University of portland article

[Unregistered]

This is less an indictment of UofP or FC, but more of a statement of Oregon soccer in general. Yes, UofP sucks, as does PSU, UofO and OSU. The big 'D1' destinations for girls here in Oregon. The roster at these institutions are inundated with playsers from Westside, Thusc, Eugene and FC.

This is why Oregon needed ECNL. Being on top of the pile of crap that is Oregon soccer isn't enough for the next level of play.

Actually it is a indictment of UofP. It was a local gold standard for quality soccer and Merlo used to be a great experience. It has devolved into an also ran. Make no mistake this is a situation that can and should get corrected.

[Unregistered]

Actually it is a indictment of UofP. It was a local gold standard for quality soccer and Merlo used to be a great experience. It has devolved into an also ran. Make no mistake this is a situation that can and should get corrected.

Maybe, but that's a lot more difficult than you seem to think. You must not have read the article and the comment about how the process of recruiting has changed and how kids view UoP just like their HS. Sure some kids want a smaller school, but you can make a big school small, you can't make a small school big. Kids have an idea what they want to major in, but almost everyone changes their mind. You want to go to a big school where there are dozens and dozens of majors, or a small school where there is a few more than a dozen?

And to those that are wondering why the Sinclair's no longer come, well they probably don't know that Christine Sinclair's uncle is on the FCP staff. It made it quite a bit easier to recruit her with her uncle right there. I'm not saying that's wrong, just saying that unless more WNT players from Canada and the US have uncles at UoP/FCP, it might be a bit more difficult to get them.

[Unregistered]

Actually it is a indictment of UofP. It was a local gold standard for quality soccer and Merlo used to be a great experience. It has devolved into an also ran. Make no mistake this is a situation that can and should get corrected.

Thanks chicken little. Typical fair-weather crony.

[Unregistered]

Thanks chicken little. Typical fair-weather crony.

Every journey begins with a first step. UofP needs to look inside itself and fix what isn't working before it can begin to get better. Sticking your head in the sand won't get it done. I still go to games and cheer for UofP as I did in past. I will continue to do so in future. UofP has a good story to tell to recruits and kids don't change that much. It is still a destination soccer school. For those of you who think small Catholic Schools can't compete with the big schools.......... Tell that to Notre Dame

[Unregistered]

Consider the source for the quote above. Mr. Duin is not a sports writer by any stretch of the imagination. He does, however, opine on many matters, but rarely is very knowledgable in the very issues he will spout off about. I would venture to say he has a personal connection to the story; perhaps a friend, or a friend of a friend, who is disgruntled with FC and UP.

It's easy to jump on the bandwagon when a program is doing great. It's just as easy to jump off when it has its struggles. I suspect Mr. Duin was never on the bandwagon to begin with, but someone who has jumped off the bandwagon has his ear.

The women's soccer program has delivered two national championships. It is by far the most successful program UP has had. They are a young team and I for one am willing to cut them some slack.

In the interest of full disclosure for the critics: I do have a child at FC, but I have never met or spoken with coach Smith. For the true whack jobs on this forum: I am not coach Smith.

Considering the source and knowing he might not know much about soccer in Oregon, he is RIGHT. Time for UP to let him go.

[Unregistered]

They gave an offer to a girl who played for CU last year. She now plays for FCP, but was never with FCP before she got her offer. Apparently your coach doesn't know what they are talking about.

who has a parent on staff at UofP so she was a "freebie"

[Unregistered]

who has a parent on staff at UofP so she was a "freebie"

Not sure where you get your information, but you are WRONG. Anyway, the point is, they offer girls from other clubs locally. Always have. Majority come from FCP, but not all.

[Unregistered]

Actually it is a indictment of UofP. It was a local gold standard for quality soccer and Merlo used to be a great experience. It has devolved into an also ran. Make no mistake this is a situation that can and should get corrected.

When the other "local" D1 universities; UW, PSU, Oregon State, Oregon can deliver a national championship (or 2),you can talk about UP not being the "gold standard". You people need to keep a proper perspective. The sky is not falling, regardless of what the fair-weather "fans" want to believe.

[Unregistered]

Ouch. That's not good for UP or FC Portland.



"But Smith's squad is hurting for recruits, aggression and confidence. The Pilots are now fueled by the best players at FC Portland, not the best of Canada or California.

This storied program is leaking nostalgia, not optimism, a disheartening turn."

Rebuilding period.

[Unregistered]

Rebuilding period.

Gross. Get a pad or a tampon.

[Unregistered]

When the other "local" D1 universities; UW, PSU, Oregon State, Oregon can deliver a national championship (or 2),you can talk about UP not being the "gold standard". You people need to keep a proper perspective. The sky is not falling, regardless of what the fair-weather "fans" want to believe.

Unfortunately the man that built the gold standard is no longer with us. The individual who has drug the program down should be given the golden boot!

[Unregistered]

When the other "local" D1 universities; UW, PSU, Oregon State, Oregon can deliver a national championship (or 2),you can talk about UP not being the "gold standard". You people need to keep a proper perspective. The sky is not falling, regardless of what the fair-weather "fans" want to believe.

OK the National Championships were awhile ago with another players from the previous staff. The decline was gradual to rapid. The sky is not falling it is actually past that.

Could you do us all a favor and explain what is actually going well for the program as of now and giving you some reason for optimism? (Besides the cavalcade of FC kids headed there.)

[Unregistered]

OK the National Championships were awhile ago with another players from the previous staff. The decline was gradual to rapid. The sky is not falling it is actually past that.

Could you do us all a favor and explain what is actually going well for the program as of now and giving you some reason for optimism? (Besides the cavalcade of FC kids headed there.)

Nothing is going well. Just like at the other local colleges that most our kids (if they are even good enough) will play at.

[Unregistered]

Everyone should just go play at PSU. That's a good program, right?

[Unregistered]

Everyone should just go play at PSU. That's a good program, right?

there are HS teams better than PSU. Not kidding.