03/04

allen04 wrote:Last night was nice.  Son said it felt shorter than last week but I think that was because he was playing 11v11 the majority of the time.  

There does appear to be a lack of defenders.  My son volunteered last week in the scrimmage and this week they didn't even ask, coaches just put him back there.

I don't know how this ODP experience will play out or how long my son will go with it (assuming he makes the team); but the tryout process has been a fun experience and would definitely recommend to others and would do again if necessary.  I did chuckle at the end when Williamson (sp?) told the boys they were the 'best of the best'.  Slight stretch to say the least.

Had a parent who had been there before with his older son and he said he gave the same speech to them! LOL....Overall i think it was good....there were a lot of good players not in attendence...but there were some quality players there...just wish the pool was a little larger

Yea you can tell when they split up the kids depending on the team which were likely to make it and which weren't.

So just to question myself again...are these boys trying out just for the 03 team?

My understanding it's for the 03/04 team. Last year they had 02/03 and now they have to replace the 02s and any 03 who is not returning. What was said last night there will be a 10 teams or so and every year they will lower the amount of teams.

10?  I thought he said 5 1st year, 4 2nd, 3 3rd, 2 4th and 1 the 5th.  Five year process.

Yea you can tell when they split up the kids depending on the team which were likely to make it and which weren't.

I couldn't.  My son was placed with mostly '03's.  He still had a mix of talent.  They were evenly matched during their first scrimmage (1-1) until the coach subbed in 4 at midfield (4-2).  Now, the 2nd team they scrimmaged struggled to do anything but they still had 1 really good player on that team.

Allen - my son was on the same team.  I would say that we dominated possession and very much had the run of play in the first game prior to the subs.  The conceded goal was a fast counter.  I was very impressed by the defenders ability to possess and move the ball.  Their passing and awareness were excellent.  Not sure which one was yours, but they all played well.

When they subbed out the mids and forwards, that is when the size and speed of the other team started taking over.

We're you on the team with the green pennies playing closest to the fence?

Yellow pennies. With your back to club house we were on left two fields

On the right side they had some good players. Played a lot of possession. First touches were good.  I saw 1 keeper who stood out

Did Williamson say that emails would be sent this week? I also heard 5 teams of 18 (I think).

I heard that about 5T of 18. But I believe there are some 03s from last year if I am not mistaken. I heard that emails would go out in about a week or so. But who knows who will be invited. I spoke to a coach that had 3 players try out last year, and 1 of the 3 was invited. He said he was perplexed because in his mind, the weakest of the 3 players was chosen.

I've seen Plano D2 youth get accepted over a D1 classic youth. 
Things that make you scratch your head

I will either agree with their talent assessment if they choose my son or will think they are full of sh*t if they don't! LMAO

My thoughts, exactly. Seriously though, they will miss kids that should and should not be invited at this point. What will happen for which I can guarantee, many parents whose kids are not invited will then be on the side that ODP is a joke because they are grossly overestimated their kids abilities.

Soccer27 wrote:I've seen Plano D2 youth get accepted over a D1 classic youth. 
Things that make you scratch your head

this statement alone shows a huge mis-conception of talent. there are many D2 players that stack up quite nicely with the best D1 talent. the teams in D1 should be stronger but individually, kids play where they feel comfortable or where families can afford to play and/or live. to you point! i have seen many D1 kiddos over the years (not your top 11 but still) that couldn't start for some good D2 plano apl teams.

Greatest talent evaluators ever as they chose my son! LOL

Agree Suki...the best talent evaluators ever. So smart! Ha ha

Soccer27 wrote:I've seen Plano D2 youth get accepted over a D1 classic youth. 
Things that make you scratch your head

You will continue to see that in all of the so-called "elite" teams.

Every season (and all season long), PA and DA teams pick up players coming out of Plano Premier or Arlington Premier - who replace the kids who were already on the PA/DA teams. Its both a marketing thing (cherry-picking the most talented players away from small clubs by promising PA/DA spots), and a realization that talent doesn't stay the same. Your boy playing Classic D1 this year, might not be able to find a team above PPL D2 in a couple years if he doesn't keep up - they have to replace him with somebody don't they? On the other hand, the kid who is playing PYSA rec league (or only plays on indoor teams right now because he doesn't know of any good outdoor teams), might become a PA/DA player in a couple years. See this lots with the hispanic kids who's parents may be new to the area and are not in the loop at first on where to play their talented kid.

sukiakiman wrote:Greatest talent evaluators ever as they chose my son! LOL

Yep, mine as well!  I think very highly of their ability to identify talent!  

Mine too... They are genius !!!

Put me in the head scratching category. Luckily my son enjoyed it, so I guess we'll try again next year and this time make sure not to miss the 1st tryout.

Practice schedule is up now.