Madlax just dominated Platinum Cup, albeit some middle tier teams. A decent Nationals 2028 team (with Hawks and NL players on roster) and a decent True MD team. Sweetlax Upstate had a tough time...but they will improve, some great athletes
Before too long, this Nationals 2028 team might be rolling people the same way their 2027 team does now. Losing the championship games of their first two tournaments (Naptown, Platinum Cup) to the two best 2028 teams in the country (Hawks and Madlax) is going to go a long way towards helping them recruit the best non-hot bed kids.
More kids on our team turned down Nationals 2028 invite than accepted. Those who did have reported so-so experience and that the talent level on the team is uneven. Top players around here already have busy club schedules and tend to be committed to other sports too. The extra weekday tournaments are fun for kids, but can be a bit much. Seems like a nice option for kids who don't play for top teams already or want extra reps and chance to play with new kids. But unless Nationals offer a more attractive product, hard to see them becoming dominant.
I agree with you. It seems to be a program that is designed better for kids who aren't from around here. But they ran off some success in the past two weeks on the backs of local kids from NL, FCA, and True and a strong goalie from Texas. And it's hard to argue with the quality of product that Nationals is putting on the field at 2027. Our MD kids will always compete with them, but my point was simply that their results at Naptown and Platinum Cup are going to make it a lot easier for them to recruit. Especially combined with their trainings and tryouts moving back to college facilities in the fall.
Reply
Quote