Tuesday 12 March 2013

Top 5 Defenders

Though I have received much criticism for my extremely "biased" topics I have decided to plow forward anyway:

1) Jarvis Hughybaert (Canada) - Great in the air and a very strong attacker. He will run all day and if he ever gets beat he has a great recovery. He will get forward and can shoot with both his left and right foot so he will chip in with more than his fair share of goals.

2) Benno Looft (France) -  Benno is the best defender in the air and the best at bringing the ball out of the back. If you have Benno in your team you can play a 2 defender system and that is a huge help. Also when Benno gets stuck in you know it.

3) Stephen Patterson (ROI) - The best 1 on 1 defender in the tournament in my mind. So quick and strong. He can muscle the strong players and stay with the agile players. Another guy who is great going forward too.

4) #2 on Sudan (Sudan) - Sorry I don't have your name but you are a beast. He wears a weight vest to train and warm up. A WEIGHT VEST. If I wore a weight vest I would be way way slower Banerjee and Troy. Anyway he is massive at the back especially aerially and was a large part of Sudan's success.

5) Troy Lydiate (Jamaica) - You wanted him so here he is. Troy has pace to burn so obviously he has great recovery ability. He can also get forward and has very a strong shot on him. Troy will need to play as well as ever if he is going to carry Jamaica to to the promised land.


David's Picks

1)Stephen Patterson(ROI) - SPat is solid 1vs1 and is one of the toughest guys to get past, he is fast and also dangerous going forward.

2)Benno Looft (France) - Benno is a monster! Tough as nails and solid in the air. Benno can also shoot from anywhere over half and has scored his share of screamers.

3)Laos guy with hard shot - Name please? I think number 5? But I think this guy is underrated. He has scored some of the most clutch/best goals the tournament has seen. He is solid defensively and possesses the hardest shot in the tournament. Deadly from free kicks.

4) Spencer Veikle (ES) - Another guy that is underrated. Heart of the ES defence. Spencer is a big guy and uses it well. He wins balls in the air and doesn't give the opposition time on the ball.

5)Abu (Nigeria) - Abu is speed, strength and wild tackles! Abu commits to every tackle he gets into but he usually comes out on top. He also can shoot which is dangerous in this tournament.

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

Davey! What's your justification for leaving Jarvis out? He's incredible.

-Nate

Anonymous said...

Last time I played vs Canada in WCP he was playing Center mid! He is on the mid list tho!

-DB

Anonymous said...

Mike Veszi should get an honorable mention if he is playing. He is underrated in this tourney in my opinion.

He pretty much plays the whole game for Laos and although he lacks some quickness (he is not slow) he does a good enough job defending and he distributes the ball better than most defenders in the tourney.

DG

Anonymous said...

Fair enough. I was thinking that may have been your logic.

-Nate

Anonymous said...

DG I am sure that Veszi has more quickness than you, but it just seems that the same buddies are giving shout outs to each other. These lists are quite irrelevant as Benno may have once been one of the top defenders but I hardly see that being the case anymore. Why not include ROI's golden boy Shae O'Hare into the mix? He'd be relevant according to you two clowns.

Anonymous said...

Instead of calling us clowns how about you enlighten us with your list? I can't really say I am "buddies" with everyone on my list. I don't even know the name of one of them! I have played with/against everyone on my list that is why I rated them on my list! It is an opinion and not everyone will have the same one as mike or myself.


DB

Anonymous said...

If you don't like their list make a better one. I would find it hard to disagree with these selections and can't think if anyone else to add. Carson MacDonald is a good up and coming defender for Jamaica, but maybe not good enough to crack the list just yet.

Is Benno still that good? Is he playing in
Regina? Haven't seen him in a few years. Definitely best in the province a few years back.

Riggs

Anonymous said...

Agreed. Veszi is a BEAST. He is strong in tackles (and wins them without hacking at ankles), fearless in the air, distributes the ball very well, and is hardworking. What else do you need in a defender? Definitely top ten worthy.

Also, Mike, I think you need to find another right hand guy. Although DB is a solid soccer play and understands the game... Your style of play and tactics are way too similar, and you two pick the same people over and over again.

One more thing, I'd definitely like to hear some perspectives on the woman's league. Woman's soccer is a dying sport, and id be interested to hear your picks for the top ten females in WCP.

Anonymous said...

I am giving a shout out to someone deserving.


I pointed out reasons why. You can agree to disagree, but there is no validity in saying he does not deserve to be on the list due to being a buddy. Maybe point out some counter arguments.

The fact that he plays heavy minutes at the back for one of the top teams in the tournament proves he is one of the top defenders in the tourney. Just my opinion.

DG

Anonymous said...

I also agree that vez is a solid defender. But I was trying to add some variety to my list and not just have all my "buddies" getting the love!

DB

Anonymous said...

Oh and Riggs, agreed Carson is becoming one of the best Center backs in the province. Just not really experienced in WCP so that's why I left him off!

DB

Anonymous said...

How about the Top 10 Whiners list :) ha ha

~ J

Anonymous said...

Spencer-horrible
Laos with free kick-Bryan
Abu-........

i dunno how both of you pick Benno when he hasnt played for a yr!

Anonymous said...

A few names here that could be on that list..

- Scott Strassburger - Solid defender for Germany. A big body that can win balls in the air. Also can bring the ball up the field and always seems to be calm and composed.

- Andrew Baulin - The heartbeat of team Hungary. Pretty much a hybrid defender that can be a threat offensively coming out of the back

- Dan that played for Jamaica last year - Don't know much about this guy, i think hes from BC but he was pretty much the only bright spot on jamaica last year. Dominant center back that wins everything in the air. not sure if he will be here for this years tournament but jamaica desperately needs him

- Steve Galan- Plays for canada, this guy never stops working. not afraid of going all out into tackles and never backs down from anyone. He may not be a top 10 defender in the tournament but would be an asset to any team.

- Devin Sembaluk - probably the most underrated defender. Not flashy, but consistently gets the job done for poland and never seems to have an off game. A defender that doesnt get noticed much because no one ever seems to beat him and score.

-anonymous

LeeMooney10 said...

-anonymous above, I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you played for Juventus this indoor. I do however agree with Baulin being on there.

Anonymous said...

To the poster inquiring about the women's side: I'm totally with you on being interesting in hearing more about the women's side (and youth as well), but women's soccer is far from dying. With the women's national team doing far better than then CMNT and the women's World Cup coming to Canada soon I would expect the women's game to move forward much more rapidly than the men's in the next few years in Canada. Especially having a couple local girls in Kaylyn Kyle and Kelly Parker making the national team as local role models for the younger girls coming up through the system.

Anonymous said...

I would add Lee Mooney to the list ... oh wait he's not a defender ... he's actually not much of anything when it comes to soccer ...

-The Joker

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 12:00

To specify, I mean't dying in Regina WCP, not in woman's soccer in Canada. This blog is only focusing on the men's league, and it's the same crap over and over again every year.

Anonymous said...

The strength of the women's national team has no correlation to the quality of women in the Regina wcp cup. 90% of the games are boring. That's not rude it's simply a very common opinion amongst spectators.

Anonymous said...

If the women could figure a way to balance good players amongst more than 2-3 teams it may be worth talking about. Or if they could get more out of town players like they do on the men's side.

The Pakistan u16 boys team came to PA this past weekend and they are a very good side. Think they could compete with the bottom 5-6 men's teams.

Just a thought,
Riggs

Anonymous said...

Lets be honest here, aside from a few key match ups and the playoffs, the men's side leaves A LOT to be desired as well. Is there anyone that can honestly say they are stoked and ready to fork over $8 (or whatever entry fee is this year) to see any game involving Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, Hungary, Serbia, Somalia, Djabouti, Italy, Portugal or Norway? Half the teams in this tournament are filled top to bottom with average div. 4 players at best with 1 or 2 div. 3 players.

The last few years right after the draw the blogs exploded with activity. This year of the 3 most active blogs only one is even active and it took a week to even post who was in what pools and its the same recycled top 10 lists as every year. The tournament as a whole has plateaued and is far less interesting than it was 2-3 years ago.

Anonymous said...

I think they actually need to take the bottom 5 women's teams and make one stronger team that can at least make an attempt at competing. As a female player that supports female development, I have to say that unfortunately the quality just is not there.

On another note who are the top U16 Boys teams this year? Pakistan and...

~ J

Anonymous said...

I half agree with both of you. Jarvis and Spat should both be on there. if benno's playing then its hard not to have him on there too even though i havent seen him in a while. I dont know about the other two on your lists though. as said in previous posts Veszi could be top 5. best defender on laos for sure. I also think Mason is an obvious omission. best defender on france (though maybe not with benno this year), and france is a team which is consistently on of the strongest defensively. is Dwayne playing for anyone this year? i feel like hes a player that you both would have named if he was and rightly so in my mind.

Anonymous said...

Anon. 13:11 - Dwayne is on ROI but will likely be playing in a defensive midfield role. I would imagine he'll make at least one of the top midfield lists.

-Nate

Anonymous said...

The men's tournament does have some weak teams, but think of how many teams that have a legitimate shot at winning:

Laos
Canada
Sudan
Jamaica
Afghanistan
ROI
ES
France
Poland

Did I miss any possible contenders? Maybe Nigeria?

The women's side the same 2 teams make the final every year with ease. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 1/4s, semis and final were all one goal games last year, as well as that last Saturday night where every game decided who made playoffs.

It's not the best soccer in the world, but the large noisy crowds and the even teams after the group stage make it pretty fun once you get to the playoff round.

RIGGS

Anonymous said...

Mase should be on the list...

Anonymous said...

This event should not be geared as something for development of youth soccer players, or any players for that manner. The rules are adjusted to allow the weaker players an opportunity to participate, therefore what is the benefit for a youth player to undertake this event as a form of development?

There are no offside, fouls are rarely called, and no throw ins. How are kids going to learn to properly defend when teams take full advantage of no offside and send a cherry picker as deep as possible? How are kids going to learn to move off the ball, create space and build out the back when there are no throw ins and the majority of the teams punt the ball down the field as far as possible?
If anything this event would hinder the development of a player, but it would give the kids an enjoyable event to strive towards playing in.
Lest we forget that this event is 100% recreational. There is no aim to develop players and there shouldn't be, especially with the adjusted rules.

As for the woman's blog, which appears to be the concern of one apparent lady, if you really want a blog that discusses all that is women's soccer then create your own blog and see what type of interest you get. There is absolutely no interest from the majority of the individuals involved to discuss women's soccer. How is this event link with the development of soccer in Canada? I find it hard to find a positive correlation between the two as if you are playing in this event, you are past the time that you will be identified by any national team program. I personally find the women's games to be boring and frankly would enjoy a U16 boys game over a women's game any day.

I agree that this event has plateaued. I believe that year that ROI played ES in the Final was the pinnacle of this event, I am not sure if that was 2009 or 2010, but ultimately that is when the event hit it's high point. It seems that the blogs have lost a lot of interest, and that many of these lists are too similar or recycled. It also appears that it is a hand full of people that post and a few say a comment here and there.

Unfortunately this event is not what it used to be and the same discussions are held over and over. I am tired of hearing about the women complain about the blog because they could quite easily start their own. I am tired of hearing people forget that this event is a recreational event and that there is no development here. Too many uneducated people with an opinion is what is prominent on these blogs and that is unfortunate.

For example, Anon 10:53. If I was an attacking player and those players listed were the best of the best when it came to defending; I wouldn't be scared to run at any of those players one on one. A quality defender is someone who you rather not take one on one because you know that you will end up on the wrong side of the equation. Benno was once a formidable defender of that sorts but he has also aged and times are changing that I doubt he is up to that caliber anymore.

Anonymous said...

not a chance

Anonymous said...

With the additions of Scotland and Portugal with Ukraine in group a, and 3 of the 4 top teams from last year in group b, the women's division may be more competitive this year. I also think the women's teams are starting to do a good job of finding youth players and I've heard rumors of more out of town players, so hopefully the talent pool continue to grow.

As for the boys division Germany might be competitive. I've also heard Italy but I haven't seen/heard any scrimmage results for them.

Mike and co., despite so many anonymous people being completely inappropriate on this thing, I appreciate your "biased" and confrontational comments as always.

Karlen

Anonymous said...

Anon 13:40 nailed it.

This tournament does absolutely nothing for the development of any player involved. And for the youth, it creates awful habits and promotes the kick and chase game, rather than actually teaching them to keep possessions and tactically find your opportunities to score. This tournament is the Americanized way of doing sports, no technical ability, just put the biggest, strongest and fastest players out there and lets go for garbage goals!

If this event was a cultural event and that was the sole focus of it, it would be great for the youth teams, but putting U12's on a half field with massive goals is brutal, Especially with some of the coaches that are doing the U12 teams. I've heard horror stories from coaches from Team Japan sending nasty e-mails to players/parents about a girls choice to not play for Japan. What planet is this guy on? these are kids? And what is the point to putting them on the bigger field when 99% of the U12 players can cross a ball in from that distance or take a reasonable shot from outside 20 yards out? I can guarantee you that most of the U12 games will involve the goalkeeper punting the ball as far as they possibly can, then bee swarm soccer ensues from there.

This tournament went from being something exciting for the soccer community to an over glorified rec tournament of bad soccer. Take the money invested into this tournament and create a better quality training environment for youth players. I would suggest doing it on the back fields during the tournament, and having the TD's and best coaches from all the club run the camps, but we all know that it would be a miracle for the clubs to work together for the common good of the game. Down the road it will create better quality adult players and increase the quality of the tournament.

Anonymous said...

if you complaining about developing players, thats the CLUBS problem/job not this tournament

this tournament isnt responsible of developing players, and if kids want to improve there play, play in the mens division

HungaryHippo

Anonymous said...

What part of playing in the Men's division will improve their game? So they can learn to play dump and chase with older people? Some of the U16 teams are technically stronger than some of the men's teams. The thing preventing them from competing with more teams is their physical development. And putting a 110 lb. 16 year old up against a 160-200 lb. fully developed man will only chase them out of the game. Clearly HungaryHippo knows nothing about athlete development. You are right that it is up to the clubs to develop the players, but most are too focused on stockpiling U10 trophies and medals rather than actually teaching the skills needed.

Anonymous said...

This tournament is horrible. It's got a bunch of over-rated half ass soccer players who walk around thinking they are like top quality players. I can name 30 on the top of my head right now. It's not real soccer at all. It's just focused on scoring goals. No offsides and direct kick ins all the time. There is no skill involved in cherry picking the whole tournament. There is no skill in being a fat over weight dude waiting to receive the ball to put it in the net because you've waited there all game and have done nothing to work the ball up the field. This tournament teaches kids nothing but to be lazy. It also teaches people that you can be any out of shape bum and score goals. If you are going to brag about winning the golden boot like idiots like Paco and Darko, that's weak. It takes no skill to score goals in this stupid tournament. Anyone can score.

Anonymous said...

This blog focuses on the MENS league because it's the only thing in the WCP CUP tournament worth talking about. I don't care about the lame women's games in the wcp. It's slow, weak, and boring. Same stupid teams in the final every year. Same boring women's players. The talent of women's soccer in Regina is weak. Extremely weak and half of them think they are good. That's the sad part.

Anonymous said...

Just my two cents ... but i'm sick of all the losers on the back fields prior to a game starting. I want to practice and I don't think it's fair to have stupid baseball idiots batting the ball around in a soccer facility and thinking they can yell at soccer players for practicing on the side of the field. What a joke. Who plans this stuff? GET IT TOGETHER.

Anonymous said...

HungaryHippo, I apologize for using big words as that has obviously hindered your ability to comprehend what was being said.

No one is complaining about the development of players, I am stating the obvious facts that this tournament can not and will not help the development of any players. This tournament needs to be viewed as a form of recreation and nothing more.

Unfortunately I have a hard time understanding how sticking a 16 year old player in the Men's league would do anything to help the player improve. First and foremost, unless the player was at a top quality (which unfortunately none of the players aged 13-18 currently are in the province) then that player would not play very much. Given the lack of playing time and experience it is also highly unlikely that the player would touch the ball often, nor be placed in challenging situations.

Look at Scotland. Scotland is littered with younger players and Scotland is not by any means a formidable opponent in comparison to many of the Men's teams. Coupled with the fact that this tournament is not made to highlight the skill level of players, I am confused how placing a 16 year old in the Men's tournament would be beneficial in any way. If you are going to make an argument such as you have, please read what has been previously posted and then state reasoning behind your opinions.

Anon 14:17, player development needs to be done over a 10 year span and everyone needs to join forces to maximize the potential of the younger kids today. If young kids are taught properly, they will excel and will be competitive players. Unfortunately everyone seems to be looking out for their own interests or think they know too much instead of going out and learning how to make improvement to the development of young players. The reason that a lot these lists are so redundant is because there is a lack of quality amongst players coming up the ranks. I could name more players of quality who were born between 89-85 compared to players born in 90 upwards.

Karlen, many of the comments are are quite appropriate regarding woman just stated quite poorly. I am not too sure what you define as competitive, but from what I have seen over the past few years the quality of women's soccer in this tournament is far from competitive. With that being said the University of Regina has shown improvements in their program in the past couple years that there are a few quality women in the mix.

Anonymous said...

Anon 14:51 there is a simple response to your attitude and comments. This is a recreational event that is made to involve everyone in the soccer community. You sound like the type of guy that goes out and trains for an event like this and takes merit by being able to "compete" with some of those players that you believe are overrated. Players like you need to be placed in a training environment with some of those overrated players and see how you fare. I have seen many of these players come to this tournament and care more about partying than the actually soccer, yet they are quality players in situations that have some sort of meaning to them. Many of the out of town players don't have the mentality that this tournament is the mecca of soccer, it is the attitude that we as Regina folk have and that attitude really needs to change.

Anonymous said...

annon 14:45

I know lots of kids that played in the mens division when they were 15!

get a grip, ya the mens div istn the best but its the only way to improve

and for them not having a chance, if they cant handle the physical play get out,

Anonymous said...

anon 13:40,

What do you mean "the rules are adjusted to allow weaker players to participate"?

Fouls rarely being called allows the play to continue longer.. meaning more touches on the ball. The only thing being missed out with this rule is set pieces, however that is made up for by kick-ins instead of throw-ins. A lack of fouls being called also teaches kids how to deal with aggression - not a bad thing to learn as people will only tackle harder as they get older.

Why is learning to defend against a "cherry picker" aka a target man such a bad thing? Thats a common tactic amongst teams and kids should learn to play against these things. Learning to play against any type of soccer or strategy should be considered a beneficial experience.. The more you know the better??

Im sorry, but if you believe a lack of throw ins seriously inhibits a team from building out of the back or creating space I have to question your knowledge on the sport.

You evidently wish to see "Barcelona type" soccer. Possession means everything, etc etc. However, there are multiple effective ways to play the game. Soccer is simple and complex at the same time; many different SIMPLE strategies can be employed effectively. Look how Chelsea played against Barcelona in the CL last year. Not "pretty" soccer, just like a lot of the play in this tournament... but VERY effective.

This tournament DOES actually teach the youth many new things: For 3 weeks they get to experience the atmosphere, the pressure. They get to practice many more set pieces than they regularly would by excluding throw ins - which are one of the less crucial aspects of the game. They get to learn how to be aggressive and how to deal with aggression by having a little more lenient reffing. They get to learn to deal with target men pressuring their back line at all times trying to create gaps for wingers, or lay the ball back for 25 yard shots from midfielders.

There is more to soccer than possession and to assume that this tournament closes all viable options of play is absurd.

Anonymous said...

ya no kidding, I have been saying it for yrs, but Ronaldo and Messi is bad for soccer in a sense ppl go

"hey i wanna play like ronaldo and messi and try to take on people"

well guess what kid only certain people can actually do that! you got guys in Regina that try to do that like Jhazib or whatever his name is and other little duds that want to be like them, but realistically not going to happend

Anonymous said...

Anon 15:07
1. Having more players on a small field where fouls are rarely called allows weaker players to get away with fouls and hinders the skill of the tournament. Maybe weaker players get more touches on the ball because of these rules, therefore it does have an advantage to the weaker players.
2. Throw-ins are replaced with kick-ins because the majority of the players are unable to get the ball out of their own end as they would therefore be pinned in and scores would be lop-sided.
3. Yes there are some benefits of having a high man, but there are also a lot of negatives. It takes away from the children's understanding of offside (both attacking and defending), it takes away from the attacking strikers learning how to many penetrating runs and doesn't encourage the midfielders to play the adequate balls in proper situations.
4. Watch the movement during set pieces or throw-ins in Saskatchewan, and then compare that to other places in the world. There is a remarkable difference.
5. Pick a team that does well in the WCP tournament, place them against the top team in the province in the Men's league and see what the final score is. I can almost guarantee that 80% of the teams would be blown out in that situation.

Lastly if you teach your kids to play only effective soccer, then they will be unable to adapt and play possession soccer. If you teach the kids proper skills and force them to develop properly, then you can teach them how to adjust and play effectively when needed. If a player lacks the fundamentals they can only play kick and chase, a player with adequate fundamentals can adjust to any style of play.

Yet you are mistaken as you are arguing about tactics. Tactics are the jurisdictional of the managers. Different teams employ different tactics, but players should all have the same developed fundamentals. Spain plays possession soccer and Fernando Torres is a member of that squad, Chelsea plays effective soccer vs Barcelona and Fernando Torres was a member of that squad. Same player, different tactics and system that was employed by the managers.

You can question my points all you'd like and question my understanding of the game, but you seemed to be confused by tactics and player skills that I am not sure whom should be questioning whom.

Younger players used to play in the Men's leagues before and they were successful, unfortunately the development of players is not the same anymore and these players may play in the league but are they as successful as before, and the answer to that is no.

Anonymous said...

KARLEN, I'm pretty sure ANON: 13 March 2013 14:53 is reffering to people like you.

Anonymous said...

I destroy punk 16 year old kids who think they can go up against men. BRING IT and don't complain when they start crying.

HungaryHippo

Anonymous said...

I guess I would define "competitive" in this tournament as closer games, fewer blown outs and the perennial winners actually being challenged. By no means am I saying the women's division is a showcase of great talent... even as a participant I am not rushing out to watch the women's draws. But I do think the disparity between the top and bottom teams has and can continue to shrink.

I also didn't mean to imply there were inappropriate comments about the women's division. I was referring in general to the negativity and personal attacks that have been happening, mostly on older topics. This particular string of comments seems to contain more thought and less blacking out.

Karlen

Anonymous said...

15:34
1. Players of all skill qualities commit fouls.. the ball in general is in play for longer amounts of time due to less fouls being called, therefore the teams in general will get more touches on the ball. It doesn't strictly mean weak players see more touches, although they do indeed..

2. That is not the reason throw-ins replace kick-ins. You are incorrect. Men's teams can get the ball out of their end off a throw-in and they too play with kick-ins. It is to bring about more scoring opportunities. Maybe not as realistic as throw-ins, but nonetheless it adds more defense-learning scenarios. Not a bad thing.

3. There are positives and negatives to all strategies in soccer, or else there would be a "proper" way to play. But to say defending against a certain style, in this case target men, doesn't allow youth to grow or develop is simply false.

4. Why do people keep comparing this Regina tournament to the rest of the country/world.. It's a chance to play soccer, and anytime you get touches on the ball and play scrimmages you should take it as an opportunity to learn something and better yourself. Quit trying to find a down side

5. Are you telling me to compare the top U16 WCP teams against enter and cosmos? Why? And the percentage would be closer to 100%; not that it proves anything relevant to this argument.

Also, I include possession soccer as an effective tactic.. Barcelona is living proof of its effectiveness. I'm arguing the exact same point you are suddenly deciding to argue. In outdoor kids can learn to play with offsides, or whatever - the indoor pitch just isn't big enough and it would cramp everything. You said "How are kids going to learn to properly defend when teams take full advantage of no offside and send a cherry picker as deep as possible?". Since when learning to defend against a target man not considered "defending"? Learn to play as many styles as you can, as we have both said..

Anonymous said...

As someone that makes a living developing youth players, I will offer an opinion on why I believe this type of tournament and rules can be used to develop players. I personally think that well rounded players should have the opportunity to try several types of games. When Pakistan came to PA last weekend I had both of our u16 club teams and Percy's academy tram play the wcp rules to try it out.

Here are some benefits:

1 no offsides help them understand the value of depth. The so-called cherry pickers can draw defenders out of the middle of the field to allow midfielders space to attack. This also allows room to play 9v9 on a half field which means more playing time. The negative to this is the ridiculous situation it puts keepers in on set pieces, but in the long run must teach them how to play in a crowd.

2 kick ins - these are great for developing players that can deal with crosses and also to help players attack crosses. Higher scoring games, lead to more confident players, scoring isn't a bad thing.

The other thing that I LOVE about kickins is that it gets kids away from the habit of booting it out of bounds, or into the ceiling if they feel a touch of pressure, instead of just relaxing, taking a touch and playing the game.

3. Atmosphere - as someone that worked in the Saskatoon soccer centre and now in PA, one thing I've noticed is that youth games are boring. You could hear crickets and parents act like they can't make a peep. In Saskatoon, spectators look at Edmonton, or even small town communities with hockey parents fans like they are NUTS for cheering a goal. Bring the drums, bring the cowbells, wear the jersey and cheer your guts out! I think I petsonally would make the u12 an exhibition series to demote over-competitiveness, but am glad that kids get to perform in a good atmosphere and for their country.

4 playing with different players - with our zoning systems in Sask, players play with the sane kids over and over and over and over again. Unless you make team Sask it's always you with the same kids and usually the same coach. This gives them a chance to play with opponents, against team mates and learn from it in a different way, from potentially a different voice. Plus they may get to try a different position, or different formation.

Riggs


Anonymous said...

I don't know why kids shouldn't play in the mens tournament, I was 14 the first year this tournament was played and I definitely played better then, than I do now, because I use to practice daily, kids should want to play against the best competition they can get and learn to play a more physical game when needed ( Ontario, BC, Quebec ) youth teams are almost always much more physically developed then the sask youth teams. These should want to play and not afraid or be held back by their parents out of fear of injury, you don't need to be big and tough to play soccer, you need to be smart and use your strengths to your advantage.

I don't know much about the women's or u16 boys tournament but would it be competitive of the best women's team played the better u16 boys team? just I thought that might make both tournaments more interesting. As I do believe women would be more physical then the boys but the boys would be more skillful. Just a thought I could be way wrong as I don't watch either tournaments

Anonymous said...

Beautiful game of kick and chase, corner kicks barely making it into the 18 and shots that no u12 keeper can physically get to happening right now for anyone that wants to see. Having a youth division is a great idea to have the atmosphere and pressure, but put them on the quarter field games. These kids aren't fit enough, strong enough or skilled enough to play on this size field. Expect the u12 divisions to be an absolute mess of awful soccer.

Anonymous said...

you guys are stupid theres nothing in the Registeration form saying

"we want to develop players"

if you want to develop players, go to out of province tournaments, get real

Anonymous said...

Karlen Herauf thinks she is the best women's soccer play in Regina. Just watch how she walks around the facility. Useless talent. You can talk the talk but you definately don't walk the walk.

This year Karlen, maybe you will win the award for biggest flirt. That's the only thing you are good at.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone heard the news: there will no longer be any more bronze medal games because Mike Collins and his group of fairy losers aka TEAM ROI from last year messed it all up with their inappropriate behavior (drunken actions) on the field. GOOD JOB COLLINS! You are a really good role model for the younger generations. Your teammates on that team arn't any better by the way. Julio and Mooney amongst those idiots.

Anonymous said...

Anon 16:44

You are right that you should use your strengths and that you don't need to be tough, however, as a youth player their coaches can teach them the proper techniques and tactics to get better while playing in the youth league. It makes no sense at all to put a kid up against a guy that is 50-80 lbs heavier and fully developed on a 50/50 ball. Playing against a higher level of competition is one thing, but playing against someone that is physically matured is a whole other thing. While I don't know for sure, are these BC/ONT/QUE teams you're talking about playing in men's leagues? Is that how they get so big and strong? Doubt it. what is likely comes down to is they have far larger numbers to choose from so they have a far larger pool of talent. Beyond that, the top teams from BC/ONT/QUE would take their training far more serious than we do here. Anyone that has been to a higher level of competition whether it's club Nationals, College/University, or international/semi-pro etc knows there is a big difference. A team ONT/BC/QUE's pre-match warm up alone is more intense than most of our player ever train or play.

LeeMooney10 said...

I was one of the four people that were sober on our team actually. I got off work early just to play that's why I was late so your statement is false.

Anonymous said...

Drinking before a game, then coming on the field is not only reckless but it is dangerous for all players on the field. There needs to be a rule/regluation against drinking prior to matches. Someone is going to get hurt and there could be major consquences for the wcp and players involved. I don't condone nor will I agree with drinking prior to matches. IT'S JUST PLAIN STUPID AND DISRESPECTFUL.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mooney, did you remember to brush your teeth before that bronze game last year? Could it be why you lost to Canada ... people needed to dangle around you because they wanted to stay away from your gross stench!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA

Anonymous said...

If anyone still needs a goal keeper contact me on Facebook.


Soheil Summers.

Anonymous said...

Any experience against people that are more physically advanced is good experience. The more more games good quality or bad quality is good. The tournament is not about building kids skills but its a good opportunity to play infrony of a big crowd which can create an illusion of a playing a big game. Just like publicity, and experience is good experience, enjoy the tournament, drink some beers, and open your mind and meet new people, it's a 3 week party with soccer enjoy it people. Regina and Saskatoon and who ever else is playing. Have fun and enjoy a beer.

Anonymous said...

Seriously? People complaining about this event need to focus more on enjoying life. Those complaining sound like that guy in Saskatoon that was complaining that the city buses had Merry Christmas on them.

This event for 3 weeks brings a soccer community in Regina and to some extent Saskatchewan together.

Enjoy the event for what it is and in no particular order here is what you can see....
-you can see the odd competitive game
-Hear some actual chants, something that is lacking in North American soccer
-see some very nice goals
-see some upsets
-watch some very skilled players
-watch some very unskilled players
-see some great saves
-feel some actual energy in the building when two of the fav teams meet up with playoff implications on the line
-all types of talented and not talented people on the field playing for fun but playing competitively
-youth, men, women all being part of an event
-some hard tackles
-someone flashing a move that is cheeky yet fun

-There are plenty more but my favorite is easily people from all different races and ethnic backgrounds coming out to be a part of a soccer event in Saskatchewan.

Shame on anyone who wants to see away or cancel or speak negatively on an event that is good for soccer in Saskatchewan.

Also, those of you who continue to attack anyone who signs off on their posts are quite simply put: cowards!

Ripping Karlen or Riggs or anyone for adding some insight and their own opinion is distasteful. The personal attacks are ridiculous and unwarranted. Please grow up and I teach grade 9's who do not all get along but show more respect for their fellow classmates then some of you do for your fellow soccer players.


DG

Anonymous said...

Anon 22:25: No one got hurt during the bronze medal match and the only people that embarrassed themselves were the drunk idiots on the field. (Sanderson, Collins, Reis) Much like a Co-ed tournament where it is recreational and people drink and play, this event is much similar. It may almost be lower level than co-ed as some of the women are better than half the men that set foot on the pitch.

Anonymous said...

If they don't put a name on their post, I don't pay attention or respond DG, no point even mentioning them. I'm a big boy and Karlen isn't big, but she's tough.

Riggs

Anonymous said...

do you love her?

Anonymous said...

If anyone knows any good defenders without a team or are financially unstable please contact me with their information on Facebook.

Soheil Summers

Anonymous said...

Nope, I only love DG, but she's aiight!

Riggs

Anonymous said...

Agree with DG. Ripping on anyone with insight is plain stupid. The maturity level of this place is a bit of a joke. If anyone in this tournament was a legit superstar they'd be playing pro somewhere. There some people that put themselves out there and bring it on themselves but in cases like Riggs or Karlen, they are just trying to add to the conversation. And even worse ripping on some of the people that don't even come on here like Bryce and Dooley and Hodel and whoever else is cowardly enough, but to do it anonymously is pathetic. It's probably done by some div. 6 superstar that got cut by Dooley or Bryce when they were 8 and still hold a grudge as if they would have actually amounted to something anyways.

Anonymous said...

No one would have known who Craig Hodel was had he not posted on here with his name. Look through the blog and find the first Craig Hodel post. So why would you defend Hodel, unless you are infact Hodel and are now backtracking from all your moronic comments you've made!

Good point!! Someone invite Bryce and Dooley to these sites so then we can post directly with them reading it!

Anonymous said...

I would assume Bryce and dooley don't give a flying $%&# about the opinions of some anonymous cowards that don't know what they are talking about, let alone anything to do with this tournament. Perhaps a better idea would be to grow some balls and talk to them in person instead of hiding behind your computer.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to post. Also, thanks to all comments that have a real name attached to them.

I am a nobody, but enjoy this tournament knowing that it is the highest level I will ever participate in as far as soccer is concerned. It's a great atmosphere for Regina soccer.

Thanks to the organizers too!!!

Sara Hearn

Anonymous said...

"Riggs and DG, you guys are the grade 9 immature idiots on here. You talk like you know something or you want to teach people something ... but in reality ... it's you duds that keep posting the same shit, and then when you want to be noticed you post your name to look all good. SHUT UP."

Just to respond..I really don't know everything nor do I pretend to. I simply am an advocate of the event and have offered opinions about players and teams in the tourney. I keep everything positive as I don't believe in cutting anyone down on this message board.

Some have even called my responses straigth out of a romantic novel which I actually found quite funny.

I may not even be able to make one game in the WCP this year, but I am here because I am a fan of the growth of soccer in the province. I also work with young soccer players in sask and feel any events like this are positive.

DG

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't want to waste the time and effort it would take to talk to Bryce Chapman and I am pretty sure that many people feel the same way. So who ever is trying to be Bryce's body guard, shut up as no one really cares.

Anonymous said...

More than half of these posts have nothing to do with the topic/list posted. This is absolutely stupid. What kind of blog is this.

Anonymous said...

Anon 16:06: This tournament and this blog are hardly based around soccer. This blog is a means for people to run their mouths about whatever they can't say to people. I am going to guess that maybe 10 people are on here posting, and a select few posts as varies identities to create a reaction.

Anonymous said...

HEY ANON: 16:13 post your name. I will meet you by the monkey bars after school. HA HA HA WEINER!!!

Anonymous said...

If anyone needs great offensive threats, facebook me. I have all the connections. Talent is easy to find.

Soheil Summers

Anonymous said...

Hey Anon 16:31 - it's Wiener, not Weiner you Wiener!