Archives March 2021

Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – Lindsay Aliano

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition)This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state. 
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Lindsay Aliano

Name of High School Program: Elkhorn South Girls Soccer

Occupation Outside of Coaching: High School Math Teacher (and mom!)

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: US Women’s National Team

Soccer Idol (Player or Coach): Julie Ertz

Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey?

My high school soccer coach (who is still coaching at Millard West), Jacque Tevis-Butler.  When I played for her in high school, she had a way of getting our team to focus and play our best soccer, but always made the process enjoyable.  She made you love the game even more than before the season started.  After I became a head coach, there have been countless times I have reached out to her for opinions, advice, and guidance.  She never hesitates to listen and help me through whatever challenge I may be facing, even after all these years.  But …. she will hate every minute of me calling her my “mentor” in this article! 🙂

Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory. 

Winning state in 2015 and 2019 are memories I will never forget, but I think one of the most pivotal moments for me as a coach was the Metro Conference Championship game in 2018.  Being down 0-2 at half and keeping a team motivated enough to stay in the game is a difficult task for even the most experienced of coaches.  Watching my team believe in themselves and fight their way back into the game to tie it up 2-2 during regulation and then finding the back of the net in overtime to win the game 3-2 was such a proud moment for me as a coach.  Getting kids to believe in themselves is such an impactful moment for any coach and something you hope they continue to do even when their time playing for you is over.

List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you? 

Respect  – Respect starts with respecting yourself.  Recognize your abilities and believe in yourself.  Along with respecting yourself, you have to respect others.  Support others, acknowledge their feelings, and accept all teammates, coaches, team managers, etc.  Be welcoming and respectful of officials and opposing teams and value the time and effort your teammates and coaches are putting in to make you a better person and player.

Discipline and Accountability – In life you have to accept responsibility for actions or outcomes.  We believe in holding players to a standard and if that standard is not met, we accept responsibility and make a plan to change the unwanted outcomes.  This is more about navigating life lessons than it is about winning soccer games.  Sports are there to teach kids and to hold them accountable when they make mistakes.  This allows them to make mistakes in a comfortable environment, learn from them, and move on.

Teamwork – There is not much you can accomplish in life without teamwork.  Nearly every aspect of life requires you to work with others.  Your career, raising a family, friendship, etc.  It is important that players learn from a young age how to work with others and even with others that may not have the same skill set or beliefs you have.

What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it? 

I hope to influence and empower young women not only in their soccer journey, but also in life.  The most important part of coaching is developing players into ethical, thoughtful, intentional people.  You want to be there to offer support and encouragement as your players are going through such an important time in their lives where they are developing into adults.  As a high school teacher, I have the opportunity to do this every day, but the lasting relationships you have with your players in something different.  There is an overwhelming amount of joy I feel when former players contact me for advice, to update me on their accomplishments, or simplify just to check in.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

The Round Up Class B Boys – NEST Quick Hits (3/22/21)

  • The start of the season for Omaha Roncalli is a bit surprising. We had them rated as a Top 10 team, but a winless start causes reexamination. It could be early season jitters, or it could be something bigger.
  • Omaha Skutt and Lexington have already faced once this season in what could be a preview of this years state title game. Skutt came away with the victory, but both teams impressed us.
  • The Beatrice boys have already equaled their previous win totals from the last two seasons combined. Exciting progress for Coach Henning and his players.
  • Norris caught our attention with two victories in week one. This team scored a total of 11 goals while keeping two clean sheets.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

The Round Up: Class A Girls – NEST Quick Hits (3/22/21)

  • The top Class A girls teams appear to be dominate. There were more than a few lopsided score lines during week one. This group features some of the state’s premier attacking talent, and it showed during these games. They were goals everywhere.
  • Gretna traveled to Columbus for two matches, both of which resulted in victories. A combined 18 goals and 2 clean sheets paints an impressive picture. This team has talent on every level.
  • Kearney starts the season with one victory and two loses. They put up a good fight against Omaha Duchesne, but the result still went against them.
  • Lincoln Southeast, Millard South, and Millard North all captured quality victories in week one.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

The Round Up: Class B Girls – NEST Quick Hits (3/22/21)

  • Week one results reinforce an already stated belief: the top class B teams can absolutely compete with and defeat quality class A sides. These multi-class match-ups provide so much insight.
  • Omaha Mercy and Omaha Duchesne Academy challenged themselves with their early season scheduling. This was a high risk/high reward strategy that paid of for both squads. Both teams impressed during week one and will have our attention going forward.
  • Although Bennington lost its contest versus Omaha Mercy, Mia Hurt stood out even in defeat. She is an outstanding player for the Badgers.
  • Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central, Norris, and Waverly began the season unranked in our rankings. That could be changing quickly thanks to their quality performances.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

The Round Up: Class A Boys – NEST Quick Hits (3/22/21)

  • Omaha South has talent on top of talent. They were very impressive against what we consider to be very good competition. They could be one of the best teams that this state has seen in awhile.They will be fun to watch this season.
  • The Omaha Central overtime loss to Creighton Prep opened more than a few eyes. The Eagles will not be an easy out for anyone this year. Also, Central has some of the best views in Nebraska for a soccer match.
  • Fremont improved a great deal from game one to game three during the first week. This is a very young team that could make some noise once experienced.
  • Lincoln High is a team to watch for the remainder of the season. We heard good reports during our preseason process, but wanted to see a few games. A victory over Kearney and a close loss versus Papillion-La Vista South demonstrates this program’s progress.
  • Millard North went goal crazy in their first match up against Omaha North. The Mustangs start the season 2-0. Creighton Prep and Papillion-La Vista South are the next games on their schedule.
  • Norfolk High begins the season 2-0. A good start for a first year head coach. Their victories came against Lincoln North Star and Hastings. A positive start to the season with important games upcoming.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class A Boys – Top 10 Ranking (3/22/21)

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Boys Top 10 Ranking

  1. Omaha South
  2. Gretna
  3. Lincoln Southwest
  4. Creighton Prep
  5. Papillion-La Vista
  6. Grand Island
  7. Lincoln East
  8. Kearney
  9. Papillion-La Vista South
  10. Lincoln High

Teams on the Verge: Millard North, Lincoln Southeast, Millard West, Norfolk

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class B Girls – Top 10 Ranking (3/22/21)

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Class B Girls Top 10 Ranking

  1. Omaha Skutt
  2. Omaha Mercy
  3. Omaha Duchesne Academy
  4. Omaha Roncalli Catholic
  5. Elkhorn
  6. Bennington
  7. Aurora
  8. Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central
  9. Waverly
  10. Norris

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class A Girls – Top 10 Ranking (3/22/21)

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Girls Top 10 Ranking

  1. Lincoln East
  2. Gretna
  3. Papillion-La Vista
  4. Papillion-La Vista South
  5. Lincoln Southwest
  6. Omaha Marian
  7. Elkhorn South
  8. Lincoln Southeast
  9. Millard West
  10. Millard North

Teams on the Verge: Millard South, North Platte

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class B Boys – Top 10 Ranking (3/22/21)

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class B Boys Top 10 Ranking

  1. Omaha Skutt
  2. Lexington
  3. South Sioux City
  4. Crete
  5. Norris
  6. Blair
  7. Aurora
  8. Schuyler
  9. Gross Catholic
  10. Waverly

Teams on the Verge: Beatrice, Bennington, Mount Michael Benedictine, Northwest, Omaha Roncalli, Ralston

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Game Review: Omaha Skutt vs. Omaha Westside (Boys) – 3/19/21

This contest was featured as Nebraska Preps’s game of the week and for good reason. Nebraska Soccer Talk tagged along with Mike Sautter to cover the game. It is worth noting that it was wonderful seeing the stands packed with fans from both sides. These fan bases really got into the game and that enhanced the atmosphere on the field.

Omaha Skutt is a traditional Class B powerhouse that looks to be the frontrunner again this year. Skutt is correctly the #1 ranked team in Class B according to Nebraska Soccer Talk. Their opposition, Omaha Westside, is looking to reclaim a position atop the competitive Class A field. Westside is a big name with a new coach and high expectations. 

Really evident from the beginning was the differing attacking philosophies. Omaha Westside did very well to remain in possession of the ball, especially on their half of the field. Their defenders and goalkeeper were very comfortable with the ball, and Skutt seemed content with not opening themselves up. 57% of the game possession went to the Warriors but only five shots were created during the game. Using athleticism in the final third seemed to be the tactic as long passes were played in from the back. As timing develops throughout the season, goals should be produced, and forward Tristan Alvano looks to be that goal scorer for Westside. 

While having less of the ball, Skutt Catholic seemed to do more with it. Their possession and passing patterns were attack centric. It was a fun style of soccer that did contain more risk and turnovers, but also created more attacking chances. Even with almost ten minutes less of ball possession, the Skyhawks were able to double the amount of shot opportunities. Their entire team seemed to be connected and well organized. 

Thanks to players such as Caleb Vos, Andrew Davidson, and John Meyers, the Skyhawks put on an impressive display. Vos controlled the left side of the field and had more than a few impactful runs. Davidson really controlled the midfield. He was the connector, and the game really went through him.

This game was a physical and chippy matchup as both teams were awarded and converted a penalty kick. This PK would be Westside’s lone goal, while Skutt would find the net two more times.  As the night progressed, Westside did earn a few yellow cards. That will happen to a team that has many strong athletes. 

Game Result – Omaha Skutt 3   Omaha Westside 1

Man of the Match – Andrew Davidson 

NEST Quick Hits 

  • Nebraska Wesleyan is getting a very good player with Caleb Voss. He is a fluid athlete with exceptional ball skill. Perhaps even more important, he seems to understand the game in real time. He was able to impact the game through his vision and defensive angles. 
  • Omaha Skutt is the absolute frontrunner for Class B boys. There are other contenders, but this is a very good team at every position. 
  • It was fantastic to see both communities come out and support their team. The stands were full and enthusiastic. The game of soccer is growing in Nebraska, this game solidified my belief in that.
  • During the post game conversations, Nebraska Soccer Talk was able to discover the secret sauce of the Skutt program. It turns out the soccer program really took hold once a “borrowed” plastic lawn decoration was brought into the fold. The medium sized and decorated plastic bird has seen better days, but it is sure to have some fond soccer memories. Just to be clear, the previous owner was long ago notified and gave their blessing for further usage. 

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.