Comments on: Boys Soccer: Playoff Picture, Rankings, Standings, Stats

By: The Sweeper

The Sweeper — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:19:39 +0000

@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!

By: hoops

hoops — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:03:17 +0000

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.

By: Feint

Feint — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:18:37 +0000

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.

By: The Sweeper

The Sweeper — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:33:00 +0000

@225 is for @223.

See you at the pitch!

By: The Sweeper

The Sweeper — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:29:57 +0000

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!

By: Waterboy

Waterboy — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:18:23 +0000

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.

By: hoops

hoops — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:16:04 +0000

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.

By: bournville

bournville — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:03:41 +0000

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

By: eL Pata

eL Pata — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:00:39 +0000

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.

By: DFAL Fan

DFAL Fan — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 17:12:17 +0000

@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!