Mid-Atlantic Region

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

I agree with most of those assessments. Mr. Right I believe that shot was saved by the GK. Heck of a save. Messiah's lack of depth would be the big concern for Falcon fans. The starting 11 might be the best in the country but they looked tired in that second half and didn't sub more than 4 or 5 guys. Much different than years past where they would sub much more. I thought Messiah got away with 2 potential PK calls in the second half. Lycoming's forward had to be helped off the field after what looked like a foul in the box but no call came from it. The other was a potential handball that the entire team went nuts about on the field. Tough position for the official and although I don't think he did a bad job I don't think I would say he did a good job. The game was more physical than I anticipated from Messiah's perspective. They seemed up to the challenge and tackled harder than I have seen in the past. Not sure if that's good or bad but just an observation. Overall I thought it was a quality game and both sides are extremely talented.

[rudy]

 I looked at Lycoming home games to see how they have done at home on their small field. They never scored less than 2 goals in a home game this season until today. As expected there only other loss was away. Sure they had good chances against Messiah but GK was up to the challenge. Messiah also had some good looks in second half...not just Lyco with.other scoring opportunities.  Sounds a bit like Amherst with their narrow home field and style of play.. although I would pick Lyco over Amherst right now

[Mr.Right]

I agree MId-Atlantic that Messiah matched Lyco's physicality very well. Not sure Messiah had more than 1 dangerous chance 2nd half except for Brandt's near miss

[rudy]

I agree MId-Atlantic that Messiah matched Lyco's physicality very well. Not sure Messiah had more than 1 dangerous chance 2nd half except for Brandt's near miss

I watched on my tiny phone screen in low def but I think there were 2-3 good looks in 2nd. Robbins hit one wide left and Thomas early second half put one on goal but he did not strike it the way he would have liked. If he got all if it then it would have been more dangerous. Didn't challenge the keeper much but it was a good look.

[Falconer]

I agree with most of those assessments. Mr. Right I believe that shot was saved by the GK. Heck of a save. Messiah's lack of depth would be the big concern for Falcon fans. The starting 11 might be the best in the country but they looked tired in that second half and didn't sub more than 4 or 5 guys. Much different than years past where they would sub much more. I thought Messiah got away with 2 potential PK calls in the second half. Lycoming's forward had to be helped off the field after what looked like a foul in the box but no call came from it. The other was a potential handball that the entire team went nuts about on the field. Tough position for the official and although I don't think he did a bad job I don't think I would say he did a good job. The game was more physical than I anticipated from Messiah's perspective. They seemed up to the challenge and tackled harder than I have seen in the past. Not sure if that's good or bad but just an observation. Overall I thought it was a quality game and both sides are extremely talented.

I missed almost all of the things being said about specific details, b/c I didn't pay for the HD stream and the one I got was very blurry. I could not tell what was happening at either end of the field, only when they played in the middle--which was much of time, to be sure. I didn't see the great saves at all, and I didn't see who fouled whom on the important contact plays. Not the greatest experience for me as a soccer fan, but I got what I paid for.

Messiah is capable of playing as physically as anyone else. That's been true since Brandt started coaching. Physical play in general isn't their preference; they'd always rather have a tightly called game and generate free kicks, even if (as this year) they don't have really dangerous man to take the kicks. They don't back down on anyone, however.

[Mr.Right]

LOL yes we had to watch a "free" low quality broadcast

[Ommadawn]

Do you get a different announcer with the HD broadcast? 

[backyarddawg]

Any thoughts on Regional rankings for the Mid-Atlantic?

1 - Messiah
2 - JHU
3 - Lyco
4 - Getty
5 - Drew
6 - Fords
7 - LVC
8 - Dickinson

Others:
Eastern, Kings, Scranton

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Any thoughts on Regional rankings for the Mid-Atlantic?

1 - Messiah
2 - JHU
3 - Lyco
4 - Getty
5 - Drew
6 - Fords
7 - LVC
8 - Dickinson

Others:
Eastern, Kings, Scranton

I am thinking something like this...

1. Messiah
2. Lycoming
3. Hopkins
4. Drew
5. Gettysburg
6. Haverford
7. Dickinson
8. Leb Val
9. Eastern
10. DeSales/Kings/Etown/Moravian/Scranton/F&M

[backyarddawg]

Any thoughts on Regional rankings for the Mid-Atlantic?

1 - Messiah
2 - JHU
3 - Lyco
4 - Getty
5 - Drew
6 - Fords
7 - LVC
8 - Dickinson

Others:
Eastern, Kings, Scranton

I am thinking something like this...

1. Messiah
2. Lycoming
3. Hopkins
4. Drew
5. Gettysburg
6. Haverford
7. Dickinson
8. Leb Val
9. Eastern
10. DeSales/Kings/Etown/Moravian/Scranton/F&M

I believe these rankings are based on W% and SOS correct?

[Shooter McGavin]

Any thoughts on Regional rankings for the Mid-Atlantic?

1 - Messiah
2 - JHU
3 - Lyco
4 - Getty
5 - Drew
6 - Fords
7 - LVC
8 - Dickinson

Others:
Eastern, Kings, Scranton

I am thinking something like this...

1. Messiah
2. Lycoming
3. Hopkins
4. Drew
5. Gettysburg
6. Haverford
7. Dickinson
8. Leb Val
9. Eastern
10. DeSales/Kings/Etown/Moravian/Scranton/F&M

I believe these rankings are based on W% and SOS correct?

Yes I believe so as well as head to head matches and common opponents. RvR comes into play in the 2nd regional rankings based off these initial rankings.

Mine would be the following:

1. Messiah
2. Lycoming
3. Hopkins
4. Drew
5. Gettysburg
6. Fords
7. LVC
8. Dickinson
9. Eastern
10. DeSales

[Shooter McGavin]

Will be interesting to see what the committee values...LVC has the head to head win over Gettysburg but Gettysburg will most likely have a higher SOS and 1 less blemish. RvR typically helps distinguish more but for these first set of rankings that's a toss up based on what they value. Will they value the head to head win or will they value the SOS and 1 less blemish more? Depending on that will determine many of the slots.

[paclassic89]

If the past rankings are any indication, SOS is far and away the most important criteria.  Sometimes it seems like that is all the committee looks at. 

[Shooter McGavin]

SOS and RvR are looked at almost equally. But for the first one there are no RvR so SOS will have more of an emphasis along with win% and head to head if I had to guess.

[Shooter McGavin]

As for the Messiah at Lycoming game...wow! What a game it was. Definitely lived up to the hype and expectations. Both teams have bright futures ahead of them and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a rematch in Grantham in early November. I felt that Lycoming played well enough to get a tying goal and deserved a goal but Messiah defended well and were tough to break down. Tons of credit to Messiah for the victory and they look like a serious national title contender this year. They have the pieces and a win like this should give them the confidence. With that said I also think Lycoming can be a contender come NCAA's. They are very solid and will be a tough out for anybody. Great game and hope to see a rematch soon.