- East Bay Prep Corner
East Bay Boys Soccer Notes: Seeding Predictions, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 12:21 pm in Boys soccer.
Alright, here are my official seeding projections.
Division I
1. California
2. Newark Memorial
3. Deer Valley
4. Berkeley
5. Livermore
6. San Ramon Valley
7. De La Salle
8. Monte Vista
9. Clayton Valley
10. Pittsburg
11. James Logan
12. Richmond
13. Granada
14. Mt. Eden
15. Castro Valley
16. Arroyo
I feel like schedule strength and the overall strength of the HAAL will work in the favor of the two last schools in. I think it’s going to be a very close call.
So with the Deer Valley and Berkeley situation, I am thinking that the head-to-head win for DV is going to be the difference maker. The schedules are very similar, the records are similar. The BVAL is a bit tougher league, so that will make a difference as well.
Clayton Valley is going to get a home game regardless, and they will likely play an EBAL school. Now is their chance to prove it.
I went with SRV over DLS because the Wolves are 4-1 in their last five, which is similarly why I went with Pitt over Logan.
Berkeley v. Granada in the first round, anyone? Foster against that great defense. Wow. I think Richmond and Livermore would be a fun opening round game as well.
Division II
1. Campolindo
2. Acalanes
3. San Lorenzo
4. Bishop O’Dowd
5. Albany
6. Dublin
7. Ygnacio Valley
8. Hayward
9. Pinole Valley
10. Concord
11. Dougherty Valley
12. St. Mary’s
13. Piedmont
14. Alhambra
15. Kennedy-Richmond
Yesterday I found out I had Acalanes record slightly off, so considering that, had they beat Las Lomas yesterday and won the DFAL and had just one more loss than Campo, I would have gone with Acalanes as the top seed. But since they are tied atop the league, and split head-to-head, Campo’s better overall is the difference.
San Lorenzo and Bishop O’Dowd were easy picks for No. 3 and 4, for me.
I had a really hard time deciding the No. 5, 6 and 7 seeds. So finally I went with Albany over Dublin. I think similar strength of schedule outside of league, and since Albany is a league champ with 17 wins, they’ll get the benefit of the doubt. I would have had YV there a couple of weeks ago, but they are 2-2-2 in their last six, including a not good loss to Mt. Diablo.
I think the strength of the HAAL gets Hayward a home game and I think the 10-14 spots are a crapshoot, but I’m confident I’ll be pretty close.
Rankings
The rankings won’t be as important here on out, but here are my thoughts with them as the regular season ends. Deer Valley moved up so much, because it turns out the loss they were penalized for last week was a forfeit win. So other teams dropped because DV had to be moved back up.
Welcome Bishop O’Dowd back to the top 15, and I believe this is Pittsburg’s debut into the rankings.
1. California (17-0-5)
2. Newark Memorial (20-3-0)
3. Berkeley (17-2-3)
4. Deer Valley (16-2-6)
5. Acalanes (15-2-6)
6. Campolindo (17-1-5)
7. Clayton Valley (15-2-5)
8. Livermore (13-5-5)
9. San Lorenzo (16-4-1)
10. De La Salle (15-6-2)
11. San Ramon Valley (13-8-2)
12. Monte Vista (11-7-5)
13. Mt. Eden (14-4-4)
14. Bishop O’Dowd (16-5-2)
15. Pittsburg (12-6-4)
Others considered: Dublin (13-6-3), Ygnacio Valley (12-4-3), Albany (17-3-2), Hayward (11-5-4), Logan (12-7-2), Dougherty Valley (12-8-4), Pinole Valley (12-7-3), St. Mary’s (14-3-0), Piedmont (12-5-3), Granada (7-12-5).
Standings
ACCAL
Team Overall League Points
Berkeley (17-2-3) 10-1-1 31
Pinole Valley (12-7-3) 8-3-1 25
Richmond (12-9-2) 7-3-2 23
Hercules (6-11-0) 6-6-0 18
Alameda (6-13-3) 5-5-2 17
El Cerrito (1-16-5) 1-8-3 6
De Anza (2-18-1) 0-11-1 1
BSAL
Team Overall League Points
Albany (17-3-2) 14-2-0 42
St. Mary’s (14-3-0) 13-3-0 39
Piedmont (12-5-3) 12-2-2 38
Kennedy (13-9-1) 11-4-1 34
St. Joseph Notre Dame (6-11-3) 6-9-1 19
Salesian (6-9-2) 6-9-1 19
Encinal (3-15-1) 3-12-1 10
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (2-13-1) 2-13-1 7
Swett (1-16-1) 1-14-1 4
BVAL
Team Overall League Points
Deer Valley (16-2-6) 7-0-3 24
Pittsburg (12-6-4) 5-3-2 17
Antioch (6-9-6) 4-3-3 15
Liberty (6-9-2) 3-5-2 11
Heritage (4-10-6) 2-5-3 9
Freedom (5-13-2) 2-7-1 7
DFAL
Team Overall League Points
Acalanes (15-2-6) 8-1-3 27
Campolindo (17-1-5) 8-1-3 27
Dublin (13-6-3) 6-5-1 19
Dougherty Valley (12-8-4) 4-6-2 14
Alhambra (9-10-3) 3-5-4 13
Miramonte (4-9-4) 3-6-3 12
Las Lomas (5-11-5) 1-7-4 7
DVAL
Team Overall League Points
Clayton Valley (15-2-5) 10-0-2 32
Ygnacio Valley (12-4-3) 7-2-3 24
College Park (8-10-5) 7-3-2 23
Concord (8-3-6) 5-3-4 19
Northgate (2-15-6) 2-7-3 9
Mt. Diablo (4-10-0) 2-10-0 6
Berean Christian (2-18-3) 1-9-2 5
EBAL
Team Overall League Points
California (17-0-5) 9-0-5 32
Livermore (13-5-5) 8-3-3 27
San Ramon Valley (14-8-2) 8-5-1 25
De La Salle (15-6-2) 7-5-2 23
Granada (7-12-5) 7-6-1 22
Monte Vista (11-7-5) 5-5-4 19
Foothill (5-16-3) 1-11-2 5
Amador Valley (5-14-5) 0-10-4 4
HAAL
Team Overall League Points
San Lorenzo (16-4-1) 12-4-0 36
Mt. Eden (14-4-4) 11-3-2 35
Bishop O’Dowd (16-5-2) 11-4-1 34
Hayward (11-5-4) 10-5-1 31
Castro Valley (8-12-4) 8-6-2 26
Arroyo (7-9-7) 5-4-7 22
Tennyson (5-14-2) 3-11-1 10
San Leandro (2-16-2) 2-11-2 8
Moreau Catholic (2-17-1) 1-15-0 3
MVAL
Team Overall League Points
Newark Memorial (20-3-0) 10-0-0 30
Logan (12-7-2) 7-3-0 21
Kennedy (5-9-6) 3-5-2 11
Irvington (4-12-3) 3-7-0 9
Mission San Jose (7-11-4) 2-6-2 8
Washington (4-8-7) 1-5-4 7
OAL
Team Overall League Points
Fremont (2-0-1) 2-0-1 7
Oakland Tech (2-3-2) 1-1-1 4
Oakland (0-1-1) 0-1-1 1
Skyline (0-0-1) 0-0-1 1
Statistics
Name, School Goals
Padilla, Clayton 25
Foster, Granada 22
Aguila, Richmond 18
Pagliuca, Cal 17
Hartland, Dublin 17
Parisi, Dougherty 16
Villa, Pitt 16
Ulloa, Logan 15
Navarro, Newark 14
Espinoza, St. Mary’s 14
Name, School Assists
Scott, St. Mary’s 16
Gomez, Clayton 15
Tavecchio, Campo 11
Bochenek, Dougherty 10
Shaiwany, Dougherty 10
Navarro, Newark 10
Morales, Livermore 8
Reamirez, Newark 8
Garibay, Pitt 8
Eight players tied with 7
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February 12th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Nice job with the predictions, Matt- I think they’ll be pretty accurate. In your scenario, the Livermore/Richmond and Berkeley/Granada match-ups would be fascinating. I’d have to give the edge to the EBAL teams in both.
Livermore vs. Richmond: Liv’s defense is extremely strong (under G/game in league), so the return of Montes may not be a huge factor. On the other side, Richmond’s defense will have their hands full. Advantage: Livermore.
Berkeley vs. Granada: This game should be very close. Granada scored 25 goals in the EBAL (tied for second) and everybody knows how strong Berkeley’s defense is. I don’t see Berkeley shutting out Granada, nor do I see Berkeley scoring multiple goals. Advantage: Granada.
As for possible second round match-ups: in a word- “wow.”
DLS vs. Newark: DLS is certainly capable of ending Newark’s fine season very, very quickly. Can Newark be prepared for this type of game? In their past 8 games, Newark has won by an average score of 4-0. That includes two 1-0 games against Logan, who Cal beat 5-0 earlier in the Winter Classic. Meanwhile, DLS is battle-tested to say the least. Advantage: DLS.
DV vs. San Ramon: a rematch of the earlier season battle in San Ramon. This time around, a couple players will be missing from each team, but Dallas Jaye will be back in net for SRV. Advantage: SRV.
Livermore/Richmond vs Berkeley/Granada: Livermore is the most talented team in this group and finished 2nd in the EBAL. My money would be on the Cowboys, here. Advantage: Livermore.
Cal vs. MV: A tough, tough match-up in the 2nd round. MV gave Cal all they could handle in the 2 previous match-ups. Is the third time the charm? Still, MV only scored a PK in the first two games… Slight Advantage: Cal.
February 12th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
SoccerGuy,
Nice way to show you are all about the ebal. Some people just can’t get passed the ebal its amazing. For every kid that plays in every other league I would like to show them some respect because this blog becomes Ebal oriented. I hope you are wrong in some of your predictions because there is a lot of talent other than the ebal.
Hats off to Cal on going undefeated it was an amazing regular season. Hopefullly they can run the table and finsh up NCS champs. Congratulations to every league champion there was this year and let the games begin.
February 12th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
srv has had some serious injuries but despite that they went 4-1-1 in their last six games. the coach has changed formations and started playing some new players and the team has responded. they have been knocking the ball around very well, and they played their best game of the season, in my opinion, against mvhs. they will be tough to beat. however, their year may be next year when they return 11 juniors, 4 sophomores and 2 very, very talented junior transfers become eligible.
February 12th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
De La Salle young team, and some key players with injuries.Don’t take the Spartan’s for granted, good chance to be in final.
February 12th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
I think you marked the dublin kid down a goal.
Matt Smith Says:
February 11th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Goal scorers as of this morning…
Padilla, Clayton 25
Foster, Granada 22
Aguila, Richmond 18
Pagliuca, Cal 17
Hartland, Dublin 17
Villa, Pitt 16
Parisi, Dougherty 15
Ulloa, Logan 15
Navarro, Newark 14
Shaiwany, Dougherty 13
February 12th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Nevermind, I misread it.
Matt, do you think San Lorenzo has a solid chance of winning despite playing the DFAL teams?
February 12th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Is anybody gonna post this at the NCS meeting doors? Every team that deserves to be in is on Matt’s List.
I second that Soccerme “Let the games begin!”.
February 12th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Vela, I think they have real solid chance they tied Campo earlier this year and are playing way better soccer right now..just ask Hayward’s(Mature beyond his years)GK. I wouldn’t sleep on BOD either they are scary good right now.
What do you think Matt?
February 12th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Ya, I agree with Just Sayin’ that SLZ has a great chance. They are one of the most talented teams in the entire East Bay, and I actually think they’ll be scary to play on the road on a wide turf field.
And another good point about BOD. That team is very gifted, and like a lot of good teams do, they are turning it on at the right time.
Where’s Sweeper? Is he going Martin Luther for us this year?
February 12th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Alhambra dominated Dougherty Valley on Wed 5-1 and was refereed out of the game at Miramonte on Fri and lost a 2-1 game that most of the second 1/2 was controlled by Alhambra. Hope they get a at large berth, they play with lots of heart and do it well.
February 12th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
In DII there is only 15 teams, so that means seed 1 passes automatically?
February 12th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Looks like the top seed will be getting a bye.
February 12th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Thank you Matt and Just Sayin’.
And yeah I would agreed that BOD will be a scary team to come across in the tournament.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Matt, how do you think Mt.Eden will do in NCS?
February 12th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Samba, I love great questions like this.
The thing with Mt. Eden is that they are coming out of what turns out to be one of the tougher leagues in the East Bay. Wins over BOD and SLZ (ranked teams) show me that they can play with most teams.
I think with the right first round matchup, they could be an upset waiting to happen, and then from there, anything can happen.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
If Alhambra comes to play, I see a definite upset. Their record may not show it but at times they are a very skilled and dangerous team.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Matt,
Any upsets that you might predict in the NCS D1 and D2 boys brackets according to your seeding?
Campo’s best players are seniors. Their back line is very young but very short. Their keeper is a senior and I don’t see any kind of replacement. On their jv team there is a fast forward but no quality touch. A good possessive team like SLZ or BOD should have no trouble with them. I think Acalanes will take D2 after watching their style of play.
Soccer Guy,
If you want to talk about the future, watch out for Berkeley. The sophomore class this year will be ridiculous in the next year or two. I was able to coach a freshman team that played against their squad last year, before players were pulled up and they are scary talented and game savvy.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
My teams not to sleep on in Division I: Clayton Valley, Pittsburg, Richmond. All are capable of upsetting somebody.
What do these teams have in common? Incredibly skilled players, who can create. Pitt is getting healthy right now. I think Pitt could be tough for an EBAL team and I think Richmond would have a shot with Livermore.
My teams not to sleep on in Division II: Hayward, Dougherty Valley, Piedmont.
I know according to my seeding, Hayward is an eight seed, but I wouldn’t want to play them. They are tough. They have a great keeper, and they have a very fast kid up top. They can counter in the blink of an eye.
Dougherty Valley has shown they can play with almost anyone on a given day, and Piedmont has a tradition of winning, and they seem to be playing better down the stretch, the Campo game aside. I think DV v. Dublin or YV is a possible match to watch out for, and Piedmont v. O’Dowd would be on my upset watch.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
DLS will rise to the occasion. Although young and some injuries to key players, you can bet that they will be at peak performance as they make the final.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Alhambra is a sleeper, they play with a passion that is hard to find. Will be a contender for 2012.
Don’t forget Alhambra gave a lesson in how to play with passion vs Dougherty Valley last wed with a 5-1 win
February 12th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Eli Padilla of CV finished the season with a hat-trick versus Northgate, which closes him at 27 for the season.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Matt
Great job on the rankings, I think they are spot on.
and I was thinking the same thing, where has The Sweeper been?
And sorry people, no disrespect to good players in other leagues, but I think SoccerGuy has great perspective on his commentary.
Having said that, this is the championship series so anything can happen when the pressure is turned up in a sport that can be very unforgiving.
February 12th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
If Ryan Tower returns for Berkeley I think they will win. Berkeley has got some great defenders, and with one of the better ones returning, they can shut down anybody. Tower combined with another great defender, Oscar Padilla, are so tough to score on.
February 12th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Both Tower and Padilla are not 100% but improving, if Berkeley faces Grenada, they will match up well with them and also be at home, advantage Berkelely
February 12th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
and I should be able to spell Berkeley
February 12th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Get your Rain Gear ready. Wednesday has a 70% chance so it’ll probably be cold and wet. I hope at least the reporters(Matt Smith) can stay warm and dry. Sorry to rain on the parade(pun intended) but on my job it helps to know the weather ahead of time.
February 12th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Bad weather will give an edge to the teams that play a heavy contact style of soccer (Acalanes, etc..) and handicap the speed, quick touch style, Clayton Valley, etc.)
February 12th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
The Amador Valley freshman team finished their season today with a perfect 21-0-0 record, 97 goals for and 9 against. So maybe Amador will be back in contention in a year or two.
February 12th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
Just sayin: Honestly, nobody should sleep on any team in the HAAL this ncs, the league improved dramatically this year it was such a close race and they were major upsets. I know for a fact there will great games from the HAAL in the ncs.
February 12th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
That is great for the AV frosh. Congratulations on a fantastic season! It is hard to forecast a couple of years into the future when many teams already have their best freshman playing at the JV or Varsity level. But I’m sure they will be in contention, or at least much improved over this year’s team.
February 12th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
this NCS is going to be a fairytale ending for the Richmond oilers. they will upset everyone and it will be so huge that there will be another movie made for this incredible team.
February 12th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Biased opinion but Dougherty Valley has a chance to be seeded higher than Ygnacio Valley, O’Dowd, Concord and Albany, although unlikely over the latter because they’re a league champ.
Reason I’m saying is that DV has head-to-head over O’Dowd and Ygnacio and even though both teams claim they had injuries or key players missing during those matches that’s not something that the seeding committee likely takes into account nor could they. Every team could claim they had players injured or resting after losing a match and it cannot nor should it be a factor in the seeding process.
DV played a tougher non-league schedule than Albany and Concord. Albany was 1-1-1 vs DFAL teams, but those results came against the bottom 3 DFAL teams.
Albany will get the nod, however, because the seeding committee always rewards league champs and those whose records look great with higher seeds. Fact is, however, that Albany’s record is inflated by the 8 automatic league wins against against John Swett, St. Patrick’s, Salesian and Encinal. Most teams have a few wins lke that each year but not 8 automatics in league.
Matt, your predictions are likely close to what they should be, but knowing the committee may not have a good understanding of the teams, leagues, etc. I have a feeling they’ll lean on win/loss record and head-to-head results than on analyzing the small details you may be privy to working on this daily throughout the season. It would be nice if they could analyze it like you do, though.
Here’s what I think the seeding committee will do with DII, not necessarily what I feel it should do, but put yourself in the shoes of someone who just sees win/loss record and results on a piece of paper then must make a decision.
DII Seeding Committee Predictions:
1) Campolindo
2) Acalanes
3) San Lorenzo
4) Albany
5) Dublin
6) Dougherty Valley
7) Bishop O’Dowd
8) Ygnacio Valley
9) Hayward
10) Pinole Valley
11) Concord
12) St. Mary’s
13) Piedmont
14) Alhambra
15) Kennedy-Richmond
February 12th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
So #25 why don’t you put out the D1 Prediction. I have a funny feeling you might be dead on seeing the Committee spends nowhere near the time Matt Smith does nor seeks his advice.
February 12th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
What do you guys think about Kennedy(Richmond)?
February 12th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Matt,
Just on the NCS website checking verification. Noticed no Dublin forms in. Any thoughts? Info?
February 12th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Just for clarification, based on DFAL rule 7.1 Criteria for tie breaking between 2 teams qualifying for playoff positions:
7.1.1 Head to head competition. 7.1.2 Goal differential of no more than 4 per game.
Acalanes had a better goal differential and as a result are DFAL League Champions. Acalanes’ record in 2011 is better than Campos, and they beat Campo during that period. Matt, where’s the love? Should the #2 DFAL team get the top seed?
February 12th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Kennedy-R is weak in the back. They have good athletes. Will have to score multiple goals to beat teams.
Is there a team in d2 that is as skilled as San lorenzo?
February 12th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Saint,
You bring a couple of good points, but the league bylaw is to determine the league champ as far as the automatic NCS qualifier. As far as a banner goes, both teams will get one. So as far as referring to the league champ for 2010-2011, we will be saying it was a co-title.
And yes, Acalanes is 10-1-3 since the calendar turned, and Campo is 6-1-4 since the New Year, but I don’t think 2011 counts more than 2010 towards the seeding. The overall record as a whole is what matters.
February 12th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Rankinscubs,
Do you mean that Dublin hasn’t applied for the playoffs? Or they haven’t applied to host the finals? An update on either front would be big news to me.
Is there a way I can see this on the NCS site?
February 12th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Here you go Matt.
http://www.cifncs.org/sports/soccer/files/veriofication%28b%29Winter.html
It looks like Dublin might missed the deadline. That would be a real shame.
February 12th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Okay, it looks like of all the playoff eligible teams that Dublin is the only one that hasn’t applied and the deadline was 50 minutes ago. Does anyone have any light to shed? Tack?
I emailed the Dublin coach. I’ll let you guys know if I find out anything.
And just an update for Division II: Kennedy-Fremont has applied, which means they might have an over .500 record within Division II. They are one of the few schools that doesn’t report all their games to me, so I can’t say for sure they aren’t eligible. If so, I would probably have them as the No. 16 seed in my predictions.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Matt, Alameda also has applied in d1, with their 5-5-2 league record.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Dublin could have applied after 4:30pm today in which case it won’t post to website until tomorrow. I would safely assume they go the app in on time.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Dougherty, according to the web page, the posted version is the final one,
dated 10:02 pm on Saturday. A real shame if it is actually true that Dublin
won’t participate, imho.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
Agreed, that would be shame.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
I saw that Alameda applied. No harm in hoping for the best.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
I second that
February 12th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Matt, I stand corrected. I misinterpreted your January 9th, 2011 at 1:37 pm posting. Ranking is what you’ve done for me lately, seeding takes the whole season into account. Anxious for tomorrow afternoon!
February 12th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Hey Saint,
You definitely had a good point, and how a team closes the season certainly matters. If you have teams with identical records, but one wins 10 in a row to end the year and the other goes 4-6, I’d say the hotter team gets the higher seed.
I think it’s a total coin flip with Acalanes and Campo. Either way, they are the top two seeds.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
#26, here’s a stab at what I think the seeding committee might do. Again, just a shot at what I think might happen, not what I feel should happen:
1) California
2) Newark
3) Deer Valley
4) Livermore
5) Berkeley
6) San Ramon Valley
7) Clayton Valley
8) De La Salle
9) Mt. Eden
10) Monte Vista
11) Pittsburg
12) Logan
13) Richmond
14) Granada
15) Castro Valley
16) Antioch
February 13th, 2011 at 12:04 am
Sorry for the posting outage, I have been under the weather and basically sleeping and working; quite tedious.
Now back to the fun of NCS soccer. I have it from a very reliable source that someone actually posted Matt Smith’s D-I and D-II seeding projections at the NCS office.
I hope the committee uses all available resources, including the fourth estate, to make informed and appropriate seedings.
BTW, love him or hate him, Rooney’s goal was top shelf in every respect.
See you at the pitch.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:29 am
Sweeper, you’re back!
I only comment to agree on the Rooney goal, I was in awe today when I saw it in the morning.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:39 am
No knowledge for the NCS deadline. I’m pretty sure we turned in the form. And if we didnt the finals will definitely be missing such an awesome stadium
February 13th, 2011 at 12:45 am
I believe Dublin did unless this picture is wrong?
http://cifncs.org/sports/soccer/files/verification(b)Winter.html
February 13th, 2011 at 1:09 am
Had to catch the Man U game late tonight from my DVR. Wow! Goal of the year for Rooney in such a crucial game to help the Man U boys take the Manchester bragging rights and pull away at the top of the table!
some more fun soccer coming up in NCS!!!! Stay tuned…
February 13th, 2011 at 7:59 am
Lonewolf -
Sorry to bust your sparty bubble but DLS will not repeat. To bangedup/young just not enoung there this year.
For all of you who have not seen Newark play well just hold on to your butts. They are very fast – best ball controll I’ve seen in sometime and solid all they way around and a coach that can work his team. Only chink is the depth,if their starters stay in/health wise they have a great shot a taking it all home.
I still like Acalanes but have not seen San Lorenzo.
My sleepers:
Dougherty Valley
Granada
Matt another fine posting. I think that DLS is over rated but you still da man.
Do you know what dates you will post on during the playoffs? Don’t keep us guessing….
EBRef
February 13th, 2011 at 8:32 am
Just got word from Dublin and NCS that Dublin did indeed get their application in on time.
We can all relax now.
February 13th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Matt
Good to hear on Dublin. Will you post after the NCS draw today?
EBRef
February 13th, 2011 at 8:59 am
I will post something for sure.
After the brackets come out I also have to get some work done for the print version of the paper as well.
February 13th, 2011 at 9:01 am
EBRef, you should’ve seen SLZ in their first game when they beat Newark 1-0 at Newark.
HHS GK, I totally agree with you. I think the HAAL this year has the strongest league outside the EBAL. Hopefully NCS sees it that way with their seeding.
February 13th, 2011 at 9:51 am
Just Sayin -
Opening games…not much to say but seeing how both SLZ and Newark finished says more. Both will be fun to watch. HAAL is a strong league and if any teams sleep on them they’ll think their in a nightmare.
EBRef
February 13th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Safe to say the DFAL will win the D2 NCS Championship again this year for the 10 time in the last 11 years. The HAAL had a good year, no doubt, but either Campolindo or Acalanes will take home the crown.
Add Dougherty Valley & Dublin to the mix and, objectively, its easy to see the DFAL is much stronger than the HAAL, especially at the top.
Keep rootin’ for your league Just Sayin’, I attended a HAAL school many moons ago; its good to see them relevant again.
February 13th, 2011 at 10:50 am
EBRef, a couple of the Lonewolf posts stated that DLS would make the final. No chest-thumping proclamation that they will win it all.
Oh, and also, much to the chagrin of many if they did in fact win it would be what they call a “three-peat”.
February 13th, 2011 at 11:02 am
Why can’t campo win this year? First time EVER being champions of the DFAL league. They have 1 loss to Acalanes but they also beat Acalanes earlier in the year. They would be the #1 seed for a reason. They do not have a young defense.. It consists of 2 seniors, 1 junior, and a sophomore. The offense in the future isn’t a proble
With the amount of players on their roster (30 for NCS). This is campos winning year!
February 13th, 2011 at 11:16 am
Campo has a good shot this year. They are a quick team that plays a good 1-2 passing game. Campo – BOD will be a great match-up if they are 1 and 4 as Matt predicts. Div II winner will be Campo, Acalanes or BOD, with Dougherty being the darkhourse.
February 13th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Soccer Fan, 30 players on a soccer varsity roster is very high. Carrying such a large number of players has an impact on the quality of the training, and on the focus on the group. My 2 cents.
February 13th, 2011 at 11:30 am
I see the bsal teama being a problem for some teams. Sure campo or acalanes should be able to handle kennedy but what team are they not supposed to handle? But piedmont albany and stmarys could be very tough. I dont see albany going as far. Sure they are the most talented of all the teams but they have very limited squad. Solid starting lineup(except no goalies this year. Starting defender filled posistion) and they have no bench players. They have 14 players and only about 12 get playing time
February 13th, 2011 at 11:37 am
at what time will the brakets be shown
February 13th, 2011 at 11:40 am
It’s just showing the amount of depth. It isn’t the best for training but it is alsoto help the younger players be more prepared for next season and to maybe get varsity experiance
February 13th, 2011 at 11:50 am
I think it also depends on the mental makeup of the group. My experience is that the more compact the var group is, the better it is. Not that I’d take 11, but around 20 seems like the right size to me.
February 13th, 2011 at 11:50 am
021589-
You’re bleeding green and whte all over the page, but thats cool at least you have the passion. DLS isn’t a bad team just to many better teams this year.
Thanks for the correction on the three-peat.
EBRef
February 13th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
EBRef- You have me figured out. But in all honesty I have to say this year has been the most entertaining of the last 4. I know professional sports loves to talk about parity and I surely haven’t seen parity like this on the East Bay soccer fields during our tenure. Some phenomenal players and many, many outstanding teams.
As many people have posted there are certainly favorites in both D1 and D2. But if one of those favorites doesn’t win it all I don’t think you’ll be seeing people saying they were “surprised” with the winner because so many teams are capable.
Really looking forward to how it all plays out.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
There must be a lot of tough decisions for the committee this year. I don’t think it normally takes this long.
I need to start my day man!!
February 13th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Its up on the NCS website!
February 13th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
brackets are up
February 13th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Berkeley comes in at 4, wanted 3, Deer Valley at 3 has to play Richmond, Good Luck!
February 13th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Looks like DFAL got highly rewarded this year Matt. 5 teams in the top 8 seeds, plus Alhambra at #8?? Any thoughts?
February 13th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Here are the brackets. Plenty of thoughts to come. I think it was a poor job by the committee.
Division I
Wednesday, Feb. 16
No. 16 Castro Valley at No. 1 California
No. 9 Granada at No. 8 De La Salle
No. 13 Pittsburg at No. 4 Berkeley
No. 12 James Logan at No. 5 Livermore
No. 15 College Park at No. 2 Newark Memorial
No. 10 Monte Vista at No. 7 San Ramon Valley
No. 14 Richmond at No. 3 Deer Valley
No. 11 Mt. Eden at No. 6 Clayton Valley
Division II
Wednesday, Feb. 16
No. 16 Kennedy-Fremont at No. 1 Campolindo
No. 9 Ygnacio Valley at No. 8 Alhambra
No. 13 St. Mary’s at No. 4 Albany
No. 12 Concord at No. 5 Bishop O’Dowd
No. 15 Kennedy-Richmond at No. 2 Acalanes
No. 10 Pinole Valley at No. 7 Dougherty Valley
No. 14 Piedmont at No. 3 San Lorenzo
No. 11 Hayward at No. 6 Dublin
February 13th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Wow this is terrible haha, Matt you should join the committe next year!
February 13th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I should be the committee.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Haha amen, so what are your thoughts on ncs now? Same final four?
February 13th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I’m about to break down the brackets with a new post. I’m hoping to have it up in 30-45 minutes.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
What do you think the D2 final 4 will be
February 13th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Alright I’ll be waiting for it, don’t keep us all waiting too long though
February 13th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
First Round D1 Predictions:
Cal 4 CV 0
DLS 2 GHS 1
Berk 2 Pitt 0
Liv 2 Logan 1
Newark 3 CP 0
SRV 1 MV 1 (SRV in pks)
Rich 2 DV 1 (huge upset)
Clayton Valley 2 Mt Eden 1
February 13th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Wow, Granada vs DLS and the winner plays CAL in second Round (assuming Cal wins), and the winner of that game would play Livermore in the Semi’s if they make it that far…. So only 1 of the following teams can make the final under any circumstances: CAL,Livermore, Granada, DLS… CRAZY. And a minimum of 2 EBAL teams WILL be out in first round as Granada plays DLS and MV play SRV….
Matt, where do you go opening night????
February 13th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Matt in the new post please explain Kennedy getting the 16th spot with a 5-8-4 record?
February 13th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
D2 final four will be campo vs albany and acalanes vs dublin
February 13th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Wow, six EBAL teams out of 16 and they arranged two EBAL match-ups in round 1. I was expecting one, but two?
EBAL teams split 4 and 2 between the upper and lower half of the brackets. This has been arranged so at least one semi-finalist can’t be from the EBAL. Engineering at its finest!
I agree, this was a poor job by the committee. Having said that, the girls bracket is even worse. Five EBAL teams in total and four, on one side of the bracket! Two facing off in round 1. Really? Did anyone even think about this?
I think the best round 1 games on the boys side will be DLS/Granada and SRV/MV and Clayton/Mt. Eden. I’m can’t decide which one to go to. Maybe SRV/MV with the 5:00 start and then rush over to catch the second half of one of the other contests.
Matt and Sweeper, which round 1 games are you going to take in?
Bliss
February 13th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Cal’s side of the bracket is much harder than the other side.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Does Berkeley have the fire power to beat Livermore?
February 13th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
De La Salle, Monte Vista, Granada and San Ramon battle each other multiple times throughout league, sustaining and overcoming numerous injuries, all the while bruising and blemishing each other’s overall record. While other teams walk through a league schedule winning 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0.
And why do they beat up on each other? Just so these four teams have to play each other a third time- just for the right to move onto the second round!? That’s disappointing.
At least give them a chance a prove themselves against non-league opponents! Hell, give Granada and MV the 11th and 13th seeds.
Unlike previous years, five EBAL teams will not move onto the final 8 this year. Not because they lacked the quality. Only four EBAL will move on because the committee decided to match up four of the best East Bay teams against each other in the FIRST ROUND!
This year playing in one of the most competitive league’s in the country did not help its teams. It hurt them.
February 13th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Why complain about Ebal teams playing each other in the Playoffs, 5 made it in, as quoted in the Highlander Movie,
“There Can Be Only One!”
February 13th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Why is there so much talk about the EBAL teams. Have we forgot that there are other teams as well? Shame on you all
February 13th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Please explain to me why some are so upset with EBAL teams that are having to play each other in the first round. I for one am happy the committee doesn’t espouse this ridiculous notion that “thou shalt not match up two teams from the same league” in the first round. Seedings should be blind to potential league matchups in the first round, or any round for that matter.
Apparently there are many EBAL elitist’s on this thread who wouldn’t be content unless all 8 teams were in the playoffs and, of course, making sure that there are 4 teams on each side of the bracket.
I’m pretty sure the committee has no axe to grind with the EBAL nor any other league, so get over it you 680 cooridor snobs and enjoy the playoffs.
February 13th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Couldnt have said it any better @Redandblue2
February 13th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
I know this is boys time, but does anyone know about the girls side?
February 13th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
I knew NCS would botch it up again. Cp gets in over Arroyo and Antioch, Alhambra gets the #8 seed. There’s a reason why they went to a closed door policy…No Acountability and no Explanations. Anybody have a list of the Committee names and can they be voted out?
February 13th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
I know this is boys time, but does anyone know about the girls match ups?
February 13th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
All brackets are here:
http://cifncs.org/sports/soccer/
February 13th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
thanks LTG
February 13th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
what do you think the d2 semi finals will look like matt
February 13th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
No one is saying “EBAL shouldn’t be matched up against others in their league.” They simply deserve higher seeds:
Monte Vista, De La Salle and San Ramon would have 4-5 fewer losses if they switched leagues with Newark, DV, Berkeley or Clayton Valley. Newark, DV, Berkeley and Clayton Valley would easily have 4-5 more losses.
Simply put, based on their record against non-league opponents- MV, DLS and SRV are three of the top 8 teams in the East Bay. Therefor, they should be seeded in the top eight and not playing each other in the first round.
February 13th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Well, the girls’ brackets look slightly less squirrely than the boys’, but there are gonna be some pretty gruesome slaughters in the first and second rounds,
( Mt. Diablo, Northgate, Las Lomas, )
February 13th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Seeds 1-4 are OK on each bracket. After that, I agree with the comment that the committee made blind selections; resulting in several non-compelling matches. The most compelling non-league match is James Logan at Livermore (continuation of a 1-1 tie), though I am thinking that Richmond at Deer Valley will be an excellent contrast in styles creating a very competitive match.
One huge mistake is to schedule all first round matches on Wednesday and then all second round matches on Saturday. Per the NCS charter, their revenue is only generated by playoff receipts and advertising. Simple math says scheduling half the matches on Tuesday and half on Wednesday, and then the next round split on Friday and Saturday may increase the gate by 20%-30%. In addition, with 32 matches scheduled on Wednesday (D-I and D-II, boys and girls), sixteen of the matches will have officiating crews not rated in the top sixteen.
Blind seedings = non-compelling matchups; concentrated scheduling = diluted officiating AND less revenue. Someone needs to think a little bit more about the big picture. I for one would like to be able to see at least 4 matches this week.
See you at the pitch.
February 13th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Folks,
EBAL teams as well as others want to play teams outside of thier league. It is understood that EBAL teams will meet but not in the first round when it can be so easily avoided. It would be more compelling for the fans and the players to mix up the first round. More fun and interesting! Blind seedings are just that, blind and lazy.
Sweeper is right on with the scheduling. Some of these matches are going to be poorly officiated by lack of quality ref’s.
How do we change the status quo??
What is done is done and it is time to move on for this year, but next year??…
February 13th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Livermore will crush Logan 4-1. When they played to the 1-1 draw they weren’t playing at full strength.
Livermore will then roll through Berzerkley 3-0. They then play a real team in Cal. This will be their first test in the playoffs. I’ll say Livermore 1-0 in this one.
They will play Clayton Valley in the finals where Livermore wins it all 2-1…Just predicting……..
The NCS committee wants to make it easier for non EBAL teams to advance further. I’m surprised Cal wasn’t playing Granada in the first round, Livermore playing Monte Vista, and De La Salle playing San Ramon. All teams on same half of the bracket. What a JOKE!!
Amador and Foothill would beat half of the teams in NCS tournament.
February 13th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
LHS Alum you are completely biased. Amador and Foothill were garbage this year, what makes you think they could beat teams like Mt.Eden or Newark in the playoffs? Livermore might not even make it out of the first round…… And they are in the hardest side of the bracket. Your argument is flawed.
February 13th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
why would they seed granada ahead of mvhs? mvhs is not a 10 seed. and clayton valley is not a higher seed than srv. they lost 3-0 to mvhs.
February 13th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
LHS Alum,
I wouldn’t go as far as saying Amador and Foothill would beat half the teams. But i guess that’s what happens when a lot of teams make it from one league. They may end up playing each other in the first round. I highly doubt the committee set it up this way to eliminate some of the EBAL teams so the other leagues have more of a chance. If you look at Clayton Valley for example, it’s not their fault they play in a league that is all DII schools except College Park. If they were put into a different league, they may not win the league, but they would do just fine. Someone said earlier in this blog, “you have to beat everyone to b champion.”
February 13th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Srv Watcher,
Have you seen anyone else play besides SRV? You keep making your point that SRV deserves to be higher. Why should they be higher then they are?
February 13th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
yes i have because srv played 9 of the 16 teams. but i did not say srv should be higher. i thought a 6 or 7 seed was fair for them. i said mvhs should be higher than granada and clayton valley should not be a 6 seed.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Granada beat monte vista 2-1 and were 1 minute away from beating them in the first meeting 1-0. Granada finished higher in league than MV. Is that clear enough SRV watcher?
February 13th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
agreed but if i am correct granada did not win one game out of ebal.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Soccer Dude, Amador beat Newark and Logan earlier this year and Foothill beat Castro Valley and ….uh er ok, maybe your right. EBAL teams deserve a golden ticket to the finals. Maybe a bye in the first 2 rounds for all Ebal qualifiers while the other leagues teams battle for the scraps of Longshank. I love that movie ( Braveheart ). I’m not serious but I do think there is a consorted effort to chop up the EBAL teams early by pitting them against each other.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Granada shouldn’t even be in the tournament. They had less than a .500 record.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
SRV water, This was due to some horrible and unfortunate injuries early in their year, not to mention their second leading scorer was still playing football 1 month into the season. They are not deep like some other teams in Ebal and the quality of player is thin. Once they got their kids off of IR and football ended, they went something like 7-2-1 to finish the year.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Soccer Dood, see post 116 and they beat all in Ebal once except SRV and Cal.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Granada qualified by going 7-6-1 in league. By my calculations that was 1 way to qualify.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
My Bullseye is waiting…
February 13th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
I’m going to get to 200 by myself
February 13th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Cowboys are still going to win it all!!
February 13th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
LHS Alum
ok, agreed Cowboys have a good shot,
so does MV, SRV, DLS, CAL and Newark my friend,
is Guerorro healthy and playing for Livermore in the NCS?
February 13th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I have not seen any player that can compete with #12 from Livermore. His supporting cast is also as good as the other teams best. He is an exceptional talent. Cal deserves to win the NCS with a spotless record but their bracket is so tough after round 1. Unfortunately Cal will lose in the semi’s…
February 13th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
He played last week and looked very good. I’m sure he’ll be up to the task in NCS.
February 13th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Storm,
Who does CAL lose to?
And yes there was a game where CAL’s #10 competed against Livermore’s #12. Should be different in NCS though. Too many things have to happen here for CAL or Livermore to be considered in the NCS final?
February 13th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Would all you Ebal guys or gals come to watch an all ACCAL
final Berkeley vs Richmond, what an interesting thought?
If Richmond gets to the semis against Newark they may match up very well. Berkeley could surprise anyone.
February 13th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Redandblue2, this 680 corridor snob/EBAL elitist would really just like to get out of the neighborhood and see some of the other teams in other leagues.
You’re right in that the EBAL followers have no shame in proclaiming our league as the best… but I also think we have no fear in going out and proving it as well. I’d think the non-EBAL teams would love to take on that challenge and make us eat humble pie. Let’s rumble.
The opportunity was there to have more of those matchups but it didn’t materialize with these seedings. What can you do. Best of luck to all.
February 13th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Richmond has great talent, they all attack as a team and defend together…
watch out for them.
February 13th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Just for fun:
EBAL combined records v. out of league opponents
(Cal, Livermore, SRV, DLS, MV only)
ACCAL 4-0-1
BVAL 8-2-2
DFAL 1-1-0
DVAL 4-0-0
HAAL 4-0-0
MVAL 4-3-1
Central Coast Section Teams 2-1-0
Central Section Teams 3-0-0
Sounthern and San Diego Section 3-1
February 13th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
EBAL IS a really good league this year, but still, soccer is a game where high scoring is an aberration (sic.)rather than the rule.
One mistake frequently make the crucial difference.
February 13th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Rankinscubs,
To make the record against other outside league opponents, you need to include the teams that finished on the bottom of the league. Cal SR livermore DLS and MV may have played teams that finished at the bottom of the other leagues. You can’t just take the good teams from one league and compare them to a whole other league.
February 13th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
SoccerDude,
It says Just for Fun! I’ve only got so much time and info:)
February 13th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Waterboy, that would be very nice. I can imagine it… the lights go out with 12 minutes left in overtime… and Chikiz blocks the losing PK the following Monday
February 13th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Those of you foreseeing a Livermore upset of CAL in the semi’s, prepare to be surprised….
I foresee CAL winning a thriller or possibly even a blowout, depending on the attitude Livermore brings to the table.
As for girls soccer, Carondelet better look out for CAL as well…………..
February 13th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Matt, (and anyone else)
Ideas on why so little games were played between EBAL and DFAL? The CCS, CS, and So Cal teams even had more games against EBAL than DFAL did.
February 13th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
You are funny cokito
February 13th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Tack
That’s an easy one.
EBAL is all D1 schools and DFAL is all or mostly D2 schools
There is no benefit, come NCS selection time, in playing a D2 school.
This is not trying to be superior, just the competitive facts.
It appears, this year at least , that an EBAL v DFAL league matchup, at the top anyway, would be competitive and entertaining.
Dismiss Granada at your peril
I’m not a Granada fan, but I know danger when I see it.
February 13th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
EBAL fan
Cal has a tremendous defense and that has hidden their freshmen GK. With many ties already in the book, Cal will be relying on the freshmen. He will need to perform on his own with out their help when PK time comes and it is coming….
February 14th, 2011 at 5:42 am
Storm, don’t let the freshman thing fool you. The kid can play. He allowed by far the fewest goals against. He already came up big in pk’s (winter classic) and has come up big when needed all year long. DLS should of beat Cal last game however, freshman keeper came up huge. I do agree with you that the defense is “tremendous”. I really hope none of the games get settled by pk’s. It’s basically a coin toss then, been on both sides many times.
February 14th, 2011 at 7:48 am
Matt
We both know PK’s are coming, just look at how many ties in the EBAL. I too would hate to see this happen. MV, SRV, DLS, Granada, and Livermore were involved with Cal. or others. Can you see MV tied with Cal or others at the end. It would be a shame for all of them to play their hearts out and go to PK’s but it will happen. Keep up the work have enjoyed your blog.
February 14th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Storm is right. Matches will come down to teams most comfortable taking PK’s.
February 14th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
do you think san lorenzo can win ncs?
February 14th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
I think they have the talent to do it.
February 15th, 2011 at 9:09 am
Who is your favorite to win Matt?
February 16th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
1st.Round: CAL 3 CV 0: DLS 2 Granada 0: Berk 1 Pitt 2: JL 1 LIV 0: NEW 3 CP 1: SR 1 MV 2: DV 0 Rich 3:CVH 3 EDEN 0 : : CAM 2 JFKF 1: AL 1 YV 3: ALB 1 SMC 2:
BOD 4 CON 0: AC 0 JFKR-1: DV 0 PIN 1: SL 3 PD 0: DUB 2 HAY 3
February 20th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Okay, so as I saw the game from last night (San Lorenzo vs. Dublin) it was quite an unfair game. I am not favoring SLZ, but it was obvious that the coaches were favoring the other team. I believe this was a racial issue, and I grew enraged by the outset of this game. It was not the boys’ fault, but the refs. The goals that were scored were completely unfair. The penalty kick was basically given to Dublin and I’m glad they scored or else it would have been sad to have such an easy miss.
Dublin has NO right to post “Safety” regulations about the SLZ fans on their website when their own people are taunting the SLZ fans- singing mexican songs and shouting “they want to cry” is beyond ridiculous.
I am a Mexican and I did watch the entire game and I recorded it to for anyone that does not believe there was racial injustice. Dublin will NOT win the final because they are playing a dirty game. Yes, San Lorenzo players are Mexican and poor, but I can honestly say they played much, much better than Dublin.
There is a difference between San Lorenzo and Dublin- San Lorenzo is in it for the game and for the love of soccer unlike Dublin players who seem to seek happiness in cheating their way to semifinals. San Lorenzo deserved the win! EVERYONE knows that, and it pleases me to know that even the Dublin players felt they sucked and were favored unjustly simply for being…well…WHITE!
February 20th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I see you guys can’t post the truth. Makes me laugh at people like you! You guys should clarify that this is an ALL-WHITE NCS playoff then with all the racist things you pull off. I guess you can’t stoop much lower than you already did. Oh wait, that is done discreetly.
February 20th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Sorry Matt, can you not post up my second comment..I got a little upset…it’s the one posted at 7:59. It is just that the game was truly unfair. I am not trying to put anyone down, but it was really unfair what they refs did and they should not have favored Dublin
February 20th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Jessica, I was also at the SLZ-Dublin game. I’m pretty sure the ref was of Latino/hispanic descent. And about the Dublin fans taunting SLZ fans, what about every time there was a Dublin goal kick the Slz fans would scream “ahhhhh ****”. And the goals were not unfair. the first goal happened because of a crucial keeper mistake; grabbing the ball outside of the box. The pk was clearly a pk. the SLZ defender clipped the dublin player from behind. Besides, the refs are not the ones to blamed for the outcome of this game. They do the best they can to make the right call, and sometimes in a game with such high emotion, they miss a couple calls and sometimes call the wrong ones. If you want something to blame, blame San Lorenzo’s inability to put the goals they need in the net. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many shots you take, how much possession you have, but the amount of goals that are on the scoreboard at the end of the game. Goals win games.