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."