It is not a given that any state gets more than 2 R3P spots. Here is what I know of the team selections. It is from the information we get from our DOC on the team selection process.
Each of the R3P states of Georgia, NC, SC, and Florida get two spots in R3P, for a total of 8 teams. The other 4 spots are decided "at large" at the R3P meeting. Generally for the four age groups, NC and Georgia get the other spots due to their records. This past year only the U16 age group had three SC teams as they earned that 3rd spot. Outside of CESA, the SC teams historically have not shown well in league results, and that influences the "at large" R3P selection. One of the reasons that GA and NC usually get four spots is because those states show better on a more consistant basis when given a 3rd or 4th spot.
Looking at the age group results from this past season, CESA is mid pack or near the top in all 4 age groups. The other SC clubs did not show well. I am not going to get specific about who finished where because if anyone is interested the results are posted on the R3P website. What I am pointing out is that in R3P, SC does not have a track record of good second team showings, much less consistant 3rd spot results.
SC usually sends the state finalists with a possible 3rd team if that team has merit. I know in NC the two finalists get the two automatic bids, and six other teams that have merit compete in a playoff tournament to compete for the at large spots. Those 6 teams are selected from the State Cup results.
If you look at the results, four clubs stand out: CESA, CASL, CSA, and GSA. It should be noted that CESA, CASL, and CSA are ECNL teams as well. Within ECNL there are two levels of play, with the 40 teams being divided into an "A" and a "B" bracket. Players from these clubs are competing on a national level.
Hope this helps answer your question on the selection process and the different levels of Premier Soccer, without offending anyone. It may not what SC teams are happy to hear, but it is how the spots are selected and how teams are competing at the top level.
