Game of the week for D3 men's soccer

[Coach Jeff]

Almost Game time...Chicago v CMU

I think Chicago has taken it personally that anyone thought this would be a competitive game.  4-0 Chicago over Carnegie Mellon.  At least we got to see what some of Chicago's backups look like.

Geez! Aside from those with kids playing in other programs, is there anyone who doesn't want to see a Chicago/Messiah final? That better not be a semi-final matchup

Given geography and how the tournament is usually structured, is that likely or unlikely?

They rotate the quadrants so that the semifinal matchups aren't necessarily geographical every year.

Wow Chicago looked better today than against a man down Calvin team and well CMU looked mediocre at best.  Good win for Chicago

[SimpleCoach]

Boys playing against men....

SC

[PaulNewman]

Calvin may be the 3rd best team in the country.  Not as good as Chicago or Messiah but in a one game situation Calvin with Souders having time to prepare is dangerous against anybody.

Chicago and Messiah have it all....size, speed, defense, dangerous and creative offensive players.  One possible difference is that Messiah hasn't played anyone at the level of Chicago's schedule since opening day.  The silver lining for Messiah is that they don't need the UAA or NESCAC to be great.

[4samuy]

Pn

I agree for the most part.  But, if I'm looking at the final four to include Messiah and Chicago, I'll take the field. Soccer is soccer.  I would bet neither makes the final four.  So give me the field over Chicago and Messiah.

[PaulNewman]

Pn

I agree for the most part.  But, if I'm looking at the final four to include Messiah and Chicago, I'll take the field. Soccer is soccer.  I would bet neither makes the final four.  So give me the field over Chicago and Messiah.

I don't think I mentioned the Final 4.  But what part did you not agree with?

And duly noted...you've got the field.

[4samuy]

Good point.


But I believe you have mentioned both as the best teams in in d3 soccer.  I'm just throwing out that IMO neither will make the final four..

[PaulNewman]

Good point.


But I believe you have mentioned both as the best teams in in d3 soccer.  I'm just throwing out that IMO neither will make the final four..

Who do YOU think are the best teams?  Weren't you saying Chicago should be #1 (and they were) just a week or so ago?

[Ejay]

Pn

I agree for the most part.  But, if I'm looking at the final four to include Messiah and Chicago, I'll take the field. Soccer is soccer.  I would bet neither makes the final four.  So give me the field over Chicago and Messiah.

I don't think I mentioned the Final 4.  But what part did you not agree with?

And duly noted...you've got the field.

Can I get in on this? I don't think anyone is at the level of Messiah and Chicago this year.  They appear to be head and shoulders above the field.  And yes, soccer is soccer and anyone can win on any given day, but I REALLY like Messiah and Chicago (barring significant injury).

[4samuy]

Yes sir.

But best team doesn't equal final four..  although Messiah and  Chicago have had tremendous seasons thus far, when it comes to the tournament, every team has had great seasons. Brackets obviously will have a great impact on results and who moves forward.   

As I said previously soccer is soccer.  Unintentional hand balls, penalty kicks, two yellows?. These are all part of the game which decides who moves forward and who does not.  I read a post from one of the coaches on the board that Chicago looked much better today against Carnegie Mellon than they did against a man down Calvin.  Sorry for a man down Calvin.  There are a ton of really good teams, contrary to some opinions on the boards,  and through a one and done tournament the "best" teams don't always get thru.

Again, I'll take the field.

[PaulNewman]

Yes sir.

But best team doesn't equal final four..  although Messiah and  Chicago have had tremendous seasons thus far, when it comes to the tournament, every team has had great seasons. Brackets obviously will have a great impact on results and who moves forward.   

As I said previously soccer is soccer.  Unintentional hand balls, penalty kicks, two yellows?. These are all part of the game which decides who moves forward and who does not.  I read a post from one of the coaches on the board that Chicago looked much better today against Carnegie Mellon than they did against a man down Calvin.  Sorry for a man down Calvin.  There are a ton of really good teams, contrary to some opinions on the boards,  and through a one and done tournament the "best" teams don't always get thru.

Again, I'll take the field.

Can you indulge us with your top 5?

[4samuy]

Love to.

I was a striker in college and ended my career with 134 pts. So I prefer teams that can put the ball in the back of the net. But, I also understand the importance of form and more importantly IMO building from the back and moving the ball on the turf..  I have watched 50 plus games this year,  and even though I'm not a poll guy (unless I completely disagree with someone's thoughts or biases) but since you politely asked the question,  in no particular otder I would include Messiah, Chicago, North Park Calvin and Kenyon.

[PaulNewman]

Love to.

I was a striker in college and ended my career with 134 pts. So I prefer teams that can put the ball in the back of the net. But, I also understand the importance of form and more importantly IMO building from the back and moving the ball on the turf..  I have watched 50 plus games this year,  and even though I'm not a poll guy (unless I completely disagree with someone's thoughts or biases) but since you politely asked the question,  in no particular otder I would include Messiah, Chicago, North Park Calvin and Kenyon.

134 points...congrats.  Where does that rank in the all-time D3 record books?

[4samuy]

I  don't even no. But it's something I'm pretty proud of.

[paclassic89]

134 points is an impressive number and would be good for 10th all-time at Messiah.  To crack the NCAA D3 top 20, one would need at least 185 pts.

[Maine Soccer Fan]

I just returned from watching Hamilton v Bowdoin in person, only the first half. Bowdoin was easily the better team as the score reflected but during the game there was something that was bugging me that took a while for me to put my finger on but finally i did. Both teams lacked, Hamilton to a greater degree:
1. Attention to detail
2. Good decision making

They consistently played the ball into pressure, passed the ball to the wrong side of a teammate, shot the ball from outside the 18 while falling backwards, forced passes that offered little advantage if successful, etc.

I think those traits  are what make your top 5 legitimate top 5's and will separate them from the pack.