- East Bay Prep Corner
East Bay Girls Soccer Rankings (Jan. 28)
By Matt Schwab
Monday, January 28th, 2013 at 9:19 pm in Uncategorized.
Here are the latest East Bay Girls Soccer Rankings, along with some thoughts on the current league races.
Monte Vista, the defending NCS Division I champion, appears to be hitting stride in the EBAL with improved health. Foothill is making a nice move from the bottom part of the standings. The Livermore schools, Granada and Livermore, are looking to bounce back after going a combined 0-4 last week. But it’s like splitting hairs trying to sort out the EBAL underneath the Wolves and Mustangs, in their current form.
Amador Valley is 3-1-1 in its last five games and is shaping up to be a nice story for coach Tim Gray. Consider that the Dons finished 5-9-7 overall and 2-6-6 in the EBAL in the 2011-12 season, after going 7-11-4 and 3-9-2 the previous year. Today, they’re 9-6-2 overall, 5-4-1 in league and rank No. 2 in the league in overall scoring with 28 goals and second in league scoring with 16 goals.
California, after an injury-plagued slow start, will be a tough nut to crack with the return of standout playmaker Rachel Feldman, who is headed to the Navy. Scoring has been the Grizzlies biggest challenge. Last week Feldman helped them rally past Livermore 2-1 after Cal played well in a 1-0 loss against San Ramon Valley, in which Grizzlies goalkeeper Lauren Holden stopped back-to-back penalty kicks.
There’s a couple of rivalry matches this week that I’m planning to cover for the newspaper: Logan at Washington at Tak Fudenna Stadium on Jan. 31, and Bishop O’Dowd at Castro Valley on Jan. 30.
In a BVAL showdown, title contenders Freedom and Heritage will meet on Jan. 31 in Brentwood.
Underneath first-place Campolindo in the DFAL it’s pretty chaotic. Dublin, which is 2-0-2 in its last four games, is beginning to press the pace, but Dougherty Valley and Alhambra remain dangerous.
And, yes, there’s a big DVAL battle pitting Ygnacio Valley and host College Park at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The first-place Falcons lead the Warriors by three points in the standings. The teams have combined for 122 goals this season.
Rankings (Through Jan. 27)
1, San RamonValley (13-0-4, 7-0-3 EBAL)
2, Bishop O’Dowd (16-1-1, 12-0-0 WAC-Foothill)
3, Berkeley (10-2-2, 9-1-1 WAC Foothill)
4, Monte Vista (7-4-4, 5-2-2 EBAL)
5, Castro Valley (15-2-2, 10-2-0 WAC-Foothill)
6, Amador Valley (9-6-2, 5-4-1 EBAL)
7, Washington (12-1-3, 8-1-1 MVAL)
8, Granada (5-4-0 EBAL)
9, Campolindo (9-1-2, 7-0-1 DFAL)
10, California (6-6-5, 2-4-4 EBAL)
11, College Park (13-2-6, 8-1-0 DVAL)
12, Foothill (5-5-6, 3-4-3 EBAL)
13, Livermore (6-7-3, 2-5-3 EBAL)
14 (t), Logan (9-5-2, 8-1-1 MVAL)
14 (t), Freedom (8-3-1, 3-0-1 BVAL)
15 (t), Heritage (9-3-3, 4-0-2 BVAL)
15 (t), Piedmont (10-4-1, 8-3-0 WACC Shoreline)
Also noted: Alhambra, American, Carondelet, Clayton Valley, Dublin, Ygnacio Valley.
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January 28th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
BIG game Tuesday CPHS vs YVHS. It’s not EBAL but these girls play hard and want to be league champions.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:00 am
@DVAL Future Fan,
CP v YV is a great rivalry. I have other plans, but please weigh in with your take on the match.
BTW, why are you a “future fan”? Just curious.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:18 am
Hey Matt Schwab,
Matt Smith does an NCS bracket prediction on the boys side and I would like to see one on the girls side. Let me know if that is possible. I realize that this is quite a hassle on your part, and that some “soccer moms” are opposed to any such “wagering,” but I am just talking about bragging rights. As you know, predicting the winner on the girls side is EBAL biased, but the EBAL champ generally does not win the NCS, at least over the past 10 years.
BTW, we are Mustang soccer club parents dating back to the early 90s, and one of our kids coaches in the EBAL. Matt Smith also knows much of the story.
See you at the pitch!
January 29th, 2013 at 8:05 am
Hmmm … Not a bad call, Sweeper. I know Matt Smith does a great job, setting a high standard with his boys blog. My problem with ranking teams at the Div. II level is I rarely see them, so it’s just me, blindfolded, throwing darts at a bracket. Having said that: Predictions stimulate interest and discussion (“We’ll show Schwab!). I’m leaning toward giving it the old college try.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:21 am
Apologies to DVAL Future fan: I added some info. on the CP-YV pending battle this morning. Prediction: It won’t be scoreless.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:54 am
On another topic: With college signing day fast approaching, be sure to let me/us know of your list of signees, which can be broken down by school or club. I know Mustang always has a bunch, along with the Rage. West Coast Soccer Club has some too. Castro Valley, Berkeley and O’Dowd, the WACC trifecta, undoubtedly has some signees, in addition to the Dragons’ Ryan Walker Hartshorn (Stanford).
January 29th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
You want BIG GAME? Try O’Dowd vs. Berkeley on Friday night.
January 29th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
THAT would qualify, Mudhen. Note to self: Make sure and check all the schedules before declaring the big games of the week. I’ll talk to the boss and see how best to proceed. Are you going to be there?
January 29th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Berkeley vs BOD was an excellent contest first time around. Where is Ryan Walker Hartshorn? Injured? BOD offense has been anemic last 2 weeks.
Have to root for the underdog go Ygnacio Valley!!!
January 29th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
Matt,
No ranking is required, just pick the brackets ala March Madness. ANYONE can do it, even you! Hah!
Note to self: buy Matt Schwab some darts so he can guess with best.
See you at the pitch!
January 29th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
AV keeper needs to keep her attitude together and play well tonight if AV wants to beat MV.
January 29th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Yep. I’ll be there, icogneto.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:26 pm
Looks like the Amador Valley keeper had a great night, S. Scout. The stats for the match credit Nicholas with nine saves in a 1-0 win over the Mustangs. Big win for Amador.
January 30th, 2013 at 9:14 am
The hits just keep comin in EBAL Nice win for AV, Cal with a minor upset of Granada who is starting to struggle and Foothill/Livermore draw. No surprise that the SRV train is chugging right along. They look unbeatable
January 30th, 2013 at 1:28 pm
Here’s the first list I’ve received of girls who will be signing next week. Congratulations to all the girls!
East Bay United Bay Oaks Speed Demons (U18)
Signees:
(1) Kristin Moyer (Mission San Jose HS) – Portland State University
(2) Bianca Munoz (Arroyo HS) – Portland State University
(3) Paloma Zermeno (James Logan HS) – Portland State University
(4) Kylie Moltzen (Mission San Jose HS) – Southern Oregon University
(5) Reyna Buzon (Alameda HS) – Cal State University-Stanislaus
(6) Rory Chipman (Head Royce HS) – Vassar College
(7) Darby Nordin (Bishop O’Dowd HS) – Cal State University-Chico
(8) Kate Ranahan (Bishop O’Dowd HS) – UC Davis
(9) Ryan Daniel (Bishop O’Dowd HS) – University of Hawaii at Manoa
(10) Bianca Lowe (Bishop O’Dowd HS) – Cal State University-Northridge
(11) Emma Tinloy (El Cerrito HS) – UC Davis
January 30th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Lexi Nicholas had a great game Tuesday and the Dons played well as a team thwarting MV on several occasions. As a parent of a Don Senior it is good to see them turning the corner and challenging the top teams.
January 30th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Mustang Soccer planning party for 28 college signees on Feb. 6. That’s a lot of smarts and soccer skill.
January 30th, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Lot of great players committing to D1 schools. Congratulations to each and everyone of you who are following your dreams. This is the best post ever as a dad. Cheers
January 31st, 2013 at 2:03 am
Do you think with the lack of
Performances by the D2 schools, we could see a 12 team bracket instead of 16?
And remind me of the eligibility rules again please? Just because you’re at .500 against the same division or league makes you automatically in?
January 31st, 2013 at 8:06 am
Regarding shrinking the Div. 2 field: I suppose anything is possible, but the trend in the section is to keep expanding. More teams in the postseason means more money for NCS. Maybe someone else out there has more insight on the field-size issue.
Here is the exact wording from the NCS website regarding at-large berths:
21.303H Minimum Qualifying Record
To be accepted as a participant in the NCS/Les Schwab Tires Soccer Championships, a team shall have compiled an overall
record of at least an equal number of wins and losses or an overall record of at least an equal number of wins and losses
against teams in its own division, or at least an equal number of wins and losses in its own league. Exception: league
champions gain automatic entry. (Board of Managers 5/1/06)
January 31st, 2013 at 8:17 am
Great showing last night by Castro Valley in a surprising 2-1 win over O’Dowd. The Trojans’ spirited play reflects well on their coach Paul McCallion. Two great goals by Miranda Nild. It was O’Dowd’s first loss in league play since December 2011, when it also fell to rival Castro Valley. The Dragons’ attack has been hampered by the absence of Stanford-bound striker Ryan Walker-Hartshorn (partially torn hamstring) since late December, but Walker entered the game with 10 minutes left. She had not been training and will need some time to round into top form. The Dragons will rebound just fine. They have a great defense and an abundant of talent overall, including the likes of youth national team players Stephanie Zuniga (U16s) and Aerial Chavarin (U15s).
January 31st, 2013 at 8:21 am
@Kevin D,
The lack of performance by some schools may be due to the strength of their league. From a record standpoint Albany with a 12-5-2 record seems like a lock as does Piedmont with a 10-5-1 record. However, Acalanes beat Albany in the Winter Classic, but their league record in DFAL is 1-7-2, but their overall record is 8-8-4. Also Miramonte is 3-5-1 in DFAL with a 5-6-1 record overall, but beat Piedmont earlier this week. So although both Acalanes and Miramonte may just qualify, they may also be deserving. I am sure there are also other deserving DII schools playing in tough leagues or against DI schools in their league.
I believe to qualify for NCS a team needs a .500 or better record in one of the following:
Overall record
League record
Record against teams in same division (note that some leagues have a mixture of DI and DII schools)
I would think that there will be enough DII schools for a 16 team field that are worthy.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:40 am
In D 2 there are 16 teams that will qualify although Las Lomas is on the bubble. They will need a win against Miramonte to help the cause. Of note Encinal and Moreau (who will be lower NCS seeds) just tied highly ranked D 1 teams (Berkeley and Washington).
Acalanes and Miramonte have work to do but should qualify, losses to D 1 teams don’t count against them.
If Ryan Walker-Hartshorn is not 100% (and that will probably be the case), the tourney will be open. Campo is very consistent, Miramonte has Reid if she doesn’t have BB games, YV could be a team of destiny, and Alhambra and Dublin play hard.
January 31st, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Man…. What has this world come to where a 1-7 league record makes the playoffs? So you’re telling me, Miramonte and Acalanes will make the playoffs because they have a .500 record? It’s ridiculous considering Acalanes with that 1-7 record. Miramonte is not too much better.
January 31st, 2013 at 4:09 pm
Could you put together a prediction bracket for D2?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:05 pm
@ #2 Sweeper
Thank you for the message.
DVAL Future fan is just a handle I’ve had for some time. I am a parent with kids @ CPHS. Been going to DFAL/DVAL and EBAL sports since I was a kid growing up in WC. Plus I have more kids on the way to HS.
I enjoy everyone’s insights on both the boys and girls HS soccer scene. We are blessed to so many talented athletes to watch.Thank you Matt for the Blog. Keep up the good work.
BTW, CPHS defeated Concord 3-2 tonight to earn back to back League Championship. Coack Larry Hall says its the 1st time ever for CPHS! He should know. He started the program many years ago.
I realize DVAL is not as competitive as EBAL but the league really has some special players. Plus this is HS soccer and on any given night….
February 1st, 2013 at 12:10 am
How is Concords team? I have read they were solid some games but not so great in others.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:57 am
I agree with your message.
Last night Concord played a spirited match. They played hard until the final whistle. CPHS has proven offense and a top defender in Mary Stammers.
Concord MF Kelsey Randall is a great 2 sport athlete. She scored both the goals for Concord last night.
February 1st, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Saw a couple of exciting games this week as Castro Valley rallied past O’Dowd 2-1 and Logan rallied to tie Washington 1-1. Lots of good players and even competition. Intense, physical. Not always pretty, but all four teams played with courage and a burning desire to win a league championship. Fanning out from the balanced EBAL action, it is apparent just how deep the talent pool is for girls soccer in the East Bay. The Huskies’ Maddie Cook had a great goal, and her long throw-ins are amazing and worth the price of admission. She very nearly scored on one. Logan is surging toward the postseason.
February 1st, 2013 at 8:27 pm
Prepare for Blast off! Here’s an amazing list of Mustang Soccer players who are moving on to college play. The signing date is Feb. 6. Big party at Mustang Soccer Complex. I counted 16 from the Mustang Blast.
Congratulations to all the players, girls and boys.
Alarab, Alyssa, UCLA, Blast, SRVHS
Amack, Stephanie, Stanford, Blast, Dougherty Valley
Christensen, Ashley, USD, Blast, Carondelet
Clark, Hannah, BYU, Blast, Monte Vista
Feldman, Rachel, Navy, Blast, Cal High
Holden, Lauren, Oregon, Blast, Cal High
Hromatko, Lynsey, Cal, Blast, Monte Vista
Idso, Morgan, UC Santa Barbara, Blast, SRVHS
Koski, Hannah, Cal, Blast, SRVHS
Mamizuka, Hailey, Saint Mary’s, Blast, Monte Vista
Pavlick, Kristen Ohio State, Blast, SRVHS
Utley, Kayla, Cincinnati, Blast, Castro Valley
Vandevanter, Alexa, Cal, Blast, SRVHS
Walke, Audrey, Arizona, Blast, Livermore
Walker, Ryan, Stanford, Blast, Bishop O’Dowd
Watson, Camille, Cal Northridge, Blast, San Leandro
Fetsch, Nicole, Pepperdine, Fury, Amador Valley Herwatt, Alyssa Colorado, Fury, Carondelet
Kummer, Makenna, UC Santa Barbara, Fury, SRVHS
Marie, Nathalie Stanford, Fury, Berkeley
Lujan, Brianna, Humboldt State, Revolution, Kennedy
Teichman, Roxie, Cal Northridge, Eagles, VHS
Mulholland, Devon Azusa Pacific,Revolution,Monte Vista
BOYS
Long, Trevor, Cal, Earthquakes Academy/Granada
Sommer, Alex, Cornell, Celtic, Head Royce
Lark, Myles, Cal State Fullerton, Academy, Monte Vista
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:07 am
Could there be a 12 team bracket? As of now, I see only 11 teams eligible going into the last week.
February 2nd, 2013 at 7:45 am
O’Dowd 5 Berkeley 3
The jackets gave it their all but the dragons had too many weapons up top.
February 2nd, 2013 at 9:15 am
congrats to all of the young ladies set for wednesday a few notables not mentioned I believe Haley Chow AV is going to Princeton, and Lexi Nicholas is headed to Notre Dame
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:28 am
O’Dowd scored on 4 bombs from 25-35 yds out. Berkeley #1 goalie out with injury. Zuniga with hat trick she has an incredible shot for her size.
February 2nd, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Tuesday CP rematch against CVCHS. CP may have locked up DVAL but CVCHS wont back down
February 2nd, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Clayton Valley has the most arrogant parents and players for every sport (Mostly Football) I have ever seen. I cannot wait to see them be eliminated in the first round this year.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:33 am
@Matt,
Here are latest college commits for Lamorinda United U18 girls:
Nadia Alaiyan, Pomona College, Berkeley HS
Sophie Fuller, Westmont College, Miramonte
Nina Gerson, Washington University, St. Louis, Berkeley HS
Jessica Jara, Santa Clara, St. Mary’s
Sophia Leksan, Loyola Marymount, Campolindo
Coco Pearce, Pomona College, Miramonte
Shannon Stabler, Cal Poly SLO, Campolindo
Katie Tao, Pomona College, SRV
Megan Turner, Stanford, SRV
Claire Winter, UCLA, Acalanes
February 5th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Trick -
I saw most of today’s CP vs Clayton Valley charter soccer match today. I thought the ugly eagles played much more spirited than in their other matches this season. Was that something special for CP match? They didn’t seem to play their passing game and really racked up the fouls. Actually both teams did. It looked like a rugby game out there!lol