Has the ACC lost some of its luster? I mean MD was picked by a lot to be the team this year. For the second year in a row, regardless of results, many come away a little bored with their style of play. Certainly not the dominate team UVA was with its flowing game. Many here like to pick on Rennie, but whether you like him or not, Duke isn't the team they were in the past, for whatever reason. GT, although making attempts at a comeback, fell from the elite years ago. Average, for what we have come to expect from the ACC, teams UNC and Clemson have a tough go in and out of conference. Not that they are bad, but they aren't dominate teams we have seen in the past. Wake, somewhat similar to MD, has stepped up on the national scene, but just doesn't seem to put it together in post season as a dominate team would. Five years ago, who would have thought UVA just making it into the ncaa and winning a couple of games would be something for them to hang their hat on? Personally, I think professional soccer has had a major impact on college soccer. By taking away the truly cream of the crop, many of those players would be ACC stars of the past, MLS has leveled the playing field. I remember the Snow kid leaving Ind early and then Claudio leaving UVA. At that time it was practically unheard of, basically because players had no where to go. This is not ACC bashing. Schools still have solid programs, State?, and good teams. Just guess we got spoiled a few years back watching all those stars play on 5-6 teams. And yes, they were good enough that they did make a difference andthey did make the games entertaining.
That and a lot more parity in college soccer, as the youth system is producing more quality players than can be tied up by the ACC. Consider programs like Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Dayton, Tulsa, Furman, Kentucky (ugh) and the like. Ten years ago, those programs either didn't exist, or were well below their current state of advancement. Many of these programs are now to the point where they can attract top players on a consistent basis, which more than puts them on par with the caliber of many players choosing the ACC schools. Sooner or later, even NC State was going to improve.
gosh ya'll Little ol me is just overwhelmed by such a well thought, insightful, intelligent responce. Guess I'll have to get cousin Billy Bob and sweet little Daisey Mae to help me cipher out your message. You take care now.