There are pros and cons to watching games on TV versus being at the field. When it comes to assessing the details of a player’s technique, off the ball movement, and overall awareness, the television can not compete. I was at the Home Depot Center on Saturday to watch Chile vs the US and the […]
5 Positive Influences for US Soccer in 2010
This year has made me a bit more optimistic for the future of the US game. When compared to my sentiments in years past, this one has been by far the best. No our national teams have not shown any progress, MLS and college remain barely watchable, and our youth development is still piss poor. […]
Winning vs Soccer Development? Part II
This winning vs development argument always seems to revolve around technique. I discussed a bit in part I of this series how a coach can only go so far in technical development. But people talk over and over again about how our professional player’s lack of technique is the biggest problem. Again, we’re missing over […]
Winning vs Development: Really? That’s the problem?
I’ve said it before and will say it again: We have only just begun the discussion on what’s wrong with soccer in the States. This discussion always surfaces, and rightly so, when we flounder on the international stage. Perhaps most recently when the US women lost to a lowly Mexico side, and subsequently limped in […]
Martin Vasquez: A Youth Soccer Coach?
So we’ve all heard about climbing the career ladder. And yes, sometimes we hear about demotions or taking a step back. But how about going from CEO to a line worker? Yes my friends, it looks like former Bayern Munich assistant and this season’s Chivas USA coach, Martin Vasquez, will become a U10 coach for […]
Youth Soccer Coaching Philosophy: The Right Way
One of our readers from Ohio truly believes his U14 son has a great coach who can develop players. He is Coach Everett Palache, from Cleveland United Soccer Club, and with his permission I’m sharing an email he sent to his team. Pay close attention to the soccer philosophy … Hello all, Here is the […]
The Best of Cal State Northridge and UC Davis Soccer
A freshman and two sophomores are the standouts from these rosters. When I profile players, it means I’m pointing out only those who are currently professional level material or can be in short order. So … true quality! Joe Franco (01/26/1990) Smooth, calm, and intelligent, the Northridge sophomore outside back demonstrates that the college game is […]
UC Davis Soccer is an Insult to the Game
Went to the UC Davis vs Cal State Northridge game on Saturday. Regardless of these teams not being soccer powers, the trip was worthwhile for two reasons: 1) I got 90 minutes of laughter. 2) I got to see three players with quality on the field. I’ll cover the first here and the second in […]
Is It Difficult to Identify Elite Soccer Players?
After I published the US needs a high level coach, a great discussion ensued in the comments. Today I want to focus on a particular topic that arose. Specifically, is it difficult to identify an elite player? And if so, why? The answer is quite involved, but I will offer a good starting point. At […]
The Best of UCSB and Creighton Soccer – Who Should be in the 2011 MLS Draft?
I was in Santa Barbara Tuesday night where 24th ranked Creighton defeated 21st ranked UCSB, 1-0. It was a typical college soccer game that relies on physical play and an abuse of long balls – no pauses or build-ups in possession. So I’m only writing this to report on who is ready for the next […]