- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer: Dark Horses, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Friday, December 28th, 2012 at 10:58 pm in Boys soccer.
We all know who the favorites, or the league leaders, in each league. However, I want to talk about one team per league which might not be leading the league right now, or considered the favorite.
BVAL
The favorite here is Pittsburg, and Deer Valley and Antioch have a recent history of success. However, I’m starting to feel like the team to watch out for is Freedom. Since getting Jorge Cendejas back, this team has played much better, including a 1-0 win over Monte Vista. The results have still been a little inconsistent, but you can see this team is improving.
DFAL
If you want inconsistent results, look no further than Dublin. However, this team’s recent 3-0 win over Dougherty included with the fact they are young means they are improving. Also, this team can lock down defensively in the playoffs which leads me to believe this is a very dangerous team, familiar with success.
DVAL
Northgate is not going to surprise anyone for the rest of the year. This team is for real and is learning how to get results. The Broncos will only get better and better as the season goes on, so I’d be very wary of them.
EBAL
There are no surprises in this league, so I won’t be shocking anyone by saying that I like Monte Vista a lot. Clearly, they are a good team. However, I really like this team. They have what it takes to win an NCS title. A couple of dangerous kids up top in Jeff Greenberg and Charlie Zaloumis, a great holding midfielder in Ben Panconi, an organized defense, an experienced keeper and a long throw with Reid Gratsch.
MVAL
Logan is a team that got off to a rough start and is starting to find its footing. With a stud and a leader in Miguel Montoya, and enough talent around him, this team could win the MVAL and then be a handful in the NCS playoffs.
TCAL-Rock
There is one team that always seems to find a way to make the playoffs, and that is El Cerrito. Don’t let the overall record fool you. This team is better than the results are showing, and at 2-4-0 within Division II, this team is right in the mix for an NCS spot, and will probably get one.
TCAL-Stone
The Spartans have a new head coach and saw their star player transfer. But still, this team is 5-3-0. Not only is this team going to make NCS, this team could win the league and will be a tough out for anyone.
WACC-Foothill
Castro Valley is a very proud soccer program that, recently, has fallen on hard times. Last year was a rebuilding year, and this year the Trojans are showing signs of bouncing back. The goal differential this year is -1, with close results against Foothill, Deer Valley, draws against Logan, Bishop O’Dowd and Granada and wins over San Lorenzo and Alameda.
WACC-Shoreline
The word on San Lorenzo is that the Rebels are very fast and creative. Scoring goals has not been a problem, scoring 14 of them in six games. The results have bee decent for them, and with the explosiveness, this team could challenge Hayward.
Rankings
There’s a new No. 1 as the Acalanes Dons are the top team in the East Bay for the first time in the history of my rankings. De La Salle drops a couple spots despite playing pretty well against good competition. This should make the DLS v. Cal match very interesting.
Not much else changed with the rankings other than St. Mary’s and Richmond moving up and Foothill moving back in.
1. Acalanes (11-0-0)
2. California (11-0-2)
3. De La Salle (4-2-3)
4. Ygnacio Valley (8-1-2)
5. Monte Vista (6-1-4)
6. Amador Valley (10-2-0)
7. Pittsburg (3-2-3)
8. Berkeley (8-1-3)
9. San Ramon Valley (5-2-2)
10. Hayward (9-2-1)
11. Newark Memorial (6-1-5)
12. St. Mary’s (5-0-3)
13. Richmond (4-2-5)
14. Foothill (5-2-3)
15. Northgate (6-1-3)
Others Considered: Campolindo (10-5-0), Logan (5-5-3), College Park (5-5-3), Mt. Eden (7-4-3), Dougherty Valley (5-3-0), Granada (4-2-3), Hercules (9-2-0), Deer Valley (4-3-1), Liberty (3-2-0), Castro Valley (3-4-3)
Standings
BVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Antioch (4-2-3, 0-0-0) 0
Deer Valley (4-3-1, 0-0-0) 0
Freedom (5-6-0, 0-0-0) 0
Heritage (2-6-1, 0-0-0) 0
Liberty (3-2-0, 0-0-0) 0
Pittsburg (3-2-3, 0-0-0) 0
DFAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Acalanes (11-0-0, 6-0-0) 18
Campolindo (10-5-0, 3-2-0) 9
Dougherty Valley (5-3-0, 3-2-0) 9
Dublin (5-5-2, 3-2-0) 9
Miramonte (2-6-2, 1-3-1) 4
Las Lomas (0-6-4, 0-3-2) 2
Alhambra (5-5-3, 0-4-1) 1
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Ygnacio Valley (8-1-2, 3-0-0) 9
College Park (5-5-3, 2-0-1) 7
Northgate (6-1-3, 1-1-1) 4
Concord (3-1-3, 0-0-2) 2
Berean Chr. (1-4-2, 0-1-1) 1
Clayton Valley (0-9-1, 0-2-1) 1
Mt. Diablo (0-3-0, 0-2-0) 0
EBAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
California (11-0-2, 2-0-1) 7
De La Salle (4-2-3, 2-0-1) 7
Amador Valley (10-2-0, 2-1-0) 6
Monte Vista (6-1-4, 1-0-2) 5
Granada (4-2-3, 1-1-0) 3
Foothill (5-2-3, 0-2-1) 1
San Ramon Valley (5-2-2, 0-1-1) 1
Livermore (2-8-2, 0-3-0) 0
MVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Logan (5-5-3, 3-0-1) 10
Newark Memorial (6-1-5, 2-0-2) 8
Irvington (2-3-5, 1-1-2) 5
Washington (3-3-5, 1-1-2) 5
Kennedy (3-4-1, 1-2-1) 4
Mission San Jose (3-5-4, 1-1-1) 4
Moreau Catholic (0-5-3, 0-2-2) 2
American (2-4-3, 0-2-1) 1
OAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Castlemont (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Fremont (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Oakland (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Oakland Tech (0-3-1, 0-0-0) 0
Skyline (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
TCAL Rock
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Richmond (4-2-5, 2-0-2) 8
St. Mary’s (5-0-3, 2-0-1) 7
Albany (3-6-3, 2-2-0) 6
El Cerrito (2-8-0, 1-2-0) 3
Salesian (1-1-1, 0-1-1) 1
St. Joseph Notre Dame (1-5-1, 0-2-0) 0
TCAL Stone
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hercules (9-2-0, 4-0-0) 12
Pinole Valley (5-3-0, 3-1-0) 9
De Anza (3-4-0, 2-2-0) 6
Kennedy (0-3-0, 0-2-0) 0
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (0-4-0, 0-2-0) 0
Swett (0-2-0, 0-2-0) 0
WACC Foothill
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Berkeley (8-1-3, 5-0-1) 16
Alameda (5-4-3, 4-2-0) 12
Mt. Eden (7-4-3, 3-0-3) 12
Castro Valley (3-4-3, 3-2-1) 10
Arroyo (3-6-3, 2-3-1) 7
Bishop O’Dowd (2-4-1, 2-2-1) 7
WACC Shoreline
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hayward (9-2-1, 4-1-1) 13
San Lorenzo (2-2-2, 2-2-2) 8
San Leandro (2-7-1, 2-3-1) 7
Piedmont (2-4-1, 1-4-1) 4
Tennyson (1-11-1, 1-5-0) 3
Encinal (0-5-0, 0-5-0) 0
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
R. Castillo, Hayward 13
Ayala, YV 13
Gala, Dougherty 12
Reiter, CP 10
Cendejas, Free 10
Williams, Mt. Eden 10
Solomon, Berkeley 9
Sandoval, Newark 9
Raynor, Cal 8
Grixti, Cal 8
Gray, Hayward 8
Mendoza, Hayward 8
Villegas, Mt. Eden 8
Montes, Richmond 8
Name School Assists
Gomez, Hayward 11
Raynor, Cal 8
Damian, YV 8
Aguilar, YV 7
Espinoza, St. Mary 7
Croze, Acalanes 6
Solomon, Berkeley 6
Foster, Ngate 6
Diaz-Valdes, Campo 5
Guzman, Castro 5
Hernandez, CP 5
Clark, FH 5
L. Castillo, Hayward 5
Greenberg, MV 5
Maestre, SRV 5
Dull, St. Mary 5
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December 28th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
So I will be traveling to Mexico tomorrow and needed to get the new notebook published ASAP. Either tomorrow night or Sunday morning I will update from Saturday’s games and adjust the rankings and stat leaders if need be.
December 29th, 2012 at 1:54 am
Could Acalanes have an undefeated season before NCS? Yes. Unless the 3 following situations happen.
1. Injuries to key players.
2. Underestimating forthcoming opponents, especially if they have beat them already.
3. Reduction of effort during training sessions.
4. San Ramon Valley because they bring it.
5. Ygnacio Valley; a solid 2 seed and perhaps more on any given day.
There may be additional factors, but the aforementioned (1-3) have been what I’ve seen happen.
December 29th, 2012 at 10:59 am
Have you noticed that it has taken until now for anybody to catch up to Castillo’s goal total?It will be good to see him back in action again.
December 29th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@Mudhen, Have you noticed that Hayward went to a tournament up north and won 10-0, 8-0, & 6-0? Sounds like they played “lesser opponents” than down here. Not sure any of the stats for Hayward can be taken seriously compared to the rest of the NCS teams. Will they make it past the 1st round of NCS?
December 29th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@Mudhen,
I stand corrected… it’s worse than you thought…
Hayward schedule via MaxPreps
11/30, Yreka (Yreka, CA) 10 – 0 Win
11/30, West Valley (Cottonwood, CA) 10 – 0 Win
12/01, University Prep (Redding, CA) 5 – 0 Win
12/01, Enterprise (Redding, CA) 6 – 0 Win
31 goals against who? Throw the stats out!
Hayward lost to Bishop O’Dowd? Wins are so much more important than stats…
What would their stats look like if they played some EBAL schools?
Enjoy the Berkeley game coming up Jan 9th, 6 pm @ Berkeley.
December 29th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
one “big team” Hayward has played would be Ygnacio,where they were defeated 5-2.
December 29th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Overall 9-2-1- league 4-1-1- I mean, WHY are you trying to denigrate these guys?They’re good kids and have it a heck of a lot tougher than some others. I have seen ALL of the
‘”players” teams so far this year, and I would put them with anybody.O’Dowd started off strong this year, until injuries and suspensions took a toll And Rigo got most of those goals BEFORE that tourny. My comment referenced that it will be good to see a good soccer player (and a nice kid) back from what was originally thought to be a career ending injury.
And YES the Berkeley game could be a corker. We’ll see.
I will reiterate what I have said before; If the less privileged boys and girls of the bay area had the same advantages of club, camps and MONEY that the good young people of the San Ramon valley enjoys, a different tune may well be sung–SOMETIMES.
December 29th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Hi all. A quick check in from Cabo.
I got the Campo results from the day (2-0 on Saturday, 3-1 for the weekend) and the Logan 3, CP 0 result as well as Newark 3-3 with Richmond.
So I updated the rankings just a bit. Still waiting for the Pitt/Concord result.
December 30th, 2012 at 9:28 am
Crackhead,
It was their second game in as many days and their third in 4 days. Plus they lose their star striker.=
December 30th, 2012 at 10:39 am
The Guzman kid (assist 5) at CVHS is a sophmore and watched him do much of the same at the club level playing with Union City Barcelona U16′s NPL Premier Div. 1 champs. Should be interesting to watch the growth. I agree with Mudhen, Hayward kids are a good bunch and much respect to Rigo, good kid.
December 30th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Pitt ties Concord 0-0
December 30th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@Mudhen
Just because they lost one player dosent mean the holl team goes down against stronfer oponents.
December 30th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
BOD had scrim with DLS about 4 weeks ago Dragons went down 4-0
December 30th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
SoCal Classic West Final
Bellarmine defeats La Costa 3-0 NorCal team finishes on top.
December 30th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Bells played DLS back on Dec 1 to a 1-1 draw but Bells coach was ejected and walked off with team in a pissing match with CR with 20 min to go in a live fire scrimmage. That was classy.
December 30th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Pitt 0-0 concord
December 30th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Happy new year to all the crazy folks that follow HS soccer of all things and keep this community fun.
Enjoy the time in Mexico mr smith!
December 30th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
This week’s EBAL games (league only)
Thursday Jan 3:
De La Salle @ San Ramon Valley
Foothill @ Livermore
Granada @ California
Saturday Jan 5:
Amador Valley @ Monte Vista
December 31st, 2012 at 7:30 am
Granada @ Cal time change to 2:00pm.
Soccerfans can catch two EBAL matches on Thursday.
December 31st, 2012 at 7:41 am
Saturday Jan. 5 Castro Valley @ Logan. If CVHS can pull this one off they may gain momentum.
December 31st, 2012 at 11:45 am
Bishop O’Dowd isn’t very good this year. Yes we’ve had some injuries, but those guys are easily replaceable. So why are we so down? Because we lost our best players to academy. The word on the street is that you have to play academy to get noticed. This is complete bulls**t. Great players get noticed and get to play in college, everything else you hear is wrong. My brother plays for the U of Portland. He missed his first two years of high school soccer at Mitty because of academy soccer. Then he quit the academy team and played his last two for Mitty. He’ll tell you it’s the best decision he EVER made. Giving up the experience of high school soccer is stupid.
December 31st, 2012 at 1:22 pm
BOD=New Coaches & No Ball Whisperer….give them a break
December 31st, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Sorry to sound so bitchy, but we got screwed by the allure of the stupid academy programs. At best we could of been above average this year, but then we got some injuries. I can give the coaches a break and I ain’t got nothing against my boys out there given 100%. But even now we arent even using jr players from jv to bolster varsity. I don’t want to rail on the coaches but kinda bad planning. Instead they put some slow frosh player out there that dont know what they are doing. In our last game bezerkley made us look ridiculous they were so much deeper and faster. We don’t even have any subs and there is guys that are great players walking around campus not helping their school. Thinking they need to play academy for their future, what a load of crap, pisses me off.
December 31st, 2012 at 4:25 pm
The modern day snake oil salesman: academy coaches.
December 31st, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@dragonGrub
I agree with you , I quit my academy team for high school soccer , I got notice more quickly in high school.
December 31st, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@24 fosho Junior but none of the adults involved will call them on their crap. “Oh it’s so important that you play academy if you want to play at a higher level.” NOT TRUE my soccer playing friends, NOT TRUE. Academies and college ID camps are all about adults making money… THAT IS THE TRUTH.
January 1st, 2013 at 2:03 pm
The Academy may not be the only way to get noticed for college but it is hands down the BEST way. Last time I watched an academy game there were 5 or 6 coaches from good, legitamate college programs. High school games, NONE!!!
DragonGrub, you sound like a student (or recent grad) who is having a tough time understanding what this other player feels is best for him. Maybe he wants to play at the highest level for his own competitive experience. Maybe he thinks high school soccer sucks. Maybe he does want to give himself a tremedous chance to go to college. If he is good enough and has great grades it might happen. Why be so critical of someone you have no idea what their desires are. Have you ever stopped to talk to these guys? Doubtful.
To your comment about College ID camps and academies are all about making money. DUH. No sh!t captain obvious. These coaches should be compensated for what they are doing. I have never seen a camp flyer that guaranteed a slot on their college soccer squad if attended. They are offering a service and families choose to go. The academy sytem in San Jose (Earthquakes) don’t make any money off of the families. Quite contrary. They spend a hefty sum training and paying for travel for these very gifted young athletes. DeAnza and other non-mls academies do charge. If you don’t want to do so that’s your choice. DeAnza has a great track record of helping these players get into college through word of mouth from the coaching staff.
To Junior: Modern day snake oil salesman. Pathetic! These coaches are great coaches and even better guys off of the field. I’m sure you have never met or gotten to know them. Sour grapes… probably, for never being given the chance (in other words not good enough). Oh i’m so sure it’s all political ( sarcasm ), and every other excuse for kids not being invited to a tryout. I’ve heard it all. It’s getting old too!! Rarely do kids get on an academy that are bad players. If so, they get exposed early and often. Generally, the kids have something to offer a program (speed, good work rate, coachability, vision etc…).
Get over the fact that these poor kids are being asked to give up a very special time in their life. Don’t you think this sucks for them. Not to mention what a hard decision it must be for them to make at such an early age. They are so proud to have been given the chance to have to make this decision.
Academy players feel proud just like high school players do for wearing team colors. Give them a break.
January 1st, 2013 at 2:44 pm
Amen Dragongrub-I mostly blame the lame parents who let the acadameies dictate to them.
Barney- I was not a soccer player and neither were my kids. There likely Are some good academy coaches. I question their ethics. The HS season should be sacred. The acadameies would do just fine the other 8 months of the year. HS sports build communities not academy teams.
January 1st, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Barney, if you are so enamored of the academy system, why are you wasting your time here, on a lowly High School blog? The last time I checked, MLS certainly isn’t filling their rosters with academy players.
And you bet your a#$ that it’s a BUSINESS.Look at the teams and for every MLS there’s ten for profit ones.
Dragon, don’t fret too much for the “poor kids” who sacrifice for the academy system. That’s a very relative term when Mom and Dad are shelling out the big bucks.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Junior, What ethics do you question? Giving a kid a good honest chance at a college education (possibly paid for) that he might not have had if not through the exposure of said academy system. Sure that chance is slim but spending time with kids from “the other side of the tracks” might spark something that will motivate them to do something fantastic. Maybe even change their future for the good. Why would anyone discourage a kid from doing so. A brand new perspective on life is powerful. It doesn’t always work, but it sure would be nice to get the chance.
Mudhen, you crack me up. Of course the mls isn’t filling their roster with academy players. If one kid gets a chance from each mls academy team per cycle ( every couple of years ), I would think that mls team would consider that cycle a success. Maybe no kids get a crack at it. They may only get a top notch education from a great university. Wow, what a bummer that would be for the kid. It’s not always about soccer. About your comment “you bet your a$$ that it’s a business.” well last I checked it costs money to play for Marin FC, Placer Blues, Mustang, Ballistic United etc…Are these programs also full of snake oil salesmen. I recall camps from these programs that also cost money. So why aren’t you bagging on these programs?
You are wondering why I waste my time on a blog site like this? Maybe I have a kid that plays high school ball. Maybe, I have a kid that played academy. Maybe I’m the local blog police who likes to correct statements that have no real facts to fall back on. And maybe i’m like Junior who has no kids in soccer nor played but just likes to say mean things about people without ever having met them.
January 1st, 2013 at 9:31 pm
The ethics of attacking the HS season. There is 8 months of the year the acadamy can play in. They are greedy.
The AAU hoops guys have their issues but they have left the HS basketball season alone (for now).
January 1st, 2013 at 9:59 pm
So let me get this straight, to not allow a kid to play high school soccer is being greedy or unethical. I think you are missing the big picture. Most kids would chew off their left arm to get a chance to play academy ball and not be able to play high school ball. Remember, these kids aren’t being forced to play academy. Many parents allow their boys to do this even with all of the burdens it puts on the family ( time and money in some cases). Most parents want the chance for the betterment of their children. Junior, admit it. If you had kids that played soccer and were fortunate enough to be asked to play academy, you would do it in a second knowing full well this is a golden opportunity for your child. You know you would be all over facebook bragging about how your kid is on the Earthquakes academy or DeAnza academy team.
January 1st, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Yes it is greedy and selfish. No doubt in my mind.
I agree the parents are not being forced, I put most of the blame for the academy creeping into the HS season on the parents. If more of them said no, the acadamy’s would have to pull back.
No I wouldn’t give in to the academy’s. My kids would play the HS season and play whatever they could in the offseason.
January 1st, 2013 at 10:40 pm
On a more practical topic of academy/HS – I wonder how does a kid with talent, especially on a team that’s not currently getting a lot of attention, get someone to notice the kid – especially to give him a shot at a college team?
I see the point that HS is a better personal experience, and I see the point that scouts aren’t typically at HS games (especially if the team isn’t a notable one) and so the academy is a better option for that. During HS or other times, playing at a “showcase” doesn’t sound like it’s more than a hit or miss opportunity.
Parents get mailings: send your kid here and he’ll get noticed or recruited, or there’s bercruited . com and similar stuff. Of course they’re looking for the tuition dollars – but are some useful?
Without guessing, does anyone really know how it’s done the best way? Even if my kid doesn’t have a shot, it might help the ones who do have one.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:10 am
Attaboy, Junior, give ‘em heck. And YES the clubs are full of shysters too! Face facts, all amateur youth soccer –even AYSO — is coach driven. The politicing, and malarkey in club now that NORCAL is ascendent IS MIND BLOWING. player theft, schedule manipulation, and I have even heard of teams trying to get certain refs assigned to their teams in hope of a favorable result. (Putting in ringers is an especially rampant problem)
To their credit, the academies don’t do much of this, but it is a LOT of money for what is usually a slim shot at a ride. The cream will rise to the top , irrespective of setting.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:05 am
@BleacherBum i am a student, but I am not having a hard time understanding anything. I think you having a hard time understanding my point. I think Mudhen said my point well, the cream will rise to the top, irrespective of setting. My Dad said your response is exactly the condescending response I should expect.
I know all the academy programs having watched my brother go through it and playing there too. I know the guys that went academy at O’Dowd so I do know what I am saying. The academy system is discrimenatory and elitist and mostly benefits coaches, the ones at colleges and the ones trying to make a name at academy. It makes their life easier because instead of looking for the talent they just tell everyone they are only looking in one place and that they have to go there to get found. It’s discrimenatory because a lot of the best talent can’t make the travel and time commitments to even consider the academy obligation. Most of the best talent ends up getting jobs and playing in adult leagues because soccer isn’t life and they have to help the family.
I don’t think they’ll ever stop this bad system, but what makes me maddest is that they tell players not to play high school. Why can’t they let them do both? There is not a good reason. You seem to think you know it all, but I know you are very wrong when you say that most kids would chew off their arms to play academy. Maybe that’s your opinion and it seems that way in your world, but it’s not fact. Usually it’s the parents that push them that way. I am guessing you live on the east side of the hills because that’s the type of stuff you hear over there. I know guys in Oakland that don’t even play club that are better than guys in academy.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:09 am
Oh sorry that last post was supposed to be directed to BarneyBarnyard not BleacherBum all those Bs confused me.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:12 am
Thursday at San Ramon vs DLS 6pm
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:21 pm
That game is gonna kick some behind. I’m gonna go if I can
January 2nd, 2013 at 6:40 pm
20 min in, Dublin 1 – NG 0.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:07 pm
NG rallies strongly despite iffy ref calls. Ties Dublin 1-1
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:53 pm
Thanks for the report! How’d the game go Stalwart? Curious as to what the refs effect on the game was, thanks
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Parents around me saying “he’s allowing a brawl.” Concern he wasn’t calling out bad behaviour.
Dublin with more offense in 1st half, NG came out attacking strong in 2nd. After the equalizer, it could’ve gone either way.
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 am
Back from Cabo. Hello all.
Headed to Cal v. Granada tomorrow.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:16 am
Hi everyone, player here who wants to play collegiate soccer. Currently playing high school soccer. Wondering what I should do to get noticed by scouts and possibly earn a scholarship. It would really help, thanks!
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:46 am
Define “IIFY”
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:55 am
@ Student Where are you hoping to play?
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:35 am
Student
The NCAA Eligibility Center site is a great resource for students as well as parents
http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp
January 3rd, 2013 at 9:51 am
Matt
are you seriously NOT going to DLS v SRV at 6pm?
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:16 am
@ EBALDad It can be said that I should be at most DLS games. You could ask if I’m seriously not going to watch them any time they play just about anyone from the EBAL. I have to spread out my coverage, and I can’t cover DLS and SRV every time they play. I’ve already seen both of those teams, and haven’t seen Cal or Granada. It’s just not fair to other schools, so I have to see other squads. DLS and SRV have a lot of recent history, but so do MV and Cal with DLS, and I can’t go watch them play every single time.
Also, let’s be honest and look at the league table. It’s not the best matchup of the day in the EBAL as far as effect on the standings.
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:18 am
Hopefully Foothills Varsity Team can put up there first EBAL win tonight. If you are going out to watch the Varsity team take time to check out their JV team too. There are exciting to watch and are currently 8-0-1. They are coming out of the winter break as Dublin’s NY Eve Tournament Champs.
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:49 am
The Cal-Granada game is 2:00 today
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Matt
Does it matter how many games you play during the season when it comes to making NCS or is it just the record they look at?
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Cal up 1-0 early.
Berean beat Clayton 1-0.
@Jim08 It helps to play more games just because it increases your strength of schedule and increases the chance of big wins that help you in seedings. Teams that don’t play anywhere near a full schedule tend to be seeded low because there is a mystery, or a question about them. So there is no requirement, but it’s a good idea and certainly helps.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Amador up 1-0 on Hercules early on.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Cal 1-0 Granada at half.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Any updates to cal-granada? Or, how about monte vista-newark game.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Tks Matt! Re: NCS playoff. Then maybe Maxpreps isn’t a bad yardstick?
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Amador up 1-0 at halftime.
Second half kick off at Cal.
January 3rd, 2013 at 3:04 pm
interesting match up at CP today. Could very well determine the winner of DVAL.
January 3rd, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Cal still up 1-0 with under 20 minutes left.
January 3rd, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Cal up 2-0 with 10 minutes left.
January 3rd, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Hercules equalizes with Amador. About 15 minutes left.
January 3rd, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Cal wins 2-0.
January 3rd, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Yv up 2-0 at the half. Ayala and Zumaya with the goals.
January 3rd, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Full time at CP. Yv wins 4-1 goals: for Ayala(2), Zumaya, and Pope.
January 3rd, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Monte Vista beats Newark 3-0.
Hercules draws Amador Valley, 1-1.
January 3rd, 2013 at 5:01 pm
@Matt, Monte Vista beat Newark & tied Hercules in the same day? OR did you mean Amador? Haha, Cabo must’ve had it’s effect on you!
January 3rd, 2013 at 6:44 pm
Halftime, Foothill-2. Livermore-0
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Haha, thanks Nacho Don. I’m a little jet lagged… or something…
DLS/SRV is 0-0 at the half.
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:41 pm
SRV 1-0 DLS Final
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Final. Foothill-3, Livermore-0
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Wow, what a result by SRV. Any more info on how that game played out?
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Freedom 4-0 St. Mary’s
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:46 pm
@Matt
Matt, I noticed you had Freedom as the Dark Horse in the BVAL and previously you threw out the question, Is Freedom for Real? Today they beat previously undefeated St. Mary’s which you currently rank #12. The Cendejas kid had another great game: 1 goal and 2 assists. You we’re right, they are getting better. St. Mary’s in their last game had beat Antioch 4-2.
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:54 pm
@Yellow Jacket I agree, what a great result for SRV. I’m also curious as to how the game was played, who dominated, if any team, and who had the most scoring opportunities. Must have been a great game.
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:56 pm
Dark-horse is De La Salle…got spanked by SRV
January 3rd, 2013 at 9:07 pm
@Goalboy It looks like Freedom is very dangerous.
January 3rd, 2013 at 9:48 pm
@Matt I saw the second half and they looked good all around.
January 3rd, 2013 at 10:03 pm
@Matt Smith
I just want a scholarship, might sound desperate but hopefully a UC, a private school is even better. Thanks!
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:02 pm
45.Student Says:
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:16 am
Hi everyone, player here who wants to play collegiate soccer. Currently playing high school soccer. Wondering what I should do to get noticed by scouts and possibly earn a scholarship. It would really help, thanks!
1)EBAL Dad’s info #48 is a great place to start.
2)Remember, you are a student-athlete, pick your college choices based on lifelong career possibilities.
3) Unless you an athletic stud of studs most college coaches will not even know you exist. It is up to YOU to contact those coaches at those schools You would like to attend. Do your college homework….be sure that your college choices are a good fit and vice versa.
4) When my son started his college search he started with public institutions but quickly learned that the privates were more more forthcoming with financial support.
5)Can not understate the importance of your grades/test scores. Many of the coaches did not even respond to my son’s emails, letters, updates etc until he was accepted by their schools, then it was a 180 degree flip where their assistant coaches were contacting us on a weekly basis.
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:25 pm
SR dominated the whole game.. Should have been many more goals for them in my opinion. DLS had 0 shots on goal.. Does that say enough??
January 4th, 2013 at 12:55 am
Thanks so much EBALdad and concrete17.
Couple of more questions if you don’t mind.
1. I am a sophomore, is it to early to start contacting coaches?
2. What do I say when contacting them?
3. What can I do about east coast schools, do their people scout me even if I’m over here?
4. How should I go about making a highlight reel?
Thanks so much again!
January 4th, 2013 at 6:34 am
SRV / DLS
Disclaimer- – Im an SRV parent. First time I’ve seen DLS this year but they looked like they need a lot of work. The game was controlled by SRV with DLS having few (maybe zero) dangerous scoring opportunities. SRV had several. SRV controlled the midfield winning most of the free balls and created scoring chances both out of the back and playing the ball through the middle of the field. The goal by SRV (Maestre) was well setup and also a very well struck ball from just inside the 18 to the top left corner. Had to be as DLS’s goalie is excellent.
SRV has two losses this year to Berkeley and Cal. Based on last nights game DLS is not in the same league as those two programs.
A lot of DLS players were playing outside their “normal” club positions and they never looked organized or able to string together passes. DLS had a lot of younger players on the field and which gave SRV an advantage physically. For DLS, Nic Bob (#12) was their clear leader but had little support. Tony Bell provided some danger at right forward but saw limited minutes.
SRV did have a different lineup last night, particularly on defense, putting players where they have played during club. SRVs defense played their best game of the season. For reference, 3 of the starters for this game were out sick when SRV played Cal.
bottomline: coaches at DLS have a lot of work, SRV coaches made some adjustments over the break and looked much improved over December games.
January 4th, 2013 at 8:12 am
Watched 1st half of MV game vs Newark. MV are looking sharp and more aggressive as compared to 3 weeks ago. I don’t see a big threat in Newark unless they change things up.
Bounced on over to catch SRV game saw last 25 min of game. Damage was already done to DLS and SRV was physically dominating the entire mid field and the DLS front was just not organized until last 10 min of game.
Was talking to asst from Clayton Valley said DLS keeper had some critical saves otherwise 3-0 was a possibility. Looks like EBAL title will be a horse race to the finish.
January 4th, 2013 at 8:34 am
DLS played a very odd game last night against SRV. It wasn’t until about 20 minutes into the game before they were able to string 3 passes in a row. What I found odd was how their defense would not or did not settle the ball out of the air and attempt to control the ball. It was a constant state of “just wack it” up in the air or down the field. Their usual great goalie play definitely kept if from being 3-0 or worse.
January 4th, 2013 at 9:24 am
@Itsabob @Hootie Thanks for the game updates!
January 4th, 2013 at 9:54 am
Student,
here are my thoughts:
1. I am a sophomore, is it too early to start contacting coaches?
Check the NCAA web site. It oulines what every student should be doing given their year in school.
It’s never too soon to contact coaches. Go to their summer camps too. Probably the best way to get to know a coach and the school. Usually fun as well.
2. What do I say when contacting them?
Show them you are interested, show them you have good grades and can get into their school (hopefully), tell them about some games (either club or HS) that you will be playing in near them so they can come see you play if they have the time. Be confident but respectful. Usually coaches have specific positions they are looking to fill. You might inquire about that. You might also ask about their game schedule to go see them play and/or practice.
3. What can I do about east coast schools, do their people scout me even if I’m over here?
Most East Coast schools think us West Coasters won’t go to cold weather climates so they don’t bother much. Some do, not many and when they do it’s to a large club showcase tourney. Go through the same process, let them know you are interested in coming east!
4. How should I go about making a highlight reel?
Perhaps your coach has someone filming your games. Ask for those and get some clips of yourself put together from those. You can always hire someone or get a friend to do the same. Keep it fairly short.
good luck!
January 4th, 2013 at 11:33 am
Great advice from EBALDad. And if there are any particular coaches you need to reach, let me know, and I might be able to help.
Also, talk to your coach and let him know you’re interested. It’s part of what they do, to promote you to college coaches.
January 4th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Full Saturday at DLS 1.5.2013
Frosh play SRV at 11am
JV vs Clayton Valley Charter 4pm
Varsity vs Clayton Valley Charter at 6pm
Next week Sparty has Granada & Livermore
Jan 19th Richmond at DLS 6pm
January 4th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
In non-league games: Today, Liberty @ Alameda 6pm. Satuday, Freedom @ Irvington 1pm, Dougherty Valley @ Pittsburg 6pm, Dear Valley @ Foothil 3pm. All intersting matches.
January 4th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
**TIME CHANGES at DLS Saturday 1.5.2013 **
Frosh vs San Ramon at 11 am
JV vs Clayton Valley Charter at **1:00pm
Varsity vs Clayton Valley Charter at **3:00pm
January 4th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Alameda 0, Liberty 0
January 4th, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Thanks EBALdad, will definitely take that advice in consideration.
Matt, any way we can talk off this board, can I possibly get an email address?
Thanks again!
January 5th, 2013 at 8:35 am
Amador Valley at Monte Vista at 6 tonight! Huge game in the EBAL race!
January 5th, 2013 at 8:35 am
Amador Valley at Monte Vista at 6 tonight! Huge game in the EBAL race!
January 5th, 2013 at 8:52 am
@Student
mhsmith78@gmail.com
January 5th, 2013 at 9:12 am
Berkeley vs. El Cerrito at 1pm at Berkeley.
January 5th, 2013 at 11:38 am
is the AV/MV game confirmed at 6:00pm? maxpreps says 4:00pm? does anyone know for sure?
January 5th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Maxpreps now shows 6:00pm
January 5th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
thanks!
January 5th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
0-0 @half SRV @ NM. End to end action and no goals on an uneven and slow pitch.
January 5th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
SRV scores in the 49th minute as the NM keeper was out of position, and again 2 minutes later after a missed clear was converted to a cross and header. 2-0 SRV with 25 left.
January 5th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
SRV wins 2-0
January 5th, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Logan 4, Castro Valley 0
January 5th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
CVHS AD Please bring back Al Peacock!! Enough is enough!
January 5th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Anyone going to Acalanes today, the game is actually at CP.
January 5th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
Halftime, Foothill-0, Deer Valley-0
January 5th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Acalanes 3-0 CP at half
January 5th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
42nd min. Foothill-1,Deer Valley-0, Debenedetti from Goldstein
January 5th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
42nd min. Foothill-1,Deer Valley-0, Debenedetti from Goldstein
January 5th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
42nd min. Foothill-1,Deer Valley-0, Debenedetti from Goldstein
January 5th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
65th min. Foothill-2, Deer Valley-0 Clark goal
January 5th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Two minutes in (!) Northgate 2 – St Joseph Notre Dame 0.
January 5th, 2013 at 4:55 pm
17 minutes: NG 4 – StJND 0
January 5th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Matt
Thank you for answering my question concerning NCS.
January 5th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
NG 8 – StJND 0 at half.
January 5th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Final, Foothill-2, Deer Valley-0
January 5th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Final, Irvington 0 – Freedom 0.
Good match, both teams played well. Irvington defense did a good job and shutting down the dangerous Cendejas. Freedom did a good job at holding the ball. Definitely had more possession but Irvington had a few more chances. Interesting game, I hope one of these teams gets a chance to make NCS.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Acalanes 5-0 CP
Berkeley 5-1 El Cerrito
Freedom 0-0 Irvington
January 5th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Final score: Freedom 0-0 Irvington. Game was at Irvington. Freedom had trouble adapting to the grass field in bad shape. Still dominated most of the game but couldn’t finish. Cendejas and other starters are banged up and sat out out. Apparently to be ready for BVAL season. Which starts Tuesday. Good result for Irvington.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Cendejas played second half for Freedom. I agree @MVAL Soccer Fan credit goes to Irvington defense for holding down Cendejas. I liked Freedom’s touches and discipline and Irvington’s heart and toughness.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Cendejas played second half for Freedom. I agree @MVAL Soccer Fan credit goes to Irvington defense for holding down Cendejas. I liked Freedom’s touches and discipline and Irvington’s heart and toughness.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Definitely thought the Freedom v Irvington game could have gone either way. Both teams had chances just could not finish. Draw was probably a fair result.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I agree tie was a fair result. But I disagree that Freedom played well. I’ve most of there last 5 games. (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 tie) and this is by far the worst I’ve seen them. Not horrible, just looked bad on the grass field. They better be ready for an away league game at Antioch with similar field conditions. Again, credit to Irvington can’t take nothing away from them. Wish both teams good luck.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
MV up 2-1 on AV with 10 to go in the first half.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
@ Matt Will Freedom’s latest surge grant them consideration on your next Rankings list especially after 4-0 win over St. Mary’s? Anyone know status of Pittsburg-Dougherty Valley game? They should still be playing 1st half. Trying to catch 2nd half .
January 5th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Yea the field was definitely a problem. I hadn’t seen Freedom play yet but I heard good things. Speaking to the Irvington coach after the game I guess they were missing some starters who were still on vacation. And a player he says is the best player in MVAL, who I remember from last year, is still hurt. Irvington seems to be a draw machine as of late, having trouble scoring goals. I thought they had 3 or 4 good chances to score but their number 8 couldn’t take advantage on the counter.
Freedom is definitely a dangerous squad and Cendejas is a quality player. With him on the field they always have a chance of scoring. I’d like to see them play again. Sounds like you’re around them a lot Goalboy, so good luck to them in BVAL. I watched Mission and Irvington both outplay Antioch I don’t think they should cause too much of a problem. But poor field conditions always level out the competition.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
DLS – 5 CVC- 0 Final
January 5th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Pitt and Dougherty Valley tied 2-2 at the half.
January 5th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
MV beats AV 2-1.
@Goalboy I’d have a hard time not putting Freedom on the consideration list, that’s for sure. We’ll see how it shakes down tomorrow.
January 5th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Northgate beats St. Joe 9-0.
January 5th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Looks like your eBal dark horse is doing well
January 5th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Acalanes looks very strong. Big and mean.
January 5th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Very true @MVAL Soccer Fan That is interesting. Do you know the name of the player that the coach considers the best in MVAL? Just curious.
For Freedom, yes, Cendejas is a dangerous attacker. I follow the BVAL as much as I can and this year Freedom has caught my attention quite a bit. They had a rough start early in the preseason, as Matt once put it, some results showed inconsistency, but now they seem to have put it all together and they look solid all around. Good GK’s, strong defending, solid mids and dangerous attackers.
Well, I wish both Freedom and Irvington good luck. Hope they both make NCS!
January 5th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
His name is Edgardo Cuellar. Was tipped to be recruited to possible D1 Colleges but he tore his ACL late last year and hasnt been cleared for contact yet. Coach was very adamant that he is a top quality player. Hoping he can return for the final couple weeks of the year.
January 5th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
@Matt Thanks for your reply.
@Mudhen No doubt, I’ve seen Acalanes 4 times this year. They work like a mean machine.
January 5th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
@MVAL Soccer Fan Thanks! I will keep an eye our for Mr. Cuellar. Wishing him a fast recovery.
January 6th, 2013 at 12:30 am
@Soccer bro MV might be the best team in the EBAL right now.
@Acalanes That team is scary good right now.
January 6th, 2013 at 7:31 am
Matt
Do you have Goal and assist stats that you can break out by League?
I’m just thinking it would be more of an apples to apples comparison, and it would be interesting.
Thanks for all you do!
January 6th, 2013 at 8:03 am
Late input on the academy/HS conversation. I’m all for the high school experience but when a high school program is in shambles and the school is unwilling to fix it then kids who have potential end up losing out. Not going to name names but a once proud and fairly successful program under a former coach has now become the laughing stock of the area with many of its highly talented players (youngers) either contemplating bypassing their last two years of high school soccer or upperclassman who have decided not to play at all. For that reason the academy way is the only option.
January 6th, 2013 at 8:28 am
Acalanes vs. San Ramon, or Berkeley would be a fun match up.
January 6th, 2013 at 10:07 am
@EBALDad That would take a little more work than I have time for, to be completely honest. I will try to do something like that one of these weeks, or at the end of the year, but with my last law school semester starting, it might be hard. But I promise to try and get it done some time.
The new rankings are posted.