U-23 Camp Impressions

Pre-session chat. January 10, 2012

I attended 4 of the sessions and both games versus Klinsmann’s senior team. Caleb Porter First and foremost, if our praise for Caleb Porter hasn’t been evident, let me repeat, Caleb Porter is legit. Previously, we’ve been judging him solely from watching his Akron team (on TV and in person). Meaning we’ve never seen him [...]

The Most Important Thing You Must Understand About Coaching

Elite coaching is an art.

This is my response to reader John, who left an excellent set of comments. The last of which I’ll address here. Specifically: I’d love to see you talk about specific tactics, Gary. I have no doubt that you are very a bright guy, but I wish you’d share your knowledge with us. Tell us about [...]

Camp For Young Professionals, College Players, and …

3four3 camp pic (12/28/11)

There is nothing high-level available for this group of players during their off-seasons. That hurts, and it must be fixed! During the holidays we held a 4 day camp for them. It was a pilot program really, as we have never done such a thing, but I was pleased with the turnout. Here’s the list [...]

Youth Teams Playing Up: The Pre-teen Years

Barcelona Academy U10

Oh how everyone talks as if they know what “development” is, and how to do it. Sigh … Let’s talk a little bit about “playing up” and whether it helps or not. This weekend our U11′s are going to play in a U12 tournament. This isn’t the first time competing up either. The last was [...]

Hermann Trophy 2011

Hermann Trophy

For those not aware, the Hermann Trophy is soccer’s equivalent to the Heismann. So I’m scanning the blogs out there, and I came across the following comments on this post concerning the 15 semifinalists for the award. Mark said: 12 forwards and 2 mids in that list. Seems like the trophy is skewed towards goal [...]

UCLA Bruins vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights: 3-0

Craque!  Kelyn Rowe in full gallop with head up.  The Bruin #10 looking to lead UCLA back to College Cup.

Westwood, CA –  Made another trip to Westwood to catch the NCAA 3rd round matchup between UCLA and Rutgers. Gary decided to tag along since watching UCLA meant seeing Kelyn Rowe parade his quality all over the field.  He didn’t need much convincing when I extended the invite.  Again, it was $10 dollars well spent [...]

UC Irvine vs Saint Mary’s College: 1-2

stmary's

Irvine, CA – Made the quick journey south to catch the UCI Anteaters hosting the St Mary’s Gaels in 2nd round NCAA tournament action on a rainy night. Yep, packed the umbrella, towels, notebook, and camera and combatted the rain along with the other 656 people in attendance. The game had lots of promise. The [...]

Creighton Bluejays vs Missouri State Bears: 1-0

Creighton mens soccer captured the MVC title, now aim for the bigger prize at NCAA Championships.

Omaha, NE –  The Missouri Valley Conference Championship game had the #1 and #2 seeds matched up head to head for the automatic NCAA berth.  There was lots to play for and it was evident with some of the tough challenges and physical play on both sides.  Creighton was playing for a top seed in [...]

Progress

“We’ve made good progress in the last 20 years.” Yes we have, and we should all be happy for it. However, it’s easier going from 40% to 70%, than it is from 70% to 100%. The first jump involves broad strokes. You know, the “common sense” stuff. The second jump involves the details. You know, [...]

Creighton Bluejays vs Bradley Braves: 1-0

DSCN3190

Omaha, NE – I made the journey out to Nebraska to cover the Missouri Valley Conference tournament live at Morrison Stadium. What an incredible soccer facility!  The host Creighton Blue Jays aren’t too bad themselves.  They are ranked #2 in the country and #1 in the RPI.  Winning the Valley tournament clinches them a top [...]