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Streaming Sports Network Canada Username Password Login Games Leagues Teams Venues Hockey Football Basketball Soccer Volleyball Blogs Smith on Soccer Carleton Ravens women s soccer program at a crossroad February 17 2009The women s soccer program at Carleton University is at a crossroads and has a major decision to make in the next few weeks that could have implications far beyond just the 2009 season After a disastrous 2008 campaign Andy Nera is out as the Ravens head coach A quick glance over the past few seasons may give some indication as to the freefall the program has taken In 2006 when the OUA modified the setup from four divisions to two the Ravens had one of their best years ever They scored 30 goals while only conceding 10 and finished with a record of 11 wins two losses and three ties for 36 points finally splitting the Big Two domination of Ottawa and Queens and earning second spot in the East Division In 2007 the rebirth of a Toronto Varsity Blues program made for a tougher schedule and the Ravens unable to hold on to their lofty perch from the year before slipped to 29 points and fourth in the OUA East with a record of nine wins five losses and two ties This brings us to 2008 In a division where the top teams continued to pass around first place like a hot potato during the season the Ravens plummeted all the way down to sixth place when all was said and done scraping into the playoffs with a sixwin sixloss twotie record Only scoring 18 goals will leave you with that sort of return Despite defying all the odds and making it to the OUA Final Four (where they finished fourth) the damage was already done with the poor regular season A team that cannot hit the back of the net on a consistent basis will struggle at any level of play even moreso in the cutthroat world of OUA soccer So what lies ahead for the Carleton Ravens women s soccer program With a coaching move there are many changes and philosophies What will the new coach s tactics be What system will they employ What formation will they prefer Will their team be attackminded or ultradefensive Will the team be aggressive or passive brains over brawn These questions and many others will soon be answered Applications for the head coach position will be accepted until Feb 17 at which point we should know shortly who is taking over from Nera For me the number one priority has to be someone who is able and willing to go head to head with uOttawa Coach Steve Johnson in the recruiting wars and attract the best players to Carleton University It won t be easy as Johnson has the pedigree of a program that is constantly challenging for OUA and CIS titles year in year out It is that sort of winning past that the Ravens hope will soon be part of their present and future That is why their selection of head coach is crucial not only for 2009 but for many years to come ...