It has been an interesting, weird, frustrating, and at times… very sad 2020. A year unlike any I can remember in my lifetime. COVID-19 to some degree has consumed our lives, our thoughts and our daily rituals. And that includes the world of sport and soccer. Black Lives Matter, and the images on our televisions, regardless of your political affiliations, is a moment in time that will forever change our society. At least I hope so.
This is a soccer blog, and I am not here for judgments or preaching….but give me a little freedom of speech here to express some thoughts. I truly hope the events of 2020 will impact all of us in some positive way going forward. There have been moments in time in our history, in our lifetimes, we are forced into some self reflection. We are forced to consider bigger issues. We get trapped into our own lives and now is a time to consider other peoples lives, other peoples challenges and other peoples hopes and dreams. I am hoping we all come out of 2020 better and stronger and I am hoping that with a little reflection, we can all be part of some positive change. More love, more caring, more community, more sharing, and if you are reading this blog….more soccer.
Eau Claire Area Soccer
Eau Claire United is back and in full force this fall….well kind of full force….we are still social distancing and respecting COVID 19 safety protocols. Some clubs and organizations have advanced to scrimmaging and games, but we are taking a little more cautious approach, along with the City of Eau Claire. As a coach responsible for players, I am okay with the decision. Would it be awesome to play games and scrimmage….sure….would it be crushing to know I caused a small outbreak from players contact and playing a game….absolutely. So we wait and we try to be patient…..and make player safety our number 1 objective. And we train, train, train. And without being to too presumptuous, I think we are doing a pretty good job of it. I am coaching and after 3-4 months of trying to figure this out, it feels we have found a pretty good spot on how to coach in the COVID world. But I will admit….it’s hard. Finding ways to coach, finding ways to keep players engaged, finding ways to keep socially distant while still conducting training. I am proud of the group of coaches and administrators with ECU who have really stepped up their game to deliver a program under these circumstances. And I am really really (not good grammar, but impactful) proud of the players. They have been the most impressive in all of this. They come to training and work hard and respect the process. They just want to play games, they are the ones missing out….but they push thru it and keep working hard, and it is awesome to see it each week in training.
Eau Claire Has A Champion
Bateaux FC, a team who participates in the WPASL, the Wisconsin Primary Amateur Soccer League, just won the league championship. Woo hoo….Eau Claire has a championship soccer team. The team is made up of local players from High School age, recently graduated, college age and also some savvy (by savvy I mean old) veteran players who just love soccer and are really good players. David Ripplinger, president and player, heads the team. He is the one with the cup and big smile in the photo (and I think Josh #14 as well who coaches in ECU). Well done Ripp and team! David has been part of ECU for many years and just loves soccer. Pretty cool for this group to come together and have such success. I think it lets people know we have a pretty strong soccer community and great players at all levels. As we continue to develop our soccer community, Bateaux FC likely will play a bigger role, providing players an opportunity past high school and college. This is a big deal! Well done boys, be safe!
ECU to Help Train with No AYSO this Fall
With COVID-19 concerns, AYSO will not have their traditional Fall season in 2020. For youth recreation players still wanting to have some Fall soccer and some fun, Eau Claire United has picked up the reins and will offer Socially Distanced, (no games or tournaments) training this fall for players born from 2009-2014. Registration is open with training starting on September 12th.
Big Rivers Update
It looks like Eau Claire Memorial and North Boys Soccer will not play this fall and will be part of an alternative Spring Season. A lot of things still up in the air as individual schools make decisions to play and some sports with very low risk like Golf and Swim, press on with a Fall season. The hope is by the spring we will have a very good handle on COVID and everyone’s season, including soccer, can resume.
World Soccer Update
It’s Back!!!! The English Premier League kicks off the 2020/2021 season next weekend with games starting on Saturday. Have I mentioned it’s the most difficult league in Soccer. Have I mentioned even the 20th rated team likely can beat a top ranked team on any given weekend. I think I have…..but here we go. Can Liverpool maintain the standard of excellence of this past season when they crushed the points and led wore to wire, winning easily. Will Manchester City and Pep make it a two horse race? Can Arsenal maintain their late season form and be a contender? Can Chelsea’s 6 major new signings catapult them up the charts? Will Manchester United be consistent all season and get back into a title chase? Is Leicester City fading? Can Tottenham make a jump with Mourinjo and another year to work his 3-year magic? Get your popcorn ready, this should be a good one.
A little tease….if you were ever curious how talented these top players are…check out this little snippet of a few top young Chelsea players messing around. Including Captain America…Christian Pulisic. Fun stuff.
UEFA Nations League has started their second Match Day and teams are beginning to advance. It is an interesting concept, a third big UEFA tournament in addition to World Cup and the European Championships. Its 55 teams broken up into 4 distinct groups of teams. In general, the intent of the Nations league is to replace some of the International Friendlies that occur each year, as well as use the games as part of qualifying for European Championships as well as World Cup qualifying. For Group A, the top 16 clubs in Europe, there is a semi-final and final after the early rounds. In the inaugural nations League, Portugal was cropped Champion in 2018. The League ruins biennially….I think that means every two years :). Fro the other three groups, there is relegation and promotion aspects to consider. The lowest team in each group is relegated down, while winners from B-C-D are promoted. Over time, clubs can make their move up the rankings to earn a shot at a Nations Cup title. In the top 16 and going for a title from Group A include:
- Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Poland
- Belgium, England, Ireland, Denmark
- Portugal, France, Sweden, Croatia,
- Spain, Ukraine, Germany, Switzerland
This should get exciting as Group A advances into the next rounds. Some highlights of one of the top games so far.
MLS Update
We are about halfway thru the adjusted MLS season of 18 games and Playoffs. Teams will continue games until early November at which time the Top 18 will make the playoff rounds commencing with the MLS Cup on December 12th. Soccer in a snow storm is a distinct possibility with many top teams playing in the North. The top teams from each conference as of this week.
Eastern Conference Top 5
- Columbus Crew 20 Points
- Toronto FC 18 Points
- Orlando City 16 Points
- Philadelphia 15 Points
- Montreal Impact 13 Points
Western Conference Top 5
- Sporting KC 17 Points
- Seattle Sounders 15 Points
- Houston dynamo 13 Points
- LASFC 12 Points
- Minnesota FC 12 Points
Final Thoughts
As I wrap this blog, just a few quick thoughts.
However big and whoever you decide is in your bubble, keep your bubble safe.
Am I excited to see pick up games at Soccer Park…..yes. Am I concerned when I see pick up games at Soccer Park….yes.
Am I ready to see high school kids play in games and tournaments….yes. Is it too soon to be playing in high school games and tournaments…yes (at least for me it is)
Is social distancing the best way to train soccer….no. Is social distancing soccer training providing a chance for players to improve their skills…..an emphatic YES.
Is this frustrating….yes. Is this unbearable….no.
Is patience any fun….no. Is patience a virtue….yes.
Will we eventually get all this behind us….yes….and I hope soon!
If you agree with me ..cool, if you don’t…that’s cool too….just hope you took a moment to think about it!
Thanks for reading and for your love of soccer!!!