Many variables come into play @ regionals as you know. Weather, injuries, and of course the initial all important bracketing. For example, U-18 boys were in the bracket with last years National Champions, DSC u-17 boys lost in the quarterfinals to this years Regional Champions by a score of 2-1. I would guess when examining the scores of the SC teams, the majority were either won/lost by a slim margin. This makes SC competitive.
A few other things happened at regionals this year which may have given an advantage to certain teams. For example, a NC team in its 3rd game knew they were advancing regardless of the outcome. In the 2nd half they began pulling off their players one by one until only 5 were left and the ref called the game. Not only did it benefit them but also their opponent. Another bracket had a team that had to forfeit midway thru their 1 game since the coach got a red card and no backup on the roster to coach. Therefore, every other team in that bracket got a day off.
32 to days to train as compared to 5 months with tournaments, etc. No comparison. Team chemistry and roles/positions players have on their HS is totally different than club. Level of play is totally different on club vs. high school.
