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Looks like the "Spirit of the Game" was really being stressed here. If this is what the absolute highest level of competitive US youth soccer is all about, then I'll continue to just float on my back here in my little pond (South Carolina).

The next guy who suggests we scrap high school soccer in favor of forming a juggernaut to contest for a national championship ought to think twice. is this what we really aspire to be?

04... thanks for the info.

I took a little time to go thru the thread in the links and was amazed by the thoughts expressed.

I have no input at this time, other than it happened to me once. And reading the thread gave me perspective on the "other side of the story" which I did not have.

I have to digest this one....

Hurst,
Even though I have said that a year-round format should be considered, I do most assuredly believe that high school ball serves a vital purpose for youth, and should never be scrapped. But as is quite evident, year-round programs can be very successful.
But the tactics employed here by the Eclipse team coach are irresponsible and did not garner any votes for the Fair Play award.

Beforehand,

1) They had to win Illinois, a tough state in Region II
2) They had to win Region II, a feat in itself
3) Had already qualified for the Championship
4) Still had to win the final

That's the problem with the format USYSA changed to a few years back; it allows that to happen, however, at that stage you do what it takes to win. If the result isn't a necessity and the opposition is playing low pressure, why attack? And expend energy in heat before the Final?

Four teams: two semifinals and a final. Simple.

That game with PDA was on Friday. The Championship was not until Sun. They had 2 days to recover from that 'intense' possession game they were playing. The format obviously needs to be altered to prevent similar coaching tactics.

I'm much more disappointed with the Texans U-15 parents, than I am with The Eclipse going through the motions.


From Big Soccer Boards:

"Now HERE is the real sad story. FIRST - A Texans U15 parent ran onto the field DURING THE GAME to assault 15 year old Eclipse soccer players and had to be restrained by the PDA coaches. He was then arrested by Des Moines police. THEN, the Eclipse team had to be escorted to their bus by security because a number of Dallas parents continued to hurl VICIOUS AND PROFANE insults at these 15 YEAR OLD GIRLS."

Seems to me that "Dad" got pretty worked up.....probably because it cost him about $2,500 to fly his family up to Des Moines to watch his girl play, and he thought he was getting a raw deal. I'd rather use all that passion to work on solving world hunger.

Can somebody give this guy Bono or Geldof's phone number?

After having to be around the Dallas Texans U17G parents for a single game, I completely understand. I admire the club for what it has accomplished, but the parents are a bit of a handful.

By the way -- in terms of nationals in the U17G age group -- Dallas did not make it to the finals (they were third in points.) The two teams playing in the finals were Chicago's Eclipse Select and PA's Spirit United Gaels. Eclispe Select won.

As an FYI for those interested in South Carolina girls soccer. CESA's U17G team lost in regionals to Dallas 1-0. That same team lost the finals at the Disney Showcase to the Gael's 2-0 (both goals scored in the last ten minutes.)

>>[Hurst66] Seems to me that "Dad" got pretty worked up.....probably because it cost him about $2,500 to fly his family up to Des Moines to watch his girl play, and he thought he was getting a raw deal. I'd rather use all that passion to work on solving world hunger.<<

Or at least solving the near 50% uplift ($40 per night) on hotel rooms charged in Little Rock at regionals. I've never before complained about this kind of stuff -- but the term "scam" comes to mind when you look at what they did with respect to hotels and the parking surcharge at the field.

Fox Soccer Channel with some of the National Finals this Friday-
HTTP://SOCCERFLA.COM/2006/20060807-4.HTM