Glad this got brought up so that it can have a little context. This team ended up being better than expected to be honest. Kept the 6 kids that were left from the team before that won a couple games the entire year before. Added 3 girls from rec and made a team. They didn't really start training until into May, by then the league was set and summer schedule was made. The only blowout against an SD team was to the Blast team back in June. They did beat Albion and Rebels in May and lost a couple times to Rebels 3-2. The struggle with the team was that there was no goalie and a couple players just not near the same level. In the big scheme of things, it worked for this year as it allowed all of the girls to play equal throughout the year. Cost a couple finals results including Rebels but they all played. When deciding on state cup, we had multiple things to consider. First, we knew our top forward would be gone. Second, if we play presidents are we ok with not playing those three players? In the end we decided to have the girls play. They are all playing and having fun. Too be completely frank, the pick up of the keeper before state cup has been the game changer. Not only is she very good in goal, it keeps us from having to put our best players in goal(it rotated with all players all year). The team will be much different next year as the new coach has added a couple very good players and kept the keeper. They will be playing those teams more often and will in time compete very well.
Sounds like the girls had a great year and grew a lot. That is awesome!
I am not saying they will not be in the mix as they get older or even next year. I am responding to the statement that they "would have made it far in the Presidents". Before someone make a statement like that I think you should consider the teams that played in the Presidents actually play at that level most of the year.
I am not interested in nitpicking at your explanation but I will say there were plenty of tournaments that you could have entered at the last minute where you would have played higher level teams. Albion (in July) comes to mind as there was a last-minute add to fill one of the groups out. Lots of good teams in that tournament. Someone can check me but I think Blues had last minute changes to their teams too. I know there were more but I think I've made my point.
The context that you provide applies to most teams of this age. It might not be the same events but many teams went through a similar evolution. Several teams play there better players in places where they would not get the most value from them but do it for the betterment of the team. That is team sports. The main difference is that the clubs in the Presidents played a harder schedule most of the year and didn't avoid the better teams.
This isn't meant to be directed only at you SOCAL. We all love our DDs and want them to have success but they will grow to a higher level if you challenge them.
So here is to seeing you in the top flight of SDDA, at some better tournaments, and in the Presidents next Jan. Good luck in the off season.