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One thing I love about this job is that I'm held accountable for everything. And in today's lovely age of where someone can hide behind a computer and just write anything, that isn't possible when your name is on everything and you are standing 6-foot-5 on the sidelines.
When I ranked Homewood-Flossmoor three weeks ago, I must have received close to 50 emails from people saying I had no idea what I was doing. Some said I was ranking the Vikings because they were in the Pepsi Showdown, while others said I didn't want to rank Lincoln-Way Central and I had to rank a south suburban team.
Those who know me well know that I've never had a problem voicing my thoughts. And oh, do I have plenty today...
Final score: Homewood-Flossmoor 3, Lincoln-Way Central 0
As I watched Homewood-Flossmoor during the Pepsi Showdown, I started to get a feeling they were just like York - a major win away from taking the next step. (Note: I was hammered from ranking York in the preseason, too.)
The Vikings almost took that next step during a 1-0 overtime loss to New Trier in the Pepsi Showdown quarterfinals. They may have taken it the next week during a 3-0 win over Wheaton Academy. And Wednesday night's shutout of the Knights will help them going into the Brine Classic in Iowa this weekend - the same tournament St. Charles North will be at.
Now remember, this is the same Lincoln-Way Central team that tied Waubonsie Valley this spring. Granted the Warriors were a little depleted, but still.
I've always said I rank teams based on talent - not on whether the coach likes me or the school's colors. H-F has one of the best goalies around in Emily Oliver and a bunch of young, talented players who are starting to believe in themselves. The H-F coaching staff of Todd Elkei and Vince Bove has worked with a number of these players for years, while also receiving a helping hand from one of the best trainers around - Alex Hernandez.
Yes, the same Hernandez that coached at Lyons, with the Chicago Magic and is now coaching with the Fire Academy.
Remember this name - sophomore midfielder Melanie Coderre. As teams are learning, she is a playmaker - whether it's scoring or assisting.
Who knows what is going to happen, but H-F deserved to be ranked when it was.
Remember folks, it always helps to actually see a team before you comment on it.
- Joe Trost
Cell Phone Alerts
Joe,
I couldn't agree with you more about the H-F team. They are talented, have great skills, and play like a team. One thing you must not have realized is that virtually every starter, including Mel Coderre and Emily Oliver, has been training with the local Windy City Pride club for the past couple of years. Windy City, though very small, is another Chicago-based travel club that has national recognition and a pretty long list of alum playing high-level college soccer.
Go Vikings!
TROST RESPONDS: I know Ko quite well. But Elkei and Co. have done a lot of work behind the scenes with other players not involved with Windy City Pride.
Yeah well joe so many injuries on the lincolnway central team as well talk about being depleated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe:
I was hoping you might have kept Homewood-Flossmoor out of the public eye a little longer; like until they win a few of their games in the state play-offs. It's always better to have people underestimate you. ( And by the way.... the H-F Freshman team is 12-0-1. )