Monday, January 14, 2019

Collegiate Soccer

See you later, youth soccer...

It's a college game now.

Who went on to play in college, who didn't?

Where are they now?

Share your collegiate soccer experience at DI, DII or DIII.

Trust us, the kids are all watching.

793 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   601 – 793 of 793
Anonymous said...

The GS points comment was a stupid one but the others seem legit. Rutgers does not recruit the top NJ talent. They accept 2nd tier talent out of NJ, it is that simple. They put them on the roster to show they are a local team. Once they play they realize what they really got.

Anonymous said...

They try to recruit the best talent but top talent have better choices. First, Rutgers team needs better results. Good Luck but tough road ahead for them. Big ten is a tough league.

Anonymous said...

Went to watch one of the D1 school's that are recruiting my son and they had 2 freshmen and 3 sophomores starting and 5 of the 7 players that came off the bench were freshman. 9 freshman played during the game, which I think is a good number. The coach spoke to us and said that he does want the young guys to have game experience so when they have to take over they are ready.

Anonymous said...

Generally speaking, if you are not logging ANY meaningful minutes as a freshman you are not in the right program. That does not mean you have to start, but you need to have a consistent role with minutes. Without that the freshmen class of 2018 will be given priority over you and you will be out by your junior year. Of course there are exceptions, but this is the rule of thumb.

Anonymous said...

Yeah...... maybe

But still doesn't mean you should transfer

If you are happy with the collegiate life, your academic process - just not getting on the field - could still be wise to ride it out with pride.

Anonymous said...

11:22, that's good so long as your son is a freshman or sophomore. When he's a junior or senior probably not so good.

Anonymous said...

1:01 PM
why would you say if you are not logging ANY meaningful minutes as a freshman you are not in the right program?

Look around the NCAA rosters and see how many freshmen are logging meaningful minutes.

A lot of players don't start to play until they are sophomores or Juniors, not that I agree with that, but that is a fact.

Anonymous said...

Ummmm, wrong.

Anonymous said...

That's a really narrow minded opinion 10.22. Soccer is only a small part of college life . If a student athlete only cares about playing soccer, why is he in college? College soccer is not developing players, the coach just wants to win, just like high school. Do you think a student athlete's future employer cares whether he got "meaningful" minutes whatever that means, on his college team? Being part of a college team is an asset in the job market and nobody cares who was a starter. The rosters are huge.Everyone can't get meaningful minutes. This isn't youth soccer anymore. These kids are young adults getting on with their lives.

Anonymous said...

That is poor reading skills 1:28. The 10:22 response was to the 1:41 posting which stated " Look around the NCAA rosters and see how many freshmen are logging meaningful minutes.A lot of players don't start to play until they are sophomores or Juniors".

Although there are many cases where that is true, there are many more documented cases where the players that don't play their freshman year do not get to get on the field anytime after that also. Many quit all together.

Anonymous said...

I'm down with the whole collegiate experience thing. And "meaningful minutes" are more important to some players than others. Regardless of what the college system does (or doesn't do) to with respect to player development, some players are highly motivated to succeed so playing time (not to mention winning) makes a big difference to them.

I don't have any reliable data on the matter, but my gut is that if you're not getting any time in your first year at school, you might find yourself looking around and wondering where you think you might be able to play.

Unless you're just down with the whole collegiate experience thing, which is cool.

Anonymous said...

Some good players decided the D3 route would be better for them and felt they would be starters or get alot of minutes rather then sit on a D1 bench. Choosing William Paterson or Stockton over a Rider or FDU as examples. Some of those D3 players are a bit surprised now by the lack of playtime. Do some of these D1 players not playing change schools?

Anonymous said...

Lines of communication have to be kept open with the coahcing staff

That is rule #1

Then of course you have to know whether to believe them if they tell you there may be more minutes in year 2 and 3....

I dont ever see a reason to transfer after year 1 - given that you like the school part of the school - unless you feel you were flat out lied to and also that you could line up a gig elsewhere that you would be perfectly happy with

Transferring blindly can be dangerous. Have a bare bottom outlet - say a D3 or juco that you know will take you and play you, before thinking of severing ties with your first D1. Then with that in place - at least in your head - you can seek other locales at the D1 level.

Anonymous said...

Why the D1 mandate? Would you rather have a degree from FDU or Tufts? Would you rather have a degree from Monmouth or U of Chicago? Top schools, top programs. Soccer is secondary. The D2 schools are mainly garbage in all aspects but there are many D3 schools that offer a great education and you might be surprised at some of the soccer programs out there.

Anonymous said...

Another victory for Rutgers!!

Anonymous said...

This could be it for Dan. No chemistry at all on that team.

Anonymous said...

Great guy but results have to matter.

Anonymous said...

RU new Brunswick is 1-6-1. RU Newark is 8-0

Anonymous said...

How do you spect to survive, especially in the Big 10 when you have 25 players on your roster from NJ. I am not saying that NJ players are not good, but when you're recruiting is mostly coming from in-state and everyone else is recruiting across the country, I see that as a problem. Smaller schools with much less money and notoriety than Rutgers are doing a better job in the recruiting department.

Last year a lot of the Rutgers players were hurt, what is the problem this year.

Anonymous said...

Not the top NJ players either

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately the top players did not go to Rutgers. I know of many NJ players that are playing D1 soccer and some D3 players that I would love to see on Rutgers over the players they now have. I don't know the reasons why they were not recruited and I certainly don't know why Rutgers settled for what they did. All good players but the Big 10 is no joke and the coaches should have known better.

Anonymous said...

Mike takes for his Rutgers team mostly PDA players. So he shuts out many other potential good players. Remember many good players already played at PDA and were not happy btw and left PDA making sour grapes with Mike

Anonymous said...

13 players, that is big recruiting class. Out of those 13 players, how many of them are really big 10 material!!!

Anonymous said...

That's just a matter of opinion but obviously Rutgers D1 coaches thought so. What's your idea of a D1 player?

Anonymous said...

D1 and Big10 are two different animals. Interestingly enough Rutgers won a game last night, notice any difference in the subs?

Anonymous said...

Talk about needing attention. Ok whose kid got subbed in at RU for the win?

Anonymous said...

I dont know but the goal scorer is like a 23 year old junior - is that correct?

Anonymous said...

I don't know what you mean by "goal scorer." There aren't too many goals being scored by that team. The most any player scored this season was 2.

Anonymous said...

Relax. It is just a down year. Did they miss on some good NJ talent, yes, but I think other schools can say the same.

Anonymous said...

So what do you mean by goal scorer?

Anonymous said...

I have no idea what that meant. I just know they have NO defense at all.

Anonymous said...

1 South Carolina
2 Stanford
3 North Carolina
4 Duke
5 UCF

6 Princeton

7 West Virginia
8 Texas
9 UCLA
10 Tennessee
11 Cincinnati

12 Rutgers

13 Notre Dame
14 Florida St.
15 Florida
16 Texas A&M
17 Wake Forest
18 Pepperdine
19 LSU
20 Penn St.

I think Rutgers is doing great with what they have #12 in the country out of 300+ not bad in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Nothing against Rutgers but that poll doesn't make any sense. Rutgers is 8th in the big ten standings. The only other big ten school on that poll is Penn State and they're above RU in standings. Where's Maryland and Indiana? Both schools have great records. Fact is RU's record is terrible.

Anonymous said...

The above rankings are from the NCAA.

Rankings - NCAA Women's Soccer RPI
Through Games OCT. 01, 2017

61 Maryland
79 Indiana

Anonymous said...

The rating percentage index, commonly known as the RPI, is a quantity used to rank sports teams based upon a team's wins and losses and its strength of schedule.

Anonymous said...

Why the D1 mandate? This is a soccer board not an academic board. Of course great academics rock but when talking soccer which we are top of the pyramid is D1 the reward for all that hard work the girls did.

Anonymous said...

If a kid goes to Duke and doesn't get the minutes? Why would they leave it's still Duke. Unless they picked Duke for the wrong reasons.

Anonymous said...

apologies @215
I assumed you were referring to men's soccer. Rutgers woman's team have always done well.

Anonymous said...

As a soccer board, actual play time received is part of the equation. So that brings in the question why sit D1 at a subpar school when you can play (better chance) and get a great education D3. That was the point. Also, whoever changed this to Rutgers girls, well you are on the wrong blog. Rutgers girls does recruit NJ players too, difference is they get the best players not the 3rd tier.

Anonymous said...

8:05 I'm confused. Isn't this a college blog Boys/Girls? I don't see just boys.

PS. One major difference - the best Boy soccer players don't play college soccer - they go overseas or play for MLS clubs getting paid.

Examples:
Christian Pulisic (UEFA 19 years old)
Djordje Mihailovic (MLS 18 years old)

So we are talking Tier 2/3 for the boys also.

Anonymous said...

This blog has been boys soccer throughout the years and was recently changed to collegiate soccer from u18 boys. I think everyone agrees that men and women soccer have differences. When someone posts,it's a good idea to specify men or women.

Anonymous said...

9:05 my bad - I only went back to the below post to catch up. Thought it was both

Anonymous said...
Mike takes for his Rutgers team mostly PDA players. So he shuts out many other potential good players. Remember many good players already played at PDA and were not happy btw and left PDA making sour grapes with Mike
September 26, 2017 at 2:55 PM

I'm out. I don't want to change the norm.

PS. Boys or Girls it's the same conversation when it comes to recruitment.

Anonymous said...

Rutgers going strong

2-9-1 overall

0-6-0 conference

Anonymous said...

You mean PDA going weak...

Anonymous said...

Men NOT women. The womens program is strong.

Anonymous said...

Forget Rutgers, how embarrassing is our National Team? I almost want to pull my kid out of the sport! Trinidad and Tobego??? And Arena says no changes need to be made...what a clown!

Anonymous said...

The Rutgers's coach's days may be numbered but so are Bruce Arena's. Who will go first?

Anonymous said...

If results matter, both. Arena is gone regardless, it was decided months ago.

Anonymous said...

I think the PDA feeder into RU is securing the Coaching staff's future.

Anonymous said...

Rutgers just added GERRY MCKEOWN from PDA to their coaching staff this year. So that is now 2 PDA coaches on the Rutgers staff.

Anonymous said...

Pretty smart move. They will be great scouts with deep knowledge of and exposure to academy players.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of PDA, does anyone else firmly believe it’s time for Gerson Echeverry of Seton Hall to go? He hasn’t had a winning season in 6 years at SHU. Embarrassing for a Big East program. They need a new coaching staff if they want to become a winning side once again. Gerson as an alumni should realize this and resign himself if he really loves the school he once played for. No shame, he should do it for those young men.

Anonymous said...

Gerson clearly should be gone. Makes Rutgers look like they know what they are doing when it comes to recruiting. His ability to talk to potential student athletes is poor at best. He does have a lot going against him though, the school itself is not a hotbed of intellectual talent and their soccer facility is one of the worst I have seen. Location sucks, need I go on.

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness Gerson is terrible. Forget his resumé and his playing career. Not being able to have a winning season with Seton Hall is a disgrace. Their facilities were actually just redone and it is top of the line, so no excuses there for not bringing in good talent. Also nothing against it but he does bring in an obscene amount of foreigners. Most winning teams (aside from Rutgers lol) tend to have a team mainly of American kids. Just food for thought. His lack of ability to win games in my opinion falls back on the AD, Pat Lyons. A smart AD would get rid of him before 6 losing seasons turns into 16.

Anonymous said...

How about the RU freshmen starting to take over.

Anonymous said...

Seton Hall coaches are horrendous lol. I just looked at their season so far...tied St Peters, embarrassing defeats to Marquette, Providence and Georgetown. They only beat the easy teams, and just barely! I thought Gerson was supposed to rebuild that program, guess not though. That school needs new coaches for that team ASAP!!

Anonymous said...

^^^ Looks like the SH coach found a new gig after all...

Anonymous said...

Gerson and Vincent were both at the Cedar Stars vs DC United u18/19 scouting game on Sunday night. A school like Seton Hall with all their resouces who play on good conference should be able to have a better team. Rutgers Newark and Rowan due a better job scouting in state.

Side note, Stevens, St. John's and Hartford were also there.

Anonymous said...

So SH was there, they still do a poor job of speaking to recruits. They acted as if they dont care.

Anonymous said...

The tri-state plus PA is a hotbed for soccer players and these coaches still do such a bad job recruiting, what a shame.

Anonymous said...

Maybe it's a case of the best players don't want to go to Seton Hall or Rutgera. I know that those schools weren't at the top of my son's list when he was applying to schools. It's not just about attracting players to the soccer program.

Anonymous said...

True, who would want to play in the Big 10 or the Big East, what a waste of time.

Anonymous said...

You really think there are top players jumping at the opportunity to play on the worst team in the big ten league at a university that's in a not so desirable area? Student athletes consider school and team.

Anonymous said...

Ummm, yes. Go ask them, go recruit, it really is not that difficult of a sell.

Anonymous said...

Ummm If you were a college coach you would know that recruiting athletes is an involved process not as simple as you seem to think.

Anonymous said...

Finally, SHU makes the needed change. Oh,btw, it is a simple process. Communicate, be honest, and sell the programs future. He did NONE of that.

Anonymous said...

Completely agree with 11:05

Anonymous said...

Many of the players that moved on to college ball this year have had their seasons end, some are still in but for the most part the season is ending. Did he/she make the right choice in schools?
Did they get the soccer experience they thought they would?
Any surprises?
Did they determine soccer is not that important anymore and are leaving?
Transfer in their future?

Anonymous said...

My son plays D3, what I saw was 1) there are some really talented players out there and 2) there are some players out there that make you shake your head.
He received a lot of gear and stuff he can keep which I was surprised at and I think the routine and schedule helped him get his grades to a very good level. Lots of travel, I would not want him to have to board a plane and miss classes for days at a time so that worked out well.

Anonymous said...

D3 is fine. Why not. And I agree you have the top like 4-5 players that most likely could have gone DI or DII. But many, many times it is about the money and the way the player and parents approached it. I know a goal keeper, he is not really in shape, not that good, just good enough lets say. But, got a 50% scholarship to a good DII school. And it was a cheaper school so worked out real well and Junior now. If my kid gets a DIII full scholarship, academic of course, based on soccer, why not?

Anonymous said...

What does that mean? Academic scholarship based on soccer? Does that exist?

Anonymous said...

@1.26
It sounds like you think playing D3 is somehow beneath playing D1 or D2.
D3 is a better choice for some who put their education first and it's not about money or the way parents and players approach college coaches. To each his own!

Anonymous said...

Yes D3 gives money for sports, they just do not "word" it that way. You might be surprised the scholarships that are available and that your son or daughter might get if they want them enough. Most schools have scholarships available with loopholes in them so they can give them to almost anyone.

Anonymous said...

My son's friend received 60% of his school paid for on a DIII school, because of soccer. Receiving money for playing sports in DIII happens all the time.

Anonymous said...

The money potential at the DIII level was a real revelation for me when my son was looking for a school. While speaking to a DIII coach from a VERY expensive school I told him that, realistically, I didn't think we could possibly fit them into our budget even with a healthy academic scholarship. His reply was not to worry about that as he would be sure money was not an issue. I still don't know exactly how far he could have gone as my son concluded it wasn't the right school for him soon thereafter. But something makes me think the coach was very serious about this.

Anonymous said...

They are serious. Bringing in a player that would not ordinarily go to that school is important to the bottom line. It also acts as marketing for the school as their name gets out to the HS the player comes from. Many, many loopholes in giving out money and the beauty of D3 is that it can NOT say it is sports related so they can NOT take that money away if you quit.

Anonymous said...

For anyone who has been through this process they will tell you that you can get alot of money from a D3 school. Much more from D3 then D1 from what I saw. D2 was weird and the schools in this area are not enticing so stayed away from that.

Anonymous said...

My daughter had interest from various schools at the three levels, she did not pursue the local D1's who showed interest and was more heavily recruited at the D2 and D3 levels, the D2 schools often indicated that the lower tuition and high application rate made it difficult to provide too much "assistance". The D3 schools (3 of them) each provided enticing up front assistance packages. My daughter chose the school that provided the best option for her major with the best coach for her personality. We would not have even considered the school previously based on initial tuition costs. I believe the local interest from higher division schools plus the in conference interest helped with her final offer.

Anonymous said...

They would not have had any idea that she had interest from other schools, unless you/she told them. With that being said, the coach would not have taken that seriously anyway because parents always say their child has D1 interest. Please define interest. They replied to your email?

Anonymous said...


Hay 10:00

I bet you are one of dads on the sideline telling everyone who would listen that your kid will get a D1 full ride. Sounds like you are justifying why your D1 caliber player all of sudden "chose" to play D3. Make whatever excuse you want buddy. #saveface

I will wait for your reply when you say "Education is more important" and how you "...never brag on the sideline."

Save it! We have been listing to pompous wind bags like you for too long. Next you will say she turned down Stanford and Duke because they didn't have her major.

Anonymous said...

Hay 10:29

I don't think that is what he was saying.

I believe he was merely trying to tell the story of what happened with his Daughters situation.

Anonymous said...

11:16 Correct.

D1 runs the gamut of really good teams as well as marginal to really poor (all divisions have the same bandwidth).

10:29 - Never talked recruiting on the sidelines, never boasted about D1 interest. The interest that she received was direct conversations with her club coach and the college coach after showcase games and some league games. Stanford was not in the mix, it was 3 local schools so the soccer was good but the perceived $$ and upper classman in her position would most likely made it difficult to see playing time first 2 years. I think you may be the person you are describing and realizing that the clock is ticking and the offers you hoped for did not come, of you steered your kid to the program you wanted for bragging rights and they are not seeing the playing time.

I believe I provided a frank and honest response to the question. We all start out with high expectations (especially seeing interest at u15) but eventually we realize the game of recruiting and the importance of education value and soccer value. My daughter had the opportunity to go to a very good school at a lower tuition because of her drive and perseverance. I have also learned that you don't make yourself better by making someone else less. Hopefully you will be able to work out your situation and loose some of the bitterness you are harboring.

Anonymous said...

My son has interest from a few high academic DI schools (and yes we are looking at both education and soccer) and it is funny how these coaches have already told my son that with his grades and scores he will have no problem getting into the school. One school has already put out an offer without us even sending them any proof of his academics accolades. Until now I had only heard about how much power these coaches have, but now going through the process with my son, I can say it is all true. Let's not forget the fact that they were already finding ways to talk to him as a sophomore. At the end of the day, if your son/daughter can play, the money will be there, whether it is from academics or sports.

Anonymous said...

D1, D2, or D3 who cares? Hopefully soccer will pay for the real prize, a good education! You win if a school gives you money (academic or athletic) to play a sport that you still love. Great if you like the coach and your teammates. Even better if the team is successful. Unless you plan to play past college, it doesn't matter.

I agree with 10:29 Just stop the bragging and boasting on the sidelines because we don't really care. I have heard people like you saying D1 this and D1 that for way too long. I will go crazy if I have to hear it again this weekend! Talking loud to the person next to you so we have to hear it counts too!

Anonymous said...

1:11 is another bitter parent whose kid is not going to the school where daddy and mommy wanted him too, either because the money was not right or the kid was not good enough. Stop hating and just enjoy your kid's game at Centenary College.

Anonymous said...

No, that's an honest parent saying who cares and I agree. These kids are young adults and all the helicopter parents should back off and all the youth coaches should go back to coaching their youth teams.

Anonymous said...

1:43 - I kinda agree. I was at the EDP tournament this past weekend and a dad on the sidelines of a 3rd level down match was talking about his daughter looking at offers from USC and UCLA, PLAYERS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY EAGLES (NJ) I am thinking that's a bit of a stretch.

Anonymous said...

1:43

I don't believe that was the case here on this blog.

Anonymous said...

If money is what you want, work on the grades. Soccer and grades = lots of $ with the D3 schools. Much more $ then the D1 schools can offer (speaking to the masses of course)

Anonymous said...

2:14 agree. getting mass e-mails about camps and interest is not true interest. it's fishing; casting a wide net to grab a bunch of fish; a few are ones you keep; most you toss back. were those coaches even at the event?

Anonymous said...

USC and UCLA were not at and never will be at an EDP event. The list of regional D2 all americans was released for mens soccer. 90-95% of those listed were from overseas. Good luck finding a school that you like, that wants you, that you will play at. If you are a very good player and you are ok sitting on the bench and maybe playing a few minutes here and there then you could be in good shape. Get the grades and go to a school that will help you in your future.

Anonymous said...

My son's friend who is an excellent player, was recruited by Syracuse and didn't play that much. He dropped out and is now playing in Sweden. So there is certainly no guarantee of playing time.

Anonymous said...

You don't see all these international players on the women's side. That says a lot about why the recruitment process starts earlier for girls and why their is more scholarship money available.

Anonymous said...

Going through the recruiting process, some D1, no D2 and many D3. D3 offers include money (albeit no specific soccer money, I know he would not get it otherwise). D1 money is all for SAT's and the maybe/promise of soccer money somewhere down the road. Is it common to actually receive this "promise" money?

Anonymous said...

Seton Hall has hired a new coach, with that say goodbye to spots for NJ and US players. Over half of his current roster is from overseas.

Anonymous said...

Seton Hall could not get anybody else but a DII coach. I just hope he makes the program better.

Seton Hall and Rutgers, are good academic Universities and they should be attracting better student-athletes, from the state and surroundings, which currently they are not. Look at the roster for St. Johns, Fordham, Laffayet just to name a few and they are filled with New Jersey talent.

parajumers jacka said...

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Anonymous said...

Yeah, Lafayette has a great team and record LOL

Anonymous said...

So because you are a coach of a team that plays at a different level you cant progress to a higher level? In your world, no one would ever get promoted.

Anonymous said...

We are talking about how to make Seton Hall a better program and is this Coach the right coach for Seton Hall. No one is questioning this coach's resume.

Also, since NJ is a hotbed for soccer, so why are NJ players going out of state.

Anonymous said...

Bill Belicheck was just an assistant.

Anonymous said...

I'm all for keeping NJ talent in NJ but if a player has a good offer to play for an out of state college, go for it!

Anonymous said...

2:47
That is a fair comment, but I don't think the in-state schools are doing enough to keep these players and that is what a couple of the posters above are saying.

Anonymous said...

Of course they are not. It does them NO good to have a team of NJ players. It looks like they dont care about recruiting the best and Rutgers has proven to all that is doesnt work.

Anonymous said...

Some time back here I read a post saying there were no DII schools that are good from an academic perspective. And while I'd agree that a lot of them lack in this regard, I would say there are exceptions. I just took a look at Forbe's Best 382 College list and picked out a number of DIIs. Here in the NE are Assumption, St. Anselem, St. Michaels (VT), New Haven and Le Moyne (and I probably missed some). So while not plentiful, they're there.

And regarding the recent posts about how there no money in DII, we had a very different experience. My son ended up at a DII and a pretty decent chunk money was the primary reason.

Anonymous said...

9:23
As long as you are happy with where your son is going that is all that matters.

I personally would not send my son to a DII school, at least not around here. There are so many DI and DIII schools that are academically better.

In NJ we have Caldwell, Bloomfield, Felician and Georgian Court as for DII schools which does not give you lot's of choices academically.

Anonymous said...

Of course there is money with D2 schools, in fact quite a bit. They have to give it out because most don't want to go to those schools in the first place.

Anonymous said...

True that. But there is also money in the DIII schools, they just don't say it is athletic money.

I know a few kids who are going to DIII schools who have received money for soccer.

Anonymous said...

In fact, the most money is in D3. Does not say soccer but it is very obvious when you get it. It also does NOT go away if you decide soccer isnt for you anymore.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the local lads who made the TDS Top 100 Freshman and Upperclassman list.

Anonymous said...

At Disney this year. Interested to see what college coaches show up.

Anonymous said...

They will ALL be there. Whether or not they are at your games depends on which flight you are in.

Anonymous said...

They were all at the Academy Winter Showcase a few weeks ago. The turn out of coaches at every game was good. At least 20 coaches per game. I am sure it will be the same as the Disney Cup. Good luck to all attending the Disney Cup.

Anonymous said...

If a player invites a coach to watch his game and gives him all the details, the coach will probably come. The flight isn't that important.

Anonymous said...

Sorry but that is only for schools that need players. The top schools do not just run around for Johnie.

Anonymous said...

At a top showcase? The coach's job is to run around to look for good players. Teams don't matter anymore, players do.

Anonymous said...

What teams aren't looking for players? That's why they're at the show case.

Anonymous said...

The USSDA tournament is a top showcase where the entire college coaching staff will be present to maximize identification of players. Disney will get a lot of coaches as well. Typically it is only one coach. I agree that the child's contact with the coaches will get them to attend if there is a need for that position in their class year. College teams usually has a roster of 27-30 players so they will have lots of holes to fill. There is a place for kids at the next level. They will find the right fit, just be patient.

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

At this point, if you are a senior, and you have to be patiently awaiting a coach to want you.......... well that kind of says it all.

Anonymous said...

7:20
While I do agree with that statement, you have to keep in mind that there are some late commitments.

I know a few players on my son's team that are still talking to a few coaches, why they are late in the game I don't know.

Anonymous said...

Wanted to share my thoughts on the Boys ECNL Showcase in Florida this past week. The fields were poor. Very few coaches at each event with the majority from small D3 schools. If this is how the first tournament they run looks then I'm not expecting much from the league.

Anonymous said...

It will not matter what tournaments you do, you will always find the smaller schools there but the real D1 teams really don't go. Play academy and you will have your pick. It will not matter if your son is 10x better playing on a top club team, the colleges look for academy players.

Anonymous said...

That is not entirely true. CSA kids are having difficulties finding D1 programs once you get past the top 6 players.

Anonymous said...

12:46

I have to disagree with that comment. My son's friend plays for CSA and I have been to some of their games and based on what my frined told me and the little I have heard while at the games, I know that 2017 CSA class had several players commit to D1. The upcoming 2018 class already has a few players committed to D1 and bunch more still talking to D1 coaches, plus 1 player from the class of 2019 already has a couple of offers to D1. You also have a couple of players who are supposed to moving to Europe to play over there. So I don't know if that is only 6 players.

If you are comparing CSA's numbers against the local competition (PDA, Union, RB and let's not forget Match Fit) yes their number is the lowest.


Anonymous said...

As for the ECNL tournament not at all surprised that few coaches attended. Colleges have budgets for recruiting. They are all at the USSDA event and then after that many are at Disney. If ECNL thinks they are going to come back a few weeks later to see that tournament they are kidding themselves.

Anonymous said...

I was at the USSDA Winter event and a lot of schools had their whole coaching staff there (2-3 coaches). So I can see them not attending the ECNL boys event.

Anonymous said...

"Patrick Hobbs is going 'all in' on his Rutgers coaching hires" Title of an NJ.com article. Now isn't it time that Rutgers hires a new Men's soccer coach??? Only 2 winning seasons since 2010!!!

Maybe a new face brings in new blood, which in turns brings new life to a struggling team.

Anonymous said...

Donigan is not going anywhere for some reason. Rutgers men’s soccer is a failing program. Like most US Soccer. The team seems composed of the kind of pay to play, suburban rich kid model that unfortunately dominates US Soccer and guarantees it will fail until a sea change is made in what communities kids are drawn from to compete at the highest levels. In virtually every other country, Soccer is the sport of the working or the working poor to the degree that the top clubs and national scouts directly recruit from raw talented youth playing in those kinds of communities. The paying a personal trainer thousands of dollars a year is maybe a fraction instead of the norm. College soccer here, especially D1 seems to reflect this situation of the rich getting richer. How many D1 soccer scholarships go to kids who come from wealthy families and have enjoyed the financial benefits of getting all the preparation and access they need through $. Of course there are exceptions and there is certainly passion and hard work in the mix too, but when the vast majority of your youth pool of players come out of this kind of privileged dynamic, it’s easy to see how it is difficult for the quality of play to reach a high level.

Anonymous said...

Too bad only the rich will read this as they can afford computers.

Anonymous said...

Guess it's safe to say your not happy with your decision to go to Rutgers...

Anonymous said...

Obama created a free smart phone program so everyone has the power to read his/her post. Rutgers cut a bunch of kids and started a majority of freshman this past season. It will take time but if Rutgers doesn't win this coming season, he's gone.

Anonymous said...

Doubt it. He has friends in high places but he really should recruit better.

Anonymous said...

It seems like the pda connection might be buying Donigan extra time. The AD must think that it is a well of talent that RU would lose out on if Donigan and staff are fired. It seems strange that college coaches can work at academy level too, but I guess that is NCAA policy.

Anonymous said...

That’s funny. Alot of people at pda aren’t very happy with those Rutgers coaches who work at pda—well one of them in particular. At least that seemed to be the case from a lot of what I heard when my son was there last year.

Anonymous said...

PDA May be on girls/women too, but is certainly on boys/mens. Look at ru men’s coaching staff and then look at pda boys.

Anonymous said...

Look at the roster. Bottom line is Rutgers winds up taking those players and families that will only accept D1. It is a last resort for many of their players, again many who will never see the field.

Anonymous said...

To 3:15. I had a great time at Rutgers and was very happy with my decision to go there. I didn’t go for soccer though. My comments are just from my observations of the program as an RU fan and as a follower of the game more broadly. I don’t have sour grapes, just sharp critique.

Anonymous said...

I get what you're saying. US Soccer is very frustrating. Poor coaching everywhere, especially from the college coaches who played soccer in the 80's and will never change. I know of a young man who came here (on a full scholarship of course)to play college soccer. He came from Ireland where he played top level soccer in his country. The first thing his US coaches do is try to re-teach him to play in the US style. It seems to me that the US "style" is booting the ball forward. It may be ugly but as long as we get a win, anything goes.

Anonymous said...

If Top Drawer soccer is correct, Rutgers just got 2 new transfers. The starting keeper from UCLA (former PDA player) and a Midfielder from St. John's (former Match Fit player).

The question is??? If you are starting for UCLA for 2 seasons why would you want to transfer to Rutgers?

At this point, why would anyone want to transfer to Rutgers!!!

Anonymous said...

Maybe they want to play in NJ, where they are from.

Anonymous said...

10:12

LMAO!!!

Anonymous said...

My son has started researching various college teams and we're surprised at the high number of foreign players on rosters. This seems to be the case with mostly D1 schools but it occurs on D2 and D3 as well. Is there a limit to the number of roster spots a coach can give out to foreign players? I think MLS teams are limited to a certain number.

Anonymous said...

LMAO GET USED TO IT

Anonymous said...

Jan 29 4:45

Why are you worried about the international players. If your kid is good enough he will be recruited.

Anonymous said...

10:39 you are wrong. There are many schools that dont even pretend to look at US players because they bring kids over from the coaches country of origin. Many US players have to do the marketing themselves and unless you come from an academy you will have a tough road ahead of you. This doesnt mean that you are not as good, it just means you have to fight for the chance to even get a chance.

Anonymous said...

My kid is not having a problem and neither is some of his team-mates. My kid has been recruited by all 3 divisions and even has offers already. My son's former team has 7 kids committed already.

Again, if your kid is good enough he will be recruited. You need to let your son's game speak for itself!!! Worrying about who is on the roster will do you no good.



Anonymous said...

Question: What responsibility does the club your child play in the recruitment process?


Anonymous said...

Playing in college has as much to do about marketing and promotion as being a good player. If the club is not dong it, the parent has to do it, so you better worry about those roster spots. There's a lot of competition for them. especially when 50% are going to international players.

Anonymous said...

Their responsibility should be to explain and guide the player and parents in the right direction. They should also be able to put you in contact with some college coaches and etc... Some clubs will have a college recruiting coordinator position, who is usually a designated coach, other clubs will pay a person or company to do that job.

Some clubs like Match Fit, do a very good job marketing their players' other clubs don't even care about recruiting.

In any case, marketing your kid is the best avenue you can take, even if your club has a college recruit coordinator. Any work you and your kid put in will help tremendously.

I have helped a few buddies of my mine with their kid's situation, and how I did it was explaining to them my situation and what I have gone through to get my kid noticed, I have also guided them in the right direction as some of them had no idea what to do and I have also given them some information to read and in some cases have even written e-mails for them.

Anonymous said...

Many at MatchFit disagree with that comment. Yes, they advertise when a player commits. One kid on my sons team committed to Rutgers. They advertised it all over social media and the kid had just joined MatchFit but they took credit. Besides a college coach running a college 101 night they don't do much. It falls on the player. I think for the money clubs charge, they should do more. Some clubs have cut sheets on the team (name, age, position, grades, etc. of all the players they handout to coaches.) Clubs should do more.

Anonymous said...

Well, the impression outside of Match Fit is that they do a great job since most of the players end up committing somewhere.

Regarding taking credit, all clubs do that. PDA takes credit for the freshman phenom that played at Indiana and we all know he was already committed when he was playing at SDFC.

Academy teams are not any better if the player does not market himself he or she is not going anywhere.

Anonymous said...

Academy teams don't always have the best players but that seems to be the view of college coaches. If a player doesn't play USSDA or played high level in another country, a player/parent needs to do extra work.

Anonymous said...

C'mon 8:31am, they committed every kid on the '98 team to play college soccer somewhere. They have a division 3 college coach who is their college coordinator and he is very well connected with college coaches in all divisions. College coaches are a fraternity and I know for a fact that he works hard to get kids seen by coaches. We had an intra-squad scrimmage that was attended by about 20 coaches. If he can't get a kid committed it isn't for a lack of effort. Let's keep it real.

Anonymous said...

That particular MF team did a great job of getting their players to colleges. Having someone set up matches specifically for coaches to come watch is simple and needed. Not sure why more do not do it.

Anonymous said...

That group was the last to go thru when they were a DA Academy

Anonymous said...

There is about 12 kids from '99/'00 team committed this year too. 2018 graduates.

Anonymous said...

The 98/99 years for boys NJ soccer was top of the line. MANY players moved on to play in college, all levels. I have coached in NJ for many years and I do not remember a stronger year. MUCH stronger than the 99/00 year we are now in. Yes, 99/00 has some very good players but the depth of the 98/99 makes it much stronger.

Anonymous said...

Feb 1, 3:15

I agreed with you 100%. I have also coached in NJ, and there were so many good teams and talented players in the 99/98 age group.

From the top ranked SDFC, Marlton, MF, Stronghold, Holmdel, SJEB, TSF even the teams that were ranked in the teens like NJ Stallions, Hudson United, Ridgefield Strikers, East Brunswick, and that early Ironbound team.

Anonymous said...

You failed to mention a team that won 4 state championships and a National title in that list which only shows more so how strong a group that age group was.

Anonymous said...

Great point. I did forget that one team. That sums it up!!!

Anonymous said...

Is it true that SDFC's former player who went to Indiana State was drafted by MLS? SDFC should be proud of developing that player!

Anonymous said...

11:36
Yes, that is correct, but he to went to Indiana, not Indiana State.

Anonymous said...

Good luck to him. Indiana will miss him. It'll be interesting to see how
he does in MLS.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully, he will be one of the ones that can make the transition from college to the MLS. Very few college players can.

Anonymous said...

leaving a free education to make 50k in the MLS? Really?

Anonymous said...

He'll make 50K now, but all he needs to do is one year then come back to PDA as a coach and make 100K off idiot parents who'll pay anything...

Anonymous said...

Most parents would certainly want their son to complete his degree before entering the MLS but it's the player's decision.

Anonymous said...

Since he attended Indiana for a semester he can always go back if the pros don't work out. Also, if I am correct, he signed a Generation Adidas contract, which entitles him to a free college scholarship should his pro career not go as planned.

Anonymous said...

That sounds great, glad to hear it. Best of luck. To the poster who thinks a PDA coach makes 100k, well you don't know what you are talking about.

Anonymous said...

When the MLS signed the deal with the online university, SNHU, Adidas stopped the tuition clause of the agreement. Now anyone in MLS can get a degree online. It makes it crazy that a kid leaves Indiana, Wake Forest, Georgetown and the like to give up that degree for an online university.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't call it crazy. He's lucky to be where he is and he has worked hard for this opportunity. College isn't for everyone.

Anonymous said...

If you knew the kid, you would know that college is for him. He is a great kid, has a bright future but to make it in the pro's you have to be the elite of the elite.

Anonymous said...

This is what he wants. He has talent and drive. I say go for it. Red Bulls have a 19 yr. old who's a success. Who's to say this kid couldn't also find success. Good luck to him!

Anonymous said...

He was taken 7th in the 1st round. I gotta think the team that drafted him knows a bit more about soccer than we do. Any kid would have a tough time turning that down. I wish him the best.

Anonymous said...

Let's talk 2018 commitments, would love to see where players are going.

Anonymous said...

St John's, Duke, LaSalle, James Madison, Princeton, St Joe's, Stevens, UConn, West Point, UPenn, Rutgers Colgate, Conrnell just to name a few.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I can list schools too.

Anonymous said...

Have to admit it was a fairly dumb question for the blog. Go to club websites to see their players or topdrawer soccer for lists for each school. Twitter isn't a bad place to go. Hope you weren't looking for a parent to individually share where their son or daughter is going.

Anonymous said...

That list does say something about NJ youth soccer. Our state is a hotbed for soccer and also the kids here are very smart.

Anonymous said...

Also, there are many wealthy parents who don't mind paying outrageous fees and travel expenses so their children can enjoy club soccer and can afford to pay huge tuition bills for their children's college education.

Anonymous said...

It is not that difficult to say you are going to a school and that the coach wants you to play soccer. All coaches will allow you to join the team, does not mean they keep you. Before you question it, it happens every year.

Anonymous said...

True statement above. My sons team has 5 players that came in this year, all of which swear they were heavily recruited. It means nothing if you can not show it on the pitch, and I am sure they think they did yet they got limited to no play time at all. They will now leave to find greener pastures.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if that father still takes video at all games?

Anonymous said...

Does anyone else find it surprising that college coaches are more interested in a player's interest than his skill?

Anonymous said...

I meant to say a college coach is more interested in fitness than skill.

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Anonymous said...

Coaches use fitness as a tool to see who cared over the summer.

Anonymous said...

I can understand a coach wanting his players to be fit. That's a must. But telling your players that if they don't run 5 miles in 30 minutes they won't make the team is a bit much. I think it shows that they value physical strength and fitness above skill. Not all coaches feel this way but many do.

Anonymous said...

What school requires that time?

Anonymous said...

probably more than one.

PKR Jr said...

The things you learn in college football is where you idendify how good you are and can become in the future.

So start playing from very young age, all the best guys.

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Kevin Olali said...

Where are they now??? these college players are no where to be found on the international stage. all we have to do is look at the top young US players, all ranging from 18-20, neither having played in college. it`s almost as if the college system is built to keep players from playing at a high level internationally

Anonymous said...

Agreed. The best US players are choosing not to play in college. Just look at the US U17 team that had so much success in the World Cup earlier in the year. Most of those players have signed professional contracts.

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