Bill Solberg Chat Wrap
11/30/2001 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Dec. 4, 2001
Sara (Houston): Coach, Will replacing the 2001 seniors be difficult?
Bill Solberg: Replacing the seniors will be extremely difficult both on and off the field. What they contributed to this program is unbelievable. They started and finished a program that never had a losing season! It says a lot about the character and heart these girls have. We will do our best to replace such a special class!
Charlene (Charlotte): What changes (if any) contributed to the win streak at the end of the season?
Bill Solberg: I don't think they were changes that we necessarily made but players stepping up, really believing in the system and executing the game plan. The intensity and attitude became contagious and girls believed they would come out on top. The last seven games were the best I have ever seen these girls play together as a team!
Chris (Houston): Who do you think will lead the team next year?
Bill Solberg: We have several players that could lead the team next year. We really will have a young team with only 2 seniors and 2 juniors, so I expect all four to really mentor the younger players. I will rely on them to help educate all the underclassmen on our style, attitude and chemistry.
William (Houston): How is recruiting going for next season and what do you think about the team's chances next year?
Thanks, William
Bill Solberg: I am fairly limited in my response to recruiting due to NCAA regulations, however I will say we have several comittments that we are extremely excited about. We are still recruiting every weekend. Don't be surprised to see some amazing talent step on the field from our newcomers. There will be more detailed comments in our one time press release after signing date.
Byron (Dallas): Coach, I am wondering what formation you usually employ? Is there one that you prefer over others? Does it change depending on the matchup?
Bill Solberg: We play a style very similar to the Santa Clara's and Marquette's of the world which is very possesion oriented. We like more of a zone defense, and really ask a lot out of our forward and midfield play. It is a very aggresive, intense style that if anyone were able to see the last seven games would have seen some exciting, great soccer!
Alicia (Dallas): I was wondering what you think is the most important aspect in practices? Do you tend to focus on playing, technique or tactics?
Bill Solberg: Our practices are structured so that we start the practice with a lot of technique and then move to more tactical play in the second half of practice and always try to finish with some type of scrimmage or game like situation. We try and make practice very intense and competitive.
Chris (warren, OH): What skill do you wish were taught better by high school coaches?
Bill Solberg: I think where the US players are behind is in techinique. Technique is very difficult to work on and is not always the most fun thing to do in practice, however in my opinion it is one of the most important parts of the game. I believe technique has to start at a young age so that when players get older to the high school and college level, it just becomes fine tuning for these coaches!
Bill Solberg: Thank you for all the questions! We look forward to seeing everyone at our annual Spring Cougar Clash on March 16 and 17th. Teams include UH, Rice and some of the best club teams in the nation!