John Nance
Rochester, MI
Why didn’t Notre Dame use their man-marker Kate Sobrero on UConn’s Sara Whalen in their women’s semifinal game? She was UConn’s only threat. It certainly looked as if all-American defenders Grubb and Sobrero and especially keeper Beene (maybe never tested) were overrated.
Dean Caparaz: Thanks for the question. I don’t know why Notre Dame coach Chris Petrucelli did not use Kate Sobrero to man-mark Connecticut’s Sara Whalen. (By the way, UConn’s Naomi Stone, a speedster in her own right, also caused the Irish problems.) At times Sobrero and Grubb ended up on her, usually after the Huskies got her the ball on the counterattack. Sobrero is fast, and that would have given her the best chance among the Irish defenders to keep up with the speedy Whalen. As it turned out, the not-as-fast Grubb had her hands full and was no match for Whalen on the first goal in that semifinal match. The other back, Kelly Lindsey, was not experienced enough to deal with UConn’s crafty veteran. As far as Grubb and LaKeysia Beene being overrated, I would have to disagree. True, Grubb had an average to below average game in the semifinal for a player of her stature. And Beene didn’t stop either of Whalen’s goals. But both were going against an experienced senior all-American player who has had the extra benefit of U.S. national team exposure within the past year. Yes, Grubb and Beene have done well at the U.S. under-20 level, and Grubb has played with the full national team. In case you’re wondering, I think that Whalen is a strong player of the year candidate, along with Robin Confer (of North Carolina), Cindy Parlow (UNC) and Anne Makinen (Notre Dame). Whether she’s our player of the year is another story….
David Rodriguez
Riverside, CA
When are soccer superstars going to be able to showcase their talents like NBA superstars? I can imagine how popular the NBA would be if its superstars were manhandled the way soccer superstars are.
Ridge Mahoney: FIFA has taken several steps this decade to crack down on thuggish defensive play. Not all of them have been successful, but most leagues and major tournaments were marred by far more brutality in the ’70s and ’80s than is the case today. Referees share the burden of fair play, as do players and coaches, and anytime there’s money or trophies on the line, there’s a strong motivation to commit fouls or cheat. Soccer is much more of a team game than basketball, since Michael Jordan has only five opponents to beat, but Ronaldo has 11. Yet Ronaldo scored 34 goals for Barcelona last year, and the Spanish league is one of the toughest in the world. I watch a lot of soccer in person, at home, and in the office, and I see plenty of talented players befuddling the opposition. And basketball does not permit slide tackling, or any kind of tackling, so of course there will far more collisions and rough contact. That’s the nature of the two sports: When competently played by outstanding athletes, both are a joy to watch. With some exceptions, I believe most players receive ample opportunity to show their stuff, and referees — as well as leagues and national associations — are more stringent regarding foul play. It’s not perfect and never will be, but it is improving.
Scott Smith
West Richland, WA
What is the full story on the USOC putting the USSF on probation? I have heard that it was because the USYSA — with full support from the USSF due to political considerations — discriminated against the AYSO and others. Is this true? And is there going to be a new constitutional convention for the USSF? What impact will this have on the amateur teams, players, and representation at the USSF? Can the pros abandon the new USSF and form their own FIFA-aligned outfit if they do not like what is happening? I am very disturbed by all this, as a HS and USYSA club coach, amateur player and supporter of the A-league (Go Sounders) and MLS.
Paul Kennedy: For years, there has been local turf wars at the youth level, with AYSO and other non-USYSA groups claiming state associations made it hard for teams to enter USYSA-sanctioned tournaments and competitions and ODP programs. The USOC’s big issue is that the NGB (U.S. Soccer, in this case) can’t abdicate responsibility for controlling soccer at ALL levels. A constitutional commitee has been formed to examine the matter. Don’t look for the total disintegration of USYSA and USASA as we know them. Look for these organizations to be forced to open offices in U.S. Soccer’s Chicago headquarters. Is there any chance of the pros breaking away? No.
Michael Robinson
Alexander, NC
My 12-year-old son plays both classic and middle school soccer. He is average size at best. What weight training, if any, do you recommend? What other conditioning exercises could he do to help his speed and strength?
Dan Woog: Strength training for soccer should focus on flexibility as well as strength — in other words, you want to get stronger, but not lose flexibility. For this, 10-12 repetitions of low weight is more important than 1-2 repetitions at maximum weight. Strength training should include the upper body (needed for throw-ins, heading, winning tackles and not getting pushed off the ball) as well as the lower body (which is usually in pretty good shape from running). For specifics tailored to one particular player, body type or position, contact a local college coach or other soccer expert. If you are working with a personal trainer or general strength coach, make sure that person understands the special needs of soccer: lots of running, flexibility, NOT pure strength are key.
Mark
Albany, NY
What is your opinion on how each new expansion team will do in 1998? Miami seems to have the edge right now, considering they have Valderrama and their own stadium.
Ridge Mahoney: It’s far too early to tell. Each has a few decent role players, but until the allocation/trade/draft process is underway, who can know? I think Chicago has the better coach, but Miami has Valderrama and a coach with excellent connections in Argentina. We shall see.
Ben
Arlington, MA
I recall seeing a reference in Soccer America to an exhibition between Columbus and the US National B Team. Who plays on the B team? Who selects the B team? And will the B team play more matches?
Paul Kennedy: The U.S. “B” team has been a team organized by the U.S. Amateur Soccer Association. It has not been a team along the lines of what Steve Sampson would want: with a coach he hires and with players “between teams” — not good enough yet for “A” team but not young enough to qualify for one of the age group teams. It should be noted “B” teams around the world have generally accomplished little.