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[PaulNewman]

You probably have to be 55+ to have a shot at getting this reference, but in the final scene of Body Heat William Hurt wakes up in the middle of the night in his prison cell to realize that Kathleen Turner is not dead (and the film ends with her lounging with a cocktail on the beach at a secluded, exotic island).

More current film/tv analogies might be the "Bear Trap" from Succession...or Jack Ryan realizing that Sulieman wanted them to raid the compound and free the hostages who had been infected with Ebola so that the favored hostage would unknowingly infect the President after the rescue mission....or back to the 55+ crew, we could go with my personal favorite The Sting.

After two days of binge-watching the first season of Jack Ryan, I woke up last night to ask myself why a very unsure, unsettled Kenyon squad was dominating the first five minutes given the revenge element and overall importance of the match to John Carroll.  And it hit me...JCU intentionally wanted and allowed the Owls to have the illusion of being OK, to think "oh, this isn't going to be that bad," and to get comfortable.  After luring the Owls in the Blue Streaks locked the door behind them and the game was over.  Yes, that sounds crazy, but there's at least a grain of truth there.  The Owls got rope-a-doped into oblivion.

Histrionics aside, the top of the OAC has made a major statement.  We'll know relatively soon for sure whether JCU and ONU are the class of the region.  Both have some monster games ahead.  ONU hosts Calvin next, and after Colorago College (trap game), the Polar Bears are away (consecutively) at OWU, at North Central, at North Park, and at Trine and Rose-Hulman.

JCU next heads to Pittsburgh to take on Carnegie Mellon.  JCU should win this one, but CMU desperately needs this game as the rest of the schedule pre-UAA is ridiculously weak.  After Wooster and CWRU at home, JCU is at OWU, hosts Denison, and then is at Calvin and a neutral site for North Park back-to-back. 

Otterbein has been a mild disappointment early, but Capital has surprised. 

CWRU should be 3-0 before hosting Capital and then going down the street to JCU.

After next weekend, Kenyon could be easily be 1-3 or even 0-4 or 0-3-1.  OWU could be 1-2-1 or 0-2-2.  The Owls and Battling Bishops have the same opponents.  Hanover is hard to predict at 1-1 but I don't see St Olaf losing twice (or maybe even once).

Denison should be 6-0 heading into a road trip gauntlet featuring JCU, CWRU, and Otterbein. 

[Domino1195]

Pablo - too early to say. Perhaps Kenyon's start will be a wake up call. JCU had a miserable pre conference a couple years back - ridiculous SOS -went into conference play with a losing record and stormed their way to the OAC title.

Saw both Cap games: very unimpressed with their energy yesterday. Yes - they survived the first 20 minutes and got a goal against run of play. Previously acknowledged Kossoudji got a second - kid is nuts. Part Tasmanian Devil from cartoons, mostly cat in that his sense on balance, quickness and speed is unlike any soccer player I've seen - got a second by running straight through Roanoke's defense from 35-40 yards. OG early in second half - then Cap parked the bus for 40 frickin' minutes. Roanoke was dominate before the PTB tactics, but they scored 0 goals in two games in their visit to Ohio. Once they figure out final third issues they will be a dominating team. Midfield and D is solid - GK a ?

Best game I saw this weekend was Calvin - OWU. Calvin had better possession stats but could only get the one goal. A classic grind game between two teams that will qualify for post season.

Otterbein's draw against Trine - a head scratcher. They end the weekend having been shut out twice. Watched some, but switched to Case/Wooster as it was on at the same time.

Case scores off a corner in the second minute, then a PK. Third goal in the second half due to
a marauding GK leaving the 6 unnecessarily- Paul - really question the first JCU goal
- a spirit breaker - also due to an unnecessary GK challenge outside the 6. Case solid across the back and midfield - fortunate scoring - but if Cap shows up comatose as they did yesterday Case should handle them easily. Bulletin Board material, but the lame effort last year vs Loras was replayed yesterday. The want to win - which you see with Calvin, OWU - is completely absent with Capital. They are young, talented, and have a disciplined GK. Maybe leadership will emerge - playing with a experienced interim coach is not the issue.

Denison 2-0 - took care of business. Eye opener: DePauw's dominate wins. Is coach coach McCarthy edging closer to home (GFR reference, nod to Pablo's nostalgia trip)?

[southsidejet]

We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....

Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal

https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx

"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."

That quote & headline was from a member of the media. A more honest take from one of the captains later in the article:

"This game gave us a lot of momentum going forward, but we're not satisfied...we haven't won anything yet. All focus is on Carnegie Mellon on Thursday."

There is good experience & leadership on this team, so I'll take him at his word.

[PaulNewman]

We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....

Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal

https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx

"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."

That quote & headline was from a member of the media. A more honest take from one of the captains later in the article:

"This game gave us a lot of momentum going forward, but we're not satisfied...we haven't won anything yet. All focus is on Carnegie Mellon on Thursday."

There is good experience & leadership on this team, so I'll take him at his word.

SSJ

No question JCU is a very mature squad with major talent...They have at least 4-5 guys who are very dangerous and excellent at finishing.  If Jaden Wright (transfer from Akron) turns out to be one of the top players in D3 then JCU is going to be super-dangerous.  That said, let's see if JCU can finally break through the Sweet 16/Rd of 32 barrier.

As for the article, I could be wrong but my impression always has been that most coaches provide the overall storylines and what to emphasize.  And I would guess that many coaches are involved in reviewing what gets posted.  Certainly JCU had every reason to be in a celebratory mood.

I assumed my post was pretty transparent insofar as I was using the article to call out Kenyon and ignite a competitive edge. It wasn't really about JCU.  If the article happens to provide some solid bulletin board material if they meet again in November then all the better.

[PaulNewman]

Last year, OWU started the season 0-4-2, which apparently was the worst start ever during Jay Martin's tenure. Then they went undefeated till the 2nd round of the NCAAs. The start to this season is eerily similar to last year. I'm hard-pressed to believe that they'll make the NCAA tournament this year if they go winless again after the first six games this year. They need at least one win this weekend.

Both ONU and JC are legit contenders for a D3 national championship. I heard Dejan say that this year's JC team is better than last year's.

Don't forget that OWU could have been 0-7-2 to start and still would have made the tournament by winning the AQ (which they did).  It is probable that the AQ will come from the trio of OWU, Kenyon, and Denison, and so that would leave two of them sweating out a bid.  I expect the NCAC race to be tight, but would give the edge to OWU right now.  Denison should sport a gaudy record at least until the three road games with JCU, CWRU, and Otterbein.  I underestimated Kenyon's roster losses, but turns out losing five of your very best players who led a class with probably the best four year runs in Kenyon history makes a difference.  Martinez not playing (at least so far) really hurts too.  Perhaps a couple of incoming players will grow into meaningful roles but none look like true difference-makers.  Will be interesting to see what Wall does.  Kenyon's best player imo has had a two game nightmare and I'm wondering if he might be more valuable and protective at CDM instead of CB.

As for JCU and ONU, I have no doubts that they could beat the top NCAC teams in the Rd of 32 or Sweet 16.  But can they beat Calvin, North Park, or Chicago, or maybe St Olaf? 

[Domino1195]

I'm going to put an official "watch out for" DePauw. Veteran lineup - starting two freshman - one from England. One sophomore from Canada and Jrs and Srs to fill out the starting 11. Junior CB - from England - 6'6" - several starters over 6'. While the first two opponents aren't traditional powerhouses, DePauw wins two road games by a combine score of 9-0.

Rose Hulman, Hope before conference play. Trip to Capital as well.

[PaulNewman]

I'm stunned that Kenyon has struggled as much as they have early. But JC and ONU are legit contenders. To be honest, I've not seen either play; my opinion is based on what I've heard from friends closely associated with the teams. I'm also very familiar with a couple of the star players on each.

IMHO, I think both JC and ONU are further along than Calvin. I watched the OWU game against Calvin, and I know I'm biased, but I think OWU outplayed them. Stats show OWU outshot Calvin 18-12, most of which happened in the second half. Calvin's score came on a long-distance banger, which was a beaut. But OWU had the better opportunities but could not finish. Two kids who missed their chances, including a late 1v1 against the keeper, were heart-broken afterwards.

OWU plays St. Olaf this Friday. I can't wait to see how OWU bounces back.

I was stunned too...but then I realized the Owls lost two AAs in Muther and Upton, two near AAs in Gaese and Carson, another stud in Nardiello-Smith, and Johannsson.  And Martinez hasn't played yet.  That's six or seven starters (all high level) gone.  I'm sure they will be competitive and get better, but it's hard to see them reaching last year's level.  There are nowhere close to the team that beat Calvin and W&L back to back.  I expect a similar story out of W&L, who also lost a handful of guys who were the heart and soul of the squad.

As for Calvin, do not ever underestimate the Knights.  Mark it down...Calvin or Messiah will be the 2023 champion.

This week....Calvin 3, ONU 1.

[southsidejet]

We'll have to wait and see if JCU's perfect day/evening was capped off by an unforced error....

Men's Soccer Usurps #5 Kenyon Owls from National Pedestal

https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-usurps-5-kenyon-owls-from-national-pedestal.aspx

"...one of the most important early regular-season games to date for this program's history."

That quote & headline was from a member of the media. A more honest take from one of the captains later in the article:

"This game gave us a lot of momentum going forward, but we're not satisfied...we haven't won anything yet. All focus is on Carnegie Mellon on Thursday."

There is good experience & leadership on this team, so I'll take him at his word.

SSJ

No question JCU is a very mature squad with major talent...They have at least 4-5 guys who are very dangerous and excellent at finishing.  If Jaden Wright (transfer from Akron) turns out to be one of the top players in D3 then JCU is going to be super-dangerous.  That said, let's see if JCU can finally break through the Sweet 16/Rd of 32 barrier.

As for the article, I could be wrong but my impression always has been that most coaches provide the overall storylines and what to emphasize.  And I would guess that many coaches are involved in reviewing what gets posted.  Certainly JCU had every reason to be in a celebratory mood.

I assumed my post was pretty transparent insofar as I was using the article to call out Kenyon and ignite a competitive edge. It wasn't really about JCU.  If the article happens to provide some solid bulletin board material if they meet again in November then all the better.

Good luck the rest of the season... I'm sure JCU (& ONU) would want nothing more than for Kenyon to now go on a tear. 

[PaulNewman]

No place I'd rather be in early November than Don Shula Stadium...and maybe I can catch a Cavs game.

And I'm sure JCU and ONU hope the Owls rebound just enough to still qualify for a RR 

[PaulNewman]

Wow.  Jaden Wright scores for JCU inside of 4 minutes in Pittsburgh after long delay to start of match.  One to watch definitely.

[Coach Jeff]

I agree with PN which I don't often do Jaden Wright is a player to watch, game changer.  Just watched John Carroll v CMU early goal 4th minute by JCU.  Lightning delay for over 50 minutes.  JCU won the game and the card battle.  5 yellow cards and 3 for CMU.  JCU Moher saved a PK in the second to preserve the win.  I felt the Jaden Wright from JCU was the best player on the field.  If you get a chance he was a playmaker for the streak.

[SimpleCoach]

I agree with PN which I don't often do Jaden Wright is a player to watch, game changer.  Just watched John Carroll v CMU early goal 4th minute by JCU.  Lightning delay for over 50 minutes.  JCU won the game and the card battle.  5 yellow cards and 3 for CMU.  JCU Moher saved a PK in the second to preserve the win.  I felt the Jaden Wright from JCU was the best player on the field.  If you get a chance he was a playmaker for the streak.

Formerly of U of Akron.  Outstanding ball player.  Along with Matt MacDonald of Messiah and Victor Gaulmin of St. Olaf, he should be in the discussion of a potential Player of the Year.

SC

[PaulNewman]

Another interesting tidbit is that Wright scored on headers early to take 1-0 leads, both off services from another leading JCU player, Hayden Haffner.  I didn't see the goal vs CMU but sounds like Wright scored near or inside the six beating the GK. Against Kenyon Wright scored over 6'5 Pedeschri who came out to make a play for the cross from some distance. Wright imo is generously listed at 5'9 and I would have guessed 5'7.

JCU clearly appears to be a top team but we need to see more to put them tippy top. Hard to peg after 2-1 vs Oberlin (Oberlin scored last second but JCU also got their second pretty late), the 4-0 demolition of Kenyon (1-0 at half), and then 1-0 vs CMU.

Addendum: Just read the JCU recap by the emerging JCU journalist, Gianluca DiGiacomo.  Yes, the CMU keeper was on-rushing on the play and DiGiacomo linked the play to the Kenyon play by Wright/Haffner as well.  The recap really is worth a read, and I mean that genuinely....far better than the cookie-cutter recaps with pre-fab crap like What Happened and Up Next.  You will be treated to references to Outkast, Will Ferrell in Elf, and more than 7000 days for JCU waiting to break a winless streak against CMU.  Also deep play by play in the recap that reads like he was either there and/or received a major assist from the coaching staff.

https://jcusports.com/news/2023/9/7/mens-soccer-beats-carnegie-mellon-in-significant-road-win.aspx

I've been thinking that JCU reminds me of top end NJACs (think Montclair and Rowan) and NYU where there are some extremely talented players but also some "Jersey-style" grit.  The difference is that JCU looks more cohesive and connected with team goals rather than individual goals.  The recap notes that the CMU game was extremely physical and quite chippy.

[PaulNewman]

A few more phrases/words from the recap...

"A showdown on Pittsburgh soil for the ages..."

"...scanned his parameters before delivering a delicious cross..."

"...circumnavigate..."

Mr. DiGiacomo should have his own column on D3soccer.com.

[Domino1195]

Caught buts and pieces of a few games this week, with a great slate of games thus weekend.

OAC - I think this conference has three potential champions (JCU, ONU and Mt. Union), 3 or 4 candidates for the next three playoff spots (Otterbein, Capital, Marietta and Wilmington), and three teams that will be lucky to win more than 2 conference games.

JCU playing to their identity- solid defense - love to see how many times they win the ball back, restart with the ball at the keeper's feet. And physical - 3 games, 15 fouls per game. 9 YC - might have issues with YC accumulation later in the season.

Both CMU and JCU (add OWU, Mt. Union - dominate in their win over Franciscan; CWRU based on their Sunday win vs Wooster) make it impossible to find space in the central channel. You'll have to have great wing play to attack these sides.

Denison looked strong in their win at the Field of Screams this week. Need to see more of them against quality opponents- Marietta looked as bad as that awful field they plan on.

ONU with Calvin tonight and Colorado College tomorrow. Wilmington with the reverse fixture also today and tomorrow - then at Kenyon on Wed. Wilmington very easily looking at 0-5 to start the year.

Not sure what's going on in the Heartland but Anderson's 3-0 start is misleading - outplayed in their comeback win over Wilmington. Other than Hanover, RH and Transy the other conference teams play such a weak schedule, and this being a one-bid conference - really no point in tracking them until their conference tournament. Weather permitting I'll be at the Kenyon-Hanover game at 5.