NATIONAL CUP O6 2018

National Cup is just a week away. As in years past this is meant for fun and give a bit of insight on teams. Youth Soccer Rankings are from Cal South rankings only. Please note that Youth Soccer Rankings has been trickling new data and rankings are slowly adjusting Also, take into consideration that rankings change weekly/daily so they may rise or fall continually before National Cup begins. There are 11 brackets and 42 teams. With 11 group winners and the top 5 wild card teams from round 1 advancing. Then a round of 16 until only two remain.

“GROUP A”

LAGSB PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #3)

PATEDORES IER (YSR #20)

ALBION SC ACADEMY (YSR #30)

CRESENTA VALLEY SC (YSR #78)

AVG: 32.75


Much like the 05 LAGSB team this squad also plays a possession based game. They will build from the back and make a series of linking passes to the midfield and forward line. They will find a rhythm in their passing and make passes traveling in all directions. With this they often probe their opponents for the right opportunity to attack. Patedores have been very active this winter which certainly proclaims they are preparing themselves for the tourney of the year. In that preparation have come across a few squads to see where they stand. They also faced some top quality teams in SCDSL, yet haven’t quite found that golden touch. None the less look for them to battle. Albion have also taken a similar road and have taken it upon themselves to get ready. They have played in a few tourneys after finishing league play (SDDA). But, have an assortment of results. Cresenta Valley are certainly the underdogs here. Having played SCDSL flight 2 and finishing mid-table only says one thing. This team has guts and is chasing after the competition.


“GROUP B”

CDA SLAMMERS FC (YSR #7)

SLAMMERS FC AW (YSR #9)

FC GOLDEN STATE (YSR #37)

DMCV SHARKS (YSR #77)

AVG: 32.5


CDA Slammers are a tenacious crew and do not run from playing the best. They play all out for every minute they are on the pitch. They have skilled players that can be lethal up top and a formidable keeper in goal. Tactically they will force teams into giving up the ball and quickly striking. Slammers FC are a well-coached team by a pair of top notch trainers. There a good side but seemingly have not found that stride they have been looking for all year. Despite this they can certainly make a run here. FC Golden State play an attractive and possession minded game. They will not deviate from their style of play to merely win a game, but stay true to their beliefs. And, just recently over MLK weekend they played up at Vegas Cup with some impressive results. At the younger age groups one thing can be said consistency of play cannot be counted on. DMCV Sharks have a potpourri of results over the course of the year. Hoping them the best of luck.


“GROUP C”

SAN DIEGO SC (YSR #20)

SLAMMER FC CB (YSR #18)

EAGLES SC (YSR #22)

BEACH FC SB (YSR #34)

AVG: 23.5


San Diego SC is a capable side with good energy. They aspire to play their best and work hard in victory or defeat. SDSC will certainly see this as a good opportunity to make the most of their pairings and having played CRL will be well prepared to do so. Slammers FC also like their sister team sit just off the pole position as the #2 seed. But also have a fantastic opportunity here to rise from this group and make a splash to the next round. Eagles like most teams from their club have high expectations. They will have to find it deep within themselves and perform above and beyond what we have seen. Like any other team have a chance but will have to make the most of it here at the moment of truth. Beach FC SB are a capable team whose record does not reflect their ability. Yet, they will have to produce to get results and cannot afford to let points slip. Making the most of the situation is a must here for this team.


“GROUP D”

SO CAL BLUES (YSR #5)

SO CAL ACADEMY (YSR #15)

RIVERSIDE MGFM (YSR #29)

OVC (YSR #41)

AVG: 22.5



Blues come in as the clear favorites here. Without a doubt will take advantage of their athletic prowess and direct style of play. They have a dominant forward up top whose shot is like Thor’s Hammer being unleashed. Blues also have one of the most commanding keepers in the age group. This duo often pair up for some impressive play. So Cal Academy come into this contest winning CSL Sliver Elite North and make no mistake will want to take the group. This is a team that will fight. Their high tempo of play with talented players will definitely serve them well here. MGFM finished behind a competitive and formidable IE Surf team in CSL Silver East and making it to the Sweet 16 in league cup. They will not be taken lightly by Blues because they are unknown quantity or by So Cal Academy who they squared off with in January for a shoot-out. OVC will have to pull a rabbit out there hat to really make an impression. They are tasked with competing against two giants. Finishing at the bottom of SDDA and struggling against top to mid-level teams outside of league does not bode well.


“GROUP E”

ALBION SC WHITAKER (YSR #6)

LEGENDS FC (YSR #14)

CZ ELITE (YSR #39)

LAGSB PA2 (YSR #31)

AVG: 22.50


Albion is a fun and creative team. They play with style and technique. This is a team that will make a run for the cup. Albion are able to move the ball around maintaining majority of the possession. They will look for creases between lines and draw their own with accurate passes and imaginative plays. Legends FC are tough little squad. They do a great job competing and staying in the thick of things, but gotta find those key moments to not let it slip away. CZ Elite need to make a statement here. On their roster they have a few ballers and athletes. Just have not seemed to put it together. Earning as many points is a must to earn a wild card spot. They pair up nicely with Legends and LAGSB. LAGSB PA2 is a solid squad that enjoy playing with the ball at their feet. Like their sister team will use passing schemes to search for goal scoring opportunities. They will connect passes from the back-line to the front, and play with their heads up. They will match up nicely with Albion as they share a common style.




 
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“GROUP F”


LEGENDS FC PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #1)

WEST COAST FC PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #16)

LAGSD PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #27)

SAND AND SURF SC (YSR #58)

AVG: 25.5


Legends FC PA are a side to be reckoned with. This is a dynamic team with talent across the field. They play an active game with quick passing scenarios and like to switch the ball wide or across the middle. Legends are able to close down plays and force teams into their own half of the field. West Coast is a well-coached team and play a style that is truly enjoyable to watch. They have some very intelligent players and like to move the ball in a thoughtful manner. Much of their attack comes from the middle of the field and play is disbursed to flanking players with connecting passes. LAGSD are a mid-table team facing two very good squads. In order to find themselves in the next round they must roll the dice and not play it safe. Leaving it all on the field is a must. Sand and Surf definitely do not have much of a track record when playing top teams. They have given up many goals while their own offensive production is lacking. Unless they can get an early goal and keep the favorites at bay they will find an early exit.



“GROUP G”

SD SURF ACADEMY (YSR #10)

STRIKERS FC NORTH BLACK (YSR #13)

SOUTH VALLEY SC (YSR #25)

LEGENDS FC EAST (YSR #36)

AVG: 21


This is one of those groups that any seed here could be beat the other. SD Surf are good side that play a nice brand of futbol. They have talent in key positions and work hard to make plays on the field and move the ball forward. They also found themselves sitting mid-table in CRL playing against some of the best competition. Strikers North definitely have a chance to take this group from Surf or a wild card spot. But will have to play some good ball and perform with a level of consistency that is needed here. South Valley SC have had their fair share of victories, but have not put it together against those teams that could define them. This is where they have fallen short, yet they are in a group that they could find themselves in the next round. And, maybe, just maybe they can make their mark. Legends FC East are another flight 2 team playing in the SHOW. They have been successful against flight 2 teams, but this is a different scenario, and despite having an optimal bracket could easily find this difficult. Legends will play, we will watch, and we will see.


“GROUP H”

BEACH FC LB (YSR #8)

LEGENDS FC SOUTH (YSR #17)

SD FORCE FC ACADEMY (YSR #26)

SLAMMERS FC (YSR #53)

AVG: 26


Beach FC LB are a resilient team that definitely rise to the occasion win or lose. They seek to create by finding seams in the defensive lines and making penetrating passes or working the ball wide and driving towards goal to pull their competition to them. Their workman like defensive play leaves little time for teams to get comfortable and disrupts opponents from finding a rhythm. Legends FC South are a competitive team that win games they are expected to, but seemingly don’t get over the hump with those teams deemed as favorites. They are very active around the ball and can be dangerous, especially if their opponents become complacent. They will certainly have to fight it out with the rest of this group for a chance at a wild card spot. SD Force certainly can compete here and earn some points for the next round. But like so many teams have not had success when a positive result is a must. If they’re going to find a moment where the stars align and a team gels on a field this is that time. Slammers FC like their sister teams have a good trainer pushing for development. However, this team has some time to go before that happens and will struggle along the way. Look for them to play and learn here.


“GROUP I”

STRIKERS FC NORTH RED (YSR #11)

REAL SO CAL WHITE (YSR #12)

REBELS SOCCER CLUB (YSR #46)

MURRIETA SURF (YSR #49)

AVG: 29.5


Strikers FC are a strong and physical team. Diligently they will swarm the field and try to give their opponents fits. They will look to feed and build play through their center mid/forward/defender who is often used in all kinds of different positions. Yes, she’s pretty good. Strikers FC are capable of big wins and competitive play. Don’t be surprised if they get far again like last year. Real So Cal are a very good team and definitely a tough competitor week in and week out. Like Strikers FC could make some waves in the next round. Being an athletic team they are able to put themselves into positions on the field to make plays on both ends. Like most Rebels teams they play a technical and tactical style which you can only appreciate. They finished behind Albion in SDDA but have not appeared to have retained there form since late December. Rebels have had lots ups and lots of downs. Much like a roller coaster. Hopefully this was just a rough patch that has passed. Murrieta Surf come into this contest with nothing to lose and a lot to prove. Being the 4th seated team says a lot, but does it? Honestly not sure what they will do, but I would love to see them do something special.


This is where National Cup gets tricky. Group J will cross play Group K. The Surf Select vs. Anaheim Surf matchup is a huge game as it will definitely set the stage. Surf Academy vs. Surf Select is also intriguing. Will Surf Academy play spoiler and get an upset? If so, what is the domino effect? There have also been actual scenarios where teams deserving of a wild card have been eliminated from the next round because of cross play. Could this happen? Again?


“GROUP J”

SAN DIEGO SURF ACADEMY (YSR #)

ANAHEIM SURF (YSR #4)

OXNARD PAL (YSR #24)


SD Surf Academy is a good team and well coached. They play like most Surf teams in this age group with a distinct and purposeful style. They will come to play and definitely will try to take it to their competitors. Surf have won a few big games and lost quite a few of them too, but they can be giant killers. Oxnard PAL will benefit from the cross play. Here they have a chance at playing similar teams. Though those games will be close and not easy to predict the outcome.


“GROUP K”

SD SURF SELECT (YSR #2)

CDA FC SLAMMERS HB (YSR #23)

LAGSB NAVY (YSR #71)



SD Surf Select are a talented and accomplished squad. As previously mentioned they play a great style of controlled soccer and do it intelligently. Their talent is deep and have a bench that matches the starting lineup. They have a knack for putting the ball behind the net and keeping it out. Look for them to make a deep run in this year’s National Cup. CDA Slammers are tough team to play. They work hard, play hard, and don’t give up. They definitely get the results needed against most teams, yet struggle to get results against top competition. Though these matches were close contests with a single goal being the difference. LAGSB Navy are a team that tries to move the ball around nicely and wants to build going forward. They do have a few players that standout and keep them in the game. The key for them is to stay disciplined and be patient. Last year at this time this squad made some waves, hoping they can do it again.


Additional:

In my opinion there are a few teams that should be playing National Cup. One of those that is most obvious is IE Surf. Wish they were.
 
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“GROUP F”


LEGENDS FC PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #1)

WEST COAST FC PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #16)

LAGSD PRE-ACADEMY (YSR #27)

SAND AND SURF SC (YSR #58)

AVG: 25.5


Legends FC PA are a side to be reckoned with. This is a dynamic team with talent across the field. They play an active game with quick passing scenarios and like to switch the ball wide or across the middle. Legends are able to close down plays and force teams into their own half of the field. West Coast is a well-coached team and play a style that is truly enjoyable to watch. They have some very intelligent players and like to move the ball in a thoughtful manner. Much of their attack comes from the middle of the field and play is disbursed to flanking players with connecting passes. LAGSD are a mid-table team facing two very good squads. In order to find themselves in the next round they must roll the dice and not play it safe. Leaving it all on the field is a must. Sand and Surf definitely do not have much of a track record when playing top teams. They have given up many goals while their own offensive production is lacking. Unless they can get an early goal and keep the favorites at bay they will find an early exit.



“GROUP G”

SD SURF ACADEMY (YSR #10)

STRIKERS FC NORTH BLACK (YSR #13)

SOUTH VALLEY SC (YSR #25)

LEGENDS FC EAST (YSR #36)

AVG: 21


This is one of those groups that any seed here could be beat the other. SD Surf are good side that play a nice brand of futbol. They have talent in key positions and work hard to make plays on the field and move the ball forward. They also found themselves sitting mid-table in CRL playing against some of the best competition. Strikers North definitely have a chance to take this group from Surf or a wild card spot. But will have to play some good ball and perform with a level of consistency that is needed here. South Valley SC have had their fair share of victories, but have not put it together against those teams that could define them. This is where they have fallen short, yet they are in a group that they could find themselves in the next round. And, maybe, just maybe they can make their mark. Legends FC East are another flight 2 team playing in the SHOW. They have been successful against flight 2 teams, but this is a different scenario, and despite having an optimal bracket could easily find this difficult. Legends will play, we will watch, and we will see.


“GROUP H”

BEACH FC LB (YSR #8)

LEGENDS FC SOUTH (YSR #17)

SD FORCE FC ACADEMY (YSR #26)

SLAMMERS FC (YSR #53)

AVG: 26


Beach FC LB are a resilient team that definitely rise to the occasion win or lose. They seek to create by finding seams in the defensive lines and making penetrating passes or working the ball wide and driving towards goal to pull their competition to them. Their workman like defensive play leaves little time for teams to get comfortable and disrupts opponents from finding a rhythm. Legends FC South are a competitive team that win games they are expected to, but seemingly don’t get over the hump with those teams deemed as favorites. They are very active around the ball and can be dangerous, especially if their opponents become complacent. They will certainly have to fight it out with the rest of this group for a chance at a wild card spot. SD Force certainly can compete here and earn some points for the next round. But like so many teams have not had success when a positive result is a must. If they’re going to find a moment where the stars align and a team gels on a field this is that time. Slammers FC like their sister teams have a good trainer pushing for development. However, this team has some time to go before that happens and will struggle along the way. Look for them to play and learn here.


“GROUP I”

STRIKERS FC NORTH RED (YSR #11)

REAL SO CAL WHITE (YSR #12)

REBELS SOCCER CLUB (YSR #46)

MURRIETA SURF (YSR #49)

AVG: 29.5


Strikers FC are a strong and physical team. Diligently they will swarm the field and try to give their opponents fits. They will look to feed and build play through their center mid/forward/defender who is often used in all kinds of different positions. Yes, she’s pretty good. Strikers FC are capable of big wins and competitive play. Don’t be surprised if they get far again like last year. Real So Cal are a very good team and definitely a tough competitor week in and week out. Like Strikers FC could make some waves in the next round. Being an athletic team they are able to put themselves into positions on the field to make plays on both ends. Like most Rebels teams they play a technical and tactical style which you can only appreciate. They finished behind Albion in SDDA but have not appeared to have retained there form since late December. Rebels have had lots ups and lots of downs. Much like a roller coaster. Hopefully this was just a rough patch that has passed. Murrieta Surf come into this contest with nothing to lose and a lot to prove. Being the 4th seated team says a lot, but does it? Honestly not sure what they will do, but I would love to see them do something special.


This is where National Cup gets tricky. Group J will cross play Group K. The Surf Select vs. Anaheim Surf matchup is a huge game as it will definitely set the stage. Surf Academy vs. Surf Select is also intriguing. Will Surf Academy play spoiler and get an upset? If so, what is the domino effect? There have also been actual scenarios where teams deserving of a wild card have been eliminated from the next round because of cross play. Could this happen? Again?


“GROUP J”

SAN DIEGO SURF ACADEMY (YSR #)

ANAHEIM SURF (YSR #4)

OXNARD PAL (YSR #24)


SD Surf Academy is a good team and well coached. They play like most Surf teams in this age group with a distinct and purposeful style. They will come to play and definitely will try to take it to their competitors. Surf have won a few big games and lost quite a few of them too, but they can be giant killers. Anaheim Surf are an impact team and boast some talented players. The heart of the team is the midfield. This is where they are able to dissect teams and create goal scoring opportunities. Oxnard PAL will benefit from the cross play. Here they have a chance at playing similar teams. Though those games will be close and not easy to predict the outcome.


“GROUP K”

SD SURF SELECT (YSR #2)

CDA FC SLAMMERS HB (YSR #23)

LAGSB NAVY (YSR #71)



SD Surf Select are a talented and accomplished squad. As previously mentioned they play a great style of controlled soccer and do it intelligently. Their talent is deep and have a bench that matches the starting lineup. They have a knack for putting the ball behind the net and keeping it out. Look for them to make a deep run in this year’s National Cup. CDA Slammers are tough team to play. They work hard, play hard, and don’t give up. They definitely get the results needed against most teams, yet struggle to get results against top competition. Though these matches were close contests with a single goal being the difference. LAGSB Navy are a team that tries to move the ball around nicely and wants to build going forward. They do have a few players that standout and keep them in the game. The key for them is to stay disciplined and be patient. Last year at this time this squad made some waves, hoping they can do it again.


Additional:

In my opinion there are a few teams that should be playing National Cup. One of those that is most obvious is IE Surf. Wish they were.
I am going to say it. There is a parent who does not like the positives written about their team. They hit the dislike button. Therefore I will remove all comments about their team.
 
I am going to say it. There is a parent who does not like the positives written about their team. They hit the dislike button. Therefore I will remove all comments about their team.

Ignore the haters Lastman! Thanks for putting together the overview, I look forward to it every year. Nice stuff said about all of the teams. Can't wait to see everyone out there. And now a public service announcement: Please make sure you all have your correct documentation in place, Roster, Player forms and this year they are starting a new policy only ONE Birth Certificate will be allowed per player...
 
Ignore the haters Lastman! Thanks for putting together the overview, I look forward to it every year. Nice stuff said about all of the teams. Can't wait to see everyone out there. And now a public service announcement: Please make sure you all have your correct documentation in place, Roster, Player forms and this year they are starting a new policy only ONE Birth Certificate will be allowed per player...
Once a cheater always a cheater!
The snake will have a trick up his sleeve!

Birth Certificate Scandal 1 year ANNIVERSARY:p
 
Should be interesting to see how things change next year with big fields and goals.
I think some of the top teams will separate even more. Just due to the more space and not having to beat 2-3 girls because of the space issues. Ive seen many times how the high pressure of the whole team converging on one player. You cant do that on the big field as easily. Teams that play the passing game, have the advantage.
 
I believe one of the biggest changes will be who is considered the best goalkeepers. Tall/big and big kicks works in a small goal/field but now their decision making and agility will become more necessary and proof of ability.
 
I believe one of the biggest changes will be who is considered the best goalkeepers. Tall/big and big kicks works in a small goal/field but now their decision making and agility will become more necessary and proof of ability.
I agree with your take from an optimistic perspective, unfortunately developing a complete goal keeper just isn't a high priority with most clubs "win at all costs" approach.

If they land one by luck...great. If they nab one that was developed by someone else...great. But most of the time the top teams are so loaded that they really only need their keeper to be "good enough" and the keepers development is an after thought.

Lost count of how many keepers on "top" teams didn't take their own goal kicks, weren't allowed to play out via roll / throw / drop and pass when they clearly had space to. Watched countless defenders force difficult situations trying to turn and boot the ball up the field or out for a throw in, instead of playing it back to a wide open keeper. Defense flooded on one side of the field and keeper is open to reset and switch the point of attack, but outside defender plays a square ball across the back instead.

It's a shame because keeper trainers are teaching the kids distribution, on top of hands / angles / footwork, etc. Problem is these trainers are hard to come by and even then, the player isn't encouraged to put practice into play.

I expect to see more of the same this next season, big athletic keepers who cover the traits to be good enough but no emphasis on "complete" until it's too late.

Apologize for the rant, as you can tell my DD is a keeper and I've been fortunate to learn some lessons early on to focus on the development of my DD above all else and thankfully she's better for it.

Best of luck to all the keeper parents out there!
 
I agree with your take from an optimistic perspective, unfortunately developing a complete goal keeper just isn't a high priority with most clubs "win at all costs" approach.

If they land one by luck...great. If they nab one that was developed by someone else...great. But most of the time the top teams are so loaded that they really only need their keeper to be "good enough" and the keepers development is an after thought.

Lost count of how many keepers on "top" teams didn't take their own goal kicks, weren't allowed to play out via roll / throw / drop and pass when they clearly had space to. Watched countless defenders force difficult situations trying to turn and boot the ball up the field or out for a throw in, instead of playing it back to a wide open keeper. Defense flooded on one side of the field and keeper is open to reset and switch the point of attack, but outside defender plays a square ball across the back instead.

It's a shame because keeper trainers are teaching the kids distribution, on top of hands / angles / footwork, etc. Problem is these trainers are hard to come by and even then, the player isn't encouraged to put practice into play.

I expect to see more of the same this next season, big athletic keepers who cover the traits to be good enough but no emphasis on "complete" until it's too late.

Apologize for the rant, as you can tell my DD is a keeper and I've been fortunate to learn some lessons early on to focus on the development of my DD above all else and thankfully she's better for it.

Best of luck to all the keeper parents out there!

Wish I had learned this a little earlier. Great Post.
 
I agree with your take from an optimistic perspective, unfortunately developing a complete goal keeper just isn't a high priority with most clubs "win at all costs" approach.

If they land one by luck...great. If they nab one that was developed by someone else...great. But most of the time the top teams are so loaded that they really only need their keeper to be "good enough" and the keepers development is an after thought.

Lost count of how many keepers on "top" teams didn't take their own goal kicks, weren't allowed to play out via roll / throw / drop and pass when they clearly had space to. Watched countless defenders force difficult situations trying to turn and boot the ball up the field or out for a throw in, instead of playing it back to a wide open keeper. Defense flooded on one side of the field and keeper is open to reset and switch the point of attack, but outside defender plays a square ball across the back instead.

It's a shame because keeper trainers are teaching the kids distribution, on top of hands / angles / footwork, etc. Problem is these trainers are hard to come by and even then, the player isn't encouraged to put practice into play.

I expect to see more of the same this next season, big athletic keepers who cover the traits to be good enough but no emphasis on "complete" until it's too late.

Apologize for the rant, as you can tell my DD is a keeper and I've been fortunate to learn some lessons early on to focus on the development of my DD above all else and thankfully she's better for it.

Best of luck to all the keeper parents out there!
Holy cow do I agree with everything you said and if I might add, what I meant in my statement that got 4 people to disagree. LOL
 
Holy cow do I agree with everything you said and if I might add, what I meant in my statement that got 4 people to disagree. LOL
I disagreed with your post because I have never considered "tall/big and big kicks" to be toward the top of any list of criteria for being "one of the best keepers" at this age group. The worst keeper my dd ever played with was at least six inches taller than everyone else and had a heck of a kick. Unfortunately, she couldn't catch the ball or dribble it to save her life. I could be wrong, but I don't think my opinion of the best keepers in this age group will change much because of the move to larger fields. If you meant to say what Tech said, I didn't get that from your post.
 
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