So an article appeared in yesterday's TTB that I think warrants a bit more discussion with regards to the Timbers academies. Essentially what is happening is when the Timbers officially launch their academies this year they'll mandate that any player who signs up will not be allowed to play for their local high school anymore.
The arguments for such a move are pretty standard: there's an increased risk of injury, high schools don't train players properly, players will be playing teams below their level... etc.
Blah blah blah. What I want to know is if you agree or disagree with the mandate. Obviously taking away some of the best high school players is going to affect high school athletics and, if you're a particular fan of a high school team you could be facing a diminished team in the future.
So what do you think? Should the players be allowed to continue playing for their respective high schools or should they remain 100% focused on their development? Sound off in the comments and poll below!
Enjoy the morning news!
Timbers news
Spencer praises Timbers performance in loss vs. NYRB
Aside from a couple good chances and the first 8 minutes of the game there was little to praise.
Unbelievably frustrating weekend for the Portland Timbers
Not too many bright spots to take from the game...
Top 10 Major League Soccer MVP candidates
Jack Jewsbury gets a shout out!
Other news
De Rosario collects another MLS Player of the Week honor
I'd say New York made a mistake when they traded him away.
Whitecaps could learn a lot from Sounders
As a rival that's always something you want to hear... (sarcasm!)
Jennifer O'Sullivan to lead Women's Professional Soccer
Looking for stability, league chooses executive from Arena Football League as next CEO.
Red Bulls' Rafa Marquez is not playing at the level he should be, despite remarks
Well it's the other way around according to Marquez.