Do defenders get recruited???

I agree with both sides of the argument here so I'm just playing messenger rights now... Here is the link to Stanford's commitments: http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/1/31/womens-soccer-stanford-signs-nine.aspx
Out of the 9, 5 identify as solely forwards, and are all great players, obviously. One identifies as a forward/defender. The rest identify as mid/defender. Interesting stats, especially considering the debate going on here, but I would also like to point out that many of these players, keeping in mind that many players change positions in college, are very flexible and dynamic players giving them ability to do so. Ultimately, it's a good signing for Stanford with CK, CM, BB, KP, and BR, not saying the rest aren't talented players.
 
Kicknit22 said:
Hahaha, did you hear they might be the San Diego Raiders for the next 2 years at Qualcomm while the stadium is being built in Vegas?
Click to expand...
I lost a bet with a raider friend of mine.
I said if the Chargers moved Id send him a pic of me wearing a raider hat.
Maybe Ill wait to see if i can find a SD raider hat.
 
Bernie Sanders said:
I lost a bet with a raider friend of mine.
I said if the Chargers moved Id send him a pic of me wearing a raider hat.
Maybe Ill wait to see if i can find a SD raider hat.
Click to expand...

Give the Spanos family a little time. With Raiders moving, and Spanos land holdings, look forward to Stockton Chargers - but they might change the name to be more inclusive, like Big Bay Chargers.
 
NG,
NoGoal said:
Looking at those numbers though, defenders should have a much higher committment rate than forwards, because 95% of college teams play with 4 defenders. Where as (formations) teams play only 2 maybe 3 forward positions at most. Yet, the committment numbers are practically even.
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NG, you raise a great point and it makes me think a lot of the forwards are going to be converted to defenders...this makes more sense to me now as I noticed that my DD's college took on a boat load of forwards last year and most are on the bench except one who is starting as a wing defender...I almost wonder are the coaches deliberately over-drafting forwards to see what sticks and converting the rest to something else..???
 
NoGoal said:
Looking at those numbers though, defenders should have a much higher committment rate than forwards, because 95% of college teams play with 4 defenders. Where as (formations) teams play only 2 maybe 3 forward positions at most. Yet, the committment numbers are practically even.
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Newb question, but where do midfielders fall in those stats? Are recruits defined as only either forwards or defenders?
 
Great
bruinblue14 said:
Newb question, but where do midfielders fall in those stats? Are recruits defined as only either forwards or defenders?
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Fair question here is the complete set of data:

Girls Class of 2017:
Forwards: 395
Defenders: 419
Midfielders: 544
Goalkeepers: 177

The data and NG's point support what Legendary said though not the exact way he said it...basically it seems forwards are "drafted " at a disproportionately higher rate than defenders. Maybe that is the wrong way to look at it tho...I have no idea...

At least that's one way to look at the data. No source is perfect...I used Top Drawer data...maybe someone else has a better source...also the GK data seems high to me...here is the link for those who want to drill further:

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/sea...Rating=&stateId=All&pageNo=0&area=commitments
 
PLSAP said:
I agree with both sides of the argument here so I'm just playing messenger rights now... Here is the link to Stanford's commitments: http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/1/31/womens-soccer-stanford-signs-nine.aspx
Out of the 9, 5 identify as solely forwards, and are all great players, obviously. One identifies as a forward/defender. The rest identify as mid/defender. Interesting stats, especially considering the debate going on here, but I would also like to point out that many of these players, keeping in mind that many players change positions in college, are very flexible and dynamic players giving them ability to do so. Ultimately, it's a good signing for Stanford with CK, CM, BB, KP, and BR, not saying the rest aren't talented players.
Click to expand...


I am very familiar with Stanford's incoming freshmen class. Most of their recruits play forward on their club team, but I can assure you....they were recruited to play their YNT position.

*KP on her club team primarily plays attacking mid and forward, YNT she is a wingback
*JH on her club team is primarily a forward, YNT she is a wingback
*SS on her club is primarily a forward, YNT she is a wingback
*BR on her club team is primarily a holding mid, YNT she is a centerback (not 100% though)

Of course that can change with player injuries.
 
soccerobserver said:
NG,

NG, you raise a great point and it makes me think a lot of the forwards are going to be converted to defenders...this makes more sense to me now as I noticed that my DD's college took on a boat load of forwards last year and most are on the bench except one who is starting as a wing defender...I almost wonder are the coaches deliberately over-drafting forwards to see what sticks and converting the rest to something else..???
Click to expand...

Great question, IMO, they are....because as I posted, it's difficult to project if a forward will be a "finisher" at the college level. Example: Amber Munerlyn (UNC/UCLA) was a top 10 recruit in her class, scored goals in college, but not at the same rate as Ashley Hatch (BYU). Ashley Hatch believe this or not was a B team player at Legends...yet, scored a ton of goals in college. What college coach besides BYU, could have predicted that?

Thus, the reason for committing so many forwards. If it doesn't pan out...those forwards are sitting and are at a crossroads. They either quit soccer, transfer to another school to play forward, okay with sitting or convert to a new position where they can help their teammates.
 
soccerobserver said:
Agreed Mirage and would add an elite forward can change the game without ever touching the ball due to all of the factors you mentioned away from the ball...but most have no clue or are too lazy or not coached or don't have the soccer IQ...

Back on point the kids who received the most offers and interest from our team were our two center backs... playing at D3 level.
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I don't disagree with you and I consider what you define as a "special" forward. I saw a lot of them this season. I can also say that they look shocked when they come up against an elite defender that forces them out of their comfort zone. Those type of defenders are few and far between and they get to write their ticket! Most players that play forward or attacking mid at the D1 level on any team usually are pretty dangerous with the ball at their feet. Players that can stay in front of those players without diving in are valuable. Players that can force those players a certain way, steal the ball and start the attack are unicorns!
 
Are more club teams playing out of the back / building up than they were 5 years ago?

If so- will this lead to players on the back line having a higher skill level than in the past?
 
as the parent of ulittle (middle? whats u14?) I noticed the same thing, lol the forwards get the glory. but since she was tiny my DD has "roamed" up the sideline, and that turned into her attacking naturally as she got older. last year she scored as much as the forwards on her team did. now she splits time at outside back and forward, and my hope is that come recruiting time in 2 years that will help her to stand out as an elite defender....we shall see
 
pooka said:
as the parent of ulittle (middle? whats u14?) I noticed the same thing, lol the forwards get the glory. but since she was tiny my DD has "roamed" up the sideline, and that turned into her attacking naturally as she got older. last year she scored as much as the forwards on her team did. now she splits time at outside back and forward, and my hope is that come recruiting time in 2 years that will help her to stand out as an elite defender....we shall see
Click to expand...

Don't let them pigeon hole her as a forward. Keep her versatile and keep her defensive skills sharp. She will thank you later!
 
soccerobserver said:
Great

Fair question here is the complete set of data:

Girls Class of 2017:
Forwards: 395
Defenders: 419
Midfielders: 544
Goalkeepers: 177

The data and NG's point support what Legendary said though not the exact way he said it...basically it seems forwards are "drafted " at a disproportionately higher rate than defenders. Maybe that is the wrong way to look at it tho...I have no idea...

At least that's one way to look at the data. No source is perfect...I used Top Drawer data...maybe someone else has a better source...also the GK data seems high to me...here is the link for those who want to drill further:

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/sea...Rating=&stateId=All&pageNo=0&area=commitments
Click to expand...


This is a little better but hasn't been updated since January 31st.

https://sites.google.com/site/soccerrecruits/
 
pooka said:
as the parent of ulittle (middle? whats u14?) I noticed the same thing, lol the forwards get the glory. but since she was tiny my DD has "roamed" up the sideline, and that turned into her attacking naturally as she got older. last year she scored as much as the forwards on her team did. now she splits time at outside back and forward, and my hope is that come recruiting time in 2 years that will help her to stand out as an elite defender....we shall see
Click to expand...
It sure will make her more recruitable. Be sure your DD has her coach player her at forward and at wingback at college showcases though.
 
Bernie Sanders said:
I lost a bet with a raider friend of mine.
I said if the Chargers moved Id send him a pic of me wearing a raider hat.
Maybe Ill wait to see if i can find a SD raider hat.
Click to expand...


Here you go Bernie!


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