courtside

Actually no..."most" were not. Some were sure. and Donigan recruited some of the mentioned as an assistant. I have no special affinity for Donigan...but I am at a huge loss to understand your affinity for Bob Warming in comparison? If you want I can post Warming's post season record at SLU. The facts are, both Joey Clarke and Danny Donigan have had greater post season success than Warming. I have nothing against Warming...but I am all about making sure facts are straight, and those are facts. As I posted and perhaps you missed, SLU outplayed some of the best teams in the country last year at times...they have also recruited just fine under Donigan so far. SLU will NEVER again "Dominate" college soccer. They haven't "dominated" in several decades. They can however be a top 20 team on a consistent basis, and on occasion be a little better than that, and take a shot at a title some years. The closest thing to college soccer domination is Indiana's run the past 10 plus years. Not really understanding the "panic button." For one, the new league STINKS...which will hurt strength of schedule...but SLU will again as usual play a VERY strong national non conference schedule...so it will come down to a half dozen games...against IU, ND, Duke, SMU etc...and SLU needs to turn the losses into draws...and sprinkle in some wins against those teams. The overall record will be very strong based on the conference. But what matters most are those big games, against big name teams. ...even if one of the big names has a down year...it helps.

Skip....Terrific quotes in today's USA Today about Arena ... and how he knows that Landon Donovan doesn't respond to yelling and screaming...and how Arena adjusts to his different personalities.....if you check it out....

Schasz, Well...there is fierce competition among STL area youth club soccer teams for players. They all beat up on each other. So it is difficult to have ONE team in an age group have national success...which helps in the above mentioned political choices for Parade, and their high school team as well. With that said you will be happy to know that Scott Gallagher club soccer team is the NATIONAL CHAMPION for 17 year olds. And Busch soccer club(name since changed to St. Louis soccer club) is the reigning 18's NATIONAL CHAMPION. Tough to get better than the best in the country. ;-) Soccer is good everywhere Schasz. Other places have caught up. STL area still has tremendous soccer and great depth of talent too. SIX different high school teams from MO, were ranked in the top 50 nationally. It is like other sports. The best of the best elite player, special player....Larry Hughes, Dwyane Wade...so you can relate better....can come from anywhere.....while there are plenty of David Lee's in STL.....if you get the comparison.

Well, I could answer your first sentence/question: no....and be done with my post. It would be the easiest. But I will oblige a little. My short answer is Are you kidding? Vedad Ibisevic is one of the greatest recruits in SLU history. He played one season, and is playing professionally in Europe as a teenageer. Good for him. Dipsy Selouwane and Jackie Jewsbury are playing in MLS. Brad Davis is playing in MLS, and left SLU after two years to go pro. Brian Grazier and John DiRaimondo came from the US youth national team training center in Bradenton FL. Tim Ward played exactly one season at SLU as a true Frosh and has started EVERY game for the NY/NJ Metrostars in MLS, and is currently in the Netherlands with former Billiken Will John another another US under 21 player trying to win the World Championships for your United States of America. Will played two years at SLU. SLU has reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA's twice under Donigan, that would be top 8 in the country for those playing the home version. Both times SLU lost a close road game that could have gone either way...when in reality they should have had a better seed and played at home. No offense to Bob Warming...but what exactly did he accomplish at SLU??? Sure he is a good coach, has done wonders at Crieghton....but he didn't match Joey Clarke's success at SLU. ...and Joey Clarke did it with MUCH less in terms of resources. Mom and pop to say the least, NO full time assistant coach, etc... Now, I mention the above so you can follow the pattern. Soccer is no different than other college sports these days...kids can go pro after one or two seasons. SLU has obviously been bitten by this. Brad Davis was the first to go, and he was an exceptional player in college, and is a top tier MLS pro player. Soccer is good everywhere. period. Long gone are the OLD days where a bunch of St. Louisans would stay home and lace em up and crush people. REALISTIC expectations are making the NCAA tourney most years, and winning a couple of games in it. It is very difficult in any sport to win titles and go to final fours etc...SLU just missed the final four twice under Donigan. Warming never made it....Clarke was the last to do it, and did it multiple times in the 90's. A top 20 program IS success with a once in a while shot at a national title. That is where SLU is. Those are realistic expectations. There is a youth kid from Chicago for example training in Manchester United's system. Kids are going overseas at younger and younger ages to train. Project 40 for MLS takes kids too. It is tough enough to recruit against the big college names. Why wouldn't a kid want to attend an IU, or any of the other soccer powers, just as much as SLU? It is tougher than ever to recruit, and SLU still gets good players. Why is it that Scott Gallagher and Busch won national titles in past 1-2 years for 17's and 18's....and not ONE kid is on the US team for those ages? It is THAT competitive out there. St. Louis only gets a few DIFFERENCE making kids each year like other metro areas. STL area does have more depth than many areas, which produce nice solid role players. Chaminade had a nice recent run in soccer a few years ago...and plenty went to SLU, they are solid role players, nothing more. They aren't difference makers. You recruit a handful of kids each year and they all need to be difference makers to try to win a national title. And this doesn't even take into consideration many kids who want to go away to school. I will never fault a kid for wanting to get a life experience elsewhere...the taylor twellman's, Pat Noonan's, Chris Klein's, etc...who are elite local players that chose to go elsewhere. So far Donigan has gotten the "ink" kids...some have panned out more than others...injuries, leaving early etc...frankly, SLU has one down year and too many people like you aren't seeing the bigger picture. SLU actually has a couple of elite recruits for this upcoming season on top of the returning talent. More specificly to last season...they learned last minute that the national Freshman of the year and best finisher nationally was leaving for Europe just before the start of the season to go pro. SLU went from the number one ranked team in America...to rattled as to pick up the pieces. Ibisevic created so much attention that Will John had tons of space and time to due damage. SLU had a serious problem in the creative midfield, and finishing. It WILL also be an early season question this year. John DiRaimondo will play up top this year, and hopefully he will finish. Also...the year before last, SLU won the early season tough close games against national powers...Clemson, UVA, etc...before playing the unispiring league schedule, but solid teams. This past season, SLU outplayed SMU at home, and frankly looked terrific, but lost 1-0. This happened too often last season. SLU needs to get wins and ties against top level teams early in the season. SLU's highly decorated keeper was injured last season...he just signed with KC of MLS. So, the answer to the question of what is wrong with SLU soccer? I would say not much. Now, if SLU misses two or three NCAA's in a row, etc..(which won't happen by the way)...I would be more concerned. If the recruiting level has dropped a ton, I would be concerned. If SLU wasn't competitive in big games I would be concerned. This hasn't happened yet. And I don't anticipate it to happen.

Well...interesting question. Freidel is retired now from International play. But he was and has been terrific as well. Both are very fundamentally sound. I would say Freidel made some lights out saves in the big moments...and played for a higher profile EPL team. If either was more prone to let in a cheap goal it would have been Freidel...but the US has been blessed with some great keepers. Howard has the potential to be great, more athletic than either, lacks consistency and the stone cold technical ability, but he gets better and better too. As for Arena, he has been great...I can question a few things he has done, but for the most part, he has been fair. I like the Arena will give veterans and young players a chance. Meaning...Stevie Ralston could have been overlooked easily for a younger flashier player. But then he calls up Pat Noonan who is the opposite. He rewards strong play in MLS and Europe, and basically plays the best 11. Now, ...sometimes I question his like and continued support for guys like Clint Mathis, Josh Wolff up top. But you could argue the depth up there hasn't been good over the years. I also like the fact that he doesn't care if you are black blue green purple etc...if you are good you play. He has really elevated the program. He is also realistic to say as recently as this week....that the U.S. will contend for a World Cup, when it has players playing consistently in the field in the EPL. He knows guys need to go abroad...but he also knows that they need to play when overseas too. I would like to see Taylor Twellman get another look, but he has to earn it too. If taylor doesn't provide pts, he can look invisible out there at times. Arena getting Clint Dempsey and some of the other new pros time against England was a reward for good play and a great opp for exposure to the elite environment.

Seeing Keller play in person was a treat. He really has a presence out there, and constantly makes intelligent decisions and doesn't get rattled. He is physically more imposing in person too. The guy is still the goods.

Ward starts as an outside back. Dipsy getting some time in Salt Lake, here and there,a few starts..., Jewsbury getting some starts in KC. I thought after Jackie came on last year he would get more consistent time. But doing fine. Davis playing better this year. John has had some small nagging injuries, not getting time in Chicago yet.

How about Keller in the World Cup qualifier? Awesome. Great header and work from McBride, as usual. Not a SLU kid, but nice to see Pat Noonan get his feet wet(DeSmet/IU) with the team. Beasley adds that much needed speed and pace for the U.S. Will be nice to see O'Brien get in the mix soon, and Eddie Johnson up top. Tim Ward and Will John are in the Netherlands for youth world championships, part of 21 man roster. Ward has started every game for NY/NJ. IU lost 2-1 at IU to Mexican youth national team recently.

I really don't think it matters where you get your kids. I do think it helps to establish your program form the inside out, meaning starting in your own area, and surrounding states and get a foot hold, then move out when you start building a program. It is definitely easier to sell a local or surrounding state kid. Why would a kid from somehwere else go to SLU if he could go to a good team near his home, or another national program with more recent and current success? Tough to get those, and it is not productive to do that. See Lorenzo Romar, recruiting stud. I think ideally you want to get kids from the 8 states taht border Missouri first. Unless you have a connection elsewhere. Kids nowadays choose schools for the coaching staff more than anything else. Now, Chicago for example has a lot of depth of talent, not far from STL, no reason can't come up with a few Marquee Perry's of the world. Dillard coaches a top public high league team there, etc....SLU should have a foot hold in S Il as well. You have to build relationships with the AAU circuit, use connections, etc...recruiting is a tough business. But you need to go with the best player and best fit regardless of where they are from. Ideally SLU will re-establish the surrounding area, where kids will have an interest in SLU themselves, instead of SLU having to beat down the door just to get a sniff. Moving to the A-10, eventually SLU will get some kids out East...hopefully. The STL area doesn't have a lot of depth, that is true. I remember when Jon Harris was post-dispatch player of the year. So there are definitely some lean years for top talent. Kids play other sports more and more, so competition is as tough as ever for good players. As long as SLU played well, I don't think anybody on here cares where the kids come from. But you do have to build local ties and when appropriate take local kids. I have always said, if there is an elite level player, only elite level, and they are a great character kid, but don't have the grades, once in a while you have to take a chance on them. I don't think it would be a good habit to get into, but definitely for the special kid. The current recruiting of a few local kids with talent is a good sign...but the key is to follow up immediately with another strong group...to have success, you really need back to back strong classes.

Unfortunately Skip, the U.S. just couldn't match the speed of England most of the game, especially early on. England controlled possession early. It was an even game overall. A lot of folks look at the result, and that England was up 2-0, and think they controlled the whole thing or dominated, which wasn't the case. Some of the play of the U.S. was frustrating, knowing they can play better. But, there is nothing like seeing a national team game. Pope is getting up there in age a little, but mostly is rusty and not 100% and hasn't played much. A lot of the England players are fit coming off of Premier league play. Alan Smith, still one of the dirtiest players around. Sure Skip England's first goal, one of two for Richardson was terrific. But how far back was the U.S. wall gonna play? Go back and watch the tape and count how many times the U.S. had a free kick driven into the wall. England would inch up and up every time, giving virtually no room. Where was the U.S. in the 4th minute. IMO it is one example of the U.S. not ready out of the gate for the speed of England, and pace of play. Pope had to pull him down early because of disorganization at times early for U.S., and they were beat on the run. You have to play 90 miutes against England. Great effort after that, an exciting game that the U.S. could have tied or won.

Soccer gents, I attended the England U.S. match at Soldier Field this past weekend. From a SLU connection, saw Danny Donigan, others in the SLU family, and other contingents from Busch/STL soccer, and Scott Gallagher. There were a lot of STL folks, some of the above were in my group. I went last minute. I knew going in, many U.S. and England players would not be playing, which tempered my enthusiasm, and it was a friendly. Let me say after, I was very glad I went. Terrific time, terrific atmosphere. And though not the best result, a hard fought entertaining game. SLU grad Brian McBride started played most of the game. He really represents the only target player up front for the U.S., and he had two players on him at all times and was pedestrian. He was his usual hardworking self and great in the air. Solid effort. This freed up a lot of opportunity for Josh Wolff, and frankly Wolff gagged the game. The effort was there, but Wolff really struggled mightily. Landon Donovan had a poor game as well, though a few flashes and near goal on a great ball that banged off of the far post. St. Louisan, Gallagher alum, Stevie Ralston didn't have the best game either. The U.S. did not match the speed and physical play of England for much of the first half. Mostly it was the adjustment to pace where the U.S. struggled. England was fast, and physical. I was pleased to see Gibbs and Vanney step up to the physical challenge early on. Kasey Keller had a solid game, and frankly is still a stud in goal. I was impressed by the play of Steve Cherundolo at right back, really a nice game for him. Bocanegra was solid. Unfortunate for Eddie Pope, he was responsible for both goals on miscues. He looked rusty coming off of injury. Clint Dempsey has been tearing up the MLS this year, but he ran out of gas early in half 2, ...everyone was waiting for the sub that never came. Great game experience for him, who will only get better. He didn't have a great game, but glad to see him get the chance. I was disappointed to see McBride exit for Connor Casey, a familiar thing with Arena, pull McBride late in game. If Casey had a couple of better first touches, could have tied the game. Convey was irrelevant and looked uncomfortable playing outside...had bad spacing. The atmosphere was much better than expected, as was the crowd size. 47000. Half England, half U.S. red cross England flags wrapped around the entire stadium with flags from seemingly every town in England. Though not perfectly played with missing players, a highly entertaining game, and crowd. The U.S. came on strong and played a solid second half, pushing forward time and again. Poor finishes, and poor high pressure touches cost them. Non-hand ball call in the box hurt as well. England was able to showcase some new up and coming youngsters, and sprinkle in some veterans. Bad start, but good resilience for the U.S. Was happy with that. Had many a pint with many England and U.S. fans after, a fun time. ...great cheers and songs during the game and after. all took the kidding well.

Adding Michigan and Duke would help off-set the possible schedule loss of UVA, Clemson and Wake Forest of recent years. SLU needs as many tough non-conference games as they can get. Michigan has done quite well for only recently switching to D-1. Northwestern is an up and comer in the upper midwest too.

...for disclosure purposes only....Letterman was the first and I believe only(though not positive) tv show to let Paula Poundstone come on and do standup after all of her problems etc....this past year.

ahh....the topic that won't go away year after year. V is ready to roll V is ready to roll....well well well....I would be happy to oblige the proverbial two cents. Where is the long list of major D I college succcess for V grads??? It isn't there. AB stands out big time...unfortunately more turned out like Melvin Robinson. You are reaching big time if you think Sean Tunstall had a successful college career, as you are reaching with the few others names. The indisputable facts are that V grads do not make it after high school in the college hoops world. There are always exceptions. McKinney is an exception. Hopefully Polk will be too when his career is over, we shall see. In the 1980's, and 1990's and early 2000's, that is a LOT of years, and that list of succesful major D I players is extremely short. Why? Multiple reasons....good high school players doesn't always translate into good college players. Academics is another reason. Anthony Jones was one of the best Vashon players I ever saw, but he was a 6'2 forward and that won't get it done in college. Players need to be looked at individually regardless of school. I am all for recruiting V kids good enough to play major D I ...and don't have any baggage or problems. I hold this for any kid regardless of any school. Once in a while I do think a school like SLU should take a prop 48 kid, if he is very very good, and has the character to make the grades, and is a positive influence. Dwyane Wade, Andre Miller are recent examples of extremely successful non academic qualifiers their first year, sat out, got adjusted to the college life etc...and both had college gpa's over 3.0.....but you can't take a bunch of them, and have to be careful who you pick. For the most part over the last 20 plus years, the kids at the V, while highly successful high school players, weren't individually good enough for major D I. Happens all the time at many top high school programs. Finally as far as USA Today polls are concerned...just dig up my past thoughts on them. The short answer is this...Vashon got crushed in the state final this year to a team that wasn't even ranked nationally. That is what I think of high school national polls.

Nebraska Bob, if you read or hear anything about him...he has wanted to play for Duke since he was 5 years old. Coach K is from Chicago, and has history of recruiting the area. Assistant coach Chris Collins, former Dukie and son of former Bulls coach Doug Collins, played at the same high school as Scheyer. I firmly believe the only reason Illinois was in the mix was the Weber brother connection, or U of I had no shot.

Did Dave ask him if they were the Billikens? Letterman is pretty good with sports and nicknames. This begs the question, Letterman or Leno? The answer to this question can say a lot about someone. My short answer is Letterman. The long answer is Letterman and Conan. ....don't to get to watch as much of the at stuff in recent years but, Conan is lights out funny and Letterman, while not near as good as the old days...will always have my vote.

ONE GAME. In what sport and at what level does a player play well EVERY time out? Answer, none. Because a player doesn't have a good game, doesn't also mean he isn't trying.

Well boys...I guess we will have to disagree. We can agree that the NBA isn't fun or watchable most of the time. If it becomes more of a team game and less one on one...and officials attend to simple rules like traveling...etc...I would be more interested. I can watch some West teams and the Heat play....that is about it... I would like to see Hughes dramatically increase his assists per game, and create more for others...in turn getting more for himself too. up until this year, he was a stat filler on bad teams, decent numbers, nice pay...It has been seven years....and I expected more up until this point. Hopefully he can turn the corner after signing a nice contract. Many don't do it....many....so it is up to him.

Roy....seriously....how many times are you going to judge the "play" and "talent" of a player on one freakin game. I hope you don't show up the one night I lay an egg or play a bad or average game. WOW! At least see a few games... Weber wanted this kid bad....how bad, very bad. He can go get other kids and be fine... There is nothing wrong with taking a pass on talking about someone's ability because you have only seen them play one time. Let's take the shootout for example...I remember Zo Mourning and Ellis hooking up for that low scoring 40's game. I think they turned out okay. Thankfully I didn't judge Larry Hughes on a couple of his high school losses to DeSmet when he didn't have special games. Even wondering whether or not Weber was recruiting him that hard...is ridiculous. This kid saddled his high school team on his shoulders and won round after round against some tough high school competition....and that doesn't even cover his individual talent. Weber was said to have been heart broken he didn't pick U of I. Now, he may be a likely superstar at Duke and beyond, or maybe he won't....but he is a top of the line recruit. Cream of the crop. That part is for sure.

I am not ready to judge Weber off of one kid. Scheyer has talked Duke for a long long time. Chris Collins, Duke's top recruiter is a graduate of Scheyer's high school, Glenbrook North. And Coach K is a Chicago native. There are a lot of kids downstate and in Chi town that Weber can get. Now, he may or may not be able to recruit at U of I, but I will give him a chance to see if he can...

The bottom link was an interesting read... Okay...reverse order...BigMac....The NBA still consists of the grab and hold league. If I want to see hockey, would have headed to Austria for the Worlds. The West...and Wade are where it's at? 67% of ESPN's audience is on East Coast time, and frankly East Coast ball in the NBA stinks. I prefer college but enjoyed the 80's NBA. There are some nice moments in the West. Skip I don't judge players on individual games or series....but I will disagree with what you said, and I saw...Wade can and did take Hughes off the dribble. Wade had a bad first quarter in one of the games with to's.....and credit also goes to the other team...but I think it is extraordinary what he is doing at the point in only his second year of ever playing it in his life. Roy, look up the Heat's record without Shaq....and take a look at the Heat roster last year and this year....Damon Jones? c'mon...Besides the Diesel, just a bunch of interchangeable guys at best in the league. He makes those guys better. Hughes to me is JD Drew in many ways. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2005/dailydime

Have fun Steve! In sports... Seriously by all means.....when you are there...make your way to Liverpool on May 25th....when you get there you will need no explanation why...it is European Champions League Final...no it isn't taking place in Liverpool, but Liverpool is playing Italy's AC Milan in a hugely anticipated big big deal in the finals....and Liverpool will be hoppin... Also I couldn't agree more with the tip on making it to Wimbledon. It is a must. Try to go when local bridesmaid, gentleman Tim Henman is playing for more excitement, or a popular American like Agassi. ...Let me know if you get any post trip side trip thoughts like Ireland etc...some must see's....

...just an fyi...I remember back when you asked about Weber's brother's High School team and their shot at State...they won it, much of it due to superstar Jon Scheyer. Well this week Scheyer narrowed his choices to Illinois and Duke....if you missed it.

Roy ...I think you are missing my point. Wade makes his teammates better. If all you are going to does is read a stat sheet and say there you go...we will disagree all day. Arenas and Hughes are nice individual players but they elevate the level of those around them in the capacity that Wade does. Wade imo brings much more to the table than the other two. Career numbers.... Hughes....15pts, 3 assists, 42% fg, 4rb, in 7 seasons... Wade......21pts, 6 assists, 47%fg, 4rb, in just 2 seasons. ...and that is only numbers, not counting any intangibles....of which there are many. Wade played two years of college ball to Hughes' one. The extra year helped him, ...but Hughes is finally putting up a complete season after 7 years, and in a contract year, or JD Drew year as I call it. In the next few years I see Wade's game getting better and better at a much more significant rate than Hughes. Hughes is a good player and like everyone else I like to see a local guy do well, but imo Wade is better now, and that gap will widen more in next few years. I am rooting for Hughes to do well, and hope he has turned the corner and will get better next year. But I'll take Wade.

I disagree, I think Wade does a much better job of making his teammates better, and has a more complete game than those two. In a year or two when Wade starts shooting deep with more consistency, he will distance himself even more.