1. New Champ - It is extremely hard to repeat in this tournament as you tend to get everyone's best shot. On top of that I feel Sudan was a bit of a "wild cat" situation where teams will learn how to play against their style and effectively counter it.
2. Sudan Don't Make The Semis - Like I just said I think teams will adapt to Sudan's unique style of play and they will look more beatable. Not helping their cause is they will likely have to play Poland or Canada in the quarters. That's tough.
3. David Brown Doesn't Lead The Tournament In Goal Scoring - Sure he would be an easy pick as he has scored more goals than anyone likely will ever but Jamaica is in a tough pool. He will not get much service either so that won't help. Have to believe Nathan Reis is a front runner again as the teams that ROI plays will be terrible
4. Dwayne Switches Teams Twice More - On roster submission deadline day Dwayne moves to Germany who promise him 10 beer, increased from the 6 ROI promised him, and says they don't care if he can only make one game. However upon joining Germany he gets another call 2 minutes before the deadline close, from France saying they will give him a 24 and that they would actually prefer he not come at all. A deal to sweet for Dwayne to pass up. C'est la vie!
5. Opening Ceremonies Last Under An Hour - The snooze-tastic opening ceremonies will hopefully be dramatically decreased time wise this year. It just depends if some self indulged person decides to go rogue on the mic. Keep it short speakers!
6. Jamaica Keeps A Clean Sheet - Now this is a bold prediction. Anyone who caught some of the Jamaica/Nigeria game saw that Jamaica can't defend any where on the pitch. If this some how occurs it will be because of Jonah or a forfeiture.
7. Scotland Win A Game - Yep you read that right. When was the last time that happened? I think their group is just weak enough that it will happen this year. Finally something for kilt dude to cheer about!
8. Colombia Beat ROI - I am playing a hunch here but I watched Colombia play and they are just that team that hangs around and hangs around and then all of a sudden your behind. With ROI not have a keeper that could be a problem. Also I could see Paco having a sudden growth spurt adding an extra 24 inches and from then on being known as Paco Paco.
9. France's Winnipeg Players Are No Shows - Every year we here how these Winnipeg guys are coming down for the tournament, usually to play for Serbia, and ever year they don't come. Though France probably has more appealing pull but I still think they won't be coming.
10. Nigeria Beat Poland - I am telling you Poland is going to have trouble scoring goals this year as we saw in the RSA Mens tournament. Combine that with the fact that Nigeria is a lot better than many give them credit for. This is my upset special.
54 comments:
Whitecaps
Great article below and an interesting comment posted below. Shows both sides to this story.
Is Chapman really growing the game or is he just making an easy dollar selling an unreachable dream? Your call.
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/sports/Whitecaps+expand+Academy+into+Saskatoon/8053887/story.html
I am still unlear as to how our 6 cans of Brewhouse trumped the jug of dark Jamaican rum you guys offered Dwayne, but we'll take it I guess.
-Nate
Dwayne just had so much fun last year that he wants to do it all over again. The guy stayed up past 11pm for once, and was taking a cab ride home by himself by midnight! To Dwayne that is a hell of a night!
PS. Those 6 cans will make him black out and the jug of dark rum would kill him.
-Julio
Say what you will about Bryce, and I think just about everyone, including myself, has had some negative things to say about him, but he does work endlessly to develop soccer in Saskatchewan. It's not like the Whitecaps' front office members woke up one morning and decided they wanted to start an Academy program in Saskatchewan. I can guarantee Bryce has been working towards it for years now, and I'm happy for him and Sask. soccer that it has come to fruition.
-Nate
Hugh Dooley & Bryce Chapman are the same person just different cities. Both men need to be questioned about their motives. Are their endless efforts to develop the game or to develop opportunities to further their bottom line?
When Bryce Chapman was trying to recruit my son to university he promised a trip to Belgium as he had ties with a club there. My son held out and didn't go to school. Bryce again came knocking and now offered an opportunity with Toronto FC. Now Bryce is supposedly affiliated with the Whitecaps? It seems that every two years Bryce is trying to sink his teeth into a different club and offers players empty promises. It is just confusing to me. Has he even sent any players to these clubs that he is affiliated with? Why isn't Brett Levis going to the Whitecaps?
Really Chapman is doing this?? I cant believe they wouldnt ask Holness to do it, what a joke
Ty Werbecki(14) and Ty redl (17) have both been out to Vancouver twice this year. There is no supposedly about it. Bryce was hired and has the training centres all set up. It is excellent for sask soccer and all young players. -DB
DB does speak the truth, but either DB doesn't know the full story or decided to omit it. Both players have gone out and had training stints with the residency player. Both players had to pay to be there. So if you pay enough money, the Whitecaps will accommodate you for a week or two.Pay enough money and any club will accommodate you for a week or two, with or without Bryce Chapman.
There have been stories about the Whitecaps using their academy center as a way to pay for their expenses.
My son was in PSP with Ty last year, and Ty approached Bryce asking him to let him train with the Whitecaps. Ty is a good player in Saskatchewan but I don't know how he'd fit in with the Whitecaps. Maybe DB will know better.
A number of players HAVE gone to Belgium. And Bryce has a strong connection with Stewart Neeley of Toronto FC. Why wouldn't he try to make as many connections as possible?
-Nate
Also, while Kevin is the most accomplished player to come out of Saskatchewan, I'm not sure that he puts as much time into coaching as does Bryce.
-Nate
Not sure where you're getting your info from, as both Ty's were flown out by the whitecaps. Not sure what Ty you are talking about but young Ty is very talented for being 14 he comes out and trains with the huskie guys. -DB
People are always going to question the development of soccer and the opportunities created for young players when it doesn't involve themselves, I think it is just a clear indication of jealousy. Sit back and watch the benefits of these opportunities and programs and then criticize, you must give it time to prove itself instead of just cutting something down to start with without knowing the whole story behing it.
Good Point. Let's analyze what has come from Bryce's contacts and then criticize.
How many players to Belgium and what was the result?
How many players to Toronto FC and what was the result?
How many players to the Whitecaps and what was the result?
I just googled it Nate and Stuart Neeley is no longer with Toronto FC, he is now with Vancouver. Coincidence?
Who cares about Bryce Chapman. Almost everyone I know has only negative to say about the guy that we should move on. In a few years the guy will be associated with a new club once again and people will defend him. Hopefully people will start seeing him for his true colours but till then let's move on.
A bit of boring post Mike. The quality is dropping again. Both your posts have been poor.
Instead of critiquing his post why don't you give some more ideas of what you would like to see?
ya this guy doesnt develop players, all he does is sits there and points, what does he point? dumb looking things
Here we go again. It is infuriating to see people slam someone for trying to grow the game in Saskatchewan.
Bryce has done a tremendous job with the university team as well as spending thousands of hours coaching young soccer players over the years in Saskatchewan.
No way will anyone be a hundrend percent happy when decisions are made about their own kids and programs out there.
For those of you that coach or invest time with players of any sport I would like you to try and satisfy every last parent. It is not possible.
Those of you questioning Bryce and how many players he has sent anywhere should ask the same question of any soccer programs in Saskatchewan. How many players has Sask Soccer or RSA or etc sent anywhere?
There are politics and money involved at every level of sport. It sounds like there are a bunch of arm chair critics sitting behind their computers critisizing those at least trying to grow the game.
Saskatchewan soccer community is far to small for everyone to not work together. There are countless egos and personalities that clash and it causes for a system that is not nearly as successful as it can be. There are multiple people to blame for this and sure Bryce may not always make the right decison or have some faults as well but you have to admit he is at least working as hard as anyone in this province to grow the game.
Mike, I come by it honestly. My availibility for WCP this year is extremely limited at best. I don't know if I can make many if at all any of the games. I love the tourney and love what Kevin has done with it. In fact ever since I can remember I have always looked up to Kevin as he is one of the true soccer success stories out of Sask. I really did not want to leave him hanging and gave him an honest reply.
Julio, it is true I could barely make midnight on most occasions, perhaps this is the year I actually do it.
Dwayne (DG)
Anon 11:06, I didn't know that about Neeley, but since that is the case, I'd agree that it's not coincidence. Not sure if that says anything about anything, but interesting nonetheless. Also, I'm not sure if you're implying that the players don't go anywhere after getting trials in Belgium and with TFC and Whitecaps, but if so, I don't think it's Bryce's fault if they get their shot and don't make it from there. I can see questioning the legitimacy of the Belgian club, since we don't know too much about it, but that is not the case with TFC and Whitecaps.
Anon 11:52 - There's only so much to write about before the tournament begins, so I commend Mike and Dave for having anything at all this far in advance. Check out the other official WCP blog and you'll see a lovely preview of last year's semi-finals as the most recent column. Check out Braden's blog, and you'll find spam in the comments forum.
-Nate
Spot on Dwayne. Until the second to last paragraph I had no idea that was a post by you.
-Nate
So you couldnt of asked the ROI guys to play a month ago, 2 months ago, 3 months ago? Kinda leaving Jamaica in limbo there.
Lame
Bryce Chapman does what is best for Bryce Chapman. Period. He does not give two hoots about developing players. The WhiteCaps linkeage is purely a marketing play. Like do they really think they have a chance? Get your head out of your ass. Chapman will promise them the moon, fleece them, not deliver and live to rip off other unsuspecting parent/kid. He is not to be trusted.
Unfortunately Anon 12:43 is right. If Bryce Chapman was so intent in growing and building the game why did he charge upwards of $120/per hour to run a session as the TD of Aurora? To sum it up he is no longer with that club. How many players have quit teams that Bryce Chapman has coached?
Bryce Chapman doesn't care about anyone other than himself. Why would Saskatoon get an academy before bigger centers such as Calgary and Edmonton who produce nationally recognized talent on a regular basis. Nate, DG, and DB are all defending someone without knowing the full story.
My 2 cents:
Obviously Bryce is making some money off of the academy, but the guy has to work and make a living. How many of you go to work and don't collect a pay cheque?
It may seem to many that these kids may not ever have a chance to make whitecaps, but at least they have a goal that they are trying to reach. I know with my PA kids, they have a recreational mindset because there is no end goal for their hard work.
Another fact is that these kids are in a full time Professional training environment for 4 times per week and occasionally get someone from the whitecaps staff down to coach. Plus they have a national b certified head coach running every session, something many kids around the province do not get closed to receiving (the 4 times per week or the certified coaching).
I don't think there is one person that reads these blogs that wouldn't have joined this academy when they were 12-13 years old, had they been invited and had the financial means to do so.
The fact is at the club level, they are not doing the right things to develop players and get properly certified coaches. Throw that in with the zoning laws that don't even allow you to move to another zone to play if you are receiving poor coaching and the academies have become almost essential to give any kid a chance to ever play a high level. Percy too has formed an academy in Saskatoon and I'm sure others will follow around the province.
Are they being 'sold' a dream? Perhaps!? But is that better than playing and having no dream. I've heard arguments from both sides and am petsonally just glad that kids are getting an opportunity through Percy, Terrol, Bryce to actually train a full time environment. Something that we obviously never had the opportunity to do at a young age.
In this day and age if it's getting them away from the video games and giving them something to aspire to, it can't be all bad!
RIGGS
Just to comment on Sudan.
Not that I have Sudan as the favorite but Mike and Dave you guys keep mentioning that people will learn to adapt to Sudan's style of play.
I don't know if it really is that simple. Sudan plays an all out physical style that at times borders on being dirty (a lot of times I don't believe their intent is to be dirty at all but it is just their style of play).
They play extremely direct and in this tournament that is highly successful.
You have a small field with too many players on it and no offsides. Therefore it is tough to stop teams from playing long direct balls into your box. This style will lead to creating chances. That is what makes the tournament fun for less talented teams. You always have a chance to create some goals.
If some of these less talented teams were more organized you would see more upsets. Get everyone behind the ball and stay compact and all out defend. Then you can score from counter attack and or when you do have the ball just play direct into your opponents box.
Now I am not saying Sudan lacks skill because they do have some fairly skilled players on their team, but this is a team that was built for direct play in this tourney.
Anon 12:58 - I played 5 years of Huskies for Bryce, and a year and a half of club soccer prior to my university days. I also coached numerous camps for him, so I think it's fair to say I know a little bit about him. His player management skills leave something to be desired at times, but I would never question his passion to get the best out of his players and teams, and also to improve the level of soccer on a province-wide level.
-Nate
Well said Riggs.
Those that keep posting and saying we don't know the whole story need to start sharing their side of the story that is so bad.
How much does it cost to play on a AAA hockey team in stoon? How much does it cost if you go out and get personal training? How much does it cost to play on elite club volleyball teams? etc.
Unfortunately sometimes things cost money. This is Bryce's livliehood. No one is forcing any kids to sign on and join an accademy. If you don't like the ideal of it and don't believe in it then just don't have your kid sign on. I did not come from a wealthy family. My parents worked bingos so I could afford to play on provincial teams.
Once again what Bryce has created is at least an opportunity. I am sure there are others in larger cities that are envious of the connection Bryce has made with the Whitecaps. Maybe there is no one that has put in the time, has the credentials or cared enough to make it happen in other city centers. Bryce should be commended for at least giving some kids in the future a shot.
Also, I forgot to sign off on my Sudan bit but I don't think you can just adjust to there style of play that easy.
Dwayne (DG)
Riggs well said. We need more academies that provide good training environments with certified coaches. Saskatoon is quite lucky with ndc, Astra and now this, kids have lots Iof options to recieve quality training from national b certified coaches. I feel sorry for the Regina kids they don't have much choice but to be in the club system.
Dwayne G, quality post.
Summers
Bryce Chapman will try and create a name for himself with the whitecaps. He doesn't care about anyone but himself and that's the full truth. Developing talent in saskatchewan, and then dumping the players off like they are a peice of dirt? He's nothing but a liar and a cheat. I could careless about the opportunties he presents to players. The guy can't do what he says, that to me means everything. CHAPMAN IS ALL TALK AND NO SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I speak from personal experience.
Alright, you guys have voiced your views on bryce, some good some bad. But this is the WCP blog lets get in back on track now!
Anyone have something they want to see a thread about? Any suggestions would be awesome.
DB
top 10 defenders.
top 10 midfielders.
top 10 strikers.
top 10 goalkeepers.
top 10 referees.
top 10 coaches.
I agree with David that it is time to move on. All I'd want to say is that all those people that hold resentment towards Bryce, your best option is to just get over it and forget it. Bryce doesn't deserve that type of importance from anyone. As really in the big scheme of things, who is Bryce Chapman?
For those that are defending him, that is your choice. All I'll say to that is that maybe you should try to listen to the concerns of those voicing them as for the most part you have been on the other side of the equation with Bryce. If you knew half the stuff Bryce has done to ruin people's lives and enjoyment of the game (both young kids and adults) then maybe you would see things differently. Unfortunately you don't and that is that.I understand how an individual needs to make a livelihood but he has crossed lines with many people and is that really right? I would say no. It's good to have all your certifications and licenses but at the end of the day the actions you take towards other people during and away from soccer also matter.
So I personally will never defend the guy, but there's no point in hashing out old stories as we could be here all day.
I'd like to see the Top 10 Must See Moments.
1. Darko vs Paco during the round robin!
- Julio
I am growing to enjoy Julio's posts now. Very classy post.
DG I am sure that if bigger cities wanted the "opportunity" they'd take it. Reality is if the Whitecaps want you bad enough, you don't have to be in their system. Whitecaps are making a strong marketing play in a market where it is feasible due to limited options and opportunities for players.
AngryWCPfan
Ok, a lot to take in here as I am only reading about once a day. So i will start on the Bryce subject.
My dealings with Bryce left a very bitter sort of taste in my mouth. However I now think he is doing all he can to advance DESERVING people in Saskatchewan. Sure he is too overly controlling with the guys but I will let that slide. I have a very good friend who friend who coaches with the Whitecaps and to say he was underwhelmed with the players here would be an understatement. To throw your name out there with a player who just doesn't cut it really kills your reputation and Bryce has already attached his name to a couple players I would not recommend. So to say Bryce is not trying is not accurate.
As for the Sudan comment, don't get me wrong I definitely think Sudan is a contender
(as you will note in my power rankings) I just think it's incredibly hard to repeat and think that a lot of what they did what based on some luck rather than skill? Does everyone think Sudan was the best team? I am not sure.
Lastly, we are going to do Top 5 lists for all those categories. We really appreciate the suggestions. Keep them coming!
Mike Collins, do you really think Lee is your good friend? I really doubt that. Stop trying to be all sneaky and leave out names involved. Man, you are such a tool. You know nothing. You speak a ton of noise.
No one is going to figure out Sudan style of play because they don't have one style of play. They are good in the air, good on the ground, and fast.
Sudan has one weakness. There goalie Noor is a useless bum. He is a DIV 4 quality goal keeper who never plays soccer during the year, and gets super lucky. Last year, Sudan should have lost so many games, but the ball was kicked right at Noor. What a disaster. If you want to beat Sudan, you need to shoot at goal. Huge weakness in the goal keeper department. Who else noticed it??????????
yeah i noticed. if it wasn't for Noor Sudan wouldn't have won the final. He made a couple of brilliant saves at the end of the final game last year. Were you even there?
Yeah you are probably better friends with LEIGH than I am.....
And Noor did kill it in the final!
How about a top 10 babes of the tourney list haha
Kirk Dooley
Hey Dooley ... your brother would definately be on #1 on that top 10 babes list ha ha ha. I love his belly. I want to rub it.
I am friends with Leigh
- Dustin S.
Kirk you're just as out of shape as your brother. You look like Booda. Do yourself a favor and quit playing soccer. No one cares about you. You're horrible.
-Diya Ramadan
Poland will destroy all. I will destroy all. I play mean, I play aggressive. I stop all!!! If you want a tip ... stay away from me or I'll but you on ground ... make you eat some turf. That is all for now.
-Alec (And yes, it is I Aleks from Poland. Do I care if you know it's me ... NO!!!!)
a list for you to post as a means to try and get away from hearaing about the same 5 people constantly. . . top 5 or 10 players that everyone else thinks is terrible/useless/washed up/garbage but you would want to have on your team
Appreciate the ideas! -DB
Riggs, pretty much nailed it on the topic of Bryce. I don't know Bryce well, but I know Hugh Dooley well. Since those 2 are accused of being one in the same, I'll chime in. you can talk all the shit you want about their motives, but you can't deny the hard work Hugh puts in to develop players within the LTPD model.
It's also baffling to me that 99% of the people on this board most likely completely hate their job, but when a guy tries to turn a passion into a career and make a buck from it he's all of a sudden a bad guy. Hugh has a UEFA A coaching license...they don't just hand those out to anyone that signs up like the lower levels most coaches in SK have.
Like Riggs said, whether you think he's a great coach or a money hungry guy, he's putting players in a professional like training environment...4-5 days a week between his club and academy, on a quality field (rather than running his academy in some free gym, he's paying for turf time in the winter, and Liebel field time instead of some pasture like other clubs/academies train) and pushes them to train at a high level.
hahaha Dooley is the biggest joke in Regina. Is that you Dwayne Head posting?
Anyone who knows Dooley knows what kind of person he is. Just ask Kevin how many times he's screwed people over. He's just as bad as Bryce. Both of them are a cancer to sask.
Raul B
How about top under 20 and over 30 players (age wise)?
Alec, you're full of crap - you are not Aleks from Poland. And Collins, that bitter taste in your mouth is likely Guinness.
I don't know enough of the players u20 and over 30 to make a post out of it. Top 3 over 30 for me is kev holness, benno and Dwayne! -DB
Don't forget about Greece mike. Greece will win this group
there aren't enough decent players playing in mens to make a U20 list
Hey Raul....throwing stones in a glass house isn't very smart. What part of yelling like a lunatic at u12 div 2 while coaching games is good for soccer? Come on man.
I don't think anyone can say that Noor did not stand on his head last year. I have know the guy a long time and in the past most of his issues has been a bit of technical ability but mostly height. But he has always made up for it in sheer effort. Having a tall, strong Sudan defense worked out amazingly well -- they stopped everything up high and he stopped everything down below. It was a pretty wicked combination.
GOO SUDAN !
~ J
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