Top Level Goalie Questions (Girls)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Couple quick questions:

When do ECNL teams start carrying two goalies? U15ish?

And when they do, do they usually split game time, or is there a clear #1 and clear #2?

Most ECNL clubs I have seen carry two keepers at all ages (U13 and up). Any coach worth his salt will know to split playing time pretty much down the middle except for championship games. To do otherwise messes with a GK's confidence level. At our club, there are times when games are split at half time, and there are other times where they alternate full games.

Only difference on our team is that the "starter" plays the second half instead in games which might be decided by penalties.

Agree with this. Top keeper is second half.

Top Keeper is Top Keeper. The position is very similar to pitchers, the strongest, most consistent start and then bring in various talents as the game progresses. It varies every season and with performance. The mix of playing time is up to the coach and is strategy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Couple quick questions:

When do ECNL teams start carrying two goalies? U15ish?

And when they do, do they usually split game time, or is there a clear #1 and clear #2?

Most ECNL clubs I have seen carry two keepers at all ages (U13 and up). Any coach worth his salt will know to split playing time pretty much down the middle except for championship games. To do otherwise messes with a GK's confidence level. At our club, there are times when games are split at half time, and there are other times where they alternate full games.

Only difference on our team is that the "starter" plays the second half instead in games which might be decided by penalties.

Agree with this. Top keeper is second half.

Top Keeper is Top Keeper. The position is very similar to pitchers, the strongest, most consistent start and then bring in various talents as the game progresses. It varies every season and with performance. The mix of playing time is up to the coach and is strategy.

That isn't the way they do it at all. Almost universal that top keeper gets second half. And there is no mix of playing time. Only choice is who gets which half.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Injuries are big in girl's soccer. You couldn't have one featured keeper. You need two and sometimes that is not enough which is why there often is a PT keeper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have had two since U13. Always 50/50 game time and same halves each game. Definitely no clear #1/#2 by coach, but my DD is on 7 games with 0 conceded.

so from one parent of a female GK to another, you daughter is on a team with a rock solid defense

your comment about 7 games 0 conceded gave me a good laugh, thank you

Save % is a keeper stat. Goals against is a team stat.

This comment is just not needed. 3rd party observer on this and the comment could be seen as true from one angle but soccer is much bigger than just that one angle. Goals against can be and is also an indication of success as well for a keeper, not just save %. The keeper has to manage the game to help their defense be in position, talk, be a leader on the field, etc. to prevent "team" goals against. The keeper is a huge part of the goals against stat. Absolutely huge part. That said, playing your game, with a 0 conceded and 0 goals against, this keeper has a save % is either at 0% or 100%. Almost sure it is 100% in this case, so great stuff. Can't we just celebrate success here! Sheesh...so many people want to just argue every point. 0 GA is great for any keeper across 7 matches. Enjoy the game people...and the successes within it!

+1 and thank you for saying this! I don't understand why mentioning a keeper's 7-0 record--OBVIOUSLY a team record--would get picked apart. It absolutely makes sense for a GK (as a big part of the defense) to tout those stats. DC is a GK and will absolutely mention her fall season of 10 clean sheets in a competitive varsity HS conference on her soccer resume. Goalkeeping is much more than blocking the occasional ball heading toward the goal; it's ball distribution, helping defenders build up plays from the back, directing set pieces, relieving a back line while being a last line....I could go on.

To the PP who mentioned 0 goals conceded in 7 games, I hope your DD keeps up the great work!

I hope your DD thanks the players in front of her who help limit shots. Sorry but Goals Against is a team stat and any keeper that doesn’t recognize that is not a team player.

That is exactly the point (that you are missing apparently). GAA average is a team stat, and the keeper is part of the team and has a big part in that role, it is not just the defenders. They should and do thank each other. Save % is also a team stat. And before you react....it is. If defenders do their job well and the keepers do their job well the shots are more contested, saves become easier, etc. Both the back line and the keeper need to be in tune and save% can go up. They are all team stats, that is exactly the point. GAA & Save % is not just the keeper and not just the defenders but both. And, the keeper should still be congratulated for good stats in both (just like the back line should be, and the mids, and even the forwards who should tuck in to help defend early in transitional plays).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Maybe your watching regional ECNL? After having kids play in ECNL for over 6 years, what I’ve seen is more in line with not splitting time. There are plenty of top ECNL teams that play only one GK for the entire game. In fact, there are some teams where there is only one GK rostered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Maybe your watching regional ECNL? After having kids play in ECNL for over 6 years, what I’ve seen is more in line with not splitting time. There are plenty of top ECNL teams that play only one GK for the entire game. In fact, there are some teams where there is only one GK rostered.

Which clubs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Maybe your watching regional ECNL? After having kids play in ECNL for over 6 years, what I’ve seen is more in line with not splitting time. There are plenty of top ECNL teams that play only one GK for the entire game. In fact, there are some teams where there is only one GK rostered.

Which clubs?

BRYC U13G for one. It's hard to find lots of kids who want to play the position at any club, and with so many ECNL and non-ECNL playing options around here, if someone wants to play GK full time and not split time they can find a club where they can be the GK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Maybe your watching regional ECNL? After having kids play in ECNL for over 6 years, what I’ve seen is more in line with not splitting time. There are plenty of top ECNL teams that play only one GK for the entire game. In fact, there are some teams where there is only one GK rostered.

Which clubs?

BRYC U13G for one. It's hard to find lots of kids who want to play the position at any club, and with so many ECNL and non-ECNL playing options around here, if someone wants to play GK full time and not split time they can find a club where they can be the GK.

I think everyone was talking about U-14/U-15 and up. BRYC at those ages and up play two keeps 50/50 in games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Maybe your watching regional ECNL? After having kids play in ECNL for over 6 years, what I’ve seen is more in line with not splitting time. There are plenty of top ECNL teams that play only one GK for the entire game. In fact, there are some teams where there is only one GK rostered.

The top keepers in the ECNL Mid Atlantic region do split time. There is not hard true statement that they all play their #1 or they all split. It really depends on the specific team and age group. I was watching some Richmond United matches and they have plenty of top keepers splitting time - sometimes even with ECNL Development players (part time on lower club, part time on ECNL team). I happened to watch their older girls teams recently and they had 3 keepers on roster on the u19 team and at least 2 at the u17 group. Across both of these age groups they split time. I have seen this be true for many clubs but wanted to give a real example I saw recently - and have seen across many clubs, teams. I think splitting is much more common than not but it varies by club/team and amount of talent at those clubs/teams.

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Anonymous wrote:Through 15U most of the clubs will be splitting GKs (assuming they can roster 2 competitive keepers). By 16U, there is usually a starter and a backup. Strong GKs don’t want to be seen splitting time as they enter the recruiting years. There are some exceptions at regionally dominant clubs, but in the DMV that’s not the case. At the older ages clubs have a difficult time finding GKs that are strong.

This. If your DC has aspirations for playing on they need to be the number one GK on their team who plays against the better teams

Agree. By U16 you need to be able to call yourself the starting keeper in convos with coaches. No one at a top soccer school is looking to recruit the second keeper, especially when the colleges are recruiting possible starters only every 2nd or 3rd year. However, t are plenty of GKs recruited as practice players, but usually it’s quite clear that that’s where they’ll remain. Some of those slots may go to second keepers. If that works for your DD that is an option.

Starting is not the same as the number 1 keeper. The second half keeper in a tournament is the one doing PKs

Splitting time is for an average to below average keeper. A good keeper should control the field and needs to be on the field. splitting time adds to confusion as to who the leader is. For those who say its normal to split time dont honestly realize that means you dont have a great keeper your blinded by personal interest.

Sorry - but this is ignorant. The best keepers in northern VA - the ones that are getting invites to YNT tryouts - are splitting time.

Whether that is indeed better for the GK and/or the team is a separate question. My guess is that it is better for the GK not to split time, but better for the team to have two GKs who split time. But to suggest that, if you have two keepers who split time it's because you don't have a great keeper - that's nonsense.

Do tell, what NOVA GKs are getting YNT call ups?

Tryouts - not actual call ups to the team. There's quite a bit of difference - in all about 600 boys or so nationally get invited to the first level of tryout which are held in nine locations - one for each of nine regions. Ours is held in Baltimore for kids from between Philadelphia and Richmond. I'm obviously not going to name names - and it's not necessary to make the argument anyway.

The best clubs in this region - for boys anyway - are DCU, Richmond, Bethesda, Baltimore, Arlington, Pipeline and VDA. You could probably make an argument to add one or two other clubs to that list - but it wouldn't change the result. Every single one of them carries multiple GKs (usually two, but I believe at least one of the DCU age groups carries three) and all of them split time to some degree. Obviously I see more games from some of these clubs than others. Most of them have split every game I have seen 50-50. DCU (again in my experience) typically splits time less - but that may just be the games I have seen - and they still split time.

In every case both keepers on these teams are very good and would likely start for the first team on many other clubs.

So in a thread about girl goalkeepers, you are discussing boy goalkeepers splitting time... Boys teams are different and there is much more depth to the GK spot. Also, NTCs end around age 15. Quite honestly, until kids go through puberty nobody puts much stock into their skill. So yes, at 15 and younger (because it doesn’t matter) teams do and should rotate GKs.

The top girl goalkeepers in the region do not split time. The regional girls who have been called to the NTCs do not split time. Time splitting ends at 15U when you are a competitive GK. If you see teams over the age of 15U splitting GK time, something else is going on.

Dude they do. Every top team in NOVA plays 2 keepers 50-50. I have never seen an ECNL girls game where they did switch keepers outside of an injury.

Maybe your watching regional ECNL? After having kids play in ECNL for over 6 years, what I’ve seen is more in line with not splitting time. There are plenty of top ECNL teams that play only one GK for the entire game. In fact, there are some teams where there is only one GK rostered.

The top keepers in the ECNL Mid Atlantic region do split time. There is not hard true statement that they all play their #1 or they all split. It really depends on the specific team and age group. I was watching some Richmond United matches and they have plenty of top keepers splitting time - sometimes even with ECNL Development players (part time on lower club, part time on ECNL team). I happened to watch their older girls teams recently and they had 3 keepers on roster on the u19 team and at least 2 at the u17 group. Across both of these age groups they split time. I have seen this be true for many clubs but wanted to give a real example I saw recently - and have seen across many clubs, teams. I think splitting is much more common than not but it varies by club/team and amount of talent at those clubs/teams.

Splitting time is fine for GK’s, most of the learning will be done in practice.