How did thornz acad end up such a mess?

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There are a few sophs on the FCP team, but either way, Thorns are younger.

Doesn't matter once you get to HS ages.

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thorns academy players don't want to go to lousy old Regionals. that's why they left their lousy old OYSA teams to play for the academy. when you are going to play for the national team, why would you stoop so low as to play in USYS Regionals with lousy players. Lame.

Good point. TA wouldn't be challenged at all at Regionals. Plus, Regionals means games. Too many games stunts their development. TA will develop more by having meaningful practice instead, then go beat up on some weak Alliance team for fun.

[Unregistered]

from the FWRL rules:

Non-traditional teams cannot claim any advancement opportunities, however games will count toward league standings. Youth academy teams from Sounders FC, Timbers FC and Thorns FC will once again compete in FWRL Northwest in 2016-2017, and Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams from Alaska will also participate in select age groups.

Everyone knows the thorns are not allowed in state cup or regionals. Non-issue.

[Unregistered]

Everyone knows the thorns are not allowed in state cup or regionals. Non-issue.

Timbers run the state cup. They could allow the Thorns Academy to play, and they would if they weren't so deathly afraid that they'd lose - just like Beaverton Cup.

[Unregistered]

At the end of the day the Thorns are disqualified from FWRL and OYSA. That is probably fair because they aren't a real club. They can't be in state cup or regionals for the same reason. That all adds up. The Beaverton cup is a head scratcher. The C level brackets at showcases really makes no sense.

You call the tournament director and tell them you are a non club team with players from all over the state. They move you up. Simple. Why do the Thorns let themselves get put in the bronze brackets? At this point wins make parents happy but it's not helping the girls get better.

They need those checks to keep rolling in. Wins keep parents happy. No other explanation for playing in the bronze bracket at showcases.

[Unregistered]

They need those checks to keep rolling in. Wins keep parents happy. No other explanation for playing in the bronze bracket at showcases.

If the Thorns played vs the top teams at Players or Surf, they'd get thumped. The parents would realize it's the girls from the other teams that are on the youth national teams and the ones getting the full ride spots at D1s. Shattering of that illusion would ruin everything. TA players & parents are happy as can be right now and you're all paying for it so the jokes on you.

[Unregistered]

Pablo Alto in their last 18 games they've won 2.
Sherman Oaks in last 19 games they've won 9.
San Ramon in last 16 games they've won 5.
Aresenal C team in last 16 games they've won 6.

Doesnt seem wise spending money to travel and play teams that would lose in the C bracket of the clash at the border? 21 wins in 69 games combined record.

[Unregistered]

If the Thorns played vs the top teams at Players or Surf, they'd get thumped. The parents would realize it's the girls from the other teams that are on the youth national teams and the ones getting the full ride spots at D1s. Shattering of that illusion would ruin everything. TA players & parents are happy as can be right now and you're all paying for it so the jokes on you.

I can't help but wonder about the wisdom of having your kid risk injury playing against weaker teams. Soccer 101 says that weaker teams, especially in high school, tend to cause injuries to opponents - girls tend to be less fit and more apt to throw their bodies around in a desperate attempt to stop the superior player. It's one of the main arguments against playing high school soccer. Why risk injury for the very low reward of playing in a watered down, meaningless HS league?

Since the academy system supports that no high school play policy, I ask the thorns academy leadership and parents - why is it a terrible idea to play in high school and risk injury in a weakened, meaningless league...but it's a great idea to play in Beaverton and OYSA and risk injury in weakened, meaningless leagues and tournaments? Genuine, sincere question here.

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Doesnt seem wise spending money to travel and play teams that would lose in the C bracket of the clash at the border? 21 wins in 69 games combined record.

Why didn't they request a higher bracket. What a waste of money.

[Unregistered]

Everyone knows the thorns are not allowed in state cup or regionals. Non-issue.

You are wrong! Stop talking about things you know nothing about. The Thorns Academy will get to got to regionals if they win FWRL.

[Unregistered]

I can't help but wonder about the wisdom of having your kid risk injury playing against weaker teams. Soccer 101 says that weaker teams, especially in high school, tend to cause injuries to opponents - girls tend to be less fit and more apt to throw their bodies around in a desperate attempt to stop the superior player. It's one of the main arguments against playing high school soccer. Why risk injury for the very low reward of playing in a watered down, meaningless HS league?

Since the academy system supports that no high school play policy, I ask the thorns academy leadership and parents - why is it a terrible idea to play in high school and risk injury in a weakened, meaningless league...but it's a great idea to play in Beaverton and OYSA and risk injury in weakened, meaningless leagues and tournaments? Genuine, sincere question here.

Most of the TA players only have to attend 2 trainings/wk & are also playing multiple sports at the same time. They all played HS. TA isn't following ANY of their own "rules" so why would they care about development over wins? Fun to play for free in OYSA and lower tournaments. It' might be a waste of development but it's not a waste of money because TA players pay nothing. They are happy for wins and all expenses paid by others.

[Unregistered]

Most of the TA players only have to attend 2 trainings/wk & are also playing multiple sports at the same time. They all played HS. TA isn't following ANY of their own "rules" so why would they care about development over wins? Fun to play for free in OYSA and lower tournaments. It' might be a waste of development but it's not a waste of money because TA players pay nothing. They are happy for wins and all expenses paid by others.

Pretty sure some Thorns players pay their own costs. Can anyone confirm this?

[Unregistered]

just saw their winter league results. is there a reason this team isn't playing up? isn't it supposed to be a collection of the best talent from all other teams in their division?

[Unregistered]

Pretty sure some Thorns players pay their own costs. Can anyone confirm this?

Most pay nothing.

[Unregistered]

I can't help but wonder about the wisdom of having your kid risk injury playing against weaker teams. Soccer 101 says that weaker teams, especially in high school, tend to cause injuries to opponents - girls tend to be less fit and more apt to throw their bodies around in a desperate attempt to stop the superior player. It's one of the main arguments against playing high school soccer. Why risk injury for the very low reward of playing in a watered down, meaningless HS league?

Since the academy system supports that no high school play policy, I ask the thorns academy leadership and parents - why is it a terrible idea to play in high school and risk injury in a weakened, meaningless league...but it's a great idea to play in Beaverton and OYSA and risk injury in weakened, meaningless leagues and tournaments? Genuine, sincere question here.

Most kids look forward to the experience of playing in HS. Most elite club players make Varsity as a Freshman and have a great time playing for their HS.