Liberty League

[deutschfan]

A lot to be proud about and I feel your frustration. The d3 soccer prognosticators have Clarkson behind Ithaca, a team they beat twice, and 9 win Vassar. Clarkson didn't lose to the top ranked team in the region. They lost in Poughkeepsie but they haven't played a good game in Poughkeepsie in a decade.  I would think total win percentage is still important.

[Caz Bombers]

nice to see the Bombers got in and RPI is hosting, but if Clarkson feels salty about not making it, especially over an IC team they beat twice, I certainly won't tell them they're wrong.

[deutschfan]

Looking at some of the decisions reminds me of the human factor, rather than the number crunching, behind the choices. Trinity is hosting not due to this year's performance but rather its and its coach's legacy of excellence. The committee choose Ithaca in part to right last year's wrong. Maybe Clarkson will get that benefit next year.

[Christan Shirk]

EAST REGION - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 11, 2019

Rank	School	. Div. III . Record	. Div. III . SOS	. R-v-R .	. Overall . Record	. Prev. . Rank
1.	RPI	14-2-3	0.580	6-2-2	14-2-3	1
2.	Rochester	11-5-1	0.571	4-3-0	11-5-1	3
3.	Hobart	14-4-2	0.562	5-3-1	14-4-2	4
4.	Ithaca	12-5-2	0.564	3-3-1	12-5-2	2
5.	Oneonta State	17-2-0	0.557	4-1-0	17-2-0	6
6.	Vassar	9-6-2	0.582	2-3-0	9-7-2	5
7.	Clarkson	11-5-4	0.556	4-2-3	11-5-4	8
8.	Plattsburgh State	11-8-0	0.585	1-6-0	11-8-0	--

[CU_GKnight]

Can anyone attempt to explain this ranking?  I'm guessing that Christian only posting an individual ranking in one thread may mean he was left scratching his head as well...  I know I am biased towards Clarkson, but I just don't see how you get Ithaca three spots higher.  How does a team that finishes 5th in the league during regular season and get knocked out before the semi-finals of the tournament end up at #4 in the region?  Their only quality win out of conference was against a depleted Messiah in the first week of the season.  Is a win over Messiah worth that much? At the end of the day I can accept Clarkson didn't make it in and that this is what can happen when you put your destiny in the hands of the committee.

How do you explain Oneontas ranking? Having watched all of these teams in the past week I think they have a legitimate claim to being the #1 team in the region and end up at #5 with a potential match up with Messiah in the second round.

I just would like someone to explain how you can justify this bracket because I can't come up with any rational explanations myself.

[Ejay]

One thing I've noticed throughout the past few years is that soooo much emphasis (too much in my opinion) is placed on SoS. 

[Saint of Old]

Congrats to RPI/Hobart and Ithaca.
The Bombers deserved to get in... atleast last season they did and this seems like it evened out quite well.
RPI was a lock no matter what. Glad to see them hosting on that Turf.
Hobart are champs and hopefully they can make a deep run.

I will be rooting for all these teams.

Really feel bad for Clarkson, hopefully they will be back in the thick of things next year fighting for a Pool C spot or an automatic bid and this was not just a one year super season... What a season they had. Almost pulled it off against all odds.

[Saint of Old]

Just have to send on my big ups to the RPI squad .
They really did this league proud.
Also they have a chance to make a really deep run in the Tourney now as well.

What is most impressive is that RPI is a sweet 16 team that is extremely young and led by freshmen.

The above is the best sentence a club can have said about their program.

Looking forward to much continued deserved success for coach Clinton and his boyz.

[Red Dog]

Agreed re: RPI. They looked good against Middlebury, more on front foot and controlled much of second half and overtime, just couldn't manage to score. While many point to Messiah injuries in August, Hobart and Ithaca have already beaten them, so hopefully the LL can go 3-0 v Messiah this year.

[Ejay]

Apologies in advance, but I have to chuckle at the sky is falling comments from the SLU crew. You guys make it sound like you're on the path to becoming Bard.  Of your 8 losses this year, 5 were by 1 goal, 4 were to then-top20 teams, and 4 were to eventual tournament teams.  And yes you made some pretty brutal mistakes - as most teams do - but you weren't terrible.  You can't have a 12-3-3 season every year.  Have faith boys. Things will turn around.

[SaintsgoMarching]

Much respect to the RPI men's soccer team.  Bravo! I love watching this team play.

As a former SLU player and fan, it feels a little weird to say this, but I love the way RPI play the game.  They remind me of the SLU of old.

And a big kudos to Ithaca and Hobart who both had tremendous seasons and much to be proud of.

My condolences to Clarkson - they absolutely deserved to be in the dance. And the way they were playing down the stretch would have made them a very tough draw for any team in the NCAA Tournament.

Looking around the league, there is no reason to believe that SLU will be able to regain the top spot in the conference any time soon. It will take them at least 5 years to rebuild the program.

Good luck to RPI and coach Clinton! I expect them to go toe to toe against Messiah and believe they will come out on top!  Prediction - RPI (3) - Messiah (2) OT

[Saint of Old]

Gotta agree with RPI.
Not sure they will get over the Messiah monster this weekend, but if they do there is no reason to think this team cannot go all the way to the promised land.

This is what Soccer overall and D3 soccer is all about.
Its not necessarily the success, but the journey to get to that success thats the key.
Clinton built his team year by year and is always comeetetive and at the top of the league and finally the break through.

These guys have freshmen leading them so dont think this is a one year thing... I see this team being regional and maybe even National power for years to come.
This game against Messiah is the biggest in program history and I would not bet against these guys at all.

Well done Engineers.

[deutschfan]

Looking forward to LL season sweep of Messiah today.

[rudy]

Looking forward to LL season sweep of Messiah today.

If RPI can pull it off then they deserve all the credit. This is not the same Messiah team from opening weekend so it won't be easy. Looking forward to the game! Anyone here attending the game besides me?

[Flying Weasel]

Looking forward to the game! Anyone here attending the game besides me?

ETA 11:35 am