Bethesda (MLS Next) vs Achilles FC (MLS Next) vs Baltimore Armour vs Alexandria (MLS Next) vs SYC (MLS Next) experience

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

you are a joke. the two pivotal central midfielders have been with Sal since they were kids. Several of the kids that came from DC, including a central defender that I don't think was playing here, were at Achilles first. But keep trying. it's been a years long journey for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

you are a joke. the two pivotal central midfielders have been with Sal since they were kids. Several of the kids that came from DC, including a central defender that I don't think was playing here, were at Achilles first. But keep trying. it's been a years long journey for you.

They left Achilles, experienced better training and environments and came back temporarily till there next steps

For now Achilles thankfully benefits for that particular group
The rest consistently continues to flounder as usual

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

Saying something has been exposed without actually exposing anything is what?

You praised Sal as having a resume as a top Professional
You were asked to provide the portfolio

You can't
So, who really got exposed? 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

Saying something has been exposed without actually exposing anything is what?

You praised Sal as having a resume as a top Professional
You were asked to provide the portfolio

You can't
So, who really got exposed? 😂

Whatever you're talking about wasn't me. I posted a video showing a style of play and coaching. you know, things that are related. And I've never gotten the Achilles "received" "players who showed up from elsewhere" thing. These are high level players who had their pick of any club in the region and CHOSE Achilles. Not an accident. Most of them had played at Achilles previously and those that hadn't chose it based on the coaching. I think it's a fair position that those parents know more about the local coaching landscape than you do. Would you like to speak for them and say why they made that choice? Just like you used to when you'd say players only chose Achilles because of the badge. Or would you like to say why you think MLS Next expanded their age groups? You used to point to that too. Oh, and abusive coaching. You want to go back to that? Even though the players you're talking about choose to come back. The badge again? I'm trying to save you some work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

Saying something has been exposed without actually exposing anything is what?

You praised Sal as having a resume as a top Professional
You were asked to provide the portfolio

You can't
So, who really got exposed? 😂

Whatever you're talking about wasn't me. I posted a video showing a style of play and coaching. you know, things that are related. And I've never gotten the Achilles "received" "players who showed up from elsewhere" thing. These are high level players who had their pick of any club in the region and CHOSE Achilles. Not an accident. Most of them had played at Achilles previously and those that hadn't chose it based on the coaching. I think it's a fair position that those parents know more about the local coaching landscape than you do. Would you like to speak for them and say why they made that choice? Just like you used to when you'd say players only chose Achilles because of the badge. Or would you like to say why you think MLS Next expanded their age groups? You used to point to that too. Oh, and abusive coaching. You want to go back to that? Even though the players you're talking about choose to come back. The badge again? I'm trying to save you some work.

There are only a few MLS Next clubs in our area

When several players in the same age group are playing musical chairs at the same time, there's only so much room at each club
So some of the people who were at Achilles went back to what they're familiar with, plus the geographical training location.
Sal welcomed them with open arms because he needed them more than they needed him

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

Saying something has been exposed without actually exposing anything is what?

You praised Sal as having a resume as a top Professional
You were asked to provide the portfolio

You can't
So, who really got exposed? 😂

Whatever you're talking about wasn't me. I posted a video showing a style of play and coaching. you know, things that are related. And I've never gotten the Achilles "received" "players who showed up from elsewhere" thing. These are high level players who had their pick of any club in the region and CHOSE Achilles. Not an accident. Most of them had played at Achilles previously and those that hadn't chose it based on the coaching. I think it's a fair position that those parents know more about the local coaching landscape than you do. Would you like to speak for them and say why they made that choice? Just like you used to when you'd say players only chose Achilles because of the badge. Or would you like to say why you think MLS Next expanded their age groups? You used to point to that too. Oh, and abusive coaching. You want to go back to that? Even though the players you're talking about choose to come back. The badge again? I'm trying to save you some work.

There are only a few MLS Next clubs in our area

When several players in the same age group are playing musical chairs at the same time, there's only so much room at each club
So some of the people who were at Achilles went back to what they're familiar with, plus the geographical training location.
Sal welcomed them with open arms because he needed them more than they needed him

I knew you'd pretend to know something that fits your narrative. This is called uninformed speculation, at best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

Saying something has been exposed without actually exposing anything is what?

You praised Sal as having a resume as a top Professional
You were asked to provide the portfolio

You can't
So, who really got exposed? 😂

Whatever you're talking about wasn't me. I posted a video showing a style of play and coaching. you know, things that are related. And I've never gotten the Achilles "received" "players who showed up from elsewhere" thing. These are high level players who had their pick of any club in the region and CHOSE Achilles. Not an accident. Most of them had played at Achilles previously and those that hadn't chose it based on the coaching. I think it's a fair position that those parents know more about the local coaching landscape than you do. Would you like to speak for them and say why they made that choice? Just like you used to when you'd say players only chose Achilles because of the badge. Or would you like to say why you think MLS Next expanded their age groups? You used to point to that too. Oh, and abusive coaching. You want to go back to that? Even though the players you're talking about choose to come back. The badge again? I'm trying to save you some work.

There are only a few MLS Next clubs in our area

When several players in the same age group are playing musical chairs at the same time, there's only so much room at each club
So some of the people who were at Achilles went back to what they're familiar with, plus the geographical training location.
Sal welcomed them with open arms because he needed them more than they needed him

So predictable. It's basically what I said you'd say. Why waste your time?

[Anonymous]

Dude! Why such vitriol against Achilles? So the club isn't your cup of tea. OK fine then and move on. The fact that for some reason you feel the need to go on and on with your gripes under the pretense that you are simply defending your arguments makes you come off as bitter and have an axe to grind against Achilles. No normal person would spend so much time in an effort to feel vindicated. If you feel BSC, Alexandria, Armour or another club are ideal, great but you don't come off as impressive by constantly droning on about Achilles. Go ahead and bash me with your next response. It will simply highlight further you are a massively insecure person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

First, have you experienced their coaching? I don't think you know what you are talking about and you don't have a clue what a quality coach is if you have. We are with Potomac because it is more convenient for us because, well, we live in Potomac. However, there aren't many coaches in the DMV with better coaches with actual high level playing experience.

Second, they are recruiting from 1/4 of the talent pool of Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, etc. I think it would actually be embarrassing for the other entities with 2-3 decades head start and much large talent pools to choose from. They are nestled in DC and, no shade to DC players, there aren't alot of elite players coming up through DC Soccer.

Third, as the Achilles parent said, you default to wins and losses and it is sad that you simply aren't aware enough to learn about development to make an informed decision. It is okay to say that you don't want to join Achilles because of Sal's temperament. That's fine. But when you spew this winning nonsense over development, you expose why the DMV is considered soft and weak in the elite soccer circles.

The PP specifically stated consistent lopsided loses

Not wins vs loses

What's Sal's high level playing experience?

List the Division One international professional clubs he played for and his highest transfer value
State his number of World Cup appearances
What's his level of current active coaching license?

Achilles is basically a Next Star soccer training group but that focuses on primarily small sided midfielder futsal type skills.

Dude has two kids in European academies this year. How’s your club doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles parent here and it is weird to read the comments about the club on this thread.

I truly believe that Achilles is simply a different thing from the other MLS Next clubs, with which I also have some experience with my other children. And that's why you get these very polarizing comments.

First, Achilles does not have a full set of teams in every age group (i.e., MLS Next, lower leagues, recreation, etc.). It mainly is focused on MLS Next.

Second, it is run by one person - Sal Caccavale. Either you buy into him and his philosophy of coaching or you don't and you are not at the club. I can say that in my experience the kids/parents love him and are extremely loyal. (That said, of course you are going to have players that are not playing, claims of favoritism, and all of the other emotional baggage that goes into youth soccer and people will leave unhappy.)

Third, the club has a lot of ex-DC United players because, in my opinion, they value the possession-based playing style, which lets them demonstrate the full range of their skills. That style leads to a lot of losses at the younger age groups, and then it pays off at the older levels. Take a look at the MLS Next Fest results from last week - Achilles U17 and U19 teams had 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.

Finally, like any youth soccer team, Achilles can be beat by sheer athleticism and drive. For example, it often, but not always, has trouble matching up with Bethesda (one of the best clubs in the country to be fair). But the question, as with all youth sports, is how much you value development versus results. That's not a knock on Bethesda, just an explanation as to why Achilles' best players do not leave just because Bethesda wins more games.

Anyway, that's more than my two cents, but I wanted to offer some real perspective here for any parents who are trying to sort through the various local clubs and land on this thread.

Every team beats Achilles in MLS Next
In lopsided fashion. Consistently

That tells you any development, if any, is small and shortsighted
It also tells you the players are not exposed to good coaching.
Maybe decent group training, but definitely not good box to box coaching

https://www.youtube.com/live/U_tpd9Bt1ig?feature=shared[url]

Here's a U16 match from this fall. If you care to take a look, you can hear the coaching from Sal and see the play. I didn't watch it all, but Achilles was fairly dominant in the portions I watched, played more consistently through the midfield, created better chances, and had the technically superior players. Maybe you think differently.

Achilles were fortunate to receive a group of very good players from another club in that age group recently.

Pre-cooked talents
Nothing to do with Sal

And what's your opinion about how they play in the video? didn't look like a 1v1 dependent system to me.

One team with players who showed up recently with good training elsewhere doesn't change the points shown about Sal and his verbally abusive ways for years

Waiting for the answers regarding his high level professional resume

I'll give you some credit. You ARE exhausting, if that's the goal. Folks can hear the coaching and see the play. your attempts to downplay anything good from Achilles must make you tired too, right? it's okay to give it a rest. What was the point about resume again? National team experience or something? who cares what you say, really? You've been exposed.

This stalker’s kid didn’t make Achilles 2011 squad during Covid. Now throws shade at every turn—years later. Sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There paperwork between Achilles and the European clubs showing the transfer?

Sometimes I forget that this site is full of lawyers. How about: at least two kids, who have played at least some time with Achilles, have been invited to train or join a soccer Academy based in Europe.

You can substitute Achilles with multiple dmv clubs from different leagues in that statement

Please proceed with examples. I’ll wait.