- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer: Playoff Picture, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at 2:08 pm in Boys soccer.
With about a month until the NCS seeding meeting, let’s take a look at the playoff picture for each division.
It’s too soon to say anyone is a lock, so will go with the categories of likely to be in, should get in and on the bubble.
Division I
Likely To Get In: California, Clayton, De La Salle, Dougherty Valley, Granada, Logan, Monte Vista, Newark Memorial, Richmond, San Ramon Valley.
This group of teams has set itself apart as far as record and the ability to win with frequency. Look for these 10 teams to pretty much be shoe-ins in the 16-team bracket.
Should Get In: College Park, Mt. Eden.
These two teams are at least a couple of games above .500 and are one of the top teams in their league. At this point they look like likely playoff teams.
On The Bubble: Alameda, Amador Valley, American, Antioch, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Foothill, Heritage, Mission San Jose, Pittsburg, San Leandro.
Right now the bubble is loaded with teams that are around .500 overall, in league or against their division. It’s too packed to give a deeper analysis, and it will sort itself out in the upcoming weeks. Right now I’d have to say that Amador Valley, Berkeley, Pittsburg and San Leandro are in the best shape to grab the last four spots. But that is at this current moment.
Division II
Likely To Get In: Acalanes, Bishop O’Dowd, Campolindo, Concord, Dublin, Hayward, Ygnacio Valley.
These seven teams have put themselves in a pretty good position so far.
Should Get In: St. Mary’s.
The Panthers are in good shape with an unbeaten overall record.
On The Bubble: Albany, Alhambra, El Cerrito, Encinal, Hercules, Kennedy-Richmond, Miramonte, Moreau Catholic, Mt. Diablo, Piedmont, Pinole Valley.
The Division II bubble is loaded with teams at or around .500 as well, but thing will sort out soon. I think Albany, Alhambra, Miramonte and Pinole Valley are in good shape, and El Cerrito and Kennedy-Richmond seem to be right in the thick of things. Enincal and Piedmont are two BSAL teams that I also think should be fine.
Rankings
A lot of shifting in the rankings. This should spark some discussion.
With San Ramon Valley beating Acalanes, but yet losing to De La Salle, there was room for the top five to shift and YV, Clayton and De La Salle seized the opportunity. Ygnacio Valley is having a very Campolindo of last year type season as they continue to show they are one of the team teams in the East Bay, period.
Newark Memorial and Dougherty Valley climb into the top ten while the HAAL’s top two teams, Hayward and Bishop O’Dowd, make big jumps. Logan climbs into the top 15, quietly winning five matches in a row.
1. California (11-0-2)
2. Richmond (10-2-0)
3. Ygnacio Valley (11-2-1)
4. Clayton Valley (8-2-2)
5. De La Salle (8-3-1)
6. San Ramon Valley (6-3-2)
7. Acalanes (7-1-3)
8. Newark Memorial (12-3-0)
9. Dougherty Valley (7-3-3)
10. Campolindo (11-2-1)
11. Hayward (7-2-1)
12. Bishop O’Dowd (6-0-4)
13. Granada (8-3-2)
14. Monte Vista (5-1-6)
15. Logan (7-3-3)
Others considered: Concord (7-0-2), Dublin (8-3-1), Pittsburg (6-5-1), Amador Valley (7-6-1), College Park (6-4-4), Albany (3-3-4), Alhambra (5-5-2), Miramonte (4-4-2), Foothill (5-5-2), Mt. Eden (7-4-2).
Standings
ACCAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Richmond (10-2-0, 3-0-0) 9
Hercules (2-4-1, 2-1-0) 6
Pinole Valley (3-5-0, 2-1-0) 6
El Cerrito (4-3-3, 1-1-1) 4
Berkeley (5-6-1, 1-2-0) 3
Alameda (6-6-0, 1-2-0) 3
De Anza (0-3-0, 0-3-0) 0
BSAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Encinal (2-1-0, 2-0-0) 6
St. Mary’s (2-0-5, 1-0-3) 6
Albany (3-3-4, 1-0-2) 5
Kennedy (1-6-3, 0-0-3) 3
Piedmont (2-3-2, 0-0-2) 2
Salesian (0-3-0, 0-1-0) 0
St. Joseph Notre Dame (1-4-0, 0-2-0) 0
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (0-2-0, 0-1-0) 0
Swett (0-2-0, 0-0-0) 0
BVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Antioch (4-5-1, 0-0-0) 0
Deer Valley (0-5-2, 0-0-0) 0
Freedom (1-4-3, 0-0-0) 0
Heritage (2-1-2, 0-0-0) 0
Liberty (1-4-0, 0-0-0) 0
Pittsburg (6-5-1, 0-0-0) 0
DFAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Acalanes (7-1-3, 4-0-1) 13
Dougherty Valley (7-3-3, 3-1-1) 10
Campolindo (11-2-1, 3-1-1) 10
Miramonte (4-4-2, 2-0-2) 8
Alhambra (5-5-2, 1-3-2) 5
Dublin (8-3-1, 1-3-1) 4
Las Lomas (4-5-4, 0-5-0) 0
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Ygnacio Valley (11-2-1, 4-0-0) 12
College Park (6-4-4, 2-1-1) 7
Concord (7-0-2, 2-0-1) 7
Clayton Valley (8-2-2, 2-1-0) 6
Berean Chr. (3-7-0, 0-4-0) 0
Mt. Diablo (1-3-1, 1-2-0) 3
Northgate (3-8-3, 0-3-0) 0
EBAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
California (11-0-2, 3-0-1) 10
De La Salle (8-3-1, 3-0-1) 10
Granada (8-3-2, 2-2-0) 6
Monte Vista (5-1-6, 1-0-3) 6
San Ramon Valley (6-3-2, 1-1-1) 4
Foothill (5-5-2, 1-2-0) 3
Amador Valley (7-6-1, 0-3-1) 1
Livermore (2-8-1, 0-3-1) 1
HAAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hayward (7-2-1, 5-0-1) 16
Bishop O’Dowd (6-0-4, 4-0-2) 14
Mt. Eden (7-4-2, 3-2-1) 10
San Leandro (3-5-0, 3-1-0) 9
Castro Valley (2-10-1, 2-3-1) 7
Moreau Catholic (2-4-2, 1-3-1) 4
Tennyson (1-4-0, 1-4-0) 3
Arroyo (0-7-2, 0-4-2) 2
San Lorenzo (2-4-2, 0-2-2) 2
MVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Logan (7-3-3, 3-0-0) 9
Newark Memorial (12-3-0, 3-0-0) 9
American (3-6-1, 2-1-0) 6
Mission San Jose (1-12-1, 1-1-1) 4
Kennedy (1-6-2, 1-3-0) 3
Irvington (1-10-2, 0-2-1) 1
Washington (1-8-0, 0-3-0) 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 (0-1-0, 0-0-0) 0
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
Ayala, YV 21
Sandoval, Newark 17
Mendoza, Richmond 17
Montes, Richmond 13
Lopez, Pitt 12
Nguyen, American 11
Grixti, Cal 10
Hartland, Dublin 10
DeBack, Acalanes 9
Alejandro, Alhambra 9
Gomez, Clayton 8
Parisi, Dougherty 8
Aguila, Richmond 8
Name School Assists
Montes, Richmond 17
Damien, YV 13
S. Palano, Campo 9
Mendoza, Richmond 9
Ayala, Richmond 8
Gomez, Clayton 7
Marshall, Dublin 7
Dougherty, Newark 7
Ayala, YV 7
Martinez, Clayton 6
Altamarino, Concord 6
Gomez, Hayward 6
De La Pena, Newark 6
Ledesma, Pitt 6
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
January 8th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Not much talk about the Grizzlies quietly sitting at the top for a while so here is a mention:
If you look back to last year Cal definitely has the control of the top ranked spot over the past two years. Not that that means anything other than strong consistent play on the pitch game after game, week after week, month after month, year after year! Pretty darn impressive considering they play in the toughest league! I have to throw a shout out to the Grizzlies for this achievement. A huge side note also is that they have not lost a game in the last two years!! Really??!! WOW…
I have seen this year’s team play a couple of times and they have chemistry. They play like a team and do not depend on any superstars to get their results. They are a team that does not panic against adversity. As you can see they have only one player in the stats line up above. They have a stingy defense and a creative offensive attack.
Nice job lads!! You deserve this long time #1 ranking going back to last year. You get the prize for longevity and consistency! Congrats and good luck the rest of the year!!
January 8th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
It will be very interesting to see the results of the SRVHS and DLS games against Richmond, but as of this moment, Richmond is by far the best team I’ve seen this year. The only thing they might lack is some size, but that hasn’t seemed to affect them much so far.
January 8th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Thank you Matt, finally some love for Foothill. A young team playing some very good teams tough. Tough 2 to 1 loss to Monte Vista Thursday. Several late chances to tie turned away by a couple of great saves by the Monte Vista keeper!
January 8th, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Richmond is the team to beat.
January 8th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Hey Matt,
The rankings are spot on. In my view, Dougherty Valley and Amador Valley will be nothing less than spoilers of the elite if they can bring their home-field efforts on the road, including the playoffs.
BTW, when was the last time MV or Acalanes gave up 4 goals?
Oh, and if I did not say it, Richmond is the team to beat.
Cheers and see you at the pitch!
January 8th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Who’s going to beat Cal? How many teams are still without a loss? Richmonds real test will be SRV and DLS, that will show how good they really are. Will any D2 team be able to take down YV, or will they roll straight through the championship? Did SRV’s 4-2 win over Acalanes show which league is sronger? Lots of questions to be answered. what do others think? Any early predictions for finals?
January 8th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Hey Sweeper, if Richmond is the team to beat, what is Cal? (undefeated 2 years)Are you saying that you think Richmond might be able to beat Cal?
January 8th, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Matt:
Soccer is a game where a team can outplay an opponent for 79 minutes and still lose. This is both a great and disappointing aspect to the sport. DLS has lost a couple of heartbreaking games against very good teams (ie 1-0 loss to Alisal now ranked #17 nationally by ESPN) early in this season when they arguably outplayed their opponents for most of the game.
SRV has a very good team; very strong individual players. It’s a mystery why they have struggled on offense. Without question, missing key players early in the season has hurt their offensive production. The same thing has been true for DLS; they struggled early up top to find the right mix, but things are now settling in offensively for both teams. MV is also a good team; the surprisingly big loss to Richmond may have exposed a weakness. Cal has a very good team but has yet to be truly tested; they have gone undefeated but are just now hitting the tough part of their schedule. They pulled out a nice finish in the waning minutes against AV; surprising they were in that position after 73 min. Richmond is fast, explosive and exciting.
The match-up to watch will be the red hot Richmond offense v. the strong and pesky DLS defense; DLS returns three of it’s four defensive starters, with one player you singled out for mention in your report on last year’s NCS Final now starting to round out the back line making it, I believe, the most difficult defensive line in the DFAL to score against. The game will come down, I believe, to how well the Richmond defense can do against the DLS forward line, and who can control the midfield.
The game to watch will be DLS v. Cal High; both have very balanced teams, both are undefeated in league play, and there has been an intensity to this match-up that makes it feel like a play-off game every time they step onto the pitch against each other.
January 8th, 2012 at 10:35 pm
#1 Bench Warmer,
Not much talk about Cal because they are not playing much outside of the EBAL box in season. They are VERY VERY good, but were surprisingly well-tested at Amador Valley (that was a loss waiting to happen, don’t let that film out of the bag).
Richmond will be the best-tested non-EBAL team entering the NCS playoffs, with out of league matches against MV (win), DLS, SRV and Pitt, as well as the rematch at Berkeley. The Oilers are a ‘must see/must avoid’ team.
Cal still has home and away matches with DLS and MV, and SRV at home…a piece of cake…yeah right. The best in EBAL will have at least 1 if not 2 losses.
AND DON’T FORGET FJPHOTOGUY…Chris is a spot on soccer action photographer and a nice guy to talk to…tell him a player number and he will shoot several great action photos. If your team is playing Cal, find him (the friendly guy with the MEGALENS walking the field like he owns it) and challenge him to shoot 1,000+ shots of your team in action against Cal and I am sure that he will take the challenge. Seriously, I know Chris from here and there, and he knows his stuff…
Cheers and see you at the pitch!
January 8th, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Hey Soccerman,
Unlike the other blog pundits, my answers are based on eye witness accounts, and facts and circumstances. Box score readers are heretics…
I have seen Cal in three matches this season, and at least 10 matches in the past 3 seasons: This season DV@Cal (4-1, poorly reffed mugging), Cal@SRV (0-0, no decision) and Cal@AV (3-2, very uneven showing, late comeback and good outcome). I have seen Richmond in two matches this season: RichmondV.Bullard@DLS (4-0, totally dominant effort) and MV@Richmond (4-0 ditto).
Get back to me after you have seen the Oilers. If not, trust me, your eyes will spin…
There is absolutely no way that Richmond would have to score two late goals to beat a chipper Amador Valley team (no knock on the Dons as they are one of my upset teams in the playoffs). Cal needs to win out in EBAL, while the Oilers get a free ride to the NCS playoffs, AND tune-up matches with DLS, SRV and Pitt.
My opinion is that Richmond this season should be favored against Cal, any time, any where. And I think very highly of both teams and both programs.
Hey Oilers! Do not read this propaganda written by an “east of the tunnel EBAL-biased old dude.” Do your job: play futball the Oilers’ way, and win a ‘ship’.
Cheers and see you at the pitch!
January 8th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Oh yeah, did I mention, Richmond is the team to beat???
January 9th, 2012 at 12:36 am
I agree with Bench Warmer on the Cal comments, and I also agree with Sweeper. This years team is playing with a lot more chemistry and more unity. The team is more balanced this year than they were last year with Fagenson, Rivas, and Danielson. Cal has never played a tough out of league schedule and I would like to see that change in the upcoming years.
I have seen Richmond play and they play such pretty soccer that I’m kind of rooting for them and hoping for the best.
January 9th, 2012 at 9:43 am
Martinez has 8 assist. And what do you think the match up with Acalanes vs Clayton Valley this Saturday January 14 @ 6.
January 9th, 2012 at 10:11 am
Cal and Richmond are the two best teams I’ve seen so far.
January 9th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Hey Sweeper, I am not quite clear on who the team to beat is this year…
January 9th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
De La Salle will have a tough two weeks of play Jan. 17& 19th 24-26 & 28th as they play Cal, Amador, Monte Vista, San Ramon & Richmond. This will be a true test and tune-up for NCS run for any of these schools.
January 9th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Matt
Honestly go through the last 3 years. It sounds like
Rch is the team to beat this year but never completely go against the Spartans. They have won 3 straight NCS titles and two of the three years, everyone was picking against them. For Cal, I give consistency props but if EBAL is the prize then they get my vote but NCS is the real prize. Rch plays the best soccer and haven’t seen CAl yet. Home field will be real important as usual this year in the seedings.
January 9th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Honestly, when i see number 3 from Richmond High is like seeing a mini version of Dani Alves. He is such a damn beast and i know he will go pro. Also number 19 is the best striker by far. Always plays with his heart and never gives up. These two guys are the heart of the team and also great fellows.
Whos do you guys think is or are the best players from the Richmond High Varsity Squad???
January 9th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
I think Erik Montes is probably the team’s most important player and is a true player of the year candidate in the East Bay.
January 9th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Sweeper, about the CAL/AMADOR game. Cal put themselves in a hole(gifts for Amador), goal #1 an own goal by Cal (mis-directed header from about 20 yards out) Goal #2 a long throw in that the keeper flat out dropped the ball to the feet of the Amador player. Amador played with lots of heart and a renewed confidence, however Cal was clearly the better team for most of the game. Even though Cal did not play well it was a great win showing they can come from behind and score 2 goals on a pretty stubborn defense of the Dons. How many teams score 3 goals on Amador? Cal/DV yes ref was horrible, but both ways. I know if you were rooting for DV(sweeper) you probably felt cheeted on the quick kick that resulted in a goal, however it was legit, it happens all the time(smart players), the only question was maybe the spot of the ball, but the ball was stopped unlike sweeper claimed. Oh yea Sweeper did’nt you say last year that no one in the EBAL will go without at least one loss like your claim this year?
January 9th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Good point about the Amador defense. They’ve only allowed more than one goal four times and the Cal game was the first time they gave up three goals.
January 9th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Clayton valley brat fishlike last year in the NCs Quarterfinals . They were able to shut down there players but was a quick pace game.
January 9th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Dublin 2 – 0 Salesion
Marshall scored two, one from Hartland as the two grow stronger together up top. Starters were benched for the most part (Hartland only got 5 min) in order to prepare for Acalanes on Wednesday. Rematch of last year’s NCS semi-final game should be a hard fought battle as both sides are on the verge of hatred towards each other.
January 9th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
looking forward to MV and Cal on Thursday
January 9th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Tack- good luck against acalanes. Play tough defense and you guys can pull it out.
January 9th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Soccerman,
One simple question: Have you seen Richmond? Yes or no?
Ignorance is bliss.
Matt?
Cheers and see you at the pitch.
January 9th, 2012 at 11:13 pm
Cokito,
You are making me rethink my position…NOT!
Cheers and see you at the pitch!
January 10th, 2012 at 7:39 am
I’ve seen Richmond, and I am seeing them tonight against Alameda. It will be my first look at the Hornets.
January 10th, 2012 at 9:30 am
Petey thanks for the support! Matt, does your Wednesday night involve a trip out to Dublin?
January 10th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Wednesday does not, but Friday might!
January 10th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Bval predictions
Pitt 2 -1 heritage
Freedom 2-2 antioch
Deer valley 3-1 liberty
January 10th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Richmond just went up 1-0 on Alameda in the 20th minute.
January 10th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Montes left injured, though. Looked like a nasty ankle injury.
January 10th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Montes returns…
January 10th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
SRV-1, AV-0 halftime.
January 10th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Cal was up 3-0 on Foothill last time I heard.
January 10th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Richmond escapes Alameda, 2-1.
January 10th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
SRV wins 4-0
January 10th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Pitt 3 , heritage 0 final
January 10th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Cokito, was that Richmond I saw filming SRV tonight? A different kind of homework I guess…and ‘very smart’ of course.
January 10th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
DLS beat Livermore 5-0 tonight.
January 10th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Berkeley 4 – De Anza 2
January 10th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
DVAL scores anyone?
January 10th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
MV beat Granada 5 to 3
January 10th, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Clayton 3 College Park 0
Concord 2 Northgate 1
YV bye
I didnt hear nuthing about the Berean vs Mount game.
January 10th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Antioch 1, freedom 0
January 10th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
mount 3 berean 0
January 10th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
College Park is having a tough losing streak. Tonight would have been a tough but great win for them to pick up. It could have given them confidence in beating a very strong clayton side. Hopefully they can turn it around and make ncs or maybe even the top 15 rankings again.
January 10th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
I think the heart of the richmond team is #23 israel ayala and is a great leader outside and inside the field
January 11th, 2012 at 8:00 am
Spartan front was on last night with a good attacking forward push from mids and backs.
January 11th, 2012 at 10:12 am
DVAL Standings 1/11/12
YV 12pts 4 games played
Concord 10pts 4 games played
Clayton Valley 9pts 4 games played
College Park 7pts 4 games played
Yv vs unbeaten Concord High at concord 6pm start time on 1/12/12
This will be a close game for both teams.
Good luck to both teams
January 11th, 2012 at 10:35 am
I’m looking for the Liberty/DV score and the Pinole/EC score, if anyone knows it.
January 11th, 2012 at 10:40 am
Futbol101
Its a close race. Concord is going to be tested vs YV.
Concord can score , but will they score more then YV?
Yv has a very fast offense and strong defense.
This game is for first in league.
Both sides better hope for good ref’s. Good ref’s are a must. They will be needed for this game.
January 11th, 2012 at 10:46 am
YV should take Concord, they are starting to come together as a team and are are showing some intense consistent creative play in mid and front.
Sparty is at Foothill Thursday @ 6pm..looks like the Spartan offensive punch is starting to appear.
January 11th, 2012 at 11:01 am
On paper so many teams should.
Record and ranking talks also. Until those 80 minutes and sum are over, no one can tell.
DLS offense is creating and making their opportunities count.
YV vs DLS ??? soon ? one day ?
January 11th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Hey Sweeper,
I can’t comment on SRV; I was at Thompson field watching the last league contest between the Oilers and Alameda to be played there in the foreseeable future, as both schools join different leagues next season.
It was a lot of fun watching Richmond trying to impose a controlled game on a small and quite bumpy grass field, against a very athletic, and very intense Alameda side. Kudos to both teams for an entertaining and spirited display.
January 11th, 2012 at 11:15 am
Cokito,
I can imagine the challenges of the bumpy grass field. That is all that we had back in the stone-age. It does create very unmanageable breakaway opportunities that cause groans all around.
BTW, I too enjoy entertaining and spirited displays…
See you at the pitch!
January 11th, 2012 at 11:53 am
What leagues are alameda and Richmond going too?
January 11th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Matt:
I agree with your rankings at this point, except having seen both teams play Monte Vista is a better team than Granada; they are better than their record. I don’t think, however, that DLS will stay in the 5 spot; the loss to CV was an anomaly. CV is a very good team and played well; I’m told by those that were there, though, that there were many shots by DLS just off frame. The DLS offense is coming around–5-0 v. Livermore–I expect it will continue to improve.
Also, I’m a little less enthusiastic about Richmond than The Sweeper…I saw their game against Bullard; Bullard is not the team this year that they typically have been. It was a blow-out game, but in large part because Bullard did not play well. I don’t know what happened in the MV game–didn’t see that game–but the scores were the same and MV is a much better team in my opinion than Bullard having seen both teams play…
I completely agree with The Sweeper re Chris aka FJPHOTOGUY…best around bar none…
January 11th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Futbolbay#1,
My understanding is that Alameda (along with Berkeley) is joining the HAAL.
Richmond is joining an hybrid of ACCAL and BSAL. As far as soccer is concerned, Richmond is the only D1 team in the ACCAL/BSAL league, which is not a good thing for them, obviously.
January 11th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Main thing is Richmond is playing better ball since the DLS showcase. They are starting to push for a full 8o min. Which is currently making a difference. Gotta play like your hair is on fire, every game….every player. That’s what you saw last year when DLS made that NCS run.
January 11th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Richmond for NCS??
January 11th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
CV came to play..they were fired-up to play #1 and Defending NCS Champions. As they say any given day..you can beat the best. Sparty was off and playing what I call frustrated ball and the side of the barn was very large that night. Both teams benefited from winning and losing.
January 11th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
I saw that CV DLS game….
It was anyones game. They both dominated one half each. They both created chances and one “lucky” miss handled ball was the difference of that game.
Standings in the top 10 are on wait from the team below them to have those in ranking higher faulter and make one wrong move.
Example… I know CV DLS SRV CAMPO ect ect are in hopes of Concord winning to upset YV and change the top 5. Only for ranking reasons.
January 11th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
DFAL Predictions for Wednesday:
Campolindo 2-1 Miramonte
Dougherty 1-1 Las Lomas
Acalanes 2-0 Dublin
January 11th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Futbol101,
CV could also help those teams right behind YV with another match at YV. With CV pulling a win on the road, they could help some teams jump pass them. However, with a lose, it could also help those other teams because CV would most likely drop a few spots.
January 11th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
DFAL predictions
Campo 2 – 1 Miramonte
DV 3 – 0 Las Lomas
Acalanes 0 – 1 Dublin
January 11th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
I wonder where The Sweeper is tonight…
Campo up 2-0 on Miramonte midway through the second half.
January 11th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
EBAL predictions for tomorrow anybody?
January 11th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Acalanes 3-1 Dublin as the final
January 11th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
Campo ended 3-0.
January 11th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
EBAL predictions
SRV 3, GDA 0 (srv finding thier stride)
DLS 3, FH 1 (not as easy as it looks)
MV 2, CAL 3 (cals defense is hurting)
LIV 0, AV 3 (amador gets a breather after several tough games)
January 11th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Las Lomas tied DV 2-2
January 11th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
No Sweeper sightings for me tonight but I can’t imagine he is sitting at home playing FIFA & drinking Chianti… BTW Sweeper thank you for all the plugs, I appreciate your kinds words and will try to live up to the billing.
So at the SRV v Acalanes match I counted 8 people on the sidelines taking pictures, I enjoyed speaking with several of you (special thanks to Doug Duran of the BANG for telling me to shoot back across the field into the sun, it produced some great images). There was some good gear, great light and some very talented kids out there so I am sure that there are pictures worth looking at. Please share links if you have them! Conrad the Canon (camera) shooter at DLS, where are those pictures of the Spartan offense that is starting to gel? I know you do good work, where in the cloud can we find it?
I have met several other photographers over the last 3 years chasing my son around the EBAL fields (not to mention something along the lines of 8 years of the aforementioned professionally coached & very expensive club soccer experience). If you see me and want to discuss how, and what to use, to take pictures, please stop me as I go by… yes Sweeper I do tend to be at the Cal games…
Saving my editorial for the last… There are a lot of talented, hard working, great kids busting their butts & risking their knees, ankles and heads to play soccer at a very high level. We, the web based followers of these kids, should try to get more people out to the games and remind Matt Smith’s editors that a lot of kids play soccer in this valley (anyone know how to do this??). I also encourage everyone to keep it positive as the intensity ramps up over the next 4+ weeks. I have been on the sidelines for three years and always circle the field at least two to three times per match. You would be amazed at what you hear from student and parent alike. There is a lot of great support but no fan-base is perfect…
Now, as the editorial is done, I encourage you to check out my work at http://www.fjphotoguy.com. It’s a hobby but it’s expensive…
Thanks for listening and see you on the pitch!
Chris G. the FJ Photoguy
January 11th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
BTW Matt, do I get a price for the longest post, 404 words? DLS Defender is currently in seconds place with 340 words.
January 11th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Tuesday: ACCAL
Pinole 3
El Cerrito 0
January 11th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
albany 2 piedmont 0
January 11th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
SRV 5 GDA 0
DLS 3 FTH 1
MV 0 CAL 5
LIV 1 AV 2
January 11th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
James Logan 1, Newark Memorial 1
January 11th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Sad thing to see a team as skilled as Dublin tear themselves up from the inside out. Turmoil is a’ brewin.
January 12th, 2012 at 12:32 am
The Sweeper went to Dublin with a dead effin baattery. DOH!
I could not make hide nor hair of this one: sorry for the old ND ranch reference. There were only 2 refs and it seemed to me that they had a deal that the FURTHEST ref wuold make the call.
In the end Acalanes won 3-1, but with 3 officials, it could have been 3-2 or 4-2.
This match needed 3 officials (PERIOD). No knock on the hard work by the crew tonight, but 3 officials may have affected the outcome.
I still rank Acalanes ahead of Dublin.
January 12th, 2012 at 12:34 am
Oh yeah, Acalanes won 3-1.
January 12th, 2012 at 12:43 am
Hey Chris, the FJPHOTOGUY,
Well said. It is all about these talented athletes and the spirit of competition and fair play. Here is to a competitive 2nd half of league and to a spirited NCS playoffs.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 12th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Chris the Photoguy gets the prize for the longest post and the best photos! The guy is amazing.
January 12th, 2012 at 11:01 am
I have the Castro Valley/San Leandro and the Moreau/Arroyo scores.
Does anyone have any other HAAL results?
January 12th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Found the Mt. Eden/SLZ score. Could use the last score in the MVAL (got Logan/Newark and American/MSJ) and could use some BSAL results.
Hey Tack, who had the goal and assist for Dublin?
January 12th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
DVAL predictions
UPSET CENTRAL …
Concord 2 YV 1 { shocker }
Berean 1 Northgate 0
Clayton 4 MT. Diablo 1
BYE College Park
January 12th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Futbol101,
You must be crazy on the yv/ concord game. Unless you have an inside scoop on something there’s no way yv loses even on grass. Just a thought.
January 12th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Yv 2 concord 1
January 12th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Sweeper I completely agree with you, but Dublin is playing at 50% of what they’re capable of. If they turn it around NCS might have a new dangerous spoiler team.
Matt, O. Castillo had the goal on an assist from Hartland
January 12th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Oh and I hope you still plan to come tomorrow! Dublin might be able to use some motivation in order to prove their true ability.
January 12th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Tack, I’ll be there. I will be showing up right at kickoff because I’ll be fighting traffic out of the City after school, but at least I’ll be showing up with a very pretty girl.
January 12th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Hey Tack, I thought the Gael’s goal was on a PK after the shove in the back?
I do look forward to seeing Dublin step it up in the second half of this season. BTW, Dublin’s center back (#6?) makes some of the purest free kicks from 35-50 yards out, with distance, arc and curve, and including a wicked knuckleball that appears to be repeatable. Dublin could use at least two more 6 foot+ players on set pieces.
My candidate for Miss Idaho will be in the house on Friday and I cannot be there. Dang! Gotta make a change of plans.
January 12th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Haha, Sweeper, I can’t wait to tell her you said that.
January 12th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Sweeper, it was. But correct me if I’m wrong, I just thought that when a pk occurs the player that was fouled is rewarded an assist assuming they score? And I agree on the height, that’d be extremely welcome. Also, it’d be nice to meet you if you make it out!
January 12th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
MV 1, Cal 0 at the half. MV scored in extra time on a set play from the 45, it looked like the keeper tried to clear on a volley, and it deflected off of an MV player and back past the keeper.
Hey Matt, The Sweeper sort of knows soccer talent, but when it comes to pretty ladies…well, The Sweeper only speaks the truth. Cheers!
January 12th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Cal equalizes with 36 min left. Fast break shot, rebound and goal. Cal makes it 2-1 with 35 min left. Must have been a great halftime speech.
January 12th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
MV earns a PK, which is blocked, but the rebound is put back for 2-2.
January 12th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
MV #19 scores from 35 yds out with the Cal keeper off his lime. 3-2 MV with 15 min left.
January 12th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Richmond 3 El Cerito 1 A good game, could have easily been 5 to 1 (ricochet off of crossbar at least 3 times.
El Cerito was outgunned but never gave up. They played the offside trap the whole 2′nd 1/2 and caught Richmond out a bunch of times. Good behavior from both teams–no cards at all.
Richmond is a one touch ball control team, and it will be really interesting to see how they do against De La Salle. The home field will be a definite advantage to Richmond, as the large size accents their play.
De La Salle, on the other hand, may well be handicapped, as their small field helps them in their “containment” style.
This is “game of the year” stuff folks, although it would be fun to see Ygnacio Valley play Richmond.
January 12th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Final. MV-3, Cal-2.
January 12th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
A little surprising sweeper. Although against Richmond MV was missing their Center Back and one of their best mid fielders.
January 12th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
DLS 4 at Foothill 0 final. Next up for DLS is Cal High at home on Tuesday at 6pm.
January 12th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Amador Valley 5 Livermore 0
Dane Shaffar scores a hat trick in a win that Amador had to have.
Next up Foothill.
January 12th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Futbolbay#1
No inside knowledge. Just facts. They have never done well on grass. They are fast and strong, but after so much they have to have a let down.
0-0 final between Yv vs concord
January 12th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
CP 4 Alhambra 1
Sparty 4 FH 0 same for JV
On Any Given Day goes to MV
January 12th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Tough one for CAL tonight, I couldn’t make it due to work, but I expect a nice update from Sweeper and I’m wondering if it was a legit pk?
Matt Smith now, how long had CAL gone without losing a game since the DLS one last year goes down as a draw? I’m assuming it’s around 40 games?
January 12th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Berkeley 2 – Hurcules 1
January 12th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
Matt:
As I mentioned above (see #59), MV is a much better team than their record. Cal High with a tough loss, but played without a key (their best?) defender. Nevertheless, an impressive win for MV…this team will be the spoiler in EBAL and cannot be overlooked because of the 4-0 loss to Richmond…I remain of the belief that this was an anomaly…
Mudhen: re #100 above, because DLS plays Richmond IN RICHMOND there will be no way for Richmond to blame a loss on the field size. I continue to be perplexed by the fact that it is always some extrinsic factor–other than commitment, dedication, hard work and determination–that is the excuse for DLS success? Heard it all again last year… I concur the Richmond v. DLS game will be the single best game to watch this season, and I remain steadfast that it will come down to who can control the middle of the field and how well the Richmond defense can manage the steadily improving DLS offense (9 goals in the last two games)…the DLS defense will, I believe, neutralize the Richmond offense; the DLS defense has not given up a goal in the last two weeks…
Matt, I remain steadfast in my opinion that the DLS games for you to see will be DLS v. Cal on Tuesday at DLS, and the DLS game v. Richmond at Richmond…
Finally, Kudos again to FJPHOTOGUY–proud to call him a friend–the game is about the guys laying it on the line in every moment. They take the risks for the love of the game, and we are just fortunate to be able to watch–and enjoy the photos!! Let’s continue to keep the fans in the stands and upbeat about the game!!
January 12th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
The MV and Cal game tonight was one of the best high school games I have seen in a long time. End to end action, give credit to both teams, hard fought and I am sure Cal will rebound.
January 12th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Amador Valley 5
Livermore 0
FINAL
January 12th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
SRV 4, Granada 0
January 12th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Cv 2 mount doablo 1
January 12th, 2012 at 10:00 pm
congratulations to Monte Vista for knocking off Cal. Cal may lose 2 or 3 in a row if they play the way they did tonight. Cals defense is hurting with # 12 and #8 and Wilcox not playing. They need these guys back to be a top contender for NCS. I predict another loss Tuesday at DLS. Oh by the way #2(one of Cals best offensive players) out against Dls due to a bogus red card tonight.
January 12th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Monte Vista has to be the surprise team of the year. No one knew much about them with only three returning players, and with only one loss against the highest rated competition of any team in NorCal, the coach must be very proud. Soccer fans should be very excited to see how the rest of their season plays out!
January 12th, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Clayton sneaks through with a win tonight against the Devils of Mount Diablo. Mount Diablo scored the first goal. Later CV scored off of a PK. with seconds to go in the game, CV scored another goal to take the win.
No one showed up to play for Clayton. Coaches were yelling at the players, not exactly coaching in my opinion. Played very sloppy and were very lucky to get the W.
Mount Diablo fought very hard. With a very limited roster, they showed they do have talent even though there record isnt the greatest. They could have easily shaken things up in the DVAL standings.
Reffing was very poor and didnt let the game have any flow at all. At the beginning of the game, she had to redo the kickoff 3 times before it was to her liking. One ref that calls every little thing that she should just let go. Then when a hard foul is committed, there is no whistle at all. Very poor performance for her and her crew.
Spectators for both sides were yelling and screaming at players, refs, and even coaches. Pretty bad when parents are yelling at own team.
As an outsider to both teams, it was a very poor game to watch.
January 12th, 2012 at 10:39 pm
If you dont advance- you lost.
January 12th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Congrats to Monte Vista taking down Cal tonight – no Grizzly magic this time around. It was definitely a hard fought game with the boys and cards flying all over the place.
I should have pictures up by Sunday at the latest and will let people know when they are posted.
January 12th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Additional random comments on MV at Cal tonight because this match was great fun to watch and it may be a harbinger for the rest of the season.
First, for whoever asked, the PK call seemed legit, but it was due to awkward positioning more than a mugging in the box. The Cal keeper got it right but was unlucky on the rebound.
Second, several insightful comments in prior posts about injured/missing players (MV@Rich, and Cal tonight) and the names/positions are meaningful for context: meaning MV tonight was not the MV@Richmond, and Cal needs to get healthy.
Cal has more raw speed out wide, but MV matched Cal’s inside quickness on tight triangle play (on offense, on defense, and at midfield): conclusion? DO NOT underestimate the Mustangs.
It was fairly even on 50:50 balls, with equally tough challenges from each side. Did not see any blatant cleats up plays.
MV challenged Cal with fore-checks and back-checks at different points than against Richmond (no more details, I am not a scout).
This version of MV may just match-up right against this version of Cal (do not undersell that match-up thing).
I am not sure why time was added at the half (+1:15, Matt knows the drill) and MV used that time for the late 1st goal, truly unlucky for Cal.
The ref was fairly consistent all night, but a few tight calls each way snowballed to rowdy protests from both sides off and on the last 20 minutes: to steal a great line – “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
Probably at least 8 or 9 yellow cards, perhaps more (the most that I have seen in a while) and the red card (no explanation, though the player sent off had committed an apparent hand ball on offense at the top of the box with no call, and then 5 seconds later the red (f-bomb? and sensitive ref? Would love to hear the details).
2:15 of extra time at the end, the ref got this right with 2-3 minutes the right number.
The Cal keeper was unlucky twice tonight, and burned on a well struck 1%-5% shot. He lives to ‘save’ another day.
Cal will regroup and start a new streak next match. Do not undersell this squad.
Gotta go because FJPhotoguy is the posting boss. I am sure his photos tonight are over the top great!
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 12th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@Pinole, Pinole 2 – Alameda 3
January 13th, 2012 at 7:21 am
Sweeper, the red card was due to a trip and push after the play the ball wasn’t near him and when a mv player was walking away he tripped him and the ref noticed.
January 13th, 2012 at 7:22 am
@Sweep..In EPL terms they had there Nickers in a Bunch.
The Spartans are building up some steam. The next series of games will be a solid test. MV is not a surprise any one of the top 4 EBAL teams can consistently ruin somebody’s day. Big thing is for teams to stay focused and play each game as the come up on the schedule. One thing for sure the EBAL will be a fight to the finish as the push starts for NCS.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:06 am
It sounds like a great game between Cal and Monte Vista but I am a bit confused about one aspect of game. How can there be extra added to either the first or second half? I have always been told or led to believe that the clock on the scoreboard was the official time and that it no longer stops at 2:00 minutes. It runs down to 0:00. Can anyone clear that up for me. It would be appreciated.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:15 am
YV was without Ayala, for that Concord game. Not sure how much I can punish them in the rankings. We’ll see…
January 13th, 2012 at 8:26 am
DLS Defender, it’s not a critisism here, just a comment on differing styles of play, and how a teams’e can be influenced by circumstance. DLS, practices and plays their home games on a field that is the minimum legal size, while Richmond has a really large pitch. Each type of field will exert an influence on play and tactics.
At El Cerito, the pitch was on the small side and it forced Richmond to move the ball around more quickly than they might have liked.Having seen both teams A LOT, I
January 13th, 2012 at 8:27 am
Kudos to Cal for the unbeaten streak. I am guessing this loss will be used as motivation.
Also, I need HAAL scores. The only one I have is Hayward v. Arroyo, so if anyone knows of any, let me know.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:31 am
CONTINUED….. have noticed that DLS tries to shut down their opponents by double teaming them and forcing either a turnover or boxing them to the sides of the pitch. This is a tactic that works much better on a smaller field.
Again, no criticism of DLS players (but the PARENTS, EHH…) They tend to win more than they lose.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:34 am
Punish…. None. The way i see it.
Concord , an undefeated team held strong vs a good fast team as YV.
I dont see them moving much. If at most moving up. Cal lost…#1 team lost… that should move.
Yv has not lost in over 10 plus games and still holds on to first in league.
Clayton is still holding strong , but had a wake up call vs MT Diablo only winning 2-1 and in the last minute of the game. They found themselves losing 1-0 to start with.
Your bigger question should be , ” what to do with Cal?”
January 13th, 2012 at 8:37 am
DLS Defender,
no criticism implied there, just a comment on how conditions can affect tactics.
January 13th, 2012 at 9:15 am
11 v. 11, very, very well said. Good points.
January 13th, 2012 at 9:24 am
re: EBAL Watcher
As I understand it, some schools run the clock to 0 as official and some prefer the game to be run by the ref. IMHO the clock running to 0 in High School and College is a joke. There are so many ways to run that thing down it is ridiculous. Leave it to the officials in the middle to monitor and add for the time wasting.
January 13th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Most school’s run the clock down unil the two minute mark. Then its up to the ref.
Running it down to 0 is a joke.
Let the ref still have the power to control the time.
January 13th, 2012 at 9:57 am
Thank you for your answers
January 13th, 2012 at 10:14 am
I agree. Running it to zero is a joke.
January 13th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Re Clock…That’s a good question?? I intermittently do clock duty..every ref crew seems to do it differently.
I have done Frosh, JV and V games..some want the clock to stop at 2min and they pick-up ( official time ) from there and add time in sometimes in both half’s and sometimes only last half.
Others Referees just have us run the clock down to 00.00 & Horn and that’s the half or the game. I have not been able to get a good answer on the specific rules for running the clock down to 2min or to 00.
January 13th, 2012 at 10:55 am
American rules…. always trying to be different.
It should be in fifa rules. Let the clock run up or down but let the ref have control of the final say.
Now the ref has to signal to the clock controller about stopping the time… why… more BS to get wrong. Control the time and signals … blah blah
This horn… now that is a huge JOKE. Its not basketball and the final buzzer.
The rest of the world plays it with Fifa rules. Why cant we get on the same page. JOKE JOKE JOKE. HA !!!
January 13th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
When I officiated a few years back, EBAL rules required official time to be on the clock which requires the official time-keeper to stay alert and be in synch with the Center Ref.
January 13th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Ya, the EBAL used to always run it down to zero. Covering as many games as I do, and seeing this, in my opinion, always leads to a game being drawn out longer, and it leads to confusion.
Part of the beauty of the game is not knowing how much time is left and that the ref will stop it at the appropriate time.
January 13th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
I actually like the official time being kept on the clock and eliminates those questions that the CR is arbitrarily letting a play come to its completion before blowing his whistle. As an example, allowing a corner kick to be completed even though the time has expired. There have been earlier posts that stated it’s up to the individual schools regarding time running to the 2 minute mark and that’s not correct. It’s the rules of the leagues that dictate that.
January 13th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Mudhen: No worries, mate…I took it as you intended…just “defending” the anticipated comments–which will come as folks just can’t help it– about DLS, ie they recruit, yada, yada, yada…
What I love about soccer–and Cal High is the perfect example–is that it is about teamwork, conditioning, and a whole host of other factors. One player–unlike a great quarterback or running back–cannot usually do it alone. Since every field is seemingly a little different in one way or another, I never felt field size to be a significant factor in the outcome of a game…but you’ve got me thinking about it now. I will definitely be analyzing this factor at the DLS v. Richmond game on the 28th.
MV is a great team, as is SRV–another team just struggling with their “groove” that on “any given day” will be outstanding. CV, Richmond, YV, Acalanes…good talent all around. Love it!!
January 13th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Hey, I just want to let people know that Albany is the team to beat in The BSAL. They had a rough start but the team is looking better every game. This weak they defeated piedmont 2-0 and encinal 5-0. Albany is under the radar right now, but I think this just motivated the kids from Albany even more. This team has not lost since KO Douglas took over the team. Their 3-0 since his return.
January 13th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Did Albany play Salesian as well recently? I really need BSAL results, and nobody really responds to my messages or emails, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
January 13th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Ah, clock management…
I routinely put a stopwatch to the scoreboard clock with 5 to go each half and then watch the runover. I saw one match with almost 8 minutes extra time added, with the ref signaling that he was adding time during extra time (huh?). In FIFA, everyone knows where the running clock is all the way down to zero, and then the mystery begins, though these days they often announce the stoppage time. This is my preferred way.
If each league determines the clock procedures, what happens in NCS playoffs? I believe in NCS playoffs the scoreboard clock is stopped at two minutes, and then the mystery begins.
In one of the more storied clock adventures, the outcome of the match was clearly affected by the the ref’s clock management. In the girls NCS final a few years ago the ref added three minutes of extra time, and then added one more minute for stalling by the team ahead at that time. The other team tied the match 15 seconds left in the extra-extra time, and then won in overtime. The losing team was undefeated and nationally ranked in the top 3 or 4 prior to that match. I am not saying it was wrong, just pointing out that it can and does affect the outcome.
See you at the pitch!
January 13th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Matt,
On your #124 post. It doesn’t matter who played and who doesn’t play. As a coach you have to play the players you have. So if someone is missing, it shouldn’t affect how the rankings should be. Now a tie with Concord shouldn’t affect them to bad because Concord has a good team. But we cannot make excuses for results.
January 13th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Two great games on Tuesday in EBAL, San Ramon @ Monte Vista at 4 and then De La Salle and Cal at 6
January 13th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
I agree with #144. Every team has issues, whether it be injuries, sickness, previous commitments etc. Teams play games with players missing all of the time. If you are a strong team, a player missing should not make a huge difference.
January 13th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
I agree with (146) thats true.
January 13th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Dublin and Dougherty are 0-0 at half.
January 13th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Alhambra 0 Campo O at half
January 13th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Las Lomas v. Acalanes, anyone?
January 13th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Matt:
I agree with Soccerstud (144), 146 and 147…while there are missing players that can clearly make a difference in the outcome of individual games–and I could cite a few big ones already–team rankings just cannot be based on this factor…would just be too unfair and speculative…
January 13th, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Campo 2 Alhambra 1 3 min to go
January 13th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Campo 2 Alhambra 2 >Final
January 13th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Ayala is one of the best players in high school right now…He makes a huge difference in a game. I watched the game last night and it was one of the worse high school games I have attended.
Neither team could control the ball on that field,it turned out to be kick ball. The few chances were created on set pieces. Ayala wouldnt have made a difference in this game. I wouldnt even call that a soccer game. YV should be happy with a tie, a lot of teams will struggle to play @ concord.
It should be a much better game next time they play each other as both teams have some good players.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Dublin 1, Dougherty 0.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
The yv concord was mostly not a favorable one to watch because of the terrible grass field concord has. It can really affect a game in a negative way. Easily can slow down a fast team like yv and make a game much more balanced.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
The field did make it hard for YV to use their speed. I have to agree with oldfart, that it was a game of just kicked ball. The only chances created by both teams were on set pieces.
YV will get to use their skill and speed in the next game at YV. It will be a completely different game.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
A good team can play anywhere..So no excuses for YV.But yes Concord does have an advantage over any team because of there field.Everyone else is use to turf.
January 13th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Dublin 1 – 0 DV
Great game. It was nice talking to you Matt; can’t wait to see the write up tomorrow!
Side note: Even though one brutal fight lead to reds for a player of each side, I have the utmost respect for DV and their team. Dublin and DV are bitter rivals, but the way they acted at the end was classy and made me proud to have witnessed such a thrilling game. Good luck Dougherty on the rest of your season, and show D1 in NCS that the DFAL isn’t just their lil’ brother coming out to play kick ball with the big 5th graders.
January 13th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Acalanes won 4-1 matt. Even after being down 1-0 at half and losing there captain and sweeper early in the second half they pulled back with 4 second half goals. It was a very impressive display.
January 14th, 2012 at 8:44 am
A good team needs to adjust to were they play, whether on turf or grass… I just noticed that it was a game were you couldnt play soccer, it was not soccer! Concord is more happy with the tie then YV. I still think YV should be the happy team to come out of there with a tie.
January 14th, 2012 at 9:35 am
Alhambra had the classic finish 1-2-3 to bring in the tie. Last 5 min they were putting on the pressure at a great rate. They need to keep that type of fighting spirit going into last part of the season for a full 8o.
*Concord grass is really bad..not only long but badly pitted. The condition virtually eliminates a passing game and hampers the run of the player.
January 14th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
San Ramon Valley-1 at Deer Valley-1.
January 14th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Any comments on the SRV game?
January 14th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Hey Cokito,
Darn good question. Cannot wait to get eye witness comments.
My comment is, “What the heck?” Did not see it, and do not get it. As you said, “Any comments on the SRV game?”
Maybe the Wolves were thinking about the 49ers? But then again, so would the Wolverines. Go figure…but good for DV.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 14th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
The San Ramon result is definately interesting. San Ramon is a much, much better team than what that result shows.
January 14th, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Acalanes beat Clayton Valley 1-0 today. Great display from acalanes, even without their star sweeper which makes all the more impressive
January 14th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Berkeley 3 vs. Pittsburg 2
January 15th, 2012 at 9:01 am
Cal goes down , Clayton falls , so many teams to move up and a few to move down.
Concord should get some love, they have not lost a game yet and tied a very good YV team.
Alhambra is in trouble , one game their up the other they are down.
Yv is holding strong still haven’t take a lose in over 12+ games.
DLS has got back to form and is getting stronger and stronger.
Prediction
#1. Richmond
#2. Ygnacio Valley
#3. Cal
#4. DLS
#5. San Ramon
#6. Clayton ….
Concord should be in top 15
Just saying.
January 15th, 2012 at 9:28 am
Acalanes should be in the top 5 or 6
January 15th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Top 7 Predictions with the last weeks game results:
1.RICHMOND (Wins against alameda and el cerrito)
2.DLS (Wins against livermore and foothill)
3.CAL (Win against foothill, but lose to monte vista)
4.YV (Tied concord)
5.ACALANES (Wins against dublin, las lomas and clayton)
6.SRV (Wins against amador and granada, tie with dear valley)
7.CV (Wins against college park and mount diablo, loss to acalanes)
Also look for Monte Vista to reach the top 10 and Concord to break into the top 15.
January 15th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
I agree with soccerstud above^^. Although it would be understandable if srv and acalanes were switched because of the dons loss to the wolves but either way the rankings are quite accurate to me. Well done soccerstud!
January 15th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
I was going off of recent results. I didnt look that far back. So if they did beat them, then they should be switched, but i was just posting this as an idea of what I think. Not completely set as that is up to Matt.
January 15th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
With wins against Granada and Cal, two teams ranked ahead of them, Monte Vista should be top ten for sure and maybe top eight.
January 15th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Very tough to move Cal any lower then #2. They can still make a big case to stay number 1. Richmond can also argue and be number 1. This is what I think should be top 10.
1.Richmond
2.California
3. Ygnacio Valley
4.De La Salle
5.San Ramon Valley
6. Acalanes
7. Clayton Valley
8. Newark Memorial
9. Monte Vista
10. Campolindo
9.
January 15th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Campo shouldnt be in top 10… In their past 3 games they tied alhambra, not very strong squad at the moment, and barely squeezed past dublin with their only convincing victory coming against another struggling squad this time of miramonte.
January 15th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
You can move Cal down to third because DLS does have 3 loses but to of them were in the so cal tournament and the other was to Clayton which has been a top 10 school all year. I think everyone can agree that Richmond is the number one team no question. No when you look at common opponents, DLS tied Monte Vista and Cal lost. Cal tied SRV and DLS beat SRV. So in my opinion, although DLS has 3 loses, 2 can be thrown out due to the fact they were against tough opponents in so cal. Common opponents puts DLS ahead of Cal. Of course this is just for now because I believe DLS and Cal play this coming week. So this could all change in the next week. Like I said, this is just my opinion.
January 15th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
srv missed many opportunities. hit the post twice, missed an open net, a one on one. plenty of chances, just could not finish. such is the nature of soccer.
January 15th, 2012 at 5:35 pm
You better not sleep on this Hayward high team they play with speed for 80 min that a real good team they should make a run in the ncs.
January 15th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
I Saw this HAYWARD TEAM PLAY freedom high they could not handle the speed of there game .they fouled them through the hole game jump on there back and trying to punch them the. hayward coach got the boys playing hard fast and they listened to the coach i will drive a hour to seee this team play again . GO HAYWARD
January 15th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Honest to God, I can’t see anybody as good as Richmond, with the possible exception of YV.The difference is that I have seen teams (Pittsburg) get YV’s goat and make them lose composure, i.e retaliate, whereas I have yet to see Richmond do the same.
D.L.S. is certainly tough, but I don’t think they have seen a team like Richmond this year.
Bottom line, D.L.S. Richmond is the game of the year as far as I can see.
January 15th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
Cal and MV pictures anywhere?
January 15th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Are the Cal and MV pics up from thursday night?
January 15th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
SJPhotoguy was at the match shooting from all angles, but I do not see pictures posted. Hey Chris, let us know your schedule to post or offer the MV at Cal match photos. Inquiring fans want to know.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 15th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Any rankings before next Sunday are nothing but an interim snapshot (sorry Matt, sort of). We learn a lot this week. EXCEPT, unless YV trips, they should end up at least #2 over the next 3 weeks. All other challengers face at least 2 SERIOUS tests. Let the prelims for NCS positioning begin.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 15th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Can anyone provide any data on what teams Richmond has played against this year–other than Monte Vista–that has good talent?? Please do not mention Bullard… I have not seen any of the teams play, but Richmond’s league looks week on paper, and there are no stats on who they’ve played this year that I can find on the net…hmmm…
Same for YV?? Is Concord it?? And will YV be tested by any team other than CV until the NCS playoffs??
Soccerstud: One of the DLS losses was a 1-0 loss early in the season to Alisal, whom they arguably outplayed…Alisal is ranked #17 nationally…
This week may be telling in the EBAL…
Mudhen: Agreed…the Richmond v. DLS game should be the pre-NCS game of the year…
January 15th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
DLS Defender,
The Richmond schedule has been online on maxpreps since the beginning of the season:
http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/richmond-oilers-(richmond,ca)/soccer-winter/schedule.htm
In soccer there is only one truth that is worth considering. It is not the truth of the words, nor is it the truth of the rankings. The only truth that is meaningful is the truth of the field.
See you at the pitch!
January 15th, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Hey DLS defender,
If you have not seen the Oilers on the pitch, then you need to make time to see them. You will not be disappointed. The more matches, the better your appreciation will grow.
To quote our respected friend Cokito: “The only truth that is meaningful is the truth of the field.”
I am not sure if YV is classed D1, but I hear that they are a must see squad. They should win out, but I will see either the CV or CP match.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 16th, 2012 at 7:30 am
#186
You have mentioned something about the schedule of YV.
BOD, Clayton , Albany , Deer Valley, Dough. Valley, Pitt, Alhambra , Miramonte, college park, concord.
How and what has happen to those teams during the time they played YV is what it is.
All those teams listed above made it to the D1 D2 playoffs last year.
No give me a win game.
All top 25 teams.
I know they have gone and asked DLS , San Ramon, but have heard no reply.
#188
YV is a D2 team.
January 16th, 2012 at 7:50 am
The fun starts tomorrow night at DLS. VS Cal
JV at 4pm > V at 6pm. <
This is a tough 5 game series for the Spartans as they play Cal. Amador, MV, SRV, & ( Richmond @ Rich 2pm on Sat the 28th ) Cal and MV games are the only home games for Sparty.
Matt..looks like you will be busy watching some classic tough soccer.
January 16th, 2012 at 8:07 am
Sorry for the delay in posting pics from the Cal-MV game, I will have them up by tonight for sure. Unfortunately Cal’s lights are terrible so I am trying to get the images sharpened up a bit before I put them on-line.
I was able to catch the American football game on Saturday at Candlestick. The cameras on the sidelines were extremely impressive (and the game didn’t suck either).
I may have time to shoot a game or two next weekend. Anyone have any suggestions?
January 16th, 2012 at 8:18 am
Photo…. come watch Clayton Valley vs YV rematch. At YV 3:30 1/19/12
January 16th, 2012 at 8:25 am
Cokito: Thanks for the link…the Oilers have had a nice run.
The Sweeper: I saw the Oilers play Bullard; they looked very good, but that wasn’t a real test…Bullard had no defense…so looking forward to the game on the 28th…
11 v. 11: Indeed, A very impressive run for YV!!
What a great year this is–so much great competition!!
Chris: Looking forward to the pics and to seeing you with your wide angle tomorrow night!!
See y’all at the pitch
January 16th, 2012 at 9:38 am
MV v. Cal pictures should be out of the Apple machine and on-line in about an hour at http://www.fjphotoguy.com. As usual, I will have two different galleries, one for each team. If a picture has players from both teams I put it in both galleries.
Standard comments: if you just want a few pictures it is cheaper to buy the files for download and send to Costco. If you want to buy a picture but think it needs some tweaking please feel free to send me an email fjphotoguy@gmail.com as I may be able to adjust the photos a bit more. The night games are just flat out challenging for almost every camera out there.
DLS Defender – unfortunately my camera gets the night off tomorrow as the real job beckons. I will be checking the iPhone for updates!
11 v 11, CV v YV looks to be a great idea if I can get the press-pass from the wife. I will let people know if I will be there.
See you on the pitch and remember to try and keep it positive.
Chris G. the FJ Photoguy
January 16th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Chris: Working for a living sucks when you have all this great soccer to watch!! You will be missed–I’ll keep you posted as always in real time…
11 v. 11: YV v. CV should be a GREAT game…will look forward to your comments about the game!! Thanks for heads up…
January 16th, 2012 at 11:44 am
Couple of things to touch on as I drive home after a nice long weekend away with the lady…
First of all, Sweeper has a great point. I have an easier time with the rankings this week because Clayton and YV play and because DLS and Cal play.
Richmond…just watch them play.
I agree with watch out for Hayward.
And I never answered a question about Cal’s unbeaten streak. Sorry about that. They went 38 matches without losing.
I’m working on the new rankings and stuff right now.
January 16th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
DLS Defender,
Even though DLS out played them, a loss is still a loss. It shouldnt affect them too much in the rankings because of the caliber of the team they played. The real test for DLS starts this week. If they win four of the the five games, they will be in good shape. Expecting them to win all five is asking a little too much. Im expecting either a loss to Monte Vista who has been playing well recently, Richmond who is the best team in the East Bay, or Cal who had a streak going and will be upset by the loss. But like I said, if DLS wins four, the should remain pretty high in the rankings. Just an absolutely brutal schedule for them, buts that what you want going into NCS. Quality opponents to raise your play.
January 16th, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Soccerstud:
Great comments…I agree with everything you’ve said…should they win all five, I’ll expect a little love…:)
Look forward to the dialog post 1/28 game with Richmond…
January 16th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Photoguy:CV vs Concord tommorow (1-17-12) 6 p.m. At Concord.
January 16th, 2012 at 11:33 pm
This is Richmond year.
January 16th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
What do you think about Albany?
January 17th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Amador Valley 3
Foothill 2
FINAL