Last Sunday, the University of Virginia Men's Soccer Team defeated Akron 3-2 in penalty kicks to win the program's sixth national championship. It took them 110 minutes to decide the match. Though there is drama in the penalty kick phase, I've got a better idea to decide a winner not just at the College Soccer level, but in all levels of soccer.
If after regulation the score is tied, why not both teams play the first overtime with 10 versus 10. Then, if the score is still tied after the first overtime, then go to 9 versus 9. If one of the teams is a man down because of a red card, then its 9 versus 8. If that OT doesn't decide it, then 8 versus 8 and so on. That way, the game is decided by players making slide tackles, passes, shots on goal, headers. In other words, both teams are still fighting to win instead of rolling the dice with pks. With each team losing a player after an overtime, there are more chances for a "golden goal" to happen while play is going on. You emphasise skill, talent, heart and fitness to win a championship by playing until a deciding goal. It's just a thought. I'd welcome your opinions. Imagine, if you play several overtimes until it's just Keeper vs Keeper. That would be great!
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