ECNL rising, GA falling . . . Where will the 06 and younger D1-thinking girls go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another GA vs ECNL thread how original

In this area we have so much talent and parents arguing over which club is better is insane. 08 VDA might be the best in the area but 07 Arlington might be the best in the area for that age. Its all relevant!!

Btw GA is better than ECNL at least in this area. How many games did ECNL play this year? I think NCSL teams had more playing time

I agree that TODAY some of the GA teams are better than some of the ECNL teams in this area. But for an 08 girl considering her options, is it more or less likely that four years from now, when she is at prime recruiting age, that she will have developed better and have had better opportunities playing for a GA team for those four years or for an ECNL team for those four years. My DD plays for Arlington now and I love the club and the team and the coaches, but I’m afraid the club will get dragged down by the showcasing platform and competition, so that an 08 girl’s opportunities won’t be as good as those for a comparable 08 girl playing for VDA or Mclean over those four years. I personally thing BRYC is done, so that’s less of an option. And I 100% agree that good coaching and development matters the most, but competition and opportunity to showcase are a good differentiator if all of the clubs you’re considering already have decent coaching and development at your DD’s age.

If you think ECNL is anything other than showcasing, you may want to do more research. ECNL is moving towards having dozens of regional/state showcasing events. Ultimately, only the national playoffs and the super team tournaments are going to attract serious D1 programs. ECNL has created simply too many events and so to truly separate the talent, they’ve had to invent new events. It’s nice that everyone has an opportunity to get a trophy, but you can get the same thing in NCSL, CCL, state cup, etc... In this area, the days of a dominant college feeder club are mostly gone (the 03s are the last group not not be fully impacted by the DA rise and fall). You’ll see with the 04s that college commits are distributed across many GA and ECNL clubs. This reveals that as long as you are at one of the more competitive clubs (ECNL/GA) you have a good shot at playing D1. But, the player has to do the work to engage the targeted schools and they have to be talented and know where they stand relative to their peers. Many Virginia parents harbor thoughts of their kid playing at UVA, but on average UVA takes one player from VA per year. Ask yourself, is my kid the best player in her age in the state? (If not, take UVA off your radar) If you’re an 08 parent, you likely don’t have a complete view of the playing field. I would suggest thinking about what your expectations are for your kids college education and than look closely at those soccer programs to see if they are achievable. (Incidentally, IVY programs have some very competitive players - eg purce). Ultimately, the club may sway a colleges opinion of a bubble player but no club coach is going to risk their college placement reputation for a kid who shouldn’t play there. 08 parents need to be doing their homework now.

UVA may only take one player from VA. That doesn't necessarily mean they get the best player though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What dilutes the talent at ECNL are false promises of NCSL and CCL. Good talent is there but subpar programs and training

What dilutes the talent is over 100 clubs and counting.

Diluted? Maybe. Yes, there are more clubs in ECNL now. The newest members come from GA, and ECNL RL. The number of elite players in the country hasn't changed, just more of them are in ECNL now. If you're calling that dilution, ok, but the incoming teams are not weak by any stretch. They are expanding to capture a bigger share of the elite level.

Nevertheless, the trouble with one massive league is that at some point, the average skill level drops. It is unavoidable. Ideally, at 120 clubs and growing, there should be another tier above ECNL, which ECNL itself has tried to fill with PDP and other programs. But this top tier should not be, and is not ECNL's primary responsibility. ECNL is designed to feed the college ranks primarily. They've been doing quite well with that, placing upwards of 85%, and the majority of those at the DI level. Even at 130 clubs, they will still be spectacularly successful at it.

I think you are denying the truth. People have been clear that on the east coast, FCV, Tophat and NEFC are the top non-ECNL clubs.

I thought GA didn't have elite players?

This explains the rather robust ECNL campaign on these boards that is suspected to be Richmond based. GA is trash until their clubs join ECNL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

You mean MLS Next “EDP”? Players will continue to leave CCL clubs for ECNL (BRYC, McLean, Arlington) and REAL MLS academies (DC United).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What dilutes the talent at ECNL are false promises of NCSL and CCL. Good talent is there but subpar programs and training

What dilutes the talent is over 100 clubs and counting.

Diluted? Maybe. Yes, there are more clubs in ECNL now. The newest members come from GA, and ECNL RL. The number of elite players in the country hasn't changed, just more of them are in ECNL now. If you're calling that dilution, ok, but the incoming teams are not weak by any stretch. They are expanding to capture a bigger share of the elite level.

Nevertheless, the trouble with one massive league is that at some point, the average skill level drops. It is unavoidable. Ideally, at 120 clubs and growing, there should be another tier above ECNL, which ECNL itself has tried to fill with PDP and other programs. But this top tier should not be, and is not ECNL's primary responsibility. ECNL is designed to feed the college ranks primarily. They've been doing quite well with that, placing upwards of 85%, and the majority of those at the DI level. Even at 130 clubs, they will still be spectacularly successful at it.

GA is trash until February and March rolls around and ECNL adds GA clubs and hits the message boards trying to drum up player movement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

ECNL boys....HA!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

I wasn't aware players weren't going to Arlington. 2002-2003 State Cup Champions, 2004 State Cup Finalists, 2005 State Cup Champions, 2006 State Cup Champions. If you're unable to get into the DC United academy, the next best spot for you is Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

No, they aren't, and no, they won't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

No, they aren't, and no, they won't.

Why would players stay at their club when they can go to Arlington?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

No, they aren't, and no, they won't.

Why would players stay at their club when they can go to Arlington?

If you don't know, then you should go to Arlington or stay there. I'm sure they'll be very happy to have you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

No, they aren't, and no, they won't.

Why would players stay at their club when they can go to Arlington?

Parents like you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

No, they aren't, and no, they won't.

Why would players stay at their club when they can go to Arlington?

If you don't know, then you should go to Arlington or stay there. I'm sure they'll be very happy to have you.

The only reason players wouldn't go to Arlington is because it would be very difficult to get into the first team. Because they attract the best players in the area. DS definitely struggled but it was better for him. He is now a regular player, starts some, and is actively being recruited by D1 universities of his liking. He's not going to settle for a school and I'm very relieved we decided to make the move.

[Anonymous]

This thread relates to girls, as the title says. Girls ECNL is a different discussion from boys ECNL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^— exactly. BRYC is about to get an influx of talented players now that the dust is settling. ECNL is the better option than GAL, and now that the club shake ups (LMVSC, SYC, Gunston, Alexandria) is over post-COVID, plenty of the talent from non ECNL clubs are going to migrate into BRYC (girls) and Arlington (boys).

No, talent from SYC and Alexandria boys certainly will not be going to ECNL clubs, they will be in MLS Next, DCU, Bethesda, or staying with SYC and Alexandria. Are you high?

He's not high. Arlington is the top boys club in VA with the best coaching team, and has last year, this year, and will continue to, attract interest from kids from SYC and Alexandria whether it remains in ECNL or moves to MLS Next. That doesn't mean that DCU or Bethesda won't also attract talent.

No, they aren't, and no, they won't.

Why would players stay at their club when they can go to Arlington?

How many players on the U15 and U17 DCU teams came from Arlington?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another GA vs ECNL thread how original

In this area we have so much talent and parents arguing over which club is better is insane. 08 VDA might be the best in the area but 07 Arlington might be the best in the area for that age. Its all relevant!!

Btw GA is better than ECNL at least in this area. How many games did ECNL play this year? I think NCSL teams had more playing time

I agree that TODAY some of the GA teams are better than some of the ECNL teams in this area. But for an 08 girl considering her options, is it more or less likely that four years from now, when she is at prime recruiting age, that she will have developed better and have had better opportunities playing for a GA team for those four years or for an ECNL team for those four years. My DD plays for Arlington now and I love the club and the team and the coaches, but I’m afraid the club will get dragged down by the showcasing platform and competition, so that an 08 girl’s opportunities won’t be as good as those for a comparable 08 girl playing for VDA or Mclean over those four years. I personally thing BRYC is done, so that’s less of an option. And I 100% agree that good coaching and development matters the most, but competition and opportunity to showcase are a good differentiator if all of the clubs you’re considering already have decent coaching and development at your DD’s age.

If you think ECNL is anything other than showcasing, you may want to do more research. ECNL is moving towards having dozens of regional/state showcasing events. Ultimately, only the national playoffs and the super team tournaments are going to attract serious D1 programs. ECNL has created simply too many events and so to truly separate the talent, they’ve had to invent new events. It’s nice that everyone has an opportunity to get a trophy, but you can get the same thing in NCSL, CCL, state cup, etc... In this area, the days of a dominant college feeder club are mostly gone (the 03s are the last group not not be fully impacted by the DA rise and fall). You’ll see with the 04s that college commits are distributed across many GA and ECNL clubs. This reveals that as long as you are at one of the more competitive clubs (ECNL/GA) you have a good shot at playing D1. But, the player has to do the work to engage the targeted schools and they have to be talented and know where they stand relative to their peers. Many Virginia parents harbor thoughts of their kid playing at UVA, but on average UVA takes one player from VA per year. Ask yourself, is my kid the best player in her age in the state? (If not, take UVA off your radar) If you’re an 08 parent, you likely don’t have a complete view of the playing field. I would suggest thinking about what your expectations are for your kids college education and than look closely at those soccer programs to see if they are achievable. (Incidentally, IVY programs have some very competitive players - eg purce). Ultimately, the club may sway a colleges opinion of a bubble player but no club coach is going to risk their college placement reputation for a kid who shouldn’t play there. 08 parents need to be doing their homework now.

UVA may only take one player from VA. That doesn't necessarily mean they get the best player though.

GA parents with zero knowledge or experience writing non-stop to stop people from leaving his kids team. It gets old. A good league doesn't need a salesman