Elite Academy League

[Guest]

OPFC 06 Boys are scheduled to play both an EAL game in Auburn WA AND a National League NW Conference game in Beaverton on 12/11:

https://system.gotsport.com/org_even...es?group=42517
https://system.gotsport.com/org_even...es?team=369719

How’s that going to work and are you seriously going to play 4 games in 3 days in 2 states..?

What’s the difference between EAL and National League NE Conference? Are the two things related at all or separate entities altogether? Might be too much to ask for a real answer and not snark…

[Guest]

What’s the difference between EAL and National League NE Conference? Are the two things related at all or separate entities altogether? Might be too much to ask for a real answer and not snark…

National League is ran by USYS and your team must qualify for it by doing well enough in your region. EAL is an independently run league that looks to be in addition to USYS games (but I may be wrong about that).

There are many hands in the money pot in youth soccer. It is frustrating. During the pandemic year alone - DA folded, Girls Academy was created, MLS Next was created, EAL was created, DPL was strengthened, National League P.R.O was created, ECNL was strengthened. Likely missing some in there too...

[Guest]

National League is ran by USYS and your team must qualify for it by doing well enough in your region. EAL is an independently run league that looks to be in addition to USYS games (but I may be wrong about that).

There are many hands in the money pot in youth soccer. It is frustrating. During the pandemic year alone - DA folded, Girls Academy was created, MLS Next was created, EAL was created, DPL was strengthened, National League P.R.O was created, ECNL was strengthened. Likely missing some in there too...

Thanks for the explanation. Helpful to get your perspective.

[Guest]

still looking forward to the travel?

care to explain the "exposure" comment?

Never got an answer, just some dipsh:+ who said I was a55hurt.

[Guest]

Never got an answer, just some dipsh:+ who said I was a55hurt.

There’s your answer right there. It’s never an honest we love/hate it - instead it’s mostly lame whataboutism snarky remarks. Can’t be that happy with things otherwise we’d be getting facts about the pros and cons.

[Guest]

The only elite team in the state is the Timbers Academy. If your kid is on West Side, OPFC, ADF, UPDX, CFC, ETC then they are certainly not elite. They might be good, but not elite. If you are not elite you shouldn't be traveling further than you can drive in an afternoon and get back that night. The oversaturated Oregon market where below average boys are in the premier gold is such a joke. Even the Timbers Academy gets smoked in the MLS next.

So for those parents here acting like their BS Oregon team is good and acting like another team doesn't deserve this or that. I laugh at you. Your kid in West Side, OPFC, ADF or UPDX just isn't very good. They think they are good because the market is saturated with kids with no skills. OYSA is a group of recreation clubs charging like they are some kinda of real academy. Keep paying suckers. Keep paying for the extra training thinking your kid is special. Chumps.

[Guest]

The only elite team in the state is the Timbers Academy. If your kid is on West Side, OPFC, ADF, UPDX, CFC, ETC then they are certainly not elite. They might be good, but not elite. If you are not elite you shouldn't be traveling further than you can drive in an afternoon and get back that night. The oversaturated Oregon market where below average boys are in the premier gold is such a joke. Even the Timbers Academy gets smoked in the MLS next.

So for those parents here acting like their BS Oregon team is good and acting like another team doesn't deserve this or that. I laugh at you. Your kid in West Side, OPFC, ADF or UPDX just isn't very good. They think they are good because the market is saturated with kids with no skills. OYSA is a group of recreation clubs charging like they are some kinda of real academy. Keep paying suckers. Keep paying for the extra training thinking your kid is special. Chumps.

Fun pep talk, thanks!

[Guest]

Even Timber’s isn’t “elite.” Let’s be honest.

[Guest]

Serious question, why aren't more boys playing for Vancouver Timbers in ECNL? They have one good team, the rest are terrible.

[Guest]

Serious question, why aren't more boys playing for Vancouver Timbers in ECNL? They have one good team, the rest are terrible.

Because they aren't good and have to drive 2+ hours for every game. UPDX played them a few weeks ago and beat them 4-0.

[Guest]

Serious question, why aren't more boys playing for Vancouver Timbers in ECNL? They have one good team, the rest are terrible.

Good question. ECNL > OYSA. It would make sense for one team do ECNL from Portland as there is just enough talent to fill one roster.

and, yes, the TA has the "most" talent and are "Oregon Elite" but not "California elite".

OPFC, WST, EST, ADF, CPT all are talentless for the most part.

[Guest]

Because they aren't good and have to drive 2+ hours for every game. UPDX played them a few weeks ago and beat them 4-0.

Trying to understand why a kid would choose EAL over ECNL.

[Guest]

Trying to understand why a kid would choose EAL over ECNL.

That's not the choice people are making. To choose ECNL and live in the Portland area, you have to travel to Vancouver 3-4x per week for practice (to a team that is not as good as teams in the Portland area) and then travel for EVERY game, 3+ hours. No one is choosing a club because they do EAL. If the club happens to do it, okay, fine. It's subpar competition and many clubs are sending B teams, but it is the chance to travel and see different competition than what you will just see in OR.

If Vancouver works for your player, then great, go to WA Timbers and play in ECNL. For the vast majority of the Portland area players, that doesn't work and there is not much upside when there are better teams in Oregon.

[Guest]

I was reviewing the EAL December Showcase and noticed some of the NW Conference teams are not playing, WHAT! If looks like they are purposely choosing the Timbers Alliance Showcase and US Youth Soccer National League. This is a statement to the quality of the EAL by its own members.

[Guest]

They are probably tired of getting beat by Spokane.