EJay’s Weekly Pool – Week Four

All – My apologies. I am in New Orleans on a business trip and it’s not possible to record a session this week. We will be back at it on Friday for the Hive…. until then here is the link for this week and summary of each game with SC’s predictions.

Ejay’s Weekly Pool for Week Four

Trinity CT @ Colby

Trinity (Bantams) opened NESCAC play with a 1-2 home loss to ranked Williams, then responded with a clean 2-0 win over Hamilton. Colby drew 1-1 with Williams at home and fell 1-2 to Connecticut College. Trinity has shown better recent form and defensive solidity; Colby will rely on home support and set-piece threats. Slight edge to the visitors in a tight, low-scoring NESCAC battle, though a draw is very plausible.

Predicted score: Trinity 2 – Colby 1

Trinity’s Bantams (a small but fierce fighting rooster) look slightly sharper after a solid win over Hamilton. Colby’s Mules (a nod to the school’s hardworking spirit) will make it tough at home, but Trinity should edge a tight NESCAC contest.

Amherst @ Williams

Amherst fell 0-1 at home to strong Middlebury. Williams has looked solid early (including the win over Trinity) and sits in the national conversation. This is a classic NESCAC rivalry-style matchup on Williams’ home turf. Williams enters as the clearer favorite with better results and home advantage; Amherst will need an organized defensive effort and opportunistic counters to stay competitive. Expect a physical, low-to-mid scoring game.

Predicted score: Williams 2 – Amherst 0

Williams’ Ephs (named after founder Ephraim Williams and often represented by a purple cow) have the home edge and better early form. Amherst’s Mammoths (a unique prehistoric twist adopted in 2017) will battle hard but likely come up short.

Haverford @ Johns Hopkins

Haverford has been excellent defensively early (very low goals-against) and ranks well regionally. Johns Hopkins is a historically strong program but has shown mixed early form in some reports. Haverford’s organization and away resilience make this competitive; Hopkins will look to use home resources and attacking talent. Lean toward Haverford or a tight draw in a tactical, low-scoring affair.

Predicted score: Haverford 1 – Johns Hopkins 1

Haverford’s Fords (a simple, classic nod to the school’s name) bring strong defensive organization. Johns Hopkins’ Blue Jays (the only Division III program with that mascot) have talent at home, setting up a hard-fought draw.

Messiah @ Mary Washington

Both sides have national ranking recognition early (Messiah around the mid-20s in some polls; Mary Washington higher in others, including a #13 appearance). Messiah is a perennial power with strong organization and depth. Mary Washington has been clinical and ranked highly. This is one of the stronger non-NESCAC matchups on the slate—expect a high-quality, competitive game that could go either way or end level, with Messiah slightly favored on road experience against top sides.

Predicted score: Messiah 2 – Mary Washington 1

Messiah’s Falcons (symbolizing speed and precision) travel well and should just edge it. Mary Washington’s Eagles (a proud, soaring symbol) are ranked highly and will push this high-quality match to the limit.

Chris Newport @ Montclair State

Christopher Newport has posted strong early results (including clean sheets and high scoring output in some games) and ranks among the better teams in computer ratings. Montclair State has individual talent (including high goal scorers) and home-field energy. CNU’s balance and road capability give them the edge, but Montclair can make it uncomfortable. Look for a mid-scoring contest with CNU favored.

Predicted score: Christopher Newport 2 – Montclair State 1

CNU’s Captains (a seafaring nod to the school’s namesake explorer) have looked balanced and clinical. Montclair State’s Red Hawks (fierce raptors) will be dangerous at home but fall just short.

Carnegie Mellon @ Denison

Denison has traditional strength and home advantage in a competitive region. Carnegie Mellon is organized and capable of grinding out results. Denison should hold the edge at home in a tactical battle; CMU’s best chance is limiting chances and capitalizing on transitions. Expect a low-to-mid scoring, physical game.

Predicted score: Denison 1 – Carnegie Mellon 0

Denison’s Big Red (a simple, bold color-based identity) thrives at home in physical games. Carnegie Mellon’s Tartans (a Scottish plaid pattern reflecting the school’s heritage) are organized but likely held scoreless.

Ohio Wesleyan @ Marietta

Ohio Wesleyan brings athleticism and attacking threat. Marietta is a physical home side that thrives in direct contests. Home advantage and toughness lean toward Marietta, but OWU’s speed can create problems. A competitive, potentially higher-scoring affair is likely.

Predicted score: Marietta 2 – Ohio Wesleyan 1

Marietta’s Pioneers (honoring early settlers and explorers) get the home edge in a gritty matchup. Ohio Wesleyan’s Battling Bishops (a unique clerical warrior mash-up) will create chances but come away empty-handed.

Chicago @ WI Eau Claire

Chicago ranks highly nationally early (top 15 or better in some polls) with strong results. UW-Eau Claire is competitive in the WIAC and capable at home. Chicago’s quality and organization make them clear favorites on the road; Eau Claire will need a strong defensive effort and set pieces to stay close. Expect Chicago to control possession and create the better chances.

Predicted score: Chicago 2 – UW-Eau Claire 0

Chicago’s Maroons (named after the school’s official color) are one of the stronger early-season sides and should control the game. Eau Claire’s Blugolds (a blend of blue and gold) will compete but struggle to break through.

St. John’s MN vs. Colorado College

St. John’s (Johnnies) has been dominant early—high scoring (among the national leaders in goals per game), excellent defensively (near-zero GAA in early stats), and ranked nationally. Colorado College has mixed results (wins mixed with losses and a draw). St. John’s is the heavy favorite in this matchup (listed as vs., potentially neutral or favorable site) and should control the game with superior depth and finishing.

Predicted score: St. John’s 3 – Colorado College 0

St. John’s Johnnies (a friendly, traditional nickname for the students) have been dominant offensively and defensively. Colorado College’s Tigers (classic big-cat energy) face a steep uphill climb against the high-powered Johnnies.

Occidental @ Azusa Pacific

Occidental competes solidly in the SCIAC with technical play. Azusa Pacific has size, athleticism, and home advantage. APU is typically the more physical side and holds the edge at home; Occidental can stay competitive with organization and counters. Expect a physical West Coast battle decided by the trenches and finishing quality.

Predicted score: Azusa Pacific 2 – Occidental 1

Azusa Pacific’s Cougars (powerful mountain cats) should use home strength to prevail. Occidental’s Tigers (another big-cat mascot) will keep it competitive with technical play but fall just short.