CHL in 08

[Soccer3]

Who do you think are the best upcoming teams from the CHL this upcoming season?

[MOJO219]

Well, most everyone loses key players this year so it will be interesting to see last years juniors and sophmores step up
madiera- lost bascom templeton...combined 44 goals 24 assists
reading-lost greschel...pastor and simpson could step up?
finneytown-lost smoker, rakoczy? (sp.), schultz
wyoming-lost kamphaus (sp.)
IH-lost 3 first teamers, 3 second teamers, and an HM
Mariemnt-lost 1 first teamer but they keep mitch white
taylor-???
DP-rascona

[cincysoccer2006]

rackozy is still at finneytown

[SoccerDad2006]

Rakoczy is a senior this year for Finneytown. Ben Steiniker is a very solid replacement in their goal.

Indian Hill lost some good players, but they always seem to reload.

Reading will suprise a lot of folks building on their success last year.

Again, it will be a great year for soccer in Southwest Ohio!

Winner? It could be any of three or four teams. I have my bias, but we'll see how it plays out. Who wants it?

[SirStanley]

I won't make a prediction, but I do think that Mariemont, Finneytown, and Reading return the most. I think that Indian Hill and Madeira lost the most. With Mariemont, you have to keep in mind that they had a ton of injuries to key players last year who will return this season (and still won a District title). Hard to imagine that the race will be as exciting as last season's, but the quality of play in the league from top to bottom continues to improve.

[eplfan87]

Well stated Sir Stanley.

I am predicting that every team in the league will be very offensive minded. I think that this year, there will be more goals scored in a whole, than any other league race. With offensive powerhouses like Mitch White and Michael Rakoczy, goals should not be hard to come by. However, with these power offenses, comes a lack of defending. I think that Finneytown and Mariemont might have a bit of trouble in the back this year, with not a lot of discipline. As far as the title, I think it will come down to these two teams. I think that this is how it will finish (with no winner predicted):

1. Mariemont/Finneytown
2. Indian Hill
3. Wyoming
4. Reading
5. Madeira
6. Taylor
7. Deer Park

Just thought I would toss that out there.

[jackhammer19]

I think Reading is going to surprise alot of people.

[marwar]

The CHL will be a tough fight.
1. Mariemont - Mitch White and a host of others return.
2. Finneytown- Rackozy on offense and a strong defense return.
3. Reading- Simpson and Pastor are the Real Deal. Great coach!
4. Indian Hill- Lost alot ,but always reload!!!!
5. Madeira - Lost alot, but unger always has something:) Great coach!
6. Wyoming - I have them 6th, but could finish 3rd - 6th.
7. Taylor - a work in progress.
8. Deer Park- No Rascona. Others must step up.

I play in this league and I think I know the teams fairly well. Good luck to all!!

[Whoknows]

I think Reading is going to surprise alot of people.

I'd say Reading was a surprise last year. This year teams will be ready for them.

[jackhammer19]

I see by the poll that Finneytown is heavily favored so far but imo if you double up on Rakoczy & take him out of the offense it will be very difficult for them to score. He is probably the only offensive threat they have.

[generalballer]

However, with these power offenses, comes a lack of defending. I think that Finneytown and Mariemont might have a bit of trouble in the back this year, with not a lot of discipline



if finneytown struggles with anything its gonna be there offense i think there only losing one back.

[eplfan87]

I believe that you are strongly mistaken. Rakoczy has help up front, just as Mitch does on Mariemont. I think you will be humming a different tune come mid-season.

[jackhammer19]

I believe that you are strongly mistaken. Rakoczy has help up front

Like who? Who else on their team besides Rakoczy is a proven scorer?

[acmilan13]

Like who? Who else on their team besides Rakoczy is a proven scorer?

I thought Luke Spencer is playing up top for Finneytown? LOL

[zro171]

Hard to believe so many think Madeira will take a backseat this year--but with a small public school tides can change quick. I think Unger is the amongst the most efficient coaches in Cincinnati, he always does a great job at making the best of what he's got.

Who are the key returning players for Madeira and IH considering they lost so much?

[Amo fútbol]

okay here it is.

FT and MM will be up at the top.
Wyo, Reading, IH, and MD will follow. Who knows how these 4 will do it will be a great season.
DP and Taylor will end up near the bottom.

And to address a few other things.
A. Spencer will not be playing for FT this year.
B. Double teaming Rakoczy could be dangerous. What happens when he mixes two players? You lose one more player to defend down the field. He has improved his skill and speed tons this spring season with OE.
C. This should be a great season to watch. Good luck to all these teams.