- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer Notes: EBAL v. DFAL, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Monday, December 5th, 2011 at 11:22 am in Boys soccer.
The debate has already begun. What is the best league in the East Bay? I think each league has a lot of strengths, and I think in particular the BVAL, DVAL and HAAL are extremely strong. But I firmly believe the top two are the usual suspects.
Which one is better?
The Argument for the EBAL
The top three ranked teams in the East Bay belong to this powerhouse of a league. Four teams are ranked in total, Amador Valley and Monte Vista are very close and probably will be sooner than later, and Foothill looks vastly improved. With a good coach, don’t sleep on Livermore.
The EBAL traditionally doesn’t play a lot of Division II schools, and most EBAL teams play a very good schedule. Right now, EBAL teams are 2-1-2 against top 15 teams, not including other EBAL schools (because that would just be a wash). Only one team has played a DFAL school, and that is Miramonte beating Livermore 1-0.
The league is very, very top heavy with a solid middle. It’s hard to argue that this isn’t the best league.
The Argument for the DFAL
The DFAL has four teams in the top 10, more than any other league. Two more are the first two teams just outside the rankings, so this league has six of its seven members in the top 17. The other team, Miramonte, is much, much stronger than in recent years.
The league is 0-0-3 against non-DFAL teams currently ranked in the top 15. Hayward was ranked early on, so Dublin’s win over Hayward speaks loudly for the league. This league is 13-0-2 against Division I teams.
Conclusion
The problem is that the DFAL and EBAL teams don’t play each other very often. The EBAL schools hardly have anything to gain by playing a top Division II team, other than getting very good competition. It would be great to see a few of the top DFAL teams enter the gold bracket of the WSC, or for a few DFAL teams to get into the De La Salle Showcase.
For now, we can just speculate based on common opponents and things of that nature.
With all this being said, it’s hard to go against the Division I league with the top three teams in the area. I think the gap is closing, but I think the EBAL reigns supreme still.
If I really wanted to get creative I would take each teams ranking, add it together and divide it by the amount of teams in the league. For each team not ranked, I would have to give an arbitrary number (like 26, just outside the considered list).
If I do that the EBAL scores out at a 10.1 ranking (lower being better) and the DFAL scores out at 11.4. But that’s just crazy talk.
Rankings
A bunch of small shifts and a couple of bigger ones in the rankings. The biggest one is Dougherty Valley jumping from the bottom of the considered list to the top 10. An impressive showing in the WSC and in the final against Campolindo proves the Wildcats are worthy of a top 10 ranking.
Acalanes drops a few spots after a couple of draws, but don’t expect the Dons to stay out of the top five for long. Campo moves to No. 6, and though I wanted to move them in the top four, nobody above them did enough to drop. Clayton Valley and San Ramon Valley each just dropped one spot after a draw.
We need to welcome College Park to the rankings. Three draws, but they have played a good schedule with good results, so far.
The first five teams on the considered list, Las Lomas, Alhambra, Bishop O’Dowd, Amador Valley and Monte Vista, all were very close to being ranked in the top 15.
1. De La Salle (1-0-0)
2. California (6-0-1)
3. San Ramon Valley (1-0-1)
4. Richmond (1-0-0)
5. Clayton Valley (1-0-1)
6. Campolindo (4-0-0)
7. Dublin (4-0-0)
8. Acalanes (2-0-2)
9. Mt. Eden (4-0-1)
10. Dougherty Valley (4-1-2)
11. Granada (5-1-1)
12. Newark Memorial (5-3-0)
13. Berkeley (2-1-1)
14. Albany (2-1-2)
15. College Park (1-0-3)
Others considered: Las Lomas (3-0-2), Alhambra (4-1-0), Bishop O’Dowd (1-0-1), Amador Valley (3-1-0), Monte Vista (2-0-2), Pittsburg (0-2-1), Pinole Valley (1-0-0), Alameda (3-1-0), Hayward (1-2-0), Logan (2-2-3)
Standings
ACCAL
Alameda (3-1-0, 0-0-0)
Berkeley (2-1-1, 0-0-0)
De Anza (0-0-0, 0-0-0)
El Cerrito (2-1-1, 0-0-0)
Hercules (0-0-1, 0-0-0)
Pinole Valley (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
Richmond (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
BSAL
Albany (2-1-2, 0-0-0)
Encinal (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Kennedy (1-3-0, 0-0-0)
Piedmont (2-3-0, 0-0-0)
Salesian (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
St. Joseph Notre Dame (1-1-0, 0-0-0)
St. Mary’s (0-0-2, 0-0-0)
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (0-0-0, 0-0-0)
Swett (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
BVAL
Antioch (3-2-1, 0-0-0)
Deer Valley (0-1-1, 0-0-0)
Freedom (0-0-1, 0-0-0)
Heritage (0-1-1, 0-0-0)
Liberty (0-3-0, 0-0-0)
Pittsburg (0-2-1, 0-0-0)
DFAL
Acalanes (2-0-2, 0-0-0)
Alhambra (4-1-0, 0-0-0)
Campolindo (4-0-0, 0-0-0)
Dougherty Valley (4-1-2, 0-0-0)
Dublin (5-0-0, 0-0-0)
Las Lomas (3-0-2, 0-0-0)
Miramonte (2-2-0, 0-0-0)
DVAL
Berean Chr. (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Clayton Valley (1-0-1, 0-0-0)
College Park (1-0-3, 0-0-0)
Concord (0-0-0, 0-0-0)
Mt. Diablo (0-0-1, 0-0-0)
Northgate (3-2-1, 0-0-0)
Ygnacio Valley (3-2-0, 0-0-0)
EBAL
Amador Valley (3-1-0, 0-0-0)
California (6-0-1, 0-0-0)
De La Salle (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
Foothill (2-1-2, 0-0-0)
Granada (5-1-1, 0-0-0)
Livermore (2-3-0, 0-0-0)
Monte Vista (2-0-2, 0-0-0)
San Ramon Valley (1-0-1, 0-0-0)
HAAL
Arroyo (0-2-0, 0-0-0)
Bishop O’Dowd (1-0-1, 0-0-0)
Castro Valley (0-4-0, 0-0-0)
Hayward (1-2-0, 0-0-0)
Moreau Catholic (0-1-1, 0-0-0)
Mt. Eden (4-0-1, 0-0-0)
San Leandro (0-4-0, 0-0-0)
San Lorenzo (0-2-1, 0-0-0)
Tennyson (0-0-0, 0-0-0)
MVAL
American (0-5-1, 0-0-0)
Irvington (0-5-0, 0-0-0)
Kennedy (0-3-2, 0-0-0)
Logan (2-2-3, 0-0-0)
Mission San Jose (0-8-0, 0-0-0)
Newark Memorial (5-3-0, 0-0-0)
Washington (1-2-0, 0-0-0)
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
Sandoval, Newark 6
Parisi, Dougherty 5
Castillo, Dublin 5
Hartland, Dublin 5
DeBack, Acalanes 4
Alejandro, Alhambra 4
Nguyen, American 4
Nodhal, Cal 4
Lopez, Dougherty 4
Shaiwany, Dougherty 4
DiGirolamo, Dublin 4
Name School Assists
Marshall, Dublin 5
Lomas, Campo 4
Maguire, Acalanes 3
Mirner, Acalanes 3
Nino, Dublin 3
Gratsch, MV 3
Sandoval, Newark 3
Many tied with two
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December 5th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Who has Dublin played and how do they match up against the rest of te DFAL?
December 5th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Dublin with victories over:
Washington (2-0)
Liberty (3-0)
Hayward (3-0)
Moreau (4-0)
Salesian (7-1)
0 goals allowed in the five games (excluding a questionable pk given to Salesian).
As far as how they stack up I will leave to Matt. One knows from past history that I may tend to be a little biased towards them.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Here is the thing I will say about Dublin… as long as James Fulwiler is coaching, they will be relevant. Last year, after losing several key players off one of the top three teams in the East Bay, they made the semifinals, and now return most of that team.
No reason Dublin shouldn’t be considered legit.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Top 15 Match up today
#3 San Ramon Valley @ #9 Mt. Eden 3:15
good luck Monarchs way to step up the competion before league.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Oh wow, that should be a good match. Wish I could catch that one.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Matt,I’m sure you haven’t had a chance to watch some of this teams play yet. I watched a few games of the WSC.
On Monday I had the chance to watch YV vs Dougherty: It was a great game by both teams, YV dominated most of the game and let Dougherty hang around for too long and it cost them the game. It was 1-0 yv most of the game and they missed about 4 or 5 good chances to increase the lead. Dougherty never gave up and was able to score 2 goals in the last 13 minutes or so.
Acalanes vs Albany: Acalanes played a little better then Albany but, Albany took a 2-0. The 2nd half was dominated by Acalanes and it showed by coming back to tie the game 2-2. Acalanes got a little lucky when the linesmen made a bad call and called offside on Albany. Albany would have had a 3-0 lead at that point. A lot of credit to Acalanes who never gave up. I still haven’t had a chance to watch Campo.
Out of this games that I got to see, Ygnacio Valley is the best team I saw. I don’t know if you just don’t like them cause I never see them on the rankings. I been watching a lot of soccer over the years and this team is one of the best teams I have seen in a while.
Just my thoughts
December 5th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Hey, thanks for the insight. I really appreciate it.
Trust me, my like or dislike for a team never comes into play. For starters, I like all the teams and coaches in the East Bay. I guess I don’t know enough about YV to rank them yet. They were just outside the rankings, in the others considered list, maybe like 18th or 19th, but starting the year with two losses and I had to drop them out.
The three wins were good, but against unranked/unconsidered teams. Hearing from you that they are very talented means I need to get out and see for myself. Hope to see them soon.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
I was just looking at YV stats on maxpreps. They have a kid named Jonathan Ayala who has scored 7 goals and has 6 assist. He should be leading both of the stat categories. Just a bit of information I thought you would like to know.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I will update his stats. If someone from the team doesn’t email me the stats or report them to the paper, then I don’t get them.
I have to count on other people to let me know if they are to be found in other places.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
I heard that Nick Lemus from Castro Valley is not playing High School Soccer this year and was wondering why if anybody knows. He’s such a sweet player and I know he went to Europe with the Quakes at the end of the season last year but if you’re that concerned about your soccer career why would you play football. He was a nice running back and an excellent place kicker as you might expect but is the lure of Academy soccer that strong to keep you from playing with your high school buds? No bone to pick just curious.
December 5th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Gabriel Borges 5 assist just to keep updated
December 5th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Definitely go see YVHS. They have a lot of talent including Edgar Damian, Mario Mendez and TJ Hogan. I have watched these boys play the last 4-5 years — all three including Ayala (aka Tata) are talented soccer players.
December 5th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Hey Matt,
Great posting, but I do not see ‘Tack’ in the stats listing. Tack, where are you? I am with you on the top 5 rankings. It is amazing how tough it is to break into the top 15: simply brutal. Maybe it should be Top-10 for D1 and Top-10 for D2.
I would like to get your take on the state of goalkeepers in the East Bay: Entering the year, who are the top returning keepers and who are the must see new kids in the nets: ID the top 3-5 in D1 and in D2. Gotta give the props to the net-minders.
Finally, I am looking for the red card stats table…NOT!
See you at the pitch in “The year of the red card!”
December 5th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
HAAL Fan: The USSF Soccer Academy teams have adopted a 10 month training calender which means the boys do not play high school soccer. Elisama Padilla from CVHS (2010 First Team) is not playing this year as well because of his commitment to the Earthquakes Academy. It’s a great program for the players but means we don’t get to see them at the high school games.
December 5th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
SRV got the road win 2-1 over Mt Eden. i was not there so i dont know how close/not close the game was.
December 5th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
SRV got the road win 2-1 over Mt Eden. i was not there so i dont know how close/not close the game was.
December 5th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
I have also seen yv play this year and they are very talented on the offensive side. We will wait and see how they hold up on the defensive side but then again when you are scoring all that goes aside. I hope to see them in the playoffs vs a dfal team because I think they can beat any one of them on any given day.
December 5th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
They would have NONE chance against a team like campolindo, acalanes, or even Dublin. You are talking a big talk.. You are challenging some of the big powerhouses right now. Campolindos experienced offense, Acalanes golden defense, and dublins over all experience. I hope I am right: but I believe campolindo plays YV this year!
December 5th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
To say YV has no chance against this teams is ridiculous. They have some of the best skill players in all north coast. I have been watching high school soccer for over 15 years and this is one of the most talented teams I have seen. DFAL is a really strong league but, that doesn’t mean they can’t be beat. You need to watch YV play and appreciate the great skill this kids have. according to maxpreps, Campo and YV don’t play each other.
December 5th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Sweeper, I’m up there don’t you worry! However, I do not wish to remove my mask just yet
As far as YV goes, DFAL#1 you cannot say they have NO chance. Every team always has a chance, it just depends on who shows up ready to play that night. Trust me, Dublin has been under that “no chance label for quite a long time, and we continue to stun people to this day. Never count out an opponent, no matter how small they stand.
December 5th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Oh I stand right there next too you guys no worry.. Maybe saying “no chance” was a bit over the top. I just believe the DFAL is too strog if they show up to their max performance. However, there are bad days and good days. And my mistake on the campo vs YV.
December 5th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
I say Matt should contact the YV coach and Campo coach and have them schedule a game. That would be one great game to watch that can go either way.
December 5th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Hey Tack,
Just my joke to Matt to post you as ‘Tack’. Keep that Batman mask in place, I know you are on the chart. Keep up the good work. Go Gaels! Play well and stay healthy.
–The Sweeper, aka Alfred (HA!)
December 5th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Hey Matt,
The SMITH-HS-FUTBALL-BLOG is taking over, even in the face of the American HS Football finals. Cal High is already on a roll. I expect DLS to be challenged at their tourney, and for Cal to advance to #1.
IMHO, Richmond is the team to see in January, as the Oilers challenge EBAL’s finest: MV (1/7), @SRV (1/21) and DLS (1/28). No other team has the cajones to book this challenge.
And I just noticed that Pittsburg is at SRV on Thursday 12/8.
See you at the pitch!
December 6th, 2011 at 9:08 am
SoccerMom, thanks for the info. I would never criticize high school players for wanting to play at the highest level they can to further their careers, I’m just a big fan of HS soccer and watched about 14 games last year. Was this a recent ruling by the Academy system because there were a lot of Academy players who played HS soccer last year. I appologize in advance for my ignorance of the Academy system, inlighten me please.
December 6th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Here’s a link to a press release on the Academy 10-month season this season. Both the San Jose Earthquakes and De Anza Force academies are in the Northwest division. Last year these academies took a break for high school soccer, but not this year. Is there any other sport that does this? As far as I know, the best swimmers, runners, football players, basketball players, golfers, tennis players, etc. all compete for their high schools.
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Development-Academy/2011/12/111204-10Month-Season.aspx
December 6th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
It is impossible to compare futbol to any other organized sport. It needs it’s own unique set of standards, NCAA rules, and NFHS rules. It should be mandated by the USSF what they expect to see across the board. For the betterment of US Soccer and the athletes playing it.
First step would be a unified HS soccer season across the country. Fall season, End of August thru November. November/December off. Club ball through August. You get your 10 months of training.
It also must be noted the level of coaching and organization varies wildly throughout the country and even our state in HS soccer. It really can do some players no good in some situations.
December 6th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Richmond 12, De Anza 0. Final score
December 6th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Berkeley 2 – Alameda 1
December 7th, 2011 at 10:47 am
Top 10 rivalry game tonight.
#7 Dublin @ #10 Dougherty Valley
December 7th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
USSF is attempting to bring the European model (professional teams have youth academies to develop the most talented players) to the US. Hence the discrepancies between soccer and other traditionally American sports. I know if clubs did not shut down for the HS season the majority of club players would be forced to skip HS soccer.
December 7th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
There are good things in the European model, but this model may not fit here.
Soccer in Europe is a working class sport. Typically kids who go into soccer in Europe make an early choice (jr high age) to either focus on soccer or on education. Very few kids are able to do both (Lizarazu is the only example that comes to mind, though there are others.)
Arguably, the academies were designed to help the US to be competitive with other nations by following these nations’ model, and that’s fine. But are the US ready for the next step of the European way and make kids choose between a good education and a (always uncertain) soccer career? Soccer is largely a middle class sport here…
December 7th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Granada beat Liberty last night 3-0.
Granada has a player named Nate Preece, who has 8 goals this year.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
YV 1 Albany 0
December 7th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
That is an impressive win for Yv. Congrats!
December 7th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Dublin 1 – 2 Dougherty Valley
Horribly reffed game both ways, with 2 goals by Dublin controversaly pulled out by the refs. Still, Dublin let in two goals and they can only blame themselves for those.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Campo 5 Alhambra 3
1 of Alhambras goals was controversial PK
It was a very bias ref in favor of Alhambra which does not make any sense because it looksed like the dogs were the aggressor.. campo’s high powered offense strikes again
December 7th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Campolindo won 5-3 over Alhambra
December 7th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Let’s get scores from ALL of the games today!
December 7th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Boy’s soccer final DV 2, Dublin 0.
I saw the 2nd half of the Dublin @ DV match. I missed DV’s 2 first half goals, so my comments are limited the 2nd half action.
The refs were not ‘horrible’ but the vertical action did challenge the ARs with the attack speed on each side (slow to keep up with the sudden possession shifts).
Overall, I did like the center referee’s command of the field.
There were numerous objections from each team regarding sideline and endline calls. To my recollection, the entire ball must be past the sideline or endline.
There was one endline call made by the AR who was 10+ yards from the endline, and the back-pass was buried by Dublin with 6/7 minutes to go and while down 1-2.
One last point for my understanding, in H2 there was a player down injury situation for 2 1/2 minutes, plus a goal stoppage, plus a yellow after the goal (???why???), plus another yellow, and only 1 minute of stoppage time. By my SLOW watch, 4 1/2 minutes of stoppage time should have been added.
Any rematch will be worth seeing.
See you at the pitch!
December 7th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Dang, the final was DV 2, Dublin 1. What a dumb typo…
BTW, the only goal that I saw was a clean, vertical pass up the middle spinning left, to the left wing, and then a straight up 1 on 1 bury it far post goal.
See you at the pitch!
December 8th, 2011 at 7:43 am
Sweeper I only say horrible because of the magnitude of the mistakes they made on two Dublin goals that should have been. The second one you mentioned with the AR being no where near the end line, but the first half mistake was downright silly. Dublin had a corner which they played to the left back who then preceded to cross the ball as DV pushed out. It went through the maze of people eventually finding a lone Dublin player in the back. Right before he put it in the red blew the whistle having thought the AR called offside, but no such call was made. This resulted in a drop ball in the 18 rater than a goal, and DV maintained the two goal lead. But besides that I’m glad to hear you came out to the pitch!
December 8th, 2011 at 9:50 am
I keep hearing Campo vs YV… is this game going to happen? Will the coaches make this happen?
Still too much soccer left for a big game like that. Some teams have not played a regular season game to have it mean anything.
We are talking about a #6 ranked vs a no rank team.
Too much soccer left to tell.
December 8th, 2011 at 9:51 am
Say what you want about the refs, DV crushed Dub in first half and early second and that game could have been 4-0 30 minutes in. DV was unlucky at times, and just plain awful at others, in front of goal. Missing easy chances with just the GK to beat on 4-5 occasions cost DV and kept Dub in it. To their credit, Dub fought hard for final 20 and played very direct which caused problems for DV. In any case, DV won and outplayed Dub for most of the match.
December 8th, 2011 at 11:16 am
I’m very excited to be done with finals, and to be able to cover a game. I’m seeing Berkeley v. Deer Valley tonight and San Ramon Valley v. Clayton Valley on Saturday. Let the ramped up coverage begin!
Sounds like the Dublin/DV game was a good one. Too bad I missed it.
It also looks like YV will need some love next week. They deserve it.
December 8th, 2011 at 11:38 am
I raise a cup (Red Solo of course) to Mr. Smith for his completion of finals.
Interesting chatter so far. One item that Sweeper introduced but hasn’t been commented on is top East Bay keepers. Perhaps Matt, you are saving for a separate post??? I know the East Bay has it’s share of great keepers that have gone off to D1 schools and that their are some great one’s still playing HS soccer.
I will be at the cross town “grudge” match of Campo vs. Acalanes tomorrow night. Will weigh in at it’s conclusion. Always a good time when these two DFAL schools get together.
December 8th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Campos high powered offense will be a good match against Acalanes solid defense.
2-0 campo
December 8th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Getting back to Matt’s original question, I propose that the NCS winners of D1 and D2 play each other at season’s end. Who wouldn’t want to see that? Yes, we could (should) have the top DFAL teams play in the WSC Gold or the DLS Showcase. That might give us a good indication of how the two leagues would stack up. However, looking back at the last 3 years, De La Salle won the D1 championship while Campo, Dublin and Acalanes each won D2. All 3 of those schools may have matched up well against DLS if a 1 game “East Bay Championship” were held. Matt is correct that the gap between the two leagues is closing.
December 8th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Also campo has been in the DLS showcase the past two years. Won last year 1-0 and plays Clayton Valley this year
December 8th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
I believe the Campo vs Acalanes game is tonight at Campo.
December 8th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Campo vs Acalanes is Friday at 6:15pm
December 8th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Solo cup —-
An East Bay Champion would be a great idea.
The All Leagues Champion of Champions.
Can we push for this ???
December 8th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
I like the idea of this East Bay Champion of Champions. How to make this happen…
It would probably have to be approved by NCS, or it would have to be an event separate of NCS. Like something that would be sponsored. The Matt Smith Champion of Champions sounds good.
I kid about that, but if a sponsor put something together, and the teams wanted to play a friendly, like the Community Shield, it could happen. It would be fun.
Or they could just line up and play at Dublin High after both teams have finished winning their NCS title.
By the way, I’m at Berkeley High. College Park is up 1-0 on Castro Valley.
December 8th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
So I’ve been thinking of keepers and these are just the ones that pop in my head that are back.
Wilcox from Cal, Konstantino from DLS, Lombana from Newark and Crisp from Deer Valley.
December 8th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Wilcox has not played this season. Double shoulder surgery earlier this summer.
December 8th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Tonight’s Tri-Valley Challenge Tournament Results
Berkeley 2 – Deer Valley 0
San Ramon Valley 2 – Pittsburgh 1
Monte Vista 2 – Clayton Valley 2
College Park 3 – Castro Valley 0
December 9th, 2011 at 7:38 am
Correction, double labrum surgery for Wilcox, not double shoulder.
December 9th, 2011 at 8:02 am
Is Wilcox out for the year?
December 9th, 2011 at 8:39 am
@Matt..That’s what I heard needs to totally heal and rehab. Big loss for Cal ..but Wilcox is a very good keeper and great kid..best to wait to play at 100% and possibly make it to a college program. Spartans are looking very good in early games. Showing some brilliant offensive play and smooth ball movement and some very tough D. Konstantino is one of the best at stopping a PK and very good all-around keeper. Spartans if they stay healthy are very much in-line for the possible NCS 4peat.
Sparty is showing some great depth at all 3 levels of play along with some misc coaching adjustments they are well headed into becoming a consistent dynasty program.
December 9th, 2011 at 8:40 am
Did DLS have a recent match? The only score I’ve seen is the Mitty result.
December 9th, 2011 at 9:41 am
THE KEEPER FROM PINOLE VALLEY MARIANO GIL HAS THE SIZE AND SPEED. ALSO MADE O.D.P POOL OF EIGHTEEN FOR STATE.LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MATCH UPS WITH RICHMOND AND BERKELEY.PINOLE VALLEY ALSO HAS A MATCH COMING UP NEXT TUESDAY AT PINOLE VALLEY WITH HIGH POWER CAMPOLINDO WILL BE A GOOD TEST FOR GIL.
December 9th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Glad to have High School soccer back. Young talent and older talent coming together in making the best possible team. Glad to have High School soccer back. Young talent and older talent coming together in making the best possible team.
This year DVAL is strong and any 4 [clayton , concord, College Park or YV ] may take league.
Matt- I know you may be full covering other leagues and no argument here , they do produce champions. Just keep an eye on this 4 teams. College Park has put together a great all around team. Concord has some great players whom may change the out come of any team they play to even putting themselves at top. Clayton is still a force to reckon with and is too strong. YV has changed from the first two games. Yes they did lose but were missing 6 or more starters on both games and some small injuries. I read about someone waking up YV… I think they are the team to beat. Not ranked and invisible to the rest.
Thank you.
December 9th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Dougherty Valley just recently beat Dublin 2-1. The score doesnt show the flow of the game, Dougherty dominated most of the game even with two starters out. On saturday DV will play Cal, this game will show who should be ranked in the top 5.
December 9th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Also, Dougherty Valley has 4 starting players with 3 or more goals. This high powered offense is a huge challenge for any team.
December 9th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Just a thought about tournaments in NCS. Years ago there was only one big tournament on the boys side: the Winter Classic. Pretty much all major NCS teams participated, and it was something to see. Then, a few years ago, MV and SRV created their own tournament, which gives them a chance to play teams outside of the EBAL, and factors more rest between games. There is also the DLS Showcase, which is a great success, with nationally ranked quality teams coming from other sections, such as Watsonville or Santa Margarita, which is not a tournament per se. Bellarmine has started their own tournament over the Xmas break with the same type of teams. The end result of this fragmentation is that the quality of our local tournaments is now diluted. How about federating all these tournaments into a major event with multiple flights, and inviting top outside teams to participate, a little bit on the model of the NCS girls event. I invite Keith Switzer (Winter Classic,) Matt Zhaner and Don Busboom (SRV/MV tournament,) Derrick Browne (DLS Showcase) and Patrick Lowney (Bellarmine, if he reads this) to get together and provide the area with a national-level competition. I am sure a lot of people involved in HS soccer would be delighted to help.
December 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Good idea. ONE high-profile tournament with multiple levels of play, just like Las Lomas created with the Tri-Valley Classic. They got SRV and Monte Vista on board and it draws many schools from the West coast and even from Texas and Hawaii. Also draws quite a few college coaches because it’s during their off-season.
Re DV vs Cal – Just think Cal will be too much and too fast when it’s all said and done. DV does have weapons, but so does Cal. I suppose the game will provide the answers. Hope for a good game.
December 9th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Hey 11 v. 11, I just saw College Park and came away very impressed. I am seeing Clayton Valley on Saturday.
I’ll do my best to see Concord and YV soon.
December 9th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Cokito,
Your idea has great merit and it reminds me of one of my best memories playing HS soccer. Back in the day, the Torrance high schools in SoCal had a holiday boys soccer tournament and the double elimination bracket had 64 boys varsity teams. The best of the best in LA-LA land showed up. This year South Torrance High is hosting the 42nd edition of the tournament with over 100 teams (varsity boys & girls and JV boys & girls brackets). We played in single digit editions.
And did I mention that it was rough? It was rough I tell ya! We played on lumpy real grass fields, in the snow, no not snow I meant smog, and I think that the refs didn’t even carry red cards, or at least they never pulled them. Foul? What’s a foul? It was rough I tell ya!
Seriously, there is much to be said for a big-time tournament with a loaded field of teams.
December 9th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
There’s alot of talk about YV right now. So I guess I’ll have my say too. I’m going to start by mentioning that the DVAL is a league that is not looked upon very often but they have two top teams in Clayton Valley and YV and by what I have been seen lately I can say College Park and Concord are also very good teams.
These teams will definitely bring some attention to the league. As far as YV goes, they are very talented team. Edgar Damian is a joy to watch in midfield and has alot of help from the other 10 on the field. As I was reading through this blog, I came upon a comment about YV’s chances against top DFAL teams. YV played Campo last year in the NCS quarter finals and trust me, YV dominated most of the game even after they went down on a splendid goal from Campo. That team that campo played last year returns 9 starters after losing their GK and a center midfielder. They were very good assets to the team but there’s alot of up and coming talent waiting to break in the starting 11.
All I’m saying is YV can hold it’s own against any DFAL or BVAL. Same goes for Clayton, CP, and Concord.
December 9th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Concord 1 – Hercules 0
With that win Concord is now 3 and 0.
December 9th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Acalanes 1-1 Campolindo
December 9th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Dublin 1 – 2 Miramonte
Dublin dominated flow and possession but gave up two set pieces in the final ten minutes. They seem to have trouble either starting games (DV) or finishing them (Miramonte). Things need to pick up quickly or Campo and Acalanes will be the lone teams battling it out for DFAL.
December 9th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
2nd post this season….final got a chance to go see the Mats play.
2-1 Miramonte vs Dublin
Tack…I have read your posts and enjoyed your commentary. I respected your posts until tonight. I was at the game. There was no flow to the game. In fact most of it was played between the 20s. You also failed to mention on Dublins goal, the AR called offsides near mid field and the ref who was on the wrong half waived it off. The goal was an uncontested 1v1 with the keeper as the Miramonte defenders stopped playing.
I thought that Miramonte had more energy and was never really in danger or under duress all night. Both keepers really didnt have to make any saves all night. Mira had some point blank chances in the 1st half and Dublin pressed late but it was too little to late. Tighten it up Tack….
Go mats
December 9th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Amador 3 – 0 over James Logan.
Amador Valley is 5-1 and has only given up 2 goals in 6 games.
5 shutouts.
Could be surprise team in the very competitive EBAL.
December 10th, 2011 at 12:19 am
The Dublin goal, if you know anything about the rule of offside, was a legit goal. One player, clearly offside, stopped running towards the ball as his teammate proceeded to make his run and score. The AR called the original offside and the Center knew that he gained no advantage from his placement and let the play continue. Of Miramonte defenders stopped play without a whistle, that’s their fault, and not all stopped as the forward had to out run his defender and sneak it by the keeper. I may have mistaked flow, probably not the right word, but Dublin did have the majority of possession. Having said all that, I do not believe I attack the Mats at all, and they deserve all the credit they get. I simply stated that it was Dublin’s game to lose, which they did.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:53 am
Tack, You also fail to mention that Miramonte had 2 goals taken away from them that was not off-sides. One of their starting center backs and outside backs has been out for a week and will probably be out until the break. Because of that, their 2 center mid fielders have dropped unto the back line. Once they get healthy they will be a true contender in DFAL. Also there goalie has been playing forward because of the injuries. He is the starting goalie for SC Sporting, #3 in the country. If they get up early, teams will have a hard time coming back.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:02 am
Cockito/Sweeper/Futbol 101/Mr. Smith
Do I see a committee being formed to bring an East Bay Champions tournament together?
I’m just sayin’!!!
December 10th, 2011 at 10:53 am
We can sit here for hours pointing out how infinite things could have changed how the game was played but the fact is Miramonte won the game, so congrats to them. For now let’s just watch how the season unfolds.
December 10th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
O’dowd vs. Yv
Should make for a great game! I will update as we go.
December 10th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
0-0 at half
Yv. O’ dawd
December 10th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
SRV 0, Clayton 0 at half.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Yv 1 O’dowd 1 final
Great game, no one team had domination of the ball. Most of the control was held by YV. O’ had two to three great players which made it difficult for Yv to score.
Chances were created by both teams with Yv scoring first. They produced a few more opportunities with no results. Time was running out and the game got heated. 10 minutes left yellows began to fly, with hard tackles in between. 3-4 minutes in stoppage time the O’s equalize the score.
1-1.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
wonder y football and socccer have the same amount of players
December 10th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
College Park 2 Deer Valley 0
Exciting game. Both teams had good ball possession, but CP was able to create more chances and and finish them.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Wonder y futball is spelled with a “u” and football is spelled with “oo”?
December 10th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Richmond 5, Foothill 1.
December 10th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Granada 2 Antioch 0
Antioch is super dirty. Garbage fouls galore. Ref lost control of game. Could and should have been more cautions leading to send offs for Antioch.
December 10th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
The Final days Scores from the Tri-Valley Challenge
SRV 1 – Clayton Valley 0
Pitt 5 – Castro Valley 2
Monte vista 2 – Berkeley 0
College Park 2 – Deer Valley 0
By virtue of 3rd tie breaker (Goals against)
San Ramon Valley repeats as Tri Valley Challenge Champion!
December 10th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Cal scores in the 3rd minute against DV. 1-0 at Cal. They look bigger and faster.Cal misses a semi-open goal header in the 7th minute.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
DV #10 playing back half (like Cal #10 last year).DV counter punching and not backing down.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
DV ties Cal in the 15th minute.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
DV 1 Cal 1, 37 to play. Interesting match.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
1-1 at Cal, 30 left.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Cal scores with 25 left. Bad spot foul call and the restart ball never came to a rest. DV getting jobbed at Cal, big time.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Okay, I need to address a few points…
1. Representer, can you tell me who else Concord has played and what the scores were? I don’t have any of those matches.
2. Red Solo Cup, I think Cokito, Sweeper, Futbol and myself would make a great committee!!
3. 11 v. 11, that was the first goal BOD had given up this year. What did you think of them? How did YV look?
4. Sweeper, it was awesome seeing you today. Keep us posted from Cal.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
2-1 with 10 left at Cal. Good match.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Cal scores to make it 3-1 over DV with 2 min to go. This was a poorly ref’d game. DV did not deserve to be treated that way. And the Cal fans were TOTAL JERKS.
December 10th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Concord 5 – Hercules 2
Concord 4 – Pinole Valley 1
Concord 1 – Hercules 0
Concord 4 – Kennedy Richmond 0
December 10th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Cal-4 DV-1. I left before the final Cal score but heard the announcement. Prior comments aside, DV can compete with anyone, given a fair shake on the pitch. Let me say it now (politely for the rude video taping idiot at Cal) either DV is underrated or Cal is overrated. I suspect both…
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
December 10th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Hey Matt,
Likewise, it was good catching up and comparing notes today. CV is the real deal despite the loss at SRV today. I cannot cover matches like you, but we can jointly cover matches for your mega-blog. As we discussed, I will make every effort to see Richmond v. DLS, MV, and SRV in January. The BART-taxi program is also on the table.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch.
December 11th, 2011 at 12:37 am
Matt-
BOD looked great but the defense was very suspect. They have three players that on offense dominate the pitch. Even knowing that they gave up their first goal this year , a team with speed and control( which Yv had ) created a great disaster for them. BOD did control the ball at this but was very direct almost down to a semi-long kick and run style.
Yv did change from a calm methodical style of play to a very fast and controlled one. You have to be careful with this teams speed. They have a very deep bench and sub upon sub did not change the style of strength of play.
I have to give it up to BOD for staying strong and finishing the game and pulling a draw 3-4 minutes into stoppage time. With that being said , I have to say Yv was the stronger team all around and should have won that game.
Great game for both nevertheless.
December 11th, 2011 at 3:08 am
Richmond high 5, Foothill 1 Final score
December 12th, 2011 at 12:30 am
Gotta see the Oilers. Would like to hear the #s to watch (I am not a names watcher). Who is THE stopper on defense and who is the QB, if you know what I mean. I think I know the answers, but things evolve, particularly in December…
See you at the pitch!
December 12th, 2011 at 2:21 am
Hi Sweeper, I am curious as to what your answers are
And I agree that whatever they may be now, they may nor be constant over time.
December 12th, 2011 at 2:52 am
Sorry I haven’t been keeping track, work has been in my recently but I have made it to a few games. Recently saw DV vs CAL and couldn’t agree more with Sweeper, DV played hard and the ref was poor, not even close to an evenly reffed match as he favored the bigger side CAL. Good to see last year’s #10 for CAL rooting for his side. I agree that CAL is overrated and DV is underrated as well. Anyone know what he did with soccer?
December 12th, 2011 at 10:03 am
Just a quick note about Derrick Wilcox as I work on this week’s stuff. I heard from Chris Faidley, the coach at Cal, that Wicox’ rehab has been very good and he could be cleared to play this week.
All that would remain after that would be training and getting fit to play, for him to be ready to go. Jake Lepere has been good in goal for Cal, so Wilcox will have to perform as well.
January 3rd, 2012 at 12:40 pm
great points altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What may you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?