2016 D3 Season: NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

[PaulNewman]

Man, Chicago is absolutely bossing this game. Last year at this time, Chicago had started off brightly, and were highly-ranked, but then got thumped 4-0 at home by Loras. With the majority of their spine back and a year more experienced, the Maroons look significantly better.

Yep, that was impressive.  Even if Wheaton was missing some players that was still Wheaton out there that they were playing keep a way with and getting to every ball first.

Too bad we're not getting a rematch of Chicago and Loras in the Rock Bowl.  That would be fantastic.

[KICKIN95]

Man, Chicago is absolutely bossing this game. Last year at this time, Chicago had started off brightly, and were highly-ranked, but then got thumped 4-0 at home by Loras. With the majority of their spine back and a year more experienced, the Maroons look significantly better.

Loras and Chicago already played this year is a pre-season exhibition.  The ended in a draw I believe, not sure the score.  I will get the skinny soon.

[KICKIN95]

The Loras v Chicago match earlier this year was a 0-0 draw, the comments were that Chicago was a good squad and it was a good game.

[Letthekidsplay59]

It's been an indifferent start for Kalamazoo this year.  Surprised to see them unable to beat Olivet at home.  What's going on here. Can someone fill me in? Was expecting Zoo to challenge for a tourney birth this season.

[pelinho5]

It's been an indifferent start for Kalamazoo this year.  Surprised to see them unable to beat Olivet at home.  What's going on here. Can someone fill me in? Was expecting Zoo to challenge for a tourney birth this season.

To be honest, I've seen the Beavers play only two games this year, but they've had an incredibly challenging beginning to their season. Wheaton, elmhurst, Olivet, and DePauw; talk about rough scheduling. I see Kalamazoo straightening the ship once they hit the conference heavy part of their schedule. Though, yet again, the MIAA will not cease to excite.

[PaulNewman]

Ohio Northern definitely looks legit.  Look very even with OWU talent-wise and probably carrying the play with more clean chances.  OWU GK made phenomenal reaction save from point blank range and another very good reaction kick save from close range.  Guessing Ohio Northern is going to pay dearly for not snagging 1 or 2 in the 1st half.  The ONU small kid with some kind of a cast is a heck of a player.

Still 0-0, btw.

[PaulNewman]

ONU-OWU going OT.  ONU tiring.  OWU GK man of the match. ONU GK made a save at with 5:00 min left in reg that was as good or better than the spectacular saves the OWU GK made, which at last count was at least 4.  And of course the stream goes blank for OT.  I imagine OWU will get one given greater depth.

Literally think the videographer thinks the game is over.

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Blockbuster Weekend Match-Ups

Friday-9/16

Colorado Coll.@#4 Trinity (Tx)----Possibly the game of the day features two undefeated teams that refuse to give up goals
#7 CNU@#18 Redlands-----------Some would argue this is the game of the day and I can see why
#12 Loras@Carthage--------------All eyes will be on the Duhawks this weekend to see how they respond vs a stingy Carthage team
Wheaton(Ill)@Wash. U-----------This could have HUGE outcomes come selection time if Wheaton doesn't mustard up a result vs an undefeated Wash. U


Saturday-9/17

#1 Amherst@Middlebury-------------Need I say more?
#2 Kenyon@Thomas More-----------This should be a fun game to watch!
#3 Rowan@ NJCU---------------------Didn't expect to pick this game but NJCU is undefeated and at home...do I smell upset alert???
#25 Cortland St@#6 St. Law.--------Cortland has only given up 1 goal all year...and St. Lawrence hasn't posted a shutout yet
Case Western@#9 Ohio Northern----Will ONU have enough juice and energy, after a 2OT draw to rival OWU, to compete vs a solid CWR side
#11 F&M@Swarthmore---------------Conference play begins in the Centennial! Swat coming off a nice win over Eastern
#21 Scranton@Lycoming-------------Can Scranton keep their win streak alive as they travel to face a struggling Lycoming side
RUN@RUC------------------------------Newark at Camden...NJAC...rivalry...nuff said
Vassar@Oneonta St-------------------Impressive start for Vassar will be more impressive if they get a road result at Oneonta St
Grove City@Heidelberg----------------How will GC respond after their first defeat of the year...
John Carroll@Hiram-------------------Both teams desperate for a win
RIT@Rochester-----------------------Battle for city supremacy...always a great game to tune in to


Top 5 Games of the Weekend
1. Amherst @ Midd
2. Cort. St @ SLU
3. Kenyon @ Thomas More
4. Scranton @ Lyco
5. Colorado Coll. @ Trinity (Tx)

Honorable Mention: Rivalry games of Newark@Camden and RIT@UR

[D3soccerwatcher]

Great outlook on this upcoming weekend. Thanks!

[NEPAFAN]

Blockbuster Weekend Match-Ups

Friday-9/16

Colorado Coll.@#4 Trinity (Tx)----Possibly the game of the day features two undefeated teams that refuse to give up goals
#7 CNU@#18 Redlands-----------Some would argue this is the game of the day and I can see why
#12 Loras@Carthage--------------All eyes will be on the Duhawks this weekend to see how they respond vs a stingy Carthage team
Wheaton(Ill)@Wash. U-----------This could have HUGE outcomes come selection time if Wheaton doesn't mustard up a result vs an undefeated Wash. U


Saturday-9/17

#1 Amherst@Middlebury-------------Need I say more?
#2 Kenyon@Thomas More-----------This should be a fun game to watch!
#3 Rowan@ NJCU---------------------Didn't expect to pick this game but NJCU is undefeated and at home...do I smell upset alert???
#25 Cortland St@#6 St. Law.--------Cortland has only given up 1 goal all year...and St. Lawrence hasn't posted a shutout yet
Case Western@#9 Ohio Northern----Will ONU have enough juice and energy, after a 2OT draw to rival OWU, to compete vs a solid CWR side
#11 F&M@Swarthmore---------------Conference play begins in the Centennial! Swat coming off a nice win over Eastern
#21 Scranton@Lycoming-------------Can Scranton keep their win streak alive as they travel to face a struggling Lycoming side
RUN@RUC------------------------------Newark at Camden...NJAC...rivalry...nuff said
Vassar@Oneonta St-------------------Impressive start for Vassar will be more impressive if they get a road result at Oneonta St
Grove City@Heidelberg----------------How will GC respond after their first defeat of the year...
John Carroll@Hiram-------------------Both teams desperate for a win
RIT@Rochester-----------------------Battle for city supremacy...always a great game to tune in to


Top 5 Games of the Weekend
1. Amherst @ Midd
2. Cort. St @ SLU
3. Kenyon @ Thomas More
4. Scranton @ Lyco
5. Colorado Coll. @ Trinity (Tx)

Honorable Mention: Rivalry games of Newark@Camden and RIT@UR

+ K....wonder if Scranton has a chance against Lycoming...

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Thanks NEPA Fan and will you be at the game? Keep the updates coming if so? And I think Scranton is the favorite in my eyes but heading to Lycoming is never easy especially when they will be desperate for a big win. This game has huge implications for the region so I expect it to be a close game.

I will say 2-1 Lycoming in OT but it's a toss up!

[NEPAFAN]

Thanks NEPA Fan and will you be at the game? Keep the updates coming if so? And I think Scranton is the favorite in my eyes but heading to Lycoming is never easy especially when they will be desperate for a big win. This game has huge implications for the region so I expect it to be a close game.

I will say 2-1 Lycoming in OT but it's a toss up!

I'll be watching on line. Won't pay for the HD feed...haha.

[PaulNewman]

Some interesting, some high profile, and some important maybe under-the-radar action around the country.

Amherst and Middlebury play to a draw...probably a result that neither team will mind that much.

Wheaton (MA) and Springfield play to a 2-2 tie in a key NEWMAC clash.  Speaking of which, what is up with Babson?!  After very fortunate circumstances yielded a PK 2OT win over rival Brandeis, the Beavers drew with Fitchburg St 0-0 and toady lost at home to Coast Guard.  Seems almost all of the NEWMAC teams have played themselves into a position where they will need to win the NEWMAC tourney to get a bid.

Rutgers-Camden is back in the mix!  Torched Rutgers-Newark today and I think now 4-0-2.  Kean stays viable with a win over Stockton.  Rowan hands Jersey City a first loss and now looks ahead to a showdown with F&M.

Oneonta St. comes from behind to hand the Vassar Brewers a first blemish.  Plattsburgh stays unblemished and keeps Skidmore down in the dumps.  Potsdam rebounds from a loss to Hobart with a good win over RPI.

Bowdoin gains a very valuable road NESCAC win against fellow perennial mid-table foe Wesleyan, 1-0.  Tufts gets back on track dominating Bates, but still has work to do.  Williams stays on course for the hoped for revival, getting by Colby at home.

Lycoming comes through with a big win over Scranton.

W&L comes from behind in a potential trap game to prevail over Virginia Wesleyan.  Lynchburg follows up a draw with Oglethorpe with an important win over Berry to stay unbeaten.

Dubuque remains unblemished after saddling MSOE with a loss.  Perhaps lost among so many games, Loras uncharacteristically drops 2 in a row falling to Carthage last night on a late goal.  Carthage's roller-coaster ride of a season continues.  Wheaton (Ill) also lost again last night to Wash U and now stands at a stunning 1-4-1.  Unlike a Calvin that might be able to count on a conference tourney bid, Wheaton is no cinch for that route given the threat posed by Carthage, Elmhurst and North Park.

Speaking of Elmhurst, they could not handle Chicago last night, as the Maroons spotted the Bluejays a goal and stormed back in a romp.  Chicago is handling their business in a very professional and impressive manner, befitting a true Final Four contender.

Concordia (Wis), after beating St. Norbert right after St. Norbert bested Loras, fell today to rival Wisconsin Lutheran.

Kenyon gets a solid road win at Thomas More, while Centre gives up a lead to DePauw and shows resiliency on the road by winning in OT.  This sets up a mid-week collision of unblemished teams, as the Colonels head to Gambier.  Grove City gets back to its winning ways outlasting Heidelberg 3-2 in OT and now can look forward to a huge game for them versus Carnegie Mellon.

Whitworth shrugged off jet lag and an early deficit to get a win against Willamette.

Haverford takes a big early season Centennial bout over Hopkins.

SLU's climb up the polls should continue after a huge win over Cortland St.  Now the Saints go on the road to face another still unblemished SUNYAC, Plattsburgh.

Out West, we should note that Trinity (TX) toppled Colorado Coll last night.  Redlands lost to Christopher Newport in one of the games of the week last night but rebounded today with a 5-0 shellacking of Whittier.

In late action, just saw that MIT barely got by Emerson 1-0 in OT.  ONU has gone up 1-0 late against CWRU.

[lastguyoffthebench]

Ramapo knocks off MSU in OT, 4-3.    Wow!

[PaulNewman]

So I guess now we're just waiting for the results of the Rochester derby....0-0 in the 64th minute at last check.

Debating whether I'll provide coverage of Cal Lutheran@Occidental.