Top Teams in Ohio: A spring rankings update

As the spring season unfolds and tryout season begins to infiltrate the youth soccer community, it's time to revisit the ever-exciting world of team rankings. With several games under their belts, teams are starting to assert their dominance or make impressive strides up the ladder. In this blog post, we'll take a fresh look at three prominent ranking sources: gotsoccer.com, Youth Soccer Games, and the Soccer Rankings app, to gauge the pulse of youth soccer teams across the state.

Before diving into the latest rankings, be sure to take a look at our previous posts about ranking, where we delved into the intricacies of these ranking systems. Understanding the methodology behind each source gives us a clearer perspective on the rankings they provide, enabling us to make informed assessments.

Now, onto the rankings themselves. At first glance, it's evident that the Internationals are making waves once again, reclaiming their position at the top and asserting their dominance in the girls' game statewide. Their consistent performance speaks volumes about the quality of coaching, player development, and overall organization within the club.

However, a curious trend seems to be emerging in Cincinnati, where the Get Sharp teams are making significant strides and clinching top honors in Youth Soccer Games ranking where recent head to head outcomes are given a lot of weight when ranking. This unexpected surge may have other clubs in the region on the defensive, prompting them to reassess their strategies and up their game to stay competitive.

GotSoccer.com

	Boys	Girls
2005	Cincinnati United 05 Cup Gold	FC Dayton
2006	Blast FC 06 RL	Club Ohio O6 G National
2007	Spire FC 2007 Boys	Club Ohio Dayton 07 G Elite
2008	Columbus United B08 Lions	Ohio Elite ECNL G08
2009	Club Ohio 09 B National	Club Ohio Dayton 09G
2010	Team Challenger North	Columbus United G'10 Lions
2011	Canton Akron United Force	Cincinnati United GA
2012	Cincinnati United Cup 12B South	Cleveland Force SC Pre ECNL
2013	Canton Akron United Force	Team Challenger North
2014	Ohio Affiliate Columbus City SC	Club Ohio West 14 G Academy 1

Soccer Ranking

	Boys	Girls
2005	Cleveland Force SC ECNL	Internationals SC ECNL
2006	NA	NA
2007	Columbus Crew MLS Next	Internationals SC ECNL
2008	Cleveland Force SC ECNL	Internationals SC ECNL
2009	Columbus Crew MLS Next	Internationals SC ECNL
2010	FC CIncinnati MLS Next	Ohio Premier ECNL
2011	Cincinnati United CUP SC MLS Next	Cincinnati United GA
2012	Cincinnati United CUP Gold	Ohio Elite SA Pre ECNL
2013	Cincinnati United CUP Gold	Cleveland Force SC Pre ECNL Blue
2014	Pacesetter SC 24 Red Pre ECNL	Internationals SC PRE ECNL
2015	Cincy Galaxy SC Elite	BSA Celtic White
2016	Barca Academy Columbus CLB Premier	Barcelona United Pool 1

Youth Soccer Games

	Boys	Girls
2005	NA	NA
2006	Blast FC Soccer Academy	Internationals SC ECNL
2007	Cincinnati Elite FC	Internationals SC ECNL
2008	Sporting Columbus RL B08	Ohio Elite Soccer Academy ECNL
2009	Columbus Crew MLS Next	Internationals SC ECNL
2010	Club Ohio ECNL RL	CUP 10G GA
2011	Get Sharp GSF 2011B	CUP 11G GA
2012	Cleveland Force 12 B South	Get Sharp GSF 2012G Gold
2013	Get Sharp GSF 2013B Gold	Get Sharp GSF 2013 G Gold
2014	Ohio Affiliate Columbus City SC	GTFC 2014 Girls Pre ECNL
2015	Lakota Futbol Club B15 White	Queen City Futsal Academy

Amidst the dominance of established powerhouses, it's heartening to see smaller and newer clubs making their mark on the rankings. Their inclusion underscores the dynamic nature of youth soccer, where dedication, talent, and effective coaching can propel even the underdogs to success. Congratulations are certainly in order for these clubs, whose achievements are nothing short of impressive.

As tryout season approaches, these rankings serve as valuable benchmarks for players, coaches, and parents alike. They provide insight into the landscape of youth soccer, helping prospective players find the right fit for their skill level, aspirations, and development needs. Additionally, for coaches and club administrators, the rankings offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their teams, informing strategic decisions and areas for improvement.

It's important to note that while rankings offer a snapshot of performance at a given moment, they are not definitive indicators of future success. Soccer is a dynamic sport, and factors such as injuries, player development, and tactical adjustments can all influence outcomes over time. Therefore, while rankings provide a helpful reference point, they should be viewed in conjunction with other factors when evaluating teams and players.

As we make our way through another exciting season of Ohio soccer, let's celebrate the achievements of top-ranked teams while also applauding the efforts of up-and-coming clubs. Whether you're vying for top honors or simply enjoying the beautiful game, remember that soccer is as much about passion, teamwork, and growth as it is about winning. Here's to a successful and rewarding season ahead for all involved in the youth soccer community!