How’s the 2023-24 season going?

[Lewis Andres]

What bothers me about the USWNT is that they're a reflection of everything wrong with how girls are taught to play soccer in America.

Size and power are emphasized over team play. This is why Spain won the world cup and Columbia tied with the USWNT last night. Just to be clear I'm not saying that size and power are bad things. If you had size and power in a team player it would be ideal.

Unfortunately things are going to get worse before they get better for the USWNT. In the past we could just bully the ball into other teams goals. Now other countries are getting better + that type of soccer no longer works.

Problems start at the youth level where players are trained for college style play. (Because this is what parents want) Colleges don't have time to play posession so they go direct + this favors the big fast aggressive types that aren't team players.

You need to have mix of tall, fast, big and dominant and skilled. Not all players have it all and I would say out of the Blues 4 areas of a top player, no player has all 4. You might be tall and can jump 40 inches and head the ball and play tough defense and that right there can get you a call up, even if you're slow. However, if all the players are the same, then you got problems. Mix and match. Luis and the other Lewis have been sharing as well. We even now have a scout on here to get the parents side of the players they watch 24/7. Also, how rich dad is, will also play a roll in the selection process. Poor dad kids should have as much chance as the rich dads and I might just say that the poorer the player, the hungrier she is to make a living playing the game. 99% of our players are told college is the best and only option. The 2005s have had many go pro so we shall see. How many 2006s have gone pro? Our players are groomed to go to college and Pro is stupid. Trust me, I lived it for years. I was the dumb dad who blew my dd chances at Big U.

I agree with both of you to some extent, but I also think that the problems are not as bad as you make them out to be. Sure, there is a lot of room for improvement in how girls are taught to play soccer in America, but there is also a lot of talent and potential that can be nurtured and developed with the right coaches and the right opportunities. I don’t think that size and power are everything, nor do I think that they are irrelevant. My dd lacks size but has everything else and is the maestro on the field when she plays. I think that a balanced approach is needed, where players are encouraged to develop their technical, tactical, physical and mental skills, as well as their team spirit and passion for the game. I also don’t think that college soccer is the end of the road for players who want to go pro. College soccer can provide a solid foundation for players who want to pursue their dreams, as long as they are willing to work hard and seek out better competition from around the world. There are many examples of players who have gone from college soccer to pro soccer, both in the US and abroad, and have made a name for themselves. Some of them are even on the USWNT right now. So I don’t think that pro soccer is stupid, nor do I think that it is impossible. I think that it is a realistic and achievable goal for players who have the talent, the drive and the support they need. And I don’t think that money or status should be a factor in selecting players for the national team. I think that merit and performance should be the only criteria, and that players from all backgrounds and walks of life should have an equal chance to represent their country. That’s what makes soccer such a beautiful and universal game.

 

[Karlton Athletic]

Maybe one day he’ll be able to play like your 11-year old’s club team, who are more tactically sophisticated than most professional teams, frankly. They must have watched a lot of Tiki-Taka videos on YouTube, unlike your nephew who probably only watches WWE.

Man, you dads with DDs are intense, LOL.

 

[Carlsbad7]

My nephew started playing college this year and it's a shock to the system how old school and direct the play is. My 11-year old's club team are whupped every week right now, but they're more tactically sophisticated than my nephew's college team, frankly.

I happened to catch a College Womens game Vanderbilt vs Mississippi State game last week. (Both are Division 1 teams)

- They were playing direct but neither team had enough speed to make that style of play work.
- Both teams didn't have footskills + kept losing possession of the ball. Mississippi State was noticeably worse.
- Both teams couldn't complete 3-4 consecutive passes. Mississippi State was noticeably worse.
- Players resorted to being overly aggressive to compensate for lacking other attributes.
- Announcers kept saying that this game was the first time in 50 years that Mississippi State has a chance to win 5 games in a row. (like that's an accomplishment)

Watching this game showed me that College Soccer isn't real competition. It's something Colleges do but it's not done to specifically win at or be successful in.

 

[Lmsa]

Most that post here I guess their DDs are playing ECNL and I'm sure the pow wow to watch the training happens at every practice. Since my player isn't there yet what are these coaches doing that some of the the lower leagues coaches are not. I was told they are constantly doing inner squad scrimmage after a few warm up drills. If they don't have the foot skills they won't last on the team. So sounds like coaches are at the mercy of the players level that come to them or they recruit. So those big clubs will always be a draw from the smaller clubs. While talking to a ECNL parent she once told me if we are not winning with the players we have we just go recruit better players. No guarantees your daughter plays travel a far still no guarantee she plays. Also 20 plus on rosters.

 

[Veritas]

Most that post here I guess their DDs are playing ECNL and I'm sure the pow wow to watch the training happens at every practice. Since my player isn't there yet what are these coaches doing that some of the the lower leagues coaches are not. I was told they are constantly doing inner squad scrimmage after a few warm up drills. If they don't have the foot skills they won't last on the team. So sounds like coaches are at the mercy of the players level that come to them or they recruit. So those big clubs will always be a draw from the smaller clubs. While talking to a ECNL parent she once told me if we are not winning with the players we have we just go recruit better players. No guarantees your daughter plays travel a far still no guarantee she plays. Also 20 plus on rosters.

It seems you've touched on one of the inherent challenges within elite youth soccer programs, especially within structures like the ECNL. Indeed, at the higher echelons of youth soccer, there's an expectation that players already possess a certain level of technical skill and soccer IQ. Thus, many ECNL coaches can, and often do, focus more on tactics, team dynamics, and game situations, which might explain the predilection for inner-squad scrimmages after warm-ups.

However, it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. Do these clubs produce better players because of superior coaching, or do they attract already skilled players due to their reputation? As you rightly pointed out, there's a strong element of recruitment. Top clubs have the allure of promising greater exposure to college scouts and potential pathways to professional careers, making them a magnet for top talent.

Yet, there's a cautionary tale here for parents and players alike. Big rosters can indeed mean less playing time, and traveling far doesn't guarantee minutes on the pitch. It's essential to find a balance between seeking high-level competition and ensuring a player's development, both technically and mentally. As in all things, it's crucial to remember that every player's journey is unique, and what works for one might not work for another.

All in all, while elite leagues and top clubs have their advantages, it's about finding the unique fit for your player's development approach, both on and off the pitch, that truly matters in the long run.

 

[Carlsbad7]

Most that post here I guess their DDs are playing ECNL and I'm sure the pow wow to watch the training happens at every practice. Since my player isn't there yet what are these coaches doing that some of the the lower leagues coaches are not. I was told they are constantly doing inner squad scrimmage after a few warm up drills. If they don't have the foot skills they won't last on the team. So sounds like coaches are at the mercy of the players level that come to them or they recruit. So those big clubs will always be a draw from the smaller clubs. While talking to a ECNL parent she once told me if we are not winning with the players we have we just go recruit better players. No guarantees your daughter plays travel a far still no guarantee she plays. Also 20 plus on rosters.

Some of what you're saying is true some is "not as true".

It's 100% true that all high level u13 teams expect players to have a certain level of footskills. Usually this comes from playing for a while, pickup games / Mexican league, futsal, private training, etc. At the u13 and above levels coaches might run a couple individual skills type drills but because teams are now playing 11v11 they need to start teaching team tactics if you want to win. Saying "If they don't have the foot skills they won't last on the team" is kind of a prick way to word it but what they're saying is correct.

ECNL teams do recruit a lot. If you're a player on a high level u13 and up team it's accepted that your kid delivers on the field or they're likely to be replaced. Usually, coaches don't just drop one player for another. They bring on another kid that's better and slowly over time they get all the minutes, and your kid rides the bench. This is one of the reasons for 20+ rosters.

Will ECNL teams continue to be able to recruit from smaller clubs. Probably, but leagues like GA are starting to gain some momentum which slows things down. Something also to remember that it's not just a club being ECNL that allows teams to recruit. For girls many clubs that traditionally tend to win a lot happen to be in ECNL. This makes it seem like ECNL is the draw when it's really the well managed and coached clubs that currently participate in ECNL.

 

[TopesWin]

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[TopesWin]

That is very funny and original of you. NOT.

You are clearly an instigator and not someone who is wasteful with their time. You have nothing better to do than to harass and mock other people on the internet. Maybe you should focus on your own kids and their driver instead of meddling in other people’s lives. I am not here to entertain you or your memes. I am here to look for the best soccer experience for my daughter.

Every few months a new troll shows up and starts instigating with very familiar tactics. Almost certainly its the same person using new names. Not sure what he gets out of it, but if you're tired of it, just click on his name and click the button that says "Ignore" People like this go away if they are ignored. If for some reason you like this type of trolling, I recommend you go over to the message boards at "talking-soccer.com" It is a real cesspool.

 

[NorCalDad]

I happened to catch a College Womens game Vanderbilt vs Mississippi State game last week. (Both are Division 1 teams)

- They were playing direct but neither team had enough speed to make that style of play work.
- Both teams didn't have footskills + kept losing possession of the ball. Mississippi State was noticeably worse.
- Both teams couldn't complete 3-4 consecutive passes. Mississippi State was noticeably worse.
- Players resorted to being overly aggressive to compensate for lacking other attributes.
- Announcers kept saying that this game was the first time in 50 years that Mississippi State has a chance to win 5 games in a row. (like that's an accomplishment)

Watching this game showed me that College Soccer isn't real competition. It's something Colleges do but it's not done to specifically win at or be successful in.

Unfortunately this is also the case for D1 mens teams outside of the top-25ish. I've seen many D2 teams play better.

 

[crush]

While talking to a ECNL parent she once told me if we are not winning with the players we have we just go recruit better players. No guarantees your daughter plays travel a far still no guarantee she plays. Also 20 plus on rosters.

 

[Avocados]

It's win or get new players at the top clubs Lmsa. My dd played for one of the great GOAT coaches of all time, Tad Bobak and his side kick Rob. People on the forums and at the fields would get all angry because those two would show up at their home fields with pen and paper looking for next best and looking for replacements of the bottom 20% on their current team. We were all forewarned that cuts will take place at the end of the year. Parents knew based on their kids play time who was on the chopping block. You could not pay Tad for play time. It's the nature of the beast in real competition. Cream wises to the top. The fact is kids change and kids quit. If you have a coach or Doc saying he keeps everyone on his team each and every year because he develops his players the right way, he's full of shit. The best Docs work their magic and poach other top players from other clubs. It happens every year. Some Docs have the keys to the castle and can buy players with full rides, unlimited travel, per diem and access to the list and much more.

On the subject of new ECNL players on new teams, Legends beat Blues 4-1 this weekend

 

[Goforgoal]

On the subject of new ECNL players on new teams, Legends beat Blues 4-1 this weekend

Yes, Blues 2010 is not the team they were last year, or prior years for that matter. Sharks beat them last week as well.

 

[MyKidsDriver]

Yes, Blues 2010 is not the team they were last year, or prior years for that matter. Sharks beat them last week as well.

And Heat tied Surf 1-1, unpredictable season so far, probably a good thing

 

[RandomSoccerFan]

Yep - So Cal Blues 2010G are going to have a hard time this season and next. 2nd hardest schedule nationally over past year (out of ~3,650 2010G teams), and their rating will continue to drop gradually as their results continue to be less than prior years.

 

[Carlsbad7]

Southwest ECNL G2010 has been wild since July. Lots of movement + teams that were dominate suddenly aren't and teams that were terrible are now showing up.

Regarding Blues I know many parents aren't (or weren't) happy with Abner in one way or another. I've spoken with the guy several times + he is surprisingly soft spoken. But, overall seemed like a nice guy. When we were chatting he overplayed his hand regarding the players he had at the time. (Many left at the end of the season)

 

[Veritas]

Southwest ECNL G2010 has been wild since July. Lots of movement + teams that were dominate suddenly aren't and teams that were terrible are now showing up.

Regarding Blues I know many parents aren't (or weren't) happy with Abner in one way or another. I've spoken with the guy several times + he is surprisingly soft spoken. But, overall seemed like a nice guy. When we were chatting he overplayed his hand regarding the players he had at the time. (Many left at the end of the season)

We were in talks before the beginning of the current season as well but we decided to stay with our current ecnl club. A Soft spoken nice guy is how he came across to me as well. I changed my mind when I noticed they lost their 2 best playmakers.

 

[crush]

On the subject of new ECNL players on new teams, Legends beat Blues 4-1 this weekend

Very nice win for Legends.

 

[TeamDadJokes]

Very nice win for Legends.

A couple of those blues players are on that Legends team now. But that’s anecdotally what happens with Blues, they dominate in the Youngers but as the olders age up, players leave and they’re not as dominant as they were in the years leading up to 11v11.

 

[crush]

Southwest ECNL G2010 has been wild since July. Lots of movement + teams that were dominate suddenly aren't and teams that were terrible are now showing up.

Regarding Blues I know many parents aren't (or weren't) happy with Abner in one way or another. I've spoken with the guy several times + he is surprisingly soft spoken. But, overall seemed like a nice guy. When we were chatting he overplayed his hand regarding the players he had at the time. (Many left at the end of the season)

AR and TB are two of the pioneers in girls' soccer in OC. He ran Laguna Hills Eclipse and personally developed Amy Rodriquez to the player she is today. Amy came to Blues college night to share her story about how Blues cut her, and she was sad but found the great Abner to make her the player she is. AR also developed the great Marta to become the player she is today. I got to see his practices up close for half a season and his practices were professional and very solid.

 

[crush]

A couple of those blues players are on that Legends team now. But that’s anecdotally what happens with Blues, they dominate in the Youngers but as the olders age up, players leave and they’re not as dominant as they were in the years leading up to 11v11.

Oh really? In the old days no one ever left the Blues unless they quit, got cut or moved. It's amazing to see how things have changed in 2023. I will say the top, top clubs like Surf, LAFC, Slammers and Legends do offer the full rides and free gear and travel and that is very hard to compete with. I've heard from the grapevine that Blues might be offering a few rides to select few, but I can't confirm, and I heard it just from one dad.

 

[Carlsbad7]

AR and TB are two of the pioneers in girls' soccer in OC. He ran Laguna Hills Eclipse and personally developed Amy Rodriquez to the player she is today. Amy came to Blues college night to share her story about how Blues cut her, and she was sad but found the great Abner to make her the player she is. AR also developed the great Marta to become the player she is today. I got to see his practices up close for half a season and his practices were professional and very solid.

View attachment 18677

We'll see how it goes.

As I said Abner seemed very nice. But im not sure his style holds up in the game the way its played today. The fact that he was blindsided by players leaving his team says a lot to me.