01 LH D1 Sept 11, 2013

Wednesday Night Games! Good Luck

This is shaping up to be an exciting season. I still think a couple sit by themselves at the top and everyone else will beat each other up below...

1more_dd_dad wrote:This is shaping up to be an exciting season.  I still think a couple sit by themselves at the top and everyone else will beat each other up below...

Based on what 1more? There has never been 2 teams sitting by themselves on top...ever...in this age group. If you said three I could see it given the same three teams have finished top 3 every year.


I think the top 3 are Bates, Grubb and Sting. Nothing's changed. A small gap exists between them and the next bunch with Kicks and the small # of teams that can beat the top 3 on any given day. That group used to be include Guzman and Texans, but maybe Feet and Andro are there now. Time will tell.

I'm curious what rationale you're using to get a top 2 (your talent evaluation of roster signings?), and which one of the U11/U12 top three you're thinking has been gapped by the other 2.

Agreed....what are the two teams at the top you are mentioning.  We are two games into the season and this seems to be a big reach.......to say the least!

If you've seen all the games played this year, then I will shut up and listen.  

D'Feeters over Andro....3-0.  I didn't see that coming!

All other scores are representative of strong play in a very competitive division.

4-3-3 wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:This is shaping up to be an exciting season.  I still think a couple sit by themselves at the top and everyone else will beat each other up below...

Based on what 1more? There has never been 2 teams sitting by themselves on top...ever...in this age group. If you said three I could see it given the same three teams have finished top 3 every year.


I think the top 3 are Bates, Grubb and Sting. Nothing's changed. A small gap exists between them and the next bunch with Kicks and the small # of teams that can beat the top 3 on any given day. That group used to be include Guzman and Texans, but maybe Feet and Andro are there now. Time will tell.

I'm curious what rationale you're using to get a top 2 (your talent evaluation of roster signings?), and which one of the U11/U12 top three you're thinking has been gapped by the other 2.

Does "a couple" = 2?

SoccerFanaddict wrote:
Does "a couple" = 2?

Actually in 1more's case it does. I recalled him saying something similar before, so went back a few weeks and his preseason take is Sting is the top team, and Grubb is the only other team who can hang with Sting. Texans Higg and Bates are in a tier below the top two and would fight it out for third.  

But that was pre-season. Now after 2 games 1more's got Sting and Grubb on top and everyone else together in one pack.  I don't agree with his take, but hey we're all entitled to our opinions.

I'm hoping he's wrong, but if he's right, it would mean Feet is just as good as 6 of the other teams in D1 and would have no need for much roster infusion to compete as a ECNL squad next year. It would also potentially make them a more attractive destination for talent if they were no longer seen as a bottom tier D1 team.

Week 1:
65% were wrong on Andro vs. Sting North (Andro 1 vs Sting North 0)
82% thought DT Dallas should have won, but result was a tie. Next poll will have "tie" as an option
67% were wrong on Solar Red vs Kicks (Kicks 1 vs Solar Red 0)
65% thought Sting (Flanagan) should have won but result was a tie.

Week 2:
91% correctly called Solar Red 1 vs DT Dallas
51% correctly called FC Premier (2) over Kicks (1)
36% correctly called DTFTW (1) over Sting North (0), probably the most even divided vote in the poll with the highest number of tie votes. Wonder what the results would be if teams played ten times (50/50?)
70% were wrong on Andro (0) vs D'feeters (3)

4-3-3 wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:
Does "a couple" = 2?

Actually in 1more's case it does. I recalled him saying something similar before, so went back a few weeks and his preseason take is Sting is the top team, and Grubb is the only other team who can hang with Sting. Texans Higg and Bates are in a tier below the top two and would fight it out for third.  

But that was pre-season. Now after 2 games 1more's got Sting and Grubb on top and everyone else together in one pack.  I don't agree with his take, but hey we're all entitled to our opinions.

I'm hoping he's wrong, but if he's right, it would mean Feet is just as good as 6 of the other teams in D1 and would have no need for much roster infusion to compete as a ECNL squad next year. It would also potentially make them a more attractive destination for talent if they were no longer seen as a bottom tier D1 team.

I don't necessarily agree either (if that is 1 more's position). I think it's too early to speculate anything as I believe there are more surprises coming. Why do you hope 1 more is wrong? What's your take?

SoccerFanaddict wrote:

4-3-3 wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:
Does "a couple" = 2?

Actually in 1more's case it does. I recalled him saying something similar before, so went back a few weeks and his preseason take is Sting is the top team, and Grubb is the only other team who can hang with Sting. Texans Higg and Bates are in a tier below the top two and would fight it out for third.  

But that was pre-season. Now after 2 games 1more's got Sting and Grubb on top and everyone else together in one pack.  I don't agree with his take, but hey we're all entitled to our opinions.

I'm hoping he's wrong, but if he's right, it would mean Feet is just as good as 6 of the other teams in D1 and would have no need for much roster infusion to compete as a ECNL squad next year. It would also potentially make them a more attractive destination for talent if they were no longer seen as a bottom tier D1 team.

I don't necessarily agree either (if that is 1 more's position).  I think it's too early to speculate anything as I believe there are more surprises coming.  Why do you hope 1 more is wrong?  What's your take?

Already submitted my take...the top 3 are still the top 3. Given the battles we've seen over the years, I would need to see evidence of two teams separating from the rest. Who signed with who is not enough for me. 2 games played isn't either.

I hope 1more is wrong because the top 4 has included my DD's team for years. Him being right means they're now in the pack with the rest and will fall off something below top 4 this year.

4-3-3 wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:

4-3-3 wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:
Does "a couple" = 2?

Actually in 1more's case it does. I recalled him saying something similar before, so went back a few weeks and his preseason take is Sting is the top team, and Grubb is the only other team who can hang with Sting. Texans Higg and Bates are in a tier below the top two and would fight it out for third.  

But that was pre-season. Now after 2 games 1more's got Sting and Grubb on top and everyone else together in one pack.  I don't agree with his take, but hey we're all entitled to our opinions.

I'm hoping he's wrong, but if he's right, it would mean Feet is just as good as 6 of the other teams in D1 and would have no need for much roster infusion to compete as a ECNL squad next year. It would also potentially make them a more attractive destination for talent if they were no longer seen as a bottom tier D1 team.

I don't necessarily agree either (if that is 1 more's position).  I think it's too early to speculate anything as I believe there are more surprises coming.  Why do you hope 1 more is wrong?  What's your take?

Already submitted my take...the top 3 are still the top 3. Given the battles we've seen over the years, I would need to see evidence of two teams separating from the rest. Who signed with who is not enough for me. 2 games played isn't either.

I hope 1more is wrong because the top 4 has included my DD's team for years. Him being right means they're now in the pack with the rest and will fall off something below top 4 this year.

Gotcha... well let's see what 1 more has to say and then we'll know if you were rightfully offended or not.

SoccerFanaddict wrote:

4-3-3 wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:

4-3-3 wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:
Does "a couple" = 2?

Actually in 1more's case it does. I recalled him saying something similar before, so went back a few weeks and his preseason take is Sting is the top team, and Grubb is the only other team who can hang with Sting. Texans Higg and Bates are in a tier below the top two and would fight it out for third.  

But that was pre-season. Now after 2 games 1more's got Sting and Grubb on top and everyone else together in one pack.  I don't agree with his take, but hey we're all entitled to our opinions.

I'm hoping he's wrong, but if he's right, it would mean Feet is just as good as 6 of the other teams in D1 and would have no need for much roster infusion to compete as a ECNL squad next year. It would also potentially make them a more attractive destination for talent if they were no longer seen as a bottom tier D1 team.

I don't necessarily agree either (if that is 1 more's position).  I think it's too early to speculate anything as I believe there are more surprises coming.  Why do you hope 1 more is wrong?  What's your take?

Already submitted my take...the top 3 are still the top 3. Given the battles we've seen over the years, I would need to see evidence of two teams separating from the rest. Who signed with who is not enough for me. 2 games played isn't either.

I hope 1more is wrong because the top 4 has included my DD's team for years. Him being right means they're now in the pack with the rest and will fall off something below top 4 this year.

Gotcha... well let's see what 1 more has to say and then we'll know if you were rightfully offended or not.

 Trust Me. I'm not offended. 1more is half the prognosticator of his mentor Kenshi, and Kenshi was great with 95s but usually wrong about 01s. 1more is the one about to be offended.  

"I think, (I HOPE) the gap is narrowing a bit top to bottom...  Gut feeling is Sting will be the team to beat as it seems they are cherry picking a lot of quality players.  I think it will be a two horse race at the top between Sting and Grubb with Solar Red and DT Scott fighting for the third spot.  Kicks remained stable during the off season so one would think they would they get the nod over the remaining teams.  I'd like to think with the additions Feet made and continuing to develop with Coach Pfeils play style the team will continue to trend upward and build off the momentum it had the last month of Lake Highlands.  It should be a fun year and unfortuantley the last year we will be able to debate this peticular group of teams.."


That is what I said prior to the season.  4-4-3/3-4-3 I'm sorry if I offended your Kicks nation.  I talk to both of your coachs a lot, my DD shared rooms with JM's DD and another from kicks last year in Oklahoma so what reason would I have to try to offend your group.  Its a good thing your coach doesn't take as much offense a you do.  

My rationale: Sting was desimated by injuries the second half of last season and has added key players this season.  FC Dallas added a stud up front to an already stout front line and seem to be the fastest team in D1.  Kicks more or less remained static (did add 1 I think and bring up some that were on Gold that were D1 quality already) as did Solar Red (added 1 from what I have been told).  DT Scott is a little harder to read and thier struggles are a bit confusing.  Andro and Feet both made signifignt roster moves that I feel will make both stronger so why would they not be more competitive with Solar Red, Kicks and DT Scott.  I'm sure Feet will lay some eggs this year but they will also have some really tight games with teams 1-4/5.  

To your last comment, I will be the one offended, its kids soccer man, get over it...

1more_dd_dad wrote:"I think, (I HOPE) the gap is narrowing a bit top to bottom...  Gut feeling is Sting will be the team to beat as it seems they are cherry picking a lot of quality players.  I think it will be a two horse race at the top between Sting and Grubb with Solar Red and DT Scott fighting for the third spot.  Kicks remained stable during the off season so one would think they would they get the nod over the remaining teams.  I'd like to think with the additions Feet made and continuing to develop with Coach Pfeils play style the team will continue to trend upward and build off the momentum it had the last month of Lake Highlands.  It should be a fun year and unfortuantley the last year we will be able to debate this peticular group of teams.."


That is what I said prior to the season.  4-4-3/3-4-3 I'm sorry if I offended your Kicks nation.  I talk to both of your coachs a lot, my DD shared rooms with JM's DD and another from kicks last year in Oklahoma so what reason would I have to try to offend your group.  Its a good thing your coach doesn't take as much offense a you do.  Sting was desimated by injuries the second half of last season and has added key players this season.  FC Dallas added a stud up front to an already stout front line and seem to be the fastest team in D1.  Kicks more or less remained static (did add 1 I think and bring up some that were on Gold that were D1 quality already) as did Solar Red (added 1 from what I have been told).  DT Scott is a little harder to read and thier struggles are a bit confusing.  Andro and Feet both made signifignt roster moves that I feel will make both stronger so why would they not be more competitive with Solar Red, Kicks and DT Scott.  I'm sure Feet will lay some eggs this year but they will also have some really tight games with teams 1-4/5.  To your last comment, I will be the one offended, its kids soccer man, get over it...

First off, unless you want me to start referring to you with your real name then please and edit your post and take mine out of it. I changed my username years ago because I'd prefer it not showing up here on search engines. Everyone knows who most everyone is on here; let's not be silly pretending you need to point it out.

Second, I don't take offense to rankings banter. Could do it all day. I think you're wrong...usually. Same as Kenshi. Maybe you'll hit it this time, maybe not. I think last year you were in the chorus that said Sting was unbeatable and Bates would fall off. Time will tell.

Third, I don't speak for "Kicks Nation" and never have. The kicks spokespersons are kicking&screaming and JM. If you talk to JM on a regular basis you talk to him far more than I do.

Fourth...well...looks like I was right on you about to be offended. LOL. If you're going to publicly declare your opinion on these teams every year - you need a thicker skin.

4-3-3 wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:"I think, (I HOPE) the gap is narrowing a bit top to bottom...  Gut feeling is Sting will be the team to beat as it seems they are cherry picking a lot of quality players.  I think it will be a two horse race at the top between Sting and Grubb with Solar Red and DT Scott fighting for the third spot.  Kicks remained stable during the off season so one would think they would they get the nod over the remaining teams.  I'd like to think with the additions Feet made and continuing to develop with Coach Pfeils play style the team will continue to trend upward and build off the momentum it had the last month of Lake Highlands.  It should be a fun year and unfortuantley the last year we will be able to debate this peticular group of teams.."


That is what I said prior to the season.  4-4-3/3-4-3 I'm sorry if I offended your Kicks nation.  I talk to both of your coachs a lot, my DD shared rooms with JM's DD and another from kicks last year in Oklahoma so what reason would I have to try to offend your group.  Its a good thing your coach doesn't take as much offense a you do.  Sting was desimated by injuries the second half of last season and has added key players this season.  FC Dallas added a stud up front to an already stout front line and seem to be the fastest team in D1.  Kicks more or less remained static (did add 1 I think and bring up some that were on Gold that were D1 quality already) as did Solar Red (added 1 from what I have been told).  DT Scott is a little harder to read and thier struggles are a bit confusing.  Andro and Feet both made signifignt roster moves that I feel will make both stronger so why would they not be more competitive with Solar Red, Kicks and DT Scott.  I'm sure Feet will lay some eggs this year but they will also have some really tight games with teams 1-4/5.  To your last comment, I will be the one offended, its kids soccer man, get over it...

First off, unless you want me to start referring to you with your real name then please and edit your post and take mine out of it. I changed my username years ago because I'd prefer it not showing up here on search engines. Everyone knows who most everyone is on here; let's not be silly pretending you need to point it out.

Second, I don't take offense to rankings banter. Could do it all day. I think you're wrong...usually. Same as Kenshi. Maybe you'll hit it this time, maybe not. I think last year you were in the chorus that said Sting was unbeatable and Bates would fall off. Time will tell.

Third, I don't speak for "Kicks Nation" and never have. The kicks spokespersons are kicking&screaming and JM. If you talk to JM on a regular basis you talk to him far more than I do.

Fourth...well...looks like I was right on you about to be offended. LOL.  If you're going to publicly declare your opinion on these teams every year - you need a thicker skin.

Did I cause all this???  

4-3-3 wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:"I think, (I HOPE) the gap is narrowing a bit top to bottom...  Gut feeling is Sting will be the team to beat as it seems they are cherry picking a lot of quality players.  I think it will be a two horse race at the top between Sting and Grubb with Solar Red and DT Scott fighting for the third spot.  Kicks remained stable during the off season so one would think they would they get the nod over the remaining teams.  I'd like to think with the additions Feet made and continuing to develop with Coach Pfeils play style the team will continue to trend upward and build off the momentum it had the last month of Lake Highlands.  It should be a fun year and unfortuantley the last year we will be able to debate this peticular group of teams.."


That is what I said prior to the season.  4-4-3/3-4-3 I'm sorry if I offended your Kicks nation.  I talk to both of your coachs a lot, my DD shared rooms with JM's DD and another from kicks last year in Oklahoma so what reason would I have to try to offend your group.  Its a good thing your coach doesn't take as much offense a you do.  Sting was desimated by injuries the second half of last season and has added key players this season.  FC Dallas added a stud up front to an already stout front line and seem to be the fastest team in D1.  Kicks more or less remained static (did add 1 I think and bring up some that were on Gold that were D1 quality already) as did Solar Red (added 1 from what I have been told).  DT Scott is a little harder to read and thier struggles are a bit confusing.  Andro and Feet both made signifignt roster moves that I feel will make both stronger so why would they not be more competitive with Solar Red, Kicks and DT Scott.  I'm sure Feet will lay some eggs this year but they will also have some really tight games with teams 1-4/5.  To your last comment, I will be the one offended, its kids soccer man, get over it...

First off, unless you want me to start referring to you with your real name then please and edit your post and take mine out of it. I changed my username years ago because I'd prefer it not showing up here on search engines. Everyone knows who most everyone is on here; let's not be silly pretending you need to point it out.

Second, I don't take offense to rankings banter. Could do it all day. I think you're wrong...usually. Same as Kenshi. Maybe you'll hit it this time, maybe not. I think last year you were in the chorus that said Sting was unbeatable and Bates would fall off. Time will tell.

Third, I don't speak for "Kicks Nation" and never have. The kicks spokespersons are kicking&screaming and JM. If you talk to JM on a regular basis you talk to him far more than I do.

Fourth...well...looks like I was right on you about to be offended. LOL.  If you're going to publicly declare your opinion on these teams every year - you need a thicker skin.

I edited your name out, my apologies I just used a previous rendition of the screen names you have used...  No offense here, nothing to be offended by.

1more_dd_dad wrote:
I edited your name out, my apologies I just used a previous rendition of the screen names you have used...  No offense here, nothing to be offended by.

Thanks - much appreciated.

If nothing else I think you'll end up being right that the gap from top to bottom IS shrinking this year. DTFW's strong start pretty much sent the message...there'll be no gimmies in D1 @ u13.

Why are all of these polls so lopsided with the exception of 1? The Andro game shouldn't be listed as a tie. What are you voters thinking?

SoccerNUT wrote:Why are all of these polls so lopsided with the exception of 1?  The Andro game shouldn't be listed as a tie.  What are you voters thinking?  

You're kidding... right?  

SoccerFanaddict wrote:

SoccerNUT wrote:Why are all of these polls so lopsided with the exception of 1?  The Andro game shouldn't be listed as a tie.  What are you voters thinking?  

You're kidding... right?   

Are you kidding?  Looks like a lot of voters have something against Andro.  They've proven that they are capable of winning a beating good teams, so why is there so little respect for them.  Too much speed up top and size for most teams to match up well against, and yet no respect.

SoccerNUT wrote:

SoccerFanaddict wrote:

SoccerNUT wrote:Why are all of these polls so lopsided with the exception of 1?  The Andro game shouldn't be listed as a tie.  What are you voters thinking?  

You're kidding... right?   

Are you kidding?  Looks like a lot of voters have something against Andro.  They've proven that they are capable of winning a beating good teams, so why is there so little respect for them.  Too much speed up top and size for most teams to match up well against, and yet no respect.

Not trying to offend. Just think that Andro have more to prove in LHGCL since the 3-0 loss to Feet. Many believe Feet are a bottom ranked D1 team, so a 3-0 loss to them puts Andro right there. So I don't think it's a mystery as to why we're seeing the voting results coming in the way they are. Do you disagree with that assessment?

I think it's a bit early to anoint any team. I do know that andro is running off in the crazy parent demanding respect race. A clear first place on that. The talent is spread all over the age group and its going to depend a lot on consistency. Had andro beaten feet 3-1 like predicted I think this weeks poll would be different but it didn't happen like that. I am somewhat of a gambling man myself but I'd have a hard time putting $ on any u13 d1 games this year.

No dig at andro, I like coach and dd has friends over there just don't think there going to run off with any games. I think 3/4 goal diff games will be few and far between this year.

96-01-03g dad wrote:I think it's a bit early to anoint any team. I do know that andro is running off in the crazy parent demanding respect race. A clear first place on that. The talent is spread all over the age group and its going to depend a lot on consistency. Had andro beaten feet 3-1 like predicted I think this weeks poll would be different but it didn't happen like that. I am somewhat of a gambling man myself but I'd have a hard time putting $ on any u13 d1 games this year.

I don't want to come off like I'm demanding respect, I'm just pointing out that a team that has shown an ability to win against good teams not given the benefit of the doubt on this forum.  I think that the rest of the season will talk for itself.

SoccerNUT, how do you want to come off? First you say no offense then its feet is a bottom ranked team. Every team in d1 has size and speed so maybe worry about your next game and not how your last is being "respected" by people who are voting.

A WIN....get's you respect.

A TIE....get's you noticed.

A LOSS....get's you nothing.  Never has....never will.  If you have too may loses....then you are apparently on a losing team.

Enough said!