What age group has a clear top team?

[Unregistered]

I would agree that Onyx has done well, but keep in perspective they are only 12 and 13. I know for a fact that Sherwood added a new coach and some great talent and should not be overlooked

The original question was "What age group has a clear top team?" I think ONYX is for the folowing reasons: Thay have not lost a game to another Oregon team in 2 1/2 years. (Their last loss was a 2-1 loss to Sherwood during a OYSA season.) That includes 6 undefeated OPL seasons and 2 State Cup Championships. During those 6 OPL seasons, they were putting up goal differentials in the 50's, only getting scored on 2-3 times per season. The one blemish on their record is a 2-2 tie last year to FC Portland. (Good Job FC!) They have won every tournament in OR and Washington the last 2 years and they are the only NWCL girls champion. They played at U14 during the Pacific Coast Super Cup and won.(Yes I know this is a "B" tournament, but they still won playing up a year.) I could give more reasons, but I am not sure that is necessary as I don't believe another team has posted similar results to what I have already stated.

This is just my rationale for ONYX being the most dominant team. Perhaps another team does have a better resume. The ONYX girls just moved to U14. Alot happens over the next few years and I have no idea beyond tomorrow if they will continue with their success, but I believe they are the "clear top team" today.

As for Sherwood; nice bunch of kids and parents. I am sure Onyx is not overlooking Sherwood as they don't overlook anyone. Heck, they wouldn't overlook a rec team. That being said, Sherwood supporters need to stop sounding off until you have accomplished something. Yes, you won OYSA State Cup by beating a rec team and you get to go to Phoenix. Sincerely, I hope you kick everyone's hiney, represent OR well and come home a champion. I mean that, but I have read too many threads from Sherwood supporters with a highly inflated view of your team. You will have to play the ONYX sometime in the near future and when you do, rest assured every girl on the ONYX understands the trash talking that has been going on and Sherwood now has the biggest target in OR on their backs. Not a wise strategy on your part to add fuel to the ONYX fire as if they needed it. I have no idea what the outcome of their next meeting will be, but I hope Sherwood comes prepared. Lastly, Why hasn't your coach called yet to set-up a friendly, as suggested in another thread. Don't you want to play the best in order to prepare for Phoenix? I would.

[Unregistered]

As they get older, that team may remain at the top, but not necessarily with the same players. Dominant 12 year olds aren't necessarily dominant 16 year olds. The tough thing for Onyx is that some of those girls will end up getting cut in the coming years as better players tryout. It's the same old story, if you are player 14+, you better be worried. It will be a bitter pill for some of the parents if their DD gets told "sorry, but I am going with someone new". For a parent of a sub who is used to being on this dominant team, it may be a difficult reality to face.

I thought if a lot of changes were going to take place that I would have seen it this year. There were more than 50 girls trying out for Onyx, but TA only added 2 players. I believe he has a great core and is developing quite well. May be wrong but I don't see large scale changes in the future.

[Unregistered]

I thought if a lot of changes were going to take place that I would have seen it this year. There were more than 50 girls trying out for Onyx, but TA only added 2 players. I believe he has a great core and is developing quite well. May be wrong but I don't see large scale changes in the future.

You could be right. Good Coaches typically understand how important chemistry is and I imagine most coaches would be very hesitant to tamper with it

[Unregistered]

Onyx parent here. I do think that Onyx is the current top team but as others have pointed out they are only U14. A lot will change this year and in the coming years as the number of teams will get less and less and the talent will begin to merge into 1-2 top teams. Onyx will be challenged this year I believe as some movement has already taken place. I know I'm excited and hopeful for some close games and even some losses. The more competition everyone gets the better the teams will get, including Onyx.

I don't see the team dominating as much as they have in the past and I see that as a great thing.