Comments on: East Bay Boys Soccer Notebook

By: Marques

Marques — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:30:58 +0000

HAH! I hate to be one to mock the haters of Piedmont, but Piedmont seems to be that neglected step child that no one likes. Bad news, they took league AGAIN and have an overall record of 20-2-2. Their last loss, to Albany, was on December 12. Ever since, they went undefeated with only one tie, in 16 games. A fourth straight title is a record in the BSAL, and perhaps beyond. Yet no interviews by “you-know-who” of either coaches or players. But the Highlanders will be welcome to be the “Quiet Men” who speak with their swords rather than their words.

By: David

David — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:07:28 +0000

Mr.Smith I am the Captain of The Newark Memorialsoccer teamand i highly suggest that you should comeout to one of our games when we host the MVAL playoffs at newark.

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:21:16 +0000

Unfortunately I have not seen Newark. Keep in mind though, that I had them ranked back when they were 4-1-5 and people were criticizing me. I have been a supporter all year, despite not seeing them.
The reason for moving Richmond up is simple. They are playing very well, and yes, I have seen them and I am very impressed. They could have beat DLS and they just beat SRV. They are impressive.
I never thought anybody would think a team ranked in the top five is being disrespected, so I am sorry being ranked No. 4 isn’t a sign of the Cougars being thought highly of.

By: Felipe Lamas

Felipe Lamas — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:49:13 +0000

how can richmond a team with 4 losses be in No.3?

By: Felipe Lamas

Felipe Lamas — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:47:37 +0000

nice.anyone anything to say about newark?

By: Marques

Marques — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:54:54 +0000

The results against the big fish in their league shows promise, but what seems unusual is that they are playing 4 non-league teams twice. Usually, non-league teams are played only once, but it’s not written in stone.

By: Jesus

Jesus — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:48:40 +0000

How is Dublin even considered??? They have only 1 win againts a team with a winning record.(Las Lomas) Other then that they don’t have a win againts any other average team.

Moreau catholic(1-12-1) won 3-1 and tied 1-1.
Encinal (4-7-4) w0n 9-2 and tied 0-0.
salesian (0-9-3)won 10-1.
St, Joseph ND (3-11-3) won 5-0 and won 5-0.
Swett (0-12-0) won by forfeit. they play again
Berean Christian(2-14-0) won 2-0.They play again.
Dougherty valley(2-11-0) won 5-0.
Las Lomas (9-6-1) won 1-0.

So can you explain to me how this team is so close to getting into the top 15?? Any average team can get at least 12 wins by playing all this teams… Do you notice how they play the worst teams 2 times?? Seems to me like their schedule might be the easiest schedule of any team. There also in 6th place out of 7 teams in their league. they need to start getting wins over Acalanes, Campolindo, and Alhambra for them to even be considered.

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:37:00 +0000

Margues,
I emailed you back, but you posted your email to me on here so I feel it’s only fair I should respond.
Not what I am saying at all.
What I am saying is that if you want to move up in the rankings, you have to beat good teams. You (Piedmont) are clearly a good team. Teams ahead of them in the rankings will naturally lose, but for Albany to avoid being jumped by teams like Antioch, Dublin, etc or if they want to
avoid teams that lose staying above them…. they need to beat good teams.
Sorry it didn’t make sense to you.
Also, I am not predicting a top ten ranking. I am simply addressing an issue, which is Albany people wondering why they aren’t climbing every week and other teams are.
I hope you don’t feel like this was an attack on Piedmont, because it was the exact opposite. It’s a sign of respect for the Highlander program.

By: Marques

Marques — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:06:06 +0000

Hi all. I sent this e-mail to Matt. Thanks.

Matt I read your article and it doesn’t make much sense. You’re predicting a possible top 10 rank for Albany if they beat Piedmont YET #12 Albany is already ranked higher than #13 Piedmont. If Albany were to defeat (or even tie) Bishop O’Dowd, Castro Valley or San Lorenzo, then that would account for such a big jump in the rankings. But, considering your rankings, Albany can’t make much of a gain unless your rankings are a mistake and Piedmont is at least in the top 10.

Here’s my addendum:
Regardless of the result of the Piedmont game, Albany would probably gain more respect by beating Acalanes or last year’s champs Campolindo (who ironically have a lower ranking than both BSAL teams).

Marques Dillard
PHS Men’s Varsity Soccer Coach