Since the restructuring of Regionals to add a round (just for money-making), being a quarterfinalist isn't as big as one might seem. Total teams are 12-16 per age group and 8 go through....that's 50% at least....not bad odds. It's not a true measure like the past when only four went through as group winners and your true class was shown.
The State's "elite" club, if correct, has one semifinalist and three others went out in the quarters. Not very good considering there's 12 titles up for grabs and 48 semifinal spots. 1 for 48 isn't a elite club in the region, just in a poor state. What's good for South Carolina still isn't good in the big picture.
Kind of like England in the World Cup. Everyone thinks they are good domestically because foreigners make the top clubs somewhat competitive in Europe. Until, they (just Englishmen) step into the World Cup and are poor.
Kind of like the U.S. in the World Cup. Everyone think they are good in CONCACAF and meaningless friendlies until they step into the World Cup and are, yes, poor.
American soccer people need to be 1) more honest and demanding in expectations and evaluation and 2) more knowledgeable to do this.
South Carolina(and don't count college all-star teams at U19), England and the U.S. weren't good enough in June.
