How’s the 2025-2026 season going?

SuperSoccerStar said:
yeah the Koge Legends game was a NO contest. 6-1 Koge. Koge worked them from start to finish. They let up for one minute the start of the second half and gave up the 1 goal.
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WOW! Smacked them around, I'm actually quite surprised by this score.
 
Luis Andres said:
At this stage, the right word is consistent rather than “better than everyone else.” It’s far too early in the season to declare a true best team as there simply haven’t been enough games yet. Right now imo, Koge is the team to beat. Breakers have shown promise but still need to prove themselves. Expect Surf and Legends to bounce back, they’ve had a rocky start, missing key players, experimenting with new formations, and dealing with a lack of mental sharpness among some players at kickoff. Let’s not forget, these are high school sophomores juggling school, friends, parties, and boyfriends. The real test comes later in the season, when it becomes clear who’s locked in, who’s ready to compete, and who has the mental toughness to make a playoff run.
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Wow, I remember this age like it were yesterday. My how time flies. This is the age that can be very tough on dad, moo. Good luck bro and good luck to all the teams this year.
 
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I've watched kids go through this multiple times - with my oldest it was quite eye-opening. But by the time my youngest was in 8th grade, I could pick out the girls that weren't going to "stay at the top", even though their parents were convinced their daughters were destined for the USWNT, etc.

These were often the girls that literally cut corners when the coaches weren't looking, only tried 100% when the coaches were watching, spent more time making tiktoks than rolling out before practice, rarely (if ever) truly practiced on their *own* (not counting extra trainings the parents signed them up for), etc. Some of these girls are still playing soccer - but it is clear at this point years later - that soccer isn't a top priority for them. And that is totally fine (and healthy!). Likewise, these aren't the girls regularly called into YNT camps and training with NWSL teams and getting significant playing time in college. They are happy, though. Hopefully, their parents are too.
 
fms said:
I've watched kids go through this multiple times - with my oldest it was quite eye-opening. But by the time my youngest was in 8th grade, I could pick out the girls that weren't going to "stay at the top", even though their parents were convinced their daughters were destined for the USWNT, etc.

These were often the girls that literally cut corners when the coaches weren't looking, only tried 100% when the coaches were watching, spent more time making tiktoks than rolling out before practice, rarely (if ever) truly practiced on their *own* (not counting extra trainings the parents signed them up for), etc. Some of these girls are still playing soccer - but it is clear at this point years later - that soccer isn't a top priority for them. And that is totally fine (and healthy!). Likewise, these aren't the girls regularly called into YNT camps and training with NWSL teams and getting significant playing time in college. They are happy, though. Hopefully, their parents are too.
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100% agree and there's more to life than soccer for these girls. Most of them will be more successful outside of soccer. Enjoy it now.
 
fms said:
I've watched kids go through this multiple times - with my oldest it was quite eye-opening. But by the time my youngest was in 8th grade, I could pick out the girls that weren't going to "stay at the top", even though their parents were convinced their daughters were destined for the USWNT, etc.

These were often the girls that literally cut corners when the coaches weren't looking, only tried 100% when the coaches were watching, spent more time making tiktoks than rolling out before practice, rarely (if ever) truly practiced on their *own* (not counting extra trainings the parents signed them up for), etc. Some of these girls are still playing soccer - but it is clear at this point years later - that soccer isn't a top priority for them. And that is totally fine (and healthy!). Likewise, these aren't the girls regularly called into YNT camps and training with NWSL teams and getting significant playing time in college. They are happy, though. Hopefully, their parents are too.
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Honest question. Should US Soccer separate the goats from the sheep around this age? I'm not putting down the girls who have other interests and other sports to play and go to all the parties and maybe date a boy or two in high school. These players can play HS Soccer, ECNL, college and then pro or just go pro out of high school. Top athletes can turn that switch on after HS and focus on one sport in college or the pros. The top young players with pro dreams can play together in their own SoCal League. I would make one open team for each club, fully funded. Open age and if your 13 or 14 and can hang with 18 years old, you will get better, and US Soccer will get better. Lastly, boys can be big problems when it comes to the girls focus in HS, but you have to allow the girls to figure that out on their own and not try to influence the outcome. The GDA tried to have the best of the best, but they went for the easy money and pay for play took over and we all know what happen to that failed league.
 
Luis Andres said:
At the end of the day, what matters most is that our kids are happy. By this stage, they should never feel pressured to keep playing at a highly competitive level unless it’s something they truly want. When my daughter was younger, I pushed her hard to give her an edge in the future, knowing that work ethic and discipline can set players apart. But I always told myself that by this age, it would have to come from her. And now, it’s on her.

A lot of people on this forum five years ago said it would backfire on me, that she would burn out or quit by today. But that hasn’t been the case. I leave it up to her now. If she wants to rest, I let her rest. If she wants to put in extra work, I go out of my way to make it happen. It’s about finding that balance. What matters most is that she owns the journey, and that she is happy doing it. She still has big goals and is pushing hard to get to the next level, and because it comes from her, I can give her my 110% support.
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It's good to see you here again Luis. Great parenting BTW, I mean that. I 100% pushed my little one to always give it her all on the pitch with ganas. I'm sure she cut a corner when Tad wasn't watching😉 She always brought desire, passion and the will to win. I also said when my girl gets to HS, it's all on her. I know for a fact if the asshats at GDA never enforced their stupid "No HS Soccer for public school kids" rules she would have stayed at a high level and gave it her all. Dumb Doc(s) lied every time he opened his mouth or sent me an email full of lies didn't help either. She made the choice to be a two-sport varsity athlete, and she has no regrets. The GDA was rigged for the most part and I couldn't try to sway her to stay at top level and chase her dream because we both witnessed the lies and all the pay for play. I was priced out to be honest so it I'm glad she didn't stay in the GDA. The good news is I saved thousands, and I mean thousands of dollars not doing travel ball and had more time for the beach. We really need to fix this and make a SoCal Future Pro Youth League for those in HS that want to go pro and not get ridiculed for such an idea. ECNL will still thrive, and people can pay for that service and still go pro after college.
 
Luis Andres said:
Appreciate that, brother 🙏 and totally agree with everything you said. The GDA had the right idea in theory but failed in execution with too much politics, too much control, and not enough focus on real player development.

The truth is, the U.S. needs a real academy pathway for girls that is fully funded, merit based, and free from the pay-to-play culture. Let the top talent rise naturally and compete against the best regardless of income or zip code.

A SoCal Future Pro League would be a true game changer. Imagine if we had some fully funded teams where the best girls trained together every day. That’s how you close the international gap and finally give these players a real path to the pros.
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The top players who want it will sacrifice, and the cream always rises to the top. ALL kids, regardless of income or zip code should have FULL ACCESS to youth soccer. San Diego FC has a full-on, full time living academy and soon for girls they said. I was impressed. Young men at 14 or whatever can go all in soccer and why not. Fully funded. It's what they do in Europe and around the world but not in the US. The top youth academies are 100% fully funded and tied to the local pro team in other countries as well, so if you do well, the pro team will start paying you, so you don't leave so you're in good hands. The other big elephant in the room is promotion/regulation that other countries pro leagues do but not the US. I'm all about high level soccer. I hate to say it, but this is the time when some girls go a different route and that's ok.

P.S. If we had a SoCal Future Pro Youth League and they said no high school soccer allowed because were fully investing in you and your child's dream, no way my kids play HS soccer. After what I witnessed bro, I would beg her not to do it because of how dangerous it was every game. I do blame the refs for allowing rough and insane physical play. No way this style would be allowed in Spain, right?
 
crush said:
Honest question. Should US Soccer separate the goats from the sheep around this age? I'm not putting down the girls who have other interests and other sports to play and go to all the parties and maybe date a boy or two in high school. These players can play HS Soccer, ECNL, college and then pro or just go pro out of high school. Top athletes can turn that switch on after HS and focus on one sport in college or the pros. The top young players with pro dreams can play together in their own SoCal League. I would make one open team for each club, fully funded. Open age and if your 13 or 14 and can hang with 18 years old, you will get better, and US Soccer will get better. Lastly, boys can be big problems when it comes to the girls focus in HS, but you have to allow the girls to figure that out on their own and not try to influence the outcome. The GDA tried to have the best of the best, but they went for the easy money and pay for play took over and we all know what happen to that failed league.
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I suggest you go on Veo and start watching some of these 2010 teams. The true 2010 Goats are already gone. There's never been so much parity at this age group then what's going on right now. I mean it shows in the scores every weekend. Yes every team has like 2-3 players that stand out on each team but its not by much anymore. That cream will go on to play D1 top 25 just like every other age group before them. I don't see more than 5 or so girls from each age group going to play pro and I think 2010's have already hit that number. Maybe some after college make the jump but its only going to be a handful. Taking away the draft really hurt girls chances to go pro. There just is not enough spots to get them in. Maybe years down the road those number might increase as more pro opportunities open up but these pros are playing longer and longer.
 
Luis Andres said:
How many have gone pro just 1… Mak that’s it… no one else has gone pro to NWSL from 10’s. If you count usl as going pro I don’t. A handful of SoCal 10’s can easily be playing in USL right now.
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Not every player from the top teams want to go pro. Some actually want to attend college. Pro isn’t the ultimate goal for every top player. To “separate them out “ would be a little futile at this point .
 
Luis Andres said:
That’s a fair point, and I agree that not every player wants to go pro. But I still believe there needs to be a true next-level environment for the elite youth players who do. The game at the highest level in the U.S. is much more athletic and physical than tactical, and the players who thrive now at u16 tend to be those with elite athleticism and strength.

That’s why we’re seeing teams like Hawks come out of nowhere and knock off top SoCal teams. If a squad isn’t built to match that physical intensity, it’s going to struggle especially at U16, where most players have already developed into who they are athletically.
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well getting paid to play is being PRO. Personally unless your within the top 20% of the paid players in the NWSL or making the equivalent money overseas I don't see the point of playing PRO soccer. That's my opinion and I still say only a handful of 2010's will play PRO. IMO all the Hawks did was play old school Long Ball to their talented forwards. The just chewed up the defenses of the Southwest's top teams with that tactic. I doubt Southwest will have any answers for them this year based on what's been going on in the Southwest so far. These top southwest teams if anything have gone backwards with their defenses.
 
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Luis Andres said:
That’s a fair point, and I agree that not every player wants to go pro. But I still believe there needs to be a true next-level environment for the elite youth players who do. The game at the highest level in the U.S. is much more athletic and physical than tactical, and the players who thrive now at u16 tend to be those with elite athleticism and strength.

That’s why we’re seeing teams like Hawks come out of nowhere and knock off top SoCal teams. If a squad isn’t built to match that physical intensity, it’s going to struggle especially at U16, where most players have already developed into who they are athletically.
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Young teen girls in Europe play soccer and more soccer and the top goal for the top players in Euro is pro and not Big U. That is their life and their dream. I 100% know many talented players who want and went to college and then get a career outside of soccer and make real money. I mean, isn't that what life's all about, making the big bucks. That's awesome as well and both the dreamer for pro soccer and the dreamer for higher education can co-exist. The problem with US Soccer, it's ALL about college or you're a loser and won't make much money unless your Olivia or Alyssa. Are these two better players by no going to college? Yes! Would AT be playing with Chelsea and the WSL? No, it's not even close. Think about it. Take Stanford. That is no easy walk in the park academically. 3 months of soccer and then study 24/7 and get in some Spring and Summer pick-up games. Think about the pressure to not only be amazing soccer player in HS, but also one who can study 24/7, get 1500 SAT and 4.7 GPA. No parties, no boyfriends and no fun. Soccer Training+Grades+SAT+ Outstanding human=Unicorn. The player that can pull this off is freaking amazing person and athlete and my hat off to them. I think it's asking way too much for the average Jo. In Europe, it's soccer+soccer+soccer=Soccer Player and no grades or SAT to add to the pressure. I wonder how Messi would have done if they & them told him he better get high scores in biology and math. If he scores low, he sucks!! The players in Europe do not have to carry a high GPA or SAT to be one of the best and that's why I have been saying for 10 years, "The world is watching" and were getting behind.
 
crush said:
Young teen girls in Europe play soccer and more soccer and the top goal for the top players in Euro is pro and not Big U. That is their life and their dream. I 100% know many talented players who want and went to college and then get a career outside of soccer and make real money. I mean, isn't that what life's all about, making the big bucks. That's awesome as well and both the dreamer for pro soccer and the dreamer for higher education can co-exist. The problem with US Soccer, it's ALL about college or you're a loser and won't make much money unless your Olivia or Alyssa. Are these two better players by no going to college? Yes! Would AT be playing with Chelsea and the WSL? No, it's not even close. Think about it. Take Stanford. That is no easy walk in the park academically. 3 months of soccer and then study 24/7 and get in some Spring and Summer pick-up games. Think about the pressure to not only be amazing soccer player in HS, but also one who can study 24/7, get 1500 SAT and 4.7 GPA. No parties, no boyfriends and no fun. Soccer Training+Grades+SAT+ Outstanding human=Unicorn. The player that can pull this off is freaking amazing person and athlete and my hat off to them. I think it's asking way too much for the average Jo. In Europe, it's soccer+soccer+soccer=Soccer Player and no grades or SAT to add to the pressure. I wonder how Messi would have done if they & them told him he better get high scores in biology and math. If he scores low, he sucks!! The players in Europe do not have to carry a high GPA or SAT to be one of the best and that's why I have been saying for 10 years, "The world is watching" and were getting behind.
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Based on what you're laying out, I would 100% prefer what we have here. Yes, soccer+grade+SAT may equal unicorn, but Olivia and Alyssa are also unicorns.

So the European system may be better for soccer unicorns, but what about the hundreds (maybe thousands) of girls in Europe who don't end up being unicorns yet still choose soccer+soccer+soccer? What's their backup plan? Or what about the unicorn who tears two ACLs before 16 and is never the same? What's her backup plan? In the US, these girls have college and a path to a good career. I'd choose a system that provides paths for soccer AND education/career (while maybe sacrificing some of the soccer unicorn pathway part) over a system that only provides a path for soccer unicorns (at the sacrifice of the almost/wannabe unicorns).
 
j2five said:
Based on what you're laying out, I would 100% prefer what we have here. Yes, soccer+grade+SAT may equal unicorn, but Olivia and Alyssa are also unicorns.

So the European system may be better for soccer unicorns, but what about the hundreds (maybe thousands) of girls in Europe who don't end up being unicorns yet still choose soccer+soccer+soccer? What's their backup plan? Or what about the unicorn who tears two ACLs before 16 and is never the same? What's her backup plan? In the US, these girls have college and a path to a good career. I'd choose a system that provides paths for soccer AND education/career (while maybe sacrificing some of the soccer unicorn pathway part) over a system that only provides a path for soccer unicorns (at the sacrifice of the almost/wannabe unicorns).
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OM and AT are not American Unicorns based on the real definition. They are 100% excellent players. My dd had the honor to battle them daily in practice and in games and my eyes saw amazing and gifted players. Grades & SAT score has NOTHING to do with a great soccer player who loves the great game. I completely interstand why you and all the paying customers in youth soccer want college for their kid. I get it, trust me.
 
Elite Trigger Warning!!!

One big fucking problem for college soccer players is what they have to endure on campus. The politics is insane. Professors are so woke and soon to be broke for teaching BS all day. A pro soccer player does not have to deal with all the crap at BIG U today. It's bad folks and getting dangerous. You can't even speak your mind at campus with retaliation.

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crush said:
OM and AT are not American Unicorns based on the real definition. They are 100% excellent players. My dd had the honor to battle them daily in practice and in games and my eyes saw amazing and gifted players. Grades & SAT score has NOTHING to do with a great soccer player who loves the great game. I completely interstand why you and all the customers in youth soccer want college for their kid. I get it, trust me.
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I would say they are just as much of a unicorn if not more compared to a girl who does soccer+grade+SAT. Wouldn't the girls who play soccer at Stanford, Harvard, etc. (top academic D1 programs) fall in the latter category? Maybe we're both using the term unicorn too loosely but I was more comparing OM and AT to the good-at-everything girls.
 
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