I wrote about high school soccer a while ago and why I do not like it. I am not going to talk about that again. Today, however, I will share with you why my concerns are sometimes valid.

Upon returning from high school, there were some bad habits that crept in with the players. Movement off the ball now is almost non-existent, fitness is not good enough, transition is terrible especially from attacking to defending. The boys need at least three touches to make the most simple decisions, and we struggle to get numbers forward with speed.

Not a huge problem. I think we can correct their soccer behavior over time. The bigger issue for me is that I have lost eight players.

A hamstring, that worsened because this player was used regardless of his injury during the high school season and not allowed enough time to recover. He has not played a single game for me this season.

A broken toe that was played on for the season. It got progressively worse. This player has not played a single game for me either.

An evulsion fracture of the hip flexor. He is out for the season.

Knee ligament damage with another player. He is back to playing now, but not at his best as yet.

Two players have severe ankle sprains. Still on the injury table

Two more have quit the game entirely.

We have the first round of State Cup this weekend, so wish me luck.