When/Why to decide EA/ECNL/MLS next?

[Socal-Soccer-Dad]

Or...player B gets signed because he's new to the club and generates $3000 in dues. Player A is captive and they already have his dues, assuming he doesn't leave.

I'd imagine if Player A is already on the top team (playing EA on a U12 team) in an MLS Next club and doesn't get the MLS Next spot, he'll probably leave. Not always... but probably. So I don't think Player A is captive at all.

Because c'mon, parents are irrational.

 

[Socal-Soccer-Dad]

This is true except the incumbent has an advantage. Let’s say player A and B both play the CB position and are both from the same city. Player A got on the pre-MLSN/EA team at U11 and gave two years of dedicated service to the coach in EA. Here comes the U13 MLSN tryout, player B played well and are equally skilled as player A. But the coach already has player A and he needs other positions filled. Play B is a no. Since player B is good, he eventually got on a MLSN team 45min from home.
Pathways are a myth but timing absolutely matters if you don’t want a long commute.

The incumbent advantage also includes "passing the crazy parent test".
Our DOC has mentioned/hinted regarding really difficult parents who took their kids somewhere else... that he's not likely to accept those families back...

If the kid has been with the club and is decent and parents are not crazy, well you've passed the crazy test.
A new kid comes along and skill wise could be similar or maybe even just a tad better... but there's a big unknown "are the parents crazy?!"
Haha that's a big risk...

Incumbent has the edge.

 

[RandomSoccerFan]

The incumbent advantage also includes "passing the **too*** crazy parent test".

We're all crazy. Some are even more than that....