Pilots Lose 1-0. Darn!

Well, Portland lost 1-0 on a penalty kick with four minutes left. What a bummer. A Washington attacker went into the box and was taken down in the box... wasn't too bad of a take-down, really, but I think it was a cumulative thing since UP was playing really physically all game and finally got whistled for it. Ugh... I just hate it when games like this get decided by the refs instead of the players.

Definitely a disappointment, but we can't say we didn't have our opportunities. Austin Guerrero had a couple of brilliant saves too... really a nice game by him.

Well shoot... great season by the Pilots nonetheless to make it back into the playoffs. Let's hope that will return to being a yearly occurance.

Nice season, Pilot men!

Tough result, but great season for the pilots. It looks like they are on their way back from the doldrums.

Now, if none of the underclassmen decide to go pro again, we should be stronger next year.

Looking at past records, that hasn't gone so well for the guys who opted out recently -- Guys ought to think twice.

[quote="Stonehouse"] Ugh... I just hate it when games like this get decided by the refs instead of the players.[quote]

Referees do not decide games, the players decide games, if it is a foul, then it is a foul and the athletes DECIDED the outcome of the game and the referee had no choice but to blow the whistle. I think you are just a sore loser who has always wanted to be a referee and decide games for yourself.

So how about that sucka!!

Agreed on the great season by the Pilots... what a strong finish to the season to get the NCAA berth. Next year looks good...!

Purplegeezer wrote:Tough result, but great season for the pilots. It looks like they are on their way back from the doldrums.

Now, if none of the underclassmen decide to go pro again, we should be stronger next year.

Looking at past records, that hasn't gone so well for the guys who opted out recently -- Guys ought to think twice.

I'm hearing that Alex most likely won't return for his senior year. But..you never know.

Guys who have left early (that I remember).

Pearce in the German Bungasliga with a big fat contract. ( but on the outs with the coach and not playing currently)

Simpson..Currently coming back from a nasty injury but contracted in Germany. (Has played regulary though)

Salazar..Contracted for 1 year in Australia, don't think he saw much PT though..Not currently playing.

Dallman .. Signed in the Danish Superliga last year,then transfered and Contracted and playing in Germany.

Sanders..Signed and playing in Germany (same level, different region from Dallman and Robles)

Not sure who I'm missing out on here in the recent years..But this is what I remember.

Graduated players on contract in that same time? Might be missing someone..but I think this is it.

Nate..We all know how he's doing. (possible move to Europe)

Robinson..Played briefly and is currently out of contract. (Not playing)

Luis..Contracted and playing in Germay (Same level but different region from Dallman and Sanders)

Miguel..Played part of last season with Miami and is now contracted with the Timbers.

Jared Weis..Played on and off with the Timbers..I don't think he's contracted.


I'd like to see guys stay and play out along with graduate of course. But coming out of college at 23 puts you at a severe disadvantage if you want to go to Europe. A 20- 22 year old is considered a "young talent" in Europe..Where a 23 and up is considered to be a pro. Tough to break in when you have no proven proferssional experience and at 23 they expect a seasoned pro.

You missed a couple of biggies who are still in the professional ranks.

Kelly Gray left early with Clive's blessing after his junior year and has been in the MLS for years. He is now signed with the LA Galaxy.

Steve Cherundolo also left when Clive sent him on his way after his Sophomore year. He's currently playing with Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga and is a regular on the MNT. In my opinion He's the best field player the Pilots have ever produced. His greatest performance was in the World Cup game where the US drew with Italy despite playing a stint of it 7 v 9.

Clive also sent Conor Casey away early, and I think he recently signed with Toronto FC for next year after several years in Germany. His best international play was the Olympics under Clive when they made it to the Semi's - Still the best performance by the men's side.

Danny Falcone left after his Junior year - not currently in the pro ranks.

Chris Brown did four years at Portland , then spent 9 years in the MLS, most recently last year for Real Salt lake where he started 22 games. He just signed for the Timbers, so we can see him play again.

Andrew Gregor played 4 seasons for UP began his pro career with the Columbus Crew of the MLS and has made a career in the A league - currently with the Timbers. I think he just got his diploma at UP, since he left the semester before graduation.


And I guess you have to still include Keller, put in 4 full years before going pro. He most recently signed with Fulham in the Premier League but hurt right now. Besides being the most capped MNT keeper of all time, he has played for the Timbers, Milwall, Leicester City, Rayo Vallecano in Spain's La Liga, Tottenham, Then Germany's Borussia MonchenGladbach before going back to the Premiership at Fulham. Sadly, he may be closing out a 20 year career in the Pro ranks.

HMM.. He had said in the past he'd like to coach when his career is over.. and we do need a keeper coach...

If you want to include players who went pro after graduation but not currently playing, there are dozens, including nearly every starting keeper.

Purplegeezer wrote:Tough result, but great season for the pilots. It looks like they are on their way back from the doldrums.

Now, if none of the underclassmen decide to go pro again, we should be stronger next year.

Looking at past records, that hasn't gone so well for the guys who opted out recently -- Guys ought to think twice.

If you will notice I was focusing on the word "recently" in your post..which is why I only went back 4 years. I really didn't want to put in the time researching back 10 years or more. which would have deviated from the intent of your post. You are certainly welcome to.

P.S. You also need to account for players who just couldn't take staying another year because of the leadership/coaching. I know that was a factor for more than two of the players who left early.

Footyman, I have a sincere question, which admittedly calls for a subjective answer. You may not feel comfotable answering it, nonetheless: what about the UP men's soccer program is lacking in leadership? How would you go about improving the leadership to right the ship? Do you think the Pilots are being held back by the lack of leadership in that the program would be more successful than it is?

I know that in 06 there was a clamor to replace Irwin, which has died down of late. If this is the long ball versus the build up--I understand the Pilots were doing more of that this last year . . .

wrv wrote:Footyman, I have a sincere question, which admittedly calls for a subjective answer. You may not feel comfortable answering it, nonetheless: what about the UP men's soccer program is lacking in leadership? How would you go about improving the leadership to right the ship? Do you think the Pilots are being held back by the lack of leadership in that the program would be more successful than it is?

I know that in 06 there was a clamor to replace Irwin, which has died down of late. If this is the long ball versus the build up--I understand the Pilots were doing more of that this last year . . .

OK..I'll take a stab at it and be as diplomatic as possible. `

Irwin has great experience. No doubt about it. What he lacks in spades IMO is communication and player relationship skills (knowing how to get the most out of his players through personal knowledge and relationship)`The latter I believe Barto tries to take the reigns but he's had a rough two years. The other side of communication skills would be in fund raising and the schmoozing side of being a D1 college coach. Something Clive HAD in spades. I wouldn't expect or want to see Bill try to be or be like Clive..But you really do need to have that charisma and outgoing personality to be successful off the pitch as a head coach too.
A tremendous amount of time is dedicated to conditioning (off ball) which is very old school. On a typical mid-season week players get at the most two days trianing "on the ball"and too little time given to tactical training.`Kill ball used to be the dominate practice drill..this is no lie..It may have changed this year..but this is what happed before this year..
( Kill Ball is--- 18 players inside the 18 yard box, a ball is driven in the box from about 40-50 yards away and either headed towards goal or headed out of goal..It was kill ball beause of the niggles and injuries it caused, this drill would last 45 minutes)

Scholarships...This creates tension among the players from time to time. It's not uncommon for recruited players who "didn't work out the way we hoped" to sit on the bench and have their major contribution to the team be train in practice and give moral support to the team during games AND collect scholarship $$ greater than players who had proven themselves productive in terms of points (goals/assists). I can give examples (but I really don't want to reveal names) of players who for the last 3-4 season were in the top 5 scoring on the team who got less scholarship money than players who played less than 3-4 full games in the season. Not recieving money for these players was a definate hardship made them feel less appreciated.

Favoritism..If you're Biggins guy...you're were set. However if he doesn't like you (never mind your performance) he makes the season hell. Again..I really rather not give names here..but this is what I saw.

I feel like I'm making this sound horrible...It isn't but I believe were factors in creating an atmosphere that wasn't condusive to winning consistantly.
I hope the trend of last year continues!

That all said..UP men's program had two (by UP standards) horrible years. Some place blame on the 2003 recuitring class ( the coach who did most of the recruiting that year was let go) other blame the coaches. Maybe it's a combination of both.

I've know Bill for the better part of 20 years..We're not friends but rather aquantences and know each other through soccer circles. I don't have anything against him, but from the moment I heard he was taking over for Clive I had that Hmmm feeling.

Hope that made sense.

Well, like many here, I am pretty much a died in the wool purple and root for the team regardless. I will admit the obvious in that there does appear to be a drop off, since Clive, on the men's side that has not occured on the women's side. Attendance and interest in the program are down, I suspect. To what extent that is attributable to the problems you point out is hard to say.

Irwin may have much to learn still on the player relationship front and perhaps is not much of a smoozer--that said I am doubtful there will be a change in the head coach anytime soon, particularly given the trip to the playoffs. I am uncertain that the downturn was not inevitable: I am also doubtful that a coaching change is currently warranted, though I hoped for better from the team. I am curious, and somewhat baffled, at "kill ball" as an abiding practice exercise?

Thanks for your thoughts and knowledgeable insights on the subject.

I am curious, and somewhat baffled, at "kill ball" as an abiding practice exercise?
I left off the end of the drill..the ball had to be cleared past mid-field to be successful.

Knowing he wasn't going to "control play" or have the majority of possession during play..He wanted the toughest defense that could win the ball and get it up past mid-fild as quickly as possible. hoping to catch the opposing defense off guard and using Alex's speed.
That was my take on why it was used SO much.