Quick thoughts on the CBA. With the precedent in Fraser vs MLS, the courts said that soccer is a "world wide market" and that MLS is just one company within that market. This set the tone for why MLS single-entity was not shot down. With NASL and USL Pro, the case looks weaker so fans should not expect a revisit of the law suit.
MLS has sold all of it's new owners on the system, so don't expect them to back down. It's important that the union stay strong this time around. With so much more foreign blood coming into the league, I can see unity being a problem. No one will tell the press they disagree with the other players, but in reality, does a foreign player who sees himself here only a few years really going to care about the long term health of the league??? Most likely not.
I would predict a restricted free agency of some sort if a player has played for a certain amount of time. Last CBA, it was 10 years, this time around I expect anywhere from 5-7. In my opinion, the league will need to do something like this to keep the players happy with their union stance and the outcome, while keeping the structure intact. Anything more on the free agency side, and I see this as a victory for the MLS Player's Union.
Sunday, 8 February 2015
Friday, 25 April 2014
Major League Soccer Power Ranking Index - April 25, 2014
Hello Folks, this week we added Soccer America to our sources for the index. You will also notice the previous week's power rankings in parenthesis as well as some added comments.
1. (1) Real Salt Lake - 7 pts
I don't expect this team to stay undefeated all year long, but I am really happy that former goalkeeper Jeff Cassar is doing great so far. For the longest time, everyone thought goalkeepers were just weird and crazy. But the former Dallas Burn and Miami Fusion player is helping the reputation of the GK union immensely with his teams efforts week in and week out. One of the only other goalkeepers who has a head coaching job in MLS is some guy named Bruce Arena. Can we say "hot new trend"?? With all this being said, the heroics of Nick Rimando suggests that this RSL defense might have some holes.
2. (2) Sporting Kansas City - 15 pts
If it were me, this team would be a little farther down. However, time and time again, Aurelin Colin and his squad prove me wrong. If Montreal was a gimmee putt, then this weekends game in New England is a long down hill 10 putt with a couple breaks. Stakes aren't too high so there's a decent chance they will sink it. New England will remember last years playoff exit and hopefully find the same form that got them to the Eastern Conference semi-final game.
3 (3) FC Dallas - 17pts
Can someone tell me when the last time this team left the state of Texas? Sporting KC March 14th! One away game in the last 6 weeks is a dream for the wives and girlfriends of an MLS team. Great test this week traveling to the home of Barack Obama and playing against a United team that has found some momentum and looking to equal last years total number of wins.
4. (5) Seattle Sounders - 25 pts
Has anyone heard of this Clint Dempsey guy?? A month ago, everyone was blaming him for leaving England. Now there are articles mentioning that his time there laid the foundation for this years dare I say resurrection??? Finding his form is a huge boost not only for those coffee drinkers up there in Seattle, but to our country's hopes of tying a game in this years world cup. If the Sounders take care of Colorado this weekend, watch out MLS..... Sigi is on the warpath!
5. (8) Los Angeles Galaxy - 35 pts
If anyone watched their game last week, this team would be in the top 3. The only reason they are not on top is due to their lack of games. The first 70 minutes were a clinic on how to play in the difficult BC Place. Unfortunately, Leonardo and Pinedo decided to give the Caps a huge gift. Rob Friend adds a dimension taken out of the Goonies text book and Dan Gargan looked great at right back. Another off weekend for #donovan135 and the boys.
6. (4) Columbus Crew - 36 pts
Federico Higuain is a stud. Greg Berhalter is organized. I really like this team. Can't figure out how they did not get 3 points last week but I still have faith. Dominic Oduro is doing a lot of hard work up front but hasn't found his scoring touch. Hosting New York will be a great opportunity to propel this team back into the top echelon of the league.
7. (7) Colorado Rapids - 38 pts
I'm not going to lie. After two big wins in Canada I was looking for Pablos team to make a statement at home. Instead, the conditions got the best of the game and the Rapids never really looked like they were the better team in a huge western conference match up against the Quakes. Edson Buddle was never close to the century club and it was the crossbar, rather than Clint Irwin who saved the Rapids. This week they have a difficult fixture at CenturyLink field, home to Seattle's Best Soccer.
8. (6) Toronto FC - 44 pts
A foot surgery that was "planned" before the preseason? I am always the last one to find out about these things. A weekend off gives this team a time to rest, and to figure out their identity without their big stars. No Defoe, No Bradley. Now that's a bloody big deal.
9. (9) Vancouver Whitecaps - 56pts
All hail Kekuta Manneh. A loss this last weekend and people in Vancouver actually might have been calling for the return of Judas Sanvezzo. Ok, well that's a lie. The "Our all, Our honor" mantra means no mas for the player born in Presidente Prudente. Did you see what I did there? A little Spanish for the Brazilian player who speaks Portuguese, played for a Canadian club in an American futbol league, and who now plays in Mexico. Oh, man do I get sidetracked. This week will offer a difficult encounter traveling to the State that Joseph Smith built. Let's hope there were no bike rack incidents in Van City and NRC gets the nod. He won't be happy after spending 180 minutes watching first division North American football up close. An angry Nigel is an entertaining Nigel.
10. (11) New England Revolution - 67 pts
I can't figure out this team. I want to love them. The whole league is waiting for them to recapture the form they had during the end of 2013. A huge double save from Bobby Shuttleworth rescued a point in Chicago. This week they know they can make a huge statement if they can beat Sporting. America's top Model Benny Felihaber vs Vietnam's top model Lee Nguyen could be the match up which determines this game. I really can't decide who's going to win this one.
11. (9) Philadelphia Union - 68 pts
Oh the Union. After last week's boring game versus the Dynamo, this team has a chance to separate them from the bottom of the conference. People would say that if they don't get all 3 points this weekend they are in trouble. I totally disagree and think they just need to focus on playing well. The points will come and as we all know with the East, it just takes one run a year and you are in the playoffs. Zac Macmath is playing well and the Union just need to get the offensive part of their game to mirror the efforts of the defense.
12. (12) Houston Dynamo - 72 pts
Most of the rankings were done before their game against the Red Bulls. Expect a huge drop from them next week unless we see some fireworks at home hosting the Timbers. With no Brad Davis around, and the Dynamo in a tailspin, I think we can all see a strong correlation between the two. Will the former league MVP candidate be ready for this weekends match? Who knows. But this is what we do know: Dominic Kinnear will have his team fired up on Sunday. Caleb Porter will have his team fired up for Sunday. Merrit Paulson's twitter will be on fire. I'm expecting a physical battle with Jean-Claude Van Dam coming off the bench.
13. (13) DC United - 77 pts
They have a chance to equal last years total for the number of wins. That alone should tell you how bad last year's team was. Ben Olsen's job is riding on this momentum wave and there's no reason to believe they can't beat Dallas at home. Andrew Dykstra has been one of the stories out of DC but who knows how long he can keep the homegrown Bill Hamid on the bench once he returns from injury.
14. (16) New York Red Bulls - 84 pts
Henry does it Wright!! After a 4-0 shelling of Houston Dynamo on Wednesday expect a huge test against Columbus this weekend. If the team can pull of a double this week, expect them to jump into possible single digits in next weeks Power Ranking Index. Freddy Prince Jr. has his team playing great right now and the supporters of Red Bull nation are starting to forget there will be another team across the way next year.
15. (15) Chicago Fire - 90 pts
Frank Yallop has to be sick to his stomach. If the Fire had actually converted two penalty kicks this year the team would be tied for 3rd with a game in hand. Perhaps they should let Sean Johnson take them because, well, I just think it would be cool to let a GK take penalty kicks. He can't do any worst right. On the positive note, Team Amerikwa seems to have his goal scoring dance moves down. Too bad we can't see them these next two weeks. His red card means we will all have to wait until the Fire travel to the big apple in May to show them off again.
16. (13) Chivas USA - 92 pts
So is this where the wheels begin to fall off? Every year it seems there is lots of cautious optimism surrounding the club. Under Chelis, they had 10 points in 5 games. Now they have 6 points after 7 games and have a huge test as they go up the road to San Jose. A very difficult place for Dan Kennedy to regain his confidence after last week's gaffe, but I expect a player of his caliber to put in a fine performance on Saturday night. Wilmer Cabrera is different then Chelis and this team is different then last years. They have gone to Portland and New York to get a point. Can they do this in San Jose?? Don't be against Torres.
17. (17) Portland Timbers - 101 pts
Last week was a weird one for this team. I felt they were outplayed for the most part, but created the best opportunities of the game by far. Maximus Urrati (it's a long name) could have potentially scored two to three goals in a 10 minute span in last week's game. However Nick Rimando and his lack of finishing prevented him from doing so. Is Ryan Johnson really missed this much? The game against Houston this week is very intriguing. If the team keeps creating the these types of chances, they won't be down in these rankings for long.
18. (18) San Jose Earthquakes - 102 pts
Yannick Djalo injured, Adam Jahn red carded. The schedule has not really helped this team one bit. The cure: a home game against Chivas USA. If this team can learn to break teams down like years past, look for them to get right back into the playoff race. Still waiting for Shea Salinas to play his best. When he does, San Jose is a different team. The emergence of JJ Koval has been the brightest spot in this gloomy start. This week's game is a must win if they want to be in the playoff conversation. It's early, but San Jose knows how important this game is.
19. (19) Montreal Impact - 114 pts
Frank Klopas has to be asking himself what's he's gotten himself into. In all honesty, Marco Di Vaio does not look like the same player as last year and that's the difference. The defense has always been shaky but if we don't see Jeb Brovsky playing this weekend after a 4-0 loss, the Jebi Knights may start to revolt. With the Union coming to town, this is a big opportunity to prove this year's start won't reflect the quality of this team.
Hello Folks, this week we added Soccer America to our sources for the index. You will also notice the previous week's power rankings in parenthesis as well as some added comments.
1. (1) Real Salt Lake - 7 pts
I don't expect this team to stay undefeated all year long, but I am really happy that former goalkeeper Jeff Cassar is doing great so far. For the longest time, everyone thought goalkeepers were just weird and crazy. But the former Dallas Burn and Miami Fusion player is helping the reputation of the GK union immensely with his teams efforts week in and week out. One of the only other goalkeepers who has a head coaching job in MLS is some guy named Bruce Arena. Can we say "hot new trend"?? With all this being said, the heroics of Nick Rimando suggests that this RSL defense might have some holes.
2. (2) Sporting Kansas City - 15 pts
If it were me, this team would be a little farther down. However, time and time again, Aurelin Colin and his squad prove me wrong. If Montreal was a gimmee putt, then this weekends game in New England is a long down hill 10 putt with a couple breaks. Stakes aren't too high so there's a decent chance they will sink it. New England will remember last years playoff exit and hopefully find the same form that got them to the Eastern Conference semi-final game.
3 (3) FC Dallas - 17pts
Can someone tell me when the last time this team left the state of Texas? Sporting KC March 14th! One away game in the last 6 weeks is a dream for the wives and girlfriends of an MLS team. Great test this week traveling to the home of Barack Obama and playing against a United team that has found some momentum and looking to equal last years total number of wins.
4. (5) Seattle Sounders - 25 pts
Has anyone heard of this Clint Dempsey guy?? A month ago, everyone was blaming him for leaving England. Now there are articles mentioning that his time there laid the foundation for this years dare I say resurrection??? Finding his form is a huge boost not only for those coffee drinkers up there in Seattle, but to our country's hopes of tying a game in this years world cup. If the Sounders take care of Colorado this weekend, watch out MLS..... Sigi is on the warpath!
5. (8) Los Angeles Galaxy - 35 pts
If anyone watched their game last week, this team would be in the top 3. The only reason they are not on top is due to their lack of games. The first 70 minutes were a clinic on how to play in the difficult BC Place. Unfortunately, Leonardo and Pinedo decided to give the Caps a huge gift. Rob Friend adds a dimension taken out of the Goonies text book and Dan Gargan looked great at right back. Another off weekend for #donovan135 and the boys.
6. (4) Columbus Crew - 36 pts
Federico Higuain is a stud. Greg Berhalter is organized. I really like this team. Can't figure out how they did not get 3 points last week but I still have faith. Dominic Oduro is doing a lot of hard work up front but hasn't found his scoring touch. Hosting New York will be a great opportunity to propel this team back into the top echelon of the league.
7. (7) Colorado Rapids - 38 pts
I'm not going to lie. After two big wins in Canada I was looking for Pablos team to make a statement at home. Instead, the conditions got the best of the game and the Rapids never really looked like they were the better team in a huge western conference match up against the Quakes. Edson Buddle was never close to the century club and it was the crossbar, rather than Clint Irwin who saved the Rapids. This week they have a difficult fixture at CenturyLink field, home to Seattle's Best Soccer.
8. (6) Toronto FC - 44 pts
A foot surgery that was "planned" before the preseason? I am always the last one to find out about these things. A weekend off gives this team a time to rest, and to figure out their identity without their big stars. No Defoe, No Bradley. Now that's a bloody big deal.
9. (9) Vancouver Whitecaps - 56pts
All hail Kekuta Manneh. A loss this last weekend and people in Vancouver actually might have been calling for the return of Judas Sanvezzo. Ok, well that's a lie. The "Our all, Our honor" mantra means no mas for the player born in Presidente Prudente. Did you see what I did there? A little Spanish for the Brazilian player who speaks Portuguese, played for a Canadian club in an American futbol league, and who now plays in Mexico. Oh, man do I get sidetracked. This week will offer a difficult encounter traveling to the State that Joseph Smith built. Let's hope there were no bike rack incidents in Van City and NRC gets the nod. He won't be happy after spending 180 minutes watching first division North American football up close. An angry Nigel is an entertaining Nigel.
10. (11) New England Revolution - 67 pts
I can't figure out this team. I want to love them. The whole league is waiting for them to recapture the form they had during the end of 2013. A huge double save from Bobby Shuttleworth rescued a point in Chicago. This week they know they can make a huge statement if they can beat Sporting. America's top Model Benny Felihaber vs Vietnam's top model Lee Nguyen could be the match up which determines this game. I really can't decide who's going to win this one.
11. (9) Philadelphia Union - 68 pts
Oh the Union. After last week's boring game versus the Dynamo, this team has a chance to separate them from the bottom of the conference. People would say that if they don't get all 3 points this weekend they are in trouble. I totally disagree and think they just need to focus on playing well. The points will come and as we all know with the East, it just takes one run a year and you are in the playoffs. Zac Macmath is playing well and the Union just need to get the offensive part of their game to mirror the efforts of the defense.
12. (12) Houston Dynamo - 72 pts
Most of the rankings were done before their game against the Red Bulls. Expect a huge drop from them next week unless we see some fireworks at home hosting the Timbers. With no Brad Davis around, and the Dynamo in a tailspin, I think we can all see a strong correlation between the two. Will the former league MVP candidate be ready for this weekends match? Who knows. But this is what we do know: Dominic Kinnear will have his team fired up on Sunday. Caleb Porter will have his team fired up for Sunday. Merrit Paulson's twitter will be on fire. I'm expecting a physical battle with Jean-Claude Van Dam coming off the bench.
13. (13) DC United - 77 pts
They have a chance to equal last years total for the number of wins. That alone should tell you how bad last year's team was. Ben Olsen's job is riding on this momentum wave and there's no reason to believe they can't beat Dallas at home. Andrew Dykstra has been one of the stories out of DC but who knows how long he can keep the homegrown Bill Hamid on the bench once he returns from injury.
14. (16) New York Red Bulls - 84 pts
Henry does it Wright!! After a 4-0 shelling of Houston Dynamo on Wednesday expect a huge test against Columbus this weekend. If the team can pull of a double this week, expect them to jump into possible single digits in next weeks Power Ranking Index. Freddy Prince Jr. has his team playing great right now and the supporters of Red Bull nation are starting to forget there will be another team across the way next year.
15. (15) Chicago Fire - 90 pts
Frank Yallop has to be sick to his stomach. If the Fire had actually converted two penalty kicks this year the team would be tied for 3rd with a game in hand. Perhaps they should let Sean Johnson take them because, well, I just think it would be cool to let a GK take penalty kicks. He can't do any worst right. On the positive note, Team Amerikwa seems to have his goal scoring dance moves down. Too bad we can't see them these next two weeks. His red card means we will all have to wait until the Fire travel to the big apple in May to show them off again.
16. (13) Chivas USA - 92 pts
So is this where the wheels begin to fall off? Every year it seems there is lots of cautious optimism surrounding the club. Under Chelis, they had 10 points in 5 games. Now they have 6 points after 7 games and have a huge test as they go up the road to San Jose. A very difficult place for Dan Kennedy to regain his confidence after last week's gaffe, but I expect a player of his caliber to put in a fine performance on Saturday night. Wilmer Cabrera is different then Chelis and this team is different then last years. They have gone to Portland and New York to get a point. Can they do this in San Jose?? Don't be against Torres.
17. (17) Portland Timbers - 101 pts
Last week was a weird one for this team. I felt they were outplayed for the most part, but created the best opportunities of the game by far. Maximus Urrati (it's a long name) could have potentially scored two to three goals in a 10 minute span in last week's game. However Nick Rimando and his lack of finishing prevented him from doing so. Is Ryan Johnson really missed this much? The game against Houston this week is very intriguing. If the team keeps creating the these types of chances, they won't be down in these rankings for long.
18. (18) San Jose Earthquakes - 102 pts
Yannick Djalo injured, Adam Jahn red carded. The schedule has not really helped this team one bit. The cure: a home game against Chivas USA. If this team can learn to break teams down like years past, look for them to get right back into the playoff race. Still waiting for Shea Salinas to play his best. When he does, San Jose is a different team. The emergence of JJ Koval has been the brightest spot in this gloomy start. This week's game is a must win if they want to be in the playoff conversation. It's early, but San Jose knows how important this game is.
19. (19) Montreal Impact - 114 pts
Frank Klopas has to be asking himself what's he's gotten himself into. In all honesty, Marco Di Vaio does not look like the same player as last year and that's the difference. The defense has always been shaky but if we don't see Jeb Brovsky playing this weekend after a 4-0 loss, the Jebi Knights may start to revolt. With the Union coming to town, this is a big opportunity to prove this year's start won't reflect the quality of this team.
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Major League Soccer Power Rankings Index -April 20
1. Real Salt Lake (7 pts)
2. Sporting Kansas City (18)
3. FC Dallas (19)
4. Columbus Crew (24)
5. Seattle Sounders (26)
6. Toronto FC (27)
7. Colorado Rapids (28)
8. Los Angeles Galaxy (32)
9. Vancouver Whitecaps (51)
9. Philadelphia Union (51)
11. New England Revolution (55)
12. Houston Dynamo (62)
13. Chivas USA (69)
13. DC United (69)
15.Chicago Fire (76)
16. New York Red Bulls (77)
17. Portland Timbers (80)
18. San Jose Earthquakes (86)
19.Montreal Impact (93)
1. Real Salt Lake (7 pts)
2. Sporting Kansas City (18)
3. FC Dallas (19)
4. Columbus Crew (24)
5. Seattle Sounders (26)
6. Toronto FC (27)
7. Colorado Rapids (28)
8. Los Angeles Galaxy (32)
9. Vancouver Whitecaps (51)
9. Philadelphia Union (51)
11. New England Revolution (55)
12. Houston Dynamo (62)
13. Chivas USA (69)
13. DC United (69)
15.Chicago Fire (76)
16. New York Red Bulls (77)
17. Portland Timbers (80)
18. San Jose Earthquakes (86)
19.Montreal Impact (93)
I have taken five of the top sources from American Soccer and used their own MLS power rankings. The Index below reflects the average of these sources. The points are simply their individual power rankings added up. Lower score reflects a higher ranking.
Friday, 11 April 2014
MLS Power Ranking Index
1. Real Salt Lake (9)
2. FC Dallas (11)
3. Toronto FC (18)
4. Sporting Kansas City (19)
5. Columbus Crew (22)
6. Los Angeles Galaxy (36)
7.Seattle Sounders (37)
8. Houston Dynamo (41)
9. Colorado Rapids (42)
10. Philadelphia Union (47)
11.Vancouver Whitecaps (48)
12. New York Red Bulls (68)
12. Portland Timbers (68)
14. Chivas USA (71)
15. Chicago Fire (75)
16. New England Revolution (77)
17. San Jose Earthquakes (84)
18. DC United (86)
19. Montreal Impact (94)
I have taken five of the top sources from American Soccer and used their own MLS power rankings. The Index below reflects the average of these sources. The points are simply their individual power rankings added up. Lower score reflects a higher ranking.
1. Real Salt Lake (9)
2. FC Dallas (11)
3. Toronto FC (18)
4. Sporting Kansas City (19)
5. Columbus Crew (22)
6. Los Angeles Galaxy (36)
7.Seattle Sounders (37)
8. Houston Dynamo (41)
9. Colorado Rapids (42)
10. Philadelphia Union (47)
11.Vancouver Whitecaps (48)
12. New York Red Bulls (68)
12. Portland Timbers (68)
14. Chivas USA (71)
15. Chicago Fire (75)
16. New England Revolution (77)
17. San Jose Earthquakes (84)
18. DC United (86)
19. Montreal Impact (94)
I have taken five of the top sources from American Soccer and used their own MLS power rankings. The Index below reflects the average of these sources. The points are simply their individual power rankings added up. Lower score reflects a higher ranking.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Hello Fans, Welcome to the first installment of the Major League Soccer Power Ranking Index. I have taken five of the top sources from American Soccer and used their own MLS power rankings. The Index below reflects the average of these sources. The points are simply their individual power rankings added up. Lower score reflects a higher ranking.
MLS Power Ranking Index
1. Columbus Crew (9 pts)
2. Real Salt Lake (10 pts)
3. Sporting Kansas City (18 pts)
4. FC Dallas (19 pts)
5. Toronto FC (29 pts)
6. Houston Dynamo (32 pts)
7. Seattle Sounders (37 pts)
8. Vancouver Whitecaps (40 pts)
9. Philadelphia Union ( 41pts)
10. Los Angeles Galaxy (42pts)
11. Colorado Rapids (52 pts)
12. New York Red Bulls ( 67 pts)
13. Chivas USA (68 pts)
13. New England Revolution (68 pts)
15. Portland Timbers (70 pts)
16. San Jose Earthquakes (80 pts)
17. Chicago Fire (84 pts)
18. Montreal Impact (87 pts)
19. DC United (95 pts)
MLS Power Ranking Index
1. Columbus Crew (9 pts)
2. Real Salt Lake (10 pts)
3. Sporting Kansas City (18 pts)
4. FC Dallas (19 pts)
5. Toronto FC (29 pts)
6. Houston Dynamo (32 pts)
7. Seattle Sounders (37 pts)
8. Vancouver Whitecaps (40 pts)
9. Philadelphia Union ( 41pts)
10. Los Angeles Galaxy (42pts)
11. Colorado Rapids (52 pts)
12. New York Red Bulls ( 67 pts)
13. Chivas USA (68 pts)
13. New England Revolution (68 pts)
15. Portland Timbers (70 pts)
16. San Jose Earthquakes (80 pts)
17. Chicago Fire (84 pts)
18. Montreal Impact (87 pts)
19. DC United (95 pts)
Major League Soccer Power Rankings Index (CannonScore) sources....
Major League Soccer Power Rankings Index is a combined score from five of the top American soccer sources:
-Majorleaguesoccer.com
-CNN/SI http://soccer.si.com/ Planet Futbol
-ESPN http://espnfc.com/?cc=5901
-NBC Sports http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/ Pro Soccer Talk
-Soccer by Ives www.soccerbyives.net
-Soccer America www.socceramerica.com
-Majorleaguesoccer.com
-CNN/SI http://soccer.si.com/ Planet Futbol
-ESPN http://espnfc.com/?cc=5901
-NBC Sports http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/ Pro Soccer Talk
-Soccer by Ives www.soccerbyives.net
-Soccer America www.socceramerica.com
Monday, 19 August 2013
The best for your little one....
Listening to my twin brother tell me about the local soccer club scene in the Bay Area, I realized this was a problem not constricted to his family. With AYSO, Cal North, ECNL, and the US Soccer Developmental Academy, parents are overwhelmed with where to place or what to do with their aspiring little Messi's, Ronaldo's, or Donovan's.
In my brother's case, it's his oldest son, Jace. Jace is 5 years old and is looking for a soccer club to help him get started in the sport. Not only are there so many programs, but there are so many parents with so many different opinions. Which one is right? Where will my son or daughter want to play? Will they be happy? Coaches, parents, and everyone it seems has an opinion on everything.
Being the son of a former pro baseball player, and a nephew of pro soccer player, Jace has some pretty heavy shoes to fill. As my little nephew, you think his path would be straightforward: AYSO, Mountain View Los Altos Soccer Club, then on to Santa Clara University and end up with the San Jose Earthquakes, just like his uncle right??? Well not so fast....times have changed.
With the popularity of the sport, the competition for a parents dollar is fierce. Camps, academies, club teams, programs, and individual training sessions are readily available for parents to choose from. Which one? How much? Even in Canada, there are many different options, which will only increase in the future. What is a parent to do?
Well below are a few steps every parent should take before they decide. Also, feel free to leave a comment below if you have any further questions. As someone who has been involved with youth soccer for over 30 years (playing, coaching, organizing, etc), I look forward to helping parents and friends looking for the right program to start or re-start their interest in the beautiful game.
1. Start your little one in a semi-public program. The program won't matter as much as the people running it. Introducing your child to the sport is the small first step we need to take. I played soccer for four to five years before I really started to love the game. There are many programs like Kids Love Soccer that cater to children who are young, and whose parents just need a little rest.
2. If your little angel still loves playing, I would suggest looking at recreational soccer. My first 3 years of the sport, I played in the American Youth Soccer Organization. Without the efforts of AYSO, and other soccer recreational programs, the seeds of MLS would have never been planted. Most of these programs are Saturdays only and give your child their first real team soccer experience.
3. If little junior is ripping it up in the recreation leagues, it's time to move them to a more competitive environment. "Select soccer" is what we called it back in my day, but now there are so many more options. CYSA, ECNL, US Club are a few of the programs which host competitive soccer teams. Asking other parents helps, but lots of them will be biased towards their own coaches and clubs. The best is to try and reach out to prominent people in your soccer area. College and high school soccer coaches, prominent area soccer figures, and even research done on Internet forums can all equip a parent to be in a better position regarding club choice. If you are brain dead and really lazy, just google NSCAA or US Soccer and contact a representative. It might take awhile, but both organizations can eventually lead you to the right select team, league, or club.
4. So you've made it to club and your teen is ripping it up. Now's the time to really decide. US Soccer has done a great job in creating an academy system to help identify up and coming soccer stars. The clubs are scattered all across the United States. Prepare to drive your child hours away if you live in a small town. At first, they most likely will want a tryout or need some evidence of the ability of your player. After this period, they will decide if they can take him/her on. There are tons of politics about this step, but this is the reality and always will be. It's not fair that they only see your little one for a few minutes and then pass judgement. To help prepare you child, have someone from these academies, a coach or trainer, see your child individually and work with them. There is nothing a coach wants to see more than some kid they work with get better. If you reach out to academy coaches, trainers or someone tied to the club that does individual training sessions, that's a great place to start.
5. So let's say we've gotten this far and your son/daughter is doing good in their academy. There are many types of children but let's place them into 3 categories. First, the superstar. In this case, colleges will already be contacting you or your team's coaches and asking about their intentions. It's easy for the parents because the schools come to them. Second, the burned out player. They like soccer but don't love it, and they really just want to go to school and work on their education or whatever passion other than soccer that drives them. Finally, there is the kids in between.
This kid was me. I was good at soccer, but not the all star. I blossomed late so the only colleges that sent letters were ones from far off distant lands or small schools who just got my name out of a database. Here's the thing, colleges have no clue what kids want to attend their schools. Sit down with Tommy or Tina and figure out where they want to go to school, what type of school, what type of soccer program (Division I- NAIA) and start contacting coaches.
Don't wait on this part, and you should be contacting them the summer before their senior year. Officially coaches cannot call prospective students back until they become seniors. Don't be like me and wait around for the coaches to call and want you. NO! You have to be proactive on this step and do some work. This is your dream and your goal right?? Well if that's the case, you're going to learn a great lesson early on that none of the superstars learn. This lesson will test you and force you to ask yourself how bad you want to take this next step.
If you have the talent and the belief, then you have all you need. Use this lesson to pass those high school and academy superstars. That's what I did, and here I sit, writing to you after 17 years of playing Major League Soccer. Make sure to pass it on to the younger generation when you retire from MLS.
may the posts be with you........
Joe Cannon
MVLAGK@gmail.com
Joe Cannon
MVLAGK@gmail.com
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