2017 Great Lakes Region

[bestfancle]

So JCU gets 1st in the last ranking for Great Lakes.

JCU's Group:

JCU vs. OWU
Calvin vs. Thomas More

JCU's group plays Chicago's group:

Chicago vs. Lake Forest
Dominican (IL) vs. Capital


The other prominent Great Lakes group, Otterbein:

Otterbein vs. Medille
Kenyon vs. Transylvania

[Ryan Harmanis]

Congrats, friends, on the Pool C bids.  I thought Cap was out until I dug into the numbers - then I thought they should be in.  Tough for CMU, but you have to get some good wins.  Cap did that, so I think the committee got it right for them at least.  CMU can thank (curse?) a last second goal against JCU and bad geography for being left out in favor of Texas-Tyler.

New job started at full speed, plus the at-large predictions, plus some personal stuff, so I haven't had time to pull together overall thoughts.  Hope to be able to discuss the upcoming match-ups and last weekend's games later on this week.

PN - I have to strongly disagree on one point from the NCAC final up front.  The OWU alum section unanimously thought Carmona was head-and-shoulders above everyone else on the field.

[PaulNewman]

RH, as a former CB I would think you'd have a keen focus on Lowry's skills.  Especially without Myers next to him he puts out a ton of fires and probably has the best foot skills and instincts of anyone this side of Carmona.

Speaking of Carmona, I would guess the OWU alum section was mystified that Carmona didn't take a PK!

Congrats on making yet another tournament, and I'm picking OWU for the "upset" over JCU.

[PaulNewman]

Talking about Carmona reminded me that Kenyon lost Penas in the 1st half in what looked like at least a foul (that would have been right in front of the OWU alum section) and that led to one of OWU's best scoring chances from the run of play (as otherwise OWU's best offense were the Huelsman throw-ins).  I don't know if Penas suffered an ACL type injury or will be back, but as a playmaker in the Carmona mold he would be a big loss going forward.  Carmona plays deep a ton like the Italian star who now plays MLS (blanking on his name) and I'd love to see him more often in an attacking mid role.  Kenyon needs better and cleaner offensive chances, although they had enough the other day to get the job done and they didn't finish any of them.  Koval had at least a couple and Jeon had the ball on his foot at what looked like about 3 yards from goal.  Then there were a couple of perfectly played balls right threw the box that a couple of Kenyon players weren't alert enough to tap in.  Those are plays that will make the difference between advancing and not.

[PaulNewman]

I am not inclined to feel sorry for OWU (or for JCU for that matter) but it really is a disservice to these teams every year where Calvin is underseeded.   Everyone knows Calvin is one of the top 3-4 teams in the country, and yet, the team that has earned hosting, gets Calvin in a pod.  Happened to CMU last year.  Also not fair to Calvin as the Knights have to play a highly seeded team that according to the seeding is supposed to beat Calvin.  Folks should remember that when they question Calvin.  The Knights get tested right out of the gate.

[blooter442]

Talking about Carmona reminded me that Kenyon lost Penas in the 1st half in what looked like at least a foul (that would have been right in front of the OWU alum section) and that led to one of OWU's best scoring chances from the run of play (as otherwise OWU's best offense were the Huelsman throw-ins).  I don't know if Penas suffered an ACL type injury or will be back, but as a playmaker in the Carmona mold he would be a big loss going forward.  Carmona plays deep a ton like the Italian star who now plays MLS (blanking on his name) and I'd love to see him more often in an attacking mid role.  Kenyon needs better and cleaner offensive chances, although they had enough the other day to get the job done and they didn't finish any of them.  Koval had at least a couple and Jeon had the ball on his foot at what looked like about 3 yards from goal.  Them there were a couple of perfectly played balls right threw the box that a couple of Kenyon players weren't alert enough to tap in.  Those are plays that will make the difference between advancing and not.

Obviously I am not contributing much to this, but if you mean Pirlo, he just retired today.

[PaulNewman]

Talking about Carmona reminded me that Kenyon lost Penas in the 1st half in what looked like at least a foul (that would have been right in front of the OWU alum section) and that led to one of OWU's best scoring chances from the run of play (as otherwise OWU's best offense were the Huelsman throw-ins).  I don't know if Penas suffered an ACL type injury or will be back, but as a playmaker in the Carmona mold he would be a big loss going forward.  Carmona plays deep a ton like the Italian star who now plays MLS (blanking on his name) and I'd love to see him more often in an attacking mid role.  Kenyon needs better and cleaner offensive chances, although they had enough the other day to get the job done and they didn't finish any of them.  Koval had at least a couple and Jeon had the ball on his foot at what looked like about 3 yards from goal.  Them there were a couple of perfectly played balls right threw the box that a couple of Kenyon players weren't alert enough to tap in.  Those are plays that will make the difference between advancing and not.

Obviously I am not contributing much to this, but if you mean Pirlo, he just retired today.

Yes, him....early dementia is frightening.

[The Cove]

RH, as a former CB I would think you'd have a keen focus on Lowry's skills.  Especially without Myers next to him he puts out a ton of fires and probably has the best foot skills and instincts of anyone this side of Carmona.

Speaking of Carmona, I would guess the OWU alum section was mystified that Carmona didn't take a PK!

Congrats on making yet another tournament, and I'm picking OWU for the "upset" over JCU.

Complete agreement on Lowry. One of the most criminally underrated defenders the past three season. Never the prettiest player but he constantly amazes me with his strength, speed, and ability to find a loose ball after a challenge.

On Carmona, he missed a penalty on his Kenyon debut a few years ago. Not taken one since! He has also played minutes in an attacking role but so hard to give up someone who can guarantee possession as you play out from the back.

[PaulNewman]

RH, as a former CB I would think you'd have a keen focus on Lowry's skills.  Especially without Myers next to him he puts out a ton of fires and probably has the best foot skills and instincts of anyone this side of Carmona.

Speaking of Carmona, I would guess the OWU alum section was mystified that Carmona didn't take a PK!

Congrats on making yet another tournament, and I'm picking OWU for the "upset" over JCU.

Complete agreement on Lowry. One of the most criminally underrated defenders the past three season. Never the prettiest player but he constantly amazes me with his strength, speed, and ability to find a loose ball after a challenge.

On Carmona, he missed a penalty on his Kenyon debut a few years ago. Not taken one since! He has also played minutes in an attacking role but so hard to give up someone who can guarantee possession as you play out from the back.

I actually might move Lowry to the holding mid slot because his ball winning and distribution are excellent and he can make those rusn with the ball 2-3 times a game that put the defense under a ton of pressure.  Could move Myers back to CB and Carmona up further.  Myers has 12-13 goals.  He'd still have 8 or so playing CB off set pieces, so the gain putting him up top is marginal for giving up an AA CB.

[bestfancle]

It will be very challenging for JCU to beat OWU again. JCU needs to return to from from a couple of weeks ago, and hopefully getting knocked out by Capital wakes them up. Jay Martin is a great coach, and it will be a battle. I think JCU wins out, in overtime, although there will not be the same scoring outburst there was last game. JCU did lose round 1 last year, and I think they are extremely motivated to go further this year.

Then the winner faces Calvin, which will be extremely tough as well! Can't wait to see what happens.

[Domino1195]

Splitting hairs on #9 and #2 - both were stand outs. 9 more so in the first half, but #2 was flawless second half - great composure under pressure and winning balls without fouling.

But I commented to the Kenyon fans I sat next to about #8 for OWU. I truly enjoy watching him play - since freshman year he impressed me. Playing in the middle of the park, taking hits, winning balls - and never carping, chirping or disrespecting opponents or officials. Took a hard foul right in front of me- placed the ball and put it back into play - nothing seems to phase him.

Also very surprised about CMU - but RvR wasn't great. So - the JCU result was more damaging than the CWRU loss? I get JCU would have given another ranked win - just curious if that final loss also made a difference.

[PaulNewman]

Domino, don't over think CMU. Be thankful  You crushed them on RvR, and I'm gonna bet OWU did get ranked, giving Cap an impressive 5 ranked wins.  The early win over STU was big too.  Losing to CWRU looked bad, but the low ranked wins and thus the JCU goal were devastating.

Sharer for OWU is good. Tough kid with good skills and dangerous shot. The frosh Sobotka (#9) also coming on strong. And those Huelsman throw-ins easily could produce a goal in a playoff game.

Btw, since you were there but maybe on the wrong half, did you get a sense of the Penas injury? The Kenyon announcer initially seemed to think leg injury but then later suggested maybe shoulder separation. Collarbone?

[D3 Dad]

I am not inclined to feel sorry for OWU (or for JCU for that matter) but it really is a disservice to these teams every year where Calvin is underseeded.   Everyone knows Calvin is one of the top 3-4 teams in the country, and yet, the team that has earned hosting, gets Calvin in a pod.  Happened to CMU last year.  Also not fair to Calvin as the Knights have to play a highly seeded team that according to the seeding is supposed to beat Calvin.  Folks should remember that when they question Calvin.  The Knights get tested right out of the gate.

I totally agree! Underseeding Calvin doesn't just punish them. It also punishes a host team who had a great season by pitting them against a top 5 team in the first weekend. Not sure how a website that ranks them first or second all season in the national poll also ranks them 4th in their region, but I'm guessing that by now Calvin understands this is going to be how the post season will always go as long as the conference is weak.

[bestfancle]

If I were setting lines for these matches:

JCU (-0.5) vs. OWU - O/U 2.5 Goals - I have to give JCU the slight advantage due to hosting, but it is a close as you can get to a pick 'em.
Calvin (-2) vs. Thomas More - O/U 3.5 Goals - Could easily see this game as a blowout favoring Calvin
Chicago (-2) vs. Lake Forest - O/U 3 Goals - Similar to Calvin, should be no problem for Chicago
Dominican (even) (IL) vs. Capital - O/U 3.5 Goals - Similar Records, bot teams seem to give up goals. Maybe a slight edge to Cap?
Otterbein (-1) vs. Medille - O/U 2 Goals - Could easily see this going 1-0 or 2-0 to Otterbein off crosses and long throws.
Kenyon (-1.5) vs. Transylvania - O/U - 3 Goals - Kenyon coming off a loss should be ready to play Otterbein the next day.

[Flying Weasel]

I am not inclined to feel sorry for OWU (or for JCU for that matter) but it really is a disservice to these teams every year where Calvin is underseeded.   Everyone knows Calvin is one of the top 3-4 teams in the country, and yet, the team that has earned hosting, gets Calvin in a pod.  Happened to CMU last year.  Also not fair to Calvin as the Knights have to play a highly seeded team that according to the seeding is supposed to beat Calvin.  Folks should remember that when they question Calvin.  The Knights get tested right out of the gate.

I totally agree! Underseeding Calvin doesn't just punish them. It also punishes a host team who had a great season by pitting them against a top 5 team in the first weekend. Not sure how a website that ranks them first or second all season in the national poll also ranks them 4th in their region, but I'm guessing that by now Calvin understands this is going to be how the post season will always go as long as the conference is weak.

The national rankings that are provided on the NCAA website are NOT the NCAA's rankings.  Those are the United Soccer Coaches (USC) national rankings.  It is labelled as such, but it can be confusing if you don't notice that.  The regional rankings on the NCAA website are done by the NCAA, the national rankings on the NCAA website are done by USC.  So two separate and  independent entities working under different criteria, with different methods and objectives.  So there are naturally going to be conflicts and discrepancies between the two.