131 Responses to “East Bay Boys Soccer Notebook: Jan. 30”

1. Tack Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 8:31 pm

   I know that Albany’s record is amazing, but I don’t believe they should be so highly ranked. If you look at their schedule, the only legitimate team they’ve play is Bishop. Also, their 11-0 record in league is nothing considering the BSAL is weak. (with the exception of maybe Piedmont)

2. kookookachoo Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:10 pm

   Albany’s team has considerable one of the best offense. Scoring almost 80 goals in less than 20 games. Three of their players are in the top scoring and two of their players are in for assists. And for the tie against Bishop, that only the beginning of the season. Now their chemistry is better than ever. Even though Piedmont isn’t a threat they can put a fight, but Albany has played teams from the HAAL and has beaten those teams with the same score Bishop has. So to not say Albany shouldn’t be where they are is not considering the underdog

3. Tack Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:16 pm

   The only reason the have those 80 goals is because they play weak teams. Bishop and Dublin should be seeded higher than Albany when it comes to NCS, based on overall play AND strength of schedule.

4. kookookachoo Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:25 pm

   I dont know why people are saying that Albany has a weak league, if the HAAL isnt anything special. If Bishop can beat a team who is in second place by six goals, then they can also score 80 goals but they havent because their offense isnt all that as great to the offense of Albany.

5. Tack Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:37 pm

   Don’t get me wrong, I know Albany’s offense is explosive. Probably one of the best. And I admit the HAAL isn’t that special at all. Besides Bishop and Castro, that league falls flat. Just Bishop and Dublin have defenses that can shut out anyone and offenses that also score. But it would be interesting to see Albany’s offense agains these lockdown defenses.

   Here is what I think for DII:

   1.Bishop
   2. Dublin
   3. Albany
   4. Acalanes
   5. Castro Valley
   6. Las Lomas

   NCS semi-finals I could see Bishop vs. Albany and then Dublin vs. Acalanes.
   Both games would be fantastic

6. Matt Smith Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:39 pm

   Castro Valley is Division I.

7. Tack Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:43 pm

   My bad. I meant to Put Campo as #5. Thanks Matt

8. Matt Smith Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:44 pm

   Glad to help
   And I agree. Watch out for Campo. Shane Carney has done a great job with that group.

9. Soccer Fan Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 9:47 pm

   Campo at number 5???Capo hasn’t beat anybody outside of their league. Do you mean Clayton valley instead?

10. Tack Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    For how bad they started Carney deserves a lot of credit. I agree 100%.
    I see your point about Clayton. But Campo has performed amazingly, hence the tie against Dublin and the other 7 wins in 8 games. Clayton may be a techincally better team, but Campo has momentum that no one seems to be able to stop.

11. Matt Smith Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Clayton Valley is Division I as well.

12. Dougherty Valley Fan Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    Matt,

    Wouldn’t Dougherty Valley need to play .500 soccer in order to qualify for NCS? Just asking as you wrote, “Dougherty Valley needs to win one more than it loses.” Thanks.

13. Matt Smith Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    It’s because you have to finish over .500. Being exactly .500 doesn’t get you in. At 6-6-3, they’d have to win just one more than they lose.

14. ebal fan Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 11:17 pm

    Matt,
    Who is the leading scorer in EBAL since everyone up there isn’t in EBAL.

    and another question for everyone else to ponder.
    Should league MVP’s be giving to the best player on the best team or the actual MVP?

15. Matt Smith Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 11:25 pm

    Garrett Foster of Granada is leading the EBAL in scoring with 15 goals.
    And that’s a great question about MVP. I think it is a combination of best player, team success and player’s value to the team.

16. ebal fan Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    Who follows after Foster? Rivas has 11 I believe.

    And let’s say EBAL finishes the way the standings are now, with DLS clearly in first and the next three teams separated by two points. Could you see any player from any of those four teams taking away the award?

17. Dougherty Valley Fan Says:
    January 30th, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    NCS website states minimum qualification standards as such:

    To be accepted as a participant in the NCS/Les Schwab Tires Soccer Championships, a team shall have compiled an overall record of at least an equal number of wins and losses or an overall record of at least an equal number of wins and losses against teams in its own classification, or at least an equal number of wins and losses in its own league.

    .500 winning percentage overall seems to qualify a team, right?

18. The Sweeper Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 12:11 am

    Matt, The top 10 are hardly making your job easy, but you are well reasoned in your rankings. Bold move ranking the #2 in a league #1 overall, but Granada is definitely on a roll. As ranked, and as strange as it sounds, are DLS fans now rooting for SRV to knock off Granada? Keep up the good work.

19. Lobato Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:38 am

    Sorry for campo fans but o havent seen One game of theirs that was worth saying that they are amazing…ok they tied Dublin and won against LL but from what i heard in those two ganes they were outplayed and really got lucky! On ncs do the schedule strenght and direct confrontations count??

20. Matt Smith Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 9:41 am

    Dougherty Valley, you might be right. I know in other sports with similar similar qualifying standards (volleyball in particular) you have to be above .500. Soccer may be different. In that case, teams like Dougherty Valley, Amador Valley, Alhambra, Hayward, etc… Are in better shape.
    The EBAL goals leaders are:
    Foster, Granada 15
    Rivas, Cal 11
    Long, Granada 10
    Anderson, Cal 9
    Sjogrell, SRV 8
    Tobin, Howard, Talarman all of DLS, 7
    Cavalli, Foothill and Chaussy of SRV also have 7.

    Sweeper, thanks for the morale boost. The rankings were really hard this week.

21. ebal fan Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Thanks Matt.

    For EBAL mvp I can surely name at least one candidate from each of the top four teams.

22. DFAL Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 11:47 am

    Matt,

    How does Amador rank 11, when they have won only 6 of the 20 games they have played?

23. Chad Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 11:57 am

    Campo is a force to be wreckened with… they have alot of momentum going into NCS… look for them to make a run…

24. Matt Smith Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 11:58 am

    Amador has played a very tough schedule, and has been playing very well
    the last month.
    I talked to an EBAL coach last week and he says they are as good as anyone.

25. watcherofsoccer Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    i think berkeley proved that they are a top 5 team in D1. They tied SRV who lost to College Park and berkeley beat CP earlier in the season. Also, berkeley tied richmond. They have the chance to go deep into the playoffs and can matchup well with most teams. What do you guys think?

26. Scoreboard Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    MVP’s..Question Matt, is there a way to figure out how many of Foster’s goals came against SRV/DLS/CAL? That is the true measure of value to me. Maybe compare the return of games against the other top teams in EBAL vs. the games Granada won against Leadership of Hayward, Mission SJ, Alameda and Pinole Valley-Granada outscored these mediocre teams by a combined score of 25-1.
    I think u did a good job with the rankings but its hard for me to have the best team potentially not even winning their own league..Although maybe u are forecasting a DLS meltdown

27. DBL Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Matt,

    Granted this weeks rankings are sooooo…. difficult to make, but there are several teams that are going to feel slighted. Probably #1 most slighted would be O’Dowd which using your momentum argument is 10-0-1 in their last 11 games and beat Castro Valley 5-0. Granada tied Castro Valley 2-2. Granada is actually #3 in their league behind DLS and SRV. O’Dowd also beat Mitty and De La Salle lost to Mitty. SRV has tied Granada and just tied Acalanes on Saturday. Acalanes has only lost games in the DFAL, so both SRV and Acalanes should feel dissed. Agreed that BSAL is not the toughest league, but Albany is undefeated in and out of league as well. Perhaps some teams are also not given enough credit for the strength of their defenses and goalkeeping. Here’s something to think about as we get close to NCS when tough dominating defensive play more often wins games. Top 10 teams for least goals allowed this year having played at least 16 games:
    1. Acalanes – 7 goals
    2. O’Dowd – 9 goals
    3. Albany – 10 goals
    4. Dublin – 11 goals
    5. Richmond – 12 goals
    6. Clayton Valley – 13 goals
    7. Berkeley – 13 goals
    8. Las Lomas – 16 goals
    9. Deer Valley/Liberty/Logan/SRV – 17 goals
    10. DLS/Granada – 19 goals

28. Matt Smith Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Definitely not predicting a DLS meltdown. They are still my favorite. I have a hunch they’ll be the top seed and my No. 1 team entering the playoffs. Just a hunch.
    And I’ll look up that info on Foster.
    And I just have to say to Watcher that CP is a different team right now. Hard to use them in the transitive property.
    Sub-question: Is it pathetic that I am in SF about to meet a date but I’m on my iPhone talking NCS soccer? The answer is yes. But I don’t care. I like it too much.

29. thereporter Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    To add on to what DBL is saying about defense, Acalanes, Bishop O’Dowd, and Albany are all yet to give up more than one goal in a game. I find that a very impressive feat, especially for Acalanes and O’Dowd who have played some tough competition.

30. bambam Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    DBL – I can’t speak for any of the other teams but I feel DLS 19 goals are shaded a little.

    18 total games

    3 games So Cal games during x-mas 7 goals against. Maybe the Spartan boys didn’t like their X-Mas gifts?
    8 games EBAL 8 goals against (SRV-2gms,GHS-2gms,CAL-1)
    7 games non league 4 goals against

    11 goals against in 15 Nor Cal matches (Included games 2 vs Granada 1-goal, 2 vs SRV-3 goals, 1 vs CAL 1 goal, 1 vs RCH 0 goals)

    Matt – Regarding your date, Make sure that you have a strong defense but play a formation that will allow you to attack on offense. A tie is only worth 1 point and a win is worth 3. Go for the win!!!!!!

31. anonymous Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    #19- I’m on the Campo team, and saying that we got lucky in those games is an insult to all of us on Campo. The way we are playing right now, we can play with anyone. The fact that we tied Dublin, beat Las Lomas, and have lost once in the 10 games we’ve played shows this. It was the first time all year that Dublin gave up multiple goals in any game they’ve played. We’ve played Dublin twice, and noticed that they’re defense is fragile. Also, we’re 4th in DFAL, one of the toughest divisions in the East Bay, behind Dublin, Acalanes, and Las Lomas (whom we’ve beat in our most recent match against them). You should come out and see one of our games and then you’ll get what I mean.

32. footy Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Thank you, DBL. I’m glad someone is considering defense. In general, high school soccer doesn’t have great defense, and all of the top teams can score goals. But in NCS, when teams are better matched and all have offensive potential, I think it will come down to the defenses that can hold teams to one or no goals. I’m interested to know what Matt and others think are the top defenses.

33. bambam Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    Sorry, It was 10 EBAL league games with 8 goals against

34. The Truth Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    #30- you beat Las Lomas when they played a man down for the second half.At least be realistic.Beat Acalanes and then you may have something to yip about.

35. BSAL Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    People are noticing the 6-0 score in the first albany/ piedmont game, but in that game piedmont had 2 own goals and a goal on a VERY sketchy no call on an offsides. And the game was played in the torrential rain. That was a fluke. The piedmont d has allowed just one goal a game, including shot outs vs. Acalanes, Campolindo, and Alhambra.

36. BSAL Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    *shut outs

37. FormerFarmer Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Matt,

    you do a great job and we all apreciate your efforts. Hope your date went well!

38. thereporter Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    #30- Dublin gave up three goals to Freedom earlier in the season in a 1-3 loss.

39. Chad Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    Dublin is overrated.. along with Acalanes.. to say that the matchup between Acalanes and Campo the first time through was Acalnaes soccer at its finest shows that they arn’t as everyone says they are. Campo and Acalanes play again this upcoming Wednesday at Campo.

    How will Campo finish in NCS??

40. ebal fan Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    To me anyone of the four teams could have an MVP but the front runners to me are Foster and Rivas.

41. chino Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    There is no way Campo gets a higher seed then Ygnacio Valley or Piedmont in NCS. This is my top 10 div 2 teams for ncs.

    1.O’Dowd
    2.Albany
    3.Dublin
    4.Las Lomas
    5.Acalanes
    6.Ygnacio Valley
    7.Piedmont
    8.Kennedy(fremont)
    9.Campolindo
    10.Alhambra

42. soccerislife Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    thats funny. both of those players play on my club team.

43. Cokito Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    Good luck, Matt on your date. And I know what you are saying about liking it too much

    Talking about the concept of MVP in soccer… Is there anyone alive out there who believes it is at least ridiculous to talk about MVP in a team sport like soccer, except (and maybe even not) in very specific cases (think Argentina 86)?

44. Campo fan Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    Campo is really not that good. THEY DID GET LUCKY in their win against Las Lomas. They aren’t a threat.

45. Tack Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    #39 –
    can you explain why Dublin is overrated?

46. Prouddad Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Because of my son, I’ve watched many DFAL matches this year and can tell you this
    Dublin, Acalanes, Las Lomas, and Campo are legit
    teams. Balanced and well coached.
    DFAL has won the D2 NCS Championship 8 of the last 10 years. It’s the strongest league
    Acalanes and Dublin have VERY strong backlines. Consider this Acalanes has only given up 7 goals this year in a very strong league.
    Dublin had only given up 8 goals until they played Campo. In that game the coach benched 1 starting defenders and 2 starting mid fielders for disciplinary reasons. Don’t know if that was competitively smart, but at least he has the right priorities.

    In NCS ultimately defense wins Championships. Can’t wait for the matches many strong teams and great games to be watched. I love reading the debates guys keep it up

    When

47. Chad Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    How did Campo get lucky against Las Lomas.. From what I hear they DOMINATED the first half.. the second half.. yes they did not play there best ball

    #41- the piedmont shutout over campo was 1-0 with a VERY lucky goal..

48. BSAL Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    #46- the topic was not their goals (all they have is littleton), but their defense, which was able to pack down and hold the lead. Same deal in the Acalanes game but without a lucky goal

49. BSAL Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    #46- the topic was not their goals (all they have is littleton), but their defense, which was able to pack down and hold the lead. Same deal in the Acalanes game but without a lucky goal

50. Chad Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 9:37 pm

    did u hsee the aca goal?? it was a very poor play.. the Las Lomas goal was a pk on a very stupid foul call as well

51. 925 Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:02 pm

    did Granada beat SRV before? becuase if they do now, then they should be #1

52. Matt Smith Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    Granada and SRV tied 1-1 the first time.
    That’s one reason I ranked Granada No. 1, knowing they had a chance to absolutely prove it at SRV on Tuesday.

53. Futbol! Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    Granada tied SRV 1-1 in the first meeting.

54. The man Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    #46 piedmont has one player who you can respect they dont have a good defense if yu call making your whole team defend and none of them can dribble except litteton then you just have no confidence in your other players…

    Speaking on MVP Matt i dont want to put you on the spot but who would you put as your top 10 MVP up to right now and can make a big difference in both divisions?

55. Matt Smith Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    In no particular order I would say:
    Wesley Moar, DLS
    Garrett Foster, Granada
    Gabriel Borges, Albany
    Ryan Thomas, Granada
    Swafford/Rietz/Ranahan’s, BOD
    Guillermo Rivas, Cal
    Chikiz Montes, Richmond
    Bobby Edwards, SRV
    Cody Hoster, Dublin
    Nikolai Littleton, Piedmont

    I think Borges and his playmaking ability is the possible difference maker in Division II. The difference in D I is Montes of Richmond. If he’s healthy and playing well, they’ll be hard to stop.

56. JJ Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    Is MVP focused only on the top goal producer? A few other names to consider for EBAL MVP. Thomas for Granada with the big throw ins/assists. Sjogrel(?) on SRV very talented with many assists/goals. Howard on DLS is another strong candidate.

57. Wagawaga Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    What about mv keepers?

58. The Sweeper Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    I don’t know his name, but the center-back at SRV (known as the sweeper in my day) warrants a mention. He plays traditional football, taking no prisoners and moving up when required. I have not seen one forward beat his aggressive challenges is 5 ranked-team matches.

    BTW, I agree that the Acalanes keeper made a tremendous 1-on-1 stop to keep the match 1-0, and if he has played the season at this level then he should be considered.

59. EBAL parent Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:17 am

    I agree with JJ, Johan Sjogrell, of SRV has scored multiple times against DLS and other top ranked teams, he is the real deal.

    Also Howard of DLS is 70% of their attack

60. Out of pocket Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:20 am

    Cokito (#43) is spot on re: MVP in what surely is the most team dependent sport on the planet. Case in point: AV. They have had many seniors and arguably some of their top performers sidelined with injuries this year and yet they have found a way to compete with the best of EBAL without having to rely on any one player.

    And DFAL (#22), if only wins told the complete story your obvious contempt for AV would have merit. It’s been an interesting season for AV and they have managed to put together a very good one so far, and with a bit of luck (as in, no more injuries) may earn a spot at NCS. It’s definitely within their reach right now. Good luck to Dublin in its remaining games and NCS.

61. defense_mom Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:43 am

    In the past years and I mean years Granada has never been able to be a competive soccer program from Foster being ranked with the top goals and our great defensive line Ricky Salazar, Kevin Fread and Cody. The defense on this team and mids have finally put Granada on the map of being ranked as #1. Congrats on the team and Tues will be the night to come out and watch. We have alot of team mates through the EBAL and its great to see how well they all are doing. No need to hate on Granada it’s our time in the new era of high school soccer. Thanks Matt for the support and remember defense is what wins games…

    Go granada!

62. Dublin Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:44 am

    #39.. Why do you think Dublin is overrated? They are in total control of DFAL and have been playing brilliant soccer this year with only a couple of let downs. They have a fantastic defensive line, a solid mid and with hoster and wier up top they can do pretty much anything. Congrats to dublin and goodluck in NCS.

63. SoccerDad215 Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:47 am

    Matt you are spot on with the rankings! Granada truly deserves the No. 1 spot! They are hot and as someone had said before they are 8-0-3 in their last 11 games! They are very dangerous with Foster and Long up top and with Thomas’s long throw in! I would like to see Thomas get MVP. Although they are in 3rd place in EBAL they beat DLS and definitely have the potential of beating SRV on Tuesday. It will be a great game! EBAL league is exciting this year and I am looking forward to these final games and can’t wait to see who the winner will be.

    Good Luck!

64. bambam Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    Just as I pulled for SRV to win on Saturday against Alcalanes, It shows an EBAL pride factor. All leagues seem to have it as you just need to read it on this blog. Dublin and Granada are like the Saints this year. It’s refreshing and good for the sport to see a new face on or near the top. My son has it least 2 players from each Granada and SRV that he has played with. A tie would be good for him and DLS, so I guess we will hope for a tie. SRV seems to be going after the leader (RCH) in that dept, so why not.

    MVP – At this point DLS doesn’t have any one person as a team MVP. Their stats are very even and each of them are equally important in what they do on the pitch for the team. We don’t have a Rivas or Foster with phenomenal stats. Howard/Bernardi/Decosta/Mohr/Rogers/Sweeney/ect. The above players and some that were left off this list have all contributed to at least one or more wins this year in EBAL. So, I guess I agree with Cokito as far as soccer being a team sport.

65. ?? Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    Matt,

    How watered down will the NCS playoffs be this year since the new rule that allows 16 teams per division? I’m looking at some of these teams on your list of maybes and what if’s, and their overall records are horrendous. Is just making the mark at .500 a real mark of a playoff team?

66. LakeTahoeGuy Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Matt, did you get to first base? Oh wait, that’s Baseball, not Soccer….

    I just have to say, this is GREAT, seeing all of this “banter” heading down the home stretch. I have not even read all of the posts yet, but had to jump in….
    Considering what O’Dowd has done in their last 11 games, and with their convincing “whooping” of CV, I would have to put O’Dowd @ #1.
    That being said, I am looking forward to watching the SRV and GHS game on Tuesday night.
    Matt, will you be at that game?
    P.S. Don’t answer that question until AFTER the date!!!

67. LakeTahoeGuy Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    OK, the only reason I bring this up is because so many of you have already mentioned this phrase……”Own Goal”.
    Don’t we need to really re-think this?? Most of these so called “own goals” aren’t really “OG’s”.
    In this past weekend’s game with Arsenal and Man. U., the Arsenal keeper gets an “OG”, just because the BRILLIANT shot by the Man. U. player “happened” to go off his finger tips. Is that really an “OG”? NO!!!!!
    In NCS, if a corner kick gets headed into a player, and it bounces of a defender and goes in, is that an OG?
    NO!!!! At least not in my opinion. There, I got that off my chest….
    It should be considered a GOAL by the person that headed it in…

68. cokito Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    Lake Tahoe, I think technically it is an own goal if the deflection caused the ball to go in, and without the deflection it would not have gone in. Granted, it is sometimes difficult to establish the second condition.

69. LakeTahoeGuy Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    Cokito, I get that…..However, think of a game of billiards, I can intentionally “bounce” a ball off of another object, (in billiards, another ball), or in soccer, another player, or even the goalie himself, to achieve the desired result…..the ball in the “pocket”, or in the net.
    Should I not get credit for that?
    In the case of a corner kick or a throw in from the side line, isn’t the desired effect to get the ball in the net?
    It certainly is not the defender or the keeper’s intent to score on their OG.
    Just curious how others feel about this?

70. ebal fan Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 5:32 pm

    I think if the MVP of EBAL goes to the best player on the best team I would go with Moar but he has a lot of help around him everyone around him puts up numbers. I have seen Borges of Albany play once and he’s the real deal, he will probably be the East Bay Player of the year. Matt, I only disagree with you on the Ryan Thomas one because all he basically comes out as is a player who throws the ball in for Granada. There are more deserving along with Foster, Rivas, Moar.

71. The Sweeper Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    #68 Cokito,

    Good knowledge and clear explanation, but does that mean Richmond’s second goal against SRV was an own goal? The long rocket shot hit the crossbar, rebounded down sharply in the field of play, and then went into the goal off the keepers back or shoulder. Had the ball not hit the keeper the shot would not have ended up in the goal. The second condition was established in my eyes, but that has got to be a goal. Your thoughts?

72. campo futbol Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    Back to the subject that Campo Fan brought up. I really dont think that winning 8 out of there 9 last games is luck. Campo is a very strong team that just, after a bumpy start needed to get there minds focused and after they did they have been totally consistent ever since. Its not luck. Its consistent skill.

73. JJ Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    I think the MVP of EBAL is the best player from a team that advances to at least a semifinal match in the NCS playoffs. Granada or SRV could take 3rd in EBAL, but could win NCS. Wes Moar is an outstanding player, but I don’t see him as the league MVP. Moar is a legitimate EBAL All League player with a lot of DLS talent around him. My top 5: Johan Sjogrell, Bobby Edwards, Justin Howard, Ryan Thomas and Rivas.

74. Futbol! Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    JJ,
    I would put garrett foster over ryan thomas.

75. HS Soccer Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    EBAL MVP is announced before NCS

76. JJ Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    #75 HS Soccer
    Thanks for refreshing my memory on the timing of all league awards. I’m still a believer that the top award goes to the best player on a NCS playoff team.

    I like Garrett Foster, but I don’t know how many of his goals were against EBAL teams vs non EBAL teams. Granada had several lopsided wins against weak teams.

    I agree with Granada being ranked #1 in NCS. The Granada/SRV game will be a great match tomorrow. Looking forward to an exciting couple weeks of EBAL games.

77. kicks are for kids Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    In response to “Scoreboard” #26 entry…

    I guess if you are requesting Matt to get into those kinds of details on goals for Foster, than shouldn’t that be done for all the top 10 players? what goals really count against which tough teams and how is that determined in the beginning when teams are pretty much on a even playing field? Alittle to micro managing to me.
    Question?
    So with all these comments on goals- “OG’S” and “deserved goals” etc…
    When does a goal become a “Goal” anymore? It would be nice if just plain kuddos can go to the TEAM that scored. Most these teams are very even,have talented players and on any given day they can win against each other-just depends on who got the ball into the net that day!

78. Futbol! Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    JJ,
    Will you be attending the Granada/SRV game?

79. EBAL spektator Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Just weighing in.

    I attended the SRV/Granada game round 1,
    Granada was down 1 to 0 when they scored on a set piece just before the half ended.

    SRV pounded Granada in the second half but could not get one in, Granada had less posession but was dangerous on a few counters and that was about it.

    should be intersting tomorrow night. As far as an MVP goes, why would Cal have any contenders?
    they were pummeled by DLS, SRV and Granada allowing an average of 3 goals per game, after starting undefeated on a very weak schedule, they are the doughtery valley of the EBAL…. and they had no standouts in those tough games….just sayin

80. ebal fan Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    JJ,
    DLS, Granada, SRV, Cal will advance to NCS so the MVP candidates come from there.

81. The Sweeper Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    #76 JJ Says,

    Is your MVP list in order of preference or random? Just curious. Tomorrow night’s match at SRV is a can’t miss. DLS fans can cruise by after halftime…

82. JJ Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    I won’t be able to make the SRV/Granada game tomorrow due to work.

83. The Sweeper Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    Matt,

    If you have it, what is the breakdown of EBAL and East Bay soccer players of the year the past 5 or 10 years (you select) by forwards, midfielders, defenders and keepers? I suspect 60% forwards & 30% mids, with maybe one keeper. Would love to see the breakdown.

    BTW, what match are you covering on Tuesday? I hear MV is looking for an upset tomorrow…strange but true.

84. JJ Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    my top 5 was random and I honestly could not pick a #1 at this point. I’m sure there are other quality players such as Foster, Bernardi and Moar.

85. Scoreboard Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:28 pm

    Kicks Are For Kids Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 9:08 pm
    In response to “Scoreboard” #26 entry…

    I guess if you are requesting Matt to get into those kinds of details on goals for Foster, than shouldn’t that be done for all the top 10 players? what goals really count against which tough teams and how is that determined in the beginning when teams are pretty much on a even playing field? **OK Kicks-ur going to tell me Leadership of Hayward, Alameda and Pinole valley were on an even playing field with a team in Granada that made the 2nd round of NCS last year? Come on, u can’t be that naive My point was there are always coaches that leave players in during blowouts-so I was wondering if Foster had 2 or 3 goals in any of those matches…However I guess in your mind DLS or SRV starts even out of the gate in 2010-11 with say a Berean Christian or John Swett.
    Be real…
    100

86. ebal fan Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:34 pm

    79-
    Cal beat Granada the first time around 3-2 in case you don’t remember. Cal will have at least two kids be All-League. And the top four teams deserve to have someone in the running. DLS has a lead but the other three teams are separated by two points.

87. ebal fan Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    I think a problem with the All league teams continues to include the fact that Seniors are favored even if an underclassmen has a good year. That falls on the coaches.

88. AcalanesAlum Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    @67-69 regarding og:

    The way I see it is:

    Almunia was rightly credited with an OG, because the ball would NOT have entered the goal had there been no other players on the field and he attempted to play the ball with full awareness of the situation. Almunia had an hour to read that lifted shot, and he pushed the ball into the goal in an attempt to push it OVER. Sure, Nani’s shot was dangerous but I believe the reason for the ball entering the net was %75 Almunia’s doing and %25 Nani’s = own goal.

    The example of the deflection off the post/x-bar and bouncing off the keeper as he attempts the save brings up a whole grey area of interpretation. I believe in that situation you have to look at what caused the deflection off of the keeper, and whether or not the keeper was able to act upon the ball in a conscious way. Reason the ball entered the goal: %90 shot, %10 deflection off the keeper.

    The keeper who’s back the ball bounced off was not playing the ball in the same way, the ball deflected off of him without a reasonable amount of awareness. That shot off the x-bar should be credited to the shooter imo.

89. Cokito Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    Sweeper, yes, I believe that would be an own goal.

90. The Sweeper Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    Cokito, Thanks for the reply. Not to argue the point because you and I see the beautiful game with a similar eye, but that shot was pure and true, and not an own goal as the keeper had no way to defend the rebound in that position. After reviewing the comments and considering the circumstances that I have personally experienced, a third element should be added to your criteria for an own goal: the defender must have had a reasonable opportunity to react to the shot, otherwise the shooter gets credit for the goal. Hope to see you in the semis or finals…

91. Matt Smith Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:34 pm

    In response to post #65 – I think the 16-team bracket will lead to a few more lopsided wins, but also I think it will create more upsets.
    (I thought I posted this earlier, and it didn’t work.)

92. Matt Smith Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Oh ya, and I’ll be at the SRV v. Granada match on Tuesday.
    So is anyone after goal breakdowns for certain players or is it “show one, show all?”

93. The Sweeper Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    Matt, with 16 team brackets there could be at least 2 upsets in the 1st round of D1 and D2. BTW, your articles are getting “football-like volumes of comments” showing that soccer has either more passion or a higher “tech following” than the indoor game with a net, no keeper…and legal hand balls. TRUE. Dribbling is a foot skill, not a hand skill.

94. Jeff Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 12:35 am

    Chad…you obviously weren’t at the Acalanes VS Las Lomas game, Las Lomas had a great game and a great goal off of a cross. get your facts straight.

    as far as the MVP debate goes, those players are very debatable considering many play defense and have not much to show, although Moar is very dangerous. they are all good players but how can we be sure they are up for debate. How about the players with the highest stats and most goals? goals win games in the end, defense only insures a tie.
    players like Borges from Albany with 23 goals and Chen from Las Lomas with 15? with DFAL being one of the toughest leagues i think any of these guys could be MVP

95. SoccerDad215 Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Although the Granada/San Ramon game will be exciting I think that Granada will win 2-0. What does everyone else think?

96. Scoreboard Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am

    Predictions? I love them!
    SRV 2 – Granada 1
    DLS 2 – Foothill 0
    Clayton 3 – Concord 1
    Freedom 1 – Pitt 0

97. cokito Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Talking about the MVP issue again, I ran across an interesting youtube clip last night. It comes from a movie by Ken Loach, called ‘Looking for Eric’ about a Man U fan, who is somewhat lost in life, and finds answers and comfort through an imaginary dialog with ex-Man U striker Eric Cantona. Cantona actually acts in the movie. I really do not want to get into the Man U or Cantona hate/love thing, but I thought it was a beautiful clip, true to the game and I would like to share it. Here it goes, enjoy:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_uzU85htH4

98. cokito Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Thank you, sweeper. I think you do have a point. And I really enjoy your posts.

99. BernieBernard Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Thank You Cokito for that AWESOME video clip ok ‘Looking for Eric’. It just goes to show you a great pass is just as rewarding for even the best players in the world.

    Up with the Red Devils!!
    Up with Eric!!

100. EBAL Spektator Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 2:27 pm

     Matt,

     ESPN Fab 50 disagrees with you- todays national rankings are as follows for bay area teams:

     SRV (ranked 39 nationally)
     Granada (ranked 46 nationally)
     DLS (ranked 50 nationally)

     Richmond, Cal , Berkeley, Dublin unranked

     however, a loss by any of the 3 ranked teams listed here will likely knock them out of the Fab 50 next tuesday

     FYI

101. DBL Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 4:30 pm

     EBAL Spektator,

     ESPN does not agree with Matt. If you had checked more closely you would have seen Bishop O’Dowd as the #18 nationally ranked team.

102. JJ Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 5:21 pm

     Give Matt some credit as it is not an easy task to rank the top 5 teams as each one could argue their case for #1. Give Granada credit for knocking off DLS and lets see if they can retain the ranking going into NCS.

103. The Sweeper Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 5:31 pm

     I would take Matt’s rankings any day of the week over ESPN RISE. The ESPN Fab 50 rankings are like a popularity contest, fun to read but the substance is limited. Matt uses local knowledge and analysis to reason his rankings.

104. The Sweeper Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 6:53 pm

     G-1. SR-0 at half, late pk

105. Matt Smith Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm

     I’m at the game as well. I thought SRV had the bulk of the chances in the first half.
     Would you agree Sweeper?

106. Scoreboard Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 7:53 pm

     DLS 3 – Foothill 1
     Late goal from Foothill but otherwise a dominant performance from the Spartans.
     100

107. defense_mom Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 8:27 pm

     GRANADA BEAT SAN RAMON!!!!
     I can say that the first half went to San Ramon prior to the half they fouled foster in the box and we scored off a PK. The second half was all Granada we came out more hungry that SRV. We had alot of chances to win this game by 3-0 but we ended with 1-0. Again our defense was unstopable they are the heart of this team… Ricky Salazar, Kevin Fread and Cody Lutz wow…way to shut another team out.

108. In the Air Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 8:43 pm

     AV 2, Livermore 1. Does this get AV closer to meeting the minimum NCS criteria ?

109. LakeTahoeGuy Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 8:44 pm

     Granada @ San Ramon Valley…..wow, what a game. Both teams had multiple chances….nice to see a good hard fought game….this is hopefully a preview of how the rest of the season, and the playoffs will go. I guess Granada moves up in the National rankings now….

110. bambam Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 8:47 pm

     I have to give Foothill’s soccer team props as they played very hard until the last 3 minutes tonight. You would have thought they were playing for a playoff spot. What is amazing is that they have 0 wins in Ebal. That should show everyone how tough EBAL is from top to bottom.

111. defense_mom Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm

     Matt can the MVP ever be a defender? We know the GHS has strong defense and are keeping them in competition of advancement. How does that work?

     I would have to say ever since Foster / Ricky Salazar started high school at Granada they have helped put Granada on the map after last year of making it to the NCS for the first time in 15 years! They are not the only ones but they are strong players and have played together for years. Next year they will be seniors and are ready for a great senior year. This is our dynamic dual!! The funny thing is they both play for San Ramon League lol….

112. Futbol! Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 9:53 pm

     Matt,
     What is your input on the Granada-SRV game?

113. Soho Pro Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 9:59 pm

     Stopped by to watch the SRV Granada game tonight it was a very well played game by both teams. Could not leave. Foster is amazing, he creates pressure on every defender regardless of his start off position up front, a full on scissor kick about 5 feet off the ground just went wide, did anyone get it on film? The defense for Granada ranks very high. DLS, Cal, were also shut out… Ryan, Salazar and Freid are stalworth players. One last thing: MVP needs to be the most influential player that contributed inside of a team setting, it’s more then goals, even though that is an important measure. That Foster kid is exciting to watch! The play offs is the place to see who shows up though…

114. renegades10 Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 10:01 pm

     SRV’s loss means that DLS only needs to win one out of the next three games to be the outright league champs. They play @Amador on Friday. Matt do you think if DLS and Granada win out, that DLS would be seeded ahead of Granada? I know your rankings have Granada ahead of DLS, but if you had to guess what the seeding committee would do what do you think will happen?

115. Matt Smith Says:
     February 2nd, 2010 at 10:07 pm

     To answer the MVP question, my East Bay MVP last year was a defender, Dominic Daley of De La Salle. He was phenomenal, so yes, the MVP can certainly be a defender. He was the EBAL MVP also.
     I think that De La Salle is going to get the top seed, and deservedly so. Rankings work differently, as you guys well know. My prediction, right now, would be De La Salle #1 seed, Granada #2, Richmond #3 and SRV #4.
     And my input on the game is that Granada is very strong, and very organized in the back. They play very good defense. SRV did a great job of creating chances for the first 30 minutes tonight and the Granada defense was able to hold them off.
     Once Granada started countering and getting the ball over the top to Foster, and letting him use his speed, then they started to become more of a threat on the SRV side of the field.
     After halftime, I would say it was pretty close to a 50/50 game, maybe with Granada having the slight possession and field position edge, despite packing it in during the final 10 minutes or so.
     I also think SRV needs to take advantage of opportunities against a good D like Granada’s and I am sure SRV players, coaches and fans would say the same thing.

116. The man Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 10:34 am

     How does the mvp work? Does every league have there MVP or only defensive mvp or offensive MVP and who votes for like MVP of the whole EastBay.

     Matt does a wondeful job keeping up with everything in the Eastbay Espn are bunch of people who think they are always riight.

117. Matt Smith Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 10:36 am

     Thanks, you guys, for supporting my rankings for the most part. Seeing a ton of soccer really helps.
     As far as East Bay MVP, I ultimately will make that decision, but I get plenty of input from coaches and stuff before I make my call.
     And every league (with the exception of the MVAL, I think) does an MVP of their own.

118. The Sweeper Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 11:22 am

     Matt,

     Sorry for the slow reply to #105. Sometimes work gets in the way of fun…but not for you. Excellent match and the officiating was up to snuff with the ref calling fouls decisively (no hesitation) and communicating with the players: no yellows for verbal protests. SRV had an edge in the first half until the late foul in the box. SRV was sloppy to start the second half and Granada almost put the game away, but SRV regrouped and pressured Granada the rest of the way. Granada retains the #1 spot and SRV should remain a top 5 team, unless they lose to CAL.

119. ghsalum Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm

     When it comes to important pieces to the success of GHS, don’t forget about Trevor Long. He is only a Freshman, but is a top forward in the league. Trevor is the real deal. He is a definite reason for the success of Granada soccer now, and for years to come.

120. watcher of soccer Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 1:30 pm

     richmond tied alameda 1-1 and now all berkeley has to do is win out to win league. Does this mean that berkeley is ranked higher than richmond in D1 or will richmond still be a higher seed?
     Also, if berkeley faces richmond in the playoffs who would get home field advantage: berkeley or richmond?

121. defense_mom Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 4:02 pm

     Trevor is definately a good player and will continue to grow into a leader for Granada after the last of the good players are gone next year. Trevor its all up to you buddy and way to hang in there after SRV hacked you last night!!

122. ebal fan Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 7:40 pm

     Matt, anything on Cal vs MV last night or Amador?

123. Tack Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 8:04 pm

     Any knews about Acalanes vs. Campo?

124. Matt Smith Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm

     Acalanes 1, Campo 0.
     Not sure on how the MV/Cal and AV/Livermore games played out, other than the box scores.
     I know that Livermore has hit a rough stretch, but the kids are playing very hard, from what I hear.

125. Sports Reporter Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 8:59 pm

     Las Lomas just beat Dublin at Dublin 2-0, they dominated the game. Elias Walker scored off of an assist by Ryan Chen, then soon after Chen scored on a header off a throw in. LL has won 6 straight in a row, and beat The #1 team Dublin both times they’ve met this season.

126. ebal fan Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 9:05 pm

     What game will you cover friday matt?

127. Matt Smith Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 9:07 pm

     I think I will be at DLS v. AV.
     I was gonna go to Albany, but I think we are already covering the girls side, so we didn’t want to overkill our coverage of one area.

128. ebal fan Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 9:13 pm

     Should be a great game depending how AV comes out.
     Cal vs SRV should be interesting to see how SRV regroups after a tough loss and how Cal responds to being blown out by SRV the first time around. Adjustments must be made.

129. ebal fan Says:
     February 3rd, 2010 at 10:01 pm

     http://www.maxpreps.com/local/team/videos.aspx?schoolid=87282a7f-872a-4aef-bd98-9a5b8a6fd154&ssid=32cff998-fb67-4cef-868f-c219402bc85b&videoid=f9013734-e39b-431d-8109-f9bd77c7e636

     stumbled across that goal of Cal this year as I was going through stats and standings.

130. BSAL Says:
     February 5th, 2010 at 8:21 pm

     any updates on albany/ st. Mary’s?

131. Coach Says:
     February 6th, 2010 at 3:56 pm

     Not really a lot of discussion about the Bay Valley league? Currently, the most competitive league and clogged at the top. Standings at this moment are Antioch 1st 22pts, Deer Valley Freedom Liberty tied for 2nd 20pts, Pittsburg 5th 12pts, and Herritage 6th on 11pts. Coming into the last week of the season the league title is still up for grabs..Whoever wins out will win the league. All teams have 2 games remaining.

     Thoughts???

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