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Post by Keeper on May 16, 2024 21:36:23 GMT -5
Host metro and metro-adjacent finals at Silverbacks. Haha you’d have to pay Boris a truckload of money to play them in the evenings though as that’s adult league time. But I guess you could do Saturday and Sunday starting at 9:00am
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Post by Keeper on May 15, 2024 9:10:03 GMT -5
Wow. The compensation for the UFA guys sure is high and appears to have more than doubled in the last two years. Going back to normal after the Covid years…🙄
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Post by Keeper on May 14, 2024 20:08:49 GMT -5
Add concorde and ssa as well
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Post by Keeper on May 13, 2024 11:43:07 GMT -5
Campbell choked away their final. 2-0 Kenn Mtn after CHS dominated possession and most of the game. Chs had a dozen or so chances in the box but couldn’t finish. Shortly after a saved PK by KMHS keeper, they were able to finally get past the Campbell back line to go 1-0, couple minutes later the panicking Spartans gave up another goal to go down 2-0. MVP of the game was definitely the KMHS goalkeeper. He made some quality saves and was great off his line defending from deep throw ins and corners Only major loser was GHSA. Why the hell did they put the game at Duluth HS?? The parking was a disaster as CHS & KMHS fans had to park nearly a mile away due to the girls Buford/West Forsyth game going to PKs. Add in the stands were barely able to hold the fans even though the home/school side was closed off. Either move them to Mercer/GaState/Ksu or don’t hold back to back games on a small hs campus. On the boys side KSU sounds good, or just let the high school host it at their home stadium. At this point, for the big schools 75+% of the time the game is between a school in Cobb/Cherokee. Just put the games up there. No one wants to drive downtown ATL or Macon for a game so both of those are bad options. One, it seems KSU football has taken over that soccer stadium and refuses to let ghsa use it. Secondly, who doenst want to drive? I had quite a few parents that said they don’t mind traveling to GSU to play or even to Mercer as they’re true college stadiums and have proper facilities. They just wanted to make sure those games were Friday nights or Saturdays to avoid any academic issues.
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Post by Keeper on May 13, 2024 11:34:34 GMT -5
I was actually surprised both groups would actually go to Seattle. Figure with a majority of the players leaving for other clubs they wouldn’t want to make that type of commitment to their former club.
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Post by Keeper on May 13, 2024 11:32:35 GMT -5
ECNL 2009 and 2012 specifically. Looking to maybe tryout there next week and week after. 2012s have been just okay through academy, but with Vince taking things over and Concorde shooting themselves in the foot with their coaching decision they could become a strong team. RL under Abel will struggle most likely though.
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Post by Keeper on May 13, 2024 8:20:55 GMT -5
New to the area. Can anyone give some info on AFU club wide on the girls side? How do they stack up w the rest of Big 5? What Age group, and are you talking ECNL or just overall? I'd say middle of the pack for the most part. Theyre not Tophat or Concorde but can compete or beat GSA and SSA. UFA has a lot of moving pieces this year too but they could rebound fast too. AFU is just hit or miss on who the coach is and how toxic the parents are already.
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Post by Keeper on May 12, 2024 18:05:32 GMT -5
What level are you looking for because the top kids are playing ECNL and ECNL-RL and heading do nationals at the end of June. You may be able to ask a coach to train with one of those teams through that and then usually Mid July team camps/preseason for Fall start.
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Post by Keeper on May 10, 2024 22:31:16 GMT -5
Campbell choked away their final. 2-0 Kenn Mtn after CHS dominated possession and most of the game. Chs had a dozen or so chances in the box but couldn’t finish. Shortly after a saved PK by KMHS keeper, they were able to finally get past the Campbell back line to go 1-0, couple minutes later the panicking Spartans gave up another goal to go down 2-0.
MVP of the game was definitely the KMHS goalkeeper. He made some quality saves and was great off his line defending from deep throw ins and corners
Only major loser was GHSA. Why the hell did they put the game at Duluth HS?? The parking was a disaster as CHS & KMHS fans had to park nearly a mile away due to the girls Buford/West Forsyth game going to PKs. Add in the stands were barely able to hold the fans even though the home/school side was closed off. Either move them to Mercer/GaState/Ksu or don’t hold back to back games on a small hs campus.
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Post by Keeper on May 8, 2024 12:07:47 GMT -5
Wow-i guess GA Soccer is officially dead. Maybe MOBA can just play its own teams. That is pretty much the only ones left in there! Don’t forget Athens United! 🤣
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Post by Keeper on May 5, 2024 11:49:16 GMT -5
Have your son tell his teammates quietly and not at the fields that he’s not coming back or he’s going to “xyz club”. Then if parents ask you you can be honest and he can get some closure by saying goodbye to his teammates too.
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Post by Keeper on May 3, 2024 20:47:05 GMT -5
7A Final 4 matchups are tomorrow night and it will be interesting to see who moves on. Discovery vs Kennesaw Mountain and Campbell vs Archer... East vs west, Lawrencevile versus I75 corridor in both matches. Last week I predicted "So my picks for Final 4 - Milton vs Lambert and Discovery vs Colquitt County". Good thing I'm not a betting person. Regions Representation in the final 4: Region 1: 0 Region 2: 1 Region 3: 0 Region 4: 1 Region 5: 1 Region 6: 0 Region 7: 1 Region 8: 0 Seeds Remaining in final 8 1 Seed: 2 2 Seed: 2 3 Seed: 0 4 Seed: 0 Scoreboard Top 10 And Last Result 1. Discovery: Previously #2. Beat Greyson in Round 3 2. Archer: Previous #5. Beat Milton in OT in Round 3 3. Campbell: Previously unranked. eat #1 Lambert in Round 3. 4. Kennesaw Mountain: Previously unranked. Beat unranked Colquitt County in Round 3. 5. Lambert: Former #1 lost to Campbell in Round 3. 6. Milton: Previous #4. Lost to Archer in Round 3. 7. Grayson: Previous #3. Lost to Discovery in Round 3. 8. Collins Hill: Lost to Milton in Round 2 9. Hillgrove: Lost to Carrolton in Round 1 10. Colquitt County: Previously unranked but moves into top 10 even with loss. Lost to Keneesaw Mountain in Round 3. Dropped out Previous 7. Pebblebrook: Lost to Colquitt County in Round 2 Previous 9. Walton High School: Lost to Lambert in Round 2 Previous 10. South Forsyth: Lost to North Gwinnett in Round 1 Max Preps Top 10 - New rankings have not come out since 4/29, beforeRound 3 1. Lambert: Lost to Campbell - Out 2. Milton: Lost to Archer - Out 3. Discovery: Beat Greyson - Final 4 4. Greyson: Lost to Discovery - Out 5. Hillgrove: Out 6. Colquitt County: Lost to Kennesaw Mountain - Out 7. Collins Hill: Out 8. Archer: Beat Milton - Final 4 9. East Coweta: Out 10. South Forsyth: Out Not in the top 10 but still playing: 12. Campbell: Beat Lambert - Final 4 19. Kennesaw Mountain - Final 4 Match Ups: Kennesaw Mountain (12-8-1, 36GF, 32GA) at Discovery (18-2-1, 46GF, 17GA) I have not seen KM play but looking at their schedule, results, goals scored and goal allowed and quite simply KM should not be going to the final 4. They've benefitted from a weak playoff schedule - Central Gwinnett was 10-7-1, N. Gwinnett was 8-8-1 and somehow cleared South Forsyth out of the way in round 1, and Colquitt County, while 16-3-1, never played a team North of Macon during the regular season and feasted on weak competition. All that said , KM are in the Final 4. Play two inspired games, get a lucky break or two and they could finish the season on top. Standing in their way is Discovery who have been consistent all year long, handled tougher competition and enjoy a 29 goal differential. And they are at home. I would say this is the Lock of the Week, but look how well I picked last week. Archer (15-3-1, 67GF, 28GA) at Campbell (11-6-2, 61GF, 41GA) Comparing the records, schedules, goals scored and given up, this one seems like one to lean to Archer to get the win. Campbell's one advantage is playing at home. Will Boom Ball work against Archer the way it did against Lambert. It's not pretty soccer but it did produce a ton of opportunities last week. Any free kick from just beyond mid field or any throw in from the 20 are going to be put in the box where anything can happen. And a byproduct of that is the defending team scrambles to clear the ball turning possession back to Campbell. Lambert ceded too much possession allowing Campbell to dictate the game. How will Archer handle the arial assault? Does their defensive back line have some height to clear some balls? I lean Archer but Campbell is playing hot at the right time. My 7A State Championship prediction sees Discovery Vs Archer... Lawrenceville vs Lawrenceville... and Discovery winning it all. So yeah…Kenn Mtn won 1-0 and Campbell won 2-1. Now the all Cobb County final has to be played in Gwinnett at Duluth HS? Wonder if it’s not to late to love to like Marietta Hs, haha?
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Post by Keeper on May 3, 2024 19:58:02 GMT -5
Nope zero recruiting as GHSA denied all transfers statewide eligibility this spring. Even if you had a valid reason like student of a teacher they didn’t allow anyone to play this spring. (Can’t wait for ghsa to not exist in coming years, they’re less useful then the ncaa)
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Post by Keeper on May 3, 2024 18:28:47 GMT -5
Anyone know the coaches for girls 2010 and 2009 DPL at Santos and where and when they are training? I would like to watch their sessions. I know 2009 may not be training but I know some older teams have started back up again for summer showcases now that a lot of high schools are done so I wasn’t sure. I think all Santos DPL coaches are gone except for Lomas. Santos 2009 is Reed Norton and Lomas is still 2010. Lomas is awesome. Don't know Reed. DPL ID Clinic May 7 & May 8 U17&U19 5p-6:15p U13&U14 6:30p-7:45p U15&U16 8p-9p Location: TBD (probably East Roswell or Lower Waller Park) www.roswellsoccerclub.com/upcoming-rsc-eventsWho has/had the 2011s?
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Post by Keeper on Apr 30, 2024 21:02:10 GMT -5
North Atlanta over JC 4-3 Yeah what a joke of a game. Talk about awful refs. AR missed JCHS’s first goal because he’s not in position, then the center missed a call that should have been a yellow and PK. Add in the multiple issues with the NAHS students that’s probably going to bite them in the arse with GHSA later. For soccer purist let’s hope River Ridge wins the coin toss to host or demands a neutral site with real security.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 26, 2024 14:56:59 GMT -5
"One of the best ideas I heard from a coach was adding more refs to the game like other sports. Imagine an 11v11 game with two centers running a two person system but with ARs on the sidelines so you’d have a ref on each quarter of the field." This would be not as good as it sounds. Florida HS has three whistles (think ARs with whistles instead of flags). Looks really messy. If you think there are inconsistencies in foul calling now, just add more whistles. Soccer is different than most sports because of the discretion allowed by the referee. A foul early might be advantage or no call later. Foul definitions change based on level of play and often within the game depending on the stage / temperature of the players. A hard foul with caution at lower level may be a soft foul or play on at high level... Having multiple whistles would be very hard to sync. Not a fan! One if they can have multiple whistles in a basketball gym then a soccer field is doable. Two, don’t have to have the whistle and could do something like hockey where the foul is recognized but not called/whistled until a stoppage. Either way the current speed of soccer and the way it’s getting faster has outpaced the current system so something has to change.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 26, 2024 14:54:07 GMT -5
Heard he requested to coach the HS aged boys and Mirza told him no as that’s what Garth does, we’ll except the whiny 08s who demanded Yusuf stay are they’d all leave. Sadly AFU loses one of their best coaches over politics. 🤷🏻♂️ So was Alex better than Garth? Garth's teams haven't produced results in the last couple of seasons. Is that due to constant turnover or coaching? Another person replied that he brought in a bunch of new players for the 07 team. On paper it looks like they went from being competitive in the previous season to only 1 win this season. I would think that reflects on the coach and his evaluation of talent. So the question is: if you had a boy that was 06 or 07, would you consider AFU with Garth coaching? Thanks in advance. Depends. I mean he’s better than a lot of coaches but is he better then other options or your current coach?
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Post by Keeper on Apr 25, 2024 21:42:33 GMT -5
What happened to Alex Pineda? Don’t see him coaching any teams. Heard he requested to coach the HS aged boys and Mirza told him no as that’s what Garth does, we’ll except the whiny 08s who demanded Yusuf stay are they’d all leave. Sadly AFU loses one of their best coaches over politics. 🤷🏻♂️
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Post by Keeper on Apr 25, 2024 21:40:05 GMT -5
As someone who seems to actually know, how much say does the 4th official have? they like ARs that can call what they see and have the Center call it or not? It all depends on the center and how they want to communicate. Good leaders integrate everyone in the crew, bad leaders do not, and it shows. In real time play, the 4th official doesn't have much say, unless the play is right in front of them, and they may nonverbally communicate with the center. After a stoppage or incident, the 4th can provide another opinion on what happened - since they are not running, they sometimes see things better. Not necessarily foul calling, but definitely pointing out misconduct off the ball (warning, caution, or ejection). Good 4th officials also act as an on-field assessor and give feedback at halftime. They can keep foul count, temperature of the game, an eye on trouble makers, etc. They can be a good buffer and calm presence when everyone else is losing their minds. The 4th isn't always the lowest official. In my playoff games this year (as AR or center), all but one of was higher level than me. Love the idea of a 4th official and especially for some of these older refs who can’t stay with the play but sure as hell know how to handle a rude coach or bring another set of eyes to a busy sport. One of the best ideas I heard from a coach was adding more refs to the game like other sports. Imagine an 11v11 game with two centers running a two person system but with ARs on the sidelines so you’d have a ref on each quarter of the field.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 25, 2024 15:46:39 GMT -5
Most duals are requested by schools. GSOA fulfills 90+% requests for 3-man crews. Most unfulfilled are result of ref calling out day of game (it happens - illness, injury, work). The dual system is ok for most JV, but falls apart at Varsity. We're never in the right spot and it's very difficult to affect the game with your personality (consistency of calls, conversations with players on and off the ball, etc.) We hate them as much as everyone else. I tell players it's like the 5v2 drill and we're the 2 in the middle, just trying not to get split every time. Or playing 11 v 8, which is about the right ratio of 3 v 2 refs. If all of you claiming to never work HS would come work, we'd have more good officials... Many games are filmed and assessors do watch as many as possible. Assignment changes do result. 4th official in playoffs keeps the admin off the CR and provides another buffer for coaches and bench activity. Quality of officials is hit or miss, but many good referees. Not all get playoff matches and those assignments are vetted, particularly 2nd round on. I've rarely had an entirely bad crew, usually only one weak link we try to hide. Higher classification games generally get better crews. Come join us! As someone who seems to actually know, how much say does the 4th official have? they like ARs that can call what they see and have the Center call it or not?
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Post by Keeper on Apr 24, 2024 14:26:55 GMT -5
Anyone know why Ambush Girls won’t be continuing in NPL next year? One and done? They following Santos and the DPL route like Impact did.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 22, 2024 16:46:20 GMT -5
Any thoughts on Coach Hugo (AFU) or Coach Jason Smith (UFA) boys?? Jason was great the one year we had him for ODP, and loved playing against him at Norcross. Pretty class act guy and gets a lot out of his boys.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 22, 2024 16:44:38 GMT -5
Concorde ECRL isn’t too bad depending. Probably the typical trip to Greenville & Charlotte in August, Birmingham in October, Jacksonville in Jan, and Nashville in May in addition to the league play. They’ll be 2 showcases that are probably Tenn or SC in there too.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 8, 2024 21:39:32 GMT -5
2 questions: How do kids tryout/make it into the Atlanta United MLS Next team? Is MLS Next "above" ECNL level wise? Gotta be invited to tryout for Atlanta United. And depends on who you ask, but I’d say locally no. Most ECNL teams in Atlanta would beat most the MLSNext ones.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 8, 2024 18:50:38 GMT -5
If Alan is bringing his Ufa 2011s to concorde that will cause quite the shakeup. Ufa is currently first place in the SE. Concorde Plat is 8th and Premier (out of Columbus) is 11th. Eddie with Platinum isn’t going anywhere and Eric with Premier is the head guy at South so doubt he wants his team to drop to RL.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 6, 2024 16:27:05 GMT -5
Any insight on local MLS Next clubs for my 2013 son? Mainly considering Inter Atlanta, SSA and KSA due to logistics. Do all MLS Next clubs also have teams in NAL? You may want to check out the Big 5 ECNL clubs. Competition will likely be better. Those who got MLS Next were in lower leagues than ECNL. Good luck! And the travel can’t be beat for first tier soccer. Six clubs in Atlanta and then 3 games in SC.
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Post by Keeper on Apr 6, 2024 16:22:54 GMT -5
Makes sense. Ufa always has drama and Alan being back for another year could rub some the wrong way. Gsa always has drama and AFU has been very good lately about recruiting them over. Especially if Gsa has a couple on to bench who think they deserve to start. And Eddie with Platinum at CF is always a toss up, either love him or hate him.
My bet is a lot of talk but no many put their money where their mouth is.
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Post by Keeper on Mar 31, 2024 18:01:09 GMT -5
Steve Hobart and Pat Staunton currently have the top two teams so they’d be potential coaches for ECNL Platinum and Premier and the ones to start with. Definitely don’t wait till tryouts to reach out as both teams will probably be set by the time tryouts begin.
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Post by Keeper on Mar 29, 2024 16:24:26 GMT -5
Inter with ECNL? Not a chance and not even in their radar with them sticking with NL, DPL, NAL and hopes of MLSNext again. Atlanta can’t support anymore competitive ECNL teams.
Boys ECNL will probably move to the 8 home, 8 away for Fall and with spring doing half that. Expect another showcase requirement to be added though.
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Post by Keeper on Mar 28, 2024 5:54:36 GMT -5
I think it's annoying and it mostly does not help. Either parents yell the obvious "SHOOT!" and they often distract players so that they make a mistake. Or they yell things that are wrong, like "dribble!" when passing would have been better. I got annoyed at another mom for yelling to my kid recently. "Talk, one of you!" when I had told my kid not to not hesitate, that it's better to go for the ball than not when you're not sure what your team mate is doing and there's no time to "talk". I try to not coach from the sideline, but yeah sometimes I can't help saying something like "RUN!". But I often cheer and say things like nice pass! Nothing wrong with saying RUN!! LOL Except when the coach has told them not to. Maybe the coach is slowing the game down. Maybe they don’t have subs. Maybe someone is injured and can’t run like that. Lots of other reasons too so just don’t coach from the sideline. And never ever ever yell for a kid to shoot, that’s joystick coaching 101.
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