The Seatle trip for the 92 girls was probably the best ECNL trip they had despite only having 8 girls from the season roster attending. They only had 11 players, 3 of which hadn't even had a practice with the whole team prior to their first game. Their results were one of their best. They beat CASL for the first time. They won their second game against a PA team and lost their third game against a California team in the second overtime. The big contributing factor of their success at this tournament is they actually had all the girls wanting to be there and giving their 100%. They did stuff as a team on and off the field. As Hurst says at 17,18 years old to play at a high level, you have to be committed and really want to play. Players that are ok with missing their high school football games, dances, socializing. Players willing to take on extra jobs if needed to earn the money to play because the traveling is expensive. In return, they get a priceless experience of traveling to different cities, playing different teams across the states, improving their soccer and expanding their horizons. It is not for every kid who may have soccer talent, but for the one with the talent, attitude, desire, and commitment, it can be an incredible experience. They aren't just playing for a chance of a scholarship. They have to love it. Maybe it would make sense to have a "state team" that does the ECNL league and then beef up the challenge league. For the players that want the travel experience and added commitment, they play in the ECNL league. For the ones that enjoy soccer but don't want the high level of commitment, join a team that doesn't have the travel commitment. Don't make the selection of the "traveling" team purely on soccer talent. Talent doesn't always equate to commitment, passion or desire.
