2024 D3 Men's Soccer National Perspective

[Gregory Sager]

Some of those teams that you mentioned on Chicago's schedule are also down from their usual lofty selves this season. If I was prone to make snap judgments based upon one season, I'd say that midwestern D3 men's soccer as a whole has been fed a heaping tablespoon of parity. Since I'm not, I'll just say for now that there's been a blizzard of anomalous results out here in the tall corn this season, and hold the "parity" judgment in reserve for a couple more years down the road.

I'm still not sure what to make of North Park, and I've seen more of the Vikings than anybody. Their depth is terrific, and they've needed it in light of several injuries to starters that've missed multiple games this season. The back line is solid, even with All-Region CB Christian Vaaland having missed almost the entire season thus far due to a concussion, and this trio of defenders (Hugo Neborg, Teo Helm, and Dennis Rinne) is the first back-liner group that has ever allowed Kris Grahn to go with his preferred 3-6-1. The 2024 iteration of the Park spreads the wealth around, scoring-wise, which is unusual for NPU but not unpleasant by any means, and freshman Alexander Gahm is coming around up top in the absence of injured veteran starting F Mike Dejworek. But the Vikings have difficulty finishing on a consistent basis (evidenced by their three scoreless draws and their 1-0 loss), and I'm a little worried that playing a schedule in which annual opponents that are typically great whetstones for the Viking sword (Wash U, Luther, Chicago, etc.) are under par this season may leave NPU less prepared for November than usual.

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

One of the most lopsided games of the season last Saturday. SUNY Delhi had 53 total shots, 31 shots on goal, and 14 goals against the kings of lopsided defeats VTSU Lyndon.

[SierraFD3soccer]

One of the most lopsided games of the season last Saturday. SUNY Delhi had 53 total shots, 31 shots on goal, and 14 goals against the kings of lopsided defeats VTSU Lyndon.

Was it half-court with possession after first goal??

[WUPHF]

I'm a little worried that playing a schedule in which annual opponents that are typically great whetstones for the Viking sword (Wash U, Luther, Chicago, etc.) are under par this season may leave NPU less prepared for November than usual.

I thought the Bears played pretty well against North Park, even after going down a player with 30 minutes left to play.  The Bears have struggled with injuries (as with many teams) and have had costly mistakes at times.

I believe that they will finish the season in the Top 30-40 with a Top 30-40 SOS.

[paclassic89]

One of the most lopsided games of the season last Saturday. SUNY Delhi had 53 total shots, 31 shots on goal, and 14 goals against the kings of lopsided defeats VTSU Lyndon.

VTSU Lyndon would probably get beat by most D3 club teams.

[Gregory Sager]

I thought the Bears played pretty well against North Park, even after going down a player with 30 minutes left to play.  The Bears have struggled with injuries (as with many teams) and have had costly mistakes at times.

I believe that they will finish the season in the Top 30-40 with a Top 30-40 SOS.

I sure hope so. The Vikings could use the SOS help.

One of the most lopsided games of the season last Saturday. SUNY Delhi had 53 total shots, 31 shots on goal, and 14 goals against the kings of lopsided defeats VTSU Lyndon.

Sounds like the shots were going in Delhi, Dellow, Delright, and Delleft.

(Sorry. I'll see myself out.)

[SierraFD3soccer]

Yes and no as to soccer related. This goes to volume of teams will be able to continue. It is very interesting.  FYI, have 3 kids, only one left. Oldest went to play soccer as academics was never an issue. Unlike me it was pretty easy for him. With all three price was a huge factor and pretty the biggest as we wanted to graduate with little or no debt. Long story as the son, we told he could not go to where he got in early decision as it would cost us to much. Fortunately, he got picked up by a D1 program.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/15/more-colleges-set-to-close-in-2025-while-ivy-plus-schools-thrive.html

I definitely don't see it as the sky is falling.

[jknezek]

Yes and no as to soccer related. This goes to volume of teams will be able to continue. It is very interesting.  FYI, have 3 kids, only one left. Oldest went to play soccer as academics was never an issue. Unlike me it was pretty easy for him. With all three price was a huge factor and pretty the biggest as we wanted to graduate with little or no debt. Long story as the son, we told he could not go to where he got in early decision as it would cost us to much. Fortunately, he got picked up by a D1 program.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/15/more-colleges-set-to-close-in-2025-while-ivy-plus-schools-thrive.html

I definitely don't see it as the sky is falling.

I don't see this as "the sky is falling" is either, I see this as a long overdue re-evaluation of the benefits and costs of college. Just because you can fog a check doesn't mean going to a college with a 99% admittance rate, a 40% 6 year graduation rate, and a real cost of 15-35K a year or more is a good idea. There are too many colleges in this country, they are charging way too much for what most are delivering, and there are way too many jobs that "require" a college degree that shouldn't, but it's an easy way to winnow down applicants.

We need to readjust what jobs actually needs degrees, what colleges actually provide an education that is worth the cost, and who should be expected to put in the time, effort and money to get a degree. That should end up closing a few hundred colleges. I don't actually see it happening that drastically, but it probably should.

[NEsoccerfan]

I was taking a look at UMWs remaining schedule and noticed they play D1 UVA on 10/30. While UVA is having a relatively down year (7-4-3), they are still a perennially ranked D1 school, so I'm excited to see how a top D3 squad can compete against them!

I'm wondering if any folks out here have any recollections of similar matchups between top D3 squads and power 5 conference D1 schools and how the D3 boys faired in those matchups?

[eaglesoccerdad]

UMW played UVA in 2021. They lost 2-0. UMW was able to empty their bench so everyone could have this experience. The guys were all impressed with the quality of the facility. Link to boxscore https://umweagles.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2021/virginia/boxscore/5107

[rdanie03]

I was taking a look at UMWs remaining schedule and noticed they play D1 UVA on 10/30. While UVA is having a relatively down year (7-4-3), they are still a perennially ranked D1 school, so I'm excited to see how a top D3 squad can compete against them!

I'm wondering if any folks out here have any recollections of similar matchups between top D3 squads and power 5 conference D1 schools and how the D3 boys faired in those matchups?

It's not officially listed anywhere but I know that Dezotell has taken Tufts to play Harvard at the start of the last two years and had a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss both of which were pretty even games.

[NEsoccerfan]

It's not officially listed anywhere but I know that Dezotell has taken Tufts to play Harvard at the start of the last two years and had a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss both of which were pretty even games.

Very cool! I suspect that might have something to do with Coach Shapiro. Thanks for sharing!

[camosfan]

Coach Dez first year at Tufts, the team played Yale in the pre-season, can't remember the result now.

[SierraFD3soccer]

UMW played UVA in 2021. They lost 2-0. UMW was able to empty their bench so everyone could have this experience. The guys were all impressed with the quality of the facility. Link to boxscore https://umweagles.com/sports/mens-soccer/stats/2021/virginia/boxscore/5107

UVA's facility/field is very nice and definitely gets some very good talent.

[LibbyMoore]

Can anyone shed some light on the NCAA tournament (regional) hosting criteria? What does the host college have to offer to be picked for an early round regional hosting spot? thank you