Mid-Atlantic Region

[paclassic89]

Rankings Week 2 are out

Region IV

1. Stevens
2. Montclair
3. NYU
4. Misericordia
5. Lycoming
6. Rowan
7. Lancaster Bible

Region V

1. Messiah
2. JHU
3. F&M
4. Catholic
5. Drew
6. Alvernia
7. Gettysburg

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

MAF 2nd Regional Ranking Predictions

Region 4
1. Stevens (13-0-2 and RvR should be 5-0-0)
2. Montclair (12-1-4 and RvR should be 2-0-1)
3. NYU (7-4-2 and RvR should be 1-4-1)
4. Rowan (8-5-4 and RvR should be 1-3-1)
5. Lycoming (9-4-4 and RvR should be 0-4-2)
6. Misericordia (9-3-4 and RvR should be 1-1-0)
7. Lancaster Bible (11-3-3 and RvR should be 0-0-2)

Region 5
1. Messiah (15-0-1 and RvR should be 6-0-0)
2. Hopkins (11-0-5 and RvR should be 4-0-1)
3. F&M (11-1-4 and RvR should be 1-1-2)
4. Catholic (10-2-4 and RvR should be 2-1-2)
5. Elizabethtown (8-4-4 and RvR should be 1-2-0)
6. Drew (11-2-4 and RvR should be 1-2-0)
7. Alvernia (10-2-5 and RvR should be 2-2-1)
HM: Gettysburg (9-3-3 and RvR should be 0-2-2)

Only missed one (Etown) and missed on the order for both regions.

Region 4 switched Rowan and Misericordia--in hindsight makes sense I missed on this.

Region 5 missed on Etown with Gettysburg in and everyone else shifting up one spot due to that.

[Mid-Atlantic Fan]

Some regional games to watch this evening:

Messiah @ LVC
Kings @ Misericordia
Lyco @ Gettysburg
Wilkes @ FDU
Alvernia @ Widener
Stevens @ Arcadia

I caught bits and pieces of some of these but watched the Gettysburg vs Lycoming game the most. I've seen both teams play 4 or 5 times this year and I must say that both were playing at an extremely high level. I'd give the edge to Lycoming, as they created some quality chances and had the majority of the opportunities. Lycoming's outside backs were both very good on the ball and good in the attack. Gettysburg's goalie stood on his head and made some nice saves to keep them in it. Both teams look like NCAA teams to me and I am curious to see how they perform in conference playoffs. Both teams have strong resumes but are lacking a ranked win from what I can see. They should have the opportunity to pick up 1 during the playoffs which will help their case.

The other game I watched closely was Stevens vs Arcadia. Stevens is peaking at the right time and while they are still undefeated, they are playing some good soccer at the moment. They have only given up 1 goal in their last 9 games, outscoring opponents 21-1 in that stretch. They looked very difficult to break down and once they got the first goal it looked like everyone knew the match was over.

I noticed Messiah and LVC was a close affair. Did anybody watch that game? Was it as close as the score indicates?

Look up thread. I posted about it a bit and we had a first hand accounting of the game from Falconer.

I wouldn't really call it close, even though LVC scored with about 20 minutes left to even the match. It was very one-sided, with LVC parking the bus and Messiah doing their normal thing (tight passes and dribbling in little space, breaking down LVC and getting a decent amount of chances, resulting in a lot of shots and corners. (22 v. 3 on shots, 13 v. 1 on corners.)

I will say, this game was good for Messiah, because give credit to LVC... They had a plan and they stuck to it and weren't exactly an easy out. 2-1 is the closest game Messiah has seen in about a month (2-1 W over NYU in late September.)

TY

[Hopkins92]

What a beautiful day in Baltimore today!

Unfortunately for Hopkins, just not able to put one in the net today... Two goals in the first half were called back for offsides... I'm not complaining, I didn't have the benefit of replay... Dips scored about 5 minutes after second goal was called back and you could see the deflation. The Dips goal came of a scramble following a long throw-in. The atmosphere and energy made the game HIGHLY ENTERTAINING.

Hopkins outshot the Dips 16-6 and had 5 corners to F&M's 1... The Dips committed 15 fouls to Hopkins' 7... This was just a typical Hopkins-F&M game, both playing their style. Hopkins was swinging the ball around and pinging passes up through the middle at times. First time I've seen this iteration and I came away VERY impressed with Hopkins' overall speed. And in the second half, they were spraying deep balls across the field more than I think I've seen them do in 5 years. It was very impressive and almost lead to a couple of breakaway goals.

Another moment of controversy came with about 15 minutes left when  Hopkins player was screaming through the box and got thumped by a Dips defender. Again, I didn't have replay, but, man... Sure looked like a PK to me.

On F&M, I'll say this: They are committed to their system. They lump the ball forward and proceed to apply a lot of pressure on the backs. I think Hopkins acquitted itself pretty well, with maybe 3 or 4 times that the pressure resulted in anything. I mean... The Dips worked the ball out of the back at one point in the second half and I'm pretty sure it was the only time they did that all game? If it was more than that it was while I was parking the car.

(I'm going to clip my critique of the F&M bench and their antics. I'm sure they're having fun.)

So, I know folks will ding Hop for not scoring, but I want to make something really clear:

This team is playing the best offense they've displayed all year. Their D is still pretty lights out, but I think this team is VERY dangerous heading into the post-season. Anyone that's paid even a tiny bit of attention knows I don't just homer it up for Hopkins. I've been pretty critical of their approach over the years and earlier this year is no exception.

In addition to the non-PK call, they had at least 3 goal mouth scrambles that the odds say probably should've produced a goal, and a couple of pretty nice set pieces that were dangerous. This team is cooking with gas and I anticipate a re-match in the CC final up in Lancaster down the road.

On the negative side, all the stuff I mentioned aside, they really should've scored at least 2, possibly 3 goals from the run of play, but... They just don't shoot the ball very well. Too much stuff that is just kind of dinked in the goals direction. And even the set piece towards the end of the game... Nice shot with pace, right at the goalie... Literally didn't have to move other than his hands.

Congrats to the Dips on a solid win. You come to Homewood and gave them their only loss on the year. Nuff said (from me... Looking forward to other opinions.)

[Hopkins92]

Meanwhile, Widener Watch!!!

Sean Fatiga put the Pride up 1 to nothing in Chester, PA, but the Falcons leveled with about 15 minutes in the half. I didn't catch the scorer, but everyone's favorite shiny-domed forward had an assist.

Sitting on half-time.

Alas, MacDonald absolutely smashes home a rebound. 2-1 Falcons, and it has been a pretty lopsided half... Pride need some magic to score 2 and win the regular season "title"... Seems unlikely.

Now 3-1. I didn't see it... I'm not watching anymore.

[d3ma]

Third goal was really scrappy, ball was bouncing around inside the six for a few seconds before it trickled over the line. Widener goalie got to it but it was too late and already in.

[Hopkins92]

BTW, that loss combined with Washington's result means: Hopkins hosts Dickinson in the first round and the winner plays at Washington. On the other side of the bracket, Muhles face the Bullets to see who hosts the first round, obviously for the honor of traveling to Lancaster for the semis. Highest seed remaining hosts the final.

[Hopkins92]

Third goal was really scrappy, ball was bouncing around inside the six for a few seconds before it trickled over the line. Widener goalie got to it but it was too late and already in.

Lietzel goal turns out to be pretty big, as Widener pulled one back late on a free-kick... Game ends 3-2.

Just going off memory, pretty sure that's only the second time Messiah has given up two goals all year. Right? That 2-2 draw against Lynchburg? *checks* Yup.

Pride Nation!!

It's unclear to me who they will play as the second seed. I'm sure I could figure it out, but I'm not vested enough. Folks better at sifting through the tea leaves could say with more authority, but I'd think they'd need another match-up with Messiah in the final to feel good about a Pool C at this point.

[Fitz@615]

You are correct. MU gave up a game tying 2nd goal against Lynchburg with less than 2 minutes remaining.

[Hopkins92]

You are correct. MU gave up a game tying 2nd goal against Lynchburg with less than 2 minutes remaining.

Another cool moment for Falcon Fan Nation was when the announcer mentioned after the MacDonald goal that "whenever you play Messiah, you know they are bringing a big group of fans" (I'm paraphrasing). I didn't have the sound up too loud, but the place erupted when that goal was absolutely obliterated into the back of the net.

[College Soccer Observer]

What a beautiful day in Baltimore today!

Unfortunately for Hopkins, just not able to put one in the net today... Two goals in the first half were called back for offsides... I'm not complaining, I didn't have the benefit of replay... Dips scored about 5 minutes after second goal was called back and you could see the deflation. The Dips goal came of a scramble following a long throw-in. The atmosphere and energy made the game HIGHLY ENTERTAINING.

Hopkins outshot the Dips 16-6 and had 5 corners to F&M's 1... The Dips committed 15 fouls to Hopkins' 7... This was just a typical Hopkins-F&M game, both playing their style. Hopkins was swinging the ball around and pinging passes up through the middle at times. First time I've seen this iteration and I came away VERY impressed with Hopkins' overall speed. And in the second half, they were spraying deep balls across the field more than I think I've seen them do in 5 years. It was very impressive and almost lead to a couple of breakaway goals.

Another moment of controversy came with about 15 minutes left when  Hopkins player was screaming through the box and got thumped by a Dips defender. Again, I didn't have replay, but, man... Sure looked like a PK to me.

On F&M, I'll say this: They are committed to their system. They lump the ball forward and proceed to apply a lot of pressure on the backs. I think Hopkins acquitted itself pretty well, with maybe 3 or 4 times that the pressure resulted in anything. I mean... The Dips worked the ball out of the back at one point in the second half and I'm pretty sure it was the only time they did that all game? If it was more than that it was while I was parking the car.

(I'm going to clip my critique of the F&M bench and their antics. I'm sure they're having fun.)

So, I know folks will ding Hop for not scoring, but I want to make something really clear:

This team is playing the best offense they've displayed all year. Their D is still pretty lights out, but I think this team is VERY dangerous heading into the post-season. Anyone that's paid even a tiny bit of attention knows I don't just homer it up for Hopkins. I've been pretty critical of their approach over the years and earlier this year is no exception.

In addition to the non-PK call, they had at least 3 goal mouth scrambles that the odds say probably should've produced a goal, and a couple of pretty nice set pieces that were dangerous. This team is cooking with gas and I anticipate a re-match in the CC final up in Lancaster down the road.

On the negative side, all the stuff I mentioned aside, they really should've scored at least 2, possibly 3 goals from the run of play, but... They just don't shoot the ball very well. Too much stuff that is just kind of dinked in the goals direction. And even the set piece towards the end of the game... Nice shot with pace, right at the goalie... Literally didn't have to move other than his hands.

Congrats to the Dips on a solid win. You come to Homewood and gave them their only loss on the year. Nuff said (from me... Looking forward to other opinions.)

Agreed on the F and M bench and their style of play.  My son's team beat them in the NCAAs last year and his comment was "poor man's Amherst" in terms of both their antics and their style.

[PaulNewman]

CSO, you may get to see them again in a couple or three weeks...

[SierraFD3soccer]

What a beautiful day in Baltimore today!

Unfortunately for Hopkins, just not able to put one in the net today... Two goals in the first half were called back for offsides... I'm not complaining, I didn't have the benefit of replay... Dips scored about 5 minutes after second goal was called back and you could see the deflation. The Dips goal came of a scramble following a long throw-in. The atmosphere and energy made the game HIGHLY ENTERTAINING.

Hopkins outshot the Dips 16-6 and had 5 corners to F&M's 1... The Dips committed 15 fouls to Hopkins' 7... This was just a typical Hopkins-F&M game, both playing their style. Hopkins was swinging the ball around and pinging passes up through the middle at times. First time I've seen this iteration and I came away VERY impressed with Hopkins' overall speed. And in the second half, they were spraying deep balls across the field more than I think I've seen them do in 5 years. It was very impressive and almost lead to a couple of breakaway goals.

Another moment of controversy came with about 15 minutes left when  Hopkins player was screaming through the box and got thumped by a Dips defender. Again, I didn't have replay, but, man... Sure looked like a PK to me.

On F&M, I'll say this: They are committed to their system. They lump the ball forward and proceed to apply a lot of pressure on the backs. I think Hopkins acquitted itself pretty well, with maybe 3 or 4 times that the pressure resulted in anything. I mean... The Dips worked the ball out of the back at one point in the second half and I'm pretty sure it was the only time they did that all game? If it was more than that it was while I was parking the car.

(I'm going to clip my critique of the F&M bench and their antics. I'm sure they're having fun.)

So, I know folks will ding Hop for not scoring, but I want to make something really clear:

This team is playing the best offense they've displayed all year. Their D is still pretty lights out, but I think this team is VERY dangerous heading into the post-season. Anyone that's paid even a tiny bit of attention knows I don't just homer it up for Hopkins. I've been pretty critical of their approach over the years and earlier this year is no exception.

In addition to the non-PK call, they had at least 3 goal mouth scrambles that the odds say probably should've produced a goal, and a couple of pretty nice set pieces that were dangerous. This team is cooking with gas and I anticipate a re-match in the CC final up in Lancaster down the road.

On the negative side, all the stuff I mentioned aside, they really should've scored at least 2, possibly 3 goals from the run of play, but... They just don't shoot the ball very well. Too much stuff that is just kind of dinked in the goals direction. And even the set piece towards the end of the game... Nice shot with pace, right at the goalie... Literally didn't have to move other than his hands.

Congrats to the Dips on a solid win. You come to Homewood and gave them their only loss on the year. Nuff said (from me... Looking forward to other opinions.)

Thanks Hopkins92. Truly a beautiful day for a game!! As many have pobably have said on this board, soccer is a cruel sport . Also you probably know, F&M only needed a tie to clinch the regular season and the 1st seed. JHU and F&M both had great seasons. F&M has a pretty good defense as well. Only allowing one game of more than 1 goals ( second game against Stevens). 11 goals all season and only 3 in conference. Last 4 games were shutouts. 8 total this season. So F&M has pretty good defense as well. Yes, JHU got unlucky at some points during the game and F&M finished it's best chance. Good luck to both in the playoffs and I hope they see each other again but in Lancaster! Always fun time of year.

[Hopkins92]

Sorry we didn't link up! The message notification on this site is a little wanting.

I should just say, I don't feel like editing my post, but when I was saying first time seeing this iteration, I mean to say "in person"

Hopkins is FAST.

[SierraFD3soccer]

Sorry we didn't link up! The message notification on this site is a little wanting.

I should just say, I don't feel like editing my post, but when I was saying first time seeing this iteration, I mean to say "in person"

Hopkins is FAST.

No worries. Great fun. I would say next time, but our son is a senior. I was wondering if it ever went through, haha.