COVER
...In this issue, play by play of some President's Cup action!!!The Pulse! No. #23
COVER STORY & LATEST HEADLINES:The 2007 PRESIDENTS CUP!!! WPS Was There!!!Dragon was pleased to send a Pulse Side Line Reporter to the U13 Girls Championship game! It was the
FURY vs The DOLPHINS!!!Here is their report:
well thanks to dragon I made my way out to Tumwater Stadium to catch the U13 girls final of the presidents cup. It was a game between the Dolphins and the Fury. The Fury was wearing green and the Dolphins were wearing blue. When I arrived the parents were all tense and full of anticipation of the big game as they sat in the bleachers.
The game started right on time and had an announcer and everything! You would of thought it was the Championship cup or Challenge cup. The state went all out to make the event special. Here is a recap of the game as I saw it-
After both teams settled down the action began!
The Fury attacked first with #22 (Justice) with a corner kick, it was hit at the goal but bounced over about 8 mins into the game. The Dolphins stuck back soon after and had a shot on goal from #15 (Oulong) from the 25 yd line!! This was about the 21:09 mark (time remaining). #12 (Lindsey) for the Fury was the next to take a try at the 20:11 mark and it was just wide. This player, #12 fired again a few minutes later at the 18:46 mark after a nice pass from #22, it was saved by the goalie. Then at the 16:58 mark, #12 of Fury again had control of the ball and after a nifty move around the defender fired a laser shot from the goal line to cross it into the box. It hit a Dolphin player and was deflected into the goal. Fury 1 Dolphins 0. After hugs and high fives from her team mates they lined up in the center again. The Fury parents were going crazy with joy!
The President of WSYSA showed up around this time and say hi to me as I sat on the bleachers. Very nice fellow. It was nice to see him there to support this event. There was one more shot on goal for Fury by #9 (name unknown) just before the half. The first half ended with the Fury ahead by 1 goal.
2nd half:
The second half started and the Fury looked hungrier then ever. #22 took the ball and weaved in and out of several players and passed to #12 who had another shot on goal that missed just to the right at the 34:45 mark. A couple of minutes later #22 had a shot on goal herself that just missed as well from way out at the 32:04 mark. A scrum inside the 18 resulted in a corner for Fury at the 30:40 mark, and it was struck hard by #22, but went straight to the goalie. The Dolphins then came to life and #15 (Oulong- not sure that is spelled right) played out of her mind for the rest of the half.
She had a shot on goal from a free kick from the 25 yard line that rocketed to the far left upper corner. The goalie for Fury (#? Name unknown) made one of the best saves a goalie can make with full extension and a finger tip save! Moments later #15 for Dolphins created and then kicked a corner kick that was cleared around the 27:32 mark. #11 of the Dolphins (name unknown) also played with a heap of passion in the second half and should be commended. #15 for the Dolphins kept on creating chances for the blue team but each one was shut down by the goalie who played like an experienced U17 player! At 19:43 Fury #12 had another shot on goal that was tipped for a corner. Again, #22 hit the corner only to be cleared out by the defense. #22 had another shot on goal from the 25 yard line, but missed way wide. She moments later though passed from on defense to #12 who beat 2 players this time and fired a unstoppable ball from inside the 6 yard line for her second goal! 2-0 Fury. This was at the 14:46 mark.
There was a bunch of midfield battles and #22 and #12 had 1 more shot on goal each for the rest of the game. Fury controlled the rest of the game until the 2:00 mark when a through ball from a Dolphin went to #10 (name unknown) of the Dolphins and she had a break away all the way from the fifty yard line. No one was near her, and when she had the ball around the 22 yard line the goalie for Fury charged out and snatched the ball from her feat at just inside the 18 yard line! Great save by the goalie! Soon after, game over. Fury defeat the Dolphins 2-0. Great game, glad I was there. Here are some pictures that I snapped of the game and kids. I would say the player that deserves of one of WPSs heart & fire awards for the Dolphins was #15, and the player for the Fury would be the goalie who controlled the whole defensive end and never really allowed the Dolphins to start much of an offensive threat. Overall, the player of the whole match was #12 Lindsey of the FW Fury, she was awesome! Wonderful job to both teams making to the finals of the Presidents Cup! 
...The Fury goalie gets a hug and is still pumped up after the game!
...The Dolphins. Exhausted but still proud after the match knowing they gave it their all!
...WSYSA President (with Todd) Getting ready to hand out the hardware!
...The Silver Medals being passed out to the Dolphins!
...The "Player of the Match", #12 Lindsey of the FW Fury!Thanks you side line reporter, Dragon enjoyed your coverage of one of the President Cup games; Sounds like both teams Deserve a Heart & Fire Award! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
HEADLINES!
Who is this Elementary School Teacher?Dragon's Interview with Former NCAA National Championship Goalie, Goalie Trainer, Frisbee Master, and Coach ~ Sergio Soriano!!!DRAGON: How long have you been involved in Soccer? Did you play as a child?
SERGIO: I first began playing on a club team in Miami Beach, Florida as a 13 year old…I was hooked into the passion of the game, and I was surrounded by South Americans, who would play on the beach and in the parks!
DRAGON: You were born in Cuba correct? How was soccer looked at in the "land of fine cigars"?
SERGIO: When coaching in Miami, as soon as a South American parent found out I was born in Cuba, immediately they labeled me as a coach who didn’t know anything about soccer. It’s a good thing that for the most part they thought I was either Brazilian or Argentinan…
DRAGON: You were on SPU's very first NCAA Championship team! Is there one moment in your mind that stands out from that season?
SERGIO: After we lost(1-2) to SU, final game of the season, and it was for the local championship, I told Cliff McCrath(head coach) that we would go on and win the National Championships; not an easy task, since we had to play the Nigerian National Team, disguised as the Alabama A& M!
..."old school" picture of Sergio snatching the ball in the air!DRAGON: As a former high level goalie, is there one save or one block that stands out in your mind above all the others? Why?
SERGIO: There are many, but in the final four James Udumba, Alabama A&M, forward hit a ball with the outside of his right foot that was going far post, I thought I was going to be wide, but he spin of the ball brought it back in…I dove full stretch and tipped it wide, he came up to me after the shot, grinning and shaking his head….
DRAGON: What are all your jobs you do now? Do you do private training for goalies as well as coach?
SERGIO: I am a full-time PE teacher and Teacher on Special Assignment(TOSA) at Tulalip Elementary school in Marysville. I am the goalkeeping specialist for Snohomish United, and head coach for the BU13 team at Snohomish. I have worked with most of the Snohomish county soccer clubs, who have invited me to provide goalkeeping sessions for their club. Finally, I live on a five-acre property that I have been able create a nice goalkeeping facility for private and semi private lessons.
DRAGON: Name a couple coachs that played a roll in you picking up coaching and who have been a positive influence in your life?
SERGIO: Cliff McCrath, a good friend and a great mentor, Paul Barron, another good friend and goalkeeping coach for Newcastle United, England.
DRAGON: What is your biggest joy now in coaching?
SERGIO: That’s easy…developing the passion that comes with this sport!
DRAGON: What has been the "highlight" of your personal life that is non-soccer related?
SERGIO: My family, four daughters, Alexa, 16, Gigi and Star, identical twins, 14, and Saige, 3, and having a fantastic partner, wife Martha.
DRAGON: You have been known to not only be a great goalie and soccer trainer; But, also a "Master with a Frisbee"! Where did this skill come from? Do you think it helps with soccer or being a goalie in particular?
SERGIO: How do you know about the Frisbee thing?…yes it was my “cross training”. Miami is very tropical, hot and humid; so escape is at the beach. I began to develop skills that were soccer-related with the Frisbee, as well as jumping in the ocean for acrobatic catches; this helped with strength in my legs, and coordination.
DRAGON: Not only did I know about it, here is a youtube clip of your frisbee skills :lol: (note, Sergio is the 1st guy in the clip, not the guy with the Butt crack showing) 
DRAGON: What are your goals at your current club? (both personally and for your team/club).
SERGIO: Personal goals are to develop the players to have passion for soccer; so they will want to work extra to become better players, and team goals are to develop a chemistry that will enable our team to stay strong under all circumstances.
DRAGON: What is your biggest challenge as an Elementary school teacher in Marysville?
SERGIO: As a PE teacher; to provide my students with enough instruction, and enjoyable ways to be fit, and exercise, that will give them a foundation for the rest of their lives. 
...Sergio with one of his young soccer players!DRAGON: WPS is the "pulse of Washington Soccer", have you ever had a chance to read it/What did you think of it?
SERGIO: This is the first time for me, but in seeing the website, it’s a good avenue to provide information to the masses of soccer people.
DRAGON: What do you want for Christmas?
SERGIO: I am Jewish…also known as Jewban, Cuban-Jew; so we celebrate Hannukah….my wife was brought up Catholic; so we also celebrate X-Mas. This Christmas I will be in Hawaii doing a goalkeeping clinic for a Coerver soccer clinic run by Ric Miller, sweeper and MVP for the 1978 SPU national championship team.
DRAGON: If you were WSYSA President for a day, what would your first act be as President?
SERGIO: I don’t follow the happenings with WSYSA. It appears to be growing with the rest of the nation. We are attracting top coaches from the country to this area…so I feel this state is on the right path.
DRAGON: Tell us all one thing, that most of the world don't know about you?
SERGIO: If the world knew that there was a you tube video with me and my partner playing Frisbee; then I would have a lot more hits than 1200! :lol:
Thanks Dragon…..I hope you enjoy reading my answers, and that your readers will enjoy them too!
DRAGON: Well thank you coach, I am sure you will get more hits now on the YouTube video I am sure we all will enjoy your great interview! Thank you again for taking the time to share with us all here at the Pulse of Washington Soccer! :mrgreen: WPS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!Due to the IMPORTANCE of the POTY award, Dragon and the vote counting team is taking their time and going over it with a fine tooth comb.
The winner will be announced before the end of the week! And we want to give them the individual post they deserve. Congrats to all who were nominated, this was the best one yet here on WPS. Look forward to doing our 4th annual player of the year award next year!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
2007 STATE CUP DRAW RECAP!!! 
Here is Dragon's Re-Cap of the State Cup Draw Saturday night for those who could not be there:
Well Saturday night at the WSYSA HQ several people gathered there for the 7pm State Cup Draw. Some players came as well and that was nice to see. I saw some players from as far away as CB United! 
People gathered in the building and they had set aside a room with a viewing screen and computers to do the draw. Everyone signed in, and those people that had RSVP'd had their name already on a list to sign in. (Except me. I had RSVP as Dragon and their was no Dragon on the list....was a little disappointed LOL)
They had a big table with lots of food and snacks for people to eat. Spinich dip, vegatalbe trays, etc. It all looked very nice. I signed in on a legal pad since my name wasn't on the RSVP list and received some hand outs that they were handing to everyone. The handouts were lists of every cup, and every team that was registered for all the state cups! They also gave out tickets with numbers on them? Didn't know what that was for at first.
The Draw began at 7:15pm after all the people were announced that made this all happen. They started with the Boys side first on the Commish. Cup at the youngest age group, and then did girls. They went back and forth like that until all the Commish Cup draw was done. After each draw they would show it on the viewing screen for everyone to oooohhh and aaahhhh about. Two girls in the front were the "oooh & aaah girls"; they were: Justine and Makenna from HPFC 94 team and the nice young players where even given some goodies by Doug and Todd after the evening was over! (Class act fella's).
Doug (President of WSYSA) mentioned that there was no need to try and write anything down because they were going to print off each cup bracket and give a copy to all that attended! That was a great releif, because it would of been impossible to do it all correctly other wise! Hats off to Doug and Co. for doing that for us!
After each section was done, boys or girls, Doug and the other state officals would draw numbers out of a box and give away door prizes! Some very nice gifts were given away! (Hats, boxes of golf balls, Adidias Soccer balls, T-shirts, WSYSA Jerseys, and even Insta-benches (won by a Norpoint coach). They even brought out more goodies as the draw continued so more people would get prizes, including 2 more Insta-benches! Without doing a head count, I would say there was at least 50 people there from all over and representing different districts and clubs. I saw at least 2 dozen people that were know to be WPS fans! (which was nice to see).
One of the funniest things I remember about the evening is when they were doing the U14 brackets it showed some of the slots marked as; Seed #1, Seed #2, etc. A parent/coach in the back of the room asked Doug; "Aren't the PDL teams going to be seeded"? Doug answered; "No", and continued on with the presentation! LOL
Overall it was about 1 hour long, and everyone was happy at the end picking up copies of all the brackets and jumping on their cell phones as they made their way to their car. Doug and Co. said next year they are going to try and make it even bigger and better and may move it to a bigger venue with even more food and drink!
Great job WSYSA! A good time was had by all, and it went really well for a first time venture! WPS will be glad to support the draw next year as well and send even more Crazy Parents to attend!!! :mrgreen:Salmon Creek indoor offers a ton of Holiday fun down in Cowtown!!Just wanted to provide a link, to what Dragon has heard is a great little tournament filled with good cheer, and a load of fun. Feel free to check out the site below for their 8th annual holiday indoor cup!! :mrgreen:
http://www.scsoccerarena.com/index.htmlState CUP CRAZY!!!This section will come alive again once the state cups starts. With Predictions and recaps, etc :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
CRAZY PARENT WATCH:"Shout out to da newbies"Dragon see's a ton of brand new poster he wants to give a Shout out to! And as always, lets All give a warm welcome to all new posters!
This week Dragon would like to applaude:
husky7
Who knew?
krrnrgrl
just another soccer girl
JuniorMint
Carrottop
Misfit
Peeping Tom
Snow Miser
cougman
hb96mo
Baroness
Daddude
Welcome aboard! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
"A view from the Mini-Van"
Coachs lack of communication prior to state cup
If there is one thing that F'ing bothers me it is the lack of communication! Did my DK do something wrong? Is there a reason they are playing only a quarter of a meaningless game? What happens when state cup comes?.......Do you bench her full time? Sure my child may not be the best or the most athletic, but how are they to know what to work on if you don't open your mouth! Why are you silent? Did I miss a payment, or a practice, or did I piss you off in some way? NO is the answer to these questions! Then why are you shunning my child and not telling them what to do to get better and more playing time.
I am not mad at you, but I doubt my child will be back next year. Remember parents, in this time of stress called the "state cup", your coachs should be communicating with you and your child more then ever. If not, find a new coach. Tryouts are only a short time from now!
"WPS Paparazzi"
...Coach Sockem calculating laps for her old buddy!
...1, 2, 3, and Streeeeeeeettttcccchhhhh!
...Preparing to take a blast!"...Out on the Pitch"Please submit pictures for the newsletter to the Pulse email
...WPS posters are in the Christmas Spirit!
...The Synergy gals asking Santa for a State Cup Victory!**Please continue to send pix's to the Pulse newsroom! Anything soccer related is welcome!** :mrgreen: "Help! Is there a Doctor in the house?"
OK . Here goes.....
Miss Piggy wrote:
There seems to be a rash of hamstring injuries in the EPL and other leagues? Aren't these players fit? Is my DK at risk ?
Excellent question Porky, er, Piggy and quite timely actually. Yes there have been a rash of hamstring injuries of late in the EPL. Probably too many post game bangers and mash feasts I suppose. I am sure you wouldn't ever partake in that would you?
The word "hamstrings" was derived because it is these muscles by which a butcher would hang a slaughtered pig. Seems to be the preferred method of certain Clubs when their players don't perform as well 
The hamstrings are a group of muscles (ie, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris) located on the back of the upper leg. They attach to the "sit bones" and run down the back of the thigh to connect to the knee. They are powerful knee flexors.
Hamstring injuries are a common source of injury and chronic pain in athletes. Injuries to the hamstring muscles primarily occur proximally and laterally, and they usually involve the biceps femoris. The severity of injury to the hamstring muscles is classified according to the following grades:THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
GOOD=Grade 1 is a mild strain with few muscle fibers being torn. These are generally self limited and will heal within 3-10 days.
BAD=Grade 2 is a moderate strain with a definite loss in strength.These are more serious and can take several weeks if not longer to see improvement. 
UGLY=Grade 3 is a complete tear of the hamstrings. This is the one you don't want. Some may need surgery!!
As a percentage of lower extremity injuries, hamstring injury peaks at 33% in persons aged 16-25 years. Injuries most often occur in sports in which the hamstrings can be stretched eccentrically at high speed;soccer, sprinting, track and field, and other running contact sports such as football are prime examples. Recreational sports such as waterskiing, in which the knee is fully extended during injury, also are common causes of hamstring injuries.
An Australian study involving 1614 individuals with hamstring injuries revealed that hamstring injuries compose 54% of the injuries in rugby, 10% of the injuries in soccer, 14% of the injuries in track, and less than 2% of the injuries in tennis, squash, ballet, and gymnastics.
HISTORY:Onset of pain/weakness usually is sudden and may occur during an explosive movement such as sprinting. sometimes a "POP" is heard.
Onset of posterior thigh pain often is near the beginning or near the end of the sport activity. This is consistent with the belief that fatigue and lack of warm-up are factors that may lead to muscle injury.
Players may only have a sense of apprehension due to a feeling of inadequate leg control as a result of the injury. They may report pain with sitting or while walking uphill or ascending stairs.
Swelling and ecchymosis may accompany more severe injuries.
EXAM:Physical findings are absent in many injuries. Others are fairly obvious.
The player often has pain with active knee flexion against resistance. In severe cases, swelling and bruising may be present. Sometimes a defect is felt in the thigh if a full tear has occurred. With complete rupture, the muscle may contract into a ball with an accompanying strength deficit. This spasm can be quite painful and many cannot walk on the leg. Crutches may be needed.
REASONS FOR INJURY:The major predisposing factors are lack of warm-up, poor flexibility, fatigue, and a hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio less than 50%
Previous hamstring injury is the most recognized risk factor for injury
Poor running style, especially overstriding, predisposes some runners to hamstring injuries. Overstriding stretches the hamstring and places it in a position of active insufficiency.
Rapid growth seen during adolescence sometimes leads to tight hip flexors with a resultant anterior hip tilt. This can cause a natural predisposition to hamstring injuries for this age group.
IMAGING:In most cases, imaging studies have no role in the workup of hamstring injuries UNLESS a complete rupture is suspected. Even then Xrays may be negative. Boney avulsions are NOT always seen on initial Xrays.Patients with chronic injury may have calcium deposits seen .
Ultrasound or MRI 2-3 days postinjury may be recommended to rule out total muscular rupture or intramuscular hematoma if significant weakness is still present.
An MRI often is ordered to help prepare for possible surgery if radiographs reveal a gross deformity.
Acute Phase Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
Treatment varies according to severity of injury. Players with minor strains may progress quickly to strengthening exercises, while those with full-thickness ruptures MAY require surgery. Up to 1 week, the focus of therapy is to limit pain, inflammation, and swelling. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is recommended. Elastic thigh bandages can be useful for compression. Icing for 20 minutes, 4 times per day provides pain relief. Most patients may begin active range of motion (AROM) exercises within their pain tolerance after 1-2 days. Individuals with more serious injuries benefit from immobilization in knee extension for 1-5 days to prevent contracture formation and further damage. Crutches enable ambulation while resting the injured leg.
After several days, most players may begin pain-free submaximal isometrics, pool therapies, and upper body exercises.
Recovery Phase Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
Generally, treatment 1-6 weeks postinjury focuses on strengthening, improving range of motion (ROM), and flexibility.
Passive static stretching may begin at this stage. Moist heat may be used to warm up the muscle tissues prior to stretching and exercising. Electrical stimulation may be used in conjunction with ice for added pain relief.
Being pain free throughout the entire ROM is not required before strengthening exercises may be initiated. The player may exercise, preferably with a therapist, to strengthen the muscle within the available pain-free ROM.
Next, the player begins isotonic exercises with resistance, increasing gradually as tolerated. As healing continues, high-speed, low-resistance isokinetic exercises are started. Resistance is increased gradually, while exercise speed is decreased. Over time, the player progresses from concentric to eccentric strengthening exercises. Prior to return to play, sports-specific training maximizes recovery and minimizes chances for additional injury.
Medical Issues/Complications
Reinjury and delayed healing result if therapy is too aggressive or if activity limitations are not followed.
Maintenance Phase Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
From 1 month postinjury onward, the player continues stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain flexibility and an adequate hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio
MEDS:While some inflammation may theoretically be desirable to initiate healing, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen usually are started right away. However, NSAIDs are ideally used for only 3-7 days, given recent evidence that their use may delay complete healing. Use pain meds as needed. There may be a role in animals for steroids but not in your DK. So if your pig tears his hamstring have at it!! :lol:
Return to Play
A common threshold for return to play is when the strength of the injured hamstring has at least 90% of the strength of the unaffected hamstring and when the player has full ROM. At least a 50-60% hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio is desired prior to return to play. Strength testing is performed using isokinetic exercise equipment. In addition, it is also important to ensure return of normal flexibility and endurance prior to return to play; reinjury most often is due to lack of both.
Therapy that incorporates sports-specific activities can help minimize the risk of reinjury.
MORAL OF THE STORY: DO NOT GO IT ALONE. GET THEE TO THE PT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Complications
Returning to play too early is a common factor leading to chronic hamstring pain and injury. Reinjury rates as high as 77% may be related to areas of calcification and inflammation in the hamstring after injury. Scar formation may impinge the sciatic nerve resulting in hamstring syndrome. Surgery has rarely been used to break up painful scar tissue.
Prevention
Implementation of proper warm-up and maintenance of flexibility and adequate strength are needed to prevent future injuries. The player should be aware that as fatigue sets in, the risk of injury increases. With improved form and by emphasizing knee flexion during activities, the risk of further injuries is minimized.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good for strains and even partial tears with minor activity limitations and proper rehabilitation. Complete tears also heal but require a significantly longer and more intensive rehabilitation program. Those who require surgery may not return to the pitch for 8-16 weeks!!
So, there you have it. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask Miss Piggy! Go tell Kermit all about it 
*Send all medical questions for "the doctor" to the Pulse email address* GIRLS U13 NORTH-CALIFORNIA REPORTS!!!
Dragon & Washington, the semifinals are set!
Sac. United Extreme vs Mustang Blast
Bay Oaks Speed Demons vs Central Santa Clara Valley Chilipeppers
On a very COLD (for us Californians) night under the lights the Chilipeppers dominated Sac United
3-0 to win their bracket. The Peppers started out fast and furious dominating from the outset, Zarette #15,Celeste #14, Janessa #17 and Marrissa #13 controling the midfield, the Peppers would score 10 minutes in on a great shot from #13 Marrissa from the left side on assists from Zarette #15 and Colby #4. The Peppers woul;d score again just 5 minutes later on a corner from Marrissa #13 to the head of Sloan #5 our central defender. Sac United did not even get a shot on goalin the first half as the Pepper defense led by Sloan #5 . Sarina #16 Brittany #2. and Sam #21 did not let Leslie our goalkeeper touch the ball except for pass backs.
The 2nd half was much of the same as our Keeper Maddie who broke her arm this past summer made her debut, she made one great save on a shot headed to the upper right corner. The Peppers would add their final goal with 15 minutes to go on a very nice pass from Janessa #17 to Kaylyn #3. Next weekend the semi's and finals will be in Manteca, hope to be talking about a Norcal championship but 2 very formidible opponents stand in the way, The Bay Oaks Speed Demons and if we get by them the Mighty Mustang Blast. So wish us luck and we will talk to you all next week.
Take Care,
CP Reporter
Go Chili's!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
OTHER NEWS AND GOSSIP AND TIDBITS:"SIDELINE SNIPPETS"Said by a
certain Prez; "gee what are you doing"?
CP; "taking notes on the game for my friend".
certain Prez; "gee, isn't that scouting? LOL"
CP; "LOL"
"COACHS CORNER!"This weeks topic for the coach is
"Throwing a game?"
Alright, as expected we are getting closer to state cup, so I'm recieving more State cup questions. This is the latest one:
Do you really think a coach would throw a game in bracket to have a smoother road to the finals?
First of all a coach is riding a fine line if they are even contemplating doing this. For one most the time upsets happen in other brackets and so you could throw a game, and still end up in a harder bracket. The other thing is no one wants to lose momentum during state cup. Most teams that win state cup are the HOT teams.
These are the two situations you generally see when a team that should take first ends up taking second.
1. The coach honestly would rather finish second and decides to rest his studs and the team knows before hand this is going on. This is risky like i said before becuase you are comprimising your teams momentum. Plus im a huge fan of creating a winning attitude with your players. You should have the attitude that no matter who you have to play you are the favorite to win. If you start creating the mentality that you need the easier road in order to win state then that doesn't show much confidence in your team.
2. The coach doesn't tell the team, but the lose and take second anyways. Then the coach uses the fact that they have an easier road to the finals to make the loss not seem so great.
I would say in most cases any truly good coach would never intentionally take second in their group. However if you have coaches that are unsure about their own abilities and are looking way to far in the future then they might try such a thing.
"VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHISTLE"Myths of the Game and other Nonsense
For state cups does the state make sure that all games have 3 refs? How do they select the refs for these games? In the quarterfinals and beyond are there still home refs? In the finals, how are the refs selected? Is it considered a big honor to ref a finals game?
All preliminary and elimination games are assigned through the local referee associations. Some associations will increase the "ranking" of State cup games in an effort to assign more experienced referees to these matches.
Quarter final matches are typically manually assigned and the assignor makes every effort to find and assign the highest qualified officials available.
Semi-final and final matches are assigned by the State Youth Referee Administrator. A referee training camp is run along with the semi and final matches and referees from all over Washington apply to participate in the Semi-final and Finals Referee camp.
The December issue of Play On includes an article on page 8 about post season play and referee selection process for semi-finals and finals.
Referees are selected to participate based on recommendations from their assignors and assessors. These recommendations affect their initial semi-final match assignments. At this point, referees are competing for the available Finals assignments and ultimately to earn a recommendation to the Regional Championships in Hawaii.
Each semi and final match is assigned a crew of 5 referees and at least 1 mentor (a referee assessor or instructor). All referees at semi-finals spend the entire weekend immersed in training (the matches themselves are used for training; we joke that at some matches there are more referees than players). The WASRC has consistently done an outstanding job of obtaining National and International level instructors for these training camps.
The referees on each final match have earned their way to work that match. It is an earned honor that recognizes their strong consistent performance as a referee.
"Dear Eggy"Dear Eggy
I have already made my desicion to change teams next year. When is it okay to leave my current team? What process should I go through to leave? Finally, is it okay to leave my current team and go play for another team for state cup?
Transition player Dear T.P.
Making the desicion to leave your current team is a tough one. Be sure it is really what you want to do. If it is, the first step is for you and your parents to talk with your current coaching staff. Let them know what, if any, the issues you are having on the team. I am not in favor of anyone leaving a team before the season ends, after state cup. But, situations may arise that makes a move better for both the team and the player. If this is the case, then a move before state cup is okay.
If you make a break from your team try to make as peaceful as possible. There could be some hurt feelings, so be careful of what you talk about and when and where you are when you are talking.
Good luck T.P.
Eggy
"My 2 cents worth...The Posters Voice!"
STATE TOURNEY TIME BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a buzz in the air, an excitement out on the streets, your heart skips a beat when you think about what’s coming; No it’s not Santa Claus, not even your grandmother’s pumpkin pie, and certainly not the “tiny” holiday bonus you’ve been waiting for, it’s TOURNEY TIME BABY!!!
Some of you have already mapped your teams’ travels to the final four already. Others have drafted up brackets and posted them on your office walls (you know who you are). Every conversation with a CP ends with how your team will make it to the finals or how your team got hosed in pool play.
I see nothing wrong with this at all. This is the most heart pounding, pressure mounting, time of the entire soccer season. The energy created at this time of year could power city blocks. It makes the excitement of the start of the season look like a Ferris wheel ride while this time of year is the equivalent of jumping on the Xcelerator at Knott’s Berry Farm.
And why shouldn’t it be? All the hard work and training culminates into putting a few great games together to get out of pool play and into the elimination rounds. Your son or daughter is in a tourney that is the closest thing to the world cup for all you care. Let’s get worked up, let’s get pumped.
How many soccer players at your son or daughters’ school play for different teams that are entered into the state cup? This is huge. Now is the time to show your pride and wear your colors wherever you go. Regardless of your teams’ record everyone has a clean slate and a chance to make some magic. Now is not the time to be bashful. I challenge you all on casual Friday’s to wear your clubs gear, represent and be part of the fun that is youth soccer. Why? Because it’s TOURNEY TIME BABY!!!!!
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO MMMMMMMMMMMMMM?"Black Knights U14 Prediction Challenge!"Well hope you all had fun playing along, the contest I hope will return next season! Best wishes to your teams in state cup!
Thanks for doing your contest here on the Pulse BK! We look forward to bringing it back as a regular article next season! :mrgreen:
"Dragon Coachs Interviews!"We have the great one today, and hope to have more in the future! PLEASE, if you know of a great coach, trainer, DOC, or anyone related to soccer; Then send me their email address and Dragon will contact them!! :mrgreen:
If you are a coach, DOC, trainer, or have anything to do with soccer, contact the editor for your chance to do an interview Guest Editor's, EDITORIAL:
:shock: My wife?!!! :shock:
Why I let Dragon be Dragon
Some one asked me last week that knows who my husband is; "How can you put up with your husband being Dragon?"
First reason is because he LOVES it! Making others happy is always what has made him happy. I have always known him to speak his mind and to do the right thing. Being Dragon sometimes can be very hard but he always seem to put things together. It is also a little hard on me, but when he smiles at me from the computer I know he just read something that touched his heart. Wps has become a part of our family and I would not have it any other way. So the first reason is also the only reason there is, and it is the only one I need.
Gee honey, thanks for writing that. I was scared at first when you volunteered but now I am glad I let you do a guest editor spot. Love you, Your Dragon :mrgreen:
Once again the end of another great effort by all on the Pulse staff! Thank you for all your help in getting this out each week! :mrgreen:
***All of you may have noticed as well that the PULSE now has a 2nd email address (the AOL one). You may use either one!***
Thats it for this weeks Issue of the Pulse, hope you enjoy it...and as always never forget to...
Play with Heart & Fire, Heart & Fire Always!
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Topic: THE PULSE - #23 (Read 1120 times)