- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer: Playoff Picture, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Sunday, January 13th, 2013 at 11:46 am in Boys soccer.
The playoffs are only a month away, believe it or not, so it’s time to look at each division and see which teams are in a position to get in. This is the scenario for each team as it stands right now.
Division I
Locks: Berkeley, California, Monte Vista
These teams are pretty much mathematically qualified and there is almost no scenario where they don’t get in.
Pretty Much In: Amador Valley, De La Salle, Foothill, Logan, Mt. Eden, Newark Memorial, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon Valley
These teams could still mathematically not make it if they fell on hard times, but let’s be serious, these teams are also getting in the playoffs. That gives us 12 teams, with four spots left.
Inside the Bubble: Alameda, Antioch, Castro Valley, College Park, Dougherty Valley, Liberty
These teams are above .500 either overall, or in league, or perhaps both. Antioch is the safest team in this bunch and almost made the pretty much in list, but they don’t have the resume of the other teams quite yet. Still, Antioch is looking very good. After that, I’d have to pick College Park, Dougherty Valley and Alameda to round out the 16 teams, at this exact moment.
On the Bubble: Arroyo, Deer Valley, Freedom, Granada, Heritage, Irvington, Mission San Jose, San Leandro, Washington
These teams are either exactly at .500 in one of the categories, or within a couple of games. I think Granada is one of the top 16 teams in Division I, but the league is very tough and they are going to need some wins to get in. Freedom, Deer Valley, MSJ, San Leandro and Washington are teams that I think are capable of winning a few in a row and busting into the bracket.
Division II
Locks: Acalanes, Hercules, Ygnacio Valley
Count these three teams into the playoff bracket.
Pretty Much In: Campolindo, Concord, Hayward, Northgate, St. Mary’s
Mathematically these teams aren’t locked in, but each of these teams will get in. That gives us eight teams that will get in.
Inside the Bubble: Albany, Bishop O’Dowd, De Anza, Kennedy-Fremont, Pinole Valley
Given their standing in the leagues they play in, I actually think all of these teams will get in. Barring anything unexpected, that is. But I think all these teams are pretty safe. I think that makes 13 teams that are pretty safe.
On the Bubble: Alhambra, Berean Christian, Dublin, El Cerrito, Miramonte, Moreau Catholic, Salesian
Alhambra and Dublin are good enough to be in, but they have a bunch of tough DFAL games left, and might be in trouble. One of them (perhaps the winner of the next time they play) should get in. Alhambra is 5-4-2 in Division II games, so that helps, while Dublin is 4-4-3 against Division II, and 3-4-0 in league. If El Cerrito can just win one more game than it loses the rest of the season, then I think the Gauchos should be in based on their schedule.
Rankings
There is a new number one team, and it’s the Monte Vista Mustangs. Unbeaten in their last seven, and four wins in a row find the Mustangs on top of the EBAL and now on top of the East Bay rankings. Two draws only knocks Acalanes down one spot while YV stays one spot behind the Dons.
Berkeley deserves a jump, but I didn’t think moving Cal down more than two spots was right. So, the Yellowjackets will have to wait another week as Cal will face De La Salle and Monte Vista this week. This will give Cal a chance to stay in the top three, or maybe for Berkeley to jump up a spot or two.
Foothill jumps up three spots after its big win over Cal, while Campolindo jumps into the top ten. Concord debuts in the top 15.
Antioch is back in the consideration list while Kennedy-Fremont and Pinole Valley make the list for the first time this season.
1. Monte Vista (10-1-4)
2. Acalanes (13-0-2)
3. Ygnacio Valley (10-1-3)
4. California (13-1-2)
5. Berkeley (11-1-3)
6. San Ramon Valley (9-2-2)
7. De La Salle (7-3-3)
8. Foothill (8-3-3)
9. Pittsburg (5-2-4)
10. Campolindo (11-5-1)
11. Amador Valley (10-5-1)
12. Hayward (10-3-1)
13. Richmond (7-2-5)
14. Concord (7-1-4)
15. Northgate (8-2-4)
Others considered: Newark Memorial (7-3-6), Logan (7-5-4), Dougherty Valley (7-4-0), Mt. Eden (8-4-4), St. Mary’s (6-2-3), Antioch (6-2-4), College Park (6-7-4), Kennedy-Fremont (6-4-1), Hercules (12-3-1), Pinole Valley (6-4-1)
Standings
BVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Antioch (6-2-4, 2-0-0) 6
Pittsburg (5-2-4, 1-0-1) 4
Liberty (4-3-1, 1-1-0) 3
Deer Valley (5-5-2, 0-1-1) 1
Freedom (6-7-2, 0-1-1) 1
Heritage (2-7-2, 0-1-1) 1
DFAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Acalanes (13-0-2, 6-0-1) 19
Campolindo (11-5-1, 4-2-1) 13
Dougherty Valley (7-4-0, 4-2-0) 12
Dublin (5-7-3, 3-4-0) 9
Miramonte (3-7-2, 2-4-1) 7
Las Lomas (1-7-4, 1-4-2) 5
Alhambra (6-6-3, 1-5-1) 4
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Ygnacio Valley (10-1-3, 5-0-0) 15
College Park (6-7-4, 3-1-2) 11
Concord (7-1-4, 2-0-3) 9
Northgate (8-2-4, 2-2-1) 7
Berean Chr. (3-5-2, 2-2-1) 7
Clayton Valley (0-13-1, 0-4-1) 1
Mt. Diablo (0-6-0, 0-5-0) 0
EBAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Monte Vista (10-1-4, 4-0-2) 14
California (13-1-2, 4-1-1) 13
De La Salle (7-3-3, 4-1-1) 13
San Ramon Valley (9-2-2, 3-1-1) 10
Foothill (8-3-3, 2-3-1) 7
Amador Valley (10-5-1, 2-4-0) 6
Granada (4-6-3, 1-4-0) 3
Livermore (2-11-2, 0-6-0) 0
MVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Logan (7-5-4, 4-0-2) 14
Newark Memorial (7-3-6, 3-0-3) 12
Kennedy (6-4-1, 3-2-1) 10
Mission San Jose (4-7-4, 2-3-1) 7
Washington (3-3-7, 1-1-4) 7
Irvington (2-4-7, 1-2-3) 6
Moreau Catholic (1-5-4, 1-2-3) 6
American (2-7-3, 0-5-1) 1
OAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Oakland Tech (1-3-1, 1-0-0) 3
Castlemont (0-1-0, 0-1-0) 0
Fremont (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Oakland (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
Skyline (0-0-0, 0-0-0) 0
TCAL Rock
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Richmond (7-2-5, 4-0-2) 14
Albany (5-6-3, 4-2-0) 12
St. Mary’s (6-2-3, 3-1-1) 10
El Cerrito (3-10-1, 2-3-1) 7
Salesian (2-2-2, 1-2-2) 5
St. Joseph Notre Dame (1-10-1, 0-6-0) 0
TCAL Stone
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hercules (12-3-1, 6-0-0) 18
Pinole Valley (6-4-1, 4-1-1) 13
De Anza (4-4-1, 3-2-1) 10
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (1-5-0, 1-3-0) 3
Kennedy (0-5-0, 0-4-0) 0
Swett (0-4-0, 0-4-0) 0
WACC Foothill
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Berkeley (11-1-3, 7-0-1) 22
Mt. Eden (8-4-4, 4-0-4) 16
Alameda (5-6-4, 4-3-0) 12
Castro Valley (3-5-5, 3-2-3) 12
Bishop O’Dowd (3-4-3, 3-2-2) 11
Arroyo (3-7-4, 2-4-2) 8
WACC Shoreline
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hayward (10-3-1, 5-2-1) 16
San Lorenzo (3-2-3, 3-2-3) 12
San Leandro (3-7-2, 3-3-2) 11
Piedmont (2-8-1, 1-6-1) 4
Tennyson (1-12-2, 1-6-1) 4
Encinal (0-6-0, 0-6-0) 0
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
Montes, Richmond 20
Gala, Dougherty 16
Ayala, YV 16
R. Castillo, Hayward 13
Cendejas, Free 12
Solomon, Berkeley 11
Romero, Hercules 11
Berumen, Pitt 11
Reiter, CP 10
Williams, Mt. Eden 10
Grixti, Cal 9
Mendoza, Hayward 9
Villegas, Mt. Eden 9
Sandoval, Newark 9
Bolender, Ngate 9
Foster, Ngate 9
Name School Assists
Gomez, Hayward 12
Damian, YV 12
Murgia, Pitt 11
Raynor, Cal 8
Clark, FH 8
Foster, Ngate 8
Aguilar, YV 8
Bolender, Ngate 7
Montes, Richmond 7
Espinoza, St. Mary 7
Croze, Acalanes 6
Lindgren, Acalanes 6
Solomon, Berkeley 6
Goldstein, FH 6
Cendejas, Free 6
Luigi Castillo, Hayward 6
Greenberg, MV 6
Maestre, SRV 6
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January 13th, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Upcoming games by league…
BVAL
Tuesday
Deer Valley v. Antioch
Liberty v. Pittsburg
Heritage v. Freedom
Thursday
Pittsburg v. Deer Valley
Freedom v. Liberty
Antioch v. Heritage
DFAL (finals week, very few games)
Tuesday
Las Lomas v. College Park
Friday
Alhambra v. Kennedy-R
Dougherty Valley v. Dublin
Acalanes v. Las Lomas
Miramonte v. Campo
Saturday
YV v. Dougherty
Acalanes v. SRV
DVAL
Tuesday
YV v. Concord
Mount v. Clayton
Northgate v. Berean
LL v. CP
Thursday
YV v. Northgate
CP v. Mount
Concord v. Clayton
YV v. Dougherty
EBAL
Tuesday
AV v. Foothill
Granada v. Livermore
Cal v. DLS
SRV v. MV
Thursday
Cal v. MV
Granada v. SRV
AV v. Livermore
Foothill v. DLS
Saturday
Acalanes v. SRV
MVAL
Monday
Tennyson v. Washington
Wednesday
American v. Moreau
Kennedy v. Newark
Logan v. MSJ
Irvington v. Washington
Friday
MSJ v. Washington
American v. Logan
Newark v. Irvington
Kennedy v. Moreau
TCAL
Tuesday
Salesian v. St. Joe
El Cerrito v. Richmond
Hercules v. Swett
Kennedy v. Pinole
Thursday
St. Joe v. El Cerrito
Richmond v. Salesian
Pinole v. Hercules
Friday
Alhambra v. Kennedy
Saturday
St. Joe v. Swett
Pinole v. El Cerrito
WACC
Monday
Tennyson v. Washington
Wednesday
Tennyson v. Mt. Eden
BOD v. San Leandro
Castro Valley v. Encinal
Arroyo v. Hayward
Piedmont v. Berkeley
Friday
Berkeley v. Castro Valley
Arroyo v. Alameda
Mt. Eden v. BOD
San Leandro v. Tennyson
Encinal v. Piedmont
Saturday
Alameda v. San Lorenzo
January 13th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Goals by league (five or more)
BVAL
Cendejas Free 12
Berumen Pitt 11
Reynoso Liberty 5
DFAL
Gala Dougherty 16
J. Maldonado Alhambra 8
Helfrich Acalanes 7
Croze Acalanes 7
Mirner Acalanes 6
Kilwien Campo 6
Adkerson Acalanes 5
DVAL
Ayala YV 16
Reiter CP 10
Bolender Ngate 9
Foster Ngate 9
Mendez YV 6
Alman Berean 5
B. Kearney Ngate 5
Pope YV 5
EBAL
Grixti Cal 9
Raynor Cal 8
Clark FH 8
Greenberg MV 7
Maul SRV 6
Pangia AV 5
Massimino Cal 5
Guerrero DLS 5
Lisiak DLS 5
MVAL
Sandoval Newark 9
Raygoza Logan 8
Alvarado Logan 5
TCAL
Montes Richmond 20
Romero Hercules 11
Sandoval Pinole 7
Espinoza St. Mary 7
Helmud DA 5
Mesquita St. Mary 5
WACC
R. Castillo Hayward 13
Solomon Berkeley 11
Williams Mt. Eden 10
Mendoza Hayward 9
Villegas Mt. Eden 9
Gray Hayward 8
Udavd Hayward 7
Luis Castillo Hayward 7
Hamdouni Berkeley 6
Gueye Berkeley 6
A. Garcia Arroyo 5
January 13th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Assists by league (four or more)
BVAL
Murgia Pitt 11
Cendejas Free 6
Berumen Pitt 4
DFAL
Croze Acalanes 6
Lindgren Acalanes 6
J. Maldanado Alhambra 5
Diaz-Valdes Campo 5
Helfrich Acalanes 4
Maghsoodnia Campo 4
Kilwien Campo 4
Chiado-Piat Dougherty 4
DVAL
Damian YV 12
Foster Ngate 8
Aguilar YV 8
Bolender Ngate 7
Hernandez CP 5
Zumaya YV 5
EBAL
Raynor Cal 8
Clark FH 8
Goldstein FH 6
Greenberg MV 6
Maestre SRV 6
Grixti Cal 5
Pangia AV 4
MVAL
Raygoza Logan 4
Ruiz-Mejia Logan 4
Torres Moreau 4
Sandoval Newark 4
TCAL
Montes Richmond 7
Espinoza St. Mary 7
Dull St. Mary 5
E. Moreno EC 4
Alvarez Richmond 4
WACC
Gomez Hayward 12
Solomon Berkeley 6
Luigi Castillo Hayward 6
Makela Berkeley 5
Daza Garcia Berkeley 5
Guzman Castro 5
Luis Castillo Hayward 5
Ortega Hayward 5
Hebert Berkeley 4
R. Castillo Hayward 4
January 13th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Now that I’ve posted the upcoming games for the week, the goal and assist leaders by league, I’d like to address something…
I love all the energy and activity on the message board, and I don’t want it to stop. But I want to make sure we don’t say anything that isn’t in the spirit of promoting the game. I want to apologize to anyone who might have been offended last week.
As a full-time law student, who also spends a lot of time covering games, I can’t monitor every comment the second it comes out, but I do my best and as soon as I see something that is questionable, I will contact the coach of that team, and I will also consider free speech issues before making a determination.
I am sorry if anyone was hurt or offended, but I certainly do my 100 percent best to monitor the comments. Almost all of you guys understand how hard I work and I appreciate it.
January 13th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
5 MVAL teams on the bubble, interesting!
January 13th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Thanks again Matt for putting this together and I fully agree with your desire to keep this blog positive, but still allow some entertaining back and forth. On that point, I am not sure I can agree that the only underrated team can be moved down, but if MV can get through this week without a loss than maybe you are right.
January 13th, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Sorry, meant to say undefeated…not underrated for Acalanes!
January 13th, 2013 at 2:28 pm
Thanks for all the information, Matt. Just curious – did Montes from Richmond really scored 12 goals since your Jan 6 blog. Last week your blog showed that he had 8 goals and today it shows 20. I looked at Maxpreps and they only played one game in the last week and they scored 4 goals. Also the whole team has 20 goals for the season which means Montes scored each and everyone of these goals. It’s possible but highly unlikely.
Could you please check?
Thanks in advance!!
January 13th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
@ Matt other Saturday games: DLS vs Richmond at DLS
January 13th, 2013 at 3:12 pm
Hey Matt,
Interesting call to move MV up before this upcoming week. If MV ties SRV and Acalanes beats the Wolves, chaos will ensue. Not that I disagree, but we could see the top 3 change weekly if certain cards fall into place. Any of #s 1-7 could rise to the top with the right set of results.
BTW, Friday’s 0-0 tie at Campo was due to near-flawless keeping on both sides, with a little luck thrown in.
Keep up the great work and see you at the pitch!
January 13th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
If SR has a great week and beats MV and Acalanes, would you say they would deserve the #1 spot?
January 13th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Matt….keep up the great work.You are the steadying force of info and insight of high school soccer in the NCS.All fans of the sport are fortunate to have your blog available
January 13th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
2nd half of the season = Who wants it more as a team.
January 13th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Matt I agree with Bkells! Keep up the great work!
January 13th, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Thanks guys!
And I agree with Ball Don’t Lie. Gotta have some back and forth.
January 13th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
@CollegeScout There were some games for Montes I was missing. All of his stats to date were reported to me, so it is 100 percent accurate.
@Ebalkid I think SRV would have a claim in that situation, but we’d have to see how everything else played out, because Berkeley would too.
January 13th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
The top 2 teams have nobody in the top scoring list. Incredible
January 13th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Matt considering that you are a full time law student, run this most useful and entertaining blog and make as many soccer games as you do this is a remarkable accomplishment. Best wishes on your pursuit of a law degree.
January 13th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
@Matt Thanks for verifying about Montes’ goals. Anyway, it is really amazing and incredible that he has scored 100% of Richmond’s goals so far in the season. I guess there is always a first for everything. Appreciate all your time and efforts over here!
January 13th, 2013 at 10:48 pm
CollegeScout,
Matt has Montes with 20 goals and 7 assists, so he (Montes, not Matt) has not scored 100% of Richmond’s goals this season. After having seen Montes in 10 matches over the past 3 years (mostly vs. EBAL or in NCS playoffs), I would expect that ratio of goals and assists.
Maxpreps has 20 total goals for the Oilers with a 4-2-5 record, while Matt has the Oilers at 7-2-5. Maxpreps is missing 3 matches.
I would put my money on Matt’s numbers.
BTW, over the past 3 years Montes has consistently scored for the Oilers, often in a spectacular fashion. And the tamales at the wide pitch are just as spectacular.
See you at the pitch!
January 13th, 2013 at 10:48 pm
Hi Matt
I Just found out that juan villegas is really sick.
Bad news for Mt. Eden.
January 13th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
BTW, if not for getting to know Matt over the past 3 years, I would otherwise invoke Shakespeare. But, not at the risk of this blog and the chaos that would ensue. Plus Miss Idaho would have no part of that nonsense.
And now for something completely different…
I do expect chaos in the next 3-4 weeks as key matches will re-shuffle the top 7 or 8 ranked teams. YV and Berkeley seem to be in the safest positions to move up, but EBAL teams could experience a tie or loss and still move up. Go figure.
See you at the pitch!
January 13th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
One detail not discussed about the Acalanes@Campo match was the numerous grizzlies (5 or 6) sighted in the woods during the match. There were no greeks, lobos or quarter-horses sighted at the match, and it was probably too cold for yellow-jackets to be buzzing around.
I wonder if that was the case at Acalanes on Saturday.
See you at the pitch!
January 14th, 2013 at 1:16 am
@Sweeper Miss Idaho made an appearance at the pitch this weekend. And though “once more into the breach, dear friends” or “get thee to a nunnery” may not be her favorite quotes, her quick wit shows why she wears the crown.
She overheard some people talking about the blog and nearly told them she was Miss Idaho to see how closely they follow.
January 14th, 2013 at 9:08 am
@SoccerFan That is terrible news about Villegas. Will he miss games this week?
January 14th, 2013 at 9:19 am
As avid observer of the game I feel that the EBAL teams play a game of controlled urgency. Where as many of the other leagues you only see that with the top 3 or 4 teams. Over the past year I have enjoyed going to a wide variety of games and have seen many of the various teams play. But from top to bottom the EBAL seems to be the ultimate challenge. I would say that any team that has an opportunity to play a school from the EBAL only can enhance their level of play no matter the outcome of the game.
January 14th, 2013 at 10:15 am
The Sweeper,
I was not questioning Matt’s numbers. I was simply amazed that this kid had scored 100% of the goals for Oilers which is an amazing rarity.
Well the confusion was caused by Maxpreps being not up-to-date. Even now it only shows that one game results are missing. I just happen to see that his total goals were same as the total goals reported for Oilers on Maxpreps and I was just curious. Nothing more. This kind of goal scoring and assist stats do show what a star this kid is.
January 14th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@Matt your playoff picture for BVAL may change dramatically in the next few weeks as they have just played 2 games into the season. I agree with Pitt pretty much in, but the rest, especially Antioch and Freedom, are going to have an interesting fight for second in league. And you can’t count out Deer Valley just yet. Just my thoughts.
January 14th, 2013 at 10:37 am
@Goalboy You are 100 percent right. In fact, I think Antioch is almost a lock at this point. Freedom, as long as they qualify, will get in because of their schedule and a win over MV.
January 14th, 2013 at 11:13 am
@matt you have albany with three wins in league but they actually have 4. 2 against st.joseph 1 against el cerrito and one against salesian.
January 14th, 2013 at 11:37 am
The big problem with MaxPreps is if you as coach or a team manager are not religious on sending in team / players stats day of game it is slow to post. Its one of those big to do items…get your game stats in to the CCtimes and MaxPreps. People think these items just magically appear….somebody has to be the responsible gopher and get it done.
January 14th, 2013 at 11:43 am
It’s hard to compare teams – or promote your up and coming kid to a college – if their data doesn’t make it to MaxPreps.
January 14th, 2013 at 11:53 am
Sports is Stat’s based…but for High School kids it is also fun to get a little ink good or bad or even if your team is at the lower half of the table, coaches or manager should follow up with the game stats. You owe that little effort to your players.
You teach the kids to be responsible, show max effort & discipline…now flip the task around.
January 14th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Jules Rimet, I like your name…
HS coaches are usually people who hold day-time jobs, have their own families to deal with, and sometimes have very little support as far as coaching and managing the HS teams are concerned… So when one finally gets home, drained, at 11pm, the last thing that one wants to do is to dive back into the stats of one’s players, trying to figure out who scored what and who assisted what:-)
Anyway didn’t the whole team participate in scoring and assisting?
Oh yes, and also please people, lay off Matt, and remember those days when there was next-to-zero coverage of HS soccer in the Times. HE changed that. Of course, now I have no time to read it…
January 14th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Any student who is remotely thinking of playing any sport in college needs to register and fill out the information on the NCAA Eligibility web-site ( Formally known as the NCAA Clearing House ) This is the only way to be able to make the full type of contact with schools that you are interested in and gives ready access to your information…you also need to coordinate with your high school coach and academic adviser from high school. A little time upfront may = a college education and scholarship dollars:
http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp
January 14th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
@Albany Fan Thank you.
January 14th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@ Cokito I am not complaining but it is part of the job and coaches need to speak up and get some parent help and delegate a responsible parent or asst coach and establish a routine. I very well understand the sacrifices that these dedicated coaches make time-wise and sometimes financially for there respective schools & programs.
Good communication is so important.
Matt does a A#1 job with this blog and compiles information and opinions all to our benefit and enjoyment.
January 14th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Thanks guys, I appreciate it.
Getting criticized for a comment that I did not see right away, and then did due diligence in asking questions before removing it, certainly didn’t make me very happy.
I know that %99.9 of you guys love the blog, and that is all that matters!
January 14th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
What would be cool is to see a few live game ticker/blogs during the season like with football.
January 14th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Stewie – someone with an iPhone and unlimited data plan (not me) could live broadcast through G+ hangout – http://news.yahoo.com/google-app-brings-video-hangouts-iphone-040203038.html
January 14th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
No Iphone here ..but cool. Thanks
January 14th, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Matt —
I may have someone that can help out with this live feed that people are asking for.
You should have my email, contact me.
I would if i could , but work wont let me.
He may set up video of games, those to which you cant be at both places at once.
Contact me.
Thanks
January 14th, 2013 at 1:14 pm
I used to have unlimited data, but I tethered my phone to make it a hotspot and I had to get rid of my unlimited data plan.
January 14th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Sounds like the Cctimes should get Matt a dedicated iPhone for live-ticker. Hint…Hint
January 14th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@Matt Whats up in Alameda with St. Joe’s??..I have a soft spot for the Pilots, but looks like a sad season. Back in the day (1970)we hit the pitch at Lincoln Park with Coach Mathis Kia
Matt this weeks post is great..Thanks for taking the time to compile all of the stat info for us. It is especially fun to see info on the kids from club ball that are playing at there respective schools. Many we have known back from U8 days and most will be graduating after this May and next. What is fun also is that 99.9% stayed with the game.
January 14th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
@Jules Rimet,
NCS serves a wide constituency, and unfortunately there are situations where there is very little support and very little money (in underfunded schools,) then it is a question of setting priorities and allocating the available resources to these priorities.
Making sure that the kids eat something at/after school, making sure that injured players get the proper care when their families are uninsured, making sure that there are enough uniforms or soccer balls available are what some of the coaches out there deal with day to day. I know it may sound strange seen from suburbia, but sadly it is true. And this certainly goes beyond sports. How can a child focus and learn when he/she has not eaten properly? You’ll certainly understand why some schools end up paying less attention to maxpreps than others.
January 14th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
I thinks it’s time for ComCast to broadcast the DI & DII NCS section Championship. Both should be played at the same site, the same day.
January 14th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Shinguard A dedicated iPhone would be awesome! As far as St. Joe’s goes, I know they are going in the right direction, even if the record says otherwise. They have a good coach, who is patient and building interest in the program. I think they’re gonna be okay, soon.
January 14th, 2013 at 1:54 pm
@Cokito..I hear you and understand, some of the same is at the club level if were not for some angel that helps kick in some extra $$ or even just helps with some guidance some of these very kids would not be able to play club ball or even think about college. And the degree of difficulty varies at each school. Some will have just a few kids that need help and others it is the majority.
January 14th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
50 comments by Monday afternoon. I’m throwing down the gauntlet and asking you guys to get to 500 this week.
January 14th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
In EBAL at least, this Tuesday is “cross-town rival” day with Danville vs Danville, Livermore vs Livermore, and Pleasanton vs Pleasanton. Those match-ups should make for some fun games.
January 14th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Im pretty sure El Cerrito will clinch a spot in NCS this year again by looking at the stats
January 14th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Sparty’s trip to Cal and Foothill this week are two tough away games. This is EBAL shakedown week.
Resembles the EPL…you snooze you loose.
Sorry I know some do not like comparisons with anything pro related, but the EBAL is always a battle to the finish and if you turn the other way somebody will bite you in the 6.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
I like the EPL talk.
@ G Nation I think El Cerrito finds a way in, but it will be through league record if it happens. They are 3-5-1 against Division II teams, so the league record is the closest to .500 for them.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
MaxPreps is a tool to be used…if teams don’t enter roster,or schedules or follow up with scores and stats, the team page just sits blank. Not only do you not promote your school or team you also are not helping get player info out, as out-of area college coaches do follow MaxPrep as a resource for information.
January 14th, 2013 at 5:40 pm
Angle of Attack Management: DLS = (1/2) d v2 s CL
Spartans beat Cal
January 14th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
@Stewie 47 – Your idea about Comcast broadcasting the D1 and D2 finals is interesting, but unlike football, there are girls’ games too. Last year I went to the D1 boys’ final kind of early and saw the entertaining girls’ final right before that. I doubt they’ll change that around. And if they use Dublin again, there are millions of seats so come on out and watch it live. It’s almost warm by that time of year too! (Well, at least it’s above freezing.)
January 14th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Do both …I think it would be great,set a new trend.
Do a Friday / Sat Final format.
January 14th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Been to last 5 incl qualifiers…rain or shine or cold. Like Dublin also Chabot College would not be bad.
January 14th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
Matt where will you be tomorrow night?
January 14th, 2013 at 7:52 pm
@YaYa I will be at Cal v. DLS.
January 14th, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Matt, I must say, if you are considering Antioch, you should also consider some other teams such as San Lorenzo, Arroyo, Castro Valley, Alameda and Bishop O’Dowd. I watched O’Dowd draw Antioch this past weekend on a very questionable hand ball penalty kick however the game was all O’Dowd. San Lorenzo outplayed O’Dowd Wednesday and Arroyo stayed in the game Friday night, producing quality chances before giving a goal up in the final minutes. Although their records might not show, I think you should keep a close look on some WACC teams and start considering them as well along with the highly ranked Berkeley and Hayward teams.
January 15th, 2013 at 3:27 am
Well Stewie, the EPL is the best money can buy. Sound familier?
January 15th, 2013 at 6:46 am
Rumor has it that Cal will not have Raynor or Massimino due to injury. They are also missing 1 of the forwards. Grixti will have his hands full.
January 15th, 2013 at 6:56 am
Some of the very best mids and forwards are at Richmond, YV, Pitt, and at a few other schools.
January 15th, 2013 at 6:59 am
@Bigfan Rumor is Rumor it is not fact and is therefore ignored. Rumor = Squat
January 15th, 2013 at 7:23 am
@T.Powell For Antioch I simply mean because they are 6-2-4. Four games above .500 has them in pretty good shape right now to be almost a lock, though I’m not ready to call it yet. I’m like CNN calling the election, state by state. Gotta be sure before I call it
January 15th, 2013 at 8:24 am
Matt-
Does Concord have a chance vs YV ?
What does Concord have ?
What do you see happening in this game ?
Thanks
Warriors
January 15th, 2013 at 8:40 am
Matt you do a great job with this blog, and other people’s opinions only add spice to this cocktail of views, soccer is a hell of a sport, and our bay area has a very competative program =) thanks for getting us informed and involved, Its only natural that people support their school and have a worms eye view, only looking at their home ground. but you’re here and there with a birds eye view of all the leagues with an opinion that does justice to what goes out on the field.
January 15th, 2013 at 9:40 am
@ Stewie. I Should have Keep to the facts. Raynor and Massimino have not practiced for a week due to injuries. Not expected to play tonight vs DLS.
January 15th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
High school soccer is such a beautiful game, its a shame how refs ruin it. un right calls lead to escalated games. Not always fun to watch.
January 15th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Half: NG 2 – Berean 1
January 15th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Any scores from tonite’s EBAL rivalry games?
January 15th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Any DLS-Cal Update?
January 15th, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Final, Foothill-1, Amador Valley-1
January 16th, 2013 at 6:34 am
Watched first half of the DLS vs Cal game before watching MV dominate SRV… The fact is Nate Grixti is the best or second best player in the EBAL. He was so dynamic. Cal (without their starters) is as bad as Livermore in the EBAL. The chatter from Foothill parents about “a huge upset” is not true. Without Cal’s horses, Foothill is a better team. Cal looked awful last night. DLS isn’t very strong either if they can only win 2-0.
January 16th, 2013 at 6:41 am
The Cal -MV game on Thursday will be decided early. MV should dominmate a injury deplated team. Cal will not be a factor in this match.
January 16th, 2013 at 8:05 am
Is the thread down? Any game updates from last night?
January 16th, 2013 at 8:35 am
Foothill 1-1 Amador Valley
January 16th, 2013 at 10:26 am
We were on record pace.
January 16th, 2013 at 10:29 am
@Soccerbro (comment #17): that’s because they play as a TEAM, which is what you need to do to be successful and win. It’s not just the goal scorers that wins games. Defense, who usually gets no credit, wins games, too.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
We really were on a record pace. We probably lost over 100 comments.
Now we gotta pick it up to get to 500!
January 16th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Still not sure the comments are workng.
January 16th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
De La Salle 2 Cal Hi 0
Re Thursday Cal will fight and not rollover for MV
January 16th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
@Matt…looks like we are back ON but sluggish??
January 16th, 2013 at 3:26 pm
In an effort to mitigate the pain of your lost comments I humbly join in the blogging. Thanks for coming out to BHS last week Matt it was nice to meet you. Now that I understand your work a little better I do indeed appreciate the time spent. Seeing as soccer gets such little press this is an invaluable community asset. Having recently read through much of the blog it struck me that much of the commenting and knowledge is focused on the fine teams east of the Berkeley Hills. I’d like to encourage more West County fans to join the fun.
January 16th, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Test, test, test. For the next sixty seconds…never mind.
The site seems to be working.
Cal is still on the mend with injuries and illness, so the chemistry is a work in progress. That said, I am sure that the Grizzlies will be well represented in the second half and in the playoffs. Meanwhile, DLS has picked up its “ground game” to broaden its attacking style, and the rematch at MV could be for all the EBAL marbles.
MaxPreps has an incomplete schedule for the Spartans, so I am extrapolating that the MV rematch will be on the 24th(?), following the AV match on the 22nd.
See you at the pitch!
January 16th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
S-L-U-G-G-I-S-H I-S R-I-G-H-T…
I guess the system is rebuilding the “moderation” process, as recent postings have been delayed.
We should be back to normal after a relatively quiet schedule today, something about DFAL in finals week.
See you at the pitch!
January 16th, 2013 at 5:04 pm
DLS Play-dates for remainder of the month:
Thursday at Foothill 6pm
Saturday at DLS vs Richmond 6pm
1.22 at DLS vs Amador 6pm
1.24 at MV 6pm
1.26 at DLS vs Deer Valley 1pm
1.29 at DLS vs SRV 6pm
1.31 at DLS vs Granada 6pm
January 16th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Are we back? Any scores from tonight?
January 16th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Bishop O’Dowd 4 – San Leandro 0
January 16th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
About the YV,Concord game. I thought that yv was going to beat concord easily, i was wrong. Concord had yv almost the whole game. I think yv had one shot the whole game (not including 30+ free kick). Concord was deffinetly the better team. That game should of been theirs. The penalty yv got in the last 9 mins of the game was a VERY poor call. The ref ruined the game. Yv couldnt score a real goal. Concord should of won. They will be a top contestor for NCS. Respect to them.
January 16th, 2013 at 9:26 pm
What was the final score of Kennedy vs Newark?
January 16th, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Are the comments down again?
January 16th, 2013 at 11:30 pm
Hi folks, first I want to say that I have probably been guilty of some poor etiquette when blogging in the past, but I’ve had time to relax and reflect this season. What is being said here is of course in the spirit of the game, but we need to remember these are high school kids, ages 15 to 18. As a high school teacher, I’ve seen what heavy and/or blunt criticism can do. It not only affects a player, it also affects a team, or even more-so, a program. For these young athletes, giving up is easier when they work hard, with no results but bad flap from bloggers. If we’re going to be critics, it would be better for all participants if it is constructive. That gives the kids something they can work with, either individually or as a team. Some schools simply have more advantages. Numbers is one. There are Division 2 teams that nearly have the enrollment numbers to be Division 1. Money is another advantage, hands down. Almost every season I coached in the last 10 years, I had to make out of pocket purchases to assure we had equipment and uniforms. Salaries are an issue as well. Anyway, let’s save our harsh content for the collegiate, professional and national programs. : )
January 17th, 2013 at 8:05 am
Foothill should provide a a tough match for DLS however DLS is starting its push towards NCS.
January 17th, 2013 at 8:12 am
@Matt..Any thoughts on Alhambra if they will make a strong run in this second half like last year.?
January 17th, 2013 at 10:56 am
Newark 1-0.
I think the reason Alhambra can make a run is because they are tested throughout the season, they aren’t afraid of teams and they have the talent. Maybe not as talented as last year, but still pretty solid.
I hope this comment goes through.
January 17th, 2013 at 11:34 am
Bayern gets Pep
January 17th, 2013 at 11:35 am
Blog is still acting goofy
January 17th, 2013 at 11:44 am
Almost embarrassed to to put it up but I will give Encinal boys props for not giving up and finishing the game with class. Castro Valley 12 Encinal 0.
January 17th, 2013 at 11:45 am
To pick up on Marques’s points… Kids make mistakes, in every school and in every city. I am sure each of us can look back on our own teenage years and remember a few things that we may not be proud of. I know I do. One day, I really have to go back to that little store by the stadium where my friends and I played soccer during the Summer months and apologize for what we did, day in and day out. No, I won’t tell you about it. My father happened to be the first magistrate of the city at the time: how immature was I? We were kids, we did not know better. So yes, kids on all those teams do make mistakes. But most learn from them, and become better persons. That’s what learning is about.
January 17th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
# 92
Hello and welcome back blog…..
I also was at the YV vs Concord game.
I do believe you are correct about Concord playing a stronger game then YV, but for you to say they only had one shot is an under statement.
My personal views of the game-
YV is still the stronger team even if Concord came to play. The game was slow in the beginning and no team had clear possession of the ball.
Some key points to the game-
Concord played toe to toe with a very skilled and fast team. Remember, all great teams have an off day.
Concord’s attack came from all areas of the field and was very dynamic. Concord is probably the best underrated team as of right now. My hats off to that program.
YV found themselves in a hole after being scored in the first half. That same fast very skilled team did not find a way to the goal unless it was long ball. Not what Yv is known for.
Let’s not forget that YV was one man down after a red card. Very important that they still attacked.
The Ref’s Call -
I don’t know if any other ref would have made that call that gave YV a penalty. It was heart breaking for the Concord players to be given a tie after in many aspects of the game out playing YV.
Great game … bad call.
January 17th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Are we back?
January 17th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
Still in 1st half. YV 1 – NG 0
January 17th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Any update from YV
January 17th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
?
January 17th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
How many comments do you guys think we lost?
January 17th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
YV 3 – NG 0
January 17th, 2013 at 4:50 pm
For those of you that didn’t see it on Twitter, I think the big news is that Rigo Castillo is back for Hayward and being eased into action.
January 17th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
NG gets a fresh keeper, then one more goal scored. Final YV 4 – NG 0
January 17th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
YV 4-0 Northgate
January 17th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
Thanks, Stalwart!
January 17th, 2013 at 5:51 pm
CP 2-0 Mount Diablo
January 17th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Livermore up 1-0 on AV early on.
January 17th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
DLS 0-0 FH 20 minutes in.
January 17th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Hercules goes up 1-0 on an incredible goal by Romero.
January 17th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
MV and Cal 0-0 half.
January 17th, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Now that we are back I feel I must put forth a theory:
One by the name of bambam has not been heard from this season. I have found evidence that the BLOG OUTAGE OF 2013 ( all future reference must be in that format) was his doing. You see he was a secret CCS mole sent to sow discontent and discord amongst the NCS faithful. It was quite brilliant in truth.
Or, ang needs better server infrastructure. But I tend to believe the latter. Don’t trust those CCS guys; they are shady.
January 17th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Let’s go with the Bam Bam theory!
January 17th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
MV goes up 1-0 on Cal.
January 17th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
MV leads 2-0. The East Bay’s No. 1 team is playing well.
January 17th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Monte Vista 3-0.
January 17th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Hercules 2-0 Pinole
January 17th, 2013 at 7:41 pm
BamBam vs BANG,
The brotherhood takes on the mainstream media complex and you know the rest of the story…
See you at the pitch!
January 17th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
DLS 0-0 FH
January 17th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
Pitt 5-3 DV.
January 17th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
7:17, 7:23 & 7:29. 3 goals in 12 minutes against Cal is quite impressive, particularly after an uneventful 0-0 first half. I saw the first half but had to leave to make an airport run. What hath Indiana Zahner wraught on the EBAL?
See you at the pitch!
January 17th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Concord 4-1 CV
January 17th, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Freedom 3-0 Liberty
January 17th, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Oakland Tech 5-0 Fremont
January 17th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
EC 5-1 St. Joe
January 17th, 2013 at 9:10 pm
@Matt So Freedom beat Liberty today 3-0 and looking like and NCS team. Jorge Cendejas this week scored a total of 5 goals (2 vs. Heritage & all 3 today against Liberty). Then I find out from a very good team source that Cendejas is ineligible to play due to grades so today was his last game. What a shame! Talk about a blow to Freedom’s program. Cendejas is the heart and soul and leader of that team. The Freedom coach has a huge task ahead of him, to say the least. Keeping this team, which is still NCS capable (in my opinion), mentally prepared for this huge challenge wont be easy. Going to be interesting to see if Freedom can overcome this adversity. We’ll see what they’re made of. As for Cendejas, he is a senior so good luck to him. That’s just too bad.
January 17th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Livermore 1 – Amador 0
Livermore consistently applied pressure to Amador’s defense through out the game. Goal scored by Tyler Ellis. The goalie Logan who was brought up from jv kept his composure in goal and made some key saves to keep a clean sheet.
January 17th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
@Goalboy, that’s awful to hear. Way too bad. Hopefully the team can rally.
Does anyone know the Antioch/Heritage score?
January 17th, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Have to give you props Matt for placing MV at number 1. They appear to be a very deep team that can score in a variety of ways from a variety of players. Also, props to Livermore for getting their first league win.
January 17th, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Amador Valley – Livermore game ended in intrigue… Amador scored a late goal from distance to tie the match 1-1… but then the shocker; the referee calls the goal back, claiming the shot hit the crossbar, then bounced up and hit the yellow football goal post, then bounced back down to the floor and then bounced into the net! Surely cannot afford goal-line technology in high-school, but maybe some glasses for the ref
January 17th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
@Ball Don’t Lie Thanks man. I think this MV team is pretty dang good.
I also wanted to give props to LIvermore on a big win. It’s been a rough season and this team hasn’t quit. Good for them, and it’s great to see.
January 17th, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Let’s not forget to give props to our first league champs of 2013, the Hercules Titans.
January 17th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
@Matt Antioch 3-0 Heritage
January 17th, 2013 at 11:48 pm
@Matt Thoughts on Dublin? Strong points and weak points? Strong players? Prediction vs DV?
January 18th, 2013 at 7:00 am
Rough week for Cal. Looks like help is on the way with 2 starters coming back next week. MV has the depth to take them all the way this year. Congratulations on the win last night.
January 18th, 2013 at 7:18 am
Strange at best was Foothill DLS game. Foothill was playing aggressive defense all 80 along with DLS. But nobody could close the deal up front for either team.
January 18th, 2013 at 7:40 am
@Bleachers Let’s just say that Dublin is a young team, so they have good days and bad days. They really need to start collecting some wins to get to NCS. If they get in, as they usually do, I always expect them to be hard to beat in the playoffs. This program understands winning in the post-season. I do think Dougherty is playing well right now, so beating them again will be hard for the Gaels.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:45 am
Dublin is not bad, can be athletic, but tends to get flat footed as pace slows and pressure from opponent builds.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:52 am
you should check out defender max lovelle from pinole valley
January 18th, 2013 at 8:59 am
The story about Jorge Cendejas at # 133 is very sad for him personally & for Freedom HS but IMHO probably also sad for US soccer in general. It seems from this forum that most of simply want our players to continue their soccer careers at the college level. But what about the very (super) talented players that do not go on to college? Since we dont have a legitimate multi-division pro league in the US, these players soccer careers are essentially over at age 17 or 18. So we have very good students but (probably) not the best soccer players going on to play college ball which then become future MLS players (as evidenced by yesterdays MLS draft, most come from college ranks). Does anyone else see this as a serious problem for the development of soccer in our country?
January 18th, 2013 at 9:13 am
The Academy teams are out there..but you need to try-out and then you have the commute factor. I know some very good players who can not play HS ball because of grades and who also just play club. Student Athlete has to have some meaning and gpa’s below 2.0 just don’t cut it.
January 18th, 2013 at 9:51 am
@ Old Soccer Head I agree with you that not the best soccer players go on to play college and eventually the MLS. This is a serious problem. But I also have to agree with @Itsabob in that, if you cannot earn a minimum 2.0 GPA, something is wrong. Lack of student effort, lack of parent support, personal issues, etc. etc. etc. Ironically, I read an article for Cendejas on the Brentwood Press and apparently Cendejas left the SJ Earthquakes Academy because he was falling back academically due to constant travel. Word is that it wasn’t such a bad decision as his grades we’re improving since leaving the academy, he just couldn’t bring them up enough, on time. That’s too bad. I saw this kid play several games this year. He is very talented player. Wish him the best of luck!
January 18th, 2013 at 10:04 am
Without their 2 or 3 starters, Cal is a very, very poor high school side now. When they get their starters back, it will be a different story. Hopefully, they come back before the SRV game.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:53 am
@Goalboy Interesting point. I know that travel to De Anza or Earthquake practices and games is a major factor in keeping Oakland area kids from being able to play Academy ball. I know some kids that suffered a similar scenario as you describe with Cendejas. Joined the Academy, grades dropped, had to quit. This plus the inability to play high school makes Academy ball dubious at best. @Old Soccer Head I agree the best players are not filtered through to MLS only the ones that have the resources and support to follow the prescribed path. There are many exceptional players in the Oakland area that can’t afford club ball or for various reasons can’t make that commitment, and don’t have the grades for High School ball. The adult teams are their future. Many start playing there at 16 or 17… and yes some are paid to play.
January 18th, 2013 at 11:20 am
What is more important, winning league or going to NCS playoffs?
SRV vs Acalanes tomorrow.
January 18th, 2013 at 11:50 am
Last night’s scores…
BVAL
Pitt 5-3 DV
Antioch 3-0 Heritage
Freedom 3-0 Liberty
DVAL
YV 4-0 Ngate
Concord 4-1 Clayton
CP 2-0 Mount
EBAL
FH 0-0 DLS
MV 3-0 Cal
Liv 1-0 AV
SRV 3-0 Granada
TCAL
Richmond 3-2 Albany
EC 5-1 St. Joe
St. Mary 2-1 Salesian
Hercules 2-0 Pinole
January 18th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Itsagrind.:) even the European academy programs incorporate strict academic rules big advantage is most have an integrated academic program The few that make the pro’s and those that do..your avg player may see 5-6 years…or has the devastating injury, you need a fall-back or you just sit in your local pub and remember the glory days.
January 18th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
tommorow el cerrito vs pinole valley at pinole. should be intresting to watch
January 18th, 2013 at 5:16 pm
Can anybody stop MV? Who has the best chance?
SRV will need to speed freak Acalanes with relentless pressure and control the mid field.
January 18th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Hayward 2, SLZ 2
January 18th, 2013 at 6:16 pm
Alhambra up 1-0 on Kennedy-Richmond.
The Bulldogs need this one for their playoff chances.
January 18th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Alhambra up 2-0.
January 18th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
This blog is crap half of you don’t even know what you are talking about most of these kids will never see a college field because they are not quality footballers. High school soccer in America is a joke and so is the development of these players. USA soccer will never be considered among the upper echelon of the soccer world.
January 18th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Scoreless with 10 minutes left in the half at campo vs. Miramonte
January 18th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Campo goes up 1-0 right before half.
January 18th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Stewie,
“156.Can anybody stop MV? Who has the best chance?”
The Mustangs have 6 EBAL Games left. As has been shown this year and in years past, that means there are 6 good opportunities for MV to get a loss, so let’s not crown them yet or at all until the season is complete.
January 18th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Dogs up 3-0
January 18th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Dublin 2 Dougherty Valley 1 final.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Final Alhambra 3 Kennedy Richmond 0
January 18th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
Campo 2, Mira 0
Dublin 2, Dougherty 1
Arroyo 3, Alameda 0
January 18th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
@Balling Out Wow. Way to make people feel good. And why does that make this blog crap? It’s actually the product of hard work, my friend.
But I appreciate your opinion.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
I was throwing out a question…I know EBAL is a crap-shoot. Livermore and Foothill are showing some guts.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Next week De La Salle
1.22 at DLS vs Amador 6pm
1.24 at MV 6pm
1.26 at DLS vs Deer Valley 1:00pm
This Saturday 1.19 at DLS vs Richmond 6pm
January 18th, 2013 at 8:37 pm
@Matt…calm , cool and collected re #168
Sounds like a bitter Euro Footy Baller.
January 18th, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Berkeley 2, Castro Valley 1, CV put on strong defense
January 18th, 2013 at 9:40 pm
I guess MLS teams should start scouting kids at the rec/church leagues. Of coure being battle tested against the best players in the country at the academy level/club level, then proving yourself for 4 years not to mention being organized enough, being able to multi-task daily while more than likely picking up a degree at the college level means nothing. Nah, that wouldn’t make sense.
The college level player now isn’t just some local kid does good story. The new college player of today might be some stud from Europe or maybe from one of the African nations. These college kids are typically very self motivated, driven and probably do come from some middle class family with 2 parents to support them. Don’t kid yourself with “the best players aren’t winding up in the MLS” theory. The MLS is part college player, part foreign players, some academy kids, and a bunch of kids that went through the National team system.
What other way does the MLS have to actually use to scout and assess their potential prospects. Think of college soccer as minor league baseball.
I do agree with the comment that the commute kills chances for some kids to keep up grades while practicing 4 days a week. Although,If you can do it and maintain a nice GPA than it’s just another way for a college coach
to see that you are dedicated and driven enough for their said program. Not to mention this might help later in life getting into the workforce. If I was hiring, and knew a kid was able to pull all of that off, it might shine brightly on that particular applicant.
Final thoughts, The MLS has a lot riding on each and every draft pick. They can’t afford to take a chance on an unproven player. That’s what the Club/academy, then off to college player offers them. A long term tryout at the highest level.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Acalanes 4 Las Lomas 1.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:46 pm
@mark long
I agree, however, one point must be made: on average college stunts American player growth compared to other developed soccer nations. The limits on training and games made by NCAA rules causes the most elite (read: international caliber) players to fall behind.
Play in front of 10,000 (maybe) or in front of 50k plus in a relegation battle/qualifier/league cup match. No comparison.
If you are good enough to get college paid for; god bless. Work hard and enjoy the ride.
If the academies are ever going to do what USSF claimed they would (win world cups) they have to be moving players pro.
January 18th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
How was DV/Dublin game? Details please.
January 19th, 2013 at 12:55 am
I’m looking for WACC scores involving… Mt. Eden, BOD, SL, Piedmont, Encinal, Tennyson. Also looking for Kennedy v. Moreau.
January 19th, 2013 at 7:42 am
Most of the top Euro teams carry 2-3 very talented youngsters who have been developed through the club most come from U18-U21 squads. Then there is the youngster that has potential world class capabilities that may come in, to develop with 1st team. Then is the youngster who has been blessed by the soccer gods who has that rapid rise to the world stage. Again look at the numbers very few 5* star players, a good cluster of 4* players, and a larger bunch of 3* star players. The US needs to keep a high skills focus on the younger age U-9-U14 players. Parents get consumed about playing time…Good clubs focus on skill development which then translates into game. In Europe they laugh at the amount of games played by our youth programs and summer tournament focus. Which translates, when you are ground down the quality of play is diminished.
January 19th, 2013 at 8:08 am
Amen Shinguard.
January 19th, 2013 at 8:24 am
@Matt
Mt.Eden 1 – O’Dowd 0
January 19th, 2013 at 8:25 am
good comments re player develpoment in the US. I agree that the American academy concept is the current way to get noticed in this country. Hope it works out.. I have my doubts (but thats just my opinion) for all the previously mentioned reasons e.g. cost, access, travel, coverage (e.g. lot of good players in San Joaquin valley & other places just cant make it to an academy site), I am not denigrating student atheletes. High school & college soccer are great fun but what I am talking about is how do we get players to a pro level caliber? Some food for thought: at 2011 world cup, u-17s came in second behind Uzbeckistan (!!!) in group stage & were promptly eliminated in round of 16; the u-20s failed to qualify for u-20 wc; the u-23s failed to qualify for Olympics; current MNT coach Jon Klinsmann is looking at foreign born/raised US citizens to fill his roster spots.
January 19th, 2013 at 8:50 am
Kennedy 4- Moreau 0
January 19th, 2013 at 8:54 am
Totally agree Shinguard. We are not a soccer nation yet and if a youth aspires to play at an international level its got to be done outside of the box not through the current system put in place.
January 19th, 2013 at 9:40 am
US soccer still needs to respect our system of High School and College. I am still of the feeling that the 3 month HS season should be respected.
Some thoughts are for US soccer.
1. State organizations i.e. CIF should work with US soccer on Coaching License for High School. State School Sports Body needs to recognize the uniqueness required for the true development of US soccer.
2. Some fundamental standardized guideline for Skill enhancement and maintenance for HS also incorporation of Physical training. 3. Academies to provide enhanced coaching clinics continuing ed for HS coaches. 4.Coaching License will require a certain amount of continuing ed every 24 months.
4. Some form of standardized style of play but still encourages individual team – player creativity.
January 19th, 2013 at 10:00 am
That would be a tough sale to many HS programs. HS soccer is not a money maker for the school in most cases so not much attention is put into it. It would lay squarely on the shoulders of the parents (fees etc.) and boosters.
January 19th, 2013 at 10:16 am
Schools that already have money and resources in their programs will be fine, the ones that don’t will just exist.
January 19th, 2013 at 10:46 am
OK, I’m a bit confused here.
This is a HS Soccer forum blog or whatever.
So THE POINT of HS Soccer programs is what?
To develop the less than 0.25% of players that will go on to represent our country in the sport of soccer?
It’s probably even less of a % than that.
I’d even argue the point that that is NOT the point of even the club programs.
But all that makes for a different discussion than the 2012-2013 NCS HS Soccer season.
Can we please get back to just discussing the games?
As for the funding discussion, many of you may not know that the San Ramon Valley Unified School District has given Athletics only limited financial support for, I believe the last 15years. So each and every sports team for schools in the SRVUSD is a pay to play proposition. It’s starting to be a reality in more and more school districts in our area and nationally.
Back to the games.
SRV v Acalanes today!
predictions?
I pick SRV 3-1
January 19th, 2013 at 11:01 am
If the player is one of the 2 or 3 in the bay area who might be good enough to play at the international level,put them into the appropriate situation.The problem is all the parents who THINK their child is the next Pele or the next Lebron James.High school sports are not developmental programs for superstars.Oh for the good old days where kids played with pride for their schools instead of “showcasing their talent”.Our society in general has really screwed up high school athletics.
January 19th, 2013 at 11:12 am
Its about winning as like in HS Football,Basketball,Tennis,Baseball etc…and yes I am pretty sure parents of kids in those sports all have ambition be it a little or a lot for their kid to play beyond HS if at all possible so why should HS soccer be any different? You want to play for school pride only then join the chess club or a spelling bee contest. As for funding I believe most if not all schools have a fee now but it the bulk of the responsibility of the funding lays with the coaches and the parents. If the program isnt successful then the funding or will to fundraise will be minimal. I know the Hayward coach (good guy big heart) uses his own stipend for the year putting it directly towards the players needs, not many do that and it’s commendable.
January 19th, 2013 at 11:30 am
Sorry Matt I didn’t mean the blog got a little ahead of myself meant the soccer in America is crap. Football Is still viewed as a recreational sport or something kids do to pass time. We have no American soccer Idols not one who’s ever reached heights that other footballers in other countries reach. 1 1/2 hours of training with poor quality trainers or coaches is not enough to get the level of US soccer to another level.
As for shinguard nobody here is bitter maybe except for you’re mother for having such a lame for a son.
Regards
Balling out.
January 19th, 2013 at 11:39 am
Amen Hoops!
January 19th, 2013 at 11:43 am
to EBALDad, sorry for the digression….jut trying to get the comments up after losing so many earlier in the week. But you’re right, HS soccer is supposed to be fun and should be the main focus of the forum. The SRV – Acalanes game should be a good one that should gauge the relative strength of Acalanes and the EBAL in general. No predictions here but just looking forward to an exciting EBAL (hopefully injury free) 2nd half of the season.
January 19th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Its not all EBAL…Alhambra had a critical 3-0 win last night against Kennedy-Richmond. Good to see the dog’s stick a few into the net.
Yes the SRV Acalanes game should be good. Understand that SRV should have the numbers all back but might be short on the game form. Acalanes if pumped can move it pretty good for all 80. Should be exciting challenge for both teams.
January 19th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
I like Pithy and Pin Heads need not apply. (Thanks Bill)
Is the blog not worthy of discussion and of the support of HS soccer? I would say you all care very much about the sport. According to CIF stats participation in Soccer is up across the state and nationally the past 5 years. I think US soccer should find a way to work and promote not only with Academy development but be more inclusive of the HS. One thing would be nice to see MLS and the Big sponsors have some type of foundation, that regionally can award grants to schools in need for equipment, such as goals, balls, uniforms, training items and no cost or minimal cost coaching advancement / certification programs,some intense day – regional sessions for players, all outside of Club and Academy programs.
Just Saying.
January 19th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Here Here. Love the Beautiful Game….group hug
What time is today’s SRV Acalanes game & Where?
DLS host Richmond tonight at 6
January 19th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Interesting news in MVAL. I’m hearing that Mission is going to have to forfeit their win against Irvington earlier in the year because their coach attended and coached the game while having received a red card in the previous match. Unbelievable.
That loss could come back to haunt Mission and possibly boost Irvington’s record just enough if they finish on a run.
January 19th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
SRV at Aca at 6pm.
YV hosts Dougherty at 3:30pm.
January 19th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Acalanes seems the most interesting although Richmond and DLS have both been a a roll.
January 19th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
San Lorenzo 1, Alameda 0
January 19th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
@Bailing Out No worries. I assumed that’s what you meant. I was just teasing a little bit
Thanks for reading and commenting!
January 19th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Pinole 2, El Cerrito 1
January 19th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
No refs at YV today, so the game with Dougherty Valley did not happen.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Underway at Acalanes.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
1-0 Acalanes, right away.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
1-0 20 minute mark.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
DLS 0-0 Richmond at 20 minute mark.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Richmond up 1-0 on DLS.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
Acalanes went up 2-0. SRV got a lifeline with a goal just seconds before half. 2-1.
January 19th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
SRV equalizes.
January 19th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
Richmond 1-1 DLS 25 minutes left.
Acalanes 2-2 SRV 20 minutes left.
January 19th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Acalanes 3-2 SRV
DLS 2-1 Richmond
January 19th, 2013 at 10:46 pm
For the DLS – Richmmond game, it was a back and forth game. Richmond broke through with about 10 minutes left in the half for a 1 to 0 lead. It was a solid strike from their right winger. DLS came out quickly in the 2 nd half scoring twice by Jones to take the lead. The play of the game with about 10 minutes left was Konstantino stopping Montes on a PK. Richmond after that never got a serious attack against the DLS defense. Good hard win for DLS. Pretty solid week of soccer for DLS with wins over Cal and Richmond, tie with Foothill.
January 19th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
I watch Montes last year. Matt Smith, after watching him again today, I have no clue how you could pick him as the player of the year last year. I will not say anything negatively about anyone but someone from the EBAL must win the award. Molineax or Marcinskiwski from DLS should have won last year. If Montes played in the EBAL, I guarantee he would not be all first team. Probably a second team most likely. Richmond has the weakest conference schedule and unless they score 55 goals, the goals do not mean much. Sorry to question you but…,
January 19th, 2013 at 11:21 pm
@MustangFan Actually Montes Is an amazing player. He is easily one of the most skilled players in the area. I advise to either post something that is logical or to stop posting because most of your posts are full of nonsense.
January 19th, 2013 at 11:57 pm
@MustangFan You are certainly entitled to your opinion, and don’t be sorry.
I have watched him for four years, and I think he is terrific. He is amazing to watch. I heard he played fine tonight, but maybe didn’t have his best game finishing. Regardless, he’s fantastic.
January 20th, 2013 at 12:02 am
MustangFan,
I completely understand your comment, “I have no clue…” That is very transparent to me. Afterall, Montes has no track record scoring against EBAL teams, correct?
While I cannot and will not speak for Mr. Smith, the idea that you can “guarantee he would not be all first team” is pure conjecture, unless you have an EBAL vote, and even then…
In the matches that I have seen over the past three years, EBAL teams clearly respect the young man’s talent, and yet he scores with regularity and authority.
But then again, I did not see the match today, so things may have changed.
I certainly appreciate that you strongly support two EBAL players for the 2011-2012 season POY, but that discussion left the BART station months ago.
Respect the game and the players.
January 20th, 2013 at 12:33 am
Congratulations to Acalanes for outlasting SRV 3-2. It was a very competitive match that required a full effort from both teams. I am sure that Mr. Smith will have a good write-up of the details in the morning paper, and all that I can say is that I enjoyed every minute of the match. I imagine that both coaches learned a few good things tonight.
See you at the pitch!
January 20th, 2013 at 7:42 am
Richmond played a disciplined passing game with very obvious triangle , diamond and wedge. Some very good opportunities were taken away by the DLS Backs and Keeper. DLS cinched down more in the second half with better play in the mid-field with winning the ball and some good aggressive and relentless box play up front. Bottom line Spartans got the job done even though it was not that pretty.
January 20th, 2013 at 7:56 am
Last note on the DLS Richmond game. The Spartans Keeper was faced with a PK. Talk about no fear and confidence, he executed a great stop on a well hit rifle shot. That is getting the job done.
January 20th, 2013 at 8:58 am
Check out the story of Sebastien Lleget now on the U -23 National team and currently under consideration for the West Ham regulars. His talent was evident as a U13 and was offered a youth team spot on the West Ham U18′s. He played club locally ( as in the bay area locally) for Burlingame and Santa Clara Sporting 92′s. Marc Pelosi is another local product on the National team radar ( DeAnza Force 93). Lleget never played for the Academy teams but I believe Pelosi did (?).
Anybody else know of success stories like this? Just curious…
January 20th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@Peppers and All Matt Smith Fans I’d like to offer that the Dublin vs Dougherty Valley Game is what High School Soccer is all about and why we enjoy talking about it so much. Big Rivalry and League Game between 2 Schools that are only a few miles apart. They Play for something called the Stone Leaf Trophy and the School that Wins the Final Game of the 2 Game Home and Home keeps the Trophy over the Off Season. Dublin now holds the Trophy for the Second Year in a Row after 2 Wins over Dougherty Valley this Season.
As far as the Game went, it was a hard-fought, physical affair, or a typical DFAL Game. Both Sides scored in the First Half and then Dublin scored the Winning Goal on a Very Nice Free Kick perfectly placed past the Dougherty Valley Keeper from 23 Yards out in the Second Half. Strong Defense by Both Sides and the Junior Heavy Dublin Side was able to control the talented Dougherty Valley Seniors in the Second Half. Dougherty Valley dominated Possession and had the Ball in the Dublin Half the majority of the First Half, but Dublin made some nice corrections at Half Time and had a slight advantage in the Second Half.
I think Every Player on the Field at Dougherty Valley was Playing for their Team and for School Pride. Congratulations to Both Sides…their Players, Coaches and Fans…for an Outstanding Night of High School Soccer!
January 20th, 2013 at 10:00 am
Sebi was around before the advent of the Academy situation. He got a look by west ham from connections inside of Santa Clara sporting … Or a college coach … Memory is foggy
Awesome for him, awesome for US soccer.
January 20th, 2013 at 10:03 am
Have had the opportunity of watching a few EBAL games this year and I do not see a clear cut winner.Although MV seems to be the best team in conference others can win.I have noticed that MV players look for one another and play well together as a team.AV on the other hand has some talented players yet they do not play well as a team.AV has not played well in the last 6 games and need some changes.Possibly rethinking player positions.Doyle and Howald are usually solid in back…Lee and others need to put in a solid 80 minutes with better decisions on their passes.Seitz,Pangia and Tait-Mole need to step it up.Lack of creativity in mid-field creates lack of goal scoring opportunities
January 20th, 2013 at 10:16 am
I have nothing against soccer but it will always be behind the other major sports in the U.S.The cold hard truth is that the majority of people find it boring compared to basketball,football and even baseball.It is a great sport for kids because it gets them running around and is easier to play at the basic level.It is a lot more difficult to teach a kid the skills needed to play basketball and baseball than soccer,again, at the basic level.Almost any kid can get something positive from playing soccer at the basic level.Not so true with the other sports.
January 20th, 2013 at 10:18 am
I saw the first half of the Rich DLS game, and I did not see Montes at his best, he is playing with many underclassmen. With a better supporting cast he is as dangerous as anybody in the Eastbay.
To the comment of the Player of the Year should come from the EBAL, I say WHY? It appears to me that this is more a rebuilding year in the EBAL and there are players at Berkeley, Hayward, Hercules, Pittsburgh and others that are as good or better.
January 20th, 2013 at 10:29 am
I have nothing against basketball but it will always be about the last two minutes: foul, time-out, commercial, foul, time-out, commercial, foul, time-out, commercial, foul, time-out, commercial…and this is at the “highest level” of play!?!
Seriously, see you at the pitch!
January 20th, 2013 at 10:33 am
@225 is for @223.
See you at the pitch!
January 20th, 2013 at 11:18 am
POY is basically a goal tally. You will have teams that have 6 players with 5 goals each and team with 1 player with 30. Who has the better player or has the better team?? Yes a POY can be a defender or Keeper but the play and leadership needs to be of the charts. You have to be honest also that certain team and leagues the speed and intensity of play are a noticeable step down from others and the goal tally just keeps on ticking for the 1 or 2 skilled players.
January 21st, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Sweeper I get your point but but most people are bored by soccer because of the lack of any real scoring opportunities for 98 % of the game time.A very very small portion of people will appreciate all the nuances and skill outside of actual scoring opportunities.That is the downfall of soccer as a major spectator sport for the American masses,along with a lack of patience.The biggest hope for soccer here is our changing demographics.
January 21st, 2013 at 4:19 pm
@Hoops,
Well put, “for the American masses”. However, I believe that there are forces beyond the “changing demographics” that will have just as much, if not more, impact on the popularity of soccer in the U.S.
Until recently (the past 20 years) soccer was intentionally held back from the American masses by network television, due to the lack of commercial breaks that limited revenue. This left soccer at a significant disadvantage compared to the other major sports that were regularly broadcast in the U.S.
Cable, satellite and Internet alternatives as well as the demand for content have greatly improved the situation. In addition, advertisers have flocked to support broadcast soccer matches. And with the truly global nature of soccer combined with access to all major matches, the American masses will gradually shift their views.
See you at the pitch!