Does anyone have any thoughts on the MIAA for 2009. I see Calvin has a brutal schedule with teams like Wheaton,OWU, Kenyon, Rutgers-Camden,and Wittenberg. If they can get through that schedule successfully, they should be battle tested and ready for the conference, and possible a better run than they had in the tournament the last couple of years.
The number of MIAA fans out there is overwheming!!!
Give it time! They will come!
Calvin does indeed have a strong schedule, but they do schedule Wheaton almost every year.
Wheaton is in fact a perinial opponent, but there has been a marked upgrade in the rest of the non-conference opponents. If they can win a majority of these games, they will be ready to not only appear in the tournament, but advance.
I think recent history tells us that Calvin and Hope are the odds on favorites. I would love to see a competitve league season. Pre-league scheduling looks strong for most of the teams. I thought last year would be a 4 team race w/ Calvin/Hope/Hornets and Albion. I was so wrong. Maybe this will be a good year- if Trine and Olivet can build on last year, if Kalamazoo can find the way back and will Albion ever get over the hump?- may the answer be yes-to all of these "things". Try and remember- the next game could be your last.
I think Trine may be a darkhorse this year. They play tough, aggresssive soccer and seem to be on the rise. Calvin should be hard to beat and Hope is equally as strong. Who are going to be the key players in the league this year?
How do you think the MIAA will fare in their non-conference schedules this year? Especially against Ohio teams?
With the MIAA moving to the Central region this year, this board and its posts should perhaps be moved.
I agree
The MIAA is apparently moving into the central division this year. Anyone know why?
Is this a general reorganization with the great lakes division disappearing? (I can't imagine any conference that would more deserve to be in a "great lakes" division that the MIAA...)
How do the best teams compare in the (old?) GL and in the central division?
Kalamazoo Men beat Western Michigan 2-1 in an exhibition match. The Hornets looked very confident and in control, even though they were subbing in freshmen quite liberally. Go Hornets!
Quote from: Dark Knight on August 11, 2009, 11:07:26 AM
The MIAA is apparently moving into the central division this year. Anyone know why?
Is this a general reorganization with the great lakes division disappearing? (I can't imagine any conference that would more deserve to be in a "great lakes" division that the MIAA...)
How do the best teams compare in the (old?) GL and in the central division?
Dominican (Northern Athletics Conference) and a couple of the WIAC schools have been Central Region powers over the years. Though my knowledge of the old GL is limited, I'd say that region is a touch stronger-going from what I've seen in rankings.
Calvin beat Wheaton today 2-1 in a game that they dominated most of the first half then Wheaton ,who is an excellent team, came out well the 2nd half, but Calvin withstood the attack and got the win. Calvin looks to be 15 or 16 deep with no real weaknesses.
Another MIAA team in action today was Hope who beat Kenyon 3-0. The MIAA is looking very strong early.
Great win by Calvin. They've not defeated Wheaton in 17 years. And it sounded like they had to play some tough defense in the second half to keep Wheaton off the board.
Another great win by Calvin 1-0 over Kenyon. Look for Calvin to move into the rankings this week.
We'll see how they do in the D3soccer.com Top 25 this week!
Calvin over Otterbein 3-0. Great result against a team that just tied OWU 1-1
Hopefully they can get by Wittenburg tomorrow. This tough pre-season schedule should have them ready to go in the MIAA. Keep up the good work Knights!
Calvin over Wittenburg 8-0!!!!! Shots were 25-0. Unbelievable result for Calvin against a very good Wittenburg program. At 5-1 with the type of schedule they have played, they deserve to be #1 in the Central region. They have given up only 2 goals in 6 games and 1 of those was a PK.
Taking nothing from a good Calvin team, Wittenberg is only 1-5-1. They have been a good program, but it doesn't seem they are a very good team so far this year.
Hope and Calvin played an epic 2OT game at Hope last night.
http://www.miaa.org/mso/stats/09/1013hoca.htm
both are now tied for 1st in the MIAA at 5-1-1
Great match, and what a rivalry! Now if only Calvin would add football...
Nice aerial shot of VanAndel Stadium at Hope
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hope.edu%2Fimg%2Fcampus%2Faerial%2F09SoccerStadiumAerial3551.jpg&hash=d5d995edfef139732d224d6250afbfb683455720)
Quote from: sac on October 21, 2009, 07:12:01 PM
Nice aerial shot of VanAndel Stadium at Hope
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hope.edu%2Fimg%2Fcampus%2Faerial%2F09SoccerStadiumAerial3551.jpg&hash=d5d995edfef139732d224d6250afbfb683455720)
I attended a high school district soccer final yesterday afternoon which, due to this week's rainy weather, got rescheduled for VanAndel Stadium. It's a spectacular soccer-only facility, easily the best one I've ever seen and should be the envy of any school at any level. Everything from the location, to the seating (with real seats), to the players' covered seating, the design and field turf was first class. The artificial turf looks like perfectly mowed grass of individual artificial blades with a spine stiff enough to make the turf look natural. When it started getting darker late in the game, the excellent lighting system perfectly reflected the multi-colored leaves on to the tree bark and left a fantastic, dreamlike, picture postcard look on the far side of the action. I also was favored with a peek at the locker room which is basically a miniature modern style professional one with large lockers and a big screen TV. It's worth attending a game there even if you don't care for soccer.
Quote from: sac on October 14, 2009, 01:32:58 AM
Hope and Calvin played an epic 2OT game at Hope last night.
http://www.miaa.org/mso/stats/09/1013hoca.htm
both are now tied for 1st in the MIAA at 5-1-1
Quote from: Jim Matson on October 15, 2009, 12:19:38 AM
Great match, and what a rivalry! Now if only Calvin would add football...
If Calvin added football, anyone out there think sac would put up his "sweating" pic and corresponding caption again?? :) ;) :D :) ;) :D
Are there any posts on this board not about Calvin?
Quote from: sflzman on August 31, 2010, 04:12:36 PM
Are there any posts on this board not about *****?
Hmmm, interesting question. Your post doesn't qualify as the exception, I suppose, because it did mention
that school. What about this post?
But everyone who read my post knows who "that school" is. Plus, on the flip-side, is there any reason to talk about a school other than "that school"?
The knights are looking very sharp already in the first game of the season. Their passing and ball control against Milwaukee School of Engineering were excellent. It'll be very hard to match last year's cinderella run, but to me they look just as good this year. the game's only goal was scored by explosive freshman Zachary Willis.
So both Calvin teams win 1-0 on goals by Freshmen. I can actually post about my team on the Women's side, but it is not very fun to post about a 4-0 loss against a good, but not great, Baldwin-Wallace team.
So what, if anything, do you make of Calvin winning a close (at least score-wise) game with MSOE 1-0, while the next day Hope beats the same team 9-1?
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on September 06, 2010, 08:08:54 PM
So what, if anything, do you make of Calvin winning a close (at least score-wise) game with MSOE 1-0, while the next day Hope beats the same team 9-1?
Yeah, that's a pretty remarkable number of goals that Hope scored. What was the game like?
Last year Calvin might not have made it to the NCAA tourney at all but for some last-minute heroics to edge out Hope for the season championship. I'm sure it'll be another real battle in the MIAA this year.
N.B. Calvin moved up to #1 in the national rankings this week with Messiah's loss. They don't really deserve it -- they wouldn't be ranked #1 without the accomplishments of last year's team -- and I'm sure they'll move way down with their first loss. If they want to hold onto that ranking they'll have to earn it at Friday's game at #18 Wheaton.
It was a hard-fought, chippy game, but Calvin took care of business and beat Wheaton 3-2 at Wheaton after taking a 2-0 lead. Wheaton plays lots of men forward and Calvin took advantage with some through balls, and got a goal that way, but the other two goals were off a throw-in and a corner. Calvin had a 13-10 shot advantage but they were playing quite defensively for the last part of the game, while Wheaton was lucky to have their keeper on their own side of the field.
Now will Hope go in there and beat them 11-3 tomorrow?
Quote from: Dark Knight on September 10, 2010, 10:17:20 PM
It was a hard-fought, chippy game, but Calvin took care of business and beat Wheaton 3-2 at Wheaton after taking a 2-0 lead. Wheaton plays lots of men forward and Calvin took advantage with some through balls, and got a goal that way, but the other two goals were off a throw-in and a corner. Calvin had a 13-10 shot advantage but they were playing quite defensively for the last part of the game, while Wheaton was lucky to have their keeper on their own side of the field.
Now will Hope go in there and beat them 11-3 tomorrow?
Sorry, I messed up on the quote. I wanted to comment on the statement that Calvin doesn't deserve the #1 ranking and that they are only there because of the accomplishments of last year's team.
It is true that they got the opportunity to be in that position based on their 2nd place finish, but if you see them play, you would know they are the real deal! They are earning that ranking with there play on the field!
Quote from: d3fan1 on September 12, 2010, 12:05:49 AM
They are earning that ranking with there play on the field!
Agreed. Winning against a quality Wheaton program at one of the toughest venues in d3 was big.
Quote from: Dark Knight on September 12, 2010, 06:43:41 AM
Quote from: d3fan1 on September 12, 2010, 12:05:49 AM
They are earning that ranking with there play on the field!
Agreed. Winning against a quality Wheaton program at one of the toughest venues in d3 was big.
No arguement there. And while I would have prefered a couple of wins from the Dutchmen this weekend, I'm not upset about 2 ties - considering the opponents
I was at the Calvin-Wheaton game and thought Calvin played better than I expected. Was wondering how the #1 ranking would impact them. Even with Wheaton having all the motivation to beat them (2 losses last year, playing #1 at home) I thought Calvin played with confidence and intensity. They looked very organized while Wheaton looked like they were still getting to know each other ... not surprising given the very high number of freshman on their roster. And they looked even stronger the next night against North Central - a team that Hope tied. Calvin's freshmen looked very solid as well ... LOTS of speed up front.
Tough to run the table in the MIAA, but if Calvin gets through a couple of tough road games this week, they could conceivably stay #1 heading into the NCAA tournament.
I was at both the Hope and Calvin games vs North Central. Calvin is the real deal. Hope needs some (Hope) in their defense.
My son plays (sort of) for North Central. Their coach is not a big believer in subbing. Played the whole Hope game with just 3 subs. Almost won but Hope scored with 41 seconds left. Team was pretty beat after 110 minutes. Then to play Calvin the next night, they were able to keep it competitive for about 25 minutes before requiring subs.
Calvin looked more competitive after beating Wheaton than Hope did fresh off the bus. But one never knows which team shows up to play in most matches. This could be the reason for the huge discrepancy with MSOE.
Calvin grabbed the new No. 1 spot in this week's Top 25 Poll.
Quote from: KnightFalcon on September 13, 2010, 04:09:31 PM
Calvin's freshmen looked very solid as well ... LOTS of speed up front.
One player you may be thinking of is Zach Willis, a freshman who comes in off the bench to provide some instant offense. He is leading the team with 3 goals on 7 shots.
Quote from: KnightFalcon on September 13, 2010, 04:09:31 PM
Tough to run the table in the MIAA, but if Calvin gets through a couple of tough road games this week, they could conceivably stay #1 heading into the NCAA tournament.
Is Wheaton the only ranked opponent Calvin will have unless and until they get to the NCAA tournament?
It looks that way. The Knights need to schedule one or more tougher matches in September - maybe hop into one of the strong tournaments out East.
But they are playing well. They make few mistakes and operate efficiently as a team. Last year, I would not have guessed that they were to play in the national semi-final based on what I saw during the regular season - but that is because I was looking for the wrong thing; some sort of powerful goal scoring machine, or some amazing defensive stance. What they has was just a darn good method of controlling the ball as a team, working the pitch quickly and efficiently, and scoring when they needed to. I think that style works real well in D3 soccer, and I think it will take them far into the post-season again this year.
Quote from: Jim Matson on September 16, 2010, 09:19:32 AM
It looks that way. The Knights need to schedule one or more tougher matches in September - maybe hop into one of the strong tournaments out East.
I find Calvin's men's schedule a little surprising given the tough schedule the women play -- with the same person coaching both teams. The women have 5 opponents who were in the top 25 at the beginning of the year. Maybe it's harder to schedule top opponents on the men's side.
Quote from: Dark Knight on September 16, 2010, 12:43:14 PM
Quote from: Jim Matson on September 16, 2010, 09:19:32 AM
It looks that way. The Knights need to schedule one or more tougher matches in September - maybe hop into one of the strong tournaments out East.
I find Calvin's men's schedule a little surprising given the tough schedule the women play -- with the same person coaching both teams. The women have 5 opponents who were in the top 25 at the beginning of the year. Maybe it's harder to schedule top opponents on the men's side.
The men and women do not have the same coach. The men's coach is Chris Hughes, the womens coach is Mark Recker. The women have always been known for searching out the best and therefore the best search out them as well. For the men, their national success has just recently come to a head, the women on the other hand have been a top national program for quite a few years now. The tough schedule will come soon for the men, especially if they keep producing winners over the next few years and if this season bears the same kind of fruit as last year.
Agreed - Calvin's national profile has just come about in the last couple of years. It would be great for them to go out east next year. For their program to grow, they need to get exposed to the level of competition in that part of the country. Having watched both the Calvin-Wheaton and Hobart-Messiah games this year, I'd say the stronger teams are out east. That said, Calvin's style does seem to fit D3 well and while they are not flashy, they know what they are trying to do and they play very well together as a team and with a lot of confidence. Their toughest matches the rest of the way will be the 2 league games against arch-rival Hope where anything can happen.
On a completely un-realated topic to what you are talking about....
Alma got their first win of the Josh Oakley era this weekend. They are truly looking like a fresh and renwed team. they've come miles from where they have been in the past witht the previous coach.
I wish Alma good luck. There are a number of MIAA team who seem to on the cusp of coming into there own - Olivet, Trine, and Kalamazoo to name a few. I am not ashamed to say I am a died in the wool Calvin fan, but it is also good to see other MIAA team getting stronger.
Yes, the conference is getting stronger across the board, but Calvin and Hope are still the teams to beat year in and year out - except for Alma in 1997!
If Calvin keeps winning, I wonder if they'll hold the top spot in the polls? They took 17 of the 25 first place votes this week, but CNU also keeps winning and they have a slightly tougher schedule.
Quote from: Jim Matson on September 21, 2010, 09:12:20 PM
Yes, the conference is getting stronger across the board, but Calvin and Hope are still the teams to beat year in and year out - except for Alma in 1997!
If Calvin keeps winning, I wonder if they'll hold the top spot in the polls? They took 17 of the 25 first place votes this week, but CNU also keeps winning and they have a slightly tougher schedule.
I'd guess it could go either way depending on how decisive the victories are. Margin of victory is still not a 4-letter word...
I take it back. MofV is 4-letter word. I just saw Calvin totally dominate a team in the first half, go up by a couple of goals, and then go into defensive mode, not trying nearly as hard to score -- 21 shots in the first period, 7 in the second.
They are still getting used to the success?
I saw Hope's new soccer stadium for the first time on Saturday while watching the Hope-Calvin game. Fantastic venue for watching soccer ... best I've seen by far at D3. Great atmosphere with over 2700 in attendance - and that seemed low. Game was great too but Hope looked a little more energized by the crowd and their shot at the #1 ranked team. Will be fun to watch the rematch later in October.
Anyone else watch that game?
Hope lost 1-0 to Trine today.
Quote from: OC_SID on September 28, 2010, 08:51:04 PM
Hope lost 1-0 to Trine today.
All I can say is WOW ... talk about a letdown after a big game. Hope didn't even get to enjoy being ahead of Calvin for even a full week. Looks like Calvin beat Kalamazoo only 1-0
I don't think I've ever before seen league standings with 6 teams tied for first and 2 tied for last. With no ties.
QuoteLooks like Calvin beat Kalamazoo only 1-0
Calvin did get off 17 shots to Kalamazoo's 3. And Kalamazoo is tied for first place. (Not that that separates them much from most of the league...)
Quote from: Dark Knight on September 29, 2010, 07:33:34 AM
I don't think I've ever before seen league standings with 6 teams tied for first and 2 tied for last. With no ties.
QuoteLooks like Calvin beat Kalamazoo only 1-0
Calvin did get off 17 shots to Kalamazoo's 3. And Kalamazoo is tied for first place. (Not that that separates them much from most of the league...)
Was at the game and Calvin was in complete control. Had 5 or 6 very legitimate scoring opportunities before finally capitalizing. Saturdays game will tell quite a bit for the Knights as they take on Olivet.
Crazy year. As good as Calvin is, they probably were not a top 5 team early in the season. The only thing is, they didn't overwhelm me last season, yet they played it all the way to the end. Maybe they'll do it again?
I don't think Hope is as strong as is Calvin; that rivalry is huge enough that in any sport, the teams really play in a zone and get it competitive, regardless (usually) of their true relative strength.
Hope got dropped 1-0 vs Adrian last night. Looks like all that momentum they built up now just got squandered as they fall to 2-2 in league.
Olivet tied Calvin....This week could definately drop Calvin in the rankings.
It very well may drop them, except that so many teams ended up with ties this weekend!
Got to be a first - 4 MIAA teams in the top ten for the region:
http://www.nscaa.com/SeniorResReg.php?it=1265&dv=3&rg=Central
Of course right now the league standaings are also really tight with 6 teams within a single point of each other.
http://www.miaa.org/mso/
I think Calvin is going to start to assert themselves in conference play, and gain another AQ and hopefully another deep run into the national tournament.
Kalamazoo has taken over 1st place in the standings, but the race is very tight.
A very surprising result came out of Adrian last night, Alma goes into Adrian and ties the Bulldogs.
Kalamazoo Hornets are still in first place! The team is looking solid. With Calvin tying Adrian today, K's lead is growing. MIAA is a strong league all around this year. GO HORNETS!
Yes very strong league top to bottom....
Just look at last year's winless, last-placed Scots...with a new coach, those same old players have not gotten embarrassed all year but one game....
After Wednesday, I am cheering for Alma!!
In the NSCAA Central Region, how does Olivet stay higher than Kalamazoo, when the Hornets have beat the TWICE?
Quote from: Kzoo fan on October 18, 2010, 08:55:30 PM
After Wednesday, I am cheering for Alma!!
How bout now after they've knocked the Hornets out of first?
I really am amazed at how quickly Head Coach Josh Oakley has made this team better, he's going to be turning out program around within the next few years....
I think that with what he will do, combined with the great job our Women's coach, Jeff Hosler, is doing, MIAA women's and men's soccer could turn into Calvin vs. Alma at the top every year.....
4 games left in the regular season and 5 teams are within 2 points of first place. I can't remember the last time the MIAA had any race this close this late in any sport. Several of the teams (Hope, Adrian, and Olivet) all have the opportunity to win out and and take the Championship. Calvin and Kalamazoo will both need just a little help.
Side question - if Calvin wins their remaining games, but does not win the league title, do they have a shot at an at large bid (their overall record would be 15-2-3)?
Adrian is a very young team! They have the chacnce to make an impact for years to come! Just one senior on the team. The rest are freshman and sophomores. They need to show good against kzoo Saturday.
Quote from: Adrianfan on October 25, 2010, 02:32:52 PM
Adrian is a very young team! They have the chacnce to make an impact for years to come! Just one senior on the team. The rest are freshman and sophomores. They need to show good against kzoo Saturday.
I hope that is exactly how they are approaching this week - thinking ahead to Saturday's game with the Hornets. Just don't even think about playing at Hope on Tuesday.
Should be a good game - Hope has some revenge on their minds after losing to the bulldogs 1-0 in Adrian a few weeks back.
The conference has a lot of parity. with the good competition I would think it will bring more talent to the conference, my son went to adrian from KY.
Congratulations to all the teams in the MIAA. You are playing very well. Congratulations to Adrian for being in 1st place, but there is a lot of soccer left.
If Calvin wins out and does not win the conference, I think they most definatly should get an at large bid!
how many at large bids are there and how do they determine them?
It's still an amazingly close race, with only 3-4 games left. There are several really excellent teams in the MIAA this year. This is the most competitive MIAA I can remember.
Two big results yesterday change the top 5 all around, with then-#1 Kalamazoo losing to #6 Trine and Hope beating then-#2 Adrian. The top 5 teams are still within one game of each other, and #6 is only 2 points behind.
Today's postponed Calvin at Olivet game will make another big change. Either Calvin will move from fourth to tied for first, or Olivet will move from third into sole possession of first place. (If they tie, they stay in almost the same place. A tie isn't much better than a loss at this point.)
If Calvin can win at Olivet, they have a good shot at winning out as their remaining three games are against the three bottom teams in the league. Of course, Trine tied Calvin in their last meeting.
Hope still plays Albion, Kalamazoo, and Olivet, two of which have already defeated Hope once. If Hope wins out, they secure at least a tie for first in the MIAA. If they lose again and don't win the conference, their record will be 12-6-2--probably not much chance they would get an at large bid.
Finally, if Calvin and Hope both win out, they'll have the same number of points. What's the tie breaker for the NCAA invitation? The MIAA rules only say this:
Quote
Soccer (Men)
The championship shall be based on a point system which awards three points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. League standings shall be determined on the basis of total points accumulated in regular league play. If two or more teams tie for first place at the end of the season, they shall be declared co-champions. The regular season champion will receive the league's automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.
Tie breaker for the automatic qualifier is head-to-head record, which of course is 2-0 in favor of Hope.
It looks like it will go down to the wire !
The next week + is going to be very exciting and a great thing for MIAA soccer.
With history playing a part in this, I have to think Hope is going to have a rough go of it the last three games especially since Mike May will most likely be back at almost 100% for the Comets for that end of the season matchup at Olivet....
One last day, one last MIAA game to play, and 3 teams have a chance at the championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. What more could we ask for?
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 05, 2010, 01:55:24 PM
One last day, one last MIAA game to play, and 3 teams have a chance at the championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. What more could we ask for?
Hope at Olivet game starts at noon, 2.5 hours earlier than the other two games, so Calvin and Adrian will know if they still have a chance to win the title by their kickoff time. I won't have livestats at the soccer game since I have to be at football, and my spare laptop does not have livestat capability. So, people will need to find another way to get the score.
Why is that, the early start?
Will your Comets be able to get their win in football tomorrow?
Quote from: sflzman on November 05, 2010, 09:53:44 PM
Why is that, the early start?
Will your Comets be able to get their win in football tomorrow?
Do YOU think the Comets have a chance in football tomorrow?
O ye of little faith! :D
Good news for the Knights is that they essentially have an at large bid locked up, although another conference trophy would look nice on the mantle, right next to that final four trophy.
Quote from: Knight2Day on November 06, 2010, 01:42:48 AM
Good news for the Knights is that they essentially have an at large bid locked up, although another conference trophy would look nice on the mantle, right next to that final four trophy.
Locked up is an overstatement. A loss today, and they will not be playing int the tournament IMHO.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 05, 2010, 11:06:22 PM
Quote from: sflzman on November 05, 2010, 09:53:44 PM
Why is that, the early start?
Will your Comets be able to get their win in football tomorrow?
Do YOU think the Comets have a chance in football tomorrow?
O ye of little faith! :D
I sure HOPE NOT, but the way our season has gone so far....
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 06, 2010, 09:15:06 AM
Quote from: Knight2Day on November 06, 2010, 01:42:48 AM
Good news for the Knights is that they essentially have an at large bid locked up, although another conference trophy would look nice on the mantle, right next to that final four trophy.
Locked up is an overstatement. A loss today, and they will not be playing int the tournament IMHO.
You wouldn't give the defending national champs an at-large bid if they were ranked 12?
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 06, 2010, 09:15:06 AM
Quote from: Knight2Day on November 06, 2010, 01:42:48 AM
Good news for the Knights is that they essentially have an at large bid locked up, although another conference trophy would look nice on the mantle, right next to that final four trophy.
Locked up is an overstatement. A loss today, and they will not be playing int the tournament IMHO.
The knights are ranked third in the region. If both teams ahead of them win their conference, the knights would probably be first in line for a pool C bid. Even if one or both loses, the Knights might have a shot.
By the way, didn't Olivet figure large in Hope's collapse at the end of last season? It's interesting that they have the opportunity to play spoiler again this year. I'm very curious about how today's games will come out...
Sitting in the nice brisk Olivet air waiting for the game to start. Will try to post any score updates. FWIW I suspect Calvin will get into the tournament, it's not just a forgone conclusion especially with a game to play
1-0 Hope scores 10 minutes in
Halftime at Olivet. Still 1-0 Hope
2-0 Hope with 7 minutes left
Hope wins 2-0!!! On to the NCAA
Hope and Calvin are Co-champs, Hope wins AQ...
Alma avoids a last-placed finish by beating Adrian 2-0!!!
Quote from: sflzman on November 06, 2010, 10:17:35 AM
You wouldn't give the defending national champs an at-large bid if they were ranked 12?
What does Messiah have to do with this conversation?
Quote from: DIIIdad on November 08, 2010, 05:30:43 PM
Quote from: sflzman on November 06, 2010, 10:17:35 AM
You wouldn't give the defending national champs an at-large bid if they were ranked 12?
What does Messiah have to do with this conversation?
Oops :-[ meant defending national champ
runner-ups
Calvin got a very good draw in being able to host. It looks possible to have an early rematch of last years semi-final game between DU and Calvin. If Calvin can get by that tough match, I think they could do very well and go deep into the tourney again this yr.
Quote from: sflzman on November 08, 2010, 08:13:55 PM
Quote from: DIIIdad on November 08, 2010, 05:30:43 PM
Quote from: sflzman on November 06, 2010, 10:17:35 AM
You wouldn't give the defending national champs an at-large bid if they were ranked 12?
What does Messiah have to do with this conversation?
Oops :-[ meant defending national champ runner-ups
I know - I was just busting your chops. Sorry.
Quote from: DIIIdad on November 08, 2010, 11:55:29 PM
Quote from: sflzman on November 08, 2010, 08:13:55 PM
Quote from: DIIIdad on November 08, 2010, 05:30:43 PM
Quote from: sflzman on November 06, 2010, 10:17:35 AM
You wouldn't give the defending national champs an at-large bid if they were ranked 12?
What does Messiah have to do with this conversation?
No problem...I always want to post correct information...
Oops :-[ meant defending national champ runner-ups
I know - I was just busting your chops. Sorry.
It's alright, I always want to have accurate info....
Not sure it will matter that Calvin got into the tournament - though I think they deserved it ... they only lost to one team this year (yes, 2X). They are not looking like the same team I saw at the start of the year. They've lost some aggressiveness and confidence. They've had some key injuries too that are not helping. I saw them finish the season against Trine and I saw them win at Wheaton and I saw a much different team against Trine. Will be interesting to see if they get their confidence and momentum back in the tournament and make another run. Doesn't help that they would have to play Dominican in the second round if they get that far.
They may get the first one done, but it will be tough against Dominican. If Calvin can be "fast" and keep the offensive pressure on, then they should have a shot at it, but it won't be easy.
Hope just gave up a goal with 25 minutes left...down 1-0 to North Park
Final from UWO:
North Park 1
Hope 0
Quote from: Jim Matson on November 12, 2010, 12:20:37 AM
They may get the first one done, but it will be tough against Dominican. If Calvin can be "fast" and keep the offensive pressure on, then they should have a shot at it, but it won't be easy.
Calvin wins in a shoot out
I was listening via the web, and it sounded like Dominican had some dangerous chances in the overtime periods. I also heard one good chance for Calvin in the second OT.
The ability to win the shoot-out is a key part of the game!
How about them Calvin Knights?
I watched the match on Friday. Not pretty on either side, but Calvin has found a way to win almost every tight match this season - and the Hope loss probably helped. Bratt is the real deal. He missed a few PK saves where I thought he had a chance, but overall, he was money.
Quote from: Jim Matson on November 20, 2010, 03:22:50 AM
I watched the match on Friday. Not pretty on either side, but Calvin has found a way to win almost every tight match this season - and the Hope loss probably helped. Bratt is the real deal. He missed a few PK saves where I thought he had a chance, but overall, he was money.
Nine PKs in a row! I don't think I've seen that before.
Bratt didn't have the saves this time around that he did in the PK battle the previous game, but it was enough.
Winning so many close games in last year's tournament made it seem like a lucky run, but here they are doing it again.
Bratt is amazing! As long as he is in the goal, Calvin will have an advantage in PK's. He only got one save against UWW, but it was a huge one.
Calvin never panics. They are a well coached team that is going to hang in there in any game. I predict Calvin over UWO 1-0, and on to their 2nd Final 4 in a row.
Calvin had nothing left in the tank after the win against Whitewater. You can't make the drive if you don't have gas in the car and that's essentially what happened to the Knights. Tough loss but hats off to a great group of seniors. They couldn't have left a better legacy behind them.
Yes, the speed difference was apparent. Some of that had to be due to that fatigue factor. Calvin is a good side and played Oshkosh well. But Oshkosh had the advantage of quickness and speed - and that was the difference on Saturday.
From Jeff Febus' Sports Information Office at Calvin College
SPECIAL CALVIN KNIGHT SPORTS REPORT FOR JUNE 18, 2011
LONGTIME CALVIN COACH/PROFESSOR DIES
GRAND RAPIDS - Calvin College has lost one of its legendary Knights.
Dr. Marvin A. Zuidema passed away late this afternoon after a battle with illness of just over a year. He was 75.
Known as "Dr. Z" to those in the Calvin community, Zuidema touched many lives at Calvin, in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and in collegiate athletics across the country.
A native of Muskegon, Zuidema graduated from Calvin College in 1957. He continued on to earn a master's degree at Michigan State University and in 1961, returned to Calvin as an instructor and coach in the school's physical education department. For the next 43 years, he served the Calvin physical education department as a professor, department chair, coach and director of men's athletics.
"My life at Calvin has been one of wearing many hats," said Zuidema in a retirement tribute in Calvin's alumni magazine Spark in 2004. Indeed.
As a coach, Zuidema was the head coach of the Calvin men's tennis team for seven years as well as the head baseball coach for 10 years. As baseball coach, he led Calvin to three MIAA titles. His most storied coaching run however came in men's soccer soccer as he served as Calvin's head coach for 36 years.
Zuidema took over the reins of the Calvin men's soccer program in 1961 and remained in that position through the 1997 season, missing only the 1968 season while completing work on his Ph.D at Indiana University. In 36 years as men's soccer coach at Calvin, Zuidema posted a won-loss record of 341-175-48 for a .647 winning percentage which included 14 MIAA titles, four NCAA III Tournament berths including an appearance in the national quarterfinals in 1980. He is ranked 16th all-time in NCAA Division III men's soccer for career victories. In 1993, he became the first coach in the state of Michigan - at any level - to reach the 300-win plateau in soccer.
Prior to taking over as men's soccer coach in 1961, Zuidema had little background in the sport. He had gained some knowledge as a graduate assistant at Michigan University before coming to Calvin but had never played the game himself. Nonetheless, Calvin's director of athletics at the time, Dave Tuuk, convinced Zuidema to take the job. "He (Tuuk) said to me, 'Marv, I know you love baseball but I really have to ask you to take soccer. It's OK if you don't know everything about the game. You can learn it; the guys on the team will help you. You'll be fine,"" recalled Zuidema in his interview with Spark.
A year later, the man who had never played organized soccer coached Calvin to a first-place tie for the champoinship of a league that included the only seven schools in the Midwest to field soccer teams; Calvin shared the title with Michigan State University. In 1970, soccer became an official varsity sport in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
Under Zuidema's director, Calvin began to host soccer clinics and tournaments for the area's Christian high schools. From Grand Rapids-area high schools, excitement rippled outward and spread, as Calvin soccer players graduated and took jobs teaching the sport. At one time, Zuidema counted more than 100 of his former players coaching soccer in schools around the state and country. His successor as Calvin men's soccer coach, Dave VerMerris, was one of his former players. Calvin's current head men's soccer coach Chris Hughes, was a four-year player for Zuidema from 1987-to-1990. Calvin's current head women's soccer coach, Mark Recker, was also a four-year player for Zuidema from 1976-to-1979.
"It's a warm, wonderful feeling to see the sport develop the way it did in our community," said Zuidema in his retirement tribute in Spark. "To see your former players spread the love of the game has been very gratifying."
During the 1970's, Zuidema began taking college and high school players every four years on summer trips overseas to Europe where the Knights would play a series of games against club teams in France, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The trips to Europe were based just as much on culture and education as they were on athletics however. Players on the tours visited historical sites in cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Munich. The tours also featured visits to the World War I battlefield in Verdun, France as well as to Arnhem's John Frost Bridge in the Netherlands made famous in the 1977 World War II film A Bridge Too Far. Zuidema took great pleasure in watching the players experience European history in person for the first time.
"The trips to Europe were very memorable," said Zuidema in an interview with the Calvin Sports Information office a few years back. "Our players came back from those trips with a new appreciation for history and the way Europe views the game of soccer."
Zuidema also had a national impact in soccer in America, serving as the Division III National Chairperson to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In 1998, he received one of the highest honors in all of collegiate soccer as he was awarded the Bill Jeffrey Award by the National Soccer Coaches Association. The Bill Jeffrey Award is named in honor of the legendary Penn State and former U.S. National (Men's) Team coach who served as NSCAA's president in 1948 and received the NSCAA Honor Award in 1949. It is presented annually for outstanding service to or achievement in intercollegiate soccer. The individual's contributions must have made a positive impact on the improvement, advancement or presentation of intercollegiate soccer.
In addition, Zuidema served the MIAA as the conference men's soccer coordinator for over 20 years. In 1999, the MIAA instituted the Dr. Marvin Zuidema Award for men's soccer. The award honors a senior men's soccer player in the MIAA each fall. The recipient is selected for his contributions to team play, leadership qualities, demonstration of ethical virtues and excellence in athletics and academics -- all principles that Zuidema cherished deeply.
In 2005, the soccer field at Calvin was renamed Zuidema Field in his honor. The renaming of the field took place at halftime of a men's soccer game between Calvin and Hope.
After retiring as men's soccer coach at Calvin at the conclusion of the 1997 season, Zuidema transitioned into an administrator's role, taking on the position of Calvin's director of men's athletics - a position he held from 1997-to-2003. During his six-year term as Calvin's director of men's athletics, the Knights captured four national championships - two in women's cross country and one each in men's basketball and men's cross country. Calvin also captured 19 MIAA team championships during that time.
While serving as the men's AD at Calvin, Zuidema took on the additional role as MIAA secretary to the Committee on Athletics. Zuidema served as MIAA secretary up through this winter.
Zuidema also had a deep passion for academic scholarship and instruction. After completing his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 1968, he was encouraged by Nick Wolterstorff, then a professor in Calvin's philosopy department, to begin to work out on paper the Christian approach to physical education that he was practicing on the field and in the gym. Those jottings eventually became an entire K-12 curriculum published by Christian Schools International (CSI). Now in its fourth printing, the curriculum is used by schools far beyond the CSI umbrella.
As a professor in the Calvin physical education department, he served as department chairperson for several years and also served as the director of the department's teacher education program.
In 2009, Zuidema received the Faith and Learning Award from the Calvin Alumni Association. The award, given annually since 1992, is granted to a current or former Calvin professor for excellence in teaching, spiritual impact, concern for students and lasting influence. Candidates are nominated by Calvin alumni and chosen by a committee of alumni board members.
In a congratulatory note to Zuidema upon receiving the award, a 1974 Calvin alumnus wrote: "Your writings on physical education, especially in materials produced for CSI had a lot of impact on the programs of the schools with which I worked. [You are recognized] as a colleague concerned with the development of people who see their bodies as a gift from God and are committed to their maintenance. Thank you for your work. It has had an impact far greater than you know."
His former players also sent words of thanks at the time of the award. One of them wrote: "Coach Marv Zuidema was a coach whose leadership, influence and speech, on and off the field, clearly portrayed a Christian lifestyle and witness that positively influenced us during our tenure at Calvin."
Zuidema is survived by his wife Virginia, sons Roger and Kevin, daughter Vonnie and several grandchildren.
Funeral and visitation information will be released when available.
Ok, so try-outs / practice is just a few weeks away. Anybody out there have any thoughts on the MIAA this season? Gonna be a Hope/Calvin race again?
Predicting a Calvin - Hope battle again would be a pretty safe bet. Hope has a lot of returners and should be very tough. Calvin lost a number of key players, but have an excellent nucleus back to go with what I heard is a very strong freshman class so they should be excellent again. As far as the rest, Trine and Olivet may be poised to make some noise this year as well.
Hope Named Favorite In First MIAA Preseason Men's Soccer Poll
Defending co-champion Hope has been chosen the preseason favorite in the MIAA men's soccer race for the 2011 season.
The Flying Dutchmen, who shared the MIAA title with Calvin last fall, received five of a possible eight first-place votes to nose out the Knights in the first-ever men's soccer preseason coaches poll.
Olivet was selected third, followed by Adrian, Kalamazoo, Trine, Alma and Albion.
Poll Results (first-place votes in parenthesis): 1. Hope (5) 10. 2. Calvin (3) 11. 3. Olivet 21. 4. Adrian 28. 5. Kalamazoo 32. 6. Trine 37. 7. Alma 39. 8. Albion 46.
This year's season will feature the first-ever MIAA men's soccer tournament, with the top four teams in regular season conference play to advance to play the first weekend in November to determine the MIAA's representative to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Calvin is ranked #7 in the pre-season NSCAA poll, but the Knights lost some key players, including All-MIAA Dan Kmetz and Scott Hooker (midfield), Lucas Wilgenburg (back), and Ryan Bratt (keeper).
However, word is that there was a strong incoming class. One freshman from Unity Christian was reported to have dribbled through the defense and scored a goal in practice one day. Then to have repeated that four more times in the same session.
Turns out this was Travis Vegter (brother of senior starting midfielder Tyler Vegter?), who led Unity Christian to a state title in 2009 as leading scorer, then was named to the all-state D2 first team as a junior, becoming one of the top goal scorers in the state. No word in that article on the 2010 season.
http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/781314283812291763/unity-christians-travis-vegter-enjoys-bigger-numbers-state-title-and-all-state-recognition/
The article also mentions that Zach Willis joined Vegter on the all-state team that year. Willis played 24 games for Calvin last year and started two as a freshman, scoring four goals including two game winners.
Quote from: Dark Knight on August 26, 2011, 02:24:27 PM
Calvin is ranked #7 in the pre-season NSCAA poll, but the Knights lost some key players, including All-MIAA Dan Kmetz and Scott Hooker (midfield), Lucas Wilgenburg (back), and Ryan Bratt (keeper).
Not to take anything away from Wilgenburgs career (as he was an exceptional player and leader) but his senior season was cut short by a torn ACL so the team had to adjust to that early in the season last year and for that reason I feel as though they are already well adjusted on the defensive end of the field.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Knights play Dominican on September 10th. I've heard good things about them this year. They did lose some quality individuals, but they have a great core to build around, and I'm sure Coach Hughes will have them ready.
The Knights' first game, this Thursday, is at Rochester. Massey's rating had Calvin at #23 at the end of last season and Rochester at #26.
Rochester is just back from a training trip in Germany. They lost four starters to graduation including their three top scorers who scored over half their goals last year.
Should be a great challenge!
The Knights always schedule a tough pre-conference schedule and this year is no exception. You can't sharpen your skills by playing weak teams though. Go Knights!!
Planning on spending the weekend in Ohio watching the Dutchmen kick off their season against Denison and #25 Kenyon. I think Hope also has a pretty tough pre-conference schedule.
Good luck to the Dutchmen! Kenyon should be a pretty good test.
Dr. Zuidema was a great man, and the impact that he has had on hundreds of Calvin students over the years will last well into the future.
For many small colleges over the years, it is guys like this who have really helped build tradition. And that tradition often serves as the foundation for future success.
Anyone else have predictions for the following games:
North Park 2 Aurora 0
Chicago 1 Dominican 2
Calvin 2 Rochester 0
Calvin lost to Rochester U 3-1 last night. Calvin had 15 shots, with 6 on goal, to Rochester's 10 and 5. The only freshmen to play were strikers Dino Duratovic and Travis Vegter. Vegter had 2 of Calvin's 6 shots on goal.
Calvin didn't give up 3 goals in any game last year, and they gave up 2 goals only once.
Hopefully this game will be a wake-up call for the Knights. I have know doubt they will rebound.
Scots looked very impressive in a 3-0 win over a talented Holy Cross team. The defense looked shaky at times but Graham made some amazing saves at GK including a PK in the second half. Cameron Alman scored 2 and looked good, but slow.....
Hope and Denison finish in a 1-1 overtime tie in 100 degree temps. Lots of cramping on both sides.
Another OT game in the extreme heat today. This time Hope won 1-0 over Kenyon on a David Whitaker header. It was a beautiful play at the far post directly on a throw-in from Grant Neil. 2 games in, we're 1-0-1 - a successful weekend.
That's a great result for the Dutchmen. Kenyon is usually a pretty strong program. I would have guessed that Hope would have beat Denison, do you think the heat affected the outcome?
I know the heat was an issue both days for both teams. From what I saw, Denison is a better team - defensively and is more aggressive - than Kenyon. Kenyon allowed Hope to do whatever they wanted on the midfield.
Calvin comes back to smack John Fisher 5-0 after a disappointing 3-1 loss in their first game
Big weekend for the MIAA this weekend. Hope and Calvin travel to the Chicago area for big games against Dominican. I'm predicting a tough weekend for Dominican. I think Hope will prevail 1-0, and Calvin will hit on all cylinders with a 2-0 win.
Quote from: d3fan1 on September 09, 2011, 10:25:06 AM
Big weekend for the MIAA this weekend. Hope and Calvin travel to the Chicago area for big games against Dominican. I'm predicting a tough weekend for Dominican. I think Hope will prevail 1-0, and Calvin will hit on all cylinders with a 2-0 win.
The knights defeated Aurora 1-0 last night, out-shooting Aurora 13-7. However, both teams had 6 shots on goal and Calvin needed 6 saves to blank them. Good job by keeper Dolan.
Hope fell to Dominican 2-0.
Here are the 2010 Massey ratings:
Dominican #13
Calvin #23
Hope #71
Aurora #123
Tomorrow Hope plays Aurora and Calvin plays Dominican. A 2-0 result for Calvin against the Dominics would of course be wonderful, but I suspect it's going to be a difficult game with Dominican a slight favorite.
Well, I didn't do so well in my predictions about Hope and Calvin. :-\ I only missed the 2 games by a combined 8 goals, so anything I say should probably be taken with a grain of salt. I was at the Calvin-Dominican game and even though they lost 3-0 Ithink they were the better team. I know, excuses excuses blah blah blah! In spite of the score Calvin did play very well. They need to improve their communication and put together more creative combinations in the front third if they want to contend with the top teams. They have the talent, and I wouldn't want to play them when and if they put it all together.
Dominican did play a strong defensive game and was very dangerous in transition. Theyalso have a freshman up front (#18) who is a very dangerous player and scored the 1st goal.
Quote from: d3fan1 on September 12, 2011, 10:37:04 AM
Well, I didn't do so well in my predictions about Hope and Calvin. :-\ I only missed the 2 games by a combined 8 goals, so anything I say should probably be taken with a grain of salt.
No worries - if you were any good at prognostication, you'd be living the high life in Vegas and not posting here. ;D
Massey's ratings for MIAA teams, based on games through September 11:
Calvin #49
Hope #73
Olivet #74
Trine #84
Kalamazoo #98
Albion #130
Adrian #176
Alma #200
These rankings are still affected by last year's results.
Looks like it could be a very competitive conference season.
Hope soccer is going to honor former player Justin Bailey on Friday night. Justin (a 2010 graduate) was killed this summer in a car accident. Here is a wonderful story about his impact on this years team and the way they will honor him:
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/topstories/x848575126/Hope-mens-soccer-to-honor-its-late-teammate-Justin-Bailey
Nice win for Calvin over Wheaton today 2-1. Good luck to Hope tonight.
Hope defeats Wheaton, 4-0. I really like the improvement I'm seeing in this Hope team from game to game; they're really playing well together. Looking forward to an exciting (as always) game on Wednesday!
yes they played good last night a big croed there saw the calvin coaches there
New Massey ratings based on up to 7 games through 9/18:
Calvin #26 (+23)
Hope #30 (+43)
Trine #55 (+29)
Olivet #83 (-9)
Kalamazoo #148 (-50)
Albion #178 (-48)
Adrian #199 (-23)
Alma #247 (-47)
Wheaton dropped from #11 to #59.
Great weekend for Hope - great ball movement and spacing, and the team seems to have found its identity (adjusting for the losses of last years seniors). I like the overall speed of the team, and the contributions from some 1st year starters (like FR Tarwo Konbloa & Justin Reamon, and SO Grant Neil, Cole Whitaker, and Matt VanZytveld) as well as from the veterans (JR Jeff Ekdom and Luke Dishnow, SR Logan Neil, Shaun Groetsma, David Whitaker, and Andrew Abe).
Goes without saying that the winner of the RIVALRY game tomorrow will give someone a big boost! Go HOPE!!
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on September 20, 2011, 03:49:14 PM
Goes without saying that the winner of the RIVALRY game tomorrow will give someone a big boost!
I'd have to agree with you on that.
Huge win for Calvin over Hope 2-0!!!!!! Sounds like it was a great game!!
Quote from: d3fan1 on September 21, 2011, 06:14:50 PM
Huge win for Calvin over Hope 2-0!!!!!! Sounds like it was a great game!!
It was indeed. Scoreless first half - thanks to Hope hitting every piece of metal surrounding the goal and Logan Neil making a couple of saves (including a 3 on 1 breakaway) that showed why he is the reigning MVP of the league. Second half was fierce - and ultimately Hope's defense got beat twice by the speed of Calvin, while the Hope offense missed several opportunities including a wide open shot.
Calvin's goalie appeared to have hurt his back/knee? quite severely with about 9 minutes to go in the game. He was simply punting the ball and his plant leg seemed to give way (or the turf did). Anyone have an update on his condition?
Can't wait for the rematch!
Yeah, it was a great game. After being a life long knights basketball fan, i decided this year to try to get out to more soccer games...and i'm glad i did. I thought the Vegter brothers look a dangerous combination...in fact that whole second wave of 4 offensive substitutions seems almost as dangerous if not more dangerous than the starters.
According to some of the Calvin faithful around the stands, the injury the keeper went down with was a back injury that he'd been struggling for a little while. Who know what that means going forward.
The other concerning thing was when Lawrence Murray went down with a groin injury halfway through the second half...it didn't seem to hurt us a lot, but i really like Murray's hustle/positioning from what i've seen so far.
After that showdown, i'm almost tempted to make the trip down to hope for the rematch.
New Massey rankings based on games through 9/25.
Calvin #13 (+13)
Trine #38 (+17)
Hope #47 (-17)
Olivet #82 (+1)
Kalamazoo #140 (+8)
Albion #175 (+3)
Adrian #236 (-37)
Alma #253 (-8)
Trine takes over second place in the MIAA.
I was surprised to see Calvin increase 13 spots, all the way up to #13.
Some interesting matchups Tuesday:
#1 Calvin at #2 Trine (Massey predicts 0-0)
#3 Hope at #4 Olivet (Massey predicts 1-1)
Impressive wins for Trine and Olivet.
Olivet and Trine are now in first and second place in the MIAA, and Trine has given up zero goals in MIAA games and only one all season! Olivet has given up only three goals this season.
Tough loss for Hope - Olivet scored with 77 seconds left to tie the game 1-1, then won it 8 minutes into OT.
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on September 28, 2011, 01:28:30 PM
Tough loss for Hope - Olivet scored with 77 seconds left to tie the game 1-1, then won it 8 minutes into OT.
Actually, there were 137 seconds left when Olivet tied the game ... 2 minutes and 17 seconds were showing on the clock ... Even crazier was the kid who scored the tying goal had officially subbed in the game just 22 seconds earlier ... And the overtime goal was scored with 1 minute and 50 seconds left.
OC_SID - thanks for the correction - I always hated math involving time :)
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on September 28, 2011, 03:31:22 PM
OC_SID - thanks for the correction - I always hated math involving time :)
Hope's website had the time listed as 77 seconds, so that's probably where you got confused! ;)
Calvin is back! After some bumps in the road, the real Calvin is coming forward. Look for them to be a force for the rest of the season.
Well.... At least they are still in 1st place. :-[
Great goalkeeping performance by Graham Wallace in the 0-0 draw for Alma and Calvin....
The Knights are really stepping it up. It looks like they are showing that they are the class of the MIAA. Five straight conference titles. Great job Knights!
Quote from: d3fan1 on October 25, 2011, 11:16:08 PM
The Knights are really stepping it up. It looks like they are showing that they are the class of the MIAA. Five straight conference titles. Great job Knights!
Yeah, the four goals Calvin scored against Trine match the four goals Trine allowed in total the whole rest of the MIAA season to date.
Massey now has the MIAA as
Calvin #23
Hope #57
Trine #70
Olivet #104
Albion #157
Adrian #213
Kzoo #217
Alma #230
The power range between top and bottom is 2.9 goals.
Olivet upsets Calvin in the first round of the MIAA tournament! Will play at Hope for the Championship and AQ
Not a great 1st experience for the Knights with the conference tournament.
Did anyone see the game? By looking at the stats, it looks like Calvin had the better of the play. With four yellows it looks like it was probably a pretty chippy game as well. Of course any game involving Olivet will be chippy because of their hard nosed style of play.
No Colago?
Colago broke his tibia. That was really a "bad" break for the Knights, he was one of the leaders on the team. Hopefully, they will have done enough to get a pool C bid.
Nail biting game at the VanAndel this afternoon, right up to the last 5 minutes or so. Congratulations to the Dutchmen on the exciting win, and to the Comets for a great game.
I got a text saying it was 1-1 with five minutes to go and assumed I'd be getting an OT text update in 15 minutes or so, but next thing I know, I get a text with a 4-1 regulation score...
What happened? Olivet make some mistakes? Hope pick up offensive intensity a lot?
Hope had really dominated the game, and in the last 5 minutes finally reaped the rewards of that. After the first goal by Matt VZ, Olivet adjusted their play to try to really push forward (made sense being down 2-1 with under 5 to play). Hope did a great job of counter-attacking, which lead to the other 2 goals (the last being a pnealty shot from a foul on a breakaway in the box).
Truth be told, the final score should actually have been 6-1. Hope had goals in both halves that weren't given to them. No fouls, no offsides, in both cases the goalie was beaten, and a defender cleared the ball (which had fully crossed the line) from inside the goal. Fotunately these misses by the officials did not affect the final outcome.
Congratulations to Hope. Good luck in the tournament. I hope the regular season champion will be joining you!!!
Has anyone heard when the brackets will be announced?
1pm tomorrow at www.ncaa.com
Looks like the NCAA did a good job of keeping Hope and Calvin separated in the brackets (perhaps they always do in soccer; never seems to happen in basketball). Hope heads to Chicago, while Calvin heads to Iowa. Good luck to all!
Quote from: Civic Minded on November 07, 2011, 02:08:03 PM
Looks like the NCAA did a good job of keeping Hope and Calvin separated in the brackets (perhaps they always do in soccer; never seems to happen in basketball). Hope heads to Chicago, while Calvin heads to Iowa. Good luck to all!
Looks like Calvin got a slightly better draw though both MIAA teams will be favorites in the first round, according to Massey.
Calvin (#37) will play Carthage (#72)
Hope (#26) will play Thomas More (#31)
As Massey predicted, close game between Hope and ThHomas More. Hope wins 2-1 on a late goal by Sr David Whitaker (at 86:38). The stats reflect the closensess of this game as shots were 12-12, SOG were 5-5, and corners 7-6 (Hopes favor).
Each team scored a first half goal (Hope's was a blast from the top of thhe 18 by Nick Heyboer).
Hope now plays Dominican at 1pm (2pm EST) tomorrow. Let's Go HOPE!!!
Congratulations to Hope. It will be another competitive game with Dominican, but I'm predicting a Dutch win.
Quote from: d3fan1 on November 11, 2011, 04:45:42 PM
Congratulations to Hope. It will be another competitive game with Dominican, but I'm predicting a Dutch win.
Love that prediction, a tall order, but the Dutchmen can do it.
Calvin also won their first round game, and will most likely face Loras tomorrow.
Loras will square off with Calvin tomorrow, should be a hard fought match!
Carthage had better ball control in the midfield than Calvin and seemed to get to loose balls more quickly. They also had more shots -- but most of them were from like 30 yards away and off-target. Calvin's defense held them pretty well, and the offense seemed to generate more quality chances, many of which were breakaways or set plays.
According to Massey, Calvin is again a slight favorite over Loras. Hope, have fun against Dominican.
Hope wins 2-1 on a Jason Muller goal (bent a corner into the goal) with 19 seconds left!!!!
i wonder where hope would play next week
Great job Hope. Good luck in your next game! I'm predicting your next game will be against Luther, they have had a good year and are a very good defensive team. St. Olaf is also a quality team, they showed their grit by winning the tough MIAC tournament.
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 12, 2011, 09:10:38 AM
According to Massey, Calvin is again a slight favorite over Loras. Hope, have fun against Dominican.
check
Calvin and Hope both in the Sweet 16 congratulations to both.
Quote from: sac on November 12, 2011, 05:18:09 PM
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 12, 2011, 09:10:38 AM
According to Massey, Calvin is again a slight favorite over Loras. Hope, have fun against Dominican.
check
Congrats to Hope -- a good win against a solid team.
Good win for Calvin too. I though coach Hughes's comments were interesting:
Quote
The goal by Vegter came on a quick counterattack and came as the result of a pregame strategy according to head coach Chris Hughes.
"We knew that Loras was very quick on the offensive attack and our tactical goal was to absorb their pressure and then strike back with quick counters on offense. That 2-on-1 with Travis and Ben came on exactly that type of play."
It's also nice to see the freshmen stepping up, scoring the first two goals in this case.
If things go according to ranking, the Knights may have a trip to Texas in their future.
The Hope corner goal with 19 seconds left was amazing to watch. Perfectly played.
What do you think the chances are Hope gets to host this weekend? They seem to be the central location for the 4 schools.
I think Hope will be hosting this weekend.
@KICKIN95 -I like the way you think.
By the numbers here's the total distances to each school.
Ohio Northern - 906 miles
Hope - 1015 miles
Ohio Wesleyan - 1018 miles
Luther - 1607 miles
The main difference is that Hope is more centrally located. I believe as long as a team is within 500 miles the NCAA does not have to fly them. If the games were held at either Ohio school, Luther would be over that 500 mile mark. This is not the case with Hope.
Hope also has a great facility!
If I'm not mistaken the first criteria is whomever is seed highest get the hosting nod, then they look at distance of travel.
Ohio Wesleyan should host as they are the top remaining seed. But distance issues may have Hope hosting. Depends on how far it is from Decorah, IA to Delaware, OH - and I haven't counted the miles.
Quote from: Jim Matson on November 14, 2011, 01:19:06 AM
Ohio Wesleyan should host as they are the top remaining seed. But distance issues may have Hope hosting. Depends on how far it is from Decorah, IA to Delaware, OH - and I haven't counted the miles.
610 miles according to Yahoo Maps
It will be Hope.
Calvin will travel to Redlands, CA (Redlands) and Hope will go to Delaware, OH (Ohio Wesleyan).
http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/soccer-men/d3
The Muller corner kick can be seen here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIPvNEyYRk
Enjoy :)
Quote from: Dutch Touch on November 14, 2011, 12:59:04 PM
The Muller corner kick can be seen here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIPvNEyYRk
Enjoy :)
I think I've only seen this happen one other time and that was in the English league.
Crazy way to end a game... I don't understand why teams don't put players on the front and back post when defending corners. With less then a minute left in regulation I would be parking a bus in front of the goal.
Quote from: GarbageGoals33 on November 14, 2011, 03:46:24 PM
Crazy way to end a game... I don't understand why teams don't put players on the front and back post when defending corners. With less then a minute left in regulation I would be parking a bus in front of the goal.
I've always wondered the same thing. In the early 80s during my soccer playing days, we always did that - one guy attached to each post. Having said that, I'm not sure it would have stopped that shot.
If a guy was on the back post it would have been a difficult play, that is for sure. Looks like you can only hold the keeper accountable for that one. Tough way to lose for Dominican. Excellent results from the MIAA this past weekend. Hope avenges early season defeat and Calvin wins big @ Loras.
Any predictions for this weekends games?
good luck to both hope and calvin this week
A guy on the backpost wouldn't have been able to get that ball. way to difficult of an angle to head that ball out. a guy on the back post would have had to stop it with his hands to keep it out. just my opionion though.
hope won tonight in peantly kicks logan kicked the goal to win it then made a save
Hope vs. Calvin for the National Championship!?????? :D
Hope wins!!!! Game was 1-1 through 2 OTs. Luther had scored in the 1st half off a corner kick. Hope scored in the second half on a penalty shot (handball in the box). 9 rounds of penalty shots - each team with shots off the posts, and some great saves by the GKs. Round 9, Hope goalie Logan Neil makes his PK, and then stops the Luther shot with a kick save for the 6-5 PK win.
No idea what is coming tomorrow, but so far, each win has been more amazing then the last. Go HOPE!!!!!
Wow, I called this one as far as going to PK's, but I had Luther advancing. Nice win and good luck Hope!
Calvin scores 24 seconds into the game to take a 1-0 lead!! Hopefully it holds up. :) :o ;D
Penalty kick converted by Redlands in the second minute of the second half to tie the game at 1-1.
Calvin wins in a shootout. Moves on to the elite eight.
Did I read the stat box right - Calvin put in a different GK for the PKs? Anyone know why?
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 19, 2011, 08:26:34 AM
Did I read the stat box right - Calvin put in a different GK for the PKs? Anyone know why?
"Mirza does a fantastic job of reading the shot," Hughes continued. "He made that one save that we needed. It was a huge boost of confidence for our team."
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 19, 2011, 09:23:31 AM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 19, 2011, 08:26:34 AM
Did I read the stat box right - Calvin put in a different GK for the PKs? Anyone know why?
"Mirza does a fantastic job of reading the shot," Hughes continued. "He made that one save that we needed. It was a huge boost of confidence for our team."
Wow - that's gotta be tough, coming in cold in that situation
Calvin UTT 1-1 at the half.
OT Calvin - UTT 2-2 at end of regulation. Calvin was down a man due to a red card, but scored the equalizer and was all over UTT while a man short.
hope lost 2-1 tonight a good seasson
Hope ran into a very strong team. OWU loooks like the team to beat. Great effort by Hope. I lost the feed at the end of the game. How and when did Hope score their goal?
3-2 Calvin in double OT! Final four -- go Knights!
Calvin wins in double overtime 3-2!!!!!!!! They were down 2-1 with under 10 minutes left, got a red card and then came back to tie it and win it while short handed! WOW!!!! They seem to be a team of destiny. ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: doc on November 19, 2011, 10:22:56 PM
3-2 Calvin in double OT! Final four -- go Knights!
Calvin also played a man down due to red card with about 8 minutes left in the game and trailing 2-1 at the time. Scored equalizing goal to send to overtime and the game winner all while playing with 10 guys. Very impressive. They actually looked like they started taking the play to the opposition even more after losing a player. Go Knights.
Quote from: d3fan1 on November 19, 2011, 10:26:14 PM
Calvin wins in double overtime 3-2!!!!!!!! They were down 2-1 with under 10 minutes left, got a red card and then came back to tie it and win it while short handed! WOW!!!! They seem to be a team of destiny. ;D ;D ;D
just saw your post saying the same thing after I'd already posted mine. you beat me to it ;D.
Too bad I lost the feed in the overtimes, so I didn't see the winning goal. Pretty amazing though!!
Quote from: d3fan1 on November 19, 2011, 10:48:06 PM
Too bad I lost the feed in the overtimes, so I didn't see the winning goal. Pretty amazing though!!
Wasn't just you that lost the feed. Must've been website wide as I lost it and my brother lost the feed as well. Wasn't that great of timing as the video went out right at the beginning of OT. Oh well, Calvin won so that offsets not being able to see the OT periods.
good luck calvin
Amazingly gutsy performance after being down in the posession battle, down a goal, and then down a man with 8 minutes left. The knights apparently found another gear. I just wish they'd left the camera on for the overtime period!
So how do you explain a team that for the third year in a row does way better in the tournament than the season's results would lead one to expect?
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 20, 2011, 10:35:38 AM
Amazingly gutsy performance after being down in the posession battle, down a goal, and then down a man with 8 minutes left. The knights apparently found another gear. I just wish they'd left the camera on for the overtime period!
So how do you explain a team that for the third year in a row does way better in the tournament than the season's results would lead one to expect?
Maybe our friends from Aurora College would know:
Hughes also saluted the hundreds of fans from the Southern California Calvin Alumni Chapter that came out both Friday and Saturday night. "I can't say enough about the Calvin fans who came out to support us this weekend," said Hughes. "Last night Redlands was the home team and you would have never known it. We had more fans than the home team and tonight the support was once again incredible. I want to send a sincere thank you to everyone who came out to support us for the games and with meals the day before we played. This was a special weekend for our team and our Calvin alumni played a huge role in it. It is part of what makes wearing a Calvin uniform so special."
Can't find details on the RC. Will Holtrop be eligible to play in the semifinal or does he have to sit?
if a player gets a red card i am pretty shure they have to miss the next game
Quote from: hope52 on November 20, 2011, 01:49:45 PM
if a player gets a red card i am pretty shure they have to miss the next game
That's correct. Per NCAA rules any player who gets ejected must sit the remainder of that game and the next. I believe it also applies a lot of other sports, if not all....
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 19, 2011, 11:43:33 AM
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 19, 2011, 09:23:31 AM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 19, 2011, 08:26:34 AM
Did I read the stat box right - Calvin put in a different GK for the PKs? Anyone know why?
"Mirza does a fantastic job of reading the shot," Hughes continued. "He made that one save that we needed. It was a huge boost of confidence for our team."
Wow - that's gotta be tough, coming in cold in that situation
A little late to respond to this, but Messiah did the same thing in the 2008 final against Stevens and the reserve keeper blocked the first two (fairly well taken) shots en route to Messiah winning the shootout and national title. Not common, but is done. I remember my brother's team doing it back in the 1993 tournament, going with a freshman reserve keeper over the senior starter, and talk about coming in cold, literally--it was sub-freezing temps with flurries up in New York that day. Ended up being one of the longest shootouts in tournament history (maybe the longest but no one keeps such records as far as I know) with each team taking 16 or 17 shots and my brother's team winning the shootout 11-10. Talk about nerves and drama with shooters having to go a second time after going through ten different takers. Never will forget that!
Thing is, in both those cases the reserve was considered a better pure shot blocker in PK-type situations. And in both cases it worked out, suggesting, but not proving, that it was the right decision.
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 20, 2011, 10:35:38 AMSo how do you explain a team that for the third year in a row does way better in the tournament than the season's results would lead one to expect?
Mmmm. Where have I heard it put that way before? ;)
And maybe your question is rhetorical, meant to imply that the expectations have been off. But I don't think so.
It is rather remarkable the way Calvin has elevated their game in the tournament and avoided whatever caused them to stumble during the season. In 2009 when they reached the title game, they seemed to be a title contenders for parts of the season, but had a stretch late where they really didn't play well at all. So hard to know what to expect heading into the tournament even though you know the potential is there. I can only figure their coach really knows how to get the team focused come NCAA time and really knows how to game-plan for specific opponents on short notice. But who knows.
I can only imagine it has been wonderfully exhilarating for the Calvin fans these past few years.
Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 20, 2011, 04:35:51 PM
Quote from: Dark Knight on November 20, 2011, 10:35:38 AMSo how do you explain a team that for the third year in a row does way better in the tournament than the season's results would lead one to expect?
Mmmm. Where have I heard it put that way before? ;)
And maybe your question is rhetorical, meant to imply that the expectations have been off. But I don't think so.
It is rather remarkable the way Calvin has elevated their game in the tournament and avoided whatever caused them to stumble during the season. In 2009 when they reached the title game, they seemed to be a title contenders for parts of the season, but had a stretch late where they really didn't play well at all. So hard to know what to expect heading into the tournament even though you know the potential is there. I can only figure their coach really knows how to get the team focused come NCAA time and really knows how to game-plan for specific opponents on short notice. But who knows.
I can only imagine it has been wonderfully exhilarating for the Calvin fans these past few years.
Yeah, I read the d3soccer.com piece and tried to be offended, but I found I couldn't disagree. ;)
I saw one of Calvin's losses to Olivet, and they looked listless, like they were tired or weren't trying that hard. On the other hand, for the big games against Hope, they played very well. There must be some issues with maintaining maximum intensity for all games all season long.
Also, some of the freshmen and sophomores have really started to make an impact as the season went on.
For the red card, I think the suspension might actually be two games, meaning the player would have to miss the semis and (potentially) the final as well. I'm not sure if "fighting" is the distinction required, but I know when I played a teammate received a straight red for a scuffle with an opposing player and had to sit out the following two games.
I couldn't see exactly what happened on the red card due to the stream, but if it goes down for fighting or for punching the player, I believe the suspension is two games.
That would be a travesty. I agree, it was hard to see because of the quality of the stream, but it looked like the UTT came in very wrecklessly and aggressively and the Calvin player in trying to keep his balance stumbled forward over the prone UTT player. Other UTT players thinking their teammate was being attcked actually started a small scrum with the result being the red card. Maybe there was a kick or something we couldn't see, but I would be very shocked if there was more than a one game penalty.
Congrats to David Whitaker of Hope and Miles Colago of Calvin for making the d3soccer.com All America teams.
Well deserved by both of these gentlemen.
Chris Hughes to coach at Davenport. Even if they go DII, they wouldn't be allowed to compete in the tournament for 3 years due to provisional status. Have to say barring some unforeseen "great deal" from Davenport, this is a pretty big kick to the shorts especially coming within a year of Chris Hughes essentially claiming to be the caretaker of the program and cultivator of Dr. Z's dream after his death....real headscratcher for me and I'm sure the players are having a hard time with this one....real dissapointed in Chris with this one
Quote from: Knight2Day on March 27, 2012, 09:18:08 AM
Chris Hughes to coach at Davenport. Even if they go DII, they wouldn't be allowed to compete in the tournament for 3 years due to provisional status. Have to say barring some unforeseen "great deal" from Davenport, this is a pretty big kick to the shorts especially coming within a year of Chris Hughes essentially claiming to be the caretaker of the program and cultivator of Dr. Z's dream after his death....real headscratcher for me and I'm sure the players are having a hard time with this one....real dissapointed in Chris with this one
K2D: This is a loss for the Calvin soccer program, to be sure. But Chris made the very difficult decision to accept the Davenport offer based on what was best for his family's situation. He is a guy of great integrity and sensitivity, and I completely understand and support his reasons for this move. Let's hope Calvin can attract another head coach to build on the last 10 years of Chris' leadership.
I was shocked to hear this news. I am not that familar with the Davenport program, but I am surprised to hear that Chris would leave his "home" at Calvin just when they are joining the elite few in D3 soccer. When I saw the headline, I thought Chris was using his recent success on the national level to move to a D1 position. In any case, I wish Chris the best of luck!!
When Calvin wins the national championship next year, it would have been nice for Chris to have been part of it though!! ;D
Quote from: d3fan1 on March 27, 2012, 11:13:21 AM
I was shocked to hear this news. I am not that familar with the Davenport program, but I am surprised to hear that Chris would leave his "home" at Calvin just when they are joining the elite few in D3 soccer. When I saw the headline, I thought Chris was using his recent success on the national level to move to a D1 position. In any case, I wish Chris the best of luck!!
When Calvin wins the national championship next year, it would have been nice for Chris to have been part of it though!! ;D
Wouldn't be shocked if a player or two decided to transfer to D-port especially if they could gain scholarships through it
Does anyone have an idea what happened to Coach Hughes?? Curious to see a Calvin alum leave his alma mater while they are having considerable success. I know the Calvin position was only a part-time gig but he obviously has known that for the last 10 years. Will the Davenport position be full-time?? Anyone know the specifics?
Quote from: Knight2Day on March 27, 2012, 06:35:27 PM
Quote from: d3fan1 on March 27, 2012, 11:13:21 AM
I was shocked to hear this news. I am not that familar with the Davenport program, but I am surprised to hear that Chris would leave his "home" at Calvin just when they are joining the elite few in D3 soccer. When I saw the headline, I thought Chris was using his recent success on the national level to move to a D1 position. In any case, I wish Chris the best of luck!!
When Calvin wins the national championship next year, it would have been nice for Chris to have been part of it though!! ;D
Wouldn't be shocked if a player or two decided to transfer to D-port especially if they could gain scholarships through it
Heard today that Lawrence Murray (who will redshirt for a year while his knee recovers) and Dino Duratovic are indeed headed to Davenport.
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on April 17, 2012, 04:34:27 PM
Quote from: Knight2Day on March 27, 2012, 06:35:27 PM
Quote from: d3fan1 on March 27, 2012, 11:13:21 AM
I was shocked to hear this news. I am not that familar with the Davenport program, but I am surprised to hear that Chris would leave his "home" at Calvin just when they are joining the elite few in D3 soccer. When I saw the headline, I thought Chris was using his recent success on the national level to move to a D1 position. In any case, I wish Chris the best of luck!!
When Calvin wins the national championship next year, it would have been nice for Chris to have been part of it though!! ;D
Wouldn't be shocked if a player or two decided to transfer to D-port especially if they could gain scholarships through it
Heard today that Lawrence Murray (who will redshirt for a year while his knee recovers) and Dino Duratovic are indeed headed to Davenport.
That'll be a lose for the Knights. Has anyone heard anything on the Calvin coaching search to replace Hughes? I would think that they'd try to get someone hired as soon as possible to give the new coach adequate time to prepare for the coming season...from introducing and meeting with current returning players to trying to secure some commitments for new incoming players. Seems to be pretty quiet on the coaching search front.
Calvin has announced a new men's soccer coach:
http://www.calvin.edu/sports/news/comments/ryan-souders-named-calvin-mens-soccer-coach/
6 weeks or so till the season starts. Any news on incoming freshman for any of the MIAA teams? Any thoughts or predictions on how the league will do this year in non-conf matches? Who is going to win the MIAA?
Both Calvin and Hope are ranked in the preseason NSCAA poll. Calvin at 13, and Hope at 20.
http://www.nscaa.com/rankings/1045/NCAADivisionIII/men/National/PreseasonPoll?preview=5ebeb6065f64f2346dbb00ab789cf001
Rosters have been posted for several teams (will add to this as more are posted):
Alma Roster: http://goalmascots.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster (http://goalmascots.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster)
Kalamazoo Roster: http://www.kzoo.edu/sports/ms/ms12/msrstr12.html (http://www.kzoo.edu/sports/ms/ms12/msrstr12.html)
Olivet Roster: http://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster (http://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster)
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on August 24, 2012, 12:53:26 PM
Rosters have been posted for several teams (will add to this as more are posted):
Alma Roster: http://goalmascots.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster (http://goalmascots.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster)
Kalamazoo Roster: http://www.kzoo.edu/sports/ms/ms12/msrstr12.html (http://www.kzoo.edu/sports/ms/ms12/msrstr12.html)
Olivet Roster: http://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster (http://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster)
Zach Vandevere is a great pickup for Alma. Watched that kid play in the state regionals last year. Heck of a talent...that's probably the best flip throw I've ever seen too.
They stole him away from Hope...
COMPLETE Rosters have been posted:
Adrian Roster: http://www.adrianbulldogs.com/sports/m-soccer/2012-13/roster
Alma Roster: http://goalmascots.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster
Albion Roster: http://www.albion.edu/sports/mens-sports/soccer/roster
Calvin Roster: http://www.calvin.edu/sports/mens/soccer/roster.htm
Hope Roster: http://www.hope.edu/pr/athletics/mso/msorost.html
Kalamazoo Roster: http://www.kzoo.edu/sports/ms/ms12/msrstr12.html
Olivet Roster: http://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster
Trine Roster: http://www.trine.edu/athletics/mens_sports/soccer/roster/
Quote from: sflzman on August 25, 2012, 04:35:54 PM
Zach Vandevere is a great pickup for Alma. Watched that kid play in the state regionals last year. Heck of a talent...that's probably the best flip throw I've ever seen too.
They stole him away from Hope...
Interesting - with a Dutch name like that he would have fit in well at Hope. Never seen his throw, but Hope fans know well the power of the throw-in. Grant Neil had 7 assists on throw-ins last year. His throw-ins are (in some ways) just a more accurate version of a corner kick. He routinely throws to the far post.
MIAA Coaches poll. First place votes in parenthesis followed by total points:
1. Hope (6) 8
2. Calvin (1) 16
3. Olivet (1) 17
4. Trine 28
5. Adrian 33
6. Albion 34
7. Alma 43
8. Kalamazoo 45.
New NSCAA poll is out - Hope @ #8. 3-1 record after two wins this past weekend including a big 2-1 win over Dominican, and their only loss to #25 DePauw.
Now I know they haven't exactly played a tough non con schedule, but can we agree that Alma should have been picked higher than 7 in the pre season poll?
Quote from: sflzman on September 11, 2012, 06:55:55 PM
Now I know they haven't exactly played a tough non con schedule, but can we agree that Alma should have been picked higher than 7 in the pre season poll?
IMHO - they haven't done anything so far to make me think they are any better than a 7th place team. The 3 teams they have beaten (Benedictine, Defiance, and Andrews) have a combined 1-12 record and have been outscored 9-50 in those 13 games. Andrews has the only win and they typically play most of their athletics against CC or JV teams.
No doubt we will have a better idea after the first league games tonight when the Scots face the Brits (sounds like a football match if ever there was one). I'm also very interested to see how Calvin does at Olivet - given the Comets won 2 out of 3 meetings last year.
Can anyone tell me what on earth is going on in Olivet right now? The stats are blowing my mind.
Had someone told me yesterday that Olivet beat Calvin by a single goal, no real surprise. To know that Calvin was up 4-0 40 minutes in, only to give up 6 straight goals (4 of them in a 10 minute span), I would have been shocked. Would love to know what the heck happened there from any eyewitnesses. Calvin defense fall asleep or what??
This game even made the front page of D3soccer.com:
http://www.d3soccer.com/notables/2012/09/Olivet_comeback
Hope had a bit of a frustrating game for quite a while. 2-2 at the break, and then Hope possess the ball for roughly 90% of the second half, and it's still 2-2 with 5 minutes to play. I did a quick check of the live stats only to see at that point Hope had 32 shots to Adrian's 5. One of those days with many great scoring chances that were all just wide, or high, or... Fortunately for Hope, shots 33 and 34 both found the net as Hope scored twice in a 31 second span to put the game away. The second of those goals an absolute rocket from Jason Muller about 25 yards out.
If anyone finds any highlights for the game, please post. Would love to see this crazy outcome on film!
1-0 shut out win for the Scots at Albion last night. First step to proving theydeserve higher than that 7th place ranking.
Actually, I think Albion is probably the 8 team. Maybe Adrian is. It looks like Alma is better than 7 or 8. Perhaps 6 would be a good fit. Good luck
Very competitive game here today. Hope is obviously the better team and that was expected. They had more chances, but Alma had their chances. This is the first team since I've been following Alma sports (5th year) that the men's soccer team has had threats up top. Sovis is one of the fastest players I've seen, combined with a couple additional guys that can find net in Vandeveer, Brown, and Kovach they could be pretty dangerous. Not to mention that flip throw from Vandeveer is straight up incredible.
I see the Scots finishing 4/5 this year
You may be right about Alma being 4/5 this year. Olivet has moved into the NSCAA coaches top 25 poll at #20. Looking forward to the Comets playing at Hope on Saturday!!
Wouldn't it be great to see a really competitive MIAA. I thought it would be close to that 5 years ago but it just didn't materialize. Nice to see Alma doing well and I think Olivet has brought a tough game to the table for several years. Keep it up.
Quote from: neddy on September 19, 2012, 11:19:44 AM
Wouldn't it be great to see a really competitive MIAA. I thought it would be close to that 5 years ago but it just didn't materialize. Nice to see Alma doing well and I think Olivet has brought a tough game to the table for several years. Keep it up.
I completely agree. IMHO part of the reason both Hope and Calvin went so far last year in the tournament was the competition they faced in their league games.
How many of the MIAA schools have made NCAA playoff appearances?
Based off of the automatic bid going to the regular season champion until last year, I count 4 from past champions.
Hope
Kalamazoo
Calvin
Alma
If anyone knows of any of the other teams making the tournament as well I will take corrections.
Quote from: sflzman on September 19, 2012, 10:09:37 PM
How many of the MIAA schools have made NCAA playoff appearances?
This page (http://www.miaa.org/sports/msoc/all-time/msocncaa) on the MIAA website shows past results in the NCAA Championships for MIAA schools.
Saturday picks. Trine 2, Adrian 0 /Calvin 3, Albion 0 / Alama 1, Kalamazoo 1 and the biggie,
Hope 3, Olivet 2, although this should probably be a pick Em!
You had the right score, wrong result for the Trine/Adrian game. Calvin was straight up ugly 7-1. Kalamazoo/Alma, I just don't know what happened. Alma scored 27 seconds in to make it 1-0, then they just like, layed an egg.
Quote from: neddy on September 21, 2012, 06:02:18 PM
Saturday picks. Trine 2, Adrian 0 /Calvin 3, Albion 0 / Alama 1, Kalamazoo 1 and the biggie,
Hope 3, Olivet 2, although this should probably be a pick Em!
You had Olivet's total right, but were wrong on Hope. ;D
Good job Olivet. Back to the drawing board for Alma. What can you can you say about Albion that would sound positive. I got it! Currently they have given up fewer goals than the girls side. Will the real Calvin please stand up. Let's have some fun with it. Make picks- keep tabs on yourself. Can start this week. Have a brag off at the end. Kalamazoo on top! That's pretty good.
Well, it looks like the enthusiasm factor if off the charts. Oh well- Trine 3, Albion 1, Olivet 4, Kazoo 2, Hope 3, Calvin 2, and Alma 1, Adrian 0. This where we find out if Alma has started the long trek back, in the right direction.
I'll jump into the pick 'em
Wednesday, September 26
Albion 0 at Trine 1
Kalamazoo 1 at Olivet 3
Calvin 1 at Hope 2
Alma 2 at Adrian 1
Saturday, September 29
Adrian 0 at Olivet 2
Hope 3 at Albion 0
Trine 1 at Alma 1
Calvin 2 at Kalamazoo 1
Here are mine too.
Wednesday, September 26
Albion 0 at Trine 3
Kalamazoo 0 at Olivet 3
Calvin 2 at Hope 2
Alma 1 at Adrian 1
Saturday, September 29
Adrian 0 at Olivet 2
Hope 3 at Albion 0
Trine 1 at Alma 2
Calvin 3 at Kalamazoo 1
I'm game:
Wednesday, September 26
Albion 0 at Trine 2
Kalamazoo 0 at Olivet 2
Calvin 2 at Hope 4
Alma 0 at Adrian 1
Saturday, September 29
Adrian 0 at Olivet 4
Hope 4 at Albion 0
Trine 2 at Alma 1
Calvin 1 at Kalamazoo 2
New NSCAA poll is out. Olivet now ranked #8 in the nation. REgionally, Olivet is #1, Hope #7, and Kalamazoo #10
Olivet is also the only MIAA team ranked in the new D3soccer.com poll @ #24
So is Kazoo the second best team in MIAA right now? Based on how they played against Olivet last night, I'd say yes.
Hope has got to get some offense going, and it was obvious last night that the lack of scoring is getting quite frustrating to the players.
I've still got aways to go to get to Mr. M. Loaf's line of decency. On Saturday I hope to get closer. *Olivet 4/Adrian 0, Hope 6/Albion 1,Trine 3/Alma 1, Kalamazoo 2/Calvin 1 in OT. * I think Kalamazoo is right there and can now compete with the at one time big boys. * All picks and opinions are subject to change.
My picks for this weeks games - sorry, no big upsets
Wednesday, October 10
Olivet at Calvin draw
Albion at Alma
Hope at Adrian
Trine at Kalamazoo
Saturday, October 13
Albion at Olivet
Adrian at Kalamazoo
Calvin at Trine
Alma at Hope
Calvin Defeats Olivet 3-0 as part of the Saturday sweep--Calvin wins 3 MIAA tournament championships on the same day, all on the Calvin Campus
Quote from: northb on November 04, 2012, 06:58:33 AM
Calvin Defeats Olivet 3-0 as part of the Saturday sweep--Calvin wins 3 MIAA tournament championships on the same day, all on the Calvin Campus
Quite a remarkable Fall sports season for Calvin. Has a run like this happened before for any school in the MIAA?
Quote from: arena on November 04, 2012, 07:57:49 AM
Quote from: northb on November 04, 2012, 06:58:33 AM
Calvin Defeats Olivet 3-0 as part of the Saturday sweep--Calvin wins 3 MIAA tournament championships on the same day, all on the Calvin Campus
Quite a remarkable Fall sports season for Calvin. Has a run like this happened before for any school in the MIAA?
Hope's swept the winter season a couple times, but otherwise its pretty unlikely given Calvin dominance in track and cross-country and Kzoo's demolition of tennis every year. Not many other schools could even get a chance.
The women's soccer final sounds like one for the ages.
Recent Olivet grad Esteban Russell tweeted today:
"@EstebanRussell: Got my first semi pro assist and goal today. With the win for #FCsparta"
Nice to see an MIAA grad having a little success
After a rough start, Hope has rattled off 4 wins in a row with 2 nice ones over Wheaton and Dominican.
The biggest test will come on Tuesday.
The 0-3 start for Calvin could be very deceiving, they are going to be a strong team again this year. They lost to three very good teams in Loras, Kenyon, and Ohio Wesleyan. Coach Souders seems to be taking the Tom Izzo approach and battle testing his team pre-league so that they are ready if/when they play in the tournament.
Let's go Hope.
What intrigues me about the Tuesday match between Hope & Calvin is the very different schedules they have had leading up to this.
Hope has played 6 matches, and played last Thursday (albeit against a weak Grace Bible team so many Hope players played low minutes) and Saturday (against a top 10 team). Tomorrows game will make for a 3rd game in 6 days.
Calvin has played 3 matches, and their last game was on Friday the 6th of September, that's an 11 day layoff between games.
5-1 Calvin over Hope tonight? Yikes.
Anyone there with insight?
Quote from: casualfan on September 17, 2013, 09:03:49 PM
5-1 Calvin over Hope tonight? Yikes.
Anyone there with insight?
Hope's goal was off a redirect and would have been tough for any goalie to get a read on. Other than that goal, Calvin was in pretty good control of the whole game. Came out of the gate aggressive and never came off the gas. Had a few opportunities early that didn't go in otherwise it could have been a bigger spread. Seemed like Hope never really got it going and came out sluggish from the get go. Calvin came out quick like a team with something to prove (like that they should have beaten Loras and OWU). Don't think this game was indicative of Hope as a team but I think Calvin is going to be quite good especially with how Hooker, Willis and Vegter were pushing the ball and the defense was showing a little life as well.
Quote from: casualfan on September 17, 2013, 09:03:49 PM
5-1 Calvin over Hope tonight? Yikes.
Anyone there with insight?
It was an exciting, hard-fought game, closer than the score would suggest. Hope had some good chances.
Hope had some trouble with Calvin's speed on the wings.
I thought Hope's goal was actually redirected by a Calvin head rather than a Hope head -- for an own goal. Not certain though.
It looked from the program as though this result tied Calvin's biggest margin of victory against Hope, ever.
Definitely not a typical match for Hope last night. No excuses, but they looked out of gas to me (seen every game this year but one). Calvin definitely had the greater desire and energy for 90 minutes. Several thoughts on some things that may have contributed to the ultimate outcome (besides the fact that Calvin was just better yesterday)
- Calvin coming off an 11 day layoff since their last match, with a real chip on their shoulder at their poor start. They played like a team that was pissed off at being 0-3 with something to prove
- Hope as I said looked tired to me - 3rd match in 6 days I believe played a part in that
- Also Hope's first game on grass all year. Looked to me like it took them a considerable amount of time to adjust to that versus 6 straight matches, and most practice time on turf.
- Last two goals by Calvin came late after Hope had replaced a defender with an additional striker - one of those risky thing you do late to try to make the miraculous comeback. Ultimately that gamble cost Hope 2 goals.
Hope now has 8 days off until they play again - much needed time for the guys to recoup and regroup.
FYI - From my vantage point the Hope goal was a clear win on the header by the Hope player (Midlam).
I know their schedule up to this point was extremely soft, but Alma just suffered their first loss of the season last night.
Quote from: sflzman on September 26, 2013, 10:05:44 AM
I know their schedule up to this point was extremely soft, but Alma just suffered their first loss of the season last night.
I wouldn't say
extremely soft -- 99th-toughest in DIII, according to Massey, or in the top quarter. Other teams are playing tougher schedules, though -- Calvin #2, Olivet #10, Kalamazoo #25, Hope #33, Adrian #79, Trine #80, Albion #106.
Massey's ratings are Calvin #13, Hope #47, Alma #60, Adrian #88, Olivet #109, Kzoo #117, Albion #160. Only Trine is below average, at #237. A pretty strong conference.
Is Calvin's record good enough to get into the NCAA tournament, or is their season done? Anyone one have a feeling one way or the other?
Hate to say it, but I think Calvin is probably on the outside looking in. Calvin was 6th in the last regional rankings, which is the last spot in the Central region's rankings. They have an awful record versus ranked teams (1-4-1), and compared to the other Pool C teams have a relatively weak strength of schedule.
The biggest problem is the MIAA's home-and-home setup, because it limited Calvin to only 4 non-conference games. When three of those four are against NCAA-bound teams (Ohio Wesleyan, Loras and Kenyon) and you fail to get a result, you're stuck with either getting the AQ or hoping the conference is strong enough to get you an at-large. With Hope unranked and every other MIAA team hovering around .500 or worse, Calvin isn't getting any help there.
Check out the d3soccer.com analysis
http://www.d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2013/at-large-analysis-and-predictions
I think Calvin is out as well
Huge win tonight for the boys at Hope.
I felt completely comfortable with the the way the game was playing out until the last 5 min or so where we had no idea how much time was actually left due to the video not showing. After they scored their desperation goal it got very interesting.
Good luck tomorrow Dutchmen!
Wartburg 2 Hope 1 in OT
long screamer, probably from 30 yards
Wind at his back, but yeah it was a bomb. Unfortunate for Hope, I thought we played really well and controlled much of the game. Wartburg definitely had their chances and put a couple away, but it was a tough battle. Congrats on another good season Hope!
Besides Adrian, are there any other teams in the MIAA looking for coaches?
Congrats to Grant Neil (Hope) and Travis Vegter (Calvin) on being named 2nd team NSCAA All-Americans!!
I thought I heard last year that the MIAA was going to a single round robin format this year.
Not so.
Is that still in the works? When will the format change?
Quote from: Dark Knight on September 10, 2017, 02:38:05 PM
I thought I heard last year that the MIAA was going to a single round robin format this year.
Not so.
Is that still in the works? When will the format change?
Not sure, but I recall Souders mentioning that the double-round robin no doubt hurts SoS in last year's Final Four interview, so I know of at least one coach who would welcome it!
Intrigued to see Calvin vs. Hope tomorrow. The Knights have started very well, including wins over two very good teams: OWU at home (whose only losses have been to and Case Western and 2016 Final 4 team St. Thomas) and Case away (whose only losses have been to Calvin and JCU, who has started 5-0). While it's still very early, based on their start I think they have a good chance at getting back to the Final 4. They are fun to watch -- I really like Witte and Van Ryn is a beast.
At the same time, Hope's 3 losses have all come by a goal, including one at Carthage, who is never an easy outfit to play. While I still expect Calvin to win, I think it could be closer than many might think.
Hope made a very interesting hire today.
http://athletics.hope.edu/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20180319rn17yq
Quote from: sac on March 19, 2018, 06:50:54 PM
Hope made a very interesting hire today.
http://athletics.hope.edu/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20180319rn17yq
Indeed. Coach Brandt I'm sure will bring much success at Hope.
Quote from: rudy on March 19, 2018, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: sac on March 19, 2018, 06:50:54 PM
Hope made a very interesting hire today.
http://athletics.hope.edu/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20180319rn17yq
Indeed. Coach Brandt I'm sure will bring much success at Hope.
Very interesting. I knew when he left Navy for the USL it was a disastrous move and I said as much on these boards when he made the move. Just crazy. He left one of the safer jobs in D1 with one of the best benefit packages and solid salaries in the county straight up minus camps. For what? Ego. That's all it was about. I will say after a phenomenal career at Messiah it was an excellent time to go to Navy in 2008. I think that was the year. I mean he needed a new challenge and had accomplished everything and more at Messiah. It was time to go and he went for the perfect gig at Navy. I am guessing he could have gone earlier but was picky about the D1 situation and rightly so as you do not want to jump to D1 for the sake of jumping because there are plenty of BAD D1 situations so you do need to be careful. That is all fine and good but I have no idea what he was thinking to leave Navy for such an unstable situation in the USL. My guess is it was his massive ego. It possibly could of been he was frustrated at not winning at Navy like when he was at Messiah but I doubt it because he had to know going in he could only get Navy so far until they were just outclassed by ACC schools or Big 10 schools in the NCAA's. Honestly, I was quite unimpressed with the job he did at Navy as it was rather average except for a Patriot League title or 2. His results at Pittsburgh speak for themselves and this new gig will be an interesting challenge. I honestly do not know much about Hope but I believe they are more of a basketball school but I could be wrong. Either way they have not been much if a factor in D3 Mens Soccer so this will be a total rebuild. Now if he can start competing with Calvin in 3-5 years I will be quite impressed. Let's see what happens. My guess is after a few years he will be winning games, playing an attractive style and will be a thorn in Calvin's side but I do not think they will be a national contender year in and year out. You can bet I will be following
Quote from: Mr.Right on March 20, 2018, 04:19:37 PMI honestly do not know much about Hope but I believe they are more of a basketball school but I could be wrong. Either way they have not been much if a factor in D3 Mens Soccer so this will be a total rebuild. Now if he can start competing with Calvin in 3-5 years I will be quite impressed. Let's see what happens. My guess is after a few years he will be winning games, playing an attractive style and will be a thorn in Calvin's side but I do not think they will be a national contender year in and year out. You can bet I will be following.
??? ??? ??? "More of a basketball school"? You say that as if success in one sport precludes success in others. It just so happens that Hope's most recent national championship was in women's volleyball, four years ago.
By those standards, Hope's archrival Calvin is not a men's soccer school at all. It's not even the most successful fall sport at Calvin; it's the
third-most successful, regardless of the three second-place finishes by the Knights in this decade. Calvin's men's cross-country team has won four national titles and is annually among the top teams in D3, and the women's cross-country team has won two national titles. Calvin's men's basketball team has fallen into mediocrity over the past couple of years, but it's still the most well-attended sport on campus, and the Knights have two national titles in that sport (which is two more than the men's soccer team has won). Oh, and the Calvin women's volleyball team has won three national championships, all in this decade.
Hope's been in 13 D3 men's soccer tourneys, which is not an inconsiderable number. The Flying Dutchmen got as far as the quarterfinals back in 2011, which also happened to be the tenth straight season that they finished either first or second in the MIAA. You are right, however, that the Hope program needs an overhaul; the Dutch have had a losing record each of the past three seasons.
That is why I prefaced the statement with "I do not know much about Hope" and "I could be wrong". Also, not sure how u come to all these crazy conclusions from my one sentence. Schools can be defined by 1 sport even if they are very good in another. Take Messiah. They are fantastic in Field Hockey but I would guess they are known as a Soccer school. Whether you like it or agree with it it happens all the time
One thing that jumped out at me when I looked at Hope's roster was they only graduated one senior. Brandt will certainly have a lot of experience back to build on.
Quote from: Mr.Right on March 21, 2018, 04:39:35 PM
That is why I prefaced the statement with "I do not know much about Hope" and "I could be wrong". Also, not sure how u come to all these crazy conclusions from my one sentence. Schools can be defined by 1 sport even if they are very good in another. Take Messiah. They are fantastic in Field Hockey but I would guess they are known as a Soccer school. Whether you like it or agree with it it happens all the time
Yeah I didn't see anything unreasonable with Mr.Right saying that he thought Hope to be "more of a basketball school" based on his own knowledge (and admitting that he may well be wrong). It is true that success in one sport does not preclude success in others, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say that a given school which is a powerhouse in a certain sport is more of an (X sport) school (than a Y sport school).
All I'm saying is that the whole "basketball school" or "football school" or "soccer school" thing can be a pretty superficial way of summing up a school's sports persona. Sometimes it's accurate, but a lot of times it isn't.
I guess I was struck by the assumption (projection) about his motives for moving from one situation to another. Seems like the more "interesting" hot take of the original post in this sub-thread.
Is there some back story on Brandt that would lead to this fairly negative view of his motivations/aspirations?
Quote from: Hopkins92 on March 22, 2018, 12:31:09 PM
I guess I was struck by the assumption (projection) about his motives for moving from one situation to another. Seems like the more "interesting" hot take of the original post in this sub-thread.
Is there some back story on Brandt that would lead to this fairly negative view of his motivations/aspirations?
Frankly, Brandt's dismissal from the Riverhounds was odd to say the least. The guy improved the Riverhounds record in each of his 3 seasons and was ultimately dismissed because he didn't have a required A Level coaching license. Generally it seems the Riverhounds were willing to bring him back, but US Soccer prevented it from happening. I'm unclear on why Brandt couldn't or didn't get his A license and then his pro license. I know US Soccer has had some moving goalposts for these licenses over the years and they are expensive and time consuming to achieve, but he had to know he needed the license to coach at the USL Level and had the better part of 3 seasons to try and achieve it.
From what I understand it takes about 18 months to go from B to A if you can get all the classes. I don't think he had a C license, so that would have tacked on another 12 months since he doesn't qualify for the waiver. He either ran out of time, or just didn't get it done.
Quote from: Hopkins92 on March 22, 2018, 12:31:09 PM
I guess I was struck by the assumption (projection) about his motives for moving from one situation to another. Seems like the more "interesting" hot take of the original post in this sub-thread.
Is there some back story on Brandt that would lead to this fairly negative view of his motivations/aspirations?
I was wondering about that myself, since the highly pejorative words "massive ego" obviously connote some sort of a back story.
Quote from: jknezek on March 22, 2018, 12:43:23 PMFrankly, Brandt's dismissal from the Riverhounds was odd to say the least. The guy improved the Riverhounds record in each of his 3 seasons and was ultimately dismissed because he didn't have a required A Level coaching license. Generally it seems the Riverhounds were willing to bring him back, but US Soccer prevented it from happening. I'm unclear on why Brandt couldn't or didn't get his A license and then his pro license. I know US Soccer has had some moving goalposts for these licenses over the years and they are expensive and time consuming to achieve, but he had to know he needed the license to coach at the USL Level and had the better part of 3 seasons to try and achieve it.
From what I understand it takes about 18 months to go from B to A if you can get all the classes. I don't think he had a C license, so that would have tacked on another 12 months since he doesn't qualify for the waiver. He either ran out of time, or just didn't get it done.
That
does seem odd. I'm guessing that there must be some sort of mitigating circumstances involved, since it seems unlikely that Hope would hire someone who has demonstrated the sort of administrative negligence indicated by someone not fulfilling the completion of his job requirements in spite of a three-year grace period to get it done. I'm betting that there's a plausible explanation in there somewhere.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 22, 2018, 02:08:04 PM
That does seem odd. I'm guessing that there must be some sort of mitigating circumstances involved, since it seems unlikely that Hope would hire someone who has demonstrated the sort of administrative negligence indicated by someone not fulfilling the completion of his job requirements in spite of a three-year grace period to get it done. I'm betting that there's a plausible explanation in there somewhere.
Actually I very much doubt Hope cares. Dave Brandt can coach. The piece of paper US Soccer demands has no relevance to the NCAA. I'm sure Brandt has some reason he didn't get it, but he doesn't need it to coach NCAA soccer at any level. He won more than a few DIII titles without it, he won at Navy without it, and he'll likely win at Hope without it. Frankly, I think he eventually would have won at the Riverhounds without it, although any USL program without a MLS tie is facing an uphill battle these days.
I took the lowest level of the US Soccer licensing program just a few weeks ago to give me some more tools to coach my twin boys' 5/6 year old team. As online courses go, it was really good and I took a lot from it. I highly recommend it for volunteer coaches everywhere to add to your toolbox. I'll take more if my boys stick with soccer and be glad that they are available. That being said, the paper doesn't make the coach any more than a business degree makes a successful CEO. Brandt can coach whether US Soccer says he can or not. Hope was smart enough to realize they can be a whopping big beneficiary to that...
Quote from: jknezek on March 22, 2018, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on March 22, 2018, 12:31:09 PM
I guess I was struck by the assumption (projection) about his motives for moving from one situation to another. Seems like the more "interesting" hot take of the original post in this sub-thread.
Is there some back story on Brandt that would lead to this fairly negative view of his motivations/aspirations?
Frankly, Brandt's dismissal from the Riverhounds was odd to say the least. The guy improved the Riverhounds record in each of his 3 seasons and was ultimately dismissed because he didn't have a required A Level coaching license. Generally it seems the Riverhounds were willing to bring him back, but US Soccer prevented it from happening. I'm unclear on why Brandt couldn't or didn't get his A license and then his pro license. I know US Soccer has had some moving goalposts for these licenses over the years and they are expensive and time consuming to achieve, but he had to know he needed the license to coach at the USL Level and had the better part of 3 seasons to try and achieve it.
From what I understand it takes about 18 months to go from B to A if you can get all the classes. I don't think he had a C license, so that would have tacked on another 12 months since he doesn't qualify for the waiver. He either ran out of time, or just didn't get it done.
Brandt was at the Riverhounds from May 2016 to Nov 2017. Just under 18 months. One and half seasons. NOT 3 SEASONS. So time to get the licenses once it was actually mandated by the league must of been the significant factor. Particularly since he improved the team so much.
Quote from: Mr.Right on March 20, 2018, 04:19:37 PM
Quote from: rudy on March 19, 2018, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: sac on March 19, 2018, 06:50:54 PM
Hope made a very interesting hire today.
http://athletics.hope.edu/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20180319rn17yq
Indeed. Coach Brandt I'm sure will bring much success at Hope.
Very interesting. I knew when he left Navy for the USL it was a disastrous move and I said as much on these boards when he made the move. Just crazy. He left one of the safer jobs in D1 with one of the best benefit packages and solid salaries in the county straight up minus camps. For what? Ego. That's all it was about. I will say after a phenomenal career at Messiah it was an excellent time to go to Navy in 2008. I think that was the year. I mean he needed a new challenge and had accomplished everything and more at Messiah. It was time to go and he went for the perfect gig at Navy. I am guessing he could have gone earlier but was picky about the D1 situation and rightly so as you do not want to jump to D1 for the sake of jumping because there are plenty of BAD D1 situations so you do need to be careful. That is all fine and good but I have no idea what he was thinking to leave Navy for such an unstable situation in the USL. My guess is it was his massive ego. It possibly could of been he was frustrated at not winning at Navy like when he was at Messiah but I doubt it because he had to know going in he could only get Navy so far until they were just outclassed by ACC schools or Big 10 schools in the NCAA's. Honestly, I was quite unimpressed with the job he did at Navy as it was rather average except for a Patriot League title or 2. His results at Pittsburgh speak for themselves and this new gig will be an interesting challenge. I honestly do not know much about Hope but I believe they are more of a basketball school but I could be wrong. Either way they have not been much if a factor in D3 Mens Soccer so this will be a total rebuild. Now if he can start competing with Calvin in 3-5 years I will be quite impressed. Let's see what happens. My guess is after a few years he will be winning games, playing an attractive style and will be a thorn in Calvin's side but I do not think they will be a national contender year in and year out. You can bet I will be following
As for the over/under on Hope becoming competitive with Calvin in 3-5 years...I'll take the under.
Huh. I thought he was there 2.5 seasons not 1.5. That certainly explains it if they hired him without him having at least a "C". I'd have to research when the requirements changed but that was a very odd hire if they went in knowing he didn't have enough time to get the proper license. If the rules changed after the hire, that's pretty crappy on US Soccer's side.
So this is an even sadder story for Dave Brandt than you'd think. The reason he all of a sudden needed an A license is because the USL was promoted to Division 2 status in our professional soccer pyramid. When USL was the third division, an A license was required within 2 years of hiring as with any pro team, but it's fairly easy to get a waiver according to an article I found. According to the article, US Soccer is lenient at that level because there are so few coaches with an A license in this country, let alone with the experience to be hired as a coach. Presumably that will change with time, but US Soccer doesn't seem consistent about much.
So back to the story, Brandt was hired during the 2016 season. US Soccer moved USL up provisionally for the 2017 season as it became clear NASL was in dire financial straights and MLS was tying itself to USL, and USL was given 2 years to become compliant with second tier standards. Apparently in the second tier, waivers aren't easily found unless you have a darn good reason, like you are within a season of achieving the required license. Makes a lot more sense as there are only the 32 or so USL teams plus the 20 (maybe, I can't keep track given the rapid expansion) MLS teams. Seems like there shouldn't be a problem finding 50 or 60 A licensed coaches as opposed to adding in the third tier teams. Anyway, coaching license compliance was required of USL prior to the start of the 2018 season.
So Brandt had one year to get a license you can't possibly get in one year and no extension was granted, so he must not have gotten very close. Whether he was even working toward it I have no idea. But even with a C license, presumably as high as you can get in 12 months without a waiver you can get by having played a certain number of years in a D1 Pro League somewhere in the world or spent a certain amount of time with the USMNT or USWMNT, you are at least 18 months away from being able to get an A license. It sounds like the Riverhounds at least tried to get some kind of waiver for him before they parted ways.
Anyway, in the end, he needed an A license when he was hired with the Riverhounds but apparently that was a requirement that was easily ignored at that level and no one gave it much thought. When the level changed, the requirement was no longer ignored and Brandt couldn't stay. That's a tough way to lose a job.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 22, 2018, 02:08:04 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on March 22, 2018, 12:31:09 PM
I guess I was struck by the assumption (projection) about his motives for moving from one situation to another. Seems like the more "interesting" hot take of the original post in this sub-thread.
Is there some back story on Brandt that would lead to this fairly negative view of his motivations/aspirations?
I was wondering about that myself, since the highly pejorative words "massive ego" obviously connote some sort of a back story.
Well, going back many years Mr. Right/LaPaz has a consistent track record of never missing an opportunity to be critical of and/or speak negatively about Coach Brandt which does
suggest there's some (personal?) back story, but he has never shared one. Maybe doing so would risk revealing his identity. If there isn't a back story, the Brandt-bashing is quite perplexing.
Nope never met the guy. Nothing to do with my identity. I do not take things out on people for personal reasons either. That is low blow stuff and it is not my style. Actually, I do not really think my statement was that vicious at all. I am not talking about the character of the man as a human being. All I said was that I have heard from multiple sources that he has or had a massive ego. Thought he was god's gift to coaching and so when a coach starts struggling and not winning like he used to I just find it easy to point out. That's it. Nothing else.
I actually complimented him more than I disparaged him in my statement. I know he is a fantastic coach, knows what he is doing(unlike some coaches), plays the right way(futbol), great tactician and his record at Messiah is AMAZING. I brought most if not all of that up in my statement. I just felt that it was a rather average(for him) performance at Navy and frankly a horrific record in the USL. However, that was not even my point to begin with. I was most critical of his move from Navy to such an unstable situation at Pittsburgh. That's all and since I have not heard from anyone a solid reason for making that jump I have to assume that it was because of ego. I understand coaches want to coach the best players and certainly the USL can offer that or maybe he was sick of the college game but that does not stick for me because like Cook at Dartmouth who went to the Union and is now back at Penn State, Brandt finds himself right back in the college game. So why make the move in the first place?
So, Mr. Right, you're saying you are merely an unbiased, neutral observer doing us all a service by bringing to light the insight gained from your sources that can help us all understand the reasons and motives for Coach Brandt's career moves? I guess I'm just surprised with how you present your assumptions/speculations/opinions--strongly, seemingly with conviction--if they are primarily based on what you heard from sources, not from any first-hand, personal experience with Brandt.
Hey, I don't know Coach Brandt. Not sure I met him more than two times, and never had a conversation with him. So I can't personally vouch for him. And since his record speaks for itself, I've never felt the need to defend him (just as I don't now). For all I know, maybe there's some truth to what you have assumed/speculated about him. I'd have no way to disprove it. But neither have I been given any solid reason to believe what you suggest either.
You're entitled to your assumptions and opinions, but your criticisms now and in the past seem to come form a narrow perspective, colored through the lense of your sources' opinions. Maybe you have thought this through more than you have let on and have genuinely considered all the other possibilities, but your posts certainly suggest a predisposition to one conclusion. Are you really saying you cannot fathom any other reasons for Brandt to have left Navy to coach the Riverhounds besides ego? Come on. Is ego the only reason you can think of for someone (in any vocation, not just coaching) to want to move to a different employer, or to a different or higher position? Wanting a new challenge or a different challenge isn't always about ego. What are the potential reasons any one of us may seek a promotion, look for a new job, make a move from between the private sector, a governement job, or self-employment, etc.? Drive and determination isn't always about ego. Wanting to test yourself and see what you are capable of is not always about ego. (In fact, it can sometimes require just the opposite: a measure of humility, a willingness to be vulnerable and risk failure.)
And it's very convenient to assume "it was becasue of ego" "since I have not heard from anyone a solid reason for making that jump." You present your asusmption to a group of people that very likely does not include anyone who would be in-the-know (you may be well connected, but many of us are just average Joe's), and then conclude your assumption is correct because no one chooses to make (counter-)assumptions about things they do not know. I could suggest it was simply a desire/goal to test himself in professional soccer before passively spending his entire career in collegiate soccer and see if he liked it or not and see if the pro environment suited him or not, and even though he felt he still had work to do at Navy and wasn't really ready to leave quite yet, the opportunity was too good (geographically close to home, reasonable level for a first venture into pro ball, etc.) to not go for it rather than take a chance that a similar opportunity would await a couple years down the road. But I. Don't. Know. And don't suppose to. And what you might consider a "solid reason", might differ from what I or someone else or Brandt (you and I don't know his career and life objectives) might consider a solid reason.
And I'm sure Brandt didn't go to the Riverhounds thinking he'd be back coaching in D-III 1-1/2 years later, so I hardly understand how the fact that that has now happened has any bearing on the soundness of his decision (at the time) to leave Navy for Pittsburgh. I guess I never should have moved to Brazil (and all the uncertainty that came with that) since I ended up moving back to the States a few years later with some things having not worked out as I had hoped. Would you say the same thing about me that you are saying about Brandt: why did you ever move to Brazil in the first place? Don't leave a safe, cushy situation. Don't broaden your horizons. Don't seek to stretch yourself. Don't risk failure. Stick to what you know. Take the sure thing. Play it safe. If you don't know if (and how) it's going to work out, it's better not to try at all. Live with the "What if's" rather than take a chance.
Ohh, and if suggesting that someone has a massive ego, and has made a stupid career move because of said ego, and thinks he's God's gift to coaching is not talking about his character, then what the heck is it talking about?
It doesn't really matter to me why Coach Brandt made the career moves he made. My guess is that a man with the success he had must struggle with keeping his ego in check. But life is rarely black and white and his reasons and motives were probably varied and not purely one thing or another. I'm just saying that if someone feels the need to speculate on Brandt's motives for his career moves, there's certainly other ways to approach it than Mr. Right has, and, with all due respect to Mr. Right's wealth of knowledge and insight, there's certainly other other possibilities to consider (and "conclusions" to reach) than what Mr. Right presents.
OK, getting a bit more back on topic . . .
At first I was a little surprised that Mr. Right was as dismissive of Hope from a soccer perspective. I guess I've always know them as Calvin's rival in what often was a two-horse MIAA race. Calvin has gone to another level this decade and Hope has regressed in the past five years, but in the 1990's and 2000's, Hope was as successful as anyone in the MIAA with 6 outright titles and 2 shared titles and 7 NCAA appearances (Calvin had 4 outright and 4 shared titles and 6 NCAA appearances), and the two teams shared the first title of the current decade. Plus, I remember Hope reaching the Elite 8 in 2011, losing to eventual champ OWU (can't believe that is already 7 years ago). And just five seasons ago (2013) Hope were neck-and-neck with Calvin all season and won the MIAA final in PK's to gain the conference's only berth in the NCAA's. But, when looked at from a national perspective, to say they haven't been much a factor in D-III men's soccer is probably, on the whole, fair, and definitely true in the past four years.
But given their history in the MIAA and the rivalry with Calvin that was still a see-saw through to 2013, being competitive with Calvin in the next 3 to 5 years rather than impress me, would be the natural expectation. Having Brandt as head coach should certainly help Hope regain ground recruiting in their "backyard" against Calvin which is where most all their players come from. And Brandt's past success should see more players from all over the country give Hope a good look. Messiah and Wheaton (Ill.) in addition to Calvin may now have another competitor for those top soccer players looking for a Christian college with a strong soccer program, and as a result Wheaton (Ill.) might find it even harder to climb back up into the top tier.
Quote from: Flying Weasel on March 24, 2018, 09:22:51 AM
So, Mr. Right, you're saying you are merely an unbiased, neutral observer doing us all a service by bringing to light the insight gained from your sources that can help us all understand the reasons and motives for Coach Brandt's career moves? I guess I'm just surprised with how you present your assumptions/speculations/opinions--strongly, seemingly with conviction--if they are primarily based on what you heard from sources, not from any first-hand, personal experience with Brandt.
Hey, I don't know Coach Brandt. Not sure I met him more than two times, and never had a conversation with him. So I can't personally vouch for him. And since his record speaks for itself, I've never felt the need to defend him (just as I don't now). For all I know, maybe there's some truth to what you have assumed/speculated about him. I'd have no way to disprove it. But neither have I been given any solid reason to believe what you suggest either.
You're entitled to your assumptions and opinions, but your criticisms now and in the past seem to come form a narrow perspective, colored through the lense of your sources' opinions. Maybe you have thought this through more than you have let on and have genuinely considered all the other possibilities, but your posts certainly suggest a predisposition to one conclusion. Are you really saying you cannot fathom any other reasons for Brandt to have left Navy to coach the Riverhounds besides ego? Come on. Is ego the only reason you can think of for someone (in any vocation, not just coaching) to want to move to a different employer, or to a different or higher position? Wanting a new challenge or a different challenge isn't always about ego. What are the potential reasons any one of us may seek a promotion, look for a new job, make a move from between the private sector, a governement job, or self-employment, etc.? Drive and determination isn't always about ego. Wanting to test yourself and see what you are capable of is not always about ego. (In fact, it can sometimes require just the opposite: a measure of humility, a willingness to be vulnerable and risk failure.)
And it's very convenient to assume "it was becasue of ego" "since I have not heard from anyone a solid reason for making that jump." You present your asusmption to a group of people that very likely does not include anyone who would be in-the-know (you may be well connected, but many of us are just average Joe's), and then conclude your assumption is correct because no one chooses to make (counter-)assumptions about things they do not know. I could suggest it was simply a desire/goal to test himself in professional soccer before passively spending his entire career in collegiate soccer and see if he liked it or not and see if the pro environment suited him or not, and even though he felt he still had work to do at Navy and wasn't really ready to leave quite yet, the opportunity was too good (geographically close to home, reasonable level for a first venture into pro ball, etc.) to not go for it rather than take a chance that a similar opportunity would await a couple years down the road. But I. Don't. Know. And don't suppose to. And what you might consider a "solid reason", might differ from what I or someone else or Brandt (you and I don't know his career and life objectives) might consider a solid reason.
And I'm sure Brandt didn't go to the Riverhounds thinking he'd be back coaching in D-III 1-1/2 years later, so I hardly understand how the fact that that has now happened has any bearing on the soundness of his decision (at the time) to leave Navy for Pittsburgh. I guess I never should have moved to Brazil (and all the uncertainty that came with that) since I ended up moving back to the States a few years later with some things having not worked out as I had hoped. Would you say the same thing about me that you are saying about Brandt: why did you ever move to Brazil in the first place? Don't leave a safe, cushy situation. Don't broaden your horizons. Don't seek to stretch yourself. Don't risk failure. Stick to what you know. Take the sure thing. Play it safe. If you don't know if (and how) it's going to work out, it's better not to try at all. Live with the "What if's" rather than take a chance.
Ohh, and if suggesting that someone has a massive ego, and has made a stupid career move because of said ego, and thinks he's God's gift to coaching is not talking about his character, then what the heck is it talking about?
It doesn't really matter to me why Coach Brandt made the career moves he made. My guess is that a man with the success he had must struggle with keeping his ego in check. But life is rarely black and white and his reasons and motives were probably varied and not purely one thing or another. I'm just saying that if someone feels the need to speculate on Brandt's motives for his career moves, there's certainly other ways to approach it than Mr. Right has, and, with all due respect to Mr. Right's wealth of knowledge and insight, there's certainly other other possibilities to consider (and "conclusions" to reach) than what Mr. Right presents.
Could we get anymore dramatic. I never said I was doing anyone a "service" nor did I say this statement is based on FACT. I would say most of my posts are based solely on opinion, good opinion I might add, as most posters on here are. Merely for the fact that most of my posts are comments throughout a game on certain players, coaches, refs, etc.
You seem to think everytime I post I am talking down to someone while beating my chest like a hungry gorilla reminding myself 24-7 that I am a D3 guru. It might come across that way but I can promise you that is not how it is meant. Your posts usually come across in a lecturing type of way but I do not complain nor am I even sure that is how it is meant.
Also, thank you for giving me another point of view to think about as to WHY he might have left Navy for the USL. That's really all I have been asking for thru my posts for someone to do. It makes for much more interesting conversation and discussion. If I got u in a bit of a tizzy doing so well oh well we have all been there but again it makes for such better reading.
I just do not happen to agree with your opinion. I understand taking risks in life and getting out of your comfort zone in any profession but that move from Navy to the USL IMO was well beyond a risk it was complete stupidity. Put another way did Brandt leave Messiah in 2008 with the expectation of arriving at Hope in 2018. He did not. So somewhere along the way something went haywire and that's fine to as it happens to everyone. My guess happened to be his ego led him down that road but you are correct it could have been a number of different things like location or whatever. My guess happened to be his ego but until someone can get the real reason we will be left to speculate.
Well, you are pretty dramatic in your own way, disguising your speculations and opinions as accusations and certainties--at least that's how they so often read even if that's not how it's meant. Just as my posts obviously aren't always taken as they are meant. For example, you say you don't agree with my opinion--and here I thought I communicated that I do not have an opinion (so I am not sure what you disagree with). If the only reason he went to Pittsburgh was ego than I would agree that that was a stupid reason to make the move, but beyond that we just don't see eye to eye on how to approach the matter, much less on what, if any, conclusions can be drawn. I'm fine with that. You made your case; I questioned it. And that's that.
Bringing the focus back on Hope . . . There's no doubt this is extremely exciting for their program. Only time will tell how significant this hire ends up being. There's few guarantees in life, and I don't think it's a given that Brandt makes Hope a title contender in short order. There are so many variables, so many factors, so many things that are different between then (1997-2008) and now (2018), there (Messiah) and here (Hope). But can you think of any hire that could have been expected to give Hope a better chance of closing the gap on Calvin and making Hope nationally relevant? The tough part will be making a fair assessment of the job Brandt's doing given his past success and the potentially unrealistic expectations that some will have.
Messiah was in a better place when Brandt took over than Hope is currently in, but after the two Final Four runs in 86 and 88, Messiah was often second best to Elizabethtown in the 1990's. I'm still surprised by the swiftness and thoroughness with which Messiah usurped E-town as clear top dog in the conference under Brandt (not sure how much credit to give Brandt and Messiah, versus blaming Roderick and E-town for losing their edge), so I wouldn't underestimate what he can do to close the gap on Calvin. However, Calvin's recent success exceeds what E-town was doing in the 90's even though there was less parity back then than there is now. And Calvin has a young coach who has found success in the current D-III landscape, versus E-town's Roderick who maybe didn't adapt quick enough to the changing landscape back then. So I don't think catching, much less passing, Calvin will be as easy to accomplish.
Hope definitely seems like a much bigger challenge for Brandt, which would suggest a slower climb up the mountain, but the increased parity could help (at least in the short-run) and Brandt comes in with his approach, style and methods well established versus the evolution of those things in his early years leading Messiah. Likewise, his past success should make it much easier to get buy-in to his system right from the start. Successfully recruiting the "right" players in the early years to implement his vision was crucial to his success at Messiah and landing players like Hayden Woodworth was extremely important. Being able to land a couple of the "right" kind of top level players these first few years to lead the make-over from within the squad could make all the difference--success in the wins column is going to be dependent on first getting his system and style of play established, and the quicker the better which depends a lot on successful recruiting. It certainly doesn't hurt that Wheaton (Ill.) might not look as attractive a destination as it did for so many years. If I was a Wheaton fan, I might be a little worried.
Well, that just me thinking out loud. I'm honestly not sure what expectations to have, but I am very interested to see how things develop and won't be too surprised by anything. And curious to see who Brandt brings in as his assistants.
For what its worth I think Coach Brandt will have a lot of success at Hope. Before committing to Tufts I briefly flirted with the idea of playing at Navy. Brandt was easily one of the most impressive recruiters I dealt with during my recruiting process and I am sure he will be able to sell plenty of kids based on his past success and his message. I got to see him coach in person during an official visit and he's definitely an intense guy, but he knows what he is doing. The messiah team we played in 2014 was one of the best coached teams, in addition to being incredibly talented, teams I have ever played, including all of the top MLS academy teams. I know Brandt was no longer the coach then, but it seems like his fingerprints were still all over the program.
Quote from: Flying Weasel on March 24, 2018, 02:45:41 PMIt certainly doesn't hurt that Wheaton (Ill.) might not look as attractive a destination as it did for so many years. If I was a Wheaton fan, I might be a little worried.
I hope that we can keep it that way, too. ;)
To totally change topics, I was looking at Calvin's upcoming schedule for 2018 and noticed they are only playing each conference opponent once. Sorry if I missed some announcement or previous discussion, but is this something new to the MIAA starting this upcoming season? Trying to give more opportunity for out-of-conference games in order to build a tournament resume?
Looking back in this room, there had been discussion years ago that some of the coaches in the MIAA wanted to get rid of the double round-robin league schedule, because it hurt MIAA teams when it came to strength-of-schedule calculations by the NCAA for tournament berths and seeding. Frankly, I'm surprised that it's taken this long for the MIAA to get rid of it. Hardly any leagues in D3 have double round-robins in soccer anymore; outside of some of the geographic isolates (NWC, SCIAC, SCAC) for whom double round-robins are a logistical necessity, every league in D3 uses the single round-robin format.
Quote from: d4_Pace on March 24, 2018, 03:19:03 PM
For what its worth I think Coach Brandt will have a lot of success at Hope. Before committing to Tufts I briefly flirted with the idea of playing at Navy. Brandt was easily one of the most impressive recruiters I dealt with during my recruiting process and I am sure he will be able to sell plenty of kids based on his past success and his message. I got to see him coach in person during an official visit and he's definitely an intense guy, but he knows what he is doing. The messiah team we played in 2014 was one of the best coached teams, in addition to being incredibly talented, teams I have ever played, including all of the top MLS academy teams. I know Brandt was no longer the coach then, but it seems like his fingerprints were still all over the program.
I participated in an open tryout for him at Navy. Don't think I've ever had a more humbling experience lol.
I give Hope three years before they win the conference title. E-town was still relevant in the 90s having reached the NCAA tournament just about every year, but they were legit from 1998 to 2000 (Elite 8 worthy). Sure they did not have the final fours and NCAA Finals appearances like Calvin, but they were incredibily talented. The Blue Jays were a top 5 team in 1999, but faced the demise of Messiah, catching 2 L's (18-2-1); End of regular season and in the NCAA tourney. Back then the MAC was set up where regular season winners would earn the AQ. At 18-1-1 and MAC Champs, E-town had to travel to Messiah for the first round of the big dance.
In 2000 E-town was 14-1 with the lone loss to Drew, before playing at Messiah in the season finale and Commonwealth Championship. Messiah won the regular season finale in OT and the Championship 2-1. A 15-3 record was not good enough to garner an at-large bid because I believe there were only 4 at the time. Messiah then went on to win their first NCAA title that year...
Having witnessed Messiah for the first time in person in 1999, I thought they were going to the FINAL FOUR. In 2000, there was little doubt in my mind that they would reach the FINAL.
Brandt went from Round of 32, Sweet 16, Elite 8, National Champs... It really is not unreasonable to think Hope can de-throne Calvin in three years because as we already know, Program Sustainment is such a challenge in this era.
1992 Layton Shoemaker 18-4-0 12-2-0 Champions Final 16
1993 Layton Shoemaker 15-7-1 10-2-0 Final Final 8
1994 Layton Shoemaker 13-5-0 7-2-0 Semifinal
1995 Layton Shoemaker 19-2-1 10-0-1 Champions Final 16
1996 Layton Shoemaker 13-5-1 8-2-0 Semifinal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 Dave Brandt 16-2-3 10-0-1 Champions Final 32
1998 Dave Brandt 17-4-1 10-1-0 Final Final 16
1999 Dave Brandt 18-3-1 8-0-0 Semifinal Final 8
2000 Dave Brandt 22-2-1 9-0-0 Champions National Champions
2001 Dave Brandt 21-2-0 9-0-0 Champions Final Four
2002 Dave Brandt 23-2-1 8-1-0 Champions National Champions
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on August 08, 2018, 09:49:35 AM
I give Hope three years before they win the conference title. E-town was still relevant in the 90s having reached the NCAA tournament just about every year, but they were legit from 1998 to 2000 (Elite 8 worthy). Sure they did not have the final fours and NCAA Finals appearances like Calvin, but they were incredibily talented. The Blue Jays were a top 5 team in 1999, but faced the demise of Messiah, catching 2 L's (18-2-1); End of regular season and in the NCAA tourney. Back then the MAC was set up where regular season winners would earn the AQ. At 18-1-1 and MAC Champs, E-town had to travel to Messiah for the first round of the big dance.
In 2000 E-town was 14-1 with the lone loss to Drew, before playing at Messiah in the season finale and Commonwealth Championship. Messiah won the regular season finale in OT and the Championship 2-1. A 15-3 record was not good enough to garner an at-large bid because I believe there were only 4 at the time. Messiah then went on to win their first NCAA title that year...
Having witnessed Messiah for the first time in person in 1999, I thought they were going to the FINAL FOUR. In 2000, there was little doubt in my mind that they would reach the FINAL.
Brandt went from Round of 32, Sweet 16, Elite 8, National Champs... It really is not unreasonable to think Hope can de-throne Calvin in three years because as we already know, Program Sustainment is such a challenge in this era.
1992 Layton Shoemaker 18-4-0 12-2-0 Champions Final 16
1993 Layton Shoemaker 15-7-1 10-2-0 Final Final 8
1994 Layton Shoemaker 13-5-0 7-2-0 Semifinal
1995 Layton Shoemaker 19-2-1 10-0-1 Champions Final 16
1996 Layton Shoemaker 13-5-1 8-2-0 Semifinal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 Dave Brandt 16-2-3 10-0-1 Champions Final 32
1998 Dave Brandt 17-4-1 10-1-0 Final Final 16
1999 Dave Brandt 18-3-1 8-0-0 Semifinal Final 8
2000 Dave Brandt 22-2-1 9-0-0 Champions National Champions
2001 Dave Brandt 21-2-0 9-0-0 Champions Final Four
2002 Dave Brandt 23-2-1 8-1-0 Champions National Champions
Is there a reason that Hope only had 1 senior on the 2017 roster. Seems rather unusual.
I think Hope will become very competitive very quickly (starting this year and into next year).
Hope very quietly off to a 2-0 start.
Albion College also undefeated through the first week at 2-0-1, including a come-from-behind 2-2 draw against Wheaton (Ill) last night. One could say the Britons would be disappointed not to come away with the win with some of the chances they had towards the end of the match.
It should be noted that Wheaton played a man down from early in the second half through two overtimes.
Quote from: augie77 on September 05, 2018, 11:57:58 AM
It should be noted that Wheaton played a man down from early in the second half through two overtimes.
Forgot to mention, thank you Augie.
I understand that the playoff format is changing with the new conference format of playing each team once. Top 6 teams in the conference qualify for the post-season with the top 2 teams receiving a bye 3-6 play for the right to move on. Just curious if there is any predictions in the order of finish in conference play. The coaches poll: 1) Calvin 2) Adrian 3) Kalamazoo 4) Hope 5) Albion 6) Alma 7) Trine and 8) Olivet. Don't totally disagree but I don't see Kalamazoo finishing in the top tier of the conference. Do believe there will be a surprise team to finish in the top 4 of the conference. Glad to see Ohio Northern get spanked yesterday by Calvin and Hope beating ON as well. Thoughts?
Central Region Coaches Poll:
Rank School Prev. W-L-T
1 University Of Chicago
DA Benedictine University 2-1; DA North Park University 4-2; NR 3-0-1
2 Calvin College
DA Ohio Northern University 9-2; NR 3-0-0
3 North Park University
DH Kalamazoo College 2-0; LH University Of Chicago 2-4; NR 2-1-0
4 Hope College
DA Ohio Northern University 1-0; NR 3-0-0
5 Carthage College NR 1-0-0
6 Wheaton College (Ill.)
TA Albion College 2-2; NR 1-0-1
7 Dominican University
DA Elmhurst College 3-1; NR 3-0-0
8 Albion College
TH Wheaton College (Ill.) 2-2; TA Willamette University 0-0; NR 2-0-2
9 Webster University NR 2-0-0
10 Illinois Wesleyan University
DH Knox College 1-0; DA University Of Dubuque 4-2; NR 3-1-0
Records shown are through games of Sept. 9, 2018
Also receiving votes: Benedictine, Greenville, Trine, Milwaukee Engineering, Spalding
Good to see that the MIAA are nicely represented 2) Calvin 4) Hope 8) Albion and 13) Trine
Hope College beat Cleary Univ (NAIA) yesterday 5-1. Now moves to 5-0 on the season - Hope's best start since 2002.
Looks like my 'surprise' team in the MIAA (Trine) getting noticed, from the Midwest Roundup:
MICHIGAN
Hope (6-0-0) has won all six games under new head coach Dave Brandt. The Flying Dutchmen have only allowed two goals overall. Meanwhile, three players – Logan Bylsman, Ryan Flynn, and James Reymann - have each scored four goals.
Calvin (6-0-0) is once again off to an impressive start. Head Coach Ryan Souders' team has scored a whopping 21 goals, with senior Jacob White and junior Hunter Olsen setting the pace. The Knights have solid wins over Millikin, Ohio Northern, and Benedictine.
INDIANA
Wabash (5-1-1) has posted a shutout in each one of its five wins. Goalkeeper Chad Wunderlich has played every minute for the Little Giants. Head Coach Chris Keller's team has wins over Franklin, Earlham, Trine, Fontbonne, and Hanover.
Trine (5-1-0) is off to one of their best starts in recent history. In his second year, Head Coach David Jacobs has the team rolling early on. With shutout wins in their last three games, expect the Thunder to cause a stir in the MIAA this conference season.
Trine- young but with Senior leadership in key positions; added much needed depth; off to a good start. Only Loss on a speedy, wet sports turf at Wabash 1-0.
Trine had an awesome start back in 2011, posting shutouts in 8 of their first 9 games, finishing that run with a tie vs. Hope and win over Calvin to stand 7-0-2 entering October. They posted four more shutouts but still had to settle for the 3-seed in the MIAA tournament and lost to Hope in the semifinals to finish 13-5-2. It was the first and so far the last time this century that they finished a season over .500.
Hope College defeats Carthage (CCIW) 1-0. Now goes 7-0 on the season. One of only 17 undefeated and untied teams in the nation.
North Park drilled Albion, 3-1. The Vikings outshot the Britons 20-3, and, aside from one close-in defensive lapse that led to Albion's lone goal, pretty much did whatever they wanted to do all night.
Albion's now 5-2-2, and I'll be interested in seeing how the Brits fare in the MIAA.
Albion plays long ball, not a fan, good defenses shut this down easily. Lucky if they get 3 shots against Hope and Calvin.
The MIAA is really turning itself around. I can't remember the time where the majority of teams were over .500. Very curious on a Hope vs. Trine matchup. Could be an absolute fire cracker
Looks like Calvin is still the class of the league. Thought Hope would show more against the Knights.
Albion 2 shots on goal against Trine...like I said earlier good defenses shut down this over the top stuff....not good soccer
Hope vs Trine could be a great game.
Tough league means each conference game will be tightly contested minus the wrecking ball that is Calvin
Top to bottom the league is quite balanced. Expect 'surprises' along the way.
Alright, I wrote this down (not here) about 3 games into the season on the predicted finish, lets see if this plays out like I predicted. Predicted conference finish:
1) Calvin-Too Much, great coach and depth. Best Centerback in the country.
2) Adrian-returning upperclass providing leadership, will improve over the season with new coach.
3) Trine-Added JUCO transfer with scoring ability. Improved depth with Senior leadership in key positions. Could push Adrian for 2nd.
4) Hope-new coach with aggressive style will score more than last years team. physical and tough minded team.
5) Albion-physical team, direct style that doesn't translate well against good defenses.
6) Alma-Hangs tough in most matches with little depth, hurting them at the end of matches.
7) Kalamazoo-young roster with no upperclass leadership, will quickly go to the bottom of the standings.
8) Olivet-good young coach but with a freshman/sophomore dominated lineup. Will improve and progress but will make mistakes as young teams do.
Predicted Finish versus Actual Finish
Actual Finish
1) Calvin --Predicted 1
2) Adrian --Predicted 2
3) Trine --Predicted 3 actually tied for 2nd Adrian wins tiebreaker based on head to head. Also, predicted will push for 2nd, which is correct.
4) Hope --Predicted 4
5) Kalamazoo --Predicted 7 Though Albion would sneak in at 5.
6) Alma --Predicted 6
7) Albion --Predicted 5.
8) Olivet -Predicted 8-winless in conference.
Overall 6 of 8 correctly. MIAA Tournament starts Saturday, any predictions?
MIAA is about to kick off next week. Here are the coaches predictions https://www.miaa.org/sports/msoc/index (https://www.miaa.org/sports/msoc/index):
Rank Team Points First-Place Votes
1. Calvin 49 points 7
2. Hope 43 points 1
3. Kalamazoo 36 points
4. Albion 26 points
T5. Adrian 24 points
T5. Trine 24 points
7. Alma 15 points
8. Olivet 7 points
Note: teams can't vote for themselves.
Basically the same as the 2019 season final standings.
Some early MIAA results:
3/16
Calvin 0, Notre Dame 1 - Great seeing a DIII team play a DI team. Write-up is herehttps://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2020-21/releases/20210316xzvx1x (https://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2020-21/releases/20210316xzvx1x)
Spring Arbor 1, Hope 0 (2OT) - Spring Arbor ranked #11 in NAIA. Box score looked fairly even. Perhaps slight advantage to Hope. This game counted as a regular season game for Spring Arbor, but as a scrimmage for Hope. Not sure how what works.
3/19
Trine 5, Alma 0
Hope v Kalamazoo cancelled. Heard Kalamazoo had some Covid issues.
Week of 3/21 has 6 games on the schedule.
Results from Mon 3/22
Calvin 3, Adrian 1 https://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2020-21/releases/20210322x5znvx (https://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2020-21/releases/20210322x5znvx). You can link to the video to see some of the action.
Olivet 3, Albion 2 (2OT) Recap from Olivet perspective: https://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2020-21/releases/20210322wx8jdt (https://www.olivetcomets.com/sports/msoc/2020-21/releases/20210322wx8jdt)
More games on slate for Thursday 3/25.
Results from Mar 25th. These are the first official conference games. Any games before this were non-conference, even if there were between conference opponents. Some of the games can still be viewed on the college websites or here: https://www.miaa.org/sports/msoc/2020-21/schedule (https://www.miaa.org/sports/msoc/2020-21/schedule)
Olivet* 3
Alma 2
Olivet gets their second win. Good result for them. They were picked to be last in the conference.
Albion* 0
Kalamazoo 1
Looks like Kalamazoo dominated the game, but only one goal.
Hope* 1
Adrian 0
Hope dominated the box score similar to Kalamazoo, but could only get one in the back of the net.
Trine* 0
Calvin 3
Another three goals for the Knights. Three different goal scorers.
Some other recent results/happenings:
Alma battled Calvin to a 0-0 game after 90 min. Calvin ended up winning with a goal in the first minute of OT.
Albion and Olivet have had to cancel recent games due to Covid.
Big Kalamazoo v Calvin game on Thurs 4/7.
MIAA Tournament started tonight. Interesting night to say the least :o ??? :o
#1 Calvin looses to #8 Albion 1-2. Seems that Sam Twigg hasn't played in the last several games. Injury? Calvin only played 14 players in the game. Not sure I have ever seen Calvin have a bad loss. Anyone remember? Albion was 0-4 on the season and had a handful of games cancelled because they had covid in the team
#2 Kalamazoo 4-4 (2-4 Kicks) looses to #7 Alma. Instant classic with 2 goals in the final 3 minutes. Alma was 0-6 for the season.
In other news:
#3 Hope 3-0 #6 Adrian
#4 Trine 5-0 #5 Olivet
Next round on Thursday
#4 Trine hosts #8 Albion
#3 Hope hosts #7 Alma
MIAA Coaches Poll is out. A few observations:
- Well, the biggest observation is that Calvin is not predicted to finish first. Unclear if this is about Hope getting better or Calvin declining. Calvin looks like they only lost 2 seniors from last year's abbreviated season. So, maybe this is more about Hope improving.
- Hope, Calvin and Kalamazoo were all in the NCAA tournament last time around and should have a shot again this year.
- Looks like some 5th yr seniors are sticking around. A quick review matching this write-up to the 2020-21 rosters for only Hope, Calvin, Kalamazoo and Trine show at least: Hope (Dalton, Byrne), Calvin (Van Andel), Trine (Hill).
Hope Tabbed-for-First in 2021 MIAA Men's Soccer Coaches Poll
Posted: Aug 23, 2021
FREELAND, Mich. – In a preseason poll of eight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) men's soccer coaches, Hope is slated to finish No. 1 after receiving six first-place votes.
Calvin earned the other two first-place votes to place second in the preseason poll with 12 points. Kalamazoo tallied 21 points to edge Trine (23 points) for third. Albion recorded 33 points for fifth place, followed by Alma in sixth with 36 points. Adrian (43 points) and Olivet (47 points) rounded out the poll in seventh and eighth, respectively.
The preseason poll for MIAA men's soccer awards one point for a first-place vote, two points for a second-place vote, etc. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own programs.
Hope (5-1-1 overall, 2-1 MIAA in spring 2021), seeded third for the spring 2021 MIAA Tournament, claimed the tournament title for the first time since 2013. Last season's Most Valuable Player, Ty Dalton (Sr. | M | Rockford, Mich.), will return for a fifth year at Hope after securing the tournament victory for the Flying Dutchmen with the game-winning goal in overtime versus Trine in the final contest. Hope's roster will also feature senior Ryan Flynn (Sr. | M | Bloomington, Ill.) and sophomore Brandon Fles (So. | D | Spring Lake, Mich.) who were both named to the All-MIAA First Team last season, as well as Second Team All-MIAA players Dominick Byrne (Sr. | D | Fremont, Mich.) and Jackson Strabel (Jr. | D | Grand Rapids, Mich.).
Calvin (7-2 overall, 6-0 MIAA) earned the regular-season crown for the 14th-straight season (including one co-championship) after going undefeated in league play. Oliver Akintade (So. | F | Lake Forest, Ill.) returns for the Knights after being voted the spring 2021 MIAA Newcomer of the Year. Akintade started all games last season and concluded league play first in goals (5) and second in both points (11) and shots (21). The Calvin roster will also feature three-time All-MIAA selections Sam Twigg (Sr. | D | Auckland, N.Z.) and Drew Van Andel (Sr. | D | Grand Haven, Mich.), along with two-time All-MIAA honorees Aguma Muhumuza (Jr. | D | Baton Rouge, La.), Mason Smith (Sr. | M | Flint, Mich.) and Daniel Wunder (Jr. | GK | Grand Rapids, Mich.).
Kalamazoo concluded the spring 2021 season with an overall record of 5-1-1 and a 5-1 mark in conference contests. The Hornet roster is headlined by seniors Luke Kastran (Sr. | GK | Rochester Hills, Mich.) and two-time All-MIAA recipient Alex Wallace (Sr. | D | Davie, Fla.) who were both named Second Team all-conference players last season.
Trine (11-5 overall, 4-3 MIAA) returns four-of-five spring 2021 All-MIAA players this season. Jared Cromwell (Jr. | M/D |Grand Rapids, Mich.) represented the Thunder on the All-MIAA First Team last season. The spring 2021 Second Team All-MIAA honorees who are returning are Beau Hill (Sr. | D | Allen, Texas), Brian Morris (Sr. | M | Metamora, Mich.), Tyler Murphy (So. | M | Greenfield, Ind.), and Alhasan Yahya (So. | M | Melvindale, Mich.).
Albion (1-5 overall, 0-3 MIAA) will look to Second Team All-MIAA selection Jason Warras (Sr. | F | Plymouth, Mich.) in the upcoming season.
The 2021 MIAA men's soccer season gets underway Wednesday, Sept. 1. League play begins on Tuesday, Oct. 5, with Olivet hosting Alma (4:00 p.m.), Trine hosting Calvin (4:00 p.m.), Albion hosting Kalamazoo (7:00 p.m.) and Hope hosting Adrian (7:00 p.m.).
Rank, Team, Points, First-Place Votes
1. Hope 9 points 6
2. Calvin 12 points 2
3. Kalamazoo 21 points
4. Trine 23 points
5. Albion 33 points
6. Alma 36 points
7. Adrian 43 points
8. Olivet 47 points
Quote from: fishercats on August 23, 2021, 07:28:26 PM
MIAA Coaches Poll is out. A few observations:
- Well, the biggest observation is that Calvin is not predicted to finish first. Unclear if this is about Hope getting better or Calvin declining. Calvin looks like they only lost 2 seniors from last year's abbreviated season. So, maybe this is more about Hope improving.
[...]
Rank, Team, Points, First-Place Votes
1. Hope 9 points 6
2. Calvin 12 points 2
3. Kalamazoo 21 points
4. Trine 23 points
5. Albion 33 points
6. Alma 36 points
7. Adrian 43 points
8. Olivet 47 points
Yeah, I found this surprising too, especially given the pretty strong consensus among MIAA coaches. Calvin had only two starters who were seniors, and one of them is returning for a fifth year. I'm wondering if there is some news I haven't heard?
I don't know anything about Hope's team. Are there some new impact players?
Maybe it comes down to Calvin's 7-2 record in last year's abbreviated season, compared to Hope's 5-1-1. (Though one of Calvin's losses was a 0-1 bout at DI Notre Dame...)
Anyone have insight in this vote?
I was struck by the unanimity of the the vote as well. Here is my take:
- Hope has improved under Coach Brandt. They are playing a good style of soccer with solid recruiting classes in the past few years. Last spring, some first year players got good minutes. On the other hand, Calvin is fielding much the same team as the past year and will be solid again.
- Hope won the Conference Tournament in the spring with some first year players having significant roles. So, perhaps the coaches gave the nod to Hope due to that spring 2021 conference title.
- Hope and Calvin didn't get to play one another in the spring 2021 season. Regular season game cancelled due to covid and then Calvin got knocked out early in the tournament. Plus it looks like Calvin was without their top player for much of the spring. So it is unclear how they match up head to head.
- However, in the 2019 tournament final, they battled to a 0-0 tie with Calvin winning in a shootout. Likely that this official tie gave Hope a boost to get in to the tournament.
In the end, it looks like both teams are pretty good and it is nice to see the local rivalry heat back up.
Should know more after the Sep 3-4 after Hope and Calvin face common opponents (Ohio Northern and Ohio Wesleyan) in a very solid weekend of games. Then on Sep 10-11 they play common opponents Carthage and Aurora.
Here are Massey's MIAA national rankings after last year's abbreviated season. There were fewer teams playing in D3 last year--214--and nearly 60 of those that did play played 5 games or fewer.
| Calvin | 4 |
| Kalamazoo | 26 |
| Hope | 27 |
| Trine | 59 |
| Albion | 100 |
| Adrian | 114 |
| Olivet | 138 |
| Alma | 161 |
Of course, with a reduced number of games, and the fact that most games were played in-conference, and with various players out at various times due to covid protocols and other reasons, these rankings are much less reliable than usual.
Wow, what a game between Calvin and Ohio Wesleyan. Exciting and extremely well played. IMHO Calvin may have had a slight edge over all except that OWU had a forward Calvin just couldn't stop. The game went back and forth and ended 3-3. What a great regional rivalry.
Here are the comments from Calvin's coach:
"Objectively, that's an absolutely phenomenal college soccer game," said Calvin men's soccer coach Ryan Souders. "There were great moments from both teams and an incredible atmosphere. Honestly, it felt very like a postseason matchup. I thought we fought really well, and created some really excellent stuff. I think we can clean up some things moving forward, but there are definitely a lot of positives to take from the night."
Getting a kick out of Massey's early-season ratings. Calvin started out at about #20 before any games were played, shot up to a strong #1 with the 10-0 win over a weak Grace Bible team, and then plummeted to #46 after the draw with an excellent OWU team.
Next time remind me not to look at Massey until 4-5 games have been played...
Here are the highlights from the OWU page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Tg7fxpvcs
It has been awhile, so here is the latest in the MIAA:
Conf Overall
Calvin 5-0 13-2-2
Hope 4-0-1 10-2-2
Kzoo 4-1 9-3-2
Trine 2-2-1 7-7-1
Albion 2-2 4-6-1
Olivet 1-3 3-9
Adrian 0-5 2-12-2
Alma 0-5 2-12
This coming week will tell quite a bit. Kzoo at Calvin tonight (Calvin wins in OT 2-1), Calvin at Hope on Sat, Hope at Kzoo next weekend. in 2019, all three made it to the NCAAs.
Some notable results so far:
Calvin: Win vs Emory, Kzoo; Tie vs Ohio Wesleyan; Loss to Chicago
Hope: Wins vs North Park, Wash U; Loss to Ohio Wesleyan, Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo: Win vs Hope; Losses vs Wilmington, Chicago
My simple observations:
Calvin - not as good as past years, but still the top dog until proven otherwise. I feel like they are getting their high ranking in the various polls based mostly upon reputation and a few lopsided wins. Not scoring as much as in past years.
Hope - very disciplined, well organized and fit. But no matter how many successful passes and dribbles, they still need to put the ball in the net. Hope and Kzoo have very similar goals scored and goals against.
Kzoo - they just seem like a tough team. Don't score much, but have a very stingy defense. I don't believe that they are as technically skilled as Calvin and Hope, but they always play a close game.
My predictions:
1. Calvin league and tournament champs, NCAA bid
2. Hope league and tournament runnerup, NCAA bid
3. Kalamazoo 3rd, no NCAA bid
Quote from: fishercats on October 19, 2021, 09:08:28 PM
My simple observations:
Calvin - not as good as past years, but still the top dog until proven otherwise. I feel like they are getting their high ranking in the various polls based mostly upon reputation and a few lopsided wins. Not scoring as much as in past years.
The numbers show otherwise, as far as your last point is concerned. Here's Calvin's scoring average this season and the decade previous:
2021: 3.76
2019: 2.96
2018: 4.00
2017: 3.70
2016: 2.96
2015: 3.12
2014: 2.91
2013: 3.20
2012: 2.81
2011: 2.19
2010: 1.88
In fact, Calvin is currently third in D3 in scoring average. Only PSU-Harrisburg (4.08) and Husson (3.94) have been more prolific.
You could argue that Calvin's two double-digit routs this season of opponents who never should've been scheduled in the first place by a program of Calvin's caliber (Grace Bible and Finlandia) have swollen the scoring stats of the Knights, although those games still count and therefore help to contradict your claim. But even if you replaced those 10-0 and 13-0 scores with two results in which the Knights scored their closest current round number (i.e., four goals), their season scoring average is still a 2.88 that's barely off of their 2019 mark and is more or less in line with what they've done over the past decade.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 20, 2021, 10:59:33 AM
Quote from: fishercats on October 19, 2021, 09:08:28 PM
My simple observations:
Calvin - not as good as past years, but still the top dog until proven otherwise. I feel like they are getting their high ranking in the various polls based mostly upon reputation and a few lopsided wins. Not scoring as much as in past years.
The numbers show otherwise, as far as your last point is concerned. Here's Calvin's scoring average this season and the decade previous:
2021: 3.76
2019: 2.96
2018: 4.00
2017: 3.70
2016: 2.96
2015: 3.12
2014: 2.91
2013: 3.20
2012: 2.81
2011: 2.19
2010: 1.88
In fact, Calvin is currently third in D3 in scoring average. Only PSU-Harrisburg (4.08) and Husson (3.94) have been more prolific.
You could argue that Calvin's two double-digit routs this season of opponents who never should've been scheduled in the first place by a program of Calvin's caliber (Grace Bible and Finlandia) have swollen the scoring stats of the Knights, although those games still count and therefore help to contradict your claim. But even if you replaced those 10-0 and 13-0 scores with two results in which the Knights scored their closest current round number (i.e., four goals), their season scoring average is still a 2.88 that's barely off of their 2019 mark and is more or less in line with what they've done over the past decade.
Point taken and good to see the data. But something still feels a bit off. Maybe it is about "how" they are scoring. While the average may hold, it appears there may be a bit more variance this year...i.e., the blowouts are bigger and the rest of the games are closer. For example, this season Calvin has scored 38 of 64 goals (59%) in 4 games. I took a quick look at the past couple of seasons and the scoring appeared more spread out. Also curious how their strength of schedule compares...not sure if there is a way to compare partial seasons.
Regardless, they are prolific.
That's a fair point about Calvin's tendency to cluster goals in certain games rather than spreading them out evenly across the schedule possibly affecting people's perceptions of the Knights.
Final MIAA Regular Season Standings
SCHOOLS CONF OVERALL
Calvin 7-0 15-2-2
Kalamazoo 5-1-1 10-3-3
Hope 4-1-2 10-3-3
Trine 4-2-1 9-7-1
Albion 2-4-1 4-8-2
Olivet 2-4-1 4-10-1
Alma 1-6 3-13
Adrian 0-7 2-14-2
Not too much has really changed in the past couple years. And compared to the pre-season poll, Hope underperformed and Olivet overperformed.
After the abbreviated Dave Brandt era, looks like Hope College has gone with an alum and local guy. New to the college ranks.
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/sports/2022/02/01/john-conlon-hired-hope-college-mens-soccer-coach/9303511002/
Niko Giantsopoulos, Calvin's keeper from 2013-2015, gets his first start in MLS tomorrow.
https://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2021-22/releases/20220521fsu2o0
I wonder how many other D3 soccer players have made it to the MLS?
Quote from: Dark Knight on May 21, 2022, 08:22:35 PM
Niko Giantsopoulos, Calvin's keeper from 2013-2015, gets his first start in MLS tomorrow.
https://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2021-22/releases/20220521fsu2o0
I wonder how many other D3 soccer players have made it to the MLS?
AJ Marcucci (Connecticut College '20), another GK, is currently on the roster with the New York Red Bulls (although he has only played with NYRBII thus far)
https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/players/anthony-marcucci/
Greg Sutton (SLU '99) had a long goalkeeping career in the USL and MLS. Even had 16 caps for Canada.
This thread hasn't been used for awhile, but I figured we might as well keep the Michigan discussion together rather than pushing all of it to the Great Lakes Navigation Channel.
Hope has posted its 2024 Roster (https://athletics.hope.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster)
A few observations:
- 34 players on the roster, compared with 30 last season
- 6 freshman
- 1st team All-MIAA midfielder Matt Wimmer and 2nd team All-MIAA defender Jake Lyon both return for a Covid year. 2nd team All-MIAA GK Daniel Hesselbein also returns for his senior year.
- Biggest departure is probably All-MIAA 2nd team midfielder Ethan Jansen, who also led the team in assists
Kalamazoo has posted its 2024 Roster (https://hornets.kzoo.edu/sports/msoc/roster)
A few observations:
- 23 on the roster, compared with 24 last season
- only 3 freshman, although they have a few sophomores who are new, including one from Finland.
- One player listed as a senior last season is back (Zach Devito), but none of their major contributors such as Emilio Romo, Michele Alia, Aidan Gillig, or Paul Kearis
MIAA coaches preseason poll has been released (https://miaa.org/news/2024/8/20/calvin-predicted-to-hold-on-to-miaa-crown-in-2024-mens-soccer-coaches-poll.aspx)
1. Calvin (6 first place votes)
2. Hope (2)
3. Trine
4. Albion
5. Olivet
6. Kalamazoo
7. Alma
8. Adrian
[Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team].
I think this will be tighter for Calvin than most years. They graduated a number of significant players - 7 all MIAA players from last year.
Calvin's roster has been released and they have an incoming freshman named Xtreme Hauk. Might be one of my favorite athlete names ever. Hopefully they are also able to recruit his younger brother Incredible.
Quote from: calvin_grad on August 26, 2024, 10:18:29 PMCalvin's roster has been released and they have an incoming freshman named Xtreme Hauk. Might be one of my favorite athlete names ever. Hopefully they are also able to recruit his younger brother Incredible.
Dad's name is Tony?
Quote from: EnmoreCat on August 27, 2024, 12:57:42 AMQuote from: calvin_grad on August 26, 2024, 10:18:29 PMCalvin's roster has been released and they have an incoming freshman named Xtreme Hauk. Might be one of my favorite athlete names ever. Hopefully they are also able to recruit his younger brother Incredible.
Dad's name is Tony?
Maybe he has a brother Hauk, Tua?
I've never paid much attention to Adrian men's soccer, but I did watch Simple Coach's interview with the school's president and I remember looking up the team's 2023 record (1-13-2) after hearing the President say in the interview that the men's soccer team has to start doing better. It's never a good thing when your school's president knows your team's record (although I suspect Simple Coach's interview request prompted him to look it up)!
After noticing today that Adrian beat Cleary University 4-1, I looked up their record and Adrian is 5-0! I thought maybe they scheduled a new bunch of cream puffs, but they lost to Cleary 3-0 last season and beat them this year 4-1, tied Earlham 0-0 last season and beat them 1-0 this year, lost to Siena 4-1 last season and beat them 3-0 this year, tied Defiance 1-1 last season and beat them 5-1 this season. Quite the turnaround!
So is the surefire way to turn your program around to have Simple Coach schedule an interview with the school's president? ;D If so, I think we could all come up with a few programs that Simple Coach needs to put in the spotlight for their school's administration!
I get this, but I don't love it. Calvin opened a beautiful new soccer field and stadium last fall and this summer they broke ground for a football stadium after they began a new football program last fall. Unfortunately, they will reportedly (https://x.com/FFTMAG/status/1942611998509838432)be playing football this fall in the new soccer stadium. I guess that means they will be painting football lines on this pristine soccer field for a season.
Here's a photo of the new Calvin soccer stadium and field (without football lines)
(https://gmb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5_5956_N242_jpg-e1748961147572-1024x676.jpg)
And they have another soccer facility, Zuidema Field (https://calvinknights.com/sports/2022/7/26/facilities-zuidema-soccer-field.aspx) - will the soccer teams play there in the interim rather than deal with the hassle of restriping/removing goalposts etc for the season? That field looks perfectly lovely and appropriate for D3 soccer.
(https://calvinknights.com/images/2020/5/27/zuidema-field-nightime-cropped.jpg)
You can get reserved seats for the football season for a mere $40/game ($200 for a five game season (https://calvin.universitytickets.com/w/packages/PackageDetail.aspx?PackageNewID=152)) in the mean time. Add $75 or $100 for a parking permit if you don't want to park with the hoi polloi in the GA lot ($10/game) or park free and walk a distance. #notwhyd3
Calvin hasn't updated their website well. The old Zuidema Field (pictured at night) was located basically on the grassy area to the left of picture of the new soccer stadium (somewhat confusingly also called Zuidema Field - maybe Zuidema Field at Calvin Soccer Stadium or some such).
The old Zuidema field doesn't really exist anymore.
The new stadium is very nice. The main stand is kind of a mini-Van Andel Soccer Stadium. Though it seems a little steeper so you feel closer to the pitch.
It looks like both Calvin's soccer (vs. DePauw at 2:30) and football (vs. K at 7:00) teams play at home on Sept 27. The football team is also scheduled to play at home on Nov 1 at 1:00, which could be the same day as a home soccer match if Calvin is a 3 or 4 seed in the MIAA tournament.