- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer: Semi-finals, Rankings, Standings, Stats.
By Matt Smith
Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 10:18 pm in Boys soccer.
Here is my preview for the semi-finals. This post will be updated after Wednesday to preview the NCS finals.
Division I
De La Salle v. Clayton Valley
This will be the most physical and hotly contested game in either semi-final. The Eagles are the only team to have handed the Spartans an NCS loss. This means two things: that De La Salle will be hungry and that Clayton Valley will be confident
Look for the play to be physical, look for a lot of contact in the midfield, and look for chances to be very few. These teams are so similar in that many players can step up when least expected. Look for that to happen again.
De La Salle’s Andrew Konstantino will play a big role for the Spartans as will Christian Pedraza and Sam Marchant in the back for the Eagles.
Richmond v. San Ramon Valley
The Oilers are looking for revenge from a heartbreaking loss last month at San Ramon Valley, while the Wolves look like a team tuned up for a championship after a combined 8-0 score in the first two rounds.
Richmond has played two close games, which has them prepared for whatever the playoffs offer.
The Oilers better be ready, because the Wolves were under-seeded at No. 6 and are as good as anyone in the field.
Who will create more? Alex Chaussy or Erik Montes?
Division II
Concord v. Bishop O’Dowd
The Minutemen are showing how far good goalkeeping can get you as Emmanuel Jimenez is playing as well as anyone in the NCS right now. The Dragons, however, were not given much of a chance when the post-season started and are proving right now they should be taken seriously.
Both teams have played many low-scoring affairs, and the first goal in this game could be the biggest goal either team has scored all season.
Albany v. Tennyson
For the third year in a row, Albany is in the semi-finals, but this year, it was slightly unexpected. After an up and down season that brought them a No. 7 seed, the Cougars seemed to have two unfavorable matchups but have prevailed through both thanks to determination, and the skill players stepping up.
If you wanna talk about unexpected, let’s talk about Tennyson. This team was pretty solid all year, and was always looking like a playoff team. But right now, the Lancers are peaking. They haven’t allowed a goal in the post-season and are solid all-around.
Two similar styles will be clashing in this game.
Rankings
So the rankings don’t mean much at this point as being alive in the NCS bracket is all that matters.
All I can say is that it the entire season is still considered when doing those rankings, hence not dropping teams like YV like 10-15 spots. Teams that are still alive can move up and the teams that make the finals will move up some more.
1. De La Salle (20-3-2)
2. Richmond (22-4-0)
3. Clayton Valley (19-4-3)
4. San Ramon Valley (16-6-4)
5. Ygnacio Valley (19-3-2)
6. Concord (14-2-5)
7. Monte Vista (14-4-8)
8. California (17-3-4)
9. Newark Memorial (20-4-1)
10. Bishop O’Dowd (11-3-11)
11. Albany (13-4-6)
12. Pittsburg (14-8-4)
13. Acalanes (12-3-8)
14. Tennyson (12-6-5)
15. Dublin (16-6-3)
Others considered: Campolindo (17-4-4), Alhambra (11-8-5), Berkeley (14-8-3), Hayward (14-6-2), Pinole Valley (9-9-5), Dougherty Valley (9-9-4), Mt. Eden (14-8-3), Amador Valley (12-12-2), Granada (10-8-7), Logan (11-6-6)
Standings
ACCAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Richmond (22-4-0, 12-0-0) 36
Berkeley (14-8-3, 7-3-2) 23
Pinole Valley (9-9-5, 5-4-3) 18
Hercules (11-10-4, 4-5-3) 15
Alameda (10-10-2, 4-6-2) 14
El Cerrito (7-8-9, 2-5-5) 11
De Anza (0-11-1, 0-11-1) 1
BSAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Albany (13-4-6, 9-0-3) 30
Piedmont (8-7-4, 7-2-3) 24
St. Mary’s (8-3-6, 6-2-4) 22
Kennedy (6-11-7, 5-0-7) 22
Salesian (6-9-0, 6-5-0) 18
Encinal (5-8-0, 5-6-0) 15
St. Joseph Notre Dame (4-11-2, 3-8-1) 10
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (2-12-0, 2-9-0) 6
Swett (0-16-0, 0-11-0) 0
BVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Pittsburg (14-8-4, 7-0-3) 24
Antioch (9-9-4, 4-3-3) 15
Freedom (5-8-6, 4-4-2) 14
Heritage (3-3-9, 1-2-7) 10
Deer Valley (1-8-9, 1-3-6) 8
Liberty (2-10-4, 1-6-3) 6
DFAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Acalanes (12-3-8, 8-1-3) 27
Campolindo (17-4-4, 6-3-3) 21
Dublin (16-6-3, 6-4-2) 20
Dougherty Valley (9-9-4, 5-5-2) 17
Alhambra (11-8-5, 4-3-5) 17
Miramonte (6-12-4, 3-7-2) 11
Las Lomas (5-10-5, 1-10-1) 4
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Ygnacio Valley (19-3-2, 11-0-1) 34
Clayton Valley (19-4-3, 9-2-1) 28
Concord (14-2-5, 7-2-3) 24
College Park (11-10-5, 5-6-1) 16
Mt. Diablo (4-9-1, 4-8-0) 12
Northgate (6-14-3, 3-9-0) 9
Berean Chr. (4-16-0, 0-12-0) 0
EBAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
De La Salle (20-3-2, 12-0-2) 38
California (17-3-4, 9-3-2) 29
Monte Vista (14-4-8, 8-2-4) 28
San Ramon Valley (16-6-4, 8-4-2) 26
Amador Valley (12-12-2, 4-8-2) 14
Granada (10-8-7, 3-6-5) 14
Foothill (5-15-4, 1-11-2) 5
Livermore (2-16-3, 0-11-3) 3
HAAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hayward (14-6-2, 12-3-1) 37
Mt. Eden (14-8-3, 10-4-2) 32
Bishop O’Dowd (11-3-11, 7-3-6) 27
Tennyson (12-6-5, 7-5-4) 25
San Leandro (7-11-2, 7-7-2) 23
San Lorenzo (7-8-5, 5-6-5) 20
Castro Valley (6-16-1, 6-9-1) 19
Moreau Catholic (5-9-6, 4-8-4) 16
Arroyo (0-16-3, 0-13-3) 3
MVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Newark Memorial (20-4-1, 11-0-1) 34
Logan (11-6-6, 7-2-3) 24
American (6-10-3, 5-5-2) 17
Irvington (6-14-2, 5-6-1) 16
Mission San Jose (3-16-4, 3-5-4) 13
Washington (4-14-1, 3-8-1) 10
Kennedy (2-15-2, 2-10-0) 6
OAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Oakland Tech (6-2-1, 5-1-0) 15
Skyline (1-3-1, 1-1-1) 4
Fremont (0-1-1, 0-1-1) 1
Castlemont (0-2-0, 0-2-0) 0
Oakland (0-1-0, 0-1-0) 0
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
Montes, Richmond 29
Mendoza, Richmond 26
Gomez, Clayton 23
Romero, Pinole 23
Ayala, YV 23
Alejandro, Alhambra 20
Sandoval, Newark 20
Alvarez, Albany 19
Inprasueth, Hercules 19
Borges, Albany 18
Castillo, Hayward 18
Lopez, Pitt 18
Aguila, Richmond 18
Roth, SRV 18
Name School Assists
Montes, Richmond 29
Damian, YV 19
Borges, Albany 18
Ayala, Richmond 16
Mendoza, Richmond 16
Gomez, Clayton 13
Gomez, Hayward 13
S. Palano, Campo 12
Dougherty, Newark 12
Chaussy, SRV 12
Maguire, Acalanes 11
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February 19th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Albany has now made semi finals 3 straight years, not just 2. Lost last 2 in pks to the champions. (dublin and campolindo)
February 19th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Hey Matt,
Great work as usual. Would like to see playoff goals and assist for the leaders. While skewed to survivors, it is still great reading.
Keep up the great work and we will see you at the pitch.
I will probably be at Richmond on Wednesday. Cheers!
February 19th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
BTW, DLS pundits have already dismissed CV, predicting victory at home, so going to Owen Owens field is not necessary.
I am reading 2-1 and 3-1 win predictions for the ‘superior’ Sparty.
Let’s see if the Eagles have any say in this matter. I am guessing that is a big yes!
February 20th, 2012 at 12:09 am
Old Mats Fan,
I am not sure where you are taking this, but Tack (a regular poster on this blog for many many months) is a stand up student-athlete. We had an incident on this blog way back when, and Tack gets the deal and has no pretensions.
Congrats to Tack and the Gaels: they had a great run in the second half of the season, finding their rhythm and playing high-quality soccer.
Additional comments are superfluous…
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
February 20th, 2012 at 12:10 am
The Sweeper will shut up now. See you on the other side of Wednesday…
February 20th, 2012 at 8:55 am
DLS had 11 shots on frame last time that they met CV. CV had 2 shots on frame and converted on one of them.
The Eagles defense shut down the Spartans attack.
If the shots are similiar on Wednesday night, then DLS wins 3-1.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:19 am
Clayton Valley have to be clinical in front of goal as they were against MV if they want to put DLS.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:27 am
Here are the updated bracket standings…
DLS Defender 19
Matt Smith 19
Old Hayward GK 19
Tack 18
The Sweeper 18
Cal Fan 17
Tri-City Dude 17
Calhi78 16
ET 16
11v.11 15
Madam Marie 15
SoccerFan11 15
Team Samba 15
Yellowjacket 14
Baller#9 12
Shinguard 12
Rogue Warrior 11
Lonewolf 10
Everybody’s Division II bracket is destroyed.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:46 am
MustangFan3,
I also was at the first matchup between DLS and CV. In that game, neither team look very good. There was a lot of kick ball because the defensive pressure was so high. DLS did have many shots, but most were from way out and had a very low percentage of going in. The winning goal for CV was a rare mistake from Kostantino and I expect for him to have a great game this time around. The game was quite even, but it was a month or so ago. Both teams have grown since then so a 3-1 result I don’t believe is likely. Expect this one to be 1-0, OT or PK’s. Not sure who will win, but it is quite a matchup.
February 20th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Cv all the way.
February 20th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
does anyone know if shane carney (campolindo head coach) has stepped down? ive seen and heard some things that he might have but no concrete evidence. anyone know true story?? would like to know some details…
February 20th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
The 1st game with CVHS and DLS. CV was pumped up from the get go and fans also were out in force. It was definitely a Home Field type of afternoon. Sparty had mixed emotions some players thought they would cruise through and some others seemed on edge and new better.
CV players have played inspired ball this season and deserve every bit of credit for a good season and inspired run along with the coaching staff.
Now for Sparty that game go’s to the what did we learn today file..How do we better our self’s as a team. Sparty has also improved and has pushed through on some games which is important. Wednesday they are at home, and the taste of that last game with CV is still present. The Spartans will prevail over Eagles with a 2-0 win.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Diablo FC should be proud of both of these teams CV and DLS. They are almost all DFC players and both RG & DB are DFC coaches. CV took it to MV, in talking to a MV parent they assumed a win across the board but that was wrong. Both CV & DLS play a similar style but Sparty plays a defensive coverage that few teams can withstand. It creates turn-overs in favor of DLS and generates opportunity. I am going to say that Sparty will have a solid win over CVHS in regulation time as they are at home and are cranking it up with each game. I will go with a 3-0 win by the Spartans. Even if game were to go OT or PK DLS will come out on top.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
@Sweeper I don’t think anybody is taking the Eagles lightly..that is for sure the Spartans. Some of the past post have been more on the fun side. But now its game week again and down to business. DLS has been playing some good all-around ball and it appears that they have been able to pull out specific wins under certain mild adversities and push it through. Pitt played a good game on Saturday but you could see a portion of that Pitt team start to fade away. Sparty besides the deep bench is one of the most well conditioned teams around and it shows in the last 20 min.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Now the other D1 game. Richmond needs to play a complete soccer game and get down to business. If they play too cavalier and dramatic San Roman will take the opportunity and wrench the game away away from the Oilers. Big Home field advantage for the Oilers bring those fans out in full force. Richmond 2 SRV 1.
If goes to PK Oilers will still prevail.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Concord and Bishop O’Dowd BOD is playing some sound and adjustable ball. Concord will have a very good keeper and a grass field that is barely OK. BOD also has the Ball Whisperer ..this is not fantasy.
BOD gets a 1 -0 win
If game goes to final PK or a PK in reg time game Concord Keeper will save the day.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
I just spoke with Shane Carney from Campo. He hasn’t stepped down, but he did tell me he’s taking some time to think about returning next season.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
I was at the YV vs Albany and to tell you the truth I was not impressed with YV’s Game. I’ve had heard they where good si I went to see them play and boy was I let down. Albany could have easily blew out YV. I don’t know how a team like albany that has 3 players that play for a team that is ranked 3rd in the nation was never a favorite against Pinole or YV. Borges and Alvarez are the best attacking combo in NCS. Division 1 and 2.theres no one who has the speed to keep up with alvarez no wonder his a national pool player and Borges is just as great or if not better than alvarez but both of them together and its just incredible. Why was Albany beating Pinole and YV and upset ?? They have won three years in a row league and made it to the semis. Well now is the time to get over that hump and win it all Albany. I have Albany winning it all!! Borges and Alvarez will have great games.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Tennyson and Albany…this is a tough call. Albany has two very good players when not around the team struggles.
Tennyson is playing a sound disciplined game and doing it consistently & fine tunes it with each game played.
I will go with Tennyson they need to play their particular game and add a dose of passion mixed with a dash of extra intensity they will prevail 2-1 in a hard fought match.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
My predictions…
DLS 2, Clayton Valley 1
Richmond 2, SRV 1
Albany 3, Tennyson 2
Concord 1, Bishop O’Dowd 0
February 20th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Let me be very clear. Clayton Valley is good, very good. But De La Salle can take your breath away. They look for mistakes and they create mistakes in the opponents game.
They double team and adjust so quickly that they create opportunity and then strike like a cobra. This will be a tough game no question…The Keeper at DLS can stop PK’s at a critical moments. And yes..pay-back factor..all advantage to Spartans I will go with a 2-0 regulation game. Clean Sheet >Be Champions
February 20th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Matt:
I’ve only missed watching two DLS games all season; one was the game against CV. But I know both teams are loaded with DFC players who play WITH each other on their club teams; look for there to be mutual respect and knowledge evening the playing field. I think the game goes on whole to vast improvement in the DLS offensive attack since December, the depth of DLS and the DLS GK to be the biggest differences in the game. But…nobody at DLS is looking past CV to Saturday…nobody…
SRV won the last round against Richmond with three seconds left in the game, while missing players and playing the entire bench. I love the Richmond offense, and they will score, but any chance at high offensive output will be neutralized by the strong play of the SRV defense and the outstanding work of their very talented GK. It will come down to the smaller Richmond defense against the big, strong and fast SRV offense; just don’t see SRV scoring less than 3, and I don’t see Richmond being that productive…
February 20th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
BOD will win in regulation..if however the game goes to PK’s or a PK occurs during regulation Concord will pull out a win.
The Ball Whisperer will hopefully keep this game in regulation with no PK..BOD 2. Concord 1
BOD Be Champions…& keep Whispering as the Minutemen do not understand the Power and Karma of the Ball Whisperer.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
re #18
YV was bit hard by the grades bug. It decimated their defense. The YV you saw play was a shadow of what it was before report cards. Right or wrong, it was demoralizing and brought everyone’s game down (per a a couple of very creditable YV sources). If you want see the YV players you mentioned in all their glory, come watch Diablo FC 95 play in the Diablo Cup on March 10-11. Damien and Hogan will be tearing up it along with 3 Pitt players, 2 Cal players, 5 from DLS, and other standouts from other high schools.
hhttp://www.diablofc.org/tournaments/DiabloCup/2012/default.htm
No argument on Alvares and Borges – great players.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I like Tennyson’s Style of Play ..I have nothing more to say. 2-1 win …Be Champions
Richmond..play the game no fluff..just all game and San Ramon goes home. Fill those stands
1-0 Richmond Be Champions
February 20th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Richmond FILL your stands to the MAX.
Play your complete game for 80…no tricks just play and stand-up SRV. SRV will go home with a 2 – 0 pounding from the Oilers.
The UFC at Sparta ..1 – 0 clean sheet Spartans
BOD takes Concord. +1 possible OT
Tennyson prevails over Albany 2-1
February 20th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
DLS 2 CV 1
Richmond 3 SRV 2 OT
Concord 1 BOD 1 Concord wins in PKs 3-2
Albany 2 Tennyson 1
Good Luck all.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@EbayFutbolFan
Yes they were & they still played tough but when you have to rotate that many players out of normal position you typically are limited to how much you can compensate at game speed and have that vision for feed and coverage. Hopefully next year YV can pull it together for the season.
PS How’s the Beef?
February 20th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
@EbayFutbolFan
Yes they were & they still played tough but when you have to rotate that many players out of normal position you typically are limited to how much you can compensate at game speed and have that vision for feed and coverage. Hopefully next year YV can pull it together for the season.
PS How’s the Beef?
February 20th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
DLS 1 – CV 3
Richmond 2 – SRV 1
Concord 0 – BOD 1
Albany 3 – Tennyson 0
February 20th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Why have the Richmond games been so close? Do they have suspended players?
February 20th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I am not that impressed with Albany. Yes they have two very good players but it is the complete package. I like Tennyson they play a disciplined game as a team.
2-1 over Albany.
The Spartans..I like them. I am very impressed by the complete team effort and unselfish play in the front.
The defense is special..the speed and rotation of coverage is beauty and power combined. I see a 3 -0 hard fought victory Wednesday.
Bishop O’Dowd..adjust fast and as needed, take the game in regulation. 1-0 intensity, intensity pays off.
Richmond must play like there is no tomorrow…No Flash just the real thing with pure passion and heart for 80 min and San Ramon will go down. 3-1.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Considering my bracket is dead in D2
Here are my pick going forward
Bod 1- concord 2
Albany 3- Tennyson 1
February 20th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
No expert me, but I predict a DLS/SRV final in D1.
AV could have beaten Richmond or at least gone into OT against them the other night, if not for the error that caused the Oiler breakaway and lone goal. I’m not sure an AV/SRV quarterfinal would have been that close.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
DFC 95 is scheduled to be in LV for WCDA not Diablo Cup. Unless the plan has changed.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
DLS seniors do not want to be the class that lost it. So DLS based on skill talent and sheer determination. DLS wins it all.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Things might be shaking at Las Lomas and Deer Valley.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:55 pm
You are correct Soccer Mom… My bad.
Everyone is still welcome in Vegas.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:02 pm
I’m taking SRV to win it all
February 20th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Matt, for the bracket predictions can you tell me how many people have a DLS/SRV final for D1? SInce everyone’s D2 bracket is destroyed, I want to see what everyone has for the D1 final since it might determine the winner of the “February Fracas.” Thanks, and congrats on the 1000 comments the previous post!
February 20th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Did I actually just read a post (#21) saying DLS soccer can ‘take your breath away?’ Do they walk on water and turn water into wine after each score or save as well? Can’t imagine where the reputation of arrogance and superiority comes from.
Apologies for the snarky comment but can’t let that one slip by unnoticed.
February 20th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
When a team is hit hard by grades.Is that more a reflection of coaching or is it more on the players? Or perhaps a combination of both? Opinions? Can a coach change the culture of schools that have history with grades? Yes? No?
February 20th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Hey Tri-City Dude,
I don’t have the brackets with me because I am at my girlfriend’s apartment, but I will let you know how many DLS/SRV people there are.
And thanks for the 1,000 posts! Thanks everyone!
February 21st, 2012 at 12:06 am
OK, I break the silence. But only with just cause (is that a valid/legal reason aspiring attorneys?).
Matt, let Miss Idaho know that we appreciate her helping you get a life (hoo-haw!). The rest of us East Bay soccer bloggers will just have to fend for ourselves.
I must comment on post #39 from Ebsoccermom with her apologies for a ‘snarky’ comment: 1) your comment was spot on, 2) your comment was in plain English, and 3) I could not have said it better myself – in any language or limerick. Keep posting your comments, and no apologies are needed (except to the Sparty nation).
Finally, I had an OMG moment that did not involve DLS soccer (is that possible???). I have just discovered that the match at Albany starts at 5pm, and the match at Richmond kicks off at 7pm, 10 minutes away. Thank you NCS scheduler, now if my boss will cooperate. If all works out, my smart phone will last a business day AND two NCS semi-final matches, and each score will be posted.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
February 21st, 2012 at 12:11 am
February Fracas ends soon. Get your tickets, make noise, and celebrate those that play the beautiful game.
February 21st, 2012 at 1:20 am
In regards to post #39 Ebsoccermom,
Everyone is entitled to thier own opinions here on this blog but don’t say “apologies for the snarky comment…” when your really just trying to bring the comment out into the spotlight and scrutinize it. Interesting how people, like @Sweeper and @Ebsoccermom here who don’t take too kindly with anything DLS, talk bad about all things DLS but one mention of them being great invokes comment upon comment of the same ‘ol “they think they’re better than us” thing. The “reputation of arrogance and superiority” has not and will not be shown by any of the DLS players, if anything, is it not a great thing when soccer can take your breath away, or is it just because the letters DLS are associated with it you automatically hate it? I’m pretty sure that Richmond, SRV, CV, Tennyson, Albany, Concord, and BOD could all “take our breath away” at some point or another, but the fact of the matter is DLS plays some darn good soccer, and that #1 seed they have can attest to that. So, no, they don’t walk on water, and no, they don’y turn water into wine, but what they CAN do is win big games, consistently, and over the last 4 years nobody’s done it like they have. Win or lose against CV, there is no denying that they have the ability to take one’s breath away, sorry if it can’t be yours.
February 21st, 2012 at 7:28 am
Mom …HEY MOM…Is it Wednesday Yet?
DAD…hey Dad….Can we go now?
Mom …hey mom…What’s a Ball Whisperer??
Mom bends over and Whispers into kids ear…Kid say’s WOW Really
February 21st, 2012 at 7:30 am
If you grew up playing soccer in the United States 20 years ago, you probably played with a sweeper. Back then, the person behind the back line was essential to a defense: they covered for mistakes the rest of the defense played – and told the rest of the team where to go.
By the mid 90′s, the sweeper was disappearing from games at the highest level. By 2000, it was just about extinct. Franz Beckenbauer spoke at its funeral.
But the reports of the sweeper’s extinction turn out to be be greatly exagerated. While gone from the high level game, it’s still pointing out mistakes and telling teams where to go – in particular, a near pathological fixation on DLS. At first, this felt creepy – a middle aged man obsessed with tearing down a group of high school boys just because they are dedicated to working as team to be the best they can be. But now it just feels sad.
February 21st, 2012 at 8:14 am
Grades….
It has to do with about 4 factors.
We could easily say its up to the coach to keep track and for the player to get it done.
Lets get the teachers involved and the parents.
I do credit greatly the work some of these coach’s do to get some of “your” kids to class or even school.
I would put more weight on the parents, more then anything. And yet it depends on many factors after that, broken families, working conditions, the nature of how your raised, players working , and money.
Not easy , when discipline has not been a strong upbringing, it just makes it that much more difficult in the future and at high school level you tend to find out who has had that or been taught that.
My hats off for the Coach’s whom deal with this issue year after year.
Some teachers deal with a lot from some of the players and in turn never look back on how they feel about that player. They become marked and on most situations are never given a second chance. Once that teacher student relationship is gone , no looking back and good luck to that player.
{ I have come across this }
The player may put school second until its too late and he / she is so far in the hole that life support is the only beat between the player and seeing any playing time.
So yes… the coach, the players, that teacher and parents.
To many factors to just pick one. All coach’s can do is ask and provide ways for the students to get work done and ask for them to show up and try. All coach’s all ready give endless hours to the programs. All they can do is ask and hope for them to respond.
I know …. I coach.
February 21st, 2012 at 9:03 am
re: #48
Our dear resident Sweeper only fixates on the over-exaggeration. Calling their particular style of play “breath taking” in itself will take some folks breath away. Because rarely at any level, much less High School, will any team/game take your breath away.
In doing so, it doesn’t take anything away from their accomplishments over the course of their programs history and the course of the last 3 years, winning 3 in a row is no joke.
It is a comment on the hype. A comment on the style (which, by the by, we discussed on this blog at the start of the year). Going up a goal and then dropping 11 into a turtle shell to win the game get’s the result, but brings tears to everyone from the youth level to the International game. Greece won the Euro’s doing it, and hasn’t been heard or spoken of since.
But to each their own. Is it Wednesday yet?
February 21st, 2012 at 9:39 am
Re: 48…very funny…
Re: 50…there is always fixation and over-exaggeration on the #1 teams in any sport, regardless of who it is. How they got there, how they get it done and who has a chance of knocking them off the top spot is what its all about…Re; HS Soccer, the same has been true about YV and Richmond this year–much more said mid-season about both than DLS…but now its down to four…there will be, and should be, a lot said about all…the difference is just about whether what you say is positive or negative…and we can all read where those comments fall…
And BTW, there’s not a team in the competition at this point that if they’re up a goal late in the game won’t go into a turtle shell…stupid not to…Coaching 101…its all about getting to the Championship, baby…
February 21st, 2012 at 9:44 am
11 V 11..
I agree with your opinion. In order to have a successful program,all aspects of school have to function as one. meaning teachers,parents,students and students all have to be on the same page. However, with schools in the lower end of the Economic pool-where in general academic success has been mediocre ,it can be extremely difficult for students. I also agree that when discipline has not been a strong upringing it is very difficult to “Hope the for best” For example,in some instances coaches can regulate grades,by the use of weekly grades checks. Therefore, one can prevent students from falling too far behind in class. Why not stop students falling behind at the root of the problem. Rather then depending on teachers subjective grades toward students as you mentioned.
February 21st, 2012 at 10:16 am
#52
Noted…. yes you can check progress reports… If the student is bringing them to you and you find out that all along they have been changing those little slips of papers that teaches give them…. very hard to control that. That again falls on the upbringing from the home and on how dicipline those players are.
Some of those kids have to learn the hard way….hit them were it works, yet in order hurts others and the team.
Had one kid come all year and checked on him … told him to get his act together… watched him … got your weekly reports … and in the end he just didnt try. How does one fail PE … Spanish if you speak spanish… art… photo… woodshop. ect…. easy classes… I cant walk them to class…. i just cant.
He cried, he cried. I just hope he learned.
And i know this cant be the only case.
Yes lower class schools may have smaller expectation or less out put from players… but in the end its up to the players … the players. How bad do you want to play and have success in life.
I can be a guide , a tool , a mentor, but you have to want it.
February 21st, 2012 at 10:26 am
Yes, very well said. You bring up a very good but sad point. Alot of those schools on the lower economic pool produce some of the best best individual talent. However, with bad grades, they cannot succeed. The sad reality is that for schools with tough backgrounds students who graduate do not often go onto higher learning institutions. Some have to work to support families,yet it’s a sad reality.
February 21st, 2012 at 10:49 am
11 v 11, I think we do our children a horrible disservice if we tell them that rules don’t matter, that there aren’t logical consequences to their actions.
After all, they need to believe the other side of the coin: if I work hard, I get rewarded. If they think that sloth is likewise rewarded, they lack an important tool that they needed to gain while growing up.
You like like a rat bastard for not giving in – but you also look fair. And isn’t that the usual cry “It’s not FAIR!”?
February 21st, 2012 at 10:50 am
Post 37- what kind of shake ups do you hear are coming for LL and DV?
February 21st, 2012 at 10:59 am
11 v 11,
You might want to try a mentoring program, either with older students, alumni or outside people. Sometimes all the kids need is someone to give them a sense of direction in their academic lives, and sometimes in their lives too. Please checkout the following link:
http://www.collegeisreal.org
I have witnessed this program actually change the lives of some students in our community. Once this happens for a few kids, it tends to snowball. Starting with a handful of soccer players, ‘College is Real’ has now over 100 members at Richmond High. At least 40% of the seniors on the boys varsity team will go to 4 year schools this year, which is (very) significantly higher than for the school taken as a whole. And it is largely because of ‘College is Real’.
Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions. I am sure the team and the program would be happy to have you over for a visit.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:05 am
Most soccer clubs boast of how their programs will prepare their players at the college level. That doesn’t do much good if the grades aren’t adequate to get in. I’d love to see the clubs invest in a robust academic success program for at risk players. There are many ways this could be done and the results would transform lives.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:09 am
Very nicely put,plus what is the primary goal for coaches. Is it athlete over student? The main goal is to get kids to succeed, and of one kid doesn’t make the grades then so be it. By your standards 11 V 11 it seems that the most talented player automatically plays regardless of grades. If one wants to build a successfull program like COKITO mentioned ,and send students to 4 year universities. Then more should be emphasized on the student part,not just te athlete.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:10 am
Easy thing to start with is demand grades to play. A copy of the report card is all that is needed I would think.
Build in success programs and mentoring as well. But to start, grades to play. I know martial arts studios do it to promote belts and someone mentioned DFC does it on this blog.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:10 am
COKITO
Any tools help. I will check that link out. And i just maybe will grab some of those young lads that may need it more then others to come and share with me your success.
BUELLER
Yes … its hard to watch those kids cry but its the only way i say. Im a strong believer in tools and experiences help , seeing things first hand and sometimes finding out the hard way.
We all can learn and i think we all learn something every season , every day in High school or club soccer.
Thank you all. Lets keep it kicking.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:13 am
Very glad to have this discussion about losing players to grades…we all have to do more/better to keep these kids on the pitch…very sad to lose even one to this problem…is it good enough for anyone to say its not my problem? We all need to do more…
February 21st, 2012 at 11:15 am
11v11, Very good idea. That would be great!!!
February 21st, 2012 at 11:16 am
DFALDAD….
Now your talking out of line….
You have no idea what i do for those players… You are putting words where they dont belong. I dont play the most talented. You need to shut it.
I was giving examples…. thats all… and no that player didnt play if you must know. He sat …. not only that… he went down to JV…. so shut it if you done know. I was expressing how hard it can get. I dont know where or how you come out with that.
You are so far from the truth. But its cool … get your facts straight then start calling people out.
My standards….. they are high…. just get the facts first. That is all i ask.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:23 am
@ El Pata
The USA used the same tactic in their surprising victory over #1 ranked Spain a couple years ago. At the time it was reported as smart coaching and gutsy determined play and it set up a great final vs Brazil.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:29 am
11 V 11..
I was speaking out of your previous comments. When you were talking about progress reports,and you mentioned that if kids don’t have grades then if they sit it will hurt the team. I was speaking out of that context. One was not calling no one out. It was a simple response to your comment. Now to further extend on that. Simply put it this way the student comes before the athlete at any level whether collegiate or high school. For one kids do go to school for a reason,not just to play half a season of soccer. As it may seem i was not putting words in anyones mouth.Hence you have no reason to react in such a manner. This is friendly blog where we can give eachother feedback,coach to coach,parent to parent etc….
- How do you measure the success of a soccer program? Is it by championships,graduation rate or how many kids go on to play a collegiate level?
February 21st, 2012 at 11:34 am
And, while we’re in a lull, may I ask again:
without directly promoting any particular kid in a space like this, I wonder how folks come to “notice” a very good player on a team that’s not otherwise distinguished?
Shameless self-promotion or son-promotion is frowned on, which I get, but I bet more than one parent wonders about this. I don’t want to boost my boy directly, but it seems sad to watch opportunities pass him by as the school years fade away.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:37 am
DFALDAD,
The measure of success is also function of the context. One would not measure the success of the DLS program based on the graduation rate, for example, while at other schools it may be a very meaningful measurement indeed.
February 21st, 2012 at 11:46 am
Last few post regarding grades are on the money. Grades though need to be embraced by the parents and the student. I have seen and heard most club coach’s talk to the kids about working hard in school and also speak to the parents. Some parents just need a little bit of hand holding and guidance to what tools are available.One parent helped another parent and instructed her how to use power school..thing was it was not a school administrator but a carrying parent. HS coaches that are teaching at a particular school and coach are also at an advantage to track grades and behavior. As to the non staff coach he shows up a few days before try-out gets a list and at the start of the try-outs and 1/3 of the kids are sent home that night and some are on the bubble have a few weeks to get grades up in-order to play in most cases they don’t.Then it is the other set of players that exit 2/3 of the way into the season. Coaches do carry some influence…here is a small example from awhile back a U11 club team kinda of a big game that morning…The coaches pre-game talk was on how important it was for athletes to take care of their teeth and see the dentist. They won the game..I think my kid brushed his teeth 3 times that night. You can tell in programs like Richmond and Pitt how involved the coaches are to get those players through school and do well on the field…it doesn’t take much for a kid to get pulled into the wrong direction. To the coaches that care & give that extra effort to truly produce a well rounded student athlete THANK YOU
February 21st, 2012 at 11:54 am
Now your being nice DAD … You put … By my standards… How do you know what my standards are and what and how those players responded to?
When you attack , especulate , assume, suggest, or talk without knowing , yes I’m going to react.
You talked about my standard. You know nothing of me .
If you would like to sit , talk and maybe get some of your ideas and try to implement them to any program …. I’m willing to do so, until then your not helping the cause.
Like Cokito did , helping the cause giving suggestions on how.
February 21st, 2012 at 12:43 pm
teams should be promoting NCS team GPA’s. The AD and head coach should be involved.
February 21st, 2012 at 12:48 pm
pretty simple, no grades, no play. That should be monitored by the school and AD. Walk on coaches don’t have that info readily available, then if they play a kid they forfeit if grades weren’t in line.
I remember in the OAL info on grades weren’t being given to football coaches and forfeits resulted.
Also, if your not in school the day of the game, no play period. Accountability is the key for successful teams at every economic level, no excuses.
February 21st, 2012 at 12:59 pm
I don’t see anybody talking about not holding kids accountable. The truth is that, if you are truly trying to help kids in under-privileged schools, accountability is a great tool, but it is often not enough. You also need to establish a meaningful connection between the school system and the students and their families. That is when sports in general, and soccer in particular come into play.
February 21st, 2012 at 2:24 pm
How are refs assigned to the semi-finals? I am told that the tri-valley refs association assigned the referee to the SRV-Richmond game, which is played at Richmond. The tri-valley association is SRV’s home association. I do not know who the officials are, but isn’t this somewhat weird?
February 21st, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Madam Marie,
It looks like SRV is bringing their refs to the game.They didn’t want Richmond to have homefield advantage.This is nothing new..lol
I’m rooting for Richmond now!!!
February 21st, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@EbayFutbolFan
We both know it well how DLS stresses from day 1 Responsibility,& Accountability through the school and through sports…its is creed practiced 24-7.
Your comment regarding club at one point DFC had actually thought of offering some type of tutoring program during the summer U12-U14 players. Unfortunately that board member is no longer at the club. That seems to be the age group that could use the most guidance going into high school. I also give much credit to that same board member who helped develop the Hope fund and the individuals who stipulated the gpa requirement. Most if not all of those kids are playing for there respective high schools and a few are excelling with better than B avg grades and college education is with reach. If a club is serving the community what a great way to give something back that benefits for the long term.
February 21st, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Bueller…
If you would like to help promote your son from an otherwise indistinguishable program, have your son or daughter take part in college sprorts camps. By the time your child is a junior, you should be at least sending emails with player profiles and high school transcripts to such college programs. It does go by super fast. My son is a junior now and was very fortunate to get some “love” from a D1 program. I wish I knew more heading into this whole whirlwind experience.
As far as the camp thing goes…make sure he is signing up for a camp that is skill appropriate to his level. If he is an academy player or close to it, go for the D1 camps with multiple schools taking part. They will say on the web site who will be scheduled to be there a.e. Stanford, Cal, UC Irvine will be in attendance. the camps will be a bit expensive and generally take place during the summer months. This is a slower time for the coaches. If he is a notch below try some D2 stuff mixed in. ODP used to be a good way to get exposure. Unfortunately, most college coaches use the Academy program first. I know much has been said regarding the student grade thing. My word of advice is to all parents of student atheletes- Stay in touch with your kids. This means in the classroom and all extra curricular functions. Wait up for them after they come home from a dance. Talk about the movie they just saw.
It is very easy for a child in today’s world to get “lost”. So many chances to mess up. Peer Pressure is one the greatest influences on students today. But the Love of a parent can be even more influential.
Good Luck to all participants this week. To all the beautiful soon to be adults that took part in entertaining all of us rabid sports fans. WELL DONE!!
Good luck
February 21st, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Madam Marie..I hope you are pulling someones leg or they are pulling yours??
But if that is correct about SRV dist refs going to Richmond game that is not right. The Yellow shirts…see it proves my point conspiracy at the highest level.
Richmond FILL YOUR STANDS be the 12th man
February 21st, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Thanks, Offside!
I suppose all parents face the same “I think he’s really good, but maybe I’m just biased” thoughts. What I want to do is give him a chance to let others see his work, and then I’ll take an honest outsider’s opinion. If it’s in the camps and not the high school setting, so be it.
I know this blog crowd could be just about anyone, so I’m trying not to identify my player or the team – but wish I could so folks would start buzzing about him.
Of course, that’s likely to be most parents’ hopes, one way or another. Sigh.
Thanks again.
February 21st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Are they mowing the grass at Concord? it was still out of regulation at lunch time.
No more No Less than 2.8 centimeters. Those are the FIFA rules..for those who need conversion It’s the height of 1.10236220472441 inches.
Play-On …Be Champions
February 21st, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Bueller, Just try to enjoy it. His play will either get noticed or it won’t. To get frustrated or stressed will only add an unfair amount of pressure to your child. Tell him to work hard, Give it your all, Get as many extra touches on the ball on off days and keep up the fitness. Most importantly, Keep up the grades. These are the sacrifices that need to be made to get to an elite level. You might miss some fun stuff along the way and that stinks! Just look long term and keep your eye on the prize.
As a parent, support them and push a good healthy lifestyle a.e. good food and plenty of rest. Don’t be so critical. Positive, Positive, Positive.If it’s meant to be, it will happen. Just Believe!
Man, I wish my kid could be 6 again! I Loved the adventure!
February 21st, 2012 at 5:09 pm
http://www.collegesportsscholarships.com/
Check this site out it gives you some in-site to various sports and the probability of Scholarships.
Men’s Soccer is one of the toughest..that is reality.
February 21st, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@ Bueller
Club soccer provides many opportunities to shine. If your son is not currently playing club, maybe that could be an option. Or if he is, but his team is not strong then maybe he could tryout for one of the outstanding teams in his age group. Tryouts are not far away. The one caution is that a really good player may not stand out on a really top level club team – he’d just be one of the guys – something my player is quite happy with.
February 21st, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Heh. I wish my kid could be 6 again, too. He’s on the launch pad for college soon, like yours.
The “critical” message is a good one for everyone. I tried to remind myself, as they were growing up, that my boys only heard their name if they were in trouble. Just touching them on the shoulder implied to them that they were doing something wrong and being corrected. What a rotten association: touch = bad news, hearing your name = bad news! It takes work for us to remind ourselves about the mark we leave on these guys/gals – things that might seem insignificant to us.
For those interested, listening (not reading) the Eckhart Tolle books really changed my way of looking at the world – so radically that my wife said “what’s up with you? you’re different!” It was a good thing, but I wish I’d done it way sooner. Ah well.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog, which is already in progress.
February 21st, 2012 at 5:14 pm
SpecialOne (#78),
It’s on the Tri-Valley Officials Association Web site, along with other assignments.
http://www.tvsra.org/ncs_assignments.htm
February 21st, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Thanks Bueller! That sounds interesting. I took part in a program called the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA). I was our teams rep when my son played at Mustang a couple of years ago. For all parents this program gives a terrific view and sometimes life changing perspective on dealing with the stresses of kids sports. I wish I had that course 10 years ago. On a sidenote for a great read…Check out this Book, It’s called “Beautiful Boy”. It’s a true story. A father copes with his son getting mixed up with drugs and the “wrong crowd”. The boy was the prototypical all american kid. Upper middle class family. Great athelete, great student. Parents split up. A disconnect happens in the family world. Fast forward… Kid tries meth, in and out of trouble/rehab. Sad, super heart wrenching. Moral of the story-it could happen to anybody. I believe this story takes place somewhere in the North Bay ( Marin? ).
sorry for the buzz kill
February 21st, 2012 at 6:02 pm
EBAL all league selections??? when will this be announced?
February 21st, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Any news on Where the Championships are being played?
February 21st, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Will SRV have the same ref from the college park game that centered the game. He was absolutely one sided in that game not that SRV needed the help against CP but it was pretty bad none the less.
I’ve seen him ref several games this year and he seems to love his whistle he never allows the game to develop it is always stop and go. He is always talking to the players giving them warning after warning.
One warning then yellow card sir !! Please stop watching the officials from the prem league and thinking your going to act like them it is so comical.
Someone tell the ref’s nobody came to watch you officiate a game we came to watch soccer.
February 21st, 2012 at 6:44 pm
I agree with you Baller#9. Refs need to let the players play, and blow the whistle every 10 seconds. A lot of the games I have been to, the refs have been way to involved. It seems like some of the refs like all of the attention they get. The best refs (there have been some very good ones this year) stay out the game, and only get involved when it is necessary.
February 21st, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Here are my predictions.
D1
DLS 2 CV 1 (OT)
This will be a hard fought game, but I see the Spartans pulling through by the narrowest of margins.
Richmond 3 SRV 2
This could be a high scoring game. Richmond has been putting points on the board all year, and SRV has outscored there last two opponents 8-0.
D2
Concord 1 BOD 0
Very defensive game, with Concord’s GK coming up big once again.
Albany 2 Tennyson 1
Tennyson has played 2 outstanding games, but there run could end here against a very talented Albany side.
February 21st, 2012 at 7:11 pm
No news on championship sites yet. I’m staying in touch with Bri from NCS about it.
February 21st, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Albany will beat Tennyson 3-1
My good friend Gabriel Borges will score 2 goals as well. It’s his senior year and he wants it bad.
February 21st, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Matt, I don’t mean to rush you, but I am still waiting to see who has a DLS and SRV final for D1. Take your time, but I want to see if I have a shot of winning against everyone!
February 21st, 2012 at 8:03 pm
D1- DLS vs CV
CV takes it 3-1 I believe they have around 15 or more seniors that want it really bad.
D1-RICHMOND VS SRV
Oliers take this match up 2-1 overtime.
D-2 CONCORD VS BISHOP
Concord wins 2-1, emanual has a huge game and due to the field it’s going to be tough for the dragons. Very defensive game.
D-2 ALBANY VS TENNYSON
ALBANY 2-0 wins. after beatting a very good YV team. Borges wants this ring bad and has worked very hard. ALBANY all the way.
February 21st, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Guys. Hiw about updates for those of us not at the games.
February 21st, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Oops. Never mind. That’s tomorrow. I should stop drinking. JUST KIDDING. LMAO
February 21st, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Soccer mom here’s some scores.
Real Madrid 1 v cska Moscow 1
Chelsea 1 v Napoli 3
Champions league soccer mom you gotta love it !!
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:39 am
D1- DLS vs CV
This is going to be a very close game, CV will take 1-0 in OT. This is Clayton’s year to step up to the plate.
D1-RICHMOND VS SRV
San Ramon had the luck on their side against Richmlnd in their last contest, but not this time. Oilers at home will dominate and put up a show, 3-1 in regulation time. Too many talented players, excellent team work with a great team spirit that play “The Beatiful Game”. Oilers all the way.
D-2 CONCORD VS BISHOP
Another close game that will end up in PKs, 5-3 BOD.
D-2 ALBANY VS TENNYSON
Last year – The only reason that Campo got away with a win on PKs against Albany was that Gabriel Borges had muscle cramps half of the game and wasn’t playing. But not this year, Gabriel is on a different level. He is super talented, smart and unstoppable. He is the field general with a number of less known, but very skillful players supporting him (Andre, Kian, Qiwicho, Koosha, Felix, …). 3-0 Albany. ALBANY all the way and GABRIEL = MVP.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:45 am
Thanks Baller. Meringue tied. I’m sure that’s not a result they expected.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:37 am
re #35 by Soccer Mom
Diablo FC 95 is playing in the Diablo Cup on March 10/11… WCDA in Vegas is the following weekend. Again, this would be a chance for Eastbay Fan from post #18 to see the YV players he was criticizing and their club team who he was denigrating in action so that he could have an informed opinion. Do we really need to put down other youth players for the purpose of pumping up the reputation of our favorites?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:53 am
To kill the lull before tonight:
Could Messi achieve what Cristiano did in England? Discuss amongst yourselves.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:46 am
Tri-City Dude,
You are one of three people with DLS v. SRV, but the other two are ahead of you
I will be at Albany tonight, then over to Richmond. Let the games begin!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:54 am
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho…That is me:)
Will I go back to England ? and Will I take over for the Great One… Sir Alex next season?
Or Do I go back to the Blues and fix the mess?
Remember BE CHAMPIONS
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 am
What happened to Smiley?? It’s a conspiracy
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:04 am
Messi will stay in Spain..contract goes to 2016.
Barcelona says he will be buried in Jersey unless he makes someone very unhappy at Barcelona.
go ask Voyeur over at Arsenal for his opinion.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 am
Messi will only leave barca to return home maybe. Why would barca ever consider losing the best player that has ever worn the red and blue. He is barca for life !!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 am
Congratulations to All the teams players and coaches that made it to NCS and to the teams now that are fighting to be Champions. Honor the game and your school,
Fans be cool..and you are all Champions.
PS to the Ball Whisperer dude..you sure you don’t want job?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:53 am
Can’t get into the NCS site currently. Richmond v SRV kickoff at 7:00 in Richmond tonight?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:54 am
My player left for school today in what could be best described as a pensive mood. The weight of tonight’s match was clearly weighing heavily on him and the few words we shared during the drive made it clear that he had nothing but respect for his semi-final opponent – assuming nothing, and anything but certain about the outcome.
His classes will likely slowly drag by and his teachers words will be mere background noise as his thoughts stay focused on the match. Nothing he has experienced in Club has prepared him for this. When the last class ends, he will join his team and spend the afternoon and early evening in fellowship with his band of brothers – the only other people he knows that truly understand what he is going through because they are going through it themselves.
When the match ends tonight, he may be done for the season, with much to be proud of but absolutely no joy in the moment, or he may start the whole process over as the final match looms. But right now he’s not thinking of that final match – that final match is another lifetime away if it is to be at all – his only focus is today.
He’s not alone… There are about 200 other high school players in the NCS, all in their teens, that are likely having the same day. God bless everyone.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:14 am
Today’s Schedule per NCS at 10:05am
D1
DLS VS CVHS at DLS > 7pm 7pm 7pm 5:00pm <
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:14 am
7:00 in Richmond is correct.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:19 am
Try this again something strange cut prior post to shreds:
NCS Schedule as of 10:10 am today Wed.
D1
DLS VS CVHS at DLS 7pm
Rich VS SRV at Rich 7pm
D2
Concord VS BOD at Concord 7pm
Albany VS Tennyson at Albany *at 5:00pm
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:29 am
EastBayFutbolFan thanks for clarifying. I had my calendar all wrong.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:57 am
It’s WEDNESDAY
GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS TONIGHT
I will be at the USC =Ultimate Soccer Challenge at DLS this evening. Should be a classic.
Get out and support your favorite team.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:15 am
Thanks Matt, I guess regardless of whether it is a DLS/SRV fianl or not, I won’t win the February Fracas. No big deal, it was fun to participate in. Good luck to all the teams tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Never Alone
I wake,
I feel alone,
I am now at School,
My mind drifts,
Sweat, Toil, Tears, Laughter
School ends, a moment of relief
I walk in thought to the hollowed room
You feel the presence of champions from the past
Yet you hear voices of those in the present
You dress with care with the colors you so cherish
Taking to the field hand in hand with clear focus
I realize that I am not alone
My Teammates, My Brotherhood.
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:23 pm
The big day is today lets get ready for some great footy !!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:51 pm
February Fracas winner is really depending on the Richmond/SRV winner, for the most part.
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:59 pm
It’s Ash Weds. today- don’t eat meat. In respect to the start of the Lenten season, no harsh words to one another or about others until after today.
February 22nd, 2012 at 1:06 pm
http://www.baypreps.com/2012/02/mens-soccer-ncs-semifinal-previews-audio/#more-5270
Bay Preps good interviews with CVHS and DLS coaches.
Please NO Yellow Shirt FUBARS today
Wisdom say PLAY-ON
February 22nd, 2012 at 1:17 pm
@Matt…get a live blog going for tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Good idea. I’ll ask…
February 22nd, 2012 at 1:53 pm
I’ll be live blogging from Richmond for all of those that won’t be at a game tonight, but want to follow the action.
February 22nd, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Anyone that is going to a game, and has my phone number, text me updates tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:19 pm
my predictions for D1
srv 3, richmond 2. srv finds away to get 3
dls 1, cv 0. dls score early and stall thier way to a win.
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:28 pm
D1:
De La 3 , CV 1
SRV 2 , Rich 1
D2:
Concord 2 , Bod 0
Albany 4 , Tenn 1
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Checking in from Albany. Expecting a great game here.
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@Soccerman
Stall? Sounds like what the USA did in their victory over #1 ranked Spain a couple years ago. They pulled everyone back once they scored and hung on for the win. At the time I remember it being celebrated as SMART coaching and gutsy determined play. It set up a fantastic final vs Brazil.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:04 pm
The definition of stall:
dominating defense and superior ball control…
Great defense wins Championships…can’t win in soccer without it…
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Zendejas and Acosta are healthy and dressed, but not starting for Tennyson.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Matt,
Can you see anything over there?
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Acosta actually did start but was not announced as a starter.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Thanks to these horrible shades I bought, I can see
Come visit when the sun goes down.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:23 pm
10 minutes in at Albany, 0-0.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:32 pm
20 minutes in, still 0-0.
I went with just a t-shirt for as long as I could.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:41 pm
30 minutes gone, still no score.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Borges rips one in. 32nd minute.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Borges he wants it bad !!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:16 pm
2-0 Albany 10 minutes into the second half.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Anbany 2 – Tennyson 0
30 min left in second half
Gabriel and Andre score
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Albany 3-0
Tennyson scores own goal
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Looks like Albany is going to the championship game !!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Albany is still up 3-0 with very little time left.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Tennyson gets one back.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:47 pm
4-1 Albany. Yellows for Andre and Gabriel celebration. 2nd yellow for #14 for Albany
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Any score updates?
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Alvarez adds another. 4-1.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Settling in at Richmond with the lil pata in tow.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Hey Pata keep us updated thx!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Mr smith is live blogging too.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Como van
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Huge error from Richmond keeper. 1-0 srv .
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I believe that was Roth who scored for SRV. Correct?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Thx Pata
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm
1-0 Spartans score off of a free kick by Damian Martinez. 20 minutes in
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm
1-0 de la salle
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Hey Matt any score on the other side of the hill?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:22 pm
DLS 1 CV 0 19 min
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Nothing from Concord yet, though a post in the live blog makes me think it’s 1-0 BOD.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:25 pm
2 to 0 DeLa
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:25 pm
2-0 Spartans. 24 minutes in
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
3 yellowcards for Clayton valley in the first half. Last one called for diving but player was clearly tripped
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Odowd up 1-0 at half
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Bod up 1-0
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Still 1-0 SRV here, almost halftime.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
1-0 SRV at half.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
2-0 Spartans at half
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
2-0 Odowd
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Richmond equalizes. 1-1. 30 minutes left.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Still 1-1 here in Richmond.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
How good is this BOD team? Haven’t gotten the chance to see them play.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:19 pm
They’re big. And got plenty of talent.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Dls 2. Cv 1. 11 minutes to play
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Bod is very good they have a great striker who makes quality runs and is not afraid to attack the goal.
There midfielders in the center are very aggressive they are very good at disrupting the offense.
The backs are pretty solid as well especially one of the center backs he is pretty big and solid.
They play a great style of soccer a lot of good balls on behind defenders they like to switch the ball and they do that effectively.
Very well coached team and very disciplined.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Bishop O’Dowd wins 2-0.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Dls 2. Cv 1. Final
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Overtime at Richmond. 1-1.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 pm
What’s happening in the rich ?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Whats it look like out there Matt who is gonna win that game ?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
SRV wins 2-1.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Oh no ….. Richmond is out ?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
#34 didn’t I tell you?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Good evening ladies and gentlemen, what a night… Made it out to the SR vs Richmond game and it was one for the books. San Ramon’s star striker, Colin Barber, slotted one in within the first five minutes of overtime. Controversery after the game to say the least. Interesting.
Fiend
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Was at bishop vs concord….. Besides odown’s goals and concord’s #10 and his plays as well as both keepers and their saves… The game wasnt ncs semi final critiria… It lagged in motivation. Was an ungly game, not for its roughness nor physical play( cause the game was very calm, no body really wanted it) but because both teams played ugly, let down of a game, no concentration, if odown dont step up they aint even denting super charged albany, and are probably gonna be held at their own middle the whole game.
Ncs final… Albany takes it by 3 or more goals its not just a statistic on paper but on the field as well… And both teams proved it..
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
4th place EBAL Team into NCS finals!
what does that tell ya?!
Oh and all EBAL D1 finals in Girls and Boys
just sayin!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Raise your hand if you’re as tired of DLS and SRV as I am.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:08 pm
I know this site is for the boys but the Cal High girls gave SRV a handful. Cal was up 2-0 and then packed in the defense only to give up 2 goals under high pressure. After 100 minutes of soccer SRV brought in their top goalie for the pk’s and she came up big winning 3-1 on kicks. Way to go Cal girls taking a team with only one loss on the year to the limit. Go Grizzlies.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Fan01
If you are “tired” of SRV then I’m sorry, you probably haven’t seen them play.
They play a fun uptempo game of soccer.
Don’t be hatin
enjoy your team and the game and respect the other teams.
All are trying their best.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:29 pm
The SRV v. DLS final will be a great game, with two very good teams…
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:40 pm
According to the NCS website, the D2 final is at Albany at 3:30. Looks like people will be able to go to both finals!
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:40 pm
D1 is 7:30 at Dublin
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Congrats to all the teams that made the finals, it is a feat that everyone should be proud of. I predict DLS winning D1 and Albany for D2.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:19 am
#188 Go Cal High Girls: Congrats to the lady Grizzlies for an outstanding season. I am a huge fan of programs that aim high and achieve. Please post at will and encourage all girls fans to post. I will try to echo your message.
As a stereotyped boys fan, do not be fooled. I appreciate the girls game on par with the boys game.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:35 am
I am not in favor of a home field advantage for any championship match. The seeding committee, behind the curtain, created enough speculation.
The DII finals at home venues are just wrong.
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:03 am
The Oilers were appropriately seeded to host the match tonight against SRV. In my tired old eyes, the limited availability of Oiler #18 was the difference in this match. IMHO, Richmond #18 is one of the few players that excels at all levels: at all levels! Let me repeat that: at all levels!
Ultimate kudos to the Wolves for sticking to their guns, and not backing down in a hostile environment (tortillas were literally flying).
One curiosity for me is the outset of OT: the Oilers immediately pressed downfield to pressure the SRV defense, rather than spread the field. The Wolves caught a break and capitalized with a clinical pass to the left wing #10, and an unchallenged cross for the win. The pass was the match winner.
Great season for the Oilers, but not the desired result. IMHO, the limited availability of #18 was a deciding factor.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
What a beautiful game!
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:02 am
As a SRV parent, I want to say a few words about the Richmond fans…. thank you for your spirit, passion and sportsmanship. It was an incredible environment. The Richmond fans were singing, chanting, yelling. The fans supported their team 80 minutes+. For me, It was as an exciting a game to watch as ANY LEVEL of soccer, pro, international…
While they were clearly dissapointed at the hard to swallow climatic ending, several Richmond players, after pulling themselves together, came over to the SRV sidelines and thanked the fans. BOTH stands gave standing ovations to both teams individually at the end.
On the way out of the stadium we had many Richmond fans wish us luck on Saturday. I didn’t hear one negative comment.. Class act.
THANK YOU Richmond – u show so many reasons why soccer is a beautiful sport and after witnessing the event, I feel (and fear) the soccer gods and karma will be on your side very soon.
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:07 am
One last commment… We cannot charge students to attend these games…It is absolutely ridiculous watching students staying on the fence line because of an admission fee to get into the game. Charging JV and Womens team players! These are PUBLIC schools. Needs to change for next year
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:29 am
Hervorragend, tatical triumph. Excellent Job Spartaner. Jetzt zurück an die Arbeit und machen sie sich bereit für den Samstag.
Outstanding, a tatical triumph.
Excellent Job Spartans.
Now get back to work and get ready for Saturday.
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:41 am
Good game by De La Salle and CV. CV seemed to have sea legs and slow reaction which allowed the Spartans to capitalize for 2 goals in first half. CV adjusted and played tough. Sparty did a major rotation and seemed that allowed some inconsistency in coverage and the 1 goal by CV. Sparty Quickly rotated again and locked down the win. The ref crew did a great job the whistle was on a as need only so both teams were able to play at full speed with rhythm uninterrupted. Few yellow cards..mostly for mouthing back at ref on CV side.
Basically a well played and well refereed game.
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:53 am
Regarding tickets…some funny comments around ticket line..Why does DLS charge admission?.”Its a rich school” .”they have have plenty of money, probably going to build another pool.”
People please..the admission cost is stipulated by the NCS not the school. I agree though with past post..Students should get in free with HS ID card or keep it cheap for students at $2. The Adult fee is Ok at $8 but not more. I know some parents who missed games or only 1 parent could go & would not bring siblings as they don’t have the extra $$ to see their own kid play.
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:58 am
Props to Matt… You said all along that SRV was “built for the playoffs” and you never wavered, even when the Wolves struggled a bit during the regular season.
Fan01 may be tired of SRV and DLS, but to quote The Sweeper: “I am a huge fan of programs that aim high and achieve.”
If the past two meetings between these two teams is any indication, Saturday’s final match has the potential to have moments that take even Ebsoccermoms’s breath away.
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 am
@BOD’s Ball Whisperer….truly a fine job last night by the boy’s & coaches..& The Ball Whisperer. Keep on rolling.
Great fan turn-out at CV – DLS game. Intense game well played and Ref’s were very much in control but allowed the game to flow at speed.
Saturday will no doubt be a classic game..Intense, Tactical and who makes the fewest mistakes and who can capitalize on opportunity. However don’t be surprised that you see double OT and PK’s to settle who comes out on top.
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:23 am
How can you get tired of SRV or DLS. Bottom line EBAL is the most consistent league to send teams to the final.
And this year you have the two best team that have proven themselves on the pitch. SRV reminds me of DLS last year…they have been fighting to get to this point and have made it. DLS has been healthy all season and has just been steady as a rock and also is still standing to play this Saturday not only by winning league but by pushing through on some critical games.
Saturday will be a traditional showdown, what more can you ask for.
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 am
Regarding NCS admission prices… First let me acknowledge that NCS is a non profit service organization and does not receive any direct tax funding, nor does it receive any direct benefit from the California State Lottery. Sponsors like Les Schwab, Sports Authority, K Swiss, and Farmers Insurance provide much needed funding in the East Bay where lack of funding has forced some school districts to considering cancelling HS athletics all together.
Rather than complain about how NCS tickets pricing are keeping families and students from attending games, let’s do something about it. Let’s email or write these organizations and FIRST thank them profusely for their sponsorship, then explain the price issue and who it excludes, and ask them to intercede with NCS. It’s easy to find contact information – just go to their websites. NCS will listen to their mission critical sponsors.
There are many ways the ticket issue could be addressed including steep student discounts, family packs of tickets, and blocks of tickets donated to the schools for player families in need.
What a cool story that would be for the sponsors. The game announcers are required to follow a script that regulary brings up the sponsors – just tack this new contribution on to those announcements and you give potential customers a strong reason to be loyal to the NCS sponsors. Right now, the only direct connection the fans can see to the sponsors is rather negative – they have to pay their hard earned cash to get in (if they can afford it) and they have to listen to the announcer go on and on about the sponsors.
If you really want to do something about the price issue – take action. And spread the word beyond this blog and beyond the soccer world to other sports at your school.
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:40 am
@EbayFutbolFan. Well said
I have done that. Main thing with the blog is we can share some ideas and as a group make our thoughts, feeling and ideas known to NCS and Sponsors.
Great Game last night
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:23 am
EbayFutbolFan: I concur…well said…let’s try to remember and make sure we get something done about this for next year…
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:26 am
Updated bracket standings…
Tack 26
The Sweeper 26
Tri-City Dude 25
DLS Defender 23
Matt Smith 23
Old Hayward GK 23
Cal Fan 21
Calhi78 20
ET 20
11v.11 19
Madam Marie 19
SoccerFan11 19
Team Samba 19
Yellowjacket 18
Baller#9 16
Shinguard 16
Rogue Warrior 15
Lonewolf 14
It’s down to Tack and Sweeper, who have the same champion picked. I’m going to need each of you gentleman to email me total goals for both NCS championship games. Total goals for the two games will be the tie break.
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:32 am
As a parent of a former De La Salle player I’m happy to have watched the Spartans win last night. But I can’t say enough about Josh Gomez of Clayton Valley. I’ve been watching him play for years in club competition (DFC) and he just gets better and better and better. Can’t say I’ve seen many of the players often mentioned in this blog this past year but I can’t imagine any of them being as complete a player as he is. In my opinion Matt he should be at the top of a very short list of your Player of the Year candidates.
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:41 am
With apologies to the CC Times…
http://concord-ca.patch.com/articles/de-la-salle-defeats-clayton-valley-in-semifinals-2-1#photo-9172215
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:50 am
Was just looking back at Post #3… Fortune cookie says: Karma dicatates that biting, condescending sarcasm can end up biting one back in the end.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:00 pm
#185 Hala Madrid or something. Sounds like your team is out and you are a touch hurt by that cuz that game was anything but uneventful or “unemotional”. The kids fought hard on both sides and you could see it in the exasperation and tears on the faces of the Concord players at the end of the game. Well fought and cheers to a solid season Minutemen.
Go Dragons!
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Ahh Sweeper it comes down to us…decisions decisions
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Matt, For the tie-breaker, we’re talking about goals in regulation and OT for the DI and DII boys championship matches, and not including PK-goals, correct? And is it “without going over” (say one predicts 3 goals and one predicts 5 goals, but the actual is 4 goals, who wins?)?
Aah Tack, What’s it gonna be? 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9…
Let’s hear those total goals predictions from the peanut gallery.
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
It will be regulation and OT, but not PK’s.
Going over doesn’t matter. Just whoever is the closest.
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Regarding Neutral field for Championship.
All final games should be at Neutral Field.
The D2 selection that a Championship final is played on a home field..that is just simply wrong.
Could you imagine the stink if San Ramon was told gee …your game is at DLS. NCS where is the logic??
Hope BOD is raising a stink.
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Shinguard,
Thanks for weighing in on this issue.
The problem with the BOD boys raising a stink is that the BOD girls get the home field on Saturday. BOD also hosted a championship doubleheader match in 2005: both the boys team and the girls team won.
And Dublin #3, as the underdog, won the 2010 championship at home against…BOD #1. In this case a top seed played at the opponents home field.
Ridiculous!
Interestingly enough, this year #1 DLS has to drive 20+ miles to play #6 SRV who will drive under 10 miles to Dublin: though several DLS players probably live in the San Ramon Valley.
February 23rd, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Just seems odd that they seem to try and have Neutral site for D1 not D2. just joking but Dublin is like a 2nd home for the Spartans with a possible 4peat. All the more reason to have the finals at DVC, or Cal
February 23rd, 2012 at 5:52 pm
Prediction time…
Albany 2, Bishop O’Dowd 1
De La Salle 2, San Ramon Valley 1 OT
February 23rd, 2012 at 6:38 pm
Matt when will they announce the DVAL Mvps ?
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
One thing for sure is the Ball Whisperer does not care where the game is played. That was proven at Concord game.
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
All-ACCAL
MVP Israel Ayala (Richmond) Sr.
First team
Fabian Martinez (Rich) Sr., Gerado Mendoza Rich (Sr)., Eric Montes (Rich) Jr., Israel Ayala (Rich) Sr., Miles Campbell (Berkeley) Sr., Francisco Carriedo (Berk) Sr., James Lositos (Berk) Sr., Eric Escobar (Pinole Valley) Sr., Jeremy Romero (PV) Jr., Cesar Mendoza (Herc) Jr., Anthony Vasquez (Herc) So., Tomas Martinez (Alameda) Sr., Jesus Garcia (El Cerrito) Sr.
Second team
Eriberto Herrera (R) Sr., Cesar Cardenaz (R) Jr., Jorge Alvarez (R) Jr., Ernesto Blanquel (R) So., Arman Golemohammadi (B) Sr., Steven Gonzalez (B) Jr., Alex Natchtwey (B) Sr., Joseph Aldana (PV) Sr., Mariano Gill (PV) So., Naviel Osegueda (DA) Fr., Gabriel Serrato (Herc) Jr., Pablo Perez (EC) Sr., Amir Razavi (Ala) Sr.
All-DVAL
MVP Edgar Damian (Ygnacio Valley)
Offensive MVP Joshua Gomez (Clayton Valley)
Defensive MVP Sam Marchant (Clayton Valley)
First team
Jose Aguilar (YV), Gerado Alvarez (Mt. Diablo), Brad Antonson (Berean Christian), Jonathan Ayala (YV), Allan Foster (Northgate), Emmanuel Jimenez (Concord), Adolfo Martinez (CV), Christian Pedraza (CV), Mason Quintero (College Park), Faris Rivas (Con), Phillip Wcislo (YV).
Second team
Brad Alman (BC), Andy Altamirano (Con), Yojay Basulto (CV), Roberto Calixto (YV), Leonardo Gil (YV), Bobby Gonzalez (CP), Zach Jacobson (CV), Oliver Marigold (N), Samuel Mendez (Con), Octavio Mendoza (YV), Steven Valadez (MD).
Honorable Mention
Tyler Bergmann (BC), Ivan Bonilla (YV), Aidan Coyne (N), Tommy Hogan (YV), A.J. Munoz (Con), Ryan Phillips (CV), Brian Rodriguez (YV), Edgar Romero (CV), Adam Seddiqi (Con), Edgar Velez (MD), Scott Walker (CP).
All-MVAL
MVP
Eric De La Pena (Newark Memorial)
First Team
F — Khanh Nguyen (American), Joel Sandoval (NM), Jacob Dougherty (NM), Miguel Montoya (James Logan); Mid — Eric De La Pena (NM), Alex Ramirez (NM), Juan Carlos Romero-Pacheco (JL), Rodolfo Esquivias (JL), Christian Alvarado (JL); Def — Cody O’Connell (NM), J.J. Banuelos (NM), Anthony Gonzalez (JL), Alejandro PAdilla (JL), Kha Lu (Mission San Jose); G — Logan Lombana (NM), Kyle Doser (JL).
Second Team
F — Manny Singh (Washington), Kyle Welker (MSJ), Mohammad Raza (Irvington); Mid — Joshua Lee (A), Sanket Karamchandani (A), Sergio Castillo (A), Guhan Sundar (MSJ), Edgardo Cuellar (Irv); Def — Krutarth Shah (A), Ryan Walla (W), Kenny Jacoby (MSJ), Sid Ambulkar (MSJ), Emilio Torres (Irv); G — Phillip Kwong (A), Christopher Rosales (W).
Honorable Mention
Francisco Fonseca (A), James Dang (W), Edgar Cerna (W), Matt Williams (W), Adam Rebello (Irv), Mohammad Raza (Irv), Sahil Bansal (MSJ), Jason Guerrara (Kennedy), Emilio Ruiz (K), Brennan Moore (W), Nicholas Garcia (K), Mario Rodriguez (K), Kevin De La Torre (K), Andrew Schuller (K), Andrew Huge (Irv), Eamon Jahani (MSJ), Adrian Fuentes (K)
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:02 pm
What about baal and Hayward league?
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:45 pm
What about dfal ?
February 24th, 2012 at 9:34 am
the gate at ALL NCS playoff games for all sports goes to the NCS. They control all aspects.
And yes, DeLaSalle is a rich school and with extra funding they are not going to build a new pool, already re-modeled, funds will be used for recruiting for the football program. Remember, structural advantage.
February 24th, 2012 at 9:59 am
BigJoe,
The next step for high school sports, charge for parking…
Seriously, I have no problem paying for a ticket because I watch high school athletics strictly as a fan, and it has great entertainment value. I do believe that anyone under 18 should pay at most a token price of $1. Making students watch a playoff game through a fence is ridiculous.
February 24th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@Big Joe…De La Salle does not recruit for any of its sports..not even football. Past posters had some good points about US we the fans and parents should send to NCS and Sponsors ideas on how to work admission fees. I agree students should be free or some low amount of $2. Again NCS sets the fees each year for all sports play-off and those $$ go to NCS & CIF depending on event. If schools do get any $$ it has already gone through the hands of ncs and cif.
February 24th, 2012 at 11:26 am
A special note at the DLS CV game was the presentation of the NCS coaches award. And was given to former De La Salle coach Brian Voltattorni for his accomplishments on and off the field as a coach, teacher and for community involvement and for the promotion and success of De La Salle soccer.
Well deserved award.
February 24th, 2012 at 11:42 am
I’m convinced that DLS does not actively recruit. So let’s just leave that out of any further discussion. It’s an old and tired rant.
The only reasonable commentary in regards to enrollment is that private schools don’t have the same boundary restrictions that public schools do.
3 of the 8 finalists in Winter Soccer are private schools.
Congrats to Volt and to DLS and Derrick Brown for all they have accomplished!
Congrats to San Ramon and Coach Don Busboom for what they have accomplished!
Let’s hope for a wonderfully entertaining final.
Sports doesn’t build character, It reveals it!
February 24th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
I know DeLa doesn’t recruit. I’m a DeLa guy. The post was being funny!
You soceer bloggers don’t know me yet.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Ooo… we hit the big time. We have a football guy defecting.
/sarcasm
Welcome to the circus.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Saturdays Finals Both D1 & D2 You have the best teams playing…They earned those coveted spots in the Championship. Get Out and Watch some great soccer.
NCS Schedule as posted 12:30pm / All Games Saturday 2/25
D1 Boys
De La Salle VS San Ramon @ Dublin HS at 7:30pm
D2 Boys
Bishop O’Dowd VS Albany HS @ Albany at 3:30pm
D1 Girls
Monte Vista VS San Ramon @ Dublin HS at 5:00pm
D2 Girls
Dublin VS Bishop O’Dowd @ BOD at 1:00pm
February 24th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
@Big Joe
I like the Spartan Jet over at Concord Airport very impressive. Hear they are up-grading to a 737NG custom. and will be at Oakland. Taking off during Easter break to SoCal, Texas, and Nevada for a new crop of linemen.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Charging something for students is good accountability and behavior for the sporting event. It just should be a min. charge.
Rememeber back in the day, 1970, my football team playing Castlemont on the hill, fans behind fences and very aggresive. Police escort out after game, ex- OAL champs beaten 30-06, took them down 2 years in a row, SMCHS never played Castlemont again. They had OAL judo and karate champs playing linebackers, finished them off before halftime.
Another time, running track against Oakland Tech, upset in the 100 with a Greek Boy for SMCHS who attended Westlake grammar in the area, trained by ex- Castlemont coach Nick Garadakis. Crowd went wild.
Started throwing rocks into the infield and track at SM runners and field events. Milers and 2- milers rocked around the track. Didn’t do any good. Swept the PV, discus and shot because of no participation from Tech. Tech had strong sprints, hurdlers and relays. We all got along as athletes, knew many of the opponents from Oakland grammar schools.
The fans were terrible though, OPD called. The home schools should be responsible for the behavior of students and fans, legally.
It would be great if passes were sent out to students for grade and grade improvement results in the classroom, that’s a win-win.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
I told voice of reason that Harry Welch from St. Margarita is sending a QB up North to live with him and attend DeLaSalle. voice must pay for tuition, reduced of course and all meal tables. also take him out to the movies once in awhile, buy him a new car at walnut creek ford and make sure he’s in church on Sundays. That’s not too much to ask.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
It’s the Brotherhood..& lots of hard work…plain and simple.
Please stick to Futbol, Soccer, Fuss-ball, Fußball,Calcio >The Beautiful Game
February 24th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@BigJoe..Just don’t give HW any grow lights.
Ball Whisperer keep it up help BOD… be that 12th man.
GO DRAGONS
BOD wins 2-1 regulation 80.
February 24th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
anyone out there ever hear from or about Mike Shavers sprinter from Albany and USC again? Disappeared off the map? What’s the skinny?
February 24th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
I have been trying to log onto the dfal website for days now and it never lets me. I have tried different computers, iphones,etc and still havent even been able to look at the homepage. Somebody needs to fix that site immediately because it is very frustrating how they havent released the teams yet and also havent even made it possible to look at their damn site! Maybe somebody else should try to log on because im getting rather frustrated with it. Somebody should contact the dfal board with this.
February 24th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
D1:
De La 1 , SRV 3
D2:
Albany 2 , BOD 1
February 24th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
ran a 9.37 dash at usc as a freshman, top 20 non-winning times in the 100 dash. left usc for college of alameda. times dropped significantly. don’t know what happened. should be in albany high hof, 3 time ncs 100 and 200 champ, unbeleivable. state finalist and winner of 1972 220, second in 100 in 1972. ran 9.5 six times and 21.0 220. where did he go?
February 24th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Dfal fan.
Yeah it’s been happening since Tuesday something’s up with the server I’m sure they’ll get it squared away here in the next couple days.
Rumor has it Palano was MVP of league and Alejandro was most offensive but, again just rumors.
February 24th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Lets hear everyone’s predictions for tomorrow.
Here is mine:
Division 1
DLS 1 SRV 0 (OT)
This will be a very close game. I think DLS will come away with a victory, and the 4-peat.
Albany 2 Bishop O’ Dowd 1
Even with the great BOD defense, I think Borges and Alvarez will be to much to handle.
February 24th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
O’Dowd for sure ..SRV vs. De La Salle…..eh…..flip a coin.
February 24th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
In the NCS boys soccer finals, I predict one public school winner and one private school winner. And after thinking about it, I predict the same outcome on the girls side.
See you at the pitch!
February 24th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
De La Salle 2 SRV 0 in regulation 80
BOD also wins 2-1
February 24th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Sparty Wins 2-1 OT golden goal
BOD wins in reg 2-1 Ball Whisperer has a plan…and Boys are very very hungry.
February 24th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
De La Salle 2 San Ramon 0 clean sheet for “Tino” and back 4. Nic Bob will play huge in Mid. Who scores for Spartans??pick a number.
BOD takes Albany 3-1 I don’t see them holding back.
Of all the teams..BOD seems to have fire in the belly.
+BW will factor into game.
February 24th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
DLS 4- SRV 1
Albany 3 – Bod 1
February 24th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Spartans 2-2 in regulation, OT PK…Spartans will win by placing all PK’s and have 1 game winning block by the GK Konstatino. I have to agree who scores for DLS…yes pick a number as about 6 different players can ruin your day. Yellow Shirts stay cool.
BOD wins 2-1…Hey Ball Whisperer Stay Cool, Be Cool, Be Champion
February 24th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
I agree with Shinguard and Lonewolf…DLS 2-0…
February 24th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
The last meeting between the Spartan and the Wolf was in the Wolve’s den. SRV was relentess, played 100% the full 80 minutes, had a couple of very scary shots on goal, and a PK opprotunity. They wanted the win and they left it all on the field. And when the ref finally got around to blowing the final whistle, it was a very hard won DLS victory.
Given their past match ups, the neutral field, and the fact that a number of Spartans have NCS final game experience, the logical part of my brain predicts a Spartan win, likey 2-1 in regulation.
But the emotional part of my brain feels that anything could happen, either team has a legitimate chance of winning, and that pressure on players could result in the kind of game that goes to PK’s. If it does, the Wolf will be haunted by the memory of the missed PK on 1/26 and the Spartan will take confidence from it.
February 24th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Wondo’s dilemma… help him out… https://twitter.com/#!/ChrisWondo
February 24th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Ebayfutbolfan: great thoughts…
Wondo’s dilemma: Not really…he’s a winner either way…
Great programs at both schools…great players at both schools…a great match-up…it will be so entertaining…couldn’t ask for more…
Just hoping it comes down to great play, and nothing controversial to get in the way…
February 24th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Albany 3
Bishop 2
De la 1
SRV 2
February 24th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
SRV 2 DLS 1
SRV is healthy and hungry
BOD 2 Albany 1
February 24th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Girls D1
MV 2 SRV 2
SRV in pks
Div 2 Girls
BOD wins
February 24th, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Hope to see a lot of you guys either at the game, or in the live blog!
February 24th, 2012 at 11:52 pm
De La 2-1 In OT
Albany 2-1 In Regulation
Gabriel and Andre and playing too well together right now, and Ahmadi and has the back covered.
February 24th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
Especially since they are playing at home
February 25th, 2012 at 12:24 am
Hey Tack,
DLS 3-2
Albany 3-1
Do you buy that? HAH!
February 25th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
@212
Not really, just expected more of a ncs semi-final match between the two teams… But instead it was more of a preseason game for the two teams, sort of trying to find form like if they were expiramenting with players, but it wasnt the case cause there was barely any subs, no rotation there fore o’down and concord used their best squad… But the game was boring.
And uour right the only emotion was after the game where some celebrated and some cried.
If you go to the final youll see the difrence between albany and odown. Maybe odown will score it happens its soccer. But ull also see them get thrashed around like a ping pong ball, unless they step up their game cause they had like 50 errors in just the second half.
Im a fan of a good game and that concord vs odown wasnt a good game thats all no hard feelings no hate intended towards any squads just speeking what i saw… And honestly both could of played better.
February 26th, 2012 at 7:43 am
Not really playin anymore. Just sitting back with a championship as part of the amazing odowd run through the ncs. You were right about one thing. The emotions were much higher for this game than the last. “thrashed like a ping pong ball” better luck predicting next year. Enjoy the offseason, I know the dragons will. Congrats to an odowd double title. When no one else believed, you all did!