Aug. 10, 2012

We're back! On campus anyway. After a productive 8 days in Frisco we came back to campus yesterday. In Frisco we did a pretty good job of accomplishing the preseason goals we set out for the team. These are the things we want accomplished before we open against San Diego State:

1. Establish expectations, values, standards, etc.
2. Begin the process of team
3. Form relationships
4. Organize the team to defend
5. Evaluate players
6. Build on fitness base
7. Begin the organization of attack
8. Establish tactical flexibility
9. Organize restarts

It's not all done but we have made progress. We have to replace 2 starting centerbacks and a starting keeper. With that in mind we've worked hard on the defensive side of the ball. We've shifted some players around. It looks like we'll start an athletic group in the back that will need some time to come together. They have huge upside. I think we'll see them gel sooner rather than later.

On the attacking side of the ball we have weapons. There are players who can finish and players who can create. I'm excited about the possibilities for this group going forward.

Off the field, Frisco was an outstanding experience for everyone. Our players got to know each other and the coaches got a great look at the players. At the moment it's a spirited and happy group. We all know that winning will go a long way toward keeping us happy.

We had our first training session on campus this morning. There can't be a better place to train than Westcott. The surface is immaculate. It took our players some time to adjust to the speed of the field. This will be a huge advantage for us when the season starts. That field plays fast and we will be playing fast.

Saturday night we'll have a practice game against Missouri. We are going to use it as practice. We will work on what we do best and not concern ourselves with how Missouri plays. I want the focus to be on getting better. We always want to win when we step on the field but that won't be as important as improving that evening. It should be fun and interesting to see how our team plays against a pretty good Missouri team that is physical and pressures the ball as well as any team I've seen.

The following week it will matter if we win or lose. We are doing everything we can to be prepared for that opening match against San Diego State. I think we will be real close to being ready. Every coach wants more time to prepare but we play the games when they're scheduled so we'll be ready. I like where we're at right now. Hey, we're undefeated at the moment. Can't do much better than that. We have a talented team that wants to win and coaches who are working hard for the players. It's a good mix that should bring benefits later on.

Stay tuned and come out and watch Saturday night at 7 pm. SMU vs. Missouri. It should be fun.

One disclaimer: We will not be wearing uniforms Saturday night. The reason is we want it to be like training and I don't want to give away any information about our team that I don't have to. Our future opponents will be very interested in what happens with a new coaching staff. There's no need for us to help them out. I realize this isn't an ideal situation for the fans. I hope everyone understands.