D1 North Girls 2010

[Unregistered]

I want to put this in the best way possible, but it must be said. The D1 Tournament has been in many ways very exciting, but in so many ways a huge disapointment. CC is a great story coming out of the MVC, but they are not particularly talented and have won with less than spectacular play. It has been a year where athleticism, conservative tactics and agressive challenging defense has prevailed over soccer skill and ball possession. That is not atypical for the tournament but the increase in parity has made it even more pronounced this year - and in D1 in particular. I'm told that Shrewsbury has more talent that Central. They have a better core group of soccer players, but so has every team CC has faced in their last three games. So it would be impossible for me to predict against CC - and I won't. I have said before that since I don't have a "dog in the fight", I come to HS soccer to watch the talent. That is what I want to see showcased. This year's tournament featured very little in regard to stellar play - in all three divisions. Unfortunately that means I have minimal interest in the finals. It should be a very exciting game - and entertaining for those who have an interest - but just not so much for me.

Could say the same thing about the NCAA soccer playoffs.

[HS Harry]

Please don't take my post as an indictment of HS soccer or a belief that it is valueless. I feel that HS is a wonderful experience for the players - and yes - in many ways it does more approximate college soccer than top level club play. I also am NOT saying that the teams that have won in the North (or ultimately the state) do not deserve it. Central has had a great season and they can be deservedly proud of their accomplishments. Finally, no HS team could come close to competing with the state's top 6 or 7 top club teams. Every HS team I have ever seen (including the '08 A/B team that was easily the most talented) has holes in their line-up. Those club teams have enough talent to dictate pace and not only control possession, but use that possession to create legitimate and consistent scoring opportunities. No HS team can do that because even the best have players that lack the skill on the ball to play that way. So for every team it becomes about minimizing mistakes on D and trying to create them on offense, CC did the best job of that in the tourney, and that is why they are the champions. Same can be said for Belmont. I had it explained to me this way. You can rate talent from 1-10. Teams that feature players that range from 2-10 will usually lose in the tournament against teams that feature all 6's. Those 9s' and 10's are fun to watch, but ultimetely the 2's and 3's kill you.

[Unregistered]

The primary goal of HS soccer is to win games. It ain't going to be pretty. Note how many games have gone to PKs? Primary strategy is to hunker down and play for a tie. Lots of "better" teams have lost in the playoffs because of this strategy.

How very American.

[Unregistered]

in Europe, isn't a loss more respectable than a tie?

[Unregistered]

You can rate talent from 1-10. Teams that feature players that range from 2-10 will usually lose in the tournament against teams that feature all 6's. Those 9s' and 10's are fun to watch, but ultimately the 2's and 3's kill you.

Interesting point.

[Unregistered]

in Europe, isn't a loss more respectable than a tie?

Y, which is why I would guess alot of people are up in arms about Milton Academy making the NEPSAC touney w 8 ties.

[Unregistered]

Please don't take my post as an indictment of HS soccer or a belief that it is valueless. I feel that HS is a wonderful experience for the players - and yes - in many ways it does more approximate college soccer than top level club play. I also am NOT saying that the teams that have won in the North (or ultimately the state) do not deserve it. Central has had a great season and they can be deservedly proud of their accomplishments. Finally, no HS team could come close to competing with the state's top 6 or 7 top club teams. Every HS team I have ever seen (including the '08 A/B team that was easily the most talented) has holes in their line-up. Those club teams have enough talent to dictate pace and not only control possession, but use that possession to create legitimate and consistent scoring opportunities. No HS team can do that because even the best have players that lack the skill on the ball to play that way. So for every team it becomes about minimizing mistakes on D and trying to create them on offense, CC did the best job of that in the tourney, and that is why they are the champions. Same can be said for Belmont. I had it explained to me this way. You can rate talent from 1-10. Teams that feature players that range from 2-10 will usually lose in the tournament against teams that feature all 6's. Those 9s' and 10's are fun to watch, but ultimetely the 2's and 3's kill you.

That's why Shrewsbury is in the finals. Not the best team in central ma but they got it down in pks.

[Unregistered]

Please don't take my post as an indictment of HS soccer or a belief that it is valueless. I feel that HS is a wonderful experience for the players - and yes - in many ways it does more approximate college soccer than top level club play. I also am NOT saying that the teams that have won in the North (or ultimately the state) do not deserve it. Central has had a great season and they can be deservedly proud of their accomplishments. Finally, no HS team could come close to competing with the state's top 6 or 7 top club teams. Every HS team I have ever seen (including the '08 A/B team that was easily the most talented) has holes in their line-up. Those club teams have enough talent to dictate pace and not only control possession, but use that possession to create legitimate and consistent scoring opportunities. No HS team can do that because even the best have players that lack the skill on the ball to play that way. So for every team it becomes about minimizing mistakes on D and trying to create them on offense, CC did the best job of that in the tourney, and that is why they are the champions. Same can be said for Belmont. I had it explained to me this way. You can rate talent from 1-10. Teams that feature players that range from 2-10 will usually lose in the tournament against teams that feature all 6's. Those 9s' and 10's are fun to watch, but ultimetely the 2's and 3's kill you.

I too believe that HS soccer is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the players. I would like to hear more about your thoughts that HS soccer "in many ways..does more approximate college soccer than top level club play." Thanks for your efforts and sharing.

[Unregistered]

Please don't take my post as an indictment of HS soccer or a belief that it is valueless. I feel that HS is a wonderful experience for the players - and yes - in many ways it does more approximate college soccer than top level club play. I also am NOT saying that the teams that have won in the North (or ultimately the state) do not deserve it. Central has had a great season and they can be deservedly proud of their accomplishments. Finally, no HS team could come close to competing with the state's top 6 or 7 top club teams. Every HS team I have ever seen (including the '08 A/B team that was easily the most talented) has holes in their line-up. Those club teams have enough talent to dictate pace and not only control possession, but use that possession to create legitimate and consistent scoring opportunities. No HS team can do that because even the best have players that lack the skill on the ball to play that way. So for every team it becomes about minimizing mistakes on D and trying to create them on offense, CC did the best job of that in the tourney, and that is why they are the champions. Same can be said for Belmont. I had it explained to me this way. You can rate talent from 1-10. Teams that feature players that range from 2-10 will usually lose in the tournament against teams that feature all 6's. Those 9s' and 10's are fun to watch, but ultimetely the 2's and 3's kill you.

Excellent post - but what happened with Algonquin? So many talented players. As far as I could see, no 2s. One or two 10s. Plenty of CMass all stars. Loaded with club players. Who all play for the same club! And they still didn't make it past Shrewsbury.

[Unregistered]

Congratulations Central Catholic, MA State Champions 2010!

[Unregistered]

Congratulations Central Catholic, MA State Champions 2010!

What was the score?

[Unregistered]

hcnpqa

What was the score?

2-1......good game. Great shot on winning goal.

1st half Central.........2nd half Shrewsbury.

Fun to watch.

[Unregistered]

good season for CC. they only lost 1 game all season, right?

[Unregistered]

good season for CC. they only lost 1 game all season, right?

yeah, against Danvers. Not trying to take anything away to CC and there great season but they got lucky with who they had to play and such. There keeper did awesome, it kept them in during north semi's and north finals. They may not be the best team in the state but they have the best winning techniques and the best luck!