Friday, November 16, 2007

MN Club Scene

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:

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Anonymous said...

I've heard it takes a MINIMUM of $10K to play on the Chicago Magic. That comes from a Magic parent at a fairly recent tournament. She acknowledged some of the players on her son's team are scholarshipped but she wasn't privvy if all $10K or just partial scholarships were awarded.

Anonymous said...

this number isn't even close. not even in the ballpark. if you add in travel expenses then I suppose your playing the same game, just not in the same league.

oh, and to be clear, 10K is not even close, on the HIGH SIDE, not the low side.

Anonymous said...

One difference - the "elite" clubs in other major metro areas have the facilities needed to properly train their players year round.

You will rarely find 8 teams from the same club being crammed into one regulation field for training, as you will find at the dome at Holy Angels.

Anonymous said...

I was going for a more structural/organizational difference. In MN, the members of MYSA are clubs. These clubs look to MYSA for EVERYTHING and MYSA controls everything! Leagues, schedules, fines, complaints, appeals, etc.

In IL, the members are leagues (groups of clubs). Each league has rules and administrators that have nothing to do with the state association. Clubs have more freedom in administering the leagues to suit their interests - whatever those may be...

Why do other states want to be like MN? Why wouldn't you, when you control everything!
That is the main reason on a structural basis. $$s, facilities, etc. are other differences as well.

Anonymous said...

former magic man,
So which club does your boy play with here in Minnesota and how does it compare to the Magic?

Anonymous said...

So lets say that your U15 son tries out for the Magic and makes the team and you have the ability to make the payments. How much would it cost for the season (league, Super Y, MWL) overall.

Anonymous said...

well - I wouldn't know much about how the Magic compare to local clubs as I don't play, I'm coaching now - but not at that level. But I played for the Magic and started my coaching career under Macko (no, I don't wear construction boots on the sideline like him). Couple of things - first of all anonymous is wrong if he thinks elite clubs have these amazing facilities, in fact these "domes" are less common around the region than they are in minnesota. My team used to train half the time in a gym, the other half the time in a regular indoor (aka turf hockey) field no bigger than one of those little sections that teams get when they divide the dome at AHA.

Secondly, and this is no disrespect to Macko, or the guys at Ohio Elite, or any elite club - but quite honestly its not a development issue, its a population and ethnicity issue. Chicago has a MASSIVE talent pool to draw from, much of which comes from cultural bases that rank futbol in the stratosphere compared to other sports. Before half these kids ever come to the club they are better than most of the players here, because they are naturally talented and culturally aware futbolers - not the kid whos mom doesn't want them to play hockey. The same is true of an Ohio Elite, Cincinnati draws from a huge quad metro area and has a much more diverse population. Its true for most of the top Region II clubs. Go outside the region and you see other examples of why they are "ahead". For example, combine all of the above with year round outdoor training and you have California.

People on here seem to want to blame Bangu, Wings, or whoever for doing a bad job of developing players - I choose to recognize they are doing a good job despite having some cards stacked against them. Can they do better, yes, will they do better, yes. Its a process. If you think someone like Macko could just move up here, run his magic program, and wham bam we're winning national titles though, well, you're kidding yourself. The closest thing I've seen to an elite club structure up here since I've moved here, and I know this will sting people, but its the bangu GIRLS program and academy. The boys just don't seem as organized or committed top to bottum.

Funny thing for me is, everyone seems to hate bangu for doing things EXACTLY how all the clubs they come on here and bark about do it. You can't "protect your turf" and also expect Minnesota to develop regionally competitive teams, just not possible.

As for the magic money issue, team dues alone are comparable to some of the top clubs here, and those scholarships that were mentioned run RAMPANT, they aren't just the rare occasion.

Hope that opinion broadens the debate.

Anonymous said...

Former Majic Man....thanks for the input.

Anonymous said...

Yes that was good to read. One of the better posts I have seen on this blog. I would say to watch out for Blackhawks as a club that has a nice diverse base from which it draws and also is working to try and get its development right at the younger age levels. Big numbers and a good approach. That club has a chance to succeed if the parents don't mess it up. In terms of competitiveness, Bangu seems to have the organization and right decision-makers, and no one can argue with their results relative to other MN teams, but does it have the core of players that former magic man is talking about? I don't know. I would add that I am not interested at all in the Bangu v. other clubs debate. I would just like to see some clubs in this state develop players and the sport better.

Anonymous said...

former magic man,

Great post and just confirms what many of us in Minnesota have been saying all along. It's a combination of total population and the blend of ethnic players that sets the Illinois, Michigan and Ohio clubs a step or two ahead to Minnesota. We also realize as a state we treated the players as "property" far too long and held some of them back developmentally so our community clubs might realize more success.

Bangu needs another club to step up in this state and give them some competition to keep them sharp and we need to community clubs to acknowledge the top players shouldn't be held back from development opportunities for selfish club reasons.

Bangu has done a great job with their girls program and is making great strides on the boys side too. Last year they won 3 state cup titles at 14,16 and 18 and were runner up at U13.

Their boys training isn't as high profile as it's out of the way at the Rosemount Dome compared to all who see the Bangu girls at centrally located Holy Angels.

I spoke to a Bangu boys coach at the Metrodome during HS State Tournament and he shared their scholarship funding has increased dramatically on the boys side as more and more of those "ethnic" players you mentioned join the club. Time will tell.

Anonymous said...

the biggest similarity between Bangu and the other clubs mentioned here, as was alluded to by someone else, is the decision making and command structure. Former Magic Man talks about Mackovic, OESA was mentioned to and they have Roby Stahl - almost all of these elite national level clubs have many difference, but one thing in common - there is no board standing in the way of their DOC's ability to make choices and run the club as they see fit.

I know a few of these guys, and I seriously think half the time they say to themselves, "now what would a board do?" and then they do the complete opposite - hence the success.

BTFC does have a board, at least a president and VP to my knowledge, but they leave the soccer decisions to the soccer people and support them.

Anonymous said...

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=3160&Product_Id=306035&showcase=t
New preds!
what do you guys think?

Anonymous said...

I like it!!

Anonymous said...

i dont know if i like them or not, i was expecting a lot more out of the 08-09 preds but i guess these can do

Anonymous said...

ok there not flashy at all!

Anonymous said...

It seems like the Wings had a chance at being a challenge to Bangu for state supremacy but for the reasons mentioned here about parent involvement and board decisions it has just become another (expensive) club.

With the loss of Bellis they are only worse off.

How are the Blackhawks attracting players? They have been 2nd tier for a long time? And what about Mpls Utd?

Unless a club can recruit constantly how can they hop eto build boys and girls teams?

Anonymous said...

I know how the scholorships work here in MN Clubs but how do they work for the Magic and other Super Clubs.

I'd be interested to know as I think more and more parents who have been providing the schloroship money will start saying no for two reasons. 1) as the economy gets worse those $300-$500 monthly soccer payments become more difficult.
2) this year players that have been supported by parents for YEARS have left clubs for greener grass. In other words, those schloroship players felt no loyality to the people/clubs who have financially supported their development. Clubs/Parents and teams are probably not going be so willing to help in the future.

So...my question is how do the Super Clubs Support the Schloroship players? Parents, donations, endorsements???? Second, are those schloroship players signed to a club like they are in the rest of the world? I know this is somewhat controversal but I do think this is one of the reason MN soccer isn't as diverse as it should be and does have the potential of really blowing up here as the economy declines.

Sorry, for the gramar & sp, I'm on the run.

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with the blackhawk statement above...They were the best club in the state through the 90s, but Bangu has definitely taken over since then...The last great teams the blackhawks fielded were the boys 80-81s and the 81-82s....They have nothing at this point in time; they're no more than a rec club

Anonymous said...

the blackhawks have the best U-15 and U-16 boys teams in the state in their repective age groups, i would say they are little better than a rec club

Anonymous said...

Why do you say the U16 Blackhawks have the best team in the state, they have not won state cup or anything in the past years. Both PSA/Arsenal and Bangu have won those age brackets. Blackhawks haven't won anything yet so don't proclaim them the best in the state. Just because they may have added a player or two doesn't make them the best yet, You still have to perform and win games.
While they may be better than a rec team don't give them kudoes until they earn it.

Anonymous said...

This just shows how stupid these exchanges can be. The poster before baited with the rec club comment. It was an obvious bait because anyone who knows blackhawks knows that they have some great teams (I have no idea whether they are the best at U15 or U16 boys but it doesn't matter), some great players and some great coaches, just like several other top clubs in the state feature some great teams, players and coaches. They are not a rec club. That said, blackhawks success as a club in terms of state cup competition and regional competition has been limited, and that has much to do with the same problems that afflict other parent-run clubs as well as due to the fact that they don't have the wealthiest of player bases. Bangu has a distinct advantage in these areas, they have done a good job it seems of getting outside dollars, and they seem to make the most of it. Long term it will be interesting to see what clubs develop the best players from a young age. Blackhawks has an approach that is developing some special players and tapping into strong communities. Minneapolis united seems to be up to the same thing and, even if they haven't had much success in state cup or regionally, one sees some pretty special players in that club too.

Anonymous said...

Blawkhawks and Mpls United have both had a resurgence over the past couple of years. However, they are still have a ways to go to building a club that can support quality teams for boys and girls at most/every age group.

The prevous poster is correct about parents run boards that try to control too many things. Both BHK and MUS are still saddled with micro focused boards. This past summer when MUS had 2 teams that qualified for 2008 U14 premier it practically took their club apart with infighting. Parents, coaches and DOC all fighting for control.

Anonymous said...

After 11 years Got Soccer shut down thier blog due to over the line moronic comments. America has been dumbed down.

Anonymous said...

Or the blog operators got smarter......

Anonymous said...

If you thought you were having a bad day, consider the gaffe this gentleman made prior to the England v. Croatia match in Wembley:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7109058.stm

Anonymous said...

The Midwest Regional League has announced its team selections for the Premier and First Division.

http://midwestregionalleague.com/index.asp

Anonymous said...

It appears more and more MN teams are taking the next step to compete in a regional league. Does that mean MN is starting to be competive to other states in Region II? My other concern is this league taking ove the permier league for MN? Only time will tell as these teams go to the pitch.

Anonymous said...

if clubs are smart they will get the heck out of the premier (cough cough) league of MYSA and into MWRL. aside from not being governed by the MYSA (a HUGE bonus), the competition is better and the schedules more conducive to allowing teams to travel to major showcase events.

Can anyone tell me how SSM managed to get in to this though???? I mean it is right there in the bylaws, teams MUST PLAY STATE CUP THE YEAR PRIOR TO JOINING THE MWRL. Is there fine print somewhere that says "as usual, rules apply to everyone but SSM"

???? I'm not trying to start ANY anti SSM rant or anything like that, but how did they pull of this latest caper? anyone? Its good for them, and in reality good for MWRL, but I don't get how they can just disregard a rule that leaves no room for interpretation like that.

Anonymous said...

To do MWRL clubs better get their scholarship situations in order. I don't see lower-income players being able to participate otherwise. In-state traveling soccer is hard enough for many families. Out-of-state is even more difficult. Wouldn't it be better to improve the MN premier league so that MN actually produces a lot of quality teams? Don't we want ultimately to be like many other places in the world where high-caliber soccer/football is played locally and you don't have to drive hours and hours to get competition? In this regard, why quit the MN premier leage to do MWRL? Why not do both? I don't think MN premier league adds that much in the way of cost. Whatever the case, it seems the best thing for the sport and kids in this state would be to build a better premier league rather than quitting it entirely.

Anonymous said...

Take a look at the sheer number of teams involved in the MRL. It is growing across the region, not just in MN. There seems to be a concurrent loss of quality as well.

Anon 10:15 is right that the MRL Premier league is a notch or two above the MN premier league, but I have seen no evidence that the MRL 1st division offers better competition than the MYSA premier league.

To the contrary, a couple of MN teams that would not qualify as MYSA premier teams are playing MRL 1st division.

Playing in a regional league may sound impressive around the water cooler, but the reality is that the league has become diluted with subpar teams.

Anonymous said...

i say play in both leagues as you get to play more games. Please don't tell me about too much soccer as most of these teams train year round. Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I agree that the MRL is being diluted. Just 2 years ago you had to have either won your league or won state cup to be able to play MRL. Soon it will be like the schwanns usa cup where you spend all the time and money and end up playing minnesota teams. It should be a next level step for only the best teams. But I guess everyone wants to jump on the wagon so they can say they play in the "traveling league"

Anonymous said...

No, its because the fine folks who run MRL are recognizing that there is money to be made.

Anonymous said...

or everyone wants a chance to get promoted to the premier league where they'd then have the opportunity to play against the top teams in the country in preparation for state cup...after all every competitive teams' sole goal is to win state cup, right?

Anonymous said...

You are wrong about MRL a few years ago. It used to be the top 2 teams from premier were invited with the 3rd team being an alternate. Then MYSA allowed the top 3 teams. They the top 3 teams plus anyone who was a state cup semi finalist. Then it was top 3 teams and state cup finalists. Now it appears to be based on some subjective factors if Shattuck has been accepted.

I also strongly disagree with the poster who said the MRL First Division is inferior to MN Premier league.

Last years U16:

CDA: MN Premier 7-1-2 MRL 0-7-2
EDP: MN Premier 4-3-3 MRL 4-4-0
WNG: MN Premier 4-3-3 MRL 4-3-2
MTC: MN Premier 1-8-1 MRL 0-9-0

If anything you MRL first division is a little better. Plus you get to play different teams...not the same teams over and over at state cup, tournaments, scrimmages and league.
If anything

Anonymous said...

MRL First Division definitely provides higher quality teams than the MN Premier League, which I see as just one of the benefits of the league. The cost is very reasonable ($350.00 per team, plus $50 pre game referee fees) and the cost of travel is reasonable as well because driving (bus or car) works for the weekend events. (I don't think the MRL is getting rich off fees like that.) Call it what you want but it is an opportunity for teams seeking a higher level of competition beyond the borders of Minnesota. Lets face it in the end outside of spending lots of money traveling to college showcase tournaments, where else is a team supposed to go to find consistent strong competition. IMO the MRL is a quality option.

Anonymous said...

And the goal for a good team should be to get promoted to the Premier level in MWL, which is not easy.
The competition in the 1st div is just about comparable to regionals plus the runners up. The competition in Premier is about the same as Regionals. The only
U16B team from last year to get promoted to PRM is the Bangu team and they did not have an easy time at all.

Anonymous said...

Not only did they not have it easy but they will probably struggle at the Premier Level. As U14 I think they played MWL Premier and were religated down.

Anonymous said...

Eden Prairie U18 Premier will be holding tryouts for next summer to fill a few vacancies related to graduations and players moving. The tryout will be next Monday, December 3,2007 at the Eden Prairie Dome from 9:00-10:00 P.M. If interested, please call Ron at 612-385-6886 or Dan at 651-334-9793 for more information.

Anonymous said...

get your ep garbage outta here.. no one wants to play for your club anyway

Anonymous said...

Hey, this is stuff we want to see. Don't dis EP. this is stuff that needs to be spread on this blog. Where else are we going to see it?

Anonymous said...

I'd be curious to hear a report on the National League games the SE played in last weekend. It appears they lost all three games but how was the event?

Anonymous said...

Regionals
ODP
MWL
Super Y
National League

Why do we need all of this stuff?

Anonymous said...

so more people can make a living off soccer instead of getting real jobs.

Anonymous said...

The Super Eagles are in for a tough go:

http://www.t7sports.com:8080/2005/k123194.htm

They may not win a game. They should have merged with Bangu and tried to consolidate MN talent.

Anonymous said...

They'll do better in Florida with a little more training. Because of high school season, they have had little time together since mid July. Some other teams (CA) for example, were at the end of their club season and actually start high school soccer this week, (They won't finish their games until April when done with the high school season.) SE had two starter guys gone at the ODP Interregionals, and another out due to injury.

Anonymous said...

What does it matter, this league is a diluted B league because of the new US Soccer Developmental Academy. I hope they win a game but a national league this is not!!

Anonymous said...

the Super Eagles lost 2 of their top 3-4 players. They are not the team they used to be.
The coach wanted to be king instead of doing what was best for most of the kids and much has changed.
Life goes on.

Anonymous said...

So who is not longer on that SE team?

Regionals
ODP
MWL
Super Y
National League
US Soccer Developmental Academy
US Club soccer

What is happening to US soccer?

Anonymous said...

I don't know if this is true but I heard Patrick and Ataklia left the Super Eagles.

Anonymous said...

Patrick has left, he is playing for the blackhawks, I dont know about Ataklia, he might just be playing with the national team this summer or maybe he went to the blackhawks as well because thats who he used to play for before he went to the super eagles

Anonymous said...

Atkalia had previously played with an older age group in Blackhawks. I heard that Ataklia plays in Greece and basically didn't show up to play after May or so. Although he was talented, people said he was totally a headache with kind of a Randy Moss type attitude.

Anonymous said...

Ataklia is a total pain. He is also 19 or 20. Even JY said that he had no idea how to deal with him. He was a cancer on all of his club teams he ever played with, including the regional team. I doubt he is playing in Greece. He is not good enough, or disciplined enough to play at any level beyond MN club soccer.

Anonymous said...

He really is, I've seen pics on the kids "my space."
Now he is someone else's headache.

Anonymous said...

PSA Super Eagles coach screwed things up.
This age group is a talent rich class and last year saw it primarily split among 2 teams. PSA & Bangu.
There was discussion to combine the top players from these 2 clubs and rumor had it Danny Storlien, arguably the top coach in the state, to coach this talented combined group.
Things looked great until the PSA coach decide he was better qualified than Storlien to coach the team and killed the plan.
Since then his 2 best players have left the Super Eagles for the Blackhawks and now the top talent is even more scattered that last
year. The Super Eagles will be a shell of what they were last year.
Some people just can't seem to do what is best for the kids and let their own egos get in the way.

Anonymous said...

when the knowitall at Bangu, Wings, and wbl had not interest for the kids. can someone tell me how you create a nationally ranked team in PSA if your ego is too big? start to show some caring and created a team that is now playing at the highest level. good players will move on to bigger things. Isn't that what we want for the kids? ego - hmmm

Anonymous said...

The Super Eagles are no longer super without their 2 best players.
They're just another average premier team.

Anonymous said...

The talent at u16 is deep.PSA were beyond everyone elses level at last years State Cup,Bangu were really no better than the teams in the other group,PSA were leaps beyond the rest in April.

Anonymous said...

Some girls teams will be playing in Texas 12/7 thru 12/9 at the Final Four Collge Coaches Showcase

Anonymous said...

Anon 6:46
I'm not connected to any U16B team, but it appears that people like you have a beef with JY and like to take it out on the SE players and bash them at every opportunity. Just from reading this blog and from looking at the scores on USYSA's website, it is clear that the SE had 2 good players quit and 2 that were at ODP and 1 that was injured. That is 5 players gone!

They lost 0 - 1 to one team, 0 - 2 to another and 1 - 3 to another in the national league. I would say not too bad for playing their first games of the year and with 5 of their best players gone.

Some people that write on here are so blinded by jealousy, or maybe they were left behind at PSA, or are plain stupid!

Average premier teams do not play in the national league or in the premier MRL. We should be happy to have teams like these in MN and should work to have more of them, instead some people focus on destroying. So sad - I feel sorry for you and I am embarrassed for you...

Anonymous said...

anon 9:36 - I have a horse in the race and agree with you. My son tried out for SE two years ago and did not make the team and was disappointed. But we would have cherised the chance to play in the National League. Bangu did not get the Academy and SE got the National League.

knowing the caliber of teams that were selected, wow, whta a chance to see some of the top players in our country. am sure most of them are heading to D1 colleges. since we don't have D1 in MN, we think only of MYSA and also jealous for anyone trying to put MN on national map.

Anonymous said...

I don't think anyone is tearing down the kids here.
What I see is a factual synopsis of the U16 boys age group in general.
It is an extremely talent rich group of players who for whatever reason have chosen to go different directions.
Last year this great talent was primarily split between Bangu and PSA and now it's split again with the Blackhawks picking up the best player from Bangu and the two best players from PSA Eagles.
Unfortunately none of these three teams will be as good as PSA or Bangu was last year and all of them will struggle to win against top flight competition out of state.
That's just reality due to the talent being spread thinner.

Anonymous said...

Where do people get their info? Only one PSA player left. He and the "best" Bangu player (the pony tail kid with the hot temper), go to SSM. At least one of them is on full ride with SSM and I can only imagine that they will play only when they are done with SSM season, which goes til mid-May. Sounds to me like Blackhawks is putting all their eggs in the State Cup basket. And don't anyone forget St. Croix Valley. They had a good team last year and will be a force to be reckoned with

Anonymous said...

Yawn, are you guys done talking about how good your kids are yet?

Anonymous said...

Yawn, are you guys done talking about how good your kids are yet?

Anonymous said...

St Croix Valley didn't even have a premier team last year. It's a huge jump from C1 to premier...then an even bigger jump to State Cup finals.
At State Cup last year SCV was shut out by Wings and PSA. They tied WBL, a team that went 1-8 and dropped from premier league.

Anonymous said...

St. Croix picked up some new kids and will be a very good team, but I think that Valley will be the second best team in the U-16 league, they tied finished for second last season and I know they added some major additions to their team

Anonymous said...

hey, didn't the Wings U17 team play in a tournament somewhere this weekend. I think I heard Tenn. Does anyone know how they did? Or what the name of the tournament is?

Anonymous said...

germantown invitational college showcase..it was their first time playing together and played pretty well..they tied two and lost one, but should've won both the games they tied..

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if tournaments like CASL seed teams into brackets, or is it just a showcase event? I see SSM went 2-1 in the 8th flight last weekend.

Oops, careful. Don't speak out against SSM or this blog may be shut down.

Anonymous said...

Anyone have an opinion on the Super Y league ODP program?

Anonymous said...

CASL is sort a weird example, because it is set up like a showcase, so there are a billion "flights"

They try to pair teams based on results, rankings, basically yes they "seed" teams, though being in the '8th flight' doesn't necessarily mean its the 8th strongest level.

is that seriously what happened to the other blog? you have to be kidding right?

Anonymous said...

Don't take the St. Croix Red DevilsU16 Boys lightly. They are going to be in the CASL showcase. First time I know of they're going to something somewhat competitive.

Anonymous said...

lol this blog was just offline for a bit. Thought the SSM poke got to this one as well. I think that's what happened to the girls blog - when all the posts started flying about SSM playing in our state cup. Could be coincidence, could not be.

iesoccer said...

Wondering about the u17 age group. What are the teams to beat? What showcase tournaments are other teams going to attend?

Anonymous said...

anon 1:12

Showcase = non-competitive- it's a SHOWCASE...

They don't even count in rankings...

Anonymous said...

SCV U16 boys will be paired against other lower level teams in the showcase.
They will be competitive against those teams in this event.
That's the way it works as directors try to keep the weaker teams from getting crushed by the elite teams.

Anonymous said...

Saying something isn't competitive because its a showcase is just wrong. and I don't know what "rankings" you're referring to, if your thinking the NSR rankings then yes, major SHOWCASE event results are considered.

Anonymous said...

anon 1001...good showcases are the only venues where you are going to have hundreds of college coaches in attendance outside of regionals, and given only one team from each state goes to regionals most wont have that opportunity.....If you want to play d1 soccer, you have to get seen by coaches and showcases are the best place for that to occur....

rankings dont mean sh*t in the grand scheme of things. its all about winning or being a finalist at state cup...if you achieve that, you are accepted to virtually any tournament/showcase you feel inclined to play in and and thereafter have the opportunity to be seen by any coach you choose to contact

Anonymous said...

I had the opportunity to take 4 teams to showcase events over the past 5 or 6 years. It is a tough proposition to go to a showcase (or any tournament for that matter) and not be in the top flight. You can call coaches at college and university where you are intested in attending and they might come watch you play. The reality of the showcases are that the vast majority of coaches don't watch the 2nd and 3rd flight games, unless they are coming to watch a specific player. So SCV players, make sure you contact the coaches from schools you are interested in.

The previous commenter is correct. If you want to get into the top flights of tourneys, win state cup. Being a runner up will help, but is not guarentee.

Anonymous said...

Winning State Cup will get you in if you are in a respected state, otherwise it won't. Winning State Cup in SD guarantees you nothing. The previous poster is incorrect in saying that rankings mean nothing, if you are a nationally ranked team you will be accepted into an upper flight of any showcase you choose.

Anonymous said...

anon 12:04 - There you go... Those useless rankings were pretty useful after all.

Anonymous said...

MN is much more respected than sd, nd and the like....if you are a state cup winner in mn, you will get into any showcase regardless of your rank...if you are a finalist, you will get into 95% of the events you apply to.

Of course if you're a highly ranked team, you'll get accepted into upper flight...but whether youre in an upper flight or lower flight is irrelevant when it comes to college recruiting...If you contact a coach who will also be attending the event, they will watch you...after that its on you to show them your ability...if they wnat you, you'll here about it...if they dont, you will hear nothing.

Anonymous said...

SD teams are of way lower caliber. in the muscatine tournament i think it was dakota gold that got trounced 8-0, 9-0, 10-0 in their three games. not positive but something like that. des moines menace is the only respectable team.

Anonymous said...

Anon 6:23 what are you talking about. Get your facts straight.

West Des Moines and Cedar River (CRSA) are the top clubs in Iowa. Outside of maybe 1 or 2 teams, the Menace club have nothing. CRSA U19s have been state cup champs and top 20 nationally ranked since they were U14s. Most of them are playing D1 soccer as well.

Anon 11:26 you are wrong. Tournament applications don't ask you what you are ranked at gotsoccer.com or nationalsoccerrakings.com they care about your state cup finish, record in Midwest League, number of ODP players, number of regional team players, and major tournament records. The ranking is a by product of the above. Teams who play regular tournamets over showcases get ranked higher because their finish gives them more points.

Anonymous said...

anon 756 read a post before you speak.

1126 said. "if you are a state cup winner in mn, you will get into any showcase regardless of your rank...if you are a finalist, you will get into 95% of the events you apply to"

Obviously other factors go into determining which flight youre placed in, but if you are a mn state cup winner you will get into every tournament to which you aapply and if you are a finalist, you will get into everything except for the most competitive tournaments/ showcases in the country.

That is how it works

Anonymous said...

MN Futbol Blog - Iowa, get your own blog!

Anonymous said...

outside of maybe one or two teams iowa has nothing...so who cares about one crsa team....bottom line if you go to regionals and get a sd, nd or ia team in your bracket you feel blessed

Anonymous said...

sorry all but I need clarification since I am new at this soccer thing.
Take the recent CASL shootout; Are the teams rated for their flights i.e - U17 girls, blue = most difficult & peach = least difficult?

Anonymous said...

yes

Anonymous said...

NO! The color of the flight at CASL and the order in which is is listed DOES NOT CORRESPOND with the level of play, for the last time!!!! At U17 and U18 it is a PURE SHOWCASE - they try to match teams competitively to avoid blowouts, but those are not flights in order of level. Wasn't this question already answered here somewhere? BY ME.

Anonymous said...

Take a pill buddy!

Anonymous said...

been going to CASL and other showcases for years also, and anon 11:46 is correct, although once you get past the first 20-25 or so teams the groupings start to involve a lot of guesswork.

Anonymous said...

been going is right,
They will take teams with no state cup history or lack of state cup success and match them with other C1 caliber opponents.
This will allow the weaker teams to have competitive matches and not get blown out by a state cup champ, finalist or semi-finalist.
Conversely it pits the top teams with other high quality foes.

Anonymous said...

that is correct, they group teams by perceived srength, as you go down the list of flights the teams get weaker, at least in the eyes of the tourney sponsors. I do agree with anon 1:38 that once you get to the bottom 6 or so flights it is pure speculation as nobody has any idea how good the teams are. The teams in the bottom flight could be just as strong as those in the 4'th from the bottom at CASL.

Anonymous said...

8:37 you are wrong. State cup championship in Mn will not get you into all tournaments and/or in the top flight. Nomads top flight, few MN teams have ever gotten in, Disney top flight, outside of a couple of Bangu girls teams, have any MN teams have ever gotten in?, the spring showcase in Cincinatti (I forget the name) again, MN state cup champs are regularyly turned donw for this one. The showcase tourney at CASL will accept almost anyone willing to play as it is a showcase.

Anonymous said...

anon 7:56,

ill give u CRSA on that one. menace are usually one of the more competitive teams but no reason to go ballisitic over saying the menace are the respectable ones. and if u are talking about the part about dakota gold in muscatine, that is true so take a pill and get ur panties out of a bunch

Anonymous said...

I saw the bangu 17's practicing the other night at augsburg and it looks as if they are a whole new team. It seems that they have a great coach that knows what he is doing with many skilled (hidden) players...they could shock some teams this year with all there new skilled players.

Anonymous said...

7:47 - the name you can't remember is the Blue Chip Showcase in Cincinnati, one of the best in the country, though I've never heard of them turning down state champions. when I used to live and coach around there the standards were "state cup champs are in, runners up will be considered." it is also the "ADIDAS" Blue Chip showcase and one of the few events I ever encountered where wearing the right jersey was helpful, but not necessarily required.

Anonymous said...

Bangu 17's beat a group of college players and recent graduates 1-0 in a scrimmage last night...just a scrimmage, but not bad for their first time together.

Anonymous said...

Be honest anon 8:16/9:44, are you a parent of someone on the "Bangu 17's" as you twice have referred to them? Or some other connection like coach?

Anonymous said...

Bangu will be good but I would not base much on a scrimmage....

Anonymous said...

If the Bangu 17s are Holkers group their game will take a big jump, regardless of loosing a few players. Holker trains his club players to become college players. Holker's coaching abilities have also grown dramatically over the past 4 years.

Anonymous said...

chimplin U17- 2
Shattuck- 1

Anonymous said...

the mighty ssm 16s, right?

Anonymous said...

ya the ssm 16's. and theres no one here that would actually go to augsburg just to watch bangu practice that doesnt have a kid on the team. OO I CANT WAIT TO SEE ALL THESE HIDDEN PLAYERS!!

Anonymous said...

Don't pay attention to any of the anons. If you don't have the balls to take a name go blow in a bag.

Anonymous said...

a truly identifying name like . . . bang? welcome to the ranks of the faux anonymites

Anonymous said...

Bang?

How about bang-you. That would be a good name! Isn't "bang-you" a local club?

Anonymous said...

yeah non joke, it sure takes a lot of balls to pick a random name thats about as meaningful as "anonymous." Gimmie a break.

Anonymous said...

I thought that the BNG U17 B team did rather well against the "college" team. Each team missed a few opportunities. The pace was fast and the play was clean.

Anonymous said...

Did anyone see the email the MYSA sent out today? Anyone know what they are talking about?

Anonymous said...

Haven't heard of any communication from MYSA.
What was the subject?

Anonymous said...

Message from MYSA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: December 21, 2007
To: MYSA Club Officials
From: MYSA President Bob Poretti
MYSA Executive Director Candace Daley


Some members have contacted MYSA over the past few days to ask about the validity of a rumor they heard. After looking into the matter, here is what MYSA knows:

The Minnesota Thunder has held some brief meetings with a few MYSA clubs and the State Director of Coaching to get their initial feedback on the merits of possibly forming a Minnesota Thunder Academy. This idea is very much in the conceptual stages and no decisions have been made. It is also important to note that MYSA has not approved or endorsed this concept.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

tomASS said...

mnfutbol - you should be honored - that was posted here first before their own web site.......or at least I couldn't find it. However I still could find the lawsuit "badge" still displayed prominently though.

MYSA still has trouble getting meeting minutes up on their own web site The DOC is the most current (Oct) but the Youth Council and Executive Board are way behind. They still do not have the 2006 AGM notes up so it would be silly for me to think the 2007 AGM notes would be posted. And of course where are the financial reports to be found which the State Attorney and the laws of MN say should be posted??

And I say

MERRY CHRISTMAS (if that offends you that is your problem not mine)

Anonymous said...

Tomass,
Happy Holidays!

(if that offends you that is your problem not mine).

Anonymous said...

I say Felix Navidad with all good intentions and if it offends you, that be tough skin.

Tomass - mn futbol - Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all.

May 2008 bring moments of excitement for MN soccer.

Go MN Premiere League!

tomASS said...

anon 945 - nope, if that is what you prefer to extend to people.

The times in MN soccer are a changing - MYSA has had their opportunity to work within their own system. If it needs to come from outside then they only have them selves to blame.

I don't call them whiner clubs because I am a huge proponent of Community Clubs - they just lack complete understanding and clarity of the situation. I believe that to be a MYSA leadership issue.

Anonymous said...

Thunder, and all other american pro teams should have their own academy with rights to the players they produce. Then we can get rid of club soccer as a means for competitive gain and keep it at what it's meant to be for the kids... participating for fun. The real players will be in the thunder academy or at some academy of a different pro team out of state. Billy and Johnny will be playing for bangu rec summer team.

Anonymous said...

to which rights do you speak? Should the 8-17 year olds in this academy be legally bound to the pro academy? Sound nutty to me.

Anonymous said...

Well it would work like it does everywhere else in the world... It's not a foriegn concept (well actually it is here). I would think that it would be an honor for an 8-17 to be in a club academy if they were ever actually established.

Anonymous said...

I agree. I like the idea of changing SSM's name in the MN soccer world to Faribault Shattuck, and hence will refer to them as such from now on in all my conversations - both here and in the real world. I hope others do likewise.

Other than that, I say they do what they want for the players interested. The masses don't have to like it, and probably won't.

Anonymous said...

soutie...what a thoughtful comment about ssm and fairbault..does that mean that alot of other major clubs in the country should change there name as well since most are associated with local clubs?..It appears to me that the relaitionship between ssm and fairbault goes back, hmmm 150 years....So if it makes you feel good, refer to them as whatever...it shows you intelligence and foresight about the game of soccer..

Anonymous said...

anon 9:40
I think what Southie is referring to is the fact that SSM has purposefully avoided becoming a MYSA club.
It's evident why they have done so and the reasons are not lost on anyone associated with club soccer here in Minnesota.
Slimy was the word used a few times in another thread and it's quite appropriate.

Anonymous said...

whatever floats your boat...I am sure you are privied to all the goings on with the politics....Is this your idea of elevating the play in mn?..

Anonymous said...

Couple more things...you have a personal ax to grind with SSM then fine..do it on a academic blog where your underhanded comments I'm sure, will be appreciated...the question I have is what are other teams doing to prepare for SSM ON THE FIELD?


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.

Anonymous said...

I think a discussion regarding the fact that Shattuck has somehow circumvented MWRL rules is a valid topic. Note the following rule pulled directly from MWRL site.

2.02 State Cup Requirement
Any team making application to the MRL must have competed in the State Cup competition
during the past seasonal year and must participate in its respective State Cup competition
during the current seasonal year.

I believe most people would like to see all teams and all clubs playing by the same rules?

Did Shattuck or Faribault participate in last year's State Cup?

Enough said?

Anonymous said...

Uff da! Nuttin like da truth to slap one in da face, eh?

Anonymous said...

I believe that for competition mrl may supercede these requirments..not sure..but why are you so hung up on this?

don't you want the best competition?

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:13,
People just want everyone to play by the same rules.
Why is that so difficult to understand?

Anonymous said...

2.02 State Cup Requirement
Any team making application to the MRL must have competed in the State Cup competition
during the past seasonal year and must participate in its respective State Cup competition
during the current seasonal year.

tomASS said...

so here in MN we want to raise the level of play of all the elite clubs, but we want to do so by avoiding playing competition that might have a better talent base than we do because they don't have the same restrictions the elite clubs in MN do? I think that is a discredit to the elite players in this state and the training they are putting in toward developing as players.

If you want to be the best, then you need to play the best competition. The defeats create greater future objectives to build upon and the victories are that much more cherished.

I welcome SSM and would love to compete against them

tomASS said...

so here in MN we want to raise the level of play of all the elite clubs, but we want to do so by avoiding playing competition that might have a better talent base than we do because they don't have the same restrictions the elite clubs in MN do? I think that is a discredit to the elite players in this state and the training they are putting in toward developing as players.

If you want to be the best, then you need to play the best competition. The defeats create greater future objectives to build upon and the victories are that much more cherished.

I welcome SSM and would love to compete against them

Anonymous said...

That is so ridiculous, there is nothing stopping anyone from playing SSM anytime they want, or SSM playing anyone they want. It doesn't need to be in State Cup for it to happen. I could care less if SSM plays state cup or not but drop the idea that somehow that will improve soccer for MN kids. That is ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:44 is correct.

If SSM wants to play the Minnesota teams have them form a club and enter the MYSA leagues.

Or they could be tournament only teams.

But to allow teams comprised of players who are 75-80% from other states compete in Minnesota's State Cup is ridiculous.

As so many have stated let's have them play by the same rules...if they want to play.

tomASS said...

anon 944 please expand upon your comments of why you think it is ridiculous.

anon 1003 - you completely distort what anon 944 infers.

Anonymous said...

Tomass,
I don't think the poster at 9:44 distorted anything.
1. Is SSM a registered MYSA club?
2. Why not? (are they above it?)
3. If not why don't they become one? (if they want to play MYSA teams)
4. Why shouldn't they follow MYSA and MRL rules? (all other MYSA clubs do?)
5. Why don't they enter MSHSL soccer league?
Inquiring minds want to know.

tomASS said...

anon 255 - i did not say anon 944 distorted anything. I asked that poster to further expand on why he thought playing better competition was ridiculous to mn soccer development.

I stated anon 1003 distorts 944's post because 944s did not contain any of the arguments that 1003 and you state.

Anonymous said...

MYSA is a big joke if that is the de facto standard. SSM or any competitor should regard MYSA as a stumbling block for MN kids soccer growth. Tomass or anyone, let's look beyond MYSA and give SSM its support.

It is ridiculous they have to circumvent the rules but why not.

No one in MYSA follows the rules because they are so many rules and the DOC is as incompetent a group as they come.

I would love to challenge SSM on the field. If in 2008, SSM has three teams go to regionals and win regionals so be it. MN wins.

We have to do away with the bureaucratic mess called MYSA.

It is sad that an entity such as SSM would need to circumvent the rules to play MN state cup.

It is soccer - put kids on the field and let them play.

Also if SSM wanted to play premier league, we all would be crying foul about it too.

If SSM wants to develop their program and give us in MN something to grow, so be it.

SSM - Bring it on - baby!

Anonymous said...

anon 255: SSM cannot be a MYSA club because of the requirements of MYSA to be a club - read MYSA president article in soccer times. It is more complex and difficult to start a soccer club in MN than to start a million dollar business in US.

MYSA does not encourage competition because of the CC.

SSM is just trying to put a good product on the field. If Bangu, Wings, Arsenal can compete with the SSM, why not? Let's quit whining and encourage more clubs to think futuristic and find ways to put a club on national scene.

We cannot continue to think MYSA and expect to compete at regional and national stage.

Anonymous said...

I think the point is that SSM is not a MN product. I just don't understand why they would want to go the State Cup route when they already compete in US club and showcase tournaments all over the country all year long. Or is that (State Cup) the best route to getting players a college scholarship?

Anonymous said...

Max,
I think you've hit the major issue right on the head.
Only about 20-25% of their players are from Minnesota. They recruit nationally and internationally.
In spite of this I believe the MYSA rules are written in a way that would allow SSM to become a MYSA club if they cared to do so.
At that point have them play by the rules like every other team and club has to. Let the SSM teams earn their way up from C3 as MYSA forced one of the Bangu girls teams to do last summer.
Let them play by the same rules as the other clubs and teams and earn their stripes.

Regarding SSM in the MWL. It isn't MYSA's fault they were allowed in. The MWL allowed SSM to enter breaking one of the MWL's own rules regarding the participation in State Cup requirement. Who knows what it took for MWL to overlook that rule but one can use their imagination.

Anonymous said...

SSM 18G & B's are reg with MYSA, and they are going to play State Cup this Spring. The 17/16s are not reg with the State. Regarding MRL, the 18Gs played last fall and again this spring in the first division. Nothing was given to them. They have to play and work themselves up the ladder. Fair I would say. Lets look at IMG, they are playing FL State Cup now. MMMMMMMMM? Can you show anyone any proof of the 18s recruiting?? All these folks saying SSM recruits from all over the US and abroad. Do they? Or is it by word of mouth and the families approach Shattuck? Again, if you really dont know, maybe you shouldnt spew all this venom. Its a shame that parents cry about letting players just play the game.

Anonymous said...

A coach who left SSM within the past year has acknowledged making recruiting phone calls daily.
There is no reason not to believe this coach. I don't really have a problem with that however as they recruit nationally.

What WAS given to SSM was a pass into MWL. Why they were given this free pass is anybody's guess. They did not play in Minnesota's State Cup in prior year which is one of MWL's own rules which has been posted earlier in this thread and I'll cut & paste it from previous poster.

2.02 State Cup Requirement
Any team making application to the MRL must have competed in the State Cup competition
during the past seasonal year and must participate in its respective State Cup competition
during the current seasonal year.

Did SSM/Faribault have these teams entered in Minnesota's 2007 State Cup? The answer is no.

So how and why were they allowed into MWL? It's obvious they were given a pass into MWL in violation of MWL's own rules.

Wonder what kind of deal they cut?

Anonymous said...

I am tired of SSM. Has anyone heard of any local college coaching changes on the womens side?

Anonymous said...

Yea, not local but rumor has it that Nova's HC has resigned..Interested?

Ref that coach that left Shattuck, admitting he has made calls, Im assuming so, however, in USClub, there are no rules ref recruiting..Are the 18s in USClub? NO! Are the 14/15/16/17s or what ever ages in USClub? Yes.
So if CP, that mighty keeper in MN decides to leave her home club and go to Bangu, does that mean she was recruited??

So, your still saying kids cant play. What's next, your kids are bigger and faster than mine, so that means you cant play us. boohoo..Great sportsmanship.

as for the dude that is tired of SSM...You werent tired of it when the Mommy and Daddies were crying foul against them and no one really was debating them. But then again, this site is soooooo onesided. Alot of people in the know Im sure.

Anonymous said...

State Cup is a national tournament run by usysa which CLEARLY makes provisions for boarding schools...like it or not, state cup is NOT a Minnesota tournament.

Just a leg in a national tournament.

I agree with the blogger who said just bing ssm on!...

Anonymous said...

The issue remains that rules have been bent and/or broken to allow SSM entry into MWL and subsequently because of that sleight of hand into State Cup.

SSM was somehow able to circumvent the MWRL requirement of participating in last years State Cup and teams were placed into the MWRL. Thats the rub.

Once in MWRL they are eligible for State Cup play. MYSA has no control at that point.

All people want is for them to play by the same rules. Is that so hard to understand?

Anonymous said...

MRL rules allow for placement in any division for ANY club at the discretion of the MRL....READ the bylaws..There is not a conspiracy..they want the best competition in all DIVISIONS.....I doubt if they care about SSM, Bangu, Wings, Blackhawks etc...And I am sure they don't give a rat's ass about these postings...Why do you think usysa allowed TWO more slots for the academies in the National Tournamaent?...They won't play state cup nor regionals?...Is that fair?..please...the landscape is changing..if you feel that stronly I suggest you stay with your local rec team.

Anonymous said...

anon 6:09
Where did you read that? I've looked over their website and all I can find is this rule:

2.02 State Cup Requirement
Any team making application to the MRL must have competed in the State Cup competition
during the past seasonal year and must participate in its respective State Cup competition
during the current seasonal year.

Can you help us out with the bylaw number you're referring to?
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Anon..I would leave you nothing....if you can't figure out that your tribal thoughts are not applicable at a national level then so be it...

Anonymous said...

the bottom line is that other teams have been told that they could not use players from other states , even if they register with only that team

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:05,
I see...there isn't a bylaw that states what you claimed.
It was just a lot of B.S.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

That's not true..usysa makes provisions for boarding schools and cross boarder registration...each state charges a fee...around $35.00...get real..do you think if a kid from indiana wants to play with the magic there going to stop them?..on what grounds?

Anonymous said...

Anon is good at that..we can thank him and his cohorts for getting the girls blog shutdown with his crap.

Anonymous said...

6:09, they want the best competition in all divisions? Is that was no exception was made for the U13 girls region II champs this year? Did MRL feel they would be more competitive in the first division this summer? If so, I'd question the soccer minds who are making decisions there.

People can't preach policy to one then look to make exceptions to others. This undermines all credibility.

I know Faribault Shattuck SM is already talking to Minnesota clubs trying to find partners. At least they are trying to give something back. Maybe this will make us all feel they are more of a MN club. I know if I was in charge there I'd want to work with MN clubs, not in competition with them. However, I'm not the guy in charge and the guy who is is likes to do things his way. So be it.

Anonymous said...

From the 7:06 post..players from one state cant compete with another states club/team?? Not true..Iowa player played with Eclipse, Ohio player played with Slammers, IL player plays with Ohio Elite, do I need to keep going?? A keeper from MI Gators playing with FC Milwaukee..Way to step into it deep. What a joke. You people have NO clue.

Another poster brought up the fact about the landscape is changing. How true. So, what if your little MN city team wins State Cup and makes it to Regionals, and then a Academy League team that doesnt have to play State Cup beats you, now what??

Better yet, your little MN club team wins State and Regionals but has to play yet another non-club as in the past with IMG..Oh no, NOT again. that is 3 teams that are NOT a club team as you know them. Just let them play the game. Whats at stake anyway?? A $2.50 trophy??

Guess what, no college coach could give a hoot on who wins what tournament. So just let them play the game. Selfish.

I have another question, for the dude that said all SSM does is recruit?? MMMMMMMMM? Are you upset that they didnt call/recruit your daughter?? Please. Or did they call and you were way above them w/out looking into it first?

I have never in my life read such selfish boardline slanderish anti sportsmanship its all about me crap.

Im not saying Shattuck will walk away with any hardware, its the competition that counts. And that folks, I can promise you, they will compete and may the best team on that given day win. Guess what, the sun will raise the next day.

Anonymous said...

Oh Oh, I just heard that the Univ of MN is recruiting non MN players...The Lightning is going to let non MN girls play this summer...what is the world coming to?

Anonymous said...

It all comes down to this. Why was this rule overlooked or thrown aside for SSM?

2.02 State Cup Requirement
Any team making application to the MRL must have competed in the State Cup competition
during the past seasonal year and must participate in its respective State Cup competition
during the current seasonal year.

Anyone?

Nobody is saying they can't play. Just let them follow the same process and requirements as the other clubs follow. Once they've paid their dues then so be it.

Anonymous said...

Yep..your right about the bangu u-13 girls...heard they didn't get there paperwork in on time..I think that's a crock too....they should be there....I would say someting about anon, but I don't want to disrespect what those girls have done on the field.

Anonymous said...

What dues?..are you kidding me?..IT IS A OPEN TOURNAMENT...grow up and get over yourselves..Stop it..your an embarassment to soccer.

Anonymous said...

Are you really serious about the MRL?...

Anonymous said...

I must be missing something, all this because ssm is playing in the first division of the mrl?...

Anonymous said...

It's because the rules were bent or overlooked for SSM...nothing more nothing less.
Why shouldn't they have to play by the same rules as other clubs applying to MWL?

Anonymous said...

why should acacemy teams get 33% of the slots in the national tournament?..why did the wings get to the regionals without winning a state cup or qualifying through the mrl?...why do you care?

Anonymous said...

I think you mean MRL...I have no issue with ssm there..they are starting in the 1st division..this is sport..so be it..do you realize that in 3 brackets of 4 teams bangu had a team in each bracket..should each club be limited to one team?...come on..this is rediculous...let's see how they play..valley has a hell of a team at U-18...maybe the best in the state, boy's or girls...quit bashing ssm and quit handing them trophies before they have played...

Anonymous said...

Why did Eclipse win the National tournament w/out winning State Cup?

Who freaking cares....Sounds like you have a beef with the MRL committee....But its easy to to cry foul with Shattuck. Its the easy way out.

By the way, they do play by the same rules put forth during each match. 11v11. Just like any other team just wanting to play the game.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of Eclipse, their DOC, Rory Dames, just became the new USClub Head ID2 girls DOC. Now, you all can cry that during his scouting for ID2, he can recruit to have players come to Eclipse.
www.usclubsoccer.org

Anonymous said...

Valley's U18 team isn't the same team this year.
In fact their best 2 players are playing on the SSM U18 team.

Anonymous said...

actualy , mysa did prevent a player from kansas from playing with a team in mn. this was after they ok'd the deal, and changed their minds after it was too late to add another player

Anonymous said...

let ssm play anything in MN afterall they also scrimmage hiugh school teams. bring them on I say.

if ssm can bring a strong team to state cup and to regionals, more power to them. At regionals they are considered MN and not ssm. The win regionals and finally we have a team going to nationals. won't that be great? who cares if the gophers have all out state players and win rose bowl?
quit being so selfish and let get rid of MYSA and not SSM.

mysa is the sumbling block with its lack of solid leadership and make it difficult for soccer growth.

get rid of MYSA or send them to the rec leagues. why would you have a DOC with no soccer knowledge?

tomASS said...

anon 851/910 or whoever keeps siting rule 2.02

Read the charter papers, I interpret as they have the discretion and can adjust as they see fit.

Also don't forget to to look at their mission statement in section one of the rules. Seems to me that they are following that rule in regard to how they have handled and included SSM. So they would be violating a portion of section one if they didn't allow SSM entry. You have to look at the matter in regard to the whole intent of the rules and charter. It allows room for MRL to make exceptions in special deserving cases

Finally as in any matter of rules (or law) there is an element of interpretation for unique and unusual circumstances. SSM would fall into that category because their program is not the norm of how we know the standard soccer club or program to operate. It's not just a club. It's not just a high school. It is an Academy environment that many of the existing "rules" really didn't take into consideration of ever existing here. Some exceptions are needed to address a special environment of this nature.

I believe in this case good sound common sense "for the good of soccer" thinking was applied. I am looking forward to competing against SSM every opportunity I can.

I would be interested in hearing how you interpret and apply the writings of the US Constitution or even just the laws of the game which gives referees room for interpretation of intent and the ability to play the advantage rule when they see fit.

Anonymous said...

Finally, some common sense. Thanks for the post Tomass

Anonymous said...

So the rules apply to everyone but Shattuck...thanks for straightening that out.

Anonymous said...

Tom-Ass

SSM will play in the MRL, not C3. How are you going to compete with them?

tomASS said...

LOL - they don't have a C3 team??? Dang ! I guess that rules me out LOL ;-)

7:27 - how did I say that? I said "It allows room for MRL to make exceptions in special deserving cases" If another club could come forward with circumstances similar to SSM the same exception could also be made by the MRL. If you have another team or club that exception could apply to I suggest you bring it forward to the MRL so they can address the situation.

Heck the MYSA District Operating Committee does it all the time-but many times are inconsistent (won't comment why) in how they apply their discretion.

Anonymous said...

So let me get this straight.

Shattuck excercised their prerogative to allow SSM into MWL but didn't excercise similar prerogative to allow the Region 2 U-13 girls Champions into the MWL Premier Division.

Seems a little inconsistent.

tomASS said...

so if the MRL is inconsistent then take it up with them because according to the charter Region 2 owns the MRL as part of the US soccer structure.

Anonymous said...

Let us also remember that last year BNG had a U15 girls team in MRL that never existed as a U14 team. I never heard this whining before. No one made a big deal so lets let MRL rule on SSM as they did with BNG. Whoops I forgot they are not a CC club.

Anonymous said...

So Shattuck has the 2 best players from Valley's U17 Boys State Cup championship team on the SSM U18 team that will be in State Cup this year?
Now we know where all the whining is coming from. It makes sense.

Anonymous said...

What is C3?? Never heard of such a thing?

Anonymous said...

TomAss..I would not waste my time with these losers..keep up the good work...from one who appreciates all contributions to the growth of soccer in MN.

Anonymous said...

here is a question... Team Chicago Piazza (Team Chi is/was a club)a U15 team 2 years ago, won state cup etc..then the club merged with Eclipse...The name changed to Eclipse South..They never played State Cup as Eclipse South, had new players, the whole team changed..However, they were allowed to play in MRL in the Premier Division. Were allowed to play in MRL without playing State Cup in IL as a new team. Exceptions are made, and no one is crying about that one. Matter of fact, that same Eclipse South team I think, but could be wrong, beat Bangu Stars at Regionals??

Anonymous said...

tomass, the rules only apply to specific clubs and person(s). when we talk about rules, MYSA is the first one to break them. when we want to interpret the rules, mysa is the first one to refrain from that as well. this group of DOC is a waste of time and if we really want to do anything good for soccer, get rid of the MYSA bureacracy called DOC or start something new.

MYSA is good for rec soccer and not elite soccer programs.

SSM is not going to compete in a C3or rec program. if ssm is going to bring MN soccer to the elite level, why not?

the only time any of this is an issue is at the higher levels and heaven forbid, we think we are at that level with other states.

Minnesota Premiere Soccer League - where are you?

only in MN where there is so much soccer being played in MYSA and not on the field so we have to ask ourselves, why?

incompetent leadership at the top should never be tolerated but in MN it is acceptable.

Anonymous said...

9:58 you are correct with following exceptions:

1) It is Pizzazz not Piazza
2) The whole team did not change, most of roster remained the same other than usual yearly changes
3) They lost to Bangu at regions
4) Eclipse is an established club and has always had Select and North divisions, adding another division does not make them a new club.

Let SSM play state cup, just drop the argument that it is good for Mn soccer. If SSM used all or even mostly MN players I would agree. SSM is doing it in the hopes that winning something will help recruiting so that they can get more players interested and quit having to give scholarships and start making money off the program. Nothing wrong with that, this is America. If that denies a true MN team from winning state cup and having the oppportunity to play at regions so be it, if they don't like it they should be out recruiting more aggressively also. We shouldn't call it state cup anymore though, maybe region 2 subregion 3 cup or something like that.

Anonymous said...

Ahh yes folllow the money. I have been following this thread for a while and was puzzled about why Shattuck wants to play state cup in the first place. Surely a team comprised of nationally recruited players has nothing to gain from beating teams with rosters confined to players from one state. There is no soccer reason to play state cup, the financial angle would make sense though. In addition I agree with previous poster who said let them play state cup, just don't pretend that doing so will aid soccer development in this state. Maybe the Bangus and Wings of the world would benefit from a game because they can compete with SSM. Those clubs already travel though and play lots of high level teams. The CC team or two that gets hammered will gain nothing. If SSM really cares about development let them conduct clinics and play lots of friendlies against CC teams, using a roster appropriate for the competition. Or restrict theselves to MN players.

Anonymous said...

I believe ssm already gives coaching clinics and runs youth leagues with fairbault soccer...Also they do the same with Owatana....why do they want to play state cup?..what? there not from MN?..same old negative garbage based on factless information...you did not know that they did the clinics did you?..just like you don't know they have a co-ed team that competes with local teams...follow the money?...how much do you get to play in the state cup?..how pathetic..SSM does more in one day for there community than most do in a year...those kids are at that school nine month out of the year...when they travel other teams refer to them as that team from minnesota...when they do there showcase they draw college coach's from all over...what else do you want?...really...a guy like tomass who does cc work is just as important as ssm or any other club..and don't tell me that ssm won't make soccer better in mn..competition always does...it's healthy..

Anonymous said...

12:45 now that was funny! SSM exists to serve themselves, nobody else. Nor should they be.

Anonymous said...

Poster 1215..My kid wasnt recruited by Shattuck. We contacted them. And we are very happy we did. Again, just to enlighten you a bit, Its not the wins that count, its the training, these athletes are going to be so prepared for college as a student athlete, not only on the game field, but in the classroom and overall time management of things.

I like the comment above, its healthy to play competitive games, hence, state cup/regionals, etc

Anonymous said...

LOL if it is not the wins why play state cup? Don't say for the competition, as most state cup games will be blowouts.

Anonymous said...

Bunch of tree huggers on this site. Lets hope your not teaching your child the easy way out.

Anonymous said...

...or grammar!

Anonymous said...

ssm-let's go kick some a.. in chicagoland with a ssm powerhouse. it would be fun to see a MN team win regionals - wow
let's show them we have the money and we buy their players and have them play for us and win nationals - who will be crying foul then - I bet it won't be me?

I can see the guy from CA or TX crying foul. - treehuggers from CA.

tomASS said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tomASS said...

oldtimer - your singing the tune I have been crooning to on this site and the old site for the last couple of years. Thanks for singing harmony here.

MYSA has had a chance to address the needs of the elite clubs. I had given them the clues on how to do so yet they refuse to take a stance and develop a new direction unless, of course someone submits a rule at the annual AGM......LOL LOL LOL

Anything else about SSM playing state cup?

If so, it is all just sounding very trite and repetitive right now. I haven't heard one convincing argument that would even sway me. But at least we have clarity now...or do we?

It's going to happen, lets compete with them and lets decide things on the field of play.

It has not hurt hockey one bit in this state and that is the model they are pursuing with soccer.

Anonymous said...

This blog is full of losers (not everyone). Get a real job. stop whining. Focus on the game of soccer. Not on other people, clubs, schools. And finally, GET HELP!!! A lot of you bloggers need REAL serious mental help.

tomASS said...

Dr. Phil?? ;-)

Anonymous said...

Dr. Ruth??? ;-)

Anonymous said...

SSM's influence on MN hockey ...hhmmm. We could argue about that for months.

Anonymous said...

mmmmmmmmmmmmm, I think I remember watching Crosby play and score the winning goal last weekend in the outdoor match...Didnt he attend Shattuck??

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