Sounds like we are on the same page PN!

While it's not part of the "criteria", I'm not sure how the committee could justify putting a team in the NCAA's who hasn't won in a month. Literally the Hamilton has not won a game in a full month. While there have been many arguments in the past about a team not making conference playoffs but still potentially getting a bid--this is even more extreme IMO.   

[maineman]

Maybe not supposed to ask this, but.... this seems like an odd time of year for Mr.Right to exit the stage.  He had not been as active as usual this season, but still....this is his time of the year.

Also missing blooter442 and Ommadawn.

I was trying to hunt down one of my posts and kind of went down memory lane today... And, yes, there a few folks I haven't seen around much including D4_Pace which is one of my all time favorite handles on here. I think D4 said he's been super busy lately.

I know I've seem some posts from Mr. Right, but definitely not as many as in years past. I think one of blooter's posts in the last 4-5 months said something about being busy with a new job, or something like that.

There is a Mr. Right that is active over on the USCHO hockey site.  I have no idea if it is the same person.

[PaulNewman]

A nakedly gratuitous post for our Aussie friend.  Just kidding.

I remember thinking when Amherst was 5-1-3 and then 7-1-5 that they were having a down year (for them)...and now here we are....Amherst is 10-1-5 and probably set to host for as long as they are in the tournament.

[EnmoreCat]

A nakedly gratuitous post for our Aussie friend.  Just kidding.

I remember thinking when Amherst was 5-1-3 and then 7-1-5 that they were having a down year (for them)...and now here we are....Amherst is 10-1-5 and probably set to host for as long as they are in the tournament.

I am getting concerned about this very minor wave of Ammirers, but am confident it isn't a real thing.

Yes, PN, the actual season has been pretty good given the calibre of player that graduated from what was a super successful team.  I rely on news from some distance, but it's clear the group are in a good space and ready for what will hopefully be a two game weekend.  I am looking forward to another Midd epic.  I watched some of the season highlights yesterday and when the Mammoths find their rhythm, they really are a force. 

[emeyerow]

Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

Sounds like we are on the same page PN!

While it's not part of the "criteria", I'm not sure how the committee could justify putting a team in the NCAA's who hasn't won in a month. Literally the Hamilton has not won a game in a full month. While there have been many arguments in the past about a team not making conference playoffs but still potentially getting a bid--this is even more extreme IMO.

Full disclosure: my son plays for Hamilton so I am not entirely objective, but I have seen every game live or streamed. They started 8-0-1 and ended the season 0-4-3 (not 0-5-2) and all of the losses were to ranked teams (Amherst, Bowdoin, SUNY Oneonta and Middlebury) with a draw at Williams. They had injuries to a couple of CBs that disrupted their style of play.

I think an 8-4-4 team with 3 wins against ranked teams deserves an at large bid if the NESCAC gets 5 spots. I think the whole resume should be considered and not just how the team ended the season.

[Saint of Old]

I agree with you... unfortunately, the way teams finish is a big deal.
I would  love for Hamilton to get a hid, they have been working hard in a very tough conference for atleast a decade and a half and should get credit for a great year.

[Yankeesoccerdad]

Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

Sounds like we are on the same page PN!

While it's not part of the "criteria", I'm not sure how the committee could justify putting a team in the NCAA's who hasn't won in a month. Literally the Hamilton has not won a game in a full month. While there have been many arguments in the past about a team not making conference playoffs but still potentially getting a bid--this is even more extreme IMO.

Full disclosure: my son plays for Hamilton so I am not entirely objective, but I have seen every game live or streamed. They started 8-0-1 and ended the season 0-4-3 (not 0-5-2) and all of the losses were to ranked teams (Amherst, Bowdoin, SUNY Oneonta and Middlebury) with a draw at Williams. They had injuries to a couple of CBs that disrupted their style of play.

I think an 8-4-4 team with 3 wins against ranked teams deserves an at large bid if the NESCAC gets 5 spots. I think the whole resume should be considered and not just how the team ended the season.

Not a Hamilton fan, but I really enjoyed seeing their hot start and overall strong season.  So much of my NESCAC experience has been about PN's "four horsemen", it was fun to see another team do well in a very competitive conference.

The d3 soccer tournament rules seem unfair generally and their application to the NESCAC seems especially unfair, as noted by coach analytics.  March Madness allocates fewer than half their invitations to AQs, while D3 soccer allocates 2/3 of bids to AQs.  I had assumed NESCAC teams like Wesleyan last year were being greedy hoping for a bid, but the record shows the NESCAC teams perform exceptionally well and much better than the other two top conferences.  We should be asking why the NESCAC doesn't more often get 6 bids.

Hamilton has a very talented and young roster.  Small consolation if they don't get a bid, but they will be a tough opponent for every team next year.

[futbolfan]

I have a question on selection criteria for Pool C teams. Since Tufts has a higher NCAA regional ranking then Hamilton, does that mean Tufts would get in before Hamilton? Hamilton beat them head-to-head so not sure how that factors in, or is that already taken into consideration in the regional ranking?

[jknezek]

I have a question on selection criteria for Pool C teams. Since Tufts has a higher NCAA regional ranking then Hamilton, does that mean Tufts would get in before Hamilton? Hamilton beat them head-to-head so not sure how that factors in, or is that already taken into consideration in the regional ranking?

Head to Head Results are one of the primary criteria that is already accounted for in the Regional Rankings. But yes, when it comes time to select Pool C bids, Tufts would be discussed, and would have to be selected, before a team below them in the same Regional Rankings can be discussed/selected.

[PaulNewman]

And given that Tufts and Hamilton have been idle since last weekend (and thus since the most recent RR) it would be highly unlikely for Hamilton to jump Tufts in the final ranking (published after the selections are made). 

[futbolfan]

Based on that, seems like Hamilton's only path then might be 1) NESCAC take 5 teams (assuming here they don't take 6)  2) Williams loses in regulation to Conn and falls behind Hamilton in final regional ranking, 3) Conn doesn't win NESCAC final.  Thoughts please.

[coach analytics]

I think there is an outside chance that NESCAC/Region 1 gets 6 bids since historically strong conferences like UAA and Centennial do not have as much strength.  NESCAC got 6 bids in 2018 when the filed was smaller.

As to why Hamilton is below Tufts despite head to head win and Williams, I think their record against regional ranked teams is 2-4-1 where as Tufts is 2-1-5 and Williams is 1-0-6.  In addition Tufts 2 wins are #1 and #3 whereas Hamilton's are #3 and #5.  Also their win loss record is not as strong. Loss against Oneonta was a killer.

[PaulNewman]

I worried for weeks outloud that Hamilton scheduling Oneonta (at Oneonta no less) the last game of the regular season, after the grueling end of season NESCAC stretch was a mistake.

That said, I do think it's very possible NESCAC gets six, and actually predicting that esp if Conn wins the AQ.  Regarding the importance (or not) of late season collapses it seems very possible that maybe that could come into play in cases of virtual ties (e.g. Tufts vs Hamilton and Tufts finished stronger).

[nescac1]

Williams actually has two wins versus regionally ranked teams (Midd and Bowdoin) plus a tie vs. the top-ranked team in region two, I would think those results are looked upon highly.  But the Ephs definitely need to advance on Saturday to feel safe ...