2017 Great Lakes Region

[paclassic89]

A lot of pointless arguing about teams that will end up getting thrashed by a mid-atlantic or new england side if they make it that far in the NCAAs 

[TableMax]

And Blooter only tough guys like u need to hide your identity.

[blooter442]

And Blooter only tough guys like u need to hide your identity.

Lol

[MidwestGrinder]

Just ignore this troll. Kenyon is a pool C lock. Don't know why anyone would logically think otherwise. However I do agree that the GL region is the weakest it's been in some time and I don't particularly like anyone's chances of winning it all out of that region. Any year that the OAC is getting more bids than the NCAC should speak volumes.

[PaulNewman]

A lot of pointless arguing about teams that will end up getting thrashed by a mid-atlantic or new england side if they make it that far in the NCAAs 

PAclassic, beat Tufts, then get back to us

[PaulNewman]

I'm just curious when 15-2-3 and an 11 or 12 game unbeaten streak became a bad season.  The Lords did have to replace one of the best classes in the school's history so a mediocre start was expected. I think they've done OK.

[blooter442]

Otterbein wins it over Capital, 1-0. Capital came out really strong and bossed the first 20. Otterbein grew into it and got the goal right after half on a misplayed cross. Some real last-ditch defending from the hosts in the last 5, but they got over the line in the end.

[Domino1195]

Cap vs Bein - carbon copy of the first game.  Otterbein scores a scrappy goal and protects the lead with a smothering defense.  So many shots blocked by the defense - that sequence in the last 5 minutes where Cap took 4-5 shots - ball caroming off defenders and re-shot multiple times - not sure the keeper touched it once - 1,400 fans not sure if it was going to be cleared or put in the net for what seemed like 20 -30 seconds.

Bittersweet moment for my son and former teammates - club and high school - who play for Otterbein.  I will forever remember the minutes long embrace by Otterbein's captain with my son as he comforted a very emotional opponent and great friend.

So today Cap stands 44th with a SOS of 17.  In any other year this would be good enough for a bid - three potentiate bid-stealers with Trinity, Oglethorpe ad Springfield playing today - please win lads!

However it works out, I believe Capital has a foundation upon which they can build. I've seen quite a transformation in the past for years - quality of players, style of play and understanding of what it takes to win DIII soccer.  The last three games - Berg, JCU and Otterbein - fantastic efforts by all he boys who left it on the field.  Compare these to the Washington & Lee game where players quit playing after the second goal (70 minute mark). Growth, maturity and the #willtowin. 

Onward . . .

[Domino1195]

With 8 spots taken by GL teams it look tough for Cap. The GL has gotten 9 teams in before and the NCAC has gotten 3 teams in. Springfield's loss today in KFTM takes another Pool C bid away most likely. They'll be the last team in or one of the first out.

[bestfancle]

I am excited and anxious to see where the GL region plays out tonight!

Either JCU or Otterbein as a host? That can play a major difference for the team. I don't think we will see two OAC teams in the same group, so the team that is not hosting may be shipped out somewhere far (New England or Chicago?).

Last year JCU traveled to Lynchburg only to lose 4-1. Kenyon was in that same group as well.

I also want to give credit to the OAC as a whole, there may be two All-Americans from this conference, for the first time in a long time. The last few years OAC was dominated by JCU's Brian Potonik then ONU's Matt Kinkoph. This year JCU's Jesse Marinaro (finishes in the top 5 points all-time for JCU) should be an all american. Also, with what Otterbein's defense has done this year, I would not be surprised to see a defender/keeper be recognized as all-american either. You can also add in BW's Danny Ruple who dominated the OAC statistically as a future all american.

[Domino1195]

I am excited and anxious to see where the GL region plays out tonight!

Either JCU or Otterbein as a host? That can play a major difference for the team. I don't think we will see two OAC teams in the same group, so the team that is not hosting may be shipped out somewhere far (New England or Chicago?).

Last year JCU traveled to Lynchburg only to lose 4-1. Kenyon was in that same group as well.

I also want to give credit to the OAC as a whole, there may be two All-Americans from this conference, for the first time in a long time. The last few years OAC was dominated by JCU's Brian Potonik then ONU's Matt Kinkoph. This year JCU's Jesse Marinaro (finishes in the top 5 points all-time for JCU) should be an all american. Also, with what Otterbein's defense has done this year, I would not be surprised to see a defender/keeper be recognized as all-american either. You can also add in BW's Danny Ruple who dominated the OAC statistically as a future all american.

Agreed re: Otterbein's defense. Senior Jaden Lunger has been all-conference all three previous years and all-Ohio last year.  I think he receives some level of All-American recognition.

[PaulNewman]

A few thoughts BEFORE the announcements...just because....

1) Congrats to the OAC.  Seriously.  A fan or two could learn some things, but especially the top handful of teams have had good to very good to great years.  I genuinely hope Capital snares a bid, as, when I looked at the teams vying for the last few Pool C slots, Capital is as good (or better) a choice as any.  I will especially be happy for Domino and his kid.

2) Props to OWU.  Somehow, some way, OWU manages to keep their string of consecutive NCAA appearances intact.  Last year they did so without making the conference tournament at all, and this year, when they had to have the AQ, they prevailed against a Wabash team that was within 2 minutes of knocking them out and then enjoyed a very unusual set of circumstances to prevail again in PKs in the title game.  I could go on about good fortune but they obviously have something to do with creating their fortunes.  Before the last Kenyon game, I would have bet on OWU finding some way to stay alive, and they did, even though I didn't imagine that happening as it did in reality.  As Coach Martin barrels ahead towards 700 wins, I tip my cap to OWU Nation.  Next year they should be back on their usual top-of-the-table form, but even this year they could be a team primed to pull an upset or two with no pressure on them at all.

3) Congrats to Kenyon and Coach Brown.  The Lords are now at 5 consecutive NCAA appearances (I am pretty sure).  I thought this would be a key year in the Brown era as the Amolo-Clougher group was gone after a historic 4 year run.  The strength of a program is its ability to keep to stay at or near the top year after year, including after major losses.  Next year will be yet another huge challenge, but by almost any measure Kenyon has had another superb campaign.

4) We can never know the often small, sometimes never remembered, and sometimes quite memorable moments that go into impacting who wins a game or who gets a bid.  That JCU last second goal versus CMU looms large, stealing a ranked win from CMU and possibly impacting the fortunes of CMU and Capital.  Or JCU NOT scoring on several great chances to give Capital another ranked loss before PKs.  Or if OWU ends up ranked impacting several teams when a loss to Wabash surely would have prevented that.  I could go on.

5) I was texting with a Kenyon legend after the game Saturday and he asked me if I was OK.  I was a ton more OK than I was when Kenyon allowed Majumder to turn in the box at the six (and now I remember the unforced error that led to the Tufts throw-in that should have never happened to begin with). Anyway, I asked him if he was OK.  He responded that Kenyon soccer meant nothing in this era of our ridiculous, embarrassing and incredibly dangerous national leadership.

[bestfancle]

A few thoughts BEFORE the announcements...just because....

1) Congrats to the OAC.  Seriously.  A fan or two could learn some things, but especially the top handful of teams have had good to very good to great years.  I genuinely hope Capital snares a bid, as, when I looked at the teams vying for the last few Pool C slots, Capital is as good (or better) a choice as any.  I will especially be happy for Domino and his kid.

2) Props to OWU.  Somehow, some way, OWU manages to keep their string of consecutive NCAA appearances intact.  Last year they did so without making the conference tournament at all, and this year, when they had to have the AQ, they prevailed against a Wabash team that was within 2 minutes of knocking them out and then enjoyed a very unusual set of circumstances to prevail again in PKs in the title game.  I could go on about good fortune but they obviously have something to do with creating their fortunes.  Before the last Kenyon game, I would have bet on OWU finding some way to stay alive, and they did, even though I didn't imagine that happening as it did in reality.  As Coach Martin barrels ahead towards 700 wins, I tip my cap to OWU Nation.  Next year they should be back on their usual top-of-the-table form, but even this year they could be a team primed to pull an upset or two with no pressure on them at all.

3) Congrats to Kenyon and Coach Brown.  The Lords are now at 5 consecutive NCAA appearances (I am pretty sure).  I thought this would be a key year in the Brown era as the Amolo-Clougher group was gone after a historic 4 year run.  The strength of a program is its ability to keep to stay at or near the top year after year, including after major losses.  Next year will be yet another huge challenge, but by almost any measure Kenyon has had another superb campaign.

4) We can never know the often small, sometimes never remembered, and sometimes quite memorable moments that go into impacting who wins a game or who gets a bid.  That JCU last second goal versus CMU looms large, stealing a ranked win from CMU and possibly impacting the fortunes of CMU and Capital.  Or JCU NOT scoring on several great chances to give Capital another ranked loss before PKs.  Or if OWU ends up ranked impacting several teams when a loss to Wabash surely would have prevented that.  I could go on.

5) I was texting with a Kenyon legend after the game Saturday and he asked me if I was OK.  I was a ton more OK than I was when Kenyon allowed Majumder to turn in the box at the six (and now I remember the unforced error that led to the Tufts throw-in that should have never happened to begin with). Anyway, I asked him if he was OK.  He responded that Kenyon soccer meant nothing in this era of our ridiculous, embarrassing and incredibly dangerous national leadership.

Excellent thoughts Paul!

OWU seems to overachieve which I think is a great testament to their coaching staff and the way they approach leadership development. Kenyon really pulled it together towards the end of the season, and what they did during their regular season was very impressive.

Seeing that JCU (vs. CMU) goal live, I knew it was a big deal, but could never have imagined the implication it would have at this point in the season.

Let's hope Great Lakes represents well in the NCAA tournament, we should be able to do some things this year!

[bestfancle]

Will update when the actual bracket is uploaded (this new Video method STINKS), but it seems that JCU and Otterbein host. Capital makes it in as well. JCU gets OWU the first game, with Calvin looming for the winner.

[Domino1195]

A few thoughts BEFORE the announcements...just because....

1) Congrats to the OAC.  Seriously.  A fan or two could learn some things, but especially the top handful of teams have had good to very good to great years.  I genuinely hope Capital snares a bid, as, when I looked at the teams vying for the last few Pool C slots, Capital is as good (or better) a choice as any.  I will especially be happy for Domino and his kid.

2) Props to OWU.  Somehow, some way, OWU manages to keep their string of consecutive NCAA appearances intact.  Last year they did so without making the conference tournament at all, and this year, when they had to have the AQ, they prevailed against a Wabash team that was within 2 minutes of knocking them out and then enjoyed a very unusual set of circumstances to prevail again in PKs in the title game.  I could go on about good fortune but they obviously have something to do with creating their fortunes.  Before the last Kenyon game, I would have bet on OWU finding some way to stay alive, and they did, even though I didn't imagine that happening as it did in reality.  As Coach Martin barrels ahead towards 700 wins, I tip my cap to OWU Nation.  Next year they should be back on their usual top-of-the-table form, but even this year they could be a team primed to pull an upset or two with no pressure on them at all.

3) Congrats to Kenyon and Coach Brown.  The Lords are now at 5 consecutive NCAA appearances (I am pretty sure).  I thought this would be a key year in the Brown era as the Amolo-Clougher group was gone after a historic 4 year run.  The strength of a program is its ability to keep to stay at or near the top year after year, including after major losses.  Next year will be yet another huge challenge, but by almost any measure Kenyon has had another superb campaign.

4) We can never know the often small, sometimes never remembered, and sometimes quite memorable moments that go into impacting who wins a game or who gets a bid.  That JCU last second goal versus CMU looms large, stealing a ranked win from CMU and possibly impacting the fortunes of CMU and Capital.  Or JCU NOT scoring on several great chances to give Capital another ranked loss before PKs.  Or if OWU ends up ranked impacting several teams when a loss to Wabash surely would have prevented that.  I could go on.

5) I was texting with a Kenyon legend after the game Saturday and he asked me if I was OK.  I was a ton more OK than I was when Kenyon allowed Majumder to turn in the box at the six (and now I remember the unforced error that led to the Tufts throw-in that should have never happened to begin with). Anyway, I asked him if he was OK.  He responded that Kenyon soccer meant nothing in this era of our ridiculous, embarrassing and incredibly dangerous national leadership.

Thanks for the positive vibes - it worked!!!