{
  "id": 3664481,
  "title": "High school soccer coaches share which opponents they game-plan around",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/high-school-soccer-coaches-share-which-opponents-they-game-plan-around-3664481",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T04:05:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/high-school-soccer-coaches-share-040541581.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Cincinnati Enquirer is bringing back the Coaches Confidential feature for the 2026 high school sports season. This time, soccer and volleyball coaches are being asked to share their thoughts anonymously. Coaches can submit their answers to mlaughman@enquirer.com. The feature aims to focus on the message without distractions from the coach's identity.\n\nSoccer coaches were asked which opponents' players they game-plan around. Drew Adams from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy mentioned a player with a dangerous long throw, excellent ball control, and the ability to make other players around him better. Darcy Bittinger from Lakota West highlighted a strong midfielder who is a playmaker with great skill, pace, and accuracy in shooting. Anne Bowling from Calvary Christian noted a sophomore with impressive speed and shooting accuracy. Liam Brady from Indian Hill described a senior midfielder as very dangerous, skilled, composed, and with excellent vision. Beckett Brinkman from Summit Country Day shared that the team tries to focus on fundamentals and fundamentals, but a returning midfielder from last year poses a significant challenge due to his ability to release the ball and relocate before the defense can set up. Aidan Gross from Mariemont mentioned a player who is extremely dynamic, finishes well, and can change the game in a single moment. Colin Kmet from Sycamore emphasized a player with a high soccer IQ, superior field vision, technical ability, and the ability to hurt opponents with dribbling, passing, and shooting. Kylie Smith from Bishop Brossart described a junior forward as a physical, fast attacker who is relentless and consistent with her chances. Andy Stein from Indian Hill identified a senior winger as dangerous in the flank and capable of getting defenders 1v1. Jack Sweeney and Alex Lopez from St. Xavier and Sycamore were highlighted for their high soccer IQ, striking ability, speed, and finishing skills. Harper Wagner from Harrison described a junior center back as a strong ball winner who will need to be drawn out of position to break lines. The Eastern Cincinnati Conference and surrounding area have produced many high-level players who can change a game with a single moment. Nina Brandon, Karringtyn Wilder, Abby Nisonger, Mollee Erras, and Lindsay Bruce are among the top players to keep an eye on.",
  "summary": "In this week's Coaches Confidential, Cincinnati soccer coaches discuss which opposing players they must game-plan around.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "High school soccer coaches share which opponents they game-plan around",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/high-school-soccer-coaches-share-which-opponents-they-game-plan-around",
        "published": "2026-08-27T04:05:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}