SimpleCoach D3 Soccer YouTube Channel

[SierraFD3soccer]

Putting this here because frankly we should be talking about St Olaf in the other thread.

I just watched SC's interview with Serpone.  I know I watched some of it before but not all of it.  What struck me after all the recent convos is that yes, he comes across as genuinely extremely bright, thoughtful, passionate, etc.  I got a vibe of a very talented youth minister or life coach.  Heck, I think he could help me with my anxiety and worrying too much about what others think in a way that distracts from staying focused and on task.  In that regard, I can respect what he says about his ONLY or primary obligation being to his 28-30 players and whoever else is most directly a part of the program. 

But what also struck me, and I'm sure I'm taking him partly out of context, was his take on his players only really needing him after losses/major disappointments (losing in PKs, breakup with a partner, family loss, etc).  That was great.  However, and I get what he was saying, he suggested that they don't need him for winning or after winning.  And that's where I disagree.  On the one hand, I have little doubt that they learn how to handle winning from him and take cues from him, and so he is implicated regardless.  Helping them figure out how to deal with winning (differently) should be part of a coach's job.  That seems like a life lesson too, as 'winning' long-term post-Amherst means being able to appreciate the world beyond the brotherhood of one's collegiate team (even if the alums already have booked tickets to Vegas).  I can understand trying to make Amherst soccer the means to an incredible life ahead, but not both the means and the end whereby all the energy gets directed back into itself in an insular fashion.  Claiming that folks just can't understand because we can't comprehend the love that they share for each other starts to sound a little cultish (and insulting).

Anyway, what I got out of the interview is that he is smart enough and self-aware enough to have his players commit to the Amherst passion without some of the antics and losing control, and without him berating officials and screaming on the sidelines constantly.  He knows better (or at least he gives that impression).

Great post.  I may going too deep here and you have made me think of lot of things. Maybe not "cultish," but a substitution for religion in today's overwhelming secular world. In other words, Serpone may be using a version of the Messiah Method, but with a twist on it by not including the grace/humility part in some cases. 

Messiah has consistently won (may have not advanced far recently), but Messiah's winning appears to be just a byproduct of upholding the values put in by their coaches and its college religious leaders which is part of its mission.  I can't name Messiah's coaches, but know they have a great program without the bad side. I get a feeling that if a Messiah player(s) got out of line, the coaches/teammates/school would hold him accountable. From my perspective, grace and humility along with discipline are major parts of their program which can only help a young man be better whether a starter or bench player in their future.

Having gone to an all boys boarding school, played in college, been in a fraternity and served in the military, I can go so much further as to what makes a successful organization that produces successful men. Grace/humility/discipline. One thing I will say is that, if it is about the leader who is not a good role model, then the program probably has major issues that will come out even if it is shows success.

[PaulNewman]

Sierra, you tripped right on to the answer...

A Messiah player would not get out of line...like ever...

Either way, it's very difficult to violate on teams that have such clear demands...because the consequences are so clear (in both cases)

[SimpleCoach]

Had an opportunity to have an in depth conversation with Stephanie Dutton, @UEC_Commish of the @GoUnitedEast .  Very insightful discussion about athletics and Division III.

A Special SimpleCoach to Coach w/Stephanie Dutton, Commissioner of the United East Conference

[SimpleCoach]

As always, a great conversation with a true gentleman of the game.

SimpleCoach to Coach 2023 Season in Review with Kyle Dezotell, Head Men's Coach at Tufts University

[SimpleCoach]

Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup?

[Freddyfud]

Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup?

Fighting visions of sugar plums dancing so decided to give this a view.  Very interesting as I've been following this, thanks.  My first reaction to the news was to debate in my head yet again is this a symptom or a cause for US Soccer problems.  Add this decision to the list that already includes lack of promotion/relegation, sanctioned expansion that seems to favor the few rather than the masses, the moving target that is the US "pathway to pro" (whatever that means), etc., etc.  You touched on other aspects such as the Federation favoring a league that is becoming more and more international and MLS's financial progress.  I doubt 20 years ago US Soccer would have guessed the league could ever make a $250M TV deal as it just did with Messi Apple.  As for my internal debate with this latest news, I think I'll punt for now and wait and see.

I expected you to bring up one aspect in particular with the possibility of a second one but was surprised to hear neither.  Not to discredit what you did mention as again I found it interesting.  And perhaps the answer is there is only so much time which is obviously reasonable.  I'll start with the second less obvious one which is the influence of MLS on youth soccer.  I like your idea of decentralizing training centers but believe that scratches the surface.  I still believe identification of the best US youth soccer talent is fundamentally suffering and inadequate.  Expansion of opportunity such as USL tiers and now MLS Next Pro helps.  Unfortunately there is still the American way--it's not what you know it's who you know.  The ATL decision is likely an example as you say, but I believe this problem is much more pervasive.

As for the more obvious thought: the audacity when no other country would do this.  If he saw this news I imagine Klopp choked on his schnitzel laughing at up to 6 midweek schedule conflicts.  I get your points on fines and other monetary penalties.  But I wonder if the most effective path is to somehow make the US Open Cup as compelling as it is for the FA Cup or Copa Del Rey.  It will never be Michigan vs Ohio State, but surely there is a way to generate more interest for attendance and TV contracts.  Ten years ago there were 3K fans who showed up to watch the NASL Carolina Railhawks beat Landon Donovan and the the LA Galaxy in the Open Cup.  If there is a way to get that same game today with more hype, ticket sales and a legitimate content partner  MLS wouldn't have a choice.  How do we elevate the celebration of Coach Wilfried Nancy from just winning the MLS Cup to possibly winning a treble (Champions League notwithstanding?)

[SimpleCoach]

Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup?

Fighting visions of sugar plums dancing so decided to give this a view.  Very interesting as I've been following this, thanks.  My first reaction to the news was to debate in my head yet again is this a symptom or a cause for US Soccer problems.  Add this decision to the list that already includes lack of promotion/relegation, sanctioned expansion that seems to favor the few rather than the masses, the moving target that is the US "pathway to pro" (whatever that means), etc., etc.  You touched on other aspects such as the Federation favoring a league that is becoming more and more international and MLS's financial progress.  I doubt 20 years ago US Soccer would have guessed the league could ever make a $250M TV deal as it just did with Messi Apple.  As for my internal debate with this latest news, I think I'll punt for now and wait and see.

I expected you to bring up one aspect in particular with the possibility of a second one but was surprised to hear neither.  Not to discredit what you did mention as again I found it interesting.  And perhaps the answer is there is only so much time which is obviously reasonable.  I'll start with the second less obvious one which is the influence of MLS on youth soccer.  I like your idea of decentralizing training centers but believe that scratches the surface.  I still believe identification of the best US youth soccer talent is fundamentally suffering and inadequate.  Expansion of opportunity such as USL tiers and now MLS Next Pro helps.  Unfortunately there is still the American way--it's not what you know it's who you know.  The ATL decision is likely an example as you say, but I believe this problem is much more pervasive.

As for the more obvious thought: the audacity when no other country would do this.  If he saw this news I imagine Klopp choked on his schnitzel laughing at up to 6 midweek schedule conflicts.  I get your points on fines and other monetary penalties.  But I wonder if the most effective path is to somehow make the US Open Cup as compelling as it is for the FA Cup or Copa Del Rey.  It will never be Michigan vs Ohio State, but surely there is a way to generate more interest for attendance and TV contracts.  Ten years ago there were 3K fans who showed up to watch the NASL Carolina Railhawks beat Landon Donovan and the the LA Galaxy in the Open Cup.  If there is a way to get that same game today with more hype, ticket sales and a legitimate content partner  MLS wouldn't have a choice.  How do we elevate the celebration of Coach Wilfried Nancy from just winning the MLS Cup to possibly winning a treble (Champions League notwithstanding?)

@FreddyFud, first off thanks for watching.  Appreciate that you took time out of your day to watch a running commentary on what's going on.  Couple things, on the Youth Soccer situation and MLS, I did do an injured time on the subject and talked about how MLS propped up a league to make it easier and cheaper for the MLS academy teams to compete.  You can find it here -

Injured Time - Episode III.  Academy/MLSNext Soccer

Regarding the fines, etc. or options for the Fed, I think there are a number of things the Federation can do.  I was just culling through what I thought the most impactful statements of the Federation taking control of the game.... and knowing where MLS would react.  I really could have gone down probably 15 things US Soccer could have done, but I thought of 1. what will have the greatest impact on MLS and 2. What would be the strongest statement the Federation could make.  At least that was my thinking.

Anyhow, thanks again for watching and your comments..

SC.

[jknezek]

Frankly I find this ridiculous. U.S. Soccer should threaten to set USL up as a competing League 1. The Open Cup is a traditional and amazing opportunity. It's named after Lamar Hunt, who basically saved MLS and these owners are being ridiculously whiny babies. Stop setting up more and more tournaments with Liga MX and play a domestic cup. Do a better job of promoting it. It is, literally, the only American professional sport where the underdogs get the big stage to work magic. That should be the marketing pitch, and it should be heavily promoted.

I know here in town the Birmingham Legion promoted the heck out of their games against MLS opponents last year. A road win at Charlotte in the Round of 16 where the team organized multiple fan buses and an 18K attended home loss to Inter Miami (no, Messi did not play) in the Quarter-Final. 18K for a soccer game, in Birmingham AL, where soccer is still sometimes considered a communist past time!

No, MLS needs to get a kick in the rear from U.S. Soccer and be reminded they don't hold all the cards even if they do hold most of the money. Perhaps U.S. Soccer shouldn't have helped MLS sue the NASL into history if this is the thanks they are going to get.

[SKUD]

Great take on MLS and US Cup!

#firedongarber
#introducerelegation
#SCforCOMMISH

[Hopkins92]

Realistically, and I'm not some firebrand on this topic, just curious... If I buy the NextTownUp MLS franchise for... what are they going for these days? $500M?

And my team blows and gets relegated and I am no longer getting that TV money and other exposure. I'm not sure how that works, frankly. European and S. American teams have been around for longer than any of us have been alive. There's no "buying into" La Liga or Serie A or whatever.

I just wonder what people that say the US should have pro/rel are actually advocating. Would love to be convinced it can work, but over the years I've seen a lot of fiery posts on message boards that just aren't rooted in economic reality.

[SimpleCoach]

Realistically, and I'm not some firebrand on this topic, just curious... If I buy the NextTownUp MLS franchise for... what are they going for these days? $500M?

And my team blows and gets relegated and I am no longer getting that TV money and other exposure. I'm not sure how that works, frankly. European and S. American teams have been around for longer than any of us have been alive. There's no "buying into" La Liga or Serie A or whatever.

I just wonder what people that say the US should have pro/rel are actually advocating. Would love to be convinced it can work, but over the years I've seen a lot of fiery posts on message boards that just aren't rooted in economic reality.

Truth be told @Hopkins92, I think a lot if not all proponents on Pro/Rel triple down on bong hits, hash brownies, and gummies. 

SC.

[SKUD]

SC sounds like you're speaking from experience.

[jknezek]

I like pro/rel and I think it would have made for a better system in the U.S., certainly let the sport stand out from the crowd a lot more than it can now. There were several opportunities to set up American soccer as pro/rel, first in the early 90s when MLS was being formulated as a requirement of the '92 World Cup, then in the early 2000s when it almost went under and Lamar Hunt basically saved it, and finally recently NASL wanted to set up a competing tier 1 League as pro/rel and couldn't get sanctioned by USA Soccer.

But you are absolutely correct that we can't force Pro/Rel on MLS at this point. That's not happening and is a complete pipe dream. I wouldn't mind USA Soccer setting up USL as a competing First Tier League and then seeing what American's prefer over the long-term.

[SimpleCoach]

SC sounds like you're speaking from experience.

Under advisement of my legal counsel, I plead the 5th, which under our constitution is a protected right.

SC.

[EnmoreCat]

Observing from afar, professional sport in the US has always felt quite different to what takes place in the rest of the world.  In soccer at least, it's unusual in the extreme for professional clubs in Europe to uproot and move cities, mainly because the ties are such that it literally couldn't happen.  Supporters would go crazy, you only need to see the ruckus created by the European Super League to see what can be mobilized really fast.  Plus, it's tough to imagine a potential owner/investor stumping up a massive franchise fee for a US franchise knowing that they could potentially be relegated.

Of course, these countries all have a culture of pro/rel too.  It's interesting, in Australia we have had a similar system to the US, with A-League being at the top of the pyramid, but up until this year, whilst there has been pro/rel beneath it via the different state leagues, in 2025, there will be an official B League commencing, with the potential prospect of eventual pro/rel.  The teams that comprise this B League are just about all clubs that were members of the original National Soccer League here, where they were all mostly sponsored by different ethnic communities.  Whilst they have managed to survive and prosper in their state leagues, they are in the main, vanity projects, and whilst players can get paid quite well, attendances are really low, averaging maybe around the mid-hundreds.  These teams could probably get sponsored to survive for a year or two in A League, but ultimately, they are nowhere near being self-supporting.  We also have the experience here of youth football essentially helping fund these vanity projects by families being required to pay quite substantial amounts for their children to participate, which I have read here/heard regularly in my travels, is the US experience also.