- East Bay Prep Corner
Boys Soccer: Playoff Picture, Rankings, Standings, Stats
By Matt Smith
Sunday, January 27th, 2013 at 10:27 am in Boys soccer.
The playoff races in Division I and Division II are heating up. Who’s looking like they will get in and who isn’t?
Division I
Locks: Amador Valley, Berkeley, California, De La Salle, Foothill, Monte Vista, Newark Memorial, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon Valley
These 10 teams are mathematically eligible for the playoffs already, and based on their wins and the schedule they’ve played, I believe are already in the playoffs no matter what happens. (Richmond & Berkeley have already earned an automatic berth). This leaves us six spots.
Pretty Much In: Antioch, College Park, Mt. Eden
These three teams, barring any setbacks, are in. They have mathematically qualified already, but unlike the teams above, wouldn’t be safe if they were to lose out. However, a win or two or a draw here and there in their last four games should do the trick. I’d list CP, ME and Antioch, in that order, in terms of safety. This leaves three spots.
Inside the Bubble: Castro Valley, Deer Valley, Dougherty Valley, Logan
Castro Valley- As of right now, a game above .500 in league, they are inside the bubble. However, they finish against Bishop O’Dowd, Mt. Eden and Berkeley in three of their last four games. Going any combination of 0-1-3, 1-2-1, 1-1-2, etc… in their last four league games makes them eligible.
Deer Valley- A game over .500 overall and in league. This team is actually pretty safe based on schedule strength and remaining schedule. Almost a Pretty Much In team.
Dougherty Valley- Record-wise, Dougherty is close to qualifying. They’ve played a pretty decent non-league schedule that will help increase the chances.
Logan- Once a Pretty Much In team, they have had a rough week. I think this team is a lot like DV, pretty safe. But the Colts needs to get back on track.
I believe at least two of these teams get in, which really only leaves one spot for others to fight for.
On the Bubble: Alameda, Arroyo, Freedom, Irvington, Liberty, Mission San Jose, San Leandro, Washington
Alameda- Needs two more wins than losses in their last four league games to qualify.
Arroyo- Same as Alameda.
Freedom- Has a win against MV and a draw against Pitt, but is only 3-6-2 against Division I teams. Just one game under .500 overall and in league, but qualifying and getting in are two different things.
Irvington- Just a game under .500 in league and playing better.
Liberty- Two games under in league, so good play over the last two weeks is vital.
MSJ- A side with very solid results, so I’m not counting them out yet.
San Leandro- 4-4-4 in league, so exactly .500. Keep that pace and they’ll qualify. A few more wins strengthens the case.
Washington- Had a rough week. A game under overall and in league, was looking in decent shape before this, but should be able to turn it around and get qualified.
Division II
Locks: Acalanes, Campolindo, Concord, Hayward, Hercules, Northgate, Pinole Valley, St. Mary’s, Ygnacio Valley
These nine teams are mathematically eligible for the playoffs already, and based on their wins and the schedule they’ve played, I believe are already in the playoffs no matter what happens. (Hercules has already earned an automatic berth). This leaves us seven spots.
Pretty Much In: De Anza, Kennedy-Fremont
I believe these two have already mathematically qualified, and based on the lack of qualifying teams in Division II, I pretty much believe them to be locks. I’m gonna leave myself room for error in case I don’t have their records correct. This leaves five spots.
Inside the Bubble: Alhambra, Bishop O’Dowd, Dublin, San Lorenzo
Alhambra- Despite being tied for last in the DFAL, which isn’t as bad as it sounds because it’s such a tough league, this team looks like it will probably get in. Two games above .500 with a solid schedule and a win over YV equals playoffs to me, as long as they qualify.
Bishop O’Dowd- Getting hot right now and shouldn’t have any problem qualifying, or getting in. One more league win makes them eligible. This team is Pretty Much In.
Dublin- An up and down team that is tough to figure out, seems to be in a good position now. 5-4-0 in league and 5-4-3 against Division II teams means they just have to win once or twice to end the year to get in.
San Lorenzo- Had a rough week, but being two games over .500 both overall and in league gives them room to play with. This team will be fine and should get in.
I think all four of these teams are getting in, leaving us one spot.
On the Bubble: Albany, El Cerrito, Moreau Catholic, Piedmont, Salesian
Albany- Could have qualified with a win over Salesian in their last league game, this team will now have to win twice or go 1-0-1 in the TCAL Tourney. They are 5-6-1 in Division II games (remember, Oakland Tech counts as Division II) so winning a TCAL tourney game, then drawing one, or winning two would help. They could even win one and then lose against Richmond (DI) and get in.
El Cerrito- I’m not seeing the mathematical possibility, but I could be wrong. Overall is clearly not good enough, and 4-5-1 isn’t gonna work in league. They needed a win or draw in their last game. They are 5-8-1 in Division II games, so I guess winning the TCAL Tourney, as long as they play all DII schools on the way, could do it.
Moreau Catholic- Believe it or not, this team is probably in the best shape. They are playing much, much better, are only a game under .500 in league and are 2-0-2 against the four teams they have left.
Piedmont- The Highlanders are playing better right now, but need to go unbeaten (4-0-0, or 3-0-1) in their last four games to get in.
Salesian- 3-4-2 against Division II teams, so a win and a draw or a couple of wins in the TCAL tourney, will get them eligible.
Rankings
Even though they are still undefeated, a draw against Miramonte was enough for me to jump Berkeley over Acalanes and give the Yellowjackets their first No. 1 ranking in the history of these rankings. Any time a team wins 13 straight games, at any level, is an incredible feat, and deserves to be rewarded. The Jackets will have their hands full against Richmond tomorrow as No. 1 will be tested right away. Should be an exciting matchup and a great test for the new No. 1 team in the East Bay.
Acalanes stays at No. 2 despite the draw with Miramonte, while De La Salle and Pittsburg both jump two spots. San Ramon Valley now leads the EBAL by a point and is really hitting stride, breaking into the top five. This will be a big week as DLS and SRV square off. Winner likely goes into the final week with the best chance to win the league.
MV and YV both drop a few spots after losses to unranked teams, while Richmond jumps up to No. 8 after a good week. Campo creeps up one spot, as does AV.
1. Berkeley (15-1-3)
2. Acalanes (15-0-3)
3. De La Salle (11-3-5)
4. Pittsburg (10-2-4)
5. San Ramon Valley (13-4-2)
6. Monte Vista (12-3-4)
7. Ygnacio Valley (13-2-4)
8. Richmond (12-3-5)
9. Campolindo (13-5-2)
10. California (14-4-2)
11. Hayward (13-3-3)
12. Foothill (9-5-5)
13. Amador Valley (11-6-3)
14. Concord (9-1-5)
15. Newark Memorial (11-3-6)
Others considered: St. Mary’s (11-2-3), College Park (9-7-4), Kennedy-Fremont (9-5-1), Northgate (10-4-4), Hercules (15-4-2), Deer Valley (8-7-2), Logan (8-7-5), Mt. Eden (9-5-6), Bishop O’Dowd (7-6-2), Pinole Valley (10-5-1)
Standings
BVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Pittsburg (10-2-4, 5-0-1) 16
Antioch (8-4-4, 4-2-0) 12
Deer Valley (8-7-2, 3-2-1) 10
Freedom (8-9-2, 2-3-1) 7
Liberty (4-6-2, 1-4-1) 4
Heritage (2-10-3, 0-4-2) 2
DFAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Acalanes (15-0-3, 7-0-2) 23
Campolindo (13-5-2, 5-2-1) 16
Dublin (7-7-3, 5-4-0) 15
Dougherty Valley (8-5-1, 4-3-1) 13
Miramonte (3-8-4, 2-5-2) 8
Alhambra (8-6-4, 1-5-2) 5
Las Lomas (1-10-4, 1-6-2) 5
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Ygnacio Valley (13-2-4, 8-0-1) 25
College Park (9-7-4, 6-1-2) 20
Concord (9-1-5, 4-0-4) 16
Northgate (10-4-4, 4-4-1) 13
Berean Chr. (4-8-2, 2-5-1) 7
Mt. Diablo (1-8-0, 1-7-0) 3
Clayton Valley (0-17-2, 0-8-1) 1
EBAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
San Ramon Valley (13-4-2, 7-2-1) 22
De La Salle (11-3-5, 6-1-3) 21
Monte Vista (12-3-4, 6-2-2) 20
California (14-4-2, 5-4-1) 16
Foothill (9-5-5, 3-4-3) 12
Amador Valley (11-6-3, 3-5-2) 11
Livermore (4-12-3, 2-7-1) 7
Granada (4-10-4, 1-8-1) 4
MVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Newark Memorial (11-3-6, 7-0-3) 24
Kennedy (9-5-1, 6-3-1) 19
Logan (8-7-5, 5-2-3) 18
Irvington (4-6-7, 3-4-3) 12
Moreau Catholic (3-7-4, 3-4-3) 12
Washington (4-5-8, 2-3-5) 11
Mission San Jose (4-9-6, 2-5-3) 9
American (3-10-3, 1-8-1) 4
OAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Oakland Tech (3-3-1, 3-0-0) 9
Skyline (1-0-0, 1-0-0) 3
Castlemont (0-1-0, 0-1-0) 0
Fremont (0-2-0, 0-2-0) 0
Oakland (0-1-0, 0-1-0) 0
TCAL Rock
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Richmond (12-3-5, 8-0-2) 26
St. Mary’s (11-2-3, 8-1-1) 25
Albany (5-10-4, 4-5-1) 13
El Cerrito (5-14-1, 4-5-1) 13
Salesian (3-5-3, 2-5-3) 9
St. Joseph Notre Dame (3-15-1, 0-10-0) 0
TCAL Stone
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hercules (15-4-2, 9-0-1) 28
Pinole Valley (10-5-1, 7-2-1) 22
De Anza (7-4-2, 6-2-2) 20
Kennedy (4-8-0, 4-6-0) 12
Swett (2-9-0, 2-8-0) 6
St. Patrick-St. Vincent (0-11-0, 0-10-0) 0
WACC Foothill
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Berkeley (15-1-3, 11-0-1) 34
Mt. Eden (9-5-6, 5-1-6) 21
Bishop O’Dowd (7-6-2, 6-4-1) 19
Castro Valley (5-7-5, 5-4-3) 18
Alameda (6-10-4, 5-7-0) 15
Arroyo (5-9-4, 4-6-2) 14
WACC Shoreline
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Hayward (13-3-3, 8-2-2) 26
San Lorenzo (6-4-3, 5-4-3) 18
San Leandro (4-8-4, 4-4-4) 16
Piedmont (5-9-1, 4-7-1) 13
Tennyson (1-14-4, 1-8-3) 6
Encinal (0-11-0, 0-11-0) 0
Stat Leaders
Name School Goals
Montes, Richmond 32
Ayala, YV 23
Gala, Dougherty 20
Cendejas, Free 20
Romero, Hercules 19
Berumen, Pitt 16
R. Castillo, Hayward 15
Al. Marques, Hercules 14
Solomon, Berkeley 13
Fink, BOD 12
Sandoval, Pinole 12
Helfrich, Acalanes 11
Grixti, Cal 11
Reiter, CP 11
Williams, Mt. Eden 11
Name School Assists
Murgia, Pitt 18
Damian, YV 17
Alvarez, Richmond 16
Gomez, Hayward 13
Bramvila, Richmond 13
Clark, FH 11
Montes, Richmond 10
Espinosa, St. Mary 9
Aguilar, YV 9
Raynor, Cal 8
Torres, Moreau 8
Foster, Ngate 8
Bolender, Ngate 8
Barringer, Pied 8
Berumen, Pitt 8
Dull, St. Mary 8
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
January 27th, 2013 at 10:27 am
Upcoming games…
BVAL
Tuesday
Heritage v. Pitt
Freedom v. Antioch
DV v. Liberty
Thursday
Antioch v. DV
Pitt v. Liberty
Freedom v. Heritage
DFAL
Wednesday
Dougherty Valley v. Acalanes
Dublin v. Alhambra
Campo v. LL
Friday
Alhambra v. Campo
Miramonte v. Dougherty
Acalanes v. Dublin
DVAL
Tuesday
YV v. CP
Berean v. Clayton
Concord v. Mount
Thursday
CP v. Concord
YV v. Berean
Mount v. Northgate
EBAL
Tuesday
DLS v. SRV
FH v. Livermore
Granada v. Cal
AV v. MV
Thursday
Livermore v. SRV
MV v. FH
AV v. Cal
Granada v. DLS
MVAL
Wednesday
Washington v. Moreau
MSJ v. American
Newark v. Logan
Irvington v. Kennedy
Friday
American v. Newark
Logan v. Washington
Moreau v. Irvington
Kennedy v. MSJ
TCAL
Starts Friday. Should look something like this.
Hercules, Richmond, Pinole and St. Mary’s will have byes.
De Anza v. St. Joe
EC/Albany v. Swett
EC/Albany v. St. Pat
Salesian v. Kennedy
WACC
Monday
BOD v. Encinal
Wednesday
Arroyo v. Berkeley
Alameda v. Mt. Eden
BOD v. Castro Valley
Tennyson v. Piedmont
Hayward v. San Leandro
San Lorenzo v. Encinal
Friday
Mt. Eden v. Arroyo
Berkeley v. BOD
Alameda v. Castro Valley
Hayward v. Piedmont
San Leandro v. San Lorenzo
Encinal v. Tennyson
NON-LEAGUE
Monday
Richmond v. Berkeley
Acalanes v. Northgate
Friday
DV v. LL
Saturday
Pitt v. Richmond
Salesian v. Northgate
January 27th, 2013 at 10:35 am
Goal leaders by league…(seven or more)
BVAL
Cendejas Free 20
Berumen Pitt 16
Murgia Pitt 8
DFAL
Gala Dougherty 20
Helfrich Acalanes 11
J. Maldonado Alhambra 10
Croze Acalanes 8
Kilwien Campo 8
Mirner Acalanes 7
DVAL
Ayala YV 23
Reiter CP 11
Foster Ngate 9
Bolender Ngate 9
Alman Berean 7
Mendez YV 7
EBAL
Grixti Cal 11
Raynor Cal 9
Clark FH 9
Greenberg MV 9
Sehrogosha FH 8
Jones DLS 7
Maul SRV 7
MVAL
Raygoza Logan 10
Sandoval Newark 10
Dougherty Newark 9
Alvarado Logan 7
TCAL
Montes Richmond 32
Romero Hercules 19
Al. Marques Hercules 14
Sandoval Pinole 12
Sako EC 10
Espinoza St. Mary 10
Mesquita St. Mary 9
Dull St. Mary 8
Helmut DA 7
Ramos Richmond 7
WACC
R. Castillo Hayward 15
Solomon Berkeley 13
Fink BOD 12
Williams Mt. Eden 11
Gonzales Berkeley 10
Mendoza Hayward 9
Villegas Mt. Eden 9
Luis Castillo Hayward 9
Gray Hayward 9
Gueye Berkeley 8
Hamdouni Berkeley 7
Udavd Hayward 7
Barringer Pied 7
January 27th, 2013 at 10:43 am
Assist leaders by league… (six or more)
BVAL
Murgia Pitt 18
Berumen Pitt 8
Cendejas Free 6
DFAL
Croze Acalanes 7
J. Maldanado Alhambra 6
Maghsoodnia Campo 6
Kilwien Campo 6
DVAL
Damian YV 17
Aguilar YV 9
Foster Ngate 8
Bolender Ngate 8
Zumaya YV 7
EBAL
Clark FH 11
Raynor Cal 8
Gratsch MV 7
Goldstein FH 6
Greenberg MV 6
Maestre SRV 6
MVAL
Torres Moreau 8
Ramirez Newark 7
Alvarado Logan 6
TCAL
Alvarez Richmond 16
Bramvila Richmond 13
Montes Richmond 10
Espinoza St. Mary 9
Dull St. Mary 8
E. Moreno EC 6
Sako EC 6
WACC
Gomez Hayward 13
Barringer Pied 8
Solomon Berkeley 7
Hebert Berkeley 7
Hamdouni Berkeley 7
Luigi Castillo Hayward 7
Makela Berkeley 6
Daza Garcia Berkeley 6
Goswell BOD 6
Ortega Hayward 6
Mendoza Hayward 6
Xu Piedmont 6
January 27th, 2013 at 11:07 am
Out of all the goals scored by Montes, how many were against St. Josephs??
January 27th, 2013 at 11:51 am
What is the NCS format this year?
January 27th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
matt, which of the bubble teams do you REALLY see as having a chance to advance?
January 27th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Tuesday’s nights game at De La Salle should prove to be a true battle. This is a call-out to the Spartan Nation to fill those stands and make some noise for the Brotherhood.
January 27th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@Mudhen Division I? And do you mean that could advance through the playoffs or could get in?
@Juarez The format is 16 teams.
January 27th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Digging up last years’ bracket, it looks alot like the same usual suspects.
I noticed first round #2, Richmond vs #15, Daughtery ended in a tie after regular time. Anything could happen!
Here’s the link:
http://cifncs.org/sports/soccer/files/RESULTS/Winter%202012/boysD1BRACKET12winsoc.pdf
January 27th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Hey Matt,
Interesting call on number one this week, given the Yellowjackets’ 13 match winning streak, but I still give the edge to the unbeaten Dons because of their tighter defense. Too bad they will not square off this season, but each should go deep in the playoffs.
Here are the matches where you may see The Sweeper at the pitch this week, weather and gas budget permitting:
Mon – Richmond v Berkeley, 2 goals may not win this one
Tue – DLS v SRV, 2 goals should win this one
Wed – Dublin v Alhambra on Wednesday, expect a shootout
Thu – CP v Concord or MV v FH, depending on 680 traffic
Fri – Berkeley v BOD on Friday, can BOD keep this one close
Sat – Pitt v Richmond on Saturday, expect hundreds of connecting passes
See you at the pitch!
January 27th, 2013 at 4:31 pm
1or 2 Matt. And get in period.
January 27th, 2013 at 5:01 pm
My gut tells me the Dogs will put up a fight and take it in regulation. They will need to be on fire and make the physical challenges hard and clean…play smart.
Richmond will need to go hard all 80 and not go flat to take Berkeley.
BOD some Strategery will help the Dragons along with a fast hit on target.
CP should take Concord… play your game.
Cal will Salvage a game with Granada
January 27th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
So I want to clear something up. Oakland Tech actually has an enrollment of 1,694, making them a D I school for schedule purposes.
With that being said, @Mudhen, I think the team most likely to get in Division II off the bubble is Piedmont. The Highlanders Division II record is 3-4-0, meaning if they can get two wins in their last three games against D II schools (Encinal, Tennyson and Hayward) or go 1-0-2 in those games, then they get in.
I’m gonna say that Division I has 19 teams get eligible, and that Logan, Deer Valley and Dougherty Valley sneak in with those last three spots.
January 27th, 2013 at 5:43 pm
@Mr. Smith, have Richmond, PIttsburgh, Ygnacio Valley, Campolindo, or Hayward beaten ANY EBAL schools? Seems like there are some strength of schedule issues with these teams. Some of them conveniently have NO EBAL matches on their schedules? How is it that so many are ranked above EBAL teams that have beaten them? Is that the curse of the EBAL? If it is “what have you done for me lately” then the EBAL punishes themselves for being good…
January 27th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
@Offsides Your last comment is the correct one. Rankings work differently. It’s a what have you done for me lately type of system. If I were doing a playoff seeding, then I’d probably have SRV and MV ahead of Pitt for seeding purposes.
Pittsburg is 1-2-1 against the EBAL, with one of those losses being a close 1-0 loss to AV decided on a PK.
Richmond is 1-3-1 against the EBAL, but also beat a Cathedral team 4-1 that tied 0-0 with DLS.
You can’t hold it against YV, Campo or Hayward for not beating EBAL teams because those teams won’t play them. I can tell you this… YV can hang with any team in the East Bay. Any team. Haven’t seen Campo since early in the year, but they are a strong program, and when Hayward is playing well, they too can hang with most teams.
January 27th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
@Matt
Awesome… then I’ll look forward to your “seedings” later? Combined & by division?
Looks like the 6 EBAL schools you deem as “locks” have 4 losses total from NCS teams… I’m sure you have more accurate stats, so is that true?
AV 1 loss to College Park
Cal no non-EBAL losses
De La Salle no non-EBAL losses (except for So Cal tourn)
Foothill no non-EBAL losses
Monte Vista 1 loss to Freedom
San Ramon 2 losses to Acalanes & Berkeley
January 27th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
@offsides, Foothill has one non-EBAL lose to Richmond
@Matt, Goldstein from Foothill now with 7 assists
January 27th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
I just want to comment on Ebal I know Yy campo and Hayward can play with any the top teams from there. like Matt said they will not play them. I know for a fact the Hayward coach try to get a games with the 3 top team . and they all said no. that’s too bad. I seen Hayward play a lot this year also Yy . they can play. Just seen Campo play Hayward this weekend it was a good slug fest. 2 really good teams. campo always have a pretty good program. EBAL
is missing out playing some good teams. that surely would test them.
January 27th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Wonderful job with the blog. I really like this post as it really brings out all the teams listed in the race of NCS.
My question is. Is this the year that we might see a non-EBAL Division I NCS champs? I know playoffs aren’t for a while, just a curious thought.
Any thoughts?
January 27th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
What’s the Max games a team can play in a season before NCS? Wondering because some TCAL teams have played 20 or 21 games.
January 27th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Offsides, your logic that any EBAL school would never lose against non EBAL schools is faulty logic. Assuming that any of the EBAL schools -even if they were able to keep their geographic student body radius would constantly beat any other opponent in any of the other leagues ( OAL excepted) is silly. The other schools over time, would adapt their tactics and parity woyuld eventually be achieved.
So to sum up, YEAH the EBAL schools are good but so are other schools.
Tell you what , let’s throw the socioeconomic advantage that the gringos in the San Ramon valley at Richmond or Hayward.
January 27th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
Completely agree with Mudhen and Lovesoccer, just because a team plays in the EBAL doesn’t mean they are untouchable..
January 27th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
@ Soccer Dad, maximum number of games are 24 plus two scrimmages before the NCS playoff.
January 27th, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Going off Lovesoccer’s comment, most EBAL teams don’t play D2 schools very often because it statistically puts them at a disadvantage (disclaimer!!! This does not apply for all the EBAL teams). If they win, then they beat a team that was expected to lose (big whoop), but if they lose, then this will hurt them for NCS seedings later on. I know personally that Campolindo’s coach and Hayward’s coach looked to play a few top high school teams in D1 yet they couldn’t find a high school willing to play them.
January 27th, 2013 at 9:21 pm
If we’re gonna get a non-EBAL NCS champ, I think Berkeley is the best bet, but I actually think Pittsburg is right there. For anyone that has seen them play, they have come away impressed.
@Offsides You are nearly correct. It’s five losses for EBAL teams against non-EBAL teams in the East Bay. Just add the recent FH loss to Richmond and you’ve got ‘em all.
January 27th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Newark beat Livermore and Logan beat Granafa according to MaxPreps.
For what it is worth anyhow.
January 27th, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Let’s boil this down to basics. Head-to-head wins are the ultimate test, and EBAL rules the day. You could look it up.
EBAL soccer has the most overall team talent (ala the Premiership), but not necessarily the best talent (ala La Liga). Ergo, POYs are often not from EBAL.
Local ties aside, The Sweeper tries to see 33% EBAL boys matches (in league and otherwise), 33% non-EBAL boys matches, and 33% girls matches.
Variety is good if you can afford the gas, and the time.
See you at the pitch!
January 27th, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Quite a day for you Matt, first scoring 2 goals to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup and then posting the new rankings.
January 27th, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Hey Matt,
Are we going to have the NCS boys bracket pool predictions this year? We had quite a contest last year.
I would also like to see the other Matt create bracket pools on the girls side, but I must warn that I have seen soccer moms protest against such contests (“Gambling on our daughters, NO.”). C’est la vie…
I am up for prediction of NCS boys D-1 and D-2 and NCS girls D-1 and D-2 soccer brackets, after the non-transparent seeding committee does their blind deeds.
Cheers, and see you at the pitch!
January 28th, 2013 at 7:05 am
@Matt…Thanks for the game postings and all the weekly stats. Really helps keep track on what is happening on the pitch.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:37 am
——–
#12
BOD — making NCS , this team wont go far.
Richmond — great team , fast, but not all together this year.
CP — They will beat Concord, bold but true. Is going to be the only team to take advantage that Concord’s goalie has been hurt.
YV — Strong team , yet not together from game to game. Few weapons and always the same ones.
Alhambra — Come back and looking strong … can they go far ? They count on only two to three players.
MATT-
Seems as we will always have a huge debate about the EBAL and Div 1 teams.
Can there be something we can fix on this?
Have all Div 1 teams at least face 2 teams from Div 2 ?
It would only improve the soccer for all.
We could see how strong the EBAL really is and let other Div 2 teams improve game play.
It would also test the coach’s and programs to push for more.
??????
January 28th, 2013 at 9:03 am
@Sweeper We will definitely be doing the NCS bracket challenge again.
@Upper V I was happy to contribute to the loss for Liverpool, seeing as they are my sworn crosstown enemies
@P2mk2 I wish there was something that I could do to get the top Division I teams to play Division II teams, but until there is a reward for the DI teams, it won’t happen. If I were the playoff committee, then teams would know I would value those games, and then they’d play them.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:04 am
Alhambra will need to win this week. GAME ON DOGS.
Doug boys and Campo are two tough games.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:38 am
@Stewie To feel at least somewhat comfortable about getting in, Alhambra needs to get at least a draw. However, a win would make them feel really good.
How big is that game on the 30th between Alhambra and Dublin? Huge.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:49 am
P2MK2–
How are you so sure that CP will beat Concord?
I see Concord with more weapons then CP.
They count on 3 players on CP at best 4.
The defense on CP is not the greatest. Very beatable.
Concord can attack from all areas of the field. And you never know what player is scoring for Concord.
CP has to make sure they score and keep scoring. Concord is not a push over team.
Concord scores first, CP will be in a lot of trouble.
Should make for a great game.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:51 am
Games with huge playoff implications this week, are…
Division I
Tuesday
Freedom v. Antioch
DV v. Liberty
Wednesday
Dublin v. Alhambra
Washington v. Moreau
Newark v. Logan
Irvington v. Kennedy
Thursday
Antioch v. DV
Pitt v. Liberty (make or break week for Liberty)
Freedom v. Heritage
Friday
Alhambra v. Campo
Acalanes v. Dublin
Logan v. Washington
Moreau v. Irvington
Pretty much every game in the WACC this week has playoff implications, as does the TCAL tournament. I’m trying to verify the start date/matchups for that.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:53 am
Let me also add….
CP needs to worry about YV first.
Good luck tomorrow … to both teams.
January 28th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@Matt: I agree to pull a draw is OK ..but it needs to be solid. Spiritually speaking they could use a big W which will be good for the team.
January 28th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
CP can take both YV and the big C…but they need to play as a team and not frag. Focus and more focus and they should be able to string some WWWW’s on the table.
If not the big L looms in the distance.
January 28th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Big game tonight between Northgate and Acalanes! Anything can happen! 6:15 @ Acalanes
January 28th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Berkeley @ Richmond 6 o’clock. Probably the biggest rivalry in men’s high school soccer. I love both these teams
January 28th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
I like NG but they will need all the A team they have and will need to play a game of the season to take Acalanes. At this point Acalanes needs to show the Major MoJo and not game fail.
January 28th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Berean 1-0 Irvington
January 28th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
O’Dowd 5 – Encinal 0
January 28th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Anyone at the Richmond game? Don you have to pay?
January 28th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
$3 adults, $1 for students.
January 28th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Richmond scores on PK by #9. 1-0 after 11. Not a good call.
January 28th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Alcalanes scores in the first minute
January 28th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
Acalanes scores again, goal not allowed.
Still 1-0
January 28th, 2013 at 6:29 pm
#9 is Montes…
January 28th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Dublin is a bit slow use speed to avoid the D line
January 28th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Bishop O’Dowd is now 5-2-0 against Division II teams and is playoff eligible.
January 28th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
1-0 after 25. Big noisy crowd.
January 28th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
20 minutes in Acalanes scores again 2-0
Total control Acalanes
January 28th, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Jackets tie it 1-1.
January 28th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Acalanes ends half at 2-0
January 28th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
It is halftime at Richmond tied 1-1. Pretty even match considering the Oiler’ speed and passing against the Jackets size and defensive strengths.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Refs MIA, 2nd half now under way.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Oiler up 2-1 on an indirect free kick by #9, from inside the 18, with 31 left.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
3-1 Oilers. Ballhawking by #9 leads to a goal by #7.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Acalanes strikes again….
3-0
35 yard shot hits cross bar … Rebound scored !
January 28th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
3-1 with 10 to go. Pace is crazy.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
3-2 with 7 left. Corner kick scramble and kick in goal for Berkeley. Could see 5+ minutes added.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
With 3 min. Left 4-0 Acalanes
January 28th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
3-2 final
January 28th, 2013 at 7:55 pm
Northgate just is not ready for teams like Acalanes. The passion is there, but Aca is just too big and strong. Wish I went to Richmond tonight.
January 28th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Sweeper, out of curiosity, are you a referee? I ask because I want to know WHY that was a bad call. Things look very different on the pitch compared to what we see in the stands…..
January 28th, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Matt do you now place Richmond above Berkley? The schedules are very similar , and the Oilers took ‘em down head to head.
ALSO,… from what I saw, the acalanes win over Northgate shouldn’t amount to much. We all knew what THAT outcome was gonna be.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
Pretty sure that loss to Berean eliminates Irvington from any shot at NCS. They would need to win out in order to be 8-7-7 and I don’t think that’s going to be good enough.
Too bad, I’ve seen that team play some pretty good soccer. Just much too inconsistent.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Berkeley 2 referee 3
January 28th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
I find it pretty sad that people blame refs for their home teams losing games. If you think it’s so easy, YOU do it. Teams lose because they were outplayed PERIOD. In no other sport does officiating get excorciated (sic) as in soccer. Grow up.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
@MVAL Soccer Fan Irvington is still quite alive and well. One of the qualifications is to finish .500 in league and they are only one game below that mark.
@Mudhen I doubt I would move Richmond that far up and Berkeley that far down. That would move Berkeley below teams they beat/drew with and put Richmond above teams that they’ve lost to.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Blaming refs for your favs losing is weak sauce indeed.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:19 pm
Matt, fair enough…
January 28th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
It really does pose a very hard question for me, though. I know Acalanes and DLS are in line to be the top two, but after that it’s all in flux. Gotta love the rankings!
January 28th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
@mudhen I agree that officiating intense games can be very difficult, but it’s a shame for a stronger side to lose due to two very poor decisions by the referee, which led to two easy goals. He did not make the same calls for both teams. This game was not won by Richmond because of stronger play, rather because of referee mistakes.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:40 pm
@Mudhen for someone who wasn’t at the game you sure are talking about their performance. If you were at the game you would’ve realized the ridiculousness. The 2nd Richmond goal came from an indirect free kick in the box, with no handball occurring. One of the strangest calls I’ve ever seen, with play continuing after a collision between a Richmond and Berkeley player in the box, then being called back with Berkeley in possession of the ball. A Berkeley player went off with an apparent injury and all the players were assuming it was a free-kick for Berkeley…
I’m not saying Berkeley should have won the game, as they only showed a true urgency in the final 15minutes of the game, but the calls definitely swayed the game. Don’t even get me started on the PK…
Mudhen, I would suggest watching a game and the calls the refs make before calling it “weak sauce”
January 28th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
It’ll all come out in the NCS playoff wash.
Looking forward to some fierce competition…
January 28th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
What Mudhen is saying is that it is always weak sauce to blame the ref. Berkeley had 80 minutes to score and defend. Move on and quit whining.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
@Upper V so it’s not a foul when the Richmond player was going straight up for the ball and the Berkeley player ducked as the Richmond player was in the air? I see these calls in the EPL often, it was a pretty even game but the jackets couldn’t keep up with oilers speed and touch, all though the jackets out hustled them the last 10 min of the half
January 28th, 2013 at 8:56 pm
great game at richmond, though I hate to see the ref leave his realm and become more than a medium. Why the pk? why the indirect free kick in the box in the second half? two of the strangest calls I have seen and it’s quite sad to see a team lose off of them. Let the players decide who’s going to win and lose. sheesh!
January 28th, 2013 at 8:57 pm
@Emile Heskey #70 said it all… Bereley 2 referee 3
January 28th, 2013 at 9:00 pm
It’s not whining when it’s players from other teams blaming the ref. Richmond had 80 minutes and a referee to score and defend, with the latter the latter giving them two goals!
January 28th, 2013 at 9:05 pm
@Mudhen your comments are the only thing weak on this thread. No one said refereeing was easy just that this fellow was really bad tonight. Richmond got two goals on absolutely incorrect calls. Doesn’t matter if one is on the field or not, it was obvious. The referee did a very poor job all around. Richmond’s flopping and faking injuries to use clock was also pitiful. That said it was an exciting game, very fun to watch. Not sure the best team won, but that’s ok too. Berkeley should of overcome the bad calls, but hopefully they’ll just be stronger for it.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:07 pm
@Upper V handball inside the penalty area committed by the defensive team is a penalty kick…not an indirect free kick. Point is the call may not have been for what you thought it was for. It’s easy to point fingers and make judgments on what we think we saw from the stands. Soccer is a game of angles. There may have been something the referee could see that you did not have the angle to see. Don’t get me wrong, as a referee myself, I’ll be the first to say that calls are missed and botched. But passes/touches/shots are messed up all the time by players throughout the game. To blame an official for being human wont solve anything. It’s a part of the game. Unless we want to introduce replay technogy and stop the game every 2min!
January 28th, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Bad calls..Phantom calls in the the final few are bad news…you can not always say that you need to play above the call. I have been to games and I don’t even know the teams,,,and you sit and watch a team get the game taken away. It Happens…not often but enough that in some cases teams have paid dearly based on the mystery call from the Homer Zebra.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
@TVR I meant to say back pass and handling of the ball by the goalkeeper. That’s the only time I know when a in-direct free kick is given inside the box. If it was a foul than it should have been a PK, but the ref didn’t give one which makes it ever weirder.
We can debate calls all we like, but if you were actually at and watching the game you would know that Richmond was given 2 goals by the ref. Simple.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:25 pm
A tie would have been a fair more deserving result of the game. Berkeley 2 Ref 2 is more like it.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Be Honest…we have all been to games and one of the yellow shirts is just plain bad….not so much a homer..just not that good. And at times it is costly.
Seen 1 ref who just enjoys giving that final PK in last 30 seconds…his reputation precedes him to the game.
At least NCS crew is screened and reviewed and do a pretty darn good job of it.
January 28th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Hahaha Richmond score 3 and Berkeley 2
Lets go Richimond
January 28th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
What a good game! Richmond
Letsgo Oilers!
January 28th, 2013 at 10:17 pm
It’s amazing how quick the excuses come out when someone loses. The sportsmanship in this game has quickly evaporated. Not just in hs, look at our role models. Coaches, professional players, and owners alike are all pointing the finger at the referee’s or one specific play. Why not just congratulate the other team for winning, working hard and move on? What examples are we setting?
If an opposing player scores an incredible goal or makes a goalie makes an incredible save, clap you hands and show them respect for their hard work. Refs are humans just like everyone else and make mistakes like everyone else. The only person who has an affect on how hard you work and play is yourself. You control your actions. If you go a goal down and don’t play hard afterwards it’s not the referee’s fault its yours. Why not help players be psychologically stronger and not such pre-madonnas. Problems don’t get fixed from whining.
Most referee’s respond to a positive player who asks what they did wrong in their eyes. You may even get a call your way. But we polarize these authority figures for every little call not gone the way you’d like it. Sorry life isn’t perfect for ya’, otherwise you’d never lose a game right?
I constantly see players and fans whining oh here about the reasons they lost versus just saying, “that other team outworked us.” Allowing young players to point the fingers at someone else versus just taking responsibility isn’t a habit we want to teach for their futures. Take responsibility, they played 80 minutes and could have tied or worked hard all 80 minutes.
Understandably I will get a lot of gripe for this, however look at it this way: After the “questionable” pk call or goal, etc. we never found our momentum and couldn’t get back in to the game. The players were deflated and it only helped the other team. Well if that’s the case which most of you will make, the problem there still isn’t the ref. The players mentally and psychologically were out of the game. So help them stay strong through adversity, mentally.
Remember the ref’s make their calls based on what they see from their position in that split second. Ask them to ask their sidelines if they saw it different. If not than there is nothing you can do about it according to the laws of the game. Get over it and move on. I am not a ref and never would be, who would want that constant verbal abuse.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:33 pm
While not the cleanest played match that have seen this season, the Berkeley at Richmond match was by far the most entertaining, with plenty of high-level skill on display at a high rate of speed. I was not at all surprised by the final outcome (“2 goals may not win this one” was the pre-match call), but how we got to the outcome is another story altogether. Here are a few Sweeper observations, comments, and opinions for your consideration:
Berkeley was clearly playing in a noisy/unfriendly environment, but was very well represented in the stands.
Richmond was definitely playing it up to the large home crowd, running the gamut of ages from toddlers to my peers.
Berkeley was more physical with its size, but did not abuse the difference.
Richmond was consistently quicker, but only the very best of connecting passes created opportunities.
Berkeley’s overall speed was very impressive, particularly on defense, but Richmond forced the issue (aka “run Jacket run”).
BTW, the ref added 7:01 of extra time (more than I predicted at that time) and in that span Berkeley was denied three times at the Richmond goal line by non-keeper clears, plus one wide left by inches and one wide right by inches. As is The Sweepers MO, when a team is down at the end of a match, the only truly interesting place to watch the end of the match is inside the 18 at that end of the field.
In conclusion, what did we learn today? Each squad is clearly elite in the East Bay, but each also missed several several opportunities. Did I say that each missed several opportunities? And how! Capitalizing on key opportunities is THE name of the game in such matches, and Richmond did a better job tonight.
If there is a rematch, Richmond should pray that it is in the finals of the NCS at a neutral pitch, because a pre-final return match at Berkeley will totally reverse the table. BTW, the cost of admission tonight was cheap at $3, and I would have gladly paid 3 times that amount. Oh wait, I will pay 3x to CIF.NCS if there is a rematch…DOH!
Mudhen, I will write a separate comment on the PK call and the indirect kick in the box. Ugliness and beauty in one write-up.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Number 1 team goes down!!
.Berkeley played poor.To be # 1 you need to show more then they did tonight..I don’t know why their ranked so high.Richmond played with 4 freshman
and still came out and outplayed them.Fun game!!
January 28th, 2013 at 10:37 pm
And not to slight the Richmond keeper, he made one of the best saves of the season late in the match, and I was not aware that he had it in him. But, I guess if you practice with the likes of the Oilers’ sharpshooters, your develop cat-like reflexes.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:44 pm
@Samone,
“Berkeley played poor”? Really? What match were you at? Berkeley recently won 13 matches in a row and earned the high ranking.
Respect the game and your opponent…
January 28th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@Mudhen,
I am a long-retired referee from a different era, mostly HS and JC. You know, ex-Jedi, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”
I gave it up when the kids came along. But I have seen literally hundreds of live HS matches over more than a few decades (soccer, football and baseball), so I have an instinct about the dynamics of fouls and dangerous play.
You can see that my comment from Richmond posted regarding the PK foul was made seconds after the actual call (at 6:23 after a 6:11 start), so I was merely judging the call “in the moment” and NOT reflecting later on the outcome of the match.
In this case I can still see the action in my mind. The Richmond player was running diagonally through the right side of the east-end box, angling to the right corner. There was a bounding ball going that direction and the Oiler had the jump on the Berkeley defender, literally. At speed the Richmond player launched himself in the air through/over the slower moving Yellowjacket, who was forced to duck to avoid direct contact with the oncoming torso at head/shoulders level. The Oiler created the dangerous play while moving away from the goal, and ended up landing near upside down on the pitch, apparently wishing to break his fall using the defender. It was clear to me that the Berkeley player did nothing but try to avoid contact, not low-bridging as some may have perceived, but “protecting himself at all times.” At a minimum, there should have been a conversation with the AR, but that did not happen.
Berkeley certainly had 70 minutes left to make up for the PK call, so you never really know how it affected the match.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:02 pm
Sometimes players make the mistakes, sometimes coaches make mistakes, sometimes referees make mistakes. How they all move on from their mistakes is important. The better you are at moving on from mistakes the better you’ll perform in sports and in life.
However getting all preachy about people complaining about bad refereeing is silly. Complaining about bad calls is as much a part of the game as making bad calls. Always has been, always will be… keep it real.
Tonight at Richmond the referee’s mistakes made it very hard for Berkeley. He didn’t just make the two mistakes that lead to goals, there were lots of mistakes. I don’t state this as an excuse, just a fact. It’s definitely on Berkeley for not overcoming the mistakes. Congratulations to the Oilers!
January 28th, 2013 at 11:07 pm
I have been a Richmond fan for many years, I like the possession style/fast moving soccer they play. My congratulations to Oilers for the great result against Berkeley tonight, but I am very disappointed with all the flopping and fake injury shows they put on in this game. additionally, two gifted goals (PK and IFK inside penalty box) were awarded by the center ref. The center ref was out of this world, he made his mark on the outcome this very fast moving, beautiful and exciting game. Richmond should not take the outcome of this game seriously. NCS refs are usually very fair and competent and the Oilers have to rely on their game to win. Richmond was outplayed by a very skillful and equally super fast Yellow Jackets, but came away with a win. I wish both teams success and good luck at the playoffs; although, this season’s Oilers need more luck than the Yellow Jackets.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:09 pm
For number 1 ranked team i’m sorry but nothing special.
To be honest comparing them to EBAL schools they should never
be ranked that high.All i heard is how this is their best ever Yellowjackets
team and i’m sorry a bit disappointing ,was expecting more
January 28th, 2013 at 11:24 pm
#90 #94
Apparently the Richmond players like to talk down their opponents when they win a rather unfar match.
Poor sportsmanship
January 28th, 2013 at 11:30 pm
@ views
Not preachy when your actions can match your words and also if you teach it too. It’s about pointing the finger and blaming someone else versus taking individual responsibility not complaining. I’m speaking about more in the past than just the recent Richmond game posts about making excuses by the way.
I also am not only referring to players and coaches. Referees aren’t immune to this. Some referees are so hard headed or stubborn, they won’t admit they made a mistake or bad call by asking the sidelines for help.
Sounds like it was an intense and great game.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Regarding the indirect kick awarded tonight to Richmond in the Berkeley penalty box, there are certainly provisions for such a ruling in the Laws of the Game (FIFA). Dangerous play, impeding an opponent and fouls when the ball is not in play could draw such a call.
We may never know the specifics of the call, but here is what I saw: Richmond #9, not facing the goal, was flanked by at least two Yellowjackets and he went down in the box after apparently attempting to pass the ball. Dangerous no, impeding perhaps.
After untangling the mess, and allowing for assistance to #9 on the pitch, the referee clearly indicated the indirect free kick at the spot of the foul, say 5-7 yards left of the left post, 13 yards from the goal line, an acute angle at best. Nobody near me in the crowd understood the call for an indirect kick, but The Sweeper explained the signaled ruling, much to the boos from the Berkeley crowd.
The defense was allowed to set the wall 7 yards from the ball and 6 yards from the goal line (not the required 10 yards away from the ball as specified in the Laws). Despite the close quarters, Richmond #7 ran touch over the ball, and #9 kicked a sharply curving shot that hit the upper-most right-side corner of the frame…as accurate of a tight shot that you will ever see. Beckham cannot bend it like that.
I can only hope that the next 5+ matches this week are as entertaining.
My apologies to all for the pontification, but tonight was a great night for enjoying the beautiful game, East Bay style!
See you at the pitch!
January 28th, 2013 at 11:36 pm
The Sweeper’s epilogue on the match at Richmond tonight: “See you in the playoffs!”
January 28th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
@ Samone
If you were to watch the 49ers play the Seahawks a few weeks back and that was the only game you saw than it would be crazy to think that that team is in the Superbowl. You can’t make judgements based on one game. Even the professionals have rough days. You certainly have a favorite league.
@ Sweep and Matt and anyone else
Since the HAAL has become the WACC league and added teams like Berkeley, Alameda and Piedmont. I think this league could be considered equally competitive to the EBAL or a close second. While the EBAL pulls from many quality club programs around the area and definitely have an advantage with their depth or as Mudhen said those socioeconomic advantages, the WACC is no cakewalk. These WACC teams all have a couple quality players or are quality, competitive teams, with top playing styles according to fans on this blog. The EBAL definitely has quality teams with quality players.
The EBAL has been said to be tough from top to bottom and it seems that the WACC is very similar. Regardless of the teams individual divisions, could the fact that games aren’t predictable be proof enough? Maybe in a few years if not now it will be regarded as equally tough as the EBAL?
Just to give an example, Berkeley beat Piedmont 6-1 one day, Castro Valley held Berkeley to a 1 goal game and then Piedmont beat Castro Valley 4-1 the next week. Monte Vista shut out Cal 3-0 than looses to 3-1 Livermore who than looses to call 3-1.
January 29th, 2013 at 1:27 am
Great, entertaining game tonight at Richmond. People, this is what soccer can be like. Not a festival of long throws and long free kicks, but, till the very last second, inspiring, exciting phases of play from both sides!!! Sweeper is right, I’d pay good money to see games like this more often. Both teams are very good HS teams and should do well in the playoffs. Both have different, interesting styles. Berkeley more physical, yet technical in midfield and up top. Richmond, perhaps, with more flair.
I was surprised by the PK call. I did not think the Berkeley player fouled the Richmond player at all. On the Berkeley equalizer, I saw the ball out of bounds on the left side of the pitch facing the Richmond goal, but the AR was most likely screened by the Richmond bench. The Richmond players, who were not screened by the bench, seemed to stop, believing the ref would call the throw. Can’t do that at this level, Oilers! The indirect free kick in the box was called for an obstruction, according to the players.
Officials, just like players, coaches, and certainly fans as well, are not perfect. That’s part of the game. Richmond’s game against DLS last week went out of control in the second half, leading, among other things, to a very serious concussion for Richmond #6, and it may very well have caused Richmond the game. Certain things, one can’t control… That’s the way the ball rolls.
January 29th, 2013 at 6:02 am
Matt,
DLS in line for #1 or 2? Not after they get dominated AGAIN by SRV tonite!!!!
January 29th, 2013 at 7:08 am
@Wolfpack In line means it would be their turn to move up, it doesn’t mean that it’s a sure thing. Far from it. Of course they have to win.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:08 am
@ Matt..great exchange of opinions on Berk Rich game.
Posters keep it up.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:14 am
Go Spartans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuGivLV4VXo
January 29th, 2013 at 7:17 am
Prediction…Castro Valley gets wins over BOD and Alameda and makes NCS
January 29th, 2013 at 9:11 am
@Bobo Very bold prediction, because qualifying for NCS and getting in are gonna be two different things. I think there are going to be 18-20 Division I teams that qualify, so I fear some will be left out.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:17 am
Juan Villegas of Mt. Eden has given his verbal to play at Merritt College next season. Good for him.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:34 am
Regarding the Rich v Berk IFK in the area; to me it sounds like an injury was had by the Rich player. IF that was the case in High School play is restarted by the team that had the ball by an IFK.
Just a guess….
About the refs; Just like players we have our bad days. Parents that yell from the stands should come out and grab a whistle and a jersey and call a match just to see how we can miss that call
January 29th, 2013 at 10:11 am
With regards to the DI V DII stuff – Acalanes/Campo can hang with anyone. I would like to see more DI v DII games myself but It just won’t happen. An upcoming game you should put on your schedule is Acalanes v Hayward on the 4th.
January 29th, 2013 at 10:52 am
A couple quick updates…
Two bubble teams played yesterday, and one of them, Bishop O’Dowd, has moved off the bubble to Pretty Much In, with a 5-2-0 record within Division. Even if more than 16 teams qualify for Division II, I can’t foresee a situation where BOD doesn’t get in.
Also, Irvington played yesterday, but their ticket is going to be league record, so the loss doesn’t really hurt them too bad right now.
Also, I believe the TCAL tourney is going to go Thursday, Tuesday, Thursday with the finals at Richmond High on Saturday.
January 29th, 2013 at 10:54 am
Great discussion on the other league games from yesterday but tonight EBAL action takes over. Here are my picks:
DLS 2 SRV 1 (I still think DLS is the team to beat in EBAL/NCS but will be close game)
FH 2 LV 0 (better team wins but LV will continue to fight)
Cal 2 Granada 0 (Cal working back to early season form)
AV 2 MV 1 (AV has talent and home field to beat a great MV squad. AV chances improved if they play as a team).
Good luck to all teams tonight. EBAL is the “SEC Football” of high school soccer. Notre Dame understands this best.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:01 am
@Reality I love any jab at Notre Dame football, so thank you
I do agree with almost all that you said, except the MV result. I don’t think MV loses three in a row, and I am actually predicting a draw.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:52 am
@Matt. thanks.
Was also thinking of calling for a draw given the MV losing streak but hate to be sitting on the fence so went the AV way becaue of home field plus talent level and I think they are very motivated to start posting wins (rather than losses or ties)against the big 4 (MV, DLS, SRV, Cal).
January 29th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@Reality….like your picks and comparing the EBAL to the “SEC”.AV does have the talent on paper but MV plays better as a team.I still need to see more grit and desire on the AV squad.Players that play with their head down should be replaced with players that believe that the ball moves faster than them.Gents…look to pass to the open man!
January 29th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
@Ray Beck. Good points. The ability to move the ball quickly to the open man and maintain shape (and avoid long balls)is what has made Barcelona so dominant. The only team I have seen do this consistently in EBAL is DLS. In fact, this type of soccer is played more by the top non-EBAL teams. In EBAL, most teams try to use the physical “over the top” style of offense which is one dimensional and easy to defend by the better coaches.
January 29th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
To the ball quickly being played and making the flow of the game more professional.
Here we go again…. lets not forget the field. Turf plays a huge roll on how some of those none turf schools play.
Mud, wet grass or ( lack of ) are some of the elements that could make it hard for those schools to implement that touch we all love seeing.
Now if you can dominate both, you are above the rest.
January 29th, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Matt,
Curious why you have De la ranked higher than SR going into tonight’s match, considering SR did beat De la..
January 29th, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Watch out for a possible D-Town sweep tonight. That would be quite a feat as both teams are facing ranked opponents on the road.
See you at the pitch!
January 29th, 2013 at 4:05 pm
@ Upper V, Mudhen, Lovesoccer, and add MVAL Alumni…
I am talking about the top 6 that Matt has predicted into NCS. Not last year or seven years from now. NOT socio-eco-geo-blah-blah-blah…THIS YEAR, RIGHT NOW.
EBAL is stronger. Berkley vs Richmond. Really?
Richmond won. Our 6th place team right now (Amador) beat Richmond 3-0. Look it up. Don’t tell me about all the other comparisons of league and who would do what in that league. Matt confirmed the top 6 have only 5 losses total against non-EBAL schools. So MVAL Alumni, you are crazy to think MVAL holds a candle to us.
Here come the “it’s not fair arguments”.
Props to Sweeper! See you at the pitch.
January 29th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
@Dough Boy It’s just one of those things with the rankings. They work based on who you’ve played and beat recently, lost to recently, etc… For example AV beat Richmond this year, but Richmond is ranked higher just based on how things have progressed. Also, DLS beat MV, who was ranked No. 1 and beat SRV.
However, if SRV wins tonight, then I can tell you for sure they’ll move ahead of DLS for the time being.
January 29th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Just as I thought… This place is crawling with lurking referees.
January 29th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
@ Matt, just going off the formula you have up top. BOD game can go either way as history shows, Alameda will be a momentum game or rage game depending on the BOD outcome,Mt Eden on grass in their house will be tough for CVHS to overcome and well you know CVHS’s home record when Berkeley comes in for a visit. Overall CVHS just may surprise a few people.
January 29th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Seriously Offsides (the FOUL is called offside–no S)
dude, we’re here having fun and an occasional good natured jab at each other chatting about high school soccer. I could ultimately care less about leagues, I go all over to watch good soccer, including EBAL. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the advantage. And, why YES, it IS the fact that these fine boys and girls are BLESSED with all of the SOCIOECONOMIC advantages of the area. It is no dis on them AT ALL.I know a number of them and they are gentle -men and women.
I only wish that everybody could enjoy the lives they are so blessed to have. Not all of us can. That is why I am so up on some of these kids from the other side of the tracks, so to speak. It can’t be easy to stay focused on sports or your education when you could well get shot and KILLED for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Kudos to those youngsters who triumph over that.
Now…See you folks at De la tonight!
January 29th, 2013 at 5:04 pm
If history shows, I would put my bet on Bishop O’Dowd.
2009/2010 – CV 1-BOD 1, BOD 5-CV 0
2010/2011 – BOD 3-CV 1, CV 2-BOD 1
2011/2012- CV 0-BOD 1, BOD 4-CV 2
2012 – CV 2-BOD 2
Bold statement there especially since O’Dowd is playing at home against Castro Valley. Maybe this year there will be a change.
January 29th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
@T Powell, absolutely. Its a rivalry game and those kind of games are the best.
January 29th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
College Park 3
Ygnacio. 0
January 29th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
I heard that number 11 from Mt Eden is really good . I think his name is jose sanchez .he is really good
January 29th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
1-0 DLS in 14th minute
January 29th, 2013 at 6:22 pm
DLS up 1-0
January 29th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
MV up 2-0
January 29th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
DLS up 1-0 at half
January 29th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
SRV ties it on a soft chip PK. 1-1 with 27 left.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
MV up 3-1 on AV.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Soccerdude–is that CP-YV score final?
January 29th, 2013 at 7:16 pm
2-1 DLS with 20 left
January 29th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
2-1 DLS with 10 left
January 29th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Berean beat Clayton 1-0 today.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
CP 3-0 YV is final.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
@Offsides Don’t make comments like that without some facts. Berkeley beat SRV 2-0 and tied MV 2-2. Richmond tied SRV and then beat Cathedral 4-1, the same team that drew with DLS. Don’t make general comments about teams and conferences when you don’t know whats up.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:32 pm
MV up 4-1 on AV with 10 to go.
January 29th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
DLS wins 2-1
January 29th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
@ Offsides
I’m talking about the WACC not MVAL. Tennyson beat Livermore (I think they forfeited because of the transfer player), Berkeley tied MV and beat SRV, and Alameda tied Foothill (Who beat Cal by the way). I think the WACC is just as tough as a league day in and day out as the EBAL and produces great games no matter who is playing.
January 29th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
How can the WACC be as strong when theres 6 of the EBAL teams in the top 15. That doesn’t make any sense to me. Everybody except for a select few pretty much thinks the EBAL is head and shoulders above everyone else. That doesn’t mean certain teams can’t keep up or beat EBAL teams, just every team in EBAL is solid and could be at the top of other leagues.
January 29th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
CP isn’t ready to give up yet. They put up an impressive 3-0 win today against the top Ygnacio Valley. Their game against Concord is also a home game for them and it is their senior night. Not to mention, CP has put up 18 goals and only given up 1 in the last 6 games. Those goals came from 6+ different players as well. If CP can win out, with a little help, they’ll be able to win DVAL.
January 29th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
Freedom 2-0 Antioch. I saw a good game mostly dominated by Freedom especially in the 2nd half. Score could gave been higher in favor of Freedom, however Freedom’s GK Chris Contreras came up big in 3 1v1 situations for Antioch. 0 goals 1 assist for Cendejas.
Anyone know the rest of BVAL scores?
January 29th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Foothill 4, Livermore 0
January 29th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Pitt 2-0 Heritage
January 29th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Cal 1-0 Granada
January 29th, 2013 at 8:59 pm
Oakland Tech 0 Skyline 0
Ah yes a report from the OAL where the presumed top two teams faced off this evening at Skyline. The game was interesting in that Skyline had most of it’s talent on defense while Tech focused on offense. Still Skyline managed the closest chance of the night a loopy shot from deep. Tech had much more possession and several shots, but mostly from pretty far out and few on target. The two or three shots that were on target were well played by the Skyline goalie and never really a threat. Tech’s midfield was much stronger, but most attacks fizzled when the wings got involved or ran into the strong Skyline backline. All and all an impressive draw for a less talented Skyline squad. Look for Tech to adjust and conquer at home.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Tech 0-0 Skyline
January 29th, 2013 at 9:41 pm
DLS and CP completed the task at hand.
Get ready for the next one.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:55 pm
What do you guys think about tomorrow’s game, Newark Memorial hosting Logan?
January 29th, 2013 at 10:56 pm
@goalboy The other BVAL game of importance was Deer Valley 2 Liberty 0 Deer Valley just overtook Antioch for second place in BVAL with 13 points
January 29th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Matt, you going to the Logan vs. Newark game at newark? it’s always a good game and full of intensity from both teams.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:35 pm
MVAL Soccer Fan @69, yeah, that loss that Irvington suffered to Berean did not help. I would not count them out just yet, but they need to win pretty much all of their games to be elgible for the playoffs. I will see if they can redeem themselves against a tough and very surprising Kennedy-Fremont team tomorrow.
Regardless, Irvington has a lot of great young players. Even if they don’t make it this year, I would expect them to contend for the MVAL title next year and also make the playoffs.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:46 pm
Lombana @ #158, do you happen to be Luke Lombana, the Newark Memorial goalkeeper? Because if you are, I just want to say that it has been a real treat to watch you play so well. You make a great amount of saves for your team, and I would say you are one of the best (if not the best) GK in the NCS.
As for the game, I would say that Newark has the edge based on Logan’s recent struggles. Even so, it should be a great game, and I think it will come down to who does a better job of controlling the ball and tempo.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:43 am
May not be the top teams (like in the EBAL…sarcasm) but tonights BOD/Castro Valley game is gonna be a battle.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:51 am
@Alex I am not at a game tonight. I will be at Antioch v. DV on Thursday, Kennedy v. MSJ on Friday and Pitt v. Richmond on Saturday.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:35 am
I feel the need for speed. That is what Alhambra will need to do. Dublin has size but can be buzzed with speed and ball handling. Get past defender and pass quickly then close the deal up front.
GO DOGS
January 30th, 2013 at 7:40 am
The Spartan played a tight fast game and ran SRV down.
Substitution pattern was tactical. Good game DLS.
The WTF PK made a brief appearance but plenty of time to overcome.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:54 am
Pittsburg v. Richmond for this Saturday has been cancelled. Richmond will be at 24 games because of the TCAL tournament and won’t be able to play any other matches.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:55 am
@Matt Things are getting really interesting in the BVAL race for second. The Antioch-DV game on Thursday has playoff implications written all over it. Should be a great match. Freedom refuses to go away too. Their win against Antioch yesterday was huge. All these three teams still have good chances to qualify for NCS playoffs. Would you agree?
January 30th, 2013 at 7:56 am
Dublin is unsophisticated in the box don’t be surprised if Alhambra scores 1 on a PK.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:00 am
Deer Valley defense is not so good. They quickly can get disorganized which allows for a solid push in from the 25 yrd mark especially from the right side to center.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:10 am
DVAL
Team W-L (overall, league) PTS
Ygnacio Valley (13-2-4, 8-0-1) 25
College Park (9-7-4, 6-1-2) 20
Concord (9-1-5, 4-0-4) 16
Northgate (10-4-4, 4-4-1) 13
Berean Chr. (4-8-2, 2-5-1) 7
Mt. Diablo (1-8-0, 1-7-0) 3
Clayton Valley (0-17-2, 0-8-1) 1
Update
YV 25
CP 23
Concord 19 one game less
NG 13
Berean 10
MT.D 3
Clayton V. 1
Big GAME League title match on Thursday at DVC at 7pm
College Park vs Concord
CP on the heals of YV and Concord chasing from the back. Neither team can tie if they want a shot at the title. Yv just needs to win out. Berean could be a spoiler to the Warriors.
To close to call the way teams are playing.
WHO WANTS IT MORE !!!!!!!!!!!!
January 30th, 2013 at 9:09 am
@Goalboy I agree 100 percent. I think all three are worthy, and if they qualify, they should probably get in over some other teams. Freedom really needed that one last night.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:06 am
Matt,
Campolindo has played 21 matches with 4 league games remaining. One of the games in their record was against a “non-varsity” opponent at a tournament in southern California. Are they at risk for playing too many games?
January 30th, 2013 at 11:24 am
College Park is loaded solid talent, but is lacking in a consistent drive to win as a team. It needs direction and field leadership. This is a year that they should be striving to hit top form as they stand a good chance to keep advancing in NCS. The YV game could be an indicator that they are starting to turn a corner.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:31 am
Huston We have a problem! I think Campo has an issue.
I belive the rules apply even if they played a club team or a group of home-schoolers.the limit stands. Unless you can find the specific rule regarding out of area play and what constitutes a possible scrimmage. The problem is that it was an organized event i.e Tournament
January 30th, 2013 at 11:51 am
I only have Campo playing 20 games so far, including this alleged non-varsity opponent. I feel like that game is an extra entry into Maxpreps and nobody should read into it too much.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:53 am
Official Scrimmages also count in the season total of games excluding NCS play-offs per CIF.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:56 am
@ Matt…you are correct MaxPreps is not the place to obtain information on games played or records. To many inaccuracies posted . Check Campos schedule and also the schedule that is submitted to NCS…even when games are added there is an approval protocol.
January 30th, 2013 at 11:57 am
Because of how bad Maxpreps sucks, it is counting the Dec. 19 game against Alhambra twice. It’s recognizing Alhambra of Martinez and Alhambra from SoCal.
January 30th, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I have seen worse on MaxPreps..sometimes it is funny.
All of a sudden you have a loss to the Sister’s of Holy Water from Outer Manitoba Can.
January 30th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Stewie My cousin played forward at the Sister’s of Holy Water in Manitoba. They’re no joke.
My other cousin played center mid for the Blind Sister’s of the Poor in Nova Scotia. Powerhouse.
January 30th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Nothing beats ice skating on your local tennis court during the winter.
January 30th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@ Matt slow today.
Great game last night at De La Salle, sorry you missed the game because of your clinic. What is your area of focus?
Sparty was on fire…seemed a little nervous but settled down after about 20 then found game and lots of it.
A good win and confidence builder. San Ramon was tough and was a threat but Sparty kept up the pressure and tactical adjustment and put in a strong performance.
Any plans tonight or Thursday as to which ones you will be watching?
January 30th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
What happened to Clayton Valley? Perhaps other people have written about them and I missed the posts. What a great program it had been for the last few years! I know they were senior-laden last year, but still, how sad!
January 30th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Clayton Valley – I’ve seen a few times this year..I give them credit, the boys play hard. After losing a large numbers of seniors, adding a new coach, etc – tough assignment for the current group of players to meet the recent seasons expectations. The core seems to be young however, they will be back next year I think.
100
January 30th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Have you seen the new All Black field turf at Clayton Valley?
Its Ugly hot and nasty. How could a rational person or group or committee do that? The supplier must have given them a good deal. The CV-C field site is one of the hottest around and Black Turf adds about 5 – 8 degrees to surface temp. Do not believe the low ball temp from manufacture of 2-4 that is just plain wrong.If you thought it was bad before on a hot day it is now hot enough to push health issues over the edge.
Good Luck to the Ugly Eagles and the Ugly hot nasty turf.
January 30th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@Shinguard I have an externship at an Intellectual Property firm. Since I am externing (which I get school credit for, unlike interning) I have to do a clinic at the school on most Tuesdays where they teach us lame stuff. It’s a bore and I’d rather be out at a game! I think I’ll be out there this Tuesday.
I am at Antioch v. DV on Thursday and at Kennedy v. MSJ on Friday. My Saturday is now more open.
January 30th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
@Matt…Very cool. I will send u updates when possible.
Capt Ahab will forward me regarding Alhambra and I will pass on tonight. I will be at Winton Thursday.
Hope to catch you before NCS and remember Sir Alex is very wise.
“If he was an inch taller he’d be the best centre half in Britain. His father is 6ft 2in – I’d check the milkman.”
On the now retired United right-back Gary Neville
January 30th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
I love those Neville’s. Phil is still skippering the Everton boys.
I’m disappointed the transfer for Leroy Fer did not go through, but I hope Moyes does something between now and tomorrow to strengthen his side.
Good results today!
January 30th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
I’ll sum it up for CV-C….Coach Rory, please come back! And yes, the black field is pretty bad!
January 30th, 2013 at 5:51 pm
Moreau 2-2 Washington
January 30th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
Berkeley beats Arroyo 3-1.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Piedmont wins 1-0 scoring in the final 7 minutes. They could have had about 3-4 more. Two offside goals, the first one was questionable. Defense held strong and showed great possession. Tennyson came out strong the second half but only managed one threatening play at the end. Tennyson’s goalie was outstanding stopping some close shots in the second half and a breakaway in the first. That makes it a 4-game winning streak.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
Any news from Dublin ? Capt Ahab is having technical difficulties on info relay. Hope he has not been harpooned.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Dublin 0 Alhambra 0 with less then 12 to go 1st half.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:49 pm
American and Mission broke out in a brawl the first half. 3 red cards issued. Coaches for both teams have no control over their players. Unbelievable.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Logan 1 Newark 0 after 1 half
January 30th, 2013 at 6:58 pm
0-0 Acal v DV at half. Dons should be up by 2, but could also be trailing the WCats.
January 30th, 2013 at 6:58 pm
With a win over Encinal, Piedmont will essentially guarantee a spot in the Division II playoffs. Even if more than 16 qualify, I don’t see Piedmont getting left out.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
I also need to make a comment about Kennedy-Richmond. The TCAL site has them at 5-5, and De Anza at 5-4-1, with the two teams splitting the season series. I have been reported that De Anza won both games. If this info was wrong, then Kennedy is eligible for the playoffs. I don’t think it’s wrong, but I will try and find out.
With that said, here are the TCAL matcups…
No. 1 Richmond, No. 2 Hercules, No. 3 St. Mary’s and No. 4 Pinole have byes.
No. 5 DA v. No. 12 St. Joe
No. 6 EC v. No. 11 St. Pat
No. 7 Kennedy v. No. 10 Salesian
No. 8 Albany v. No. 9 Swett
January 30th, 2013 at 7:18 pm
O’Dowd 4 – Castro Valley 0. I said earlier I would bet on O’Dowd and I’m not surprised by the outcome at all.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Matt,
What is Berkeley’s ranking after the lost against Richmond?
January 30th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Still 0 0 Dublin and Alhambra 27 min to go.
Capt Ahab is alive and well
January 30th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
0-0 @DoV with 20 left. WCats holding their own, for now .
January 30th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Acal scores with 16 left. 1-0 over DoV.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Hayward 3-1 San Leandro
January 30th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
Still Alhambra 0 Dublin 0 with 9 min to go
January 30th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
@Red&Yellow We’ll have to see how the rest of the week plays out, but they won’t drop far.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Billecci for Alhambra rips shot but hits top cross at 2 min to go
still 0 0
January 30th, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Acalanes wins 1-0.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Alhambra 0 Dublin 0 Final
January 30th, 2013 at 7:55 pm
Logan 1-1 Newark
January 30th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Logan 1 Newark 1. Bad call fron the ref. Last minute pk. The foul was clearly outside the box. And a flop from Joel Sandavol. Logan was robbed fron this win.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:06 pm
I just heard Hayward 3 san leandro 1
Hayward Dominator game it wasn’t even close Christian Mendoza Luigi Castillo Rigo. score with easy Hayward just moved the ball around to ,good on abad field . Hayward about to wrap up there league.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
Dam those Phantom PK’s when they show up for a game and they are late at best. I would hold admission at min 20 into 2nd half. Otherwise don’t bother showing up.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Alameda 0-0 Mt. Eden
January 30th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Campo 2-1 Las Lomas
January 30th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
@Jose I feel your pain that would of been a big win for Logan. I don’t like pk’s at all, but last minute ones are really irritating. It seems like they should only be awarded due to hard fouls that obviously stop a clear scoring opportunity not the ticky-tak questionable stuff we often see and certainly not for “any” foul in the box.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Hello Mr. Smith,
I was wondering if i could ask you a question through email about a small internship but more of a shadowing please email me and i can get a little more detailed.
January 30th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
MSJ 1-1 American
January 30th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Alhambra/Dublin ref was weak tonight. A fight almost breaks out, no cards. An Alhambra fan is kicked out for cursing and the cops are called. A dirty slide tackle from the back after the play leaves a starting sophomore with an injury, and just a yellow card.
The game was pretty even, probably 60% Dublin 40% Alhambra. Dublin didn’t finish, despite many opportunities. Alhambra attack didn’t get many shots off, but still rushed Dublin’s D. I would say Dublin could have won that game. Both defenses locked down at times. Alhambra shot hits the crossbar! Dublin has numerous opportunities right in front of the net. Alhambra keep made a great save on a first half header.
January 30th, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Irvington 3-2 Kennedy Irvington .500 in league and searching for playoff eligibility.
January 30th, 2013 at 10:29 pm
Irvington v Kennedy was an amazing game. Some very good goals. Irvingtons game winner came off a brilliant set piece. Such a good game. I wish more high school games were like this.
January 30th, 2013 at 10:50 pm
MVAL Soccer Fan, that game between Irvington and Kennedy was terrific. It was a shame that one team had to lose, because both teams made great plays that led to goals. This win for sure increases Irvington’s chances of making the playoffs.
Also, do you know what happend with that brawl between American and Mission? I came and saw the last few minutes of that game before the Irvington-Kennedy match, and I heard from some people that there was an ugly fight earlier in the game.
January 31st, 2013 at 12:18 am
I enjoyed a surprisingly spirited match at Dougherty Valley tonight as the WildCats hosted the undefeated Acalanes Dons. It was a game-time decision to shift from my posted schedule to see Dublin host Alhambra.
The Sweeper’s Player of the match…drum-roll please…the DoV keeper, “hands down.” I would love to hear comments from the Dons fans and have Matt query the Dons coaching staff for their thoughts.
Acalanes could have easily led 2-0 or 3-0 at half but for the opposing keeper, or been down 0-1 but for a missed open-goal shot just wide left. But it was 0-0 at the half.
The second half was much more even because the WildCats figured something out at the half (less zone defense, more fore-checking because they have solid fundamental skills). There was a period from the 45th minute to the 60th minute where DoV actually controlled the match while the Dons’ brain-trust reset the tactics.
The winning goals was on a pinball action play where the scorer was ‘possibly’ beyond all of the defenders except the keeper but behind the ball when shooting, so ‘possibly’ onside, but perhaps not at the time the prior shot was sent. Confusing at a minimum, would like to see the tapes. My verdict after thinking it through was that it was a good call/goal, but not 100% clear-cut (based on the lack of protest from the DoV players).
Officiating grade: C, at best. The crew was OK, but challenged by the overall action, and the calls were very uneven: kudos to the DoV coach who bit his tongue repeatedly, very classy. The Dons coach was incognito to me from across the pitch. My final grade was seriously affected by the added time: only 3:15. By my stopwatch, there was over 7+ minutes of down time from the 60th minute to the 75th minute: goal reset time, 3 major injury delays, and one obvious delay of match kick well after a dead-ball whistle (the yellow came 45 seconds alter, with no time allowance). While somewhat technical, these officiating decisions should be considered for the NCS playoffs.
What did we learn?
Acalanes remains unbeaten because they are skilled, physical, patient and disciplined (sound familiar?), but some of the issues that we saw against SRV (quality shot opportunities by an opponent) were evident in this match.
Tonight the DoV keeper posted the best 80 minute effort that I have seen this season, bar none.
See you at the pitch!
January 31st, 2013 at 7:05 am
With a good scouting report and some film Acalanes can be taken down. They are physical but are somewhat predictable on field movement. One thing that they do is score that 1 goal then drop 9 to defend. That is old school.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:05 am
@T. Powell, it was worth a shot trying to give CVHS boys some motivation. Worked in the first 15 minutes. Nice coaching job by Mr. Barrett, respect. @Matt, how does it look for CVHS getting into NCS now?
January 31st, 2013 at 7:10 am
@Bobo I don’t think it looks great at the moment. I’d have to say they are behind Dougherty, Deer Valley, Antioch, Mt. Eden, Logan and Freedom. With CP pretty much a lock, Castro Valley is one of several teams looking for one of the last spots.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:50 am
Matt
What game will you be going to today or tonight ?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:00 am
I’m at Antioch v. DV tonight.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:57 am
I will be at the CP and Concord game.
Great time 7pm at DVC. CP has been playing great. Huge win over YV.
Are the stats correct about Concord? Going over 10 games without a loss.
Matt– Surprised your not going to this game ?
January 31st, 2013 at 11:04 am
Bobo, I can’t say much about the game since I wasn’t there but I have to say Dave is doing a good job with the group of boys he has. It would be good to see both teams advance into NCS.
January 31st, 2013 at 11:38 am
My thoughts on today…
The winner of Antioch/DV is in great shape to get in. The loser probably has some worries.
The winner of the CP/Concord game stands to jump up in the rankings.
Which of the three teams at the top of the EBAL will hold serve?
Pitt can possibly wrap up the BVAL tonight.
TCAL Tourney starts today.
January 31st, 2013 at 12:14 pm
If the Irvington v Kennedy game was a great game that you would want to see all high school games be like, the Mission v American game was the exact opposite. Game got a little physical about 10 minutes in and the ref was not keeping great control. But both set of coaches did not help the situation at all. Missions coaches easily could have calmed their team down and kept them focused, but instead riled them up more. Until finally there was a very late, dirty tackle by a Mission player and the American player got up and in his face and punches were thrown and an all out brawl basically broke out. Benches cleared, another fault of the coaches in my opinion, and red cards we’re handed out. It was disgusting to watch to be honest.
Speaking to the a Fremont based coach at the end of the game, he said since the Mission coaches have been there that they have been by far the most undisciplined team in the league. It’s sad to see.
Luckily the game that followed was awesome to watch. Still in awe of the free kick that Irvington ran to win the game. Awesome goal.
January 31st, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Pittsburg is playing Clayton Valley at home this Saturday.
January 31st, 2013 at 4:31 pm
@P2mk2 That is a big game indeed, but I gotta try and spread out the coverage to all the leagues.
January 31st, 2013 at 4:45 pm
MVAL Soccer Fan, what you described is very unfortunate. I know Al McKay of American pretty well, so I hope he wasn’t too involved with this brawl. Regardless, it reflects badly on all the coaches and players. I’m glad it wasn’t like this during the Irvington/Kennedy match. That free kick was awesome like you mentioned. I think that was Mohammad Raza who scored the game winner for Irvington, but I forgot and I’m not quite sure. Anyone happen to know who that hero for the Vikings was?
January 31st, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Checking in from Antioch. Two playoff hopefuls in DV and Antioch.
YV beat Berean today, 2-0.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:08 pm
Cal goes up 1-0 on AV early on.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:08 pm
Where is Sweeper tonight, and why am I in lovely Antioch all alone?
January 31st, 2013 at 6:12 pm
DLS up 1-0 on Granada.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:16 pm
I am at Foothill talking to friends/parents of MV girls soccer team. I guess the boys are at MV. 0-0 after 14 minutes.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:29 pm
El Cerrito 2, St. Pat’s 0
January 31st, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Game winning goal for Irvington came from Emilio Torres…set up by Mohammad Raza. Emilio has had a few big games back to back for the Vikings according to their coach.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Antioch and DV 0-0 at half.
DLS up 1-0 at half.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Pitt up 1-0 at half. If these BVAL results hold, Pitt is the league champ.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Cal 1-0 at half.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Alright then, boys H2 at MV underway 0-0.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:05 pm
DLS still up 1-0 early in second half. Still scoreless here.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Liberty 2-1 pitt!
January 31st, 2013 at 7:16 pm
MV scores, 1-0 with 23 left. Unchallenged dribble up the middle shot from 20 out.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:17 pm
MV up 1-0 on Foothill.
DV just scored to go up 1-0 on Antioch.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:17 pm
MV up 1-0 on Foothill.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:19 pm
I rarely post my personal opinions about people’s behavior, but I really need to say this… When you are in the press box acting in an official capacity of a school, you are representing that school. Please act accordingly.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Foothill equalizes… Before I can even finish typing, Greenberg scores. 2-1 MV.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:21 pm
FH equalizes with 20 left on deep low cross, and MV counters on loose ball. 2-1 MV with 19 to go.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:33 pm
MV up 3-1 with 8 left.
January 31st, 2013 at 7:35 pm
4-1 at MV
January 31st, 2013 at 7:42 pm
MV wins 4-1.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:11 pm
@Matt Smith. Couldn’t agree with you more about MV spectators. Very disappointed in the behavior and it took away from a good game by MV. Was disgusted by one MV spectator that was encouraging his team to hurt the FH gk following a collision between a FH forward and MV gk.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Salesian wins 4-3 vs Kennedy
January 31st, 2013 at 8:28 pm
@Matt Final score at Freedom. Falcons 4-0 Heritage. Jorge Cendejas 2 goals.
What were the rest of the final scores for the rest of the BVAL?
January 31st, 2013 at 8:50 pm
I’m hearing Pitt tied Liberty 3-3 and Antioch 1-1 Deer Valley. Things are really hearing up in the BVAL. @Matt What did you think about the Antioch-DV game?
January 31st, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@TVR I actually wasn’t at MV tonight, but what I was hearing where I was at was not acceptable. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
@Goalboy Pitt 3-3 Liberty and Deer Valley 1-1 Antioch.
Pittsburg suffered a couple of huge, huge blows tonight. They lost Esteban Berumen, their leading scorer, for the season, and holding mid Ricardo Vasquez could be done for the year too.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:54 pm
@Goalboy I thought each team was one pass away from doing great things. They’d make one or two very nice passes and then on the next one the touch would be bad or the pass would not be on the mark.
Not many chances, but the teams were creative, especially going up the sides of the field. There wasn’t a lot of room in the midfield and play was very physical.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:57 pm
SRV 2-2 Livermore
January 31st, 2013 at 9:02 pm
@TVR and @ Matt
is that what you are talking about, crowd behavior? or the behavior of people working in the press, timers booth?
There is no excuse for anyone encouraging an injury!
That said, the injury to the MV goalie was potentially serious. MV Goalie, jumping for the ball, undercut by FH forward and the MV goalie fell landing on his back and head. Oh and did I mention the THERE WAS NO FOUL CALLLED!
Let’s hope the MV keeper doesn’t have a concussion to deal with.
The FH-MV match was a very tough physical battle. All 5 goals were scored in about a 20 minute period.
Congrats to MV on the win and to Foothill on battling hard throughout.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:03 pm
@Matt Thanks for the game summary. So sad to hear about the injuries to Esteban and Ricardo. Both are key players at Pitt. And although both will surely be missed, Pitt has plenty of talent. Others are just gonna have to step it up. Hoping for a quick recovery for both these two great players, Berumen and Vasquez.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:03 pm
DLS 1 Granada 0 Final
January 31st, 2013 at 9:07 pm
Concord 2-1 over CP.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:10 pm
I guess CP turned the corner and ran into a wall.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:15 pm
@EBALDad
I meant spectator conduct in general. The individual I heard wasn’t in the press box from what I could see, but I was hearing a lot from the whole side.
I agree player safety comes first. However, as you said there is no excuse for encouraging anyone to injure somebody.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Sparty needs to be on top form for Livermore and Cal and finish clean.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:21 pm
did cal win?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Livermore did they find some MoJo?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:33 pm
California 1-0 Amador Valley final
January 31st, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Wow. Crazy game tonight at CP/Concord. One of the best games i have seen. CP had chances Concord had their chances. But who ever scores wins? Correct? Concord came out very strong and wanted to win. They should deffinetly move up alot in the rankings. They forshure will be a top contester in NCS. They are on fire right now. Check them out.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:09 pm
So does that mean that concord is better than YV..? If CP killed YV and Concord beat CP at their home on their senior night that tells your something…..
January 31st, 2013 at 10:33 pm
In the Cal-vs-Amador game, Cal’s #10 Grixti headed a direct kick over the Amador goalie’s hands and into the net just three minutes into the game. For the next 77 minutes the game looked evenly matched with several scoring opportunities on both sides but that early goal ended up being the 1-0 winner.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:00 am
We could have something interesting at the DAWG HOUSE Tonight.
Although Campo had Alhambra’s number down in the first match. The Dogs have stepped up the game and seem to make that late run. Hopefully this evenings game will be WHO LET THE DOGS OUT type of game.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:17 am
To Capt Ahab and crew in the dog pit. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He82NBjJqf8
Hope to make it
@ Matt will relay updates
February 1st, 2013 at 7:38 am
@FrankL I’m always skeptical of the use of that sort of logic because we have no idea how those would actually matchup. It’s hard to stay if on both occasions both teams played 100%, making comparing 2 results much more difficult.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:09 am
If anybody is in the neighborhood tonight, Bishop O Dowd’s girls play Berkeley at O’Dowd
This will be as good as any boys match.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:33 am
Mudhen
I’m sorry but the “as good as any boys match” observation just doesn’t fly, In my opinion.
Girls soccer is certainly more technical but it’s almost an entirely different sport the way it’s played in terms of pace and aggression when compared to the boys game.
So, While it may be one of the best girls matches of the season, and be entertaining in it’s own right, my feeling is that it will still pale in comparison to almost any boys match.
Now THAT should help us get to 500!
February 1st, 2013 at 8:47 am
Some of the women’s National play the speed and intensity is starting to approach a good level.
But the girls have own Blog with Matt Schwab
February 1st, 2013 at 8:51 am
#277
Being a fan of the sport and supporter of student athletes in schools I have this to say about last nights CP vs. Concord game and other stats.
On paper you may be right in that one would think one team is better then the other, but one would have to look at the bigger picture.
Teams have up and down games, players that show up and some that don’t. Bad day or good day. Luck or no luck.
We can always look back at the past events and make assumptions of what is better or worst.
Now to the game….. Both teams came out hard. Fast paced and a bit “chippie”. Cp began by holding the ball and trying to find #2 with a lot of help from #10. The Concord D held strong by waiting to see how and what the other team was doing. C #4 and #23 communicated well and took control of the back line. C’s offense was fast and pestie for Cp to mark. Pestie and speed paid off with a shot to the far post out of the reach of keeper, finding the net.
Game continues to be hard and well fought. CP taking control of the middle with some well put together passes and crosses in the danger zone. Cp taking shots hitting the crossbar and creating great opportunities in the air. Half ends 1-0 Concord
Concord comes out strong and on the Cp players not letting them play or move the ball smooth. Control began to shift to the Concord side with fast attacks. #10 for Concord shows up and takes over in the middle giving outlets to the outsides and back to the middle.
While Concord keeps the pressure and attack, a long clearance from CP finds #2 on the attack a miss read bounce by the C defense and a bad handled ball by the keeper lets #2 with a clear shot on gol and the ball finds the net. 1-1
Big blow for the C defense. The game now centers in the middle with a constant speed attack by Concord. While CP waits for those free kicks and corner kicks to capitalize. Shots by C’ hits crossbar and then post, landing in the feet of a C’ attacker who just clears it over the goal. Still 1-1. A long aired ball finds the 18 the C’ and a CP players goes up for a bicycle but only finds the head of C’ #4. Dangerous play!!!!
Now things get ugly…. ugly.
Two coach’s from C step onto the field while one checks on the player the other began fighting with ref. What was said only they will know. Yellow followed by a red. That coach lost his cool and took it out on the ref. Very unprofessional.
With #4 walking out and on the bench, the play resumes.
Cleared ball finds the Offence of C’ fighting for the ball and with new motivation in hand cause of the event… players from C’ find the back of the net.
2-1 Concord.
CP takes a huge blow from that second goal but fights harder and never looks down. Moving players in the back and on the attack opened up the lanes for C’s speed. # 10 for C’ dribbles taking on the D of CP finding himself alone vs. the keeper at the 18 , shot … just missed wide.
Game ends 2-1 Concord.
Other then that coach incident… great game by both teams.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:07 am
Boys 284 Girls 28
I rest my case.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:30 am
DLS Granada game…DLS seemed to have a bit of the big game let down from Tuesday but had a good rotation going and the D was tight as Granada was rarely a threat past the 25. The closest Granada game was on a miss play by the De La Salle Backs the Spartan Keeper was able to fully extend and get his hand on the ball just before it was to spin into the goal. The 1 great play in the last few min kept a clean sheet and a win for De La Salle.
February 1st, 2013 at 10:21 am
My my, we’ve entered the lair of the cave men here haven’t we?
February 1st, 2013 at 10:46 am
@284, 285 & 287,
But girls don’t flop on the pitch the way boys do.
Inane comments: girls-5, boys-200+.
I rest my case your honor.
See you at the pitch!
February 1st, 2013 at 11:22 am
The court finds in favor of Sweeper and awards him an INIDRECT FREE KICK.
February 1st, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Northgate 0
Mt Diablo 0
Average play from both teams. I think Mt D played with some spark while Northgate may have under estimated Mt D.
Word is that Northgate made playoffs. If so, this may be reason for their ok performance.
February 1st, 2013 at 12:08 pm
A lot of teams made playoffs…. no reason to just play ok… These games are prep for NCS… teams need to go all out.
February 1st, 2013 at 12:19 pm
The only input I will give on the boys/girls matter is that the comments are not inane. I think the interest in this blog is what the comments symbolize.
February 1st, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Hey Matt! Can you update me on Dublin’s situation? Like how many games left and what needs to happen. Hard to keep up out here in KC :/
February 1st, 2013 at 1:33 pm
@Tack Awesome to hear from you, bud!
Dublin is hovering around .500 in all three categories, with three games left. One win pretty much will do the trick for them. One win, and I say they are in.
February 1st, 2013 at 2:31 pm
The women’s game has its place. It may lack some of the raw physicality and speed, but the athleticism and tactical aspects are all present. One is not necessarily better, learn to enjoy & respect both games that are presented on the pitch.
“If you truly expect to realize your dreams, abandon the need for blanket approval. If conforming to everyone’s expectations is the number one goal, you have sacrificed your uniqueness, and therefore your excellence.”
― Hope Solo
February 1st, 2013 at 2:34 pm
@Matt…any thoughts on tonight’s matches?? Will you be out and about at a match or will you be out and about the town with Miss Idaho.
February 1st, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Sheesh… I was just pointing out that there was a good game tonight if anyone was in the area. While it lacks the slam dancing that6 you guys think is so integral, O ‘Dowd and Berkeley are two very fast physical teams.
February 1st, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Does any one know how the TCAL tournament is going? Who is playing who ? All i know is richmond is playing de anza
February 1st, 2013 at 2:51 pm
@ Matt Any news on the players that were hurt from what you said originally sounded bad. ??
You always hope that the word is not so bad after seeing the Doc.
February 1st, 2013 at 3:42 pm
@Stewie I am at TAK tonight for MSJ v. Kennedy. And I think Berumen broke his collarbone. He’s 100 percent done. Vasquez might play in the playoffs. Maybe…
February 1st, 2013 at 3:42 pm
RHS Says
Albany is playing Pinole on Feb 5th.
February 1st, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Which those players all the best for a speedy recovery.
February 1st, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Hand eye…I Wish those players all the best for a speedy recovery.
February 1st, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Vasquez and Berumen are both done for the year and next three months.
February 1st, 2013 at 5:11 pm
#292
Fairly accurate description of the game. It’s been mentioned before that Northgate struggles with grass fields and that was clearly the case again tonight… However they also played more relaxed to start, possibly because they were too confident.
Man, or rather men, of the match were the goalkeepers. YV’s played a more shot-stopping role and made some stunning saves, he deserved more applause. NG’s keeper had a few important saves too, but his technical role and strong presence on the field are where he shined.
February 1st, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Hayward 3-0 Piedmont. Farmers are WACC Shoreline champs.
February 1st, 2013 at 6:30 pm
What a game. Hayward’s keeper made some incredible saves in the first 15 minutes to stop Pedmont from scoring quickly. Very back and forth with both teams moving the ball well and creating chances. Piedmonts keeper made some great saves also. 1-0 until the final 2 minutes. I heard the referee apologized to the Piedmont coaches after the game. The first goal Hayward scored, rigo pushed the defender to get the ball and the referee admitted he should have called a foul and a no goal. Oh well. Matt, does Piedmont still have a chance to make NCS if they beat Encinal and go 5-5 against D2 teams? What other teams are they competing with for a spot?
February 1st, 2013 at 6:47 pm
Halftime at Berkeley. Berkeley 0 – O’Dowd 0. Berkeley have had the better of the chances but the ball movement and possession is pretty even for both teams. Very defensive game.
February 1st, 2013 at 6:53 pm
All I have to say is if the women’s game is so poor in the US, than how come on the national stage our women(all ages) are the most dominant plus Brazil’s Marta who is unbelievable to watch. Yet our mens team can’t even beat Canada…
On the flip side I want to point out it isn’t a great show when, in the game US vs Brazil in the women’s World Cup semi game, Rapinoe is the worst player on the field constantly giving away the ball and stays in to make a phenomenal cross. Just sayin in the mens game she would have been out by half.
February 1st, 2013 at 6:58 pm
okay why you have to make excuses Piedmont fan Hayward dominate the game yes Piedmont had few chances in the first half but hayward control out possessed Piedmont bye large margin. come on rigo was failed numerous times the first minute of the game defender grab him in the box.Hayward out played them by a large Margin. that’s why Hayward are the champions. congratulations Hayward.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:14 pm
@piedmontfan Rigo never pushed the defender the defender was back tracking, dumb mistake by the defender. Hayward has more opportunities game should’ve been 6-0.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Alhambra up on Campo 2-1. I’m at TAK. Newark up 2-1 on American late.
I’m here for the nightcap. Kennedy v. MSJ.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Arroyo 2-2 Mt. Eden
February 1st, 2013 at 7:17 pm
1-0 Berkeley. Poor defending from O’Dowd.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Washington up 1-0 on Logan.
Newark strikes. 3-1.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Berkeley 1 – O’Dowd 0 final.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Alhambra up 2-1 on Campo still. 20 to go.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:41 pm
Congrats Farmers! Tall order for O’Dowd at Berkeley tonight but that’s why they play the game. Go Dragons!
February 1st, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Ah, just saw @T. Powell’s update. Good battle Dragons.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Irvington 3, Moreau 1. Irvington is a win away (or two draws) from playoff eligibility.
February 1st, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Alhambra beats Campo 2-1. Go ahead and punch that playoff ticket for the ‘Dogs.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:04 pm
MSJ up 1-0 early on Kennedy.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:25 pm
Kennedy equalizes.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Acalanes 2 Dublin 0. The Dons dominated the game throughout. Believe that makes them DFAL League Champs.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Alameda beats Castro Valley 1-0. The playoff fortunes of these teams just flip flopped.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Goals by Johnny Billecci & Dominic Weir clinched a hard fought energy filled game as Alhambra defeats Campolindo 2-1. The Dogs played a solid game of footy with a sound display of passing and control. Good Job Dogs….great team effort for all 80 min.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:00 pm
@RHS The second round of the TCAL is…
Richmond v. De Anza
Pinole v. Albany
St. Mary’s v. Salesian
Hercules v. El Cerrito
I believe these are must win games for Albany and Salesian. I think Albany might be eligible for the playoffs if it officially ends in a draw and goes to PK’s.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:06 pm
MVAL is shaping up to be very interesting the last week of the season. Irvington coming on strong, Logan limping to the finish, and Kennedy trying to hold on to a strong start.
Logan vs Irvington on Wednesday just became a huge game with tonight’s results.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:08 pm
Deer Valley 2-2 Las Lomas
February 1st, 2013 at 9:11 pm
@MVAL Soccer Fan You are correct. This is shaping up to be very interesting.
And I have to say this after catching two games here at TAK, and seeing Logan and Newark earlier… The MVAL plays exciting soccer. Fast paced, aggressive, with a lot of skill. Very good possession and great touch. If these teams finish their chances, they are dangerous if they get in the playoffs.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Kennedy just took a 2-1 lead.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Great evening at the Dog pound at Alhambra. Campo was tough but Alhambra had some major MoJo going. Fun to watch a good battle that had good flow and skill on display by both teams. The mids and backs for Alhambra really stepped up tonight and did not allow much opportunity to present itself for Campo.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Kennedy 2-2 MSJ
February 1st, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Matt, you say albany and Salesian have must wins ahead of them but what do you have to say about el cerrito? By the way, should be a really exciting game to watch between the gauchos and titans. And word has it, Jeremy Romero is not on the team anymore because of a argument between him and a coach.
February 1st, 2013 at 9:50 pm
@Matt
Well Kennedy and Mission are definitely two teams that play very aggressive and fast paced. Washington is very similar.
Logan and Newark are definitely the most talented and play the best soccer with Irvington being a close third. All three try to possess the ball but Irvington just doesn’t have the athletes that the other two do, which gets them in trouble with the bigger more aggressive teams like Mission etc.
It’s fun to watch the contrast in styles .
February 1st, 2013 at 10:44 pm
San Lorenzo 5 San Leandro 0
February 1st, 2013 at 10:46 pm
@ Matt, I just want to thank you for coming by and checking out a very good MVAL match up. Between Kennedy vs Mission.
February 1st, 2013 at 10:46 pm
Juan Ramirez from Slz scored 7 goals in two games bringing his total to 11 goals
February 1st, 2013 at 11:11 pm
@Emile Heskey I am not 100 percent positive on this, but I don’t think El Cerrito can get in. I know they can’t get to .500 either overall, league (tournament games don’t count towards league record) or in their division, but the only thing I am waiting for clarification on is if the TCAL tourney champ is a team that didn’t win a league, do they get an auto berth as well? This would be the Gauchos only way in. And I hope that it isn’t true about Romero. He’s a really fun player to watch.
@RigoM It was my pleasure. I had a good time at TAK, and it was nice to talk to a bunch of players from each team and the coaches. I saw some good soccer.
February 1st, 2013 at 11:13 pm
So my record time from Fremont to my apartment in San Francisco was ruined by the road construction going on up Market Street, but let’s say I got home very fast tonight. I’ve got myself some food, something to drink and now it’s time for me to settle in and look at playoff scenarios.
February 1st, 2013 at 11:19 pm
@Rebel Thank you very much for those updates.
February 1st, 2013 at 11:23 pm
Thanks for all the updates Matt…do u think u know for sure what team is already in NCS????
February 1st, 2013 at 11:41 pm
@Monreal I definitely know which teams are going to get in for sure.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:28 am
Matt, challenge accepted!!
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:34 am
@Matt Smith….okay…thanks…can u post it over the weekend, plz???
February 2nd, 2013 at 7:01 am
Will do.
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:17 am
Wow, looks like Berkeley/BOD game was a good one. Congrats to Farmers and as for the CVHS/Alameda game….no comment.
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:18 am
Wait on second thought…bring back Peacock!
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:59 am
@Bobo Alameda’s a pretty scrappy squad. Especially at home. Tight game in an entertaining WACC.
@Matt There’s ALWAYS construction on Market St.!
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:12 am
@Neal Haha! I live Upper Market (Twin Peaks) so usually that area is not too bad. But last night it was terrible.
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:20 am
I’m gonna update some playoff scenarios…
Albany is 5-6-1 in Division II games. so they need to win today, then win in the next round, or they need to win and then draw in the next round and go out on PK’s. It’s looking like it won’t be easy for Albany to get in.
Salesian is 4-4-2 in Divisiion II games. It’s a win and get in situation for them. A draw, and then going out in PK’s also gets them qualified. A draw, and then winning in PK’s leaves them open to a loss in the next round, which knocks them out of the playoff race.
El Cerrito is 4-5-1 in league, and 5-8-1 in D II games. They need to win the tournament, and I’m still not sure that comes with an automatic bid.
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:46 am
TCAL tourney games are Tuesday, not today. So all that was said above about Albany applies to Tuesday.
Salesian plays Northgate today. A win for Salesian and it’s playoff eligibility.
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:48 am
Dude SF…? Find a place around College Ave. No wonder Miss Idaho doesn’t get a chance to see you.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:13 am
@Neal, no doubt Alameda played tough. There just seems to be this perpetual calibration or lack of issue with CVHS “THE PROGRAM” LOL…when it comes to a must win game.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:24 am
Any games today?
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:37 am
Interesting concerning TCAL teams. Tie a game, win in penalties, then lose next round and not make NCS. Did I get that right? Does that open the possibility for a team to deliberately lose in penalties? Don’t like an end of the season league tournament in any sport.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:35 pm
@Stewie I lived in Berkeley before law school, but the commute everyday in BART was killing me. Back to the East Bay after school is a big possibility.
@Soccerfrau You bring up the exact point I was hinting at. Getting a draw and then losing in PK’s would actually help in the right scenario. However, Albany is actually 6-6-1 in Division II games, so a win over Pinole would do the trick because Richmond (whom they may play next) is Division I. A draw and then losing in PK’s benefits Albany as well.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Games today are just Pitt v. Clayton, and Northgate v. Salesian.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Your bracketology knowledge is unparalleled and unrivaled!
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:54 pm
@Matt I thought Pitt vs Richmond??? per Matts #1
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@Soccerfrau Thank you!
@Stewie That game got cancelled, unfortunately. Or I would have been there.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:18 pm
OK Matt.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Now to convert Matt to a Bundesliga Fan
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Borussia Dortmund. I like this team very much.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:51 pm
FC Bayern the one and only.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@Matt,
Is there a way for a team just under .500 in legueto get into NCS?
What are the criteria for making NCS?
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@Matt What’s tomorrows article going to cover? Can’t wait for it!
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:04 pm
@Bobby I am updating the playoff and league situations. We’re getting closer and closer…
Pitt beat Clayton 2-1 today, but lost two more starters in the process.
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@Sideline The guidelines are set forth in the NCS rulebook, and they say a team has to have at least as many wins as losses (.500) either overall, in league play, or within division. You have to be .500 in one of these three categories, and if not, then you don’t qualify.
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:36 pm
@Matt When do you usually do the NCS predictions and when are the actual NCS seedings released?
February 2nd, 2013 at 4:21 pm
@Bobby I’ll do my predictions the night before, which will be Feb. 8. The seedings come out on the 9th.
February 2nd, 2013 at 4:51 pm
The Alameda/CVHS was an intense game. I wouldn’t go as far as to call Alameda scrappy, but they knew their NCS hopes were on the line. CVHS did their fair share of the “crappy” portion in this game, but overall I thought was caused due to the officiating. As for the actually game, Alameda wasted a lot of clear chances that against top quality teams would have cost them the game. I’ve seen them play twice, this game and vs Berkeley and I gotta say for the awful field they have, they actually try to play some nice soccer. CVHS has some good individual players that stood out, but unfortunately they resorted to taking shots way out of range, but did create some good chances with crosses unto their big and fast forward. Overall, I enjoyed the game I must say.
February 2nd, 2013 at 8:36 pm
@George, I agree Alameda is a quality team. So is the program. The Ayllon brothers have been doing a very good job with it for the least few years. I also like that they try to play soccer, rather than the lambda HS game.
February 2nd, 2013 at 8:59 pm
What an improvement at Bishop O’Dowd since the first time Berkeley played them at O’Dowd. I guess missing a few starters mattered! Credit the Dragons with a good effort at Berkeley Friday. Overall the game was a played hard and the result fair. I was impressed with the sportsmanship of both teams. Hard play but no hard feelings from my vantage point.
I want to mention after the extreme, over the top, stall tactics we saw at Richmond Monday it was good to see Berkeley not employ those same tricks. I don’t blame the Richmond players they were clearly coached to stall in every way possible. The Yellowjackets playing with a one goal lead for much of the second half, jogged throw-ins back to the sideline, made sure there was an extra ball near the goalbox, when a player went down they got up asap. The goalie only had the ball a couple times but when he did it was put back into play in a timely manner. It wasn’t until later I even realized how much it wasn’t an issue. There were a bunch of vocal O’Dowd parents there, but I didn’t hear any complaints about the Jackets sportsmanship. Good job by both teams.
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Matt, Could you shed some light on the way the referees are assigned to NCS playoff games? The process does not seem to be as transparent as it ought to be. I have seen the following situation several times. Team A, from league L1, hosts a playoff game vs. Team B from League L2. The referees assigned to the game are from league L2. I am not necessarily questioning the objectivity of these referees, but at best, it seems inappropriate and questionable to assign referees from L2, rather than some referees from a different league than L1 or L2, or from league L1 (because team A has actually earned the right to play at home.) I know that players, parents and fans in our community were shocked when they learned that this actually happened repeatedly in NCS semi-finals where our school was involved. I could put names on those teams and leagues, but I think it would muddy the waters, rather than help understand how these referees are assigned.
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:50 pm
@George I was at the Alameda – Berkeley game as well and that’s where the scrappy reference came from for me. I thought Berkeley was the more talented squad but Alameda played them tough on lovely Thompson field. No quit in those boys.
BOD seems to be rounding into form as the playoffs near. Great to see. Always a quality program. Fun parents too.
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:59 pm
@viewsfromthebox, the Richmond players are not coached to stall in every way possible. I believe you are referring to the injuries in the second half to 2 Richmond players. One of these injuries was serious enough that the player did not return in the game, and the other one looked bad at first but involved more pain than actual damage. One Berkeley player appeared to be hurt as well, and was taken out in the second half on the RHS cart. When this happens, the referee adds time to the game. On Monday the referee added 5+ minutes to the game to compensate for the treatment of the injured players, plus any additional delays, which seems fair.
The particular Richmond lineup on Monday featured 3 freshmen and 2 sophomores, due to injuries, while Berkeley, it seems, is an older, bigger team. Therefore it was more likely for Richmond players to be hurt when there was strong physical contact.
Learn to lose with class rather than fall down into cultural prejudices, blame the other team’s perceived behavior, the officiating crew, or whatever else.
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:27 pm
agreed Cokito
I think that should also extend to NOT denegrating a different style of playing the world’s most popular sport in a manner different from what one might appreciate. e.g. teams using the strength of their height and possibly someone being able to throw the ball in from the sidelines a great distance.
ALL playing styles should be respected = NO CULTURAL PREJUDICE
Bring on the playoffs!
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:56 pm
The different associations are alloted a certain number of games predicated on the number of teams they represent. The games are NOT necessarily in their respective groups. From there,it gets weird. The assignors of the groups seem to go this way; first round games go to the “soldiers” of a given group-those who work many games over the course of a (the) year-s without a lot of complaints, while the second rounds go to the more experienced crews. The semis and finals are generally given to those refs who have high USSF rank(think state 6 or higher) and the A.R.’s are chosen among the more experienced, but lower rank referees (gr. 7). HOWEVER… sometimes the assignor gives himself a final or semi whether he is qualified or not. This is not a problem in EBAL or EBISOA, but other groups are not so innocent. This USUALLY is not a problem, as the final games are played hard but clean by the teams,but assignors should always use the best they have, and that is rarely them.
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:17 am
@cokito Cultural prejudices? Where’s that coming from? From my experience stalling is not a cultural thing. I have seen plenty of teams of all races, creeds and colors play the stall game. I do not appreciate the time wasting tactics, it is frustrating and ruins the game in my opinion. It also has nothing to do with losing or blaming, simply observed behavior. I overheard and saw many behaviors that clearly indicate directives from the coach to waste time, not perception, reality. The fact that the referee added time is good on him and has nothing to do with the tactics. I think the Richmond team is talented and have the respect for their players. They deserved to win because no matter the refereeing or whatever else they scored more goals. I didn’t write anything to the contrary.
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:19 am
@EBALDad, Interesting point you make. You know how to push my buttons
In my previous posts about the long throwers, I believe I was referring to a preference in terms of the way the game is played: I would not typically go watch a game that was based on long throws, unless I really have to, but I would go out and watch a technical team play, with a lot of pleasure. I see this as a question of taste, based indeed on my personal experience of the game (the games I played and the games I watched since I was a little kid.) Nothing more than that. On the other hand, when I talk about cultural prejudice, I mean something much darker than that.
And yes, bring on the playoffs!
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:24 am
@viewsfromthebox, I suggest we discuss this over a cup of coffee… Sundays are good days for me.