Top 20 for Week 9/17/14

This week's Top 20, should reflect all available scores, 9/17/14.  Take a deep breath, it was a busy week. Lots of movement this week in the Pack 20! Is the cream rising to the top, something else sinking or are teams peaking or bottoming out? I don't want to hear about how many games were played, who had ouchies and boo-boos, and who the really hard LHGCL schedulers were mean too. HOWEVER, I do want to hear about CPP (which will affect the rankings of this esteemed poll), game details, who should have won, who should be ranked higher or lower, who got lucky and the cocktail of choice after the victories or defeats.

We found out there's a reason why they play the games.  There's some new top dogs this week.

Weekly Rank-------W-L-T--Weekly Activity: Results and former rankings from last week.

1)ANDROMEDA FC: 4-0-1.  Defeated: #9 Solar H, 2-0; #3 Sting F, 2-1;  #1 Solar Elite, 1-0.
2) STING (PARKER): 2-0-1.  Tied #1 Solar Elite, 1-1. The #1 nod had to go to Andro for the "W" and holding the formerly #1 team scoreless.
3) SOLAR--00G GOLD:  3-0-0. Defeated #11 FCD-E, 4-1. What is this... it looks like... yes, I believe SG found offense.
4) SOLAR ELITE 00G:  2-1-1.  Tied #2 Sting P, 1-1; Defeated  Sting Brown, 3-2; Lost to formerly #4 Andromeda, 1-0. Sorry, top 3 teams don't have ties, losses and gets 2 pts scored on them in their only win of week.
5) STING (BROWN):  1-2-1. Lost to #1 Solar Elite, 3-2; Tied #3 Sting F, 1-1.

6) STING (FLANAGAN): 2-1-1. Defeated #8 FC Blue, 3-0; lost to #4 Andro, 2-1; Tied #5 Sting Brown, 1-1.
7) SOLAR 00 HOPKINS: 0-3-0.  Defeated by #4 Andromeda, 2-0. Tough schedule so far, but keeping it respectable.
8 ) AZTECS FC:  2-1-0.  Lost to #18 DTX-N, 1-0. Would've dropped more, but no one wanted to move up.
9) MUSTANGS BUSSEY: 1-1-1. Defeated #10 Dfeeters, 1-0.
10) STING  GARRETT: 0-2-0. DNP.

11)FCD BLUE: 0-2-1. Lost to #3 Sting F, 3-0.
12) D'FEETERS 00:  1-2-0. Lost to #17 M-Bus, 1-0. Who could I put above them; they held SG to 1 goal.
13) FCD 00G EAST: 1-2-0. Lost to #6 Solar Gold, 4-1.
14) DTX-N: 1-1-1. Defeated #7 Aztecs, 1-0. Dark horse finding some oats, D3?
15) FW FC-WHITE: 4-0-1. Defeated unrank opponent, 2-1.

16) Sting West: 2-1-0. Defeated #11 FCE-P, 8-1.   I am eyeing this very closely... CPP or no? Right now, the benefit of doubt.
17) Flash. 2-1-2.  Defeated by unranked opponent, 4-1.
18) Fever United:  3-1-1.  Defeated unranked opponent, 4-1
19) FCD 00G PREMIER:  1-2-0. Lost to unranked Sting West, 8-1.  
20) DTFW: 1-2-0. Defeated #13 Sting Ferretti, 2-1.

Previously Pack 20:
STING (MARTIN):  3-1-1.  Tied unranked opponent, 4-4.
STING FERRETTI: 1-2-0. Lost to unranked DTFW, 2-1. [/quote]

Still a few head-scratchers in there ,but you are getting closer.

The biggest head scratcher IMHO is Solar Gold. Yes I get that they split with Parker last season, but they were a distant 3rd. Parker has also played much better competition over the last 6 mo, but Solar Gold is playing DII level teams. The highest I would think they would be able to go is below Flanagan, and that is being generous. Where is the love coming from?

Seven wrote:Still a few head-scratchers in there ,but you are getting closer.

Just a few head-scratchers? Geez, thanks! I'm almost crossed-eyed over cross-checking who beat who, what was they're ranked last week...

Which head scratchers? Do tell, the poll needs to be perfect! Besides, I am known for open-mindedness and patience with the lesser educated, illiterate soccer folk.  

Speaking of head-scratchers, what was the deal with the 8-1 drumming SWW put on FC? Was there CPP involved or did the law of averages just catch up and hit every shot?  


It will be very interesting when these teams play each other in tournaments... Those tournaments may not affect league play ranking, but they do matter in the pack 20!

I meant no disrespect to your power ranking. I enjoy it more than I thought I would. And besides what good would it be if there were no controversy (sp) ? Keep up the good work rabbit.

tex_gator wrote:The biggest head scratcher IMHO is Solar Gold.  Yes I get that they split with Parker last season, but they were a distant 3rd.  Parker has also played much better competition over the last 6 mo, but Solar Gold is playing DII level teams.  The highest I would think they would be able to go is below Flanagan, and that is being generous.  Where is the love coming from?  

I have to agree. SG has played some of the D1 teams (Parker, Brown, and Garrett) in the past year, and been competitive, but I feel that the rank is high. The girls played those games with last year's rosters. Do I think our girls would be competitive in D1?? Of course I think so. Are they near the top of the D1 list?? I don't presume to think that. Ours have a lot on their plate in D2...and now we add an even bigger target...(thanks Pack! that's "love"...). We don't have the games against D1 to prove anything, and as a matter of fact, the girls haven't proven much against D2 yet at three games in. Have they looked good in spells? Yes, are there plenty of things to work on and improve? For sure. First is a game against a team that just won 8-1 (that nobody seems willing to add any commentary to). SG could be anywhere from 10-0 to 3-7 after two more weeks...no reason to crown them at this point. Especially since I have to live with one of them, and the last thing I need in my house is the fawning ego boost of an inflated rank. Lol. Also have enjoyed the ranking wascawy wabbit.

1.Sting Central: not sure tying against Solar Elite  vaults them ahead of SE.
2. Solar Gold: sure they are a real solid team and would be competitive in D1 but beating other D2 shouldn't shoot you to the top of the power rankings.  Past proven powerhouses like Solar Elite And Sting Flanagan much less past Sting Brown.
3. FCDE gets smoked by SG 4-1 and only drops 2 spots from  11th place to 13th.   What has Genesis Elite done to merit the confidence of Mr Rabbit outside of beat SWW.
4. Flash dismantled by Mustangs Navy 4-1 and only goes down one slot from a very questionable 16th.
5. Sting Ferretti gets beat by DTXFW and goes from a rank of 7th to off the charts. I wasnt buying the high placement but this seems extreme if you were sincere about 7th.

Side note I feel you shouldn't factor in CPP at all.  its part of the rules clubs will use it.

Keep it coming Packrabbit your rankings have livened up the forum.  Question. Where have the Fever  Fans  gone?

OK Pack so if we took the top 20 solely based on their current point standings within their respective divisions and ranked them accordingly, we would have a top 20 as follows:

Points Ranking
1 ANDROMEDA FC 00G 13
2 FORT WORTH FC 00G WHITE 13
3 FEVER UNITED 10
4 STING CENTRAL 00G ROYAL (MARTIN) 10
5 FEVER UNITED 10
5 SOLAR CHELSEA 00G GOLD 9
7 GUNNERS 00G 9
8 FLASH 00G 8
9 STING CENTRAL 00G (PARKER) 7
10 SOLAR CHELSEA ELITE 00G 7
11 STING 00G (FLANAGAN) 7
12 MUSTANGS F.C. MUSTANGS 00 N 7
13 AZTECS FC LADY AZTECS 6
14 3STING WEST 00 (WEST) 6
15 STING 00 ROYAL (BROWN) 4
16 DALLAS TEXANS NORTH 4
17 MUSTANGS MUSTANGS 00G BUSS 4
18 DALLAS TEXANS DALLAS TEXANS 4
19 STING 00 ROYAL (BROWN) 4
20 STING FERRETTI 3

Of course, it takes all the handicapping fun away.

Alright, let's see if we can educate some people!  

tex_gator wrote:The biggest head scratcher IMHO is Solar Gold.  Yes I get that they split with Parker last season, but they were a distant 3rd.  Parker has also played much better competition over the last 6 mo, but Solar Gold is playing DII level teams.  The highest I would think they would be able to go is below Flanagan, and that is being generous.  Where is the love coming from?  

Tex, I missed your comments when I posted earlier. I definitely had some ranking that required more head scratching than others, but I'm pretty comfortable with where Solar Gold ended up.

If we decide to consider the past 6 months, one cannot ignore SG's performance in DIGC, where they competed with 14-15 player roster for the entire tournament. FYI: Aside from being an admirer of D3's nice butt, I don't have any particular allegiance to SG.

Seven wrote:I meant no disrespect to your power ranking.  I enjoy it more than I thought I would. And besides what good would it be if there were no controversy (sp) ?  Keep up the good work rabbit.  

7--None taken taken whatsoever. I'm trying to BOTN involved, but it appears he, too (as D3 had), has been afflicted with prognostic-hedging. I haven't seen him lately, so can you check on him... Make sure he's taking his medication.

Send It wrote:1.Sting Central: not sure tying against Solar Elite  vaults them ahead of SE.

FINALLY, someone with a specific rebuttal!! SE suffered in the ranking, bc they didn't take care of business last week. 1-1-1 and they gave up 2 scores in their win. I'm not sure how I could not move Solar E down and Parker ahead of Pulp. #1 has to drop when it loses a match, right?

Send It wrote:2. Solar Gold: sure they are a real solid team and would be competitive in D1 but beating other D2 shouldn't shoot you to the top of the power rankings.  Past proven powerhouses like Solar Elite And Sting Flanagan much less past Sting Brown.

"Past proven" got them a descent preseason ranking, but the team has to earn the right to stay there. I had SG at #6 the week before... SG can only beat the teams put in front of them, and is doing so.  After seeing all these teams play, is anyone (BC withstanding) prepared to bet real money that Brown, Flanagan, and Solar elite would beat SG?

Send It wrote:3. FCDE gets smoked by SG 4-1 and only drops 2 spots from 11th place to 13th.   What has Genesis Elite done to merit the confidence of Mr Rabbit outside of beat SWW.

My view was #6 should have beaten #11, but FCDE dropped 2 spots bc of the blowout.

Send It wrote:4. Flash dismantled by Mustangs Navy 4-1 and only goes down one slot from a very questionable 16th.

The whole rankings in that area really had me scratching another hole in my head...no one wanted to move up, everyone below them lost too! Everyone is 1-1-1 or 1-2-0, so it was a mess figuring that out. Having a lot of respect for the Fever team, maybe I gave Flash too much love for beating them.

Send It wrote:5. Sting Ferretti gets beat by DTXFW and goes from a rank of 7th to off the charts. I wasnt buying the high placement but this seems extreme if you were sincere about 7th.

Ferretti was ranked #13 last week. I'm trying to be sincere about about ranking these teams... Ferretti beat (preseason fav) Mustang B in their 1st match. DTFW played their 1st 2 matches tight, and they beat the (rightly or wrongly ranked) #13 team. DTFW deserved to be in the pack 20. With Sting W's big win, everyone else's 1st loss or win, who do you kick out?

Which reminds me: Let's all wish Ferretti's fantastic, gutty GK a speedy recovery.

Send It wrote:Side note I feel you shouldn't factor in CPP at all.  its part of the rules clubs will use it.

Good point, you're probably right... BUT it is a little irksome if clubs are benching players that made the team and paying their dues. If there's an injury/rehab situation, moving club players up, etc., I'm good with it. Side Question: Unless a player isn't getting playing time on a higher level team, why risk an injury playing on a lower level team?

Send It wrote:Keep it coming Packrabbit your rankings have livened up the forum.  Question. Where have the Fever  Fans  gone?

I'm a little concerned about the fever guys... Can someone go by the Fever's coach's house? I had a weird vision where I saw KnK and Pale Rider tied up, gagged and blind-folded in a dark basement.

Im pretty sure most people would take Solar Elite or Sting Flanagan over Solar Gold. Maybe I'm wrong. Ina poll please.

No disrespect to SG but I would give them 2 goals and still take Sting F or SE

I know D3 is hating this debate and the higher expectations, BUT, sometimes, the debate must continue for the higher forum good

2 goals to start the match? With NO disrespect to any team(s), but just based on principle (and non-ECNL competition) I would take that bet.

In a straight up SG vs SE, Andro or Sting Parker match, real money would have to favor those 3 D1 teams, but they would all be competitive. Based on scores to date, I don't see how either Sting F or B would be favored in a SG match-up.

Unless you count World Class @DIGC or someone has knowledge of a recent scrimmage, I don't recall any recent match where SG gave up 2 scores.  

Let's hope these teams get an opportunity to play each other in the near future! With the large amount of idle time coming up, these coaches should set up some sort of Round Robin scrimmage (with referees) with these 6 teams over the course one week.

SG has only played 3 d1 teams in the past year.  WC,  Sting Garrett, and Sting Brown.  Still not sure that measures up to Solar Elite or Sting F's accomplishments in the past year.  Premier league,  Regional Premier League, Nationals, and run of the mill D1 games.

Really? Goodness people.

Are we having division envy? You SG families need to stop taking things so personally. Give it a year, or atleast til spring. Then crown yourself kings and prep for next year. Until then, D1 is D1 and D2 is D2.

One game or tourney weekend does not a team make. Can you do it week in and week out?

NO ONE KNOWS bc those in question are D1 and SG is D-next.

Send It wrote:SG has only played 3 d1 teams in the past year.  WC,  Sting Garrett, and Sting Brown.  Still not sure that measures up to Solar Elite or Sting F's accomplishments in the past year.  Premier league,  Regional Premier League, Nationals, and run of the mill D1 games.

I wouldn't consider World Class a D1 team. SG's match vs WC was not a competitive one.  

backofthenet wrote:Really? Goodness people.

Are we having division envy? You SG families need to stop taking things so personally. Give it a year, or atleast til spring. Then crown yourself kings and prep for next year. Until then, D1 is D1 and D2 is D2.

One game or tourney weekend does not a team make. Can you do it week in and week out?

NO ONE KNOWS bc those in question are D1 and SG is D-next.

Pleeeazzzz! Goodness is right! Who is the "we" having division envy? BOTN, i am a little fired up and highly surprised by your indignation, assumptions ...and that you would provide this kind bulletin board material to that group!

There are not any SG families driving this poll! You not only owe me a cocktail, but I owe you a wedgie for saying it out loud! My meticulous, highly educated opinions are based solely on my personal observations! Yes- I have seen all 6 teams play.

I'm NOT saying any of these teams don't belong in D1; we've all said it hundreds of times, every team deserves the division they play. However, after ECNL, the whole league is much more competitive now.... It would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. Seriously, do you really believe SG wouldn't be competitive with this group of teams?

A better question, is where would you poll these teams?

Hey Carrot-Top, fine. I'll play along.

1. Andro.
2. Solar Pulp
3. Sting Parker
4. Sting Brown
5. Sting Flan
6. FCD Blue
7. Sting Garrett
8. SG
9. Aztecs
10. Solar Hopkins
11-20ish roll the dice

backofthenet wrote:Hey Carrot-Top, fine. I'll play along.

1. Andro.
2. Solar Pulp
3. Sting Parker
4. Sting Brown
5. Sting Flan
6. FCD Blue
7. Sting Garrett
8. SG
9. Aztecs
10. Solar Hopkins
11-20ish roll the dice

Oh my D1 Homer!! ,
How in the world can you put Brown ahead of Flannagan ? Flanny has a better record, more PF, less PA! Pulp ahead of Parker?

Geeez.

Homer my @$$.

There's a body of work to be considered in addition to the current year. 'Nuff said

backofthenet wrote:Really? Goodness people.

Are we having division envy? You SG families need to stop taking things so personally. Give it a year, or atleast til spring. Then crown yourself kings and prep for next year. Until then, D1 is D1 and D2 is D2.

One game or tourney weekend does not a team make. Can you do it week in and week out?

NO ONE KNOWS bc those in question are D1 and SG is D-next.

Look at what you said here...there haven't been any posts defending SG as a top D1 team...Nobody I have seen post is an SG parent...as a matter of fact the ONLY post from a SG parent (mine) said we weren't...every other post explains how undeserving we are...

I agree with the rest of your post...I hope we get a chance to play D1 teams in tournaments etc., but until then, we are what we are...leading D2...THREE games into a season. While our team would have jumped at the chance to play D1, we aren't there. We were a solid 3rd in D2 last year, and a favorite in D2 this year...3 games in...

That said, I don't know that spotting us two goals would work out well for many teams either...we may not beat those teams head to head consistently, but if we go up two goals in a game, I like our chances.

I think it is silly to pick us that high and explained my reasoning...the only one defending this position is Pack-and he is clearly smoking carrots...and I am certain that he is NOT an SG parent. If he knew me (and SG parents do), he definitely wouldn't be complimenting my rear!

OK everyone, it feels like people are becoming a little blood thirsty here. Why are we so combative? As we have seen, almost any LH U15 team can beat any other team given the right circumstances. I have seen very good 01 teams beat 00 D1 teams and even Plano teams beat D1 and D2 teams in tournaments. Some of it is skill, some is pure luck. It all depends on injuries, mental attitude, players out of pocket, etc.

One tournament defeat doesn't make or break a team.

The true test is how teams manage to make it through the entire season with players out, players injured, etc.

Pack's ruminations are fun (as they are meant to be). We are all free to surmise, handicap, and otherwise create fodder for the masses to discuss. This shouldn't come down to personal slams - it is Pack's version of fantasy soccer as it were. Enjoy people and don't take it so seriously.

I for one will be checking Pack's discussions against the actual rankings within divisions. It will be interesting to see how things roll out.

dadof3 wrote:

backofthenet wrote:Really? Goodness people.

Are we having division envy? You SG families need to stop taking things so personally. Give it a year, or atleast til spring. Then crown yourself kings and prep for next year. Until then, D1 is D1 and D2 is D2.

One game or tourney weekend does not a team make. Can you do it week in and week out?

NO ONE KNOWS bc those in question are D1 and SG is D-next.

Look at what you said here...there haven't been any posts defending SG as a top D1 team...Nobody I have seen post is an SG parent...as a matter of fact the ONLY post from a SG parent (mine) said we weren't...every other post explains how undeserving we are...

I agree with the rest of your post...I hope we get a chance to play D1 teams in tournaments etc., but until then, we are what we are...leading D2...THREE games into a season. While our team would have jumped at the chance to play D1, we aren't there.  We were a solid 3rd in D2 last year, and a favorite in D2 this year...3 games in...

That said, I don't know that spotting us two goals would work out well for many teams either...we may not beat those teams head to head consistently, but if we go up two goals in a game, I like our chances.

I think it is silly to pick us that high and explained my reasoning...the only one defending this position is Pack-and he is clearly smoking carrots...and I am certain that he is NOT an SG parent.  If he knew me (and SG parents do), he definitely wouldn't be complimenting my rear!

Both are you are highly irritating when you get like this...I can not in good conscience submit to the politics and pressure of my forum peers. There are times a rabbit has to put on his big boy pants and persevere ... BOTN couldn't even get the top 8 right without submitting to PH...

D3:if that doesn't beat everything... I'm arguing with you over the ranking...how do you know I'm not a SG parent... Just bc I can (sometimes) write complete sentences, doesn't eliminate the possibility. Although I pick my nose, it doesn't necessarily mean I'm a Sting parent either...

Doggone it BOTN! Look what you did to D3!! Total relapse. D3 was making real progress on his Prognostic-Hedging recovery and then you go all D1 snobbish, calling out SG. Great idea--What were you thinking?

I got another great idea, let's go grab a 12 pack and hit some local AA meetings tonight. Afterwards, we can to the senior center, and loosen the lug nuts on all the wheel chairs!

So Rabbit, does the poll come out on the same day every week? If so what day?

Wednesday/Thursdays, depending on which day midweek matches are played. This week Thursday, or as soon as Wednesday scores are available.

10-4 thanks

Packrabbit wrote:I got another great idea, let's go grab a 12 pack and hit some local AA meetings tonight. Afterwards, we can to the senior center, and loosen the lug nuts on all the wheel chairs!

I'm just saying...isn't this type of activity that kept you "busy"...and provided reason that we didn't hear from you all summer? The "quiet time" at Trembling Hills probably still seems a little hazy...