it's a new year

mommabear1 wrote:Maybe some other folks feel like I do about all this....let's just enjoy the game already.  Let the girls play and find pure joy in what they are doing.  Who really cares who went where anymore.  I hope every girl is having fun, making new friends, and excited about a new opportunity to develop and play "the beautiful game".  

Best of luck sweet girls...I wish you all a wonderful year!

BigBend wrote:Thanks for posting.  If all true, I find the new season's movement of players quite compelling.

I find it interesting that the top teams only churn 2-3.  While I've heard that some of the lower teams had more movement.  I suppose the top teams look to keep a core together while the lesser teams look to re-tool?  

I'm surprised that FCD lost starters. Why? Where did they go?  You would think they had the best situation great team and ample playing time.  On the other hand, Higg (I [u]assume[/u]releases) churns thru 2/3 players.

I suppose that the others don't matter much.  However, I've heard that some key starters from other  teams have surfaced in other places.  D'Feet to gained a couple?

Colvin '03's will make the next season interesting to watch.  

yo#10 wrote:

BigBend wrote:Thanks for posting.  If all true, I find the new season's movement of players quite compelling.

I find it interesting that the top teams only churn 2-3.  While I've heard that some of the lower teams had more movement.  I suppose the top teams look to keep a core together while the lesser teams look to re-tool?  

I'm surprised that FCD lost starters. Why? Where did they go?  You would think they had the best situation great team and ample playing time.  On the other hand, Higg (I [u]assume[/u]releases) churns thru 2/3 players.

I suppose that the others don't matter much.  However, I've heard that some key starters from other  teams have surfaced in other places.  D'Feet to gained a couple?

Colvin '03's will make the next season interesting to watch.  

Well you see in the top teams and I mean top 2 there is a kind of hierarchy of players parents. Few girls/families that are valued a little more it's very apparent -kids play more, start regardless of practices, allowed to mess up in game and stay on-spoken to differently chosen for extra things, coach give them pep talks and not others. You know those kids at practice leading the gang and ya better not cross them, or your kids time on team is not so pleasant etc.They are also typically the ones yelling nastily at teammates particularly when frustrated. Parents are in "the know", talk to the coach , know inside info-either from coach or manager or both.. Grubb  has -2 Higgy few more with 4/5.
Some people can accept this and play along side -knowing no matter what we'll be second best in this coaches eyes. Some are not content with this and strive to look for the team where it does not exist or where their kid can be in this spot. Hence -that "could be" what happened at the Grubb crib-sometimes starting on the top team is not all its cracked up to be. Some people actually want their kids to be treated fairly and let the play speak for itself rather than how good a kid was 2 years ago . Alls Im saying is a top team might look glamorous but there's a lot of junk that goes along with winning every game. Some kids and families can play the game some can not.

yo#10 wrote:

BigBend wrote:Thanks for posting.  If all true, I find the new season's movement of players quite compelling.

I find it interesting that the top teams only churn 2-3.  While I've heard that some of the lower teams had more movement.  I suppose the top teams look to keep a core together while the lesser teams look to re-tool?  

I'm surprised that FCD lost starters. Why? Where did they go?  You would think they had the best situation great team and ample playing time.  On the other hand, Higg (I [u]assume[/u]releases) churns thru 2/3 players.

I suppose that the others don't matter much.  However, I've heard that some key starters from other  teams have surfaced in other places.  D'Feet to gained a couple?

Colvin '03's will make the next season interesting to watch.  

Well you see in the top teams and I mean top 2 there is a kind of hierarchy of players parents. Few girls/families that are valued a little more it's very apparent -kids play more, start regardless of practices, allowed to mess up in game and stay on-spoken to differently chosen for extra things, coach give them pep talks and not others. You know those kids at practice leading the gang and ya better not cross them, or your kids time on team is not so pleasant etc.They are also typically the ones yelling nastily at teammates particularly when frustrated. Parents are in "the know", talk to the coach , know inside info-either from coach or manager or both.. Grubb  has -2 Higgy few more with 4/5.
Some people can accept this and play along side -knowing no matter what we'll be second best in this coaches eyes. Some are not content with this and strive to look for the team where it does not exist or where their kid can be in this spot. Hence -that "could be" what happened at the Grubb crib-sometimes starting on the top team is not all its cracked up to be. Some people actually want their kids to be treated fairly and let the play speak for itself rather than how good a kid was 2 years ago . Alls Im saying is a top team might look glamorous but there's a lot of junk that goes along with winning every game. Some kids and families can play the game some can not.

RunsLikeWind wrote:

yo#10 wrote:

BigBend wrote:Thanks for posting.  If all true, I find the new season's movement of players quite compelling.

I find it interesting that the top teams only churn 2-3.  While I've heard that some of the lower teams had more movement.  I suppose the top teams look to keep a core together while the lesser teams look to re-tool?  

I'm surprised that FCD lost starters. Why? Where did they go?  You would think they had the best situation great team and ample playing time.  On the other hand, Higg (I [u]assume[/u]releases) churns thru 2/3 players.

I suppose that the others don't matter much.  However, I've heard that some key starters from other  teams have surfaced in other places.  D'Feet to gained a couple?

Colvin '03's will make the next season interesting to watch.  

Well you see in the top teams and I mean top 2 there is a kind of hierarchy of players parents. Few girls/families that are valued a little more it's very apparent -kids play more, start regardless of practices, allowed to mess up in game and stay on-spoken to differently chosen for extra things, coach give them pep talks and not others. You know those kids at practice leading the gang and ya better not cross them, or your kids time on team is not so pleasant etc.They are also typically the ones yelling nastily at teammates particularly when frustrated. Parents are in "the know", talk to the coach , know inside info-either from coach or manager or both.. Grubb  has -2 Higgy few more with 4/5.
Some people can accept this and play along side -knowing no matter what we'll be second best in this coaches eyes. Some are not content with this and strive to look for the team where it does not exist or where their kid can be in this spot. Hence -that "could be" what happened at the Grubb crib-sometimes starting on the top team is not all its cracked up to be. Some people actually want their kids to be treated fairly and let the play speak for itself rather than how good a kid was 2 years ago . Alls Im saying is a top team might look glamorous but there's a lot of junk that goes along with winning every game. Some kids and families can play the game some can not.

You post is true, but that is the way it has always been on the top teams and not just in soccer but in life.  This is one of the lessons the kids can learn from soccer.  The very best people at any job, sport or venture get special treatment.  IF the top "studs" on the team are treated better by the coach or manager it is normally because they are the very best players on the team and do most of the scoring, defending, great goalkeeping etc.  I try to teach my kids there is nothing wrong with that and they should aspire to get into that position.  It is pointless for another player to get jealous or be petty because the better players get more attention.  That is simply the way it works.  The best looking girls always got asked out more in HS too.  

Not saying there is anything wrong or right about that, but it is reality and you need to learn to deal with it. One way to deal with it is move teams, another is to accept it for what it is, and another is to become one of the "studs" or chosen few.  

On the flip side, there is an added pressure of being the "Stud" on the team.  You are expected to carry the load, to score, to stop the best offensive player on the team and if you have a bad game, the teams suffers and it is mainly your fault.  If  you want the accolades that go with being the best, go to player, then you have to accept it is your fault if the team is struggling.

This is why it sometimes amazes me when all the parents want their kids to be forward.  Yes forwards get recognition when they score, but if they don't score, they have failed for that game.  The forwards job is to score..period.  If your kid plays forward a whole game and does not put the ball in the net, she has failed for that game.  That is a lot of pressure.  It goes both ways.

SoftballDad wrote:This age group has so much talent concentrated at the top it's untrue. Fun to watch but very tough for kids to handle the competitiveness that comes with that. Another year begins and so far dd has managed to keep pace !

BigBend wrote:

RunsLikeWind wrote:

yo#10 wrote:

BigBend wrote:Thanks for posting.  If all true, I find the new season's movement of players quite compelling.

I find it interesting that the top teams only churn 2-3.  While I've heard that some of the lower teams had more movement.  I suppose the top teams look to keep a core together while the lesser teams look to re-tool?  

I'm surprised that FCD lost starters. Why? Where did they go?  You would think they had the best situation great team and ample playing time.  On the other hand, Higg (I [u]assume[/u]releases) churns thru 2/3 players.

I suppose that the others don't matter much.  However, I've heard that some key starters from other  teams have surfaced in other places.  D'Feet to gained a couple?

Colvin '03's will make the next season interesting to watch.  

Well you see in the top teams and I mean top 2 there is a kind of hierarchy of players parents. Few girls/families that are valued a little more it's very apparent -kids play more, start regardless of practices, allowed to mess up in game and stay on-spoken to differently chosen for extra things, coach give them pep talks and not others. You know those kids at practice leading the gang and ya better not cross them, or your kids time on team is not so pleasant etc.They are also typically the ones yelling nastily at teammates particularly when frustrated. Parents are in "the know", talk to the coach , know inside info-either from coach or manager or both.. Grubb  has -2 Higgy few more with 4/5.
Some people can accept this and play along side -knowing no matter what we'll be second best in this coaches eyes. Some are not content with this and strive to look for the team where it does not exist or where their kid can be in this spot. Hence -that "could be" what happened at the Grubb crib-sometimes starting on the top team is not all its cracked up to be. Some people actually want their kids to be treated fairly and let the play speak for itself rather than how good a kid was 2 years ago . Alls Im saying is a top team might look glamorous but there's a lot of junk that goes along with winning every game. Some kids and families can play the game some can not.

You post is true, but that is the way it has always been on the top teams and not just in soccer but in life.  This is one of the lessons the kids can learn from soccer.  The very best people at any job, sport or venture get special treatment.  IF the top "studs" on the team are treated better by the coach or manager it is normally because they are the very best players on the team and do most of the scoring, defending, great goalkeeping etc.  I try to teach my kids there is nothing wrong with that and they should aspire to get into that position.  It is pointless for another player to get jealous or be petty because the better players get more attention.  That is simply the way it works.  The best looking girls always got asked out more in HS too.  

Not saying there is anything wrong or right about that, but it is reality and you need to learn to deal with it. One way to deal with it is move teams, another is to accept it for what it is, and another is to become one of the "studs" or chosen few.  

On the flip side, there is an added pressure of being the "Stud" on the team.  You are expected to carry the load, to score, to stop the best offensive player on the team and if you have a bad game, the teams suffers and it is mainly your fault.  If  you want the accolades that go with being the best, go to player, then you have to accept it is your fault if the team is struggling.

This is why it sometimes amazes me when all the parents want their kids to be forward.  Yes forwards get recognition when they score, but if they don't score, they have failed for that game.  The forwards job is to score..period.  If your kid plays forward a whole game and does not put the ball in the net, she has failed for that game.  That is a lot of pressure.  It goes both ways.

In agreement with your post above... Parents a looking for the "obvious" and "quick" glory of scoring goals.  In my opinion, it's cultural.  The headliner gets the glory.  In soccer's case the striker usually scores and get's the high fives, hugs and triggers the fireworks.  Overlooked is the three or four great touches which allowed enabled the opportunity.  Our culture rewards offense (home run hitters, running backs, and basketball players that score many.)

To drive the your point further, what happens when your side looses 0-1 due to a defensive or goal keeping mistake.  Parents may rather have their DD's mistakes be from missing a shot rather than letting one pass by her.  

As for parents and politics... it's what makes North Texas Soccer even more fun.  My firends and family in Michigan say that boy's hockey is equally intense from a parental perspective.  


Changing gears.... D'feet will likely play Higg in the season opener assuming 10 plays 1, 9 plays 2 etc.) Did 'Feet's coach grab the right 8 new players to keep from being blown out the first game of the season?

yo#10 wrote:

SoftballDad wrote:This age group has so much talent concentrated at the top it's untrue. Fun to watch but very tough for kids to handle the competitiveness that comes with that. Another year begins and so far dd has managed to keep pace !

Yes I'd have to agree we have the 02 top players on top teams
FCD-2 (way above) 3 right under
Higgs-4
South-1
Solar-1
Sting-1
Gio-2
Blast-1
So concentrated among the top two teams are 9 of the top 02 players IMHO

Joan Of Arc wrote:

yo#10 wrote:

SoftballDad wrote:This age group has so much talent concentrated at the top it's untrue. Fun to watch but very tough for kids to handle the competitiveness that comes with that. Another year begins and so far dd has managed to keep pace !

Yes I'd have to agree we have the 02 top players on top teams
FCD-2 (way above) 3 right under
Higgs-4
South-1
Solar-1
Sting-1
Gio-2
Blast-1
So concentrated among the top two teams are 9 of the top 02 players IMHO

FCD has best player. The second best player at the 02 level is the 03 stud playing up. She might become the top player by season end. Remember I told you so!

Joan Of Arc wrote:

yo#10 wrote:

SoftballDad wrote:This age group has so much talent concentrated at the top it's untrue. Fun to watch but very tough for kids to handle the competitiveness that comes with that. Another year begins and so far dd has managed to keep pace !

Yes I'd have to agree we have the 02 top players on top teams
FCD-2 (way above) 3 right under
Higgs-4
South-1
Solar-1
Sting-1
Gio-2
Blast-1
So concentrated among the top two teams are 9 of the top 02 players IMHO

FCD has best player. The second best player at the 02 level is the 03 stud playing up. She might become the top player by season end. Remember I told you so!

Referee wrote:   Games are, have been and always will be WON by defense.  Proven time and again.  
 You can't win without defense.  You can have your so called stud from FC, which, by the way didn't show anything when we play them, mainly because our defense shut her down completely.  
 Defense wins.  It is not a glamorous job.  No one cares.  No one gets any accolades.  Dirty job and all, but can't win without it.    Defense is an art.  Something most people out here don't understand because they only want to see that flashy scorer.    You can win 1-0 with great defense and a so so offense.  Or you can have your prima dona studs and lose 10-9.  OK?
 Defense wins!
 If you don't believe me......watch the turn over from each team every year.  The defense pretty much stays the same.  The front is always changing and people come and go.  But when you find a solid defender, the coach, and I mean one who knows about soccer,always makes an effort to keep her around.  

legitsoccermom wrote:

Referee wrote:   Games are, have been and always will be WON by defense.  Proven time and again.  
 You can't win without defense.  You can have your so called stud from FC, which, by the way didn't show anything when we play them, mainly because our defense shut her down completely.  
 Defense wins.  It is not a glamorous job.  No one cares.  No one gets any accolades.  Dirty job and all, but can't win without it.    Defense is an art.  Something most people out here don't understand because they only want to see that flashy scorer.    You can win 1-0 with great defense and a so so offense.  Or you can have your prima dona studs and lose 10-9.  OK?
 Defense wins!
 If you don't believe me......watch the turn over from each team every year.  The defense pretty much stays the same.  The front is always changing and people come and go.  But when you find a solid defender, the coach, and I mean one who knows about soccer,always makes an effort to keep her around.  

So very well said.. the defender beast ALWAYS gets over looked...unless she  shuts down that superstar forward..

Referee wrote:   Games are, have been and always will be WON by defense.  Proven time and again.  
 You can't win without defense.  You can have your so called stud from FC, which, by the way didn't show anything when we play them, mainly because our defense shut her down completely.  
 Defense wins.  It is not a glamorous job.  No one cares.  No one gets any accolades.  Dirty job and all, but can't win without it.    Defense is an art.  Something most people out here don't understand because they only want to see that flashy scorer.    You can win 1-0 with great defense and a so so offense.  Or you can have your prima dona studs and lose 10-9.  OK?
 Defense wins!
 If you don't believe me......watch the turn over from each team every year.  The defense pretty much stays the same.  The front is always changing and people come and go.  But when you find a solid defender, the coach, and I mean one who knows about soccer,always makes an effort to keep her around.  

Referee wrote: You don't know anything about soccer then.    When you say the best player, you must mean the best forward.  Not the best player.  Most forwards can't defend.  They think it s easy.  It is not.  You cannot say that a good forward is the best player in the team.  Only the best forward.  Her job is to score and if she does, then she did her job.  Nothing more.  Your forward is nothing without your defenders.   My dd is a defender and is the fastest in the team, forwards and all included.   A clear example of someone who doesn't know anything about soccer are your comments about putting slow uncoordinated ones on back. We go and scout potential opponents and watch them play to see what their weaknesses are.  We put a lot of work and take pride on developing her defense skills.  
 Besides, most good stud forwards,  and their parents, come with a lot of baggage and a sense of me me me.  Who needs that?  
A good solid defender always saves the day.

Referee wrote: You don't know anything about soccer then.    When you say the best player, you must mean the best forward.  Not the best player.  Most forwards can't defend.  They think it s easy.  It is not.  You cannot say that a good forward is the best player in the team.  Only the best forward.  Her job is to score and if she does, then she did her job.  Nothing more.  Your forward is nothing without your defenders.   My dd is a defender and is the fastest in the team, forwards and all included.   A clear example of someone who doesn't know anything about soccer are your comments about putting slow uncoordinated ones on back. We go and scout potential opponents and watch them play to see what their weaknesses are.  We put a lot of work and take pride on developing her defense skills.  
 Besides, most good stud forwards,  and their parents, come with a lot of baggage and a sense of me me me.  Who needs that?  
A good solid defender always saves the day.

BigBend wrote:

Joan Of Arc wrote:

yo#10 wrote:

SoftballDad wrote:This age group has so much talent concentrated at the top it's untrue. Fun to watch but very tough for kids to handle the competitiveness that comes with that. Another year begins and so far dd has managed to keep pace !

Yes I'd have to agree we have the 02 top players on top teams
FCD-2 (way above) 3 right under
Higgs-4
South-1
Solar-1
Sting-1
Gio-2
Blast-1
So concentrated among the top two teams are 9 of the top 02 players IMHO

FCD has best player. The second best player at the 02 level is the 03 stud playing up. She might become the top player by season end. Remember I told you so!

Here's a wild thought... What if you wanted to build the North Texas Regional Team (NTX All Star Team) to go up against the SO.Cal. Regional Team?  Who would you pick?
Yo's list is Top '02 OFFENSIVE players...Which I agree with. '03 Stud can be added to the list.  But what if you were picking an All Star Team?  You would need Strikers, Mid's, Defenders and GK, right? I think that the majority of the of the top players here are strikers and mids.   Who then would be chosen? I'm sure the majority of the list make it.  But you would need to add some defense.  
An ever wilder thought... who would coach the team and manage the Type A parents of these All-Stars? 

legitsoccermom wrote:

Referee wrote:   Games are, have been and always will be WON by defense.  Proven time and again.  
 You can't win without defense.  You can have your so called stud from FC, which, by the way didn't show anything when we play them, mainly because our defense shut her down completely.  
 Defense wins.  It is not a glamorous job.  No one cares.  No one gets any accolades.  Dirty job and all, but can't win without it.    Defense is an art.  Something most people out here don't understand because they only want to see that flashy scorer.    You can win 1-0 with great defense and a so so offense.  Or you can have your prima dona studs and lose 10-9.  OK?
 Defense wins!
 If you don't believe me......watch the turn over from each team every year.  The defense pretty much stays the same.  The front is always changing and people come and go.  But when you find a solid defender, the coach, and I mean one who knows about soccer,always makes an effort to keep her around.  

So very well said.. the defender beast ALWAYS gets over looked...unless she  shuts down that superstar forward..