ECNL Expansion In Socal SW Division
- Thread starter Royal26
- Start date
Surf Zombie
GOLD
So all five clubs, according to the press release, excelled in the ECNL regional league, just like Beach & Legends did last year, and that was the basis for their admission.
I wonder if that influences the decisions of any current GA clubs who would prefer to be in ECNL but have thus far been denied admission? Is the formula to leave the GA, crush it for a year or two in the RL and hope the ECNL eventually lets them in?
Take clubs like Top Hat, FC Virginia or Nationals, I’d have to imagine they would win every RL division with their top teams playing ECNL clubs second teams. They’d be calling the ECNL’s hand for sure.
I wonder if that influences the decisions of any current GA clubs who would prefer to be in ECNL but have thus far been denied admission? Is the formula to leave the GA, crush it for a year or two in the RL and hope the ECNL eventually lets them in?
Take clubs like Top Hat, FC Virginia or Nationals, I’d have to imagine they would win every RL division with their top teams playing ECNL clubs second teams. They’d be calling the ECNL’s hand for sure.
Nextbigthing
SILVER
Pats in the Southwest division had only 2 teams in the top 4 of their age groups so far this year. I wouldn't call that excelling in regional league considering they are playing against the 2nd team from Blues, Surf, Legends etc.... Be careful what you wish for. Its going to be a rough year for Pats in ECNL next year.
Definitely will be tough to compete but they will also definitely improve from this years teams. With ECNL rosters carrying upwards of 23 players i imagine many players on the local ECNL rosters that don't get much playing time will be trying out for Pats. Doesnt necessarily make them competitive in ECNL but will be improvement. Also I imagine the better players on west coast younger GA teams will also go over. Those two clubs have been passing players back and forth since Pats was given DA and offered fully funded. Most of the top players from both clubs already left for ECNL clubs once DA collapsed. Then west coast had the upper hand on the middle tier players at the clubs because GA was more attractive to them than ECNL regional league. Now Pats is more attractive. Again doesn't make them competitive in ECNL but probably better than they were this year. Really hurts West Coast youngers. too many better options in same backyard. One way to stick a fork in west coast is if Liverpool who has DPL got in to GA which im sure West Coast is begging GA not to let happen.
I agree that, on the surface, Pats should not be very competitive in ECNL at most age groups initially. But what if they can recruit some coaches (and their current players) to come over. If so, they could at least become competitive very quickly. For instance, could they convince one of the Blues coaches to come over? And I will throw this out there too, what if Dodge can convince Baker to come back to coaching? Baker taking over some of the younger ECNL teams at Pats would help them build a competitive ECNL club very quickly.
At least Sharks have a legitimate chance at one league win now.
I think Pats are banking on that for their win.
Most of the PATS ECRL teams had players play up a year. The 06 team had mostly 07 players. 05 had a bunch of 06s. Still plenty room for improvement.
That would be a huge pick up for PATS. Long shot but Baker and Dodge buddies.
SoccerFan4Life
PREMIER
South OC now has the following ECNL teams: Strikers, Pats, Blues, Slammers (2), How much is too much? This is going to dilute the RL teams significantly in that region.
I realize that you're just trying come off as funny, but that's a pretty douchey comment, especially for a huge Surf homer.
I agree with you 100% there will definitely be a lot of movement amongst the current OC teams, and now even more will be commuting to the OC since there is another ECNL team in OC. Only time will tell what the teams will look like next year.... one thing that will most likely stay the same are the large rosters sizes, which everyone playing ECNL needs to just accept. Best of luck to everyone!
Baker had success with the Blues and Slammers brands behind him. He would not have the same success at Pats. Does anyone here believe that he could have recruited Trinitiy Rodman or Reilyn Turner to Pats? He has only won ECNL championships with those two on his roster (not one, but both at the same time).
Bakers to Pats = Slammers and Blues biggest nightmare.
Messi>CR7
GOLD
Is this universally true? When you said large, are we talking about 20, 22, or 25?
tabletop
SILVER
That X-treme Breakaway team was pretty darn good.
Nextbigthing
SILVER
not sure why you think there will be alot of movement amongst OC teams. why would any current ecnl player move to Pats? maybe a girl whos 18-22 on their current roster might move but what does that do for Pats. There simply is not enough talent to support 5 teams in the OC!!
oh canada
GOLD
Bakers to Pats = Pats parents' biggest nightmare. Do the younger parents here need to be reminded of the mental abuse endured by players on those coached teams?
You're kidding, right? Dispite all of the warnings and reminders in the past, he still recruited as well as anyone out there. If he goes to pats, they will certainly be competitive immediately.