|
|
Post by pirmás697 on Mar 2, 2016 11:03:50 GMT -5
Something I've been thinking about lately has to do with the prestige of the Midwest Division and the NPSL as a whole. Before my point I'd like to say I understand that places like New York and that whole region as a whole are used to this sort of thing, but I'd also point out that it was existed much longer and is/was seen differently.
What I want to bitch about: is DCFC's prestige lessened by having so many teams in-state? I think there is a certain mentality that exists that "travel" = "prestige" (like being on a kiddy soccer team and being in aww of the kid on the "travel team"). I also there there is a certain level of legitimacy.
Big teams travel. Important teams travel.
We used to go to Minnesota, eh? and Ind*ana (the 49th worst state in the union) and New York and Oh*o multiple times now it is Michigan x5 + Oh*o. Add Flint in a season or two and we'll be all Michigan all the time. And while I am happy to essentially be able to go to every. single. DCFC game, I also feel like we've been relegated to essentially an adult version of the kiddie travel teams. I'm not happy with that; but maybe I'm alone in thinking it? Is our prestige hurt by the lack of travel even if our pocketbook is strengthened?
|
|
epeebill
MatchDayOps 
Is it May, yet?
Posts: 23 
|
Post by epeebill on Mar 2, 2016 12:03:08 GMT -5
I don't know that single-state division hurts DCFC's prestige. Honestly, I don't know how much prestige any team in the NPSL has.
But, I think we could actually see our reputation grow from this. Because City isn't travelling far, the travelling support (Go Rovers!) will be pretty impressive. Not only will we make an impression on coattail riders, but anyone visiting those games for scouting purposes will see the City support, the professionalism of the team and the legend will grow. If City can dominate this MI division (as we expect!), DCFC will pop up on the playoff sheets every year and build its reputation for excellence on the field.
Would that reputation spread better if City traveled farther? Maybe. But, then City would bring as large a crowd so it would be less impressive, lessening the impact.
With this schedule, the team gets a low-cost travel budget and can schedule away friendlies that matter. This year it was BuffaLOL. That's a long trip, but hey, it's subsidized by the day-trip nature of the rest of the schedule and it's meaningful to the club and supporters. I like the idea that rather than being told "You're going on Minnesota, eh? to play in front of 10 sets of parents and a youth team" City will be able to choose road trips based on the possible value to the club. This year, BuffaLOL. Next year, Chattanoooooooooga? If we only leave the state once a season in league play, away friendlies can be more creative. And THOSE will be the trips that raise City's profile.
|
|
|
|
Post by bj on Mar 2, 2016 13:18:27 GMT -5
Prestige in the NPSL has nothing to do with amount or length of travel. It has everything to do with winning the region.
City is important for the NPSL because of the way they've grown... 5 guys with a whim, grassroots growth within the support, and their involvement with the community.
|
|
|
|
Post by MrTuktoyaktuk on Mar 2, 2016 15:57:51 GMT -5
The best way to fight that perception is dominating Midwest playoffs and starting to make regular appearances at the national finals.
|
|
seangrogan
MatchDayOps
Knows significantly more about low-tier soccer than you
Posts: 43
|
Post by seangrogan on Mar 2, 2016 16:04:31 GMT -5
The club's reputation and growth has always been primarily based on playing prestigious opponents like FC Sparta, Zanesville, and Binghamton.
|
|
|
|
Post by pirmás697 on Mar 2, 2016 16:27:16 GMT -5
The club's reputation and growth has always been primarily based on playing prestigious opponents like FC Sparta, Zanesville, and Binghamton. Yeah, but we only know they suck from experience (and from your clairvoyance). |
|
seangrogan
MatchDayOps
Knows significantly more about low-tier soccer than you
Posts: 43
|
Post by seangrogan on Mar 2, 2016 19:29:44 GMT -5
haha I don't think it takes too much experience or a clairvoyant to predict that a team from Zanesville probably won't be that good, considering most people probably learned that Zanesville even exists by playing against that team.
|
|
|
|
Post by pirmás697 on Mar 2, 2016 20:52:56 GMT -5
haha I don't think it takes too much experience or a clairvoyant to predict that a team from Zanesville probably won't be that good, considering most people probably learned that Zanesville even exists by playing against that team. *Hides secret Oh*o knowledge* |
|
|
|
Post by ilannoying on Mar 29, 2016 17:45:52 GMT -5
Another facet to the Michigan Division is a combination of The Bucks and the number of players they take from the two Big 10 schools at will and Caesar being on MSU's staff (not that this ever wasn't the case). It is a huge hindrance for growth! I hate the Bucks, but they have still have pull over any of the 5 Michigan Wolverine players available from my count (I wish kids didn't just do what their coaches said in when it came to their summer teams  ). Michigan State players from Michigan number 14. Those are players who are not seniors and they are off limits as per Caesar's job restrictions (2 seniors graduated MSU from Michigan I think). That leaves only SVSU, Mercy, and Oakland players to draw from... supporters know what happened there (6 GVSU players will wear Rouge, and The Grizzly Shartans will be competing in NPSL). Ann Arbor has Northwood University players I guess? These extra teams (Kazoo, Grand Vapids FC, and AFCAA) are really ruining everything, Kazoo is just signing random people at this point. I hope this madness ends after the summer. BUCKS to PDL-PRO! or USL... you can have it, dummies. Caesar for lottery winner! |
|
seangrogan
MatchDayOps
Knows significantly more about low-tier soccer than you
Posts: 43
|
Post by seangrogan on Mar 30, 2016 7:46:23 GMT -5
> the number of players they take from the two Big 10 schools at will
MSU yes, Michigan's players are pretty free to choose for themselves in my experience. We did pull James Murphy from the Bucks last year after all.
> Ann Arbor has Northwood University players I guess?
Northwood players are currently on Lan U & MichStars, but yes, you should expect to see some on AFCA^2 when their roster comes out. (People have been complaining about ours being slow, but they have only two players announced so far and one of them is Knox Cameron who owns part of the team.)
> Kazoo is just signing random people at this point
They've mostly signed a bunch of college kids who are from their area, it's all pretty standard really. They are likely pulling players from GR FC if anything, but I don't think they've affected us at all yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by pirmás697 on Mar 30, 2016 8:00:21 GMT -5
It's important to remember that DCFC's footprint is much, much larger than any other team in our league (aside from the NASL-2/B teams). We draw players from much further away than just SE Michigan - e.g. the Iowa boys last season. Players know that if they got talent and can hoof it, they can play in front of 4 to 6 thousand rabid fans and the NGS and get the experience of a life time. Everyone else in Michgian gets the sloppy seconds.
What does a Grand Vapids FC player have in common with a DCFC player? DCFC was their first choice.
|
|
|
|
Post by ilannoying on Apr 3, 2016 13:20:17 GMT -5
Thank good I am wrong (Andre Morris and Evan Lauro signed). We have a keeper now. Now DCFC needs a second one for the playoffs! Super pumped to get anyone who plays in a top conference to mix in with the talent that is in place. Good for DCFC! And good for NGS!
|
|
