BigG

What is your deal? All I said was that it was a shame that there are not more U.S. players on our college teams. I have not judged anyone, I didn't even start the thread. Get a grip greg141.

Before you start accusing people of being closed minded, maybe you should think about the context of how I stated it. Perhaps I was referring that it was unfortunate that our girls are not as good as the foreign players. I happen to have been a college soccer coach, and I have "woken up" to reality. I wish more US players were on college rosters. Relax a little there Greg141.

Welcome to college soccer in the U.S. You will find this on most any team, unfortunately.

That is how we do the NSCAA poll (I only do it for the guys, I am not involved enough in the girls' soccer outside of our local teams). No matter what the poll, there will always be disgruntled people and teams, but as long as they are done objectively, I think both are fine. I have disagreed with Eurosport at times, but overall I think they do a great job. I also agree with Hoya... Polls are fine, and look great when you are in one, but they sure don't bring home any hardware, and there are times when being ranked #1 is a big load. Everyone wants to knock you off. I would rather fly under the radar and make my presence known at the tournament. Look at CCS boy's. They came into the state tourney with a losing record and then made it to the state finals and played a great game. I don't even know if they were ranked before Memphis. They were a very classy team. Hoya, you know my heart is with my Lady Warriors, but outside of that, I am pulling for Catholic all the way. I would love to see a CAK vs. Catholic finals, but there is a LONG and difficult road before that happens. Good luck to all teams in districts next week.

I happen to like the Eurosport poll, and I have never complained about how coach does it... all I wanted to know was who was involved. And what classifies a "wanna be"?

CAK has a vote in NSCAA, but does not have vote in Eurosport.

I coach in eastern Tennessee and I do not have a vote... I don't know any for sure that do.

That's pretty harsh... I don't think you realize how difficult it is to accurately poll all of the teams in TN. Mjuhb puts a LOT of time and thought into his posts and polls. Sounds more like he might not have ranked your team as high as you may have liked. Maroon and grey, do you know who does the Eurosport poll? Not trying to be confrontational, just curious.

I would like to know...

Alcoa won this one, which puts them in second place behind Seymour. I have heard that Seymour's star player got hurt... anyone know anything about that?

Gotta go with Alcoa... good luck to Coach Martin, one of the nicest men you will ever meet. I don't know too much about Rockwood, but I know Alcoa has 2 girls that can score. Keep us posted on the results.

Do you think that this would set a precedent for Tennessee? Does anyone know if any of the private schools in TN are taking litigation against the TSSAA? My dog in this hunt is unaffected, since we are in A/AA in soccer, we just move from the A to the AA, so no change. But I know our basketball/football etc. is greatly affected.

I think BOTH Grace and CCS will have great teams in the boy's division... they were two of the top teams we played last season, but let's not turn this into a substitute boy's thread. Only a few months, and it is on for us! Be patient!

I believe he is referring to them coming up and scoring from a defensive position.

Congrats to Merrol Hyde team and their coach! I hope (as you do) that this is the first of many.

Members of the NSCAA can recommend for the rankings on the site) through a contact person), but you have to be a member of TACA to do All State. There are some good advantages to being a member of NSCAA, which also includes some great supplimental insurance coverage for camps and coaching. They also do some great individual and team awards that you or your teams are not elligible for unless the person that recommends you is a member. It is really hard to get an overall scope (statewide) for the strength of teams. You mostly have to go with results and strength of schedule. But on a seperate note, Rankings are great and really can get teams excited, but don't mean a whole lot of hooey in the playoffs. CCS (in the boy's) was ranked 10th with a losing record, and ended up playing in the finals (VERY classy team, as well as quite skilled I might add). So, don't put a whole lot into it.

How can CCS not be rated in the Redmond? They are undefeated.

Hoya, why are you telling all our secrets!!! I'm just glad that CAK got out of their "funk" and started playing like I know they can! Good luck Lady Warriors!

mjuhb... how in the world are you so informed all over the state?! Also, your posts and rankings are very well thought out, which means you put a WHOLE lot of time into it... and I used to think that I was a Coach T addict! Great stuff man! Keep it up. I would be curious to know what you do. Do you go to most of the games, or do you have a lot of contacts? And if you want to remain "mysterious" I completely understand! Keep up the good work!

CAK is ahead of Kingston with 2 minutes left 3-0. I was not at the game, so I can't judge details... if anyone was there, please inform.

I did not see the Oneida game, but I did see the Catholic game. Catholic has 2 outstanding forwards who are killer on free kicks, and have great shots. They worked the ball well, and seemed to have a good game plan. I personally think they are one of the top teams in the region.

CAK lost that game. Not sure if they were public or private... Does that "count" since it is out of state? Just curious.

It goes by coaches recommendations from around the state. I am not sure who is involved from the girl's side.

If you had to make a recipe stating the top five most important traits, what would they be? Is it all in the coaching, all in the talent? How much is in the teams "bonding"? If I had to make my own mix, I would say idealy Team bonding or togetherness: A lot of teams neglect getting their teams to get a long together. Less talented teams can beat a more talented, if you have everyone backing each other up. Having an tremendously talented player getting along with the least talented is a hard thing to do, but vital for success. In my opinion, this is the most important. Passion: How badly do you want to win? What cost are you willing to pay? Are you running and training when others are not? Do you leave "it" on the field when the 80 minutes are up? Talent: Obviously, you need to be able to get the ball to do what you want. Game plan: Your team needs to perfect its own playing style. This can change from year to year (depending on the team you have) but you need to have your own plan. Note: If it is not working, don't be too stubborn to change it! Too many teams stick with what was successful LAST year. Playing with class: This is another most often neglected, and also the hardest to maintain and enforce. Anyone can win, but in my mind, a true champion does it with class. Don't run up the score, congratulate the other team for good play, play hard, but if you knock someone down, give them a hand up afterwards. This is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. (A lot of people would dissagree) Note... Coaching: Is not in my top 5 but is vital for the success of implimenting the top 5. It can also impact more than any if abused. Can be over or under rated. Should be the driving factor BEHIND the scene... the game is about the players. He or she sets the example of how a player should act. I would be curios to know your opinions. Each coach has his or her different style. Also, what works for you or your team, may not work for mine, or vice versa. I don't think there is a perfect mix... so feel free to dissagree!

I am with CAK. Thanks for the explanation... I was talking with the Catholic soccer coach, and what is ironic, is that one of the reasons that Catholic went Div 1, was so that they would not have to travel as much, but now, with our new district, they are almost going as far as they were when they were in Div 2. Also, does it seem like more of the private schools were grouped together in the new districts? I am not trying to stir anything up, just curious. It seems that way with soccer, at least.