BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
The 120-minute, four overtime games and shootout finishes we've seen during the playoffs has me rethinking my stance on overtimes during the regular season. My initial reaction was, "They are kids. They can run around for hours. So why not play overtime?"
Now, I'll change my tune.
If you are one of a good number of teams which had five or six ties this season, the effects of overtime could be pretty grueling. The teams could be playing over 150 minutes of extra soccer, close to two extra games if no one scores. You still may not think that is a lot, but over the course of a compact season it can be considerable.
It was odd taking highlights of shootout finishes on Sunday. Some may say it can be a disheartening way to end a team's season, but until last time, Italy has had its World Cup hopes dashed numerous times in a shootout.
It also begs the question of how much do you practice penalty kicks with your players and your goalie? During the season your team may only take a few or have to defend a few, but your season may very well come down to making them or a diving save on one. Hopefully we will have some great finishes as the playoffs get into the deeper rounds.
The title of this post was inspired by Jerry Seinfeld, who I watched on David Letterman last night.