I disagree. You get buy in from north of the 52 and hopefully SDSC and you have a better product than Presidio.
Put Surfs money and connections with strategic vision in place and it is a better product in the end with a tie in to an MLS pathway.
The other model that will challenge the status quo is the Bayern GPS one. With their leadership and again a pathway to regional, national and international play I think things could get interesting.
Surf does things in line with US Soccer. They are the only club with ECNL and Da. It would make sense for them to control the competition and leagues. We have far too many randoms with poor leadership taking money from families. Not everyone is savvy. Surf is a proven product with a proven pathway. It's time for low level clubs to stop pilfering off of people.
In response to your post:
I don't see Carlsbad caving, hopefully nor SDSC at least until they see how things work out for West Coast.
I am sick of the buzzword "pathway." That is a bunch of bull. There has always been pathways for players that are worthy. This "pathway" nonsense is just marketing for the ill-informed parents that think their child is extra special. Moreover this "pathway" is not for all players at Surf. You have said it yourself that they would rather bring someone in from outside the club than promote a B or C team player. Can you explain the "pathway" for these kids other than just selling a dream.
What is the Bayern GPS model that is so different than any other "pathway?"
Actually Surf does not do things in line with US Soccer and this is one of the reasons PD will be gone.
I have been wondering for the last year why when Surf worked so hard to keep out other ECNL teams in San Diego, they let their closest competitor get ECNL last year. I have been speculating some type of relationship.
Normally, economies of scale are great for the consumer, but in this case, all Surf has managed to do is increase their prices and reduce service as they have been expanding. Moreover, most but not all of the coaches make less than they could elsewhere and this would get worse with less clubs. It would be horrible for San Diego to give them any more control. If the Presidio clubs put aside their differences, they have the ability to stop this steamroller.
@TCD if I were you I would not like Strikers theory, your favorite coaches did not leave Surf on good terms and I believe they would be run out of town if Surf had their way.