Quote: Just out of curiosity, how many open major tournaments have the current CESA ECNL teams applied to and played in over the last 2-3 years? How many of the players on the current CESA ECNL rosters have attended Region III ODP camp?
The current ECNL teams have played primarily in ECNL events over the last two to three years. Most have played in the Cesa Soccer Classic, although that wasn't possible this year because it was a Premier League weekend. Of course, up to this point, they have played in the State Cup (and done well).
As far as ECNL players who have gone to the Region 3 ODP camp, you could always go to the ECNL site and click on each player to see their soccer achievements. ODP in SC is a program that has struggled for some time now, so kids who could make it have decided not to participate.
So, no major tournaments (I don't think CESA Classic would be considered major) and maybe a few players here and there still participating in Region III camp in Alabama.
I am not sure of your point. There is very good competition at the ECNL events, against some of the top clubs in the country. Are you saying the national events don't count because they aren't tournaments? I really don't see what you are getting at. As far as ODP goes, just look at the ODP rosters which are starting to come out. As much as the program would like to attract the top talent, it isn't, at least not now. It doesn't matter whether it's an ECNL or non-ECNL team, most are not sending their best players. I would love to see that change, because there is value to ODP, especially if the player has a good coach who is vested in the program.
Yes, ECNL events offer good competition, no argument. Major tournaments also offer good competition. What I'm trying to understand has to do with some claiming in this thread that ECNL events are the end-all for exposure to college coaches. If none of the current ECNL teams have played in a major open tournament the last 2-3 years, then how do those making the claims have the "experience", like you spoke of, to make comparisons and draw conclusions? My daughters have played in both ECNL events and open major tournaments, and I haven't seen enough of a difference in attendance by college coaches to say one venue is better than the other for exposure.
