Hi all,
There appeared to be no active thread for the NACC, so might as well kick one off for the 2017 season...
The league seems well represented with 4 teams appearing in the Central Region's first set of rankings. Chicago and Calvin are at the top of the Region, but NACC programs currently take up the 5-8 slots -- Dominican, Benedictine, Aurora, and Milwaukee School of Engineering respectively. I am looking forward to seeing how the teams continue to develop over the next week or two, as most are still integrating newcomers, and adjusting to a new year.
Sorry, NACC teams are #6-9 in Central, rather than the #5-8 I originally posted. Still a good representation :D
I watched Benedictine play at home on Wednesday vs. North Central, where they fell 3-1...taking nothing from North Central, but the match struck me as BenU's worst performance of the year. Lackluster all the way around, with not much energy or sense of team defense, while North Central played with a great deal of heart and energy...getting the ball wide and punishing slow transition and rotation.
BenU rebounded with a stronger performance against Lake Forest on Saturday. Lake Forest was up early, and made use of a brisk wind in the first half, keeping possession, and going up 2-1 at the half. BenU moved the ball well in the second half, battling back to tie it at 2-2, before falling behind again 3-2. Sr. F Nick Kapenatos had a very strong game, with a goal, and 2 assists, and presented all sorts of danger throughout. BenU moved up 4-3, and then held on, as Lake Forest (a man down for the last 25 minutes or so) still managed to generate a few good chances/half chances.
Ben U is now 5-2 on the season. The Coach seems to be playing a number of combinations, trying to find the right mix as they head toward league play this week.
Other regionally ranked NACC teams this week:
Dominican played both at Home -- losing to Elmhurst 1-3, and then defeating North Central 2-1. The Stars are 4-2 on the season.
MSOE had one match at Home -- losing to Dubuque 1-2. Pirates are 3-2 in 2017.
Aurora had a busy 3 match week -- defeated 1-2 on the road at Wisc - Platteville; Chicago came to town - Aurora loss -- 0-6; Aurora rallied the next day to defeat Dubuque 3-2. The Spartans are now 5-3 on the season.
Should be an interesting year in the NACC. Some surprising results early on that should make for a tight race for the conference tourney and for seeding.
My projected conference regular season finish.
1. Dominican
2. Aurora
3. Benedictine
4. MSOE
5. CUW
6. Marian
7. Edgewood
8. WLC
9. Rockford
10. CUC
11. Lakeland
Nothing too surprising here. One interesting note is that Lakeland looks absolutely horrendous and has a total of 14-15 players in their program along with an interim coach who is a former player of just 2 years ago with very little playing experience, who knows of coaching experience. Will they have a program in 2018?
Quote from: casualfan on September 19, 2017, 12:27:12 PM
One interesting note is that Lakeland looks absolutely horrendous and has a total of 14-15 players in their program along with an interim coach who is a former player of just 2 years ago with very little playing experience, who knows of coaching experience.
Well, he did Major in exercise science and sport studies ;-)
Quote from: casualfan on September 19, 2017, 12:27:12 PM
Should be an interesting year in the NACC. Some surprising results early on that should make for a tight race for the conference tourney and for seeding.
My projected conference regular season finish.
1. Dominican
2. Aurora
3. Benedictine
4. MSOE
5. CUW
6. Marian
7. Edgewood
8. WLC
9. Rockford
10. CUC
11. Lakeland
Nothing too surprising here. One interesting note is that Lakeland looks absolutely horrendous and has a total of 14-15 players in their program along with an interim coach who is a former player of just 2 years ago with very little playing experience, who knows of coaching experience. Will they have a program in 2018?
I knew something strange was going on at Lakeland, but did not know the details...too bad, but hope they can move forward, and not fold up.
As to your list -- I keep meaning to watch Dominican, and hope to see some video at the very least, some time soon. I have seen Aurora play twice (still a small sample) and they are solid, but sort of feel as if Benedictine will be the better side on a day they are playing together as a unit...they strike me as still looking for the right combinations. In any case, it will sort itself out...
That was probably my toughest decision was 2-3 between Aurora and BenU. I could see Kapetanos being the difference, but he hasn't had as strong as a start compared to past years. I'm sure he'll figure it out, he's quite the player/goalscorer. The October 18th matchup could be the difference, and it's being played at BenU which will be tough for Aurora.
Dominican tends to be at the top year after year so it was a safe pick on my end. Though I am curious why Alex Rohder is not on the roster this year after finishing as NACC Defensive POY as a Junior... anyone have any insight there?
Tonight's Conference Opener Matchups
CUC @ BenU - Prediction: 4-0 BenU takes care of business at home.
Rockford @ Dominican - Prediction: 6-0 Dominican rolls.
Edgewood @ MSOE - Prediction: 3-0 MSOE as Braden Andryk goes off as usual.
WLC @ Lakeland - Prediction: 4-1 WLC as the Warriors take care of the lowly Muskies.
CUW @ Marian - Prediction: 1-1 as I think Marian always plays CUW tough and on grass, CUW struggles.
Elsewhere....
North Park @ Aurora - Prediction: 1-1 draw
Quote from: casualfan on September 20, 2017, 10:56:54 AM
Tonight's Conference Opener Matchups
CUC @ BenU - Prediction: 4-0 BenU takes care of business at home.
Rockford @ Dominican - Prediction: 6-0 Dominican rolls.
Edgewood @ MSOE - Prediction: 3-0 MSOE as Braden Andryk goes off as usual.
WLC @ Lakeland - Prediction: 4-1 WLC as the Warriors take care of the lowly Muskies.
CUW @ Marian - Prediction: 1-1 as I think Marian always plays CUW tough and on grass, CUW struggles.
Elsewhere....
North Park @ Aurora - Prediction: 1-1 draw
Not far off with my predictions (aside from the non-conference drubbing that Aurora took at North Park)
BenU scores 10 seconds in, Kapetanos 3 goals & 1 assist, and the Eagles knock off CUC 4-0.
Dominican-Rockford was only 2-0 win 20 to go but finishes them off with a 6-1 result. I could see Rockford surprising someone in top 8 and jumping them... perhaps WLC on Saturday?
Edgewood scores 1st but MSOE responds 30 seconds later and then the Raiders pull away in 2nd half for a 3-1 win. No Andryk goals though which is surprising.
WLC-Lakeland and CUW-Marian both postponed. Looks like they could both be played tonight.
CUW with a huge 6-1 victory over Marian. Missed on that one. WLC takes down Lakeland 5-2, about right.
Weekend Matchups 9/23
Aurora @ Edgewood - Prediction: Aurora 2-0
Dominican @ Marian - Prediction: Dominican 4-0
BenU @ CUW - Prediction: 1-1 draw
Rockford @ WLC - Prediction: WLC 3-1
CUC @ Lakeland - Prediction: CUC 2-0
Elsewhere...
MSOE @ Marantha - Prediction: MSOE 7-0
Lakeland 0 - Domincan - ...........16?!
Unbelievable, 47 shots (31 on target) to Lakeland's 1 shot off target. I don't think I've ever seen a scoreline so lopsided.
Quote from: LM3 on September 19, 2017, 02:01:43 PM
Quote from: casualfan on September 19, 2017, 12:27:12 PMOne interesting note is that Lakeland looks absolutely horrendous and has a total of 14-15 players in their program along with an interim coach who is a former player of just 2 years ago with very little playing experience, who knows of coaching experience. Will they have a program in 2018?
I knew something strange was going on at Lakeland, but did not know the details...too bad, but hope they can move forward, and not fold up.
Caveat: I have no insider info on Lakeland athletics. Having said that, though, I highly doubt that Lakeland would eliminate men's soccer. It's a universal sport now among the 420+ D3 schools that are co-ed; I think you'll have a hard time finding an exception to that rule. Beyond that, it's a revenue-positive sport; soccer rosters are large (when there's a proper head coach in place doing recruiting, that is), and the required budget isn't, as compared to other sports.
Quote from: Wisco21 on September 30, 2017, 04:57:04 PM
Lakeland 0 - Domincan - ...........16?!
Unbelievable, 47 shots (31 on target) to Lakeland's 1 shot off target. I don't think I've ever seen a scoreline so lopsided.
From what I read, the second half was played entirely by bench players...they scored 6 goals. I did not watch, so I have no idea as to the tone of the game, but 16-0 is just brutal.
I saw both Benedictine matches from the past week:
3-1 loss to Chicago -- BenU played their best brand of team defense in the first half, albeit not perfect, they seemed somewhat inspired - actually having a 1-0 lead early. I was surprised at how many long balls Chicago played in the first half, when their passing,possession game looked strong, even dazzling at moments. BenU tired in the second half, and became more stretched out resulting in a number of good Chicago chances, with two goals off nice crosses. Chicago was clearly the better side, but credit BenU with making it a game.
5-3 win over Edgewood -- to be honest, I was unsure how Edgewood would be able to score after watching the first 20 minutes, but they showed good resilience, and were aided by two 2 PK goals (one call reasonably debatable, the other being a silly, but fully legit foul) they climbed back in to make the score 4-3 with around 10 minutes to go. Tougher defense and the addition of another Lukas Sulka goal and brought the victory home. The three BenU forwards had a very strong night as Kapetanos had a goal and an assist, Stammer with 2 goals and 2 assists, and Sulka adding two goals. After a tough day finding the frame at Concordia Wisconsin, this trio had a very good day. Edgewood is a plucky squad, and I can see how they might sneak up on a team like that had just done to Aurora.
BenU takes on Dominican at home on Wednesday night....a must win if the BenU if they have any hopes of competing for the league title. It looks like a tough task, but that is why they play the games...
It has been a few weeks since I last updated, and of course there have been many ups and downs in the NAAC.
Concordia Wisconsin (8-1) would seem extremely lkely to hold on for the regular season championship, needing a win or draw vs. Rockford on Wednesday.
Dominican (8-2), after recently losing to (semi surging) Aurora and a fiesty Concordia Chicago, they righted the ship yesterday with a 4-2 victory over Edgewood to secure the second spot in the league -- in position for a first round bye in the NACC tourney, and the possibility of a league chamionship, should UCW falter.
Benedictine (7-2) is locked into third place regardless of their result over Wisc. Lutheren on Wednesday, as they hold the head to head tie breaker v Aurora, and are on the wrong side of that v. Dominican and UCW. BenU has strung together 5 straight wins, including victories v (5-1) Aurora and (3-1) @MSOE, and seem to be playing their best right now. Goal and point leader Nick Kapetanos was banged up in the last match, but they look for him to return by Saturday.
Aurora (6-3) -- winners of 5 of their last six, their one loss in that stretch was to Ben U. Aurora in the 6 team playoff field, but could finish anywhere between 4th and 6th seed. UCC remains on their schedule and Aurora holds the tie breaker v. Marian and MSOE, but not Edgewood. With a Wednesday win, they will host a Saturday match.
Edgewood (5-4) -- hosts Marian on Wednesday and would grab a spot with a victory or draw. A loss would likely eliminate them from the post season. They own the tie breaker v Aurora, but not MSOE.
MSOE (5-4) -- Lost three in a row to good squads -- UCW, Benedictine and Aurora. They have win-less Lakeland on Wednesday, so look likely to still secure a spot.
Marian (4-5) -- could still find their way in with a win vs. Edgewood.
Having seen most of these teams play in the past few weeks, I'd say it is nice to have a bye, because there is plenty of possibility for upset in this group. Though UWC has been the most consistent throughout, I would not be at all surprised to see Dominican, BenU or Aurora emerge the eventual winner. Who can get hot for 2 or 3 games? Should be interesting to watch!
Even off the first round bye, Dominican might be a bit hampered by the absence of Senior Daniel Ortega (big piece in their defense), who was sent off with a double yellow in their last match. Dominican recently cancelled a scheduled Wednesday game with Lake Forest, so Ortega will be suspended for the league Semi-Final.
Concordia Wisconsin took home the league crown with a drama free victory over Rockford. Dominican and Benedictine both finish 8-2, but the Stars receive the first round bye that goes with the 2nd seed.
BenU will host Marian who defeated Edgewood last night to get into the playoffs...Aurora will host the #5 seed MSOE -- both kick off at 7pm on Saturday.
After watching these teams this season it would be unsurprising to see any of the Top 4 seeds advance to receive the Automatic Bid. Dominican still strikes me as most complete, but BenU does look as if they are finally putting it together with a very talented roster -- we shall see.
I wonder the reason for the Dominican-Lake Forest cancellation? Hurts DU for sure in their semifinal bid.
After seeing a few squads live and almost all via online streams, I'll go with this as my NACC Tourney quarter-final predictions.
#6 Marian @ #3 Benedictine - In a rematch of a recent, feisty 1-0 win for BenU, I see the Eagles coming out strong on their home turf looking to repeat as Conference Tournament champions. Marian hasn't made a NACC tourney appearance since 2010 so none of their players are experienced in postseason play while BenU made the run to the NCAA Sweet 16. BenU cruises to a 2-0 victory.
#5 MSOE @ #4 Aurora - Aurora takes this one 3-1 I think unless Braden Andryk can carry MSOE. The Raiders have been quite average this season in my opinion and Aurora is playing well at the moment.
Quote from: casualfan on October 26, 2017, 04:08:47 PM
I wonder the reason for the Dominican-Lake Forest cancellation? Hurts DU for sure in their semifinal bid.
After seeing a few squads live and almost all via online streams, I'll go with this as my NACC Tourney quarter-final predictions.
#6 Marian @ #3 Benedictine - In a rematch of a recent, feisty 1-0 win for BenU, I see the Eagles coming out strong on their home turf looking to repeat as Conference Tournament champions. Marian hasn't made a NACC tourney appearance since 2010 so none of their players are experienced in postseason play while BenU made the run to the NCAA Sweet 16. BenU cruises to a 2-0 victory.
#5 MSOE @ #4 Aurora - Aurora takes this one 3-1 I think unless Braden Andryk can carry MSOE. The Raiders have been quite average this season in my opinion and Aurora is playing well at the moment.
Those were not bad predictions casualfan...certainly what would have been "expected"...but when the dust cleared, BenU seemed incredibly fortunate to get a 3-1 victory, and MSOE went on the road and pulled off the upset over Aurora.
The BenU/Marian match was flat out crazy. Benedictine was playing a man down for most all the second half, after Center Back Hugo Gomez picked up his second yellow of the match (thought it was a reasonable call). In the 66th minute, Marian GK Chacon and BenU Forward Lukas Sulka both received straight red cards for borderline fighting, and what amounted to full blown lack of maturity and control. Now playing 10 v 9, with 22 to go, Marain scored after a header/deflection found its way to an unmarked Sabre (Rodriguez) at the edge of the box - solid shot. Minutes later, Alonso Fragoso (league's leading goal scorer) who had made a night of hurling himself to the pitch and/or folding up at any contact, navigated his way through the defense and forced a challenge that seemed to be a legit foul. He took the PK, but was turned away by Keeper Marti Polo, shifting some hope BenU's way. Ben U took advantage of the moment and the back up keeper, with three goals (Stammer x2, Kapetanos) scored between the 81st and 85th minutes...it was an amazing change of fortunes, and a somewhat unbelievable result.
It was a physical, chippy, and often petty match that had fans from both camps alternatively seething and raucously celebrating. BenU was lucky, and will be missing 2 starters vs Dominican, but strangely, I think they have the talent and depth to make it a good game.
I have seen Aurora look both good and bad this season, and though MSOE has size and talent, I am stiil surprised at the result. I have not seen the video of the match, so I have no real comment on the match, other what has been chronicled in the recap. Concordia Wisconsin would seem to be a big favorite on Tuesday, but even if unlikely, another upset is not out of the realm of possibility.
I cannot say I love the 1pm and 2pm statrt time on the the Tuesday semi-finals, but so it goes...
BenU came back to tie the match at 1-1 after an early Dominican score...Eagles with the better of the play (including 5-1 SOG advantage). That said, Dominican had a few opportunities...I am guessing the winner is going to need 3 goals. We'll see...
Concordia Wisc and MSOE just kicking off.
Dominican wins the league Tourney defeating MSOE 2-1.
Hard to see any other team making the NCAA field, but Benedictine at least gets a mention with #5 Regional rank. All the teams ahead of them are locks/already in (Chicago, North Park, Calvin, and Dominican).
The only NACC tourney team ,Dominican, fell to Capital 2-1 in the final minute of the second overtime period. Credit Capital for getting the job done, but the Stars had a number of good scoring chances they failed to convert. So it goes...