BRYC Girls TD Larry Best leaving for Washington Spirit

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spirit MD is Pipeline and SAC. Two of the best youth U9-13 clubs in MD.
MD was not a startup. It was a rebranding. Two different things.

Plus, they are not close to Betheada or MD United. So they retain their player pool.

Let's be fair in the assessments.

Yes, but this just confirms that this individual knows nothing about WS and likely DA and youth soccer in this area in general.

That would be incorrect.

The fact is the WS-VA has failed to attract the talent necessary to be competitive. They had some disadvantages, to be sure. Unlike the MD side they were unable to bring an established dominant force in girls youth soccer into the fold. If Mclean, Loudoun, FCV, Arlington or BRYC had been willing to accept the same deal as Armour, WS-VA would be doing just fine.

But WS VA is not and they won’t. They attracted very few with NT talent early on and as we speak those players are attending FCV DA sessions


On top of their disadvantages though, they've also mismanaged things. The coaching has not been great. Anyone who has seen their teams play (and knows anything about the game) can see that they are not effectivly teaching them to play out of the back, play through the 3rds, and in general play the way that is actually best for development. Their CBs first option is to clear the ball long, not control it and look for a MF or WB to feet. They look like they feel "pressure" when better (coached) players would feel in control.

On top of that they have bloated rosters, which they have dealt with by playing a significant # of players up in older age groups, all of which has had an effect on results.
Lets be real. DC United doesn't do that. Bethesda doesn't do that. None of the successful girls DA's do that. All of them will play players up when it is appropriate for the development -- they wouldn't be sufficiently challenged in their own age groups -- but it is not the norm.

No other DA in the country has such poor results combined with that high # of play-ups.

They have made a mess of things, and it's a damn shame. There are a lot of talented and dedicated players who bought what they've been selling, and the price has been quite high. I wish them all the best of luck in the future.

Maybe WS can turn it around. I hope they can. But it will require a change of leadership, and a completely revamped approach. That does not seem to be happening.

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spirit MD is Pipeline and SAC. Two of the best youth U9-13 clubs in MD.
MD was not a startup. It was a rebranding. Two different things.

Plus, they are not close to Betheada or MD United. So they retain their player pool.

Let's be fair in the assessments.

Yes, but this just confirms that this individual knows nothing about WS and likely DA and youth soccer in this area in general.

That would be incorrect.

The fact is the WS-VA has failed to attract the talent necessary to be competitive. They had some disadvantages, to be sure. Unlike the MD side they were unable to bring an established dominant force in girls youth soccer into the fold. If Mclean, Loudoun, FCV, Arlington or BRYC had been willing to accept the same deal as Armour, WS-VA would be doing just fine.

But WS VA is not and they won’t. They attracted very few with NT talent early on and as we speak those players are attending FCV DA sessions


On top of their disadvantages though, they've also mismanaged things. The coaching has not been great. Anyone who has seen their teams play (and knows anything about the game) can see that they are not effectivly teaching them to play out of the back, play through the 3rds, and in general play the way that is actually best for development. Their CBs first option is to clear the ball long, not control it and look for a MF or WB to feet. They look like they feel "pressure" when better (coached) players would feel in control.

On top of that they have bloated rosters, which they have dealt with by playing a significant # of players up in older age groups, all of which has had an effect on results.
Lets be real. DC United doesn't do that. Bethesda doesn't do that. None of the successful girls DA's do that. All of them will play players up when it is appropriate for the development -- they wouldn't be sufficiently challenged in their own age groups -- but it is not the norm.

No other DA in the country has such poor results combined with that high # of play-ups.

They have made a mess of things, and it's a damn shame. There are a lot of talented and dedicated players who bought what they've been selling, and the price has been quite high. I wish them all the best of luck in the future.

Maybe WS can turn it around. I hope they can. But it will require a change of leadership, and a completely revamped approach. That does not seem to be happening.

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spirit MD is Pipeline and SAC. Two of the best youth U9-13 clubs in MD.
MD was not a startup. It was a rebranding. Two different things.

Plus, they are not close to Betheada or MD United. So they retain their player pool.

Let's be fair in the assessments.

Yes, but this just confirms that this individual knows nothing about WS and likely DA and youth soccer in this area in general.

That would be incorrect.

The fact is the WS-VA has failed to attract the talent necessary to be competitive. They had some disadvantages, to be sure. Unlike the MD side they were unable to bring an established dominant force in girls youth soccer into the fold. If Mclean, Loudoun, FCV, Arlington or BRYC had been willing to accept the same deal as Armour, WS-VA would be doing just fine.

On top of their disadvantages though, they've also mismanaged things. The coaching has not been great. Anyone who has seen their teams play (and knows anything about the game) can see that they are not effectivly teaching them to play out of the back, play through the 3rds, and in general play the way that is actually best for development. Their CBs first option is to clear the ball long, not control it and look for a MF or WB to feet. They look like they feel "pressure" when better (coached) players would feel in control.

On top of that they have bloated rosters, which they have dealt with by playing a significant # of players up in older age groups, all of which has had an effect on results.
Lets be real. DC United doesn't do that. Bethesda doesn't do that. None of the successful girls DA's do that. All of them will play players up when it is appropriate for the development -- they wouldn't be sufficiently challenged in their own age groups -- but it is not the norm.

No other DA in the country has such poor results combined with that high # of play-ups.

They have made a mess of things, and it's a damn shame. There are a lot of talented and dedicated players who bought what they've been selling, and the price has been quite high. I wish them all the best of luck in the future.

Maybe WS can turn it around. I hope they can. But it will require a change of leadership, and a completely revamped approach. That does not seem to be happening.

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

If they are not coached to clear from CB, they are not coached effectively to do otherwise. The style of play is abysmal. The players are better than that.

I am well versed enough in local soccer to have seen over the years several Torres coached teams (including his DCU days), as well as several Quaranta coached teams (including Santino and his older brother Tommy). Tom is a nice guy, but it is not surprising to me that his teams play the way they do. That's why he was forced out at DC.

The WS-VA teams do not play as if they are well coached. The only exception is Hales. He does a good job. The rest are long on resume but short on performance.

I think your assesment of the NOVA clubs vs Armour is spot on. The latter went for what was best for the players in its area. The powers that be in the NOVA clubs couldn't see past their own egos.

Also, if you are using internet posts as TP, there's something seriously wrong with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

If they are not coached to clear from CB, they are not coached effectively to do otherwise. The style of play is abysmal. The players are better than that.

I am well versed enough in local soccer to have seen over the years several Torres coached teams (including his DCU days), as well as several Quaranta coached teams (including Santino and his older brother Tommy). Tom is a nice guy, but it is not surprising to me that his teams play the way they do. That's why he was forced out at DC.

The WS-VA teams do not play as if they are well coached. The only exception is Hales. He does a good job. The rest are long on resume but short on performance.

I think your assesment of the NOVA clubs vs Armour is spot on. The latter went for what was best for the players in its area. The powers that be in the NOVA clubs couldn't see past their own egos.

Also, if you are using internet posts as TP, there's something seriously wrong with you.

Rather ironic that Tom's group has WS-VA's best results and are in the DA playoffs while George's has the worst, no? Of course, that doesn't say anything about the coaching quality, but Torres must be able to do something right. But you are correct, George is also an excellent coach, but just doesn't have the horses in that age group, similar to a few of the others, due to the lack of the NOVA pipeline we both seem to agree upon now. The other coaches are very good as well, which would be much more apparent if the talent were more even across those squads.

Your posts are still wipe worthy. Don't worry about my backside, your post will be printed on very soft, smooth paper so it can be put to proper use.

In the meantime, why don't you post where your star DD plays, so we can question your decisions. Thanks in advance!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

If they are not coached to clear from CB, they are not coached effectively to do otherwise. The style of play is abysmal. The players are better than that.

I am well versed enough in local soccer to have seen over the years several Torres coached teams (including his DCU days), as well as several Quaranta coached teams (including Santino and his older brother Tommy). Tom is a nice guy, but it is not surprising to me that his teams play the way they do. That's why he was forced out at DC.

The WS-VA teams do not play as if they are well coached. The only exception is Hales. He does a good job. The rest are long on resume but short on performance.

I think your assesment of the NOVA clubs vs Armour is spot on. The latter went for what was best for the players in its area. The powers that be in the NOVA clubs couldn't see past their own egos.

Also, if you are using internet posts as TP, there's something seriously wrong with you.

Rather ironic that Tom's group has WS-VA's best results and are in the DA playoffs while George's has the worst, no? Of course, that doesn't say anything about the coaching quality, but Torres must be able to do something right. But you are correct, George is also an excellent coach, but just doesn't have the horses in that age group, similar to a few of the others, due to the lack of the NOVA pipeline we both seem to agree upon now. The other coaches are very good as well, which would be much more apparent if the talent were more even across those squads.

Your posts are still wipe worthy. Don't worry about my backside, your post will be printed on very soft, smooth paper so it can be put to proper use.

In the meantime, why don't you post where your star DD plays, so we can question your decisions. Thanks in advance!!

Are you by any chance the parent of a U15?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

If they are not coached to clear from CB, they are not coached effectively to do otherwise. The style of play is abysmal. The players are better than that.

I am well versed enough in local soccer to have seen over the years several Torres coached teams (including his DCU days), as well as several Quaranta coached teams (including Santino and his older brother Tommy). Tom is a nice guy, but it is not surprising to me that his teams play the way they do. That's why he was forced out at DC.

The WS-VA teams do not play as if they are well coached. The only exception is Hales. He does a good job. The rest are long on resume but short on performance.

I think your assesment of the NOVA clubs vs Armour is spot on. The latter went for what was best for the players in its area. The powers that be in the NOVA clubs couldn't see past their own egos.

Also, if you are using internet posts as TP, there's something seriously wrong with you.

Rather ironic that Tom's group has WS-VA's best results and are in the DA playoffs while George's has the worst, no? Of course, that doesn't say anything about the coaching quality, but Torres must be able to do something right. But you are correct, George is also an excellent coach, but just doesn't have the horses in that age group, similar to a few of the others, due to the lack of the NOVA pipeline we both seem to agree upon now. The other coaches are very good as well, which would be much more apparent if the talent were more even across those squads.

Your posts are still wipe worthy. Don't worry about my backside, your post will be printed on very soft, smooth paper so it can be put to proper use.

In the meantime, why don't you post where your star DD plays, so we can question your decisions. Thanks in advance!!

Are you by any chance the parent of a U15?

Whoever she is, I feel sorry for her. Her dad's a complete a-hole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Spirit VA U15 team has won 1 game. PP is citing this as a point of pride? Spirit 05 and 06 will be playing VDA 05 and 06 in a few weeks. Interested to see how that goes.

Wins were not important to that team. They were making sure a special player was getting properly developed. The team is making sacrifices for her. Great group of girls and parents.

What about the other players on the team? Aren't they important? When did it become their job to sacrifice their soccer experience for her? (assuming that I even buy into that line of crap, which I don't. One player shouldn't be enough to drag an entire team down)

There is an I in TEAM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

If they are not coached to clear from CB, they are not coached effectively to do otherwise. The style of play is abysmal. The players are better than that.

I am well versed enough in local soccer to have seen over the years several Torres coached teams (including his DCU days), as well as several Quaranta coached teams (including Santino and his older brother Tommy). Tom is a nice guy, but it is not surprising to me that his teams play the way they do. That's why he was forced out at DC.

The WS-VA teams do not play as if they are well coached. The only exception is Hales. He does a good job. The rest are long on resume but short on performance.

I think your assesment of the NOVA clubs vs Armour is spot on. The latter went for what was best for the players in its area. The powers that be in the NOVA clubs couldn't see past their own egos.

Also, if you are using internet posts as TP, there's something seriously wrong with you.

Rather ironic that Tom's group has WS-VA's best results and are in the DA playoffs while George's has the worst, no? Of course, that doesn't say anything about the coaching quality, but Torres must be able to do something right. But you are correct, George is also an excellent coach, but just doesn't have the horses in that age group, similar to a few of the others, due to the lack of the NOVA pipeline we both seem to agree upon now. The other coaches are very good as well, which would be much more apparent if the talent were more even across those squads.

Your posts are still wipe worthy. Don't worry about my backside, your post will be printed on very soft, smooth paper so it can be put to proper use.

In the meantime, why don't you post where your star DD plays, so we can question your decisions. Thanks in advance!!

Are you by any chance the parent of a U15?

Whoever she is, I feel sorry for her. Her dad's a complete a-hole.

Agree completely. Why would any dad feel the need to bash another club that may close its doors? It’s lile kicking the club, players and parents included, when they are down. Very classy.

Still waiting to hear on the club his DD plays for....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would any player leave an existing ECNL or FCV to play for Washington Spirit? What am I missing? Mediocre coaching, really high fees, and no wins? PP mentioned a pipeline for McLean and BRYC players? Why would those kids leave other than being cut? US Soccer award a DA to Great Falls? What’re players getting out of the GDA at this point? ECNL seems to have all the talent aside from those at FCV.

Nobody who has seen WS VA's U15 team would conclude that "ECNL seems to have all the talent."

This is delusional. The WSVA U15 is bereft of talent. Doesn't matter how good the coaching is. The 07 playing up is hurting her development playing in games where she cannot touch the ball. She is a very good player but 3 years up is too many.

"Bereft" is an unnecessary fighting word. Ignore the play up -- that conversation is not even worth having. I suspect some of the U15 players at Spirit who are actually 14-15 will land at other area U15 DA and ECNL teams if Spirit is no longer available. Not all, but several. Stop generalizing. It just shows bias. If you said Spirit "lacks depth" or "lacks a strong player who can finish", etc., people might acknowledge your point. But instead, you're just being a jerk who is spending the day criticizing teenage girls you don't know and haven't watched practice or play more than maybe once, if that.

You are correct the term was inflammatory and I apologize. However, the spirit va fanboy comments are truly delusional. The team is lacking top players period and the poster keeps talking about how the current players will take over other rosters if they fold or that they’re at same level as the other top clubs in the area. It simply isn’t supportable by ANY standard. Can they improve? Sure, but it would take a massive overhaul of the rosters at the younger age groups and a different pipeline than GFR. With all the uncertainty, how will that happen? There are good coaches there but, like everywhere else, not enough of them and what they’re offering overall right now isn’t attractive to the top players. This isn’t hating, it is visible to anyone that is paying attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would any player leave an existing ECNL or FCV to play for Washington Spirit? What am I missing? Mediocre coaching, really high fees, and no wins? PP mentioned a pipeline for McLean and BRYC players? Why would those kids leave other than being cut? US Soccer award a DA to Great Falls? What’re players getting out of the GDA at this point? ECNL seems to have all the talent aside from those at FCV.

Nobody who has seen WS VA's U15 team would conclude that "ECNL seems to have all the talent."

This is delusional. The WSVA U15 is bereft of talent. Doesn't matter how good the coaching is. The 07 playing up is hurting her development playing in games where she cannot touch the ball. She is a very good player but 3 years up is too many.

"Bereft" is an unnecessary fighting word. Ignore the play up -- that conversation is not even worth having. I suspect some of the U15 players at Spirit who are actually 14-15 will land at other area U15 DA and ECNL teams if Spirit is no longer available. Not all, but several. Stop generalizing. It just shows bias. If you said Spirit "lacks depth" or "lacks a strong player who can finish", etc., people might acknowledge your point. But instead, you're just being a jerk who is spending the day criticizing teenage girls you don't know and haven't watched practice or play more than maybe once, if that.

You are correct the term was inflammatory and I apologize. However, the spirit va fanboy comments are truly delusional. The team is lacking top players period and the poster keeps talking about how the current players will take over other rosters if they fold or that they’re at same level as the other top clubs in the area. It simply isn’t supportable by ANY standard. Can they improve? Sure, but it would take a massive overhaul of the rosters at the younger age groups and a different pipeline than GFR. With all the uncertainty, how will that happen? There are good coaches there but, like everywhere else, not enough of them and what they’re offering overall right now isn’t attractive to the top players. This isn’t hating, it is visible to anyone that is paying attention.

No one in this thread claimed that Spirit players would “take over” other rosters anywhere. They have been very realistic about the unevenness of the talent, some very good players mixed with some players who are improving to the standard. This is one reason why the results aren’t as good as, for example, FCV. Having GFR as a pipeline would help (lots of player population in close proximity to Reston) and ultimately their ability to attract players outside the GFR pipeline hinges on the affiliation with the pro team and improvement of results with time. Both of which aren’t unrealistic at all. If you are paying very close attention, you’d see that even with the unevenness in talent, these teams improve over time and the kids develop. It would be amplified if only the pipeline were in place, and only time will allow them to make up the ground they lost by not having a strong partnership, like the Armour MD, case from the beginning.

Please let us know where your kid plays now, since you seem so uber focused on Spirit VA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spirit MD is Pipeline and SAC. Two of the best youth U9-13 clubs in MD.
MD was not a startup. It was a rebranding. Two different things.

Plus, they are not close to Betheada or MD United. So they retain their player pool.

Let's be fair in the assessments.

Yes, but this just confirms that this individual knows nothing about WS and likely DA and youth soccer in this area in general.

That would be incorrect.

The fact is the WS-VA has failed to attract the talent necessary to be competitive. They had some disadvantages, to be sure. Unlike the MD side they were unable to bring an established dominant force in girls youth soccer into the fold. If Mclean, Loudoun, FCV, Arlington or BRYC had been willing to accept the same deal as Armour, WS-VA would be doing just fine.

On top of their disadvantages though, they've also mismanaged things. The coaching has not been great. Anyone who has seen their teams play (and knows anything about the game) can see that they are not effectivly teaching them to play out of the back, play through the 3rds, and in general play the way that is actually best for development. Their CBs first option is to clear the ball long, not control it and look for a MF or WB to feet. They look like they feel "pressure" when better (coached) players would feel in control.

On top of that they have bloated rosters, which they have dealt with by playing a significant # of players up in older age groups, all of which has had an effect on results.
Lets be real. DC United doesn't do that. Bethesda doesn't do that. None of the successful girls DA's do that. All of them will play players up when it is appropriate for the development -- they wouldn't be sufficiently challenged in their own age groups -- but it is not the norm.

No other DA in the country has such poor results combined with that high # of play-ups.

They have made a mess of things, and it's a damn shame. There are a lot of talented and dedicated players who bought what they've been selling, and the price has been quite high. I wish them all the best of luck in the future.

Maybe WS can turn it around. I hope they can. But it will require a change of leadership, and a completely revamped approach. That does not seem to be happening.

This is the most accurate post I have seen. It's not Spirit hate, though some will say that just to brush it off. I it's a genuine analysis of facts on the ground reality. That may be hard for some to hear, but it doesn't make it any less true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, the “analysis” you provide above at least with regard to my DD’s team is completely incorrect. They are not coached to clear from CB and they do not have a bloated roster.

The points on not having the platform that WS MD or any other established area club has still stand. They can be faulted for not yielding more to partner with VA clubs, but I imagine the offer was similar to that Armour received. It’s just that the NOVA clubs were more selfish.

Basically your whole post could be used as TP, and still shows you aren’t versed in local soccer.

If they are not coached to clear from CB, they are not coached effectively to do otherwise. The style of play is abysmal. The players are better than that.

I am well versed enough in local soccer to have seen over the years several Torres coached teams (including his DCU days), as well as several Quaranta coached teams (including Santino and his older brother Tommy). Tom is a nice guy, but it is not surprising to me that his teams play the way they do. That's why he was forced out at DC.

The WS-VA teams do not play as if they are well coached. The only exception is Hales. He does a good job. The rest are long on resume but short on performance.

I think your assesment of the NOVA clubs vs Armour is spot on. The latter went for what was best for the players in its area. The powers that be in the NOVA clubs couldn't see past their own egos.

Also, if you are using internet posts as TP, there's something seriously wrong with you.

Rather ironic that Tom's group has WS-VA's best results and are in the DA playoffs while George's has the worst, no? Of course, that doesn't say anything about the coaching quality, but Torres must be able to do something right. But you are correct, George is also an excellent coach, but just doesn't have the horses in that age group, similar to a few of the others, due to the lack of the NOVA pipeline we both seem to agree upon now. The other coaches are very good as well, which would be much more apparent if the talent were more even across those squads.

Your posts are still wipe worthy. Don't worry about my backside, your post will be printed on very soft, smooth paper so it can be put to proper use.

In the meantime, why don't you post where your star DD plays, so we can question your decisions. Thanks in advance!!

Tom got lucky, and he knows it. That's why he moved up with that group, so he could keep winning. Some players actually left precisely over complaints he didn't enforce possession style soccer. If you watched them play, you would see even them with those big clears. They just have some fast girls with some good ball handling skills to make it work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spirit MD is Pipeline and SAC. Two of the best youth U9-13 clubs in MD.
MD was not a startup. It was a rebranding. Two different things.

Plus, they are not close to Betheada or MD United. So they retain their player pool.

Let's be fair in the assessments.

Yes, but this just confirms that this individual knows nothing about WS and likely DA and youth soccer in this area in general.

That would be incorrect.

The fact is the WS-VA has failed to attract the talent necessary to be competitive. They had some disadvantages, to be sure. Unlike the MD side they were unable to bring an established dominant force in girls youth soccer into the fold. If Mclean, Loudoun, FCV, Arlington or BRYC had been willing to accept the same deal as Armour, WS-VA would be doing just fine.

On top of their disadvantages though, they've also mismanaged things. The coaching has not been great. Anyone who has seen their teams play (and knows anything about the game) can see that they are not effectivly teaching them to play out of the back, play through the 3rds, and in general play the way that is actually best for development. Their CBs first option is to clear the ball long, not control it and look for a MF or WB to feet. They look like they feel "pressure" when better (coached) players would feel in control.

On top of that they have bloated rosters, which they have dealt with by playing a significant # of players up in older age groups, all of which has had an effect on results.
Lets be real. DC United doesn't do that. Bethesda doesn't do that. None of the successful girls DA's do that. All of them will play players up when it is appropriate for the development -- they wouldn't be sufficiently challenged in their own age groups -- but it is not the norm.

No other DA in the country has such poor results combined with that high # of play-ups.

They have made a mess of things, and it's a damn shame. There are a lot of talented and dedicated players who bought what they've been selling, and the price has been quite high. I wish them all the best of luck in the future.

Maybe WS can turn it around. I hope they can. But it will require a change of leadership, and a completely revamped approach. That does not seem to be happening.

This is the most accurate post I have seen. It's not Spirit hate, though some will say that just to brush it off. I it's a genuine analysis of facts on the ground reality. That may be hard for some to hear, but it doesn't make it any less true.

Completely inaccurate, and we are with the club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would any player leave an existing ECNL or FCV to play for Washington Spirit? What am I missing? Mediocre coaching, really high fees, and no wins? PP mentioned a pipeline for McLean and BRYC players? Why would those kids leave other than being cut? US Soccer award a DA to Great Falls? What’re players getting out of the GDA at this point? ECNL seems to have all the talent aside from those at FCV.

Nobody who has seen WS VA's U15 team would conclude that "ECNL seems to have all the talent."

This is delusional. The WSVA U15 is bereft of talent. Doesn't matter how good the coaching is. The 07 playing up is hurting her development playing in games where she cannot touch the ball. She is a very good player but 3 years up is too many.

"Bereft" is an unnecessary fighting word. Ignore the play up -- that conversation is not even worth having. I suspect some of the U15 players at Spirit who are actually 14-15 will land at other area U15 DA and ECNL teams if Spirit is no longer available. Not all, but several. Stop generalizing. It just shows bias. If you said Spirit "lacks depth" or "lacks a strong player who can finish", etc., people might acknowledge your point. But instead, you're just being a jerk who is spending the day criticizing teenage girls you don't know and haven't watched practice or play more than maybe once, if that.

You are correct the term was inflammatory and I apologize. However, the spirit va fanboy comments are truly delusional. The team is lacking top players period and the poster keeps talking about how the current players will take over other rosters if they fold or that they’re at same level as the other top clubs in the area. It simply isn’t supportable by ANY standard. Can they improve? Sure, but it would take a massive overhaul of the rosters at the younger age groups and a different pipeline than GFR. With all the uncertainty, how will that happen? There are good coaches there but, like everywhere else, not enough of them and what they’re offering overall right now isn’t attractive to the top players. This isn’t hating, it is visible to anyone that is paying attention.

No one in this thread claimed that Spirit players would “take over” other rosters anywhere. They have been very realistic about the unevenness of the talent, some very good players mixed with some players who are improving to the standard. This is one reason why the results aren’t as good as, for example, FCV. Having GFR as a pipeline would help (lots of player population in close proximity to Reston) and ultimately their ability to attract players outside the GFR pipeline hinges on the affiliation with the pro team and improvement of results with time. Both of which aren’t unrealistic at all. If you are paying very close attention, you’d see that even with the unevenness in talent, these teams improve over time and the kids develop. It would be amplified if only the pipeline were in place, and only time will allow them to make up the ground they lost by not having a strong partnership, like the Armour MD, case from the beginning.

Please let us know where your kid plays now, since you seem so uber focused on Spirit VA

Still waiting to hear on where Spirit hater's kid plays....

Why so shy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would any player leave an existing ECNL or FCV to play for Washington Spirit? What am I missing? Mediocre coaching, really high fees, and no wins? PP mentioned a pipeline for McLean and BRYC players? Why would those kids leave other than being cut? US Soccer award a DA to Great Falls? What’re players getting out of the GDA at this point? ECNL seems to have all the talent aside from those at FCV.

Nobody who has seen WS VA's U15 team would conclude that "ECNL seems to have all the talent."

This is delusional. The WSVA U15 is bereft of talent. Doesn't matter how good the coaching is. The 07 playing up is hurting her development playing in games where she cannot touch the ball. She is a very good player but 3 years up is too many.

"Bereft" is an unnecessary fighting word. Ignore the play up -- that conversation is not even worth having. I suspect some of the U15 players at Spirit who are actually 14-15 will land at other area U15 DA and ECNL teams if Spirit is no longer available. Not all, but several. Stop generalizing. It just shows bias. If you said Spirit "lacks depth" or "lacks a strong player who can finish", etc., people might acknowledge your point. But instead, you're just being a jerk who is spending the day criticizing teenage girls you don't know and haven't watched practice or play more than maybe once, if that.

You are correct the term was inflammatory and I apologize. However, the spirit va fanboy comments are truly delusional. The team is lacking top players period and the poster keeps talking about how the current players will take over other rosters if they fold or that they’re at same level as the other top clubs in the area. It simply isn’t supportable by ANY standard. Can they improve? Sure, but it would take a massive overhaul of the rosters at the younger age groups and a different pipeline than GFR. With all the uncertainty, how will that happen? There are good coaches there but, like everywhere else, not enough of them and what they’re offering overall right now isn’t attractive to the top players. This isn’t hating, it is visible to anyone that is paying attention.

No one in this thread claimed that Spirit players would “take over” other rosters anywhere. They have been very realistic about the unevenness of the talent, some very good players mixed with some players who are improving to the standard. This is one reason why the results aren’t as good as, for example, FCV. Having GFR as a pipeline would help (lots of player population in close proximity to Reston) and ultimately their ability to attract players outside the GFR pipeline hinges on the affiliation with the pro team and improvement of results with time. Both of which aren’t unrealistic at all. If you are paying very close attention, you’d see that even with the unevenness in talent, these teams improve over time and the kids develop. It would be amplified if only the pipeline were in place, and only time will allow them to make up the ground they lost by not having a strong partnership, like the Armour MD, case from the beginning.

Please let us know where your kid plays now, since you seem so uber focused on Spirit VA

Still waiting to hear on where Spirit hater's kid plays....

Why so shy?

Likely because what club he/she is at has nothing to do with this thread. Try to keep on topic please.