Announcement

**Unregistered** · 03-15-2013, 11:27 AM

http://www.rushsoccer.com/index.php/951

**Unregistered** · 03-15-2013, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Does anyone know why?

$$$ (the usual reason). So does anyone know how the Rush team naming scheme has changed? I assume it isn't "Nike" for the A team and "Swoosh" for the B team. Are they going with the same Samba/Copa scheme the timbers clones use...

**Unregistered** · 03-15-2013, 12:56 PM

It strikes me that we are mid stream in the fundamental change of competitive soccer in Oregon/SW WA. First was OPL. Change happened, but the world didnt come to an end. Next the Timbers Development Academy and the Timbers Alliance Clubs. All ultimately focused on growth and development of a small pool of select Boys players. They give lip service to the Girls, but dont believe it. Unless the Thorn's manage to generate some sizable cash the Girls side will mostly be about branding so they buy tickets to the Timbers. While they will always need Clubs like FC and OSSA to be credible, i am sure that eventually they plan to take over the OPL, if they havent effectively already. They will market that starting when you are 5 at a Timbers Alliance club is the first step in the "Pathway to the Pros". I predict the result will be fewer players over the long haul limiting development prospsects for all but the select few. i hope i am wrong.

Perhaps this will make US more competitive on the world stage. If it can do that and have a vibrant local youth competitive scene. Then great. I guess i just dont see a lot of trust worthy behavior locally.

Anyone think about what happens if the MLS folds? We live in a bubble in the PNW, not nearly as popular elsewhere. I am old enough to remember how popular the old NASL was, and it went down in flames. MLS seems to be making similar mistakes (pay big $ to washed up European players.... i.e. Boyd)

**Unregistered** · 03-15-2013, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Perhaps this will make US more competitive on the world stage. If it can do that and have a vibrant local youth competitive scene. Then great. I guess i just dont see a lot of trust worthy behavior locally.

Anyone think about what happens if the MLS folds? We live in a bubble in the PNW, not nearly as popular elsewhere. I am old enough to remember how popular the old NASL was, and it went down in flames. MLS seems to be making similar mistakes (pay big $ to washed up European players.... i.e. Boyd)

MLS should NEVER pay big $ to bring European players. US has more than enough athletes to field top level MLS teams that can compete on a global level. I think we're just seeing the stronger players move through the U18-U20 level now. Premier players in the MLS will continue to build on the 'coolness' factor and bring/retain more of the top athletes at the younger ages going forward also.

**Unregistered** · 03-15-2013, 02:06 PM

?

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

MLS should NEVER pay big $ to bring European players. US has more than enough athletes to field top level MLS teams that can compete on a global level. I think we're just seeing the stronger players move through the U18-U20 level now. Premier players in the MLS will continue to build on the 'coolness' factor and bring/retain more of the top athletes at the younger ages going forward also.

More than enough athlete's to compete on a global level? Are you kidding? When we can show up for a World Cup, you can make that statement. As long as Paraguay kicks our ass, my hunch would be we have a ways to go.

**Unregistered** · 03-15-2013, 07:15 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

It strikes me that we are mid stream in the fundamental change of competitive soccer in Oregon/SW WA. First was OPL. Change happened, but the world didnt come to an end. Next the Timbers Development Academy and the Timbers Alliance Clubs. All ultimately focused on growth and development of a small pool of select Boys players. They give lip service to the Girls, but dont believe it. Unless the Thorn's manage to generate some sizable cash the Girls side will mostly be about branding so they buy tickets to the Timbers. While they will always need Clubs like FC and OSSA to be credible, i am sure that eventually they plan to take over the OPL, if they havent effectively already. They will market that starting when you are 5 at a Timbers Alliance club is the first step in the "Pathway to the Pros". I predict the result will be fewer players over the long haul limiting development prospsects for all but the select few. i hope i am wrong.

Perhaps this will make US more competitive on the world stage. If it can do that and have a vibrant local youth competitive scene. Then great. I guess i just dont see a lot of trust worthy behavior locally.

Anyone think about what happens if the MLS folds? We live in a bubble in the PNW, not nearly as popular elsewhere. I am old enough to remember how popular the old NASL was, and it went down in flames. MLS seems to be making similar mistakes (pay big $ to washed up European players.... i.e. Boyd)

My concern is this change didn't come about naturally...It was pushed and advocated out of the greed and narrow focus of a few individuals. It was not focused around improving the situation for all, it was based in the attitude (so often heard hear) "If you don't like it STFU!"

First the Timbers Academy, then the alliance clubs (clubs which are told they are the path to the academy, even while everyone outside is told "all will be welcome") You are exactly right the focus here is narrowing the population, making it more difficult for any but those on the inside to participate. My youngest is U-14, so hopefully we have four years before the whole thing falls apart, but I don't know. The worst part is how quickly anyone who sees outside this world is torn down. I can hear comments directed at me already to "go back to rec" or go back to OYSA, or GTFO. Unfortunately my kids play on the top teams at the top levels, so these changes have hit right in the middle of our world.