Topdrawersoccer.com went LIVE Aug. 26

August 27, 2009

Scroll down and read how the conversation went Wed. Aug. 26 as readers interacted with TopDrawerSoccer.com staff, talking about all things club soccer. Remember our first Friday Night LIVE of the college season is Friday, Sept. 4.

Hello everyone and welcome to Top Drawer Soccer LIVE. IT's a sunny Wednesday afternoon at the palatial TDS studios in suburban Indianapolis. I'm Robert Ziegler and am joined today by USFC Director of Scouting Jon Spencer and ESNN Ace Reporter Jahmal Corner. We are ready to talk with you about all things club soccer, including rankings of players and teams, player development, college recruiting, the web site itself and just about anything else involving the game we love and our kids.

Those interested in commenting, asking questions or otherwise providing feedback can email us at LIVE@topdrawersoccer.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All submissions will be screened, but the whole idea is for you the reader to interact with us as we talk about our favorite topics related to elite youth soccer.

Keep hitting refresh to follow the conversation LIVE..

Our first question is from M in North Carolina:

Regarding the recently-completed USFC Discover Europe Tour:

What were the reactions of the coaches and scouts to what they saw? Was their view skewed at all because of the age of the players that the SuperElite team played?

Was the tour a success in the eyes of USFC with respect to their long term goals?

From Jon Spencer, USFC Director of Scouting: The tour was a great success. Every player on the tour did fantastic. The point was to showcase the players, not go and win 7 matches. We won the matches but most importantly we were able to showcase the players and there was great interest in each individual. I was very pleased with each players performance. The reputation of the team grew because we had players who were capable of success in Europe.

From Jahmal Corner, ESNN Reporter: Regarding the Discover Europe Tour, I would add that the general reaction from scouts was “surprise.” In a few cases they were wowed by the team’s athleticism and impressed by the way they played together. Very much a success.

A reader from GA wants to know:

How were players selected for the tour and what age groups were you focusing on? I know the age groups that went, but I guess how old is too old and how young is too young for a trip like that?

Jon Spencer: The players for the tour were picked through a year long process of scouting. I spent extensive time indentifying the best players in the country. I would say I am very pleased that we found a team that was able to play together and at the same time showcase each players skills. There is no specific age group that we limited ourselves to. We simply wanted to find players with European Potential.

PW from Denver writes:

"The scope of this regional and national rankings player rating is enormous. Tell us how you are coming to the final version and is it indeed a final version?"

Rob Ziegler, TDS Managing Editor - Good question and no, it should not be considered final. The rankings will be updated quite often as we move ahead.

As far as how we got here, we are acquiring as much information as we can on top players throughout the area. After assimilating it, we are trying to check out the vibe on players with our own scouts, coaches from all levels and other in-the-know soccer watchers in all parts of the country. It will never be perfect but we aim to make it better and more accurate with each day. Hang on as we are going to keep adding and upgrading on a regular basis. You can send your recommendations to rankings@topdrawersoccer.com

Question from PWIP in Dallas:

What kind of changes will you see in the coming USSDA season? what are some of some of the feedback from the clubs you've heard from this past season?

Robert Ziegler: The soccer people want to continue moving toward more involvement of U14 players and younger. This was kiboshed as an official part of the league this year by USSF President Sunil Gulati for non-soccer reasons. Hopefully this will come in a year's time as indicated.

Feedback is largely positive. They have gotten a bit of control over some of the travel issues they had in the first season. I think there needs to be an upgrade in the accountability as far as club training and player development. The Federation may need to grow some sharper teeth in that regard.

Jon Spencer: The Development Academy has continued to improve. I was pleased with the increased quality of the operations. My biggest concern is over the quality of the training that I see players receiving as well as the feedback I get from players who play in the League. It will be important to see continued growth in the improvement of the training environment and the quality of the facilities where players train. One idea to improve the training environment is to require coaches within the DA to hold Certain Coaching Licenses. Internationally the best youth programs require coaches to hold specific licenses.

Also from PWIP in Dallas:

Question for Jon Spencer - Was there one or two particular players who seemed to stand out or that generated the most interest from European scouts?

Jon Spencer: There were not only 1-2 players who did well on the tour. Every player gained interest at one degree or another. You will hear more about the feedback on the players in the months ahead. To follow updates on the players please check out www.superelitesoccer.com to hear it first. I will say generally I am proud of every player.

Jon Spencer: In my opinion the most important part of our tour is that we did not pick players based on their status. We hand picked the players based on their ability to perform at the next level in Europe. There are thousands of great players in the US but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are all ready for Europe. We are always open to scouting players from anywhere in the US and from any level. The main point is that we refuse to be biased in our decision making. I scout strictly on potential. Our team this year proved for us that what we are doing is the correct approach. We hope to continue to develop soccer in America through this approach.

from BZ in Northern Cal:

Question for Jahmal Corner, ESNN Ace Reporter: We've enjoyed your coverage of the Girls U15 and U14 National Team camps. Who are some of the players there who have made a good impression on you?

Jahmal Corner: I was really impressed with more than a few of the U15 girls in camp. I thought Lindsey Horan, of Colorado Rush, was really dominant in the midfield at times. She’s physically more advanced than a lot of players her age. Morgan Andrews (FC Stars of Mass.) is always solid and makes few mistakes. The back I was probably most impressed with was Ashley Spivey (Baltimore Bays). She marks and holds ground exceptionally well. My favorite two players to watch however, were definitely Mariana Galvan (SC Sporting) and Rachel Price (Space Coast United). Galvan had a minor injury that kept her out of the latter portion, but Price is just an absolute terror. Fast, tough – and most importantly, she competes.

The U14s are clearly affected by it being their first national camp experience so I’m still getting a good read on who the top performers are – will know more after tonight’s scrimmage against Real So Cal.

Comment from Rob Ziegler: response to Jon - I guess Jon is not going to answer your question about standouts. Typical coachspeak :-) - I can vouch for how hard he works at scouting players. It's clear that in this country you cannot just go along with the convention from ODP or whatever. There are good players out there and we always get surprised with each age group and who goes to do well. You have to really scour.

Speaking of which ,did anybody see the news yesterday about Charles Renken and Joseph-Claude Gyau going to Hoffenheim. What do you think about that.

response to Jahmal - Jahmal - Morgan Andrews from New England is a top-notch player. Just great on the ball and wonderful field vision. She is playing up two years at club and really going places. All the big schools are after here already, even though she is a high school freshman. - I saw Ashley Spivey last year at Coral Springs. I think she was playing up a year for the U15 GNT, but was arguably the best player on the field for them that weekend. She really covers a lot of ground, has good feet and a very good soccer brain. She plays club for Baltimore Bays.

I'm looking forward to your report tomorrow morning on the U14s.

HR in St. Louis asks Jahmal: I saw your interview with Mike Dickey from the Girls National Team - do you get the feeling he has a dim view of club-level coaching in this country? What do you think the quality of coaching is at the club level?

A Soccer Girl's Mom writes: With the birth of the ECNL on the girls' side, there has been some movement towards encouraging girls to opt for club soccer over HS soccer in some parts of the country where ECNL overlaps with the HS season. Clubs have added product to their club offering to support this.

What is your opinion on this? Obviously club is better than HS soccer-wise, but HS soccer has other good things about it. The choice is hard for some girls and some parents are having a horrible time accepting it - especially those parents that are on the outside looking in.

In the same area, I haven't seen the same movement for the boys in response to Academy.

Question from TM in Texas: What college freshman do you think will have a big season?

Jahmal: I have a good feeling about Ryan Bauer at Dayton. He’s a Scott Gallagher product - very versatile and can shine either in the attacking or defensive midfield. I’m a little bias having watched him play two weeks in Europe with the Discover Europe team, but I just think he has a maturity about his game and was one of the more college-ready players on the trip.

From BS in Lake Erie: Top Drawer Soccer is a great place to go to get all the latest information about soccer/players/colleges. Thanks for doing such a great job on keeping us informed about so many areas of the game. Keep it coming

From a reader: Jahmal, I saw that you spent significant time with the team during the tour. What are your thoughts on the tour?

Question for jon Spencer from SoccerJock in Texas: Are you going to have a tour again next year? When do you plan to start preparing for the next tour?

Jon Spencer: Yes. We have already started the process for a Discover Europe Tour in 2010 months ago. One of the main aspects to the tour is scouting the players and evaluating who is ready to go. I am excited as we continue to see greater interest and opportunities for players to pursue soccer in Europe. The process for scouting a player is extensive. I am typically scouting a player minimum 6-8 times before I make a decision on the ability. That is only the beginning…

Jahmal Corner in answer to HR in St. Louis: I’m glad you asked about coach Mike Dickey. I can tell you that we’ve had several really good conversations this week and I really like his points of view. Mike understands that there’s often a disconnect between club coaches and U.S. Soccer and until that gap is narrowed the effectiveness of these national camps will always be compromised. I don’t think Mike necessarily has a dim view of club coaching but he understands that a club coach’s objectives don’t necessarily parallel his own. Clubs are often geared toward the whole, as they should be, so the club experience doesn’t always enhance the truly elite player.

I would hate to generalize the quality of club coaching as a whole – I’ve seen good and bad. I think good clubs ideally balance the development of all players with the pursuit of winning.

Rob Ziegler in answer to Soccer Girl's Mom: The debate on high school vs. club goes on forever. NO question club soccer is better from top to bottom, but the fact remains that playing high school soccer, for girls as well as boys, is very popular. Some clubs, Eclipse Select in Chicago comes to mind immediately, have offered girls a year-round alternative. Sockers does the same on the boys, but for the most part clubs shy away from this as it can be a controversial prospect.

I don't ECNL per se has a "no high school" policy although some of the clubs may prefer this. As you point out, high school was the one "outside" soccer program that the Academy powers-that-be left alone when they established that program on the boys side No ODP, No State Cup, No Y-League, but high school soccer is not a problem.

Rob's answer to TM from Texas (freshmen question): Look for Kim Castleberry at Texas A&M, and the entire Boston College freshman class, to do well on the women's side.

Amber Brooks and Alyssa Rich should contribute immediately at North Carolina.

Watch for Sacir Hot at Boston College, starting at defense already for Boston College men.

Hey everyone - we've got a lot of good fall league play beginning. The CSL in Southern California, The RIIIPL in the Southeast .The MRL here in the Midwest. The Classic League in Dallas, plus elements of the U.S. Youth National Leagues, ECNL and USSF Development Academy all taking place in coming weeks and months. We'll be endeavoring to track all of it, but you can help us with your isoccerreporters and emails to rankings@topdrawersoccer.com

Also don't forget our Friday Night LIVE college soccer program will go from 7 p.m to 1 a.m. (6 hours!!!) beginning Sept. 4 and continuing through the end of the college season in early December. Follow all the results and details, and weigh in about your team.

Rob Ziegler's response to Mike Dickey and club coaching:

I think it is true that club coaching is very much a mixed bag. There are some excellent coaches out there but the business model of club soccer too often lends itself to a win matches at the cost of development mindset. It just happens far too much. Teams that win everything at U14 and 15 are too often nowhere to be found when it comes to producing the final product, a well-rounded player.

Norcal2010s writes: A number of our 2010 Norcal boys have committed to various colleges. Not a group that gets much coverage on this site, despite a lot of highly recruited players. Curious how our region compares to others in your opinion, and interested in any thoughts you have about our players. thanks.

Rob Ziegler's response: I think Northern Cal is one of the best soccer playing areas in the country. For all the politics at the club level, it continually puts out a lot of very good players.

If we are lagging behind in reporting on the top prospects and their college choices, it's because we just don't know about them. I encourage you to use the rankings@topdrawersoccer.com and otherwise be in touch about the best players and teams there as they go through the process.

Jon Spencer's thoughts on freshmen: I saw that Andy Lubahn scored a goal in a scrimmage this past week for Wake Forest. I am sure he will have a good freshman season as well.

There are also some freshman at Cal State Northridge (Chris Smith, Luis Gil and Eddie Gonzalez) and UCLA (Amobi Okugo) that could make a great impact.

Jahmal's thoughts on the DiscoverEurope tour: Well Jon, if you’re fishing for a compliment you’re barking up the wrong cubicle.

Coaching miscues aside, I was very pleased with the tour. It was the “team” aspect that surprised me most. To watch 18 star players who weren’t accustomed to playing together form a unit was pretty intriguing. Getting players, some of which had never been out of the country, beyond their cultural element was a fun sight as well.

And Rob would like to add: "I knew that Jahmal eventually would crack and blow the lid off the Jon Spencer coaching calamities on the Discover Europe tour. Jon assembles this top-notch team that wins everything and tries to make people think he's Franz Beckenbauer or something. I heard he made the players run wind sprints at 4 a.m. on the hotel lawn.

OK, totally made that up but web site experts say controversy is good for traffic, so yellow journalism it is."

Response to Soccer Girl's Mom (from an anonymous reader): I see the conflict with HS soccer as well. A Soccer Girl's Mom is right. There are actually parents in HS that do not know about higher level soccer, odp, academies and the like. They think HS is the be all and end all. They don't realize that girls are not likely to get recruited from their HS games. As for whether girls should opt out of HS soccer altogether, well that is a dilemma. It seems that most girls get their recognition from HS soccer press. Club soccer just doesn't get the coverage. Luckily, sites like this are helping to correct that.

FYI from Rob Ziegler: Just for the record, the Luis Gil at Northridge is NOT the Luis Gil at residency who trialed this spring at Arsenal. And that Luis Gil was not just back there despite an erroneous report in another publication. He will go back there after the U17 World Cup in November, and Arsenal's interest is very serious. Good player Luis, very skilled on the ball and with his passing.

Response to norcal2010 from Jon Spencer: I think the quality of soccer in Norcal is excellent. There are some very good players in Norcal. When you look at some of the players coming out of the NorCal Region you have to respect the talent from there. The De Anza force and Cal Odyssey has both been producing some excellent young talent. San Juan Lightning just placed three top notch players in Ade Akinsanya, Amobi Okugo and Adam Jahn in the college ranks.

Rob Z: Last chance for anyone to get a question or comment in. We hope you have enjoyed the program. Let us know at LIVE@topdrawersoccer.com if you have and how we can improve it.

Jon's response to the Ziegler and Corner jabs: Jahmal…compliments aside I know you wish you could be me but you can’t!!!

Ziegler…If it wasn’t your “apparent” last minute MIA I would have had you out there at 4:00a.m. either running with the young lads are at the very least trying to.

One last question from NJ Soccer Mom: Do you plan on branching out to cover high level DII programs in the future or do you plan to stick with top level D1 programs?

From Rob Z: Covering DII soccer and beyond is something we would like to do in the future. This year we are focusing on greatly upgrading our DI coverage, and when you see our new conference pages, our scores and standings and our Friday Night LIVE program, I think you'll see why we are the one-stop destination for DI college soccer. After establishing that, yes, we'd like to go deeper into the college ranks as resources permit.

Last comment from Rob: Thanks again everyone for tuning in today and for provoking some interesting discussion in the world of youth soccer. Thank you also to Jon Spencer, USFC's Director of Scouting, and to Jahmal Corner, ESNN Ace Reporter, for their input, as well as our technical producer in Georgia. Don't forget to tune in Friday, September 4 when we go LIVE for the first time during the college season!

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