The move makes sense. It's unlikely they will get MLS Next on the boys side and MLS2, at least for the moment, probably isn't as strong as ECNL on the boys side. For the girls, they're probably hoping they can get promoted in a year or two. If ECNL on the girls side needs/wants to get up to 14 clubs, then it's a pretty good bet. The challenge will be convincing the better players to stick around for ECRL during that period. On the flip-side, perhaps their players/families are ok with ECRL and really don't care much about NL. If that's the case, kudos to them for adjusting based on where they're at and building a product that makes sense for their user base.
ECNL RL NorCal
- Thread starter Highlander
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The move makes sense. It's unlikely they will get MLS Next on the boys side and MLS2, at least for the moment, probably isn't as strong as ECNL on the boys side. For the girls, they're probably hoping they can get promoted in a year or two. If ECNL on the girls side needs/wants to get up to 14 clubs, then it's a pretty good bet. The challenge will be convincing the better players to stick around for ECRL during that period. On the flip-side, perhaps their players/families are ok with ECRL and really don't care much about NL. If that's the case, kudos to them for adjusting based on where they're at and building a product that makes sense for their user base.
I heard that SF Elite made the move since ECNL wants a presence in SF. They assume that they'll be promoted in a couple years but SF United is also now in Norcal ECNL RL so the two clubs will have to fight it out. Both seem to be smaller clubs and SF Elite didn't look to be a top GA club so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.While NorCal ECNL is stronger than it's GA counterpart, I don't really think GA has gotten any weaker with these moves. I can see a ton of player movement from these newly added ECRL clubs. Heck, I can even see some of the weaker ECNL teams losing players to the new options in GA. You might even see some coaching movement as a result as well. I do think adding Odyssey in the CV to NL was a good move. I'm a bit surprised more clubs weren't added to NL given the number on the boys side.
I personally think it's good to have both competing leagues. It keeps everyone on their toes and allows more flexibility for players. I also think the pro/rel stuff that's looming is part of that drive to keep things competitive. Now if only the level of soccer could be better -- that's a whole different thread
Yeah without a doubt. I wonder if many players will check out the Glenns as a result. But yeah, I've always found it odd there wasn't an ECNL team in SF on the girl's side.
Players wise, I agree. The top players go to other clubs outside of the city by the high school ages typically. Many challenges in the city especially fields since you have to share with probably 15 others clubs on the public fields?
I'd guess the SF elite recruitable age teams would look around but probably okay with some younger ones where they have talent. Glens has GA but it's a really low level girls program compared to any ECNL/GA club on average. Tryout season will be extra exciting in SF!
My guess is girls ECNL will mirror the boys on number of teams soon. I don't think SF elite/LGU leave GA for ECRL without some kind of handshake that you'll be in ECNL soon.
Yeah, I've never understood how SF can have so many clubs. (NorCal has 13 listed)....given how few fields there are, this doesn't seem super tenable.
It doesn't seem like adding these clubs to NL down the road will make the table stronger. I'm curious what the big four think about it. I guess there's not much they can do about it.
SF Elite’s decision to leave GA and join ECRL is a risky move. While they may initially be competitive in RL and potentially earn NL promotion, they are likely to struggle, similar to Pleasant Rage and Marin FC in the ECNL NorCal league. With top local talent already gravitating toward MVLA due to proximity, establishing a truly competitive ECNL club in San Francisco will be a significant challenge.
Los Gatos United has many promises, but the first few years in ECRL will be crucial in building momentum. If they recruit and develop their teams well, securing ECNL status, they can further tap into South Bay’s deep talent pool, drawing next level of players from South San Jose, Santa Cruz, Gilroy, and even Monterey. With ECNL accreditation, LG United could start attracting top talent from established GA clubs nearby, such as Almaden and Sporting, further strengthening their roster. The next progression could be pulling elite South Bay players away from MVLA and FC Bay Surf, further solidifying LG United talent pool. Smart move with substantial upside!