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Ahhhh, a new year. Fresh start, new goals and rising stars to be born.
I actually thought about trying to soften my approach this year with the blog - a kindler, gentler side of Trost. I guess I did right there, so at least I tried.
And with that, here are some opening thoughts as we countdown to kickoff of the first big match of the year - Barrington vs. New Trier - tonight...
*So all the talk last season about high school players skipping this year to play for the newly-formed Academies was wasted air. But in a way looking back on things, I think Mike Matkovich and the Chicago Magic deserve a pat on the back. With his backing, the Magic - the No. 1 club in the country according to Soccer America - came out in the beginning of the debate and said their kids would not skip the high school season. Amazing how the calendar then changed and everyone followed.
*Since I started covering soccer in the fall of 1995, I can say this is the most balanced year in terms of the gap between the top and bottom teams. The so-called average teams can play with the big boys, now more so than 10 years ago - no doubt. Just as the case was in the spring with the girls, I think you're going to see a lot of good parity.
*With that said, the same teams you know and love will be appearing in the Sun-Times Top 10 - New Trier, Neuqua Valley, Naperville Central, etc. But the one team I want you to keep an eye on this year is Larkin. There is a lot of talent there.
*The Pepsi Showdown enters its fifth year, the largest tournament in the Midwest and only seeded bracket in the state - www.pepsishowdown.us. The Sun-Times returns as a partner of the tournament, while ComEd, Nike and Athletico are three new big partners on board. It's also great to talk about the Windy City Classic - www.windycityclassic.info - which kicks off on Tuesday. It is a 32-team tournament with the title game set to be played at Toyota Park.
*And how can you forget other great tournaments such as the Barrington Invite, Best of the West in Naperville, Lake Park Invite, Hinsdale Central tournament and many more.
*Finally, the main goal this season is to remember that St. Charles North coach Eric Willson spells his last name with two 'Ls.' Seriously, I think someone spelled it with two 'Ls' once on accident, and it's just stuck with him.
More news and notes (and bites) to come daily.
- Joe Trost
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Comments
can you possibly kiss magic ass a little more?? You are a total mouthpiece for them and it sucks having you be one of the only soccer writers in town.
TROST RESPONDS: Thanks for reading.
Posted by: Ty Bittner | August 25, 2008 9:46 PM
Joe, Thanks for the continued great coverage of soccer. Also, thanks for the plug on our tournament. Good Luck with Pepsi Showdown. I look forward to another great season of soccer.
Thanks Bob from Reavis
Posted by: Bob Morack | August 26, 2008 10:17 PM
Joe,
Wondering your thoughts on the new addition to the Barrington Invite and expansion of the Lake Park Invite? Barrington's addition of Rockford Boylan is excellent, great program and helps for seeding most likely... what about the addition of Streamwood and Crystal Lake South to Lake Park's Invite? It looks like the teams will play 5 games, but not necessarily against everyone and without pool play... good or bad thing???
Posted by: HS Soccer Fan | August 27, 2008 9:21 PM
Always good to see Rockford Boylan come down and play "Chicago-area" teams. Crystal Lake South has a good coach in Brian Allen, former Sun-Times all-area player, and Streamwood has high expectations this year. Sun-Times will be covering the Lake Park Invite on Saturday.
TROST
Posted by: Corner Kicks | August 28, 2008 9:40 AM