- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer: Standouts, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Monday, December 19th, 2011 at 1:45 pm in Boys soccer.
This should get some discussion going. These are things that have stood out to me, so feel free to point anything out that I’ve missed or haven’t seen. Here are my thoughts…
Teams:
Richmond looked like the best team I’ve seen, at the time I saw them. The passing and ball movement was incredible. Bullard may not be very good, but the passing and precision would have been impressive if there were just cones out there.
California looks just as dangerous as last year, if not more so. Fast on the edges, organized in the back, solid in the midfield. Duke Driggs is a difference maker for them that a lot of people don’t notice.
Acalanes has two of the best players I’ve seen this year. Austin Deback, in my opinion, is the best striker I’ve seen and Jacob Carroll is the best defender I’ve seen. With a guy in the back that clears everything, and with the creative presence up top, Acalanes is legit.
San Ramon Valley is solid from front to back. There is no weakness.
Clayton Valley is physically the strongest team I’ve seen. In February when it’s cold, and a lot of playoff games are 1-0, the Eagles style will come in handy.
Haven’t seen Bishop O’Dowd, but giving up just one goal in six games is pretty impressive.
Players
I mentioned Austin Deback and Jacob Carroll already. I think the best striker and defender I’ve seen. Haven’t seen Jonathan Ayala yet, but will on Tuesday. I also already mentioned Duke Driggs, but also from Cal Nathan Grixti is very quick, but also Chris Nodhal and Cameron Townsend stood out to me as explosive and creative.
Fardeen Shaiwany of Dougherty was a very explosive player to watch, Elias Jose Lopez of Mt. Eden is probably my favorite player I’ve seen so far and I really liked College Park freshman Dylan Yasutake.
San Ramon Valley has so many skilled players, but I have come away impressed by Tim Scatterday. I also like Adolfo Martinez and Dominic Alvarez from Clayton, and Francisco Carriedo of Berkeley.
I could list a lot of Richmond players, but I was really impressed by Israel Ayala and Erik Montes in the middle, and Gerardo Mendoza up top as well as Fabian Martinez and Cesar Cardenas in the back.
Joel Sandoval, who I haven’t seen yet this year, impresses me with his 11 goals because I believe he was a left back last year.
Rankings
Cal High, which hasn’t lost since the NCS Division I title game during the 2009-2010 season, regains the top spot it held for much of the season a year ago. This Cal team looks just as dangerous. Speaking of dangerous, Richmond looks like a true challenger and jumps up to No. 2. De La Salle stays in the top three after bouncing back from a loss to Alisal with a win over Santa Margarita.
Speaking of not losing, Campolindo hadn’t lost since January, during last season’s title run, but slipped up for the first time against a non-DFAL opponent with a 2-0 loss to Clayton Valley. It was the Cougars first loss to a non-DFAL team since losing to Bishop O’Dowd in the playoffs two seasons ago, and it was a good bounce back win for Clayton Valley.
It was a very good week for the DVAL in the rankings as Ygnacio Valley jumps up to No. 6 with Clayton right behind, College Park jumps to No. 9 while Concord debuts in the rankings.
Also, gotta give some love to Oakland Tech for making the considered list for the first time. That program keeps getting better.
1. California (9-0-2)
2. Richmond (4-0-0)
3. De La Salle (3-1-1)
4. Acalanes (5-0-3)
5. San Ramon Valley (4-2-2)
6. Ygnacio Valley (5-2-1)
7. Clayton Valley (4-2-2)
8. Campolindo (8-1-1)
9. College Park (6-0-3)
10. Granada (8-1-2)
11. Newark Memorial (8-3-0)
12. Monte Vista (4-0-5)
13. Dougherty Valley (5-3-3)
14. Bishop O’Dowd (3-0-3)
15. Concord (6-0-0)
Others considered: Amador Valley (5-3-0), Dublin (6-2-0), Pittsburg (3-3-1), Hayward (3-2-1), Alhambra (5-3-1), Logan (5-3-3), Pinole Valley (3-3-0), Berkeley (4-4-1), Miramonte (3-3-2), Oakland Tech (1-1-0).
Standings
ACCAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Pinole Valley (3-3-0, 2-0-0) 6
Berkeley (4-4-1, 1-1-0) 3
El Cerrito (4-1-1, 1-0-0) 3
Hercules (1-4-1, 1-1-0) 3
Richmond (4-0-0, 1-0-0) 3
Alameda (5-5-0, 0-2-0) 0
De Anza (0-2-0, 0-2-0) 0
BSAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Encinal (1-1-0, 1-0-0) 3
Albany (2-3-4, 0-0-2) 2
Kennedy (1-5-2, 0-0-2) 2
Piedmont (2-3-2, 0-0-2) 2
St. Mary’s (0-0-4, 0-0-2) 2
Salesian (0-2-0, 0-1-0) 0
St. Joseph Notre Dame (1-2-0, 0-0-0) 0
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Swett (0-1-0, 0-0-0) 0
BVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Antioch (4-4-1, 0-0-0) 0
Deer Valley (0-4-2, 0-0-0) 0
Freedom (2-2-2, 0-0-0) 0
Heritage (1-1-2, 0-0-0) 0
Liberty (0-3-0, 0-0-0) 0
Pittsburg (3-3-1, 0-0-0) 0
DFAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Acalanes (5-0-3, 3-0-1) 10
Campolindo (8-1-1, 2-0-1) 7
Miramonte (3-3-2, 1-0-2) 5
Alhambra (5-3-1, 1-2-1) 4
Dougherty Valley (5-3-3, 1-1-1) 4
Dublin (6-2-0, 1-2-0) 3
Las Lomas (3-4-2, 0-4-0) 0
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
College Park (6-0-3, 2-0-0) 6
Ygnacio Valley (6-2-1, 2-0-0) 6
Clayton Valley (4-2-2, 1-1-0) 3
Concord (6-0-0, 1-0-0) 3
Berean Chr. (0-6-0, 0-2-0) 0
Mt. Diablo (0-2-1, 0-1-0) 0
Northgate (3-4-2, 0-2-0) 0
EBAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Granada (8-1-2, 2-0-0) 6
California (9-0-2, 1-0-1) 4
De La Salle (3-1-1, 1-0-1) 4
Monte Vista (4-0-5, 0-0-2) 2
Livermore (2-6-1, 0-1-1) 1
San Ramon Valley (4-2-2, 0-0-1) 1
Amador Valley (5-3-0, 0-2-0) 0
Foothill (4-3-2, 0-1-0) 0
HAAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
San Leandro (2-4-0, 2-0-0) 6
Moreau Catholic (2-2-2, 1-1-1) 4
Mt. Eden (5-3-2, 1-1-1) 4
Bishop O’Dowd (3-0-3, 1-0-1) 4
Hayward (3-2-1, 1-0-1) 4
Arroyo (0-3-1, 0-1-1) 1
San Lorenzo (1-2-2, 0-0-1) 1
Castro Valley (0-9-0, 0-2-0) 0
Tennyson (0-1-0, 0-1-0) 0
MVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Logan (5-3-3, 2-0-0) 6
Newark Memorial (8-3-0, 2-0-0) 6
American (1-6-1, 1-1-0) 3
Irvington (1-7-1, 0-0-1) 1
Mission San Jose (0-11-1, 0-1-1) 1
Kennedy (0-5-2, 0-2-0) 0
Washington (1-5-0, 0-1-0) 0
OAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Oakland Tech (1-1-0, 0-0-0) 0
Castlemont (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Fremont (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Oakland (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Skyline (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
Ayala, YV 12
Sandoval, Newark 11
Alejandro, Alhambra 9
Hartland, Dublin 9
Grixti, Cal 8
Mendoza, Richmond 8
Parisi, Dougherty 7
Romero, Pinole 7
Lopez, Pitt 7
Nodhal, Cal 6
Greenberg, MV 6
Deback, Acalanes 6
Montes, Richmond 6
Aguila, Richmond 6
Name School Assists
Ayala, YV 7
Mendoza, Richmond 6
Montes, Richmond 6
Damien, YV 6
Borges, Albany 5
Marshall, Dublin 5
Townsend, Cal 4
Lomas, Campo 4
Moreno, EC 4
Ellis, Liv 4
Sbrana, MV 4
Sandoval, Newark 4
Dougherty, Newark 4
Maguire, Acalanes 4
Mirner, Acalanes 4
Sylvia, Alhambra 4
S. Palano, Campo 4
Martinez, Clayton 4
Gomez, Hayward 4
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December 19th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
I thought DeLaSalle won NCS last year. How could Cal be undefeated since 09-10? Not sure about that info. Don’t get me wrong Matt, I think Cal is way legit. I think you may have missed on Monte Vista and DLS though. Too high for what I saw. They will go down in the new year after a few more losses at the hands of EBAL foes. I guess Livermore was basically only as good as its Academy players. Their window to an NCS championship was last year. They probably should have won it all with a little Luck. The “Force” ran strong with the Brotherhood…
December 19th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Because the Cal and DLS playoff game went to PK’s last year, it goes down as a draw. The only time a game can go to PK’s and count as a win or a loss is when it is a championship game.
December 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Granada Junior Trevor Long verbally committs to Cal Berkeley. He will hook up with Ex-Mustang Celtic teammate and Castro Valley Junior Nick Lima once again at the collegiate level. Both tremendous players and even more importantly Awesome Kids!
December 19th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
MY Bad on the PK’s
December 19th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
That’s great to hear about Long and Lima! Congrats to them!
December 19th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
What makes acalanes so good? They play kick ball soccer (not saying that different styles are not excepted) but they arnt even good at that style. Who has challenged them in any of their games? Not the hardest schedule so far..
December 19th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
From what I saw, they did better than play kick ball. Mind you, I’ve only seen them one time. And that time was a 4-0 win over a very good Dougherty Valley team.
December 19th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Fair enough. I just saw the Aca vs Campo and Aca vs Albany and they did not look good in either. In fact, Austin Deback missed EASY break always in both games. He may be fast but not much of a touch.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
It’s insight that you just gave that will always help me, considering I can only see each team a handful of times. Thanks DFAL#1.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
I think the point about EBAL is that the final records will be deceiving, because it’s true that they’ll simply beat up on each other during league games. The proof of how good these teams are lies in their non league record, and no other league comes close to that. Matt, I hope you get a chance to see more EBAL games to single out a few players, like Damian and Carlo at DLS, Alex Riley and Jeff Greenberg at MV, and Jimmy Roth at SRVHS.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
I’m sure I’ll see plenty of EBAL before the season is through.
I’ve heard good things about the kids you mentioned, and I got a chance to talk to Jimmy Roth during an SRV game. Seems like a nice kid.
December 19th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
To continue the discussion from the earlier thread about styles. I will simply leave it at this:
“The great fallacy is that the game is first and foremost about winning. It’s nothing of the kind. The game is about glory. It’s about doing things in style, with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom”
-Danny Blanchflower’s immortal sermon from 1972
You teach American kids *that* and watch the sport as it is meant to be take hold. Happy Holidays.
December 20th, 2011 at 12:57 am
El Pata, I like this quote very much. Like kids playing in a courtyard or in a
street, years ago. Playing before school, at lunch, after school and playing
during Summer evenings. So many memories… I don’t remember who won
those games, though we fought hard to win them, but yes, we did it with a
sense of fun and of creativity… artistry perhaps for some of us. Thank you.
December 20th, 2011 at 1:34 am
I love this blog Matt!
I don’t agree on certain things though, Cal isn’t better than they were last year at all, they aren’t as good in the back or in the midfield, forward maybe, but as league goes into the trenches I don’t believe they are as composed as they were last year or as experienced with their captain but we’ll see. DLS is always good, Marcinkowski from DLS is a stud, but their new coaching could see changes in their dominance. SRV is well coached and will always be in the hunt, love watching their counter futbol.
December 20th, 2011 at 1:36 am
Btw,
Futbol lovers, you want to watch how the game should be played, go watch the first half of Barcelona vs Santos. Futbol at its finest. We can take a lot from that game as spectators.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:00 am
Matt, I do agree that this Cal team may be as good or better then last years team. they are more explosive, however they do lack the composure in front of the net. The defense is strong enough to move Driggs to midfield, however Driggs has sruggled so far this year. They also should get Wilcox back in goal sometime in January. It’s good to see #6(chris nadahl?) get a mention he is one of the best players I have seen this year.#7 and #12 are two huge contributers this year not ever getting a mention. With all that being said I think last years Cal team peaked early then tailed off a little(easier to defend), while this years team still has room to get better (more then a one man show up front). Now lets see what they can do. see ya on the pitch.
December 20th, 2011 at 10:30 am
“The great fallacy is that the game is first and foremost about winning. It’s nothing of the kind. The game is about glory. It’s about doing things in style, with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom”
“The game is about glory”….sounds like either WINNING or sounds like clear out NBA style take them on play!
I can’t stand the NBA, simply because it has turned into an individual game when it was meant to be played by a TEAM.
“It’s about beating the other lot”….sounds like direct go get em football…perhaps kick and run?
Is football(soccer) an athletic competition, a dance, artistry, a bull fight, a long distance race????
I think it is all those wrapped up into one beautiful present!
I really liked a summary from another poster who talked about whatever your style, you have to find a way to deal with your opponents style… if that style scores more goals, oops 1 more goal, than your team.
This entire discussion, which could be subcategorized under soccer snobbery even bordering on reverse racism (because clearly the style that this group plays with is so superior to the style that that other group plays), has it’s roots, i feel, in a focal issue as to why football(soccer)has such a tough time finding it’s way into the hearts and minds of the American public.
American sport fans (with their lite beers and foam fingers) want scoring and they want winners and losers. Perhaps it’s our gladiator mentality. The rest of the world, and remember I’m american and I love football(soccer), seems to be able to embrace the subtlety and artistry of the game in a way americans can’t and probably never will.
Sorry, getting a bit caught up in this as opposed to simply talking about HS soccer. I just got more than a bit defensive when i started reading about how horrible a certain style of play was compared to another.
makes for good discussion though.
December 20th, 2011 at 11:06 am
The beauty of the quote is that we get out of it what we put in. Much as this game is influenced by where/how/when you grew up.
Read “The Ball is Round.” Best comprehensive soccer history ever written. Goes into why the regions of the world play the game the way they do. Nothing with racism, everything to do with industrialization.
December 20th, 2011 at 11:42 am
Hi Matt love your blog. I seen Hayward high play they are young and very good team how do u have odowd ahead of them Hayward miss alot of shot but control the hole game you should come out and see them play . Very good team
December 20th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
How can a team with more ties than wins be in the top 15? Just an honest question don’t berate me!
December 20th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Of course I won’t berate anybody. I do plan on seeing Hayward very soon.
I have O’Dowd ahead of Hayward for now because O’Dowd hasn’t lost yet and teams drop a little quicker after losses than with draws. It will all sort out as the HAAL season develops.
And I think the Fimugator is talking about Monte Vista, and there is a lot to be said about a team that hasn’t lost yet. They have some pretty good results, and have definitely proven to be a top 15 team.
Feel free to ask questions about stuff anytime. I love the discussion.
December 20th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Great blog Matt,
Do not forget Dublin central defender.
Lefty, composure,great touch,quiet but always
Gets the job done.excellent defender!!!
December 20th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
I’d be interested in a strength of schedule calculation for each team.
has anyone done something like this?
Looking at Max Preps, just because fimugator brought it up, I see that of their 9 games played Monte Vista has played 5 teams that are in the top 15 and to be considered list. Their record against this company is 1 win 0 losses and 4 ties. Based on this, it seems like they belong right in the middle of this group, which is where Matt has placed them. Cal High, with 11 games has also played 5 games within this group. With EBAL season now upon us, those games against the top 15 and considerd will only increase.
Strength of schedule, Overall, has to count for something!
Great respect to those teams, ALL of them, that go out of their way to create a consistently challenging schedule.
December 20th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
I’ve toyed around with some strength of schedule stuff and I’ll use it towards the end of the year when trying to determine who I think should get the last few playoff spots.
So I saw YV today. A very skilled team, and should be considered a real threat in Division II and to win the DVAL. A lot of talent up top and in the midfield.
Also got to hang around in the stands with some of my favorite coaches, so that was awesome.
December 20th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
I believe matt finally got to see a different style of play and it probably opened his eyes a little since he is all about ebal and dfal. Theres other soccer than just those leagues and good ones at that. I believe the qoute EL Pata said earlier about were you grew up has a lot to do with it is very true. I hope Matt gets around to other leagues and hopefully I get to meet him as well.
Great day!
December 20th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
The quote was from a football player that grew up in Northern Ireland.
December 20th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
The quote says very little about a style of play, it says a great deal about PASSION!
December 20th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Just to be clear for everyone, I’m EBALdad, and there’s another poster named EBALDad, with a capital “D”. Although my opinions don’t necessarily agree with his, I do agree with his post above regarding strength of schedule. Thanks
December 20th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Haha, futbolbay#1, I tried to think of something clever to comeback with, but I can’t…
December 20th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
The style of soccer that this kids are learning in high school is the biggest problem why soccer in America isn’t at the level it should be. Teaching kids to kick the ball long all game isn’t helping our youth develop.
We will never be a world cup champion if we don’t teach any skills to our youth players. Long throw ins and kick ball will not work at the high level.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I got to see Yv play today also. This team isn’t as strong as people are talking about it to be. They have great talent but at times was running around with no purpose. This team can be beat. They are good and fast but never changed the game plan.
Sometimes it’s better lucky then good.
Alhambra may not have had much but they created one or two chances that could have given Yv the L and with so little time to also miss a PK doesn’t speak well.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Every team can be beat…if they couldn’t be beat there wouldn’t be any point in playing the games.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Dval1 – that is obvious . I’m just questioning this hype behind Yv. I think college park or a very Physical team will put Yv back down to earth.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Futbol101 –
You must of been watching another game. Yv has great control with the ball and with speed. The fact that they missed numerous amount of chances doesnt neglect the fact that they were the stronger and better team.
It’s not a hype if they keep pulling off wins and that’s with a schedule to die for. Find a weak team that they have played and tell me who.
They started with two loses but have since corrected that.
December 20th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
EBAL continues to look strong.
Amador 1 – College Park 0.
Amador Valley hands College Park its first loss.
Very physical game.
College Park passes the ball very well.
December 20th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I remember reading a while back the argument of playing club soccer against academy. I, as a player, have had the opportunity to experience both, and both do have their pros and cons.
But the article below shows the success that academy does have on getting players to the Division 1 college level. There are many club teams represented, but the number for academies is quite impressive. Any team with USSDA is an academy team.
http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-soccer/commitments/story/_/id/7149877/2012-high-school-boys-soccer-ncaa-verbal-commitments
December 20th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Dublin 4 – 0 Mission San Jose
Solid game, Hartland and Marshall working well up top with each other; both scored off assists from each other.
December 20th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
Richmond 5, Kennedy 0.
Richmond’s looking really solid this year
December 20th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
I thought Kennedy did not look bad either, after all the struggles they went through last month.
December 21st, 2011 at 4:12 am
Richmond style of play is at another level this year. Saw them play today. Very impressed with fabian martinez #11? Richmond will be tested in the next 10 games. Layola , DLS, MV, Watsonville. Richmond v Watsonville will be a total futbol showcase to similar styles of fast pace touch and go .
December 21st, 2011 at 9:10 am
Tiktak or Cokito,
Do you remember who had the goals and assists for Richmond?
December 21st, 2011 at 9:44 am
Mendoza, assist Montes
Montes Assist Mendoza
Martinez assist Ruiz
Ruiz assist Montes
I am missing one…
December 21st, 2011 at 1:39 pm
EBALDad, (response to #27)
I think the quote is mainly about aesthetics.
December 21st, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Cokito your missing the 25 yard laser shot from Fabian Martinez
December 21st, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Archimajor, I wouldn’t miss this one (Martinez assist Ruiz,) one
)
of the best shots I have seen at Aceiteros Stadium.
December 21st, 2011 at 3:03 pm
If there was a spider web in that corner, it’s gone!
December 21st, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Matt you should go watch Hayward vs Pittsburg today at 6 pm @ Pitt its going to be a very good game.
December 21st, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I somehow didn’t see that one when I made my schedule for this week, so I am at Logan v. Berkeley. I am seeing Pitt next week, and then I plan on seeing Hayward very, very soon.
December 21st, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Clayton valley 1 DLS 0
December 21st, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Foothill is a good young team led by a great Junior midfielder, Christian Clark and 5 sophomores getting a lot of time(Goldstein,Espinoza,Richardson,Cuffe, and Simmons).Played Amador Valley even through 2 overtimes before losing in PKs, outplayed Granada only to lose 1-o. Hosting Pittsburg tomorrow. This team will knock off a couple of EBAL teams this year and be tough to beat next season!
December 22nd, 2011 at 1:00 am
Any information on CV vs. DLS?
December 22nd, 2011 at 1:16 am
CV 1 DLS 0. Very sloppy game. Through most of the first half, DLS had most of the possession and a few chances. Either missed opportunities or missed the target. Few saves were actually needed. Keeper had a couple nice saves for CV. CV also had a couple chances. Capitalized on a keeper error right before halftime. Second half DLS came out fast, but after about 10 min, they began to slow down. CVs fitness started to show as they began to run on DLS and began to dominate possession with some more chances. Once again DLS had a few chances but could never actually hit the target and capitalize. Very physical game with some cards shown. Refs did decent. Missed calls both ways but nothing that completely effected the game. DLS doesn’t have the fire power they have had in previous years, but they should still have a decent season and will be a contender like always when playoffs come around. CV was missing some key players up front. With these additions, they also should be a contender in playoffs. Both teams have an extremely fast players that can be hard to defend.
December 22nd, 2011 at 8:31 am
Clayton 1-0.
December 22nd, 2011 at 9:34 am
MATT-
I see more change in the standings….
Dublin #17 pulls another victory over Mission SJ
Richmond #2 a dominant victory over Kennedy
***Clayton #7 beats DLS #3{ This should be the biggest mover of all. How far will this drop DLS? Will it hop CV over YV ? ]***
Amador Valley #16 gives College Park #9 its first lose
[ Will this defeat really hurt CP ? ]
Pitt #18 runs over Washington
[Trying to get back to top 15]
Yv #6 edges Alhambra #20
Will this be enough to keep them a top of all DVAL teams …. cv ?
Dont see other scores , max prep isnt updated at times.
December 22nd, 2011 at 10:55 am
11v11, you are right. There will be some changes, no doubt. These are the weeks that make my head spin trying to figure out the best approach. I feel like there are more teams that deserve to move in to the top 15 than deserve to move out.
I also feel like the top five will be something. How far to push YV and Clayton? My biggest questions…
December 22nd, 2011 at 11:39 am
EBALdad, I’ve been that (EBALDad)for a while now, sorry for any confusion this may have presented.
ok, so I’ve thought about it. In homage to one of the most active posters, the SWEEPER, I will change my handle, or ID, or whatever you call it. If you control the middle of the pitch, in my opinion, you control the game. So, hence forth I will be MIDFIELDER.
let the posting continue.
December 22nd, 2011 at 11:47 am
CV victory over DLS is huge. Especially when you factor in all the NCS implications of these non-league matches, like Matt mentioned in today’s paper.
CV results this season, in my memory, loss to SRV, Tie with MV, tie with Deer Valley, win over Pittsburgh. I’m sure there are others but it is the non-league matches that really set the stage for NCS selection. Or atleast play a huge part in the process.
Best Midfielders: Xavi, Messi, Fabregas, Kaka, Ribery, Ronaldo (I guess), Gerrard
December 22nd, 2011 at 12:08 pm
11v11, CV should still remain behind YV for now in the rankings. They lost their first league meeting to YV 3 to 1. With one league game against YV left, CV should not hope over them yet unless YV goes on some sort of losing streak or end up losing there second meeting with YV.
December 22nd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Soccerstud
True , your statement is valid and one would think so.
They just played #3 and Yv played #20. So by rankings you would think that YV had a softer game then Clayton.
Yv was superior and did beat Clayton by 2 …
Now we wait and see.
December 22nd, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Pitt 5. Foothill 2
December 22nd, 2011 at 10:30 pm
OK, just for argument sake…
YV 7-2-1
Antioch 1-0 ???
Doherty 1-2
Kennedy Richmond 8-0 ???
Mission San Jose 8-1 ???
Miramonte 3-1 ???
Albany 1-0 ???
B’OD 1-1
CV 3-1
Mt Diablo 4-0 ???
Alhambra 1-0 ???
CV 5-2-2
Deer Valley 1-1
Pittsburg 4-1
Monte Vista 2-2
San Ramon 0-1
YV 1-3
Northgate 6-1 ???
Berkeley 3-1
Campolindo 2-0
De La Salle 1-0
Who’s played the tougher schedule so far?
December 22nd, 2011 at 11:18 pm
I heard some news from Albany…
I’ve heard that Ko Douglas is back as the head coach, and that Gabriel Borges, Kian Ahmadi and Andre Alvarez are back. This could make things very interesting and it is not too late for Albany to turn it around.
December 23rd, 2011 at 3:04 am
MIDFIELDER,
how could you forget the great Andres Iniesta in best midfielders, him and Xavi are what makes Barcelona play for Messi
December 23rd, 2011 at 8:28 am
Was running around the track yesterday and it looked like an informal scrimmage.
Richmond 1 vs Miramonte 0
Richmond is by far the most skilled and talented team I have seen in quite some time. If they start firing and get things going look out. The mats held their own as the defense seems to be the strong suite this season.
December 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 am
LoveDaFutbol –
So to you YV has only played 3 good games… one of them is beating CV. Only team to score on BOD and they tied YV at the last minute in stopage time.
CV is 1-1 in league. Who do they play next in league?? Update maxpreps.
Yv is 2-0 in league. Again beating CV
With College Park and Berean as next two league games.
Kennedy , Mission and Mira were all tournament teams.
Looking at maxpreps … they have Pitt, Deer Valley coming up which CV has played. Lets see what happens.
CV —
DLS is a .500 team at the moment. Only knowing that DLS keeper made the goal mistake.
Berkeley 2-4-0 ?????
Monte Vista Great tie.
Pitt Good win , you do play them again.
Campo Great win
Strength of schedule is good for CV. And yes per team is stronger, but 4 of the 10 games that YV has had, were given to them per the tournament.
Something to feed on.
December 23rd, 2011 at 10:01 am
Don’t count out college park…..They are in stats a very but very close 3rd to both cv and yv.
Lets wait until you play CP and then figure out how DVAL is unwrapped.
Concord high will also make play a living hell and shake things up for any team.
Concord is the dark horse of the DVAL … careful.
December 23rd, 2011 at 11:45 am
DVAL is going to be strong league this year excluding Mount Diablo, Northgate and Berean. The remaining teams will Prove to be a challenge to play.
December 23rd, 2011 at 1:05 pm
While I agree that the so-called “Academies” do produce a number of college prospects, it is only because the almighty dollar is so prevalent now in youth sports. Back in my day, in the early to mid-80′s, when there was real competition and high school soccer meant EVERYTHING to those who played, money was a non-issue. College coaches recruited some through club soccer, but primarily through high school soccer. I, myself, who played State Select soccer in Club, got a scholarship not because of how I did in Club, but rather how I did in high school, and largely because the team I played on in high school was legendary. The problem today is NOT the kids….it’s these completely money-hungry Clubs who seek the almighty dollar and train their so-called “Professional” coaching staff to manipulate and create delusions of grandeur for these PARENTS who are paying $2000 every season to watch their kids play. The fact that these Club coaches convince these parents to “believe” that ALL of these kids have a shot at playing college soccer is a complete joke. The fact is, about 5% of them actually have a legitimate shot at playing college soccer. Out of that 5%, about 2% actually will receive any kind of funding in college. College soccer is not a money sport. For most colleges, it is an afterthought. Parents are being completely misguided and duped into believing that their AVERAGE kids have a real shot at playing Division 1 college soccer. It’s not wonder that the majority of these kids could not care less about high school soccer anymore…neither do their parents. Gone is school pride. Gone is the high school experience. Most of them just play simply because their Club season is on pause and there is nothing else to do. It’s a shame. A huge shame. Shame on those who turned youth soccer into big business. You have noone to blame but yourselves when your kid doesn’t make it at XYZ U.
December 24th, 2011 at 9:17 am
EBAL Coach- I agree with some of your comments regarding the influence of money relative to club soccer. Although there are recreation programs available for some of the established clubs in the area there is a percentage of clubs that only offer ” competitive” levels of play. Why? Well money and exposure for the ” businessmen” that have identified a need,have found a willing audience, provide to them what they want and built a brand. The advent of US Club Soccer with open boundaries, playing leagues spread over large regions or states, and generally more lax rules relative to team formation and overall purpose helped to create some of the boundaries and programs now in play( so to speak). What is also interesting in some cases is that the few pay for the many .That is that because of “scholarships” for the ” economically disadvantaged ” the cost to play is higher and is passed through either team or club wide.Nothing is free right? So not only are you paying more for an outcome that has a low probability of occuring ( college scholarship or easier path to admittance) but you are decreasing your odds by funding a player that is competing for your spot and time. To whose benefit is this? Pure genius…
Your comments about the percentage of kids moving on after club ends has merit too if you take the girl’s side out of the equation. Nobody can fault a parent for wishing but the the truth is, and here is where I agree with you, is that the High School experience is probably the most fun one for the majority of players.For the small percentage that do move up the ladder- great,way to go and keep working for your dream. For all others though playing for league title then NCS is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact I bet playing HS may be more of a memory in the long run than the endless season of club soccer.
Happy Festivus to all
December 24th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Now I feel compelled to weigh in the past 2 posts. EBAL coach, why is it “shame on the parents” for putting their kids in a league or on a team that tries to compete at the highest level. What are they supposed to do? Have the kids play for the local church league? The people you should be saying “shame on you” to is the ex-soccer players that were too flaky to get a real job after college and decided it was easier to stick it to the families of high comp players. Standing around with sun glasses on, arms crossed, wondering what in the heck they are doin’ here. Oh yeah, cashing a check, that’s what. The appeal of playing for an ex-college player or better yet an ex-pro player over some volunteer dad is enormous. By the way if your good enough, you pay almost close to nothing for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. What’s wrong with that?
And to The Truth poster…of course it’s memorable playing High school soccer for a league title or NCS. That’s for the good teams. What about the crappy ones that go 4-12-6 on the year. Do you think they are reliving those past memories with their kids today 25 years later? Doubt it. I’m getting sick and tired of hearing how kids that play Academy aren’t going to have any memories of playing when they get older. To get a chance to play at the Generation Adidas Cup in Texas against future MLS players from DC United or LA Galaxy etc.. Among many other experiences from traveling the country to just meeting kids from all over the place that share the same desire to be the best. As far as club over high school… let’s see, Getting a chance to play in a single elimination game in state cup quarters or semis or finals wouldn’t be memorable at all (sarcasm). Oh no, they would rather play in 32 degree weather in front of 4 moms and 2 dads in the grand stands for a high school game that sees way too many throw ins because the kids aren’t skilled enough to keep the ball in bounds. Or maybe the sight of 18 free kicks in a high school game because of sloppy defending and bad fouls really gets the juices flowing.
Any way you shape it, kids will always remember their games, teammates, coaches, opponents no matter what level of play. It’s the goofy parents making comments on things they have only second hand information on that mucks up this blog site.
December 24th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Truth (#69),
Your talking about the “economically disadvantaged” is interesting to me, allow me to write a few words about this.
One in five children living in the US is in poverty, one in three when you look at Latinos only :
US census bureau, http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acsbr10-05.pdf
Many of these children are getting priced out of competitive youth soccer by the
businessmen you mention above, while it can be argued that soccer, and youth
sports in general are tools that can help give direction and purpose to a child’s life,
especially when the child lives in challenging circumstances. There is a terrible
human cost for this (I do have very specific examples, which I will not share here
out of privacy concerns, and also because I do not want this post to be clouded
by emotions.) There is also, for the economically oriented, a long term economic
cost for all of us, that is associated with this phenomenon.
The people who profit are the club directors and some coaches. Some of them are good people and good coaches, truly concerned with the development of the players. Some of them are con artists raving about club team rankings and short-term results in general. Some of them, imho, are raving about nothing. Many of them seem to be greedy and getting greedier.
For example, about half of the Richmond team this year is not playing competitive youth soccer, in the great majority of cases because they just cannot pay the required regular or scholarship fees anymore.
December 24th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Cokito- #71
All of your points are good ones and I appreciate the perspective you bring.The statistics are damning and I wish I had a solution. You add a lot to the blog.Needless to say I think you stand in direct contrast to the post #70 perspective.
December 25th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Happy holidays to everyone! See you in a week!! Enjoy your families!!
December 25th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Merry Christmas all!!
December 26th, 2011 at 10:16 am
Natural Righty…you crack me up. “The ex-soccer players that are sticking it to the parents”…..that is too funny. Just as you support kids “playing at the highest level” and being more “competitive” etc etc….tell me, what is wrong with these “ex-soccer players” MAKING coaching soccer their “real job”?? It is that “elitist” attitude that is killing youth sports. Forget about teamwork, bonding, learning what it is like to win AND lose together. Just build champion crybabies that EXPECT everything handed to them on a platter without having to work for it. You are probably one of those guys that cries to the coach everytime little Sally doesn’t get to play the whole game at Center Mid. You are just pissed that you keep paying the Clubs these “ex-soccer players” coach for $2K every season…season after season…so that these “ex-soccer players” can teach your little Susie and Mikey to dribble so they can wishfully save you thousands on their college education someday. It’s a pipedream dude. Wake up from it. High School soccer used to be about passion. It used to be about the huge challenge of bringing together 4 different sets of age groups, 4 different sets of talent and ability levels, and 100 different sets of personalities, and get them to play TOGETHER to win. In 3 months. THAT is a real challenge. You mention that the High School experience is fine “for the good teams”. And therein lies the problem with youth sports today. PARENTS who care ONLY about WINNING..and THEIR KID being successful and could care less about the TEAM. Soccer is a TEAM SPORT. And oh by the way Natural Righty, those “ex-soccer players” that you disparage so broadly and without knowing any of them….trust me, they don’t do it because they are lazy and certainly NOT because they are making ANY money whatsoever. They do it because they enjoy it, and because it makes them feel good to make a difference in a kid’s life. Bottom line. There are zero “ex-soccer player” coaches driving Benz’s…I can assure you of that.
December 26th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Post #68 is right on the money. Should be required reading for all parents of youth soccer players.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:00 am
By the way Natural Righty….a HUGE percentage of the coaches in the EBAL, both on the girls and boys sides, are former college Division 1 OR pro players. Just an FYI.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:16 am
One last thing Natural Righty….since you seem to be an expert. How many “volunteer dad” coaches are there in the EBAL…boys or girls? Answer: ZERO. Let me ask you one final question Natural Righty…when is the last time a team your kid played on was so lucky that YOU yourself volunteered to help or god forbid, coach? My guess is never.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Hey EBAL coach, you were the one that said money was ruining soccer ( read your original post ). I was just saying that prior to the “pro coach” era, fees for kids to play club were about half of what they are. Put it together. I’m going to assume you are a coach with the handle of EBAL coach. God bless you for doing what you do. Not to mention the passionate counter point you pose. There isn’t anything wrong with making coaching your real job. Just don’t tell me you are doing it because they only enjoy it then ask for your $10,000 a year per team fee.
When you played for your “legendary” high school team back in the early 80′s, did you learn a thing or two? I’m going to guess Coach Geib wasn’t getting paid close to what you get now as a coach. He probably volunteered. If they all enjoy it so much, why don’t they do it for free? I do. I understand not all coaches are fortunate to be able to have a first career that pays the bills that allows them to coach on a volunteer basis. It’s too bad. Many more kids would reap those overall rewards.
My argument wasn’t on behalf of my own kid, it was for all of the kids that club is excluding because of the monetary demands. Think about how mnay kids slip through the cracks because their families can’t afford to pay the $2,000. The numbers are staggering.
EBALCoach, I don’t ever remember any coaches creating delusions of grandeur as you put it. Many parents already think that their kids are the next Messi,
right?
And finally, to your jab on me personally. The money was never an issue for me. My kids coaches earned the money we paid them each year. They were all top notch. I didn’t need to cry to them about playtime. The coaches knew what the team needed.
Oh and by the way EBALcoach, the pipedream is alive and well!! There is a scholarship to a major D-1 program locally for my little Mikey.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Hey EBAL coach, I coach JV in the EBAL and have been a volunteer coach for more than 12 years. since my own kids started back in the late 90′s.
Your also wrong about volunteer coaches in the EBAL. I know one in particular ( Chris Salazar at Granada ). Even though his son graduated in 2009 he continues to do it for the love. I guess not only are you greedy but your a bad gambler as well.
Oh and what teams have you coached or is that a fake handle like Dr. Feelgood
December 26th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Hello darkness my old friend…
EBALcoach, are you going to grow back your mullet from 1984 and tell us more about the glory days of tri- valley soccer.Wait, I think I hear “A Flock of Seagulls” in the background…and I raaaaaan, I ran so far away….I couldn’t get away! Maybe next you will tell us all about the header goal you scored against Dublin High and that mom and dad took you out for an ice cream afterwards.
December 26th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Natural Righty…
Congrats on your son man..that is awesome. Believe it or not, I am debating on the side of high school sports..not against Club. My kids play Club as well. My single point is that the Clubs are removing the option for kids to be excited about high school soccer, in my opinion. And in my opinion, I don’t think a kid should have to choose between what is more important…Club or High School. I think a kid should be able to experience both equally and with as much vigor as the other. I am not saying I have all of the answers…I don’t.
December 26th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
And for the record Natural Righty…since we are buddies now…Salazar is NOT a volunteer coach..he gets paid just like all of the other coaches in the EBAL. Peanuts yes…but he gets paid. And..Salazar is not a “volunteer dad” off the street…he was a former great high school and college player in his own right…which is exactly the point I was trying to make and defend.
December 26th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
When you give your stipen back to the program, that makes you a volunteer.