UAA 2015

[NEsoccerfan]

Well done blooter. Regarding Brandeis, I'd actually venture to say that I don't think they'll miss a beat with the loss of the 3 seniors. Offensively, I think they are bound to improve with the likes of flahive, viera, Jastremski, and Lynch returning. Also, I think Freshman Joshua Handler and Andrew Allen will continue their growth and maturation and hopefully we will see one of them emerge as a goalscorer.

Regarding their losses, while I think Jake is an essential complement to the styles of hernandez and Ocel, I think Brandon Miskin is phenomenal and will fit into that roll perfectly.

Obviously, losing all american Lanahan and my favorite Robbie lynch will hurt. However, I think a large and often times overlooked factor in what makes Brandeis' defense (and many other staunch defenses) so good is the dominance and control in the midfield. Brandeis' style of constant possession and slow buildup helps to keep their defense spry and takes a lot of pressure off them since the mids and forwards keep the ball for tons of possession. While losing Lanahan and Lynch does hurt, Brandeis will not lose their style (and I'll venture to say they might be even more prolific in possession next year) so I don't think the loss of those two players will translate into that many more goals let up.Also, DePietto and Robinson have been spectacular all year and they just need to find a couple serviceable backs to compliment them. Hopefully Gabe and Coven are working hard to get some solid defensive commitments.

[blooter442]

Well done blooter. Regarding Brandeis, I'd actually venture to say that I don't think they'll miss a beat with the loss of the 3 seniors. Offensively, I think they are bound to improve with the likes of flahive, viera, Jastremski, and Lynch returning. Also, I think Freshman Joshua Handler and Andrew Allen will continue their growth and maturation and hopefully we will see one of them emerge as a goalscorer.

Regarding their losses, while I think Jake is an essential complement to the styles of hernandez and Ocel, I think Brandon Miskin is phenomenal and will fit into that roll perfectly.

Obviously, losing all american Lanahan and my favorite Robbie lynch will hurt. However, I think a large and often times overlooked factor in what makes Brandeis' defense (and many other staunch defenses) so good is the dominance and control in the midfield. Brandeis' style of constant possession and slow buildup helps to keep their defense spry and takes a lot of pressure off them since the mids and forwards keep the ball for tons of possession. While losing Lanahan and Lynch does hurt, Brandeis will not lose their style (and I'll venture to say they might be even more prolific in possession next year) so I don't think the loss of those two players will translate into that many more goals let up.Also, DePietto and Robinson have been spectacular all year and they just need to find a couple serviceable backs to compliment them. Hopefully Gabe and Coven are working hard to get some solid defensive commitments.

Good points. From what I understood, as far as defense goes, I think Josh Hacunda will be back for another year probably, as he was out all of this year with an ACL injury. Perhaps he can fill in on the left side of defense - IIRC he played RB last year. One possible replacement for Lanahan would be Hernandez (it is my understanding that he is a natural CB), but I see it more likely that they keep Hernandez in midfield and replace Lanahan with someone new, perhaps highly-touted freshman Julien Tremblay, or perhaps another newcomer.

In midfield, I think a consistent trio of Ocel, Miskin, and Hernandez is very functional - Ocel is the most attacking of the three but can defend well, Miskin is a mix of both, and Hernandez is your classic central midfield "destroyer" who just breaks up opposing attacks. And I actually think with another year under their belts they might be better than this year - Miskin is perhaps a bit technically cleaner than Picard, but Picard will be missed.

Handler really impressed off the bench, he got better as the season went on and served as an excellent replacement for Jastremski while he was out, and even kept Jastremski out of the starting lineup once he was fit again. Provided some excellent assists, too. I would imagine Coven and Gabe will be trying to bring in a true CF (Flahive was an outside mid turned CF) although asking a freshman to start up top for a competitive program is a lot, so it will be interesting to see what they do with the front three if anything at all.

[CovensCorner]

Well done blooter. Regarding Brandeis, I'd actually venture to say that I don't think they'll miss a beat with the loss of the 3 seniors. Offensively, I think they are bound to improve with the likes of flahive, viera, Jastremski, and Lynch returning. Also, I think Freshman Joshua Handler and Andrew Allen will continue their growth and maturation and hopefully we will see one of them emerge as a goalscorer.

Regarding their losses, while I think Jake is an essential complement to the styles of hernandez and Ocel, I think Brandon Miskin is phenomenal and will fit into that roll perfectly.

Obviously, losing all american Lanahan and my favorite Robbie lynch will hurt. However, I think a large and often times overlooked factor in what makes Brandeis' defense (and many other staunch defenses) so good is the dominance and control in the midfield. Brandeis' style of constant possession and slow buildup helps to keep their defense spry and takes a lot of pressure off them since the mids and forwards keep the ball for tons of possession. While losing Lanahan and Lynch does hurt, Brandeis will not lose their style (and I'll venture to say they might be even more prolific in possession next year) so I don't think the loss of those two players will translate into that many more goals let up.Also, DePietto and Robinson have been spectacular all year and they just need to find a couple serviceable backs to compliment them. Hopefully Gabe and Coven are working hard to get some solid defensive commitments.

Good points. From what I understood, as far as defense goes, I think Josh Hacunda will be back for another year probably, as he was out all of this year with an ACL injury. Perhaps he can fill in on the left side of defense - IIRC he played RB last year. One possible replacement for Lanahan would be Hernandez (it is my understanding that he is a natural CB), but I see it more likely that they keep Hernandez in midfield and replace Lanahan with someone new, perhaps highly-touted freshman Julien Tremblay, or perhaps another newcomer.

In midfield, I think a consistent trio of Ocel, Miskin, and Hernandez is very functional - Ocel is the most attacking of the three but can defend well, Miskin is a mix of both, and Hernandez is your classic central midfield "destroyer" who just breaks up opposing attacks. And I actually think with another year under their belts they might be better than this year - Miskin is perhaps a bit technically cleaner than Picard, but Picard will be missed.

Handler really impressed off the bench, he got better as the season went on and served as an excellent replacement for Jastremski while he was out, and even kept Jastremski out of the starting lineup once he was fit again. Provided some excellent assists, too. I would imagine Coven and Gabe will be trying to bring in a true CF (Flahive was an outside mid turned CF) although asking a freshman to start up top for a competitive program is a lot, so it will be interesting to see what they do with the front three if anything at all.

I do not see Hernandez moving to CB.  If you have watched him play, he is a bit reckless with his challenges and plays more of an enforcer role who is more than happy to take a yellow to slow down the counter or to just play physical.  However Brandeis as whole defensively seems to be quite aggresive with tackles in the box or near.

It would not be a surprise however to see Coven/Gabe drop a DCM into the CB role as they did with Joe Einsenbies in 2012 (junior) and 2013 (senior) who had no prior history as a CB. 

[blooter442]

It would not be a surprise however to see Coven/Gabe drop a DCM into the CB role as they did with Joe Einsenbies in 2012 (junior) and 2013 (senior) who had no prior history as a CB.

True. Only thing is - based on their current roster - aside from Hernandez and Miskin I don't really see anyone else cut out to potentially play CB. Neither really has the height for CB. I mean, Eisenbies wasn't exceptionally tall, either, but his anticipation was unreal and he hardly ever lost a header. You don't see that level of reading of the game come along very often.

[PaulNewman]

Honestly, with what U of Chicago offers in terms of the school and location and everything they should be the best team in this league. I do not know if soccer is supported like it is at Brandeis but they should have the resources for this to be a Top 10 program in the country. O'Conner had some success there but wanted D1 and left for URI. 5 years later was fired after he destroyed that program completely. Wiercinski also had some success but really this program should take off. Ironically, O'Conner after getting fired at URI ended up back in D3 at Castleton St. A far cry from Chicago

I would think Chicago is just about the hardest D3 in the country to get kids through admissions, followed closely by Swat.  Haverford also is not easy, in part because the school is so small (1200 students).  Wash U might the 2nd toughest in the UAA, although Wash U as an institution is so image-conscious/savvy they might want strong athletic programs.  Williams and Amherst are tough but athletics and athletes are important on NESCAC campuses.

[Letthekidsplay59]

Honestly, with what U of Chicago offers in terms of the school and location and everything they should be the best team in this league. I do not know if soccer is supported like it is at Brandeis but they should have the resources for this to be a Top 10 program in the country. O'Conner had some success there but wanted D1 and left for URI. 5 years later was fired after he destroyed that program completely. Wiercinski also had some success but really this program should take off. Ironically, O'Conner after getting fired at URI ended up back in D3 at Castleton St. A far cry from Chicago

I would think Chicago is just about the hardest D3 in the country to get kids through admissions, followed closely by Swat.  Haverford also is not easy, in part because the school is so small (1200 students).  Wash U might the 2nd toughest in the UAA, although Wash U as an institution is so image-conscious/savvy they might want strong athletic programs.  Williams and Amherst are tough but athletics and athletes are important on NESCAC campuses.

True.  Looking at the data, the UAA has a lot of the lowest admit rates among diii schools. MIT at 7.9% is the lowest among diii, but Chicago is close behind at 8.8%. Wash U at 17.1% is second in the UAA, but all are very selective and no doubt limit the pool of potential players. On the flip side, once a player that meets the necessary academic and athletic standards is found, you'd think these schools should be fairly successful at convincing kids to come.

[Jump4Joy]

Hm. According to US News and World Report, 10 of the 11 NESCAC schools rank in the top 100 lowest acceptance rates (across all divisions), while 3 UAA schools make the list. One UAA is listed before the top two NESCACs and one more before the next four, etc.

[PaulNewman]

Hm. According to US News and World Report, 10 of the 11 NESCAC schools rank in the top 100 lowest acceptance rates (across all divisions), while 3 UAA schools make the list. One UAA is listed before the top two NESCACs and one more before the next four, etc.

Certainly there is some correlation with overall admit rates, but another factor is how much individual schools value athletes within their own admit rate dynamics.  Just as a hypothetical, Amherst might have a 12% admit rate while Haverford is 20% but Haverford might be the tougher school to get in as an athlete.

[blooter442]

Hm. According to US News and World Report, 10 of the 11 NESCAC schools rank in the top 100 lowest acceptance rates (across all divisions), while 3 UAA schools make the list. One UAA is listed before the top two NESCACs and one more before the next four, etc.

Admit rates certainly do have some say in how selective the schools are, but they don't tell the whole story. Keep in mind that the average UAA school is significantly larger (all 8 schools = 7,430; excluding NYU = 5,400) than the average NESCAC (all 11 schools = 2,400; excluding Tufts = 2,100), so while the schools may have equally talented prospective students and student bodies in terms of grades/SAT scores/etc. the NESCAC has far fewer spots by design. Granted, UAA schools also tend to receive more applications, so it goes both ways, but just goes to show that acceptance rates aren't exactly the best metric of academic quality - it can be like comparing apples and oranges.

A perfect example: Carnegie Mellon at 23.6% has a higher acceptance rate than Bates' 21.4%, but would you say that Bates is the superior school? With all due respect to Bates, I would not.

That said, both conferences are entirely comprised of schools with under 50 percent acceptance rates, and are excellent academically.

[Jump4Joy]

blooter, I agree that the numbers never really tell the full story. It's important to analyze and synthesize.

[Part_Bart]

Re: Admissions and selectivity, worth noting that the NESCAC and UAA schools have excellent applicant pools. Pool size and admissions rate are remarkably similar. Matriculation rates are a better measure of interest -- as this indicates what % of admits accept the offer of school "A" (and, thus, over school "B"). Applicants to NSECAC and UAA schools will have options .... 

So, the discussion by admissions officers at these types of schools is about 'selecting a class' -- they have the privilege and responsibility to bring together an interesting cross-section of young people.  The emphasis (or weighting) of sport skill as one of the criteria for selection surely varies by college (and sport -- if not coach). My sense is the role of soccer skill in admissions is far less about the school (across the rarified strata of UAA v. NESCAC schools) and far more about the role of the coach and that programs status inside the institution. Just think what an advantage it is to have a decade or two of experience in recruiting for that institution!  The coach can build up evidence of selection -> graduation while also learning how to help admissions see the value of the sport as a contributor to the quality and diversity of the students on campus.

[CovensCorner]

Brandeis is now 0-3 on the Amherst field since their resurgence in 2012.  Loss to Williams (2012), Loss to Williams (2013), Loss to Trinity (2015).  For whatever reason they can not get the job done.  In 2012 they were outplay by Williams but the goal scored was harsh, Joe Eisenbeis was pulled down from behind leaving Rashid one on one who slotted home the winner. the Following year Brandeis was again outplayed by Williams, but two crucial mistakes by the Brandeis keeper are what ultimately led to defeat and finally, 2015.  Brandeis played well today however when they fall behind they have no one to bring them back in the game after going down early.  Brandeis needs to find a way to host, so they don't have to play at Amherst.

Does anyone have any insight on recruits for Brandeis?

[Jump4Joy]

#10 was the heart and soul for Brandeis today. Others were somewhat of a no-show.

[DagarmanSpartan]

Hm. According to US News and World Report, 10 of the 11 NESCAC schools rank in the top 100 lowest acceptance rates (across all divisions), while 3 UAA schools make the list. One UAA is listed before the top two NESCACs and one more before the next four, etc.

Admit rates certainly do have some say in how selective the schools are, but they don't tell the whole story. Keep in mind that the average UAA school is significantly larger (all 8 schools = 7,430; excluding NYU = 5,400) than the average NESCAC (all 11 schools = 2,400; excluding Tufts = 2,100), so while the schools may have equally talented prospective students and student bodies in terms of grades/SAT scores/etc. the NESCAC has far fewer spots by design. Granted, UAA schools also tend to receive more applications, so it goes both ways, but just goes to show that acceptance rates aren't exactly the best metric of academic quality - it can be like comparing apples and oranges.

A perfect example: Carnegie Mellon at 23.6% has a higher acceptance rate than Bates' 21.4%, but would you say that Bates is the superior school? With all due respect to Bates, I would not.

That said, both conferences are entirely comprised of schools with under 50 percent acceptance rates, and are excellent academically.

I understand the bit about acceptance rates, but what about average SAT scores?  My guess is that the UAA's, on average, are higher than the NESCAC's; very likely the highest, on average, of any Division III conference.

The UAA is also the only conference in the NCAA at any Division that consists enirely of members of the elite Association of American Universities (AAU); even the Ivy League and B1G cannot claim that distinction. 

[Mr.Right]

Well with Bowdoin and Wesleyan now not looking at SAT's their athletic programs are getting a MAJOR boost.