Refs control soccer play

I am writing in response to Ms. Patricia A. Karle’s letter of assassination of the East Valley Soccer program, its players, coaches and fans (“EV not deserving,” April 29).

My first question for Karle is: What qualifies her as an expert in the game of high school soccer?

Unless I am mistaken, these games are monitored and controlled by qualified officials and if there is a problem with rough play the officials take control and warnings are issued. If the rough play continues, penalties are assessed. If EV is just a group of untalented thugs as she contends, why have they been allowed to continue to play, and in the meantime win or share the GSL title the last three years? Not bad for a 3A school playing in a 4A-dominated league.

Regarding the All-GSL teams: The teams are chosen by a vote of the league coaches. If the other coaches felt that EV players were dirty players or thugs, I don’t think they would be getting many votes. EV has four first-team players and one second-team player returning from last year’s All-GSL team. If Karle’s accusations held true, then EV wouldn’t be represented on this year’s team, which is highly unlikely.

For someone who doesn’t have a true understanding of the game, to attempt to discredit and take away from this team’s accomplishments is truly criminal. Don’t confuse aggressive clean play as something illegal.

C.J. Warren

Veradale