- East Bay Prep Corner
East Bay Boys Soccer Notes: League Races, Bubble Teams, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 8:00 pm in Boys soccer.
Let’s break down the league races, and the bubble teams…
ACCAL
Berkeley is in total control. The Yellowjackets control their own destiny, but a loss to Richmond on Thursday could make it interesting. Pinole is starting to fade with a rough stretch. The winner of Tuesday’s Pinole v. Richmond match is in much better shape to stay in the hunt.
BSAL
Albany has emerged to the top, and I think it would be safe to say that the winner of the Albany and St. Mary’s game that is upcoming likely takes the league.
BVAL
I would be shocked if Deer Valley faltered. The rest of the league is lumped together very closely and DV is in the driver’s seat.
DFAL
Acalanes just needs to win out. Campo is hoping to win out and that the Dons either draw or drop one. It’s a two-horse race and a co-title is still possible.
DVAL
If YV wins the games they should win and beats Clayton Valley, then they would win the league by virtue of being 1-0-1 head-to-head with CV. All CV has to do is win. They can win and draw with YV and still win the league. The Eagles are in the driver’s seat.
EBAL
Cal is looking to be in great shape, barring any type of collapse.
HAAL
I think four teams still have a legitimate chance, but it looks like it could come down to the Feb. 8 game with Mt. Eden and San Lorenzo. If both teams hold serve until then, there is nothing that O’Dowd and Hayward can do to catch them.
MVAL
This Friday Logan and Newark play. That is likely to give us our champion.
Bubble teams
Division I: Alameda, Antioch, Arroyo, Castro Valley, College Park, Freedom, Granada, Heritage, Liberty, Washington.
I am saying that California, Clayton Valley, De La Salle, Deer Valley, James Logan (that was for Sweeper), Livermore, Monte Vista, Mt. Eden, Newark Memorial, Pittsburg, Richmond and San Ramon Valley are going to the playoffs.
Pittsburg would have to go 0-4, Richmond would have to go 0-4 or 0-3-1 and SRV would have to go 0-4 to close the year, and that’s not happening. That gives us 12 teams.
The bubble teams with the best chance to get in are Arroyo, Castro Valley, College Park and Granada. CP needs to go 1-1-1, or even 0-0-3 in their final three league games and they are qualified. They just can’t have more losses than wins. Same goes for the other three teams in their last four games. Going 2-2-0, or 1-1-2, or better, would equal them being eligible.
Antioch has to go 3-1-1, or 2-0-3 in their last five league games. 2-0-1 or better is what Alameda needs. Freedom is in pretty decent shape. They just need one more win than a loss. 3-1-1 or 2-0-3 would work for Heritage, and Liberty would have to go at least 3-0-1 to have a chance.
Division II: Alhambra, Hercules, Kennedy-Fremont, Las Lomas, Northgate, Pinole Valley, St. Joseph-Notre Dame.
Acalanes, Albany, Bishop O’Dowd, Campolindo, Concord, Dougherty Valley, Dublin, Hayward, Kennedy-Richmond, Piedmont, San Lorenzo, St. Mary’s and Ygnacio Valley are in. Dougherty and Kennedy won’t go 0-4 to end the year, which is the only thing that would keep them out. That gives us 13 teams. The bubble teams here aren’t in as good of shape.
Alhambra has to win one more than they lose and considering they play Campo and Dougherty, they will need to either draw both and beat Miramonte, or if they lose one they have to win the other two. Hercules is exactly .500 in league and would also need to win one more than they lose.
Kennedy-Fremont has to go 2-0-1 at least in their last three games, and they play Logan and Newark. Las Lomas has to go 3-0-1 at least, and Northgate needs to do the same. St. Joe’s has to go 3-0 to get in.
The weird case here is Pinole Valley. They were practically a lock, but three losses in a row has put them in a tough spot. They are still two games above .500, but I couldn’t consider them a lock with recent history. They end with Richmond, El Cerrito and De Anza and all the Spartans have to do is not lose twice. Even 1-2 works, but as long as they don’t lose twice, they are in, and they should be fine considering they’ve already beaten all three of those teams. One would imagine they could go 1-2-0 or anything better than that.
Bingham signs with Quakes
A quick congratulations to former Cal High standout, and UC Berkeley All-American David Bingham. The keeper signed with the San Jose Earthquakes after the MLS team was awarded his rights in a weighted lottery.
Rankings
Acalanes, what are you guys doing to me? The win over Campolindo and they for sure had to move ahead, right? Then the tie against Northgate. I decided to reward them for the win over Campo and not punish for the draw. In looking more closely at the draw, they had a lot of chances to add on to a 1-0 lead, and gave up the equalizer in the 75th minute.
Berkeley, Deer Valley and San Lorenzo all bumped up as well, and Mt. Eden joins the rankings for the first time. Logan is back, and deservedly so.
So right now, based on how they are playing, who is the team to beat in Division I… Cal, Newark or Berkeley? Division II…Acalanes, Campo or San Lorenzo?
1. California (15-0-3)
2. Newark Memorial (17-3-0)
3. Berkeley (14-2-2)
4. Acalanes (13-3-3)
5. Campolindo (14-1-3)
6. Monte Vista (11-4-4)
7. Deer Valley (12-2-5)
8. Clayton Valley (12-2-4)
9. De La Salle (13-5-1)
10. San Lorenzo (13-3-1)
11. Livermore (10-5-4)
12. Mt. Eden (12-3-3)
13. Logan (11-5-2)
14. San Ramon Valley (11-7-2)
15. Ygnacio Valley (10-3-1)
Others considered: Albany (14-2-2), Dublin (11-5-2), Bishop O’Dowd (12-5-2), Pittsburg (9-5-4), Hayward (9-4-3), Dougherty Valley (10-6-4), St. Mary’s (11-2-0), Richmond (9-8-1), Arroyo (6-8-5), Granada (5-10-5).
Standings
ACCAL
Team Overall League Points
Berkeley (14-2-2) 7-1-0 21
Pinole Valley (9-7-3) 5-3-1 16
Richmond (9-8-1) 5-2-1 16
Alameda (4-11-3) 3-4-2 11
Hercules (3-10-0) 4-4-0 12
El Cerrito (1-12-5) 1-4-3 6
De Anza (2-13-1) 0-7-0 1
BSAL
Team Overall League Points
Albany (14-2-2) 11-1-0 33
Piedmont (10-4-2) 10-2-1 31
St. Mary’s (11-2-0) 10-2-0 30
Kennedy (10-9-0) 8-4-0 24
St. Joseph Notre Dame (5-9-3) 5-7-1 16
Salesian (3-7-2) 3-7-1 10
Encinal (2-9-1) 2-6-1 7
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (2-9-0) 2-9-0 6
Swett (0-14-0) 0-12-0 0
BVAL
Team Overall League Points
Deer Valley (12-2-5) 4-0-2 14
Pittsburg (9-5-4) 2-2-2 8
Freedom (5-8-2) 2-2-1 7
Liberty (5-8-0) 2-4-0 6
Heritage (3-7-6) 1-2-3 6
Antioch (1-9-5) 1-2-2 5
DFAL
Team Overall League Points
Campolindo (14-1-3) 6-1-2 20
Acalanes (13-3-3) 7-1-1 22
Dublin (11-5-2) 4-4-0 12
Dougherty Valley (10-6-4) 2-4-2 8
Alhambra (8-8-3) 2-5-2 8
Miramonte (3-8-3) 2-5-2 8
Las Lomas (6-8-3) 1-4-3 6
DVAL
Team Overall League Points
Clayton Valley (12-2-4) 7-0-1 22
Ygnacio Valley (10-3-1) 6-1-1 19
Concord (7-2-4) 4-2-3 15
College Park (6-9-5) 4-3-2 14
Northgate (2-12-5) 2-4-2 8
Berean Christian (2-15-2) 1-7-1 4
Mt. Diablo (3-8-0) 1-8-0 3
EBAL
Team Overall League Points
California (15-0-3) 7-0-3 24
Monte Vista (11-4-4) 5-2-3 18
Livermore (10-5-4) 5-3-2 17
San Ramon Valley (11-7-2) 5-4-1 16
De La Salle (13-5-1) 5-4-1 16
Granada (5-10-5) 5-4-1 16
Foothill (5-12-2) 1-8-1 4
Amador Valley (5-12-3) 0-8-2 2
HAAL
Team Overall League Points
Mt. Eden (12-3-3) 9-2-1 28
San Lorenzo (13-3-1) 9-3-0 27
Hayward (9-4-3) 8-4-0 24
Bishop O’Dowd (12-5-2) 7-4-1 22
Castro Valley (6-11-3) 6-5-1 19
Arroyo (6-8-5) 4-3-5 17
San Leandro (2-13-1) 2-8-1 7
Tennyson (4-12-1) 2-10-0 6
Moreau Catholic (2-12-1) 1-10-0 3
MVAL
Team Overall League Points
Newark Memorial (17-3-0) 7-0-0 21
Logan (11-5-2) 6-1-0 18
Kennedy (4-7-6) 2-3-2 8
Washington (4-6-6) 1-3-3 6
Mission San Jose (6-10-3) 1-5-1 4
Irvington (2-11-3) 1-6-0 3
OAL
Team Overall League Points
Fremont (2-0-1) 2-0-1 7
Oakland Tech (2-2-2) 1-1-1 4
Oakland (0-1-1) 0-1-1 1
Skyline (0-0-1) 0-0-1 1
Statistics
Padilla, Clayton 20
Ulloa, Logan 15
Villa, Pitt 15
Pagliuca, Cal 14
Parisi, Dougherty 14
Hartland, Dublin 14
Navarro, Newark 13
Shaiwany, Dougherty 11
Espinoza, St. Mary’s 11
Name, School Goals
Name, School Assists
Scott, St. Mary’s 12
Shaiwany, Dougherty 10
Tavecchio, Campo 9
Gomez, Clayton 9
Navarro, Newark 8
Oranstil, BOD 7
Danielson, Cal 7
Bochenek, Dougherty 7
Morales, Livermore 7
Hodges, LL 7
Ramirez, Newark 7
Vazquez, Pitt 7
Jara, St. Mary’s 7
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
January 29th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
This is amazing. You’ve done it again Matt. You really should become president.
January 29th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Lol, thanks man.
I enjoy being the East Bay soccer community’s humble servant.
January 29th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
I want to see a game between cal high and berkeley
January 29th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Deer Valley beats Clayton Valley 4-2 today. Should have been 4-1 as a late questionalbe penalty was given against Deer Valley.
I disagree with Pitsburg being a lock to make the playoffs. They lost their starting center mid, and 2 other starting players to disciplinary issues, as well as another starter to injury. They have brought up 4 players from the JV squad to solidify the line up. They also lost 2-1 to Liberty on Thursday night.
Deer Valley almost has the BVAL locked up, 1 or 2 more wins and they have the league title. 2nd place in the BVAL is up for grabs and anyone who can go on a run will finish in second place.
The rest of the leagues seem accurate….
Thanks again Matt for all your work…
January 29th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Does MVAL still use a playoff to determine NCS rep?
Do any other leagues do this as well?
Always has the possibility of offerring up a suprise NCS team.
January 29th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
I know Pitt is banged up, but there is no way they go 0-4, which is the only way they aren’t playoff eligible.
And the MVAL does not do league playoffs anymore. If Logan wins, I am guessing some type of goal differential determines the automatic bid.
January 29th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Matt, what’s the rationale behind ranking Ygancio Valley ahead of Dougherty Valley after losing to Dougherty earlier this week?
January 29th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Matt -
Been reading your stuff all season, really good job. I’ve seen most of the teams boys varsity teams this year. Lots of of food for thought. Newark and Berkely will make everything exciting but when its all said and done Cal and Acalanes take their crowns home.
January 29th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Good question, and with the rankings, it would be complete chaos if you tried to rank every team below a team that just beat them, especially if one of the teams wasn’t even listed as a team to consider.
You definitely have to consider how far you’d drop and/or jump a team and I couldn’t drop YV 10-12 spots, and couldn’t move DV from non mentioned all the way into the top 15.
Granada is in a similar situation. They beat DLS recently, but you have to consider much more than that.
January 29th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Good point which makes sense. Thanks for the quick response.
January 29th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Kudos to Bingham!! I cannot wait to see him with the Earthquakes out on the pitch.
Here’s the rub!! He was honorable mention his Senior year in the EBAL. What does that say about the All League picking system????!!!! He should have been 1st or the very least 2nd team!!!! It is amazing how this can happen.
January 29th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
EBRef,
Thanks for reading and thanks for the props.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:57 am
I think Bingham missed part of his senior year as he was going to play for a pro team in Europe, but that got derailed and he came back in time to play some games for Cal. Enough games to be considered for HM but not enough for 1st or 2nd team. That is how I remember it anyway. He was clearly the best keeper in the area, but others who played all season played very well also.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:34 am
Matt, are you as suprised as I am over Bishop O’Dowd’s supremacy ending and Mt. Eden actually leading the HAAL? Never would have guessed that.
January 30th, 2011 at 9:32 am
#13
so to say it is based on amount of games played does not sound right. If he is the best he is the best and should be given credit for that. I remember hearing the team was astonished by this and lost respect for the system that day. If he missed any games at all it was not many. He played at least half if not all of the EBAL games if my memory serves me right.
In the final he received what he deserved which is great for him! He is a great player that is fun to watch. He is also a very strong field player which makes him and even stronger goalie.
Throughout the years we have seen that the all league picks are more political than based on talent which is too bad for the players out there gutting it out! My perception it that it is whichever coach comes best prepared for the meeting. If anyone can shed some light on this subject please do. I would welcome it as I am sure others would as well. My perception of the MVP pick is that that pick us usually right on.
January 30th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Hey Tack,
I am a little surprised about O’Dowd stumbling a little bit because I’ve seen them a couple of times this year and they are a very good team. I think Mt. Eden has to be the surprise team of the year, right?
January 30th, 2011 at 9:59 am
Dougherty Valley is not better then YV. YV had at least 3-4 quality starters out cause of injury. The coach doesn’t want to risk losing those players for NCS so they been resting for about 2 weeks now. Once those players come back YV should start taking care of business and go into NCS with a healthy team.
January 30th, 2011 at 10:40 am
They have to be the suprise team. Before this year I had never even heard of them. But for O’Dowd I have no doubt that they’ll pick it up in NCS and knock out some quality teams; they always do.
January 30th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Tack Man you should get out a little more often, Mt. Eden has had some very good teams over the years.
January 30th, 2011 at 11:55 am
james Logan will beat newark this friday @ logan. don’t be suprise when it happens,it’s just the power of the mighty COLTS!
January 30th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Right now the D1 playoff picture looks something like this:
1. California
2. Newark Memorial
3. Berkeley
4. Monte Vista
5. Deer Valley
6. Clayton Valley
7. De La Salle
8. Livermore
9. Mount Eden
10. James Logan
11. San Ramon Valley
12. Granada
13. Richmond
14. Pittsburg
16. Arroyo
January 30th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
*actually Arroyo at 15, Freedom at 16.
Best alternates are College Park and Castro Valley invade Arroyo and/or Freedom doesn’t achieve .500 in league.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
To Bench Warmer,
Sometimes players are talented, but struggle in certain games. For Bingham, it may have seemed that another player had a better season than him.
Fantastic work Matt, NCS is just around the corner!
Can’t wait to see teams playing one game at a time.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
So Mt. Eden is in first place In the HAAL league, they have a 5 win streak so far, in the last 5 game they have scored 15 goals and received 5, leaving the with a 3:1 goal ratio per game, and they are undefeated at their home.
They have 4 games left; Home game vs Tennysom, away game vs Hayward away game vs Arroyo, and finally home game vs San Lorenzo.
Will they Keep their winning streak, stay undefeated at home and win the HAAL league, Or will they crack in the end and let San lorenzo take the league?
January 30th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Matt,
If Logan beats Newark on Friday that means they play them again if they win out. It doesnt go by goal difference. If Newark wins well, they win league and the automatic berth.
January 30th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Two quick points: In regards to Bingham, if I recall, he only missed one league game, a 1-0 upset of top-ranked Amador Valley, if I remember correctly.
He was fantastic in goal and on the field. I believe he led the team in scoring as well as having one of the best goals-against-average in the East Bay (it wasn’t one of Cal’s more talented squads). The All League snub probably resulted in petty politics and possibly false perceptions about his attitude stemming from a riff the previous season. However, by all accounts, he was the consummate team player his senior year.
2nd point: THEanonymous, I enjoyed your seedings, but I see Deer Valley as a top 3 seed. They will win a competitive league- finishing with 14+ wins, only one local loss (at Newark) and numerous impressive draws on the road to strong programs.
If DV is third, Berkeley could get 4th or 5th, in which case The Kidd could get his Berk v. Cal Christmas wish.
EBAL’s constant self-beatings will again suffer them in seedings, just as it does in rankings.
I’m thinking, with 8-10 great games during the final two weeks in EBAL, seeding will get VERY difficult to predict. It would be disappointing, but likely, that Granada or SRV could be matched up against another EBAL team in the first round. Ugh! Either way, I still see EBAL advancing with at least four of the final eight in NCS.
January 30th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
SoccerGuy has a good point: Deer Valley not only beat Berkeley but also Monte Vista. I was kind of sore of putting them any higher than they were in Matt Smith’s ratings because they had ties to SRV and Granada, but they are a powerhouse squad poised to beat some pretty darn solid squads (plus I believe Berkeley is overrated in many sports including this one, they have an easy league). New 3-5 rankings:
3. Deer Valley
4. Berkeley
5. Monte Vista
I still put Berkeley ahead of MV because of their resilience. After all, how do you think Cal high got the way they are? I’m sure that seeds 14-16 are really going to be in question as well, even if a couple of teams fall short of eligibility.
January 30th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
#22
With all due respect, that is as good as no answer.
I witnessed a good number of the games that year and Soccerguy is right on, he was snubbed for no apparent good reason. He single handedly kept that team going that year. Nobody better than him in goal. As I stated before, politics or his merits not brought up properly in the meeting. Only the coaches in attendance that night know for sure…
Movin on…..
January 30th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Bench Warmer,
I’m not saying he wasn’t the best goalie in the league, he surely was as he’s in the MLS now. ALL-League teams would be completely different if it was just based on talent. Moving on however!
January 30th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
I think if Berkeley was completely healthy, they could contain Cal’s attack. Deer Valley beat them very early in the season and every team in the rankings has at least one bad loss or tie. Playoffs will be very, very interesting. Both D1 and D2.
January 30th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Logan vs Newark this Friday! Will be sure to attend. Definitely going to get crazier & certainly will be better then the first game. Logan wants the rematch, this time at home! What’s everyone’s opinions on this game?
January 30th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
I think that the top two teams from EBAL should get the top two seeds in NCS. EBAL is just too tough of a league. The top two teams definitely deserve the top two seeds as they have proven that they can handle anybody.
I understand that DV and Berkeley play in tough leagues as well, but we all know that no league is harder or more competitive than the EBAL. Which is what makes every game so amazing
January 30th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
I think the NM-Logan match will end in a draw. I believe NM will stay the better team but they are just trying not to lose at this point, they want that title.
January 30th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Logan might have the upper hand on Newark this friday. Newark knows a loss will cost them a league title, but Logan is i think the only school in the east bay with the old style astro turf, so newark will have to come in and adapt to it. I dont think Logan will lose at home this friday.
January 31st, 2011 at 10:39 am
Ebal4life – Number 1 league is not over yet. Number 2 aren’t you forgetting about Newark? In my humble oppinion they have proven they can play with anyone. Cal is defintely number 1 but I believe number 2 is still up for grabs.
January 31st, 2011 at 11:21 am
As previously stated, Cal #1, and there is a six-way tie for third: Newark, MV, DV, Campo, Berk, Acal (in reverse alpha). There is no clear #2.
After a pit stop at The Florence in Niles, will head to Logan on Friday to see the rematch. One goal probably does not win this one, though Newark has not given up a goal in league.
January 31st, 2011 at 11:44 am
Logan will get a win at home. Newark had an advantage playing on grass as will Logan have playing on turf. Logans style of play will def show on the turf. Last game at Newark was an uglyp swamp! Fields are in no condition for great soccer. Even though the referee practically gift wrapped a goal by giving them a pk, no team really did much. Logan is hungry, and know that Newark stands in their way. Look for Logan to continue the fireworks of scoring if they attack with a 4-3-3 like the did the last couple games. I see both these teams going to N.C.S and being in the top 4 at the end of the day. MVAL should make a statement this year.
January 31st, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Matt,
what do you think about Ebal4Life’s statement?? I think Newark definitely deserves the 2nd seed. as they only have 1 loss since Navarro joined the the team. What are also your thoughts about friday’s match up against Logan?
January 31st, 2011 at 6:03 pm
The Bval is obviously ruled by Deer Valley but Pittsburg is up there with them. Keep in mind Pitt tied DV and also went head up with some giants and did very well. They have lost key players to both disciplinary actions and injuries, but they have a strong union and I’m sure they’ll pull together. Pittsburg is hungry but humble, in a sense of being underdogs. Deer Valley will be yet another test for the Pirates, winner takes bragging rights
January 31st, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Soccer Scout, I think I agree with you. At this point I would give Newark the No. 2 seed. Berkeley also has a claim to it as well right now, but I think Newark has been outstanding since getting Navarro and the other club guys on the team.
I think Friday’s match is going to be one of the better one’s I’ve seen. I haven’t had a chance to see Logan yet, but they need to take advantage of being at home. They’ll need to take away the space for dangerous guys like Junior and Ramirez to operate and try to keep it low scoring, like last time.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Matt,
I thought the NCS seeding was by overall record and strength of schedule raher than league standings. Is this correct? Or am I mistaken? If this is true I believe some of the seeding predictions by league record could prove wrong at this point.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:30 pm
You definitely are correct, Columbia.
I think Newark and Berkeley have played pretty good schedules outside of league, so that will help them. Clearly the EBAL teams play a much tougher league schedule, and MV played a pretty good non-league schedule, but to get the top two seeds from the same league, the second team would really have to stand out above the rest.
Newark beat DV, DV beat Berkeley, Berkeley beat Newark, DV beat MV who tied Berkeley. It’s a crapshoot. But if Newark wins, or draws with Logan on Friday, there is a good chance they go 20-1, or 19-1-1 to end the year. Really hard to argue with that, I think.
January 31st, 2011 at 11:16 pm
With the EBAL commanding 5 of the top 15 rankings overall (and 5 of the top 11-12(?) for D1, Matt?), the seeding committee should take heed. Yea, verily…
Prediction: the NCS committee will screw it up and EBAL will be #1 and #4, and #2 and #3 will only have to face one EBAL team before the finals, while EBAL teams will be on their 3rd+ go round against any EBAL opponent. The word that comes to mind? Inane. No wait, ignorant. No wait, insane. No wait, illogical. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
Question: What does NCS stand for? You fill in the blank…
January 31st, 2011 at 11:22 pm
I see newark as a much stronger team than Logan, but Logan must want this game more than anything after getting beat twice in playoffs last year and again earlier this year.
I think newark will win in a close game, but the only thing i know for sure is that it will be an intense game with a lot of emotion on both sides.
Cant wait!
February 1st, 2011 at 3:26 am
Last year was last year….Logan has over 14 seniors…big difference compared to last year. If u seen the game vs Newark at Newark, you could easily have seen the worst pk call ever. Newark was let off the hook with that goal. on top of the worst pitch in n.c.s. it offered nothing but a kickball game. Logan at home is a big advantage. Loganhas more depth as a team. PlAyers 1-18 are equal in talent. They also have that kid Gus ulloa who is in second place on scoring on n.c.s. don’t count them out, you will see.
February 1st, 2011 at 5:08 am
Big game today Arroyo @ BOD (5:30 according to max preps). BOD is coming off three straight losses but are undefeated at home this season, so it smells like a smackdown is headed the Dons way. Are the Dons contenders or pretenders? We should find out today. Go Dons!
February 1st, 2011 at 9:16 am
Sweeper, Geeeez the EBAL can’t have it both ways. There’s always a chance they’re going to play each other in the first couple of rounds by virtue of the fact there’s so many of them in the top 15. Are you saying that EBAL teams should get special consideration so that they don’t have to play each other other in the first round?
February 1st, 2011 at 9:40 am
Are you going to the albany vs st marys game matt on wendnesday?i heard its going to be a good game
or are you going to the richmond vs berkeley?
February 1st, 2011 at 9:58 am
Dougherty Valley is not better than YV? Really? The game was a 2-0 victory, in which DV missed anywhere between 3-5 ridiculously easy chances, and also didn’t have 5 starters including the Offensive MVP of their league last year. Just saying one shouldn’t use the excuse of “players missing” when the other team is also in the same boat.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:39 am
#46. OHD. What I am saying is that barring clear differences between the top 4 (for example, Cal is clearly #1, but #2 to #4 are a toss-up) if there are two teams from the same league (ANY same league, not just the EBAL), they should be seeded #1 & #3 OR #2 and #4, on opposite sides of the bracket. The logic is that if 2 of the top 4 are from the same league, they deserve a shot to win through to the final without playing another top team for the 3rd or 4th time, until the final. After seed #4 it is a free-for-all.
Alas, the No Common Sense selection committee lives in a vacuum, so logic does not necessarily prevail.
February 1st, 2011 at 11:57 am
I don’t agree with the opposite sides of the bracket logic and heres why. Teams that are familiar with each other tend to bog down and play very boring soccer because neither side can do anything without the opposing coach countering. These games are usually a 1-0 final or penalty kicks scenario for sure. Teams should be seeded accordingly and let whoever stands in your way be the next opponent regardless of same league consideration. With this you should get #1 and #2 on opposite sides of the bracket,everyone else must fight for survival or playoff advancement.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:45 pm
#48 – You are right. It happens in most sports. This year’s NFL playoffs:ie, NE vs Jets/Ravens vs Steelers. They had already played twice before.
This year’s parity in men’s soccer is fun to see. Play who is in front of you and don’t worry about your seed.
February 1st, 2011 at 1:15 pm
NCS seeding across multiple leagues is not at all like the NFL seeding rules that are predefined and enforced. The NCS selection committee decisions are sometimes informed and sometimes arbitrary, with the opportunity to create potential fresh matchups in the semi’s. This season, for example, MV could in fact be the second best team, yet if they are seeded #4, we will never know if they end up losing to Cal for the second or third time in the semis, whereas, the lower seed of DV or Berk (based on today’s rankings) should not be able to avoid an EBAL challenge to get to the finals. The committee has every right to use this logic in the seeding process, as they can make up the rules as they go.
February 1st, 2011 at 2:02 pm
I wonder, if a Grizzley falls in the woods will anybody hear it? While Cal has certainly earned it’s #1 ranking to date, the regular season is far from over. Cal has had several narrow victories, some good fortune, and has been far from dominant in the pitch the past few weeks. With four games to go and six strong teams (seven if you include a surging AV squad), the EBAL is wide open! Sweeper, I now have seen all of the top ten teams in the latest ranking and agree that the top two EBAL teams should be seeded on opposite sides of the bracket. Cal will be one of those, but, while I agree that MV may be the second best EBAL squad, their inability to find the net may be their ultimate downfall. They control games, outshoot their opponents, but can’t seem to finish. Granada is on fire and might run the table with Long leading the way. Livermore can beat anyone with it’s dangerous attack but is prone to defensive lapses. Soccer, more than any other sport, can have unfair results, but I expect one of these four teams to win NCS this year. Next season will beling to SRV.
February 1st, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Gentleman, excellent points made by all and the debate was very civil, a popular term these days, now it’s time to finish the season and see what the NCS says. There are still league titles up for grabs. I agree with GlobalSoccer, concentrate on whose in front of you and don’t worry about the seedings if you don’t you’re going to get beat.
February 1st, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Love the Justin Bieber name you are using. Hilarious.
I won’t be out to a game this Wednesday, but I will be Thursday. Not sure if I am going to Berkeley v. Richmond or Cal v. MV. It kinda depends what happens tonight.
February 1st, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Cal,Cal,Cal. jeez, you’d think they already won the N.C.S. tournament.All it takes is ONE small mistake in a highly defensive game (Acalanes/Berkeley anyone?) to get your bye-bye ticket.
“When in doubt don’t be a gherkin, play your cards close to your jerkin, for fortune speaks a mournful tune to those whose campaigns peak too soon”
Mudhen
February 1st, 2011 at 6:42 pm
The first score of the night is in.
Berean 0, Northgate 0
Keep me posted if you’re at a game.
February 1st, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Livermore 1, DLS 0 @half. Wind blowing cold N to S.
February 1st, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Hayward at San leandro 4-1 win for Hayward
February 1st, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Granada 1 MV 0 1ST half time.
February 1st, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Granada beat Monte vista 2-1 Go mats.
February 1st, 2011 at 8:03 pm
SRV score?
February 1st, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Amen, mudhen. Amen.
February 1st, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Does anyone know the final in Livermore bs de la salle.
February 1st, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Livermore 2, DLS 1
Cal 4, Foothill 0
February 1st, 2011 at 8:21 pm
SRV vs Amador final?
February 1st, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Thanks matt.
February 1st, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Clayton Valley 8, Mt. Diablo 0
Bishop O’Dowd 4, Arroyo 1
February 1st, 2011 at 8:31 pm
SRV 4, Amador 2
February 1st, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Hey Longtimesoccerfan,
Do you know who scored for Granada tonight? Someone from the newspaper office emailed me the scores he has so far and someone reported the Granada v. MV match was a 1-1 final.
February 1st, 2011 at 8:39 pm
DV 3-Pitt 2 Great finish with DV scoring with less than a minute and goalie stopping a penalty kick. Pittsburg was awarded two penalty kicks with #8 flopping all over the field. He initiated contact then would fall for effect, the refs bought into it everytime. Exciting match with Pittsburg bringing pressure and DV countering. Also a DV goal was disallowed.
February 1st, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Thanks SRV Dad!
February 1st, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Final score MV 1 Granada2
February 1st, 2011 at 9:19 pm
John Quintanilla is that you?
February 1st, 2011 at 9:25 pm
EBAL standings (updated):
California 27
Livermore 20
San Ramon Valley 19
Granada 19
Monte Vista 18
De La Salle 16
Amador Valley 4
Foothill 2
De La Salle is out of the title race, which is a relief to me. Monte Vista is all but out. SRV and Granada have to win all three and Cal lose all three and Livermore draw one. Livermore must win all three or Cal lose all three (one draw difference makes a tie, I don’t know how tiebreakers are done). Last, but definitely not least, Cal only needs to win one more.
I hope Livermore gets second, I believe they deserve it after the adversity they overcame. I cannot wait for NCS. It’s going to be one heck of a showdown.
February 1st, 2011 at 9:27 pm
The crosstown score said at the Cal game was Granada 2 MV 1.
February 1st, 2011 at 9:29 pm
another crazy night in the ebal.
Cal avenged a tie at foothill with a 4-0 thumping of foothill at home.
Granada shows they are still alive with a win against MV passing them in the standings with the win!
Livermore keeps pace with Cal by beating DLS. Still 7 pts behind Cal though with 3 games to go….
SRV getting a much needed 3 pts in the standings and staying strong…
WOW!
Cal quieting the doubters out there.
Livermore getting a strong second wind!
Granada coming back from the dead!
SRV keeping pace! MV with some work to do.
DLS tough road ahead, but with their coaching no way out of it!
Pleasanton teams getting ready for next year…
i agree that EBAL teams should not have to play other EBAL teams in the NCS until the late rounds. Last year 3 out of 4 semi finalists were EBAL with the 2 in the final from ebal as well. it cannot be avoided but it would be nice to see it only in the late rounds of the tournament.
February 1st, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Another sweet win for the Mats tonite. Foster gets 2 more for Granada off of 2 lovely assists from Long. The second goal was a thing of beauty that even Monte Vista fans should appreciate. Long beats his guy in the corner and lays off a pass to Foster who hits it in full stride from about 20 yards out. Upper V! Goalie could only watch and hope it hits the bar. Monte Vista scored to tie the game earlier in second half on a nice free kick from the top of the box.
Mats keep plugging away, collecting 3 more points against a tough league team. NCS is within reach…
Nice job Granada! Keep it Up!!
February 1st, 2011 at 9:39 pm
If anybody has access to this information, I’d love to find out how many goals and assists that Foster and Long each have this season.
February 1st, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Some other scores…
San Lorenzo 3, Castro Valley 2
Pinole Valley 3, Richmond 1
February 1st, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Don’t know what it was like at the other fields, but the wind howled from due north at Livermore. How hard was it blowing you ask? On one free kick a player held the ball ala a field goal holder. Goals kicks into the wind did not reach mid-field, and often went less than 50 yards from the 6. The Altamont Pass windmills were going sideways. It was unanimous, an EBAL first, everyone hated the cold wind.
Livermore struck first against the wind early in the match with a 25 yard blast by #7 that looked flat and knuckleballed straight until the last 10 yards, where it veered right and past the DLS keeper who was diving the opposite direction. Give an assist to the wind.
DLS leveled the match early in the 2nd half with a throw-in from near the corner that eluded the Livermore keeper by the near post, and a DLS player buried the ball back to the side netting. Give another assist to the wind.
The rest of the match was fairly wide open and entertaining with each side missing a few ‘makeable’ shots. The tie-breaking goal was scored with 3 minutes to play (plus stoppage time). A defender back pass to the DLS keeper but away from the goal, accompanied by pressure from the Cowboys, resulted in a broken play and an easy 25 yard shot to an empty net. Assist to the fore-checking, and to the wind.
The head official called one of the best matches that I have seen called all year, none better. Matt, “the rule of law” applied tonight as the rules were well enforced in this match. Early in the match he warned players to make throw-ins from the spot the ball left the field, and warned infringers that they would lose possession if they continued. Late in the match, one of the captains stopped a player throwing in and directed him back to the spot the ball left the field. The players policed themselves when informed how that rule would be enforced, just as the FIFA “Laws of the Game” are written. Grade: A, though many fans were clueless and did not appreciate the quality of officiating.
February 1st, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Yes soccerfan its me just catching a few games before my deployment. Departure date Feb 8, good luck to DV and the BVAL teams, should be fun. The boys sure are enjoying it.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Regarding post #71, I think “TheAnonymous” meant Foothill 4 pts, AV 2.
I’m hoping Pleasanton schools come back strong next year. EBAL has evolved to wear GHS and Livermore are no longer pushovers. Surprised to see DLS in sixth place; I’m sure they are too. Before they joined EBAL they would still be conference champs with this year’s team, but the EBAL schedule reveals all the holes in a team – if you’re having an off nite, you lose. Perhaps they can pull it together for the playoffs.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:03 pm
It was windy all over the place tonight.
Wow what a finish we have here, MV might not even come in second in EBAL.
CAL’s senior night, with a chance to win league on Thursday. Should be a fantastic game against MV
February 1st, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Hey Sweeper,
Was it the guy we saw at Acalanes v. Berkeley. Or was it a shorter, younger guy?
And John Q, best of luck to you. I hope you can follow us here when you get a chance, and thanks for doing what you are doing.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Hey Matt, Trevor Long was the place kicker for Granada’s football team that lost to De La Salle in the semi’s of NCS. He missed the first month of the season because of this. He then filled in defensively for a couple of guys who were hurt for the next month. When Granada got their stud center defender back ( Danny McNeil ), He moved to forward to play next to Foster. His first game up top was against Foothill ( 6 games ).Since then he has 6 goals and 6 assists. Meager numbers but all important goals none the less. This was the turning point for Granada. They are 5 wins and only 1 loss in that span against tough EBAL competition.
Foster… Well let’s just sy he ha A LOT!! Seriously, I’m not sure. Count all of Granada’s goals and subtract maybe 10 and the rest are his. Terrific scorer!
February 1st, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Matt,
I think the official tonight was the (slightly) younger brother of the ref from Berkeley at Acalanes: similar communicative style in control at all times, could be the same, but he did not enforce the throw-in law at that match. If the officials wore numbers, as the players do, I would know for sure. But then the parents would go crazy with ref numbers.
BTW, kudos to the Livermore coach for reining in the fans on one close call. A DLS defender made a hard tackle one yard outside the side of the box against Livermore #7, and was properly called and placed by the official as a DK foul. As fans were screaming PK, PK, PK, the coach turned to the crowd and in a respectful tone said, “It was outside the box.” The match was still tied at that moment.
Also, many thanks to John_Q and Godspeed to you.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Long from Granada is only a sophomore. Foster is a senior. I wish they had another season together…
February 1st, 2011 at 10:47 pm
I’m sure their coach would say the same.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:54 pm
I went to watch Granada vs. Monte Vista completely simply to just watch a good game of soccer. I happened to sit on the Granada side since it was closest to the entrance and I left the game with a whole different outlook on Granada. If I ever lived close enough to Granada to where my son/daughter had to attend the school, I would move instantly. The sportmanship of the players, coach, and parents were unreal. I didnt know much about either team, but Granada is absolutely disguisting. As for the game, Monte Vista dominated, they just lack the ability to finish the ball. Second goal for Granada was beautiful, I must give them credit.
February 2nd, 2011 at 12:03 am
DLS technically never scored…it was an own goal.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:47 am
THEanonymous: “De La Salle is out of the title race, which is a relief to me.” Wow. Livermore Parent: “DLS technically never scored… it was an own goal.” I feel the glee in your fingers as you type. Help me understand this. Is it the “Yankees syndrome”?
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:09 am
Who is responsible for reporting game stats to the newspaper? Winning coach? Home team?
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:12 am
Thanks to HAAL player for the Hayward score.
And thanks to Granada Parent for the stats.
As far as who is responsible for submitting scores, the people at the newspaper office would appreciate it if either, or both, emailed or called in. As for me, I’ll take the score anyway I can get it and encourage people to be proactive in reporting.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:13 am
Thanks guys, I will miss NCS unfortunately but it looks like many good teams will be representing. I will keep in touch with my son who obviously plays for DV and whether they advance or not he knows what’s important. He has an invitation to play against an academy team from germany in Las Vegas and he’s had college coaches visiting a few of the latest games DV has played. Just a junior but has a promising future.
Good luck to all those who make it to the NCS and remember parents it’s just a game, let them play and have fun. We get so caught up in the emotional aspect of the game that we forget how to act sometimes.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:59 am
Observer, you knew you were going to get a rebuttal on your post didn’t you? I too attended the MV/GHS match as a completely unattached observer and saw things a little different. I sat on the GHS side as well and I found them no more aggressive that the MV fans who are notorious, go sit on their side somethime for some perspective. Did you notice when the GHS fans applauded for an injured MV while he was leaving the field? Both sides always complain about fouls against and fouls not called so what else is new. As far as the players I still think you have to look at both sides as there was nasty play from both. I thought the referee did a good job calling the fouls, in fact I thought he got a little ticky tacky in the first half but only called one obvious yellow which is a good thing in my oppinion. As far as coaches go here is where I agree with you the GHS coach is very emotional and it gets him trouble sometimes (A yellow card against DLS). Giving direction to your players is one thing but some of his rants are inflamatory where he talked at the MV players through his own players. This tactic is best left to the fans. As far as moving out of Livermore, come on, your going to judge a whole community on the soccer team? Go visit Livermore, chill and have a glass of wine.
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:06 am
Granada might have won the game but lost out big time in sportsmanship. The coach was thrown out of the game for the second time in 2 games against MV. Not sure what he is trying to convey to his boys. I can understand when the high schoolers are out there hackling but when the parents get into it too, it takes away from the efforts of the boys on the field, and sheds a bad light on the school. Not saying the MV parents are angels (they have a fair share of loudmouths – most of it directed at the refs) but it was disproportionate to the Granda parents.
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:41 am
I asked my q re stat reporting because I took in the Granada-MV game last night and was shocked at the SOG stats reported in the box score. MV must have outshot Granada by a margin of at least 3-1 overall and at least 2-1 SOG. I counted 4 Granada shots on frame, 2 in each half. There was the usual assortment of through balls and balls and kicks from midfield that each teams keeper played at the top of the box, but those aren’t SOGs. Curious… Granada coach s/b suspended, especially if he has been kicked out of multiple games. If a player is redcarded, he is suspened for the next game right? The same rule should apply to coaches. They are the teachers and should set the example. I sat on the MV side in the first half and the Granada side the second. Both are passionate about their teams. However, when Granada’s star was yellow carded for a hard foul, he was cheered by the Granada fans as he left the field, not the injured player who was still on the ground.
Granada scored two nice goals by a very talented striker, but I thought MV controlled most of the game- they just couldn’t finish.
February 2nd, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Watched dv vs pitt last night and saw a great rivalry game once again. Dv is big, strong, and physical and will definitely be good in ncs. Pitt is young and have a lot of touch in the middle and could be a surpise in NCS. They played with a lot of heart vs DV and tried to control play but the field did not help. DV is not as strong in the middle. They took out #14 five mins in because he was already getting beat. Goodluck to both teams more towards pitt because they might not get in if they don’t get healthy quick.
February 2nd, 2011 at 12:42 pm
NCS Predictions:
1.Cal
2.Newark
3.Berkeley
4.Deer Valley
5.Clayton Valley
6.Monte Vista
7.De La Salle
8.Livermore
9.James Logan
10.San Ramon
11.Mt.Eden
12.Pittsburg
13.Granada
14.Richmond
15.Freedom
16.Arroyo or College park
The first five are league winners and deserving of the top spots. I know the ebal will certainly not like it because they have a tough league but thats not the other teams fault.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:45 pm
#101 Pretty good, just don’t agree with James Logan at #9 when Arroyo beat them 3-1 at James Logan earlier this year.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:58 pm
I’m sorry 028159 I know my comment might seem disrespectful to DLS but they are way too accustomed to winning and the EBAL and NCS titles deserve to go to someone else. Two years of titles is enough for a team, especially one that is able to enroll players from anywhere who want to play on their team. It does indeed feel like the New York Yankees of high school soccer.
And AvFan was right, I was thrilled to type in the competitive standings and mixed up the Pleasanton schools. Oops.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Hey soccerme,
No Ignacio Valley?
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Hey #99 -
The reason the Granada parents cheered for Foster who was yellow carded was because the MV fans went nuts cheering and clapping when he left the field.They probably realized they had a chance with him out of th game. Granda parents weren’t clapping because he got the yellow card but because MV wasn’t being sporting. I agree that at times our parents can be passionate about the game but I have seen the same passion from every team in this league. None of us are angels.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:54 pm
#104. Mudhen. I think that is his D-I bracket and YV is D-II. YV should do fine in their bracket. I think Matt has them ranked as the #4 D-II team, and a win against CV would solidify that their position for the NCS seedings, and get them 2 home matches.
DoV could use a tie tonight at home vs. Acalanes. I hope that the wind is absent tonight. See you at the pitch.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Old Haal,
I was also at the MV/Granada game, and agree with your post – well said. Both sides were equally loud on their screaming, but the Granada coach needs to be careful. This game was not a surprise to me, as MV can play possession but it’s about putting the checkered ball in the net isn’t it? I was surprised by the strong finishing from Granada, as they were not in the beginnning of the season, they are clicking at the right time, will make for an interesting finish.
And let’s talk about the elephant in the room, the “loudest parents” that I have observed from the EBAL are as follows:
#1 DLS
#2 MV
#3 Cal
and after that the rest blend. Notice I said loudest, and stopped there….
just sayin…..
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Mudhen,
Yv is d2. The bracket I made is D1. Ygnacio should be at least a top 5 seed in their bracket.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@half Acal-1 DoV-0.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Coaches who get two red cards cannot coach their teams at NCS, if they make it. It seems Granada will make it and if the coach was shown 2 reds he will be watching/texting from the stands… NCS rules…
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:14 pm
#105, I agree with you. My point was simply that the fans were supporting Foster with their cheers and not the fallen player as OldHAAL suggested. Both fan bases are passionate and seemed to direct their comments at the refs. As I said earlier this week, the Mats are on fire. No EBAL team wants to face them in NCS.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:23 pm
I’m glad somebody brought up the two reds thing before I did. Now I can chime in…
I don’t want to name anybody on the blog, but a very good player on a very good team got a second red card and he is now out for the year. I think this rule of two straight reds and you are done for the year is ridiculous.
The problem is that it’s at the discretion of officials, and a kid could have two questionable calls go against him and his season is done.
I think a suspension is warranted, but a season suspension is way, way too much of a penalty.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:50 pm
#91, #98 (observer/closeup)
Each and every competitive soccer team I have ever seen has polite and respectful parents as well as 1-2 obnoxious ones. Each and every team has polite and respective players as well as 1-2 aggressive ones.
#91 – SHAME ON YOU for spewing such hateful comments about a community in general!
Matt – I certainly enjoy reading the game recaps as well as play by plays and predictions. However, you should create a new “sour grapes” category for all of the winers and complainers so we don’t have to be subjected to them!
FYI: It was the assistant coach, not the head coach who left the Granada/MV game.
PEACE
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Mt. Eden vs Tennyson 6-0.
Mt. Edens 6win in a row, and undefeated at home.
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:14 pm
I agree Matt – season suspension is ridiculous. Can the suspension be appealed…? What is the appeal process…?
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Dublin 5 – 1 Las Lomas
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Ok i got to chime in and reply to “Observer” #91 post also-
I cant let Granada be dogged on…. The team has great sportsmanship… in fact Foster extended his hand to help that MV Player up off the field and the MV player pushed him away…. I guess you can choose to see what you want, just like the refs??? That was also the issue with the coach- the sideline ref would not keep his flag up long enough so the center ref missed making calls on a few important plays…As for the Granada parents- we were just showing some support to Foster as he came off the field because of the lack of sportsmanship attitude coming from the MV fans side with their loud cheering as he was given a yellow card. Granada did dominate that game with an awesome defense and offense!! it was a great game with two very good teams, but “finishing” is what it is all about!! A well deserved win by the Dark Horse Granada in MV home field!
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:30 pm
I believe it can be appealed. And it’s worth looking into.
I think a lot of these appeals fall on deaf ears, but taking the season away from a kid is horrible.
Imagine in football if a guy missed the year for two personal fouls? Or in hoops for two technical fouls? It’s almost the same thing.
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Matt you going to the richmond vs berkeley match tomorow?
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Acalanes 1-0 winners over Dougherty Valley. Sweeper, thoughts? First half was uneventful, maybe two or three shots between both teams. Acalanes scored a header off free kick with a few minutes left in half. Dougherty had Acalanes under pressure and had the run of play in second half, but Acalanes did everything they could to absorb it and held on for the win. Decent game overall by both teams.
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Just for information on Granada coach red cards One red was the coach. The mv one was to the Asst coach. So far ncs is ok but they Need to be careful.
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:58 pm
I’m actually going to the Cal v. Monte Vista match. The Berkeley v. Richmond match lost a little luster with Richmond’s loss to Pinole.
Also, if Cal wins its their first outright EBAL title, and the first team to win it not named DLS since DLS joined the league.
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Matt
Do soft reds (two yellows) count in this rule.
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Soft reds do not count. Just straight reds.
Does anybody have any BSAL or MVAL scores tonight?
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Campo 1, Miramonte 1
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Albany 6 St. Mary’s 0
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:25 pm
#118. GBoot. Good game summary on the Acalanes @ DoV match. The 2nd half had several end-to-end moments with quality scoring chances shut down by both defenses, so the keepers could maintain their positions.
Good “B” match play with “C” officiating. Lots of communication by the ref, but the Dons were allowed a liberal measure of abusing their size. Give credit to Wildcats for not backing down or losing their cool. A tie would have been a fair result.
The wideouts for DoValley are skilled, clever and dangerous, and could get them to the 2nd round if they get a 10 or 11 seed.
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Matt:
Albany 6 St. Mary’s 0
Looks like St. Mary’s is overrated.
With Pinole Valley win over Richmond do you think PV is in the NCS?
What about Richmond with the loss are they out?
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:47 pm
St Mary’s 0 – Albany 6
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:53 pm
It’s unfortunate that one of the premier academy forwards in the East Bay cannot compete because of a very questionable/subjective call (barely a foul)
and the player was given a straight red.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Premier Academy player? How many games of Academy soccer has he actually played? I would cal a player a premier player within the specific level after a considerable amount of time competing against all the teams at the same level. Only way to tell if said player can be a premier player with the level is to see consistency from the player. The only consistent thing so far has been red cards….
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:29 pm
As an outsider to the 2 red cards = full season expulsion (expulsion, not suspension folks), I have only three words: No Common Sense.
NCS! NCS! NCS! Are we learning yet?
Is there a way that an official can earn a red card? I think not…
See you at the pitch.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:40 pm
What team is the talented kid who is out for the season? I don’t want to know a name just the team that will be missing from the action.
I think everyone is catching the CAL MV game tomorrow.
See you all there
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I took a short drive to watch albany against st marys as they are considered threats in D2. Albany blew my mind with a 5-0 first half and a second half that showed they can put teams away with posession. The defenders especially number 6 were amazing. 19 and 11 in the middle hustled after every ball. And the attack led by 7,9,20,and 21 is dangerous. I believe 7 is called gabe borges. He’s one of the best I have seen and 20 andre is also a great talent. 9 left everyone in the dust and scored an impressive hat trick. This was complete domination. Watch out for albany. Where could they be ranked in ncs matt?
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Hey nice D1 NCS predictions, but what do you guys think about D2? How would you guys rank them?
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:03 pm
The kid is from DV and he is a very talented academy player, has also played at the premier level for many years now. His abilities are without question as he will move on to play Division 1 soccer and will make a name for himself. The problem wasn’t his consistency in obtaining reds, it was his passion for the game. He plays with an edge and often makes great defenders look foolish as Santa Clara Sporting found out during state last year.
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:06 pm
the talented kid was on the Deer Valley team.
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:26 pm
#129. Ebal Fan. #5 MV @ #1 Cal may turn out be a barn-burner, but I suspect a coronation. However, there is a match in Livermore with two other teams tied for 3rd that are battling to keep pace with the Cowboys.
Yes, the Wolves @ the Mats may, in fact, be the match of the night with the home team looking to avenge a 1-2 loss in Danville. With MV in 5th place, they will be clawing to keep ahead of #6 DLS which closes with the Falcons, Dons and Wolves (could be 4-7 points, say 5+), while the ‘Stangs close with the Grizzlies, Cowboys and Wolves (could be 0-5 points, say 3+).
Let the EBAL beat down continue. See you at the pitch.
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:29 pm
MVAL Scores
Newark 6-0 MSJ
Logan loses 0-1 to Kennedy
Irvington won 2-0 i believe vs Washington. Not certain.. but the other 2 for sure.
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:22 am
I am way late here. Have to work sometime. Took in both the BOD/Arroyo and MV/Granada games on Tuesday.
BOD looked good against an Arroyo team that appeared organized. BOD looked faster and stronger that day. BOD capitalized on opportunities.
MV/Granada was an example of the cruelties of futbol if you don’t put away your chances. At 38:52, Zamora fed a great short pass to Salimpour who missed an open net. To his credit, Salimpour did come back and score the equalizer. I agree with earlier posts that Granada’s chances were limited to 4-5 and MV’s 12 – 15. Foster made his opportunites count with great goals. The MV goalie appeared to be flatfooted and slightly shifted over too far and left the second post exposed.
As far as Foster’s or Granada fans actions go, they were not bad. Yes, Foster fouled, given a yellow and came out. Don’t you usually get a cheer when you score 2 goals and come out. The coach’s behavior on the other hand is not acceptable. He should be held to a higher standard. You should be suspended whether it is one game or the rest of the season if you get more than 1 RED.
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:41 am
Sweeper, I’ve heard you and others use the phrase “A tie would have been a fair result”. Can you explain to me what you mean be that? Fairer to who? Just curious
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:17 am
WHOA! Logan lost to kennedy! Was expecting Logan to win and battle Newark tomorrow for the championship.I wouldnt be suprised if Logan comes out weak, i know forsure Newark aint taking nothing from them. Newark still undefeated in league and still has no GA. Newark is gonna be hard to beat!Would love to see them face against Cal in the NCS.
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 am
Miramonte played an excellent game and Campo looked a little tired/flat,last night. Miramonte was outgunned, but they did very well in the midfield, using swarming tactics on defense.
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:12 am
#136 OHD. Fair, not fairer.
It speaks to the evenness of the the match all things considered. In the match referenced, I was alluding to the physical tactics used by Acalanes to try to intimidate Dougherty Valley, offset by the won’t-quit-get-up-and-play attitude of the Wildcats, as well as the relatively equal number of quality scoring oportunities. Luck also enters the equation, and in this case DoV was unlucky on two shot attempts just as the Dons didn’t catch a break hitting the crossbar from a long crossing shot that the keeper could not reach.
Said another way, at tie would not have been unfair. Such is soccer…
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 am
Anonymous #103, ok, the ability of DLS “to enroll players from anywhere who want to play on their team” is an argument that we’ll spare the rest of the people on this blog from as it’s been beaten to death for years and years. But what’s your solution? Bring back the C.A.L.?
And as for “two is enough”, what if, say, SRV wins 2 NCS titles in a row, have they hit their quota and are thus ineligible to compete the 3rd year? Maybe that rule is already in force via natural selection: Looking at the CIF NCS site I see AV went back to back in ’87 and ’88, Irvington in ’97 and ’98, Monte Vista in ’06 and ’07, and Miramonte in DII in ’03 and ’04. I guess 2 is the limit. No three-peats. We’ll see where we’re at late in the evening on Feb 26. Peace.
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:11 am
Sweeper, thanks for the grammer lesson. When you say a tie would not have been unfair it makes more sense. However, there was a winner and a loser regardless of the “evenness of the match” so why say it at all? If the match would have ended in a tie then saying that was a fair result because the play was even makes more sense to me. Just my oppinion, no big deal. Such is soccer indeed.
February 3rd, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Hey Matt, why do think a team like Newark is not recognized by ESPN rise top 50? This year DLS,SRV, and MV all have cracked the top 50. Newark on paper is clearly better than these teams.(on paper)
February 3rd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Regarding comments about 2 or 3 soccer titles in a row being too many and giving other teams a shot, the answer is 19 and counting. Think D-I football.
February 3rd, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Newark looked good when they played srv but not great. the game between srv and newark should have ended in a tie. it was 2-2 with only a few minutes to go and srv gave up a last minute goal against the run of play. srv has had a significant number of “strange losses” this year. lost 1-0 acalanes, giving up a goal in stoppage time against the run of play. losing 2-1 to livermore with livermore scoring in the last five minutes off a defection that the goalie would have saved easily but for the deflection, etc. frankly, they should be 12-3-5 instead of 12-7-1. Cal and Woodbridge both beat them pretty good (cal is by far the best team i have watched this year in my opinion. some very talented players who can beat you off the dribble) but the other games had very strange twists, including monte vista.
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Matt
predictions for tonight in the EBAL?
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:29 pm
No two is enough for DLS because they’re a private school in a public league. (it would be a different assessment if they were in not the CAL, but the WCAL with Bellarmine, Valley Christian, St. Francis, Mitty, and all the other elite private schools). Two might not be enough for a much less advantaged public school if the players are playing their behinds off and playing with exceptional heart. I’m not necessarily saying DLS doesn’t, but I believe their efforts will be matched and it’s the match that deserves to prevail this time. If my being relieved over their EBAL title elimination offends you, I’m sorry. It’s just that competitive equality is faltering badly enough to where we need to stir things up a bit, even if what a team deserves is hurt a little for it.
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:41 pm
#12 Mt Eden 1 Hayward 3..great match Mt Eden came straight off the start with an early goal, then about 3 min later Hayward came back with a goalie mistake. Even match Mt Eden had posesion of the center the whole half with 2 min to go Hayward off a free kick got the second one in. Second half was a good fight Hayward had the ball more, then off a good run from the forward got slid and received a pk. Mt Eden missed their chance to come back about 7 min later Hayward got a great shot to put it away and just played the clock out. Excting match and a major upset Gonzalez and his defense shut down the forwards today. This league just keeps getting better and better!!
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:45 pm
(028159 regarded above) And yes, The Sweeper, I think we all know that story too well. But we know for sure that DLS recruits in football. Even in spite of the hard work those kids put in, that has to have a little impact on other teams beating them. I think the fact that they are becoming so indestructible is why CAL hired a coach who started for DLS. In just his second year, he was a dubious onside kick catch interference call, touchdown, and pat from beating them. Therefore, there is evidence we deserved that game. At least the football players there are as near-perfect as they can be.
In soccer, I don’t feel they are. I think this time, we, let alone we or one of the Livermore schools, will bring them down, because of this. And also, that’s why I believe in spite of the fact they won 19 football titles, 2 is enough for their soccer. Maybe in a year or two they will exert lots of hard work, heart, etc. and arguably more of such than other teams, and may thus deserve another one. But I feel that needs to wait.
February 3rd, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Predictions…
Liv 3, AV 1
DLS 2, FH 0
SRV2, Granada 2
Cal 2, MV 1
I’m at Cal right now.
I also want to address a couple other questions later tonight, including Newark.
February 3rd, 2011 at 6:10 pm
It’s not really an unfair criticism to accuse DLS of cherry picking. I mean, the truth is the truth. They CAN and DO give special consideration to star athletes
(an aside, do they give this to star ACADEMIC prospects as well?).
and it’s gotta be wearying at, least to coaches, to year in year out get beat by the high school equivalent of a div. 1 club team that costs big bucks to join and gets the cream from all over.
February 3rd, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Berkeley vs Richmond? Score?
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:25 pm
MV 1 Cal 1 Final
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:29 pm
richmond 1 berkeley 1
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Just got back from CAL vs MV. Wow in my opinion this is one of the best games I have seen this year. These are the probably the best two teams, I would love to see Newark against one of them.
Now a recap, both teams moved and kept the ball, CAL scores on a deflection after a play was started by their play maker #10. MV tied it right after on a PK that was questionable and they had one later that wasn’t called that should have been instead of the first one.
Second half, very back and forth with MV getting unlucky hitting the post in the last few minutes.
Now on another note, we all had been waiting for Zamora to return to see him play and he was non existent tonight in anyway. On MV’s side I was impressed with their back line and #2 up top.
On CAL, very good game from their play maker keeping it simple so #10, their very complete left back #11 and their left mid #21 were the best players on their team.
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:41 pm
Cal 1 M.V. 1 An incredibly bad hand ball call in the box gave M.V. a P.K. which resulted in the equalizer. Though this game was poorly officiated, Cal did not play up to their potential.
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:47 pm
#10? Playmaker? What game were u watching. Most overrated player I have seen thus far. Not only is he immobile and slow of foot, but also very careless with the ball. The deflection goal California scored was a joke to say the least and by no means caused by their so called “playmaker”… As far as the game itself, MV outplayed their opponent once again, the defense was dominant as usual and Cal escaped with a lucky tie.
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:48 pm
EBAL fan you said you went to the Cal Mv game right? Who were you watching? Rivas, #10, was completely shut down and had a hissy fit that was just embarrassing to him and his teammates. Also, Zamora was all over the field. I agree with Mv’s back line. Absolutely stellar with only one shot on goal that went off a defenders face for a deflection into the back of the net. Mv also had a pk that should have been called On the other hand, amazing game all around from both sides.
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:53 pm
SRV 3, Granada 2 – Big road win for the wolves
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:00 pm
I just got back to my dwelling after watching the CAL vs. MV game in San ramon. It was an incredible game to say the least. And you would be lying if you said CAL deserved the win. The mustangs dominated possession, and came out fired up. The main aspect of their game that I have touched up on multiple times is their defense. Once again McKee, Hromatko, and Beltran played pretty much the whole game and their defensive wall barely got penetrated. The goal that CAL scored deflected of a defenseman and spun back avoiding the keeper. It was complete luck considering the fact that the ball was missing wide by a large margin. MV was not phased and scored a goal a few moments later. The rest of the game the stangs were knocking on the door, and had numerous promising chances. The tie was a lucky outcome for the grizzlies and I still believe MV wil make a run in NCS.
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Richmond:1 Berkeley:1
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:15 pm
California 28
San Ramon Valley 22
Livermore 21
Monte Vista 19
Granada 19
De La Salle 19 (assuming they beat Foothill)
Foothill 4
Amador Valley 2
San Ramon Valley is the only team still alive to take the EBAL title from Cal, but I’m confident that won’t happen. It looks like the seeds going down to number nine are going to be toss-ups. Starting in round two, it looks like NCS is going to be a total showdown. But don’t get me wrong, the first round will have a game or two that will be thrillers.
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
ok Ebal fan and everyone else out there. Yes #10 #21 #11 #13 all very good players, but come on. take note, defense needs to get credit also.#8 Matt Goodman, #4 Steve Rector,#16 Jake Volpe #12 Duke Driggs, #11 Ben Danielson, and Freshman keeper Derek Wilcox. Check out their goals againt. It’s about time these names get mentioned
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Honestly Rivas did nothing in this game and i dont know what your talking about he started the play to make their goal, he had literally no effect on the game whatsoever
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Oh and by the way I thought Drigg was the best player on field for Cal tonight.
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Certain players on CAL beat players, however they aren’t efficient to produce a real threat. Driggs was a stud tonight but as often certain players don’t get mentioned as their role isn’t seen but it is crucial to the team.
VERY VERY poor officiated game.
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Last thing, MV fans= the loudest parents out of all the team.
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Matt where do you think the bsal teams will be ranked this year? Albany has been solid. Piedmont, st marys and kennedy could also be dangerous.
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
who won the livermore and dls games?
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Pictures of the Cal – MV game are available on my site
http://www.fjphotoguy.com/CalHighSoccer2010-2011/CalHighvsMonteVista2-3-2010
Enjoy!
The FJPhotoGuy
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Matthew,
If we’re gonna give credit to defenses, I think we should talk about MV’s defense as well. While their numbers may not be as good as Cal’s I would pick them over Cal on any given day. Tonight, for example, MV broke down Cal’s defense on numerous occasions and had multiple opportunities to score. Meanwhile, MV’s defense completely shut down Cal’s volatile offense. I can honestly say that Cal did not have a single opportunity that they absolutely should have scored. MV’s defense (#13, #3, #19, #15) played their hearts out tonight, and it showed. Cal’s goal was a lucky deflection, but MV bounced right back on a questionable PK call, but a call nonetheless.
Overall, it was a fantastic game, easily one of the best I have seen all year.
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Flipped a coin at 5:30pm and headed to Cal and not to Granada. I will leave the reporting details to Matt, but here are my observations:
1. For tempo and intensity, this was in the top 3 of matches that I have seen this season. Of the 80 minutes of play, over 20 minutes were near full tilt (very rare). There were periods with too much kick-ball after the teams became tired, and several instances of over-dribbling, but not by the team field generals.
2. Contrary to other postings, this was not a poorly officiated match, but it lacked 2 or 3 yellow cards on hard fouls where the challenger did not play the ball, so play got unruly at times. In addition, the head ref listened to his ARs on two situations that were egregious. Grade B, except for the PK call.
3. I will defer to Matt Smith’s report for the Cal goal details.
4. The hand ball call was questionable to me because it did not appear to be deliberate, and it was called immediately without a scan of the field by the ref. It may have been the “proper” call, but it was not the correct call given the facts and circumstances (away from the goal, at a diagonal, not a shot on goal and not clearly deliberate IMHO). Cal #10 was not on the field when the PK was awarded, but interestingly, when he returned to the field he focused on denying a repeat attack from that passing lane for several minutes.
5. Cal controlled much of the second half, except for the last 15 minutes, when MV got a second wind and played straight up with the Grizzlies.
6. MV’s best chance to score from the field was a shot late in the match from 30+ yards out. It was an arcing shot that hit the crossbar and rebounded back to the field of play. It looked to me that the Cal keeper had the shot covered, and that he may have tipped it, but if not, he would have blocked/punched it if it were in frame.
7. In a rematch, I am not sure how MV will score without the benefit of another favorable call. I did sense that MV #5 was playing 67% semi-defense and 33% semi-offense, working his game legs, and testing the Grizzlies from different angles. As it worked out, he was also generally on the opposite side of the field (side to side) from Cal #10. That showed me that MV was taking different looks for a few different counter-attack angles in the event of a rematch in NCS.
At 16-0-4, Cal remains the head of the class in the EBAL and in the NCS.
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Dang..EBAL is crazy! Berkeley tying Richmond too – NCS is going to be wild! Question though to the blog overall – why oh why do u fall in the trap of bringing up DLS and recruiting?! I swear there hasn’t been one blog where that is brought up. Public vs. Private is a time worn argument, can’t we just leave it alone? Anyways..I can’t wait to see the seedings when they are done as this will not be an easy job for the d1 crew.
Heard thru my network that DLS beat Foothill 1-0 but I have no details. Spread the love everybody..
100
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
Sweeper, your recaps are amazing. I did see that when #10 came back into the game he was a little worried about giving up another goal but for the first 20 minutes of the second half he kept the ball moving. I still believe both teams make too many substitutions, this needs to get fixed come NCS time, these boys are fit.
Also, credit to the CAL parents for their senior night, very well organized along with a credit to the other team’s seniors.
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:18 pm
I don’t know what you were watching sweeper but the shot by # 19 on MV was a ripper that they keeper wasn’t even close to, and if it had been 3 inches lower it would have hit the bottom of the post and bounced in. You should really get your eyes checked because there was no way in hell the keeper was gonna get there and he definitely didn’t get a hand on it.
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Ebal4life, I agree with you, MV defense is the best that Cal has faced. What was luckier the deflection or the bogus pk call? MV was very good tonight. cheers
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Postscript to Cal’s season to-date. 8-0-0 out of league and 8-0-4 in league, with ties against the Cowboys, Dons, Falcons and Mustangs. How would you rank these 4 teams? Go figure, its the EBAL.
To borrow and emend a famous movie line: “The other leagues are the weak and the EBAL is the tyranny of NCS soccer.”
February 4th, 2011 at 12:02 am
What game is everyone heading to tomorrow?
February 4th, 2011 at 12:32 am
SoccerScout, I don’t know about everyone else, but I plan to see Newark at James Logan. Posters say that Logan will win, but after the setback against Kennedy, the Colts need to step it up even if they cannot win league. A loss will mean the Colts will be seeded 13-16 and have a road match against Cal/DeV/New/Berk/SRV/Liv(?). A win means a #9-12 seed on the road against SRV/Liv/Gr/DLS/MV/other.
I have heard that Mr. Smith may travel from SF to report live on the match.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:06 am
Livermore vs Amador Valley 1:1 tie
February 4th, 2011 at 8:10 am
#166 Photo Guy – Great shots as usual especially the senior night pictures. Good Stuff! There were a lot of seniors on the pitch tonight and they represented themselves and their schools well. Speaking of Seniors, I noticed the roster posted by MV on Maxi Preps shows something like 21 out of 23 players are seniors this year. That’s a big reload for next year. Anybody know how their younger teams are doing this year? I’ve heard a lot of hype about the AV players coming up next year so it sounds like they will definitely improve. Never too early to think about next year
February 4th, 2011 at 8:27 am
Matt… is it possible that you make a prediction of the DII bracket?
Just for the rest of the fans.
Thanks
February 4th, 2011 at 8:41 am
To address a few posts…
I’m not sure why ESPN isn’t giving any love to Newark. I’m guessing it’s a recognition thing. A national magazine knows of the EBAL, but not of the other leagues. That would be my guess. Based on how rankings work, Newark deserves some love and so does Berkeley.
About the BSAL teams…Albany is clearly legit and is rolling right now. I wouldn’t want to draw them in the Division II bracket. St. Mary’s, Piedmont and Kennedy are teams that can give just about anyone a tough time. Don’t sleep on them.
My D II projections are something like this as of right now…
Acalanes
Campolindo
San Lorenzo
Albany
Bishop O’Dowd
YV
Hayward
Dublin
Pinole Valley
Concord
Dougherty Valley
St. Mary’s
Piedmont
Alhambra/Kennedy-Fremont (Which ever becomes eligible)
Kennedy-Richmond
This is just a real quick guesstimation off the top of my head. I will be more thorough, and more accurate, next week when I make my official seeding thoughts before the NCS meeting.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Matt,
Did you give us YOUR game thoughts from last nights CAL-MV match?
Would love to get your neutral viewpoint.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:46 am
I thought it was a great game. High intensity on both sides, and like Sweeper said, both teams going all out for a good chunk of the game.
I felt like Cal had looked very good for a good portion of the second half, but both defenses made sure that most threats didn’t turn into solid chances.
I thought the battle in the midfield with Zamora and Rivas was excellent. I feel like Rivas played well, though some people have said they thought he did not.
He’s a very good leader out there.
I think Cal is going to be tough because their back line is so stout. And Ben Danielson is pretty darn good at left back.
MV is just so solid all the way around and will be a tough out in the playoffs.
February 4th, 2011 at 10:38 am
I’m saying we shoot for 250 this week!
February 4th, 2011 at 10:47 am
#190 – We better get cracking then! The Logan/Newark match should generate some action.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:08 am
Local College Soccer Signings
Not really much of a suprise, but wow, quite a difference of opportunity betweem our boys and our girls
Is this really it on the Guys side?
Boys Soccer
Jacob Boyd (Livermore) High Point University (N.C.)
Dallas Jaye (San Ramon Valley) South Florida
Max Oldham (Bishop O’Dowd) Cal
Alex Valdovinos (James Logan) CSU Stanislaus
Rafael Zamora (Monte Vista) USF
Girls Soccer
Chelsea Archer (Bishop O’Dowd) Washington
Christina Archer (Bishop O’Dowd) Washington
Annie Amos (Foothill) BYU
Allie Begin (San Ramon Valley) Cal Poly
Alesha Blair (Foothill) Santa Clara
Kelsey Booth (Clayton Valley) San Diego State
Alex Brothers (Carondelet) George Washington
Darby Broeker (California) UNC Charlotte
Amy Czyz (Carondelet) Rice
Rachel DeChristofaro (Alhambra) Holy Names
Serena DeChristofaro (Alhambra) Southern Oregon
Paige Diamond (Washington) Denver
Rogan Dolan (Carondelet) UC Davis
Briana Gaines (Dougherty Valley) SMU
Chris Garrigan (James Logan) Nevada
Ari Gordon (Heritage) CSU East Bay
Nicole Harioka (Carondelet) Case Western
Tracy Hong (California) Cal Poly
Megan Kufeld (Washington HS) Washington
Kory Lamet (Carondelet) Cal
Joana Lopez (Castro Valley) Fresno State
Simone Melvin (California) Belmont Abbey
Sami Schrakamp (Monte Vista) Northwestern
Gabe Stange (James Logan) San Jose State
Courtney Stonesfir (Amador Valley) Westmont College
Megan Tabler (Foothill) Chico State
Kristina Utley (Castro Valley) Cincinnati
Allyson White (Carondelet) Fordham
Michelle Yasutake (College Park) UC San Diego
February 4th, 2011 at 11:18 am
MV@ Cal- Observations from spectator with no skin in game:
-Road game for MV
-Senior night for Cal
-Chance for Cal to clinch title
All mentioned in prior posts as advantages for Cal. No aknowledgement after the fact from so called neutral parties.
-First 20 minutes MV controlled, next 20 pretty even, third 20 all Cal, next 5 even, last 15 all MV.
-Stellar defense by both squads
-Cal’s Fagensen/Danielson were outstanding
-Cals # 13 was shut down/ineffective
-MV’s # 2 was top offensive player
-MV’s #15 played outstanding defense
-Ref allowed rough play by both sides, should have issued 2-3 yellows
-Despite Cal fan objections to handball call, Cal got away with an intentional handball in box, a jersey grab/ pull by the last defender on a breakaway by #2, and a handball out of the box by their GK( foul was called on MV player). MV got away with plenty as well, but not in the scoring areas. Great game, pretty evenly played, but I saw MV as the better team in this one. SRV- Cal is the game to watch on Tues.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:24 am
Who do you think will be the recipient of the player of the year in the EBAL? So many studs in the league this year. Very good Granada player who has scored in his past couple games, people mention Rivas as a contender, and also the MV defense could hold the true MVP of EBAL. What are your opinions?
February 4th, 2011 at 11:45 am
Top 5 teams in EBAL are Cal, SRV, Liv, DLS, and MV; sorry Granada, the home loss to SRV makes you sixth (regardless of standings), but still deserving of an NCS birth.
For you stat heads: The EBAL FIVE are 33-7-4 in non-league games and 32-15-13 in league. So, they lose almost twice as many games in league as they do outside and they draw three times more.
*The top D1 teams outside EBAL (according to the current rankings) are Newark, Deer Valley, Berk, CV, Mt Eden, Pitt, Richmond, Logan and Arroyo. The nine have a record against the EBAL FIVE of 3-8-4. Two of those three victories are of a 1-goal variety by Newark over Livermore when the Cowboys were missing their 5 academy players.
*Wondering how the top teams fair against everyone besides the best of EBAL? Try 94-24-19. Basically four wins to every loss.
*Historically, a member of the EBAL has won California’s North Coast Section championship 22 out of the past 30 years (and 8 of last 10). Last year, 5 of final 8 teams, 3 of the final 4 and both finalists were from the EBAL.
*A team like Monte Vista (or almost any other EBAL FIVE), who could realistically finish this season in the lower half, would have an excellent chance to win EVERY other league.
My long-winded point is this: I don’t mind ranking EBAL FIVE schools low (Matt is so on top of all things East Bay HS soccer), but it would be unjust to seed any of them in the lower half of the NCS tournament.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:48 am
Great stuff, SoccerGuy. Really good breakdown.
February 4th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Great analysis SoccerGuy: When you consider thatNewark is 3-0 against the EBAL’s big 5, that means that according to your results the other 8 teams did not get a win in 11 chances against the big 5.
Definitely strong evidence for the EBAL’s 5 to get high seeds in NCS.
February 4th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
7bliss7, you make some good points, however when it comes to intentional hand ball in box? last man take down in box? keeper hand ball on play that the MV player had no chance for the ball tried to take keeper out?(unsuccessful). Wow, you saw the game quite different. you did not see the keeper head the ball? I did see a few hand balls not called. Did you see #5 for MV take that cheap shot at #14?(should of been at least a yellow) did you see the hand ball that was called for a pk? film shows it hit #4 in the back. no hand ball, but thats the breaks. so now in 160 minutes of play they have 1 goal by pk against Cal.
February 4th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Ebal dad: wow that is crazy but many colleges don’t come out here to see the boys unless they’re playing for a very good club that travels around the state. I honestly think colleges are missing out on a bunch of great bay area players. There is couple a few more boys that are getting recruited but they keep it to theirself for some reason.
February 4th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I’m sorry Mval, after double-checking, I missed Deer Valley’s win over Monte Vista earlier in the year. Chalk one up for the other 8 teams.
I’m still on Deer Valley’s band wagon, although you don’t replace a forward of the quality they lost.
One last reason I believe EBAL has been so successful, and are deserving of high seeding, it’s very difficult to prepare for the quality of NCS when you are defeating the majority of your opponents 3-0, 5-0 and 6-0. Your stats and record look great, but it doesn’t help a defense or keeper prepare for the technically and athletically superior competition of the season’s final tournament.
February 4th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Following SoccerGuy’s lead on EBAL stats, I’ve included a breakdown of the DFAL’s strength & record in D2. Thanks, SoccerGuy.
Top 5 teams in DFAL are Campo, Acalanes, Dublin, Dougherty Valley and Alhambra. All should get into NCS as long as Alhambra can get above .500
The DFAL top five teams are 33-6-7 in non-league competition (10-5-3 against D1 schools – Alhambra has half of those losses). These DFAL teams are 23-16-7 in league play.
Top D2 teams in rankings outside of DFAL are San Lorenzo, Ygnacio Valley, Albany, Bishop O’Dowd, and Hayward. San Lorenzo has a tie against Campo. YV has lost to Dougherty. Albany has a loss to Las Lomas (last place in DFAL), a tie against Alhambra and a win against Miramonte (6th ranked team in DFAL). O’Dowd has a loss to Dougherty Valley, a wins against Las Lomas and Miramonte. Hayward has no history against DFAL teams this year.
Since NCS has gone to two divisions for soccer, a member of the DFAL has won the NCS championship 9 out of the past 10 years.
In my biased opinion, Campo, Acalanes, Dublin and Dougherty Valley deserve high seeds based on the non-league dominance. Might not be how the seeding committee sees things, but the numbers don’t lie.
February 4th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Dougherty Valley Fan. I’m sorry but how can you be a fan of thos powder blue, talentless soccer players? Dougherty vs. Monte Vista would be a blowout the likes of which have never been seen.
February 4th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Acalanes and Campo will get high seeds. Dougherty and Dublin won’t. Dougherty has 2 wins that they won’t get in NCS. They Beat O’Dowd before O’dowd had all the academy players. They won’t beat them in NCS. They beat YV when they had a lot of players out for injuries and they won’t beat them in NCS. They will end up playing a very tough game in the first round and might be out right away. Albany seems to be stepping up at the right time. Will be a very tough team to beat in NCS.
February 4th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Wrong division, my friend. In any case, your ignorance is on display with a comment like so there’s no need for discussion.
Moving on with the D2 argument in favor of the DFAL teams as high seeds:
Campolindo: 14-1-3, Only loss in DFAL plus 3 DFAL ties to Las Lomas, Alhambra and Miramonte.
Acalanes 14-2-4, 1 DFAL loss and one DFAl tie vs Miramonte
Dublin: 12-5-2, with 4 of 5 total losses in DFAL
Dougherty Valley: 10-7-4, with 6 of 7 losses coming to DFAL opponents (3 to Campo, 2 to Acalanes and one to Dublin).
Alhambra: 8-8-3, with 5 of 8 losses coming in DFAL
February 4th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Soccerfan, the Academy argument or injury argument is getting old. Every team goes through injuries, suspensions, or missing players for whatever reason. DV team could make the same case for their losses, as could most teams. The fact is, those games count and the results have to be taken into account when seeding.
February 4th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Soccerfan-
So Acalanes and Campo get high seeds right? Right. And Dublin and Dougherty don’t? Uhm, Hmmmmmm let’s look at this. Every team plays everyoter team twice in league. Therefore since Acalanes and Campo are high seeds, Dublin should lose to both twice, giving them naturally 4 losses. They play Acalanes tonight and if they lose, 4 out of 6 of their losses would be from those two teams. And that would go to Dougherty too, with addition to 2 additional losses to Dublin (assuming they lose again). There is no basis of stating they won’t get high seeds because DFAL dominates D2, just look at the past NCS winners. Playing in this league guarantees you a loss at some point, because all teams are competitive, unlike the HAAL, BSAL, or OAL. The DFAL teams should get higher priority by default due to strength of schedule.
February 4th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
who in your opinion is going to win the ebal mvp matt? or just a list of the close sontenders
February 4th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
matt wat is the the d1 prediction for now can you post it?
February 4th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
A little different approach on the HAAL teams. I believe field surfaces are going to play a big part in the success or defeat of the HAAL teams competing in the NCS. BOD – Turf field – The Dragons are clearly a much better team on their home field, 3 out of their 4 loses and a tie have come on grass. HAYWARD – Grass field – The Farmers are almost unbeatable on their home pitch which is wet & sloppy in the rain, just ask San Lorenzo and yet they travel to Tennyson and the Lancers who are in the bottom third of the league beat them on a turf field. Hayward lost to BOD in Oakland on turf and beat them at home on grass. SAN LORENZO – Grass field – The rebels in my oppionion have did the best against BOD in Oakland losing 3 to 2 but played a great match on BOD’s turf field and beat them at home on grass. MT. EDEN – Grass field – The Monarch’s lost to BOD on turf and then beat them on grass. It looks like these four will get into the playoffs but if those teams who play on grass at home go on the road they will have an adjustment to make. My bottom line oppinion is San Lorenzo makes the adjustment, BOD is going to be real tough forget about their loses they will be bad ass off of grass, they play on turf no matter what. Hayward and Mt Eden will struggle on turf but they have great goal keeping which may be the equalizer. I’m using BOD as the bench mark because they are clearly the best turf team this year in the HAAL. BTW I am not a BOD student,parent or fan.
February 4th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
MV VS Cal
My interest has been with the freshmen for one of the local EBAL teams and have not seen a lot of the varsity contests this blog so nicely describes.I decided to see the game between Cal and MV and now see what all of you are talking about in this power league. After reading the blogs above have decided to respond to what I saw Thursday at Cal. I saw 2 great high school teams whom have an elevated game with some outstanding athletes. I don’t totally agree with the criticism of the refs as stated because soccer is a game of pressure. The team that applies said pressure will make something happen and both teams did so with success. Cal applied 10 minuets of intense pressure during a portion of the game and were rewarded with a ball which was deflected past the MV GK. The Cal fans were saying the MV GK was weak but I did not see that at all. He did a great job and was fully supported by a strong defense during the game. MV then applied extreme pressure on a wonderful Cal defense led by #10 but he is just part of this group which battled #2 and #8 from MV. That pressure created by MV resulted in a hand ball and both goals by each team were fully earned.
February 4th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
I was working on D I at school today, but got busy. I’ll try to have one up this weekend.
EBAL MVP is going to be tough. Foster is a scoring machine, and Livermore has some studs. You guys might think I’m crazy, but I think Cal’s left back, Ben Danielson, is as good as anyone. He means a lot to that team. I’d lean towards him.
February 4th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Old HAAL dad,
very good analysis on grass vs turf teams. I think Mt eden might make the adjustment. I saw them play at Castro Valley and they looked better on turf I thought.
February 4th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
ok matt how is richmond looking? how about pinole? and berkeley?
February 4th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
DLS’s Bernardi should also be in the running for EBAL MVP. Most of DLS’s losses this year were when he and the other DLS captain (DeCosta) have been out with injuries. He is a playmaker.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Pinole seems to be turning it around at the right time, so that’s good. If they get back to playing the way they were mid-season, they are a major threat in Division II.
I think Berkeley goes deep into the playoffs. I think they are built for the post-season tournament. I also think Richmond is dangerous, just based on talent. They will probably be a 13 or 14 seed, and I wouldn’t want to be the No. 3 or 4 that has to play them in the first round.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
About Turf Fields
Mt.Eden lost to Kennedy-Richmond 2-1 On Kennedy turf field.
Matt
Good think you didn’t go and watch Berkeley- Richmond game. It was BORING. Berkeley sat back all game.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
matt do you think Richmond is going to get in ncs? how about Pinole? Richmond had a close game againts berkeley with a very young team what do you think?
February 4th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Dublin 1 – 1 Acalanes
Dublin led most of the game, but Acalanes scored a beautiful goal with about 20 minutes to go. Very physical, with a soft red going to a Gael and the Dons getting multiple yellows. Once again the question of Acalanes’ keeper comes up due to his absence and them being forced to play a backup, who clearly is uncomfortable. A tall team should be able to knock them out if they can get balls in the air close to goal because the Goalie fails to leave his line.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Richmond will definitely be in NCS. They’d have to go 0-2 not to get in and I don’t see that happening.
They are so skilled and could be trouble for teams.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
If you had to pick now, who would be the few “bubble” teams to get in for D1?
February 4th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
By the way, Tack (the guy who commented above) has no idea what he’s talking about. In the Acalanes vs. Dublin game, Acalanes dominated the whole second half with countless chances when Dublin had but one or two shots that posed no threat. Also, the Acalanes keeper has been nominated for several awards this season for his outstanding play. Dublin got lucky they were awarded a goal that didn’t even cross the line. To Dublin’s credit, they played for the tie and they got it.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I would say Granada, Freedom and College Park. CP is in great shape. Richmond is in very good shape.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Acalanes’ keeper is outstanding. Their back-up, not so much.
And please answer me these two questions, sir:
1) How did they play for a tie, when they scored first?
2) How could you possibly know that the ball did not cross the line? From where you were, assuming you are actually a coach for your points sake because fans have even worse vision, you have no clear way of seeing that ball. The sideline ref stand on the line. Not 50 yards away and looking diagonal.
Oh, just one last thing:
3) How can you honestly take pride in your school when drunken students harass the visiting keeper, and then walk to the visiting side and try to fight the parents and JV team. If that’s how your students behave, you should have no part in the honor of being a DFAL school.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
CoachF #221 is delusional. I was also at the Dublin Acalanes game. It was as Tack said. The Dublin goal did cross the line. The AR was in line with the goal and confirmed the goal. It was Acalanes who played for the tie and played dirty as well. Acalanes should be forced to forfeit the game based on the behavior of a group of boys in the home stand who were kicked out of the Acalanes stands and then somehow ended up back on the visitor side being obnoxious and vulgar and yelling and one mom to go back to Mexico and telling her “F u b___ch”. The ref and AR did nothing. Those same boys taunted the Dublin team walking to the bus. It was so bad we were looking for police and none to be found.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Matt can you talk more about DII
February 4th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Piedmont 2-0 vs Albany what does this mean? Albany beats st marys 6-0 then losses 2-0 to piedmont who lost to st marys 3-0 at home? I think Albany has a huge home field advantage as they beat piedmont and st marys at home. A 2-0 loss earlier at st marys and a 2-1 win at home vs piedmont. This will probably not change any league standing as Albany is still 3 pts ahead of st marys and 4 ahead of piedmont but it does raise some questions. Btw don’t hate on the bsal I know the league isn’t top to bottom like the dfal but st marys Albany and piedmont won’t go down easily in ncs.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Newark 1 – Logan 0 on the astroturf
Newark still has not given up a goal in league.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Berkeley put 10 guys behind the ball and defended the whole game …pretty boring for such a high ranked team.I thought it will be a real classico .Richmond kids should have scored 3-4 goals .Very impressed in how they kept control of the game and great build up to their goal.They must have had 20 passes before they scored with a tremendous placed header.Berkeley is not as good as i thought they would.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Well Tack, sir,
1) Haha i don’t know what game you’re talking about but when a team played nothing but kickball and was obviously taking every opportunity to waste time, that’s usually called “playing for the tie”.
2) Being a player myself that was standing on the line when the ball was bouncing around in the six yard box, i witnessed first hand the ball clearly cleared before crossing the line.
oh, just one last thing:
3) I didn’t know those ten or so fans represented our whole school, but thanks for letting me know.
oh and just one more last thing:
our “not so good” keeper has never let in more than one goal in a game and has had 7 shutouts since he first stepped in 11 games ago. And of the four goals that did get by him, one was an own goal and one didn’t even go in, so cya Tack go stick yourself into a wall.
February 4th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Coach F
Dublin dominated the first half. 7 shots on goal Vs 2.The first 20 of the secnd half belonged to Acalanes but the final 20 belonged to Dublin. As for your keeper comments. Did you notice Dublins best player and team captain was not playing? Out sick. Clearly two strong teams but if you think Dublin was lucky, I guarantee you, your Acalanes coach does not want to play Dublin in NCS
February 4th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
1) Uhm the airball was used because you’re defense sucks at defending it. When we scored our goal, one of our 5’5 players head the ball for the shot. And your defense is over 6 feet easy. O’Dowd, if you read this, play in the air please. Please do it.
2) OH MY GOSH! you were on the field too?! May I offer you a free eye exam? I “sir” was too on the field, closer to you, close enough that I ran into the goalie as he tried to pick the ball up out of the net. Don’t try and pull a Germany, “Coach”, the ‘England’ shot clearly went in.
3) What’s the saying? Youre only as good as your weakest link. Well clearly you’re only as classy as your drunken peers.
Awh give him a cookie.
Oh, and we really didn’t care about adding a win to our record, or accusing 3 points. We did all we could tonight to make sure your sorry school didn’t win DFAL outright. Not one school wants you to represent our League, and sadly enough you will. Sure, our rivals are Dougherty. Sure we don’t like Alhambra. Campo we want revenge. But you, we hate. Campo hates. O’Dowd hates you even. Seriously, what your school did tonight to our moms and brothers was uncalled for. If we see your “school” again in NCS we will win. Trust me. And of somehow we don’t, we will personally make sure to end some of your careers. (I’m sorry Matt, for getting this heated, and I wish you were there tonight so you can understand where this is coming from.) You are a dirty, filthy team from a pompous, superfluous school that scums up DFAL.
February 4th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
First post…
Just checking in for scores.
February 4th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
WOW! Were you talking about the varsity game or are you a jv player. And you should probably talk for yourselves about who likes who. You’re probably O’Dowds least favorite team after you stole NCS from them. You guys are garbage, not only does your team suck (excuse my language) but your dirty. In the two games we’ve played, you’ve ended two of our players seasons and gotten a red. So instead of complaining about our school why don’t you focus on your dirty team who just needs to learn how to play soccer because trust me you guys need some work if you ever want a chance at winning this season.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Hey Soccer410,
Anything about D II in particular you want me to talk about? Or just in general?
Generally I think Campo is still the team to beat, and it’s mostly because I think highly of Alex Mangels. If I were putting the odds out there, I’d say Campo, Acalanes and San Lorenzo would take up almost the entire pie chart.
I think either of those three teams can win it, and one of them probably will. Just because I consider Campo the favorite doesn’t mean anything. That’s like saying that Campo has a 50.1 percent chance and Acalanes a 49.9 percent chance. It’s very close.
Talent wise, I think San Lorenzo, YV and Albany are teams nobody wants to catch when they are playing quality possession soccer. Even though Albany lost to Piedmont, I still think that team can go very deep.
Let’s not leave out the defending champs, Dublin. They play a style suited for the playoffs. Low-scoring, physical and hard fought. Not going to be an easy out.
Bishop O’Dowd has size, speed and great distributors along with quality scorers. Don’t expect this team to lay down.
Division II is different than Divsion I, in that I think just about every team that makes the playoffs has a chance.
Concord, Piedmont, Dougherty Valley, Kennedy-Richmond and Kennedy-Fremont have all shown they can beat quality opponents. Sorry if I left anyone out, this is all off the top of my head…
February 4th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Oh ya, I was very impressed with Newark again.
Also very impressed with how Logan adjusted in the second half and turned into a very entertaining match.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
#226
Not only them but also Kennedy, Kennedy beat St.Marys, tied Piedmont and if you saw both Albany games Kennedy gave them a big challenge. Kennedy also beat Mt.Eden. So they are a tough team to beat too if they make NCS.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Matt,
I agree. Another question, besides Albany do you think any other team from BSAL has a chance?
February 4th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
I forgot to mention St. Mary’s in my last little rant. I think they have a very good chance of competing in the playoffs. They are very talented with great ball control in the midfield and some quality strikers.
I like Piedmont as well. I like their keeper a lot, and I like the fire their coach brings.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Matt,
Yeah, St.Marys and Piedmonts GK are good. What do you think about Kennedy-Richmond or St.Joseph if they make NCS, do you think they will just be there to make other teams life difficult?
February 4th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
I don’t think St. Joe’s is going to get in. They’d have to go 2-0 to end the year, and one of the games is against Piedmont. They did tie Piedmont before, but I just get the feeling that Piedmont is healthy and playing well right now.
I don’t know much about Kennedy at all, but I talked to one of their assistant coaches who told me they are a talented group. Wins over Mt. Eden and St. Mary’s, and a draw with Piedmont, tells me they will be trouble.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Oh okay,
I saw the 1st Kennedy vs Albany game and it was a great game, Albany dominated the first 10 minutes but then the rest of the game was controlled by Kennedy. Kennedy just got unlucky and the 2 counter-attacks Albany had they scored. Kennedy missed a lot of 1 on 1 plays, and also the goal keeper saved them. So I agree if they make NCS they will give the team they get some trouble.
They have a sophomore player #17, his name is Jesus but they know him as Gio. He is a player that can leave any defence with speed or his skills. The only problem he has is that he gets mad real quick.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Hey Soccer 410,
If you know of any other BSAL results let me know.
February 5th, 2011 at 12:02 am
sure will
February 5th, 2011 at 12:10 am
Went to the Newark @ Logan match. Could not see a thing due to my poor eyesight. Ended up rooting for the star of the match, Ben Day Ho, I think, but my hearing is worse than my eyesight. I heard his name shouted out by the crowd all match long. Matt, what is Ben’s number?
Seriously, what a great turnout for both teams, a true rivalry. Zuzuvelas, cow-bells, clickers, and bullhorns were present and accounted for: all of which are banned at EBAL venues…BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Newark controlled the first half and scored on an aggressive striker v. keeper goal 50:50 ball. The Logan coaches made the right half-time adjustments to make the match very competitive in the second half.
Read Matt Smith’s game report in the BANG editions Saturday morning.
The Logan field, if nothing else, is level. The track surface has half the hardness of the pitch. I thought I was seeing golf balls bouncing on blacktop (think the 7-iron bet in Tin Cup, boing, boing, boing). In addition, the soccer goals are on the football field goal lines, good for under 14 play, but not varsity championship play. There is nothing stopping an adjustment to chalk the field to the end of the football end zones.
Ben Day Ho, Ben Day Ho, Ben Day Ho…
February 5th, 2011 at 12:17 am
Sweeper,
You never fail to make me laugh. And a good analysis of the game. Newark very much controlled the first half, and Logan came out and made great second half adjustments.
February 5th, 2011 at 12:45 am
Cal vs. MV
Very entertaining game as everyone is stating, even for folks that do not know much about soccer. Since it was senior night a lot of the student body for Cal attended. The buzz after the game was incredible even though the game ended in a tie!
I am not seeing that MV’s defense is better than Cal’s. There are both very good, but Cal has the edge in my opinion. Look at the stats, look at the play on the field and to further the point one of Cal’s defenders on the left side, #11, was having his way with the right side of the MV defense in the second half when he was on the attack. Granted this attack never materialized into any goals but there were a lot more crosses to the front of the goal by Cal than there were from MV throughout the night. In fact I only recall one cross from MV all night. #8 and #11 for Cal did a great job of shutting down the outside game of MV.
The MV goalie was outstanding around the 6 yd box. He was the main reason the multiple crosses from Cal fell short.
MV offense did produce one great shot that hit the cross bar but that was their only real threat all night, they have yet to score a non-pk goal against a very strong Cal defense.
Cal’s front line had a tough time and credit is due to the MV defenders in the middle, but Cal’s front line was able to put one in, deflection or not does not matter. The Cal offense had the ball in a position to shot and that is how a lot of goals are scored. MV offense did not have that due to Cal’s defense.
In my opinion the best players for Cal that night were #11 and #12, as they both play incredible defense, while contributing on the offensive side during counters and overlaps. For MV I thought #5 and the goal keeper were the keys to their success. #5 was everywhere playing great defense and distribution soccer and the MV keeper was reading everything being thrown his way.
EBAL MVP Opinion
Matt, I do not think you are crazy about Cal’s Danielson. I think he should be in contention for the EBAL MVP award, and I think he is the front runner as well. He is the leading assister on the #1 team from a left back position. His quick pinpoint passing with both feet is unsurpassed. He is supposidly right footed but plays on the left side since he can play with both feet. He adds value every game defensively and offensively and is consistently on his game. It would be refreshing to see a defender actually get this award. Has it been done in the past?
Granada’s Foster is a scoring machine and he should be in contention also. It took him a while to get going but he is coming on strong. If it were not for him Granada would not be where they are now.
Cal’s Rivas is a good general on the field and has had some solid games but he has not been as consistent as he was last year. Some of his teammates have been adding more value throughout the year, which is a great thing for Cal.
DLS’s Bernardi I would like to throw in. He is a great player with vision and understanding of the game. As you watch him play he is the player who is always checking in and passing the ball quickly and effectively. His injury is unfortunate.
Livermore’s Lalo (sorry if I hacked the spelling) is also a strong player that should be considered.
SRV’s Chaussy should also be in contention. He is the leader in all stats for his team. He is usually in the right place at the right time which is a skill in itself.
Matt, this is one of the best blogs in the Bay Area (if not the best!). Coaches should be refering to this information daily. There are a lot of people on this blog that know a lot about this great sport of soccer!! Congrats and keep up the great work!!!
February 5th, 2011 at 1:08 am
One more thing to add, it would be a travisty if Cal and MV had to meet each other in NCS in any game other than the final!! I totally agree with Soccerguys analysis!!
February 5th, 2011 at 1:09 am
I’m a day late here as well as I had a long day today, but I do agree with most of these analysis, the only issue I have is any player may keep beating another down the line, but how efficient are they really, how much do they produce for a team? And I don’t think #5 for MV did more distributing than CAL’s #10, as he was deeper on the field.
My two cents on MVP btw Bench Warmer-Dominic Dailey two years ago for DLS was the MVP.
The MVP of this league is Foster, Granada would be completely lost without him. However, the MVP of EBAL, much like other sports comes from the best player on the best team.
I think the coaches will get it right though. Their decisions should be made on what they see.
February 5th, 2011 at 1:20 am
Benchwarmer:
Seems like a pretty biased or simply misunderstood review to me. MV’s offense got through the Cal defense numerous times and I would be very surprised if Cal led shots. I recount more quality shots by MV. That being said the Cal offense did get through the outside flanks of MV quite often, but none of their crosses ever materialized into a real opportunity. Cal definitely did get the ball into the box more, though always from the outside.
Overall it was a fantastic game, and I just though I would put my 2 cents in of disagreement.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:44 am
Matt
You have a good eye for talent.
Ben Danielsen is a 3 time varsity player for the Grizzlies, a long time SR Santos player for club and he also spent a couple of years with a local academy. He is a complete player with size, speed and finish. His specialty is two touch soccer and sending accurate balls over the top for his speedy team mates. For me, from the CAL team, Danielsen and Fagasan are the two I like, but there are many more from other teams too.
February 5th, 2011 at 8:29 am
Tack,
The fans have nothing to do with a team. That is the responsibility of a school official, not a coach.
The fact that you are threatening to injur players is pathetic. Really?
February 5th, 2011 at 9:15 am
NCS rules allow officials to forfeit matches if spectators are not exhibiting positive
February 5th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Sorry for eager response but to finish:
Soceer Fan: NCS rules allow officials to forfeit matches if spectators are not exhibiting positive
sportsmanship. I believe that is what the ref threatened to do to Alcalanes but never did. I only hope someone at Acalanes takes responsibility for these thugs.
CoachF: Yes, one or ten or twenty people represented you school. And the ones that sat by silently or laughing as many did, represented your school and not in a good way. Your coach did nothing though clearly hearing everything going on until the ref made him. Wow, is this stand up? I don’t think so.
February 5th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Dublin was lucky to get out of that game with a tie. Acalanes had multiple chances to score in the second half including an open net miss. There is no question Acalanes deserved to win the game and Dublin had zero legitimate scoring opportunities in the second half. Tack, you should have waited until this morning to chime in, you obviously weren’t thinking clearly. Ranting on and on about some fans? Man up. Are you a bunch of mama’s boys?
Acalanes has earned their first place position. I agree that teams should be judged by their recent accomplishments, so if you take DFAL scores in 2011 Campo went 3-1-3 and Acalanes went 6-0-1 including a win over Campo. During that same time Acalanes beat Div I San Ramon Valley and lost to Berkeley on an own goal. No one will accuse Acalanes of playing “The Beautiful Game”, but you can’t argue with results. Acalanes will win DFAL and deserves the number 1 seed in Div II.
February 5th, 2011 at 9:59 am
Benchwarmer
I sat on the Cal side and watched the same game. Your analysis is typical of a loyal fan. The ebb and flow of offensive pressure was what made the game so great to watch, sorry you were not able to see the strengths of both teams. Both offensives moved the ball inside the 20. If they play again I would buy a ticket and the game could go to PK’s. Your also forgetting the talent Livermore along with 4 other EBAL teams will play in this NCS final. Cal and MV might not be in the final.
February 5th, 2011 at 11:41 am
As a parent of one of the Acalanes players, the unruly, disrespectful group of kids absolutely did not represent Acalanes. This is why they were kicked out of the game. At least, we thought they had been kicked out. Had we known they somehow got back in and went to the visitor side, I, as a parent, would have done something about it. We did not know this occurred and am very sorry. That sort of behavior is not to be tolerated and I feel sorry for parents who raised such awful kids.
Regarding the threat of physical violence against the Acalanes soccer players by Tack, this also will not be tolerated. Tack, I suggest you apologize immediately and say you were talking in the heat of the moment and did not mean what you said. If not, please be advised that I will do whatever it takes to get your name (via subpoena or otherwise) and file a police report.
February 5th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
One of the worst places to watch a soccer match is on the pitch. It is certainly a perspective, but the point of view is limited and as a player you have to focus on the ball and a few of the players in your vicinity. Why are there three officials on the field? Because one point of view is not enough to apply the Laws of the Game, and sometimes three is not enough. To have a broad perspective on a match and understand the constant ebb and flow, you must be able to see the positioning and movement of all 22 players. Good eyesight also helps.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Yoda.
February 5th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
MeVeFlo-
Obviously it was in the heat of the moment. And as far as the police report goes, don’t worry, we already filed one against your school and sent letters to NCS. And by we, I mean the 22 kids and parents of the DHS soccer team. It won’t have any effect, but we hope it’ll get them to take a look. The racism and profanity of your school was and still is sickening, and “it will not be tolerated.”
February 5th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
MeVeFlo, you started off correctly and your message was appreciated and then you wiped out the good will with your second paragraph. Haven’t you learned yet the part of the game is getting into your opponents head? That is exactly what some of your players did to the Dublin players and the parents didn’t go all Gloria Alred. Let it be.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
SoccerBuff, yes you are absolutely correct. I sincerely apologize.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
Matt I thought you said Tack was a Dublin parent? Doesn’t seem like it. I think I remember Tack getting into a rant last year with a different name, everyone started hating him, so he changed his name to Tack and somehow earned some respect? Now he is back into rant mode again and I really don’t think he is a parent at all based on his diction.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
WOO-HOO! Getting a little bit nasty around here aren’t we. On a serious note tho’ I was wondering if ANYBODY around here has a copy of the NHSF rules, or a copy of USSF’s laws of the game. I see so much criticism of the refs, but do any of you know how hard it is to referee soccer? It is widely regarded as the most difficult officiating of all of the sports, and the only one in which getting one over on the ref is considered “part of the game”. In short , YOU try it.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Can we all take a step back, take a deep breath and remember this blog is about soccer and not personal attacks. Forget the vendetta that is starting against Tack. If he is young, he will learn. If he is a parent, he may not have had the benefit of a good education. Let’s learn from the likes of Matt and The Sweeper otherwise I fear this blog will devolve. Take a lesson from MeVeFlo and may cooler heads prevail. Go in peace.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Haha, the Acalanes/Dublin game.
Dublin started with control but the game shifted right after Dublin scored. Acalanes sent numbers forward and clearly dominated the game, but you can’t say they deserved to win if they did not finish thier chances.
Refs and fans could have been better, but it is the same everywhere you go. Defenitely a match to see, if they face each other again in NCS.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Hey Anonymous,
If you look back at post #153 in the rankings before this one, all I said was that I met Tack and Tack is awesome.
February 5th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
I have only ever used this name. And sorry for defending my beliefs and team
February 5th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Hey Tack, play hard, make your teammates better, play fair (there’s that “f” word again, DOH?) AND ignore the adults. I enjoy the passion but let your actions on the pitch speak for you and you will be respected.
The Sweeper’s posting tip: before pushing the “Submit Comment” button, re-read your comment AND ask yourself if you would like your mom, coach, dad, younger sibling, priest/rabbi/minister, or the police to know what you posted, in that order. I use this approach with EVERY email, text message, posting, voice message and letter that I draft, and 30% of the time I opt out.
IMHO,the Gaels play very well as a unit and are as fun to watch as any NCS squad. See you at the pitch.
February 5th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Very well said Sweeper. You always know what to say to lighten up the mood. Maybe I should change my name to “Sweeper for President” being as Matt has his own one? haha
February 5th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
I second that motion.
Sweeper for President.
February 5th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
If anyone knows the DV v. Alameda score from today, let me know.
February 5th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
A week or two ago I attended a high school soccer game wearing the home team’s school colors, so I was clearly identified as a home team fan. After the game (which the home team won) one of the visiting team parents came up to me as we were both walking out of the stadium and said “Thank you for hosting this game”. I’d like to think the majority of high school sports fans are like that, and the next time I’m at an “away” game I plan to steal that line and use it myself.
February 5th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
000
February 5th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
The BSAL is owned by Albany the past three years they have had more talent than anyone in the league the loses where two bad game by Albany The las lomas lost was a defensive mistake thats it Albany dominated the whole game The BSAL top contenders have nothing on Albany because Kennedy lost both of their game but was never the better team.St marys beat albany in the begging of the year due to the no goal keeper in the begging of the year and team chemistry and now piedmont beat albany just because albany has already won BSAL this year and many injuries are hurting them.but they have better players like BORGES#7 AHMADI #6 ALVAREZ #20 and RAMIREZ #9 with talented midfielders.I say this because i go to Albany and im a huge fan of soccer im just not very good at it but i understand the game and love it.All the other teams better watch out for ALBANY!!
February 6th, 2011 at 12:03 am
MeVeFlo – The other issue after the Dublin Acalanes match was a group of 12 kids waited in the parking lot by the Dublin bus, cursing, threatening the visiting team, trying to start a fight and dropping enough F bombs to embarrass any adult. Not sure when a well respected school like Acalanes started to allow this behavior but this is 2 years in a row this has happened. The Dublin coach had to interject and send the boys away.
NCS rules state that a school administrator or coach is required to control the behavior spectators. The coach will be issued a card and or issued a forfeit if spectators are not controled
As for the match – It was a terrific match and I hope these two teams face off in NCS.
February 6th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Postscript to #267. I meant to say, “your clergy” and not slant to any religion in particular, HAH! No I did not.
Tack/Matt: President of what? I defer to President Obama, and as a capitalist, CEO would do for me.
Seriously, it is down to crunch time for numerous teams in D-I and D-II, and not just the bubble teams. Who wants to travel in the 1st round? Or face a #1-#4?
Can’t wait for Matt Smith’s update.
Should I hit the “Submit Comment” button or not? Mom???