I think two reasons: 1) Surf would play 2nd fiddle to the MLS Academy teams in MLS Next whereas they have much more influence with the ECNL 2) ECNL is clearly the best for girls and Surf, while it has an excellent boys program, Girls are on a whole other level, so Girls drove the decision and having both in the same program makes the most sense.
Creating a league is easy, Managing a league, not so much. ECNL boys is now much stronger than it was. One of the things we have learned over the years is that the dynamics of highly competitive youth soccer change, too fast for my liking, but no one asks me. ECNL for Surf boys was stronger and much better organized when the DA folded. Time will tell how things are in the future and as we have learned, things will change. I wish we had one elite league nationally, but alas, soccer politics.............
So, being ranked 13th in the Nation with mostly MLS Clubs with higher rankings isn’t competing for the championships? I believe that Surf was the only club other than the Pats that were in tier 1 and very competitive rankings until they folded. All the other DA clubs other than MLS were in tier 2, so that didn’t sit well. Note the difference between competing for championships and winning them. No, that wasn’t the reason, and you can be sure the decision as to which way to go when the DA folded was deliberate and careful. https://www.surfsoccer.com/2020/07/01/soccer-wire-ranks-surf-boys-13/
There is also a difference between teams and players. Much of those two clubs' team strength comes from team depth. Many parents there content with kid playing 50% of time or less because of the club name (misperceived "status") so the dropoff isn't as severe when subs come in and goals are scored on an opponent. Other teams have at least a player or two or four just as good if not better than those at McDonald's and Blues. If it wasn't the case then the two wouldn't be constantly recruiting in the parking lots at all ages.
Nomads made the final 4 at u19 just a few years ago. Surf is amazing on the girls side with placement, but meh on the boys side. Look at their u19 team this year. Lots of very good players and so far only two announced as going D1.
My buddy claims his son's team at Surf has 24 players on the roster, 18 dress. Surf tends to have large rosters. I guess you can play full scrimmages at practice!
I believe it.
I got to experience dealing with many of these clubs as a true club hopper. The kids are all amazing at all these clubs btw. If a dad get's his hands on the board or is buddy buddy with the Doc, then it is one big "pay to play" joke!!! If coach runs a tight ship and trains the kids, all is good. I have experienced both environments.
The numbers are dropping significantly right now. I guess you look at things through a negative lense. I see the glass is half full. And, games will continue to be played in other states if necessary.
Im a half full type of person myself, but let all hope we get back to it soon, tired of driving to oceanside
March 4th is good date I think. Spring Season and then a summer jam tournament. It's all going to get better soon
