It seems as if people are questioning the judgement of one of the best college coaches in the nation, for a number of years. As far as recruiting from his club team, Lexington United has been one of the more successful club teams in SC over the last 2 years. They won state at U-17 (undefeated) and finshed second this past season at U-18. During that 2 year period they posted a 5-1 record against the CESA teams, and defeated the CUFC team 4 straight times. They finished second to CESA this past year, loosing a tight game on PKs. Lexington United has 10 players signed (with several pending) to play college ball, with or without soccer money. I do not think there is another club team that can make that claim. As far as recruiting goes, coaches have to consider several aspects. There are many high caliber players that do well on the field but poorly in the classroom or off the field. If a player has below average grades and cannot stay out of trouble off the field why would any coach take a chance. As an example, the goal keeper from Aiken could not pass the pressure in the classroom and ended up dropping out. If any senior player has yet to sign it would be safe to assume that there are problems elsewhere. In addition, the positions coaches are looking for change from year to year, based on their need at any given time. There are very few players receiving "big" money for college soccer. As most people know, college coaches tend to recruit more from club play than high school play. Also, most players are recruited after their junior year and most players are well aware of where they will play well before the end of their Senior year in high school. We all have a good feeling for who has talent but very few of us, on the outside, have any knowledge of the players grades and off the field activities. In addition, most are well aware of several "problem" players that are very good soccer players that colleges have apparently passed over. Not to mention, some players, regardless of how good they are, have any desire to play college ball. The main point, Coach Berson has proved himself to be one of the nation's premier coaches, why question his judgement. The players USC has recruited this year all had offers from other colleges, not just USC.
