Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2018 15:18:46 GMT -5
Whats the deal with this squad? They cleaned house last year and removed a ton of local kids. Saw a new out of towner was recently added to the roster. Just surprised that this team isn't killing everyone. I've seen them in person, and they are men. Kind of shocking to tie fusion 1-1, a below average team when you have some of the best talent in the southeast. And don't say its not about results, because that is why they cut most that squad last year, they didn't win, and by the end of the spring, they were the 3rd best team in the city behind Concorde and Ga United.
No reason this team should be looking up to Concorde ahead of them in the standings. This team should be running through teams in the southeast division, at least thats what we were told, that they were a special group.
|
|
|
Post by krazykickers on Feb 26, 2018 19:54:04 GMT -5
I'm not sure if you saw a post a few weeks back with information about the AU 03s. The post said that four AU 03s were no longer allowed to travel overnight with the team due to hotel issues and that 2-3 of the 03s had broken bones so they would be out for a good bit. With those parameters it would seem that 7 or so 03s would not travel to NC this past weekend to play. If you look at the game card there were 10 03s not rostered with a few 04s filling in those spots. I must say that they were still able to tie NCFC 1-1 even with missing 10 regular players. And as an aside, that's when it becomes a little important in the playoff standings that NCFC did NOT forfeit their Feb. 4th game when a suspended player appears to have played according to the NCFC academy twitter account (on the game report it does say that the player was suspended and not rostered so perhaps their twitter person typed in the wrong person that assisted on the first NCFC goal that day).
|
|
|
Post by Futsal Gawdess on Feb 26, 2018 21:39:06 GMT -5
I'm not sure if you saw a post a few weeks back with information about the AU 03s. The post said that four AU 03s were no longer allowed to travel overnight with the team due to hotel issues and that 2-3 of the 03s had broken bones so they would be out for a good bit. With those parameters it would seem that 7 or so 03s would not travel to NC this past weekend to play. If you look at the game card there were 10 03s not rostered with a few 04s filling in those spots. I must say that they were still able to tie NCFC 1-1 even with missing 10 regular players. And as an aside, that's when it becomes a little important in the playoff standings that NCFC did NOT forfeit their Feb. 4th game when a suspended player appears to have played according to the NCFC academy twitter account (on the game report it does say that the player was suspended and not rostered so perhaps their twitter person typed in the wrong person that assisted on the first NCFC goal that day). You are correct KeepingKrazy, 4 boys are no longer allowed to travel, 1 was kicked off the team and 3 are on crutches. I was told this weekend, the U15s had to use 5 players from the U14s, who in turn had to use 3 of the U13s... you get the idea. This weekend was bad for AU, I believe on their U13s won both games this weekend in North Carolina. All the other age groups lost or tied at least one game. In other news, does anyone know what is going on with CF U13 DA team? The have lost all games this spring season and ended their last game with a tie against NASA. That surprised me, i thought they were a much better team than that. Any thoughts as to what is going on?
|
|
|
Post by cantgetright on Feb 26, 2018 23:07:38 GMT -5
Sorry, but AU gets the pick of the litter x20. So what that some kids are injured, they are the premier destination. They should win every game no matter what. They are pulling from the entire SE. Maybe the players they picked aren't the best ones in the state. Maybe the coaching is not what it should be. Whatever excuse you come up with for them, does not matter. They should win much more than they tie or lose. At the moment that is not true. I will be very interested to see the CF vs AU game this year. I think CF wins by 2, just my 2 cents. For whatever reason, AU has issues at this age group.
|
|
|
Post by krazykickers on Feb 27, 2018 13:29:12 GMT -5
Sorry, but AU gets the pick of the litter x20. So what that some kids are injured, they are the premier destination. They should win every game no matter what. They are pulling from the entire SE. Maybe the players they picked aren't the best ones in the state. Maybe the coaching is not what it should be. Whatever excuse you come up with for them, does not matter. They should win much more than they tie or lose. At the moment that is not true. I will be very interested to see the CF vs AU game this year. I think CF wins by 2, just my 2 cents. For whatever reason, AU has issues at this age group. I actually was not giving excuses for that team, just stating some facts in an effort to answer the original poster.
|
|
|
Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 27, 2018 16:21:51 GMT -5
Hopefully at the younger ages kids are still moving around.
Nothing worse having an attacking footballer lose his attacking mentality. Seen it over and over again. It’s hard to gain it back.
|
|
|
Post by Upper90 on Feb 27, 2018 16:52:47 GMT -5
One thing I know to be true that isn't an excuse, but simply just an observation, when teams play AU (esp local clubs) they come out like it's their World Cup Final. Even when they score a goal against them, the celebrations both on and off the field is intense & don't let them actually win the match. It's a lot of pressure as a kid (yes, perhaps still a privilege). I don't think expecting them to win every game at every age group is realistic or sport for that matter. Just my two cents.
|
|
|
Post by Futsal Gawdess on Feb 28, 2018 6:33:54 GMT -5
FG, you asked what has happened to the CF U13 Boys. If your question was not rhetorical you might find this breakdown to be helpful as it relates to the total local U13 landscape in Georgia and not just CF. In this age group there has emerged 3 tiers: AU, Second Tier, & Third Tier. In my opinion, SSA has surprised and NASA has underwhelmed. In fact, I’m not sure if NASA belongs in the 2nd tier, or together with AFC & LSA in the 3rd tier. For this analysis I’ve kept them in the 2nd tier but time will tell. So with that said, first the statistics. As of 2/25/18, here is the Table for the Georgia U13 DA Boys teams so far (vs. the other Georgia DA teams only) Georgia’s U13 DA Boys teams vs. each other only: Team GF GA PTS AU 65 1 30 CF 23 11 16 SSA 16 10 16 UFA 11 7 10 NASA 10 26 9 AFC 13 39 4 LSA 6 50 1 Drilling down to the top 5 Georgia teams (arguably – don’t know where NASA realistically belongs). Georgia’s top 5 U13 DA Boys teams vs. each other only (dropping out AFC & LSA): Team GF GA PTS AU 23 0 15 SSA 10 7 10 CF 6 9 4 UFA 2 5 4 NASA 2 22 1 Granted, there are a lot of games yet to be played but I would be quite surprised if this trend doesn’t continue. The most significant conclusion is simple and obvious: AU has impacted the scoring ability of the local clubs by depleting them of their best offensive players while rostering the region’s best keeper (if you’ve ever seen him play, you know this to be true). SSA, CF, & UFA have very capable (I would say superior) individual defenders as the above numbers show (remember, most of the goals they’ve allowed have been against the AU offensive juggernaut). In fact, I would argue that AU always has the best team on the pitch but never the best player. As the saying goes, “the only thing more impressive than saying you play for AU is saying you turned them down.” So now we turn to the strategy AU has employed to attain their domination over other local teams (you can check the minutes on 3 & 4): 1. Recruit only the top local goal creating midfielders and strikers; 2. Recruit the best keeper in the region; 3. Convert the most capable to defenders and placate them with the promise of the most starts and playing time; 4. Only substitute fresh legged goal creators at the half (the other teams call these players “half-gamers.”) You have lauded the AU defenders in the past, but that position is suspect. They are not going up against exceptional goal scorers and play-makers week after week – AU has most of them on their roster, after all. When they do, the results are pedestrian: In the small 3-game sample size vs. Cedar Stars, NY Red Bulls, & DC United in late fall, AU had tough games and ultimately fared well going 2-1. However their GF-GA ratio of 7-5 in these games bares out my point. Don’t get me wrong, this AU team is fantastic and I’ve enjoyed watching most of these players for years. But the facts are undeniable as to the reasons for their dominance. To mix metaphors, I hope this has helped in some small way to get your head out of the Kool-Aid. Twdsoccer, sorry it took so long to respond, this summer-like spell we’re going through had me thirsty, so I was partaking in some Kool-aid to quench my thirst. Seems like I hit a nerve which was not my intent. I was truly just asking about CF because based on my observations of the games I had personally seen earlier in the season, they seemed to be a solid team. They were on pace with AU in the way they were winning whilst also keeping clean sheets. I appreciate the time and effort you put into gathering all the stats and facts about AU. Which we all know can all be garnered by going to the following URL: aufc.ussoccerda.com/sam/teams/index.php?team=3937280For the record I asked about CF and what was going on with them being seemingly off with 4 straight winless games. Teams go through spells, but what I was looking for, was some explanation as to why(e.g. injury, coaching changes, etc.). To your statement about my lauding the AU defenders, I stand by that. I have been to quite a few of their games in addition to those of other DA teams in town. I don’t claim to be a soccer expert, but I think having played the game at a very high level and watching my spouse play professionally in Europe, gives me a punters level of knowledge. Most neophytes watching the game of soccer tend to focus on what occurs in just the final third and the ‘stat’ sheet. 10, 20, 30… goals and the win/loss columns. I for one tend to see what contributes to the success of the wingers and strikers. In “my opinion” the AU U13s are greatly helped by their solid back 5. From the 4 that make up the backline and the 6 position. We do agree that their goalie is solid and I would know having watched him play up all of last year. However, if you have watched any of the games, you will see that in only 2 games this season has he been challenged. For most of the game he might as well be working on NY-Times crossword puzzle since his backline handle things. ALL of the starting defenders were recruited as defenders from their individual clubs where they played (you guessed it) defense. AU did try out defenders from the superior clubs(SSA/CF/UFA) along with other clubs. Final tally is 2 from UFA, 1 from CF, 1 from RYSA. The 5th defensive player is from Smyrna and was actually converted to a striker/winger. I have seen teams come after this AU team, as they should. They are the top of the apex, the destination club. CF/NCFCN/SSA all pushed 5 and sometimes 6 up to crack their defense and each and every time they have been repelled. The great coach Fergie always said, “Attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles.” This AU team does have some cracks and holes to fix but considering they are all new at working together and are still only 12 turning 13, I think one can give them credit for having given up only 2 goals in the regular season to date. I will take a stab and say, you probably don’t agree with any of what I’ve said and that’s the beauty of this forum and this country. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
|
|
|
Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 28, 2018 8:20:53 GMT -5
The AU U14 is on track. They did loose to UFA and NASA but if you are in the AU system it really isnt about winning at the younger age groups. They pretty much change lineups all the time. Move kids up etc... They are still better (in standings) than any GA team even with the loss to UFAx2/NASA.
Keep in mind this is only the 2nd year for the program. I can see that they are getting better selecting the pool at the younger age groups.
U12 AU- Solid group of boys. Going to be real hard to choose the U13 squad for next season. Not a lot of gaps to fill. (going to be harder for players to break into that core group) I can see them keep 95% or more
The u13 AU- I'm pretty sure you wont see much change next year. They are pretty solid all around and even might see a few move up to older age group next season. (Again, going to be real hard to get a spot next year) I can see them keep 95% or more
U14 AU- They have a great core group of players. 2x U15 National players. Defender/Midfielder. Solid backline/keepers. I see an opportunity for wingers/strikers. I can see them keep 60-70%.
u15 AU- really hard to judge them. they have a lot of issues and no identity and really havent seen the full core group play. not sure what's going to happen with this group.
In summary, you can see a trend that as the Academy prefects its system it will be harder and harder to make it into it. They are doing a better job identifying the younger age groups to build upon. Youre always going to have gaps as players move through the system. Some with thrive and some wont.
Thats my 2 cents for whats its worth
|
|
|
Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 28, 2018 9:30:43 GMT -5
Should be interesting for the u15s -- if DA sticks with 2 year age bands and the u17s, I would think 1/4 make the 02/03 team and then the local players all stick around and play on a 03 team similiar to what they are doing this year with the 02s.
Any word on how the 02 experiment is going? kids happy? enjoying it? competitive games? good for the kids? etc??
|
|
|
Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 28, 2018 9:50:59 GMT -5
Soccerhouse... long time no chat. been crazy busy, good to be back.
Good question. For the most part I think its working. The club seems to do its very best to find competitive games for them. (to help keep the killer instinct) But the total experience in general is amazing. The training they are all getting the same. I think it adds another level of competitiveness, even though its extremely competitive already.
I think the kids are enjoying the whole experience for the most part. It's for sure not easy. Pretty impressive to see these kids work. AU does a great job interacting with the boys. Before practice see some coaches playing foot tennis with the players and stuff like that. But when its time to practice, its down to business.
|
|
|
Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 28, 2018 9:58:36 GMT -5
One thing I'm assuming it adds is competition like you said. Imagine being on that u17 team now, and knowing there is an entire 02 teams working hard to take your spot! Practices must be exactly that, extremely competitive. Kids need to be pushed and not be complacent. Even if the coach has no intention of using a "dp" player, every week I'd be bringing in new bodies to push my kids. I remember on one of the older DA teams, when the coach would bring in a player to be looked at, the dynamic of the training session kicked up a few notches.
|
|
|
Post by ilove8amgames on Feb 28, 2018 10:04:59 GMT -5
"04s seem to be struggling also, losing to UFA twice, NASA and losing to fusion this weekend. Fusion is not a high quality club compared to the rest. But losing to UFA and NASA is unacceptable in my opinion, these local teams should be no where near the Atlanta United teams. I don't buy the injury and play up bug for this age group either, they had an entire year to watch DA u12 games last season and identify players, still a lot of quality players out there that I guess they didn't feal fit their needs.
Will be interesting again if the 04s and 03 clean house again as they age up. Will a hoard of 04s move into town to play on that u15 team next season, should be interesting to follow."
03's are a hot mess and frankly, they should have not allowed some of the players back this year due to behavior problems; but who am i to armchair QB. 04's are a completely different story. They are not struggling. Last season (Winter 2017) they had a different line-up and seemed to be rotating players in different positions. Yet, they still dominated possession. UFA was the only team that really played toe to toe with them. They've now worked out most of those kinks. They are 3-1 so far this year (plus they beat 2 or 3 03 teams teams in preseason with this current lineup. Either way, they have dominated possession both seasons. expect a few out of state signings for next year's team, but no wholesale replacement.
|
|
|
Post by Futsal Gawdess on Feb 28, 2018 10:13:31 GMT -5
One thing I'm assuming it adds is competition like you said. Imagine being on that u17 team now, and knowing there is an entire 02 teams working hard to take your spot! Practices must be exactly that, extremely competitive. Kids need to be pushed and not be complacent. Even if the coach has no intention of using a "dp" player, every week I'd be bringing in new bodies to push my kids. I remember on one of the older DA teams, when the coach would bring in a player to be looked at, the dynamic of the training session kicked up a few notches. First time I came to a practice, I remember saying to myself, why are there 2-3 trainers on site. One will definitely be enough right, wrong. The intensity of the practices keeps the trainers busy. They do not need to do anything else cardio wise, since they are forever running from field to field, team to team. For some of the teams, the practices are more intense than the games and the boys bring it or risk losing their starting spot.
|
|
|
Post by gaprospects on Feb 28, 2018 11:05:23 GMT -5
It seems that AU are doing a good job of rotating in 02's that are performing well for the 02 team into the 01's. There's already 4-5 02's regularly playing for them. The 01's played seven 02's last weekend, and that was with 3 of the regular ones away with national teams.
|
|
|
Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 28, 2018 11:26:30 GMT -5
totally agree Futsal Gawdess.
So cool yesterday I saw Aron Hyde (First team keeper coach) helping coach the 04/05 keepers. Pretty incredible that he took the time out of his day to get involved. He watched in the Fall as well.
|
|
|
Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 28, 2018 11:36:16 GMT -5
ilove8amgames..
Agree the 03's are a hot mess. Some take pride and honor wearing the shield and others don't. I think this age group needs the most work. maybe not at a skill level but a mental level. Lots more pressure and balance at this age. I would recommend a mental coach starting at this age group. It would help.
The 04's are for sure in better shape. I think with a few tweaks they will be on there way. They have A LOT of mid fielders. I can see them keeping an eye on strikers and wingers for next season.
|
|