Loudoun’s oldest ECNL team has a 2-10 and yet 11 girls signed NLIs this week. Most of them to D1 programs. That proves college recruit players not teams.

Pay attention at any college showcase. The strong teams are lined with scouts. The weaker ones hardly have 4 or 5. And yes, I have older children, I've been. That's how it works. Anyone who tells you anything else is just selling you. They aren't being honest.

And yet colleges don't check out teams to see those players if the record is so pitiful, it is unlikely to find some diamond in the rough. If you watch a team with a strong record, there are multiple players worth looking at. It's just much more efficient.

Colleges recruit players, not teams or clubs. A club coach may open a door or two for a player with a school, but 95% of the work after that is done by the player. The player talks with the college coach, the player creates the game film. In short, the player drives the process, not the coach the team or the club.

The college coach is not rooting for the players team, they are not interested in the teams results. They are only interested in how the player plays against strong competition. In fact, how a player plays on a losing team can show far more positives than negatives. A coach can tell if a player is standing out because of a great supporting cast or if a player is standing out in spite of poor supporting cast. A player who maintains a strong work ethic and positive attitude even while playing on a "losing" team shows a high level of character to a college coach that can go a long ways.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

BRYC U-17 is basically a new team. They only have 2 of their original players. They may only have 4 committed to Division 1 schools, but there are several others talking to coaches. AND most of that team is sophomores! BRYC has a couple of 02s playing up that are committed! So that places the U-17s I believe at 6 committed to Divsion 1 schools. William and Mary, UConn, Naval Academy, Are the 3 I know of, can’t remember the other 3.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

That BRYC team won easily against RU twice this year, this is also the 2nd year in ECNL for bryc ... most of the RU players have been playing and seen by colleges since u15....

But wait, how were those RU players identified if their team doesn't win every game and play at the highest levels...plus, because the RU players are better (based on the caliber of schools there going to) be a better team than BRYC....how does work?

3 years in ecnl showcases and great club leadership.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

That BRYC team won easily against RU twice this year, this is also the 2nd year in ECNL for bryc ... most of the RU players have been playing and seen by colleges since u15....

But wait, how were those RU players identified if their team doesn't win every game and play at the highest levels...plus, because the RU players are better (based on the caliber of schools there going to) be a better team than BRYC....how does work?

They are probably smarter than BRYC crowd, better grades, AP classes, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

That BRYC team won easily against RU twice this year, this is also the 2nd year in ECNL for bryc ... most of the RU players have been playing and seen by colleges since u15....

But wait, how were those RU players identified if their team doesn't win every game and play at the highest levels...plus, because the RU players are better (based on the caliber of schools there going to) be a better team than BRYC....how does work?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

That BRYC team won easily against RU twice this year, this is also the 2nd year in ECNL for bryc ... most of the RU players have been playing and seen by colleges since u15....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

Did anyone mention Richmond United ???? What are you talking about, Richmond as a club is well run, has respected talented leadership and will do great recruiting wise.... Richmond was not a part of this conversation. Richmond United has multiple players attending YNT camps every year... you just wrote a few paragraphs for no reason. Yes BRYC u17 beat that team 2-0 and 3-1 this year but that club has YNT players in multiple age groups and coaches will definitely show up to watch them. Loudoun and VDA don't have YNT players or great leadership

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

Actually, that U17 team doesn't have that bad of a record, so I don't know that I see your point. They only lose half the time. They have won 6 games, tied 1, and then lost 7. That's not terrible. I'm talking about teams that can't win a game, ever. And lose by multiple goals.

Also, overall as a club, Richmond United has a strong enough reputation to draw the coaches and some of their club coaches are well connected. Any club that has overall a reasonably decent record can draw scouts. If you are in a club that is losing badly across the board and just can't compete, then you will be written off. Richmond United also has the advantage of being the only ECNL or similar type program in the area.

I'm not talking clubs with close games, like a lot of 0-1 losses and some ties.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope --- club choice. They decided they were going to run one team for each ECNL age group. They found they needed some cash so they "manufactured" a couple teams to fill in the gaps. Beyond the younger age groups, the girls side doesn't want to develop anyway....they just want to win games.

They seem to be winning a lot of games and I doubt they would be doing so if the players were not getting better. A stupid statement, my daughters play for Loudoun and every BRYC team I saw played good soccer. Winning is part of playing in a national league. If they are developing younger players like you said what is wrong with playing to win and playing good soccer while they do that?

Let's all play to lose

The point was the players they are using are already developed some place else, and there's some incremental improvement.
If you're happy with your kid sitting on the bench as No 18 and not playing or getting developed as long as the team wins, then good for you.

If winning at youth soccer helps you live your best life, congrats...

If you are 18 on an ECNL Roster at any club I wouldn't expect to play much at all?

If you are not good enough to play at all on that team, why would you stay??? Especially at the older age groups???

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.

OK --- then compare the commitments from the Richmond U-17 team (sub 500 win pct) and the BRYC U-17 (about 600 win pct) --- looks that Richmond team is doing just fine in placing girls in higher profile programs that the BRYC team.

BTW: If you think you're kid won't get recruited on a bad ECNL team because nobody watches them, how many coaches do you think come to CCL / NCSL / etc games? And do you think the coaches will be excited about a worse player on a successful CCL / NCSL player.

That's like saying only players from FBS teams will get drafted into the NFL, and if you're not one of those teams, no NFL scout will see you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

The point you are missing is that MCLean and BRYC will flip the teams that get to u15 and can not play at the ECNL level, they will add top talent from clubs in the area.

so true (from past experience)... it will be interesting to see though if that top talent isn't already at another ECNL (or GDA) club, whether that top talent are staying put or moving between based on coaches and opportunities, versus "staying with friends" and convenient location.

How many non-ECNL (or GDA) top talent girls will really be available? The numbers are probably much lower than they were before...

Isn't there also an ECNL or DA no recruit period from other like teams until April?

It will be much harder to recruit and stack the team with top players from other clubs. Northern Virginia alone has 4 ECNL options and 3 DA options.

That was my implicit point. However it may be that the poor performing teams at the younger age ECNL groups really do benefit by cutting a bunch of dead weight or those girls who are held back do really leave.

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy that some parents think winning is not important 16+.... College coaches are not going to sit and watch a team that can't win a game. I would look at the amount of coaches that watch McLean and BRYC at 16-17-19 in Greer and Sanford and compare it to what shows up for Loudoun and VDA matches. There is absolutely no reason teams 16+ should not be going on the field to win games. If you are being told other wise run... fast.

Absolutely true. At that point, if a team is getting its ass handed to it game after game, either find another team to play or accept that your child should be playing in a lower division. Players won't get recruited from teams that can't compete.