Just released the men's soccer schedule along with some interesting tidbits from last year's record. TU was 2-1-2 against ranked opponents last season but just 2-5 in the AAC. This is what Tom finds most frustrating, a severe lack of consistency in effort and focus against teams that aren't considered as good as some others on their schedule.
TU plays 6 NCAA teams from last year including quarterfinalist Kentucky, rd of 16 Lipscomb, and then Denver, SMU, UCF, and UCONN (men's soccer might be their best men's sport right now). The AAC is pretty strong in men's soccer with USF and Memphis also having solid teams.
TU should be pretty solid. 2 best players were a sophomore and a freshman last year and they add HS All American Will Edwards from Jenks. TU's success will again depend on whether they can sort out some of their issues defending set pieces. TU has struggled against corners and free kicks from 5-10 yards outside the 18. I know there is an issue but I'll try to pay more attention to TU's philosophy on defending those...my guess is they're trying to zone mark on them and IMO that creates more problems than it solves.
TU plays 6 NCAA teams from last year including quarterfinalist Kentucky, rd of 16 Lipscomb, and then Denver, SMU, UCF, and UCONN (men's soccer might be their best men's sport right now). The AAC is pretty strong in men's soccer with USF and Memphis also having solid teams.
TU should be pretty solid. 2 best players were a sophomore and a freshman last year and they add HS All American Will Edwards from Jenks. TU's success will again depend on whether they can sort out some of their issues defending set pieces. TU has struggled against corners and free kicks from 5-10 yards outside the 18. I know there is an issue but I'll try to pay more attention to TU's philosophy on defending those...my guess is they're trying to zone mark on them and IMO that creates more problems than it solves.