Hi I’m happy I’m able to access this site again. I thought it was shut down. So how is the season so far, any thoughts or comments?
Bit of a wash year for MLS Next, in my opinion... LAFC and LAG have their top 2007s playing u17... some of the other top 07s fled SoCal for Austin, Phili, RSL, etc... leaving a watered down u16 year.
Other than that.... results what I expected. Strikers good, everyone destroys Vegas. Chula Vista still a good team for a 2nd or 3rd year... LA Surf/LAUFA/ TFA continue to circulate kids around while maintaining a mid-table presence. A bit concerned if TFA has lost its luster. Most teams were nervous to play TFA 3-5 years ago. MSA, Santa Barbara, Fusion, Albion, Nomads... all seem to be the same as last year. Punching each other but little separation between.
Barca's improved... snagged some kids from Chicago, LAG, Revs, etc. Doubt they'll beat Strikers but definitely better than last year. I think skill levels are comparable, maybe Barca better in the midfield, but I think Willie has well-oiled ship that plays like a team and likes to work. That's going to be hard to beat.
Other than Barca, I don't see any major developments or changes... other than LAFC/LAG using the u16s (LAG: u17s SoCal League) for their 07s and 08s who are can't time at u17 or u15... meaning you never know who you will see when you play them. You could see 4-5 2008s or you could see a whole 07 squad... who knows. I'm not wildly excited about the level of play for the level but am curious how far Strikers can go...
As far as ECNL, a bit surprised by SDSC but not really. The usual top teams are near the top in Pats and SD Surf. I think either would slot in around 6th or 8th in the MLS Next but good for them. I wish the MLS Next league was smaller and more clubs in ECNL personally, rejuvenating high school soccer... but that's a tangent.
Curious what will come of LAFC SoCal Youth/Real SoCal... People like to play them now and say they beat LAFC... problem is they are still just Real SoCal with different uniforms and can't handle getting everyone's best punch. So... how will they handle the pretty uniforms but not the same resources and players? Their high school age boys teams are 5th, 10th, 5th and 4th... if those ECNL teams don't at least qualify for Champions League and playoffs... going to be hard to keep talent, becoming a regional club for the kids who don't want to drive to a better club... Especially when some MLS Next teams will allow a kid to go to a private high school soccer powerhouse and still play for them with a waiver.
All that and $5 will buy you a drink at Starbucks, will likely change in a week and half the time I don't even agree with myself.