The recent College Cups proved once again how entertaining college soccer can be when played at the higher levels. The Notre Dame vs University of North Carolina and the UCLA vs Stanford game were a great advertisement for women’s College Soccer. Carolina’s relentless pressure, in both games, proved to be just too much for the opposition and it was impressive to see the three Carolina backs in the final pushing their line more than 10 yards into the Stanford half to compact their defense lengthwise. The coordination of this kind of pressure was obviously practiced exhaustively and, in cooperation with the Carolina offside line, squeezed their opponents into very small playing areas. It should be noted that Jill Ellis of UCLA, Anson Dorrance of UNC and Randy Waldrum of Notre Dame are all NSCAA National Staff Coaches. Anson Dorrance explains his 21-championship playing system on the NSCAA's YouTube channel.

The soccer played in the Men’s College Cup matched that of the Women’s College Cup for intensity and unpredictability. Akron played a highly entertaining and synchronized passing game versus the UNC men’s team in the semifinal and impressed with their early support and composure in tight spaces. Virginia’s robust, direct style finally won out in extra time against an excellent Wake Forest team but the Akron Zips looked tired against Virginia in the final and the Cavaliers imposed their style on Akron to win the NCAA Championship once again.

The future of college soccer in is constant debate. Does it create great soccer players or is a European style developmental system required where players become professionals out of high school, or earlier? In a recent interview withthe NSCAA, David Weir - University of Evansville graduate and captain of Scotland and Glasgow Rangers - highlights some of the benefits of American college soccer for those hoping for a long and rewarding professional career.

The Technical Center features an exercise to train high pressure defending with your team.

The NSCAA Annual Convention is fast approaching and we encourage all NSCAA members to go to Philadelphia to hear some of the finest domestic and international clinicians we have ever had at the NSCAA National Convention. For more information on the NSCAA Convention, visit www.nscaa.com/annual.php.

Enjoy your coaching,

Jeff Tipping

Director of Coaching

NSCAA