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...

11:36
my kid is a senior and is playing GDA as well. She has the full support of her hs coach, too. Those that get it completely agree.

Anonymous said...

11:07 - maybe your kid wants to sit the bench for a year or two when she gets to college. some don't.

Anonymous said...

http://www.machermanntrophy.org/2017-watch-lists-1

was on a younger blog for other daughter. saw this. apparently 7 of the 30 nationally selected to be on the prestigious MAC Hermann watch list are from our blogging area:

"Looks like 7 out of 30:

Murphy (Rutgers; NJ);
Corboz (Georgetown; NJ);
Sullivan (Stanford; VA);
Bloznalis (Boston University; MASS);
Crouse (Penn State; PA);
Andrzejewski (UNC; MD);
Ham (Bucknell, NH)"

congratulations to them; their programs and families.

Anonymous said...

caveat - obviously it's their school and then their state of residence. i know where these schools are located. lol

Anonymous said...

What is the point of a watch list? Just watch the games adn opick the best player at the end of the year. Its like pre season teams. wtf is the point?

Dumbest thing ever.

Anonymous said...

watch lists exist everywhere dude
creates excitement, great marketing

Anonymous said...

12:52
it's like the Heisman of soccer for guys and girls. do you know anything about college soccer? is there a remedial blog for this dude?

Anonymous said...

131 I know exactly what it si. The question is what is the point of a WATCH LIST. Why not let the players actually PLAY and then select the best player. Is that not clear enough for you?

Anonymous said...

it's a big deal in college soccer. most schools have it on their sites as well if their kids are nominated. helps your soccer resume too just getting nominated. congrats to these young ladies.

Anonymous said...

Why don't they do that in football as well? You know it's direct competitor in the Fall?Hello, Peyton yeah, sorry you didn't win, but maybe all of this was unnecessary. Here's your participation trophy instead. Because we watched you play and well, you are just the man.

It's part of the culture. And as someone said, it adds excitement and helps promote the game as well as the individual's hard work.

Anonymous said...

1131 The twins are very different kids and players, but they are both very talented. Both have been PA and region 1 ODP and are well known to many of us. There is no one riding the other. The little one grew and kept her sick skills and the bigger one remains smart and tough. Tennessee is lucky to get the "Package". They were not interviewed and its not likely they asked to publish this story. Most likely the reporter went to interview a top high school coach about the upcoming season and he lamented that some of his top players weren't playing for the school that year.

Is anyone surprised that the colleges are encouraging the kids to play club all year?

Anonymous said...

1;54 good of you to respond. i thought this was just someone having a low sugar event. babbling.

Anonymous said...

Plus we all know that HS soccer varies widely in terms of coaching and level of play. It is a nice way for higher level girls committed to top D1 programs to continue to play and mitigate the risk of injuries and over use. Meaning the training HS teams do can be more detrimental than beneficial and playing against players with less control of their skills can be a hazard.

Anonymous said...

Agreed. And not everyone is on a field of dreams as far as playing site. I have seen games played on the equivalent of green dirt after a hot summer. That's always fun.

Anonymous said...

Do people think that these three are the rule rather than the exceptions? Are most of the top high school players playing in the DA? Are there too few DA players to make a difference? What happens in NJ? In NY?

Anonymous said...

http://www.soccerwire.com/blog-posts/nc-courage-academy-defender-maggie-pierce-discusses-transition-from-ecnl-to-girls-da/

Anonymous said...

I would not sound the alarms. Many kids that play high school are not even soccer players outside of school soccer. But, there are high level kids opting out. So, other kids play. That's all. It's high school; not the olympics.

Anonymous said...

6:16 look at player Bios at D1 schools. Why do they all list their HS and HS honors if it's just HS and then a sentence about their club team? 2:25 with all the different levels they still are proud of their stats even though they rack them up vs some very bad teams. HS training can not wreck a kid. If it does then the kids never had the goods. Goos soccer players can play with anyone players better than them or they can lead a team and make them better than they are.

My understanding is that they can't do both at the same time, how can they HS is everyday but Sunday and some Saturdays. GDA is 4 days a week plus weekend games. Why would anyone do this?

I agree kids that want to continue playing High Level D1 soccer should play GDA if the GDA team wants them. In PA there are 2 clubs in NJ there are 2 clubs, you need to be close and you also need to have what the coach of the GDA team likes So that 40 kids in PA and 40 in NJ from 2 age groups and somehow you guys want all the kids to play GDA come on man.

Anonymous said...

Okay. So, as far as college bio's, I guess that will change. Instead of listing hs, kids will list GDA to their list of accomplishments. I don't foresee this to be an issue whatsoever.

And, your belief about the 4 days training and a game is not correct; at least not in my kid's GDA. Kids work/train 4 days total, including a game.

And unfortunately, i have seen too many times when it's the bad soccer players that injure the better ones in high school. And with the less than stellar refs, it doesn't get addressed.

I'm not sure why this is even being discussed anymore. There is no more speculation as to what will happen. The hammer came down. You can't do both simultaneously. So, decisions/choices needed to be made. And they were. So, it's a non-issue anymore.

The kids are playing where ever they are playing and good luck to all of them.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is still discussion?
I agree with 11:10...move one, good luck to each girl with her decision.
My daughter opted for HS ball and her club team will be made up of mostly other talented players like her who are choosing to play their 4th year varsity instead of GDA, which for them and their future college coach, is no issue.
Not all D1 are recommending the same thing either. Depends on the club/team where daughter is also.
"How will your team compare to this year's team?" was the question my daughter was asked by future coach....
May your daughters have the best experience this year!!!
No matter where they play!

Anonymous said...

I agree - I love that the GDA said you can play HS but not GDA so choose which you want.

I think the conversation is more about how the clubs handle this. The league said you can't do both. But do they offer spots to kids who pick HS over GDA during HS season? If they do, do they then demote players who picked GDA after HS season to take back HS players? I don't blame a GDA club if they don't take HS players, that's their choice.

Anonymous said...

its still a discussion becasue several have speculated that the better players will still play HS.

Anonymous said...

That Penn Fusion team will be loaded judging from that article. Their 00 was very good last year and add the powerhouse Dorwart and they will definitely be impressive at least this fall until Dorwart goes to UNC. If the other DA programs are keeping the top ECNL or "collecting" the top players like penn Fusion apparently are, then the DA won't take as long to take off as some suspected.

Anonymous said...

@5:50
From what's been made public, it appears that most of the real difference maker players are going DA. The role players are making decisions to play highschool and be the BM(W)OC rather than risk play time issues in a supporting role with a DA team. Probably the best choice for these kids. They are mostly going mid major or maybe supported walk ons at bigger programs. Not surprised that those midmajor coaches are seeing things differently than the bigger programs. The difference in salary between an ACC or SEC coach and a Colonial or A10 coach for example are probably significant. There is more to protect for these guys with their scholarship athletes in the big leagues. The DA might not be as deep as the ECNL teams were, but they seem to be retaining the top level players.

Anonymous said...

937 I think the College coaches role in the decision process is vastly overstated. Yes the ask, but Im not so sure they "suggest" where kids should play. I dont think they have anymore of an idea that we do. They may make a suggestion based on a close relationship with a specific coach at a club, but tbh I think they are ok with wherever the kid plays in the majority of cases

Anonymous said...

9:42
and you speak for the majority of college coaches?
my daughter's college coach didn't push one way or another; however all but 1 other fellow 2018 class recruit are playing GDA. Her coach is thrilled. She is looking for contributions from many of them as freshman including my daughter.

Anonymous said...

And this is the ripple effect that hasn't hit yet. people are on here talking about high school.

this is a soccer blog. so i am making a leap of faith that most people on here have kids that play high level soccer outside of high school. if that program discussed above has all but one in a class of recruits (figure about 8-11 usually per class) not playing ECNL, NL or whatever. That is when the effect of the GDA will be felt; come club soccer time.

Anonymous said...

continuing from above
and as the soccerwire article about the CASL team now playing NC Courage, that's an entire team not playing ECNL or NL (as both were in their league's respective championships).

This is where the rubber meets the road folks.

Anonymous said...

My kid's coach flat out said I think its better for you to focus on getting ready for college with your club team all year around. Would hate for you to have to miss opportunity as a freshmen because you got hurt and or missed out on some key development time. He also said he hopes that the teams release the games to the college coaches for their review. DA requires all games to be recorded. Might save them a lot of time and expense in recruiting if they get these tapes. Will force the ECNL to meet them on it.

Anonymous said...

1004 I said I think. Its a message board. We express opinions. I dont pretend to know or speak for them.

Anonymous said...

So there you have it. Two instances where one was not necessarily directed to do so (although the lack of saying anything may be have been read as I should) and one that was specifically directed.

What do both have in common? They want their recruits to be game ready as freshmen. And since there are only so many GDA slots, should give some programs an advantage over others. The strong get stronger.

Anonymous said...

10:58 AM

Looks like a great opportunity for facilities like the Proving Grounds to add value to the environment. Similar to what is done at tournaments, hire a video company to tape all games and add it to the fees. Probably should be done anyway. Hey here's another idea, set up the DA Channel for streaming opportunities as well.

Anonymous said...

11:18
maybe poster thought you were their union rep. :)

Anonymous said...

Good idea, but are any games being played at Proving Grounds? Where are PF and Classics' home fields?

Anonymous said...

The injury concern in HS vs Club is a non issue. The majority of serious injuries occur in non contact situations. I have seen numerous knee injuries in the past 5 years, none have been from contact. Club coaches hold some responsibility as few spend enough time on fitness and injury prevention. The paying parent rarely appreciates coaches spending valueable training time on fitness, we all focus on the training and often complain if we see players doing fitness at practice. HS soccer can be ugly but to use injuries as a reason for not playing HS is a poor excuse, the facts don't support it.

Anonymous said...

PF uses it's stadium and it's fields at US Training Center. But since it's academy play, maybe they have access to other fields as well. Not sure about Classics.

Anonymous said...

11:38
Well USSF is using it. And maybe they are relying on facts.
As far as my personal experience, i have witnessed it in high school way more than club. And, it's not just other players causing, it's facilities as well. Fields that are full of divots and rocks; no grass; horrible pseudo turf. You don't get to pick where you play.

Anonymous said...

I have seen plenty of contact injuries during high school especially directed at the best players in attempts to "take them out" of the game or intimidate them into pulling back. My kid definitely was very reluctant to go charging into the box in high school because there were plenty of bigger kids slotted in at defense purely for their physical ability to get "stuck in" whether in an attempted tackle, they hit the ball, a foot, an ankle or a knee didn't matter and often the were rewarded because a foul wasn't called.

Anonymous said...

11:54 - i also see more goon squad tactics in high school rather than in high level play.
watched a few kids get tackled, studs up, from the back, several times. no calls; no red cards; no warnings; nothing.
and some of the refs were usually overweight and couldn't keep up with the play unless someone was waving a sandwich.

Anonymous said...

12:06 maybe there should be pre season for refs as far as endurance and running and no sandwich rewards. not kidding. safety of kids should always be their #1 concern.

Anonymous said...

From the soccerwire article;

"The University of North Carolina [Pierce’s college commitment] coaches talk about trying to play and train at the highest level possible in the most competitive environment in order to prepare for college play, and that is what the GDA is supposed to give us, so I think that the new format will be good college preparation.”

Another high level coach supports the move away from highschool to his players while publicly siding with the ECNL....

Anonymous said...

I'm not seeing this type of play in HS. I watch girls that try to win and compete hard. Maybe the skill level isn't as high as many of you would like,but at least the kids try and play for their colors. Why beat up HS?

I am more curious to see what the ECNL clubs that also have a GDA do, since Full time academy players are only allowed to play for the NT out side of the academy.

There are not to many good refs in Youth Soccer or HS. I know players that were hurt playing club soccer than HS soccer just my experience I guess.

Anonymous said...

I can tell you the one DI player I know going to DA at CSA is not playing DA for fall. She is officially on the DA, but electing to play HS soccer, then start with DA in November. Their is something about hs soccer that attracts

Anonymous said...

1247 I took that as HER interpretation. Anson Dorrance has been very critical of the GDA.

Anonymous said...

1255 it will be very hard to see what they do because those Clubs that have both are mostly ECNL founding members. There have been some waivers to private school scholarship kids ( I hear). But I also heard how few kids were choosing GDA :)

Anonymous said...

Actually wouldn't necessarily be Dorrance she's quoting. He might publically say one thing. But say another to his assistants. Of relevance, Pierce's club coach is Damon Nahas who has also served as YNT "assistant" and currently serves as a UNC assistant coach. Its likely Nahas is telling her to play club all year around.

Anonymous said...

12:55
i am not trying to beat up on high school and am chiming in. but heard about a game involving ECNL players a few years back where at least 5 yellow cards given out to one team and then a red after a girl's leg was broken. It's actually captured on a newspaper photo. My friend showed me.
That's girls not playing correctly and some refs ignoring it in the spirit of rivalry play and girls playing for their colors. So there's that.

Anonymous said...

1:28
she isn't the only one from her club team playing GDA and opting out of high school according to the article. So, many of them are getting the same message.

Anonymous said...

1:24
i have heard otherwise. i think it depends on where the kid is on the GDA roster. if you may not play every game, why not.

Anonymous said...

1:36 - horrible. some kids get away with more in high school soccer because of the horrible refs then they would in most club soccer matches.

now, youth club soccer may not have the best refs, either. However, horrible calls are one thing, allowing assaults another. obviously the refs let that game get way out of hand. i hope they were heavily fined and suspended.

Anonymous said...

Suspended? Those bozos should not be refereeing any games anymore. After the 2nd or 3rd yellow to the same team, that coach should have been talked to about his or her players. This is why high school games get a bad rap. Some thug coaches too.

Anonymous said...

yawn...
wow, high school soccer sucks and the refs suck.
never heard that before :)
Many GDA teams had/are having camp/preseason....how is going for your daughter?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for asking...
My daughter thought she was in shape then had "camp"!
Seems most are optimistic about the season according to her.

Anonymous said...

No "camp" just been training 4 days/ week for the last three weeks. Added specific speed and agility along with some strength training to improve the physical side as well. I am hearing no regrets about the high school thing. A comment was made among the kids about some of the press regarding high school versus DA. They said basically what's right for me might not be right for my friends.

Anonymous said...

If the parents could be as mature regarding the choices.....

Anonymous said...

agreed. as 8;10 at 11:10 pm noted, it's done. no speculation. the girls are playing where they are playing based on choices made. May they all have success in THEIR choices with our support.
have fun out there parents. it's all about the journey even for us.


Anonymous said...

Funny how the one changes as people start to see reality replacing speculation.

Anonymous said...

based on the back and forth above, some are still not seeing the reality. probably questioning moon landing still as well.

Anonymous said...

and the solar eclipse track confirms the earth is flat...

Anonymous said...

hahaha
https://forum.tfes.org/index.php?topic=5649.0
as per the Flat Earth Society who believe in your statement - Let's disregard all of those pictures that show earth as a sphere, though.

thank goodness Chris Columbus didn't listen.

back to the spherical discussion we call soccer.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Funny how the one changes as people start to see reality replacing speculation.
August 14, 2017 at 11:28 AM

obviously meant to say TONE

Anonymous said...

This is U18 now. Another wrinkle quickly appeared. :)

Anonymous said...

Are the academy posters moving to the academy page? It's useful to collect and share intel on all the various groups, right?

Anonymous said...

Nope - they will remain just like the ECNL posters never left.

1. Brag for some.
2. Recruit for others (poo poo the comp)

Anonymous said...

Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
The goal of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is to change the landscape for elite female soccer players in the United States through innovative, player-centered programming and to enhance the overall experience by creating a better, more enjoyable, and more successful player, coach, and club development model.

Purpose of this YouthSoccer Talk (YST) page: To promote healthy discussion, feedback and opinions about the ECNL by participating families.
Posted by TALKING YOUTH SOCCER

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Got it. There are now two U18 blogs for girls on this site. And multiples for others too. Adm will probably clean up. thanks all.

Anonymous said...

Confused by that last post.
Multiple U18 blogs?

Anonymous said...

If you are '00 you are in the right spot

Anonymous said...

There appear to be multiple Girls U18 blogs on this site. Wasn't sure which was the relevant spot as the other has only a few comments. But, didn't know if the conversations were moving to it. Thank you!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Numbers seem to be improving at NWSL games. Maybe it's timing late in the summer so no conflicts. Nonetheless, good to see.

Anonymous said...

A surviving league, no doubt.

Anonymous said...

DA season starting Saturday more rosters are up.

http://www.ussoccerda.com/2017-girls-club-map

Anonymous said...

Nice
how do you play with 9 players?

Anonymous said...

I didn't see the rosters. Is their a hyperlink to them, specifically, or do you have to go through each team's individual website? t/y

Anonymous said...

Follow the link, choose your division, choose your team

Anonymous said...

I think there are like 28 kids on the U16/17 team so they will likely "fill in". The question is do they fill in with the weaker kids and concede the 18/19s to blow outs while keeping the 16/17s as competitive as possible or do they try and "develop" the top 01/02 on the older team?

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't want my younger daughter being the sacrificial lamb for the older team

Anonymous said...

So......will next year's DA team still be '01/'02, '03/04 etc

or will '01s play next year with the '00s?

Anonymous said...

00's (those not graduated; late calendar year kids) and 01's (U19/U18).

Anonymous said...

Any tournaments this weekend?

Anonymous said...

Meaningful game 10-0? And without their NT stud?

Anonymous said...

Seems like they are loaded with NYT caliber players. I guess that is what US Soccer envisioned.

Anonymous said...

I think if you know anything about USSF selection you would pause for thought. Fc Stars were loaded as well right? not so much now. I wonder why.

Anonymous said...

Because ECNL's influence is less than it was.

Anonymous said...

It's Ohio international now that's taken stars place as the hotbed of development for national quality players... except...
00 team bottom 16 in the ecnl
Doesn't qualify for post season even lowest flight
But look at this 3 kids to u18 camp and 2 of those to u19 china trip. Wow even with three national quality kids and the rest terrible should get to Chicago, no?
Tells me something's up and oh and it is...
Their coach is now listing u18wnt assistant on her bio
Imagine that...
I don't think PF has that kind of influence.
That kid is quality for sure, but better than a couple other age eligible on that team? Definitely subject to debate for those who have seen that team play. Just puts the whole selection process in question. Now with the. Ideas it would seem that decisions wouldn't be so reliant on limited information. But that assumes someone is taking the time to examine the tapes.

Anonymous said...

I would also say
My kids team has been snubbed for years despite being very successful. We are hoping that the video availability will elevate some in recognition. And no, mine isn't at the level

Anonymous said...

the process is very flawed. Im not sure that the GDA will do anything to make it any better. It may if the Technical Advisors are actually good, do their own homework and are willing to stick their necks out for what they see. Not sure that will happen in all cases.

It does surprise me how some YNT kids are less than dominant in ECNL play. The kid you mention is a nice player, but far from dominant and a few scissors/step overs does not make a player technical. Its interesting how her teammate that does all the tricks has also been to a few camps but not really stuck for any time. PF does have pull, more than you think.

Good luck to her, im sure it a great experience and its pertty clear that the FC Stars influence has waned a bit. Im really looking forward to seeing their U17s NTs play UP in the 18/19 GDA.

Anonymous said...

10-0 not so meaningful. No way to spin that other than "growing pains"
Looking at the box score
Tricky one and done with a hattrick
Super 99 brace
Doesn't mean anything against cones. Baltimore- Washington region will be uber diluted.
Looks like PAC competed with wash spirit. So maybe they are better than everyone thought. Next week will reveal their relative competitiveness. I think PF will win by 3 but not embarrass them.

Anonymous said...

same team played NYCFC pre season friendly. Both teams missing players. NYCFC more so . 2-1 game. PF had the better of it, but NYCFC capable of scoring at any time. I would not be crowning anyone yet. I dont think there is a huge gap in real performance terms on many of these teams. Limited subs changes the game

Anonymous said...

I think the point was 10-0 is not competitive so how is that game "meaningful" as per the ussf rhetoric.

Anonymous said...

its one game. Im sure there will be a few noncompetitive games. let me ask yout hi. In ECNL what happened when the game was 3-0 early.? Coach took out starters. Cant really do that now. To me very little has changed game wise, but a lot has changed for us training wise. Especially when the comparison is HS training and games vs DA training and games.

Anonymous said...

Nyfc is world class. They are a good team. There will be no competition between some of these start up newly named travel teams like VDA and established ecnl or usysa national teams. Already proven.

Anonymous said...

Just curious how do you know nyfc was missing "more" players. Besides it's often more important which were missing. The best player on the PF team is a 99 not one of the 00s from last year.

Anonymous said...

3:08 - as you noted both teams missing players, but NYSFC wasn't missing their YNT kid and many of their kids did show up after SAT's. And, NYSFC's YNT kid didn't score until reserves went in. You didn't see the product on Saturday. It was a machine and that was w/o another key player.

Anonymous said...

Sorry referencing the PF vs. NYCSC (not NYSSC; my bad) friendly. It was a nice scrimmage between very good teams.

Anonymous said...

4:15 like it or not, the combo of the 99's and 00's are fantastic. This is a group that hasn't played together as a team before from front to back ever.
Saturday was their first time due to other commitments and still they were missing a key 00 player. They put on a clinic.

Anonymous said...

530 not going to get into it. Ill just say that kid is a very dangerous player and leave it there. My kid has played with her for a while and you ignore her at your cost. I would be shocked if your coaches did not feel the same way.

Anonymous said...

Interesting results for both teams. Complete domination
8-0 nycsc over empire united
And 10-0 PF over VDA
Looks like big GD like there were in early years of ecnl will be the order of the day. This age it won't settle out. I looked at some key rosters and the weird area looks like Baltimore Washington where the YNT players stayed at Bethesda and McLean. A couple overrated kids at Washington Baltimore armour. One of whom at least will be tied up with monthly u17 ynt events.
Otherwise the GDA teams in the capital area are looking suspect.

The rest of the country especially the southwest is doing what the ussf wants. Best kids in total moving to gda.

Anonymous said...

827 Overrated? No way. ;) She is exactly what the GDA hopes to produce ;)

Anonymous said...

5;57 who said she wasn't a dangerous player? maybe that is what you thought was implied. it wasn't.

Anonymous said...

yup overrated. Can you say Summer Greene?

Anonymous said...

i mean well, she does a mean backflip.

Anonymous said...

I would expect a little more maturity from the posters at this level of playing.
Y'all need to let this season play out. the first couple years of GDA will be much growing pains and club building.
our daughters who get to play in their last or next to last year of youth career should enjoy the experience.
The younger ages will benefit the most if they stick it out, work for playing time.

Who has seen college coaches on the sidelines? This was part of the draw of the da. I understnad that they may not watch this age group much though...

Anonymous said...

Not the OP, but "NYSFC's YNT kid didn't score until reserves went in" sure sounds like it !

Anonymous said...

So noted. Will fix for future.

Anonymous said...

Yesterday, we were running interviews at the club for possible assistant coaches and technical staff..I saw this blog and realized I don't need any help, I can just come here!!! Big savings!!

Anonymous said...

Seek and ye shall find.

Anonymous said...

5:39 - happened to stay and watch that game. the fight was out of the opponent by end of 1st half.

Anonymous said...

So, the NCAA may allow transfers to not have to sit out a year is that the new potential rule change? It's going to be crazy out there.

Anonymous said...

Just having read through the last couple of days I am surprised people are talking in a negative way about kids. One of them the "tricky" kid has been troublesome for my center defender daughter for years. Before or after a game with her team my daughter always has a comment about that kid and being very difficult to defend. As a parent watching I don't just see tricks. She has the best first touch and tight ball control of any female player I have seen yet. Watching my sons' games I see boys play similarly but there is a great divide between the boys and girls games. This kid seems to bridge the gap to bring something different. I am surprised that the ussf hasn't been more interested in her. I haven't seen her this year but last year we were surprised at how much she'd grown. Maybe it's the late bloomer anti bias. Not sure. Anyway she's an outstanding player who is fun to watch and I don't think deserves the comments.

I was going to stop and think maybe there is a larger point. Now that I think further maybe I shouldn't be surprised that the ussf doesn't like this kid. She is very different than the others I see. While she may not be everyone's cup of tea, I think she would add a "spice" to the the bland national game recipe that's surely missing I wish her well.

Anonymous said...

12:48, If I'm not mistaken, the player in question has already been to camps. Obviously if they liked what they saw, she'd still be there.

I'm not doubting the player has ability as her skills are good, but to stay in ynt camps you have to show your "coachable" too. From what I've heard, she has her moments when she isn't. Might be the problem.

Anonymous said...

1248 - dont know you or your kids team, but many kids who do well in the Club environment on stronger teams have difficulty adjusting to doing the same thing at higher speed under greater pressure from better players. Im not saying she cant. Im just saying its an issue. Interesting that her teammate earned another look after a good amount of time out of camps.

136 - who knows. I know that physical testing is a big part of these camps. Perhaps she did not score well in some areas that they deem important for her position. Yes you read it correctly.

Anonymous said...

My kid has also defended the WC kid. She is a completely different player than the other. That kid is athletic as anything and clearly dangerous. The tricky kid playing to the athletic kid would be nigh unstoppable. They are both terrific.

Anonymous said...

228 we are in danger of having a real soccer conversation! A good team is a combination of differing skills and a common purpose. Very few players have it all and when they do they are iconic. Its why I laugh at knocking kids for what they dont do well when they do some things as well or better than anyone out there. Both those kids are examples.

USSF seems hell bent of selecting kids who do several things to a good level. I prefer to find kids who do certain things to an exceptional level and work to utilize those skills whilst making clear weaknesses better.

Elite athleticism is as rare as elite vision or first touch. Somewhere along the line we have gotten complacent about athletes and decided we have loads of them so lets get a bunch of kids who appear "technical" ( a word I hate) .
Neither of those assets are in plentiful supply which is what makes them elite in the first place.



Anonymous said...

isn't it funny how only those that score get the pomp and circumstance and can be considered athletic and technical. oh, the dynamics of a true team; front to back. they are elite as well.

Anonymous said...

136 that's borderline defamation. Unless you spoke directly to one of her coaches you shouldn't be saying that about a kid. Someone is coaching her because she is very good. She's a different bird that's for sure. Carries herself differently and I have seen her show an unusual edge from the teenage cookie cutter pony tail girls that some may be put off by.

After watching our US WNT play several times this year I think an edgy creative player in the midfield would be a welcome addition. Not that this kid will be that good, but we shouldn't discount a kid because she's "different". In fact that "bite" may be an asset if channeled by a great coach. Certainly in a 16 year old still maturing kid we shouldn't exclude anyone because of this.

I agree 254. We need kids to at least be developed who display unusual abilities. Both, the WC and the PF kid do that. The PF kid that was picked for the camps recently is a great player for sure. In my opinion pretty solid in the technical and tactical area, but she doesn't do anything unusual like the other 2 do although I admit I have only seen her play once last season. I have seen the others more times.

The McLean kid who hasn't been mentioned is excellent and I think will excel in College. I also think the same of the WC kid. The PF kid who is at the camps will have size and athleticism challenges but like a Japanese player may be able to make up for those deficiencies.

The "tricky" kid is a wild card. I think she has a couple years to go. She is my favorite player to watch which is why I have commented here; you never know what's coming.

Anonymous said...

505 your agenda is showing. No one said that. No one mentioned goals. Defenders can be elite athletes with great first touches and vision as well. Reality is that attacking players make the huge money in the pros for a reason.

Anonymous said...

huge money in the pros? we are talking about women's soccer here.

Anonymous said...

6:07 - she is a good player, not a great player. there have been much better players before her and better younger players now. players come and players go.

Anonymous said...

954 Im not 607 but what a strange post. 607 seems to be balancing both present level and future potential. It is a hallmark of US youth soccer that we live in the now. Potential is ignored for the now. The players you mention who are younger may well be better, but I appreciate 607s attempt to outline why he sees the PF kid as special. You have just made a rather bland negative statement that seems designed to knock her down with no real evidence.

Its interesting over a cycle to look at an age group from little to now. My kid is a HS senior at the end of the line. When i look at her age group, I cant really think of very many kids who have fulfilled potential to date and continued to dominate from the start to now. Players change, kids normalize physically. Is the big fast kid, still that? Are they still finding ways to stay ahead of their peers or have others bloomed later and gone by them ? So when you say younger are better, I would say maybe, but lets see how that pans out over the next few years.

Either way I hope the kids mentioned above make it to College and I will be very interested to see if they continue to improve.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh. It was one game for all of these kids. let's see how the season progresses, shall we? since both teams scored plenty of goals they should be in the higher level brackets in the showcase in Dec.
want to come back to this in early spring too after kids graduate early; kids playing hs on the rosters come back. let's put a pin in this until then.

Anonymous said...

1127 you miss the point. It is not about one game this is a discussion about soccer player development. Actually higher level than usually occurs. You are trying to shift it back to the lower level which team is better type garbage. Feel free to ignore the more global conversation and wait until there are more results to discuss with the other soccer moms. 854 you are a tool. That kid probably "broke" your kids "ankles" a few times and made her look silly. Or you have a a kid on her team that is overshadowed or a younger one who hasn't been mentioned on her age board. Your character weakness is showing.

Anonymous said...

how is that poster missing the point? i guess i am missing the player development part, too. How is being successful over weak teams, player development? Like the prior poster, I think all of these discussions are premature. And, based on the scoreboards, other players should be in these discussions as well as far as player development.

i guess the proof of player development will be at the december showcase as the prior poster noted. having to compete with higher competition and seeing how these young ladies excel in that environment will give a better barometer of their development, their teammates as individuals and the success of the DA's philosophy in general.

Anonymous said...

1127 NYCFC are not a deep team and rely heavily on a few players in key spots. I dont think they will be any more than mid level in the GDA. As 719 said, its cool to see a discussion that is not about who is the best team. Personally I would rather watch the individuals on many teams to see if the GDA really does give them a platform to keep developing as players. College is very competitive and I would like to see some of the kids my D has played with and against go on to do big things at the next level

Anonymous said...

749 the discussion was not at all about team results after one game. Again the fact that a couple of players mentioned scored a brace or greater in their first games against weak competition wasn't considered a factor in generating this discussion. It was about how individual player uniqueness should be considered for development. Some of these players are unique in their relative athleticism and creativity and what that could bring to the higher levels. Indeed relatively sophisticated commentary on this board not surprised it's going over some heads.

Anonymous said...

So you are saying that if teams overall suck but one or two kids are good,US Soccer will be happy? I doubt it. My kid hasn't been on a team yet that was loaded with high level players. not even close and her team was quite successful. It's ALL about the individual efforts of some, including her, to help to compensate for others. and that's development of those players; learning how to be successful individuals despite their team and/or coaching or lack thereof. so, according to your logic, this was already working in ECNL.

Anonymous said...

8:01
so maybe those discussions should be moved to the academy page where i guess only some will understand; drool cups notwithstanding.

Anonymous said...

8:01 of course it will be great to see how some of these kids do in their next soccer lives. i think it is always great to tune in to a college game and see a kid you know from playing with or against succeed. isn't that what all of this is about? success of the child in their next level? granted some are only interested in their own kid's success, but it's really about all of them and their successes. they are doing the work. like to see when hard work pays off.

Anonymous said...

802 Games are largely identical between the 2 leagues. The big difference in my opinion is 4 months GDA vs 4m HS from a training perspective and the extra day of work. I can only speak for one club, but so far the training level, environment and subject matter is far better than I saw in the ECNL. The focus of the group is higher as well. It feels like those who are there, largely want to be and giving up HS has made some realize that they had better make the most of it. Again, only one club.

For my child, the ECNL was not working. Travelling to play 2x on a weekend is a bad idea for a 90 m player. I think it increases the injury risk dramatically and often the performances in game 2 reflected tired players. Of course that format favors the bigger destination Clubs like PDA or FC Stars.

Other than that , I really dont understand your post. The USSF are not in the business of mass production. They are looking for Individual development and thier hope is the GDA allows them to monitor the handful of players they ID. Just like allocated players in the NWSL.

Anonymous said...

821 Agreed, but it is worth restating that. Too often it reads like people are rooting against kids. I dont really care much if my kids team wins loses or draws , I just want her to play well, learn something, and have fun. I pray she stays healthy and committed to the sport becasue nothing gives me more pleasure than watch her out there. Its 90 mins where I can forget about most other things and just enjoy it and the journey so far.

Anonymous said...

interesting discussions. i agree with you as far as games in ECNL, too much. the comparison re the allocated players in NWSL is humorous, though. some dial it in in the NWSL. further, NWSL is loaded with international players many of which are outperforming allocated players.

Anonymous said...

808 or maybe you can just ignore them and skip to the my kids team is great and yours sucks posts.

Anonymous said...

isn't that what was going on when posters started discussing da scores and scores of friendlies? or were they posted for everyone's informational purposes?

Anonymous said...

840 Agree. Just put it there as food for thought. More to illustrate the USSF approach. There are US players who outperform allocated ones in the NWSL as well. The Federation rarely seem to care :) In my experience the USSF already have mids made up on most and will continue to pump $$ behind the players they have hand picked - irrespective of any evidence to the contrary.

My point is that the GDA can be of huge benefit to players who take it seriously whether they are called in to YNTs or not. The YNT marketing angle is a bad move in my opinion. Makes people believe that the only reason to play is if you think you are YNT standard. creates all sorts of animosity that need not be there. Just create a great league and see what happens

Anonymous said...

No the scored being posted were a statement regarding the nacient GDA and the growing pains associated with highly disparate teams. It wasn't a statement that one team was all that over another as is the usual level. But again these more sophisticated points are lost on many.

Anonymous said...

9:27 - 100% agree.

Anonymous said...

so now soft posting of disparity in scores is considered sophisticated? okay. surely the clubs on the other end feel that way as well. and, i'm connect to one of the winning squads.

Anonymous said...

1058 why so negative? has the conversation no moved on from whomever did that ?

Anonymous said...

not being negative. but throwing out a snarky remark to end a thought that the essence of the conversation is well above most poster's iq is a little negative or presumptious. that's all.

Anonymous said...

1107 Ok. that did not come from me not that you would know .

Anonymous said...

The negativity did not begin with that post it began with people acting as if this was a worthless discussion and based on scorelines as in the old which team is better conversations. In fact the scoreline was posted to initiate discussion regarding the relative strength of the GDA in its earliest evidence. Then a sophisticated discussion (barring the jealous negative commentary) of the selection characteristics of some of the YNT choices and projections etc. Now there is an interesting discussion regarding the NWSL and its place in NT development and selection and a discussion of the GDA position in this.

I personally think the USSF is doing a huge disservice to women's soccer development by bringing 16 year old kids, who by the way have not been successful in their own age groups, into national camps. What does that say to 22 year old players toiling in the NWSL for chump change whose only reason for staying is a chance to be allocated and earn a reasonable living with their passion. I think it will undermine the success of the NWSL because there may be limited numbers of players will to sacrifice if they won't be given a fair chance. I agree the USSF (at least the current regime) doesn't really seem to care if a player is successful or not in the NWSL. Some players are "annointed" as young teenagers and it appears that some people have their entire career invested in a very few young player's success. There is little chance that an player in whom no such investment has been made will succeed to the same levels. that undermines the chance of success of the GDA at least in the oldest age group.

Anonymous said...

Just a thought but could US soccer be realizing that the aging base of players needs to be replaced and are looking out to the next world cup cycle to be the springboard for the U16 players? The initial season of GDA will be a growing and learning phase with dual benefits for players. It elevated them in most Soccer pundits minds to the elite level of soccer in the US for 14-19 year old girls. Due to the restrictions and policies some teams (playing by the rules) are not as strong, but individual players on these teams can compete and succeed in the league and the format. As the first round of GDA shakes out I am sure USSF will do a post mortem and adjust. Just looking at the DA website/stats and game notes it is by far a better product than ECNL. I also have not been spammed continuously with the ECNL marketing blitz. It makes sense for players identified prior to GDA to be on the rosters and compete to hold their position. It is also an opportunity for players identified by their clubs to get in front of the establishment and prove themselves. It also provides the players with an additional opportunity to showcase their abilities for College coaches as most will still be looking for that opportunity. All this being said, there is still a place for ECNL and other leagues as there may always be someone who was missed who can shine. The one issue is that the NCAA needs to set and enforce rules to prevent any recruiting or committing before at least the fall of Jr. year. This would alleviate the phenom factor that often does not pan out.

Anonymous said...

I love the conversation and all the different opinions...minus the defensive responses of course.
Here's another thought...so a club now has the USSDA GDA emblem...but the coaches are the same...how is the development any better now?
Yes the team is made up of "the now top talent" and the competition may have changed...or not, if daughter played on good ecnl team...

Anonymous said...

11:52

I get your point, a fresh coat of paint on an old barn is still an old barn. But for converted ECNL teams the staff was the best identified at that club. Where there are deficiencies is where I see USSF stepping in. I am sure the ECNL did not manage down to oversight at the club coaching level, hopefully this will be something USSF has a hand in when needed. Also looks like a lot of coaching by committee with specific trainers at position levels.

Anonymous said...

not having to re-train returning HS players is a big issue that no one mentions. A coach I respect told me that every season , he spent at least a moth getting players back to the level they left the last season at due to bad habits picked up in HS.

Back to the USSF, I see what you are saying in theory 1147, but it remains to be seen how much influence the TAs really have with the YNT coaches. the whole play up phenomenon is such a US "invention" another badge designed to tell the uninitiated that my kid is somehow more special than yours. Its actually sad to see the USSF extending this thru youth teams all the way to the full NT.

If a player is good enough to PLAY for the full NT and be successful, then she is old enough. However it feels like so many of these advancements are to justify coaching decisions made years ago that may or may not be still relevant. Take the 16 yr olds currently ion China with the U-19 team. None of those kids are better than many on age players . Some are so much worse that you cannot cover it by "potential" You just cant. So what is the reason? This is why i fear for the GDA- if its NOT merit based then lets not pretend it is.

I am contradicting myself a little becasue I believe the YNT angle is not required to make the GDA a great league. I only mention it as a litmus test of relative competence and intent at the very top. Personally, I dont think AH has a clue about soccer. Nor do I think AK does. I honestly believe if they had to go an coach a very good College team, they would fail. In fact, I think that is partly why they are where they are. hey ahve faile "up" to this level.

Anonymous said...

Agreed. I also question how much the US TAs will have influence in the club arena.
Given a solid chance, will a club be scrutinized and "encouraged" to improve their staff?

Anonymous said...

I would think that a player good enough to be considered for the full NT would dominate on age. They clearly did not int he u17 WC and i dont think they even did that in the ECNL

Anonymous said...

12:36 - have failed up. love it. sounds like congress. And THAT works so well. :)

Anonymous said...

Appreciate the good discussions and lack of dissecting of the kids, which by the way, like us, all have good days and off days.
plenty of challenges ahead re the DA it seems.

Anonymous said...

Potential at some point needs to be fulfilled. On that note, does Pugh have to be dominant in the NWSL or equivalent pro league for it all to have been worth it form the USSF PoV? Can she continue as the 3rd or 4 th option on the NT and its ok? Or is t just another marketing ploy?

Im still waiting to see any sign that she is the player I was promised by so many so called experts.

To me. so much of this ties back to the core of what we want to be in soccer on the Womens side and who is actually running the game here. Is there a single ECNL era player currently dominating a league or a guaranteed starter on the full NT ?

Anonymous said...

ugh to pugh...

Anonymous said...

Agreed re Pugh. What about her teammates who play for pennies and don't have sponsors? I guess USSF really doesn't care. The product is what her? or the league? How do you promote good team play when you are promoting indivdualism? And then are scratching your head why the team doesn't play well together.

Anonymous said...

Sanchez is looking good at UCLA

Anonymous said...

123 lets widen it to say plenty of challenges for WoSo in the US in general. DA/ECNL are just part of a bigger issue I think.

Anonymous said...

I think sanchez and Flemming would have outshined Pugh and Pugh couldn't risjk being an above average NCAA player

Anonymous said...

like morgan brian?

Anonymous said...

Sanchez is another golden child. to date has not led a team to victory in anything. Im fine with all of these kids being good players, they are. I just question the USSF led over selling. let them achieve it ON the field and we will all be happy. I think the public are beyond being spoon fed ( maybe not!!)

UCLA have many good players, but I think Pugh and her handlers realized the money was there NOW. may not have been there in a year. Pugh has played with Sanchez many times and I dont think she feared being overshadowed at all.

Brian is a WC winner. Played a decent role in that. Has not done much since. USSF need to figure out IF they really want to build a passing/movement type team. If they do, then she should play. if not, she should not even be allocated. I feel she is almost held as a token to show people "hey we are trying to be that way . Look. MB is allocated !!!!" And yet they seem to have no real plan to utilize her much

Anonymous said...

Y'all are thinking too deep.
Sanchez is cuter than Pugh who's cuter than Brian.

But really...Brian is not the type of player woso is looking for. Quick and over the top seems to be the play of the day not passing/movement

Anonymous said...

Sanchez outplayed Pugh in the u20 WC

Anonymous said...

224 but is that not the issue? They should be playing together for the good of the team. USSF frames these things like Highlander ...there can only be one.

Anonymous said...

Haha. Yep. I just find it so bizarre. How can a governing body of a team sport not promote team play?

Anonymous said...

306 its all about becoming the IT girl

Wambach vs Lloyd
Morgan vs Press
Pugh vs Sanchez
Smith vs Pinto

its what the USSF mistake for competition. It promotes selfish play.

Anonymous said...

Crazy. I read the Lloyd book. Good read. Described the savagery at camps among players/pool players/staff. Lord of the Flies, like. Charming huh?

Anonymous said...

Well, maybe not quite as bad as that classic novel.

Anonymous said...

Actually it is...

Anonymous said...

I don't see a way out of the cut throat battle when players are fighting for spots...

Anonymous said...

Agree that Pugh was the next It Player, has a lot of the look of what US soccer wants to promote and I believe her (parents) may have seen a year competing at the top NCAA level might have hurt her stock going forward. I see this a lot at the club level, where younger players are identified and coaches are tied to them until either the coach leaves or the player leave. I have also seen coaches become DOC's that still need to support previous player decisions, putting coaches in difficult situations. Somewhat like pro football - 1st round picks need to see playing time! Just like some Club teams recruit and don't train to build teams, I am not sure if the NT coaches are looking to do a lot of skills and soccer brain training when putting together teams to compete on the international level. Cyber-metrics don't work in soccer.

Anonymous said...

agree. i don't see NT doing soccer brain training. i thought one of the check-off list items re elevated kids is soccer iq. they will refine but not teach. makes sense in older ages, but not younger.

Anonymous said...

Prayers to all affected by recent and current storm systems. May affect various showcases in FL depending on what occurs.

Anonymous said...

discussion topic - how are kids balancing their new schedules with school and then high school or school and GDA trainings? Any issues re over scheduling or too soon to tell?

Anonymous said...

With my kid, it's been better but it depends on the school load now that they are back. Always juggling it seems.

Anonymous said...

1:43 - seems like the showcase areas took the storm in the mouth. very sad.

Anonymous said...

Maybe now we can get the NCAA Womens event back in NC where it belongs

Anonymous said...

Good point. But I think the west coast teams feel that they are at a disadvantage coming to east coast all the time. shows in the amount of west coast champs overall so maybe there is something to it.
But there is something exciting about Cup play in NC. Remember when UCLA won a few yrs ago, it was freezing.

Anonymous said...

Thoughts on the article below? I wish our club had allowed this....Seniors only...

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-3980606800377556925/seniors-take-advantage-of-academy-waivers-earn-one-last-run-in-high-school-girls-soccer/#incart_hssn-rr-1

Anonymous said...

Waivers should be granted by the USSF on the basis of special situations/evidence. Other than that, Im not at all n favor of them. If a kid wants to play HS, then they can. Most of the girls in this article have an ECNL option within the same club that could easily accommodate them. Why do they need to play DA ?

Anonymous said...

True but DA is publicized as top tier hence the attraction over ecnl

Anonymous said...

I think you are being disrespectful and unreasonable, 8:10

Very difficult decisions were made re: DA and high school. Tears shed. If a few can be spared - can be allowed to do both - good for them.

I did like the Princeton Day School coach "speech" at NJ.com regarding the matter. Slaps the DA pretty hard. Google it if interested.

Anonymous said...

I don't see it as disrespectful.
It's the poster's opinion, however small you feel it is.

Anonymous said...

959 Some kids shed tears and made a decision and stuck to it. Do you think its fairer for a Club coach to use the waiver as a marketing tool ? to be the decider of who gets and who does not? Rules are there for a reason. If you allow Clubs to be the decider then why have rules at all.?

Anonymous said...

USSF allowed the clubs to make that decision for this year.
Anyone remember this article?

http://www.soccerwire.com/news/clubs/youth-girls/about-face-heinrichs-says-girls-development-academy-will-allow-high-school-play/

Anonymous said...

Are we still having this discussion? Not trying to be saucy, but it's done; in particular for this year. League play, all of them including fall hs, are already underway.

Now, some areas aren't playing hs yet (play hs in mid winter or spring) so maybe something will change for those areas. I doubt it, but maybe.

Next year could be different. Good luck to all of them where ever they are playing.

Anonymous said...

The DA clubs have a number of roster spots to fill (Min-Max) and a number of transfers as determined by US Soccer. They are also allowed a specific number of DP players. How the Club balances those numbers is up to them. A waver is up to the club to accept the risk of padding the roster with weaker players or fewer players than the plan to in the spring. It is allowable by the rules.

Accepting the waver is a completely different issue. If you decide to play DA and then take a temp leave of absence to play HS, you must now accept risk too. You may loose "your" spot to a more dedicated player, not improve at the same rate as the others, pick up bad habits, get injured by less skilled HS players, and not form bonds with the team and coaching staff.

I don't see many clubs offering wavers next year. It is not worth the aggravation. Watch what happens when these players return after HS and are not welcomed with open arms.

Anonymous said...

250 in theory, yes. In practice...no way. these waivers re mostly ability, not need based. In fact some of the replacements have already been told they will be going to the bench or ECNL teams when the cavalry arrives. Lets not pretend that waivers were anything but a tool to keep so called better player in the GDA, no matter the collateral damage to others.

I respect the Clubs that did not offer these waivers of convenience. I don think that was ever the USSF intention and i believe the only reason they are turning a blind eye to it is becasue its year one.

Anonymous said...

https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/09/14/nasl-us-soccer-sanctioning-division-2-future-league-usa-club-landscape

Seven years in, pulled the plug. They need to prove viability. So, guys' soccer has these struggles as well.

Anonymous said...

3:33 - some kids had their scholarships threatened at their high schools if they didn't play. So some was ability, need and demand. Shame, these are kids.

Anonymous said...

I'll bet these are schools that tell everyone, "we don't give athletic scholarships; it's merit. " If so, then as long as kids have good grades and are good students, it should be their choice as hard as it may be. A school that truly cares about the success of the child doesn't do that.

Anonymous said...

441 that qulifies as "need", but I bet you the vast majority are not need based.

Anonymous said...


If a private school gives a kid a scholarship to play ball then they have to play school ball. If they don’t play school ball, then pay the tuition or go back to public school.

There are a number of good players currently playing private high school soccer and this spring they will be taking the spot of a girl that gave up playing public school high school soccer. One kid shows commitment to playing fall and spring DA, giving up high school soccer, while another is less committed and plays both, and that player will take the spot of girls that played DA in the fall. Seems fair….

Come spring, you are absolutely going to have some aggravated parents and players.

Only weak DA clubs will allow waivers. MLS DA clubs don't give you a choice. If top GDA programs want respect then they should do the same.

It should be either DA or high school sports.

Anonymous said...

My understanding is the DA hs waivers were this first year only.
Next season, any child wanting to play in DA will either play in DA all season or will be playing in another league. No exceptions.

And the above post regarding kids coming back I think isn't global. Some teams are running successfully without the hs kids. They will need to fit in. It won't be the opposite. The game has continued without them as far as training, physicality, game speed which isn't there in most high schools. This is the set back hs kids will face. Being good in hs is very different than being good in DA. And my kid opted into high school for the first year of the DA. I think she regrets it.

Anonymous said...

"Fair" went out at u14. Its all about putting the best players on the field at this point.

Anonymous said...

737 you dont address the issue. Its not a fair or unfair thing. Why do kids NEED to come back to GDA teams after HS? Why not just play ECNL?

Anonymous said...

Thank you! "fair" should have gone out in U6 along with the participation medals

Anonymous said...

Optimistic signs for US women soccer...at least in Cincinnati last night.
30K+ crowd! Awesome to see

Anonymous said...

Dont be fooled by the tip of the USSF WNT marketing spear. The game is never going to be in good shape until the NWSL is vibrant and thriving. KC, Boston and Seattle all emitting worrying signals. Owners failing to meet minimum league standards. Until the USSF realize that you cannot keep pouring $$ into the NT program whilst the rest of the league are on the breadline, we will not build anything sustainable.

The mirage that is 30k people at a NT game is just that.

Anonymous said...

9:36 why aren't the DA's supporting their NWSL shield? Those teams aligned with only certain clubs while ignoring others. How's that working out?

Anonymous said...

Because when the league folds they don't want to have to put a patch over top of it.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
737 you don't address the issue. Its not a fair or unfair thing. Why do kids NEED to come back to GDA teams after HS? Why not just play ECNL?

Well if the DA team is the top team in the club (PDA or Penn Fusion or Breakers or Fury or NYCFC (WC) ect) and a kid on the team opted for High School often because of a scholarship private school situation, then why should a player coming back have to play on a second team if she is good enough to "make" the top team?

To be clear, I don't think the club is obligated to show preference to a kid who played in the fall. Now the real question will be the relative development of the players in the disparate environments. A kid at McDonough or Pennington may very well advance as fast as a DA kid. A kid in a school team with a low level program coached by a teacher who never played beyond u10 rec and with teammates at rec level may lose out. She maybe isn't as competitive as the others with more of a developmental opportunity.

Again the best players should play at the highest level. Are you suggesting a kid who has been playing for PDA for 6 years and chooses to play high school for whatever reason should be REQUIRED to play on the ECNL "B" team? I think not. If she's good enough to make the roster of the DA team upon her return she should be on the DA team. Yes that may bump a kid to the bench or even one to the B team, but that's the nature of this beast.

Anonymous said...

900

Waivers should be NEED based. No issue with that at all. Players who simply want to play with friends are making a choice. Are you asying that there should be no consequences of that? What about the kids who have devoted time to playing GDA? Should they just be told ..sorry, Jane is back now ?

She should be obligated becasue she already made the choice. There should not be an option to "make" the team mid season. If that exists, then why have waivers at all? just dont sign up and then show up after HS to "try out" NYCFC are not allowing any waivers. HS players play ECNL at WC.

The best player currently do not pakly at the highest level. The best of those that can afford to and want to, do. Your statement is not clear. An ECNL/GDA player who decides to play for a Public HS with friends vs poor competition is telling you that she values playing at the highest level below other things. Thats fine and well within her rights, so why are they so concerned post HS ? Whose to say that the ECNL team is worse than the GDA team anyways? The two pools should just represent kids with different interests during HS season.

And yes, thats exactly what im saying. If a kid chooses to not play in teh GDA for a non NEED based reason, then the GDA should not even be an option. And done get me wrong, I an perfectly happy for anyone to choose any option they want , but all options should not be open to all at all times. The kids that ALSO made a difficult choice AT THE TIME should not then be displaced or have their experience changed by the mid season addition of kids who were not willing to make that sacrifice at the time it was mandated. if that si not the case, then why have deadlines at all?

Ti si supposed to be about individual development right, so if it is , the individuals who have bought in to that ONE YEAR program from the start should be protected for ONE YEAR. If you choose HS FOR NON NEED BASED REASONS then thats your choice - LIVE WITH IT for the year. Its called being accountable





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