All Things We Like/Dislike About A Program

[Kuiper]

I tend to think there is a combination of provincialism and success (and perhaps a reaction to elitism generally) that have led to Amherst being singled out for their tactics.  I don't think anything they are doing is that uncommon and I expect there are teams in every region that do some of the same things (e.g., Occidental has a little bit of that reputation in the SCIAC and it sounds like Franklin & Marshall is that team in the Mid-Atlantic region).  Frankly, it's surprising more teams don't do it.  It's a style of play that is easier to recruit from the pool of players who are likely to play D3, it has historically fit the weather and field conditions in the Northeast quadrant of the country, which is where the vast majority of D3 men's soccer teams are located, and the bench behavior is a way to create crowd atmosphere and involve all players in places where there are very few fans and large rosters of kids who might easily become disengaged. 

In the Southwest, kids playing against physical players like at Amherst would do a heck of lot more to play up the fouls committed.  They would never consider it a badge of honor to dust yourself off and get on with it as English commentators would say.  They would milk that for everything it's worth and give the ref plenty of time to consider the magnitude of the foul committed while their teammates chirp at the ref.  That's what St. Thomas does if a less skilled team starts to chop down their more technical players.  A lot of American fans criticize that behavior in Mexico and other CONCACAF teams that they see play the USMNT, but it was partly developed by smaller players as a reaction to the physical, but less skilled, American teams and their tactics trying to neutralize their top players.  Of course, there are refs where that will backfire, but that's true with Amherst's style and bench behavior. 

[Coach Jeff]

As a RECENT Messiah parent I am filled with all sorts of emotions after sundays match.  Word on the street was this Messiah squad was one of the best in years (they are ALL very very good teams).  Enough of the weekend and congrats to Williams for winning a match in a tournament that is very hard to win games!

I wanted to give a little insight to our families experience watching our son be a part of the program at Messiah.  From a freshman to super senior I have watched a kid (on and off the field) grow in ways I couldn't even fathom.  Messiah is a tough program to play for. The D3 soccer expectation is to be in the mix of  a National title ever year BUT they (the players) never talk about it.  The core values they have is their focus. You have to experience it to believe it's really true.  To play for messiah is much greater then each individual and a national title.  Do they want to win it all? Of course they do!

As a former college coach, recruiter-  I can say the college experience is a super important decision to upcoming players.  Our son made the right choice for him.  The soccer was so fun to watch, and the guys he was surrounded with was a blessing (from coaching staff, current and alumni).  What a program filled with so many traditions!

Was the Messiah experience perfect? No
Was Messiah the perfect place for our son? Yes

I would always ask recruits the following- (same process for our son).
1. If you get injured in your first year and you can't play again are you at the school you want to be?
2. Are you around the guys you want to be around?
3. If soccer is taken away is this the place for you? 

If you can say yes to those questions this is a good fit for you.
(Of course there are several other things that go into the decision)

Messiah was an A-plus experience!

To those future college players looking to find their place - I wish you the best experience possible! These four years go by way too fast!

AZ thanks for sharing your son's experience and your thoughts on the recruiting process.  I have had the opportunity to recruit and have my sons recruited as well and those three things were mentioned often.  The players need to choose a college that if soccer would not be there would they still have a great experience and an education.  Best wishes to you AZ soccer GUY. 

[camosfan]

As a RECENT Messiah parent I am filled with all sorts of emotions after sundays match.  Word on the street was this Messiah squad was one of the best in years (they are ALL very very good teams).  Enough of the weekend and congrats to Williams for winning a match in a tournament that is very hard to win games!

I wanted to give a little insight to our families experience watching our son be a part of the program at Messiah.  From a freshman to super senior I have watched a kid (on and off the field) grow in ways I couldn't even fathom.  Messiah is a tough program to play for. The D3 soccer expectation is to be in the mix of  a National title ever year BUT they (the players) never talk about it.  The core values they have is their focus. You have to experience it to believe it's really true.  To play for messiah is much greater then each individual and a national title.  Do they want to win it all? Of course they do!

As a former college coach, recruiter-  I can say the college experience is a super important decision to upcoming players.  Our son made the right choice for him.  The soccer was so fun to watch, and the guys he was surrounded with was a blessing (from coaching staff, current and alumni).  What a program filled with so many traditions!

Was the Messiah experience perfect? No
Was Messiah the perfect place for our son? Yes

I would always ask recruits the following- (same process for our son).
1. If you get injured in your first year and you can't play again are you at the school you want to be?
2. Are you around the guys you want to be around?
3. If soccer is taken away is this the place for you? 

If you can say yes to those questions this is a good fit for you.
(Of course there are several other things that go into the decision)

Messiah was an A-plus experience!

To those future college players looking to find their place - I wish you the best experience possible! These four years go by way too fast!

From one parent to another congratulations, it worked out for your family, think about all the people who would love to change place with you.

[SimpleCoach]

Fun first post! I was on site for the Williams Messiah game and I think you all would be interested to know.....

Just prior to the Messiah group
Being pulled away for the interview post game....the Williams team and fans were surrounding coach Siebert and could be heard yelling "we F——ed them" we F—-ed them up" repeatedly.

Prior to the game as the Williams players entered the facility they also yelled similar statements "let's F—— them up" etc.

Some middle school children near me looked around like did we just hear what I think we heard? This wasn't just an in the huddle moment only heard by the team. This was heard by anyone within 100 yards of the field.

So between that and the 18 fouls Saturday and 17 Sunday...I was not impressed.

A huge credit to the Williams keeper for his play. He was tremendous. Many solid defensive efforts that were legit by the team.....but the cumulative foul count and disgusting language...lacked the sportsmanship that NCAA experience is supposed to have.

I love a good physical game...played shoulder to shoulder. When your strategy is to cut people down to break up the game...what has the game become? I think college soccer has gotten uglier over the years as more teams lean into fouling to foul and not a foul as a result of a genuine effort to win the ball in a tough honest 1v1 battle.

I hope whoever wins it all plays straight up!

[Coach Jeff]

Fun first post! I was on site for the Williams Messiah game and I think you all would be interested to know.....

Just prior to the Messiah group
Being pulled away for the interview post game....the Williams team and fans were surrounding coach Siebert and could be heard yelling "we F——ed them" we F—-ed them up" repeatedly.

Prior to the game as the Williams players entered the facility they also yelled similar statements "let's F—— them up" etc.

Some middle school children near me looked around like did we just hear what I think we heard? This wasn't just an in the huddle moment only heard by the team. This was heard by anyone within 100 yards of the field.

So between that and the 18 fouls Saturday and 17 Sunday...I was not impressed.

A huge credit to the Williams keeper for his play. He was tremendous. Many solid defensive efforts that were legit by the team.....but the cumulative foul count and disgusting language...lacked the sportsmanship that NCAA experience is supposed to have.

I love a good physical game...played shoulder to shoulder. When your strategy is to cut people down to break up the game...what has the game become? I think college soccer has gotten uglier over the years as more teams lean into fouling to foul and not a foul as a result of a genuine effort to win the ball in a tough honest 1v1 battle.

I hope whoever wins it all plays straight up!

Was hoping SC and PN would give their thoughts on this post.  Not just repost it??  I am definitely more of a purest when I watch or coach the game.

[SimpleCoach]

Fun first post! I was on site for the Williams Messiah game and I think you all would be interested to know.....

Just prior to the Messiah group
Being pulled away for the interview post game....the Williams team and fans were surrounding coach Siebert and could be heard yelling "we F——ed them" we F—-ed them up" repeatedly.

Prior to the game as the Williams players entered the facility they also yelled similar statements "let's F—— them up" etc.

Some middle school children near me looked around like did we just hear what I think we heard? This wasn't just an in the huddle moment only heard by the team. This was heard by anyone within 100 yards of the field.

So between that and the 18 fouls Saturday and 17 Sunday...I was not impressed.

A huge credit to the Williams keeper for his play. He was tremendous. Many solid defensive efforts that were legit by the team.....but the cumulative foul count and disgusting language...lacked the sportsmanship that NCAA experience is supposed to have.

I love a good physical game...played shoulder to shoulder. When your strategy is to cut people down to break up the game...what has the game become? I think college soccer has gotten uglier over the years as more teams lean into fouling to foul and not a foul as a result of a genuine effort to win the ball in a tough honest 1v1 battle.

I hope whoever wins it all plays straight up!

Was hoping SC and PN would give their thoughts on this post.  Not just repost it??  I am definitely more of a purest when I watch or coach the game.

I just posted here to keep all this type of commentary in the same thread. 

SC.