Sweet 16

[SKUD]

https://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/soccer-men/d3

What are the most intriguing games and story lines?

[Another Mom]

I am sure there are lots of interesting ones, but I'm not so familiar with the other schools.

I think one interesting storyline is that of Coach Shabazz, at Washington and Lee. He is in his 1st season, and the start was VERY rocky (as one would expect). In early September one would *not* have predicted W&L would make the Tounament, let alone the Sweet 16. This is only his second time ever at the NCAA tournament.

[jknezek]

For me there are only a few games I don't find intriguing.

The whole Amherst pod doesn't really interest me. Yes, you have the Cinderella facing the giant, and the giant has to travel, something NESCAC teams rarely do. So I guess that could be interesting. But somehow I think Amherst will be fine, and very much carrying a chip on their shoulder about being in Wisconsin instead of at home. The other game in that pod is  a rematch of a 2-0 game earlier this season. I get it's odd to have 3 UW state schools, but the games just aren't that appealing to me.

Middlebury -- CMS is just not that interesting. CMS was getting bombarded by CC and was lucky the ref called back a goal on a rough call. I just don't think they are going to have the chops, especially at Middlebury.

Dickinson -- Buff State. Buff State got the push on PKs with the big tie. Again, they were being pinned back pretty good by Tufts. Dickinson isn't Tufts, but I think they have plenty of quality and it's unlikely a team can get out of two games in a row where they are likely going to have to scramble for much of the game. Plus it's a home game for Dickinson.

More interesting:

Williams -- W&L. W&L is hard to pin down this season. Williams is probably going to carry a chip for being in PA instead of at home. W&L has had plenty of experience with NESCAC teams the last few years in the tournament. 2 OT losses, a tie (loss on PKs), and a win in regulation. They shouldn't be surprised by anything Williams throws at them. I don't know enough about Williams, and of course I'm a W&L guy, so this is mildly interesting.

Kenyon -- Conn Col. A tale of as different a 2 trajectories as you can get at this stage. Conn Col won the NESCAC tournament and breezed through their first two games. Kenyon crashed out of the NCAC in the semis, struggled to finish off a weak Spaulding team, and then took PKs to get through Hamilton. Just 2 completely different post-seasons so far. Can Kenyon get it in gear to take out a team that is obviously running hot?

Most Interesting:

Trinity -- Babson. Not a matchup you'd see as a rule. Both teams with outright wins to get here, both teams with a NESCAC win. 1 loss between them all season long. Just a fascinating match up that we likely won't see again.

Mary Washington -- Denison. Denison rolled through their first two opponents. MWC struggled to score against OWU. OWU and Denison tied earlier this year. One loss between these two teams against D3 competition. I think this could be a competitive game, but it's a bit hard to tell. Denison came into the NCAAs riding a 2-0-3 stretch. But they exploded against Anderson and pounded ONU. MWC has been fantastic all season. Can a team with a couple hot games catch them? Especially at Mary Washington?

[Ron Boerger]

While it's unlikely, CMS and Trinity(TX) victories would lead to a matchup between the teacher, Trinity's Paul McGinlay and his long-time protege, CMS' Edward Cartee in the round of 8.  Cartee was McGinlay's assistant at Trinity for eleven seasons after playing for McGinlay from 2005-08.  As Kuiper previously noted, Cartee in 2023 took over a CMS program in chaos (4-3-5 in 2022 before the season was cancelled due to hazing) and this season's post-season performance matches the school's best in the last twenty years, when they lost in the round of 16 to Centre in 2019.

[College Soccer Observer]

Also, a Middlebury vs Trinity elite 8 game would be a rematch of the 2007 National Title Game, won by Middlebury on penalty kicks.  Current Midd Coach Alex Elias was a key member of the 2007 title winning team.

[PaulNewman]

Introducing Amherst College's new "mini-semester in Wisconsin"...

I think this is good for Amherst.  Not to say they wouldn't win if they were hosting, and obviously Amherst Nation can't say this, but Amherst still is an enormous favorite to advance to the F4.  They get arguably the weakest of the 3 Wisc teams first, and then would only face one from UWEC and Platteville.  Can't picture UWEC beating Amherst, especially without Nathan Donovan.  Is he out?  If so, probably Platteville would have the best chance.  I don't know enough about any of three to guess if any have the size to compete with the Mammoths, although certainly (like the other Wisc teams) UWEC has had a fantastic season and has rated very high in NPI throughout. 

Avoid pens and Amherst should be good to go.

If I was Enmorecat, I'd be tempted to skip Wisconsin, get an early start in Vegas, and watch the Wisc fixtures poolside.

[PaulNewman]

Carlisle, PA...

I know Dickinson has talent and maybe the home field coup will prevent a letdown, but Buff St imo becomes a tricky game for the Red Devils.  When a team like Tufts goes out it's natural to breathe a huge sigh of relief and think we're a big favorite now and supposed to win this.  Dynamics totally different.  That said, Dickinson is better off as they had hosting fall in their lap and there is no way there were going to beat Tufts.  Great opportunity for Dickinson.  Will they meet the moment?  Also obviously huge opportunity for Buff St as well.

Williams vs W&L is very much in the conversation for best Sweet 16 match.  Williams, ironically (or is it not ironically), is similar to Messiah in the sense that the Williams reputation can be intimidating.  It's flippin' Williams.  That said, other than fellow NESCACs, W&L might be least intimidated by a big NESCAC foe as anyone.  They have the experience of winning these types of games...and they should be flying high after getting past Hopkins in Baltimore.  This is a tough one to call and I'd say close to a 50/50 deal.  I have a superficial impression that W&L has more firepower offensively than Williams with Williams being tougher to score on.  That said, I think it is highly unlikely that Williams will keep W&L shut out....so, the question becomes...can they get 2 if they need to...and that's what I'm not sure about.  The winner of this one will be favored in the Elite 8 game.  Getting to yet another F4 would be something only Another Mom saw coming.  We usually make a lot out of coaching and coaching changes.  Who would have thought W&L would be back here after Singleton's departure (although still largely his team in terms of recruitment)?  Who would have thought St Olaf would win a national title the year after their young star coach departed (again, leaving a team he built)?  Or Williams with a new coach that many (most?) questioned reaching a national final and navigating quite a gauntlet to get there.

[Kuiper]

Introducing Amherst College's new "mini-semester in Wisconsin"...

I think this is good for Amherst.  Not to say they wouldn't win if they were hosting, and obviously Amherst Nation can't say this, but Amherst still is an enormous favorite to advance to the F4.  They get arguably the weakest of the 3 Wisc teams first, and then would only face one from UWEC and Platteville.  Can't picture UWEC beating Amherst, especially without Nathan Donovan.  Is he out?  If so, probably Platteville would have the best chance.  I don't know enough about any of three to guess if any have the size to compete with the Mammoths, although certainly (like the other Wisc teams) UWEC has had a fantastic season and has rated very high in NPI throughout. 

Avoid pens and Amherst should be good to go.

If I was Enmorecat, I'd be tempted to skip Wisconsin, get an early start in Vegas, and watch the Wisc fixtures poolside.

Platteville's GK Seth Aiken, who was first team all WIAC in the first year of the conference is massive at 6'8".  For Superior, Zach Tiemeyer, who was a first team all UMAC defender, is 6'4."  I don't think any of these teams focus on height in recruiting, but Wisconsin produces its fair share of big boys.

[PaulNewman]

The Otter Creek Bakery Sectional....

Middlebury vs CMS....Most assume Midd will ease through this one, but something tells me CMS is gonna show up.  That said, the stars finally aligned for the Panthers.  Seems like almost every year they've had to get through Amherst, on Amherst's field.  Or is this the year Trinity finally gets a bit of good forture after another sterling season (and still unbeaten)?  That would be a heck of an Elite 8 game.  But the Tigers, just like the Panthers, cannot get caught looking ahead, as Babson very easily could prevail out of this sectional.  Remarkably, in the middle of NESCAC country, Babson has maintained consistency and solid play under the radar basically the entire campaign.  Are the Beavers big enough?  And can they score enough? 

This is a sneaky strong sectional...and imho the second strongest of the four and not far off from #1.

Middlebury is a shockingly delightful small college town.  Some good restaurants, a great bakery, and a creek running through the town full of otters.  That said, as a visiting parent, I might be tempted to stay in Burlington where there are lots of good restaurants, great bars, and loads of UVM students still living a 1960s vibe.  One of the top college towns and small cities in the United States. 

[PaulNewman]

Introducing Amherst College's new "mini-semester in Wisconsin"...

I think this is good for Amherst.  Not to say they wouldn't win if they were hosting, and obviously Amherst Nation can't say this, but Amherst still is an enormous favorite to advance to the F4.  They get arguably the weakest of the 3 Wisc teams first, and then would only face one from UWEC and Platteville.  Can't picture UWEC beating Amherst, especially without Nathan Donovan.  Is he out?  If so, probably Platteville would have the best chance.  I don't know enough about any of three to guess if any have the size to compete with the Mammoths, although certainly (like the other Wisc teams) UWEC has had a fantastic season and has rated very high in NPI throughout. 

Avoid pens and Amherst should be good to go.

If I was Enmorecat, I'd be tempted to skip Wisconsin, get an early start in Vegas, and watch the Wisc fixtures poolside.

Platteville's GK Seth Aiken, who was first team all WIAC in the first year of the conference is massive at 6'8".  For Superior, Zach Tiemeyer, who was a first team all UMAC defender, is 6'4."  I don't think any of these teams focus on height in recruiting, but Wisconsin produces its fair share of big boys.

Who can forget UW-Whitewater's mountain of a man, Justin Stanko?  all 6'7, 230 lbs of him?  Back in the day (just a few years ago) Whitewater was the class of the Wisc schools with Oshkosh not far behind.

[NEsoccerfan]

Introducing Amherst College's new "mini-semester in Wisconsin"...

I think this is good for Amherst.  Not to say they wouldn't win if they were hosting, and obviously Amherst Nation can't say this, but Amherst still is an enormous favorite to advance to the F4.  They get arguably the weakest of the 3 Wisc teams first, and then would only face one from UWEC and Platteville.  Can't picture UWEC beating Amherst, especially without Nathan Donovan.  Is he out?  If so, probably Platteville would have the best chance.  I don't know enough about any of three to guess if any have the size to compete with the Mammoths, although certainly (like the other Wisc teams) UWEC has had a fantastic season and has rated very high in NPI throughout. 

Avoid pens and Amherst should be good to go.

If I was Enmorecat, I'd be tempted to skip Wisconsin, get an early start in Vegas, and watch the Wisc fixtures poolside.

Platteville's GK Seth Aiken, who was first team all WIAC in the first year of the conference is massive at 6'8".  For Superior, Zach Tiemeyer, who was a first team all UMAC defender, is 6'4."  I don't think any of these teams focus on height in recruiting, but Wisconsin produces its fair share of big boys.

Who can forget UW-Whitewater's mountain of a man, Justin Stanko?  all 6'7, 230 lbs of him?  Back in the day (just a few years ago) Whitewater was the class of the Wisc schools with Oshkosh not far behind.

RIP

[PaulNewman]

The Spotsylvania County Invitational...

Mary Washington just ended the career of college soccer's (ALL Divisions) winningest coach.  Two of his most prized proteges are heading to Fredricksburg.  I note that not to suggest they would be looking to avenge anything on behalf of Martin, but, as proteges, they are two of the best up and coming coaches in the business.  What Wall did at St Olaf and now continuing at Kenyon is remarkable...and what Bianco has done in less than a half-decade at Denison is phenomenal.  And of course Conn Coll boasts another one of the country's best young coaches, already with a national title in his pocket.  Mary Wash's Jason Kilby is the veteran maestro coaching arguably one of the best D3 teams assembled over the past decade.  Undefeated except for a pretty competitive loss to D1 giant, UVA.  Other connections?  Denison took Conn Coll to OT last year, and iirc, Denison's lethal striker, Krueger, had a very good chance to send Conn home in the dying seconds of regulation.  I'm sure almost everyone views Denison vs Kenyon in the Elite 8 as the least likely scenario, and they'd probably be right, but what a match that would be with a trip to the F4 on the line.  Will Mary Wash and Conn look ahead to each other?  I doubt it, and they shouldn't.  I am very confident that Denison will push Mary Wash hard...and I won't be surprised if the Big Red get through.  As for Kenyon, I'm hopeful that being underestimated will work better for the Owls than being overestimated (which has been the more likely scenario).  A lot depends on Kenyon's health?  Can Duratovic play more than 30 minutes at a high level?  Will Robert Little be able to go?  Can Martinez (very similar to MW's Castillo) cause Conn some problems.  If healthy, I think Conn vs Kenyon is close to a 50/50 game, and I do expect the Owls despite recent struggles to rise to the occasion.  Both coaches have a national title in their pockets...one as a coach, and one as a player. As for the contest I'm not hoping for, an Elite 8 match between MW and Conn would be exceptional.

[PaulNewman]

Introducing Amherst College's new "mini-semester in Wisconsin"...

I think this is good for Amherst.  Not to say they wouldn't win if they were hosting, and obviously Amherst Nation can't say this, but Amherst still is an enormous favorite to advance to the F4.  They get arguably the weakest of the 3 Wisc teams first, and then would only face one from UWEC and Platteville.  Can't picture UWEC beating Amherst, especially without Nathan Donovan.  Is he out?  If so, probably Platteville would have the best chance.  I don't know enough about any of three to guess if any have the size to compete with the Mammoths, although certainly (like the other Wisc teams) UWEC has had a fantastic season and has rated very high in NPI throughout. 

Avoid pens and Amherst should be good to go.

If I was Enmorecat, I'd be tempted to skip Wisconsin, get an early start in Vegas, and watch the Wisc fixtures poolside.

Platteville's GK Seth Aiken, who was first team all WIAC in the first year of the conference is massive at 6'8".  For Superior, Zach Tiemeyer, who was a first team all UMAC defender, is 6'4."  I don't think any of these teams focus on height in recruiting, but Wisconsin produces its fair share of big boys.

Who can forget UW-Whitewater's mountain of a man, Justin Stanko?  all 6'7, 230 lbs of him?  Back in the day (just a few years ago) Whitewater was the class of the Wisc schools with Oshkosh not far behind.

RIP

Omg....I'm sorry.  If I knew that I forgot.  Thanks for mentioning.

https://www.yursfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/st-charles/justin-blake-stanko/

[EnmoreCat]

A skilful attempt to lure me out Paul Newman and whilst there's nothing I would love more than to be making my way to the great state of Wisconsin, the Sydney 7.00am Sunday morning Sweet 16 game time is much more cost efficient for me and a perfect time to watch in downtown Enmore.

I'm happy for others to opine on likely outcomes, but would contend from now on that no result can truly be considered an upset.  I have seen enough to know that every participant at this stage is there on merit. 

[Bucket]

Gonna be self-indulgent for a minute, with close connections to three of the final 16 teams.

Most know that I'm a Midd partisan, my employer for the past 22+ years, and I'm fortunate enough to be offered the PA mic at South Street Field (as well as Pepin Gymnasium and Alumni Stadium).

I'm also a third-generation W&L alum, and a Lexington townie, to boot; my father taught journalism at W&L for 30+ years.

And my son is a freshman at Dickinson, where my sister earned her degree.

Panthers/Generals/Red Devils for me this weekend, in that order.

Hoping father and son (and maybe grandfather) get to make a friendly wager on a Sunday match-up of Generals and Red Devils. With hopefully the Panthers awaiting the winner in Vegas (Las, not Lex).