Nashville Panther

Never in my 18 years involved with Boys Soccer in Tennessee has there been a weather disruption as bad as this. At Hume-Fogg we pretty much lost one entire week, then were able to get in a few indoor practices, fortunate to get one practice on an outdoor full-field. Attendance was not ideal as some guys could not get around due to transportation/ snow issues. Have lost 2 varsity and 2 JV scrimmages outright. Actually having a 'split-squad' day where half team is playing at one site with head coach and other half the team playing at a different site with assistant (on same day to maximize playing time). Unfortunately, the forecast is for thunder storms that day- HA!!

Great job CPA!! Glad to see a Middle Tennessee team win it.

I saw something in that game I never saw before. Signal pulled their goalie (ala Hockey) with about 4 minutes left. There was an open net. They brought on another offensive player who was technically the Goalie. He was wearing a penny. Almost worked as Signal had a few good chances. Nearly every guy I was next to said they have never seen anything like that before.

Well. I would say that you will see most of the same teams back at state and then the teams from Knoxville will win it. I hate to write this as I am a big fan of Middle Tenn. Soccer but as my FRA panthers head to divsion II, I don't see any changes overall in regards to East Tenn dominance. More specifics District 9 I have friends at CPA and they should be pretty solid (returning 3-4 key guys). HF loses a huge number of Seniors but they have some excellent young guys. MLK has some all-region freshman and a few other good players so they will be tough. GCS, DL not quite sure they always have good athletes. District 10 Has an insane number of teams and the winners of that district have been numerous. Look out for Clarksville Acad. they came out of nowhere to make the regions. Also, the White House area seems to ahve a good youth program so they will be able to replace some of their good players. Region 6 got rolled in substate but I think that CA has a beast of a player. They might get by one of the Nashville teams in substate. West Tenn I am sorry but until West Tenn. starts winning games outside their area I don't think they deserve the needed props. I believe that USJ is leaving. I have no idea who will take over the top spot. East Tenn. Chatt. Christian looked awesome in their defeat. I think they will remain a beast as they have been a good team for years. This leaves us CAK, Alcoa and the rest of the Knoxville region. They are still the tops and I think 2 teams will be back in the final four next year.

Totally agree with you!! Especially on the point about A soccer. I don't think there is a A team in all of Nashville. Keep it as it is!

Dude they charge 3 and 4 year olds $8.00

All year I have been complaining about the middle Tenn. teams in A-AA getting underrated. Well 2 of 4 in the semis are from Middle and 2 from East. The 'rankings' on this site and Eurosport would often have 4-5 teams from West Tenn. in the top 10 and virtually none from Middle Tenn. HF and CPA would be below some ridiculous teams in the rankings but win when it counts. Hats off to Station camp who has been under-rated as well.

Oh by the way 3 of the final 4 are public schools in A-AA.

I am now hearing that parking may not cost afterall. My buddy plays for one of the teams in the tourney and their AD was given the wrong info. by the TSSAA. I suppose I will bring the $5.00 in addition to the $8.00 just in case. I will probably blow the money on concessions if I don't have to pay the parking.

Oh and another note. Getting rid of the private schools is just the start. Once the private schools go they will then turn on the more successful public schools. Soon they will target the public magnet schools (whom have for the most part the affluent people the original poster comented on). Then they will target the public schools in rich areas like Station Camp, Brentwood, Farragut. Playing in a State Championship is not a right.

O.K. So everyone understands this. The moment that the private schools become totally separated; which the original poster is advocating here is what will happen. OPEN SEASON RECRUITING ON ALL GOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL PLAYERS! Be careful what you wish for private school haters. By the way, I think the public schools in the metropolitan areas will always vote the proposals down becuase they know that it is better for them (and I would advocate all including the private schools) for the private schools to stay under the regulations of TSSAA than to be outside of TSSAA and have free reign to openly recruit the best players. I want to clarify to the private school readers, that I believe that many private schools do not recruit but if forced into another association, they may be in an arms race with the 2 or 3 private schools in their area that do. The current sysytem with a slightly modified multiplier is best for all. No it may not be best for a small town team in a poor area but overall the current system is the best.

I think the answer is for the members of the board to look at what can be cut from the budget from Spring Fling/ TSSAA and then lower the prices. If they are not charging to park at soccer then fine. I got no problem with the $8.00. But to charge to park $5.00 on top of the 8 is out of line. Not everyone can get on a bus and roll in to save costs. There are kids who play for other teams that would like to see some good games and friends play and these high prices will keep attendance way down. You are right about the cost compared to Pro Football. But the idea of supply and demand works with the pros. There aren't thousands of people going to the soccer spring fling. There might be bigger crowds with a smaller cost for fans. Good idea on volunteering.

A-AA field. Someone mentioned that there are "non-usual" teams at the state. Well, besides from Alcoa and Madison the rest have been frequent teams in Murfreesboro. HF was in the final 2 years agoa and was there in 04. CPA played 2 of the last 3 years with CAK. Losing once in penalties and the other time 1-0 USJ is a standard at Murfreesboro CCS has won it before I believe and was in the semis in 07 CAK is anything but a "non-usual" team. Station Camp was in the tourney just last year. Now 2008 (Goodpasture, Heritage, S.C.) was a tad more non-usual. Especially Goodpasture which has often been a losing team except for 2008. I think the field is one of the best as there are several teams who have had success but have not played each other. Nor have they played teams from other parts of the state. The only team that has played more than 1 team in the field is Hume-Fogg (CPA and Station C). Should be lots of fun. I will be there complaining all the way about the parking and admission costs.

Nope. Its $8.00 a day. Thus, if you want to see a team through to the finals you are looking at $24.00 If you think its too high complain to the TSSAA. Contact your region/ area director on the board of directors.

I found out that in addition to the $8.00 admission. It will cost $5.00 to park at the soccer complex. Thus, a fan is looking at $13.00 to see a game or two. I have always defended the TSSAA whether it is their controversial policies on recruiting, red cards or whatever. These prices are way too steep!! Also, a friend of mine is a trainer and was told that they would have to pay to park EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE WORKING THE GAME FOR A PARTICIPATING SCHOOL!!! Not every school has a bus or van to fit the entire staff and squad on it thus multiple vehicles may be the only option. Oh those admission and parking prices are per day. Thus, local fans heading to the game will be looking at $39.00 to attend the entire tourney. Way too pricey!