The Horion League schedule makers didn't waste any time getting the top two teams from 2009 back on the field in 2010. In the Horizon League opener for each team, Butler (5-0) travels to Green Bay (3-2-1) for a big time men's soccer match.
Both teams have received national rankings this season. Both teams have found themselves at the top of the League the past two years. Both teams are led by excellent coaches. Any other similarities?
"Tom has done an unbelievable job up there. Since he's gotten there, Green Bay's been a contender. Getting great players like JC (Banks) and Tony (Walls) and bringing in foreign guys," said fifth-year Butler head coach Kelly Findley earlier this week. "I think both of our teams work very hard. I think that we're committed to the cause and both have great team chemistry."
While similarities abound between these two midwest powers, they are dissimilar in their style and identity. Each coach answered the question of their team's style of play very differently.
"We definitely want to try to be an attacking team," said seventh-year head coach Tom Poitras. "We want to try to possess the ball, be a threat and be entertaining for the fans going forward. We don't just play for our restarts or play for throw-ins or sit back and defend the whole time, we want to attack. At the same time, we're very conscientious of trying to shut teams down on the defensive end."
Findley mentioned defense first in his explanation of his team's style.
"I think we defend first. I think we're disciplined, well organized and our players are quality. We have quality going forward and we give them the freedom to be creative. We have a very deep team this year and we're excited about where we're at now, but also where we're going to be in the future with some of the quality young players we have."
Friday night's game could come down to which team does the little things and stays 'organized.' Each coach commented on what their team needs to do to win.
Findley: "We just have to do what we do well. We have to defend well, move the ball and just concentrate and be disciplined in those little moments that matter in every soccer game."
Poitras: "We need to stay very organized. We need to defend their set pieces very well. They've got a lot of very good players. Their forwards are very dangerous and (Ben) Sippola is doing a real good job in the center midfield. Then, Hedges in the back is obviously one of the best players in the League. We know they've got a bunch of different threats we've got to deal with, but they're also really solid, well-coach team."
Both coaches may have different philosophies but there is no doubting their results. Both Findley and Poitras have taken their respective programs to new heights and know that Friday night's game will go a long way in determining who gets a head start in 2010.
"It would go a long way in stepping towards the right direction (hosting the Horizon League tournament)," said Poitras. "Everyone knows they've got to try to take care of their home games and hope to steal some results and points on the road because it's that tight of a League. The home field is definitely something you try to make sure you take care of."
"We're going up there to get a good result. It would be a great start (to the League schedule)," stated Findley. "If you win the League first, that's one milestone…that would be the number one goal. That's why this weekend is an important weekend."
