Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:26 pmredpony wrote:Thad- sorry if I came on a little strong. I guess it is just some of my 'soccer' frustrations coming out as I am tired of SMU and the U.S. not being able to get to the final round. Here in South America the people laugh at the U.S. when it comes to soccer. Hopefully someday day we can laugh back.
GO PONIES!!!
No worries, I just wanted you to know that I put that there in jest, and was maybe even taking a backhanded swipe at Arena by referencing PB.
I like where the national side is heading and, while I too wanted Klinsman, I haven't been upset with Bradley's efforts. Though the game vs. England was a travesty. I was expecting a win, but at times we didn't look overmatched, but outclassed. Though I was happy with the steady progression, one nil to Spain -- who in my opinion look to be right behind the Netherlands and inline with their peninsula mates, Portugal, as the class of the tourney. And then of, course, drawing the mythically number one ranked Argentines.
I say "mythically ranked" because the U.S. once hit fourth, and there's no way the U.S. have ever been the fourth best team in the world.
Anyway, I'd like to see Jesuit's own (my high school) Kenny Cooper get more of a chance - maybe Schellas can get him on a better track with FCD - and I hope that Altidore's transfer will get him ready for possible inclusion for South Africa. Adu's Benfica experience is already showing dividends.
I seem to always be overly concerned with the strikers on the U.S. side, because I've never felt we had that elite goal scorer. Eddie Johnson looked to be that when he first introduced himself to the international stage but has really left something to be desired since. Maybe it was the foot injury alone, or maybe it was the foot injury derailing his confidence, or maybe he was just hot against weak opponents.
CalallenStang wrote:redpony wrote:Hey Thad - you do a good job but do you have a 'C" coaching license. If not shut up.
GO PONIES!!!
My dad has a C license. Unfortunately, I don't see him leaving his career as an engineer to be SMU's next soccer coach.
He'd do a good job, though. He led my youth club team to a state championship one year and back to the state tourney several other years. And he did it with a team full of kids that were also playing football and baseball at the same time, and often had to miss soccer practice for other commitments.
I don't have a class c license, CalallenStang, can I borrow your dad's for the next few weeks? I mean, honestly, I'll give it back.
Most of what I know about soccer comes from spending a couple years, and every summer, in Europe as a kid.... and dominating on EA Sports FIFA soccer. Then again, most of my intricate knowledge of any sport comes from playing EA Sports games. Truly, EA Sports has been the best teacher any un-athletically gifted person can ever have. I may not be able to beat you in a race, but I'll beat you down as SMU while you've got Texas, or I'll take you down with with, say, Celtic while you have Brazil - okay not anymore, I don't have a current gen game system, and none of my old ones are plugged in.
Anyway, I might no impress with my credentials, I did play soccer for about 5 years as a kid. I scored a mind numbing 2 goals. Staggering. One of them was an own goal... when I was the goalie. And I mean this was the ultimate own goal.... or best goalie was also our bes striker. I was the number two goalie. Coach decided we needed to put a premium on scoring goals. Late in the game, we're up by one in the semi-finals to the best - and undefeated - team in our league. The other team gets a break away, and they are storming down on me. I made the save of my life, diving full-extension to my right and snatching it out of the air. It was my greatest moment ever on a soccer field. I was so excited that I forgot everything, especially fundamentals, I tossed the ball up into the air slightly and promptly punted it right back into my own net. I alone am best.
My Coach: "Next time, damnit, THROW IT!!!"
I've played on a few leagues since adulthood and have scored a few more goals, took me a while though. And have returned to goal, which became my best position. Which ain't really saying all that much.
But I do talk a lot of American football and I have never played a single down of organized football. Just band football in high school and college, and intermurals in college as well...... never put the pads on, so to speak. Though I did play lacrosse in high school, so I have at one time been in pads.... just not foorball pads. For the record, I played one season of lacrosse until I found out I was lacrosse intolerant.
Actually, I had to choose lacrosse or doing *both* theatre shows every year. I chose doubling down on theatre, which, all things being equal, was the right move.
