Monday, January 14, 2019

U18 Girls Youth Soccer

This page is focused on Under 18 girls youth soccer, primarily in Region 1 and everyone is invited to post.

Teams face increased competition for the top players, (who are increasingly attending college showcases).

More teams consolidate and the best teams--academy soccer, club soccer and high school teams--battle to attract and retain the right player mix.

Stay tuned. This is bound to be good.

2,858 comments:

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Anonymous said...

12:19 - Sure that's understandable, when super sub is needed. I have seen maybe the same fantastic kid start against very, very tough teams and put in the only goal and others not even finish their runs and then subbed out. Cause set pieces, then subbed out. And have also seen it when there may be 1 sub and she gets taken out when some nicked or gassed left in. As you noted, phenom. Smart coaching i would think; leaves her in.

Anonymous said...

1209 There is no gripe. Focus on your kid. No one else. If you dont like the way the team is run, go elsewhere. I just hope that if your child is never in a situation where she is not the absolute best given that you think its fair game or gripe about other peoples performance or level.

I doubt there si anything in the agreement you signed that guarantees the level of other players or gives you the right to be critical of them

Anonymous said...

And, skin in the game is part of the success of the team as a whole. So all the kids no matter where they play have skin in the game; even those on the bench, if the bottom line is team success. Individuals I guess don't care about the rest of the team.

Anonymous said...

1234 Skin in the game? In youth sports ? this si the single biggest problem. Adults defining what the experience should be. It starts early and never stops.

The bottom line should be enjoyment and improvement for ALL That IS success.

Anonymous said...

Isn't that the problem. Focusing on your kid. If everyone focused on their kid, with clear eyes, then maybe some would have no gripe. Maybe they would take their kids to the correct teams at the correct levels. And, maybe they would expect their kids to hold themselves accountable.

I have watched too much griping on the field but sometimes the griping kids are the ones that need to hold themselves accountable. See, wouldn't that be better.

Anonymous said...

12:40 - didn't the post say that it should be about the team not individuals? Individuals don't care about the team as a whole. But, i guess you said it so much better.

Anonymous said...

12:22

I wanted to watch her play and enjoy a break. Will return after she is done playing college. Actually started coaching her at U8 and decided to pursue the license as she grew up, stopped coaching her around 12 and took on a few boys teams. Now I train individually. Totally different dynamic.

My insight as a coach is a lot different then my insight as a parent. When I coached this age at boys there was some perception regarding where the kid wanted and could play. If I needed him in a specific role and he didn't "feel it" I would look to get him minutes but would also look for a kid who would fit that role. Some players can play anywhere with very little if any drop off. Some players are on the field for a specific purpose (Great at restarts or man marking). I communicated with my players. Set rosters after the last practice of the week and encouraged players to respectively challenge my decisions. 2 hr practices were often followed by an hour (15 minute per player) of player meetings. I did not deal much with parents but did have an open door policy, the process I established was if a parent had a question they needed to include their son in the conversation. I wanted no hearsay or whisper down the lane.

And as far as a "daddy/mommy coach" evaluating their daughter's team mates, really not a good idea, there are a lot of factors that come into a coaches decision for playing time and a very small % for a DA/ECNL level coach is nepotism or self financial benefit.
1a) Ability
1b) attitude
1c) Team concept
Other factors: getting a player time to evaluate in different scenarios, helping a player find a better level team, getting back from injury, scouts at the game. And yes, there were some kids I just thought deserved to be on the field because of their personality.

Anonymous said...

1230
We apparently see the game a bit differently.

Anonymous said...

1230 There are several aspects at play here. She is very successful in her role. The coach is maximizing her success and if you can't see that maybe you should understand that your level of observation may not be at the same as the coaches'.

Anonymous said...

@12:32 - so are you saying that kids in other levels of play in a club that are not top shouldn't move up and that top level players shouldn't move down and play at the appropriate level, if that is warranted. Sometimes kids collapse under pressure. Maybe if less pressure more success. Kind of like major leagues and minor leagues. Just a suggestion.

Anonymous said...

12;59 - maximizing success? Isn't that up to the player to define?

Anonymous said...

@1:20-
interesting stuff going on here reading some of the posts.
Sounds like things are already scripted out; no game time changes or variations. That sounds stagnant, right? Pigeon holed already.

Anonymous said...

@120
no way

Anonymous said...

@127 Probably wrong conclusion. @1219 I am guessing you are being overly generous and there is probably more to the story.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha love it. People on here think that coaches dictate a player's success. Not the player. Not the player doing the work or add'l work, the coach, right? Not the player going to add'l trainings, the coach, right? Not the player pushing herself, just the coach, right? So once a forward always a forward or once a middle always a middle?

Guess development has stopped. Didn't get the memo on that one. I coach differently.

Anonymous said...

1:40 - i'm not on that team, but I'm pretty sure I know of this kid. And, yep, it's spot on. I hope she is looking. I know our club would love to have her. I have been reaching out for a few years.

Anonymous said...

1:49
sometimes a coach in any sport can prevent or hinder a player's success. That's not good.

Anonymous said...

This rumor was mentioned earlier - now it's official:

NCAA Establishes Recruiting Dead Period

Disney & ECNL Sanford rescheduled.

Anonymous said...

In case your browser doesn't show it, the "NCAA Establishes..." is a link to the article.

Anonymous said...

Yipee. Holidays at home or with relatives. Thank you NCAA.

Anonymous said...

12:19 - i am not sure about your kid's team, but on my kid's team we have players that have off days and not. So in your words switch off and on. All kids have a switch on and off day or two. And, most times it's more than one player and sometimes there are a handful of them on the field.

It's a team sport, you can hide in a team sport and take off plays here and there. Not recommended, but it happens.

That is why I like individual sports as far as athleticism and heart; you can't hide. Everybody sees you have a good day and a bad day. You touch the pool last; you cross the finish line last; you don't land the vault; you don't get the perfect splash; you are left out there. And, then you collect yourself, are accountable to yourself, and then, do it again, better.

The gamers come back.

Anonymous said...

248 thats true in all sports, just more obvious in some than others

Anonymous said...

12:48 - seems like teams could use you now. Good for you to give back to a sport you love. Good luck to you and your daughter on her next soccer adventure.

Anonymous said...

10;14 - i didn't read anywhere where the posts said the subs were significantly worse. Why would you make that assumption? I didn't read anywhere where it had to do with another kid coming on or that player's level. It had to do with taking one kid off that according to posts is pretty good and not putting her elsewhere on the field as a continued threat. But, maybe I misread.

Anonymous said...

317 - true, but not all are accountable to themselves. big difference. individual sports; can't cast blame. you own it. team sports; others get the blame; not necessarily individually accountable. Can't progress without it.

Anonymous said...

414 ...you can - Coaches, parents etc etc. But I agree with you. Am important phase of my child's soccer developments was/is learning NOT to make excuses and to focus on her own performance in the context of the team as opposed to the other things.

Once you do this honestly, you can play for losing teams and develop very well.

More pressure, more responsibility, harder situations to attempt to overcome.

Parents overvalue winning and undervalue the lessons you can learn by losing and then being HONEST with yourself. There are many poor performances on winning teams and areas where poor play is overlooked becasue the team wins.

Anonymous said...

agreed. good games are what most want to see. even well fought losses against good teams most will take.

Anonymous said...

4;27
funny. didn't think of it but you are right. coaches, parents, etc. can progress without individual accountability. they should be in the mix as well.

Anonymous said...

@9:55
if you are surrounded by people you don't want to be surrounded by, as an adult, you have other options. As a child, not so much.

Anonymous said...

12:32 - oh right because this is the blog of snowflakes. seriously? people on here are critical all the time. Someone is venting about maybe a team that was supposed to be really good and sucked them in. That is why you should go to a practice or two before spending big bucks on this stuff.

Everybody's team is great if they want your kid. After you show up for practice, it may be significantly different.
I'm not a fan that there is a silent acceptance of a spot after try-outs, too. Why not let you know who is on the roster or has an acceptance out there for approval? How can you give an informed answer if you don't know.

Try-outs for next season while league play progresses; blind roster acceptances, etc. Who is running this show? Certainly not the paying parents. Would anyone accept less from their cable company (here, say you will take our product and I'll let you know what you get). These are your kids. surreal.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree!!!!
I this is allowed, they will continue to do it!
I've heard that, when asked, some coaches say they can't reveal the roster!!! wtf

Anonymous said...

@149 the comment was doesn't the player DEFINE success. Not DICTATE success.

Anonymous said...

Not sure what you are addressing, but don't they do both. At least that is how we teach our kids. They define where they want to go, their work ethic, how they carry themselves, how hard they want something. They also have a part in dictating it as well (the above) as well as making good or bad choices, choosing one club over another, choosing one school over another, etc.
Tomato tomAto.

Anonymous said...

New dead period will certainly create some interesting changes this year. Disney moving to Thanksgiving will give them a needed boost. Teams more apt to travel for Thanksgiving than Christmas holidays. The earlier recruiting opportunity at Disney may hurt ECNL players as more coaches may attend Disney without the ECNL conflict in play. Also heard the NPL Showcase may be folded into ECNL Showcase in January. Bethesda may suffer as teams select Disney as first choice. CASL is week after Disney, teams will probably pick 2 of the 3 to attend.

Anonymous said...

9:41 - i agree. kids should do both. It's their lives, their destiny, their future. THey need to take control of it. Those that let others define or dictate to them are just robots. Keep all koolaide away.

Anonymous said...

6 ish am and pm - you guys are spot on. it's complete bs. where else in business, because that is essentially what this is, okay? Would your customers accept this? Would your employees or you as an employee accept this (take the position and I'll tell you your salary/package after you accept)? We do have the control. They are our kids and our checks. When will the revolution start?

Anonymous said...

1027 revolution to get what? You know exactly what you are trying out for when you attend. Im not sure why other players have much of an impact. maybe you are expecting the wrong thing?

Anonymous said...

From my discussions with others, there is some bait and switch that goes on. Some kids go to different rosters. Some accept positions with other clubs. Coaches change even DOC's change.

Anonymous said...

Here's a scenario...how about if your daughter doesn't make the A team, is offered the B team. Your daughter then decides to leave club for better opportunity and the existing club is upset.
Hypocrite much?

Anonymous said...

Who cares if the existing club is upset?

Anonymous said...

shame. what happened? Is it the coach, the club, the other parents &/or the other kids?
don't look back. always look ahead.

Anonymous said...

Or perhaps the idea of a new toy?

Anonymous said...

11:42
Mostly coach
But club desperately trying to play catch up and recruit outside players

Anonymous said...

hate that crap, but sadly seems to be part of the journey anymore. plenty of good coaches out there; hope next one is more supportive of a kid that only wants to improve herself with a potentially better opportunity. they forget, it's a sport. good luck.

Anonymous said...

12:32 PM

Tough to jump clubs at this age. We did it last year and landed in a much better situation. We had an indication that things were changing with the team, the coach was not the greatest and the team split because of the age change which actually made it easier as others made the decision to leave the club as well. If your daughter was a "A" team player and was dropped to the "B" team, even the "B" team coach may think there is an issue and your daughter will either need to prove herself or sit. If she is welcomed by the "b" coach it could work out as far as playing time. It can come as a shock if you were not prepared. We saw it so were able to attend a few tryouts to have options.

Anonymous said...

Thanks y'all.
Yeah she/we didn't see it coming.
Many year starter and constantly talked to coach about her goals.

Anonymous said...

interesting discussions.
we have prom and graduation coming up. some kids not in graduation but part of ceremony for school due to offices held (student council, siblings, etc.). how do most teams handle these things in this soccer critical time of the year? some are not key spots and some are key players. Coach has left it up to them.
life isn't just soccer. we get that, but can't show up with only 10 kids either. we are kind of new to all of this soccer insanity. thank you

Anonymous said...

3:08 PM
You just play with 10 kids. Last weekend most of the teams in the area had to travel with very limited rosters. Work to make sure you don't schedule on the first two weekends in June or push to just play on Sunday. Happens all the time in girls soccer. Having had sons and daughters play they show up for the game and then the prom and sometimes they are getting ready in the car. Girls now have hair and make-up getting done and it's a really big deal. Huge deal for my daughter and most of the girls on her team. It can be an all day things which is shocking. Experienced girls coaches know that they have to roll with it, the prom is a big deal for girls. My sons didn't care, but to their dates it was a big deal.

Anonymous said...

i will pass along. t/y

Anonymous said...

Many talented players would love to guest

Anonymous said...

also great idea. t/y. much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

What about the fact that most teams/players know the tournament schedule ahead of time?
Where does commitment come in? In addition, coach can be given plenty of time to find guest players if players know they will start dropping off at the end of season.
It's been horrible on our team. the last few months.
Prom I understand...bday party absolutely not!!!

Panharith said...

Yes, PF has had great success recruiting talented players once they reach 14 or 15 years of age.


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Panharith said...

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Anonymous said...

6:52 - i think the bday party was a funny; i would think unless it's a very close out of town relative or friend who may be very sick (could be last one). some things get rescheduled throughout the year and times and locations may not be finalized until only days beforehand. hard to plan around the unknown. that is what sucks. should be deadlines as to when things finalized so people can plan, including practices. we are not on call for soccer.

Anonymous said...

agreed. so how many had the schedules and still signed kids up for SAT's instead of on a down day? Then, others were stuck either moving games or no shows. people only think of themselves and their kids. not how it affects the others.

Anonymous said...

Work SAT around soccer? Get a clue.

Anonymous said...

Why not? I know kids and families that did. it's called prior planning. mind blowing, yes i know.

Anonymous said...

News Flash! You daughter will not earn enough from Professional soccer to pay her mortgage. Remember education is always the priority, even when she plays in college. Soccer career is an ACL injury from being over.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the encouraging, positive post.
You must be a blast at a party!!

Anonymous said...

827 Please tell me any profession where that si guaranteed?

Anonymous said...

5:58 I agree! Especially when the schedule is out ahead of time. SATs are given many times throughout the year, so most times it can be avoided.

To the parent who said education comes first....duh! Obviously with things that can be avoided, but purposely planning something when that date had been given previously as one to keep open. No, I don't think that's fair.

Anonymous said...

Are you people that disturbed that you are blaming a players for missing a game to take the SAT? Maybe the player is attempting to reach a higher score to secure more Academic scholarship money, 20-40 points often means a difference of thousands of dollars. Maybe the players missed a deadline to apply, maybe the location of SAT was better for the student. This a point we as parents should never question.

Anonymous said...

11:03 - never question?? sorry, no. people have excuses for everything.
SAT's are important, very important although some schools don't even use them anymore. but when families put their child above the rest of a team in a team sport; then the parent is making it about them. plain and simple.
location convenience, getting a higher score all of that is great and legit, but it is still the player putting herself above her teammates. that is an excuse anyone can use unless they get a perfect score, including the kid who took it maybe not at a convenient location during down time so it did not affect her teammates.

Anonymous said...

11:28 i don't know the player but I will never question anything regarding education. If taking the test was legit i take it as important. Your priorities are out of sync.

Anonymous said...

9:50 here....I don't question them taking the test, but I do think it's usually avoidable and could have been handled differently.

Of course, they are more important than soccer BUT that doesn't mean a free pass should always be given. That same player could've not been bothered to take them the four+ months that they were offered and waited until the last one and had to take it bc it was the last one of the year. Personally, I don't really care when a player misses a game, but I don't think it's always an automatic acceptance. And I don't think others on the team should be inconvenienced to reschedule a game until late at night bc of it.

My player has taken the SATs twice and the ACTs once and managed to do that without missing a practice or game. She planned them around her schedule. Don't think that's really difficult. Usually. Although I do understand there are sometimes other issues that come into play, but for the most part, it is avoidable but some feel they are bigger than the whole...those are the ones that annoy me.

Anonymous said...

11:50 I don't think 11:26 priorities are out of sync. I think they expect a commitment and feels the whole teams should have that same commitment level. In a perfect world, yes. I don't know the player either, but I think there are many instances that some think they can do what they want without looking at things for the good of the team. I don't think they are saying the SATs aren't important. Just that it could've been avoided, like it was for the majority of others.

Anonymous said...

Commitment and accountability...2 words that are not used anymore nowadays.
Our job as parents to teach this. Period.
We all know that SATs are scheduled with plenty of notice.
End of story.

Anonymous said...

All of these issues sound much more like a club or team issue. It appears the club or coach has not laid out the expectations and ramifications for players. Before you blame the player it would be better to put the onus on the people who run the operation.

Anonymous said...

2:54 right on the mark. Sounds like this team is in disarray. Seems like the easy thing to blame the players and parents but I would bet the team has other problems. I'm sensing the team had a boatload of other things creating this attitude amongst the parents.

Anonymous said...

4:53 - well, that's a pathetic post. it had to do with a general thing. i don't think it was team or club specific. nothing says it is or was. love these people that infer what isn't in print, but keep spinning. do you hear footsteps all the time too?

Anonymous said...

Funny reading people talk about commitment as if showing up is it. Stop. Give whatever level of commitment YOU define. YOU are paying for a service. Use it as you see fit.

Anonymous said...

9:34 soccer is a TEAM sport so when YOU decide on your level of commitment it affects the TEAM. People with that perspective should do individual sports so as not to create an hole for the other 10,12,16 girls who understand team commitment

Anonymous said...

very true. btw - what schools need sat and act's anymore. my kid's only needed an sat and it's a tough academic environment. just wondering.
and, when is a good time to register for NCAA clearinghouse? should i wait for final grades from school year? and is this even used as there doesn't seem to be any recruiting done using it as a basis anymore?

Anonymous said...

703 - That philosophy is all good when you are actually representing a TEAM. College, HS, Pro - but Club soccer is not really that. Its a revolving door of players joining teams to get INDIVIDUAL EXPOSURE to attract College interest. There is no point pretending it is anything else. Thats what families are PAYING for.

So, however they choose to spend their money on and whatever they choose to get out of it is up to them. I have never believed that Club games matter much, so I really dont care if people dont show up because they have other things to do.

Anonymous said...

wow. i guess i am old fashioned, but i still believe in the team concept as does my daughter. if you are on a team you play for your team and do what you can to help your team.
do you play individually, of course, because it's your game, style and level of talent individually that blends well with the team and is what makes the team successful (not in record, solely, but as a unit), but it's about the team when you play for it.

while i like (and my kids have done/do) individual sports as well, but when playing for a team, you play for the team. that's what we preach in my household, anyway.

Anonymous said...

1039 - No one is stopping you from doing that. The point is you have no right to dictate that to others. Club soccer is not about the team no matter what people want to tell you. There is HGE variance in ability AND attitude to the game. Large variance in ability. Some kids are out there doing extra work to get better, others the bare minimum and there are NO repercussions .

The narrative thats its all about the team is frankly wishful thinking.

I just call it as is. Worry about whet you teach your kid and be happy with that.

I saw PDA lost to one of the bottom teams in the ECNL...Why ?

Anonymous said...

10:19 this is not a means to an end. Wow! That is such a selfish perspective. Learning commitment and being part of a team AT ANY LEVEL is such an important life skill. People like you are shaping the generation of the Future? Really? So you tell your daughter to do as she pleases in terms of showing up and that she is more important individually than the team she is a part of? Does she even enjoy the sport or is she just using it for the " ultimate goal"? Ew. I feel sorry for her if this is what you have taught and I hope you don't try out for my daughter's team

Anonymous said...

Why? Because it is soccer jackass! Not surprised at all that you would ask that question and it seems now there are several of us here that don't share your view on commitment .

Anonymous said...

1130. Not really. You miss the point- which is I dont care what OTHER people do. Its put to them to use the spot they are PAYING for any way they want. This thread seems to be about people telling OTHERS how to live their lives as to what to prioritize. Im telling you that Club soccer is nit that way because of the simple dynamic of PAYING for it vs being paid.

Stick to the topic and stop trying to tell me what I mean OR how I raise MY kids. That part is MY business and I leave others to do the same.

Anonymous said...

1133. I ask because i find it impossible to believe that a FULL STRENGTH PDA team could lose to that team. I asked because I wanted to know IF players were missing and if so, I would assume they prioritized something OVER soccer. Clear?

Save the insults, I really dont react to them.

Anonymous said...

Players on teams of that caliber do not get away with not showing up except due to injury or extenuating circumstances.

Anonymous said...

That bottom team as you call them is not that bad,And PDA is not that good,any giving day

Anonymous said...

350. You may be correct, but how many games have they lost in league play in the last 2 years ? I have no inside info but I guarantee players were missing. Proving once again that usually its DEPTH not top end QUALITY that allows teams to win a lot of games.

If the aims of so much of this is to stimulate and develop top end quality, we are not really doing it. Not sure DA will either.

Anonymous said...

Agree with you depth gets it done. Not many rosters have it. But, DA will play the best on the roster not everyone on the roster. Big difference.

Anonymous said...

But with the new DA clubs with NO proven record,cmon 4 of the new DA clubs come from EDP AND NPL,with out winning,it will take a few years to have the best.....ECNL still didn't have it after 4 years,the best 2 teams in NJ are NPL...

Anonymous said...

i hear ya, but i have no idea. however, if you think so, then try to get an emblem from US Soccer. if they don't think so, then i guess you have your answer.

Anonymous said...

9:44
us soccer annointed ECNL as top tier. not sure what you mean that they didn't get it right. their success shows they did which is why most top players flocked to it. i'm not an ECNL blind follower. it just is what it is. the numbers tell the story.

us soccer wanted more control in player development so they have now annointed GDA to be top tier. And have been advertising it at their NWSL games, US Soccer matches (she believes cup had a lot of marketing re GDA) and their websites. While some said it would not happen, it is. And The Federation is showing it's support.

It's a moving target anymore, but one thing has always proven correctly. As history has shown, when US Soccer supports it, it's been the place to go.

Anonymous said...

ECNL is US club soccer. DA is USYS. Two separate entities. So no, one entity is not dicatating this. They are battling and the players are caught in the middle. As for ECNL the concept was good and was working to a degree but there were many top teams in the country that were not allowed in for many reasons based on their criteria, some of which made sense and some was just political or to keep the bigger clubs happy but not allowing emerging teams to erode their numbers. ECNL certainly had the most top teams but there were too many talented teams not in it for this to not have happened.

Anonymous said...

The Federation supported ECNL and helped advance it. I'm not speaking about US Club Soccer, the registering entity. Nortsinger, ECNL's founder (currently working in the MLS system) played professionally and also was (or is) a US Soccer YNT asst coach.
It's US Soccer, the Federation, that is driving this bus with ODP/USYS, then ECNL and now GDA. It is what it is; whether you agree or like it.

Anonymous said...

Many talented teams, not sure I agree (but that's my pov), but some, sure. Still does change what is.
But, sticking your head in the sand and keeping your fist in the air only works when you are singing Billy Joel (Angry Young Man). And hopefully you at least have a good beverage in your other hand when you sing.

Anonymous said...

* Still doesn't change what is.

Anonymous said...

FCB played five 2000s in the PDA game who have been playing up with 99s this year. If those players had played 2000s this year FCB wouldn't have been so low in standings.

Anonymous said...

It's called depth. Five players shouldn't make a difference.

Don't make excuses. It looks bad for you and you team. you probably played against the wind, up hill, in bad heat, with the worst refs too.

Anonymous said...

okay then. i guess next year FCB will be top of the conference. best of luck.

Anonymous said...

FCB is a very solid club. They have a few girls in the NWSL, too - Jenn Hoy (Chicago); Maddie Evans (Orlando). All Clubs have ebbs and flows. It's the nature of the soccer business.

Anonymous said...

Plus with Messi Suarez and Neymar, how could they go wrong...

Anonymous said...

739 Dont see any relevance at all. So past players impact the current ones? Hmm ..ok. I wonder how they were 4-8-1 with a minus 13 GD.

PDA losing to them has to be one of the upsets of the year.

Anonymous said...

So what brackets will PDA and FCB playing in SanDiego? How do you like those apples?

Anonymous said...

Question 1
What event is in San Diego?

Question 2
If PDA North are the Girls DA, who will get the ECNL?

Question 3
Why is FCB a topic?

I am so confused...


Anonymous said...

poster 9:00 am is just being an arss, apparently. FCB is a nice club. No need to tear it/kids down. And, I'm not a member. Just move along...

Anonymous said...

8:20 why not?
don't kids pick colleges or swarm to coaches based on their past achievements as well. For instance you might see a bio on a coach that transferred - well when I was at such and such, we won a nat'l championship. Now, i'm here, and want to reach the same pinnacle.

So, based on their past, they have soccer cred, warranted or not. just saying, it has marketing value.

Anonymous said...

1035 becasue the conversation was about a specific game, no more

Anonymous said...

then you need to go back to 6/5 9:34 am when it first started and read what transpired (kids not there, the whole sha bang).
it's old news in the soccer world already. slow blog week i guess.

Anonymous said...

EL did great things at FCB. As his role became reduced so has the level at the club. The recent troubles started back at last years tryouts. Many of the coaches at FCB wanted to keep "their" players, and didn't adjust to the age change. Pretty much every ECNL and NPL team is in last place at FCB because of the a total lack of oversight during the 2016-17 tryouts. Good players left and went to a number of different clubs The 2000 team was a total mess going into the 2017-18 season and that was 100% caused by KR, who was booted during the season. After KR was booted in mid spring the team got better and more organized by JB. If someone would have stood up to KR during the tryout period you would have seen better results in both the 98/99 age group and the 2000 age group. The big problem at the club has been a lack of understanding of the playing level and oversight. The coaches run the club, not the directors. FCB have great numbers at the club, lots of girls still playing soccer so it can turn around quick, but there must be better leadership. FCB will be helped by the change in the ECNL with the stronger clubs and their players moving to the DA.

Anonymous said...

9:45

(1)
ECNL National Playoffs
32 teams (8 groups of 4 teams)
Date: June 22-27, 2017
@ Loves Park, IL

ECNL National Finals
8 group champions advance
Date: July 7-8, 2017
@ Location: San Diego, CA

(2) PDA North

(3) Becasue they are ECNL

Anonymous said...

12:19 PM

Same thing happened at our club. The team lost 5 girls to other clubs at the 2000 age and the older team (2017 grads) were bogged down most of the tear. The previous coach was quietly moved due to parental complaints about inappropriate behavior and not communicating college interest to players. Younger age coach was moved to older team and took his players with him. The new coach wound up leaving part way through the season.

In regards to the previous coach, my daughter was at a showcase and a coach approached her to talk, realized who she was and asked why she never contacted him as he spoke with her previous coach. Since she did not respond he went to his next player on the list and recruited her. He offered a walk on for freshman year.

Anonymous said...

Bucks lost a lot of girls. Some went to PDA, Matchfit, Continental, PF and PA Strikers. It wasn’t just a couple of girls, it was a lot of girls. If those kids stay the teams are good. These problems were on going for a long time and people got tired of dealing with issues. You didn’t hear too much from people publicly, they just took their kid and money and left.

Anonymous said...

1:37 PM

Did not realize the Strikers were adding, My understanding that this would be the last team through. For 2017/2018 grads the events of USYS and US Soccer over the past 2 years was a travesty. Age change and now GDA. I think the folks last year tried to escape and claimed age change as a reason to shop, the way the teams were built, the stale coaching (at a few clubs) and the competition level vs cost made this year a jump year too. For any 2018 who is not committed or close this will be an important year. Hopefully those who found other teams can show their ability and garner some genuine interest for the next level. The fall/winter tournaments will be important.

Anonymous said...

Yep, or as another poster noted, walk on. Applications will need to be filed during fall. shame some of these kids have been caught in the soccer mayheim. good luck to all of them.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the new #1 team in NJ

Anonymous said...

Hey troll; keep walking. Yawn.

Anonymous said...

all those EDP points add up......just wait till gfa comes back to EDP

Anonymous said...

GFA took a beating just about every week in NY NPL. Are we missing something?

Anonymous said...

Not the same gfa team

Anonymous said...

gfa has about 22 players they share between u16 and u17,thats why they got thrown out of NPL.u17 already in NL,slick needed u16 to win something so he used best girls in those games.

Anonymous said...

....and they didnt win U16 NPL-

SUSA going to Nationals

Anonymous said...

I am sure they are playing in that fake tournament next weekend,you beat 3 bad teams and you go to nationals. ..lol...gfa plays in it every year

Anonymous said...

What tournament?

Anonymous said...

Lol gfa didn't get thrown out of NPL. The misinformation on here is ridiculous. As for the fake tournament gfa does not play every year and the year that they did they were already through to nationals. Coach always wants to play the top teams win or lose and that " fake tournament" gave him an opportunity to play pda splash at that time.

Anonymous said...

What league will GFA play next year? NPL didn't work well with the split roster it appears.

Anonymous said...

Dont know

Will the shiny new Princeton North in Ft Lee be taking their place - or will they play EDP?

Anonymous said...

LOL,
Slick you 15 minutes are up.....
Good luck in edp...lol...joke...

Anonymous said...

slick...hilarious.

Anonymous said...

You guys do realize that to play in National League you have to play in a NJ league right?

Anonymous said...

No you dont....stallions dont

Anonymous said...

Best tournament ever. So under rated but great competition! Yes that's edp summer classic!!! Can't see the turf there are so many spectators!!

Anonymous said...

Good to hear. I guess you didn't get into the PDA tourney end of May? Not an ECNL fan and not a PDA member, but it was truly incredible the amount of coaches and level of soccer played.

Anonymous said...

1204 Incredible achievement to watch ALL the games to make that judgement

Anonymous said...

12:32 - thank you for the acknowledgement.
my family and i are soccer junkies. we did take in quite a few games. why not? we were already there and it was great to watch. Got to watch my kid's team, her and/or our friends & their kids' (different ages and teams) and other really good teams. didn't stay for full games, but would watch and get a sampling of their level of play and take a glance at the coaches' sidelines to see number of coaches watching as well.

Anonymous said...

continuing...i have been to soccer events where some (not saying all) of the soccer is not very good (and i'm talking state cups as well; well into the competition not beginning knock out rounds). i would leave saying, wow, that was not very good.

Anonymous said...

126

Glad you enjoyed PDA , but your have no idea as to the quality of play throughout the event....NONE.

Anonymous said...

the NPL teams kick some ECNL butts ,so this year they would not play the NPL teams,what a scam....

Anonymous said...

4:27
as you are entitled to your opinion; as am I.
you have no idea as to my background and expertise. so, yes, i do have an idea and i can tell good play vs. bad play; smart play vs. what were you thinking play.

Anonymous said...

please, one of the best npl teams out there became ECNL (breakers; formerly NEFC). try again.

Anonymous said...

4:44
i guess that poster's team didn't get a pda invite. still smoldering over it. lol

Anonymous said...

Stallions has to ply some New Jersey youth games as well yes they do. Maybe Edp maybe jags but they do

Anonymous said...

454 what percentage of the total games played d you think this "expert" saw? Get real. Multiple locations , multiple age groups and you think this person saw more than 10 pct of the games? .



Anonymous said...

427 Please tell us how many games you watched to arrive at your judgement

Anonymous said...

you people are silly. why would you care? obviously you weren't there. i find it humorous that you don't believe that there were good teams at the PDA tourney.
btw having been there also for the past few years, the locations with multiple fields are very close to each other (within 15 mins). you aren't talking about different parts of NJ. it's all in the same area.

Anonymous said...

i'm 7:04 adding
and, like other ECNL events, they move all the teams in and out very quickly at all the locations and vary the age groups so there are different ages playing at the same time which is probably why the coaches like it.

Anonymous said...

@8:08 yesterday
Are you a troll or trying to be a joker?
edp summer classic didn't even have any college coaches!! Not a showcase!

Anonymous said...

I am laughing so hard at the poster who acts like getting a PDA tournament "invite" means anything. There are quite a few teams that beat full ECNL rostered teams and definitely NPL teams all of the time that are "included" in PDA. Considering that most of these kids at this age group are committed, if they are on serious teams, they didn't need PDA for recruiting. Sorry hahahahahahaha!

Anonymous said...

6:55 AM

You are totally wrong. EDP Summer Showcase did in fact have coaches at the games. For someone to say that there were no coaches is ridiculous. It doesn't make any sense?!? People really need to chill, if your daughter (and by daughter I mean you) was hoping for a D1 free ride based on soccer, it may happen to 1%, and those 1% are identified as u15 or younger players. Your daughter isn't a range rover McMansion that you show off to your "friends" she's not an additional bauble on your Pandora bracelet. Especially on an anonymous blog post. There are different paths and whether ECNL, EDP or whatever alphabet your daughter plays for, if she enjoys playing at this age, you as a parent haven't ruined it for her, and she wants to play in college she most likely will. I think the jealous ones are the ECNL'rs who see people doing it through EDP or NPL at half the cost and want to throw shade. I would feel kinda short changed if I paid close to 8K for 4-5 years for soccer and then see my daughters friend get the same or better offer. Hmmmm maybe that's why the ECNL parents are always refuting results.

Anonymous said...

710 ..Was there . have been there every year since the beginning. The standard of soccer played varies immensely as it does throughout the ECNL. For someone to say the standard is universally so high is a flat out lie. All these folks who come on to say "mine is better than yours"are almost as sad as the losers who think every comment against a certain PoV comes from someone who wasn't there

Anonymous said...

7:55
You need to chill I think...
The poster said summer classic not summer showcase...2 different tournaments.

Anonymous said...

10:40 AM
So I chilled for a bit. I understand my mistake, thank you for pointing it out. But the question at the end of my original post still stands. I see very similar offers across the board, and as no one knows what everyone else is being offered (hearsay) I base it on college lists across teams. I have seen girls going to good D1 programs without the mighty ECNL, and Girls from the ECNL going D3 from pretty good teams. Now D3 is no less competitive than D1 and sometimes the education is much better. Our plan worked out, my daughter is playing D3 and we are getting the education she wanted at a discount because of soccer/grades. So for the realists, Wins and losses matter GSP does help if legit, Pay to play is the way (Read some of Gulati's comments from last week)and Scholarships are not limited to ECNL players.

Anonymous said...

7:55
i'm a ECNL member. not a rah rah, but a member. good experience. nothing is ever perfect so i don't expect perfection. but it's been good.
Anyway, we were with a team that was not ECNL and in EDP. Nice team, nice kids, pretty successful. And we played in a bunch of other tourneys as well as EDP games (Wags, Disney, CASL, Jeff Cup, Classics, some Ohio tourney, NY, nat'l league, EDP games and more). A very good team but played a lot of games and did a lot of traveling, too. My kid wanted ECNL so that is where we landed.

My reason for chiming in is don't think for a minute that EDP was cheaper than ECNL. It's not. Even my current club fees are very similar to what I had been paying already and extra trainings, etc were included (which cost me out of pocket previously, too). Because of all of the tourneys in addition to the league games (nat'l/regional and EDP) USYS team was much, much more expensive.

I wish all the kids the best of luck. They are kids and they are doing the work. So, no shade throwing. Just setting the record straight. USYS/EDP more expensive than ECNL for me/my family.

Anonymous said...

8:25
i don't think anyone said the level of play at PDA is universally high. They said the sampling they saw was good and very good. I was there and saw good soccer too. Now, we were at the main complex all tourney so I didn't venture out so I was only seeing the teams that were placed in the main complex. But the main complex has a bunch of fields from the parking lot area to the turf all the way in the back. I would stop and watch as I was heading to my kid's field; waiting for her to start and then getting some food and hanging for a little while and watching some other games going on.
I saw what I thought were good soccer games at the main complex during my time there; a bunch of coaches and a bunch of US Soccer scouts, too.

Anonymous said...

2:05 continuing
I'm not endorsing PDA tourney or ECNL in any way. I am just putting forth my experience. And, there are very good teams in every league. No league bashing.

Anonymous said...

205/208

quote :-

Good to hear. I guess you didn't get into the PDA tourney end of May? Not an ECNL fan and not a PDA member, but it was truly incredible the amount of coaches and level of soccer played.

Unquote

sounds like a blanket statement to me. Yes there are good games, and there are some awful ones as well. Some very good playerrs and soem rather poor ones also.

Like everything, the ECNL ( NPL) is a mixed bag.

Anonymous said...

1;53 are you staying ECNL or doing something else?

Anonymous said...

2;28
yes, agreed. And, it was that person's sampling, i just surmised as well.

@1:53 - no. she is doing GDA. her choice also. which should be less than ECNL as far as cost (fingers crossed) so i don't have to work well past retirement age to pay for soccer; like the rest of us. when did a a pair of cleats and a ball become so expensive? lol

good luck to all still playing in the various post season events coming up.

Anonymous said...

Doing EDP was in ECNL there is a big cost difference. But it most likely depends on your EDP team and coach. ECNL was 2 training nights a week with a combined age training. EDP is 2 trainings a week with a positional training. ECNL played in the national events which meant flights and hotel stays 3 times a year. EDP - No flights.
ECNL Coaches were no higher level then her now EDP coach but either coached or assisted 3 other teams or was the DOC or Camp manager, Current coach coaches 2 teams 2000 and 99. Current coach Played D1 same college for 4 years and won POY, ECNL coaches were D3 for a few years, JuCo for a few years and 2 years lower D1. Politics at ECNL were astronomical, EDP team is a nice blend of players and parents. 1999 team has similar commitments to old ECNL level and 2000 team is not far behind.

I topped out around 8500$ for ECNL for 2017 EDP I are right around 2500 and my daughter has committed to her top College pick. Differnet paths for different people. As far as GDA she was asked but did not see the value and yes current coach and college coach have a connection.

Anonymous said...

Why is it i have never seen a top 5 player on an ECNL team leave the ECNL? I have seen them change clubs on occasion, but never leave the ECNL all together. Speaks to perceived opportunity for advancement and development of top players. Can there be another reason?

Anonymous said...

9:06 AM

I would appreciate a deeper perspective. Top 5 on team, top five in age group? top 5 is a difficult assessment as the 11 on the field at the start of the game are the top players. I have seen teams put perceived top 5 players on the bubble after tryouts and that is where you see them move teams. And believe it or not I have seen loyalty and truth when a top 5 inquires at other teams. Our team blew-up last year at the age change with coaches poaching players and making deals to get perceived top 5's from lower teams leaving existing longstanding club members on the bubble, offers went out to 11 (5 existing and 6 new) day after last tryout (some offers were made prior to and during all tryouts but made official after). The existing longstanding players that weren't offered in round one left. This past year they were starters and contributors on their new teams. Old team did not fare well.

Anonymous said...

i dont really understand the question. In spite of all the talk, so much of the soccer landscape is dictated by geography. parents are not free to up and move to any Club. With that in mind, remove the real elite players. (There are maybe 10 in the NE ) . Any player who is perceived and treated like a top 5 player at an ECNL Club within a manageable driving range has no reason to leave unless forced out.

So much of the team chatter is a bit meaningless given geography and in my experience, excluding the obvious elite players , there is little difference between the rest.

Anonymous said...

Top 5 is somewhat of a euphemism for "sub group of players on the team that the coaches would fight to keep because the coaches feel they will make a difference in their results". Could be 2 or 7, depends on the team, but most parents feel it if theirs is one that the coaches really value. For example, they get invited to PDP, id2, NTC (when they were that age). Yhe coaches are checking in on their recruitment and helping to make sure they secure a spot in a top univ. They are called to play up when an opportunity presents. When they have a conflict the training or game magically change dates or times etc...
Ok I agree the age change might have confused the issue last year. In fact I think a couple of Bucks kids left to strikers. Although Strikers is an unusual beast and I can see some ECNL players going there from weaker clubs or now as the model isn't what it used to be, as weaker players in top clubs. FC Bucks is definitely a weaker club.

Very interesting. The Strikers have a roster posted. I just looked at it. It is listed along with their 3 older teams with their commitments. Compare the quality of the commitments over time. There is a definite trend downward in time with the rise of the ECNL. Clearly they aren't collecting all of the best kids in the tri state area any longer. Still some for sure, but not all. That is purely a testament to the quality of the USYSA programming versus ECNL. Otherwise they would still collect all the best because who wouldn't go to a program that's free if all things were equal, which clearly they are not any longer...

Anonymous said...

1018 Geography. I dont think its a big secret who the very best players are in the age group and I cant think of any who play for Strikers.

Anonymous said...

Strikers are looking for players btw

Anonymous said...

How many of the top 10 players in the NE do not play for a ECNL club today?
How many will not play for a DA club next year? How many of the top 50 players in the NE do not play for an ECNL club? How many choose to not play ECNL because of geography. I know of at least on player with Discovery status who plays games for ECNL and trains with boys in NY. She makes it work. If you have a top 50 player does it help her future to do something creative like this family has?

Anonymous said...

Probably because when they were formed they really showed the RAE to its max. I think there are quite a few seniors on this team that will be lost to graduation. I only know of one kid who left of her own accord and that was a special circumstance with a sister in another (ECNL) club.

Anonymous said...

Why are we wasting time discussing ecnl power when DA has taken over. Seems silly

Anonymous said...

1107 not sure what you define as creative. any player who wants to excel needs to find ways to stay sharp and involved. Without any clue as to what other Clubs offer re practice sessions I could not comment. I know that my family think are important - Individual work, Rest and Recovery, Free play. Strength, Flexibility and Fitness

I dont think many Clubs really stress any of them

Yoga, pick up games and limiting the number of game minutes things she does.

In my opinion, Clubs push player far too hard to achieve short term results that they can promote to attract more players. It takes creativity to stay on your track.

Anonymous said...

1110 can you read the discussion is around top players and their movement within the relative leagues. Including the DA read again the post above yours. Right now the ECNL is the top. next year, The very top players will probably be DA.

Anonymous said...

hey 7:36; i'm 1:53 pm yesterday. I agree. Different experiences for everyone. That is what the blog is for to help.

Her old team did nat'l league/regional stuff as well (so travel to pittsburgh, upper ny, all of that stuff (so lodging), plus also traveled to every tournament imaginable it seemed (over 14). I think GSP had them at over 50 games that were recorded (and some weren't recorded).

I didn't get into comparing coaches and teams, because like yourself, obviously we didn't like something about the other and like this one better; otherwise would not have moved or stayed.

This isn't to get into a mine league is better than yours thing. I think all the leagues have their pros and cons and have good competition and not so good competition in all of them. It's good to have choices so families can find what works for them; like colleges. Good luck everyone in post season!

Anonymous said...

Slick lied to you again,you dont need to play EDP or Jags to play in the NL

Anonymous said...

She didn't play for slick. She played for a 99/00 USYS/EDP team.

Anonymous said...

And that is what I found. many non ECNL clubs go to a bunch of tourneys. Some necessary for exposure which i get and some who knows why.

Anonymous said...

The Strikers model was very good and then along came ECNL.

Anonymous said...

And then along came GDA.

Anonymous said...

And then along came college
And then along came real life
Stay open minded people

Anonymous said...

1132 creative development is helping your child find opportunities outside of a typical one size fits all soccer club, to advance their soccer experience, development, and exposure. For mine it was train with boys, secondary on boys teams, then guest play up, then train up and be asked to play up. A;ways augmented with playing with me and other siblings, friends when we could arrange it, and soccer specific strength and speed training. Pick up not existent in our area. For that family it includes, though I don't pretend to know all the details, training with a boys team locally and traveling to play with an ECNL team.

Anonymous said...

12:24
and then along came jobs for them.
two words a parent likes to hear the most are - gainfully employed;
next three are - off my books.
Ahhhh the circle of life continues.

Anonymous said...

Setting aside all the the above; sending Prayers for the DiCicco family. RIP Tony. The soccer world will miss you.

Anonymous said...

Godspeed Coach.

Anonymous said...

GFA will beat any DA or ECNL or what ever you want to call yourself

Anonymous said...

Yawn. Yeah, sure troll.

Anonymous said...

Troll that want to go back attacking . You are always the same miserable idiot. What is wrong with you? Why you keep pretending to be a parent to create problems? We know who you are. Just go and focus on your miserable life, go and follow your wife's orders . The nazi lady told you to write this troll?
We all know what is happening next. You are going to answer your own troll and start a chain of bullshit . Offending people , insulting , all out of your own personal Frustration. Now everybody please look for the next troll ; will be something like " slick you are done , good luck in edp or bullshit like that. Come on loser go ahead

Anonymous said...

Let's move away from controversial subjects...here is an interesting article:

https://www.socceramerica.com/article/73861/rule-change-proposals-the-final-whistle-idea-make.html?edition=17374

Hard to believe some of these proposals...I think I only agree with the game duration at 60 with stopped clock when ball is out of bounds

Anonymous said...

You can call me a troll for this post.
What happened to the mighty PDA this season?
Not 1 team to advance to the Finals
Has this ever happened before?
I know their kids all got scholarships and results don't matter.
But seriously has this ever happened?

Anonymous said...

I will bite

you are a troll

Nothing, lose some, won more

But all @ the CL

No idea

They dont

The product is very diluted now in he NE. Kids all over the place now and contrary to public opinion PDA are not offering better anything than anyone else. They are a better , longer standing brand, but like everyone, only as good as the players they get and they no longer have a monopoly on the best ones in the area

Great club though



Anonymous said...

11:47 thanks 11:47 - I agree great brand they built.

Just wan't sure if that ever happened. They always won at least one title or the over all club title a few times.

PS. I disagree about your NE comment. What should the west coast say with all the ECNL teams and NPL/USYS top teams (Davis/Legends for example) they have?

I think people are just seeing that there are many options to help a player get recruited by a college.

PS. Why did you call me a troll? Because I asked if that ever happened to PDA before? WOW. But can't say I didn't see that coming.

Anonymous said...

you said you can call me a troll ..so I did

Anonymous said...

7:03
http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com/2017/03/14/ecnl-announces-initial-2017-2018-girls-membership/
here's the map. Look at the concentrated amount in the NE region and 2 teams are not in it next season, Breakers and PF. Just CA alone is bigger as far as coverage/geographical area. Plus NE regions competing with NPL and USYS teams in the NE region.

Look at the amount of states that have no ECNL teams from the middle of the country westerly. If they play ECNL, they travel or are NPL/USYS discovery players attached to those teams. And some are, based on my discussions with parents from west coast teams at nat'l events.



Anonymous said...

How was the ECNl playoffs?
I checked some scores. looks like PDA didn't repeat.

Anonymous said...

@ 12:12 continuing
i don't think anyone has every said there is only one path to college soccer. Have they?

Anonymous said...

To me it was a mixed bag
There was great competition, lots of college and national coaches and scouts. The venue was a mixed bag. It was an hour west of chicago. parking ok.
The grass was very long, thick and unbelievably slow. Teams trying to maintain possession that were used to AG or bermuda were in an uphill battle. I think they should have mandated the sponsor cut the grass to a maximum specified length and maintain it through the 6 day event. It was in the same relm as the sand pits of san diego. I don't think the ECNL should return.

I also asked some of the parents about the GDA/ECNL
Teams that had both said that their very best players were going DA. A lot of the middle seniors were staying ECNL and most of the juniors were DA. Their predictions generally were that there will be a lot of overlap between quality of DA and ECNL but the best teams in the country will be DA. Also some of the worst teams between ECNL and DA will be DA. General opinion is that next year the mission of the USSF to support "meaninful competition" won't be there very consistently. however, this is seen as a good thing by some of the predicted stronger DA teams, because these less competitive games will offer an opportunity for bottom roster kids to get significant minutes.

Anonymous said...

Interesting. I heard opposite based on my discussions with parents from other teams that I met this past week. I guess it depends on your geographic location. Anyway, it's about a month out before practices begins. I guess we'll see who the GDA kids are once the rosters are posted.

Anonymous said...

Probably will be more consistent competition in ECNL NE division. I mean does anyone know what the Spirit teams are looking like? How about oakwood or PA Classics that are also starting with pretty weak teams?

Most players staying with the ECNL or moving over?

Anonymous said...

What does more consistent competition mean and how is it relevant ?

Anonymous said...

Meaning games of uniform high quality and fairly closely matched. I am worried that the USSF is simply causing a degradation in competition by diluting it just when the ECNL was becoming successful at largely consolidating it. The result will be an overall lowering of ECNL level as teams lose their best players hoping for YNT recognition and P5 offers, but I still think the overall competition will be more uniform (smaller GD) in the ECNL just a bit overall lower level. The top level will be brought down and the middle and lower left relatively alone. Probably even more consistent than it is now. I think the CT teams were some of the weakest and FC Bucks. They probably aren't losing much.

The DA will probably be widely varied. Teams moving over from ECNL relatively intact may be strong. new teams unknown at this age. i think the youngers will consolidate and become the obvious top tier in a few years, but this age will finish out with an unstable entity.

The significance will be that fewer games will be played and some of them will have little to no developmental opportunity for some teams in the DA. The ECNL will offer more consistent games that offer good development in the half season for players at a level slightly below the YNT considered group. The DA teams will be looking for games against similar quality level teams and the travel could actually be more than anticipated.

Anonymous said...

should be interesting. I think there will be some hiccups as far as GDA games, but overall will be good. Travel won't be as much as ECNL and certainly not as much as USYS where you travel to a tourney every other weekend. Many didn't even think it was going to happen this year. Worth a wait and see as far as speculation.
As a prior poster said, it's coming soon. Games begin early September.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone really know if the USSF is actively steering kids who have been to YNT camps to GDA teams? Or is that an urban myth?

Anonymous said...

Edp will be much stronger this year

Anonymous said...

429 why?

Anonymous said...

Anotehr issue with Chicago was the wind (can't do much about it) and the small fields -terrible.
Seattle was the best in my opinion

Anonymous said...

The complex was great as far as number of fields. All three events played in one location. That was it as far as cons; in my opinion. Wind was awful; grass was too high; refs were, well not the best.

I get trying to make it logistically convenient middle of country, but aren't there better options? Thankfully they were not in the southwest. It probably would have had to cancel.

Anonymous said...

We had two good refs and one who shan't be named...
The grass was embarrassing. It prevented decent soccer. The wind? Weather isn't a factor to be faulted for. It wasn't hot anyway.

Anonymous said...

Agree re weather, but they call it the windy city for a reason. When you see balls taking weird moves, hanging, carrying or not going anywhere in the air during free kicks, it affects the game as well.

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