Boys DA 2018-19 Season

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my experience, all the coaches I’ve talked to treat good dribblers like the plague. All your other points I agree with.

Sorry, I should’ve said a lot, not most. I don’t think we should be dogmatic about things. Dribbling can be a good thing if that’s what the situation calls for. Collectively, we spend way too much time trying to tell our players what to do, when really we should let them make mistakes, then talk about their decision-making. That’s how they really learn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know the outcome of the '05 Loudoun DA vs. Arlington DA today?

Loudoun 1 - Arlington 2

Someone recorded this game and put it up on YouTube, if anyone is interested - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BBGDvnqcI

The responses to this video were about what I expected. Many will watch and see that both teams are finding it difficult to get sustained possession, high pass strings, or building quality attacks. That much is obvious. Then they compare it to their perception of their own kids team or other teams they've seen at that age, who seem to have more success doing those things. They then conclude the DA isn't all it's cracked up to be, plenty of other clubs doing the same but better, and so on.

The reality is that with a few exceptions (LMVSC, Alexandria, Baltimore Celtic, maybe still Doradus), none of the local non-DA 05 teams could hang with either one of these teams. None of the NCSL D1 teams other than Doradus are anywhere close. Same with VPL. To put it in perspective, MCLN's 05 ENCL team, which isn't bad, lost to Loudoun's B team a few weeks ago at OBGC.

Make no mistake, the kids on the teams in this video are very, very good players. Relative to other 05 boys in this area, they have outstanding footskills, great first touch and technical ability, awareness and game intelligence. But, it's true that when you watch the video you see lots of bad touches, misplaced passes, poor decisions, and not that much use of skill.

Why do you think that is?

Where most people go wrong is that they only see what each team is doing with the ball, without understanding what the other team is doing to stop them. Look how organized both teams are defensively. Look how vertically and horizontally compact they are, how quickly they get numbers back in transition. Notice the pressing traps. Look at the man-marking in the midfield. Yes, players are moving off the ball, but their defenders are moving with them. Passing lanes are clogged. Space is hard to come by, and doesn't last long. Notice how many times a player receives the ball without being immediately put under pressure. It almost never happens. When it does it's usually after a back pass to relieve pressure, but only for a second or two, and when that player looks up he doesn't see any obvious options, because everyone is marked and there is not a lot of room in passing lanes to thread the needle.

In an environment like that, every technical weakness is exposed and magnified, and that is the environment those kids are putting themselves into every single week. It only gets harder for them when they play teams like DCU, Bethesda, Armour, Philly Union and New York Red Bulls. They will struggle, but that's what will make them better.

An honest assessment of local non-DA teams, including the smaller independent clubs like Sporting who do play possession, would reveal that the level of pressure and speed of play is not the same.

For those of you who are still not buying it, please give us some examples of clubs who you think have a comparable level of play. Video would be helpful.

I am not saying the DA has a monopoly on all the good players in this area. There are many teams that have one or two players who are good enough to make either one of these teams. There are a few - including those I've mentioned above - who probably have 5-6 players on their roster who are good enough, but after that there is a drop off.

Oh, and as for the video of the Spanish U14s, FCB's academy is not one of the top 5-10 in Spain. It is one of the top 5 in the entire world. Posting that video as a comparison to these 2 teams is kind of silly. A better comparison would be a match between two 2nd or 3rd division European clubs. That would be interesting to see.

Agree with all of this. The DA haters don't have a credible case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know the outcome of the '05 Loudoun DA vs. Arlington DA today?

Loudoun 1 - Arlington 2

Someone recorded this game and put it up on YouTube, if anyone is interested - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BBGDvnqcI

The responses to this video were about what I expected. Many will watch and see that both teams are finding it difficult to get sustained possession, high pass strings, or building quality attacks. That much is obvious. Then they compare it to their perception of their own kids team or other teams they've seen at that age, who seem to have more success doing those things. They then conclude the DA isn't all it's cracked up to be, plenty of other clubs doing the same but better, and so on.

The reality is that with a few exceptions (LMVSC, Alexandria, Baltimore Celtic, maybe still Doradus), none of the local non-DA 05 teams could hang with either one of these teams. None of the NCSL D1 teams other than Doradus are anywhere close. Same with VPL. To put it in perspective, MCLN's 05 ENCL team, which isn't bad, lost to Loudoun's B team a few weeks ago at OBGC.

Make no mistake, the kids on the teams in this video are very, very good players. Relative to other 05 boys in this area, they have outstanding footskills, great first touch and technical ability, awareness and game intelligence. But, it's true that when you watch the video you see lots of bad touches, misplaced passes, poor decisions, and not that much use of skill.

Why do you think that is?

Where most people go wrong is that they only see what each team is doing with the ball, without understanding what the other team is doing to stop them. Look how organized both teams are defensively. Look how vertically and horizontally compact they are, how quickly they get numbers back in transition. Notice the pressing traps. Look at the man-marking in the midfield. Yes, players are moving off the ball, but their defenders are moving with them. Passing lanes are clogged. Space is hard to come by, and doesn't last long. Notice how many times a player receives the ball without being immediately put under pressure. It almost never happens. When it does it's usually after a back pass to relieve pressure, but only for a second or two, and when that player looks up he doesn't see any obvious options, because everyone is marked and there is not a lot of room in passing lanes to thread the needle.

In an environment like that, every technical weakness is exposed and magnified, and that is the environment those kids are putting themselves into every single week. It only gets harder for them when they play teams like DCU, Bethesda, Armour, Philly Union and New York Red Bulls. They will struggle, but that's what will make them better.

An honest assessment of local non-DA teams, including the smaller independent clubs like Sporting who do play possession, would reveal that the level of pressure and speed of play is not the same.

For those of you who are still not buying it, please give us some examples of clubs who you think have a comparable level of play. Video would be helpful.

I am not saying the DA has a monopoly on all the good players in this area. There are many teams that have one or two players who are good enough to make either one of these teams. There are a few - including those I've mentioned above - who probably have 5-6 players on their roster who are good enough, but after that there is a drop off.

Oh, and as for the video of the Spanish U14s, FCB's academy is not one of the top 5-10 in Spain. It is one of the top 5 in the entire world. Posting that video as a comparison to these 2 teams is kind of silly. A better comparison would be a match between two 2nd or 3rd division European clubs. That would be interesting to see.

Agree with all of this. The DA haters don't have a credible case.

RC Celta de Vigo, which also appeared in that video, is not one of the top 5 programs in the world or even in Spain, but they played a competitive game against FCB and weren't just kicking the ball. And since you've asked for an example from lower level Spanish teams, here you go. FC Damm, a local youth club without a professional team, is playing against FCB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21d4LSEi700

Both teams play possession style of soccer with players showing good technical skills and decision-making. You can ignore FCB in this video, just watch FC Damm. Also, they are younger than the two DA teams that were posted and face a superior opposition that can press and trap much better than the two DA teams that were posted.

[Anonymous]

Here's the thing: anyone with a kid on one of those teams or another age group in the program will swear up and down it's the best thing ever--elite of the elite. Anyone that does not for whatever reason, doesn't like either of those Clubs and/or their style, will say otherwise.

The good thing is there is choice for everyone. Everyone will decide at any given point and time what they think is right for their own kid and many factors come into play---distance also being one of them.

Whenever you post a video, you are going to get criticism. It's not worth posting one if you don't want to have people critique it. It has the exact opposite effect of getting your kid 'discovered'. As a dad or coach, I would refrain from posting videos of my kids here in the future.

Name any club and you will get haters and supporters. It's the way it works. It really shouldn't matter if you think your kid is getting what he/she needs. If not, move on. But, never make a move solely for some perceived 'status'. Make sure it is outstanding training/coaching, not just the best feeder or best name to throw out at a cocktail party, at the younger ages.

With as large as the player pool in the DMV nobody has a monopoly on the best players in any age group. Once the FIFA signings start rolling in from predominantly one club, I'm will not be convinced otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know the outcome of the '05 Loudoun DA vs. Arlington DA today?

Loudoun 1 - Arlington 2

Someone recorded this game and put it up on YouTube, if anyone is interested - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BBGDvnqcI

The responses to this video were about what I expected. Many will watch and see that both teams are finding it difficult to get sustained possession, high pass strings, or building quality attacks. That much is obvious. Then they compare it to their perception of their own kids team or other teams they've seen at that age, who seem to have more success doing those things. They then conclude the DA isn't all it's cracked up to be, plenty of other clubs doing the same but better, and so on.

The reality is that with a few exceptions (LMVSC, Alexandria, Baltimore Celtic, maybe still Doradus), none of the local non-DA 05 teams could hang with either one of these teams. None of the NCSL D1 teams other than Doradus are anywhere close. Same with VPL. To put it in perspective, MCLN's 05 ENCL team, which isn't bad, lost to Loudoun's B team a few weeks ago at OBGC.

Make no mistake, the kids on the teams in this video are very, very good players. Relative to other 05 boys in this area, they have outstanding footskills, great first touch and technical ability, awareness and game intelligence. But, it's true that when you watch the video you see lots of bad touches, misplaced passes, poor decisions, and not that much use of skill.

Why do you think that is?

Where most people go wrong is that they only see what each team is doing with the ball, without understanding what the other team is doing to stop them. Look how organized both teams are defensively. Look how vertically and horizontally compact they are, how quickly they get numbers back in transition. Notice the pressing traps. Look at the man-marking in the midfield. Yes, players are moving off the ball, but their defenders are moving with them. Passing lanes are clogged. Space is hard to come by, and doesn't last long. Notice how many times a player receives the ball without being immediately put under pressure. It almost never happens. When it does it's usually after a back pass to relieve pressure, but only for a second or two, and when that player looks up he doesn't see any obvious options, because everyone is marked and there is not a lot of room in passing lanes to thread the needle.

In an environment like that, every technical weakness is exposed and magnified, and that is the environment those kids are putting themselves into every single week. It only gets harder for them when they play teams like DCU, Bethesda, Armour, Philly Union and New York Red Bulls. They will struggle, but that's what will make them better.

An honest assessment of local non-DA teams, including the smaller independent clubs like Sporting who do play possession, would reveal that the level of pressure and speed of play is not the same.

For those of you who are still not buying it, please give us some examples of clubs who you think have a comparable level of play. Video would be helpful.

I am not saying the DA has a monopoly on all the good players in this area. There are many teams that have one or two players who are good enough to make either one of these teams. There are a few - including those I've mentioned above - who probably have 5-6 players on their roster who are good enough, but after that there is a drop off.

Oh, and as for the video of the Spanish U14s, FCB's academy is not one of the top 5-10 in Spain. It is one of the top 5 in the entire world. Posting that video as a comparison to these 2 teams is kind of silly. A better comparison would be a match between two 2nd or 3rd division European clubs. That would be interesting to see.

Agree with all of this. The DA haters don't have a credible case.

RC Celta de Vigo, which also appeared in that video, is not one of the top 5 programs in the world or even in Spain, but they played a competitive game against FCB and weren't just kicking the ball. And since you've asked for an example from lower level Spanish teams, here you go. FC Damm, a local youth club without a professional team, is playing against FCB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21d4LSEi700

Both teams play possession style of soccer with players showing good technical skills and decision-making. You can ignore FCB in this video, just watch FC Damm. Also, they are younger than the two DA teams that were posted and face a superior opposition that can press and trap much better than the two DA teams that were posted.

FCB's teams will always be good as a destination club, but it's notable that you seem very fond of positing their video. You can't compare players trapping the ball with ample room to players attempting to trap under extreme pressure. The amount of pressure is vastly different in this video vs the older DA boys.

[Anonymous]

I am not sure why you are trying to focus on FCB. Didn't I specifically ask to ignore what FCB is doing and focus on FC Damm? FCB is in the video simply to show that a small well-coached club without a professional team can play positive soccer against elite level opposition without losing composure or tripping over the ball or having terrible touches. Are you saying that Loudoun and Arlington are more organized and press better than kids from La Masia? FC Damm players have space because they are intelligent in their movement, positioning and decision-making. They do not bunch up on one side of the field as the players do in the DA video. They also have proper passing and receiving technique with the ball rolling on the ground and not bouncing or flying in the air so it is easier to control. What's the next excuse?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not sure why you are trying to focus on FCB. Didn't I specifically ask to ignore what FCB is doing and focus on FC Damm? FCB is in the video simply to show that a small well-coached club without a professional team can play positive soccer against elite level opposition without losing composure or tripping over the ball or having terrible touches. Are you saying that Loudoun and Arlington are more organized and press better than kids from La Masia? FC Damm players have space because they are intelligent in their movement, positioning and decision-making. They do not bunch up on one side of the field as the players do in the DA video. They also have proper passing and receiving technique with the ball rolling on the ground and not bouncing or flying in the air so it is easier to control. What's the next excuse?

There are no excuses. In the DA video I saw, there was much more pressing than the young buys were doing, which will lead to more errors on average no matter who is playing. That's why you press hard. I have watched plenty of DA games in person and spacing is not an issue. I'm focused on FCB because you keep posting FCB videos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not sure why you are trying to focus on FCB. Didn't I specifically ask to ignore what FCB is doing and focus on FC Damm? FCB is in the video simply to show that a small well-coached club without a professional team can play positive soccer against elite level opposition without losing composure or tripping over the ball or having terrible touches. Are you saying that Loudoun and Arlington are more organized and press better than kids from La Masia? FC Damm players have space because they are intelligent in their movement, positioning and decision-making. They do not bunch up on one side of the field as the players do in the DA video. They also have proper passing and receiving technique with the ball rolling on the ground and not bouncing or flying in the air so it is easier to control. What's the next excuse?

There are no excuses. In the DA video I saw, there was much more pressing than the young buys were doing, which will lead to more errors on average no matter who is playing. That's why you press hard. I have watched plenty of DA games in person and spacing is not an issue. I'm focused on FCB because you keep posting FCB videos.

You know, when I look at that Loudoun-ARL game and compare with the Spanish games, the thing that strikes me the most is that this is more a style of play difference. Poster above favors the style that the Spanish teams are playing. The DA players are more physical and take more risks with the ball. I saw many examples of the DA players not playing the safe pass but being aggressive. Poster attributes this as a bad decision, but it's just a risk. Sometimes this works out and other times it doesn't. Loudoun in particular does a good job of possessing the ball after settling down the game in the opening minutes. Arlington has success playing the ball forward in combination.

I think it comes back to culture. Americans by nature are much more physical and aggressive than Spaniards, and it shows in the style of play. There's no reason a physical and aggressive team couldn't beat a finesse team, assuming player skill is similar on both sides. There is no right or wrong style, they are just different, and each has its positives and negatives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know the outcome of the '05 Loudoun DA vs. Arlington DA today?

Loudoun 1 - Arlington 2

Someone recorded this game and put it up on YouTube, if anyone is interested - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BBGDvnqcI

The responses to this video were about what I expected. Many will watch and see that both teams are finding it difficult to get sustained possession, high pass strings, or building quality attacks. That much is obvious. Then they compare it to their perception of their own kids team or other teams they've seen at that age, who seem to have more success doing those things. They then conclude the DA isn't all it's cracked up to be, plenty of other clubs doing the same but better, and so on.

The reality is that with a few exceptions (LMVSC, Alexandria, Baltimore Celtic, maybe still Doradus), none of the local non-DA 05 teams could hang with either one of these teams. None of the NCSL D1 teams other than Doradus are anywhere close. Same with VPL. To put it in perspective, MCLN's 05 ENCL team, which isn't bad, lost to Loudoun's B team a few weeks ago at OBGC.

Make no mistake, the kids on the teams in this video are very, very good players. Relative to other 05 boys in this area, they have outstanding footskills, great first touch and technical ability, awareness and game intelligence. But, it's true that when you watch the video you see lots of bad touches, misplaced passes, poor decisions, and not that much use of skill.

Why do you think that is?

Where most people go wrong is that they only see what each team is doing with the ball, without understanding what the other team is doing to stop them. Look how organized both teams are defensively. Look how vertically and horizontally compact they are, how quickly they get numbers back in transition. Notice the pressing traps. Look at the man-marking in the midfield. Yes, players are moving off the ball, but their defenders are moving with them. Passing lanes are clogged. Space is hard to come by, and doesn't last long. Notice how many times a player receives the ball without being immediately put under pressure. It almost never happens. When it does it's usually after a back pass to relieve pressure, but only for a second or two, and when that player looks up he doesn't see any obvious options, because everyone is marked and there is not a lot of room in passing lanes to thread the needle.

In an environment like that, every technical weakness is exposed and magnified, and that is the environment those kids are putting themselves into every single week. It only gets harder for them when they play teams like DCU, Bethesda, Armour, Philly Union and New York Red Bulls. They will struggle, but that's what will make them better.

An honest assessment of local non-DA teams, including the smaller independent clubs like Sporting who do play possession, would reveal that the level of pressure and speed of play is not the same.

For those of you who are still not buying it, please give us some examples of clubs who you think have a comparable level of play. Video would be helpful.

I am not saying the DA has a monopoly on all the good players in this area. There are many teams that have one or two players who are good enough to make either one of these teams. There are a few - including those I've mentioned above - who probably have 5-6 players on their roster who are good enough, but after that there is a drop off.

Oh, and as for the video of the Spanish U14s, FCB's academy is not one of the top 5-10 in Spain. It is one of the top 5 in the entire world. Posting that video as a comparison to these 2 teams is kind of silly. A better comparison would be a match between two 2nd or 3rd division European clubs. That would be interesting to see.

Agree with all of this. The DA haters don't have a credible case.

RC Celta de Vigo, which also appeared in that video, is not one of the top 5 programs in the world or even in Spain, but they played a competitive game against FCB and weren't just kicking the ball.

Sorry, this comment is incorrect. Celta de Vigo is a top club in Spain. They may not be top 5 but they aren't bottom feeders either. There's no reason why one of their teams couldn't put up a fight against FCB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not sure why you are trying to focus on FCB. Didn't I specifically ask to ignore what FCB is doing and focus on FC Damm? FCB is in the video simply to show that a small well-coached club without a professional team can play positive soccer against elite level opposition without losing composure or tripping over the ball or having terrible touches. Are you saying that Loudoun and Arlington are more organized and press better than kids from La Masia? FC Damm players have space because they are intelligent in their movement, positioning and decision-making. They do not bunch up on one side of the field as the players do in the DA video. They also have proper passing and receiving technique with the ball rolling on the ground and not bouncing or flying in the air so it is easier to control. What's the next excuse?

There are no excuses. In the DA video I saw, there was much more pressing than the young buys were doing, which will lead to more errors on average no matter who is playing. That's why you press hard. I have watched plenty of DA games in person and spacing is not an issue. I'm focused on FCB because you keep posting FCB videos.

You know, when I look at that Loudoun-ARL game and compare with the Spanish games, the thing that strikes me the most is that this is more a style of play difference. Poster above favors the style that the Spanish teams are playing. The DA players are more physical and take more risks with the ball. I saw many examples of the DA players not playing the safe pass but being aggressive. Poster attributes this as a bad decision, but it's just a risk. Sometimes this works out and other times it doesn't. Loudoun in particular does a good job of possessing the ball after settling down the game in the opening minutes. Arlington has success playing the ball forward in combination.

I think it comes back to culture. Americans by nature are much more physical and aggressive than Spaniards, and it shows in the style of play. There's no reason a physical and aggressive team couldn't beat a finesse team, assuming player skill is similar on both sides. There is no right or wrong style, they are just different, and each has its positives and negatives.

Except that’s what our USMNT has been doing forever with zero success. Soccer is just not a purely brawn sport. That’s why we do so poorly on the International stage. We can exploit our physicality all we want. It’s not getting the job done.

And Spaniards play with a 5-second rule (some say 3 seconds) where if they lose the ball they do anything to get it back immediately. You are sorely mistaken if you don’t see the physicality of Spanish teams when that happens. Puyol, Sergio Ramos,,,, come on man.

[Anonymous]

Spain are actually historically known for being physical hitmen. Ever heard of Andoni Goikoetxea the Butcher of Bilbao? Almost ended Maradona’s career. Those little guys will suffocate you with pressure. If only someone tried doing that with the more technical players in the US, then once they’re in possession play an expansive style.

[Anonymous]

Ramos was certainly physical with Salah—almost kept him out of the World Cup. He’s aguably one of the most physical backs at present. He recently passed Englishman Paul Scholes as one of the dirtiest players in Champions league history which is no small feat, btw. He’s 6” as well.

[Anonymous]

And let’s not forget, though he’s actually Brazilian, the pantomime villain Diego Costa.

[Anonymous]

There is a difference between playing tactically aggressive and physical soccer and being a "hitman."

Also, if you truly think that modern Spanish culture is more aggressive than American culture, please pass the bong. I'll grant you more arrogant. Much more arrogant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not sure why you are trying to focus on FCB. Didn't I specifically ask to ignore what FCB is doing and focus on FC Damm? FCB is in the video simply to show that a small well-coached club without a professional team can play positive soccer against elite level opposition without losing composure or tripping over the ball or having terrible touches. Are you saying that Loudoun and Arlington are more organized and press better than kids from La Masia? FC Damm players have space because they are intelligent in their movement, positioning and decision-making. They do not bunch up on one side of the field as the players do in the DA video. They also have proper passing and receiving technique with the ball rolling on the ground and not bouncing or flying in the air so it is easier to control. What's the next excuse?

There are no excuses. In the DA video I saw, there was much more pressing than the young buys were doing, which will lead to more errors on average no matter who is playing. That's why you press hard. I have watched plenty of DA games in person and spacing is not an issue. I'm focused on FCB because you keep posting FCB videos.

You know, when I look at that Loudoun-ARL game and compare with the Spanish games, the thing that strikes me the most is that this is more a style of play difference. Poster above favors the style that the Spanish teams are playing. The DA players are more physical and take more risks with the ball. I saw many examples of the DA players not playing the safe pass but being aggressive. Poster attributes this as a bad decision, but it's just a risk. Sometimes this works out and other times it doesn't. Loudoun in particular does a good job of possessing the ball after settling down the game in the opening minutes. Arlington has success playing the ball forward in combination.

I think it comes back to culture. Americans by nature are much more physical and aggressive than Spaniards, and it shows in the style of play. There's no reason a physical and aggressive team couldn't beat a finesse team, assuming player skill is similar on both sides. There is no right or wrong style, they are just different, and each has its positives and negatives.

Except that’s what our USMNT has been doing forever with zero success. Soccer is just not a purely brawn sport. That’s why we do so poorly on the International stage. We can exploit our physicality all we want. It’s not getting the job done.

And Spaniards play with a 5-second rule (some say 3 seconds) where if they lose the ball they do anything to get it back immediately. You are sorely mistaken if you don’t see the physicality of Spanish teams when that happens. Puyol, Sergio Ramos,,,, come on man.

Wow, the defense of the Spanish here is incredible. The (accurate) finesse comment was on the video of little boys playing soccer, not Puyol and Sergio Ramos.

This isn't about the USMNT and it isn't about pure brawn. No one can say the DA video shows two teams playing on pure brawn. Yes, we aren't getting the job done because we are at a cultural disadvantage which has been discussed many, many times here. Unless your solution is for our players to move to Spain from birth so they can imbibe the culture, I think this debate on Spanish youth clubs is a complete waste of time. Our players will continue to be born and grow up here, so the onus to create the ideal environment is on us as parents. We have this conversation if/when all the other destination sports in the country have been eclipsed, this is a different conversation entirely. We just aren't there yet.