Men's soccer gets ripped off by NCAA
Donald Smith
Sports Columnist
Volleyball (16-13) Unlike seasons past when Metro would host the tournament, this year they are going on the road. The road hasn't been particularly good to the volleyball team ... it's not really the road (because they're 7-5 on the road), but where they're traveling- that's been the problem. The 'Runners are going to a place where they aren't wanted: Nebraska. The Neb-Kearney Lopers must be hoping-no, wait-begging that the 'Runners beat New Mexico Highlands so they have the pleasure-no, wait-the honor of finally being able to beat the 'Runners in the playoffs. If revenge is to be avoided and Metro's volleyball team can hand the Lopers their first loss of the season, they will still have to possibly beat the Fort Hays State Tigers. Although I would like to see that happen, I don't think it will. But, hey, at least the younger players will get some playoff experience.
No. 2 Women's Soccer (20-1) Regis, why won't you go away? Every time I look on the schedule, it seems like Metro and Regis are playing for something. First, it was the regular season title, then it was the conference title and now, these two teams could play for the regional crown. The Rangers are kind of like an annoying fly: you can swat them and swat them, but they just keep coming back. It's as if they can't take a hint; so maybe, just maybe Texas A&M Commerce will beat them, because if it's Regis-Metro IV, I want the Roadrunners to just crush them. (Swatting's overrated anyway)
Men's Soccer (15-4-2) When I heard the news that the Metro men's soccer team didn't make the regional playoffs, I was disgusted. Metro didn't defeat Colorado School of Mines or Northeastern State during the regular season, but so what! I mean, honestly, what is the purpose of having conference playoffs when there potentially could be nothing on the line. Seriously, the Roadrunners proved-for the second straight season, I might add-that they are the best team in the conference when it matters most: in the postseason. If this is the way it's going to be, the schedule-makers should not even bother having teams that are going to be in the regional tournament even have to play in the conference tournament. Personally, I would like soccer to be like volleyball: win and you're in. Make someone have to lose to have their season ended; because if a team catches fire late in the season only to have it ended by a committee, what's the use of having coaches fire up their teams every game?
(Even though I know, they probably won't ever read this), a question to the NCAA: how would you feel winning your conference tournament only to watch a team that got knocked out in the first round, on their own field, to a team they are-statistically, anyway-supposed to beat, move on while you empty your locker for the season? Probably not good.
I just want to say to all of the guys on the Metro roster: great season! |
