The search continues - End of Week 4

Well folks the end of open skills practices is upon us. The next phase of choosing a new team is the "actual" tryouts. I put that word, tryouts, in quotes because tryouts began a while ago, these are the "formal" tryouts, which is just a formality. If you don't have an offer from a team that is going to make, it's a mad scramble from this point forward. Fortunately, we have two firm offers and we are weighing the options carefully. We may still look at one more team in the morning...

Honestly, we were spoiled to work with Solar White first. First of all, the level of talent that team is attracting is phenomenal; secondly, the style of practice was hard, up-tempo and very beneficial, especially for my daughter. Unfortunately, no other team has been able to fully match each of those. Sting West 94 has size and talent, but our only practice experience with them was a little too laid back for my liking. Ft. Worth FC has a little less talent, but the practices are tough and a very good workout. There are other factors to consider such as club history, facilities, and future opportunities.

At least we have more concrete opportunities at this time in the process and that is a huge relief after things didn't pan out with our first two choices. I can understand Solar White but Texans West White is still a huge disappointment because of the way it was handled. It will leave a bad taste in my mouth for a while. But like anything, if the right opportunity comes along in the future I'm sure we can find a way to get past it. That's just life...

Here's the rundown for this week:

1. FWFC Red (still looking like a solid choice, FWU D3 core mostly intact; coach is inexperienced, but practices are tough)
   
2. Sting West (history with players, nice mix of size and talent; some former players are going to FWFC)
3. DFW Tornados Blue (former D2 FCD team; NO practices, that I am aware of, since return from Europe, will they even make a team?)
4. Odyssey Gold (history with the coach and a few players; new team with no LHGCL core)
5. Tejanos Premier (D2 core, been together a while; daughter not too interested, some snotty/snobby attitudes from previous experience)

Tomorrow is a big day; wish us luck!