Grande Sports Academy TeamRank update

Grande Sports Academy TeamRank update
by Travis Clark
March 5, 2015

Today we unveil our latest update to Grande Sports Academy TeamRank, the comprehensive ranking system for elite club soccer teams nationwide, releasing the latest standings for U16, U17 and U18 Boys. Next week, we will update the older age groups on the Girls side. We will update our National Top 25 for each age group at least once per month.

(scroll down for system details)

FC Dallas enters top five at U16

FC Dallas earned two wins in February to extend its one-loss season for another month, and lifts its ranking into the top five at No. 5. Former U.S. U17 Residency member Weston McKennie scored in a 4-0 defeat of mid-table conference opponent Texas Rush, his first start for the U16s after returning to his home club in December. McKennie, the No. 33-ranked player in the Class of 2016 IMG Academy 150, records significant minutes for FC Dallas’ U18 Development Academy team as well.

Capital Area Railhawks-CASL ticks up a notch to No. 12 after taking down No. 7 Orlando City in Raleigh to finish the month with a 14-6-3 overall record, second in the Development Academy East Conference standings.

More:  IMG Academy 150 rankings | Academy Goal Scorers | Commitments

Spring season prep continues at U17

March comes in like a lion for many in the Grande Sports Academy TeamRank Top 25 in this age goup, where after more than two months idle, these teams resume play in the US Youth Soccer National League as well as many regional leagues across the country.

The Players Showcase in Las Vegas will be the stage for top National League matches, where No. 2 Santa Barbara SC and No. 3 Ohio Premier will battle for the top spot in the Red Division and an automatic bid to the USYS National Championships this summer.

Spring regional leagues gearing up this month include the inaugural US Youth Soccer Region I Champions League, which will start play as soon as Mother Nature cooperates. This league is an evolution of the former Region I Premier League and offers a chance for National League teams such as No. 1 Baltimore Celtic, No. 5 Arlington Impact, and No. 12 Dix Hills Elite to pit themselves against the best that Region I has to offer.

No. 1 falls again at U18

For the second month in a row, the No. 1 team in the Grande Sports Academy TeamRank Top 25 falls after struggling in conference action. Former No. 1 Real Salt Lake AZ fell to 18-3-3 after suffering losses to Chivas USA and LA Galaxy in the month of February. But RSL retained the top spot in the Development Academy Southwest Division, still eight points ahead of now No. 20 Pateadores, and lands at No. 2, allowing still idle New York Red Bulls to become the new No. 1.

Seattle Sounders climbs three spots to No. 6 after earning two wins in February against West Conference opposition. Sounders are two points ahead of divisional leader and No. 3 Vancouver Whitecaps, but have a game in hand. The two teams have split results this season, and will meet again on April 25 where divisional and regional bragging rights could be on the line.

Next Thursday: U16, U17, and U18 Girls

Grande Sports Academy TeamRank is the comprehensive team-ranking system devised by TopDrawerSoccer.com to provide an objective and common-sense approach to determining which elite youth soccer teams are the best in the nation.

The rankings, updated monthly, are primarily results-based, with a nod toward the league and championship competitions that emulate how excellence is determined in leading soccer nations around the world.

Tournaments are also included but at a reduced value due to the many mitigating factors involving such events, including attrition and guest players.

A final layer of executive evaluation is provided to account for variables that often impact results, thus ensuring that the monthly lists are not subjective, but are not purely mechanical.

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IMG Academy Top 150 Rankings
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Boys Girls