2014 D3 Season: National Perspective

[PaulNewman]

Also people predicting Brandeis to go to the Final 4 need their head examined. They are good but NOT that good and can be beaten on the day by most teams in this field. They will struggle to get to the Sweet 16

Would you consider Loras to be better than Brandeis?

Why did you pick Loras vs Brandeis?  Very, very unlikely that those two are going to meet.

[backyarddawg]

In 2010 that was a straight brawl between Amherst & SLU.  Amherst won 3-2 on James Mooney hat trick.  A tale of two halves and SLU did not adjust well to the pace which Mooney brought to the table.

Classic battle in the 2nd round.

[stlawus]

I did see that post a few weeks ago, Mr. Right, great write up.  I was at the game last year, and Amherst controlled most of the game but we really turned it on the last few minutes and got a superb 30 yard goal from Austin Roney.  We had momentum into OT as Brouke hit the post just a few minutes in.  Got real unlucky off the rebound to set up Amherst for the game winner.  As you said, our history against Amherst favors the Jeffs, but I think we match up better this year especially on Sandy.  We lost only one player from last year (albeit an All-American) and lost our main center forward to an ACL injury, but our forwards haven't been doing the scoring anyways. 

[Mr.Right]

Loras would out muscle Brandeis to every ball. I hate the way they play but I LOVE their work ethic and absolute leaving everything on the field. Loras would win 2-0

[Letthekidsplay59]

Also people predicting Brandeis to go to the Final 4 need their head examined. They are good but NOT that good and can be beaten on the day by most teams in this field. They will struggle to get to the Sweet 16

Would you consider Loras to be better than Brandeis?

I'd say Brandeis over Loras based on style of play at least. Brandeis play real soccer.

I don't know? The rock bowl is a hard place to play (no pun intended). But the style that Brandeis play is definitely superior to that of Loras. But better style of play doesn't always translate to more wins, as we have seen in the past (aka Richard Stockton 2003)

[blooter442]

My final four: Messiah, Oneonta, Wheaton, and MSU.

Also people predicting Brandeis to go to the Final 4 need their head examined. They are good but NOT that good and can be beaten on the day by most teams in this field. They will struggle to get to the Sweet 16

Mr.Right, your anti-Brandeis agenda is starting to show. Even as a Brandeis alum, I certainly don't think Brandeis will get to the Final Four, but saying they will "struggle to get to the Sweet 16" is a bit brash considering the Judges have made it to that round the past two years and are arguably better this year. Also, you can't say that they "can't beat NESCAC teams" anymore because they did beat Tufts this year. Certainly any team can beat them on their day, and I think Bowdoin could give them a real test and maybe even beat them, but saying that they won't get out of the first two rounds is a bit bold.

[Mr.Right]

Also, do not forget Williamstown native Sean Houston in net. He is been a great find for you guys and a tremendous athlete.

[Mr.Right]

I like Bold and am willing to wager Brandeis will not get out of the 2nd round if you give me odds

[stlawus]

Houston has really stepped up.  Costello went down early in the year with a concussion, but Houston filled in seamlessly.  The defense leaked a few goals early in the year, but Houston has been outstanding. 

[Letthekidsplay59]

Also people predicting Brandeis to go to the Final 4 need their head examined. They are good but NOT that good and can be beaten on the day by most teams in this field. They will struggle to get to the Sweet 16

Would you consider Loras to be better than Brandeis?

Why did you pick Loras vs Brandeis?  Very, very unlikely that those two are going to meet.

Two of the top teams in the country with very different styles of play. Loras made the final four the last couple of years, so putting Brandeis in that conversation is not out of the question.

[PaulNewman]

The style of play is only superior if it can be executed.  Sometimes with a step up in quality a team cannot effectuate its style.  That said, no one is going to out-tough Brandeis this year.  The question when they get to the more talented teams is whether they will be dynamic enough beyond playing a good possession game.

[woacfan]

Probably not the right board for this comment, but how does the NCAA leave the 15th team in the Country out of the tournament?
   I always have felt the organization is a microcosm of the world at large...when push-comes-to-shove the insiders take care of their own.   JCU choked in the conference championship, and winning that would have avoided this hearbreak, but to be No. 15 and lose out to OWU and other teams with lesser records...absolutely astounding.   I view this more as a comment on the sad state of NCAA selection at all levels than on the JCU soccer team. 
From the team's perspective, if they had taken care of business they would be in the tourney.  From the NCAA perspective, its another example of the old boys network protecting their own. 

[swibbles]

I like Bold and am willing to wager Brandeis will not get out of the 2nd round if you give me odds

Look, I'm no Brandeis fan, but I've seen them play a couple of times and they've been impressive.  They keep the ball nicely and clearly believe in what they do and find a way to win.  Their record speaks for itself - good SOS and only 2 losses (both of which came against top opposition)

[Letthekidsplay59]

I like Bold and am willing to wager Brandeis will not get out of the 2nd round if you give me odds

Cocky call. We shall see if you can live up to your name, "Mr. Right".

[Mr.Right]

I have seen Brandeis 7 times this season and I am willing to call this and put REAL money down with odds if one of you Brandeis supporters feels differently