Central Michigan University Athletics
Spring Review: Chippewas Progress Under Stafford
4/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
The Chippewas recently wrapped up Stafford's first spring schedule, playing eight contests, five of which came against NCAA tournament qualifying schools from the 2010 season in Wisconsin, Michigan, West Virginia, Milwaukee and Dayton.
"Based upon our performance this spring, the experience of playing those caliber teams is immeasurable," Stafford said. "The experience we got in those games is the reason we play such a tough spring schedule. What we garner from them is fantastic and it proves to be massive growth for our program."
CMU, which has won back-to-back Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament championships, recorded victories against Wisconsin, 2-0, and Milwaukee, 4-1, while playing to a 0-0 draw in Ann Arbor versus the Wolverines.
Despite a loss to West Virginia, 2-1, who finished the 2010 season ranked No. 12 in the country, the Chippewas played one of their best games of the spring at the CMU Soccer Complex.
"I was really happy because I thought we were brilliant on the day [versus WVU]," Stafford said. "Unfortunately, in getting prepared for our second game of the day versus Milwaukee, we took several starters off the pitch and conceded two goals in the final six minutes of the game."
The Chippewas also continued to improve on their offense throughout the spring, adding to their hard-nose tough-minded defensive principles that have made them one of the toughest teams to score on in the nation over the last two seasons.
"The name of the game is finishing and we haven't done that all the time in the past," Stafford said. "We have been more consistent in creating those chances than before. If we can become more dangerous in the final third and stick to our defensive principles then we are going to be a tough team to beat."
Another key focus for Stafford during his transition from assistant to head coach has been making his team more knowledgeable of the game, something that will continue to evolve the level of play the Chippewas bring to the field each game.
"We relied a lot on being disciplined and fit before and we have become more knowledgable in the game," Stafford said. "I feel very strongly the players have become better students of the game. We have been watching more film this spring and they've been able to see how we can play when we kind of step outside our comfort zone."
Stafford's transition has been one of ease in his second year in the Central Michigan program, and his first as the head coach, something he commends his players and staff for helping with.
"The players need to be commended because they have helped tremendously with the transition of a coaching change," Stafford said. "We've been short-staffed this spring, so Steph, Will, Ken, the players and everyone involved has picked up the pieces and carried a little bit more weight. We're letting people add their own flavor to our program, which has been a little different, but different around here has meant growth."
With the spring schedule behind them, the Chippewas will now focus on earning their third straight MAC championship and trip to the NCAA Tournament in the fall and with Stafford at the helm, the future looks bright.
