courtside

both Fordham&Umass had less than desirable weekend results. Yes game would have changed dramatically if a couple of the great chances go in, but SLU is a #20-25 type level team,playing a superior team. If anything, this shows difference between men's soccer and hoops programs.tradition&past success make for high expectations.SLU came in 20th ranked,with high level schedule. The results for Donigan have been mixed.responsibke for recruiting top players as asst.&for multiple quarterfinal finishes as head coach. His program hasn't recovered from early departures of players.This yr's frosh is his best class in yrs. SLU tied 4 first in conference last yr,&lost conf tourney in pk's...in down yr. Ifteam fails 2make ncaa's this season, he will be on hot seat. Home record is no longer dominant past few yrs. No shame in losing to SMU.& SLU outplayed SMU much of night.The breakdowns and mental mistakes are unacceptable and more frequent.

Fair enough on Levick Skip. on Angus switching to forward briefly,..my guess was it was to give Speiss brief rest in back.but at crucial start 2 second half down 2...strange and inexplicable.

The Good: SLU came out ready to play early in game, even after delay. First 30 minutes were dominated by SLU, some high quality scoring opportunities, and some great SMU saves. Get to individuals in a minute. The Bad: Both SMU goals in first half were extraordinarily fortunate. Viviano with iffy call on tackle outisde of box to start deep in SLU's end, and weak clearing attempts, ball deflects pin ball style to wide open door step tap in. Unbelievable. The second goal was a cross into box, ...Calum Angus only player of either team there outside of SLU keeper, and he whiffs, SMU player comes in and taps in. Unbelievable again. The lack of desperation in final 30 minutes was surprising to say the least. Boys are tired, etc...but c'mon, find some hungry players. Donigan's decision to start Calum Angus up top with Patterson in 2nd half before switching him with Spiess at right back was game changing. SLU desperately needed early 2nd half goal, and unfit Kyle Patterson, and Angus, whose first and any touch was dreadful all night, were the options up top. I thought I was seeing things. SLU did not come out and dominate the 2nd half whatsover. Relatively even 2nd half, and credit to a strong SMU team for shutting the door. Broken record here from me. SLU lacks 2 top quality finishers who can create their own chances or finish others' creations. And also lack and attacking creative midfielder...this had been a few year problem. Let's talk about some good individual performances. If I had to pick a player of game for SLU, it would either be Tim Ream or Brian Grazier. Can't wait til Frosh Ream fills out physically in his tall frame. Plays with poise, passes are accurate and crisp, intelligent decisions, just a smooth player. Can play anywhere on field. Stamina for 90 questioned, but that will quickly change. Grazier was terrific especially first half and two thirds of game in the defensive midfield. SMU had two chances in first half off of fluke plays. Grazier was active, controlled defensive mid, and service was strong. Tough break on his 25 yard rocket, terrific save from 3 time C-USA player of week keeper of SMU. SLU opened 4-5-1. 2nd half went to 2 up top. How desperate is SLU for a forward? Casey Speiss gamely started at forward, brings good speed, high energy and toughness, but lacks skill at this level to finish on his own. He is however upgrade over Patterson and Dado at the position. A guy like Holmes etc...not ready for this level til next year. DiRaimondo was decent, not his best game for sure. Matteson was uneventful, ..not a fan of his slowness of foot, and has had some good games this year, not last night. Guffey was very solid for SLU in back. Hamzagic does not look comfortable on left side mid at all. He easily would be the biggest bust of recruit in recent memory so far, though he is young and has time to improve. Hasn't had strong season at all so far, after less than excpected frosh year, after coming in so highly touted. #3 team in country, a rival, biggest game of year to date, standards for play need to be high. Calum Angus, who also has had a disappointing season, continues to make plays that cost his team. He alone responsible for SMU 2nd goal in dreadful giveaway...but prior to that, had at least a half dozen brutal first touches...gets in his usual jarring with ref and physical play which has cost him red cards this year, and needed chatter from ref again. Shocked he wasn't pulled at half time. Eric Sweetin, awful game, knocked off ball if wind blows 5 mph, poor decisions, didn't control ball, and poor passes. He along with Angus have had better games, but wow did the two of them lay an egg in a big one.And Dado Hemzagic to lesser extent would be in the three that laid an egg imo. SLU has great difficulty playing from behind, especially against high quality teams. Disappointed at the effort and lack of desperation when struck with fluky adversity. It is a lot to ask for high level midway through 2nd half when weather isn't best, guys tired, etc...but gotta have it. SMU too easily shut down a frustrated SLU in 2nd half. SMU's 3rd and final tally was first class top of box, settled off of cross turn and buried top corner. But how was he open for at top of box, all alone, with ball for 10 seconds at least? another breakdown. If one of those early chances goes in for SLU they are looking at possible 1-0 2-0 win perhaps...at min a draw....no question effort and execution was terrific for first 30 min. But SLU is not talented enough and doesn't have the stones to overcome adversity against top level clubs. They didn't deserve the 3-0 score...but the way they finished the game, didn't deserve more than a draw either. Credit SMU, a great team, who played with more poise than SLU, and didn't make the one or two big mistakes in a big game that can cost you. SLU did and SMU buried their 3 chances. Strange game, as soccer can be at times. At this point, SLU looks to need to at very least win reg season conference outright convincingly...or win conference tourney to get automatic invite to remotely feel comfortable with NCAA chances. I think they will get it done. Oh and lastly...got love the effort from the AD. Leaving at half time didn't exactly impress me a whole lot. Your highest profile fall sports team playing a top 3 ranked team in country, and you casually leave at halftime? Maybe she had seen enough? The first half was actually well played by SLU for most part. Probably a good thing she wasn't there for 2nd one anyway.

Thx for the post. Fordham and UMass haven't exactly beaten anyone of merit yet, but there publicity only helps SLU soccer. I will take UCONN over either team, thus far.

While this is certainly a little off topic for the thread....I will take the "atmosphere" at Washington (when they were good of course)...and some other Pac 10 schools over USC any day of the week. I will take the polite and courteous, but not raucous venues of Michigan and Notre Dame....notice how I am not even touching the SEC or the like in which college football is up there with God and Country...etc... Seeing a game at USC....not bad, but certainly far from the best atmosphere minus the band and some of country's finest co-eds and cheerleaders. Pasadena is a nice town.

Thanks for the report Skip. I was in Boston for a wedding. I will be at SMU game. ...Any time you can beat Indiana in any year is a great result. Being ranked in top ten at time is even better. Style points are nice, but results are needed most.

First before I get to B.A.B....the A-10 has some solid teams and play...but not much mroe than that. And, more importantly it is not a highly respected soccer conference with highly respected teams. Also, we will see where UCONN finsihes this year. B.A.B.As for SLU's size...no they don't have a lot of it this year, but that really does fluctuate year to year or every few years with SLU and other teams. SLU lacks proven finishers, and need more out of creative midfield and hold midfield spots. They are good enough to play with anyone, but not good enough to consistently play at a high level....and when competing against top teams this will be apparent. This year's recruitig class is better than past few seasons. However it takes some time for players to adjust to the college game. I am confident they will play IU and SMU very tough. Both home games in which SLU needs to draw or win.

Losing at SCU is more acceptable than losing at home to an up and coming UIC program. The Broncos are a solid, good ranked club. The score is a problem. 4-1 is not acceptable. Defeating UCONN 5-1 on neutral field is equivalent to SLU hoops defeating ranked opponent by 30 on neutral floor. Tying 8th ranked Notre Dame on road was good result. Too much up and down so far. Need a couple of wins over #2 ranked SMU at home and top 15 Indiana at home the next two weeks....or at least a win and tie. No room to lose either game. Conference once again is not strong(A-10) but SLU would be putting much pressure on self to win reg season AND conf tourney to get in. Very doable...but not guaranteed. Two games so far this season SLU has not come out ready to play. With increased parity in D-1 soccer...yes folks everyone is good and every city has good soccer...as has been the case for a while now... gotta come out flyin every night. In both of SLU's losses they played half the game a man down, which is asking to lose. ...unless you are Normin Dale with 4, "My team's opn the floor."....and guess what they lost that one too. Two MONSTER home games v Indiana and SMU....results will be expected. period. Unfortunately those two teams are top notch.

Certainly a much needed result. UIC is up and coming and people know that. New coach has already been upgrading talent past two years. However I was disappointed in the disorganization and desire in the first half v UIC. UIC is good enough to hang around and take advantage and they did. A result v Santa Clara will help....as will IU, SMU etc...while at minimum tying the also rans. A big win for its decisiveness and for whom it came against. Will it be the inconsistent Bills or will this be something to build on and turn the corner to move up into the polls and stay there? Not sure yet. I will gladly take a a tie and win v ND and UCONN away from home.

Skip, I was there. Not pretty. Before I discuss the game, glad to see we have the obligatory comments above....which usually consist of someone flying off the deep end and someone unrealistically positive. The truth usually is in the middle as in this case. If you are to rip Donigan, then you need to praise his first few years as head coach and his yrs recruiting as assistant....can't have it both ways. And to the other end, losing at home in opener to a much improved UIC is still unacceptable, period. The game: SLU lacks a creative playmaking midfielder, and a ball holding midfielder. And a top of line finisher. SLU played a TON of people....plenty of counted on veterans were yanked, and frankly deseverdly so. DiRaimondo played well....tough to find too many others. Several times in first half SLU had a lot of infighting and bickering, mostly DiRaimondo, Angus and Viviano...not a good sign. Angus' tackle late in first half was 1) late and 2) open boot, both feet....not a lot to say about it, it was dangerous and borderline red card, and he got one. Changed the game....however....up until that point SLU was uninspiring. Early second half SLU came out very strong....but where was it in first half??? Played well a man down....until UIC converted one of their handful of chances. Gasparovic did not play....Hemzagic was pulled early and often. Tim Ream and Jimmy Holmes played significant minutes...mostly uneventful...but they will be very good future players. Grazier played the full 90 I believe. SLU didn't control the midfield well enough....only offensive threeat was bringing it up through DiRaimondo who played on both left and right side and brought it up wide. His set piece serves were better than ever. Guffey almost had a header that banged off the bar on a corner. SLU does not have a lot of size other than him. Patterson was active later on...too little too late. Homles offers much needed speed....where SLU has a need. Still piecing together lots of players....the big game challenges will come quickly. Had SLU not played a man down for that long...they probably would have won the game, or at very least tied...but those are the breaks....certainly not going to judge after one game. .....I did like the effort to play less long balls forward. It was not a great start to season.

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>SLU is just scared......Still licking their wounds after >that 2-0 loss last year ;-) Waiting for that one Steve..ha ha....Hey Steve btw...why no XL tees at the GW bookstore...who is stocking that place anyway? Where does GW play their games? Always a fan of The District couldn't make it last year. Do they play way up somewhere NW past Rock Creek park towards American...or anywhere near school...can't imagine where...near school...I know Georgetown plays on campus...been to games there...What streets? Terrible thing this past weekend...not sure if you are in The District this summer(if so where are you interning)...Was in town a while last week, great time as always...but right after I left....that 27 year old guy in Georgetown and date walking back from movies on the date....just a terrible thing....and I was oh, a block from there several times several days that week. Stay safe. Hope you watched some futbol during WC at the Lucky Bar. And Spy Museum, first time...good stuff...though they let in too many people.

>Are the first two exhibition? UIC is reg season I believe...and USF not sure. Usually SLU will play two Ex games....UIC is an up and comer with 2nd year coach John Trask...who was long time ten year IU assistant. Not a cupcake game.

http://slubillikens.cstv.com/sports/m-socc...ccer-sched.html For any casual fans or observers....the Indiana game is the biggest home game and biggest game on the schedule. Indiana is absolutely loaded this year as they are many years. Mark your calendars....SMU at home is also a very big game as the Mustangs are also a perennial power. For Bay Area fans, Santa Clara is a strong club, and a SLU visit there this year.....and over Labor Day weekend IU Classic vs UCONN and ND...two very good games in which SLU will need....and be expected to get results at neutral site. Missouri State should be a good game as well. Absent is Steve's GW Colonials on this schedule.

>Jeffrey Jordan is on the list at #14. This is the first >time I saw a list of schools for him, thanks for the link >VTime. Jordan is a late bloomer, smart, solid player...only 6'0, maybe 6'1....previously he was mid major material...now this summer and going into his final high school season...his stock has risen dramatically where some of the bigger schools are in the mix. His younger brother has always been the big time recruit in the family. He had terrifc junior year in high school.

Trying not to start another thread....but sometimes people have asked about the youth area kids.....as for youth soccer club teams in St. Louis this summer after State Cup........ Rough time of it at Regionals for Midwest. Only 2 of possible 14 divisions boys and girls u-13-u-19 teams are left. Tomorrow Scott Gallagher will play in the boys u-17 Regional Final for right to go to Nationals. And St. Louis Soccer Club(Busch) will play in the girls u-16 Regional Final for right to go to Nationals. Lots of great Midwest teams from various cities. At various levels, Scott Gallagher, St. Louis SC, JB Marine and Lou Fusz had regional teams, ...the majority were Scott Gallagher.

I wish I could remember where I read the article recently....but basically the article was discussing the youth soccer participation in the mid 1970's as 100k or so in U.S. and not it is a few million....huge strides. The NY times did a piece on Brazil this past weekend, and it is also available online. It has taken awhile but the tall, big strong, athletic players are playing soccer instead of some of the other traditional American sports, and in addition to them. And more is needed. Exposing the game more in inner cities to all ethnicities helps, but isn't the only answer. As I have said before, many Americans have the need for instant gratification....and ...if the U.S. isn't the best or one of the best at something, they tune it out. There would be plenty of people on the band wagon if the U.S. could sustain some high level international results. Soccer is about the process, the strategy, the build up, and in other countries, it is an event, a culture, a way of life. In the U.S. it is merely another sport among many. Today's U.S. sports culture is win now...high costs etc...players coming and going...fans have revolted and have vented their frustrations. So...getting some of those to to get what soccer is all about, is pretty challenging.

The other thread is locked....as I am sure this one will be too soon....but Dr. B said getting rid of Bruce Arena was like putting a bandage on a cancer patient. I thought it was worth discussing for a moment. U.S. soccer has come a long way the past few decades. It isn't going to be a snap of the fingers process. Part of their result this SC was do in part to who they played, how they played and how they strategized. Everyone is so quick to panic. It is laughable. As far as interest goes...the average American not exposed to the highest levels of soccer at any age, isn't going to follow a sport unless the United States is one of the best at it in the World. Baseball, Basketball, American Football.....only one of which is played in other countries with any depth or talent. Combine that with the common desire for the average American sports fan for instant gratification. And soccer is about the process. Many Americans "get it"....many others don't....easily the highest numbers of the former than ever before in this country. Very encouraging to me. Baby steps Doctor B. I wouldn't exactly call the U.S. team a cancer patient...terminology in general I am not comfortable using....but playing along for your analogy, I disagree. If your point was overall passion of fans and fan interest in relative to U.S. country population...I wouldn't debate that too harshly. If your point is ability and level of play....then I would disagree greatly. The U.S. is trying to get to the next level....get into that top 10-15 and stay there, as far as world soccer countries go....I don't think anybody expects anything more than that in your lifetime. That isn't going to happen in those other places either. oh and for what it is worth....I was in a jam packed bar of S Koreans for the S Korea Swiss game....not a lot of folks left pleased, except for the two Swiss guys. ... sticking it out til the end. Nothing like being in Holland, England, Germany when their teams are still going on....but enjoyable nonetheless.

maybe 1-2 I can agree with at most. And one of those two was by Footes...until his follow up posts did a 180. And of course the obligatory who cares about soccer post...this time from SLU72...thanks for the high quality input. Only one of those...this board is getting soft. I am actually shocked there were 22 posts in response to the first one in this thread, based on the contents of the first post. But considering it is the only U.S. soccer thread going on their elimination day...others must need an outlet. Footes is on to something with the simple fact that the problem was scoring....and what is involved in scoring....finishing, and creating chances to finish. The biggest problem was the inability to create high quality chances to even try to finish. .....I will go ahead and help with at least one of your follow ups...Arena said he would take a U.S. club player who started and played all the time, over a U.S. player who sits on the bench in Europe and doesn't get to play. Obviously a HUGE difference in quotes. He wants guys to get lots and lots of playing time regardles of where.....and he would be the first to say he would GLADLY take a high level Internatioally playing U.S. player and day of the week....McBride, Reyna, Convey, Gooch, Lewis, Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Keller(and the two back up keepers), Beasley, O'Brien....on and on and on....all these players were selected by Arena, and ALL except the two back up keepers PLAYED at his choice the WC. People can debate individual performances, the team's as a whole, Arena's....etc..... Arena's track record of success speaks for itself. He is an easy target....but he didn't play. How many players left off of the roster would have 1) played, and 2) had success....? Not many. Squabbling over a couple sure.... Lineups were debatable as far as who played and formations...especially as things failed to work well.....and the effort and preparedness were questioned after the first game....deservedly so....effort wasn't an issue in last two games. And finally for Arena....not one post even hinted at the suggestion of who would or could have done better. I am not saying someone would or wouldn't have....but at least have a choice or two....He has had two World Cups....made the quarterfinals in one, and finished poorly in the other.....Who you play does matter..... This is what happens when a surly, cocky coach loses. Uninformed and informed people call for his head. Arena deserves some accountability....not as much as the players, but some... Welcome to the World Cup....Czech Republic is one of top teams in World, going home early along with some other talented countries...it happens all around.... England played poorly its first two games against much lesser competition but is moving on.... There is an encouraging disappointment and disgust for the results for the U.S.....that so many care enough about the results. Soccer is the world's game....the only true world's game. baseball, basketball, American Football, aren 't world sports...in the U.S.....if the U.S. team isn't the best at it....then MANY turn their noses up at the sport or topic in hand....and also in the U.S....there is a need for instant gratification, and soccer is about the process that so many other countries and people understand and enjoy. There are many of Americans who do as well. A soccer novice asked me why the U.S. wasn't playing its first game on a weekend....and there were multiple answers....but who cares really? The question illustrated the point above really....25 billion people were watching.....and it is a sport where it isn't about the U.S., it is about the World. Hey that is neat and great if the U.S. can join the party....but the party is going on with or without the U.S. ..... Whether some think the U.S. is the only country around or not. As for all the individual reasons for a lack of U.S. success in this year's World Cup....I will have to save for another post.

Thx for the quality post balls.

Bluecrewfinance.... The goal is to have Dado Hemzagic play up top alone or with Patterson, or whomever else emerges. And I loved the troll in this thread with the Brad Smith comments...he had a nice career as Mizzou's QB. Good luck to him.

I didn't base my opinion of O'Brien on one half.(previous games as well, and practice) If he were match fit he would be starting and playing 90. Perhaps you are not understanding what I mean by fit. He's a talented player who has missed a great deal of time due to injury. He is NOT match fit. He was a sub in first game, and did not play in 2nd game. He may see some action against Ghana. He won't be playing 90, because he isn't 100% healthy and 100% match fit. so know I don't think he is match fit based on my observations of various times seeing him in games and practice,(have had a little bit of access to practice) and by what others affiliated with the team have said in recent times... He very well may be given a green light to give it a go. Nothing would shock me at this point. And I would not have substituted Johnson for McBride. Someone else, sure, as discussed. As I said before....sure some guys have played well and others haven't. Overall the effort and result were poor v Czech's, and effort and result was quite good against Italy. There are very few people on the team who perhaps could or should have been left off vs others. The players who have performed poorly all have more than proven themselves worthy of their opportunity. However, some changes with the current mix can and should be made based on Cup performance in 2 games and play prior.....not many....but a few imo.

In case there is a small chance someone who doesn't follow soccer reads your post and believes the info....First, one class doesn't make a championship, 2nd a few of those highly talented players left after their Frosh and Soph seasons to play professionally....and last...class rankings are only good on paper, in any sport. SLU will field a competitive team that will be expected to make the NCAA's. Going anywhere with this team this season deep into the NCAA's is not expected by me based on what they have vs other teams. SLU making the NCAA's this year is no lock either...however it will be expected regardless of the level of talent on the team. My expectations....are for SLU to make the NCAA's....and after that it is likely they will get bounced in round 1 or win 1-2 games. Anything more than that would be a pleasant surprise. A lot of very strong teams out there in better situations than SLU at the moment. We'll see how they do against some of the big boys in Sept.

I'd be surprised if the back line v Ghana wasn't Cherundolo, Gooch, Conrad, Bocanegra. Only other player with possibilities is Lewis at left back only, and I would not prefer it. As I said I would have substituted Johnson for Donovan around 75th minute. With 9 players...tough to play 2 forwards. McBride played because he had played well, and did a lot of little things well, and he is going to get the benefit of the doubt from Arena every time as do players like Pope and other Arena favorites. O'Brien hasn't looked fit...would be surprised to see him again. I did think the sub for Dempsey was fine at that time. Think he will and should see some time again. More has been needed from Convey, Beasley and Donovan....the most. Would not be surprised to see Convey and or Beasley not get time Thurs. And the result was a great result against a World Power....with 9 players....sure they could and possibly should have won the game... and it is easy to second guess. People should be encouraged at that game.

Dempsey.....Overall it was solid. Not worse or better than that. An improvement from the previous game's efforts. He has no fear which is a plus and is willing to attack the defense and push forward...needs to stay wide, doesn't always do that....creates opportunities and has knack for being in right place at right time to finish and and also to create those opportunities like a Twellman, from a different position. His play faded as the game progressed but a good, solid effort and a good timely sub for him in 2nd half. Everything is also relative based on expectation. For example, expectations are much higher for Beasley and Donovan and they have disappointed so far imo. Dempsey can either be entered as a nice spark...or to start the game with that spark....eventually I would like to see him do more in time...and he will....and also be able to go full 90 at high level. The experience is great for him. And as long as he learns from what is thrown at him....(he is a stubborn dude from what I have been told)...he will do fine. Beasley has played exceptional soccer overseas at high level for high level team against high level competition...only American ever to play in Champions league final. ....etc..and at least he was inserted on the left side, after inexplicably starting on right side vs Czech's....but he seemed to disappear after the goal he scored was called back, instead of taking over the game, and wreaking havoc. He isn't alone. I have much higher expectations for Donovan as well. was a bit surprised that even considering the wide open space and down a man that Donovan was virtually walking last 20 minutes of game, and was a wasted player at that point. He ws better in this game...but not good enough. He should be U.S.'s best player on field and he isn't.