ECNL is here

[Unregistered]

Because someone on ts said so. If it's on the internet, it must be true; can't say it if it's not!

These clubs that joined GDA and kept ECNL, it had to be to hedge bets on where this was going, right? Can't see the logic unless it was this. B/c you have to assume it just diluted the top teams they have in both leagues, which wouldn't make parents of kids on either team happy. If some of these teams do leave GDA, that would seem to indicate they've read the tea leaves and see the future as ECNL. Or alternatively, if they bail on ECNL then they see GDA as the future.

[Unregistered]

Of course they were hedging their bets. But there aren't that many clubs doing both because, obviously, it's very difficult to pull off both effectively. Few clubs had the player pool to even consider trying it. USSF should have insisted clubs be DA only but they couldn't afford not to have big clubs like PDA or Stars.

[Unregistered]

Of course they were hedging their bets. But there aren't that many clubs doing both because, obviously, it's very difficult to pull off both effectively. Few clubs had the player pool to even consider trying it. USSF should have insisted clubs be DA only but they couldn't afford not to have big clubs like PDA or Stars.

It was the other way around actually -- ECNL forced clubs that were awarded both to choose ECNL only or no ECNL. This was done to all clubs EXCEPT the founding member ECNL clubs like PDA and Stars, since they control the ECNL.

And yes, I suppose they wanted to see where this was all headed...but now are deciding they don't really need GDA to continue to offer most of the market what it wants -- a pathway to college -- while still having control and making lots of $$$.

[Unregistered]

It was the other way around actually -- ECNL forced clubs that were awarded both to choose ECNL only or no ECNL. This was done to all clubs EXCEPT the founding member ECNL clubs like PDA and Stars, since they control the ECNL.

And yes, I suppose they wanted to see where this was all headed...but now are deciding they don't really need GDA to continue to offer most of the market what it wants -- a pathway to college -- while still having control and making lots of $$$.

That’s not exactly correct. The ECNL set criteria that clubs had to meet in order to play in both leagues. Only 10-12 clubs met that criteria. A few clubs tried to do it on their own under different names, and will be kicked to the curb at the end of the year for not meeting standards.

[Unregistered]

That’s not exactly correct. The ECNL set criteria that clubs had to meet in order to play in both leagues. Only 10-12 clubs met that criteria. A few clubs tried to do it on their own under different names, and will be kicked to the curb at the end of the year for not meeting standards.

It’s not news for those in the know. Owners for those clubs have already told their players. PDA, Stars, wolves etc. Players talk on social media. Word spreads quick these days. Again, there will still be 2 leagues and showcases for both leagues. Oakwood is still better off than their NPL days so at least they have that. So what, it is tier 2. What choice do they have. CFC is top dog in ecnl. Nuff said. So that leaves fsa. The owners have all the $ in the world but a shat product. Parents can brag they are in a better league, nice facility but must be tough to have all those “high quality” coaches and be this bad.

[Unregistered]

That’s not exactly correct. The ECNL set criteria that clubs had to meet in order to play in both leagues. Only 10-12 clubs met that criteria. A few clubs tried to do it on their own under different names, and will be kicked to the curb at the end of the year for not meeting standards.

What were the criteria that ECNL set in order to be allowed to play in both?

And the clubs that tried to do it on their own -- they will be kicked out of which league for not meeting standards?

[Unregistered]

Is FSA really this bad. Winning 1 ECNL game over the weekend. They had to be missing players or something. Can’t imagine it’s not like it was Stars and PDA it was FC Boston who CFC beat in U12-17 only lose was U18’s. Please bring back Soccerplus such a better organization and a non toxic environment.

[Unregistered]

Is FSA really this bad. Winning 1 ECNL game over the weekend. They had to be missing players or something. Can’t imagine it’s not like it was Stars and PDA it was FC Boston who CFC beat in U12-17 only lose was U18’s. Please bring back Soccerplus such a better organization and a non toxic environment.

S+ was the reason for their own demise. Their work visas were extended and they continue to work for FSA. Do you really think adding great facilities and tripling the size of the club is the cause of their continued failure?

[Unregistered]

S+ was the reason for their own demise. Their work visas were extended and they continue to work for FSA. Do you really think adding great facilities and tripling the size of the club is the cause of their continued failure?

No their assumption that they could continue to do nothing to improve their product - as in coaching, not facilities - is the primary reason for their failings. Keeping S+ remnants is just a part of that.

[Unregistered]

No their assumption that they could continue to do nothing to improve their product - as in coaching, not facilities - is the primary reason for their failings. Keeping S+ remnants is the cause of that.

Fixed that last sentence for ya'.

[Unregistered]

S+ was the reason for their own demise. Their work visas were extended and they continue to work for FSA. Do you really think adding great facilities and tripling the size of the club is the cause of their continued failure?

Same coaches. Same coaching. Same players. Same play

Same results.

FSA is not in the business of being great at soccer. It's in the business of being a business. If good soccer happens accidentally, then that's a win-win. ECNL players never get moved out unless a check bounces or the kid wants to. Stronger incoming players never move up. Boot-it is much favored over technical. Size and hip-checking ability is favored over soccer skills.

The strength of FSA is its reliability. It will be there. It has the bank account. When other teams and clubs are mismanaged or fall apart because the coach was sleeping with too many soccer moms, they don't have a facility, or the mold eats their facility, FSA will still be there, a rock. Nothing will change. FSA is safe.

You choose.

[Unregistered]

Same coaches. Same coaching. Same players. Same play

Same results.

FSA is not in the business of being great at soccer. It's in the business of being a business. If good soccer happens accidentally, then that's a win-win. ECNL players never get moved out unless a check bounces or the kid wants to. Stronger incoming players never move up. Boot-it is much favored over technical. Size and hip-checking ability is favored over soccer skills.

The strength of FSA is its reliability. It will be there. It has the bank account. When other teams and clubs are mismanaged or fall apart because the coach was sleeping with too many soccer moms, they don't have a facility, or the mold eats their facility, FSA will still be there, a rock. Nothing will change. FSA is safe.

You choose.

FSA is a mess. No governance. Emotionless robots collecting checks. No evaluations, no work done by coaches, no structure, no leadership, no nothing.

[Unregistered]

FSA is a mess. No governance. Emotionless robots collecting checks. No evaluations, no work done by coaches, no structure, no leadership, no nothing.

Can you tell it's pre-tryout time? As the other poster said, FSA is a rock, their players aren't going anywhere, and if a couple do, those spots will be filled immediately. Just like last year, 3 FSA went to CFC... and 3 CFC went to FSA. CFC got the better end but the ECNL badge has that kind of power.

[Unregistered]

Can you tell it's pre-tryout time? As the other poster said, FSA is a rock, their players aren't going anywhere, and if a couple do, those spots will be filled immediately. Just like last year, 3 FSA went to CFC... and 3 CFC went to FSA. CFC got the better end but the ECNL badge has that kind of power.

By your own admission CFC got the better players while FSS go weaker ones. Keep that up, mix in some poor coaching and see where that gets you.

[Unregistered]

What were the criteria that ECNL set in order to be allowed to play in both?

And the clubs that tried to do it on their own -- they will be kicked out of which league for not meeting standards?

Which are the clubs that tried to do it on their own? I know there is Albertson/Fury, but I can't imagine them kicking Paul Riley out when ECNL is doing a summer project with NC Courage. That being said, they are also doing it with Man City, owners of NYCFC