Not one Hispanic on the 95 team and 1-2 on the 94s!!! Pay to play up the ODP ladder is to blame. Designed for profit first. Top player recognition last. So if you can't pay your not a top player/payer. This translates into much less Hispanic turnout.

That is very offensive to ME also Luis! You perpetuate negative racial stereotypes that reasonable people don't have! Since WHEN does race have to do with soccer ability?! If you want to talk of how the more talented the player the more expensive it is to play - and how ODP is so very political and for profit - I'm with you! But the fact is - players of EVERY race are excluded as a matter affordability.

What I first like to point out is just why is this ODP process have to do with the NCAA? These are 16 & 17 year olds, yet I've some difficulty in the ODP/NCAA connection, 'cause, isn't there some sort of rules violation for possible future collegiate eligibility? Second, what I find offensive is "super man," and "Motzkus's" perception that whatever Luis writes about vis-a-vis not naming one Hispanic is part and parcel of what they claim to be a perpetuation of a "...negative racial stereotypes. (sic)...." Luis is merely pointing out that in this vast country of ours, some people don't bother to see the trees for the forest, even though Motzkus's mention of how "expensive it is to play..." DOES AND IS IN FACT AND DEED a brick wall for many players. I know, I've been there, seen that, BUT, Mr. Motzkus, your assertion that "players of EVERY race are excluded as a matter of affordability..." is somewhat curious because if this was the case, then there wouldn't be such a "select group of players" announced in this article. Lastly, FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO ANO NUEVO!!!

Stuper, you are a hipocrit and mostly everyone here sees you as such. I will keep it simple for you. If the same ODP system was used for Basketball do you honestly think that you will have 95% of the filtered players be of black race? The answer would be no!!! Is it racist to say that I find it almost impossible to ever see a 1/2 white national USA team? It would be a huge surprise to everyone if it ever happened. Why? Because for some time now black's have dominated this sport started by whited people who were unwilling to let them in at first. If a black person said this no one would argue against them because of fear. Since a Hispanic is making these statements it is turned into a racist debate and attacked by you guys.

I am not surprised by Stupers hipocritical comments as there is a history of hipocracy in this country that I think it is our responsability to overcome. I wonder what the American Indian think of my comments?? Again my comments are never meant to be racist. They are simply observations made from Hispanic point of view.

Obviously ODP is a pay to play league. But identification of talent in soccer is difficult. A quick look shows that many of the players weren't on their scholastic regional (within a state) or state teams. ODP is just one way to showcase players. Players that hope to play in college have to show their skills in multiple venues. All races are excluded as a matter of affordability.

Well put Ronnie but some races are able to afford these things more than others. That is why I feel we are missing out on the best. If I were trying out for national team I would want to be 100% sure I competed against the best players and not the best payers.

Super man: Race has been an institutional part of the development of this country from it's conquest on to the very present. Before you cast stones in glass houses, let me tell you that I, as a Mexican immigrant, a veteran (Navy & Army) a naturalized citizen, college graduate and one who has been involved in the sport for over forty years, I can categorically tell you that you will never understand what Luis and I write about. Lastly, we have every right to express our thoughts on this board, just as you have the right to spout your ignorant rantings and while neither of us agree with your nattering on the topic, believe it, we will respect your right to spout off ignorance. Otra vez: FELIZ NAVIDAD!

The problem with raced based thinking is that it is inherently exclusionary, sees itself as a victim or prideful. It seeks to be understood and be justified, rather than to understand the validity of any other view. And rather than seeking to find the common ground and for mutual benefits, it demonizes (and twists the words) of those that have a different perspective. The claim has been made that unless a person is Hispanic that this position can NOT be understood. This is a lose, lose opinion, one where the only way to win is to get what the person wants how they want it. From MY perspective – this is offensive and is negative stereotyping. What race am I? or my son? Please don’t assume my race, or that I don’t understand a disadvantaged perspective only too well. And please don’t generalize and oversimplify – especially about race. Race is only one factor among many in the examples given. The topic I speak of is the affordability of ODP soccer. Again, if a more talented youth is excluded by income over a lesser player with greater means – then ALL are diminished (Hispanic or other). I believe this is a factor in why the USA lags behind other nations on the International levels. And there are just not many avenues for our children to be seen for those without wealth. I humbly suggest that I be properly understood my Hispanic brothers speaking, and that the conversation be about soccer players and youth development, not about race nor ethnicity.

To Mr. Motzkus: I promise this is the last I will say on the topic, however, the brutal fact is that while I agree with your comment, the brutal fact remains in that if one has the financial backing, then one can be noted and promoted to the vaunted ODP scene. But if one does not have the resources, then chances of being noted are greatly diminished. It is a sad case of the perennial Catch 22 scenario, and sadly, unfortunately, unless one has walked in our shoes, it is difficult for others to know that of which we speak. And yes, Mr. Motzkus, please rest assured that we understand your premise that it is about youth development, which includes race and ethnicity, but when we see the continued ommission of a certain class of players, it is incumbent upon us to do everything possible to correct it and work within the system and be inclusive and certainly not exclusive. FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!

Ric, of your last comment, we would seem to be in complete agreement. The "brutal facts" are self evident. We both would have a happier holiday if financial means were not a main factor of getting players seen. And another one of those facts, is that using divisive and confrontational language as has been employed in this tread is unlikely to improve our mutual concerns.

Stuper, because of people like you

Stupid, it does impact kids of all races but it does so much more some than others. That is extremely visible. You have nothing to say of my example about basketball and black people, huh? Hipocrit.