Terps in MLS

It kills me to see how far UVA soccer has fallen. I'm going to have to readjust my gift to the program!

Haven't most of UVA's sports suffered under Littlepage?

Way back when I wrote a letter to Ridge Mahoney, at the time editor of Soccer America, saying that the growth of MLS and, eventually, the National team should come from college players, not the vaunted and expensive Project 40. Plus, the college to pro route is uniquely American and could be easily understood by Joe EPSN.

He wrote a rather mean spirited reply . . basically saying I was a fool.

Wonder if a comparison can be made now between college and P-40 players . . .

you should add those who have moved on to Europe:

Mo Edu...

you should add those who have moved on to Europe:

Mo Edu...

Posted by: adamsunited | April 21, 2009 12:00 PM | Report abuse

Danny Califf, Clarence Goodson...

I wonder how well the Terps United squad would perform in MLS? My guess: they could sneak into the playoffs, but they're not championship contenders. Bringing Maurice Edu back from Scotland would help quite a bit.

Yeah, UVA isn't the powerhouse they used to be, but its not like they have fallen off the college soccer map. UVA gets good, skilled players and they usually play some attractive futbol.

They have one of the nicest college soccer facilities in the country. Driving down to C'Ville for a Friday night match makes for an enjoyable and inexpensive evening for a futbol fan.

Anyway, I think UVA will have to get a better coach to re-attain its elite status. Attracting top talent is not the problem, although GG did make a rather drastic mistake in giving the overrated Jonathan Villanueava the keys to the team and the #10 shirt before even arriving on campus.

zzzzzzz

wake me up when they have 5 'ships.

Jason Bent played for the Rapids and then went to England to play for Plymouth Argyle.

Craig Littlepage - better off as King of Lilliput.

An impressive list of players. College Park is definitely a pipeline to MLS.

But don't forget the youth programs that developed these players to be able to compete at this level. A lot of coaches suffered through some tough losses in order to do what it took to teach the kids how the game is played at the highest level.

Back in my undergraduate days, one summer I saw Jonathan Villanuaeva eating at the Barracks Five Guys...he got a burger AND a large fries. Anyone who has eaten at Five Guys will know just how gluttonous that is.

Haven't most of UVA's sports suffered under Littlepage?

Posted by: hokieunited | April 21, 2009 11:50 AM

Don't be silly, Craig Littlepage has done a fantastic job with the UVA athletic department...

It kills me to see how far UVA soccer has fallen. I'm going to have to readjust my gift to the program!

Posted by: VirginiaBlueBlood | April 21, 2009 11:47 AM
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Fear not. Odds are pretty good that Bruce Arena will be available to return to the helm for a 2010 recruiting class.

But don't forget the youth programs that developed these players to be able to compete at this level. A lot of coaches suffered through some tough losses in order to do what it took to teach the kids how the game is played at the highest level.

Posted by: joedoc1 | April 21, 2009 12:28 PM
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Apparently, a lot of parents were forced to watch games with binoculars, as a result of those "tough losses".

Casey Townsend will make heads turn in 3 years when he graduates. The kid is talented!!

And don't forget about Matt Cassel (sp?)... he is a stud as well.

The list will be loaded by then...

Agree UVA needs a new coach. I go to many of the home games and some away always come away saying we got out-coached and other coach was able to motivate their players more than ours. Seems like the other team always has more of a personal bond/chemistry and team spirit than UVA.

Ya stumped me, fischy. I have no idea what that means...

delantero,

I completely agree with you on the college to pro system as it is what the average sports fan in this country has come to accept.

@joedoc -- Perhaps you missed this piece from today's front page?:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/20/AR2009042003542.html?hpid=artslot

UVa soccer has been comparatively "superior", but not "excellent" under GG. We've got skillful players, but I too sense a lack of team play sometimes. Those national championships are slipping farther back into irrelevancy... I'm surprised that Nico Colaluca is so far down the depth chart for the Rapids. He seemed like he'd do well as a pro when he was at UVA (04-06 I believe), other than his size.

I remember watching NCAA tournament soccer Indiana game not long ago on TV and an old timer was asked something like what was up with old powerhouses like IU and UVA not being as dominant any more. The response was it's not those 2 programs aren't as good but that many other schools have caught up with quality of their coaches and coaching staff, and it's also more competitive to get the top players now and so we will never see a couple of schools dominate every year like in years past. I think there is something to that but I also think both these schools could use a coaching upgradge.

Thanks fischy! I did, in fact, miss it.

Haven't most of UVA's sports suffered under Littlepage?

Posted by: hokieunited | April 21, 2009 11:50 AM | Report abuse

Nonsense! Nothing to see there, everything is fine and the future is bright. Full speed ahead! [And you claim to be a hokie fan - tsk, tsk. ; )]

Back to SG's list, pretty impressive list of performances so far for just one class from Maryland.

CDRHoek,

I did not say that I wasn't pleased at UVA's success under Littlepage.

Its been a blast since he took over.

Goff: Whatever happened to that George Mason player who was drafted last winter?