2004 Boys, games of the week, standings, etc.

here's predicts vs actuals for this weekend (3/23 & 3/24). home teams are listed first.

Predict: Nomads 2 vs. Barca 1. Actuals: Nomads 2 vs. Barca 1. Per game report, pretty straightforward match. Nomads scored one early in 1H and another early in 2H. Barca got one back later in 2h. Nomads were missing their two 2nd leading scorers (tied at 7 goals a piece)

Predict: LAGSD 1 vs. SD Surf 4. Actuals: LAGSD 0 vs. SD Surf 6. Thanks bigkick for score and commentary. Sounds like it was a tough game for LAGSD with SD Surf scoring 5 in 1h.

Predict: Arsenal 1 vs. LAG 2. Actuals: Arsenal 0 vs. LAG 2. Per the game report, looks like a tight match. Score was 0-0 at half. JC from LAG went for a brace in 2h. Arsenal was missing their leading scorer. Thanks sbfdad for the early result.

Predict: Pats 1 vs. Albion 2. Actuals: Pats 5 vs. Albion 0. Hmmm. So what happened here? Per the game report, this one got away from Albion early with the Pats scoring three in the 1st half. Also, the Pats JF had a hat trick so it looks like there may have been a match-up issue for Albion. Last, Albion was also missing their leading scorer, MV. But sometimes, it also just goes like this.

Good on the Pats for a strong win. Any additional commentary on how the game went? interested in seeing what worked for the pats/didn't work for Albion

Predict: FCG 1 vs . LAFC 2. Actuals: FCG 2 vs . LAFC 0. So here's what was written:

"*match to watch* Will be interesting to see how this one goes. LAFC u15 is TopDrawer's #1 team in the country and has been pretty overwhelming this year. Looking at the trends, LAFC has been fading a bit offensively (relatively speaking) since the beginning of the season while getting a bit better defensively.

Keys for FCG are:
1) Managing LAFC's shock and awe in the first ten minutes of the game and the first ten minutes of the 2nd half since LAFC scores more than 1/3 of their goals in these periods
2) Getting a goal in the first half since LAFC has only allowed 3 group play goals in the first half this season (but it also may just make them angry...).

Last match at the very beginning of the season was 4-0 LAFC."
Per the game report, FCG scored in the first half and then again late in the 2nd half - playing with intensity with two late cards - to put it away, and held a full strength LAFC squad - and likely the #1 offense in the country - scoreless for the win. Well done, FCG.

soccerstud, any additional commentary on how the game went?

Predict: LAUFA 3 vs. Real SoCal 2. Actuals: LAUFA 3 vs. Real SoCal 1. Per the game report, it was 1-0 LAUFA at half, and it looks like LAUFA may have taken advantage of a match-up w/ LAUFA's DRV going for a brace in the 2nd half. RSC got one back late.

any additional commentary on how the game went?

Predict: LAGSD 1 vs Nomads 3. Actuals: LAGSD 1 vs Nomads 0. Thanks footballero for the early results. Any additional commentary?
 
here's predicts vs actuals for this weekend (3/23 & 3/24). home teams are listed first.

Predict: Nomads 2 vs. Barca 1. Actuals: Nomads 2 vs. Barca 1. Per game report, pretty straightforward match. Nomads scored one early in 1H and another early in 2H. Barca got one back later in 2h. Nomads were missing their two 2nd leading scorers (tied at 7 goals a piece)

Predict: LAGSD 1 vs. SD Surf 4. Actuals: LAGSD 0 vs. SD Surf 6. Thanks bigkick for score and commentary. Sounds like it was a tough game for LAGSD with SD Surf scoring 5 in 1h.

Predict: Arsenal 1 vs. LAG 2. Actuals: Arsenal 0 vs. LAG 2. Per the game report, looks like a tight match. Score was 0-0 at half. JC from LAG went for a brace in 2h. Arsenal was missing their leading scorer. Thanks sbfdad for the early result.

Predict: Pats 1 vs. Albion 2. Actuals: Pats 5 vs. Albion 0. Hmmm. So what happened here? Per the game report, this one got away from Albion early with the Pats scoring three in the 1st half. Also, the Pats JF had a hat trick so it looks like there may have been a match-up issue for Albion. Last, Albion was also missing their leading scorer, MV. But sometimes, it also just goes like this.

Good on the Pats for a strong win. Any additional commentary on how the game went? interested in seeing what worked for the pats/didn't work for Albion

Predict: FCG 1 vs . LAFC 2. Actuals: FCG 2 vs . LAFC 0. So here's what was written:

"*match to watch* Will be interesting to see how this one goes. LAFC u15 is TopDrawer's #1 team in the country and has been pretty overwhelming this year. Looking at the trends, LAFC has been fading a bit offensively (relatively speaking) since the beginning of the season while getting a bit better defensively.

Keys for FCG are:
1) Managing LAFC's shock and awe in the first ten minutes of the game and the first ten minutes of the 2nd half since LAFC scores more than 1/3 of their goals in these periods
2) Getting a goal in the first half since LAFC has only allowed 3 group play goals in the first half this season (but it also may just make them angry...).

Last match at the very beginning of the season was 4-0 LAFC."
Per the game report, FCG scored in the first half and then again late in the 2nd half - playing with intensity with two late cards - to put it away, and held a full strength LAFC squad - and likely the #1 offense in the country - scoreless for the win. Well done, FCG.

soccerstud, any additional commentary on how the game went?

Predict: LAUFA 3 vs. Real SoCal 2. Actuals: LAUFA 3 vs. Real SoCal 1. Per the game report, it was 1-0 LAUFA at half, and it looks like LAUFA may have taken advantage of a match-up w/ LAUFA's DRV going for a brace in the 2nd half. RSC got one back late.

any additional commentary on how the game went?

Predict: LAGSD 1 vs Nomads 3. Actuals: LAGSD 1 vs Nomads 0. Thanks footballero for the early results. Any additional commentary?
Nomads used this game to evaluate its bench players thinking about next season. The goal came on a soft free kick to the penalty spot, no one cleared and the second string keeper came out and completely missed the ball. Then it was all Nomads but just like it has happened the whole season, they created over 10 chances and no goal.
 
"Per the game report, FCG scored in the first half and then again late in the 2nd half - playing with intensity with two late cards - to put it away, and held a full strength LAFC squad - and likely the #1 offense in the country - scoreless for the win. Well done, FCG.

soccerstud, any additional commentary on how the game went?"

Let me first say it was a very intense game, LAFC did not give anything away. It was a great game to watch independent of the result. I counted like 7 US scouts, 1 MLS scout and another from the Mexican League.

Like predicted, LAFC came out hard in the first 15 minutes of the game, then settled down a bit and continued building their plays. They had more than enough chances, but nothing FCGS keeper and back line could not handle. Both teams had their opportunities to score in the first half. LAFC created their chances via build up plays and FCGS created theirs through counter attacks. FCGS defended as a team, pressing LAFC at all the lines that's how the 1st goal came. Somehow the ball landed about 25 yards out from the LAFC goal, their center back #4 got to the ball first and tried to play their keeper who had for some reason come out of the box to intercept the ball and was standing about 19 yards out. The pass was bad, the ball somehow bounced off the keeper. In the meantime, #35 from FCGS, who was playing the #10 position, had not given up on the play and with a full sprint ran passed the defender, got a touch on the ball immediately as it bounced off the keeper (it was a weird play). The ball went his way and he punched it home to an open net. The second half was pretty much the same as the first half, with LAFC creating chances but nothing FCGS back line and keeper could not handle. LAFC started introducing substitutions but not much changed, they did have a 1v1 with the FCGS keeper, but the keeper handled it well. FCGS kept the pressure and started building up plays as well as counters. The 2nd goal came on a counter. After an LAFC press, FCGS cleared the ball and it came to the FCGS left Forward (winger) who was standing in the belly of the field. He controlled the ball and opened it wide to #35 who was marked but making the run up the right side. With a one touch pass, he crossed the ball way over the other side of the field (left) where the FCGS left defender was making the run. The pass left the winger with open space and about 30 yards out, he ran the ball, an LAFC defender tried to close him down, the FCGS left back cut in with his left foot and took a shot with this right foot and put it in the top right hand corner from 18 yards out nothing the keeper could do. Both had a few more chances after that but the closest came late in the second half again by FCGS and again by the #35. The pass came from the right side, a little too high, he jumped, chested the ball, and without letting it hit the ground, he hit a volley from about 16 yards out. Somehow the defender got a foot on it to clear the ball. The last 10 minutes or so, LAFC tried desperately to get a goal. All their plays turned to long balls from the back into the area, but to no avail. It was just not going to happen for them this game.

I think the key to FCGS this game was that they finally had their starting line-up after 5 or 6 games. In particular, their back line with their starting center backs #2 and #5, the starting D-mid #62 and their starting keeper all playing, really made a difference. It allowed the #35 to play in his position where he really shines instead of trying to fill in other roles. Injury to #2, #62 playing up with the 03s/02s and the second keeper getting some minutes left team vulnerable the last few games. I realize trying to "develop" all the players and balancing some game time is important, but somehow it through the team off balance. FCGS coaches were not having that against LAFC. They prepared well, the coaches laid out a great plan and the players followed it to a tee. All the players were completely exhausted after the game...boy, LAFC is a tough nut to crack. Congratulations to the FCGS staff and players, well deserved and earned win!

I do want to make a last comment/observation. It is easy to see why LAFC is the best 2004 team in the country. They are a fantastic team including their bench. They are coached very well and are a fun and exciting team to watch. The only negative thing to the evening was after the second goal came. Some of the LAFC players, especially the goalie that was playing in the second half, got into it with the parents. They were making gestures moving their hands up and down, while looking at the FCGS parents who were celebrating the second goal, as to tell them to calm down and pointing at themselves and raising the index finger telling them they are still #1. The goal keeper went as far as bringing his index finger to his lips and trying to shoosh the parents. Obviously, that didn't go well with some and words were exchanged. I understand it was their first loss of the season, and maybe they didn't know how to react. All I can say is to the LAFC boys, "you are great players and a loss will not change that, but there is no need to resort to that behavior. About all remain respectful, you've earned the plaudits all year round with your play, keep it up and stay away from the rest. I'm sure you will bounce back immediately."
 
"Per the game report, FCG scored in the first half and then again late in the 2nd half - playing with intensity with two late cards - to put it away, and held a full strength LAFC squad - and likely the #1 offense in the country - scoreless for the win. Well done, FCG.

soccerstud, any additional commentary on how the game went?"

Let me first say it was a very intense game, LAFC did not give anything away. It was a great game to watch independent of the result. I counted like 7 US scouts, 1 MLS scout and another from the Mexican League.

Like predicted, LAFC came out hard in the first 15 minutes of the game, then settled down a bit and continued building their plays. They had more than enough chances, but nothing FCGS keeper and back line could not handle. Both teams had their opportunities to score in the first half. LAFC created their chances via build up plays and FCGS created theirs through counter attacks. FCGS defended as a team, pressing LAFC at all the lines that's how the 1st goal came. Somehow the ball landed about 25 yards out from the LAFC goal, their center back #4 got to the ball first and tried to play their keeper who had for some reason come out of the box to intercept the ball and was standing about 19 yards out. The pass was bad, the ball somehow bounced off the keeper. In the meantime, #35 from FCGS, who was playing the #10 position, had not given up on the play and with a full sprint ran passed the defender, got a touch on the ball immediately as it bounced off the keeper (it was a weird play). The ball went his way and he punched it home to an open net. The second half was pretty much the same as the first half, with LAFC creating chances but nothing FCGS back line and keeper could not handle. LAFC started introducing substitutions but not much changed, they did have a 1v1 with the FCGS keeper, but the keeper handled it well. FCGS kept the pressure and started building up plays as well as counters. The 2nd goal came on a counter. After an LAFC press, FCGS cleared the ball and it came to the FCGS left Forward (winger) who was standing in the belly of the field. He controlled the ball and opened it wide to #35 who was marked but making the run up the right side. With a one touch pass, he crossed the ball way over the other side of the field (left) where the FCGS left defender was making the run. The pass left the winger with open space and about 30 yards out, he ran the ball, an LAFC defender tried to close him down, the FCGS left back cut in with his left foot and took a shot with this right foot and put it in the top right hand corner from 18 yards out nothing the keeper could do. Both had a few more chances after that but the closest came late in the second half again by FCGS and again by the #35. The pass came from the right side, a little too high, he jumped, chested the ball, and without letting it hit the ground, he hit a volley from about 16 yards out. Somehow the defender got a foot on it to clear the ball. The last 10 minutes or so, LAFC tried desperately to get a goal. All their plays turned to long balls from the back into the area, but to no avail. It was just not going to happen for them this game.

I think the key to FCGS this game was that they finally had their starting line-up after 5 or 6 games. In particular, their back line with their starting center backs #2 and #5, the starting D-mid #62 and their starting keeper all playing, really made a difference. It allowed the #35 to play in his position where he really shines instead of trying to fill in other roles. Injury to #2, #62 playing up with the 03s/02s and the second keeper getting some minutes left team vulnerable the last few games. I realize trying to "develop" all the players and balancing some game time is important, but somehow it through the team off balance. FCGS coaches were not having that against LAFC. They prepared well, the coaches laid out a great plan and the players followed it to a tee. All the players were completely exhausted after the game...boy, LAFC is a tough nut to crack. Congratulations to the FCGS staff and players, well deserved and earned win!

I do want to make a last comment/observation. It is easy to see why LAFC is the best 2004 team in the country. They are a fantastic team including their bench. They are coached very well and are a fun and exciting team to watch. The only negative thing to the evening was after the second goal came. Some of the LAFC players, especially the goalie that was playing in the second half, got into it with the parents. They were making gestures moving their hands up and down, while looking at the FCGS parents who were celebrating the second goal, as to tell them to calm down and pointing at themselves and raising the index finger telling them they are still #1. The goal keeper went as far as bringing his index finger to his lips and trying to shoosh the parents. Obviously, that didn't go well with some and words were exchanged. I understand it was their first loss of the season, and maybe they didn't know how to react. All I can say is to the LAFC boys, "you are great players and a loss will not change that, but there is no need to resort to that behavior. About all remain respectful, you've earned the plaudits all year round with your play, keep it up and stay away from the rest. I'm sure you will bounce back immediately."
Awesome.
 
here's predicts for today (3/30). home team is listed first. had to add in some data - since most matches this weekend are norcal v socal (go socal!) - which took a bit. Predicts for tomorrow to follow late this afternoon.

Saturday, March 30
Albion 1 vs De Anza 2

Real SoCal 2 vs Portland Timbers 2

SD Surf 5 vs. Breakers 1

Arsenal 1 vs. LAUFA 3

LAG 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 3 *match to watch* Last time these teams played was in the GA cup. Went to PKs with Seattle winning. Assuming both teams play their 1st team roster, should be a great match to watch. Seattle is ranked #4 in the country by TopDrawer. LAG is not ranked in the top 25.

Sacramento Republic 2 vs FC Golden State 1 *match to watch* Last time these teams played it was 4-2 FCG. Sacramento is ranked #17 by Top Drawer while FCG is ranked #23. Not a lot of FCG "away" game data to work with, but it looks like FCG having to travel to Sactown tips the result in Sacramento's favor.

Barca 1 vs . LAFC 5

San Jose Earthquakes 2 vs. Pats 2

Nomads 3 vs. Ballistic 1

Strikers 4 vs Silicon Valley Soccer Academy 1
 
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here's predicts for today (3/30). home team is listed first. had to add in some data - since most matches this weekend are norcal v socal (go socal!) - which took a bit. Predicts for tomorrow to follow late this afternoon.

Saturday, March 30
Albion 1 vs De Anza 2

Real SoCal 2 vs Portland Timbers 2

SD Surf 5 vs. Breakers 1

Arsenal 1 vs. LAUFA 3

LAG 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 3 *match to watch* Last time these teams played was in the GA cup. Went to PKs with Seattle winning. Assuming both teams play their 1st team roster, should be a great match to watch. Seattle is ranked #4 in the country by TopDrawer. LAG is not ranked in the top 25.

Sacramento Republic 2 vs FC Golden State 1 *match to watch* Last time these teams played it was 4-2 FCG. Sacramento is ranked #17 by Top Drawer while FCG is ranked #23. Not a lot of FCG "away" game data to work with, but it looks like FCG having to travel to Sactown tips the result in Sacramento's favor.

Barca 1 vs . LAFC 5

San Jose Earthquakes 2 vs. Pats 2

Nomads 3 vs. Ballistic 1

Strikers 4 vs Silicon Valley Soccer Academy 1


BARCA 1 LAFC 7
 
LAG 1 vs Sounders 2

LAG had more possession and the better chances. Couldn’t finish. Sounders capitalized on a couple of mistakes. The boys wanted a do-over. Maybe next year.
 
here's predicts for Sunday (3/31). home team is listed first. had to add in some data - since most matches this weekend are norcal v socal (go socal!) - which took a bit.

Albion 2 vs Breakers 1
Real SoCal 1 vs Seattle Sounders 6
SD Surf 1 vs De Anza 2
SJ Earthquakes1 vs FCG 2
Strikers 4 vs Ballistic 1
Nomads 3 vs SVSA 1
Sacramento Republic 3 vs Pateadores 2
LA Galaxy 3 vs Portland Timbers 1
 
here's predicts for this last weekend (3/30 & 3/31). home team is listed first. mostly match-ups w/ norcal this weekend.

Predict: Albion 1 vs De Anza 2. Actuals: Albion 3 vs De Anza 0
Predict: Real SoCal 2 vs Portland Timbers 2. Actuals: Real SoCal 3 vs Portland Timbers 2
Predict: SD Surf 5 vs. Breakers 1. Actuals: SD Surf 2 vs. Breakers 1
Predict: Arsenal 1 vs. LAUFA 3. Actuals: Arsenal 1 vs. LAUFA 2
Predict: LAG 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 3. Actuals: LAG 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 2
Predict: Sacramento Republic 2 vs FC Golden State 1. Actuals: Sacramento Republic 3 vs FC Golden State 1
Predict: Barca 1 vs . LAFC 5. Actuals: Barca 1 vs . LAFC 7
Predict: San Jose Earthquakes 2 vs. Pats 2. Actuals: San Jose Earthquakes 3 vs. Pats 0
Predict: Nomads 3 vs. Ballistic 1. Actuals: Nomads 3 vs. Ballistic 0
Predict: Strikers 4 vs Silicon Valley Soccer Academy 1. Actuals: Strikers 6 vs Silicon Valley Soccer Academy 1
Predict: Albion 2 vs Breakers 1. Actuals: Albion 4 vs Breakers 1
Predict: Real SoCal 1 vs Seattle Sounders 6. Actuals: Real SoCal 1 vs Seattle Sounders 2
Predict: SD Surf 1 vs De Anza 2. Actuals: SD Surf 4 vs De Anza 1
Predict: SJ Earthquakes 1 vs FCG 2. Actuals: SJ Earthquakes 1 vs FCG 1
Predict: Strikers 4 vs Ballistic 1. Actuals: pending
Predict: Nomads 3 vs SVSA 1. Actuals: Nomads 3 vs SVSA 1 (thanks footballero)
Predict: Sacramento Republic 3 vs Pateadores 2. Actuals: Sacramento Republic 0 vs Pateadores 1.
Predict: LA Galaxy 3 vs Portland Timbers 1. Actuals: LA Galaxy 3 vs Portland Timbers 0 (thanks sbfdad)
 
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here's predicts for this last weekend (3/30 & 3/31). home team is listed first. mostly match-ups w/ norcal this weekend.

Predict: Albion 1 vs De Anza 2. Actuals: Albion 3 vs De Anza 0
Predict: Real SoCal 2 vs Portland Timbers 2. Actuals: Real SoCal 3 vs Portland Timbers 2
Predict: SD Surf 5 vs. Breakers 1. Actuals: SD Surf 2 vs. Breakers 1
Predict: Arsenal 1 vs. LAUFA 3. Actuals: Arsenal 1 vs. LAUFA 2
Predict: LAG 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 3. Actuals: LAG 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 2
Predict: Sacramento Republic 2 vs FC Golden State 1. Actuals: Sacramento Republic 3 vs FC Golden State 1
Predict: Barca 1 vs . LAFC 5. Actuals: Barca 1 vs . LAFC 7
Predict: San Jose Earthquakes 2 vs. Pats 2. Actuals: San Jose Earthquakes 3 vs. Pats 0
Predict: Nomads 3 vs. Ballistic 1. Actuals: Nomads 3 vs. Ballistic 0
Predict: Strikers 4 vs Silicon Valley Soccer Academy 1. Actuals: Strikers 6 vs Silicon Valley Soccer Academy 1
Predict: Albion 2 vs Breakers 1. Actuals: Albion 4 vs Breakers 1
Predict: Real SoCal 1 vs Seattle Sounders 6. Actuals: Real SoCal 1 vs Seattle Sounders 2
Predict: SD Surf 1 vs De Anza 2. Actuals: SD Surf 4 vs De Anza 1
Predict: SJ Earthquakes 1 vs FCG 2. Actuals: SJ Earthquakes 1 vs FCG 1
Predict: Strikers 4 vs Ballistic 1. Actuals: pending
Predict: Nomads 3 vs SVSA 1. Actuals: pending
Predict: Sacramento Republic 3 vs Pateadores 2. Actuals: Sacramento Republic 0 vs Pateadores 1.
Predict: LA Galaxy 3 vs Portland Timbers 1. Actuals: LA Galaxy 3 vs Portland Timbers 0 (thanks sbfdad)


Nomads 3 SVSA 1
 
here's predicts for the weekend (4/5 & 4/6). home team is listed first.

SD Surf 1 vs LAFC 1. *match to watch* this match is listed as TBD on the schedule. hopefully, it will happen. should be fun to watch. biggest trend of note is that LAFC offense has been on the steady decline (relatively speaking), hence the projected tie. last match was 4-1 LAFC. somehow, top drawer doesn't have SD Surf ranked anywhere in their top 25.

Pats 2 vs Nomads 2

Real SoCal 2 vs Albion 1

Arsenal 1 vs. Strikers 1

SD Surf 4 vs Albion 1









 
here's predicts vs actuals for 4/5 & 4/6. home team is listed first.

predict: SD Surf 1 vs LAFC 1. actuals: SD Surf 1 vs LAFC 4. note: same result as last match. surprised by this result. Any commentary from folks?

predict: Pats 2 vs Nomads 2. actuals: Pats 2 vs Nomads 2. Looks like a fun one to watch. Pats went up 2-0 in the first half, and then Nomads got one back just before the half and tied it early in the second half.

predict: Real SoCal 2 vs Albion 1. actuals: Real SoCal 2 vs Albion 0

predict: Arsenal 1 vs. Strikers 1. actuals: Arsenal 0 vs. Strikers 3. per the game report, looks like Strikers came out strong, got one in the first half and then two in the last five.
 
here's predicts for this weekend (4/13 & 4/14). home team is listed first.

Barca 3 vs Silicon Valley SA 2

Nomads 1 vs FC Golden State 1 *match to watch* note: both teams have a big home/away effect. while the algo is calling this a tie, would say that Nomads have the edge with FCG playing away. Should be fun, tough defensive game to watch.

Albion 3 vs SD Surf 2

LAGSD 1 vs Real SoCal 2

Barca 4 vs. Arsenal 2

Strikers 5 vs Pateadores 1
 
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