UAA 2015

[Mr.Right]

Big result for Rochester on the road drawing Wash. U 1-1. Fairly even game. UR needed a result and got one.

U of R needs more results at this point. Ties are not going to cut it and they really need some Wins in the UAA to get a chance at a Pool C.

Agreed. But seems they are on the rise. Anytime you can go on the road and draw an 8-1-0 conference foe, who was ranked #14 in the latest poll btw, is a great result no matter what caliber team you are. Don't understand how that's anything but a good result?

Looking at Rochester's resume it does not look great IMO. The only results against POSSIBLE regional ranked teams are 0-0-2 against Lycoming and U of Washington. They beat Rutgers Newark but I do not think they will be regionally ranked unless they go on a win streak. The other wins are against weaker teams that will not be ranked. Now luckily they play in the UAA and can get multiple opportunities to get SOLID WINS.

[blooter442]

Agreed. But seems they are on the rise. Anytime you can go on the road and draw an 8-1-0 conference foe, who was ranked #14 in the latest poll btw, is a great result no matter what caliber team you are. Don't understand how that's anything but a good result?

I don't think there's any argument that it's a good result - you're absolutely right, a good road tie - but what he's saying, and I agree, is that Rochester can't keep racking up ties if they want to get into the Tournament. Furthermore, there's a good chance they lose at least one or two conference games, and - hypothetically speaking - four losses and three ties doesn't make for a great resume, especially when you don't have a major scalp over a ranked team on your resume yet.

Last year, Rochester beat SLU and Brandeis, and tied Oneonta, which was huge in getting them into NCAAs. They don't have a result like that this year, and while tying the #14 team on the road is certainly a good result, it's not of the same magnitude as the three I mentioned.

Hey, it all could change come UAA time, and they could pull off major wins that would get them into the tourney, but I haven't been overly impressed by Rochester this year, and two losses and three ties in early October doesn't make great reading as it stands.

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

All valid points and I agree.

2014: 10-5-4 Made NCAA's
2013: 15-3-2 Made NCAA's
2012: 10-4-4 Made NCAA's
2011: 9-5-2   Missed NCAA's---lost last 2 games. If they win 1 of those 2 they are probably in.
2010: 10-3-5 Made NCAA's

Since 2005 they have missed NCAA's once which was in 2011. They made NCAA's in 2006 with a 9-6-3 record (these are all records after NCAA's were over btw so technically an 8-5-3 record but you catch my drift). So historically if they win 10+ games it's probably a lock for them. If they get to 8/9 wins its a 50/50 chance they get in.

Last year they were 10-5-4...At this point last year they were 5-3-2...this year they are 4-2-3 at the exact same spot...was everybody on UR's case then about under performing? They have an easy non-conference game left in Moravian so say they are 5-2-3. That means they are a game better than last year's 2nd round NCAA tournament team that lost to F&M in PK's and probably should have won the game. They play a tough schedule and they are in a tough conference. They went 3-3-1 in conference last year. If they do that this year that puts them at 8-6-3 and I don't think they get in. But if they go 4-2-1 in conference and end up 9-4-4 at the end of the year I think they easily get in.

I get your point and they are valid and I agree but I also don't understand why they are getting so much criticism? There are good teams out side of the New England area ya know. 

[Mr.Right]

UAA is looking at 2 definite At-large berths and possibly 3 depending on how the UAA regular season plays out.

LOCKS...
1. Brandeis
2. Case Western

MORE WORK NEEDED...

3. Carnegie Mellon----That Messiah win is looking less and less important. They have a lot of wins against teams that will not be ranked. They need 4 good wins in the UAA.
4. Wash U.----------This is your ultimate bubble team. They have some good out of conference results but not quite enough. They need some KEY UAA wins.
5.Chicago, Emory and Rochester need a lot of work and MUST get 4-5 wins in UAA.

COOKED

NYU

[blooter442]

I get your point and they are valid and I agree but I also don't understand why they are getting so much criticism? There are good teams out side of the New England area ya know. 

You're definitely not wrong!

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that people, particuarly NE folks, are annoyed that a team like Rochester can get into NCAAs with a lot of blemishes. There have been tongue-in-cheek accusations that Apple formerly being on the NCAA regional committee might have something to do with that. I'm split - on the one hand, I do feel that Rochester has benefited from some rather dubious selection decisions, but I also have seen some NESCAC teams make it in rather questionable fashion. Regardless, that might go some way to explaining why Rochester draws the ire and criticism of NE folks.

My criticism was more to do with the fact that they really don't have any big results this year on their resume, and a tie against WashU, while good, is not like last year when they beat SLU and Brandeis and tied Oneonta - all three of whom were ranked in the top 10 at the time of their games vs. Rochester. Two wins and a draw against three top 10 teams is no doubt impressive, so even though they lost four regular-season games, I can understand the committee choosing them last year.

Last year they were 10-5-4...At this point last year they were 5-3-2...this year they are 4-2-3 at the exact same spot...was everybody on UR's case then about under performing?

Actually, yes! I think part of it had to do with the fact that they won the UAA the year before, but nonetheless people took notice. That said, people were definitely criticizing them. This year, I haven't been convinced by them, and I think they will stumble in conference.

I think you're right - 10 wins seems to be, historically, a lock for them, but less than that and they could well be out of the running. Not making it in 2011 was probably a good wake-up call, as they were certainly in the running until they lost their last two games. Regardless, as a UAA fan, I am well aware - and have long advocated - that there is more to the D3 soccer world outside of New England. 

[NERevs127]

The UAA is always one of the most interesting conferences come tournament time for a few reasons. 1) UAA and NESCAC tend to also have the highest SOS so a loss or tie here and there isn't as drastic. 2) the regional differences of each team makes for an easier comparison of national rankings and increases Pool C births on a regional spectrum. 3) No playoff system makes the early UAA games just as important as the end of the season games

This upcoming weekend is going to answer a lot of the questions about who looks the best in the UAA:
Brandeis at Case Western - Second big test for Case this season (loss to Thomas More 3-2) and Brandeis' fourth (Loss 2-0 a Trinity TX, Win 1-0 at Tufts, Win vs. Carnegie 4-2). This give the advantage to Brandeis in my opinion, especially after figuring out their scoring problem (14GF, 6 in the last two games). If the Case/Kenyon game would have been played it might be a different story. I say 2-1 Brandeis.

Wash U at Emory - Emory is the hardest place to get a result in the UAA with it being the only none turf field and the longest commute. Both teams didn't have a great start to the season but seem to be clicking now with the conference games starting up. I could see this being a 0-0 tie or 1-0 in favor of Emory.

NYU at Carnegie - Carnegie is going to want to bounce back after their 4-2 loss at Brandeis and not having a game during the week. On the other end NYU's only chance of making the tournament at this point is to win the UAA. Carnegie is going to win this one though, 2-0 is Webb doesn't play. Any word on why he didn't play the second half of the Brandeis game? 3-0 if he does play.

Chicago at Rochester - Both of these teams are the biggest question marks to me. Many believe Chicago is overrated and previous discussions regarding the already five blemishes on Rochester's record. I was more impressed with Rochester this last weekend and would give them the advantage being at home. Look for a hard fought game with not a lot of shots. 1-0 Rochester, possibly in OT

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Mr. Right,

I wouldn't say Case is a lock. Only good teams they played out of conference was a win vs Ohio Northern and the loss to TMC. I think they will get in but I wouldn't say lock yet. Other than that sounds about right.

Blooter,

I like your style! 

[Mr.Right]

Mr. Right,

I wouldn't say Case is a lock. Only good teams they played out of conference was a win vs Ohio Northern and the loss to TMC. I think they will get in but I wouldn't say lock yet. Other than that sounds about right.

Blooter,

I like your style!

You are correct. I thought John Carroll was a good win but I did not realize they are 5-3-1 and even Ohio Northern is a total roller coaster this year. That Kenyon game NEEDS to get re-scheduled.  Case does have a UAA friendly schedule with only 2 road games left and one of them is at Chicago. That Brandeis game this week-end is a BIG one. That game vs Waynesburg who is 0-9-1 will drag that usual UAA schedule and SOS WAAYYY down. That is one of those lose-lose games for CASE.

[TennesseeJed]

You are correct. I thought John Carroll was a good win but I did not realize they are 5-3-1 and even Ohio Northern is a total roller coaster this year. That Kenyon game NEEDS to get re-scheduled.  Case does have a UAA friendly schedule with only 2 road games left and one of them is at Chicago. That Brandeis game this week-end is a BIG one. That game vs Waynesburg who is 0-9-1 will drag that usual UAA schedule and SOS WAAYYY down. That is one of those lose-lose games for CASE.

I am highly doubtful that the Kenyon vs. Case game will be rescheduled.  Their respective schedules do not line up well for a rematch and I don't see either team wedging it in during their toughest in-conference games to make an out of conference game work.  Case has a surprisingly easy mid-season travel schedule for the UAA in-conference but then a 3 game away stint at Waynesburg, Chicago and WashU all within one week. 

How 'bout we do a little swapping and have Waynesburg play Allegheny and Kenyon play CW?!!!.  (I know, I know, this can't happen, but boy, it would have made a much better season all around.)  Perhaps the solution is for Kenyon to join the UAA in 2016.  Academically, it's strong enough and competitive enough to fit right in w/ UAA schools.  The NCAC will still have enough teams to be legit.  Bet OWU wouldn't object!    Plus, then NCACNE and I can watch a few Lords games at home as a bonus!

[PaulNewman]

You are correct. I thought John Carroll was a good win but I did not realize they are 5-3-1 and even Ohio Northern is a total roller coaster this year. That Kenyon game NEEDS to get re-scheduled.  Case does have a UAA friendly schedule with only 2 road games left and one of them is at Chicago. That Brandeis game this week-end is a BIG one. That game vs Waynesburg who is 0-9-1 will drag that usual UAA schedule and SOS WAAYYY down. That is one of those lose-lose games for CASE.

I am highly doubtful that the Kenyon vs. Case game will be rescheduled.  Their respective schedules do not line up well for a rematch and I don't see either team wedging it in during their toughest in-conference games to make an out of conference game work.  Case has a surprisingly easy mid-season travel schedule for the UAA in-conference but then a 3 game away stint at Waynesburg, Chicago and WashU all within one week. 

How 'bout we do a little swapping and have Waynesburg play Allegheny and Kenyon play CW?!!!.  (I know, I know, this can't happen, but boy, it would have made a much better season all around.)  Perhaps the solution is for Kenyon to join the UAA in 2016.  Academically, it's strong enough and competitive enough to fit right in w/ UAA schools.  The NCAC will still have enough teams to be legit.  Bet OWU wouldn't object!    Plus, then NCACNE and I can watch a few Lords games at home as a bonus!

Kenyon would actually fit better size-wise in the NESCAC (although the UAA travel tradition would fit better).  Like in NBA trades sometimes you need a 3rd participant.  We'll send Tufts to the UAA which would be a great fit and amp up the burgeoning rivalry with Brandeis even more and Hamilton can go to the NCAC (or back to the Liberty).  Wonder what is further -- Hamilton to DePauw or Wabash or Hamilton to Colby.  While we're at it, let's send Wesleyan down to the Centennial.

And yes, we are all in agreement that the solution is Case dropping the Waynesburg game.   Aside from proper manners and etiquette there must be contractual restrictions on these sorts of things, although, seriously, we're not talking about any difference in gate receipts.

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Got my first negative karma today...that's depressing 

[blooter442]

Got my first negative karma today...that's depressing 

Don't sweat it. Trust me, I would have +K'd you if I could for complimenting my style!

[Mr.Right]

Watched most of 2nd half and both OT's Brandeis v MIT 0-0...

What I noticed:

MIT--Organized in shape and defensively. They remind me of Skidmore a bit as they drop when they lose the ball and stay is shape very well. They are a physical team with size.(well I watched on video and they looked bigger than Brandeis). Their Back 4 are tough but WHACK everything near them. They are also a step slow. I will be interested to see how they do against WPI as I believe those 2 are the top dogs in NEWMAC. They had a couple sniffs and one dangerous chance that Brandeis keeper saved. I could not see #'s well but if they still have Bingham than they will be ok. However, they rely on their defense as they will not be able to score against good defensive teams unless on a set piece.

Brandeis has more speed and skill than MIT and are very organized defensively and have speed in the back. I like this team defensively but something seems to be lacking here offensively. They do not have that legit striker that can get them that winning goal in November IMO. I like Brandeis skill, speed, GK and backs. I just do not see a REAL goal scoring threat. Maybe I am wrong

[blooter442]

Certainly don't disagree with you there, Bradley is not the answer and he was benched tonight, but the crazy thing is that MIT's midfield absolutely dominated Brandeis tonight. They looked far more threatening, and they won every second ball. Plus, MIT had much better chances – hit the bar, and probably should've scored on a shot in front.  Given that Brandeis doesn't have a target man, I would almost put two up top in Vieira and Chaput. Neither quite has the size or physicality to be a lone striker, but they both are good goalscorers and have excellent workrates. The Judges do have some big midfielders who could be late arriving scoring threats, so that's how it could work, but isolating one guy up top who isn't even a real striker isn't the answer I don't think.

[Mr.Right]

I only saw the 2nd Half and OT.  Let's remember that Brandeis is in a 4-3-3 and MIT was in a strict 4-4-2 with the wing middies pinched on defense and that clogged up the middle for Brandeis. Brandeis had room on the flanks for the most part. MIT was extremely physical with Brandeis and it worked but they are not the most technical side. From what I remember they did not create that many dangerous chances except for 1 that the Brandeis GK made a nice save on. Brandeis had numerous corners in the 2nd Half that they could of capitalized on but did not. In any case, for Brandeis their backs are FAST which I like, MIT's back are big and physical but a step slow, WHICH I DO NOT LIKE. Had Brandeis gotten it out to the flanks which they did somewhat in the 2nd half and their wingers taking MIT's wingbacks on 1v1 and BEATING them forcing one of those CB's to come over and help then a nice low cross on the turf with #'s in the box should be finished. I did not see enough of that from Brandeis. I also feel Brandeis stays home a little to much on defense with their wing backs. They need those speedy wingbacks getting up into the attack to help create numbers.