With the successful and exciting conclusion of the High School state tournament, we can now turn our attention to club soccer. I’m sure many teams are already training and preparing for holiday tournaments, spring tournaments, Midwest Regional League and even State Cup.
Please refrain from using this post as a place to attack players, coaches and clubs. I know that many are getting tired of seeing threads turn into exchanges between angry people. Try to focus on the positives in youth soccer and the contributions of clubs, coaches, parents and MYSA.
782 comments:
1 – 200 of 782 Newer› Newest»did anyone see shattuck 18 boys play the thunder? if so, could you provide a summary...thanks
The last match was against a Thunder side that was largely reserves. Not too many first-team players. Tomorrow night (11/6) the SSM U18's will scrimmage the Thunder side that will play against LA in Faribault.
champlin U17s scrimmage shattuck this week
Does anyone know why the Bangu U17B team has so much turnover this year? A very successful team by MN standards.
I heard the Hutton twins left because they are HS seniors and already have their college offers.
They don't need to spend all the money attending college search tournaments.
The other players on the team are HS juniors.
Isn't this the Bangu team that picked up Dula and the ODP kid from Mankato?
I believe they pick up Dula, Paco, Webster, I'm not sure about the Mankato kid, but I think they also pick up some players from Bloomington C1 team.
CP pick up pretty much the rest of the Wings team. I think they have about 3-4 new players.
I thought Hoang was still shopping his kid around, but I recently heard that he's playing for Arsenal? Which I thought was a strange choice.
EP & Tonka had closed try outs. Both CP & Bangu have new coaches. I doubt that EP has a new coach. Edina had a new coach last year, but I heard that their SSM players were not comming back.
Anyone know anything about the new Director of Development other than he's another lawyer?
Bangu might have picked up Paco, but he wont be any good. He blew out his knee playing a game against Shattuck (He got tackeled and his knee just gave out). So he is out until the end of the summer at least. So I dont think he will be any help this year.
what happened to the girls blog?
Greg Holker is the new Bangu U17 coach.
ANyone hear what the deal is with the girl;s blog?
bangu also picked up two solid edina players, both odp players. Reed Adler (former shattuck guy) and spencer duhaime (also former shattuck guy....they also picked up abdi from bville. they will be fine
We dont care about the womens blog so stop asking!!!
Is this the Bangu age group that has won the last 3 or 4 state cups?
yea it is
word-soc: if you have decided to give up the blog site, I wanted to tell you thank you for the past few years. You know how to get a hold of me. Your efforts were appreciated by many, especially me. Thanks and I understand
The EP boys U17 team has a new coach, supposedly hand-picked by the EP DOC- it was on their web site
It seems as though the elimination of the girls site had something to do with some Shattuck comments..........hmmmm
Or maybe word-soc got tired of babysitting and getting flamed.
Maybe it is the norm but Bangu big change, Wings huge change, Edina big if they lose 2 of their best players.
Tonka, Eden Prairie, Champlin could do well just by not having turned over to much of the roster.....
voyeur in the foyer - I think you are accurate in your statement
CP didn't have big changes but pick up four quality player from the Wings. Scheller (ODP), Thompson, Peplinski and Wayzata forward Kaviloti(sp). Tonka and EP I think may be in a bit of trouble because they did add any players. I think both CP & Bangu got significantly better with the big loser being Wings and Edina to a lesser extent.
didnt CP pick up casey bacso too form wings?
Ok this is what i meant about saying that Lakeville will be a surprise team, because no one notices that they picked some great players. Jake Szymanski, Ryan Schlittler, possible spencer and maybe Neveed.
Word-soc...if you read this just wanted to say Thanks, you did a great job! Hope this is a temporary break. Must have missed the bad behavior. Good Luck!
If the girls blog has been shut down for whatever reason, this blog will become the place to blog about girl's issues as well. Come back, word soc....
naw - there is less intelligent conversation at times on this blog than the girls blog and the girls conversations never got much higher than curb level;-)
the girls didn't talk smack though like some of you boys do. The parents did but never the the players.
Carry on - sorry for the intrusion
lakeville needs a new goalie--hes so bad!!!
Bangu picked up paco and tony both from SLP Dula and Ahmed Gobana along with spencer and reed from edina jeff webster wings goalie some chaska kid and a bloomington kid
wow thanks for the 24/7 updates on bangu.. jesus christ
Anyone know anything about the change over in the U-16 age group, I know bangu lost a ton of kids and I heard something about PSA having issues with their coaches and losing kids, but where did all these kids land
Lakeville has 3 new goalies coming to try out for them. JJ Olson From Shattuck, John Glassman from LNHS, And Spencer who used to play for bangu and St. Thomas.
i heard that the u-18 EP team will be looking for a new goalie as well as their keeper from last year is in college.
when do these clubs usually have their tryouts?
Lakeville u17 has try outs on sunday at Shattuck at 6 pm.
I'd be interested to see if the older age group boys had any interest in the LA Galaxy game this weekend. Are people going or don't people think it's a huge deal?
mnreferee.blogspot.com
The organizers of the Galaxy game blew a great opportunity to fill the metrodome by pricing the tickets at $40 and up. More reasonable pricing would have made it more affordable for families and been a better draw for the sport. I doubt the dome will be more than 25% full.
sweet, a place to bash the pitiful state of officiating in this state!!!
Yee Haw
the U16 age group had some PSA players go to Blackhawks including Patrick and also Kareem went to Blackhawks from Bangu. Bangu I have heard is still looking for kids. I would look for Valley and Blackhawks to both be very good at this age.
u18 premier teams already had their tryouts
Thank you to Word-Soc for all the hard work he put in on the former Mn Girls Soccer Blog. His creation of a place for MN Girls soccer people to come together to love, hate, and inform one another has been appreciated. I have enjoyed his site for a while now and I hope he returns to run the blog again. Until that time comes, people can post here about the Womens Big Ten Tournament and other issues pertaining to the womens game.
http://www.gosportslife.com/mn-girls-soccer-blog-2/
The girls soccer blog is not done. I bet word-soc went out of town again and forgot to do something or other with his site. I doubt he'd leave his many loyal readers in limbo and just up and leave without a parting word.
As for the Galaxy ticket prices, I agree 100%. The first round prices were completely outrageous and turned a bunch of people off. Thunder were looking to make a profit off the game in order to stay solvent for a few years. Now with deeper pocketed owners this isn't of such import.
Get out to the game this weekend. Support the local team and support the efforts of LA to get Beckham to lowly little MN. This is a once in a lifetime event for the kids and I agree with MA on the “road to regionals” blog... the complete lack of promotion of this event by the local clubs is unbelievable.
is it soccer or is the beckham circus in town?
shameless promotion by the Bangu site in how they were promoting Beckham to the moms. Is that how the other clubs were suppose to do it?
Bangu wasn't promoting soccer they were selling sex appeal.
So is it the clubs' fault or is it the Thunder's fault for not getting better promotion at the grass roots level? Whose job was it? What was done to get the clubs excited during their short "break" after 10 months of volunteer work?
I believe the whole LA - Beckham plan is a farce on the soccer community. Selling a substantial package with little in the way of content. Soccer gone Hollywood. Signing and bringing him to LA was a very bad soccer and business decision. That was a nice retirement package he secured for himself and his wife
As you can see thunder supporter I am on the other side of the table on this one.
I will watch a replay of an earlier EPL match before going down to watch ordinary soccer.
The thunder had a better idea when they brought in the AC Milan reserves last summer.
New Thunder owners - time to partner up with an EPL team
great article - about LA's new coach and the history of the team. Very well written
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=480334&root=mls&cc=5901
Part of my non interest is the fact that Thunder vs Galaxy this time of year feels like watching a practice or a Dog Show. I love the idea of watching high level soccer in Minnesota but this is not it. I guess because I love the sport I should go,but it feels like going to a Harlem Globetrotters game to watch great basketball.
How was the Senior Classic?
Totally agree with Tomass on the Beckham post, all points. I stopped reading all Bangu/MA propaganda due to the fact that the ego has grown to the point of being the soccer god of MN. And now the Region.
The Big Ten Women's Championship is also being played in town on Sunday.
Where's Bangu's promotion of that event? They could sell it based upon the sex appeal of the students! Oh wait, MA doesn't also work for the Big Ten, like he does for the Thunder. Never mind.
The senior classic was a great. Almost everyone played great. There were a couple people playing that I thought shouldnt have been on the team. AA won 1-0 from a goal from Monocterio.
yep the Big 10 Championships would be a far, far better. That would be great soccer to watch.
Hmmmm. We will have a housefull of young women from an out of state college team staying at our house for the weekend. They don't mind it at all that they're coming to see a soccer game mixed with sex appeal! I laugh every time I see their Beckham posters on the walls in their dorm rooms. Mixing sports with sexy females is an old advertising tactic. It's just that this time the traditional roles are mixed. It's just good fun to mix soccer with some eye candy!
tomass - based on your comments, if watching the Thunder/Galaxy is "ordinary" soccer, then it must be even tougher to watch lower level high school girls soccer. I commend you for coaching.
Sorry Tomass, I respect your postings but disagree with you on this one. If you're passionate about the game then you'd want to see pro soccer succeed in this state. For the kids. I commend the Thunder for working to bring in the Galaxy, and me and my family will be there to take part in a historic event.
MA is right on his website, it's not about Beckham for us. It's more about Donovan and Jones, two American soccer icons, and having my children have a positive cultural soccer experience to look back on. It's also about supporting our local pro organization who has a handful of full time employees who are all working to keep the franchise solvent. I will continue to enjoy your posts, but they will all be taken with a grain of salt from here on out based on your lack of interest in the development of the local pro organization.
As for the moms piece on the Bangu website, it generated more talk in my workplace from soccer and non soccer fans alike. Most saw it for what it was - a creative way to create a buzz about the game. As for sex and soccer, my kids see far worse in school, on MTV, and on prime time. People will bash MA for anything but in this case I loved the effort.
As for MA's ego, I think all good coaches and leaders have one. If you were at the AGM luncheon like I was, I think you'd retract your statements. When he addressed us in his speech, he was humble, appreciative of the girls efforts, of MYSA, and of the local clubs where his girls started off.
To the posters who think that watching the Big 10 will be better soccer than the Thunder v Galaxy, I'm ashamed that this sentiment seems prevalent. It clearly indicates why we here in MN are lagging behind other states when it comes to the growth of the sport. Tomass, you disgust me by thinking that the women's NCAA is better soccer.
Job opening:
http://woodburysoccer.com/
anon - 1:03pm. Solid post. I challenge every reader to view all the websites of all the major clubs and let me know which ones even mention the event - other than Bangu. It reminds me of people who don't vote, but then complain about the government.
tomass - you've been hanging around ems to much and his cynicism is starting to rub off (the two of you remind me of "Eyeore" on Winnie the Pooh).
Anonymous 1:03...Do you work at the MYSA office, MN Thunder or Full90? No one in my workplace even knows what a Bangu is. This board is more snarky than the girls.
1:53 - people don't have to know about soccer/Bangu to appreciate the moms ad. I pulled the site up and work, showed it to a colleague who was just as impressed, and it ballooned from there. There were obviously the "what is a Bangu" questions by many, but I don't have a kid in their club and had/have no clue as to what it is and thus couldn't answer.
My post was not about Bangu. It was about the ad on their site and the support of pro soccer in our state. It was also against people who preach knowledge and involvement in the sport yet who don’t see the bigger picture of the development of the sport outside of Chaska, or wherever.
And the board is getting "snarky" because all the girls bloggers are now over here spouting their wisdom.
anon 1148 - not at all, college, high school and youth players play with a spirit and joy for the game that overcomes any level of playing deficiencies they may have. Those players are a joy to watch and work with. We are talking professional sports here, are we not?
anon103 - historic? You were not around for the NASL were you? The aged soccer superstar players brought over then were a far better past their prime then beckham is now.
Donovan ? did you read the article? he is very upset that his old coach is gone and he has to play second fiddle regarding the media attention. He deserves a lot more but here we go again....it's all about me. LA ruined the team concept.
I supported the MN Kicks with season tickets every year. I supported professional soccer then and will again when the Thunder put a team of equal caliber and excitement (maybe even just excitement) on the field. When that occurs I will be back.
I have no problem with the "sexy" content used to sell tickets, but don't say it is for the promotion of soccer. You're selling tickets through the use of the sexiness of one of the players. Soccer is a bi-product of why some are buying tickets. I had one friend tell me it would be worth going just to see the soccer moms in attendence. If you are not getting them there for the substance of the game you are not promoting soccer for the long term. Your looking for the quick short term cash solution. Nothing wrong with that, but don't say you're promoting soccer
It is called consumerism. I will spend my discreationary entertainment dollars on those events I feel are of value. This "event" did not make the cut. The big 10 games would as did the AC Milan contest last year.
Watching two professional teams that both failed to make the play-offs in their respective leagues does not excite me. Nor does watching a player who came for the retirement package of Hollywood. Oh yeah he is looking for LA to give him up on loan to get back in shape. He will get in shape and maybe regain some of his world recognition he lost coming to the MLS.
If you want me to support the working employees and their family of the Thunder let me know where I can send a personal donation to them if things are that bad.
As far as MA - I made no comment about him.
I disgust a lot of people, but what is clear is we will not agree so we should only look for clarity of positions. Female soccer players I don't believe anon 103's intent was to insult your level of play.
I will say it again - MLS needs to partner more with the European professional leagues as is occuring now in minor ways. Thunder would be advise to get ahead of that curve.
This is not an American game. It is a World game. The business plan of bringing famous players over is not a valid business model at this point of time for soccer growth in our country. It is the tail trying to wag the dog.
Now is the time for us to realize we are the minor league of soccer and work with the big leagues to really promote soccer in this country.
New Thunder owners,I will not charge you for that business plan.
was that too Chaska provincial?
too MN provincial?
I think my view less narrow than yours to the actual big picture.
someone....anyone.....please bring back the girl's blog so we don't have to listen to this self-righteous dribble (there's a little bit of "clarity of positions").
please point out the dribble and what your contribution to dialogue has been.....and besides I have been on this blog almost as long as the girl's blog.
Thanks Clair I. Tee
;-)
tomass - as always your post was concise, eloquent, principled, bathed in clarity, smartly stated, and cannot be refuted - therefore you win (but by the way, how can we all get one of those really cute images to put on our posts...).
https://www.blogger.com/start
create a bogus blog site and it allows you all the features of an account and put your own pretty picture there.
"drivel" (dribble?) Why would an anon poster complain about drivel? Or dribbling for that matter. I can 'drivel' you anyday!
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
drib·ble /ˈdrɪbəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[drib-uhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -bled, -bling, noun
–verb (used without object) 1. to fall or flow in drops or small quantities; trickle.
2. to drivel; slaver.
3. Sports. to advance a ball or puck by bouncing it or giving it a series of short kicks or pushes.
–verb (used with object) 4. to let fall in drops.
5. Sports. a. Basketball. to bounce (the ball) as in advancing or keeping control of it.
b. (esp. in ice hockey and soccer) to move (the ball or puck) along by a rapid succession of short kicks or pushes.
–noun 6. a small trickling stream or a drop.
7. a small quantity of anything: a dribble of revenue.
8. Sports. an act or instance of dribbling a ball or puck.
9. Scot. a drizzle; a light rain.
I don't know you Tomass, so with all due respect...
Sometimes credence is given to people who speak the loudest, or most often in your case.
You cannot be a fair-weathered soccer fan if you believe the pro soccer is good for our state. It's somewhat of a vicious cycle. You want the Thunder to produce a good product on the field, yet you refuse to support them as they strive to give you what you want. That doesn't say much in my book. True, the two teams playing Sunday did not qualify for the playoffs in their respective leagues, but the talents they will both showcase are far above what any of our kids can currently experience in a live setting. And before you go all EPL on me, it's not the same as seeing soccer played live.
This is an exciting time for soccer in this country and an exciting time for soccer in this state. Hopefully the Thunder will take the next step towards producing a solid team on the field, but I'll stick by them regardless as their existence means a lot to my kids and their dreams and aspirations of playing at the top level someday.
I see one to two Thunder games a year- I leave without being excited or enthused about wanting to come back. Sorry maybe the the excitement and atmosphere of the Kicks spolied me way back.
Maybe I have seen too many Euro professional games in person
seen too many Euro professional games in person.......
the two boys drop to them knees and bow in homage...
Wayne - we are not worthy
Garth - we are not worthy
Wayne - we are scum
Garth - we are scum
yep I'm a soccer snob
MA says what he has to say when he needs to say it. If he stood up and said what he really thinks he would loose his glow. If he ever needs a second job he would do very well in sales.
Everyone's a salesperson. Name me one successful soccer person in this state who isn't. Some are better than others due to their passion, conviction, experience, or whatever.
The "Bangu" name is derived from a soccer/athletic club in Brazil.
And I would suspect the same people in Minnesota who didn't know what a "Bangu" is most likely wouldn't know what an "FC Barca" is either.
Maybe you should learn how to "Google."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangu_Atl%C3%A9tico_Clube
Bangu, that stuff left on your shirt when using Ban Roll-on. Barca, the outside layer of an Italian olive tree.
Who needs gaggle?
So what happened to the PSA U15B team from last year?
Tomass what turns you off at the thunder games? Is it the atmosphere or the product on the field?
They're the highest outlet we have locally to watch live football. Sure we can get european and MLS matches on TV but nothing compares to watching the game live.
I know it's not beautiful football like a la-liga match, or an out of this world atmosphere like the germany-poland derby at the last world cup, but if we want soccer to grow here in MN we hafto support it.
I have not seen a Thunder game since they announced at a North District Coaches Meeting that I was not the market they were seeking. I caught a couple of games on cable...from what I've seen on TV and from what I've heard about the games, I very thankful to the Thunder for going after a different market. The game I saw on TV was about the same as any high school game I catch in the fall. If I want to watch good soccer, I generally watch Fox Sports. If I want to see a good live soccer game, I see U of MN, State Cup, Regionals and even any of the local D3 school.
anon9:00 - both turn me off or should I say they do not inspire my soccer spirit?
So, what you are saying is to eat my rutabagas and cauliflower and appreciate the fact I have them while millions of starving Chinese kids would love to eat them? Provide me their names and I will send them my undesirable vegetables.
Mom? Is that you doing guilt marketing for the Thunder? Love you... see you at Thanksgiving?
Sorry I couldn't resist.
If you are going to be a professional team owner make sure you have at least 3 years of working and investment capital so you are not grasping to hang on and be reactionary to the fringe fan base. Develop your brand, make your badge an identity that all state soccer fans want to be part of....but don't do stupid Barnum and Baily stunts like the LA Gullibles ...err I mean Galaxy and follow an outdated concept.
You might want to confer with the St.Paul Saints on how to appeal to both the soccer addict and fringe fan.
Why am I giving you a business plan - call me I can make professional soccer the sport that kicks butt in this state again and requires tailgaters to enter the gates before halftime or else they have to leave the parking lot.
Anon1055 - so your are basically saying the message you took home was that they could care less about the common soccer fan?
Is there a new Hunt visonary out there?
who would want to watch a team coached by a guy like amos?....he was a hell of a player but is completely inept as a coach. I played for him for a number of years and this guy has no idea how to manage a bunch of 16-18 year olds, let alone adult men. He is the kind of guy who rewards laziness(i.e. Paye), and forces hard working and immensely talented guys like Dustan and Brett Branan out of the picture..In addition he did this to these two immediately after the death of their mother without any explanation.
This guy is classless and hopefully the new ownership members will recognize that.
2:40 am, Amos is the least of their issues right now.
Seems to me that this is as much (or more) about MLS showing up in Minneapolis and seeing how many people are willing to fork out $125 to watch REAL football on an American football Sunday. If the results are positive, then maybe there is some hope down the road.
If an MLS franchise is awarded here, would they do a new franchise or adopt the Thunder and do a remake? I don't know....
i think everyones position is clear.
Back to the club scene...
yawn....
A MLS franchise fee is well over 15 million dollars now.
I really can't buy this argument that because we support the development of MN soccer then it is a moral imperative that we must support everything the Thunder does.
If this event is successful it will send a very loud message; "MN residents will pay outrageous amounts to see star power, regardless of the quality of the soccer."
Is that really the message we want to send? If so, the enjoy the day you get to see C. Ronaldo play in the metrodome....in about 20 years.
bangu will win the 17's state cup.
and if you are gunna write something on here, make sure it is true and that you know how to spell someone's name.
that would be great!
Why dont you rite something true, because i dont think bangu will win state cup for 17s.
why dont you think so? who do you think will, and why?
champlin U17- 5
Shattuck- 4
ssm 16s, right?
not sure i just heard shattuck
yep.
And it was against the 16's
Good game on the Women's side today. UW Eau Claire vs Wartburg. First round of NCAA playoffs and Wartburg wins 2-1. Congrats to two local young women on advancing to play Carthage: Rachel Coleman of Minnetonka and Erinn North of Eastview! Good job Ladies!
I think that the Shattuck team started late this summer as U16's. Besides, what difference does it make since they probably have a lot of players on their team who could play as U15's.
stop making excuses for Shattuck. sure they probably have a lot of 15's on their team, but they recruit from all over the country and these are top players. plus, they do everything in their power to give themselves an advantage in the scrimmages. (bogus PKs, add extra time if losing, etc)
I noticed on the U16 Shattuck website this same group tied the Minneapolis South JV.
funny
It was a scrimmage and should have meant nothing to CP. It was their first time together with all their new players and new coach. They looked good beyond that it meant nothing.
Saw hundreds of young Bangu kids and tons of commotion at the Humphrey terminal yesterday afternoon.
Hard to believe but Beckham had just arrived and was signing autographs on balls and t-shirts for the kids. Nice to see he wasn't above taking a few minutes for these young players.
Hard to believe they are playing the Thunder here in November. When was last time the Thunder were training together?
Cool thing for these kids.
It helps to have a leader in the club who also works for the Thunder.
What an experience for the kids. Many were dissapointed not to get an autograph (he couldn't possibly sign them all), but they all got a memorable experience.
What's the guess on attendance today? 15,000?
how are some of the older teams(16-18s) looking at this point on both the boys or girls sides?
Wartburg College and 2 local women players move on to Sweet Sixteen in NCAA Division III Championships. Congratulations Ladies!
Tomass...what happened to the girls blog? Was it discontinued?
Thanks
Gopha
There were 12,000 people at the dome today. Galaxy won 2-1 in a shootout. Beckham got assit on the goal, went out with 15mins left.
Attendance at the dome, as announced: 20,100
gopha - your guess is as good as mine but the blog address is no longer valid or shows up on google so in the web world it no longer exists
there is a major difference in actual attendance (physical presence) versus tickets sold - the annouced attendance is tickets sold not actual through the gate attendees
The lower bowl was more than 3/4 full. It holds 27,000. The announced attendance may not be exact, but there were way more than 12,000 people there.
Thunder had presold 15,000, so about that plus walk up. They were expecting 10 - 12K in walk up numbers, but that didn't happen.
Great event. Kids had a blast.
I have an idea: Make LA galaxy like the Harlem Globetrotters of soccer.
Beckham will be the main attraction afterall that's all he has been good for. LA Galaxy and Beckham is just flash and hollywood and no competition for the pure soccer fan.
The man did not even try to play soccer - what a shame.
Why do we fall for this? I guess it is the same reason we pay for preseason Vikings tickets.
They don't have to win any games or even try.
We could make the Thunder be the team the beat up every time.
I think MLS will make tons of money and soccer will grow in US.
Tomass....on a totaly different topic....How did you get to have your picture posted with your moniker ;)
bangumom - go to your blog profile and on it there is a tab for adding a picture. I'm trying to recall if you can download a jpeg or if you have to cut and paste a url web location of a picture
let me know if you need additional help or your own kids are a great resource since they seem to know more about this stuff than most of us adults.
Your not going to put a picture of Becks up are you ;-)
You guys have no experience playing high level soccer if you think that pro players don't want to win every time they step on the field, regardless if it is championship game, league game, friendly, or training session game.
You must not have been watching too closely as Beckham covered most of the midfield all game, sometimes up the right, sometimes on the left. Fantastic ball to Buddle for the LA goal. Great at building the excitement, waving at the fans and signing autographs.
If you're intent on hating, go over to Tomass's house and get your fill watching the EPL on TV. I for one am looking forward to Copa Minnesota part 2.
bangumom, here's a good pic for you to use:
http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50336595/Military_Combat_Boot.jpg
People need to get over their cynicism and appreciate the game for what it was, an event for the kids - the next generation of soccer fans. And for the soccer moms, I guess.
Anyone expecting to see a high level soccer match would have been extremely disappointed. I actually thought Becks did his part (except sprint) to make things look legit, but everyone else belied his efforts. Donovan in particular was a joke, the only effort he showed was is his cheap play. Jones was in a suit and tie the entire match, and the Thunder were holding on to the ball entirely too long.
My kids enjoyed it though, and as I said, I think that was the intent.
I would have loved to see those kids, especially the girls (who unsurprisingly were the majority), out at the Big Ten Championship, though.
A real shame that the Thunder had to schedule against that event. Something I am sure MA would agree with.
At 4 PM, I decided to go to the game. Several family members went with me, including soccer players and non-soccer players. I have also seen pro games/national team games in person, including England - Brazil at the old Wembley in 1981 as teams pepared for the 1982 WC.
I found there was something for everybody at this event. There was an interesting cross-section of cultures present and people seemed to be having a good time. As a soccer fan, I was impressed with a couple of passes by Beckham, including a very precise assist for the Galaxy goal. I was also impressed by a few of the Thunder players and by the organization of the Thunder's leadership. We now have guys in suits who look the management part of a pro soccer team (unlike the previous hill-billie owner).
I wanted to leave with about 10 minutes left to beat the rush, but the people with me, including the non-soccer ones, insisted on staying through the shoot-out.
The more Thunder games I saw in the past, the more I wanted to stay away. On a wider field (wider than Central) with some attractive opponents and reasonable prices, I will definitely give it another try.
Dollar for dollar the game was great entertainment for our daughters and their friends. They came away with smiles on their faces and excitement for their next matches. To me that means the event was a success.
Agreed 10:19. Thunder on a wider field were much more enjoyable to watch. Johnny M was fantastic for us. The most creative/dangerous player on the field in my book. Congrats and thank you to the Thunder GM, Amos, Manny, MA, and the other Thunder staff for an entertaining event!
I have an old timers question for anyone in the know. Years ago before the official Thunder camps for kids started a few players did some camps around town on their own. My current 19 yr. daughter attended one in a park in Burnsville probably around 10 years ago and the instructor was a guy named Roger, I believe. I think he may have been from New Zealand maybe???? We pulled out some old photos as she was getting ready to aattend last night's game and we were wondering what his last name was. We have pics of Aaron Leventhal (?),Donny Grementz and a very young looking MA! Anyone remember this guy?
Roger Bridge maybe? New Zealand player and Macalester College grad with MA.
Wow! That was quick!Yes, that was him! Roger was a great instructor for a group of giggly 9 yr. old girls just starting out. He made quite an impression on my daughter (the accent or the patience was what I enjoyed) and he encouraged her and helped build a passion for the game of soccer that is still there today. She is currently playing college soccer and when she looked at the old photos of the camp and from attending the Thunder games she really enjoyed reliving those memories. Most of the photos are from when the kids could go down on the field and get their pics with the players. Our family owes a debt of gratitude to those early Thunder players for their kindness and ability to instill a love for the game in young players so Thank you Roger, Donny, Aaron and Mark and all the others who inspired so many! And Roger, wherever you are, Thanks for teaching her about defense!
I believe the SE have moved on but what has PSA been able to pull together to replace them? I believe they had a decent C1 team. Were they able to add anyone to make them competitive in the MN premier league?
Does the MRL Premier slot move with the SE?
how are u16-18 boys and girls teams looking at this point?
The way I understand it the MRL Premier slot moves with SE, the MYSA Premier slot does not.
Lakeville U17 Boys had a try out last Sunday. Kind of late in the season, but I think they going after the SSM kids. Their been lots of talk about this age group and it is kinda of boring.
The U18 have pick up some kids from this age group and it will be interesting to see what kind of impact they have on that game.
The U16 boys are a disaster if you ask me. Bangu, super star & his dad left and dad will now coach the Blackhawks. Several of boys left the Wings and have moved to both the SE and to Blackhawks. Wings are kind of taking it on the chin this year. It will be interesting at State Cup to watch this group, as the ego's get bigger and the clubs struggle to rope in parent coaches who know they can do a better job for their super star
I dont think that the U-16 are a disaster, maybe in the sense that bangu and the wings have fallen apart, and if your into the super clubs then i guess your right, but westside and valley united have very strong sides and finished tied for second in the league last season, st. croix joined the league this season and the are a strong team, blackhawks will be the team to beat, and as for PSA who knows because their coaches let their egos get in the way of letting those kids have a fun experience and being a really good team and that team is in shambles now, overall the talent in this age group is very deep and i would have to say that blackhawks will win the league with valley behind them in second, and then st. croix and westside, with the bottom three(bangu, PSA, wings) battling not to be relegated to C1
9:25 - I would love to be a part of that U16 team that is in shambles now... Let's see, most of the team back playing MRL and the only (read several times), the ONLY Minnesota team of any age of any category playing in the first ever USYS National League! What a shame! Those poor kids are going to have such a bad time competing against the best U16 teams in the country at venues like Raleigh, Orlando and Dallas. Poor kids... Somebody please do something before it's too late! 9:25 - get a clue!
anon 9:25pm : Right on all the egos plus your incompetence!
the team that is playing in the USYS national league is NOT, lets repeat that so you hear it again, NOT PSA, it is the core group of those kids that left and went to the Arsenal club, its not PSA, so yes PSA is in shambles right now, they had to fill their team out with C1 kids and they will not be very good, the Arsenal team is not a premier team, PSA is in trouble for league this summer, i guess you had this one coming: 9:48 get a clue!!!
9:25, get your facts straight...bangu u16's didn't even play MN Premier last year (as U15's), and they aren't in it this year either, so relegation to C1 isn't even possible..
11:19 - I wasn't talking about the PSA team, but about the Arsenal Super Eagles.
Their are plenty of strong U16 Bangu players and they will not miss the individual that went to Blackhawks, he was always a major issue with his attitude.
Actually Bangu is coming back to play in the premier league this season, and they lost much more than just kareem, they lost both of their goalies from last season as well as a couple of other players as of the last I heard last week they only had ten players on their roster and weren't even sure they were going to be able to put together a team
They are not listed on the mysa website as being in the premier league....
10:48 am ---http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/leagues/premier.cfm I forgot to add this link
Interesting 10:48. Look a this:http://www.plymouthsoccer.com/
You'll see no U16B premier team listed on PSA website. This doesn't mean that they don't have one, but it is curious that it's not posted with their other U16 teams..
PSA does not have to field a premier team. If they chose not to roster one, then the spot goes to the alternate listed on the website, EP in the U16 boys case.
I know for a fact that Bangu is not fielding a U 16 boys team to play in the premier league, They are playing MRL and other tournaments. They have a solid roster and picked up strong players that can easly replace what was lost.
As to what happens on the pitch only time will tell.
I'm curious as to where bangu picked up these players from, the goalies left, kareem is gone, JJ went to valley, two kids moved, and the kid from eau claire went to the blackhawks, so im just curious what players they got that are better than the ones they lost
...and a partridgggge in a pear tree.....
The rumors abound in the age group, Wings and Bangu were NEVER super clubs. But Bangu is trying to develop in that direction and Wings are perhaps refocusing their efforts in that direction. Compare any club in Minnesota to a Super Club and it is easy to see they are nowhere even close.
I guess I'll stand by my earier statement and say yes this age group is in shambles. Too many egos both adult and player. While they have lots of talent and potenial now, I predict not one of the mentioned players will graduate playing D1 college soccer, not one will play in the World Cup and not one will make a decent living playing professional soccer. To suceeed at any of those you would have to have committment and staying power. So far they only seem to be interested in the green grass on the other side of the field.
So if you don't graduate playing D1 or play in a world cup or make a decent living playing pro-soccer is how you measure soccer success? That is ridiculous!
And BTW, sometimes the grass is greener across the half-way line. It just depends on what you're after...
Bangu 17s did not loose all of the players above. Some did not make the team, a couple choose to leave.
posted attendance at the women's big 10 championship game- 165
attendance at the dome for the WWmls v thunder...who cares?
the CYNIC is back!
who cares about bangu? honestly...is this a bangu blog or a soccer blog? until bangu does something past state cup, i dont want to hear another word about these self proclaimed stars.
anon 6:40, those players played for the 16's not the 17's
hmmm, freezing my behind off watching two non-MN collegiate girls teams or sitting in a dome watching a Minnesota team compete against Landon, Becks, and other professional players. I just can't decide...
I can't believe the ego of the PSA DOC would allow him to by-pass a premier spot even if it meant filling it with less than premier players which he would be doing based on last year's PSA's C1 team - they're not that talented. Athletic yes. Soccer wise not so much.
If PSA does not use the spot and it goes to the EP team the soccer talent is better but they're not as athletic as a premier team should be.
Both teams will struggle at premier. And then you have a bunch of premier level players (#2 in the region - last year's result)) not allowed to play premier is just too funny.
let me think, the point i was trying to make is, 'which event captures the true meaning of sport'?
a competition that means something to the participants or a show that means nothing.
it seems like bombast wins over substance everytime.
i can hardly wait for nov 08.
Where is our girls blog? I never come here. it is all wings yadda yadda yadda bangu yadda yadda yadda.
Come back, Word Soc.
"And then you have a bunch of premier level players (#2 in the region - last year's result)) not allowed to play premier is just too funny." It is so funny I could scream. They not are playing premier because the adults in charge of the team do not play well with others. The rules have been in place for a couple of years now, their no excuse that they did not understand the consequences of their actions. So IMHO, suffer your fate.
To Anon 4:48 umm that was kind of my point. These parents/coaches/adults are behaving as if they have the next David Beckham on their teams. Let us face facts they are not as great or as thick of a talent pool as everyone would thinks, but they do make a lot of noise and fuss. Some, to be politically correct, have matured early; I suspect that they will begin to fade as the rest catch up.
PS...Ian Barker has resigned as of 12/07??? Now, what?
11:40 am: Is this Ian Barker news true? Interesting.
I suppose this will create a whole new discusion in this blog.
Regarding the "premier level" players comments, as an outsider to this age group/gender, I can't really judge the situation. but it sure looks like people have it out for that group. It seems like they constantly are getting bashed. I never hear responses from people associated with that team.
When similar comments were made about my daughter's team, I found that parents chose to take the high road and not feed in to the rumor mill.
Important MYSA Announcement
Date:November 14, 2007
To:MYSA Club Presidents
MYSA Club DOCs
From:MYSA President Bob Poretti
MYSA Executive Director Candace Daley
Ian Barker is resigning from MYSA effective December 2007. Ian has
been MYSA̓s Director of Coaching and Player Development for the last
ten years and will be missed greatly. Ian̓s love of soccer and kids
has always been evident by his dedication of time and talent, his
energy and his unswerving commitment to youth soccer. We wish Ian
well as he takes some time off before pursuing other career
opportunities in the future.
I bet he's taking the Woodbury position.
That would be HUGE, if true.
huh??? Why would he leave the state position to become Woodbury DOC? That would be like moving a step down, not up or even across would it?
well, that can be answered with one simple symbol... $
everyone knows that if you want to make good money you direct a good sized club. while a state director position or even a college job may be far more prestigious, if you want to make a bunch of cash and not deal with the BS (actually, the second part there depends on the club we're talking about) you become the DOC of a large club.
Maybe something is shaking at Macalester and Ian will be the full time guy?
What is good money? Don't you think if there is a "bunch" of money involved there isn't going to be a "bunch" of expectations?
I about fell out of my chair laughing about not dealing with the BS...how soon we forget how Woodbury ran Abboud out of town.
Why does anyone think Ian would be treated any differently?
If this is true then Woodbury is finally admitting they screwed up "Royally" by shoving Abboud out.
Gulp!
Abboud left, Englund left, both because of the parent board at Woodbury. Why would someone like Ian want to jump into that mess? I hope something is up at Mac. He should be a college coach as he does very well in that environment.
Woodbury will likely try to hire from within. OJ, Dave Cody, or Julie E are my bets. Don Gramenz maybe?
Beat me to it Winger!
So what fool would take Ian's role for MYSA???
as I said... DEPENDS ON THE CLUB. I am not from here and so I am not familiar with Woodbury or their club, but I have seen plenty of large clubs out there with little expectations but large numbers of teams and players = lots of money.
Of course clubs that like to think of themselves as "premier" (though I think we'd all agree that word has pretty much lost any and all meaning in the soccer world now) and that have large, sadly parent filled, boards, well they come with extra BS.
I think everyone would be surprised to figure out how little college coaches and state directors make (again, depending on the state). I saw a similar thing happen a few years back when Roby Stahl in Ohio South decided the crap that comes with state DOC wasn't worth the $$$ (or lack thereof) and he and Tim Lesiak started a new little project called Ohio Elite Soccer Club. I hear they've done quite well - and without a board full of parents.
Of course, this is all speculation - maybe he just wants well deserved time off. Maybe, just maybe, his reasons for leaving are none of anybody else's business. gasp.
Anon 6:17
John Curtis ha, ha, ha
Will someone forward they MYSA email about Barker's resignation to me at mnfutbol@yahoo.com ?
I would like to create a post for this important event, but want to make sure it is true first.
Thank you.
It's true man! Everything people write here is TRUE!
Ian is takin over the Macalester Mens program full time. That came from a pretty good source.
Please refrain from using this post as a place to attack players, coaches and clubs. I know that many are getting tired of seeing threads turn into exchanges between angry people. Try to focus on the positives in youth soccer and the contributions of clubs, coaches, parents and MYSA.
Let's hope Alan Merrick hasn't been maneuvering behind the scenes to squeeze Ian out of his post.
Don't forget how Alan wanted to horn in on the ODP program a few months ago.
If this is what happened it would be a crime.
Merrick is gone as of the last AGM and Ian is the only one who knows the real reason for making this change.
I would like to thank Ian for the years he's contributed to Minnesota Soccer. I know he is well respected throught the United States and I'm sure where every he goes he will be a huge sucess. It would be nice if MYSA/Coaches/Friends could get together and have a roast or nice dinner send off for him.
pollyanna - I second your sentiment, though the dinner/roast thing doesn't seem like Ian's cup of Tea.
Thanks Ian for hanging in there for as long as you did and trying to keep the actual game of soccer at the forefront
I think John Curtis is highly capable and deserving of a chance, but why would he want to try to upright the inverted pyramid......know he is smarter than that, but also understand the need to earn an income.
You'll be missed Ian, great job.
If you go to Mac's website for Mens Soccer you will see that Ian has finally been given the Head Coaching job for them. As that is typically a full time year round position it will be interesting to see if MYSA can come up with anyone as well rouned as he was.
let's get a scandinavian, Brazil, Afican or anyone but a brit. Like we have been stuck with all these years. Their soccer is boring and too condesceding. None of them have done any thing to raise the bar. they all have been MYSA yes men. region 2 door mats. bore me!
Didn't a Minnesota girls team just win regions this summer?
Seems to me we've seen a lot of improvement over the last 5-6 years.
tomass
Your probably right about the roast/dinner but how about a huge beer tab.
Congradulation on the promotion to head coach at Mac, Ian! Good Luck!
one regional championship every 5-6 years does not seem like much of an improvement to me....seems like the same old mn mediocrity
didn't we also have a runnerup at PDA last spring? and a champion at Las Vegas the spring before that? Both those tournaments contain better teams than you will find even at regionals. there is improvement going on, whether it can be credited to Ian is debatable.
PDA had no where near the caliber of teams at regionals at that age group. Don't know about Vegas.
In addition to Abboud's young Bangu girls team winning the Region 2 championship this past summer Minnesota has also had the following successes in recent years.
The Bangu 91/92 boys were Region finalists in 2005.
The PSA Super Eagles have also been very competitive the past 2 years at Regions.
Storlien's Tsunami Sota girls were national runner's up for 2 consecutive years in 2002 and 2003.
Things have improved and continue to improve.
Think back to over 5 years ago when we were lucky to score a goal or two at Regions compared to what we've seen in the most recent 5 year period.
The teams at PDA at the age group mentioned were as strong as at regionals at the youngest age. Vegas at older ages (15 16 17) is much stronger than the regional tournament. Point is we have much more competitive teams than we did 6 years ago.
9:21, what do you mean? Are you stating that a finalist a PDA should be put on the same pedestal as a region champion at a younger age group? Who cares?
1110, I was responding to anon 8:30's inaccurate comment. I don't think anyone should be put on a pedestal. I was simply trying to add evidence that the quality of soccer in this state is improving.
Blackhawks - National Champions - 1990 - U19B
Burnsville Giants - National Champions - 1992 - U16G
Have not had one since...
pollyanna - now that'ssomething he could probably get his hands around......me it goes without saying, but I did
hey anon 11:55, since you are going way back in time, how about gopher's football 40 years ago.....
Seriously, the national soccer landscape has changed tremendously since the early '90's. Super clubs in major metropolitan areas now dominate the landscape. Personally, I am in agreement with those who say we are closing the gap. The MN W-L-D record at regionals was over .500. A few years ago MN teams were happy to score a goal and the other states hoped to get us in their pool draws. I do not believe that is now the case.
Bangu is running a program right now through Nike to collect old shoes to help rebuild fields and playgrouds affected by hurricane katrina.
www.bangutsunami.com
its a good cause, if you are anywhere near Holy Angels the week of November 26th, drop off some old shoes.
wings u17 boys..picked up some great players and should dominate minnesota this year
like who? can we get a couple names?? also, they lost about half theyre team....
two kids from rochester i don't know their names
It would be nice if you guys would have the balls to post your monikers.The anons are rather childish.
Let the teams prove it on the field, talk never determined the outcome on the pitch.
Any Moron can trash talk, try having a point to your post. Unless you have something to say besides teams/people suck, just go away..... the Wings and every other team at this level will compete and to believe you have so much inside information, either positive or negitive about any group is a joke....
Actually, I've found not responding to any of the types of post as Anon 12:19 goes much farther than anything else. They crave attention and by not responding to that cry for attention they eventually go away or change their post.
Bangu U17B retained a formidable defense from the looks of it and added something to their attack. From what I could see last year they just could not finish. The addition of 2 Wings attacking players and Jeff W. in goal have strengthened them back and front.
Rename the blog:
MN Bangu Blog
Better yet, the best club in MN blog!!!!
Really if you are talking about club soccer in MN then why not talk about the successful clubs?
I was a Blackhawk 1990 player. I cannot emphasize to you how much club soccer has changed since then.
We had a few players that would probably get cut from a local Premier team these days. We also had a few awesome players that played for the US MNT. Lucky us.
I don't disagree that it was a different game then, but it was a different game for everyone.
While MYSA officials boast about being an example for other state associations in the region, I honestly think that MYSA's monolithic approach and some of the rules that the membership puts in place are detrimental to the development of high-level teams.
So what is the difference between IL and MN soccer? Population? Is it the state soccer assn.? How much does it cost to play for the Magic? Is IL improving at the same rate as MN?
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