Mid-Atlantic Region

[sokermom]

I wouldn't say E-town won the first half, but it certainly was closer to 50-50 in that while Messiah had a noticeable edge in possession, E-town was more effective in possession than they would be in the second half and were creating as much danger and chances as were the Falcons. 

Second half Messiah controlled the game even more than in the first half and E-town spent long stretches pinned back.  E-town's goal largely came against the run of play, and, in contrast to EB2319's assessment, I did think it had an effect on Messiah play for about 5 or so minutes with a little impatience and perhaps nervousness resulting in a lot of errant and/or ill-advised passes that turned-over possession. But the Falcons got through that stretch and then started pinning E-town back again, and had two golden 1-v-1's with the keeper that they couldn't put away (among some other good looks) before finally getting the equalizer.

Finishing and productive play from/use of a target man is an issue for the Falcons (a re-occurring issue over the past 10 years--Josh Wood's healthy seasons being the exceptions).  Defending corners kicks and FK's and crosses from the flanks seems to also be an issue for the Falcon defense.  Waso nearly opened the scoring in the first half when, despite being the shortest guy in a crowded box, got his head to a corner kick and put it off the crossbar.  And the Blue Jays' goal to open the scoring came from a FK from the flank.

Overall, the Falcons did a good job of keeping Waso in-check throughout, but there were the occasions when he was dangerous with his quickness and ball control in tight spaces.  Two years ago when Waso scored to give E-town the win, Messiah didn't seem prepared for him--the first time they had faced him--and he repeatedly created havoc for the Falcon defense in the first half (including scoring his goal), but Messiah made adjustments at halftime and Waso was largely a non-factor in the second half of that game.  Messiah did a good job on him from start to finish this time around (can't remember how well they played him last year at home).  I noticed that after E-town went up 1-0, Waso dropped back into more of an attacking midfield postion, and then when Messiah equalized he returned to the top of the Blue Jay attack again.

This year's Messiah squad can win the midfield battle and hold significant possession advantages like Messiah is known for, but there are question marks in the final 15 yards at both ends of the field. But they have another month to work on that and improve before the NCAA tournament. And with Hopkins at home next Thursday night, Lycoming away in conference play, and maybe even LVC in conference play, they still have some measuring stick games even if the conference slate overall isn't the most challenging.

FW..have you seen Hopkins play?  I watched them against Haverford online and they looked pretty impressive.  Two or three dangerous offensive players and solid all around.  That game will definitely be one to watch and a good measuring stick.

The JHU team can hang tight and even win against any top D1 program.  They are very fluid and have very good technical players.  The keeper is from Malaysia and is winning a lot of accolades.

[Shooter McGavin]

FW..have you seen Hopkins play?  I watched them against Haverford online and they looked pretty impressive.  Two or three dangerous offensive players and solid all around.  That game will definitely be one to watch and a good measuring stick.

The JHU team can hang tight and even win against any top D1 program.  They are very fluid and have very good technical players.  The keeper is from Malaysia and is winning a lot of accolades.

I wouldn't go as far as saying any "top" D1 team. I am sure they can hang with smaller mid-majors, as we have seen evidence of this in the recent past by other top D3 teams scrimmaging mid-major schools, but I highly doubt they would hang tight or beat Maryland, Indiana, Wake Forest, UNC, etc. Saying that less than 10 games into the D3 season is a stretch to put it nicely. If they go undefeated and win the National Championship then you have more of an argument, but until then I will take Maryland over Hopkins any day of the week. 

[Flying Weasel]

FW..have you seen Hopkins play?  I watched them against Haverford online and they looked pretty impressive.  Two or three dangerous offensive players and solid all around.  That game will definitely be one to watch and a good measuring stick.

The JHU team can hang tight and even win against any top D1 program.  They are very fluid and have very good technical players.  The keeper is from Malaysia and is winning a lot of accolades.

I wouldn't go as far as saying any "top" D1 team. I am sure they can hang with smaller mid-majors, as we have seen evidence of this in the recent past by other top D3 teams scrimmaging mid-major schools, but I highly doubt they would hang tight or beat Maryland, Indiana, Wake Forest, UNC, etc. Saying that less than 10 games into the D3 season is a stretch to put it nicely. If they go undefeated and win the National Championship then you have more of an argument, but until then I will take Maryland over Hopkins any day of the week. 

I assumed that was a typo and was meant to be "any top D3 team".

[rudy]

FW..have you seen Hopkins play?  I watched them against Haverford online and they looked pretty impressive.  Two or three dangerous offensive players and solid all around.  That game will definitely be one to watch and a good measuring stick.

The JHU team can hang tight and even win against any top D1 program.  They are very fluid and have very good technical players.  The keeper is from Malaysia and is winning a lot of accolades.

I wouldn't go as far as saying any "top" D1 team. I am sure they can hang with smaller mid-majors, as we have seen evidence of this in the recent past by other top D3 teams scrimmaging mid-major schools, but I highly doubt they would hang tight or beat Maryland, Indiana, Wake Forest, UNC, etc. Saying that less than 10 games into the D3 season is a stretch to put it nicely. If they go undefeated and win the National Championship then you have more of an argument, but until then I will take Maryland over Hopkins any day of the week.

I also assume a typo and should say D3.  Even if they won the National Championship there is no way that JHU, or any other D3 team, hangs with the top 5-10 D1 programs.  I have watched Maryland play..and they would easily beat NESCAC, Messiah, UAA, whatever team you want to put on the field.

[Falconer]

I made it to the Messiah-Alvernia game last night. When the Falcons played the Crusaders (now known as the Golden Wolves) on the Crusaders' turf field a year ago, it went into double OT owing to great saves from the Alvernia keeper and a PK that tied it late in regulation: http://gomessiah.com/news/2016/10/5/mens-soccer-quintins-double-ot-winner-leads-messiah-to-road-win.aspx?path=msoc

The same keeper came up big last night on an early challenge, but the Falcons broke through later and went on to win 3-0. Here's my observations on the game within the game.

McCarty did some novel experimenting on the offensive end, trying several combinations on the wings and in the attacking MF, presumably in an effort to jump-start scoring. Although the Falcons have frequently been dangerous in recent games, scoring has been unusually low by Messiah standards. It's not a lack of experienced attackers: the main components have been there for multiple seasons. In the most interesting move, he shifted West from left to right, reinserted Alejos on the left wing, and put Thomas at MF on the right, near West. That proved an electric combination, giving Thomas more options to use his strength and speed, and it resulted in 3 assists for Colby, though at least one (if I recall correctly) came from his usual spot on the right wing. My guess is that McCarty will go back to that combination again, whether or not he starts the next few games that way.

Game balls to Colby and Kirby Robbins (who played the finisher role properly), with honorable mention to Nick West (for always being dangerous) and Shay Quintin (who made the greatest move of the night, a superb shake-and-bake in the box followed by a terrific cross that just missed resulting in another goal), who hasn't figured out yet that he's really an outside defender and doesn't belong down there.    Of course Falcon fans have seen defenders suddenly morph into forwards before--guys like Jon Brubaker, JD Binger, and Jevon Gondwe--so maybe there's just something in the water.

Overall the Falcons looked awfully good. Their aggressive one-touch attack is running seamlessly right now, and finally the goals are coming. If they play this well the rest of this week, Hopkins is going to have their hands full Thursday night on a rare visit to Grantham. If the Blue Jays are as good as their record (and better than they were yesterday vs the Muhls, who aren't any better this year than Alvernia), it should be a good one. Looking forward to it.

[D3soccerwatcher]

I watched the entire Hopkins game yesterday and I was not very impressed (particularly against a sub-.500 team). If they are number 4 in the nation it seems to me that there may not be a lot of difference in quality in the top 25. Perhaps the tournament will be wide open this year.

[Ejay]

I too watched a majority of the 2nd half and OT and I didn't think Hopkins was as poor as everyone says. Granted I didn't see a ton of good opportunities created in the final third, but they controlled the midfield and played a very patient game out the back.  The wind was terrible so that certainly had an impact on the accuracy of any ball played in the air.  In fact, I saw one instance where a ball play almost straight up ended going backward about 30 yards.  I think they'll give Messiah a game and it actually wouldn't shock me to see them sneak one in on a restart to pull off the "upset".

I'm also keeping an eye on Drew. Another 3 goal win, and Cserhat scored yet again for the 7th game in a row. He now has 13 goals in 11 games and has scored in 9 of 11 this season. I suspect they'll jump Haverford in the rankings, moving into 4th as they head into a big Landmark clash at home against Scranton on Wednesday.

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Regional Rankings:
1    Messiah College---def Etown 2-1 OT, def Alvernia 3-0
2    Johns Hopkins University---def Wash Coll 2-1, def Muhles 1-0 2OT
3    Lycoming College---def Miseri 3-0, def Widener 2-1
4    Haverford College---draw Muhles 0-0, lost Getty 4-1
5    Drew University---def Moravian 3-0
6    Eastern University---lost Manhattanville 3-1
7    Gettysburg College---def McDaniel 1-0, def Fords 4-1
8    Lebanon Valley College---def York 6-1
9    Dickinson College---lost 2-1 to F&M, def Ursinus 4-0
10  University Of Scranton---def Wilkes 3-0, def Etown 2-0

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

I would rank them like this...

1. Messiah
2. Hopkins
3. Lyco
4. Drew
5. Getty
6. LVC
7. Fords
8. Scranton
9. Dickinson
10. Eastern
--------------------
DeSales, Arcadia

[Shooter McGavin]

I would rank them like this...

1. Messiah
2. Hopkins
3. Lyco
4. Drew
5. Getty
6. LVC
7. Fords
8. Scranton
9. Dickinson
10. Eastern
--------------------
DeSales, Arcadia

I am thinking this:

1. Messiah
2. Hopkins
3. Lycoming
4. Drew
5. Gettysburg
6. Haverford
7. Scranton
8. Dickinson
9. Leb Val
10. Eastern

[stillwatching]

I made it to the Messiah-Alvernia game last night. When the Falcons played the Crusaders (now known as the Golden Wolves) on the Crusaders' turf field a year ago, it went into double OT owing to great saves from the Alvernia keeper and a PK that tied it late in regulation: http://gomessiah.com/news/2016/10/5/mens-soccer-quintins-double-ot-winner-leads-messiah-to-road-win.aspx?path=msoc

The same keeper came up big last night on an early challenge, but the Falcons broke through later and went on to win 3-0. Here's my observations on the game within the game.

McCarty did some novel experimenting on the offensive end, trying several combinations on the wings and in the attacking MF, presumably in an effort to jump-start scoring. Although the Falcons have frequently been dangerous in recent games, scoring has been unusually low by Messiah standards. It's not a lack of experienced attackers: the main components have been there for multiple seasons. In the most interesting move, he shifted West from left to right, reinserted Alejos on the left wing, and put Thomas at MF on the right, near West. That proved an electric combination, giving Thomas more options to use his strength and speed, and it resulted in 3 assists for Colby, though at least one (if I recall correctly) came from his usual spot on the right wing. My guess is that McCarty will go back to that combination again, whether or not he starts the next few games that way.

Game balls to Colby and Kirby Robbins (who played the finisher role properly), with honorable mention to Nick West (for always being dangerous) and Shay Quintin (who made the greatest move of the night, a superb shake-and-bake in the box followed by a terrific cross that just missed resulting in another goal), who hasn't figured out yet that he's really an outside defender and doesn't belong down there.    Of course Falcon fans have seen defenders suddenly morph into forwards before--guys like Jon Brubaker, JD Binger, and Jevon Gondwe--so maybe there's just something in the water.

Overall the Falcons looked awfully good. Their aggressive one-touch attack is running seamlessly right now, and finally the goals are coming. If they play this well the rest of this week, Hopkins is going to have their hands full Thursday night on a rare visit to Grantham. If the Blue Jays are as good as their record (and better than they were yesterday vs the Muhls, who aren't any better this year than Alvernia), it should be a good one. Looking forward to it.

Shay is a great player, and even better kid.  My played with and against him for years during their club years.  You could legit put him anywhere on the field, with the exception of GK, and he's produce.  Although, we have seen him in net in meaningless summer tourneys, and he's fine back there as well. :-) 

[Falconer]

I made it to the Messiah-Alvernia game last night. When the Falcons played the Crusaders (now known as the Golden Wolves) on the Crusaders' turf field a year ago, it went into double OT owing to great saves from the Alvernia keeper and a PK that tied it late in regulation: http://gomessiah.com/news/2016/10/5/mens-soccer-quintins-double-ot-winner-leads-messiah-to-road-win.aspx?path=msoc

The same keeper came up big last night on an early challenge, but the Falcons broke through later and went on to win 3-0. Here's my observations on the game within the game.

McCarty did some novel experimenting on the offensive end, trying several combinations on the wings and in the attacking MF, presumably in an effort to jump-start scoring. Although the Falcons have frequently been dangerous in recent games, scoring has been unusually low by Messiah standards. It's not a lack of experienced attackers: the main components have been there for multiple seasons. In the most interesting move, he shifted West from left to right, reinserted Alejos on the left wing, and put Thomas at MF on the right, near West. That proved an electric combination, giving Thomas more options to use his strength and speed, and it resulted in 3 assists for Colby, though at least one (if I recall correctly) came from his usual spot on the right wing. My guess is that McCarty will go back to that combination again, whether or not he starts the next few games that way.

Game balls to Colby and Kirby Robbins (who played the finisher role properly), with honorable mention to Nick West (for always being dangerous) and Shay Quintin (who made the greatest move of the night, a superb shake-and-bake in the box followed by a terrific cross that just missed resulting in another goal), who hasn't figured out yet that he's really an outside defender and doesn't belong down there.    Of course Falcon fans have seen defenders suddenly morph into forwards before--guys like Jon Brubaker, JD Binger, and Jevon Gondwe--so maybe there's just something in the water.

Overall the Falcons looked awfully good. Their aggressive one-touch attack is running seamlessly right now, and finally the goals are coming. If they play this well the rest of this week, Hopkins is going to have their hands full Thursday night on a rare visit to Grantham. If the Blue Jays are as good as their record (and better than they were yesterday vs the Muhls, who aren't any better this year than Alvernia), it should be a good one. Looking forward to it.

Shay is a great player, and even better kid.  My played with and against him for years during their club years.  You could legit put him anywhere on the field, with the exception of GK, and he's produce.  Although, we have seen him in net in meaningless summer tourneys, and he's fine back there as well. :-)

I much appreciate your affirmation of my enthusiasm about Shay, stillwatching. I know he didn't score a great deal for his HS team, but it was a truly great team (as you would know more than me) with other players who apparently fit better up front. Shay could indeed play anywhere. The fact that he's at left outside back is simply a result of circumstances at Messiah and nothing else as far as I can see. When he arrived on campus last fall, there was a crucial need for someone to fill that position, and at least three other returning players were very experienced at left wing, with other very experienced starters in MF.

There's been much discussion of Amherst here lately, so let me point out that two of Shay's teammates at Milton Academy play for Amherst. The big scorer for Milton accepted a scholarship to D1 Boston University. I see where Shay has a younger brother who also played for Milton: can you tell me whether he's also playing somewhere in college?

[Shooter McGavin]

6 teams in the D3 Top 25 and 1 RV

Hopkins (3)
Messiah (5)
Lycoming (11)
Drew (17
Gettysburg (23)
Haverford (25)
Scranton (RV)

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Mid-Atlantic - Poll 4 - October 3, 2017 (Results updated thru 10/3)
1. Messiah---def Albright 5-0
2. Hopkins---def Stevenson 3-0   
3. Lycoming---def #6 LVC 2-0
4. Drew---
5. Gettysburg---
6. Lebanon Valley---lost to #3 Lyco 2-0
7. Haverford---
8. Scranton---
9. Eastern---
10. Dickinson---def Misericordia 5-0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Games to Watch (10/4)
Scranton @ Drew
Eastern @ Gettysburg
Fords @ Rutgers Camden
Goucher @ Catholic
William & Patterson @ DeSales
Moravian @ Etown

Other Results (10/3)
Stevens over F&M 1-0
Rowan over Muhles 3-2
Hood and Widener tie 1-1
Kings over Penn College 4-0
Cabrini over Keystone 2-0
Alvernia over Arcadia 1-0

[darad44]

What does the board think about Lycoming's game play?  High foul counts; 182 to date.  High yellow card count; 22.  They had 25 fouls and 2 yellow cards yesterday.  Vs Messiah who only has 69 fouls and 3 yellow cards.  Is that taught or just the type of player Lycoming recruits?