Virginia Union FC

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:It's still baffling why McLean did this. No one I have talked to is happy with this!

It's obvious. It's for the long term survival of the club, or that's the thought anyway. The club is/was dying and needs numbers to survive. They recognize that in the near term, they are going to irritate some customers, however it's the price of growth.

This isn’t an answer. All those customers could already go to McLean. You need to assume that (1) everybody from SYC will stay with the new club, (2) that SYC kids will be willing to practice in McLean, and (3) the net gain in talent from SYC offsets the losses from McLean parents who will not go to Springfield for practice. Otherwise you will only lose more numbers. People are giving SYC too much credit. It’s dumb for both clubs and a major unforced error.

I don't think so. For ECNL coaches (whether they be from SYC or McLean), they now have the ability to see into both clubs rosters earlier to identify and groom those players before they contemplate jumping ship. As it is, when an SYC player decides he/she wants to play at the ECNL level, they have a choice of several clubs to leap to. The idea is to create that relationship before that point is reached. Subtle difference, but potentially important if it is managed properly. Of course, I have no faith that it will be managed properly at all. I am simply explaining the thought process of McLean in pursing this alliance.

SYC. Boys. Don’t. Care. They are better and already playing in a better league. They can already compete with Arlington, especially if they stick with mls next. Who are all the SYC boys now at ecnl clubs?

Sorry but SYC boys cannot yet compete with Arlington - which is not a knock on SYC but Arlington is really, really strong right now almost across the board. Arlington teams are ranked above SYC (and McLean) in every single age group on YSR except U18 where Arlington don't have a team (and U18/U19 won't matter for next year anyway), in many cases by several goals. Even the 2008 team, arguably Arlington's weakest, is ranked slightly ahead of SYC's 2008 MLSNext team, and in the state cup games between the two clubs there was a huge gulf in ability and team play and scorelines.

That said, SYC is definitely headed in the right direction and may well be able to challenge Arlington 3-4 years provided they can retain the best kids. And therein lies the problem. If SYC can't offer MLSNext, those kids - or at least the best ones - will leave at U15 to go either to DCU or to Arlington. The partnership with McLean at least gives them ECNL and therefore a reason for those kids to stay.

SYC boys are higher rank than Arlington U14 and under.

U15 Boys and up in Arlington are made up of kids coming from other Clubs. Arlington likes to recruit new talent for the older age groups to stay strong. Many of the Arlington young kids make their 2nd team by the time they hit U15. Great move by Arlington!

Agreed. U13 SYC smoked Loudoun and Loudoun smokes Arlington In that age group. This guy doesn’t have a clue about the pipeline.

Loudoun just beat SYC 2-0.

Not the mls next team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's still baffling why McLean did this. No one I have talked to is happy with this!

It's obvious. It's for the long term survival of the club, or that's the thought anyway. The club is/was dying and needs numbers to survive. They recognize that in the near term, they are going to irritate some customers, however it's the price of growth.

This isn’t an answer. All those customers could already go to McLean. You need to assume that (1) everybody from SYC will stay with the new club, (2) that SYC kids will be willing to practice in McLean, and (3) the net gain in talent from SYC offsets the losses from McLean parents who will not go to Springfield for practice. Otherwise you will only lose more numbers. People are giving SYC too much credit. It’s dumb for both clubs and a major unforced error.

I don't think so. For ECNL coaches (whether they be from SYC or McLean), they now have the ability to see into both clubs rosters earlier to identify and groom those players before they contemplate jumping ship. As it is, when an SYC player decides he/she wants to play at the ECNL level, they have a choice of several clubs to leap to. The idea is to create that relationship before that point is reached. Subtle difference, but potentially important if it is managed properly. Of course, I have no faith that it will be managed properly at all. I am simply explaining the thought process of McLean in pursing this alliance.

SYC. Boys. Don’t. Care. They are better and already playing in a better league. They can already compete with Arlington, especially if they stick with mls next. Who are all the SYC boys now at ecnl clubs?

Sorry but SYC boys cannot yet compete with Arlington - which is not a knock on SYC but Arlington is really, really strong right now almost across the board. Arlington teams are ranked above SYC (and McLean) in every single age group on YSR except U18 where Arlington don't have a team (and U18/U19 won't matter for next year anyway), in many cases by several goals. Even the 2008 team, arguably Arlington's weakest, is ranked slightly ahead of SYC's 2008 MLSNext team, and in the state cup games between the two clubs there was a huge gulf in ability and team play and scorelines.

That said, SYC is definitely headed in the right direction and may well be able to challenge Arlington 3-4 years provided they can retain the best kids. And therein lies the problem. If SYC can't offer MLSNext, those kids - or at least the best ones - will leave at U15 to go either to DCU or to Arlington. The partnership with McLean at least gives them ECNL and therefore a reason for those kids to stay.

SYC boys are higher rank than Arlington U14 and under.

U15 Boys and up in Arlington are made up of kids coming from other Clubs. Arlington likes to recruit new talent for the older age groups to stay strong. Many of the Arlington young kids make their 2nd team by the time they hit U15. Great move by Arlington!

Agreed. U13 SYC smoked Loudoun and Loudoun smokes Arlington In that age group. This guy doesn’t have a clue about the pipeline.

Loudoun just beat SYC 2-0.

Not the mls next team.

Yes the MLSNext team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's still baffling why McLean did this. No one I have talked to is happy with this!

It's obvious. It's for the long term survival of the club, or that's the thought anyway. The club is/was dying and needs numbers to survive. They recognize that in the near term, they are going to irritate some customers, however it's the price of growth.

This isn’t an answer. All those customers could already go to McLean. You need to assume that (1) everybody from SYC will stay with the new club, (2) that SYC kids will be willing to practice in McLean, and (3) the net gain in talent from SYC offsets the losses from McLean parents who will not go to Springfield for practice. Otherwise you will only lose more numbers. People are giving SYC too much credit. It’s dumb for both clubs and a major unforced error.

I don't think so. For ECNL coaches (whether they be from SYC or McLean), they now have the ability to see into both clubs rosters earlier to identify and groom those players before they contemplate jumping ship. As it is, when an SYC player decides he/she wants to play at the ECNL level, they have a choice of several clubs to leap to. The idea is to create that relationship before that point is reached. Subtle difference, but potentially important if it is managed properly. Of course, I have no faith that it will be managed properly at all. I am simply explaining the thought process of McLean in pursing this alliance.

SYC. Boys. Don’t. Care. They are better and already playing in a better league. They can already compete with Arlington, especially if they stick with mls next. Who are all the SYC boys now at ecnl clubs?

Sorry but SYC boys cannot yet compete with Arlington - which is not a knock on SYC but Arlington is really, really strong right now almost across the board. Arlington teams are ranked above SYC (and McLean) in every single age group on YSR except U18 where Arlington don't have a team (and U18/U19 won't matter for next year anyway), in many cases by several goals. Even the 2008 team, arguably Arlington's weakest, is ranked slightly ahead of SYC's 2008 MLSNext team, and in the state cup games between the two clubs there was a huge gulf in ability and team play and scorelines.

That said, SYC is definitely headed in the right direction and may well be able to challenge Arlington 3-4 years provided they can retain the best kids. And therein lies the problem. If SYC can't offer MLSNext, those kids - or at least the best ones - will leave at U15 to go either to DCU or to Arlington. The partnership with McLean at least gives them ECNL and therefore a reason for those kids to stay.

SYC boys are higher rank than Arlington U14 and under.

U15 Boys and up in Arlington are made up of kids coming from other Clubs. Arlington likes to recruit new talent for the older age groups to stay strong. Many of the Arlington young kids make their 2nd team by the time they hit U15. Great move by Arlington!

Agreed. U13 SYC smoked Loudoun and Loudoun smokes Arlington In that age group. This guy doesn’t have a clue about the pipeline.

Loudoun just beat SYC 2-0.

Not the mls next team.

Yes the MLSNext team.

Where? Which league? Or are you talking scrimmage?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's still baffling why McLean did this. No one I have talked to is happy with this!

It's obvious. It's for the long term survival of the club, or that's the thought anyway. The club is/was dying and needs numbers to survive. They recognize that in the near term, they are going to irritate some customers, however it's the price of growth.

This isn’t an answer. All those customers could already go to McLean. You need to assume that (1) everybody from SYC will stay with the new club, (2) that SYC kids will be willing to practice in McLean, and (3) the net gain in talent from SYC offsets the losses from McLean parents who will not go to Springfield for practice. Otherwise you will only lose more numbers. People are giving SYC too much credit. It’s dumb for both clubs and a major unforced error.

I don't think so. For ECNL coaches (whether they be from SYC or McLean), they now have the ability to see into both clubs rosters earlier to identify and groom those players before they contemplate jumping ship. As it is, when an SYC player decides he/she wants to play at the ECNL level, they have a choice of several clubs to leap to. The idea is to create that relationship before that point is reached. Subtle difference, but potentially important if it is managed properly. Of course, I have no faith that it will be managed properly at all. I am simply explaining the thought process of McLean in pursing this alliance.

SYC. Boys. Don’t. Care. They are better and already playing in a better league. They can already compete with Arlington, especially if they stick with mls next. Who are all the SYC boys now at ecnl clubs?

Sorry but SYC boys cannot yet compete with Arlington - which is not a knock on SYC but Arlington is really, really strong right now almost across the board. Arlington teams are ranked above SYC (and McLean) in every single age group on YSR except U18 where Arlington don't have a team (and U18/U19 won't matter for next year anyway), in many cases by several goals. Even the 2008 team, arguably Arlington's weakest, is ranked slightly ahead of SYC's 2008 MLSNext team, and in the state cup games between the two clubs there was a huge gulf in ability and team play and scorelines.

That said, SYC is definitely headed in the right direction and may well be able to challenge Arlington 3-4 years provided they can retain the best kids. And therein lies the problem. If SYC can't offer MLSNext, those kids - or at least the best ones - will leave at U15 to go either to DCU or to Arlington. The partnership with McLean at least gives them ECNL and therefore a reason for those kids to stay.

SYC boys are higher rank than Arlington U14 and under.

U15 Boys and up in Arlington are made up of kids coming from other Clubs. Arlington likes to recruit new talent for the older age groups to stay strong. Many of the Arlington young kids make their 2nd team by the time they hit U15. Great move by Arlington!

Agreed. U13 SYC smoked Loudoun and Loudoun smokes Arlington In that age group. This guy doesn’t have a clue about the pipeline.

Loudoun just beat SYC 2-0.

Not the mls next team.

Yes the MLSNext team.

What are you smoking??? SYC MLSNext doesn't play Loudoun. They only play MSLNext teams.

[Anonymous]

First of all, this merger is about money and resources, similar to what has occurred in other parts of the country. You either grow or die, so the sanctimonious dribble about extending into the community as a service is a crock. It is about the revenue grab from having players participate and sign up for the teams below ECNL, camps, tournaments, etc. due to an increased geographic reach. This has happended in Atlanta, Texas, California, etc. which has more talent in terms of numbers and ability associated with those numbers within their geography then the DMV. The ECNL teams are obviously what creates the brand and desire to be part of the club.

One of the mis-steps here is the half-hearted effort to rebrand the new club, with the colors, name, etc and what has been rolled out. The Newco leadership could have spent some coin, time and effort to have this done professionaly to roll this out because the current product looks like a rushed effort where two brands were slammed together to produce the "tragedy" they released.

In the end, this very much looks like a move for both clubs to stay relevant. BTW, Arlington is not everything they think they are in the bigger scheme of things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
First of all, this merger is about money and resources, similar to what has occurred in other parts of the country. You either grow or die, so the sanctimonious dribble about extending into the community as a service is a crock. It is about the revenue grab from having players participate and sign up for the teams below ECNL, camps, tournaments, etc. due to an increased geographic reach. This has happended in Atlanta, Texas, California, etc. which has more talent in terms of numbers and ability associated with those numbers within their geography then the DMV. The ECNL teams are obviously what creates the brand and desire to be part of the club.

One of the mis-steps here is the half-hearted effort to rebrand the new club, with the colors, name, etc and what has been rolled out. The Newco leadership could have spent some coin, time and effort to have this done professionaly to roll this out because the current product looks like a rushed effort where two brands were slammed together to produce the "tragedy" they released.

In the end, this very much looks like a move for both clubs to stay relevant. BTW, Arlington is not everything they think they are in the bigger scheme of things.

Yeah! And you’re ugly and your mom dresses you funny. Oh, and you smell like dirty sock and puppy dogs aren’t cute. Take that SYC and McLean!!! SMH! Nothing like keyboard here who thinks they’re smarter than everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where you live is your choice.

Are you married?

Ha! Great post!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where you live is your choice.

Are you married?

Ha! Great post!

Whom you marry is your choice, too.

[Anonymous]

Question on MLS Next team. How is this alliance handling that? Will SYC boys stay MLS Next and McLean boys stay ECNL and they will help each other out? Stronger ECNL players will occasionally play MLS Next and vice versa? I doubt one team can be fully rostered in both leagues? Anyone know the plan?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question on MLS Next team. How is this alliance handling that? Will SYC boys stay MLS Next and McLean boys stay ECNL and they will help each other out? Stronger ECNL players will occasionally play MLS Next and vice versa? I doubt one team can be fully rostered in both leagues? Anyone know the plan?

I wonder if they boys will just remain separate. This merger seems to be about keeping SYC relevant for girls and helping McLean get some additional talent on the girls side

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where you live is your choice.

Are you married?

Ha! Great post!

Whom you marry is your choice, too.

Agreed. And this just proves my point further - your choices in aggregate have been better than mine despite my DS having access to better yourth soccer options .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question on MLS Next team. How is this alliance handling that? Will SYC boys stay MLS Next and McLean boys stay ECNL and they will help each other out? Stronger ECNL players will occasionally play MLS Next and vice versa? I doubt one team can be fully rostered in both leagues? Anyone know the plan?

I wonder if they boys will just remain separate. This merger seems to be about keeping SYC relevant for girls and helping McLean get some additional talent on the girls side

Could be. If SYC gets MLSNext for all age groups then one would have to think that SYC will keep all its best boys within that program.

[Anonymous]

Question! I have been seeing the SYC coaching slates coming out. What is the "Academy" coach? Is that the one helping with the ECNL team or are they overseeing that particular age group?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question on MLS Next team. How is this alliance handling that? Will SYC boys stay MLS Next and McLean boys stay ECNL and they will help each other out? Stronger ECNL players will occasionally play MLS Next and vice versa? I doubt one team can be fully rostered in both leagues? Anyone know the plan?

I wonder if they boys will just remain separate. This merger seems to be about keeping SYC relevant for girls and helping McLean get some additional talent on the girls side

Could be. If SYC gets MLSNext for all age groups then one would have to think that SYC will keep all its best boys within that program.

I would think the SYC B Team players will fill some spots on the ECNL roster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question on MLS Next team. How is this alliance handling that? Will SYC boys stay MLS Next and McLean boys stay ECNL and they will help each other out? Stronger ECNL players will occasionally play MLS Next and vice versa? I doubt one team can be fully rostered in both leagues? Anyone know the plan?

I wonder if they boys will just remain separate. This merger seems to be about keeping SYC relevant for girls and helping McLean get some additional talent on the girls side

Could be. If SYC gets MLSNext for all age groups then one would have to think that SYC will keep all its best boys within that program.

If none of the boys leave SYC to do ECNL and none of the girls are good enough for SYC... can someone explain the point of this merger? How does this benefit SYC? SYC is sacrificing field space so a handful of their coaches can become ECNL assistant coaches of teams only containing McLean players????

Also not PP but can a SYC parent explain what the "Academy Coach" does? Is there an academy team above blue?