2024 D3 Men's Soccer National Perspective

[Hopkins92]

https://magmilelaw.com/play-college-soccer-or-turn-pro/#:~:text=Summarizing%20what%20they%20found%3A,least%201%20season%20in%20college.

An agent's breakdown of college vs. academy/professional.

[Freddyfud]

You can't split divisions.  It's all D1 or bust.  A probable outcome is teams totally cutting non-revenue producing sports.

Schools that have splits (like Colorado College, many east coast schools) were grandfathered in when the rules were changed.

*waves vigorously*

I'm old enough to have been around when Georgetown was only D1 in basketball.

I'm guessing the same for Hopkins lax.  Not sure but am thinking they have been D1 since forever.  At least my memory of my cool mesh Hopkins lacrosse jersey when I was a kid tells me so...

[Hopkins92]

Yeah, when I was there, even women's lacrosse was D3. (They went D1 in 1999.)

But, yeah, Hopkins has always been D1 in lacrosse. They started playing in the 1800s(!). Lacrosse was subsumed by the NCAA in the early 1970s.

[SierraFD3soccer]

W&L played men's D1 lacrosse till 85 or 86 and then dropped down which made a lot of sense.

[PaulNewman]

A few reactions/observations on Kenyon vs Hopkins...and yes, I watched.

First, kudos to the Hopkins announcer.  He was just outstanding while never being in a "it's about me mode."  Not necessarily the most dynamic ever, but certainly dynamic enough and extremely knowledgeable.  Showed tremendous respect for the Kenyon program and knew details about Kenyon players down to key subs that was quite impressive.  He also knew a lot about Travis Wall and rather neatly transitioned from a very nice riff on OWU with a huge nod to Jay Martin's final season.  Announcer obviously is very familiar with his own team (and program), but he was exceedingly fair and on the mark about the two programs in general and with respect to how the game in front of him played out.  It's interesting what one notices when a team that you've watched major portions of for more than a dozen tilts over the past few years plays your team especially for the first time.  Maybe I've heard the same announcer before but this was the first time I noticed his performance, akin to how I watched Hopkins differently and more closely than I have in the past and came away with mildly different overall impressions.  As an aside, I love these intersectional matches, where you are very aware historically of some teams in other regions but don't entirely appreciate them until we get some of these crossover-type matchups and you observe them through the filter of being a direct opponent of "your team."  At any rate, very classy broadcast of a game between two programs that arguably are the best ones over the past 10-15 years to not make a Final Four yet.  Toss in F&M, Cortland, Rowan, etc but very strong arguments can be made for Kenyon and Hopkins, and of course not an argument programs like this want to be in because being in that conversation means you didn't get over the final hurdles.

I was really, really impressed with Hopkins.  They looked like a Final Four caliber team to me, and they have the kind of maturity with so many seniors and grad students that is ideal for deep runs (and national championships).  In the first half particularly, Hopkins was dominant, both defensively and offensively, and reminded me of one of the top tier Messiah squads or one of the better Tufts (or Amherst) outfits.  I could not get over the defense.  They were all over the intended recipient of every Kenyon pass leaving almost no room to maneuver but also somehow covering the rest of the field really well too.  Excellent skill on offense and went forward (and often with ease) far more frequently than I expected.  Very dangerous inside the final third, with cheeky touches and clever mini-runs, creating a number of excellent chances.  Much, much respect to Hopkins.  Imo, 1st half looked like a decent to good D1 team almost toying with a good to very good D3 squad.  Hopkins had Kenyon pinned in its own half for almost the entire half and just looked one to two steps quicker and stronger.  Not sure what adjustments, if any, made by Wall, but Kenyon was far more competitive in the 2nd half, edging the 2nd half overall imo with the caveat that Hopkins' advantage in the 1st half was far greater, with another caveat that Kenyon did seem to turn the tables more clearly in the last 10 minutes.  [Interesting how many games are decided by goals in the last 6-8 minutes.]  As a Kenyon supporter, I was most impressed that the Owls hung in until they did start winning a few of the battles in a crowd in the final minutes.  I had thought Kenyon might decide to protect a draw which still would have been a good outcome especially given how the 1st half played out...but they kept pressing at the under 10 and under 5 marks, applied some heavy pressure in a more sustained fashion, and then of course were fortunate at the death.

For the Kenyon faithful (all three of you haha)...the best under the radar news here is that the Owls very, very likely have what will turn out to be 3 ranked wins (in only 3 games) in terms of NCAA selection (IF that is even still in the criteria which I haven't bothered to check).  That's huge and quite different than starting last year with what would become two ranked losses.  Again, good (or bad) fortune plays a big role.  It's also a bonus to get these wins in the bank while still trying to integrate 6-7 freshmen who are playing heavy minutes.  Noteworthy that the two Kenyon goals scored by two frosh each getting their first collegiate tallies.  On the negative side, Martinez came out very early in the 1st half and never returned. 

Onward to Amish country...although to be fair there is a large Amish population in Ohio within a 10 mile radius of Gambier, and indeed I would guess there are several Amish wagons selling their wares on Middle Path as I hit SEND now.

[SierraFD3soccer]

Onward to Amish country...although to be fair there is a large Amish population in Ohio within a 10 mile radius of Gambier, and indeed I would guess there are several Amish wagons selling their wares on Middle Path as I hit SEND now.

Great summary. Good read on JHU announcer. I think he said that youngest JHU starter was a sophomore and maybe 2 juniors while the rest are seniors and grad students. I think the last time a gk started who wasn't a senior or grad was in 2019 maybe.

Kenyon v. F&M should be a great game with both teams just keeping up the pressure the whole game. F&M definitely not all cylinders, but could all be different tomorrow.

Lancaster and immediate surrounding area is now the capitalist Amish.

[Rcjh2245]

A few reactions/observations on Kenyon vs Hopkins...and yes, I watched.

First, kudos to the Hopkins announcer.  He was just outstanding while never being in a "it's about me mode."  Not necessarily the most dynamic ever, but certainly dynamic enough and extremely knowledgeable.  Showed tremendous respect for the Kenyon program and knew details about Kenyon players down to key subs that was quite impressive.  He also knew a lot about Travis Wall and rather neatly transitioned from a very nice riff on OWU with a huge nod to Jay Martin's final season.  Announcer obviously is very familiar with his own team (and program), but he was exceedingly fair and on the mark about the two programs in general and with respect to how the game in front of him played out.  It's interesting what one notices when a team that you've watched major portions of for more than a dozen tilts over the past few years plays your team especially for the first time.  Maybe I've heard the same announcer before but this was the first time I noticed his performance, akin to how I watched Hopkins differently and more closely than I have in the past and came away with mildly different overall impressions.  As an aside, I love these intersectional matches, where you are very aware historically of some teams in other regions but don't entirely appreciate them until we get some of these crossover-type matchups and you observe them through the filter of being a direct opponent of "your team."  At any rate, very classy broadcast of a game between two programs that arguably are the best ones over the past 10-15 years to not make a Final Four yet.  Toss in F&M, Cortland, Rowan, etc but very strong arguments can be made for Kenyon and Hopkins, and of course not an argument programs like this want to be in because being in that conversation means you didn't get over the final hurdles.

I was really, really impressed with Hopkins.  They looked like a Final Four caliber team to me, and they have the kind of maturity with so many seniors and grad students that is ideal for deep runs (and national championships).  In the first half particularly, Hopkins was dominant, both defensively and offensively, and reminded me of one of the top tier Messiah squads or one of the better Tufts (or Amherst) outfits.  I could not get over the defense.  They were all over the intended recipient of every Kenyon pass leaving almost no room to maneuver but also somehow covering the rest of the field really well too.  Excellent skill on offense and went forward (and often with ease) far more frequently than I expected.  Very dangerous inside the final third, with cheeky touches and clever mini-runs, creating a number of excellent chances.  Much, much respect to Hopkins.  Imo, 1st half looked like a decent to good D1 team almost toying with a good to very good D3 squad.  Hopkins had Kenyon pinned in its own half for almost the entire half and just looked one to two steps quicker and stronger.  Not sure what adjustments, if any, made by Wall, but Kenyon was far more competitive in the 2nd half, edging the 2nd half overall imo with the caveat that Hopkins' advantage in the 1st half was far greater, with another caveat that Kenyon did seem to turn the tables more clearly in the last 10 minutes.  [Interesting how many games are decided by goals in the last 6-8 minutes.]  As a Kenyon supporter, I was most impressed that the Owls hung in until they did start winning a few of the battles in a crowd in the final minutes.  I had thought Kenyon might decide to protect a draw which still would have been a good outcome especially given how the 1st half played out...but they kept pressing at the under 10 and under 5 marks, applied some heavy pressure in a more sustained fashion, and then of course were fortunate at the death.

For the Kenyon faithful (all three of you haha)...the best under the radar news here is that the Owls very, very likely have what will turn out to be 3 ranked wins (in only 3 games) in terms of NCAA selection (IF that is even still in the criteria which I haven't bothered to check).  That's huge and quite different than starting last year with what would become two ranked losses.  Again, good (or bad) fortune plays a big role.  It's also a bonus to get these wins in the bank while still trying to integrate 6-7 freshmen who are playing heavy minutes.  Noteworthy that the two Kenyon goals scored by two frosh each getting their first collegiate tallies.  On the negative side, Martinez came out very early in the 1st half and never returned. 

Onward to Amish country...although to be fair there is a large Amish population in Ohio within a 10 mile radius of Gambier, and indeed I would guess there are several Amish wagons selling their wares on Middle Path as I hit SEND now.

Spot on assessment. We were at Homewood Field so didn't get the benefit of the announcer's presentation of his knowledge base so appreciate the insight. Coach Wall is making good use of his new "hires" and they're meeting the challenge. Sometimes the best development is game-time experience. Tomorrow will be a game.

[PaulNewman]

Thanks, Rcjh2245.  I'd be curious to hear about the atmophere at Homewood.  Watching via stream provides good quality video and view of the action but against the backdrop of a literally empty, huge concrete grandstand on the other side of the field.  So you have no idea if there are literally zero fan attendees or 500.  Also, the intensity of the match seemed to be Sweet 16/Elite 8 level with both teams going at it extremely hard.  Any insight there welcome as well.

Congrats on your son's stellar career.  Great, great player and seems like a good leader too.  Best of luck the rest of the season.  I'll be pulling for them.

[stlawus]

It has not fully felt like we were "back" yet this season until Paul Newman returned.  Glad to see you back!

[Hopkins Walk-On]

but against the backdrop of a literally empty, huge concrete grandstand on the other side of the field.  So you have no idea if there are literally zero fan attendees or 500. 

The Hopkins stream doesn't do the atmosphere of Homewood justice since it shows the very large visiting stands that are typically empty except for lacrosse games. When I played, those stands didn't exist. They put up temporary stands for lacrosse season only.

The home stands (which are on the side of the field where the camera is) are where everybody sits. I wasn't at the Kenyon game but attend games at Homewood pretty regularly. Against a top conference rival, there might be several hundred people and the atmosphere can be electric.

As you noted, the Hopkins stream is very good. Decent camera work, replays, and the announcers have always been strong - knowledgeable about both teams and not obvious "homers." Watching away games with student announcers and camera operators can be a struggle.

[stlawus]

Kenyon beats Ohio Northern and Hopkins.

Ohio Wesleyan beats Calvin.

Ohio Northern beats Calvin.

Ohio Northern beats Hope.

Hope beats Ohio Wesleyan. 

Now we have Ohio Wesleyan playing Ohio Northern on Wednesday. 

Interesting times.

[SierraFD3soccer]

As you noted, the Hopkins stream is very good. Decent camera work, replays, and the announcers have always been strong - knowledgeable about both teams and not obvious "homers." Watching away games with student announcers and camera operators can be a struggle.

You mean like Haverford? That is trip. Messiah is sometimes as well. Don't want to even touch camera operators.

[Kuiper]

As you noted, the Hopkins stream is very good. Decent camera work, replays, and the announcers have always been strong - knowledgeable about both teams and not obvious "homers." Watching away games with student announcers and camera operators can be a struggle.

You mean like Haverford? That is trip. Messiah is sometimes as well. Don't want to even touch camera operators.

I caught some of a Haverford game recently and they had what sounded like a single adult announcer.  Not sure if that is a one-off because it was early in the season and the students weren't signed up to do the announcing yet or a permanent change. 

I sort of wonder if schools in conferences that sign contracts with streaming platforms like Flo or Hudl will be required to use adult announcers and/or camera operators.  I saw a CMS game on FloSports because of the SCIAC deal that was using a couple of students who appear to be members of the CMS women's soccer team, but I don't think they can do that during league play anyway because the SCIAC schedule has the women's team playing at the same time away when the men are at home.

[SierraFD3soccer]

As you noted, the Hopkins stream is very good. Decent camera work, replays, and the announcers have always been strong - knowledgeable about both teams and not obvious "homers." Watching away games with student announcers and camera operators can be a struggle.

You mean like Haverford? That is trip. Messiah is sometimes as well. Don't want to even touch camera operators.

I caught some of a Haverford game recently and they had what sounded like a single adult announcer.  Not sure if that is a one-off because it was early in the season and the students weren't signed up to do the announcing yet or a permanent change. 

I sort of wonder if schools in conferences that sign contracts with streaming platforms like Flo or Hudl will be required to use adult announcers and/or camera operators.  I saw a CMS game on FloSports because of the SCIAC deal that was using a couple of students who appear to be members of the CMS women's soccer team, but I don't think they can do that during league play anyway because the SCIAC schedule has the women's team playing at the same time away when the men are at home.

Yeah, hopefully so.  Last year - https://www.centennialconference.tv/haverfordathletics/?B=586901
20 min mark or most likely anywhere during the broadcast.

[Little Giant 89]

As you noted, the Hopkins stream is very good. Decent camera work, replays, and the announcers have always been strong - knowledgeable about both teams and not obvious "homers." Watching away games with student announcers and camera operators can be a struggle.

You mean like Haverford? That is trip. Messiah is sometimes as well. Don't want to even touch camera operators.

I caught some of a Haverford game recently and they had what sounded like a single adult announcer.  Not sure if that is a one-off because it was early in the season and the students weren't signed up to do the announcing yet or a permanent change. 

I sort of wonder if schools in conferences that sign contracts with streaming platforms like Flo or Hudl will be required to use adult announcers and/or camera operators.  I saw a CMS game on FloSports because of the SCIAC deal that was using a couple of students who appear to be members of the CMS women's soccer team, but I don't think they can do that during league play anyway because the SCIAC schedule has the women's team playing at the same time away when the men are at home.

Yeah, hopefully so.  Last year - https://www.centennialconference.tv/haverfordathletics/?B=586901
20 min mark or most likely anywhere during the broadcast.

Not sure I would pay for this commentary, but it is entertaining.