The College Soccer Experience (1 Viewer)

[SwampDawg]

With my other thread about youth and high school soccer no longer being relevant I thought I'd start a new one to discuss my sons experiences with college soccer and would love from any other parents on that journey or former players to chime in as well. Turning the youth thread over to @The Z Machine and others and will follow along on their adventures.

My son reported to school about a week and a half ago with the rest of fall sports (other then football that reported like 5 days earlier yet). So they had a week of two a days along with all the other stuff like media day pics, concussion baseline testing, etc. before freshman orientation this past Thursday/Friday and a scrimmage Saturday. We talked to him pretty much nightly that first week because momma SwampDawg needed it. In general he said practices weren't a whole lot different then his club trainings. The things that were different was the additional things they were required to do outside soccer, concussion baselines in the past had been a short online test, now it was a 45 minute SCAT test. Media pics in HS and for club were basically a head shot, now it was that plus some other shots and video for them to use throughout the year. And of course instead of going home after he now went back and hung out with the team for meals, free time, etc.

Then there was the fitness test...he would do them in HS and be the first or second one done and way under time, it was generally just a two mile run. Well here it was a beep test, I suggested once his club season was done he should mock out one of these but he was confident so I didn't push him. Apparently he and over half the team failed it the first day. He did get through stage 14 of 15 so he was close, he said some only made it to 11 or 12. He had some extra running to do at practice as a result. That said he felt he was in pretty good shape, that a lot of the others were sore at the end of the week and he felt good.

Saturday we went up to watch his scrimmage against a college the next city over. Team they played is in a different league but still D3. The negative the team did not play well as a whole and lost 4-0, the positive was my son did play pretty well and got a decent amount of time. He was the first to sub in (about 15 minutes in) so he got to play with the starters and he played the rest of the first half. Then he started the second half with the starters back on the field and played 10 minutes before getting subbed off. So approximately 45 minutes and a good portion with the starters. We went out to dinner after the game and he said he wasn't sure what was up that a number of the kids (primarily CB's, Center and Defensive Mids) did not play near as well as they play in practice which led to the break downs. Hopefully just first game jitters. We did start two other freshman and three sophomores as well while the other team was almost all seniors and juniors. He's playing right wingback in a 3-5-2-1 so let's hope he's watching Sergino Dest highlights. He said he had his weekly coaches meeting yesterday and coach told him to expect a decent amount of playing time. He's behind a senior right now on the depth chart but with this formation the wingbacks need to be busting it up and down the field and they have a pretty full schedule where they have back to back games, so he plans to try and keep them fresh which should lead to some decent minutes.

They open up for real Friday afternoon at home and then Saturday afternoon a road game, so we shall see how it goes. Parent group is doing a tailgate before the game Friday so we plan to head up early and get to know the other parents a little. He's only had two days of class so far but said it seems good. His roommate is on the team as well and they have the same major and they seem to be getting along really well and he's enjoying hanging out with the guys in general.

 

[El Floppo]

Black and white ball shaped dot.

 

[mdstarnes]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

 

[B Maverick]

I was a walk-on at a D1 school MANY MANY MANY seasons ago. Played sparingly my first few years, multiple positions. Do have some great memories though. And some good friends, one of which plays Sunday league with me still.

We had to run the "cooper test" which was 2 miles in 12 mins. Very few came into camp in shape and made it. I was usually about a 1/2 to 1/4 lap slow. Hated it.

One thing I wish I had found was the discipline to stay consistent with an offseason workouts and a strength/conditioning routine. Back then weights weren't a big deal and with no football team there was not a big training room. I am sure they will have that laid out for your son, but my school was a lesser program even at D1.

Also, my sister did get a scholarship to play at the same school I was at. Solid frosh season but did not really get along with the coach. Ended up leaving, going back home to change courses. Ended up coaching at the club and JC level. Still plays as well.

Sadly my daughter retired and will not be pursuing college ball.

 

[El Floppo]

excited to follow along!

Also a former D1 player- recruited by a lot of schools, chose the one that I thought was the best fit even if the coach knew me the least (across the country and had never seen me play)- top 10 soccer school, always in the NCAAs, a couple years off having a Herman winner and losing in the NCAA championship game in ET after an undefeated season. completely different era (late 80s, early 90) in terms of what D1 soccer looked like, especially in the Ivies where we weren't even allowed to play once the season ended.

my era... not so hot. but a couple NCAA round of 16s. and it turned out my coach really didn't like me- I was from CA and had long hair just before that became more normalized, so he assumed- despite what I did on the field- that I was a flake. subbed into my first couple games as a frosh and got a goal and assist, but his opinion was set and I was basically rooted to the bench. it was rough going from auto-start, one of the best around, to riding pine without much PT at all. had to adjust my mind set about the sport repeatedly over the year and years, until the preseason of my senior year when I'd basically written it off and was just going to have a fun last year... ended up being a starter and going to round of 16 before a brutal last second goal eliminated us.

I think mental and emotional confidence and flexibility are key. of course you have to put in the work physically- but those two factors are complete wildcards but that still remain in your control.

lol... yeah- the cooper test...ugh. I was always just over 11mins, so all ok- but that thing sucked. never did the beep test- after my time.

 

[SofaKings]

Very, very similar to my daughters D3 experience a few years back. Brought back memories about training and beep test! I remember her club coach in June telling her team(3/4s going to college) DO NOT BLOW OFF FITNESS THIS SUMMER. Great advice!

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Thanks for firing this up. Stoked for him!

ECNL-RL 7th grader. Among the top players on his team despite puberty not kicking in yet. Plays #10. ECNL team is strong, so moving up is a goal that will require hard work.

Black dot.

 

[Gally]

I think mental and emotional confidence and flexibility are key. of course you have to put in the work physically- but those two factors are complete wildcards but that still remain in your control.

It's amazing how this part is not stressed enough in this process. Being strong emotionally and having the ability to be flexible is key to going up in pond size (high school to college). Confidence and not being afraid to fail are other huge benefits if you can do that as well.

The mental part is so huge especially with moving away from your comfort zone

 

[El Floppo]

not being afraid to fail

massive.

I was terrified of this. still am.

 

[SwampDawg]

I think mental and emotional confidence and flexibility are key. of course you have to put in the work physically- but those two factors are complete wildcards but that still remain in your control.

It's amazing how this part is not stressed enough in this process. Being strong emotionally and having the ability to be flexible is key to going up in pond size (high school to college). Confidence and not being afraid to fail are other huge benefits if you can do that as well.

The mental part is so huge especially with moving away from your comfort zone

This has been a strong area for my son and hopefully continues to be at least in attitude. He has never liked being the best player on his team (at least for club) . When he moved to the club he ended up on the last 5 years and then they moved to ECNL he saw regular playing time but he only started (until last year) if one of the other two outside backs were out or if we had a brutal stretch of games. We'd talk every tryout season like is this where you want to be or do you want to look at one of the clubs one step down and know you are likely going to start and not come off. He always said he wanted to play at the highest level he could and be pushed to get better and obviously wanted to play but if that meant he normally only got 30-40 minutes a game (he would usually spell both the RB and LB opposite halves) he would rather do that then play and dominate and not get better.

 

[SwampDawg]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out, That whole part of it was interesting and girls start and commit much sooner then boys so it makes it even tougher. We knew nothing was going to happen until his senior year because basically only top D1 boys commit earlier. But I know a bunch of junior girls that committed to D2 and even D3 schools.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I played D3 soccer in the late 80s----so way different than now.

My main struggle as a freshman was balancing the academics with the athletics, not to mention the freedom of the social life in my first year on my own. I imagine that isn't too much different nowadays.

I'm sure your son will do a better job with that balancing act than I did my freshman year. I managed to pull it together and did fairly well but it can be a challenge for an 18 to 20 year old.

I wish him the best in both his academic and athletic endeavors.

 

[mdstarnes]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out, That whole part of it was interesting and girls start and commit much sooner then boys so it makes it even tougher. We knew nothing was going to happen until his senior year because basically only top D1 boys commit earlier. But I know a bunch of junior girls that committed to D2 and even D3 schools.

Thanks, and will do. The early Power Five commitments have been crazy to watch. The team above hers (so 2009s...juniors...) have probably half of their team committed already. The players are very good, but you gotta wonder how many "due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm reopening my recruitment" posts there will be a year or two from now. There's no way all those coaches are around, plus who knows what happens in the time between the verbal commit and signing that paper.

What did you guys do in terms of ID camps? It's hard for me to not be skeptical with them. My daughter went to two, but both were D II schools, so the coach was able to communicate in advance and after. Those seemed worth the money. Playing ECNL on the girls side obviously gets kids on mailing lists where you get form letters/emails inviting you to all sorts of things, but driving/flying around the country to do them at this stage seems like a waster of time and money. Again, though, I'm old and cranky.

 

[SwampDawg]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out, That whole part of it was interesting and girls start and commit much sooner then boys so it makes it even tougher. We knew nothing was going to happen until his senior year because basically only top D1 boys commit earlier. But I know a bunch of junior girls that committed to D2 and even D3 schools.

Thanks, and will do. The early Power Five commitments have been crazy to watch. The team above hers (so 2009s...juniors...) have probably half of their team committed already. The players are very good, but you gotta wonder how many "due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm reopening my recruitment" posts there will be a year or two from now. There's no way all those coaches are around, plus who knows what happens in the time between the verbal commit and signing that paper.

What did you guys do in terms of ID camps? It's hard for me to not be skeptical with them. My daughter went to two, but both were D II schools, so the coach was able to communicate in advance and after. Those seemed worth the money. Playing ECNL on the girls side obviously gets kids on mailing lists where you get form letters/emails inviting you to all sorts of things, but driving/flying around the country to do them at this stage seems like a waster of time and money. Again, though, I'm old and cranky.

We didn't do a lot of ID camps. We only did one of the big multiple school ones and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't helped by the fact it ended up on a rainy cool Friday night so some coaches bailed including the one my son was most interested in talking to and others seemed disinterested. The ones I felt the best about were the ones the colleges themselves ran. I believe he went to those at three different schools, two of them he ended up going back to a second at the coaches request and one of those he got invited to an official weekend visit and I'm pretty sure would have gotten an offer had he not committed to his school first.

Oddly the school he is going to the coach never saw him play in person until after he had committed, he went totally off our video and conversation with our club coach. We were lucky in that his club coach is super respected by college coaches in the northeast. The college coach told us his job while a D1 assistant was to break down video of foreign players to see who they might be interested in so he got good at finding what players could do on video. I would highly suggest getting good at putting video together. We would sit down together once a month or and go back through games and pull out clips. It was good getting my sons input because sometimes he would say no or yes to something I thought looked good or bad because of what he saw from a players perspective. I would then put them together usually in a fall/winter and spring group for him to email out. I'll DM you his YouTube page, I really think the videos helped make a good quick first impression.

 

[Gally]

We didn't do a lot of ID camps. We only did one of the big multiple school ones and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't helped by the fact it ended up on a rainy cool Friday night so some coaches bailed including the one my son was most interested in talking to and others seemed disinterested. The ones I felt the best about were the ones the colleges themselves ran. I believe he went to those at three different schools, two of them he ended up going back to a second at the coaches request and one of those he got invited to an official weekend visit and I'm pretty sure would have gotten an offer had he not committed to his school first.

I am more familiar with the baseball side of things but have found that school specific showcases seem to be much better than general showcases. Too many general showcases are money grabs. The school specific ones are money grabs as well so I wouldn't just go to "any school" showcase. If there are schools the kid is interested in going to then go to those school showcases. It will give the kid the chance to see how the coach/program run things and likely talk to the coach themselves. At least for baseball these are typically a fundraiser to pay assistant coach salaries so they try and blast the invites but if you really want to go to the school it is a good way to meet the coach in a setting they are looking at players doing things they want to see.

 

[El Floppo]

We didn't do a lot of ID camps. We only did one of the big multiple school ones and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't helped by the fact it ended up on a rainy cool Friday night so some coaches bailed including the one my son was most interested in talking to and others seemed disinterested. The ones I felt the best about were the ones the colleges themselves ran. I believe he went to those at three different schools, two of them he ended up going back to a second at the coaches request and one of those he got invited to an official weekend visit and I'm pretty sure would have gotten an offer had he not committed to his school first.

I am more familiar with the baseball side of things but have found that school specific showcases seem to be much better than general showcases. Too many general showcases are money grabs. The school specific ones are money grabs as well so I wouldn't just go to "any school" showcase. If there are schools the kid is interested in going to then go to those school showcases. It will give the kid the chance to see how the coach/program run things and likely talk to the coach themselves. At least for baseball these are typically a fundraiser to pay assistant coach salaries so they try and blast the invites but if you really want to go to the school it is a good way to meet the coach in a setting they are looking at players doing things they want to see.

Was just talking to one of our HS parents with soccer daughters...theyre hitting up the local college camps for those reasons, as well as getting the kid a feel for the campus.

My club coach through HS was also the coach at USF- at the time the winningest coach in college soccer history. My Jr and Sr year i had him talk to the east coast coaches i hadnt met (like my eventual choice) since we didnt have any if the stuff kids have now. It was a real blessing/advantage.

 

[Nigel]

Mostly money-grabs, primarily a means for low-paid assistant coaches to make a few extra bucks. Be selective and realistic, attend only those that are reasonable matches for your kid's skill level.

 

[Gally]

only those that are reasonable matches for your kid's skill level.

This is so key and probably one of the hardest things for parents and kids to honestly evaluate. The first step in any recruitment journey has to be an honest assessment of the players talent level. Without that you are going to be barking up the wrong tree way too much.

 

[SwampDawg]

First official games in the book. Friday a 1-0 win, we scored in the 4th minute and while I think we were the better team it was a pretty even game. My son got 5 minutes at the end of the first half and 5 minutes at the end of the game and was solid. They only used 6 subs, so we were happy that the coach trusted him enough to put him in a tight game at the end of each half.

Saturday they had an away game. Ended up a 4-1 win. He came into the game with it 0-0 and about 20 minutes left in the first half, we scored about a minute before the end of the half to go up 1-0. Came back into the game like 10 minutes into the second and played another 25 minutes. Probably would have stayed in but with the score 4-1 the coach brought in a bunch of kids the last 10 minutes to get them some time. Overall played pretty decent, he was the cause of the one goal they gave up however. Other team crossed it right to left, he had the backside defense and the ball went over top both of them. As he was running around the other kid (he says he had gotten completely around him) their feet tangled and the offensive player went down and they gave them a PK. The penalty call was bang bang and I can honestly say was a 50/50 call IMO. What it wasn't was a PK, because they were a good two feet outside the box. The AR said it was outside the box but the center ref overruled him. A photo that was taken by one of our parents and posted on the parent facebook page clearly shows they are well out of the box. What annoyed me was that he actually ended up with the ball and was turning up field when the ref blew the whistle and he booted the ball down the field and got a yellow. He knows better and isn't usually one to get so emotional so not thrilled at his reaction. But he played another 10 minutes after that and played well. Overall the team looked the best I had seen them so far, the mid field was really connected and moving the ball.

So first weekend, two games, two wins, 55 minutes played and one yellow card. Not a horrible start. He came home after the game Saturday because they had off Sunday and a later practice today and this was his one chance to get home until late October. He's having a good time, really enjoying the guys on the team and the experience. I'm sure classes will get more intense starting this week but at least they don't have a weeknight game this week. Two games again next weekend in upstate NY so we booked a room and are going up to watch him.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

That's awesome. It's fun to be part of a team in college.

Having played two D1 college non-revenue sports (golf and tennis), all I can say is have fun with it. Both you and him.

I think it's great parents come to events now. Back when I played parents were non-involved. Occasionally one would show up at a tourney or match, but otherwise there was limited parent interaction. Most had other kids or jobs that made travel too tough considering where we travelled to. I think it's nice parents form a bond with each other these days.

For him, just play the sport to the best he can and have fun with teammates. It's tough to keep up the level of focus and practice, especially with classes, girls, parties, etd. And there's the obvi frustrations of being on a non-revenue team and getting limited funding. I got overly annoyed by it. So my advice not that you asked for it is for him to have fun getting better every day and hanging with good friends. Which it seems like he's doing so far.

Can't wait to read more about his success.

 

[El Floppo]

That's awesome. It's fun to be part of a team in college.

Having played two D1 college non-revenue sports (golf and tennis), all I can say is have fun with it. Both you and him.

I think it's great parents come to events now. Back when I played parents were non-involved. Occasionally one would show up at a tourney or match, but otherwise there was limited parent interaction. Most had other kids or jobs that made travel too tough considering where we travelled to. I think it's nice parents form a bond with each other these days.

For him, just play the sport to the best he can and have fun with teammates. It's tough to keep up the level of focus and practice, especially with classes, girls, parties, etd. And there's the obvi frustrations of being on a non-revenue team and getting limited funding. I got overly annoyed by it. So my advice not that you asked for it is for him to have fun getting better every day and hanging with good friends. Which it seems like he's doing so far.

Can't wait to read more about his success.

Is swampdog jrs college soccer team non-funded?

 

[coopersdad]

Don't follow soccer much, but I do watch my nephew play goalie at Akron...........supposedly he's one of the top goalies in the nation.

He and his brother moved from their hometown to Minnesota for HS to play soccer. As a baseball family w/ 2 boys who played(ing) D1 baseball, when I heard this I thought WTH, that would be like me sending my kids to South Dakota to play baseball. But it worked out for both of them.

Good luck to all and have a safe season.

 

[SwampDawg]

That's awesome. It's fun to be part of a team in college.

Having played two D1 college non-revenue sports (golf and tennis), all I can say is have fun with it. Both you and him.

I think it's great parents come to events now. Back when I played parents were non-involved. Occasionally one would show up at a tourney or match, but otherwise there was limited parent interaction. Most had other kids or jobs that made travel too tough considering where we travelled to. I think it's nice parents form a bond with each other these days.

For him, just play the sport to the best he can and have fun with teammates. It's tough to keep up the level of focus and practice, especially with classes, girls, parties, etd. And there's the obvi frustrations of being on a non-revenue team and getting limited funding. I got overly annoyed by it. So my advice not that you asked for it is for him to have fun getting better every day and hanging with good friends. Which it seems like he's doing so far.

Can't wait to read more about his success.

Is swampdog jrs college soccer team non-funded?

I guess I would say they are "partially" funded. School covers kits, transportation, overnight expenses (on the couple overnight stays they have), etc. They did need to pay partial for their training shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, warmups. They have a budget for food but the parents have made it a point that each game two families get together and provide post game food so that they can redirect that money into other things like over the past two years they've redone the team locker room.

 

[SwampDawg]

Weekend 2 in the books, not as successful as the first, First road games with a two game tilt in upstate NY. Lost 0-1 on Saturday, my son got 21 minutes. Honestly didn't look great but no one really did. The midfield could not keep the ball so the defense was constantly on their back foot just clearing the ball and we had very few good chances going forward. They out shot us 18-9 total, 9-2 on target, and they held a 7-1 advantage on corner kicks. The one time it looked like he had open field and was in a good spot to move the ball forward and try and make something happen the pass was two yards behind him and until he turned and got it he had a guy on him.

Day two was a polar opposite game that ended in a 3-3 tie. Offense ruled the day and our defense, especially the middle, looked really suspect. Little SawmpDawg didn't play, talking to him after the game he wasn't given a reason yet. The regular RB also only came in as a sub and didn't get many minutes either. What this means going forward we will find out, the starter at RB who they had been using as a sub at CB previously really didn't do much. The one sub they used who was the backup last year and has played as a mid this year did score our first goal but he wasn't adding much defensively. Will be interested to see what he hears from the coach this week.

They are on the road next weekend and it's a game we won't be attending as it is 4 hours away. Looks like the team we play has a link setup to their YouTube page for streaming however neither of there other two home games from this year appear there and only a few of last years. So hoping it is working. Looks like just a huddle cam not an actual operated camera like some use but at least we can watch. Really interested in his game next Tuesday, they play their rivals from like two blocks away. One of their better attacking players is a sophomore and a former club teammate of my sons. My son use to own this kid in practice because he was the only one on the team as fast as him. Will be interested to see if they match up. But first just hoping he works his way back into the coaches rotation.

 

[B Maverick]

Its very easy to get discouraged early, esp if the results aren't there for the team and you aren't getting playing time. Freshman have to earn their place for sure. Keep working and hopefully he'll get a shot.

There is also a huge difference in size coming in as an 18 year old when playing vs 21-22 year olds. My first season, I was 5'11/180lbs and looking out at Brad Friedel, all 6'4 casting a huge shadow in that UCLA goal. It was crazy the difference in size and speed from HS to college...

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Weekend 2 in the books, not as successful as the first, First road games with a two game tilt in upstate NY. Lost 0-1 on Saturday, my son got 21 minutes. Honestly didn't look great but no one really did. The midfield could not keep the ball so the defense was constantly on their back foot just clearing the ball and we had very few good chances going forward. They out shot us 18-9 total, 9-2 on target, and they held a 7-1 advantage on corner kicks. The one time it looked like he had open field and was in a good spot to move the ball forward and try and make something happen the pass was two yards behind him and until he turned and got it he had a guy on him.

Day two was a polar opposite game that ended in a 3-3 tie. Offense ruled the day and our defense, especially the middle, looked really suspect. Little SawmpDawg didn't play, talking to him after the game he wasn't given a reason yet. The regular RB also only came in as a sub and didn't get many minutes either. What this means going forward we will find out, the starter at RB who they had been using as a sub at CB previously really didn't do much. The one sub they used who was the backup last year and has played as a mid this year did score our first goal but he wasn't adding much defensively. Will be interested to see what he hears from the coach this week.

They are on the road next weekend and it's a game we won't be attending as it is 4 hours away. Looks like the team we play has a link setup to their YouTube page for streaming however neither of there other two home games from this year appear there and only a few of last years. So hoping it is working. Looks like just a huddle cam not an actual operated camera like some use but at least we can watch. Really interested in his game next Tuesday, they play their rivals from like two blocks away. One of their better attacking players is a sophomore and a former club teammate of my sons. My son use to own this kid in practice because he was the only one on the team as fast as him. Will be interested to see if they match up. But first just hoping he works his way back into the coaches rotation.

Update?

 

[SwampDawg]

Quick update. After a promising start they've had some tough games. Lost 1-0 on the road the game we didn't attend. The team they played is currently 6-0-1 and only allowed one goal all season and ranked 21st nationally so not a disastrous result. My son played 17 minutes, the stream quality was really bad so hard to tell but looked like he played ok and he thought he did as well.

After that they played their cross town rivals. They completely controlled the game and went up 1-0 early in the second half. Looked like the game was in the bag then a free kick into the box lead to a penalty and a PK with a minute and a half to go. Keeper made the save but couldn't get the ball tipped far enough away and they scored on the rebound so it ended 1-1. Two things with this, the penalty that lead to the free kick was the right wing back getting beat and then just grabbing the opposing player. This is the same kid that I mentioned as doing a good job going forward in previous games but isn't that good of defender. Why he was in at the end of a 1-0 game over either the junior who started the year as the starter at that position or my son is a question. They are both much better defenders. My son actually did not play that game at all.

Saturday was a home game, tied 1-1 at half and was pretty even. Second half they seemed to have momentum and then at the 60 minute mark one of their players picks up his second yellow so we go a man up. Even a man up the last 30 minutes we only got one shot on goal while they actually had a couple good soring chances. Ended in a 1-1 tie. My son did not play despite being told twice to warm up, in fact they played both wing backs the full 90 minutes which doesn't seem to make sense given the amount of running they need to do.

Last night was the real heartbreaker, away game so we streamed it but it was on FloSports so had a decent feed. We scored two in the first half to go up 2-0. My son played the last 16 minutes of the half and looked good, he had two good takeaways, caught a kid from behind and had a side out on a breakaway and had a nice combo of passes with the CAM that led to the CAM hitting a nice cross. Only real mistake was a he slotted a pass to where he thought someone was making a run but they weren't, but no harm came of it as we got the ball right back. Second half we score in the first minute to go up 3-0. A minute later they score to make it 3-1. From that point on we looked like we were playing totally flat and they end up winning 4-3 with the last goal at about the 86th minute. We were definitely not helped by the fact one of our captains who is usually the center of the three CB's was out with an injury, but still you can't blow a 3-0 lead. My son didn't get back in the game until they scored to go up in the last 4 minutes.

So as a whole they lost 1-0 to a really good team, had two ties where they should have won at least one if not both and a blown 3-0 lead in the second half. I guess my biggest question at this point seems to be a lack of in game strategic moves. I can certainly see the reason the coach is starting the other kid, he definitely makes himself more dangerous offensively, that has always been my sons weakness, although yesterday he did do a much better job pushing forward and getting involved. What I don't understand is why at the end of a tight game when you have subs to use are you not putting your better defender in. It would be like leaving Sergino Dest in the game and Joe Scally on the bench in that situation for the USMNT. And keep in mind they are allowed 11 subs per half plus players can reenter one time so they aren't limiting themselves by subbing. FYI the junior who started the season has been out the last two games in street clothes so he hasn't been an option.

Ok guess that update wasn't so quick. Next game Saturday at home.

 

[sunnyveib126]

Known for its intensity, skill, and drama, the AFCON 2025 will once again deliver world-class football and fierce competition among Africa’s biggest stars.

 

[El Floppo]

Timely and as always inspirational bot post!

 

[SwampDawg]

Ok back with some updates.

After the 4-3 disappointment we came back home for a game on paper that looked to be pretty even. Both teams scored in the first half and it was a pretty even game. The team we were playing really looked to be vulnerable to counter attacks yet for whatever reason it looked like we tried to slow play down. Mid second half one of our CB's who has been really solid all year misplayed a header trying to flick it wide and caused an own goal. After that they just seemed deflated and gave up two more goals losing 4-1. By far the worse game they've played all year. My son did not play.

Next was a road game. It was 4 1/2 hours from us on a Tuesday night so we watched via stream which wasn't the best quality. Ended up with a 2-1 loss after giving up the go ahead goal in the 87th minute. My son played 6 minutes at the end of the first half and really wasn't that involved. These late game collapses are becoming an issue, I think this was the third game we gave up a tying or go ahead goal in the last 3 minutes. I feel like other teams sub more then us in the second half and maybe we are a step slower at the end of the games.

Started league play this last Saturday night against the team everyone in the coaches poll picked to win the conference. They played one of the better games I've seen them play. Ended up in a 0-0 tie but we had the better chances hitting the cross bar twice. Probably should have won but getting a point and playing well was important. My son was a DNP again. Honestly he's starting to get a little frustrated, not so much this game because they played well but the previous three games when they weren't playing well and he still wasn't getting in.

Sunday was they day they were all looking forward to, took the trip west to State College to take on Penn State who was coming off wins over Michigan State and Robert Morris and a tie with #23 Maryland. They realized they were there to be the Senior night feast but were looking forward to the challenge from what my son told us. Amazing facility in the shadow of Beaver stadium. A bunch of families made the trip out and we had a nice little tailgate before the game. Game started as you would expect and PSU dominating possession but we pulled our wing backs back to defend and played basically a 5-4-1 to try and slow them down. We did a good job absorbing and kept them off the board until the 22nd minute when they scored on a shot that redirected off the heel of our defender, had that not happened I think our keeper saves it. They scored a second goal 38 minutes in on a rocket shot that the keeper got his hands on but couldn't squeeze and trickled into the net. Half ended 2-0. Second half starts and in the 55th minute, with all freshman on the field for us we break through and get a goal and it is suddenly 2-1. Holy cow could we be feeding off what UCLA did to the football team the day before? The answer to that is no, but it did cause them to sub in a bunch of their regular starters who were resting including the 50th overall pick in the MLS draft. They then proceeded to play like your would expect a D1 vs a D3 would and scored 3 goals in the next ten minutes. In the end they won 7-1 after a few late goals against our 4th string keeper and a bunch of kids getting their first playing time of the year. But overall they seemed to really have enjoyed the experience. My son played the last 13 minutes of the first half, started the second half and played another 35 minutes. He actually got to play as the left wing back part of it which he was happy about, he likes playing on the left more. He made some nice plays cleaning things up and one good dribble attack so maybe it leads to some time on the left side for him.

They have the week off with just practices and their next game is a league game on the road Saturday. I've honestly got no idea at this point if he'll play and if so it might be 5 minutes or it might be 30. I'm just hoping he gets some steady time and if he doesn't they are playing well because that is what really frustrates him when others aren't playing well and he doesn't get in.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Amazing facility in the shadow of Beaver stadium.

looks like a nice place to see a game on a fall day

https://gopsusports.com/imgproxy/r6EzePCleBSm-2KZt3OycrB41AIUIsVFQBGt1WwZpeM/rs:fit:1980:0:0/g:ce/q:90/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL2dvcHN1c3BvcnRzLXByb2QvMjAyMy8wNy8xMy9hV0tvbHJzUXhwUGRaYmFTbUhINjg0dGF0SHpVZ2xaa1hvYURtckZhLndlYnA.webp

 

[BassNBrew]

Not to be a Debbie Downer...but share this story with your kids and encourage them to speak to you if uncomfortable things happen. The kids playing college sports see these people as gods. I won't go into the reality of what most of them really are, but as you see from Swamp's post above, they put so little time into communicating honestly with kids about their situation. Be a leader of of men and foster open/honest communication and the you might be surprised how they perform for you.

Ex-NC State athletes allege sexual abuse in suit

Fourteen former NC State male athletes have filed a civil lawsuit in state court alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack's former director of sports medicine.

www.espn.com