2016 Great Lakes Region

[PaulNewman]

Wow.  DePauw wins 1-0 over TMC on a EJ Moore goal at literally 89:59 off a corner.  DPU had outshot TMC 13-1 and corners 8 to 2.

TMC now 5-5 (not counting Cincy loss).  Not the season TMC was expecting thus far I'm sure.  Grove City has a real chance to win the PRAC tourney but now TMC will enjoy an underdog role which may be very dangerous that last weekend.

[Domino1195]

Wow.  DePauw wins 1-0 over TMC on a EJ Moore goal at literally 89:59 off a corner.  DPU had outshot TMC 13-1 and corners 8 to 2.

TMC now 5-5 (not counting Cincy loss).  Not the season TMC was expecting thus far I'm sure.  Grove City has a real chance to win the PRAC tourney but now TMC will enjoy an underdog role which may be very dangerous that last weekend.

Speaking of GCC and goals at the 89:59 mark - that also happened to them in the Heidelberg game!

[Domino1195]

Regional rankings should be interesting. On one hand many teams with a loss or tie this week. On the other hand teams winning both games this week are seeing their SOS decline.

ONU has to be first after their 2-0 week; Capital's two wins come against teams with winning records (they haven't played too many teams WITH winning records) - I think they are second or third; Depauw's two wins were also against tough competition - maybe as high as three?  CMU - no shame in the draw against Brandeis - should be in the top four or five with Oberlin. Kenyon and OWU will drop - but not sure by how much, but Kenyon at 5 or 6.  OWU may drop lower.

PSU-Behrand doesn't have much left on their schedule except for Medaille - not sure where to put them honestly. But they keep winning - all they can do is take care of the games the have left.  In the top 8.  Hanover moves up - Transy and GCC move out.

ONU, Capital, DePauw, Oberlin, CMU, Kenyon, PSU-Behrand, OWU, Hanover and I don't have a clue for 10th.

[Domino1195]

Regional rankings should be interesting. On one hand many teams with a loss or tie this week. On the other hand teams winning both games this week are seeing their SOS decline.

ONU has to be first after their 2-0 week; Capital's two wins come against teams with winning records (they haven't played too many teams WITH winning records) - I think they are second or third; Depauw's two wins were also against tough competition - maybe as high as three?  CMU - no shame in the draw against Brandeis - should be in the top four or five with Oberlin. Kenyon and OWU will drop - but not sure by how much, but Kenyon at 5 or 6.  OWU may drop lower.

PSU-Behrand doesn't have much left on their schedule except for Medaille - not sure where to put them honestly. But they keep winning - all they can do is take care of the games the have left.  In the top 8.  Hanover moves up - Transy and GCC move out.

ONU, Capital, DePauw, Oberlin, CMU, Kenyon, PSU-Behrand, OWU, Hanover and I don't have a clue for 10th.

Not too far off - DePauw at 6 surprised me.

ONU, Oberlin, Capital, CMU, Kenyon, DePauw, PSU-Behrand, Hanover, OWU and Grove City.  What shocked me was to see Kenyon unranked and without a vote in the national rankings.

[DonkeyTouch]

If anyone had told me that a Saturday night October showdown between nationally ranked and top 3 in the region teams in the Great Lakes this fall would feature two OAC schools as opposed to two NCAC schools... I would have laughed in their face.

Best of luck to both sides Saturday in Bexley.  Hopefully the on field product is as fun as it looks on paper.

[Flying Weasel]

Regional rankings should be interesting. On one hand many teams with a loss or tie this week. On the other hand teams winning both games this week are seeing their SOS decline.

ONU has to be first after their 2-0 week; Capital's two wins come against teams with winning records (they haven't played too many teams WITH winning records) - I think they are second or third; Depauw's two wins were also against tough competition - maybe as high as three?  CMU - no shame in the draw against Brandeis - should be in the top four or five with Oberlin. Kenyon and OWU will drop - but not sure by how much, but Kenyon at 5 or 6.  OWU may drop lower.

PSU-Behrand doesn't have much left on their schedule except for Medaille - not sure where to put them honestly. But they keep winning - all they can do is take care of the games the have left.  In the top 8.  Hanover moves up - Transy and GCC move out.

ONU, Capital, DePauw, Oberlin, CMU, Kenyon, PSU-Behrand, OWU, Hanover and I don't have a clue for 10th.

Not too far off - DePauw at 6 surprised me.

ONU, Oberlin, Capital, CMU, Kenyon, DePauw, PSU-Behrand, Hanover, OWU and Grove City.  What shocked me was to see Kenyon unranked and without a vote in the national rankings.

But if you didn't think Kenyon would be top 4 regionally, why would you have expected them to receive a vote in the national rankings?  Traditionally the NSCAA places the regional #1's as the top 8 in the national ranking, the regional #2's in spots 9 thru 16, and the regional #3's in places 17 thru 24.  Then one lucky regional #4 gets the final spot with some or all of the other regional #4's being listed as receiving votes.

[Domino1195]

Regional rankings should be interesting. On one hand many teams with a loss or tie this week. On the other hand teams winning both games this week are seeing their SOS decline.

ONU has to be first after their 2-0 week; Capital's two wins come against teams with winning records (they haven't played too many teams WITH winning records) - I think they are second or third; Depauw's two wins were also against tough competition - maybe as high as three?  CMU - no shame in the draw against Brandeis - should be in the top four or five with Oberlin. Kenyon and OWU will drop - but not sure by how much, but Kenyon at 5 or 6.  OWU may drop lower.

PSU-Behrand doesn't have much left on their schedule except for Medaille - not sure where to put them honestly. But they keep winning - all they can do is take care of the games the have left.  In the top 8.  Hanover moves up - Transy and GCC move out.

ONU, Capital, DePauw, Oberlin, CMU, Kenyon, PSU-Behrand, OWU, Hanover and I don't have a clue for 10th.

Not too far off - DePauw at 6 surprised me.

ONU, Oberlin, Capital, CMU, Kenyon, DePauw, PSU-Behrand, Hanover, OWU and Grove City.  What shocked me was to see Kenyon unranked and without a vote in the national rankings.

But if you didn't think Kenyon would be top 4 regionally, why would you have expected them to receive a vote in the national rankings?  Traditionally the NSCAA places the regional #1's as the top 8 in the national ranking, the regional #2's in spots 9 thru 16, and the regional #3's in places 17 thru 24.  Then one lucky regional #4 gets the final spot with some or all of the other regional #4's being listed as receiving votes.

If what you say is correct - then I've learned something new!

[Flying Weasel]

Regional rankings should be interesting. On one hand many teams with a loss or tie this week. On the other hand teams winning both games this week are seeing their SOS decline.

ONU has to be first after their 2-0 week; Capital's two wins come against teams with winning records (they haven't played too many teams WITH winning records) - I think they are second or third; Depauw's two wins were also against tough competition - maybe as high as three?  CMU - no shame in the draw against Brandeis - should be in the top four or five with Oberlin. Kenyon and OWU will drop - but not sure by how much, but Kenyon at 5 or 6.  OWU may drop lower.

PSU-Behrand doesn't have much left on their schedule except for Medaille - not sure where to put them honestly. But they keep winning - all they can do is take care of the games the have left.  In the top 8.  Hanover moves up - Transy and GCC move out.

ONU, Capital, DePauw, Oberlin, CMU, Kenyon, PSU-Behrand, OWU, Hanover and I don't have a clue for 10th.

Not too far off - DePauw at 6 surprised me.

ONU, Oberlin, Capital, CMU, Kenyon, DePauw, PSU-Behrand, Hanover, OWU and Grove City.  What shocked me was to see Kenyon unranked and without a vote in the national rankings.

But if you didn't think Kenyon would be top 4 regionally, why would you have expected them to receive a vote in the national rankings?  Traditionally the NSCAA places the regional #1's as the top 8 in the national ranking, the regional #2's in spots 9 thru 16, and the regional #3's in places 17 thru 24.  Then one lucky regional #4 gets the final spot with some or all of the other regional #4's being listed as receiving votes.

If what you say is correct - then I've learned something new!

Traditionally, that's how the NSCAA does it going back as far as I can remember (+/-2000).  In recent years there was an effort by some within the NSCAA to become more flexible and I think last year (or was it 2014?) their national rankings deviated from the traditional framework (regional #1's at 1-8, regional #2's at 9-16, regional #3's at 17-24) a little bit (not much, but a little).  I haven't been following the NSCAA rankings much this year to know if they have been rigidly sticking to that framework or if they have deviated some again.  This is why teams sometimes move so drastically in the NSCAA national rankings from week to week.  If a team moves 1 or 2 spots in the the regional rankings it can result in a pretty significant move in the national rankings regardless of how teams in other regions fared in the previous week.  And it means that a weak region will still have three teams in the national rankings and a strong region will only have three, maybe four, teams in the national rankings.

[Domino1195]

If anyone had told me that a Saturday night October showdown between nationally ranked and top 3 in the region teams in the Great Lakes this fall would feature two OAC schools as opposed to two NCAC schools... I would have laughed in their face.

Best of luck to both sides Saturday in Bexley.  Hopefully the on field product is as fun as it looks on paper.

Indeed. In addition to your observations - the two starting goalkeepers are ranked #1 and #4 in the country - save percent; #1 and #3 GAA.  After Capital's opening game loss - 4-1 to Calvin - a number of line-up changes were made, roster turnover has occurred - and they have won 10 straight, 8 by shut-out. Each team has only given up 1 goal in their last 6 games - ONU 3 straight shut-outs, Capital with 5.

These teams play great team defense - number of shots on goal a testament to that: Cap's starting keeper has allowed one goal, 29 shots on goal in 9 games - slightly over 3 shots on goal per game; ONU's keeper - who has played every game - has allowed 4 goals, 41 total shots on goal in 13 games, again just slightly over 3 shots on goal per game.

One of the biggest differences - other than goals scored - ONU second in the nation with 47 - is fouls and cards:  ONU has ALWAYS been  at the bottom of conference play in total fouls committed and cards received.  To play hard, not commit fouls AND have a winning record like they do is truly to be admired.  ONU tied for 13th in the nation in lowest number of fouls committed - 75, 7 yellows, 0 red.  Capital has committed almost 50 more fouls in two fewer games - 122, 11 yellow, 0 red.  Capital can be careless with fouls 30 yards and close to goal - this game may very well likely be decided on a set piece

ONU's three road games have been interesting - two 2-1 wins and the 0-0 game at OWU. The two wins came against not highly rated teams - and 2 of the four goals conceded came in those games (the Wittenberg goal was an OG). Their fouls per game are higher on the road than at home also.

Saturday is Homecoming and if Capital gets any increase in attendance that could provide an emotional lift to them.

[DonkeyTouch]

If anyone had told me that a Saturday night October showdown between nationally ranked and top 3 in the region teams in the Great Lakes this fall would feature two OAC schools as opposed to two NCAC schools... I would have laughed in their face.

Best of luck to both sides Saturday in Bexley.  Hopefully the on field product is as fun as it looks on paper.

Indeed. In addition to your observations - the two starting goalkeepers are ranked #1 and #4 in the country - save percent; #1 and #3 GAA.  After Capital's opening game loss - 4-1 to Calvin - a number of line-up changes were made, roster turnover has occurred - and they have won 10 straight, 8 by shut-out. Each team has only given up 1 goal in their last 6 games - ONU 3 straight shut-outs, Capital with 5.

These teams play great team defense - number of shots on goal a testament to that: Cap's starting keeper has allowed one goal, 29 shots on goal in 9 games - slightly over 3 shots on goal per game; ONU's keeper - who has played every game - has allowed 4 goals, 41 total shots on goal in 13 games, again just slightly over 3 shots on goal per game.

One of the biggest differences - other than goals scored - ONU second in the nation with 47 - is fouls and cards:  ONU has ALWAYS been  at the bottom of conference play in total fouls committed and cards received.  To play hard, not commit fouls AND have a winning record like they do is truly to be admired.  ONU tied for 13th in the nation in lowest number of fouls committed - 75, 7 yellows, 0 red.  Capital has committed almost 50 more fouls in two fewer games - 122, 11 yellow, 0 red.  Capital can be careless with fouls 30 yards and close to goal - this game may very well likely be decided on a set piece

ONU's three road games have been interesting - two 2-1 wins and the 0-0 game at OWU. The two wins came against not highly rated teams - and 2 of the four goals conceded came in those games (the Wittenberg goal was an OG). Their fouls per game are higher on the road than at home also.

Saturday is Homecoming and if Capital gets any increase in attendance that could provide an emotional lift to them.

Great points.  I wonder if any of you Columbus guys know the details on Yost's Goalkeeper tryouts those first 3 games.  Niswonger and the other Junior split time last year - but we haven't really seen the other guy since giving up 4 on 7 SOG to Calvin.  I wonder is Niswonger the real thing or is he benefiting from good defending and a weakish schedule?

As far as playing away from home for ONU - that's an interesting point.  I'll go one step further... were they a little off form at Anderson and at OWU because they were playing on grass?  That facility they put in up there really suits them and the style they want to play.  No football lines, and a full 120x72... really, really, really tough place for a visiting time intent on parking the bus to do so.  Playing in tighter venues while traveling probably contributes to the slightly higher foul rate as well.

Sucks for both teams that the remainder of the OAC currently sits at a combined 33-46-10... I mean oof. 

One would have to predict that one of these two teams gets the OAC AQ, so if the rest of the season plays out "to plan" for both teams, barring the results against each other, I think ONU has a safer grasp on an at-large than does CAP... without a current loss and with the win over Oberlin.  But either way, I think it's safe to call Saturday night the "OAC tournament - pool C version".

What if something crazy happens and a 6-7 loss John Carroll snuck through the tournament?  No way the OAC gets 3 teams in, right? 

[Domino1195]

If anyone had told me that a Saturday night October showdown between nationally ranked and top 3 in the region teams in the Great Lakes this fall would feature two OAC schools as opposed to two NCAC schools... I would have laughed in their face.

Best of luck to both sides Saturday in Bexley.  Hopefully the on field product is as fun as it looks on paper.

Indeed. In addition to your observations - the two starting goalkeepers are ranked #1 and #4 in the country - save percent; #1 and #3 GAA.  After Capital's opening game loss - 4-1 to Calvin - a number of line-up changes were made, roster turnover has occurred - and they have won 10 straight, 8 by shut-out. Each team has only given up 1 goal in their last 6 games - ONU 3 straight shut-outs, Capital with 5.

These teams play great team defense - number of shots on goal a testament to that: Cap's starting keeper has allowed one goal, 29 shots on goal in 9 games - slightly over 3 shots on goal per game; ONU's keeper - who has played every game - has allowed 4 goals, 41 total shots on goal in 13 games, again just slightly over 3 shots on goal per game.

One of the biggest differences - other than goals scored - ONU second in the nation with 47 - is fouls and cards:  ONU has ALWAYS been  at the bottom of conference play in total fouls committed and cards received.  To play hard, not commit fouls AND have a winning record like they do is truly to be admired.  ONU tied for 13th in the nation in lowest number of fouls committed - 75, 7 yellows, 0 red.  Capital has committed almost 50 more fouls in two fewer games - 122, 11 yellow, 0 red.  Capital can be careless with fouls 30 yards and close to goal - this game may very well likely be decided on a set piece

ONU's three road games have been interesting - two 2-1 wins and the 0-0 game at OWU. The two wins came against not highly rated teams - and 2 of the four goals conceded came in those games (the Wittenberg goal was an OG). Their fouls per game are higher on the road than at home also.

Saturday is Homecoming and if Capital gets any increase in attendance that could provide an emotional lift to them.

Great points.  I wonder if any of you Columbus guys know the details on Yost's Goalkeeper tryouts those first 3 games.  Niswonger and the other Junior split time last year - but we haven't really seen the other guy since giving up 4 on 7 SOG to Calvin.  I wonder is Niswonger the real thing or is he benefiting from good defending and a weakish schedule?

As far as playing away from home for ONU - that's an interesting point.  I'll go one step further... were they a little off form at Anderson and at OWU because they were playing on grass?  That facility they put in up there really suits them and the style they want to play.  No football lines, and a full 120x72... really, really, really tough place for a visiting time intent on parking the bus to do so.  Playing in tighter venues while traveling probably contributes to the slightly higher foul rate as well.

Sucks for both teams that the remainder of the OAC currently sits at a combined 33-46-10... I mean oof. 

One would have to predict that one of these two teams gets the OAC AQ, so if the rest of the season plays out "to plan" for both teams, barring the results against each other, I think ONU has a safer grasp on an at-large than does CAP... without a current loss and with the win over Oberlin.  But either way, I think it's safe to call Saturday night the "OAC tournament - pool C version".

What if something crazy happens and a 6-7 loss John Carroll snuck through the tournament?  No way the OAC gets 3 teams in, right? 

The other keeper was one who left a couple weeks ago. Go to the Otterbein game and start watching with about 7 minutes left. He makes a fantastic save off a restart.

You don't want a keeper who has to make saves like that more than once in a while.

Everyone suffers from an occasional bad touch, a slip, etc. Barring anything like that or a PK, Capital will lose this game by not tracking runners or staying with marks. ONU doesn't have many weaknesses but Cap might be the fastest team they will see. If they stay wide and use their speed they could get a scoring opportunity.

[PaulNewman]

Oberlin does it again. 10-1-1. Few days ago come from behind win over CWRU and today another OT win away at Wabash.

Among schools most have heard of Oberlin is about the least likely school. Very tough admissions, non-athletic, ultra-liberal.  A close cousin to Wesleyan but without NESCAC tradition for athletics.  Kudos to Coach New for staying at Oberlin through thick and thin. Great story and this edition might be better than the 2013 NCAA squad. Still have to square how the Yeomen were outshot 25-10 by Baldwin-Wallace.   

And of course DePauw follows up win over Kenyon with loss to Hiram. 

[Domino1195]

ONU - Capital was non stop, up and down the field play. No one sat in here! ONU's team defense is to be admired - they must have won 90% of the "second balls" that coaches scream for kids to get. Their experience - the size of their seniors and juniors is as large as Capital's entire roster - and talent makes them a final 4 candidate IMO.

Capital couldn't stay with their runners - ONU's attacker players are constantly - constantly - in motion.  They are fast, have great touch, go to the ball hard - very few flaws. Their first goal comes of Kinkopf beating his defender and send a ball on the ground from the byline to an unmarked runner.  Second goal from a mistake in judgment and a missed tackle, leaving the field wide open for Kinkopf's breakaway.

Capital can be admired for fighting back twice after falling behind.  Not their cleanest game, technically - played very direct most of the night - but when they stayed wide they were able to get with 18 yards of goal for crossing opportunities. While not able to get many quality shots on goal from the run of play, the corners and throw-ins earned provided the two goal scoring plays. Only 5 Capital players have started every game - and 6 freshman have played or started in every game.  Hopefully their game experience will prove valuable down the stretch.

Not sure how much the draw affects either team - but Oberlin keeps on a rollin'.  Great match-up this week as they host Kenyon.  I need to get with the commissioners of the NCAC and OAC and have them schedule around my ability to get to games!  ONU has Berg away and JCU at home - Berg played Kenyon tough at home and ONU doesn't prefer grass - we'll see which Berg team shows up - and if they can avoid self-destructive errors.  CMU has a crazy schedule - at Rochester Friday and then down to Atlanta on Sunday.  Emory beats undefeated Wash U this weekend, Rochester very strong - will be a difficult week for them. Capital has a relatively light week - but young players, after an emotional game - are prone to let-downs. Hanover at 10-2 - losses only to OWU and DePauw by one goal - as a tricky away game at Transy - but they should move up in this week's rankings. Crove City bounces back after back-to-back losses and Geneva continues to play well.  PSU-Behrand had a disappointing tie yesterday and they have 3 games this week.

Tuesday's rankings: Oberlin, ONU, CMU, Capital, Kenyon, Hanover, OWU, PSU-B, GCC and Geneva.

[DonkeyTouch]

ONU - Capital was non stop, up and down the field play. No one sat in here! ONU's team defense is to be admired - they must have won 90% of the "second balls" that coaches scream for kids to get. Their experience - the size of their seniors and juniors is as large as Capital's entire roster - and talent makes them a final 4 candidate IMO.

Capital couldn't stay with their runners - ONU's attacker players are constantly - constantly - in motion.  They are fast, have great touch, go to the ball hard - very few flaws. Their first goal comes of Kinkopf beating his defender and send a ball on the ground from the byline to an unmarked runner.  Second goal from a mistake in judgment and a missed tackle, leaving the field wide open for Kinkopf's breakaway.

Capital can be admired for fighting back twice after falling behind.  Not their cleanest game, technically - played very direct most of the night - but when they stayed wide they were able to get with 18 yards of goal for crossing opportunities. While not able to get many quality shots on goal from the run of play, the corners and throw-ins earned provided the two goal scoring plays. Only 5 Capital players have started every game - and 6 freshman have played or started in every game.  Hopefully their game experience will prove valuable down the stretch.

Not sure how much the draw affects either team - but Oberlin keeps on a rollin'.  Great match-up this week as they host Kenyon.  I need to get with the commissioners of the NCAC and OAC and have them schedule around my ability to get to games!  ONU has Berg away and JCU at home - Berg played Kenyon tough at home and ONU doesn't prefer grass - we'll see which Berg team shows up - and if they can avoid self-destructive errors.  CMU has a crazy schedule - at Rochester Friday and then down to Atlanta on Sunday.  Emory beats undefeated Wash U this weekend, Rochester very strong - will be a difficult week for them. Capital has a relatively light week - but young players, after an emotional game - are prone to let-downs. Hanover at 10-2 - losses only to OWU and DePauw by one goal - as a tricky away game at Transy - but they should move up in this week's rankings. Crove City bounces back after back-to-back losses and Geneva continues to play well.  PSU-Behrand had a disappointing tie yesterday and they have 3 games this week.

Tuesday's rankings: Oberlin, ONU, CMU, Capital, Kenyon, Hanover, OWU, PSU-B, GCC and Geneva.

Lived up to the billing and was certainly an entertaining contest.  Domino I think much of your praise of ONU in this one is well founded,  agreed that their off ball movement both in terms of consistently doing it - and it being creative and dangerous, is to be envied.  Balls played back from the endline on the ground to near post or mid frame runners have been a staple of their attacking style for quite a while now, and while I think the word is out and teams know it's coming - it's still very hard to defend.  Kinkopf looked the part of a top tier forward on the opening assist, and on the calm touch and finish for the second. 

Team defending IN THE RUN OF PLAY I agree was also a real strong point.  They just don't make mistakes.  Then again, ONU has been accused of being too "low pressure" in the past, particularly in the 2012 runner-up run, preferring to defend patiently, attempt to force play where it is advantageous for them, and considering actual tackling a bit of necessary evil.  I think this years' group has actually struck a better balance.  That mindset is still there (thus the low foul count), but I see this group having a bit more bite, and again, as you mentioned they are ferocious in transition play.  I'm stunned to see a top 5 ranked program consistently subbing a center back each half, and yet not having much of a drop off, if any - which speaks to the experience and depth you noted.

However, two things stood out as areas of concern in this one if you are making the case for ONU to make a deep NCAA run - and I can't agree that there was a final four contender on the field Saturday night in Bexley.

First off - the set piece defending was as awful as the open play defending was superb.  Embarrassing is a word that comes to mind.  Maybe this was just a bad night, but I have a feeling it's a weakness we will see again.  I thought a highly touted (rightly) GK was exposed pretty badly on an inability to command his 18 in traffic and judge balls in the air, and that his confidence in doing so was rattled by what ONU clearly felt was some over-assertive contact early in the match.  I say "what ONU clearly felt" because they were all over the official about contact against the GK - and that consistent "referee manipulation", in my opinion, preserved the result for them.  Again, IMHO only - but CAP's goal that was called back shortly after pulling level in the second half for contact on McNeil was a bail out call.  No foul there.  I went back and watched it.  Is it a call that's often given, yes.  Was it wrong, yes.  2-1 CAP at that moment at home?  I think they seal the deal.

Now, credit to CAP for possessing a consistently dangerous long throw, and I was even more impressed with the quality of service from dead balls by Pulliam... wow can that kid play a dangerous set piece.  But ONU's restart defending was consistently poor all night - not just when they conceded.  Where CAP failed to gain many quality looks in open play - their worst restarts still looked like uncertain moments for the Polar Bears.

Second, I was really stunned at how often ONU played short and tried to build, and then lost possession before crossing midfield.  I lost count how often this happened.  Caveat - I think Northern is as good as any team in the country at getting a center back in possession at midfield to play a penetrating pass forward.  It's where they are most dangerous, and where they are most confident.  The teams that sit in and let them walk it up might as well not leave the locker room, because they are good enough and creative enough to break you down a couple times playing 9 or 10v11 in half a field.... the problem was it just wasn't working Saturday.

Again, credit to CAP, because I feel they got the prescription for pressuring the ONU build just right, and tactically it was what kept them in the game.  Most of CAP's best opportunities came from winning the ball high up the pitch and having even numbers or 3v4 looks while running forward at pace.  Only problem for CAP is that they weren't very clinical at all with those opportunities - I think they have plenty of good solid attacking players, and they are spoiled with pace... but if you are playing a team with a true 1v1 attacking stud who can finish, and concede possession that sloppily without adjusting for 90 minutes, you are going to get punished.

My feeling? Far too many teams in at the NCAA D3 tournament level capable of keeping it close with this group - in the kind of game that will be decided on a restart.  If Saturday's restart defending is any indication, I'm betting on the other guys in one of those contests.

For tomorrow - I'm with you on most of the rankings... but ONU stays ahead of Oberlin for another week.  Talk to me after a win or draw w/Kenyon.

[PaulNewman]

Kenyon thoroughly dominating Oberlin but of course Oberlin went up 1-0.  Oberlin almost scored in first 30 seconds and then 2-3 more really chances in the 2-3 minutes they had ball the first half.  Oberlin had a free kick from 35-40 yards out and somehow ball squirted through entire Lords defense and a kid tapped it in.  Kenyon finally broke through with second unit.  Lords were looking down like fate just not with them but perhaps getting level will give them some confidence.  Even though getting dominated you can tell Oberlin wants thisoen bad and has a lot of resolve.  Should be interesting 2nd half.  Oberlin has been hyping this game for a few days now I hear.  Game also kept getting delayed from 5:00 to 6:00 to 6:45 with no explanation.