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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 25, 2017 13:57:48 GMT -5
This upcoming weekend of September 30th and October 1st, two of the best clubs in the city play Atlanta United. The El Clasico, between Atlanta United and Concorde Fire kicks things off on Saturday with the following matchups:
AU vs CF at the Atlanta United Training Grounds in Marietta U12s - 10am U13s - 12:15pm U14s - 12:15pm U15s - 3pm U17s - 12:15pm U19s - 3pm
Then on Sunday we have the United Derby, between Atlanta United and United Futbol Academy closing out the weekend with the following matchups:
AU vs UFA at Fowler Park in Forsyth U12s - 10am U13s - 10am U14s - Noon U15s - Noon U17s - 2pm
One should get a clearer picture of where some of these teams stand this season and what deficiencies and strengths they possess.
Enjoy
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Post by 5tripes on Sept 25, 2017 15:13:08 GMT -5
Should be an exciting weekend! I'm interested in taking a look at the 07's on the U12 teams and finding out if AU's U13s can handle a couple of real defenses. Older age groups will be hard fought.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 25, 2017 15:50:43 GMT -5
Should be an exciting weekend! I'm interested in taking a look at the 07's on the U12 teams and finding out if AU's U13s can handle a couple of real defenses. Older age groups will be hard fought. Oh my, for the players and parents on the AU U13s, looks like the challenge has been thrown out there. Will they respond or use this as locker room poster board fodder to respond on the pitch. This is why I love this game.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 25, 2017 16:25:06 GMT -5
Hopefully Concorde and UFA play them well.
The 2003 battles will be the most intriguing!!
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Post by 5tripes on Sept 25, 2017 16:38:00 GMT -5
I heard CF U13 has a striker out with a broken ankle. UFA will play like they have something to prove. I wonder what an NFL team could accomplish if they had the first 24 draft picks every year?
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 25, 2017 19:39:06 GMT -5
I agree with Soccerhouse, the U15s will be the most intriguing to watch. For all clubs the U15s are all relatively new teams, so no one knows what to expect. I did hear about the striker at CF but I also believe two strikers are going to be out for AU and one for UFA. Unfortunately, that is part of the game. Look at Almiron for THE 5 Stripes, he's out for at least 3 weeks. I wish them all a speedy recovery and no lasting injuries. I believe the pressure will be on the AU teams, because they are supposed to win. It's not as easy taking the first 24 picks in the draft, who were all "studs" in their own respective patches and getting them to buy into a new system where some of them will be "role" players or even benched. However, the hierarchy for boys youth soccer will be clearer after this weekend.
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Post by 5tripes on Sept 25, 2017 20:10:41 GMT -5
A problem many clubs would like to have. Now use your best John McEnroe voice when I say, "You cannot be serious!" U15s are only interesting because of the train wreck that was last year's 03 AU team (and this year doesn't look much better). I only mentioned the CF striker b/c you asked for deficiencies and strengths. This could be a factor why CF U13 has not put up gaudy offensive numbers like AU has against the same opponents. Strengths seem to be defense, fitness, and coaching. I'd like to know more about UFA's strengths and weaknesses - haven't seen them in person yet this year. As for AU 13s - is it better to be conditioned for 35 or 70? AU typically has 4 players go 70 and everyone else plays 1 half, while CF and UFA each have 8 that go 70. I don't know if that is a strength or weakness. Hard to find any other deficiency with that team.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 26, 2017 7:53:52 GMT -5
I'm assuming the DA double pass review is complete? Haven't heard anything else about it, nor if any recommendations were implemented.
Their is an assumption in US soccer that in a market that has an MLS and non MLS DA team, that the best talent is at the MLS club -- this isn't always the case. Yes, they are loaded for sure, but thier are still many gems out there and kids that are probably better off starting at non MLS DA club and getting playing time vs a playing riding the pine at an MLS team.
The entire point of DA is focus on training and competitive/meaningful games. At the younger ages, particularly the u12s, training really is no different than it was under the old system and your playing the same teams. Even worse, you never play some of the other top teams at all -- no games against inter atlanta, GSA, AFU, and so on on. Not sure how this is good when those clubs have competitive teams and quality players.
I've said this over and over, DA needs to go back to just the u15s, u17s and u19s. Then with fewer teams, maybe non MLS clubs would be more willing and more able to actual invest in the players and process.
I also think 4 nights a week is alot at the younger ages, people are traveling hours to get to these training sessions, and you can tell how it effects players. It wears them down.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 26, 2017 10:12:30 GMT -5
Its kind of like the 02 team at Atlanta United -- they are outside the DA umbrella and can do and play anyone they want! I wonder how its going for that group with regards to playing meaningful games every week. Anyone know how the experience is so far?
Obviously teams can set up scrimmages with whoever they like, but do they. I know its very common during off weeks for DA teams to play older teams at non DA clubs.
But playing games every weekend where the game is decided by halftime isn't good for anyone involved.
Georgia soccer time to step up -- schedule some scrimmages with your 2006 odp pool and the local DA clubs.
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Post by soccerfan30 on Sept 26, 2017 10:49:05 GMT -5
There have been scrimmages between AU and ODP, how do you think they got so many of our players? 😉
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 26, 2017 10:50:40 GMT -5
There have been scrimmages between AU and ODP, how do you think they got so many of our players? 😉 ha! love this!
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Post by gaprospects on Sept 26, 2017 16:23:07 GMT -5
To bring some thoughts/insight into various points that have come up in this discussion:
- Seven clubs each in 3 separate age groups is too many and I think that you're seeing that play out in real time. It is true that each club kind of serves a different part of the metro area, but there's a lot of overlap, and CF and UFA are so widespread that they can get players from a wider player pool than an AFC or Lanier.
- That being said, would Inter Atlanta, GSA, AFU, etc. put up a bigger challenge to Atlanta United than their current opponents? Probably not. It's tough to expect any metro club to truly challenge them at this point. It would probably be better for the AFCs and Laniers of the world to play those teams than to get smacked by AU, though.
- MLS clubs don't have all the top talent or even the top teams, and that extends all the way up the age group ladder, not just in the younger kids. Look at some other areas of the country. DC United is maybe the 3rd best DA club in the DMV area. Crossfire consistently challenges and beats the Sounders. It can be done, but it's harder when there's so many clubs in one area like it is in GA. They all kind of dilute each other while the big fish takes whomever they want off the top. And I'm not just talking DA clubs, either. Three of AU U19's starters were playing for either KSA or Inter Atlanta last year.
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Post by newposter on Sept 26, 2017 19:21:13 GMT -5
We are fortunate that Metro Atlanta has multiple options for players. This ensures that the needs of the players can be met. It doesn't matter if it's Academy, Select, ODP, DA, ECNL or Rec.the player can find the team that best suits their interest level and ability level.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 26, 2017 21:28:31 GMT -5
I love the discussions going on about the state of soccer in Metro Atlanta. I too think the boys DA structure has too many DA clubs at the younger level. However, I do know one of the reasons this occurred was because US Soccer believed metro Atlanta had the depth and also to reduce the distance for the travel requirement. This helps to reduce costs and it also reduces the impact for the boys in regards to time off and away from school, home, rest, etc. Having said that, I think we need to do the following with the DA clubs - Keep AFC(Southside), disband LSA/SSA/NASA and keep AU, UFA and CF. The latter three because they have the full spectrum of DA age groups. Also, its my believe you don't charge for DA for any of the clubs and have the regular team fees pay for the DA teams. This will hopefully reduce the politics and force clubs to put the best of the best on the pitch. I think US Soccer should relax the rules in regards to DA clubs playing only DA clubs and further subsidize DA club expenditures. I believe I heard the MLS is trying to set up their own DA structure where they primarily play other MLS clubs(different mission) and other good teams, much like the AU 2002s are doing. With MLS clubs playing each other, geographical location becomes null and void since they can afford to pay for their team's travels. Heard that for one of the Girls DA clubs, because of the area of travel to play opponents, each player has to come up with just over $5k separate from the regular DA club fees. That is bananas but then when you think their opponents come from as far south as Miami and as far north as Raleigh. Finally, in consultation with state soccer agencies, come up with a true hierarchy for soccer. DA -> ECNL -> SRPL -> RPL/NL -> Top Academy Teams... etc.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Sept 26, 2017 22:07:50 GMT -5
There's no incentive to move towards a European model. MLS owners are like MLB, they get their share of TV revenue regardless how good or bad the team. That's how small market MLB teams survive.
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Post by rifle on Sept 27, 2017 5:50:17 GMT -5
This won’t happen any time soon. But we really need one (not 3-4) proper divisional system where the teams from any village, town, suburb, city, or state play their peers at whatever level the team is at and have to fight to earn a spot at a higher level. And allow for top kids to raise to the top and play nationally. I know DA is supposed to facilitate this, but... 7 DA programs for the younger age groups in Atlanta is probably 4 too many. At older ages - ECNL, RPL, etc create dilution and parity versus a proper pyramid where MLS clubs need to be at the top or they are doing something wrong. At age 16, just about any kid with meaningful talent around where I grew up either play senior semi-pro/pro football or at a pro Academy somewhere. Not at a youth club, no matter how good. I fully agree that a meritocracy would be better, in youth up to pro soccer. Too many profiteers are littering the pathway.
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Post by rifle on Sept 27, 2017 5:51:24 GMT -5
There's no incentive to move towards a European model. MLS owners are like MLB, they get their share of TV revenue regardless how good or bad the team. That's how small market MLB teams survive. Thats exactly right.
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Post by 5tripes on Sept 30, 2017 10:44:06 GMT -5
AU U13 #32 & #45 are here, so not sure what 2 strikers you're speaking of that are out.
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Post by 5tripes on Sept 30, 2017 13:39:43 GMT -5
Wow, those AU U13 boys can play! CF didn't even play that bad and were still on the wrong side of an 0-5 result. Very fun game to watch and a bunch of good guys on both teams. Should be another fun one tomorrow as AU visits UFA.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 30, 2017 17:06:06 GMT -5
AU U13 #32 & #45 are here, so not sure what 2 strikers you're speaking of that are out. I did not have #32 in the two I referenced earlier in the week. #32 has had a recurring injury that flared up again today about 10 mins into the game. The other two I was referencing both had injuries and were not expected to play but they worked with the trainer all week. One had a Quad issue and the other a shoulder injury from Lacrosse. They played through the injuries and had decent games.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 30, 2017 17:10:50 GMT -5
Wow, those AU U13 boys can play! CF didn't even play that bad and were still on the wrong side of an 0-5 result. Very fun game to watch and a bunch of good guys on both teams. Should be another fun one tomorrow as AU visits UFA. In the first 10 minutes of the game, CF came out blazing. They were quick to the ball, pressing hard and closing off the lanes. It seemed at first that the AU U13s had found their match. But I think nerves or surprise was the issue because after the first few barrages of play by CF, the AU backline came alive and really started the counter attack. I would call out their center backs and right back. Once CF realized that they could play from the back, CF pulled back more. Then as 5tripes said, they started to play. 3 goals in the first half and two more in the second with a 7 man change/substitution. I was impressed with their play and calmness under fire. Also impressed with the way CF played today. Wonder what it will be like when the CF striker comes back from his injury?
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 30, 2017 17:28:05 GMT -5
Final Results
AU vs CF at the Atlanta United Training Grounds in Marietta U12s - 6-1 & 5-3 AU U13s - 5 zip AU U14s - 4 zip AU U15s - 4 zip AU U17s - 1-0 AU U19s - 2-1 AU
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Post by 5tripes on Sept 30, 2017 18:04:49 GMT -5
Wow, I saw the U13 game quite differently. First 30 minutes of action with no good chances by either squad, AU strikers no factor all game, before or after 32 had to be taken out (hope he's back soon!), CF played both keepers - smaller one in first half had a decent shot go up and over out of his reach for goal and then AU found a mismatch at right wing and converted the exact same isolation play twice in 2 minutes. 3-0 at half and could have easily been 0-0. Second half of fresh legs for AU needed a PK and an open breakaway to score 2 more. Game felt much more like a 2-0 game than a 5-0 game. CF needs to figure out some offense by next spring if they want to have a shot in the 2 rematch games.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 30, 2017 18:12:32 GMT -5
That's the beauty of being unpaid arm-chair analysts, we're both entitled to our own opinions. You saw it one way, and I another. I'm sure 10 others will see it 10 different ways from our two views... :-)
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 30, 2017 19:43:07 GMT -5
The million dollar question is how did the 17s and 19s play them so close???
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Sept 30, 2017 20:20:29 GMT -5
Honestly, even though AU won the u19 game, the player of the game was the CF goalkeeper. He was awesome. To quote some on this board, don't be surprised if he is with AU next season haha
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Post by Upper90 on Sept 30, 2017 20:27:31 GMT -5
Honestly, even though AU won the u19 game, the player of the game was the CF goalkeeper. He was awesome. To quote some on this board, don't be surprised if he is with AU next season haha I was just about to say the same thing, if there was ever a Man of the Match it should definitely go to him. AU kept pounding away and he kept saving what was thrown at him. I believe the first goal against CF was a broken play breakaway on his left that almost no one would have been able to save and the go ahead goal was a late PK. Even the AU fans clapped on multiple occasions at some of his saves.
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Post by jingleheimerschmidt on Oct 1, 2017 9:12:06 GMT -5
The CF keeper was cut by AU so no chance of him going back. They don't take players back after they are cut.
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Post by footy on Oct 1, 2017 10:35:29 GMT -5
The million dollar question is how did the 17s and 19s play them so close??? I've been wondering the same thing. One thought is that many of the kids in those age groups currently at Concorde previously played at Georgia United and/or AU under Tony and are familiar with his style of play. Any other theories?
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Post by jingleheimerschmidt on Oct 1, 2017 13:45:21 GMT -5
Easy answer...talent dilution....the older age groups have fewer teams locally and the talent consolidates over time. The younger age players not picked by AU are still spread out over many teams.
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