unbiasedcoach

I agree with your first statement. That is a problem and evident in some schools. That's where I'm saying the coach should step in and set the tone when the State isn't forcing you to. You're entitled to your opinion. It's a team sport and that's what I go by.

I don't have any hard evidence other than the amount of soccer I watch (I know, not solid evidence). I personally haven't seen a decrease in the number of cards since they've put this in place. Look at the repeat offenders... classic Suarez (and not just biting), Sergio Ramos just broke the La Liga record for most red cards back in May. Obviously, the suspensions aren't working and neither are the fines.

Cumulative yellows doesn't work at the professional level when the players are supposed to be mature adults so it's not going to work in high school. The State can only do so much. In an attempt to decrease the amount of cards they've gone to a two game suspension for DQ's in the past few years versus the one game suspension that was in place from the 90's to mid 00's. Lastly, let's face it... there is nothing we can do about the refs. Sure I'd love to see quality refs across the board, but it's not going to happen. IMO, this is where the coach's need to step in. Nasty foul? You address it with them 1:1 and potentially sit them out depending on the nature. Dissent? Whole team runs next practice. Running increases as the number of decent cards increases. Either way you need to set the tone for your team where certain actions will not be tolerated.

Wow, definitely tough on the officials if they are closer than Ryle's. Rule is... 12 inches from field goal post.

I wasn't challenging your assessment. I was simply pointing out my observations through the years of those 2 teams. Always good to be challenged in different ways to see how you overcome them.

Now that I look at this further (KHSAA DQ Reports on File) the numbers are only accurate by school. It doesn't distinquish between girls and boys soccer, but does give the level (Freshman, JV, Varsity). And to correct my previous post, this goes back to 2013.

Yeah, these do look like 2012 numbers and don't reflect the ones given in Bluegrass.

Good report. IMO NCC and Brossart are usually the most aggressive teams I've seen play on a consistent basis. Not just "this is a big match, let's step it up"

You are correct. The State can enforce a longer suspension, but from what it sounds like I doubt it. Just my opinion though.

They're alright, but IMO not a good measure. North and South Oldham would be a good test. Both have good team speed and possess the ball well.

At this point most teams have their max of 20 games scheduled. With the "rain" outs coaches are struggling to even get those rescheduled much less pull this tactic. Sad if any coach does or has done this. What message is that sending to the kids? Sorry if you miss a big District game. You made the wrong choice, you suffer the consequence.

You're correct. The State enforces a two game ban. No exceptions.

A score can be 1-0. Losing team have 80% possession. Losing team missed a dozen chances. Winning team had one chance and capitalized. Score isn't always a good indicator. Simply asking how the game was played.

Highlands have the majority of the possession? Just curious. Thought Cooper would have at least a couple during the game.

Although I predicted the score I didn't get a chance to watch it. Definitely sounds like it got out of control whether it was the ref or hot head kids. Not bashing either school but both have some hot heads on their squad. As a coach, you should know your players well enough to recognize when kids are getting out of control or chippy with another player. At that point you pull him aside or pull him off the field and set him straight. Doesn't like it or doesn't get it? Watch the game from the bench. Period. Not bashing Scott but they had some issues with the numerous cards last year. Dhalian is a good coach and he has a good squad. If he wants to take this team somewhere it's time to set the tone for that team.

I can see the score being a bit higher, but I think Scott's defense is a little better than people give them credit. Not as solid as they were 2 years ago, but can hold it together. 1-0 against Ryle (yes, although a home game) and they have some legit threats.

Tough prediction here. Highlands have had their struggles this season. However, as a team, I feel Highlands is better. They'll possess the ball more, work it out of the back, and try to spread Cooper out. The one thing Highland lacks is a threat up top. Cooper has Zane, O'Brien is quick to pull the trigger, and Snow is a great outlet on the wings. Cooper 2-1.

Ryle 3-1. They should control the midfield and Kayed will do some work on NCC's back line.

I'm going to say it'll be a close one, 2-1, Scott with the win. Boone might look to possess the ball more, but Scott has more of the raw talent and speed up top and in the middle. I have the score being close because the game is at Boone. The grass conditions will slow down the game not allowing the speed of Morgan, Schneider, and Treadway to play as quick as they would on turf.

Oh I know, but it got me thinking. When you think about the dispersed talent across KY, specifically with a heavy concentration down I-71 towards Louisville, it would be interesting to see a compiled list. I heard about Treadway. If he can keep his head on straight/kick the attitude he'll do well there. Good to see he's getting that kind of opportunity.

Over the years I don't think your schools like SK, Dixie, Scott, etc have had any true D1 players. Sure... D3, NAIA, handful of D2, but not of D1 caliber. I'd be curious to see out of all the schools in NKY who has gone D1 through the years.

I've heard the announcers at Ryle and SK. Scott does the same thing. Gets a little annoying. As if they're being way to serious or trying to insert jokes into the mix. Although frustrating they are volunteering for their school's program to announce the line ups, etc. The tough part is how do you say something politely while not trying to insult them.

NCC is an old landfill they put some money into. The positive is it is only for their use and no club/select games can be played on it. Should be a nice grass field since they have a practice field next to it. Give it time. I struggle with Tower Park. Love the setup but they tried to maximize the field width putting it right on top of the track. Love the width but with the concrete track it makes it difficult for kids to stop full speed causing them to wipe out. Ryle's field is technically illegal. Look at the goal post. Have to be 12 inches out from the field goal post, practically on top of it. Huge fan of Campbell's new set up.

I would agree. Rather than young I'd look at it as inexperienced (not in a negative way or making excuses). Of their current starters, 5 are returning from last year's roster (2 of which were out for most of the season due to injuries). With the depth they've had the past 2 years with that junior and senior class it didn't leave a lot of room to pull up underclassman to get that experience at the varsity level. I'd put Highlands in that category as well. Had decent depth last year that took up spots from underclassman. It's still early in the season, they'll be fine.

If you look at the past years' rosters, SK has lost 24 seniors over the past 2 years. Of the 12 current seniors... 5 are starters, 3 decided to "try soccer out", and the other 4 were not on the roster last year (which means as a junior if you're not dressing varsity, chances are you are not going to play much as a senior). The rest of the starters are made up of sophomores, juniors, and freshman.