Great Lakes Region Navigation Channel

Started by PaulNewman, September 17, 2021, 04:32:05 PM

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PaulNewman

Ah, there's nothing like the industrial vapors of the Great Lakes wafting on to and over the shorelines to welcome us back into the bosom of D3 soccer intercollegiate competition.

Which begs the question....why are Carnegie Mellon, Wabash, DePauw, Transylvania, Spalding, Hanover, Rose Hulman, Denison, etc in the Great Lakes region, and not the Chicago, Michigan, and Rochester, NY area schools?

The sabbatical year imo has created a bit of a 'wild card' feel.  Will the usual/former stalwarts rise to the top, perhaps with some re-shuffling, or will we see a larger shake up? 

Here are my early season observations...

OWU, the granddaddy of Great Lakes, is setting the pace.  A win and a draw against Hope and Calvin, respectively, should come in handy if Bishops' NCAA dreams hinge on an at-large bid, although Martin and crew will be energized to unseat Kenyon at the top of the NCAC.  Hector Gomez is off to a strong start and should be in the conversation for lofty national honors.  I am obviously not a huge OWU fan, but Martin's coaching records were lauded as a huge deal back in 2011 when OWU captured their last national title.  Here we are a full decade later and he is still at the helm padding his wins lead on the national coaching leaderboard.

Carnegie Mellon is always somewhat of a conundrum, but the Tartans match OWU at 4-0-1 and hold a valuable win versus John Carroll.  

John Carroll, a preseason favorite, is feeling the burden of possibly the toughest schedule in the nation.  Fortunately, the Blue Streaks' opening day road win at Kenyon softens the blow of a 4-3 loss to Carnegie, a match I believe JCU led at least twice and maybe three times.  Draws with Rochester and CWRU shouldn't hurt JCU, but monster games keep coming, with OWU, Chicago, and a tricky in between trap game with Denison.  The OAC may be more competitive than expected as well (more below).

Kenyon, expecting to have another very good year after returning most of the 2019 edition (that failed yet another hosting-to-the-Final-Four opportunity) and adding significant underclassmen talent, already is feeling the heat.  The loss to JCU will almost certainly be a ranked loss come selection time, and the Lords have few chances for ranked wins (barring big surprises).  CWRU may or may not be ranked come November and other than that two probable contests with OWU may exhaust ranked opportunities.  Of course there is the conference tournament and the NCAC automatic bid, but one or two hungry NCAC challengers to OWU and Kenyon could emerge.

I've watched CWRU a couple of times and the Spartans look good.  However, CWRU already dropped a game to Otterbein, and after drawing with JCU faces a big home test with Kenyon.  Then there is the grueling UAA gauntlet interrupted briefly by a difficult away challenge at Carthage.

In the "watch out, I didn't see these guys coming" category, there is Otterbein, Denison, and Mt Union.  Otterbein is 4-0 with an impressive 3-0 win over CWRU and also a 4-1 shellacking of Hanover.  Denison has rebounded from an opening day loss to Mt. Union to win 4 straight, including a decisive 4-1 score over Capital (ludicrously ranked at #7 nationally off of I don't know what).  And Mt Union is sitting at 4-0-1 with the win over Denison and a draw versus Carnegie.

Other squads to keep an eye on, possibly in the context of spoiler roles, are Capital, Rose Hulman, Hanover, DePauw, Wabash, and Wooster.  DePauw sprinted to 5-0 on  a cupcake binge but were brought back to reality by a 3-1 thumping at the hands of Rose Hulman.  Ohio Northern has played a very solid schedule but the Polar Bears will have a hard time overcoming their 0-2-1 ledger versus the trio of Calvin, Hope, and OWU.

Circling back to Denison, we had to wait a year to see what kind of impact the coaching change to OWU-alum Bianco (via
CWRU) might have.  I said at the time of the hiring announcement that Denison had made a very wise choice.  Just a few minutes browsing the Denison men's soccer web pages reveals a fresh new atmosphere.  Video game and practice clips, player features, a coach "mic'ed up" video, and quotes from the coach in game recaps are little things, but they add up to a very favorable impression.  Bianco may have learned some of this from his mentor, Martin, but I've seen other programs like JCU, CWRU, and others doing some similar things.  Once one sees a coach/program utilizing their websites and social media effectively with a bit of flair it's fair to wonder why more don't do so. 

Two big Great Lakes matches tomorrow.....Kenyon @ CWRU in the early tilt, followed by a great nightcap with JCU @ OWU.

PaulNewman

OWU in its current form appears to be the best outfit in Great Lakes.

Watched the majority of John Carroll @ OWU last night and saw both goals scored by the Battling Bishops.  OWU was dominant against a very good JCU team and has a few of the type of difference makers needed when otherwise mostly evenly matched squads face off.  I also thought JCU looked fatigued.  An ambitious schedule looks great on paper but then you have to play it.  JCU no doubt is still the OAC favorite but hosting now seems improbable and based on last night's performance I don't see the Blue Streaks getting past an OWU, Calvin, or North Park in a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 tilt.  JCU really could use a week off or at least a couple of cupcake games, but that's not happening as a mid-week night match with Denison (in Granville) looms followed by another road game at Chicago.  Also wondering if Turritin is dealing with some kind of injury.  He's logging a ton of minutes and seems to be playing deeper and deeper.  It's hard to be a great holding mid like Aroh at Tufts and a super-dynamic attacking mid like Gomez for OWU all at the same time, and even harder if injured/fatigued.

I gave Denison and Bianco some love in the first post above and the Big Red went out and laid an egg, at home, to Wilmington.  The stats look OK for Denison but the hard fact is that Denison was down 3-0 until getting a very late game tally in the 89th minute.  I am very curious to see what happens Wednesday in Granville versus JCU.

Speaking of Wilmington the Fightin' Quakers are very quietly 5-0-1 with not-nothing 4-0 and 3-1 road wins at KZoo and Denison.  I keep forgetting that the OAC played a full conference schedule in the Spring and apparently Wilmington showed well.  I had thought Marietta was the usual mid to lower tier OAC program on the rise, but for this season at least Wilmington is worth keeping an eye on.   Otterbein and Mt Union also will have something to say.  And kudos to Ohio Northern for a really good OT road win at Carnegie Mellon.

Not sure what to make of Kenyon.  I will take a road win at CWRU any day, but we don't know yet if CWRU is going to be a threat in the UAA or at the bottom.  Match seemed pretty even with Kenyon perhaps more dynamic and threatening overall.  Kenyon's press doesn't seem to generate a steady supply of dangerous offensive opportunities but does result in multiple very good counter-attack chances by decent to good opponents.  As I've noted before, it can be deflating and demoralizing to exhaust a ton of energy in an initial offensive onslaught off the press only to come up empty and find yourselves down a goal.
Also frustrating (especially after the first few) to see Kenyon give up what seemed like 20 dangerous throw-ins by CWRU's long-throw specialist.  The Lords have changed GKs from a senior who started since his frosh year to a freshman.  Carson, one of the quick forwards, didn't play yesterday, and CB Hosmer-Quint didn't go back in after getting subbed around the 36th minute.  Kenyon could really use Bruneau too who now is at Springfield.  I suspect the Lords will gel into a very formidable side by the end of the season, but will that be too late?

PaulNewman

Around the horn in Great Lakes...

The contenders in alphabetical order...

CMU -- 6-1-2 -- Key results = Mt Union (T); JCU (W); ONU (L); Mt Aloysius (T)

Just saw a minutes ago that CMU drew with St. Aloysius a few nights ago.  Dreadful result although a T or L with a team that won't be regionally ranked in another month doesn't hurt that much.  However, the luster is wearing off the big win over JCU.  After entertaining Brandeis this weekend, CMU faces a brutal away stretch at NYU, Rochester, and Emory before a final big home stand vs Wash U, Chicago, and CWRU.  Really need to get a W against Brandeis as CMU currently appears to be trending down.

CWRU -- 5-2-1 -- Key results = Otterbein (L); JCU (T); Kenyon (L)

CWRU has NYU at home before going on a tough four game road stretch vs Brandeis, Emory, Rochester, and Carthage.  Then they're home with Chicago and Wash U before ending away at CMU.  Especially given the results noted above CWRU is on thin ice and will need to pull some surprises in the UAA and a win at Carthage would be a plus. 

Denison -- 4-3-1 -- Key results = Mt Union (L); Wilmington (L); OWU (L); Otterbein (T)

The Big Red likely have played themselves out of the at large picture but I think they're still among the better squads and are a common foe with most of the others.  After taking care of Allegheny, Denison needs a result vs Kenyon and a W vs Wabash (both at home).  Denison could have trouble away at DePauw and/or Oberlin but also could run the table after Wabash.  I would pick Denison to make the NCAC tourney and will be a tough out with Bianco at the helm.  Holding the lead in the final 4 minutes against Otterbein would have been a big boost but still a decent result.

John Carroll -- 3-3-2 -- Key results = Kenyon (W); Rochester (T); CMU (L); CWRU (T); OWU (L); Chicago (W); PS-B (L)

JCU in my mind is still the favorite in the OAC but there definitely are challengers with Otterbein, Mt Union, and a mysterious Wilmington side lurking.  The Blue Streaks had to be bitterly disappointed with the last loss after pulling out an enormous W at Chicago.  With a current projected RvR of 2-2-2 JCU is still very much viable if an at large is needed but important to not lose more than one or two additional games.  I would expect JCU to go on a tear in the next couple of weeks and they certainly won't face anyone the rest of the way more difficult than what they've already faced.

Kenyon -- 6-1-1 -- Key results = JCU (L); Hanover (T); CWRU (W)

I prefer to abstain with the Lords but they are going to need a win against OWU or else win the NCAC tourney without facing OWU a second time which is highly unlikely.  They need an OWU win (and preferably two) because currently they may have no ranked wins depending on how the UAA gauntlet works out for CWRU.  I do think Kenyon is quietly starting to get things together and fans of Great Lakes soccer will want to tune in on October 12 when the Battling Bishops visit Gambier.  Kenyon has Wittenberg away tonight in an odd Friday night fixture, and then enters a key trio of games away at Denison, home with OWU, and away at Wabash. 

Mt Union -- 7-0-1 -- Key results = Denison (W); CMU (T)

We still need more data on the Purple Raiders.  Next three games:  Otterbein and then away at JCU and Wilmington.  Mt. Union ends the OAC schedule at home with ONU.

Ohio Northern -- 5-3-2 -- Key results = Calvin (L); Hope (T); OWU (L); CMU (W); Hanover (L); RHIT (W); KZoo (T)

ONU has a strong list and some decent results versus likely ranked teams.  The Polar Bears need to string together wins going forward, and as luck have it their next three tilts are very winnable.  After that ONU gets Wilmington at home followed by a trip to JCU.  The Polar Bears finish with two tough away games at Otterbein and Mt Union.

OWU -- 7-0-2 -- Key results = Hope (W); Calvin (T); ONU (W); JCU (W); Otterbein (T); Denison (W)

OWU is in the driver's seat and roaring.  They should win the next two before Kenyon (although at Wooster could be a bit of a trap game), and regardless of the Kenyon result OWU should run the table thereafter.  OWU is in a great position and you can pencil them into the tournament.  The only real drama left for Battling Bishops fans before the NCAA tourney is the likely two showdowns with the Lords.

Otterbein -- 6-0-2 -- Key results = Hanover (W); CWRU (W); OWU (T); Denison (T)

Big game in the OAC tomorrow with Otterbein traveling to Mt Union.  Otterbein has a more balanced schedule than some, with tough games followed by easier matchups.  Look for the Cardinals at home vs JCU on 10/13, away at Wilmington on 10/20, and ONU at home on 10/27.

Wabash -- 7-2-1 -- Key results = Chicago (L); Hanover (W); Wooster (T)

The Little Giants gave Chicago a run for their money but otherwise have had a relatively soft schedule.  Wabash should win their next two before going to Granville for Denison followed by Kenyon at home.  I would have given Wabash a puncher's chance against OWU but unfortunately that game is in Delaware.  And Wabash closes with the Little Brown Jug or Monen Bell or whatever it is versus DePauw.

Wilmington -- 7-0-1 -- Key results = KZoo (W); Denison (W)

One of the big mystery teams in the country along with Augsburg and maybe a couple of others.  Wilmington still needs a couple of key wins against JCU, Otterbein, Mt Union, ONU along with hoping at least a couple of those end up ranked in late October/early November.  I don't recall even talking about Wilmington over the last decade, but the KZoo and Denison wins, while perhaps not earth-shattering, were both away and decisive.  Wilmington should win their next two before having Mt. Union at home on 10/9, being away at ONU on 10/13, home with Otterbein on 10/20, and closing out away at JCU on 10/30.



SimpleCoach

If I were to rank them, from what I have seen so far ... Funny, but half of the teams I am not sold on.  I can see why they can be good, but I also see the part where an ill timed loss and the whole thing comes crashing down....

OWU
CMU
Otterbein
Wabash
CWRU
Kenyon
Denison
John Carroll
Ohio Northern
Mt Union
Wilmington

PaulNewman

Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 01, 2021, 08:53:09 PM
If I were to rank them, from what I have seen so far ... Funny, but half of the teams I am not sold on.  I can see why they can be good, but I also see the part where an ill timed loss and the whole thing comes crashing down....

OWU
CMU
Otterbein
Wabash
CWRU
Kenyon
Denison
John Carroll
Ohio Northern
Mt Union
Wilmington

I would have OWU clearly in the top spot for now, followed by JCU, CMU, Kenyon, and maybe Otterbein in no particular order.  I am very curious to see Wilmington and I also am not very familiar with Mt. Union.

PaulNewman

Otterbein isn't going away.  Tough team.  Went down 2-0 away at Mt. Union.  Got one back before the break and then three straight unanswered in 2nd half.  And Mt Union only had given up 3 goals all season before tonight.

PaulNewman

#6
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will.  We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days.  Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.

CMU stands at 6-2-3 and 0-1-2 in last three.  I said before the Tartans really needed the 3 pts at home vs Brandeis but only got a draw.  Taking NYU into a 2nd OT away shows that CMU is certainly competitive but that still counts as 0 pts.  I haven't seen anyone explain in detail what happened in terms of some kind of fracas and I think I saw a suggestion that the CMU coach/bench behavior was an issue.  Unfortunately that's a recurrent theme over the past handful of years.  The schedule doesn't let up as the Tartans face away tilts with Rochester and Emory before a home stretch versus Wash U, Chicago, and CWRU.  CMU needs a win badly but Rochester also has had a couple of setbacks...won't say must win for CMU but getting close to that.

CWRU was looking like they might be headed to the UAA basement (and they still might), but the Spartans got a very nice road win at Brandeis to creep up to 6-3-1 and 1-1.  Now the bad news...CWRU hits the road for the trio of Emory, Rochester, and Carthage.  Coming home isn't always good news either, as Chicago, Wash U, and CMU will be visiting.  A binge of Ws certainly is possible, but, truth be told, CWRU may already be in the spoiler role as a best case scenario. 

Denison has slipped to 5-4-1 and 1-2.  Denison fell to Kenyon last night 2-0.  That's a rivalry game and usually tight, but Denison hasn't beaten the Lords since 2011.  They seemed to get frustrated and focused on getting their pound of flesh as the game wore on.  The good news is that OWU and Kenyon are now behind them.  The Big Red is a program in transition and as long as Bianco doesn't bolt for OWU in the next few years, the crystal ball predicts a good future.  Denison also still has much to play for, as they are good enough to make the NCAC tournament.  The margin for error has gotten tighter, and nest up is Wabash, probably the 3rd strongest NCAC outfit.  After those four the NCAC imo drops off significantly although Wooster, Wittenberg, DePauw, and Oberlin can pull off an occasional upset.  Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.

The roller-coaster ride of the John Carroll season is on an upswing with three straight Ws after the home shock loss to Penn State-Behrend, a squad in fairness that is capable of winning a 1st round NCAA game.  The Blue Streaks now sit at 6-3-2 and 3-0-0 after routing Capital 5-1.  JCU has a showdown with and at Otterbein Tuesday, followed by Ohio Northern, at Marietta, and close with still somehow unbeaten Wilmington.  Hopefully star Turritin is healthy and firing on all cylinders for the stretch run.  JCU's ace card is holding a projected RvR profile that will only be eclipsed by OWU, which is important because in the OAC tourney any of the top four seeds could knock out the other.

I particularly like to avoid projections regarding Kenyon.  I haven't put them in my top 20 yet even though in my heart of hearts I'm pretty sure they are a top 10-15 team being overlooked for whatever reason.   Denison coach Bianco said after last night's game "Congrats to Kenyon.  They're the best team in the region over the past 5-7 years for a reason."  That's an OWU grad saying that.  By this time next week we'll have a better base for evaluation.  Kenyon has registered eight straight Ws after opening 0-1-1.  The schedule hasn't been great which again puts the Lords in a bind especially for RvR.  Denison may not end up being ranked regionally but that still was a big win.  One of the showdowns in all of Great Lakes happens Tuesday with the OWU industrial complex rolling into town.  Midweek afternoon games are weird games, but Kenyon-OWU almost always in a midweek game which gets more buzz when at OWU because they're under the lights in Delaware.  Kenyon I'm sure hasn't minded OWU getting the national attention thus far, but I can assure you both teams will fully expect to win.  Unreal to think that OWU hasn't beaten Kenyon since the Sweet 16 game in 2014.  There is perhaps more pressure on Kenyon this time, as the Lords need the win worse than OWU does (as OWU is basically already a lock for an at large bid if needed).  The Lords then travel to Crawfordsville, IN to take on a Wabash squad having a strong season and with a history of pulling the upset. 

OWU appears to be in the midst of a special season.  The Battling Bishops have been ranked top 5 or so nationally since the 2nd or 3rd week of the season.  They are already in the tournament.  But nothing would make Martin and crew happier than taking Kenyon down and regaining what they no doubt view as their rightful place at the top of NCAC and Great Lakes in general.  These teams I believe share mutual respect, but there's no love lost.  Amherst vs Tufts has nothing on OWU-Kenyon as a high profile rivalry (other than a handful...literally..of national titles since 2014).  Gomez continues to be good as anyone in the country and he inspires his teammates by playing both ways.

Otterbein remains one of the surprises of 2021, still unbeaten at 9-0-2.  Since a 9/29 draw with Denison at Denison, the Cardinals have won three more including two big road wins at Mt. Union and Marietta.  On Great Lakes Super Tuesday, Otterbein hosts JCU in a match that may determine the OAC regular season winner.  They next travel to Wilmington for another key clash on 10/27 before closing at home with well-tested Ohio Northern.

I'm guessing a number of folks on the East Coast don't even know what state Wabash is in.  The Little Giants are quietly 9-2-1.  They played Chicago early at Mud Hollow Stadium and that contest was 1-1 until the Maroons scored again in the 84th minute.  No question Wabash has racked up a lot of Ws against some weak opponents, but they got a solid win at Hanover.  The Little Giants tend to be a handful for both Kenyon and OWU, and both of those are coming soon.  First, though, Wabash can earn a bit more street cred if they can get a W away at Denison in Granville.

What to make of Wilmington?  The Quakers also remain unbeaten at 9-0-2.  I don't know anyone who saw that coming.  It was getting harder to keep Wilmington out of my top 20 but a draw to Heidelberg this past week left a sour taste.  A win over suddenly spiraling Mt. Union helped, but the Quakers will have to do more.  And they'll get plenty of chances...ONU, Marietta, Otterbein, and JCU await.

Other Great Lakes squads still relevant imo are Ohio Northern at 7-4-2, Mt. Union at 7-3-1, DePauw at 8-4-0, Hanover at 8-3-1 following five straight Ws, Rose-Hulman at 7-4-1, and Penn State-Behrend at 8-3.



Ommadawn

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will.  We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days.  Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.

I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.

Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.

PaulNewman

#8
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2021, 03:42:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will.  We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days.  Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.

I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.

Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.

Yep, Ryan and Domino were two of the best on the site (although neither liked me too much, but then again few do haha).  Ryan is way too smart for me and there's no way "the OWU guy" and "the Kenyon guy" could sustain good relations.  Just too raw imo but he's one of the great ambassadors for not only OWU soccer, but OWU in general.  Very impressive guy.  And Domino knows more about the Ohio soccer scene than I could know in three lifetimes.

I don't know anything about Chris Payne.  Didn't know who was coaching Hiram.

I can share a bit of trivia, though.  Mark Waterman, Tufts asst coach, is a Denison grad who was a frosh same year as my kid when Denison beat Kenyon in Gambier in 2011 4-2.  He also was on the the pitch in Granville in 2014 when Kenyon scored with 28 secs left in 2nd OT.

And just made plans with former AA and NCAA Postgraduate Scholar Sam Justice to go to Amherst-Tufts game on Saturday.  Sam just moved to Boston after getting Ph.D. in Iowa and is working as some kind of stats guy in research dept at BWH where my son is a 2nd year internal med resident.  Figuring out where to sit in the stands at Bello will be a challenge!

Addendum...wouldn't be surprised at all if RH and/or Domino are in Gambier Tuesday afternoon.

d4_Pace

I'll find you a spot if you agree to yell at Serpone with the rest of us

PaulNewman

Quote from: d4_Pace on October 11, 2021, 05:42:09 PM
I'll find you a spot if you agree to yell at Serpone with the rest of us

LOL.  Are you gonna be there?

I'll probably sit where I was when your buddy Majumder sent me home in tears in the 109th minute.

d4_Pace

Yes I'll be there wishing I was still on the field like I was back then

PaulNewman

The good news is I'm sure I'll do a full and fair write-up of the game as a very interested neutral.  I think the Tufts broadcast team should have me on at halftime.

College Soccer Observer

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 11, 2021, 05:36:56 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2021, 03:42:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will.  We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days.  Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.

I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.

Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.

Yep, Ryan and Domino were two of the best on the site (although neither liked me too much, but then again few do haha).  Ryan is way too smart for me and there's no way "the OWU guy" and "the Kenyon guy" could sustain good relations.  Just too raw imo but he's one of the great ambassadors for not only OWU soccer, but OWU in general.  Very impressive guy.  And Domino knows more about the Ohio soccer scene than I could know in three lifetimes.

I don't know anything about Chris Payne.  Didn't know who was coaching Hiram.

I can share a bit of trivia, though.  Mark Waterman, Tufts asst coach, is a Denison grad who was a frosh same year as my kid when Denison beat Kenyon in Gambier in 2011 4-2.  He also was on the the pitch in Granville in 2014 when Kenyon scored with 28 secs left in 2nd OT.

And just made plans with former AA and NCAA Postgraduate Scholar Sam Justice to go to Amherst-Tufts game on Saturday.  Sam just moved to Boston after getting Ph.D. in Iowa and is working as some kind of stats guy in research dept at BWH where my son is a 2nd year internal med resident.  Figuring out where to sit in the stands at Bello will be a challenge!

Addendum...wouldn't be surprised at all if RH and/or Domino are in Gambier Tuesday afternoon.

Regarding Allegheny, they have become so non-competitive they are leaving the NCAC to go back to the PAC, which they left to be a founding member of the NCAC in 1983.  They don't even try to recruit seriously anymore.  As a former player there whose brother also played, it is embarrassing how far the program has dropped.

Mr.Right

Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2021, 03:42:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
In full disclosure I'd prefer commenting on other regions, but if I don't bring up Great Lakes probably no one else will.  We used to have at least a few other dedicated posters (particularly the OWU guy and Capital guy) but none seem to be around these days.  Gotta make sure your teams and regions get some air time.

I appreciate your keeping us posted on this important neck of the D3 woods. I miss the insightful columns of Ryan Harmanis (OWU guy) and the "boots on the ground" reports from Domino (Capital guy).

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 10, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Hiram and Allegheny appear to be as weak as they've been in years, and unfortunately that's saying a lot.

Drawing upon your "NCAC New England" roots, do you know how it came to pass that Chris Payne came to leave Assumption after a highly successful three-year rebuild and find his way to Hiram? It looks like he's got his work cut out for him.



+k PN.....well done to fill in the void...
I 2nd this