Taking Steps

We made some progress today but didn't do quite enough on a 0-1 loss to cross-town rival the Bellevue University Bruins. Bellevue scored about 20 minutes in after a couple mistakes by the team left the ball sitting in the box and the Bruins were able to get a good shot off and put the ball in the back of the net. We had a bit of a lull the last 10 minutes of the first half and were back on our heals for awhile. We had 3 shots to Bellevue's 10 during the first half.

The second half we came out strong and had much more possession. The team got a definate lift from the sideline's enthusiasm and spirit. We fed off of that for a lot of the second half. We increased our shot total to 11 and let Bellevue have 8.

Our problem was when we got into the offensive third we weren't able to get that final killer pass or cross to get a good opportunity at the goal. We did have a free kick just outside the box but the kick went straight into the wall. Unable to capitalize on our possession, we failed to tie and the game ended 0-1.

We have been doing well in practice and just need to take that energy and enthusiasm, skill and smarts to the game. We played better and at times, out played Bellevue, but didn't quite do enough. I thought our team played very well on the defensive side of the ball for the most part and really didn't give BU any clear cut chances in the second half.

I believe we are a team about to catch fire. We had some sparks today. I saw improvement. We just need to stay positive, persevere and good things will happen. I believe that eventually our team will find its groove and shine. It has been quite a climb to get there, but we are almost there. Count on it.

Perseverence!

Tomorrow we play Bellevue University at 1 PM at our place. It is an important game for us (although they all are important, aren't they?) We have been a team that is inconsistent and that has hurt us at times and other times it hasn't. The only way to approach inconsistency is to keep working hard and persevere. We have had a great week of practice and I am looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.

How will we perform? What is my prediction? I predict that we will step up our performance and have moments of brilliance. I believe we are a team about to catch fire. (Get it--fire! We are the Flames. Fire and Flames, sometimes I just can't help myself.)

One exciting thing that happened recently at practice is I was able to purchase a big yellow wagon to cart our stuff from the Lied Center out the field. We can now pile up the big water jug, the cone bag, the penny bag and the soccer balls right on the wagon and wheel it out to the field. The players were very excited to use the wagon instead of hauling all the heavy stuff on their backs. It is the small things that make us happy.

We are in Pain

Can you give me another AAARRGH! We are trying to find a way to excel for 90 minutes and we are not there yet. Close enough to touch, but not there yet. We are inches away. Case in point: Central Christian College 3, CSM 1. We had 90% possession and 38 shots yet could not finish. We let CCC off the hook early by scoring but being in an offide position. The goal got called back. Moments later, CCC scored against the run of play. We fought back in the second half and got a goal back, but the thing that has been dogging us all season reared its ugly head. What is it you ask? We tend to let down when goals are scored. Happened again. Then we were fighting back and not paying attention, made 2 mistakes in a row and they finished again.

This place we are living in reminds me of that scene in "Any Given Sunday" when Coach Al Pacino give his famous speech. (Watch out, cuss words involved.)

What do we do? There are no instant solutions for sale at Home Depot (I know, I looked.) We just climb back in, inch by inch, step by step, degree by degree until we are there. And we will get there, we will. I believe we will rise again.

All Day Long I Sit by the River, Selling River Water

OK. Here it is. CSM lost to Rogers State University, 1-4. With the score tied 0-0 at halftime, RSU put 4 on us included 2 goals in the 70th minute within seconds of each other and the last goal with 12 seconds to go in the game. We scored off of a phenomenal free kick by Kaela Croushorn.

Our second half performance prompted me to prepare and give a long speech after the team had warmed down and taken off their equipment. A lot of things went through my mind about what to say. We have been talking a lot to the team about their performance and I really didn't know if more talking would have effect. But, I talked anyway. I sat down in the stands of RSU's Soldier field soccer stadium after the game and prepared my speech. I wrote down a lot of ideas. I was hoping to inspire the team to greatness.

My basic message was this team has untapped strength that we need to use. I challenged the players to dig deep and find it in themselves. I even told a story about how my daugher Alex was born.

We have had some moments of brillance this year, without a doubt. Our problem is that we mix in the gruesome with the great. We have peaks, but our valleys are too low and too often. Our team has all the tools they need for success--they almost don't need us coaches. They just have to step forward and take it instead of looking for someone else to sell it to them. Lately, our mentality is getting in the way. As a team, it looks like we are all just waiting for something bad to happen instead of playing to play great. I challenged the team to change the way they think and to begin believing. That is the first step. Time to rise.

Next game at home versus Central Christian College at 3 PM this Wednesday, October 6th.

Pulled Out in the Nick of Time

CSM defeated the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles 2-1 on a goal by Melissa King. King scored off of a corner kick by Daniela Padilla with 17 seconds left in a windy game. We started off scoring in the first half with a goal by King but OWU equalized on a midfield shot about 2 minutes after we scored. The first half finished with the scored tied at 1-1.

The second half was dominated by CSM. OWU barely crossed the midfield stripe yet our shots were saved, shot wide or hit the cross bar. However, CSM won a corner with about 35 seconds to go. Daniela hurried up to get the corner off in time--but she paused right before she was about to kick it. A gust of wind came up and Daniela decided to wait until it died down. It was the right decision, because when she hit the ball--it was perfect. A lofted ball drew the keeper to the near post but it was too high for her. The ball bent to mid goal over the keeper and Melissa was there to finish. The OWU keeper had a very nice half, frustrating us by constantly cutting off our dangerous crosses with her long arms and well timed saves. She just came up 17 seconds short to our delight.

After the game-- we dicovered that after our driver returned from getting gas, he decided to back up into some shade and accidentally got the bus stuck. The parking lot was an uneven pasture and the driver high centered it. Deju vu all over again. Remember a couple weeks ago--we got our van stuck on the way to a game? It happened again. 2 pickups tried to pull it out and actually snapped a tow strap. Along came another pickup and all 3 were eventually successful in getting the bus unstuck. The third pickup got there in the nick of time and our final goal also showed up at the right time to pull out a victory in Bartlesville, OK.

OK here we are!

OK, we are in OK (Oklahoma) getting ready to meet the Oklahoma Wesleyan soccer team today at 1:00. We arrived at the sprawling metropolis of Bartlesville yesterday and ended up eating at the Oriental SUPER BUFFET! They had everything--a mongolian grill, every oriental dish ever invented and they even had crawfish, shrimp and alaskan snow crab legs. We chowed down, so to speak. Oklahoman oriental food seems to be pretty good.

If my wife and I have another kid, I think I will name him Okla (Homan.)

After dinner, back at the hotel, we commmenced our individual meetings. There is really nothing else to do--so why not? Actually, it is kind of a tradition that when we travel, the coaches meet individually with the student-athletes to see how they are doing, to comment on things they are doing well and go over areas they need to improve upon. It is also a great opportunity for the players to offer any suggestions. We didn't have a dry erase board or a chalk board to diagram formations so we ad-libbed by breaking out some change. The pennies were the opponents and the silver coins were the flames. We made a soccer ball out of kleenex and Coach Kim decorated it with her sharpie. Are we good or what? I think we started a trend. Perhaps I can sell this idea on ebay? Forget the dry erase board, the magnetic board! For only $19.95 you can buy our 11 pennies and 11 dimes to diagram your soccer formations. All you need is a flat surface! No more searching for dry erase markers, the whole system fits in your pocket. Act now and we will throw in a hand made soccer ball made out of kleenex for no extra charge.

We are going to leave in an hour to head over to OWU. Wish us luck.

Tomorrow we travel to Claremore, OK for a match with Will Rogers State. I never met a soccer team I didn't like.

A Tale of Two Halves

If only we could erase the first half of our game against Midland Lutheran. The second half, Midland scored early on a breakaway, but CSM controlled possession, had a lot of chances and scored 2 goals. Unfortunately, we gave up 3 goals in the first half to lose 2-4.

In the first half, we made silly mistakes and didn't defend very well 1v1. We did a lot of ball watching and reacting instead of anticipating. Midland did an excellent job of punishing us for our mistakes.

The second half we played more like ourselves and spent a majority of the half in the Midland side of the field. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes and move on.

Road trip next! We leave for Oklahoma on Friday. We play Oklahoma Wesleyan at 2:00 on Saturday and play Rogers State at 1:00 on Sunday. We hop to do well!

CSM takes Central

On Saturday, September 27, the Flames traveled to Pella, Iowa to take on the Dutch from Central College and came away victorius, beating the Dutch 7-1. Daniela Padilla opened the scoring in the first 5 minutes taking a pass from Kira Cross and dribbling deep in the box, beating the keeper with a rocket to the far post. Daniela added 2 more for a hattrick and Melissa King put in her 3 for another hattrick. The last 2 goals scored in the second half, one by Sara Schweiger and one by King were both from long distance and beat the keeper over her outstreched hand. It is good to see that we can score both from close range and from far away.

In the second half we worked on maintaining our discipline and after a slow first few minutes, we were able to impose our will, keep possession in the opponent's half and finish strong!

Before the game, some of our wacky players engaged in some shenanigans. On the way to the game, we stopped in Des Moines for an early lunch and a Subway/Kwik Stop. Kira Cross and Mollie Jones decided to try on some hats (see pic.) Also, Ashley Turco wondered if she could fit one of the lockers in the locker room at Central College. Well, the proof is right before your eyes...a perfect fit!

Our next game is on this Wednesday, October 1 at Midland Lutheran, 4 PM. Be sure to come out and root on the Flames!

A Tie and 3 Days Off

After our game on Saturday, I gave the team 3 days off. We have been going strong for quite awhile and I felt like we needed rest. I also took 3 days off and didn't post anything here after the game--so I better tell you about it.

We tied MNU (Mid-America Nazarene University) 1-1 last Saturday in the final game of the NMU Tournament. We scored on a short shot by Daniela Padilla after a nice set-up by Melissa King. King was at the top of the box and played a ball across the goal. Daniela sprinted after it, all the time saying to herself, "Xlposive Edge, Xplosive Edge!" She was able to catch up to it and slot it in to break open the scoring. By the way, Xplosive Edge is the company we hire to do our weight training and conditioning. Unfortunately for us, MNU tied the game a couple minutes later on a corner kick. We didn't mark up very well and an MNU player had a free header that she knocked down. The ball then bounced high over our heads and went into the upper 90.

The game went into overtime and we had a number of chances but nothing went in. We will work on that.

Next game is Septmember 27th @ Central College in Pella, Iowa at 2:00 PM.

CSM Stuck in the Mud and Mire. Baker overtakes the Flames.

On Friday in Baldwin City, Missouri, the Flames lost their 3rd game of the season at the MidAmerica Nazarene Tournament. CSM fell to an excellent Baker University team 0-3. Baker controlled most of the possession and had some good chances on goal. Perhaps our poor performace can be blamed on the rain (it has been raining all day and continues to rain.) Maybe it was the fact that we left at 6 in the morning to get to the game, or perhaps it was the fact that we got one of the vans stuck on the way to the game and showed up pretty late. Whatever the reason, we played at times like our feet were stuck in the mud.

I was talking to Kim (our trusty assistant coach) during the game about our struggles and she said if we counted how many players were on the field at that time that played college soccer before--the number would be 4. I do forget at times how inexperienced we are as a group. I don't want to use that as an excuse, but our lack of "speed of play" really showed up today. I usually tell people that ramping up their speed of play is the biggest adjustment new players have to make. We spent too much time reacting instead of anticipating. When we did get in a rythym, then we would make a couple silly mistakes and get scored on. The second goal that Baker scored--I think we whiffed three times in attempting to clear it. Crazy.

Most of our chances came toward the end of the game when we won a few corners. We put a lot of pressure on Baker during those corner kicks, and we kept the ball alive in the box--but were unable to capitalize.

If we learn the lesson that we really need to play quickly as well as play together as a team, it should really help us down the road.

How did we get the van stuck? It was a series of misshaps. First, I thought we missed a turn and had to go back. OOPS, first mistake (we didn't miss the turn.) So, I pulled into a long driveway and everyone followed. I went up the driveway a bit, stopped, backed and turned to face the other direction. As I started to creep forward, one of the other vehicles pulled in at the end of the driveway, so I paused. Unwittingly, my pausing made Kim's van stop on a little incline. She had pulled the van into the grass and was turning around when I halted. When she tried to get the van going--it just sunk it the muddy quagmire of death that was masquerading as the side of the road. The wheels of the van went round and round, round and round, round and round (you get my meaning.) The team got out to push. The pushing didn't go very well. I thought with our X-Edge training--that the players could show off their muscles and push an itty, bitty van out of the mud--but NOOOOOOO!

So...we all PANICKED and ran around aimlessly, wondering what to do. Actually, what really happened is few of the players went up the the house located at the end of the long driveway, to ask for help. Thank goodness a man was home who had a chain and a big pick-up truck. That nice man hooked us up to his truck, pulled us out and we were on our way to the game. Late, but better late than never.

You could say the theme of the day (or moral of the story) is "Stuck in the Mud." Stuck before the game and unfortunately during the game.

We are in Kansas--and the tornado sirens just started going off as I write this. That is all we need :} Get to shelter immediately! (Actually, I checked with the desk here at our hotel and they said we are safe--the twister is way north of us. Ya--that is what probably what they told Dorothy.) Wait a minute, is that a cow flying by my window?

Aarrgh. CSM falls to Hastings

Our team lost a close one to the Broncos from Hastings on Sunday. CSM started strong witha blast from Daniella Padilla at the top of the box with an assist from King. However, we made a couple of silly mistakes and gave up a little breakaway and a penalty kick because of a handball in the box.

In the second half, Amanda Brabec scored in her second game in a row from an assist by Melissa King. Amanda scored 28 seconds into the second half. I can't really tell you more about the goal because I wa in the bathroom. My ten year old daughter told me that I need to go to the bathroom more often in games.

Hastings scored an a breakaway with about 10 minutes to go. That seemed to really take the wind out of our sails and we ended up falling to the Broncos.

I told my coach after the game that if we just clean up half of the errors that we made today, we will dominate our opponents.

Next game is on Friday in Olate, Kansas against Baker at 10:30 am in the MidAmerica Nazarene University Tournament. We then play MNU at 2:30 on Saturday.

Flames Tripped Up by Graceland

The CSM Flames experienced their first loss of the season to the Graceland Yellowjackets from Lamoni, Iowa 1-2. We came out strong the first 15 or 20 minutes of the match, getting a lot of possession and some early chances. Katie Archibald had a shot that just barely went wide in the first 10 minutes. After the first part of the game we struggled to keep our shape and keep possession and were back on our heals for a time.

Graceland was able to score their first goal on a miscommunication between defenders. We just kind of let the ball hang out in the box and a Yellowjacket swooped in, shot and scored. Graceland added to their lead a few minutes later on a corner kick.

Again, we struggled coming out of the gate in the second half. The Yellowjackets had a lot of possession but not tons of chances. We were unable to find the ball. Then, on one of our few attacks, we were able to win a corner. Abbey Arlt played the ball into the box with the corner kick and Amanda Brabec climbed a ladder and got a head on it to score. An awesome corner kick and an even awesomer goal.

After that, everything changed. Graceland was back on their heals and we were attacking hard and creating chances. We won another 3 or 4 corners and kept the pressure on. We played extremely hard and a lot smarter the last 15 minutes but were unable to convert.

If we just took the first and last 15 minutes and look at that--we are a heckuva team. Unfortunately, in between those times--we struggled. I think if we learn from this game, be more consistant and step it up, this experience will really make us a strong team. We are currently 3-1.

Thanks to all who came out and supported us! Next game is Sunday vs Hastings at home at 2:00 pm.

We are the Champions! CSM Rules in Indiana

CSM Soccer won its first tournament of the season by defeating Missouri Valley and Rockford College over the weekend in Schererville, Indiana at the Crimson Wave Invite. The invite was sponsored by Calumet College of Saint Joseph and this was the first time that we have participated in that tourney.

Missouri Valley was our first game and we started kind of slow, to be honest. Mo Valley hustled a lot and put a lot of pressure on the ball. It seemed like we didn't have very much time to do anything with the ball. After about 20 minutes, Daniela Padilla played a ball into Amanda Brabec who shot and scored her first collegiate goal. Missouri Valley bounced back about 10 minutes later with a goal of their own on a long shot that caught our keeper out of postition. We responded with a nice goal by Melissa King 12 minutes later in the 42nd minute with an assist by Kira Cross. We played better the second half and created fantastic chances--2 breakaways by Melissa King and an open goal opportunity for Sara Schwieger, but were unable to convert. The game ended 2-1 and we advanced into the finals to play Rockford College.

Rockford had beaten the hosts of the tourney 7-1 in their first game. They were staying at the same hotel that we were and I was able to talk briefly to the coach. Anyway, we started fast and finished strong in the final. Melissa King scored 5 minutes into the game (Schwieger with the assist) on a breakaway and that just opened the flood gates. Get ready...Daniela Padilla scored in the 22nd minute (assist by King,) and again in the 33rd minute (assist by Cardenas.) Ashley Turco scored her first collegiate goal on a nice cross by Kira Cross in the 42nd minute. Half time came and went and we just kept on scoring. Sara Schwieger scored in the 51st minute (Padilla assist,) and Daniella scored again (hatrick) 3 minutes later (McLaughlin with the assist.) Kira Cross finished the scoring with 2 long shots from the midfield (her first collegiate goals) that beat the keeper just under the crossbar (assists by Padilla and Arlt.) Final score 8-0.

The trophy we received was very nice--carved out of wood. Daniela Padilla was named the tournament's most valuable player. Kira Cross was voted player of the game by Rockford College. Melissa King, Tiffany Reis, Katie Archibald and Daniella were all named to the Crimsom Wave Invite All Tournament Team. I have to say it was fun winning our first tourament of the year. However, we still have a lot of work to do (coaches like to say stuff like that!;)

After the game we drove to downtown Chicago and spent time walking around, shopping, eating and talking. Coach Kim and I ran into the former AD at CSM, Kevin Lein. Kevin had just taken his son out the Cubs ballgame and was having dinner at the Navy Pier. Talk about a small world. Daniela ran into her brother and Alex saw a friend who was in the Navy. We also saw Forrest Gump. We got home safe and sound last night about 6. Leon was our bus driver and he drove good. A good trip for all.

Next up--Graceland at home, 4:00 PM on Friday, September 5 and Hastings at home, 2:00 Sunday, September 7th. Hastings and Graceland play each other on our field on the 6th at 2:00 PM.

Great Start for CSM Soccer as the Flames beat Briar Cliff

Our CSM Flames beat Briar Cliff in our first game of the season, 4-1. Hoo-Rah! Goals were scored by Melissa King (2,) Daniella Padilla and Katie Archibald. All in all, it was a good outing. We got stronger as the game went on for the most part. The first half we struggled a bit against the wind and were outshot 4-12. A set of nerves plagued us a bit the first 20 minutes. For a number of our players it was their first collegiate game at this level. However, we got things straight at halftime and came out guns blazing and scored 3 goals. I was pleased that after we gave up a goal (to make the game 2-1,) we came right back and scored to make it 3-1. And then added one to put the game out of reach. Briar Cliff played extremely hard and I feel fortunate to get a few past them. It was fun to finally get out there and play after 3 weeks of pre-season.

We even lit a torch and put it behind the bench (we are the flames!) We truly burned bright at times! We were on fire. We were burnin' it up! We just lit up the scoreboard. We were hot. (OK, I'll stop now.)

After the game when I went home I turned on the TV and the Democratic National Convention was on and Joe Biden was giving a speech. I am not much into politics but he said something that I thought applied to our quest for a great season. He said, "Failure is inevitable but giving up is unforgiveable." I think that can really relate to soccer. There are many times that we make mistakes and fail on the field. I make mistakes coaching and managing the team. It happens. What really make a difference and what defines the team in the long run is how you deal with the mistakes. Do you freak out and stop playing? Do you stop hustling? Or do you keep on keeping on no matter what? Our team needs to have persistance as one of its main values. We need to be relentless no matter what is happening and persevere.

We took a step toward that tonight. There is nothing that bugs me more than people giving up on a play or in a game. At the beginning of the game--we made a lot of silly mistakes. Passing to the other team, stabbing at the ball and things like that. We were in an uncomfortable place. But we shook off that funk and were able to persevere. I like that and hope that we continue to grow in that way.

I remember back in the day watching the movie, "The Outlaw Josey Wales." Chief Dan George says something in that great Clint Eastwood movie that for some reason I have always remembered: "Endeavor to Persevere." Ya, it sounds like it applys here. What do you think?

Iowa Western and CSM Battle to a Tie

Coach Ammon Bennett and his Iowa Western Reivers ventured over the river and played us in an official scrimmage with refs on Monday. CSM jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with 2 goals from Melissa King. Iowa Western was able to climb back into the game late with 2 goals--one in an extra 15 minute period at the end. Jackie Swanger saved a penalty kick toward the end of the second 30 minute period that we played. Many good things occurred.

Overall, I thought the team did well. We had some fitness issues at the end of the game along with some other things, however, I could tell that we are getting used to playing with each other and improving. There are many steps still to take this season but we are progressing well.

Our first real game is in a week against Briar Cliff at 5 PM on Wednesday, August 27th. We are looking forward to it.

Alumni Outing a Success!

On Saturday we played a invited a group of Alumni to help us prepare for the upcoming season in the Annual Alumni Outing (see the photo of the Alumni players to the right--special thanks to Walter Fichter.) It was great fun seeing all the ex-players. IN our "large group activity," the Alumni scored first off of a poor clearance by the current CSM defense. The current CSM players came back and tied the score up and that is how we finished, 1-1. It was a beautiful day for soccer.

We were able to see what a lot of the current players could do against seasoned veterans who have 4 years of college playing experience under their belts. It was mostly back and forth in the midfield. Not a lot of chances at goal on either side. The Alumni players looked to be in pretty good shape. I spoke with a number of them after the event and they think they may be just a little bit sore today. :)

We were very impressed with the number of Alums and their families that attended the Alumni dinner at the dining hall. The big thing this year was that we were able to give each Alum a CSM Soccer t-shirt. I had so many of them tell me how much they appreciated receiving the t-shirt. We even had a discussion with Alumni about their old CSM t-shirts. A whole bunch of them have saved their old CSM t-shirts and refuse to get rid of them even though they may be full of holes and ragged. Their old CSM training t-shirts just mean so much to them that they can't bear to part with them. So--they were super glad to get a new one to refresh their collection. (Be sure to come back next year and get another one.)

Also--in the "discussions" with the Alumns after the game--one suggested a "team theme." What do you think about this? --> ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM! I like it, don't you?

A good time was had by all.

Next event: Monday, August 18th, 5 PM at the CSM practice field with Iowa Western Community College.

Practice Mania.

Last night had the pleasure of meeting and practicing with the Greta Remix. They are a good team coached by Digger Hawkins that gave us a nice challenge when we played a large activity at the end of practice.

We ended up scoring 3 goals on them but it was back and forth at times. They had some nice chances and our keepers happened to come up big. Gretna also did a nice job of keeping possession. I would say they had more possession than we did at and we just kinda of sat back and counter-attacked. After a water break we worked on keeping possession in their end and did a better job with that.

Unfortunately, one of our freshman midfielders, Alex Aldridge, got tangled up with one of the Gretna players and fell awkwardly on her wrist ending up fracturing both her radius and ulna. She has surgery on Friday. Be sure she is in your thoughts and prayers. The doctor says she shouldn't be out too long.

I was pleased with our performance for the most part. We still need work on our team shape and defense, but we did do a lot of good things and everyone was able to play.

If any Gretna players read this--I thought you guys did well! Keep up the good work. If you want to post a comment...do it! Or if you want to contact me you can call or text me at 402-850-1625 or email me at jlhoman@csm.edu.

Next big event: Saturday, August 16th at 3:00 with the CSM Alumni.

Pre-Season Begins!

I have been very pleased with the start of pre-season. The players are working hard and gellin'. The first day of afternoon practice was a scorcher--very hot and humid but the rest of the week wasn't bad weather-wise. Basically our schedule goes like this...we meet in the mornings at the Omaha Sports Complex at 147th and Giles here in Omaha for Xplosive Edge conditioning. We get back together at 2:30 for a meeting where we have done things like set goals, go over what I want to do for defense and distribute uniforms. Then from 4 to 6 we practice at CSM.

Coach Kim Matzen and I went to a conference in Indianapolis over the weekend. Coach Michelle was in charge of the team in our absence. Instead of practice on Saturday, the team went bowling. I am sorry I missed that because, as the team knows, I use my powers of sports psychology to excel at the sport of bowling. I hear that Jackie and Melissa made quite an impact at the lanes and were the leaders of the winning team. What did they win???? Kim promised to take them out for ice cream. A good time was had by all.

Moving on to a more serious note..one great thing that we have been able to do this year is finish our practices with a big game going 10 v 10. It has been a great opportunity for me to be able to watch players and start making decisions about who is going to start, etc.

Actually, my "starting philosophy" is kinda weird. I try not to put a whole lot of emphasis on "starters" and "non-starters." I do see benefit in identifying the top 12 to 14 or so players, ya. However, just because you begin the game on the field when the whistle blows, doesn't mean in my mind that you are necessarily one of the top 11. I may save a good player for later for tactical reasons. Here's the deal...it doesn't make sense to me to put the "strongest" players on the field at the beginning and then sub them out with "weaker" players so you get weaker as the game goes on. I want a balance. Also, I put parenthesis around the words "stronger" and "weaker" because some players are strong in some areas and weak in others.

For example, an opponent may prefer to send long air balls at our defense and run on to the ball. I need players in the back who can head the ball. My best header may not be the quickest player on the field or the most skilled but she needs to be in the game if the other team boots it high all the time.

One of the strengths of our current team is its diversity. I think there are players who will have specific strengths that we can take advantage of when the time is right. It should be awesome to see.

Missouri Soccer Player Signs and the Season Awaits

Alex Aldridge, a midfielder from the Kansas City area, signed with the team on July 16. We would like to welcome Alex to the team! She is excited to join us. Alex was one of the strong leaders of her high school team (Winnetonka.)

Alex's signing brings our total active roster to 20. Coach Kim Matzen (our wonderful assistant coach--recently married to David Matzen)can't remember ever having 20 players on the roster. Coach Kim helped start the soccer program as the starting keeper in 1994 and after she graduated--she became one of the assistant coaches and has been with the program since then, so she should know.

The coaching staff can't wait to get this great recruiting class on the field. August 4th can't come soon enough for us!

In the meantime, We won the championship of the adult women's 8 v 8 league on penalty kicks. Kaela Croushorn scored the winning PK to give us the championship for the second year in a row!

We are also finishing up our summertime training at X-Edge. It has gone very well--we recently had a freshman set a school record with a squat of 225 (two 45 pound plates on each side!) We also just finished up putting on a camp for the Springfield Soccer Club this past week. It was hot but it was a lot of fun. Some the highlights were watching camper Alexis winning the limbo contest and in the campers vs coaches final game--the campers tied the coaches 2-2!

4 Weddings and a Pre-Season

Today my family went to Molly McGowan's wedding to Andy Cada in Schuyler. It was a very nice wedding and a fun reception. I saw a number of former CSM players at the wedding and reception. It is great to see teammates supporting each other. It has been a summer of CSM weddings. Our assistant coach Kim Ernesti ('98 CSM grad) was married in May to David Matzen. Mandy Saar (09,) who played for us last year was married a few weeks ago. Molly ('08 grad) walked the aisle today and Jessi Brannen ('08) gets married on the 19th of July. As a matter of fact, both Molly and Jessi got engaged during the 2007 soccer season. It is truly great to see these quality individuals get married. You hope that CSM has been an important part of their lives and will continue to be so.

Pre-season begins in a few weeks on the 4th of August. We are all looking forward to getting started. In the meantime, we are playing in the Sunday 8v8 league (record= 2-1) and will be in Springfield July 21-25 putting on a soccer camp to help the club players there improve their soccer skills.

Schuyler Soccer Player Signs with the College of Saint Mary Soccer Program

I would like to introduce the newest member of the CSM soccer team, Carissa Orborny. Carissa graduated from Schuyler Central High School this year and was the teammate of Amanda Brabec who signed with us in May. Carissa plays midfield and defense and is a very quick player. She signed today during her school orientation. Welcome Carissa!

With Carissa joining the team, that makes the largest CSM soccer team in 5 years with 19 players. The current players are Daniela Padilla, Melissa King, Jessie McLaughlin, Claudia Cardenas, Tiffany Reis, Nikki Prusha, Kira Cross, Amanda Brabec, Carissa Orborny, Mollie Jones, Abbey Arlt, Jackie Swanger, Kaela Croushorn, Katie Archibald, Courtney Pearcy, Hillary Brown, Erin Peterson, Sara Schwieger and Jessica Alexander.

Glory Road

I was flipping through channels tonight on TV and I came across the movie "Glory Road." It is the story of the Texas Western basketball team who in 1966 thrilled portions of the nation by winning the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship with an all-black starting lineup, thus breaking an unspoken barrier and transforming the history of college basketball. The team had to face all kinds of adversity that year, especially from those who were racist. The team responded to the adversity by becoming closer, by encouraging each other and inspiring each other to overcome everything and play to play great. It wasn't an easy road. It was very difficult for the whole team. But I was inspired by the movie--it shows that a team, if they stay close to each other and support each other through adversity, great things can happen. I would recommend the movie if you haven't seen it. It is awesome.

Marriage and then Meeting

Coach Kim Ernesti is getting married tomorrow! She will become Coach Kim Matzen on Saturday night (although they probably won't introduce her that way.) I get to read in her wedding! I am looking forward to it.

On June 1st at 6 PM at CSM's Lied Fitness Center is our first meeting to kick off summer conditioning. Most of the team should be there. A few are out of town on vacations. It will be great to have the new recruits meet each other.

CSM Campus Tour Part 1

Here is the tour of the College of Saint Mary campus starring Melissa King and Tiffany Reis with a special appearance by Coach Jim Homan.

CSM Campus Tour Part 2

CSM Campus Tour Part 3

Here is part three of the campus tour.

Schuyler Soccer Players Signs

Amanda Brabec signed her letter of intent to play soccer for us at the College of Saint Mary on Thursday, May 15th. Amanda's parents and high school soccer coach were there to support her. Amanda is going to major in Biology. She also is one the recipients of the Marie Curie Scholarship. It is a very big deal to be awarded the Marie Curie and Amanda should be very proud. Amanda had a great high school soccer season and is excited to be continuing her career at CSM.

Let's Get Started

Right now our players should be signing up online for the Millard Star Adult 8 v 8 league that plays on Sundays during the summer. We usually play in this league and we won the championship last year. Also--we are going to have a players meeting on June 1st to discuss summer conditioning, etc. I just sent an email out to everyone. There are a couple players that will be out of town for the meeting but it looks like most of them can attend. Xplosive Edge begins June 9th.

Kearney Soccer Player Signs

Please welcome Jessica Alexander to the CSM Soccer Family. She is currently going to UNK but is going to transfer to CSM and enroll in the Occupational Therapy program in the fall. You may recognize Jessica's last name (Alexander.) Jessica's older sister, Molly Alexander played soccer for us last year. Molly is also in the OT program at CSM. Molly told her sister about the program and Jessica decided to transfer. Jessica just told me, "I am very excited to meet everyone and get started with the workouts." I am excited to get started too.

Wow, don't you just love the weather!

Today, I gotta say, thank God for the beautiful day. I just spent a weekend in Kansas City going to soccer games where the wind chill was in the teens. Yikes.

Currently, I am coaching high school soccer as well as trying to get to some of our recruit's games but it ain't working out so well. Coaching a high school team (Gross Catholic Girls) keeps me way busy. That and the horrible weather has prevented me from getting out there. A number of the games I could have gone to (so I could say "Hi!" to our recruits) have been cancelled due rain, cold or even snow. Hopefully today is the start of a warming trend that lasts until the summer. We shall see. Oh, and another thing, could anyone do something abou the wind? I don't need 45 mile an hour wind gusts and it seems like that is about all we have had around here for months.