Funny you says people have been pointing this out for years when last year was the first year they even started playing anything resembling "kickball".  Before 2013 Loras was a possession team that played high pressure, I can direct you to plenty of links from past seasons matches that would more than validate this point.
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Do you think it changed to kickball when we went to play 18, 19, 20, 21+ players per game?  Using a lot of subs creates no natural rhythm - natural start/stop/start/stop - no cohesiveness.  It allows players to come on for 10 minutes and just run around and work hard and then rest - tough to do when subs are limited.   Creates the dependence on set pieces, throw-ins, etc.

Having coaches against those the teams in 2008, 2009, and 2010 - they did play and possessed the ball well.  Not doubting those teams. 

Credit to both teams for the game on Saturday. 

Quote from: Durantula on November 07, 2014, 12:36:13 PM
The key for Wartburg will be forcing Loras to play soccer ..

Hits it on the head right there...hard to sub 100 times if the ball is kept and not blasted out bounds.  Good soccer is still looking for a home in the IIAC. 

@Madhatter5

I will do my best to take part in the board and add some flavor from other members of the IIAC.  I can imagine it does become a bit redundant without any other schools posting opinions and views on the conference. 

I still have not seen the issue we spoke about concerning Simpson.  I will let it lie and trust that changes have been made within the Simpson program to ensure this will not happen again.

I do believe the conference has more quality players than the other conferences give us credit.  As a former player, we traveled to California, Colorado, and spent all fall in MN beating teams and reminding them we could play.  It is easier for the people in the MIAC to say we are a one or two team conference and preach on about the strength of their conference.

Looking forward to a competitive weekend in the IIAC.  Coe and BV need to get it sorted to add the depth necessary to keep IIAC in the conversation.   Wartburg has some quality young players (2 players from CR/IC area) that could cause a shake up in the conference.  I just hope Wartburgs coaching doesn't get in the way.

I did catch some of the game and I did see Loras put together a few decent segments of play with some good build-up.  Their athleticism was very noticeable at times as they closed down the ball quite well and were physically superior in challenges.

I did not see this walk-off by the Storm, but I think we need to temper our response.  Granted this is a Loras heavy message board, but  let's not call in the officials from the IIAC to make a ruling.  I am sure you all felt slighted by the gesture.

I believe it would be nice to hear about other teams in the IIAC board.  As many of you are proud alumni of Loras and stick up for your college and team, I will do the same for Simpson and say that until proven otherwise the walk-off could have been a mistake. 

Giving some credit to a previously unbeaten Simpson team would be nice from time to time.  Do I think they at the top of the IIAC?  No.  If they continue to get some of the best talent in the DSM, they will be able to provide some competition at the top of the IIAC.

Quote from: GarbageGoals33 on September 25, 2013, 03:36:44 PM
Using my annual troll of the Loras thread aka IIAC thread mid-season...

"Is it the talent or is it in their quality of play?"  You are asking this question to someone from  NE USA who watched one game via webcast...

I am sure Loras is really good but their fans were just complaining a week ago how the team is average without Cavers (switching to long ball tactics, etc.).

If Cavers suffered a season ending injury tomorrow would Loras win the IIAC?

This thread has spiraled out of control over a Loras win against 5-3 Wheaton.

It is a valid question.  The reason for it is to merely see why this guy after watching one game they are national championship contenders. 

It is a bit ridiculous for comments to be made from one game.  I also love the insight from people from the MIAC.  They love to look down at the IIAC with such disdain.  I know these are large sweeping generalizations.

Quote from: NCAC New England on September 25, 2013, 03:03:34 PM
Let's be fair.  Compared to what else is out there the commentary was pretty even-handed.  It was after all the Wheaton broadcast team.  And only one of them expressed some bias, which he outright owned as a Wheaton alum and the same guy said any team (even Wheaton) would waste time in the final 10 minutes of a game.  And the kicking the ball away every time WAS poor form by the 7th or 8th time.

Not taking anything away from Loras.  Can definitely see them being crowned national champs.  Impressive team.

What about them makes them a possible national champion in your eyes?  I have not seen enough of other team outside the region.  Is it the talent or is it in their quality of play?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

Quote from: KICKIN95 on September 24, 2013, 09:10:50 PM

Quote from: OriginalStorm on September 24, 2013, 08:57:19 PM
Yes! The long throw!!  A staple of American soccer.

It is a weapon that teams all around the world are slowly beginning to utilize.

Yes.  You are right..all the top teams like Stoke.

Yes! The long throw!!  A staple of American soccer.

I just saw Dan get out of his lawn chair...he must mean business...

I am sure the Duhawk faithful are watching the game as I type.  How is the soccer?

Been watching for 13 minutes and the number of 5 pass sequences = 0

They can get to 4....but after that we have to do something that kills possession.  Not good soccer and not soccer to use as a symbol for youth coaches.  Maybe when Loras brings on their 15 subs it will change.