- East Bay Prep Corner
East Bay Boys Soccer: Who’s No. 1?
By Matt Smith
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 1:38 pm in Boys soccer.
I’m about to head out to see Castro Valley v. Bishop O’Dowd, but before I do I wanted to pose a question to you guys.
Who should be the No. 1 team in the East Bay rankings on Monday?
With De La Salle losing to Granada, it’s wide open. I can see an argument for and against all the following teams:
De La Salle
Richmond
San Ramon Valley
Albany
Bishop O’Dowd
Dublin
Granada
Let’s hear what you guys think? I know that no matter who I go with, I can’t make everyone happy. I can just make the best decision, and some input might not hurt.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
January 27th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Matt
You have the classic BCS problem.
D1 schools knocking each other around (FL,TX,AL,AUB,MIA,OK) our version (DLS,RCH,SRV,GHS,CAL)
While D2 schools playing one or two good teams, while keeping a more impressive record. (Boise,C Mich,Cin)
our version (CV,Dublin,ALB,BOD)
Castro Valley is the only team listed that has had more than one game against a few top teams outside their league. They play BOD tonight right?
If they win then they should be considered. CAL and Granada have lost to 3 EBAL teams, so probably not either of them. IF DLS wins out and SRV also wins out then 1 & 2 with RCH 3rd. Providing that CV loses tonight. If BOD wins then were back to tougher schedule or records and what should way heavier.
On DLS side and I’m bias. They have the more common 1st tie breaker of head to head with RCH,SRV,CAL,GHS)
Of course I’m basically only talking about the teams that you listed above as top contenders for the #1 spot.
January 27th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Here is the real kicker DLS is in a class all in their own since none of the traditional high school can have players from outside of there area they really shouldn’t count. That truely leaves in EBAl Granada, San Ramon Valley & Cal as the top teams. On any given day any of these teams can win against each other. They are all good teams I guess will see in the end.
January 27th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Mrs Garcia – Class is the key word in your sentence.
Probably the same class that one of your parents displayed by yelling across the field as the game was going on towards the final minutes.
One of our parents was asking for the CR to stop the clock and one of your parents yelled across the fields to “shut the hell up” We are not perfect I realize but to swear across a field wasn’t soemthing I wouldn’t be proud of as a GHS parent or student.
Your team beat DLS, be proud of it as I’m sure it was a big win for your boys. They deserved to win that game but in the end nothing proves anything but which team was better that day. The rest will be told by how are young men grow up and succeed in life.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
At this point we know the cream of the crop in D1 and D2, who is hot and who is not. I will give a shout for the Albany Cougars living in the shadow of the Oilers. Albany is 15-0-2, winning 15 in a row after two ties (including Bishop O’Dowd), with 75 goals for and 8 against, 9 shutouts and 8 one-goal games against. Their biggest challenge before NCS looks to be Salesian and they could enter the playoffs 22-0-2, with more than 100 goals for and less than 10 goals against. Here’s to the Albany Cougars, the Boise State of the NCS.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Does Albany have blue turf?
January 27th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
DLS and class?
At the SRV DLS game I noticed that the DLS fans were calling out SRV players by name and making rude remarks. They actually had players on their team who knew the names of the SRV players and told their friends to yell at them during the game. They were making fun of the center back for being short, and other players for other things. In my opinion, the DLS fans are the least classy fans in EBAL
January 27th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Seeper – Was that the Blue Bouse reference lol
January 27th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Sweeper – I’ll try again. Was referring to the Boise reference? lol
January 27th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Bambam, Your BCS analogy was spot on. Your post #1 led me to post #4, and then I thought of #5. I was laughing as I typed. Again, one more shout out for Albany.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Dublin? Matt, have you lost your mind?
I know they are a strong side this year, but give me a break. You have some credibility with your game breakdowns, articles, rankings and great effort to keep the league tables. Why would you jeopardize that with a #1 ranking for Dublin? IF they win out (and that includes NCS) then ok, but not at this point.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Vivian…DLS is not the only private school in NCS…in fact there is one other listed in the potential top 10.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Matt… Perfect article and perfect anology of the BCS but I would still give it to DLS, they proved themselves last week which was a tough week even if they have players from all over the area. Albany looks really strong and deserve to be mentioned I just don’t know who they have played in their league that stands out. O’Dowd to me would be a better option. Dublin should not be considered in this article however.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Wow Bambam, or is it slamslam? In #3 post you rip Vivian a new one regarding class. That seemed a bit harsh. I was at the game on tuesday as well. I sat with DLS during the first half, then went over to GHS side in the second. Trust me, the DLS parents were no church choir. Some of the comments were as bad if not worse than “shut the hell up”.
So before you get up on your soap box and preach to the cyber-congregation about class, you should drain the Holy water that’s plugging up your ears and listen to the very people you sit with.
I was a neutral party to the game. I happen to have friends whose kids play at DLS. I live in Livermore. The game was intense no doubt. All people need to be a little more positive when it comes to the effort the refs and players put forth. Cheer a good play for both sides.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I love how people on here are ripping Dublin. How would you know? Youre basing it off of reputation, not performance. You have to see Dublin play to judge them. Their defence is stellar, and with Hoster and Weir up front they can put balls into the net.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Albany hasn’t had the strongest competition, but they have proved themselves against hard teams. They tied nationally ranked O’Dowd, despite missing a penalty kick. They have 3 players currently in the top 10 for scoring, and even though this is a example of their league lacking talent, they are clearly converting.
The DII NCS tournament should be interesting and a true test of the best teams.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
13-
I have seen Dublin play a few times this year, and I wasn’t impressed. If you base it off win and loses Albany is number one, and Dublin is up there. They wouldn’t do well in EBAL.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
well if the ebal team coaches would step up and play dublin maybe we would really see. but until now theyve been too scared.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
DVAL might have taken it a little too far by saying I am risking my reputation by mentioning Dublin.
All I did was list the top seven teams and open it up for debate. That’s all. I was leaving it up to you guys to discuss. Now I know how some of you feel about Dublin. Certainly I’m not risking my reputation by putting them up to be debated.
And DFAL is right, you gotta watch them play. They’re a solid side. Not No. 1 in the East Bay good, but I was just opening up the forum.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Thank you. I wasn’t saying Dublin deserved #1, but they deserve credit. At least top 6.
But any news on the acalanes game?
January 27th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Las Lomas 1, Acalanes 0
And Dublin will definitely remain a highly ranked team if they keep doing well. Nice take, DFAL.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
dublin 3, campo 3
dv 1, miramonte 1
January 27th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Thanks matt.
Do you know if acalanes played well and it was a fluke goal? Or did LL step up?
January 27th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
It looks like LL stepped up. Just based on the couple of emails I got.
LL is a dangerous team.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Dublin shouldn’t be number 1. They tied Campolindo 3-3 tonight.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I agree. And with Dublin tying Campolindo 3-3 that whole league is mixed up
January 27th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Dublin tied Campo 3-3 today. Campo also beat las lomas 2-1
January 27th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
What about the Castro Valley girls who are #5 nationally on ESPN Rise? From Maxpreps, the Trojans are 18-0-2, with 85-10 scoring. The only “blemish” is that both ties are 0-0 vs. Bishop O’Dowd (8-1-5) while they have averaged 4.7 goals per game in the 18 wins. The CV girls have slightly better numbers than the Albany boys (see post #4), and are deserving of some recognition. Just opening the forum a little wider.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Miramonte drew Dougherty Valley tonight 1-1. Good game especially considering they lost 5-0 first time around. Miramonte Goalie saved the day many times. All DFAL teams are deserving of NCS spots this year. Tough league night in and night out. Equate it to EBAL for the Division 2 schools.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
so if you ask me, based on what I have seen, it’s a 3 way race,
DeLa Salle has the best midfield overall and play well as a team.
San Ramon Valley has three horses up top(at forward) who can all finish and score.
Richmond has the best touch players with some tremendous individual ball skills.
I think it will come down to SRV and Delasalle again for NCS but don’t count out Granada as a dark horse. They are strong and it depends on who is hot in feb…
we will see soon enough
January 27th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Las Lomas played a great game tonight. they are indeed dangerous and have already Beat #1 Dublin, #2 Acalanes, and beat #1 Castro Valley last week 3-1. Looks like they are on their way to the top. Someone should get out to next week’s game. LL squares off against Dublin, should be an amazing match.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Albany deserve credit to have the record they do.. But don’t forget that they don’t play many hard teams. OK a tie with Bishop is very interesting, specially with the team bishop has, but lets not forget that Dublin plays in the freakin DFAL, in my opinion the strongest D2 league, and the hardest! for the past few years the champions of DFAL always go to the final or semi-final games. We are talking about a league where the 3 of the top 4 teams can be considered to win NCS. So when you ask why Dublin? The answer is simple, just look who they play, their league and their record.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I saw two games today. O’Dowd beat Castro Valley 5-0 and Albany beat Piedmont 2-1 on a second half own goal. Both teams reamined undefeated and have improved since I saw them in the Winter Classic, but O’Dowd’s win was the most impressive against a highly ranked Castro Valley D1 team. The DFAL race is always close and Campo is the hot team right now. The only top DFAL team I haven’t seen is Dublin. I’m not sure that Richmond belongs in the discussion of Who’s #1, but certainly Granada, San Ramon Valley, De La Salle and Dublin belong in the discussion with O’Dowd. Acalanes plays San Ramon Valley soon and could be back in this discussion if they win.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Sorry DBL but Campo as the hot team of DFAL? I really don’t think so, judging by the way i saw them play they have more luck than team. no surprise if they make ncs but no bigger surprise if they loose in the first round
January 27th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Don’t forget # 26 that Las Lomas scraped Campo 3 zip the first time they played and that LL played a man down for 30 minutes when Campo won.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
I can see 4 EBAL teams competing for an NCS champion along with Richomond. DLS, SRV, Granada, and Cal can all compete night in and night out with each other I’m sure we’ll see these matchups in NCS. I think its about a 6 team race in D.1 and four of those teams coming from EBAL.
Matt- I heard a rumor that if 16 teams aren’t eligible for NCS, they might only take 12… what do you know about that.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
DBL,
Please explain why Richmond is not in the discussion. Have you seen Richmond play? They control play like no other team: “El juego hermoso.” They do not have size up front so DLS and SRV have a slight match-up edge on defense. This is a physical match-up issue, not a skills issue, as the Oilers have more pure soccer skills than any team that I have seen in the NCS. Go see an Oilers game and enjoy the pure play.
BTW, for those who pay attention to details, the Oilers have a wider yet shorter turf field than all of the other fields that I have seen, 110 yards (mid end zone) by 65+ yards (proportioned like a FIFA field), compared to most fields at 120 yards by 60+ yards. I noticed this during the DLS match: why were the Oilers getting such good horizontal spacing? Look at Google maps satellite and compare their field lines vs. the standard football field, and drag and click to other fields. This suits their game to a tee: spread the field, control the ball and work the defense. TRUE. Someone knew what they were doing when that field was drawn up.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Campo is a hot team but Bboy is right. They are mostly luck. Tonights game against Fublin showed the best of it. Down 1-0, they score a goal after the coachig staff of Dublin took out their WHOLE starting defense. (cocky?) Then after a beautiful volley goal in the second half by Dublin, Campo answers back with an own goal with 9 minutes left. No on was around the fateful defender. A campo wing crossed it and it hit the Dublin defender straight in the back, which sent it slowly rolling into tHe goal. Then Dublin scored again on a corner. 3-2. In stoppage time, campo sends a ball downfield, it hits off a Dublin stopper, nutmegs himself, and falls right into the feet of a campo striker, who puts it into an open goal. ( keeper had no clue what happened)
So there, campo ends up tying the DFAL leaders, on luck. I mean they played a great game, but did not deserve the 1 point.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Just to answer EBAL’s playoff question.
I’m pretty sure the bracket will be 16 spots, with the number of teams pending on eligibility.
But I’m pretty sure the new bi-law calls for a 16-team bracket regardless.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
I have seen Cal., Foothill, De LaSalle and Granada play….It looks like Granada is getting hot at the right time….
January 27th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Thanks Matt, therefore teams would have byes.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Expect to pay $8 to $10 per NCS playoff game and check out those Les Schwab Tires and Farmers Insurance ads. Seriously, we appreciate all sponsors and the Bay Area News Group reporting team.
I hope the D1 finals (boys and girls championships) are a double-header again this year (at Dublin?). The beautiful game at its best…
January 27th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
I believe that if there are a full 16 teams, there would be NO “byes”….Only if there were less than 16 teams, there would be “byes”.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
With respect to Cokito…”Reechmond, Reechmond, rah rah rah!!!” The best live high school soccer cheer in the land. On any/every given day the Oilers will show you how to play the game.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:52 am
I’m not sure what game DFAL fan saw last night, must be a Dublin fan though. There were no own goals last night. Dublin’s 2nd goal was just as lucky as any of Campo’s goals. It wasn’t a well played game, to be sure, but both teams took advantage of the other team’s mistakes. To denigrate another opponent to make yourself feel better is just plain wrong. Dublin is a very good team this year in a very tough league. Is it so hard to give Campo their due especially since they have not lost now in 7 games, including 6 wins?
January 28th, 2010 at 8:58 am
No own goals? I’m a player on Dublin that wa in the game when the goal went in. Know your facts
January 28th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Sweeper,
It would have been important for Richmond to win a big game somewhere along the line this season rather than tie every one of them and then lose to De La Salle at home. They also tied too many unimpressive teams such as Monte Vista, Mitty, and Alameda. They only have Berkeley left on their schedule today as a ranked opponent until NCS. As you mention, they do have match up issues which is huge in NCS where the games become even more physical. Results matter in rankings.
BbOy,
Agreed that the DFAL is a very competitive league. Campo has put themselves into NCS with their 6 wins in a row including Alhambra and Las Lomas and now a tie against Dublin. I saw them at the Winter Classic and admit they were not impressive then, but are they just lucky now or are they improving?
Matt,
Acalanes, De La Salle, San Ramon Valley, and Richmond all lost over the past week. Dublin tied Campo (the lucky team) and Albany beat Piedmont on an own goal. Granada does improve by beating De La Salle and California after losing to both of them in the first round of EBAL. Only O’Dowd and Albany have unblemished records to date and you saw the O’Dowd win over Castro Valley yesterday. It’s only Thursday, but any comments?
January 28th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Granada has not lost a game (10 straight now), since losing to De La Salle back on December 15th, and has only two losses all year. They should handle Monte Vista on Friday night, as they beat them earlier in the year, 5-2.
They should have beaten Foothill on Jan. 12th. They were up 4-2 with less than two minutes to go and fell prey to some very questionable time keeping, and a very good final effort from Foothill. Since that game, they have played with greater intensity. I think they learned “the game ain’t over until the Phat lady sings.”
January 28th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Campo outshot Dublin last night, and if it wasn’t for 3 or 4 missed easy chances where players hit close chances over the bar, it would have been a different game. Dublin’s 3 goals all came on poor marking by smaller players from Campolindo on set pieces.
Big win for LL last night after a loss and tie (against last place Miramonte) in their last two DFAL games.
NCS D2 is going to come down to which DFAL team can get hot, if anyone can counteract Bishop’s size and strength, and if Albany’s high flying offense can get by much stronger defenses than they’ve been facing.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Not convinced on Granada just yet, although again I give them love for beating DLS. However I do feel the were fortunate to catch DLS coming off their big week-I’m sure they were as fresh as Granada..I didn’t see the game but I heard Granada beat DLS to every 50/50 ball and to draw a lot of fouls means they were playing tough. The true test will be Granada vs. SRV, if they can beat the Wolves then I shall jump on the bandwagon in time for NCS
Saw O’Dowd vs. CV yesterday. O’Dowd has a pretty impressive team. CV didn’t offer much to the game and O’Dowd was ruthless with their attack. O’Dowd would easily be a contender in the 3A group..Especially if they played at home-great fan support yesterday!
January 28th, 2010 at 11:09 am
(with typo corrections)Not convinced on Granada just yet, although again I give them love for beating DLS. However I do feel they were fortunate to catch DLS coming off their big week-I’m sure they weren’t as fresh as Granada..I didn’t see the game but I heard Granada beat DLS to every 50/50 ball and to draw a lot of whistles from the ref means they were playing tough. The true test will be Granada vs. SRV, if they can beat the Wolves then I shall jump on the bandwagon in time for NCS
Saw O’Dowd vs. CV yesterday. O’Dowd has a pretty impressive team. CV didn’t offer much to the game and O’Dowd was ruthless with their attack. O’Dowd would easily be a contender in the 3A group..Especially if they played at home-great fan support yesterday!
January 28th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Interesting to reread DFAL’s posts now that he has indicated he is a Dublin player; makes sense now.
What’s more to the point is the league has a real chance to get 6 teams into the playoffs, indicating the DFAL this year is playing at a high level. Their non league wins speak for themselves.
Dublin is in position for a #1 seed and good for them, considering they haven’t even made the playoffs in years.
I’m pulling for you and your team DFAL; just remember, its better to praise your opponents than to call them lucky.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I agree with Scoreboard. To me, Granada seems vulnerable in goal and not strong enough at the attack positions to be a strong candidate for #1. Their #10 forward is a legitimate threat and, of course, they have their throw-in threats, but I didn’t see too much else. A strong positive is their execution on defense and set plays which reflects well on their coaches.
A couple of goals off the feet of the forwards against SRV’s defense and I will consider changing my mind.
January 28th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
You make a valid point starfire and you’re right. I was just frustrated with the results of that game, and I should have given Campo their credit.
January 28th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
I agree with what most of the people have to say, but lets realize that EBAL is basically the strongest league in Northern California. The teams that have a true chance at No. 1 are SRV, Richmond, GHS, and DLS. Here are my reasons why…
SRV – They have a strong front line with seniors leading the wolfpack. They lack in the defensive end with multiple careless mistakes. They have a very good chance for the title due to their hardwork and threats up top.
Richmond – They usually put out a strong and competitive team, even though they just got worked by DLS. They seem to have a strong coaching staff and dedicated players.
GHS – They are the new hot team after defeating DLS on Tuesday 1-0 (DLS is beatable, so lets not be afraid). They have a threat of a forward and their long throw in (assisted goal against DLS). Granada has a true chance for the No. 1 spot, we will see what happens in their game against SRV.
DLS – They have won many important games and are a very strong team, yet they can be beaten. We will have to see how they finish out the season and how they react from their loss to Granada.
Good Luck to all teams and may the best team be No. 1!
January 28th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Campo changed formation and moved players around and started winning strings of games. There was also no own goal i don’t know where you got that. Even before the change up, Campo beat almost every team in possession as well. And i agree with Las Lomas being a strong team. but i think that game Campo still dominated possesion.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Basically you were whining and making excuses. Campos a different team since they changed formations and moved players around. They’ve always dominated possession even before this and now with some organization their a pretty good team. And #34 i never stated that Las Lomas was a weak team. I personally thought they would be first in league (havn’t seen acalanes play yet but judging from watching every other team but them) Campo had a very weak start and thats when Las lomas “scraped” them. Campo picked things up from then on.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I got the own goal from being on the goal line next to the post when it happened. You couldn’t see it from the stands apparently, since only the players on the field saw. It hit Brandon Lee #15 in the back, and trickled in. I don’t know what you saw, but I was literally two feet away from where it happened.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
there was definitely an own goal. Campo played very well for being a young team. they were technically sound, and will own DFAL league in a couple years when they are seniors. Dublin has athleticism and a few players with skill and they are doing a good job of combining that right now to win games.
January 28th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Dfal- in your mea culpa you forgot to mention that Las Lomas played you with 10 on the field for most of the second half. Not hard to control possession with a man advantage.What formation is Campo playing now?
January 28th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Albany is raw.They have an extraordinary goalie named Omar Sanchez, who has only eight goals in 18 games and one assist from a goal kick. I want to give a shout to the amazing defense they have, Mason,Nano,Emerson(Mandingo) and Kousha. Don’t forget that the goalie is also a very good looking guy and I heard he was single, so if anybody is interested they should go to an Albany game and check him out, trust me his worth watching. Finally anyone who has gone to an Albany game knows they have a dedicated stat boy named Edher. He honestly should be scouted for his work in keeping track of the game. Comments anybody?
January 28th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
i was talking about the first game. good try
January 28th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I think for D1 San Ramon and Granada tops DLS and Richmond for number one and two. Now for D2 i hear Campo is hot on fire but to play the power houses i feel like Bishop Odowd and Albany would compete for first second seeding in D2 there very good even though Albany struggled yesterday i was at the game watching them and they just were kind of banged but both Division are very exciting this year to watch i love Richmond high teams Chemistry and also San Ramon but Matt i have one question expanding on your Question from what you have watched and seen who do you predict will go to the finals and maybe have a better chance of winning for both of divisions??
January 28th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Hey The Man,
I don’t really like to make predictions because people from every school except two will be very upset at me.
When the playoffs start, I will talk about who I think the favorite is, or should win.
With that said, I’ll say this. I think Bishop O’Dowd is clearly the team to beat in Division II. They are big, fast and physical. And they stay very, very organized.
In Division I, I think the road runs through De La Salle. Until they are beat, I have to say they are the favorites. San Ramon Valley is a close No. 2 in my book. I still think Richmond is the most athletically gifted team and I wouldn’t want to face them in the playoffs.
A lot of parody this year. The playoffs are gonna be great.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Matt,
What do you mean until De La Salle gets beat? I thought Granada beat them?
January 28th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Hey “The Man” (#62), Good call on D-1 and D-2, and for putting Matt on the spot. Kudos to Matt for weighing in with solid comments. All good stuff.
Two dominants in D-2 set up for a potential major upset in the second round: nod to O’Dowd with their size but Albany has the goods, with Dublin in the wings and Campo on a streak.
In D-1 there is no pure dominant, as the round robin beat down continues, and the specific match-ups will determine the finalists: R wants to avoid S, S wants to avoid D, D wants to avoid G, G wants to avoid R, and X wants to avoid Y, blah, blah blah. D-1 is a free for all until we see who is in the semi’s.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:33 am
The Sweeper
Why are you hating on A B C & E. You left those letters off your hoping to avoid list. See now you have started a new letter controversy.
RCH tied again tonight! I hope they are working on their PK’s. For that matter, I hope every team is as that will probably be the deciding factor in more NCS games this year than prior years.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Hey Matt,
In your post #63, you state that the road runs through De La Salle, until they are beat……Didn’t Granada just beat them on Tuesday?
Nice Pun too, Parody=Parity
January 29th, 2010 at 8:05 am
To The Sweeper and to Bambam:
Too funny….G, D, S, R, ….hating on A B C & E….
We are going to need a scorecard…
January 29th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Glad someone got the pun
With DLS what I meant is that they are the favorites in the playoffs, in my mind, until they are oficially eliminated.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Im the best defender in the world!!!!!!!!!!!.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Albany is extremely over rated. Other than Borges, they have a pretty feable scoring threat. Piedmont played them and nearly tied them, if it were not for a late own goal on a questionable free kick from 20 yards out. They are nowhere near the level of dublin, o’dowd, and acalanes in D2
January 29th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
#60, No comment.
Seriously though, are you the walrus? Does Albany have blue turf? Does the stat boy Edher attend Albany, or can he be recruited? What are the NCS rules for stat boy transfers? Hmmm…
January 29th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
#71
Albany was playing with a couple of injuries that day and they were just having an off day for the most part and every good team has those days. They acually are an extremely talented team other than just Borges. They have a good attack and a great defense. So sure they didn’t have there best game against peidmont that night but earlier In the season they beat them 6-0
January 29th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
For the title, it will come down to the EBAL teams and Richmond. Sorry Albany, O’Dowd, and Dublin. With De La Salle losing the Granada, there is no favorites. San Ramon, Granada, Richmond, and De La Salle all have an equal chance for the title! It will be interesting to see the outcomes of the games tonight. Especially if De La Salle can come back from their loss.
Good Luck to all teams tonight!
January 29th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
#61 EB Soccer
Looking at Albany’s full schedule and results, I see ALbany tying Bishop O’Dowd earlier in the year. From others comments it looks like many feel O’Dowd is a very good team. Your comments?
As to the Piedmont score. Check out the results for the 1st Albany Piedmont game. 6-0 Albany. I’d say they can score when they need to.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
dude. number 74. there is separate divisions for ncs. D1 and D2. richmond and all the ebal teams are D1. bishop and campo and dublin and albany r D2
January 29th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Braved the rainy conditions to watch DLS beat Livermore 1-0 on a late corner kick. Livermore had a lion’s share of the chances, especially in the 2nd half but the DLS guys kept their heads and found the winner. Livermore will be disappointed to not have any points from this match. Hats off to DLS for again finding a way to win-even if it wasn’t pretty.
Any other scores??
January 29th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Granada 1- Monte Vista 0 Final
January 29th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Dublin 2, DV 1, how did the Acalanes game turn out?
January 29th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Dublin 2 – Dougherty Valley 1
Well played game by both sides but Dublin dominated control. A very passing based DV had trouble coping to the rain while Dublin handled it better. A goal from a pass into the corner and then crossed in gave Dublin the lead. Then DV capatilized on mistake by Dublin’s keeper and scored in the 40th minute. No one blamed the keeper and he bounced back to have an amazing game, as did the DV keeper. In the second half dublin scored on a free kick from around the 30 and a striker put it in the net off a chest volley. DV was not finished and they battled back hard but in the end Dublin was able to maintain control and composer.
To me it was the strongest showing by Dublin even though the score didn’t reflect it. Overall it was a great game that makes me feel sorry for anyone who missed it.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Dublin 2 – Dougherty Valley 1
Well played game by both sides but Dublin dominated control. A very passing based DV had trouble coping to the rain while Dublin handled it better. A goal from a pass into the corner and then crossed in gave Dublin the lead. Then DV capatilized on mistake by Dublin’s keeper and scored in the 40th minute. No one blamed the keeper and he bounced back to have an amazing game, as did the DV keeper. In the second half dublin scored on a free kick from around the 30 and a striker put it in the net off a chest volley. DV was not finished and they battled back hard but in the end Dublin was able to maintain control and composer.
To me it was the strongest showing by Dublin even though the score didn’t reflect it. Overall it was a great game that makes me feel sorry for anyone who missed it.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
SRV 1, Amador 1
Amador converted a 1st half PK. It was a fair call. No argument from SRV. SRV got the equalizer 15 min into the 2nd half. First half rain definitely affected SRV’s attacking pace, but still had several very good early scoring chances. Second half was much drier and SRV stepped up its attack putting a lot pressure on Amador’s defense, but could not net the winning goal.
SRV definitely had more run of play in the game and outshot Amador, but credit the Dons’ defense for holding firm in front of their net. Amador also had several good counter-attacking opportunities, but also could not net another goal. Frustrating night for the Wolves who missed an opportunity with keep pace with DLS and Granada. Have not see the Cal/Foothill score.
SRV hosts Acalanes at 3 on Saturday in a good inter-league matchup.
PS: To the Amador announcer – please turn down the speaker volume and stop playing music and sounds every time the ball goes out of bounds. Music on throw-ins, corners, goal kicks and other restarts is a bit much.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Cal 4 Foothill 3- good even game both teams come out to play and battle but the reffering was awful. Two penalty kicks one for each side that were just bad calls. Cal was up 2-0 and Foothill got a pk and it was 2-1 at half. Cal puts one away early in the second half and then momentum shifted and Foothill tied it as Cal’s poor clearance gave up two goals. Lastly Cal scores on a pk.
Solid week for Amador tying two quality teams.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
May I add that Cal’s pk doesn’t happen if Foothill wasn’t given one earlier in the game.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Campo 3 Miramonte 1 – With the return this week of all league Ben Rudolph from a football injury Campo is poised to continue their recent streak of good play (7-0-1)and build their resume’ for a high seed in D2.
January 29th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
#85- So you beat the last place team.Big deal…Campo will be at best a #14 or 15 see if you make it., Seriously red and red faced unless Campo can win the DFAL( very unlikely) how high a seed can they get?.Aren’t they in like ,5th in the DFAL? Dublin,Acalanes,LasLomas and Alhambra are all ahead of them as of tonight.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
#79- Acalanes 3, Northgate 0. Acalanes is now 13-3-1 overall.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
DLS vs Liv
The game was not pretty tonight. This game had no pace for two reasons. The first half rain and the CR calling about 40 fouls in the game. He must of thought he was officiating an under 8 girls game. Both sides had to be equally frustrated. The Cowboys played their hearts out, especially with a short bench.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:02 am
EBAL Standings:
1. DLS 25 points (8-1-1) 12-5-1 overall
2. San Ramon 19 points (5-1-4) 10-2-6 overall
3. Granada 18 points (5-2-3) 13-2-4 overall
4. California 17 points (5-3-2) 11-3-4 overall
5. Amador 12 points (2-2-6) 6-5-9 overall
6. Monte Vista 8 points (2-6-2) 4-10-5 overall
7. Livermore 5 points (1-7-2) 2-9-2 overall
8. Foothill 4 points (0-6-4) 5-10-4 overall
January 30th, 2010 at 9:28 am
EBAL Remaining games:
DLS: Foothill,Amador,Monte Vista,Cal
San Ramon: Acalanes(non league),Granada,Cal,Foothill,MV
Granada: San Ramon,Foothill,Amador,Livermore
Cal: Monte Vista,San Ramon,Livermore,DLS
Amador: Livermore,DLS,Granada,Foothill
Monte Vista: Cal,Livermore,DLS,San Ramon
Livermore: Amador,Monte Vista,Cal,Granada
Foothill: DLS,Granada,San Ramon,Amador
January 30th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
albany and o dowd are good teams when it comes to the smaller schools, it would be a different thing if theyd play bigger schools..richmond i beleive is a really good team and have a big shot at the title if they keep strong and improve on their defence…berkeley is also a good team that has been underestimated who have improved alot sincce the beginning of the season, they tied san ramon even though their 2 captains were out..and battled it out with richmond where either of the 2 could have won..berkeley and richmond are both teams that could win the title and teams to keep an eye on in playoffs.
January 30th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Soccer Fan – They are currently tied for third in league, though not all games have been reported. The point is they now are at full strength with one of the best players in the league rejoining the team this week and on a serious undefeated streak. I doubt anyone would want to face them now (ask Dublin).
They have already qualified for the postseason and the league stands to get 6 entries if DV can can hang in there. Campo’s game with Acalanes this week should provide a good benchmark of where they stand.
January 30th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I’m gonna say DLS sweeps league after this
Granada and SRV the match for 2nd place but everything else is a wash because the top 4 are favorites in each game against themselves with the higher place doin work
January 30th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Hey Matt i have one question if you can clarify for me how many yellow cards can you get before being suspended for a couple o. Games and does it carry on to NCS
January 30th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Good question. I’m not sure exactly how many yellows it takes to get suspended. But I am pretty sure it can carry over to NCS.
Does anyone know how many yellows before you get suspended? I tried to look it up and couldn’t find it.
January 30th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Acalanes 1 and San Ramon Valley 1
January 30th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Matt did you see how the Acalanes vs. SRV game went?
January 30th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Soccer Fan, can you give any details about it?
January 30th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I wasn’t there, so I can’t give analysis, but I know that SRV scored about midway through the first half, and then Acalanes got the equalizer in the 76th minute.
January 30th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
It really was a game of two halves.SRV was clearly the dominant team the first half with a decided edge in possession and oportunities.Conversely the tide turned turned and I thought that Acalanes had the run of play the second half.
The SRV goal appeared to me to be an Acalanes defensive mistake; they let the ball bounce in the box and it bounced fortuitously to a SRV player.The Acalanes goal was off a direct kick after a unnecessary SRV foul deep in the Acalanes attacking third.Hard to tell if the foul was legitimate but props to the Dons for converting.
My opinion is that the level of play was very good,SRV might have a little bit more depth on the roster but Acalanes played their usual game and was competitive,Honestly,not that much difference between the two today.It was a fun game to watch.
January 30th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
ties dont get you as far as wins.
January 30th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
SRV definitely dominated the first half and should have done better with their opportunities. Really took it to Acalanes the first half. Second half capped off a frustrating 24 hours for the Wolves. SRV came out very flat and lacking intensity in the second half. It appeared the 2nd game in less than 24 hours caught up with SRV, and Acalanes took advantage of it and picked up their game at the same time. Soccer Fan is correct that the SRV foul that gave the Acalanes the free kick was not a smart foul deep at the SRV defensive end. The Wolves really needed a win after a tough draw at Amador last night.
Acalanes looked like a solid competitive team, but I do think SRV is deeper and with a day’s rest would have played a much better second half. As we all know, no matter good a team is you have bring the effort for all 80 minutes. This is one of the reasons I think DLS wins a lot of close games. They may be outskilled at times and not on their “A” game every night, but they bring their effort for 80 minutes every game.
SRV home vs. Granada and at Cal next week – both teams right behind them in league standings. Big week ahead for all three of these teams.
January 30th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Soccer Fan and SRV DAD each gave accurate reports of the Acalanes vs. SRV soccer match today. SRV has no excuse for such a lackluster performance in the second half as Acalanes also had a game on Friday. Give Acalanes credit for stepping up in the second half to tie the match. SRV needs to focus on playing well for 80 full minutes.
Unfortunately, the officiating was uneven at best, resulting in less than stellar play and at least 3 players for each team carded for verbal protests over the course of the game: something that I have never seen.
January 31st, 2010 at 11:14 am
The reports on the SRV vs. Acalanes game also match my observations on the game, although it seemed like the first 10 minutes of the the first half were more even and then SRV began to take advantage of possession, build up and proved more dangerous in their attack. Acalanes had the edge in the 2nd half, although not dangerous until they converted on the free kick. What wasn’t mentioned above was the stop by the Acalanes keeper in the 2nd half on a breakaway that kept the game from being 2-0 at that point. In my opinion, the foul before the free kick was a good call and it’s always easy to label the officiating as uneven, but the ref kept control of the game and all the cards were warranted. Both teams were playing their 2nd of back to back games and this is the time of the season when the physical toll of high school soccer is brutal. Thankfully, it seemed like both teams came away healthy.
This was a very entertaining game and it was played by both teams like it meant something. Give credit to both teams. SRV won the first half and Acalanes won the 2nd half. If they played 4 more games, you might have 1 win each and 2 more ties!
January 31st, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Why is Campo even in this conversation? They aren’t even that good. The DFAL leaders will be Dublin, Acalanes and Las Lomas. LL has won 4 straight and they battle Dublin on friday. They have already beat dublin once and they beat Acalanes this past friday. They will be a great threat in NCS
On another note, Piedmont’s league is so weak, they can’t even compare on rankings.