Bon_Mot

I'll agree with you there. I'll take Klinsmann over Arena now (especially since it seems as if he lost the respect of his team). You made me cringe bringing Agoos back up, though! At times Arena was loyal to a fault. But still, The Bruce was a major upgrade over Sampson! And that's what I want now: marked improvement of the overall program. I just hope this isn't a move to get the USMNT in the media more, since they have a somewhat recognizeable figurehead now (if the move is indeed true). I used to think about how awesome it would be if soccer were level with the Big Three sports in media attention. Now, I really don't care that my neighbors don't know the difference between Manchester United and DC United. I just want the US to be respected world-wide. Not just hated in CONCACAF. I like the move the MLS made with the "home-grown talent" rule, but to play with the big boys, we need more Bradenton Academies. Maybe Klinsi's pull can make this happen. There have never been more Americans playing in quality leagues across the globe than now, and next year will be a awesome test for the USMNT with the Gold Cup and Copa America (I think?). I just hope Gulatti knows what he's doing .

I like the news, Smity, but I'm a little cautiously optimistic about it. I'm not a Klinsi-hater, but what is his entire body of work? Germany didn't have to qualify for the cup, so he do we really what kind of X's and O's ability he has? The German media hated him for various reasons in the lead-up to the World Cup, too. So do we judge him on six or seven games (ALL played on HOME soil!!!) during a month-long tournament? What color will his designer slacks turn when walks out of the tunnel at Azteca Stadium for the first time?! I really think it will eventually work out, but I have to wonder if we are judging him not on his coaching abilities, but rather on his uber-successful international career as a player. BTW - THANK YOU for being someone local willing to talk soccer! The guys on BigSoccer tend to be a little cliqueish and snobby. Were you the netminder for The Brook last year?

Southeast Texas Showcase 2007 Schedule THURSDAY 11:00 Nederland v Lumberton 2:00 PN-G v Vidor 4:00 Kelly v LC-M 6:00 West Brook v Nederland FRIDAY 9:00 LC-M v West Brook 11:00 PN-G v Lumberton 2:00 Nederland v Montgomery 4:00 Vidor v LC-M 6:00 West Brook v PN-G SATURDAY 9:00 LC-M v Kelly 11:00 Montgomery v Vidor 2:00 Lumberton v West Brook 4:00 PN-G v Montgomery 6:00 Kelly v Nederland

Don't forget about Central. They've got everything coming back from a very skilled team.

He was the head coach at Central and was an assistant at West Brook previously.

No disrespect, but Bledsoe's record wouldn't be what it is now without the strong club system in MidCounty. First of all, the area lost a couple of great coaches this past year when Watson left for Bastrop and Spikes retired from high school coaching. As far as best coaches in the area, a good coach is one who prepares his squad and gets the most from his players. Wedel's teams always have a good game plan and are solid in all aspects of the game. Also, Sandel is the epitome of class and knowledge, and that translates to his team. I expect both coaches to have their teams right in the hunt for a play-off spot in a very balanced district.