SLUBALLS

Fair warning: Riley Green concert at Chaifetz this Friday, doors open at 5:45 pm. I imagine parking will be tough in the Olive garage for the men’s soccer game.

Many probably knew this guy from coaching, playing for him or against him. Met him through my coaching at Fusz years ago. He loved riding around on his golf cart especially when he had the big picture of the future soccer complex to show people. RIP https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2025/09/29/rip-don-popovic-who-directed-arrows-to-1st-indoor-soccer-dynasty-lancers-coach-passes-away/

There is an offensive production issue for sure and it was on display last night. We did not look the part of the 8th ranked team in any way. Is it youth, finding the right combo of players, poor finishing, attacking strategy that does not suit the players, bad luck, better teams, recruits not living up to the potential implied by a recruit ranking, etc? No doubt the coaches are trying to figure this out so SLU can be the one throttling a solid team 3 nil.....we all want that. Last night's game will certainly provide ample insights upon review and hopefully, one or two answers. That all said, this schedule has been one of the tougher ones for SLU vs previous years and, absent last night, SLU has acquitted themselves well with the youth and integration of several new players into this year's squad. I am hopeful that we actually dominate the A10 this year. We shouldn't let the defending off the hook either. Piss poor.

Big game coming up vs Akron (#12).

SLU just outside CSN Top Ten: https://collegesoccernews.com/college-soccer-news-mens-soccer-week-4-top-25-coaches-poll-nc-state-takes-1-spot-and-furman-jumps-into-top-10/

Entertaining game. Certainly a good result. Both teams with really solid chances that were thwarted by great keeper or defensive work. SLU kept to their use of depth throughout the game. Portland’s bench looked light which I speculate led to “injuries” to grab a breather during second half. Portland was fun to watch……they spread it out along their back and have four guys up top ready to go. Fast, skilled, direct…..SLU did well to give them their first shutout.

First goal was about as classy an offensive move I have seen by SLU. Quick breakout to an outside of the foot pass to put it behind the defense but away from the goalie for O'Neill to finish on a tight angle.....wow. The depth of SLU continues to be one of our strengths. Swapping high quality talent for high quality talent has to make it immensely difficult for our opponents. Interested in others' thoughts on changing tactics from first half to second half. So different in the approach from half to half from what I am seeing.

Just to underscore the amount of playing time allotted to freshmen and sophomores last night...pretty sure I got the starters right: DiMaria (FR)- 55 Min (Starter) Hecklenlaible (SO) - 52 Min (Starter) Franca (FR) - 49 Min (Starter) Fournier (SO) - 90 Min (Starter) Delkus (SO) - 38 Min (Starter) Henry (SO) - 44 Min Sellers (RFr) - 35 Min Schramm (Fr) - 8 Min Jaeger (Fr) - 19 Min

Gritty win. We played with them 100%. Defensive effort was top notch. Several recovery runs were spectacular to stop a very dangerous offensive play by SMU in the box. Their number 20 was primed to spring at any time. We played so young in the midfield and up top which is something to appreciate considering the ranked opponent. Our goal was a pretty individual effort through the leftish side of the box, slicing up defenders before slotting home under pressure. Number 17….. DiMaria…..stud. Playing beyond his years. Rotation of players didn’t seem to impact our play much bs the last two games. Felt like a unit the entire game.

The last two games have seen a commonality. First half is about springing our wings forward (7 and 17) over and over again down the side. We do not really push high as a unit and seem to let the other team have the ball a bit. Second half, a newer group plays for SLU and the urgency to press, win the ball, and attack is apparent.....this has largely been a youthful group when this style shows itself. It is more dynamic, energetic and quick. Interesting to see because it can feel as if you are watching two different teams in SLU but this may be intentional. SF controlled the ball and position of the ball largely in the first half; second half it was all SLU last night.

Team has to click to first. So many new faces playing together for first time. Need consistent play patterns to be automatic and be executed with speed and quality that is out there. Freshmen, who are talented, are still adjusting to pace and physicalness. They did score three vs DePaul just to be sure. Second half’s first 20-25 min, we were buzzing. Energy up top, high press, winning turnovers, etc…..and with nearly the entire front made up freshman, red shirt freshmen and a sophomore. Sellers looked very, very dangerous….beast of a guy too. Hell of a shot in second half that had goalie barely get his hands to. DiMaria….pure grit and skill. Threaded a great ball through for the chance called offside but his Garancha turn to make it happen was sublime. Battled relentlessly. Was a tad disappointed with how slow we were to get ball to wings who were standing in space and ready to attack with speed. 7 and 17 can create dangerous offensive moves but need the ball quicker. BC transfer looked all right. Maybe needs another game to get acclimated. Delkus was dangerous. Leatherman was typical speedy self.

Quick thoughts for what it's worth: About as boring a first half of soccer that I've seen in awhile. Goal came late in the half. We bypassed middle constantly and were working wide and over the top. DePaul was set up in a middish block about 25 yds inside out half....very organized which hurt ability to thread anything or combine. We did get chances attacking the flanks and squared balls through the box a few times but couldn't convert. Second half opened up a lot more and easier on the eyes for sure. Curious to see our GK receive the goal kick and then take it up to the 18 before laying off to center back as DePaul pressured. A different way of building from the back. # 7 (Marquette transfer) has some wheels. But we could not or would not find him throughout the game. He was clearly frustrated at times. The Brazilian (18) also didn't see much of the ball....but had a couple real nice chances I bet he would like to have back. Not sure if anyone felt this but......based on who played last night, there is a lot of gelling to do to take advantage of the talent we have. However, I will say the freshmen, especially the ones who played for City together, looked sharp and comfortable out there. Flow picked up when they were out there.....maybe their comfort level with each other or maybe DePaul was playing second string......don't know. But very much liked their play overall. BC transfer, whom should be an offensive threat this year, did not play. DiMaria's ball service......pretty. Reminded me of Johnny D 20 years ago.

Looking at roster: 5 Seniors, 6 Juniors, 6 Sophomores, 13 Freshman. Certainly will lean young overall but have to earn one’s time on the field. If a freshman can do that, more power to him. 24-ish years ago we had a crop of freshmen come through who started the season 10-0 led by Vedad. Regularly played seven freshmen that year too. Love to see impact like that from current crop of youngsters.

Looks like Jack Sullivan has moved on but two guys are coming in, as noted previously: https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/2025-mens-division-i-transfer-tracker_aid54066 https://uclabruins.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jc-cortez/14299 *Highly rated out of high school.....Centerback/Defender coming off an injury year https://bceagles.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/xavier-o-neil/24583 DC United Academy product/ All-ACC Freshman /Regular starter Stoll said TopDrawer had our recruiting class ranked at 7. I can't confirm given I don't have access to premium on TD's site but I imagine he's right.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/news/2025-generation-adidas-class-announced