SimpleCoach D3 Soccer YouTube Channel

[SimpleCoach]

In the less-than-elite circles I move in, I have heard you referred to now as Paywall Coach.

Less-than-elite, @EnmoreCat?  I find that hard to believe....

[EnmoreCat]

In the less-than-elite circles I move in, I have heard you referred to now as Paywall Coach.

Less-than-elite, @EnmoreCat?  I find that hard to believe....

You clearly haven't been to downtown Enmore, SC...

[SimpleCoach]

Had the chance to speak with Andrew Wu, Athletic Director at Goucher College.

A Special SimpleCoach to Coach with Andrew Wu, Athletic Director at Goucher College.

[SimpleCoach]

I am jones-ing for the season to begin....


Around D3 - Looking forward to the Start of the 2024 Season

[Kuiper]

I am jones-ing for the season to begin....


Around D3 - Looking forward to the Start of the 2024 Season

Here are my West region-themed additions to this list (cross-posted to the Go WEST thread):

1. How do things shakeout in Texas this year and next?

After the dust settles on a bunch of conference affiliation changes taking effect this year and next, the American Southwest Conference will only have four teams (Mary Hardin-Baylor, Hardin-Simmons, East Texas Baptist, and Howard Payne). Concordia (TX), McMurry, and Ozarks are joining the SCAC this fall, Sul Ross State is gone to DII, with UT Dallas joining them next season, and LeTourneau has accepted a spot in the SCAC for Fall 2025. The rumor was that the remaining ASC four would affiliate with the Coast-to-Coast conference for all sports except football, but that seems to have stalled. It doesn't look like there's a pathway to join the SCAC, which now is filled with schools that left the ASC seemingly to get away from some or all of those schools. In part because of the lack of a football option for the so-called "Baptist Four," there is a real chance all of them leave DIII for DII or NAIA. That would be a big loss of DIII schools in Texas in just a couple year period.

In the meantime, will we be watching the final year of the ASC this season, with only 6 teams remaining (including LeTourneau and UT Dallas)

2. What will the effect of the House antitrust lawsuit settlement be on DIII and Region X?

This isn't a this season issue, but at some point the NCAA subsidy for DIII championships could dry up and that may have a significant effect on fees/travel/structure of the tournament. That could disproportionately hurt Region X teams, who count on the subsidy to enable them to travel to even the first round NCAA tournament sites, which are a flight away for at least two of the teams almost by definition. It's something to keep an eye on going forward.

3. Can Matt Corti-Young get things back on track at Willamette?

The school had a losing season for the first time since 2015 last year and they now have a new coach in Matt Corti-Young.  He joins from DI UCSD, but had a strong 5-year run as head coach of DIII Claremont-Mudd-Scripps before that, winning DIII West Region Coach of the Year in 2019 when he led the team to a 16-4-2 record and a loss in the third round of the NCAA tournament to Centre College. He comes in too late to influence recruiting for this year, so we'll see if he can make a difference with the players that he has inherited.

4. Can Ernesto Ramirez restore order at St. Thomas?

St. Thomas has always been a supremely talented and undisciplined squad of players and it finally blew up in their face last year in a major brawl against Texas Lutheran that ended with the coach being fired and many players suspended. They hired Coach Ramirez, an assistant at Occidental, to replace him. We'll see if he can get the players to cut down on cards, fighting, and general behavioral issues. If he can harness the competitive culture in a positive way, they have a ton of talent.

[Hopkins92]

I really liked this episode, SC, as I dropped a comment on the channel.

I will just reiterate, from a CC perspective, are the Shoremen ready to truly grab a top 3 spot in the league? Are they going to challenge Hop and F&M as top dogs? I feel like if you can lure a recruit to Wash. College for a visit, you have a good shot at landing them.

[stlawus]

I'm also greatly looking forward to the upcoming season, but I'm going to try and enjoy a hopefully beautiful summer in the North Country first.

With that said, I'll build on Kuiper's post when it comes to the northeast area teams.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the SUNYAC shapes out with the conference changes.  Brockport and Geneseo were upper end teams in the conference which will hurt the league in terms of SOS.  Plattsburgh could be a bit of a sleeper threat along with New Paltz, but NP lost a major contributor to division I.  Cortland and Oneonta should be top dogs again, but Oneonta also lost some high impact players to division I.  I don't expect Cortland to drop off that much in terms of wins and losses, but they lose a not so insignificant amount of highly talented players to graduation.  Axtell always reloads and brings in transfers so we'll just have to see.

This is the first season in I don't know how long that the Liberty League is a complete question mark in terms of expectations.  The Massey ratings last year had extreme disparities among the top teams in terms of actual ranking versus power ranking.  Hobart definitely bottled some luck with a horde of 25 yard strikes in their final stretch to win the league double.  But that doesn't mean they weren't a good team.  They lose some 5th year starters but bring back one of the best players in the league.  Union and Ithaca are mixed in terms of graduation losses and returners, but still bring back scoring.  Ithaca seems like a wildcard year to year so I won't even begin to try to predict how they turn out.  RPI loses key offensive pieces and senior leadership, but played a lot of freshmen last season as well.  Clinton always has his teams ready no matter the quality of his roster.  As for SLU, they have a challenge in replacing Woelfinger but otherwise bring back the entire defense and attack which included mostly first years and sophomores.  The central midfield will be the biggest piece of the puzzle, and if they figure it out will challenge for the league title. 

The E8 was significantly strengthened by Geneseo and Brockport, as well as SUNY Poly who were NAC champions last year.  Elmira made the dark horse run last year, but on paper I would expect Geneseo and 'Port to be the favorites.  Those 3 teams along with Naz, Fisher, and Hartwick will really benefit from having to play each other and will hopefully make the E8 AQ much more sharper heading into NCAA tournament play. 

I'll throw a bone to the NESCAC and speculate that Amherst will win the NESCAC outright.  This year's senior class is probably the best overall in the country in terms of talent.  Middlebury could very well be up there, but if Saint-Louis is not coming back for a final year then I have to give the nod to Amherst.  Given my post history on this subject you cannot accuse me of being biased after making this prediction!

[SimpleCoach]

I am going to do another or a few more of these.  As soon as I started thinking about the season, it was like the flood gates opened up.  I will be stealing some of these ideas... unless anyone has an issue with that.  Promise to give you credit.

SC.

[Freddyfud]

I feel like if you can lure a recruit to Wash. College for a visit, you have a good shot at landing them.

Speaking from experience over the last year this is absolutely 100% true.  With their coaching staff they have a great program with a lot of upside.  Who knows how this translates to other CC powerhouses.  But look for them to prove last year was not a fluke.

Oh and hello again everyone    It's good to be back...

[SierraFD3soccer]

I feel like if you can lure a recruit to Wash. College for a visit, you have a good shot at landing them.

Speaking from experience over the last year this is absolutely 100% true.  With their coaching staff they have a great program with a lot of upside.  Who knows how this translates to other CC powerhouses.  But look for them to prove last year was not a fluke.

Oh and hello again everyone    It's good to be back...

I would definitely say that Wash College has already shown they are already solidly or even ahead of the other three top Centennial programs - JHU, F&M and Muhlenberg.

[Hopkins92]

Going back to one of SC's very first interviews, I was highly impressed with their coach. I would not bet against that man maintaining this level... for sure.

With that said, you only have to go back one season(!) to see a 7-5-6 record, losing in the opening game of the CC tournament. And prior to Covid they posted a 7-9-1 record and in 2018 they were 6-8-3.

2021 and 2023 were GREAT years, but my post is saying are they ready to truly join the big dogs. You'd have to go back MANY many years to find F&M and JHU years below .500.

Hopkins had a 7-8-3 record in 2013 and climbed out of that with a 9-7-2 record the next year. Going back to 2011 or so, F&M hasn't had a single season below 500 and the "worst" season was a six loss campaign in 2017.

[SierraFD3soccer]

Going back to one of SC's very first interviews, I was highly impressed with their coach. I would not bet against that man maintaining this level... for sure.

With that said, you only have to go back one season(!) to see a 7-5-6 record, losing in the opening game of the CC tournament. And prior to Covid they posted a 7-9-1 record and in 2018 they were 6-8-3.

2021 and 2023 were GREAT years, but my post is saying are they ready to truly join the big dogs. You'd have to go back MANY many years to find F&M and JHU years below .500.

Hopkins had a 7-8-3 record in 2013 and climbed out of that with a 9-7-2 record the next year. Going back to 2011 or so, F&M hasn't had a single season below 500 and the "worst" season was a six loss campaign in 2017.

All true. Looking at it closer, WC may have a tough year with 13 seniors (several super seniors and some who played a lot of minutes) moving on. In my opinion, F&M and JHU have remained very competitive by having a lot of depth with losing a few seniors they consistently have younger players filling in. If not this year, then in two years and onwards they may be better year to year.

As to F&M, Dan Wagner has been there 21 years and has the most wins in Cent. Conf. Of those 21 years, they have won double digits 2011 onwards and 15 of 21 years. Only one losing season which was in his second year.

[Freddyfud]

Going back to one of SC's very first interviews, I was highly impressed with their coach. I would not bet against that man maintaining this level... for sure.

Among other things, he has a sharp eye for talent 😉

[Crossit4fun]

I'm also greatly looking forward to the upcoming season, but I'm going to try and enjoy a hopefully beautiful summer in the North Country first.

With that said, I'll build on Kuiper's post when it comes to the northeast area teams.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the SUNYAC shapes out with the conference changes.  Brockport and Geneseo were upper end teams in the conference which will hurt the league in terms of SOS.  Plattsburgh could be a bit of a sleeper threat along with New Paltz, but NP lost a major contributor to division I.  Cortland and Oneonta should be top dogs again, but Oneonta also lost some high impact players to division I.  I don't expect Cortland to drop off that much in terms of wins and losses, but they lose a not so insignificant amount of highly talented players to graduation.  Axtell always reloads and brings in transfers so we'll just have to see.

This is the first season in I don't know how long that the Liberty League is a complete question mark in terms of expectations.  The Massey ratings last year had extreme disparities among the top teams in terms of actual ranking versus power ranking.  Hobart definitely bottled some luck with a horde of 25 yard strikes in their final stretch to win the league double.  But that doesn't mean they weren't a good team.  They lose some 5th year starters but bring back one of the best players in the league.  Union and Ithaca are mixed in terms of graduation losses and returners, but still bring back scoring.  Ithaca seems like a wildcard year to year so I won't even begin to try to predict how they turn out.  RPI loses key offensive pieces and senior leadership, but played a lot of freshmen last season as well.  Clinton always has his teams ready no matter the quality of his roster.  As for SLU, they have a challenge in replacing Woelfinger but otherwise bring back the entire defense and attack which included mostly first years and sophomores.  The central midfield will be the biggest piece of the puzzle, and if they figure it out will challenge for the league title. 

The E8 was significantly strengthened by Geneseo and Brockport, as well as SUNY Poly who were NAC champions last year.  Elmira made the dark horse run last year, but on paper I would expect Geneseo and 'Port to be the favorites.  Those 3 teams along with Naz, Fisher, and Hartwick will really benefit from having to play each other and will hopefully make the E8 AQ much more sharper heading into NCAA tournament play. 

I'll throw a bone to the NESCAC and speculate that Amherst will win the NESCAC outright.  This year's senior class is probably the best overall in the country in terms of talent.  Middlebury could very well be up there, but if Saint-Louis is not coming back for a final year then I have to give the nod to Amherst.  Given my post history on this subject you cannot accuse me of being biased after making this prediction!

Regarding your SUNYAC comments conference is much weaker without tough competitive Brockport and scrappy Geneseo teams.

Agree on Cortland - class of the conference

Oneonta is vulnerable this year first time in awhile. They lost the two players to D1 you mentioned plus a starting Forward and GK who graduated a CM who started on and off  but okayed significant minutes.

Buffalo has the offense two strong fast forwards but not much else, Defense was shaky at times

NP lost their best player to D1 was their top scorer last two seasons, lost two starting forwards graduated, their backup Striker. Lots of offense missing for a team that struggled to score goals with those players. They return their GK and a very strong back 4. Rumor has it another CM is leaving as well.

Platts returns most of their players and word is a couple of transfers in to strengthen the squad.

Looks like there may be a battle for the second bye this year from the above teams. The rest will battle for the last playoff spot Oswego, Potsdam, Canton, Morissville.

[stlawus]

I'm also greatly looking forward to the upcoming season, but I'm going to try and enjoy a hopefully beautiful summer in the North Country first.

With that said, I'll build on Kuiper's post when it comes to the northeast area teams.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the SUNYAC shapes out with the conference changes.  Brockport and Geneseo were upper end teams in the conference which will hurt the league in terms of SOS.  Plattsburgh could be a bit of a sleeper threat along with New Paltz, but NP lost a major contributor to division I.  Cortland and Oneonta should be top dogs again, but Oneonta also lost some high impact players to division I.  I don't expect Cortland to drop off that much in terms of wins and losses, but they lose a not so insignificant amount of highly talented players to graduation.  Axtell always reloads and brings in transfers so we'll just have to see.

This is the first season in I don't know how long that the Liberty League is a complete question mark in terms of expectations.  The Massey ratings last year had extreme disparities among the top teams in terms of actual ranking versus power ranking.  Hobart definitely bottled some luck with a horde of 25 yard strikes in their final stretch to win the league double.  But that doesn't mean they weren't a good team.  They lose some 5th year starters but bring back one of the best players in the league.  Union and Ithaca are mixed in terms of graduation losses and returners, but still bring back scoring.  Ithaca seems like a wildcard year to year so I won't even begin to try to predict how they turn out.  RPI loses key offensive pieces and senior leadership, but played a lot of freshmen last season as well.  Clinton always has his teams ready no matter the quality of his roster.  As for SLU, they have a challenge in replacing Woelfinger but otherwise bring back the entire defense and attack which included mostly first years and sophomores.  The central midfield will be the biggest piece of the puzzle, and if they figure it out will challenge for the league title. 

The E8 was significantly strengthened by Geneseo and Brockport, as well as SUNY Poly who were NAC champions last year.  Elmira made the dark horse run last year, but on paper I would expect Geneseo and 'Port to be the favorites.  Those 3 teams along with Naz, Fisher, and Hartwick will really benefit from having to play each other and will hopefully make the E8 AQ much more sharper heading into NCAA tournament play. 

I'll throw a bone to the NESCAC and speculate that Amherst will win the NESCAC outright.  This year's senior class is probably the best overall in the country in terms of talent.  Middlebury could very well be up there, but if Saint-Louis is not coming back for a final year then I have to give the nod to Amherst.  Given my post history on this subject you cannot accuse me of being biased after making this prediction!

Regarding your SUNYAC comments conference is much weaker without tough competitive Brockport and scrappy Geneseo teams.

Agree on Cortland - class of the conference

Oneonta is vulnerable this year first time in awhile. They lost the two players to D1 you mentioned plus a starting Forward and GK who graduated a CM who started on and off  but okayed significant minutes.

Buffalo has the offense two strong fast forwards but not much else, Defense was shaky at times

NP lost their best player to D1 was their top scorer last two seasons, lost two starting forwards graduated, their backup Striker. Lots of offense missing for a team that struggled to score goals with those players. They return their GK and a very strong back 4. Rumor has it another CM is leaving as well.

Platts returns most of their players and word is a couple of transfers in to strengthen the squad.

Looks like there may be a battle for the second bye this year from the above teams. The rest will battle for the last playoff spot Oswego, Potsdam, Canton, Morissville.

Which forward are you referring to?  On paper their top 2 strikers should be back, is one of them gone?