Texas Rush U14 ECNL

My DD is with a non ECNL club in the Houston area, but it looks as through Rush is making a real run at competing at this age group.  During the off-season they formed their ECNL team which will pull at least 3-5 of Challenge's best players at this age, one of AHFC's best players, if not the best, and several players that have been playing up on Rush's U14 and U15 ECNL teams.  Lonestar's 00 team that has been playing an age group up for the last year in the PL not withstanding Rush was already the class of south texas (which I know isn't saying a whole lot).  A lot of us down here are interested to see how this team competes.

With opening dates against Texans and Solar (arguably the best NTX has to offer) you will know soon enough. I fear you could be in for a disappointing weekend, though.

I am no Rush fan, but to my knowledge, this should be the strongest U14 ECNL team from down here so far, I'm just curious just how well they can do.

Rush U14 last season did real well. They surprised quite a few and where in the hunt to make it to Nationals right up until the last week or so. My guess is that they are doing it right down there and attracting strong players and developing them correctly. I look for this years U15 team to be a really tough opponent.

Was it a different team that competed in the International Cup? Their scores were anything but outstanding in that tournament.

I had heard they are the top dog in Houston, however. Just wondering as they must have improved quite a bit to advance that far.

Based on last seasons record against NTX D1 teams I suspect Rush will be more than formidable at U14 ECNL. It sounds like they have improved and the NTX teams have all definitely improved.

Dfeet: 0-2-0
FCD: 0-0-0
Sting (combined M, R, W): 2-1-0
Solar: 0-1-1
Texans: 0-0-0
Total: 2-4-1

dfeetersarethebomb wrote:Was it a different team that competed in the International Cup? Their scores were anything but outstanding in that tournament.

I had heard they are the top dog in Houston, however. Just wondering as they must have improved quite a bit to advance that far.

I'm not sure. I don't remember them playing in the International Cup at all.

Plus, I don't put much into tournament results. You can have any team rise up and have a good weekend, or some good team just have a poor weekend. I put emphasis in the long haul which was a season that went from September to May. And they did well.

outonthelimb wrote:Based on last seasons record against NTX D1 teams I suspect Rush will be more than formidable at U14 ECNL.  It sounds like they have improved and the NTX teams have all definitely improved.  

Dfeet: 0-2-0
FCD:  0-0-0
Sting (combined M, R, W):  2-1-0
Solar:  0-1-1
Texans:  0-0-0
Total:  2-4-1

 2 wins, 4 ties, and 1 loss, right?   The Rush U14 team has added some really good talent. but we in STX know that NTX is how we need to measure our teams.  The Rush 99 team performed well last season and expectations are high for the 00 team.  Should be a fun season.

stx guest wrote:

outonthelimb wrote:Based on last seasons record against NTX D1 teams I suspect Rush will be more than formidable at U14 ECNL.  It sounds like they have improved and the NTX teams have all definitely improved.  

Dfeet: 0-2-0
FCD:  0-0-0
Sting (combined M, R, W):  2-1-0
Solar:  0-1-1
Texans:  0-0-0
Total:  2-4-1

 2 wins, 4 ties, and 1 loss, right?   The Rush U14 team has added some really good talent. but we in STX know that NTX is how we need to measure our teams.  The Rush 99 team performed well last season and expectations are high for the 00 team.  Should be a fun season.

To clarify my posts, all of them were in regards to the Rush 99 team.

Rush U14 ECNL went 0-2 this weekend, with a 1-0 loss to Texans and a 3-1 loss to SR. However, this team is a strong team, who moves the ball very well and has a strong keeper. The parents were also classy and look forward to seeing them next time in I am sure will be a very tough game.

Fcdallas U14 ECNL won 2-1 against Sting. Exciting 1st gm.

I haven't seen any of the games, but I see they are losing, how do they look overall? (Rush U14)

0-4 vs Dallas so far.... and my money would be on FCD this weekend to make it 0-5 has FCD as a speedy 3 forward attack that may force Rush to be defensive....more on that later.

They look better than their 1-4-1 record though in the end the record is all that counts.  They keep the ball on the ground and move/pass well but lack any real offensive threat.  At this level just about everybody on defense can run so if you don't have a forward that can at least threaten to stretch the field while your midfield maintains possession then you won't score very much nor maintain possession very long. Those defenders will just creep up into the attack and/or cut off passing lanes from the midfield to the forward not fearing any over the top play.

IMO Rush u14 ECNL are in a bit of a conundrum that has to be managed half by half.    Their best offensive player (forward) is also their best defensive player (goalkeeper).  Against the Texans, Rush didn't mount much if any offensive pressure until she took off the gloves and went up top with 12 min left in the game.  She was sensational between the pipes though with several diving saves, punches and great positioning.  She kept the game 1-0 when it could have been 5-0 in the 1st half with a lesser keeper.  

I expect that they will manage to creep back into the  top 5 by year end but they better find some scoring punch quick.