[DenverCard]

Very pleasantly surprised by Stanford's lofty seed in the wake of the loss to Cal.  Many of Stanford's non-conference opponents either just were not good (American U, San Jose State, USF) or had unexpectedly disappointing years (Akron, which didn't make the tournament for the first time in about 17 years, I believe) and Denver (which finished 3rd in a lowly-rated conference, but then did make NCAAs by winning their conference tourney that happened to be held in Denver by prior arrangement).  And UCLA and SDSU in the Pac-12 were underwhelming this year.  That beat-down that Stanford put on Penn State in the first game of the year must have carried a lot of weight.  As well, perhaps the higher-than-expected seed -- by me, at least -- owes to under-seeding in past years or a return-of-Tanner-Beason boost.



Whereas the nature of soccer and the parity across the country makes it a fool's game to get overly analytical about match-ups, I must say I'm also glad that the other top California teams were not placed in Stanford's bracket.  Most notably St. Mary's, which is a senior-laden team with just one loss in the last two years.  And the seniors on that team are very good.  Stanford knocked them out of the tournament last year on penalty kicks, but that was a game that St. Mary's dominated.  Stanford did beat them in a preseason game this year 3-0, but per Gunn's post-game comments, it was a tightly fought game.  It would be no surprise to me if St. Mary's went to Indiana and eliminated the Hoosiers.  UC Davis (seeded) and UCSB are also good.



Although I realize its apostasy to say it, I'm glad Cal made the field.  (Big time surprised, too. They had some bad losses this year, as they were SDSU's only conference win, and they lost to Denver. Both losses at home.)  From what one can glean from watching games on TV and hearing snippets of news, I like their coach, Kevin Grimes, and I like they way they play.  To play them again this year would be propitious for both teams.    Cal starts with a rematch with UCSB, which I think is a scheduling mishap, as rematches seem unnecessary with so many teams to choose from.



For Stanford to go very far, I believe they will have to play better than they have so far this year.  Perhaps the favorable seeding will be the catalyst to make that happen.

[DenverCard]

Very pleasantly surprised by Stanford's lofty seed in the wake of the loss to Cal.  Many of Stanford's non-conference opponents either just were not good (American U, San Jose State, USF) or had unexpectedly disappointing years (Akron, which didn't make the tournament for the first time in about 17 years, I believe) and Denver (which finished 3rd in a lowly-rated conference, but then did make NCAAs by winning their conference tourney that happened to be held in Denver by prior arrangement).  And UCLA and SDSU in the Pac-12 were underwhelming this year.  That beat-down that Stanford put on Penn State in the first game of the year must have carried a lot of weight.  As well, perhaps the higher-than-expected seed -- by me, at least -- owes to under-seeding in past years or a return-of-Tanner-Beason boost.



Whereas the nature of soccer and the parity across the country makes it a fool's game to get overly analytical about match-ups, I must say I'm also glad that the other top California teams were not placed in Stanford's bracket.  Most notably St. Mary's, which is a senior-laden team with just one loss in the last two years.  And the seniors on that team are very good.  Stanford knocked them out of the tournament last year on penalty kicks, but that was a game that St. Mary's dominated.  Stanford did beat them in a preseason game this year 3-0, but per Gunn's post-game comments, it was a tightly fought game.  It would be no surprise to me if St. Mary's went to Indiana and eliminated the Hoosiers.  UC Davis (seeded) and UCSB are also good.



Although I realize its apostasy to say it, I'm glad Cal made the field.  (Big time surprised, too. They had some bad losses this year, as they were SDSU's only conference win, and they lost to Denver. Both losses at home.)  From what one can glean from watching games on TV and hearing snippets of news, I like their coach, Kevin Grimes, and I like they way they play.  To play them again this year would be propitious for both teams.    Cal starts with a rematch with UCSB, which I think is a scheduling mishap, as rematches seem unnecessary with so many teams to choose from.



For Stanford to go very far, I believe they will have to play better than they have so far this year.  Perhaps the favorable seeding will be the catalyst to make that happen.