ECNL Championship Draw

[Sombitch]

So, are your U17 DA teams a good split of '01s and '02s, or are they mostly '01s?

Everyone handled it different

The ones I know with 02

Carlsbad has maybe 2
Surf I think has zero
West coast has 3
Slammers is pretty heavy 02 not sure if it's 50% but it's more than the others
Blues has several 02

 

[PLSAP]

Surf I think has zero

I've been wondering for a while if this would even be allowed. Guess this is my answer. It makes sense if you look at anything with age when it comes to soccer. As long as they don't play down, go ahead!

 

[Soccer43]

I would guess that the '02's that are getting the worst deal are those at clubs that no loner have ECNL (like RSC and Eagles). Many of the '02's at those clubs would have been playing ECNL for a couple of years and now will be on a DA2 team, whatever that will be. Not sure if they will get great coaching or top competition to play against. They go from playing at the top level to playing on a 2nd or 3rd level team. I am guessing that several of those top players may leave to go elsewhere which will make those teams even less competitive.

 

[chargerfan]

It is required that players start a minimum of 25% games. That may ensure more play time opportunity than current rules where those that sit on the bench never start and maybe only play a brief time in a game without any requirements of play time.

I know a few boys DA parents who say this is not the case as there are no enforcement of that rule.

 

[GoWest]

Talented 01/02 playing DA, others playing ECNL.

I am relatively certain that you are right for a number of DA teams. I would further that statement with this: Talented players will also be playing ECNL while 'others' play DA.

You will see this starting right here in SoCal with the 02 and 01 Blues teams. They are remaining ECNL at least for another season for a couple reasons but one in particular is to see if US Soccer GDA ends up at least being on par with ECNL. I like ECNL. I think I will like DA. Not hating on it just encourage everyone to pace themselves as we move through the next couple of years during the GDA (and ECNL re-inventing itself) development.

Really should hold off on any "this league better than that league" banter IMO. Still too early to know.