Star Tribune Poll out today: http://www.startribune.com/526/story/632325.html
1. Wayzata
2. Eden Prairie
3. Minneapolis South
4. Minnetonka
5. Armstrong
6. St. Paul Central
7. Breck
8. Benilde-St. Margaret
9. St. Paul Highland
10. St. Louis Park
Not sure when the coaches poll will be out as they have a new web site that appears to have some issues.
Players to watch? Mr. Soccer? Who will win state? Who will over-achieve, who will over-achieve?
171 comments:
I'll guess...
AA
1. Wayzata
2. Minneapolis South
3. Minnetonka
4. Osseo
5. Woodbury
6. Eden Prairie
7. Blaine
8. St. Paul Central
9. Stillwater
10. Eagan
A
1. Benilde
2. Holy Angels
3. St. Louis Park
4. Breck
5. Rochester Lourdes
6. St. Thomas Academy
7. Northfield
8. Meadow Creek
9. Chisago Lakes
10. ?
8.
i think it is going to be a great year and hopefully there will be an exciting state tournament
who do u think will take mr soccer for AA???
Without Rosenthal playing because of injury the boys Mr Soccer race is wide open.
I heard that there is a chance Rosenthal could be back at the end of the season...not sure how much you have to play to be eligible, but he would have been the favorite. Central Coach is that true?
Here is a list from the "old blog", plus a few others...I've seen most of these kids play and think it is a good list to start with.
AA
In reverse alphabetic order (just for EMS):
Devon Prideaux (Minnetonka) - scored a lot of goals in a strong conference. Saw him at state cup this summer, look dangerous.
Kyle Madder (Osseo) - this kid can play and may be the best old school "stopper" that can get forward MN has seen in a while. Saw him play club ball this summer. Very solid.
Abe and Aaron Gibbons (Mpls South) - led AA in points last year, but conference is weak. Saw them at the State tourney last year, both are big, technical and athletic. Could hurt them that they are both at the same school.
David Dale (Eagan) - very productive last year in a good conference. Small but quick and smart. Saw him this summer with his Blackhawks team, stood out on an average Premier team.
Andre Adams (St. Paul Central) - with Rosenthal out, this player will probably get consideration. Had good stats as a defender last year, but in a weak conference. Denfends well and can get forward. Also good in the air. Saw him at state cup and he looked very good.
A
We'll put these in alphabetic order just to mix it up ;)
Bayode Adafin (Rochester Lourdes) - this kid can run. Saw him at state cup and he was a handful. Have not seen his HS team play, but have heard good things about him from others.
Josh Erickson (Meadow Creek Christian) - very well rounded player. Can play anywhere on the field and stands out. Saw him in Premier league play this year and he looked outstanding.
om Hoffman (Mahtomedi) - Good goal scored and very smart player. Saw him in league play this year and he stood out even against one of the AA guys above defending him.
Van Hong (St. Louis Park) - This kids has it all. He defends, he wins balls in the air, he attacks an scored goals. I think SLP HS team will be down a bit this year, so it will be interesting to see if he gets any press.
Nick Wegleitner (Benilde) - Very athletic and smart. Saw him at state cup and in summer league play. A streaky player, but should stand out on a good BSM team.
There are probably other deserving players out there...
Good list Anon. I know a few of the kids listed for A and AA and they are deserving candidates at the start of the season. We will see how they perform through October.
Us old defends know that those who score, usually get the glory. It was great to see a GK win last year. Has a defender ever won the Mr./Ms. soccer award?
Yes there is a chance Greg Might be back but I would say not in the regular season. Andre Adams and the rest of those players you listed and probably a few others will definetly be in the hunt for Mr. Soccer.Andres chances will probably depend on how he does in are big games. We play Wayzata, Stillwater, E.P., Maple Grove, Champlin park, Cretin, and Highland Park twice.
If Grandstrand plays in the net he will be a leading candidate for single A. I saw him play 2 times last year on the field. I don't think he can match the quality of the others listed as candidates. I also heard that he had a bad injury. Will he even play this year?
I thought Ibrahim was playing in Florida for the national program.I would not imageine he would come back to play H.S. soccer.
Abdu Ibrahim is in town right now, but heading back to Florida. He would be a Senior this year (even though he is supposidly a 1991 birth year.)
It seems odd this kid is a senior but has a 1991 birth date?
My son is a senior and has a 1988 birth date...most seniors are 88's or 89's.
Abdu is a nice kid. He did not "set" his birthdate when he came to this country, some adult did.
While there are questions about his age, you can't deny he is very talented player working hard to make it big time.
Many of the kids who play soccer at an accelrated level also have higher education levels at lower ages. I can think of at least one or two women players who graduated high school at 15/16 and went on to play college as well as the national team. So it is not too farfetched that his birthdate be "off".
I believe it is the consistent practice by some immigrants groups of under-estimating age upon arriving to the US that is the question here.
It would be unusual for an immigrant, with little/no english skills, to be at an accelerated grade level.
Not with the amount of testing that can be done in your native language. Just because you don't speak American very well doesn't mean you are not intelligent.
Nobody is saying or inferring that if you don't speak English you are not intelligent. BTW, American is not a language...English is a language.
As part of immigration process, children are not tested for grade level. Bone measure tests are performed by health officials to estimate ages if parents don't have an actual birthdate.
Abdu Ibrahim has always had an age factor follow him. When he first went to Richfield he was considered older than he is now. But somehow when he was traveling with the residency team they discovered supposedly that he was younger.
Any how he won't be playing high school soccer even if he did return. According to the Richfield High School coach Abdul has signed with an agent and has tried out for a few teams in Europe.
Anyone else tired of hearing Central, Highland, South and Southwest accomplishments downplayed because of their weaker conference? Ever heard of the tri-metro? Or North Suburban? Or the Metro confernece? Or the Mississippi Eight? The list goes on...
Almost every conference has at least 2, 3 or more weaker teams.
These top city teams have done quite well against the top teams from the bigger, better funded suburban teams.
Anon guessed 5 of the 10 on the STRIB list. I think Central Coach is right - 20 or 25 teams could be on this list...
Glad to see 3 city schools from "weaker conferences" make the grade!
My guess is one of the Gibbons twins will win Mr Soccer as they'll score dozens of goals in matches with scores of 11-0 or 19-0 as they did last year.
This isn't a knock on these players as they're extremely gifted athletes but hopefully the voters will look at someone like Prideaux who will score far fewer goals but come in games with scores of 1-0 or 2-1 as well as the gaudy numbers the South players will amass.
There are just too many terrible teams in South's conference.
Just in case anyone was heading out to Stillwater to watch the MN Cup tonight, games have been postponed till tomorrow because of the weather.
Just saw the Strib stuff, good props to the city schools. I feel almost stupid bitching...then on the same day, the strib lists 3 city schools in the top 10 (and even 2 from my backyard!)
I agree about adding Krueger to the list as he is a complete players. I did not get a chance to see any of these kids in the summer. I can only remark on their HS play from last year and there is plenty of talent in the group.
I heard the Prideaux may be injured and miss the early part of the season.
What is the MN Cup?
Stillwater host and invites teams they believe will do well in the coming season.
Anyone know the game times? Is there a web site that has the dates, times and location information?
Central vs Wayzata 5:00 Fri
Stillwater vs E.P. 7:00 Fri
3rd place 5:00 Sat
Championship 7:00 Sat
Are the games at Stillwater HS?
I'll go out on a limb an say that the follwing teams are significantly over-rated:
Class AA - Eden Prairie, Armstrong
Class A - Breck
Eden Prairie is not overrated they have the talent and players to get 'er done this year, especially since they boast 2 Top Premier teams from the summer that were all Eden Prairie Boys. I saw Armstrong and Jefferson last night for about 10 mins before the game got canceled. But, Armstrong looks like they added some new talent and replaced Keido Pour with no problem at all. I would of not ranked Armstrong at #5, I place them in the bottom half at #7. Eden Prairie should be #1 over Wayzata.
are the MN cup games at Stillwater high school? if not, where are they?
are the MN cup games at Stillwater high school? if not, where are they?
Rankings look pretty good from a newspaper reporters perspective. I don't think this is the actual coaches poll though. Or is it?
Nice to see sh@t talking already from the EP faithful.
Just checked the MYSA standings for the "top" EP teams. There is a U16 Premier that finished 3rd and a U15 Premier that finished 4th in their leagues. Hardly the "top" teams, but still probably quality teams. I think that would be mostly freshmen and sophmores...which doesn't always translate into a strong varsity team...I'm guessing in a year or 2 they will be vying for the state title.
I think HS soccer should be split into 1 more class..say for the HS over 3000. Since AA is currenlty 1100+ students and some of the biggest HS are over 3800.
Stillwater Tournament results: St. Paul Central beat Wayzata in a shoot out; Eden Priarie beat Stillwater 3-2.
Championship game tomorrow - Cenrtal V. Eden Prairie at 7:00pm
Was the Central Wayzata game 0-0 before the shootout?
that means that stillwater plays wayzeta at 5 then correct?
Anybody see the games? How about a recap?
Best of luck to all 4 teams tonight.
Coaches poll begins Sept 3rd according to the website:
http://www.mshssca.org/polls/aa_boys_poll.html
Highland 2 Osseo 1
Any news on the EP v Central game?
Central 1 - E.P. 0
It was something of a surprise that Central won the championship, with Rosenthal and their starting forward out with injuries.
Its nice to see a diverse bunch of talented players rise to the challenge, without two of their superstars...
It certainly shows that soccer talent comes from more than just two soccer clubs in MN...
Or does it show how average Wayzata and EP might be?
So if Wayzata and E.P. are average what would be a good team???? I think there is a hater in the house.
I think we saw this on the old blog, someone expresses an opinion differnt than yours and so they must be a hater. Grow up anon 5:00 PM!
why isnt anyone talking about eagan this yr? return many, including 30 pt scorer david dale
So what would be a good team?????????
David Dale had a hattrick and an assist in the season opener. Eagan's offense will be very strong this year, but their D might hold them back this year
Eagan is being talked about. Look at the top of this post. Anon guested they would be top 10. And with this post Eagan will be mentioned in 4 different posts.
David Dale is a terrific goal scorer and probably deserved consideration to be listed in the players to watch section of the STrib.
just wanted to say this yr's high school sports website is great. only downside is teams who dont report players' stats/game scores... not that its any different on any other sites.
I have recently talked to Mr. Rosenthal and there is just about no chance whatsoever of him being back for any part of the H.S. season. Even if he was fit he does not want to risk his future by an early comeback to play H.S.
He has been quite honored and flattered that there has been so much talk and pub of him being a top candidate for Mr. Soccer this year with out even stepping on the field this season. With that said, he also feels very crushed that this injury (ACL) has caused him to not be able to participate in the fall season and have a chance at trying to earn the honor some feel he might be able to achieve.
I would have to agree with him that unlike most players he has a long term future to look forward to and must consider that first and foremost.
My kids play club soccer with Greg Rosenthal and he is one heck of kid. Very composed and mature. I'm confident he will have a very sucessful college soccer career.
Too bad about Rosenthal. Great kid, but smart decision to not risk a further injury during high school.
Dale had another 3 goals and an assist last night, but the Eagan D could really hold back his mr soccer chances. 2 goals given up against Arlington, 4 against Prior Lake. Wonder how many they will concede vs a team like EP, who plays in their conference.
Dale is good but was the third best player on the field last night. #10 for Arlington is the best H.S. forward I have seen in years.Also #16 for Eagan created almost all Eagans scoring chances. Dale scored on a PK and 2 easy rebounds.
Central O - Highland Park 0
A not very convincing performance by either team. Central's D actually looked pretty good. They seem to have some decent forwards but no one passes to each other. They all just try to one on one. They did seem to have the much better of the two teams.
What's up with the overtime in regulation play? New H.S. rule?
Mpls Southwest 1 - Eagan 0
Southwest completely dominated play after the first 20 minutes of the game. The game was more one sided than the score.
I also saw the first half of the Highland and Central game. Neither team could get much going and both looked a bit sloppy.
Mpls Southwest are the best team I have seen in this early part of the season. (I've seen Central, Highland, Mpls South, Eagan, Holy Angels and Apple Valley.)
BSM 2, EP 1. Wow.
I like several coaches following Dale saw the Arlington Game - 3 comments. 1. Eagan Defense, what Defense? 2. #10 not even best Arlington player (Fue Vang #22 much more talent) 3. Dale doing it well despite being doubled every game. He might be the real deal!
After being listed as a player to watch by the Star Tribune, Kiedo Poure seems to be MIA at St. Bernards. Anyone know of his status? Is he injured?
On another note. I noticed that the MaxPreps site seems to have a lot of incorrect scores, and double posted scores (along with to many ads!) I think Wayzata's loss to Central is listed as a tie and EP is showing 2 wins against Stillwater.
After watching the first half of the Eagan Southwest game last night i was a bit suprised with what i saw. David Dale did not show up to play the only player who provided spark was an explosive forward #23, heard he had a hat trick last game along with dale.Seems like if Dale isnt prepared to play Eagan struggles.
First of all Arlingtons D never double teamed Dale Because they have no D they just had 4 guys watching poeple run past them then missing the net. Fue is Arlingtons best all around player, but Joe/#10 was the only thing that kept that game interesting 2-2 till the last 15 minutes. I supose Eagan did miss around 57 or 58 shots, that helped make it interesting for a while.
It would be cool to see a State Championship game between the Champions of A & AA. Just a random thought.
For those who didn't notice, last night's non-conference action had the St. Paul City Conference go 2-0 and Minneapolis City Conference went 3-0-2.
5-0-2...not bad for the supposidly weak conferences! Go city teams!
St. Paul Central 1, Mpls Washburn 1
Hmm.....
eagan 3, duluth east 0
I saw the Eagan v Southwest game as well. Dale was Eagan's best player in the game. Eagan just played to much boot ball. They created a few good chance all to or through Dale. Not sure what game fanatic was watching. Southwest just outplayed a very average Eagan team.
After hearing about the Eagan-Duluth East game, it seems they came to play tonight. Dale had yet another multi-goal game with 2 tonight while dishing out 1 assist to solid midfileder #19 for Eagan. Dale has already got double digit points before conference play begins, even though the teams are not as tough is what he is going to be attacking in the lake. Sounded like an impressive win, we'll see how they come to play one they open their conference play with Eastview next Tuesday.
The Pioneer Press has its "Teams to Watch" listed today. They include St. Paul Central, Wayzata (the favorite), EP, Mpls. South and Eagan.
All of these were on the Strib list expect Eagan. Apparently Dale's hot foot has caught the attention of the press...
Hey MNFUTBOL how about a blog on just Eagan and David Dale ;) Several Eagan fans and possibly Dale's parents seem to be filling up this post...maybe they need one of their own!
I have seen Andre play against us for the past couple of years. I would say he was a non factor in our recent tie with Central. He did'nt play bad, just didn't do anything. I heard from a Central parent friend that he has struggled in the mid field since moving their this year. He is a decent play, but I don't get the hype? I think our Sisay (#9) is a better all around player and probably more deserving of the ink.
David Dale helped 3 old ladies across the road, pulled a child out of a burning building, and scored 33 goals againts Little Sisters of The Poor H.S. today.
GOOOOO EAGAN!!!!!!!
The Pioneer Press as usual is only prop'n kids from their readership area. Chris Golv, are you kidding me? They throw Monestario in because he is only a Junior and can't win Mr. Soccer over one of their reader's kid. Then they list Central as the team to watch, when Highland is the best team in the conference. Monestario is definately an outstanding player and deserved to be on the list. Adams has been remarkably a non-factor so far this year.
If your going to trash kids, at least give us your real name so we can all know who to snear at on the sidelines.
Remember after all, they are kids, playing a game.
Maybe this will halp clear up some issues.
On Mr. Soccer: Right now no body has set themselves apart from the rest nor has anyone had time to, wait till mid Sept. before you pump up or put down kids.
Andre Adams: Andre plays defensive mid. and I have told him to stay back and protect, first two games he was perfect, in Highland game he got injured after 20 minutes and then did what he could after that, I used him a bit in the Washburn game but his injury made him a non factor. All and all I am very happy with his play so far.
Highland better than Central: This year so far it has been a 0-0 tie both teams played hard but niether looked very good. For the Highland fans out there I think its great that the St. Paul city has two teams that can compete with any one in the state but until you consistantly beat good teams people do not consider you a contender. That doesnt mean Highland is not a great team it just means that many other teams have done more to get noticed and will get the credit. You have to do more than beat Central once every five years to be considerd the better of the two.
Minnetonka is looking strong. They will be even better when their top defender returns from an injury soon and the rest of the boysmove back to where they usually play.
Tonka has a foreign exchange student who has been lighting it up...a nice pick-up for an already strong team.
Minnetonka and Wayzata play on Tuesday. I don't know if Tonka's injured defende will be back but this should be an interesting match regardless.
Thanks Central coach-
I was at that Central vs. H.P. game and your right, neither team played great but Central certainly looked the better of the two teams. Central had two gimmies and they missed them both. That hurt you guys. Kind of reminded me of last years first game against H.P. where you had a chance to put them away and didn't. Which came back to haunt you later. I am not sure either team looked as good as last years teams but was impressed with Central back line and their forward/wing turned sweeper Jose Garcia looked very impressive. I saw Adams get injured and he struggled the rest of the game. I liked the Brian M? kid in midfield. He did a great job of holding the ball and distributing. Looks like the challenge will be up front for you guys. You've got some talent, you just need to get them on the same page and playing with each other.
I also agree with Central coach. Give these kids a chance. For Gods sake it's the first week of the season. I remember back in 98 I believe when Buzz left SPA and Lang took over. The team was horrible the first month of the season. By the end of the season they came back with a blaze of glory and ended up wining the State Championship.
And everyone please keep in mind, there kids. As much as the quality of H.S. soccer is no where near what club soccer is, if you ask the kids almost everyone of them will tell you they enjoy playing H.S. more because of the peer recognition. How many club games do they get to play for where the P.A. announcer calls out their name every time they run onto the field. Never! And when do they get 200 maybe 500 kids cheering or booing them at a club game. They don't. They also don't get to step into a building the day after their club team wins and have their name announced in the morning announcements to thousands of kids that they had the winning goal in the big game last night.
That is why kids play H.S. soccer folks. Not because it's great soccer. Because it is fun and they get a lot of recognition for it. Let them have fun and let's not tear everyone apart please.
MNFUTBALL-
As an idea for a post. I find it pretty hard to keep track of all the teams and their schedules both in H.S. and college. I'm wondering if a post titled something like, "Games To Watch This Week" would work. In the comments people could post games that they feel might be worth the time to come out and watch.
I think most of us probably have more interest in one or two conferences than others. I follow the St. Paul and North Suburban closer than any others just because that is the area I live in. If someone knows of a good match they could post the match, time and location. It would give others a heads up to go see it. The problem with this of course is anyone who is a bigger homer for there kids school could start posting every game. But I would love to know a week a head of time when South and Southwest were playing and might just go out and see the game if I knew about it.
Any other thoughts by anyone?
Eagan v Eastview 7:00 at eagan tuesday the 5th.. should be a great these two teams are bitter rivals.
Not to start another Eagan string, but if you cant make the rival Eagan vs. Eastview, a better game will be on Thursday the 7th @ Eden Prarie. This should test both teams and be a great match regardless.
Are two new polls out today? Pioneer Press and Coaches? After a just quick review, it looks like Apple Valley rising and EP falling are the two big changes from the STRIB poll...
But Southwest and Woodbury pop up too, I think...Reaction?
Southwest should be up their. They whipped Eagan (even though the score line was only 1-0). Southwest have Minneapolis Roosevelt and should win by a landslide.
I think Eagan play Eastview and the winner will be a leg up on the conference title. Too close to predict this one.
Intersting that Minnetonka dropped out and I think . Big game against Wayzata tonight. I put my money on a tie
Minnetonka 1 - Wayzata 1
Highland Park should not be that high, if ranked at all. I think you will see shortly that their luck will run out.
Another interesting game will be Minneapolis Washburn and Minneapolis South. Washburn tied Central 1-1 in Intercity play. Havent seen South yet this year, but my prediction:
South 2 - Washburn 1
South 11-Washburn 1!!!!
Wayzata 1- Minnetonka 1
Central 3-Maple Grove 2
Eastview 4 Eagan 2
Eastview much improved over last year.
Thanks for the updates!
Mixed thoughts on the Eagan Vrs. Eastview game. I came expecting a brutal low-scoring contest, and left with a pretty lackluster performance from the home side. Eagan was definately not at their best, and Eastview made a point in picking out their slower than average defenders with 2 goals early on through-balls. David Dale was a non-factor until the later minutes of the game while play was scattered and unorganized. It looks like Eagan has a solid 12-13 players and a very good core group including Dale, 19, 18, 7, and 16.
18 (persavich?) started out playing in a central midfield role and was playing sweeper by the end where he looked strong. Anyone know anything? Chances of him staying there?
David Dale is needed in the midfield to prop up a weak Eagan defense. Later in the game he rotates to forward. This is where he shines. That's why he/his team struggles until he is up top. I heard he will be a forward for the Wings next summer-can anyone confirm?
Persavich (on the Wings for sure) can really be a factor for Eagan. Out for a couple of games early, Eagan needs to put him in Dales' spot in midfield or as sweeper. A bit spotty, but built for High School ball. He is physical and fast.
Eagan needs to fix some things fast, or they will just be crushed by Eden Prairie and Apple Valley. If they survive those two match-ups, they could shine.
I've heard that Dale is on the club move next year, but not to Wings.
I've seen EP boys play a few times. They're improving each game.
The core of their team are the kids from last years U16 State Cup Champion team.
I think they're going to be hard to beat. They are very deep and seem to be extremely fit and get stronger late in the game.
In referring to EP, I think you mean 'beat again.' Didn't they already loose 2 games. Also, every team should be improving every game at this point in the season.
Tonight should be a good test against the up/down Eagan team. The win against Stillwater is looking like it was a good one, as Stillwater is much improved this year. But the Jefferson win was against a rebuilding team, missing their all state senior forward Nelson.
I think this blog has to many self promoting parents from Eagan and EP...not that anyone should be suprised by that!
I mean beat when it really counts...when it's lose and your done in sections and/or state.
One goal losses to SP Central and Stillwater are nothing to be ashamed of. There won't be any unbetaen "AA" teams this year.
Tonight will be a good test and I suspect EP will pass with flying colors.
EP beat Stillwater 3-2, there losses are to Central 1-0 and BSM 2-1.
Eagan beats Eden Prairie 3-2. It should have been worse than that. Looks like the Eagan defense is finally coming together.
Anon 11:49..the only thing to be ashamed of is ending a sentence with a preposition ;)
I'll bet the EP parents (Anon 8:27PM) will disagree "that it should have been worse" with the Eagan parent above. You E-suburbanites should just admit that your teams are average right now and stop trying to pump them up with all the quips. It is OK to be average, especially at this point in the season. BTW the other E-suburn, Edina lost tonight 1-0 to Hopkins.
Made it to the West side tonight to catch a most of the Jefferson and Mpls South game. The Gibbons twins sparkled, as did #10 and #4 (no programs.) One of the twins started on defense, then mid, then up top before he was injured in the 2nd half.
A Jefferson parent told me they were happy to have all-state Nelson (#2) back, cast and all, and he scored a goal on his first touch of the game with his unbelievable speed. Then went to the back to try to hold them off. #4 was also productive for Jefferson.
Also heard that Jefferson has 6 freshmen on Varsity. It wasn't really a very competative game as South swarmed offensively. Jefferson played hard for the entire game, but it could be a long season for them.
Why would anyone reading this blog NOT want to hear more about Eden Prairie, Eagan and other teams. All have had their ups and downs, all are contenders to go to state, and certainly the Lake Conference Championship is on the line.
While we continue to hear about Andre, Gibbons, Dale and other stars - I want to know more!
The game scores don't tell the story about the players. While the Gibbons destroy C3 teams, Dale plays his premier rivals.
Sure we would all like to compare these guys head to head, but the high school schedule does not work that way. Some really great players will never advance to State.
This is the place to hear about something other than the "box score". I encourage all to write more - even if you are from Eagan, Eden Prairie or Minneapolis South.
But I have a request. Please use a handle. It can be anonymous to the whole world but it is much easier to follow these threads when you see a handle pop up instead of anonymous. Anonymous is arguing with anonymous? If I saw that ZZZ was posting again and I feel they are always knowledgeable and fair I will pay closer attention. I hope you all get what I mean. We had the same annoying problem over at MN Soccer Scene.
I completely agree with BQ its alright to post scores without a tag but anyone who makes other coments cant be taken with any seriousness. Give yourself a name that way people can see your track record and decide weather or not they should believe what you say. And it would be nice to hear from some more teams and Conferances I am sick of hearing about Eagan and David (Pele) Dale but thats mostely because other fans from other teams are not posting as much.
Peace and hair grease homies.
Neither of the Gibbons' twins has played much forward during their HS careers. They have played mostly midfield and defense. Don't frivolously compare their stats with a forwards. The “story” is their complete game including defense, ball winning and play making. These responsibilities limit the number of times they can get into the attack. No they don’t always play well, and may not be the best players in MN. Each HS season their assist tallies have been near their goal tallies…they involve their teammates, while trying to improve their team. They have told me they would trade every goal, every assist, every individual award, and Mr. Soccer ambitions for a state title.
As far as comparing South's competition to ‘destroying C3 teams’...South sits most of their starters when they get a big lead against the city opponents. The scores get inflated by the bottom half of the roster. Playing in a weak conference is a disadvantage. It is difficult to prepare players for section and state games, whey you are sitting a bunch of your starters for long periods in blowouts.
That said, I would not say that South is playing great soccer right now and certainly have a number of things to work on/improve. But they are a good team, trying to get better. Should they be in the top 10? Yes, No, I don't know.
For the doubters, come see South (who beat Apple Valley) play Southwest (who beat Eagan) play tomorrow (Saturday 9/9) at 4PM at South High School. No guarantees on who will win, but you will see a great game. Both teams have some talent and this has been a great conference rivalry forever.
BTW, thanks for the nice comments CitySlicker, I will pass them on to the South boys.
I wonder if mof is somehow related to the gibbons' their father possibly? Parents and fans need to stop posting in this blog and let the people who are truly unbiased share their opinions without defensive family members. Its nice to hear what people who actually know the game have to say.
Atleast MOF tags there comments unlike all the anonymous bloggers, also they give a well thoughtout explaination of the Gibbons play and even say that the twins might not be the best but they love there team and soccer.
Yes I am their father. Who are you?
I recently heard about this blog from another father who posts here regularly and has tremendous game knowledge. How does being a parent make you unknowledgeable? I have been around the game as a player, coach and ref for over 25 years. (I am certainly not suggesting that I know everything about the game or player development.)
Since you know who I am now, feel free to introduce yourself on the sidelines. Maybe you could enlighten me with your knowledge of the game.
I never said that being a parent made you unknowledgeable. I simply said that this post should remain unbiased. And if your knowlege is so great then maybe you could enlighten us with something besides the promoting of your kids. Wouldnt it make you feel better to have someone besides yourself saying something good about your kids? Just a simple opinion, you wont be hearing from me anytime soon. All the best.
what is going on with Minnetonka? bad start.
The Gibbons boys have no control over how long their coach leaves them in the game and when they're on the field they are relentless...which I greatly admire.
I expect both of the twins will be offered D1 scholarships based on their success in club soccer more than what they do in HS games.
Don't blame the kids for the lopsided scores, that blame rests more on the coach who keeps stars on the field when the score in 8-0.
I believe if I stop Anon posters, the blog will die. I would request, as others have, that everyone create a handle.
If only non-biased people could post, there would be no blog. Everyone has a preference/bias toward/against something: players, teams, a conference, a country, a style of play, a position, etc.
I would disagree with Anon that the dad is involved in "defensive family matters." I agree with Barbarino and would like to hear more specifics about players and teams progress. I don't care if it comes from their parent, coach, teammate, referee or opponent.
Today is the NSC Challenge Cup - would love to hear results!!!!
South 3 Southwest 0
Southwest had much more of the play in the first half, but did not create any strong chances. South looked disorganized and sloppy. Second half was pretty even up until the 50th minute when South scored. Then South started to play better and create some addition chances and goals.
If you strip the goals out, game was probably 55/45 for Southwest, they just could not seem to create any good chances.
I caught the 2nd half of the Mpls South and Southwest game and thought South looked better. Southwest played well, are a strong team and should make make some noise this year. While the SW keeper looked a bit indecisive I don't know if any of the goals could have been saved. Goals by Lucas, Gibbons and Fadis.
As a Bangu Tsunami parent I can honestly say some of the most fun we have with HS soccer is watching our kids play against their Bangu Tsunami teammates during the HS season.
Sometimes these "little games with a game" are more entertaining and interesting than the HS game itself.
The kids truly enjoy this aspect of HS soccer as well and look forward to this added bit of competition.
eagan beet sibley 1-0 last night
Bangu Tsunami parent,
I totally get what you are talking about. Can you imagine us coaches who have worked with these guys to some degree or another and then get to watch them play each other. I observed a Central vs. Cretin game about 6 years ago where there were 10 players on the field that I had coaches at some point or another. I am not saying that I had all that much influence on them. Some I know I had a great influence on and others just a bit. But it was very rewarding none the less to see all these players in competition that you have worked with. Very cool. I have said it before and say it again, as "bad" as H.S. soccer is in it's quality there are a lot of very good things about it.
Anyone want to give an update about Wayzata... they are 4-0-4 and just tied Blaine(1-4-3) 1 to 1.... what is going wrong with them?
When you are ranked #1 everybody comes at you alot harder, so an average team ups there game for one shot at the champ, now multiply that times 18 and the season becomes extreamly difficult no matter who you play. Its always easyer being the underdog.
I think the Central's Coach explanation is partially true. But, last year, Wayzata had the same bulls-eye on them. Wayzata were #1 for most, if not all of last year.
I think it is confidence and talent. They lost a lot of senior talent. And Ryan Vint was the ultimate mistake eraser. I saw him play 6 or 7 times last year, and he was spectacular....I don't think he made a single mistake or misplay in the games I watched. He made some saves that you would not expect a HS player to make...which kept them in games where they were outplayed.
I'm guessing that the Wayzata coach has them playing a bit more conservatively (at least that what it looks like to me.) I would say they do not have the same talent level, which is absolutely no knock on the current players or coach.
They will improve over time, gain confidence and still be at the Metrodome.
Wayzata will be fine, improve over the season and still be at the metrodome.
Though I will confess to not seeing Wyzata play yet this year, last years team was exceptional. I thought they were one of the most organized teams I have seen play in the MSHL in years. They attacked together as a team and defended as a team but there transition was so good it was almost scary. At least the times when I saw them play. They would get there shape so quickly and everyone was on the same page. They weren't perfect as I know they lost a game or so last year I believe. But they were clearly the best team in the state last year.
And your right about Vint. And Central Coach is right about the shooting down the #1 syndrome. Everyone is gunning for the top teams. A mediocre team will take a tie with a top team as the highlight of their entire season. It's tough being on top. If you are rated, or if you are a school like Eden Prairie, everyone loves to hate you and beat you. Used to be years ago that a team like SPA could go through an entire season without getting beat but nowadays there is just to much good competition and a lot of good players who might not be on a great team but if they have a good night.....well, you just never know.
Big game tonight.
Eastview @ Burnsville at 4:00
An Eastview win should make them the conference favorites at this point. A Burnsville win probably means everything is still up for grabs.
The Lake conference has got to be the toughest and most competative this year with 5 teams that could win it.
so who won????
Burnsville beat Eastview
what was the score? and any reviews from someone who saw the game...
3-0. Burnsville controlled play for the most part and got a couple of lucky goals. Overall, Burnsville deserved the win. They dealt easily with Eastviews "boot and scoot" style.
matt carchedi is the best soccer player in the state by far, heads up for his 40 point season this yr
Where HS does Matt attend? What club team does he play for?
Matt Charchedi is a legend.
Must be a legend in his own mind...nobody has heard of him...LOL
Girls I would have to give credit too but they guys im not so sure about. After playing Jefferson, Kennedy, and Rosemount i think Shoreview Elementary could be too. We'll see what happens when they actually play some teams this upcoming week and truly find out if they are deserving.
We'll know after tonight if Eagan girls are for real.
To date they have only played 2 of their 10 games against teams with winning records.
My hunch is Lakeville will beat them as Lakeville has played stronger competition to date and is "battle hardened".
Mississippi 8 conference has a couple of interesting teams; Monticello and Cambridge looks like a good rivalry for the season.
Not much parity and some young programs.
Some good individual players on the middle teams.
phewfta... 4-0 Eagan over Lakeville South. Point Proven?
Lakeville who???? AHA!
lakeville boys team is terrible
girls team is unbelievable
These personal insults are killing this blog.
I hear many good things about BSM and how good they are but in my mind overrated. I only saw one guy out there that stood out and that would be Nick Weiglitner, is there anyone else that is stands out to you guys? Is there any young talent on the team? I would predict to come out of this conference (North Suburban) Spring Lake Park anyone have different opinions?
sorry mixed up in my words when I typer overrated I meant to put underrated. Sophomore forward for Eagan 9th in the state for points with 10 goals and 6 assists very impressive if you ask me anyone else have opinions on him??
Ryan Schlittler is only a sophomore, that's why we don't hear more. He is a great player with a tremendous future.
Hidden by the shadow of Baumgatner and Dale, Schlittler is a solid offensive weapon.
So howabout that cleat to the head in the Eagan Vrs. South game. South got very chippy towards the end. I have to say, I was dissapointed.
For those interested. The kid was Tyler Persavich. Word from the Eagan parents is that he came out with 10-15 stitches, and no major damage to the eye. I dont understand how something like that can happen and the kid can escape with a yellow. Tyler, won the header and as his motion carried him through the kid swung his foot into the tylers forehead. I attended about 3/4 of the game, and it was one of the most class-less performances i've seen in a long time.
Anon 9:40. It was Southwest that beat Eagan, not South. And if any team was getting cheap it was yours. Our boys played hard and deserved the win, even though they had to put up with one-sided refing, "wetback" comments from your players and constant whining from your bench.
I think Anon 9:40 was talking about Lakeville South. I believe Anon 1:59 is talking about Minneapolis Southwest. Interesting comment about the racial slurs though. I assume you are a Minneapolis Southwest parent? Did you actually hear them or did the players complain about it?
Anon 1:59 obviously is bitter about something to bring up a game that was 3 weeks old. The refing was not onesided at all considering Clarence Winters (the ref) was center for both of Eagan's losses (coincidence?) and if the Southwest parents want to bring up cheapness how about they mention how their own player intentionally tackled Eagans right in to the 5 foot 90 pound side ref as she broke her wrist stumbling on the track.... real classy. But anyways for the Southwest parent stop being so bitter that Eagan is rated higher than you in State, you deserved to win the game against them because you played better when Eagan was still getting thier rythm down, congratulations but don't freak out and make false accusations about the game and thier players 3 weeks later...
southwest is NOT a very good team and i would love to see a rematch.
I am neither Eagan nor Southwest and saw the game in question. The refing in the first half was very one-sided against Southwest. The second half was fairly called.
I have seen this same ref over the years in both HS and club call bad games. He is better suited for U13 and below.
No Southwest player tackled or pushed anybody into the ref, she was in the way and failed to get out of the way. If anything the Eagan player was trying to keep the ball in bounds and accidently ran the ref over.
The bitterness sounds more like it is coming from an Eagan parent blaming a Southwest player for the ref getting injured, trying to divert the focus of the previous Anon's comments.
I can not speak to the racial slurs. I would expect that you can't either (unless you were on the field.)
I am amazed and embarrased for the Eagan parents that keep posting the whining, taunting and in your face garbage.
First with the "why isn't anyone talking about Eagan", then with the David Dale jock-riding, then talking trash about Eden Prairie, then with the taunting of Lakeville South, then with the belittling of Southwest (who kicked you butts.)
It is easy to read all of the anon posts and figure out which ones are coming from the sorry and pathetic Eagan parent who has to put others down to feel better about themseleves. What, didn't Mommy and Daddy love you enough when you were little? Feeling bad about a small body part? There I've stooped to your level.
I'm pretty sure I know who you are. I am tempted to out you...so knock it off. You are an embarrasement to your schoool, our conference and I pitty your children!
That was a completely ridiculous statement. I dont know what crossed your mind when you wrote that. But you are an absolute embarrassment as a parent. I am ashamed to put myself in the same class as you. First and foremost where is this "why is nobody talking about Eagan?" And second, you start discussing genetalia. What are you 15? Are you still in High School? I am ashamed that I am even taking the time to respond to you. I wont be posting anymore
Not sure that I would agree there was a favorite going into the season. Adafin (Lourdes) may be the suprise player.
At this point in the season I think it is between the Gibbons twins, Krueger and Dale for AA, and Hong, Adafin and Grandstrand for A. I am not a coach so I don't get to vote ;)
One last thought. I can't tell the difference between the Gibbons twins...not sure if that is good or bad and will help them or hurt them for any individual awards.
They could award Mr Soccer to the twins...didn't they do that a few years ago with the "Dulex" (spelling) twins?
Couple of Sophs on the scoring leaders list.
phewfta... 2-0 Apple Valley over Eagan. Point Proven?
Eagan who???? AHA!
The last two posts are copied and pasted from the Eagan parent's quotes above, with Eagan inserted where Lakeville South was before.
Doesn't feel so good when someone is trashing your team, does it?
Apple Valley beat Eagan
Eagan beat Apple Valley
Conclusion - Apple Valley is better than Eden Prairie.
But then Eden Prairie beats Apple Valley
The coaches poll is just a poll and the team records don't seem to matter.
I think team rivals matter - Apple Valley, Eastview and Eagan are all within 5 minutes drive. Eagan can't seem get it together in their own school district, but can go out an beat Duluth, Eden Prairie and other schools.
Post above should read
"Eden Prairie beat Apple Valley".
Kruger and Dale have the disadvantage that teams gun for them. You can double or triple cover a single star, but you can't do that with 3 guys. That's why Minneapolis South will continue to win and Eagan will struggle.
Look for Apple Valley to rise in the next coaches poll!
Post above should read
Apple Valley beat Eagan
Eagan beat Eden Prairie
Conclusion - Apple Valley is better than Eden Prairie.
But then Apple Valley beats Eden Prairie.
So who is going to win the "Minneapolis" game this week?
all this talk doesnt matter at all
sections and state is the only thing that matters
Nobody double and tripple teams Dale and Krueger. This isn't basketball. I seen Dale 3 times and Krueger 2 times.
I saw the Eagan v AV game last night. Dale was not "double teamed" and was not man-marked. Eagan has a handful of quality players, but their defense really seems to struggle. I was suprised that Eagan could not get more going in the final third.
AV was the better team last night and deserved to win. It should not detract from any individual player.
I saw the Eagan v Southwest game and the city boys are a talented team. I am hoping to get to the South v Southwest game this weekend to see South play.
lcfan:
You are right - AV was clearly the better team over Eagan. But Dale had #12 as his shadow (mark) all evening along with his old teammate Mike Hoppe.
A double-team well done. You must have left before the rain break.
If you mean that #12 picked him up when he came into his zone, that is not man-marking. Man-marking is typically a "deny the ball" strategy where a player follows the marked player all over the field. #12 moved into the attack, defended other players and went for 50/50 balls.
Dale saw plenty of the ball and did not have a shadow. Dale was able to find plenty of space when he did not have the ball. When he had the ball he was well defended and there were times where their was a cover defender, even 50 yeards from the goal.
Even if it was poor man-marking, that is not 'double and tripple covered' as the previous anon outlined.
It would be interesting to have the AV coach chime in (or a AV player) and see if there was a specfic defensive strategy.
I saw part of the Apple Valley against Eagan game, but left with the weather stoppage. I would say AV looked good and had the better of the play. Eagan's defense was struggling a bit.
I think the Lake is probably the strongest conference this year with 6 or 7 strong teams. All could do well in sections if they are playing well.
If you missed south vs. southwest game last night, you missed a real soccer game.
2-2 was the final score. kudos to SW AD and Jamie for giving MN HS soccer a wonderful venue for an afternoon soccer match. The 600+ fans made the experience wonderful. CC and his boys were not going to go down easy and they show why they are number 1. Am sure we can look back someday and say if you missed that game - you missed what HS soccer is all about.
Those who knock down HS soccer should have been there to watch a real soccer game.
Innercityfan you are correct. It was a great game. For non-Minneapolis City Conference bloggers, every year South and Southwest have all of their teams (boys and girls) play each other on a Saturdays. The events are called Super Soccer Saturday. First games start at 9AM, with the last game at 5PM. Do other schools have similar formats?
On the game, South squandered 2 or 3 early point blank chances in the first 10 minutes. Then Southwest came back and had the better of the play for most of the half. Southwest's goal was a beautiful play up the sideline, then the endline, with a driven cross to the far post that was knocked in on a first touch.
The second half saw the teams reversing roles, where South control much of the play, but Southwest was very dangerous and effective on counter attacks. After South scored an own goal to go behind 0-2, they mounted a much more furious attack, scoring 2 tremendous goals.
South's first goal came from some good midfield play knocking a perfectly weighted diagonal ball behind a flat defense, where a player ran onto it, and hit it far post for the goal.
South's second goal came from a long throw-in that was headed out of the 18 yard area, where a South played touch the ball down, then hit a side volley, frozen rope just inside the post from about 25 yards.
The overtime was just as exciting as the first 2 periods, with both teams having a quality chance.
Minnetonka and Bloomington Jefferson played a similar format for several years...as recently as 2005.
I'm not sure if they continued the series this year.
Sophomore playing for Zimmerman HS who was at Shattuck last year, Ryan McArthur, not much supporting cast this year. In the top 15 scoring in the state all season. A player to keep an eye on.
Yes hes a very talented player. He was the player wings were braggin about all last year, but it seems he switched to Bangu this year..tough loss
Its section time! now we'll see who the real teams are and who actually is overrated! no more parents fightin for their kids... its all about results now
Who will go to state for Class A? same for AA.
When has it not been about results? When has a "parent fightin for their kids" ever scored a goal or won a game? Don't be retard trying to take shots at someone and trying to hype sections. Why don't you provide your real name?
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