DA will cheaper than ECNL, Final Nail in Coffin

[Unregistered]

http://www.socceramerica.com/article...nsive-for.html

[Unregistered]

We tried to tell the ECNL crowd this, but they just got mad. Thanks for the link. Good to know the truth. I wonder if ECNL will fold or maybe act as a feeder as a lower league.

[Unregistered]

At least we know. I have a feeling there will be a mad rush to the Thorns to get on board the freight train before it leaves.

[Unregistered]

At least we know. I have a feeling there will be a mad rush to the Thorns to get on board the freight train before it leaves.

Thorns Academy will just add one more age group. TA is already significantly cheaper than ECNL. Hasn't hurt ECNL at least in Oregon.

[Unregistered]

Thorns Academy will just add one more age group. TA is already significantly cheaper than ECNL. Hasn't hurt ECNL at least in Oregon.

ECNL will just become second tier or fold eventually. If the former, may not hurt ECNL income. my guess is 2nd tier for a few years and then fold.

[Unregistered]

Highly doubtful that DA ever comes to the NW.

[Unregistered]

Thorns Academy will just add one more age group. TA is already significantly cheaper than ECNL. Hasn't hurt ECNL at least in Oregon.

Exactly. Cost isn't the problem. Quality of the Thorns program is the problem. Worst in Oregon

[Unregistered]

It will be cheaper but not cheap and not free. It also has many things working against it. Time will tell however I think eventually GDA comes out on top. Just dont expect a quick victory

[Unregistered]

Exactly. Cost isn't the problem. Quality of the Thorns program is the problem. Worst in Oregon

I don't disagree that Thorns is currently lower quality than ECNL Oregon. It's unfortunate that neither can compete at a high level elsewhere, due to dilution and population constraints. That said, as the DA rolls out, especially if costs are subsidized, backed by U.S., backed by MLS, backed by sponsors... it's going to win out. It just will. Talent will certainly follow. My guess is the first year or 2 you have 2 equal, diluted systems. By year 2 or 3, the scales tip towards DA and ECNL either fades or becomes the 2nd tier system. The ECNL players will be DA hopefuls. I guess it will depend on if the DA and ECNL can make a deal.

The only real bummer is the transition years could be bad for everyone with significant dilution.

[Unregistered]

I don't disagree that Thorns is currently lower quality than ECNL Oregon. It's unfortunate that neither can compete at a high level elsewhere, due to dilution and population constraints. That said, as the DA rolls out, especially if costs are subsidized, backed by U.S., backed by MLS, backed by sponsors... it's going to win out. It just will. Talent will certainly follow. My guess is the first year or 2 you have 2 equal, diluted systems. By year 2 or 3, the scales tip towards DA and ECNL either fades or becomes the 2nd tier system. The ECNL players will be DA hopefuls. I guess it will depend on if the DA and ECNL can make a deal.

The only real bummer is the transition years could be bad for everyone with significant dilution.

Completely agree on the last point. The HS girls now have nothing to worry about. Middle school girls it's a different story - they're bear the brunt of uncertainty. I think GDA eventually wins out but it will take time for the league to prove to girls it's worth moving. That will take time - and proof of college commitments because in the end that's really all 99% of ECNL players care about. College coaches also need to see the talent in action before they schedule their first shopping trip

[Unregistered]

Highly doubtful that DA ever comes to the NW.

I think you may be right

[Unregistered]

Doesn't matter what the costs of the DA are. Even if it's completely free, the vast majority of girls aren't going to do it because:

a) no HS soccer
b) higher practice to game ratio than they desire
c) quality of competition no higher, and possible lower, than ECNL
d) coaching levels no different than today
e) 2 year age groups
f) no returning to games once substituted

IF the DA actually launches, and IF it includes clubs in the NW, and IF it's heavily subsidized, and IF the local club isn't run by the Timbers, and IF they change their rules to allow HS and more subs, THEN they might have a chance. Otherwise, nothing will change from what we have in Oregon today.

[Unregistered]

Doesn't matter what the costs of the DA are. Even if it's completely free, the vast majority of girls aren't going to do it because:

a) no HS soccer
b) higher practice to game ratio than they desire
c) quality of competition no higher, and possible lower, than ECNL
d) coaching levels no different than today
e) 2 year age groups
f) no returning to games once substituted

IF the DA actually launches, and IF it includes clubs in the NW, and IF it's heavily subsidized, and IF the local club isn't run by the Timbers, and IF they change their rules to allow HS and more subs, THEN they might have a chance. Otherwise, nothing will change from what we have in Oregon today.

Don't forget:

g) no play outside of the Academy - no ODP, no state cups, no tournaments.

Odd thing in the press release is that they state they want fewer games but with higher quality. ECNL teams already only play about 30 games total per year, almost all against other ECNL teams. Does US Soccer really want to decrease this to 20? Or 15? Suck the fun out of it and you won't have too many buyers.

[Unregistered]

I think you may be right

Oregon gets at least one - an expanded to 3 age groups Thorns Academy. They will play up a year. In OYSA and travel to a couple regional/national DA "events". Cheaper than ECNL but no HS, no ODP, no State Cup, no summer tournaments, etc. Not much different Oregon soccer from today except for a few more players going DA.

[Unregistered]

USDA claiming it will be cheaper while providing zero reasons why it will be cheaper.

Oh wait, they did point out that MLS based USDA's on the boys side were cheaper/free. So, where are all these professional woman's teams that will do the same on the girls side???