I'll be the first to voice a thought for change, but I'll also be the first to praise.

And that's something the Public League deserves for Thursday night's title game at North Park University in Chicago.

The game between Payton and Young was on a quality field under the lights, which allowed a good crowd to turnout to watch Young's 1-0 shootout victory. Public League sports adminstration leaders Calvin Davis and Juan Espinoza did a nice job with the awards after the match, and the Public League coaches association came through big as it always does.

I've always been impressed with what North Park has done with a tiny little space, finding a home for a baseball, softball, football and soccer field on the same piece of land. Maybe that's something the Public League should look into and create a "Public League sports complex."

After spending the morning at the dentist, I thought about this driving back into the city:

What's the big deal?

We all know about Latin's $2 million deal with the Chicago Park District to build a new synthetic turf athletic field in south Lincoln Park. The Protect our Parks folks filed a lawsuit last month, asking a judge to scrap the deal even though 60 percent of the field is already completed.

We live in one of the largest cities in the country, but only have a handful of quality soccer fields in the city. I don't care about behind-the-scene deals or other things like that, because at the end of the day this is good for everyone involved - http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/936021,CST-EDT-edit07a.article

Continue reading "Seriously...what's the big deal?" »

New day, same story with the Public League. I'm tired of writing about it, as much as suburban folks are tired of reading about it.

US Youth Soccer announced its grant-award winners today. And guess what - surprise, surprise - the Public League isn't on there. Why? Because it didn't apply. Amazing.

When will someone at Chicago Public Schools step up and address its poor field situation and look toward the future to fix this problem? Illinois Youth Soccer was able to get a grant for its Inner City Program, and the Public League can't even take the time to apply for FREE help. Amazing.

Here's the release:

Continue reading "Once again, the Public League's leadership fails" »

I had a parent call me the other day, and he was complaining about a certain area coach. While some parents are right on about lazy coaches, I wish I would've kept track of the number of parents that have called me over the years to complain about a coach.

Maybe it was the era I grew up in, but I never complained about a coach. A coach was like a teacher or parent. Whether you liked it or not, they were always right - period. At least that was the way my Dad saw it.

So after I hung up the phone, I started to wonder if there has ever been a coach from a high-profile program that not one parent has ever complained to me about. And while there has to be more than one, the first name that popped in my mind was Fremd coach Steve Keller.

I've always been a fan of Keller's. He knows the game as well as anyone; has the right vision for his players; demands respect and has earned it from his peers; has quality assistant coaches; has always been honest with me about opposing players; takes time to promote his players and the sport; and also encourages the IHSA on a yearly basis to improve its product.

But most of all, he's one of the classiest guys around.

So just how far can York go in the postseason, which begins later this week?

If you ask coach Rachael Shepherd, she'll tell you the Dukes have a good chance to continue to open eyes - just as they have all spring. And when it comes to which player is York's MVP, Shepherd has a few thoughts, too.

"You know me, I can't say one person who is playing well this year," Shepherd said. "I've got a whole team of girls playing well - Michelle Corbett, Colleen Sestan, Danielle Vujovic, Jasmine Watkins, Ashley Fendley, Michelle Nielsen, Kylen Mills, Nikki Novarro, Katie Gratzianna, Allie Cicinelli, Stef Matsas, Ashley Bowman, etc. And the best player I have seen this year - I'll get back to you. My first gut is Michelle Corbett and Danielle Vujovic."

You have to love a coach who stands up for his or her players.

One coach said it was a form of child abuse, playing three games in less than 24 hours. Parents, coaches and players were not happy with this year's Lemont Cup, which took place this past weekend.

I received a call about the tournament schedule two weeks ago, and didn't think much about it. Then on Saturday, I received four calls and five emails from coaches and parents asking what the deal was? Here is one of the emails I received Saturday that explains it all and saves me from typing it out:

"Joe, Have you heard of the Lemont Cup? It seems to be the most amateurly organized and planned soccer tourney I've ever seen. York and Lincoln Way East play two games Friday night (4:30 and 7:30 each) - then York follows up with a third tourney game today at 12:30 (against a team that didn't play at all last night). Needless to say, they were exhausted and lost. Like 11 girls dragging through quicksand. Who plans games like this? Who decides that making 15 to 18 year-old-girls play three games in 20 hours is a good thing? It wasn't hard to notice that Lemont certainly didn't have a schedule like that. Throw in a field that was drenched and uncut - - no website for the tourney - - no directions online (who knew that Lemont's facilities were no where near Lemont HS?) - - well, it makes a parent appreciate your efforts with the Pepsi Showdown (or the efforts of organizers for other tourneys, e.g., Naperville) that much more. I'm hoping my local school turns down any further invitations to this tournament, as I don't believe the organizers had the best interests of the teams and girls in mind. Anyway, since you're the prep soccer "bigfoot" of the area, I thought I'd pass on some of these thoughts, vent a bit, and get your reaction."

Continue reading "Parents, coaches unhappy with Lemont Cup schedule" »

News and notes about the 2009 Pepsi Showdown girls tournament:

1. Out-of-state teams will be added to the mix, which will give more flex scheduling for the two Saturdays.

2. Additional play-in teams will be added to the tournament on the two Saturdays.

3. Club showcases will take place on both Saturdays. These club showcases will feature a number of eighth grade teams from different areas. The goal here is to promote the event and the high school game to these kids. It also will allow high school coaches to see what's coming up the pipeline.

The Fifth Annual Pepsi Showdown boys tournament kicks off in September.

Her father, Matt, played a key role in helping the Chicago Bears capture the 1986 Super Bowl.

And it's safe to say Allison Suhey is also succeeding on the football field - but only at a different sport.

The Loyola standout, who earned all-sectional honors a year ago, leads the Ramblers with 14 goals and six assists this spring. The next highest goal scorer on Loyola's roster has three goals this season.

There was a time when Homewood-Flossmoor had one of the strongest girls soccer programs in the south suburbs and the Chicagoland area.

Just ask Waubonsie Valley coach Julie Bergstrom , who starred for the Vikings during her high school playing days.

After a few so-so seasons, H-F seems as though its ready to complete with the elite programs once again. A big reason for the Vikings' success this spring has been due to the play of freshman Kelly Lewers (13 goals, nine assists).

"She is playing well against good competition," H-F coach Todd Elkei said. "Kelly is becoming a serious threat and making a difference the past few weeks."

Maine South gained the experience of being in the state quarterfinals a year ago. Now the question is if the Hawks can return?

I say yes and here's why - Jenna Shemky and Gabby Whittinghill. If this duo plays to its potiental in the postseason, Maine South will be back at North Central College battling one of the area's top programs in this year's quarterfinals.

The sophomore Shemky has 20 goals and four assists, while Whittinghill has 12 goals and 14 assists.

"Despite fighting through a hamstring injury, Jenna still has proven dangerous scoring against Glenbrook South and Evanston of late," Maine South coach JJ Crawford said. "She has a burst that can put her in scoring positions at key moments of the match. As for Gabby, making the switch from midfield to forward has proven a success. She always finds a way to get a head on the ball."