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:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 782 Newer› Newest»Yep. And so did Zach Parise from the NJ Devils.
I believe Minnesota's girls u-16 ODP team did kick some Ill and OH butt.They won the Reg 2 championship and will be playing for the National Championship this March in Texas.
Those teams were each missing 5-7 of their best players who were at an ID camp. MN was only missing one.
Wow! This has gotten pathetic. It is clear that soccer is first and foremost in your lives and schooling is not. The grammar, usage and misspellings are so awful, that instead of spending time ripping each other, you all should go back to school and work on your English skills. Not only grammar and usage needs development, but learn the elements of persuasion. Your arguments are incongruous and repetitive. What has been done is done. Work it out on the field. No amount of whining will change the decision. Both sides need to calm down.
Crosby and Parise? Are they playing in MN?
Anon 917,
thank you for the English writing lesson today.
One of your sentences is incomplete in structure.
;-) I thought you might be testing us.
anon 910pm - stick to the boys side and not the girls. btw - Ill and OH girls might not be too high on ODP as we ae in MN.
Read these posts and you know why MN is called "Losersville".
The problem the boys have is to many clubs competing for too few players. On the girls side almost all the top players go to Bangu and thus they have as strong a lineup of girls teams from 13-18 as anyone in the region except Eclipse and the Hawks. If the barriers were broken down the boys could do the same.
What exactly do you mean by "if the barriers were broken down"?
here comes the truth - bangu parents and coaches ego coming out again - I would wish that all the bangu girls teams will be competing and winning nationally - not!
Anon 3:28,
I think one of the Bangu girls teams won Region 2 last year and is ranked 2nd in the nation.
About 5 years ago Storliens Tsunami Sota girls were 2nd in the nation 2 years in a row
Why tear down a club and teams that have elevated play in the state?
There is no Bangu team rated in the top 15 in the nation.
bangu U13 girls - it seems to me bangu can do much at U13 and not beyond. storlien team was not bangu five years ago - get the facts - five years ago which was the top boys team and what did they accomplish? was there any barriers then?
Eric Bell is the new Coaching Director with Woodbury. He's a great guy. Maybe he can talk some sense into some of the people involved in the club and help resurrect a floundering program.
Bangu is not ranked #2 anymore. They were after regionals last year but since then have not played in any competition as many other teams across the US have. They peaked at the right time last summer and I assume are working to do the same this coming year. Rankings don't mean smack in the big scheme of things.
Change is coming on the boys side.
Who is Eric Bell?
I hear Bangu are in talks with Thunder to start an Academy.I think the likes of the Chicago Fire Academy is free,you earn your place,not buy it.Will the Mn Academy be free to the talented?
Bangu was approached by the Thunder 3 or 4 years ago and turned them down.
I doubt they would feel any differently today.
Regarding the Chicago Fire Academy comment.
Their website gives parents of players payment options. Credit card or check.
I didn't see "free" as one of the options.
An anon earlier stated that "Surely a team comprised of nationally recruited players has nothing to gain from beating teams with rosters confined to players from one state."
I guess this implies that all MN teams are bound by some rule that keeps out-of-State players off thier teams? Hmm, has anyone checked the now famous Abboud team which won the Region 2 Championship last summer? I can name atleast one Wisconsin player who was the superstar of that team. Bangu parents? Care to elaborate on how this happened? I can....there is nothing in the rules that keeps kids from rostering on neighboring States' teams. You are full of hot air.
And, by the way....while you all have your suspicous eyes on SSM the Wisconsin teams which have been allowed to play in the MN Premier League may be gearing up to enter/win the MN State Cup. Then what? Atleast the zip code for SSM is officially in MN.
I have never in my life seen so many short sighted, spiteful people in my life!
How many out of State kids do you have on your ODP rosters? Why not spend your time on the things that really matter-- like how do I give my son/daughter the best possible advantage to succeed? Instead of complaining about how others have some "unfair advantage"....take care of your own affairs.
Ever thought that maybe, just maybe SSM has no intention of playing MN State Cup? I have no idea if this is true or untrue, but wouldn't it be a waste if you spent all this time complaining about the SSM intent of playing State Cup and they don't? Cause I guarantee that none of you have any idea of thier intent. I have a kid at SSM and I don't know what the plan is, so I am SURE that they aren't talking to those outside about thier intentions.
By the way, anyone going to attend the SSM ODP tourney this weekend? Should be a great time, gotta ask yourself "when was the last time my cc held something like this for my kid to get some great competition in the Winter"? If the answer is "never"-- maybe your environment isn't all it could be?
Tomass, I have assigned an image to my blogger account....but it doesn't show up? What could I possibly be doing wrong?
SSM SC when you talk about short sighted and spiteful you describe yourself well. "An anon earlier stated that "Surely a team comprised of nationally recruited players has nothing to gain from beating teams with rosters confined to players from one state."
I guess this implies that all MN teams are bound by some rule that keeps out-of-State players off thier teams? Hmm, has anyone checked the now famous Abboud team which won the Region 2 Championship last summer? I can name atleast one Wisconsin player who was the superstar of that team. Bangu parents? Care to elaborate on how this happened? I can....there is nothing in the rules that keeps kids from rostering on neighboring States' teams. You are full of hot air."
Now that is funny, you are comparing the ability to roster a player from a nearby location in a neighboring state to the ability to recruit nationally? That is not too intelligent. I actually think SSM should be allowed in State Cup, but silly comments like SSMSC comes up with may make me reconsider.
Being that Hudson, River Falls, etc... are part of the twin cities TV market and suburb communities, I would hardly call that "national recruiting". In this instance it would appear SSM SC is grasping at straws.
Being that Hudson, River Falls, etc... are part of the twin cities TV market and suburb communities, I would hardly call that "national recruiting". In this instance it would appear SSM SC is grasping at straws.
Eric Bell is Mark Krikorian's assistant coach at Florida State.
Was NSCAA 2005 assistant coach of the year.Prior to that he was at Illinois.He has been Region 2 ODP coach for several years.He would be a significant upgrade to MN soccer.
Wow, I can get a Chicago channel on my tv. Must mean Chicago players can play in MN now??
Eric Bell can't seem to find a home. He was an assistant at the U here in Minnesota several years ago.
He kind of bounces around like a ping pong ball.
For some reason he can't seem to stay anywhere very long.
My hunch is the revolving door at Woodbury will keep on spinning.
It was only a few years ago when SCV or Bangu wanted to roster a GK from Nebraska on their State Cup roster.
Mysa refused to allow it. Now however they're allowing a school to put a team into State Cup despite the fact maybe ony 25%-30% of the players are from Minnesota.
I can see why many are upset over this coupled with the fact that Shattuck isn't a Mysa club and use Faribault to cover up their tail.
Even if Shattuck wins the National title I doubt many people from Minnesota will accept them as they're really not putting Minnesota teams on the pitch.
Having 1 or 2 kids from border towns in Wisconsin on a roster is a far different thing from recruiting nationally and offering $35K scholarships.
A little money put in the right places sure opens some doors.
I do see a major difference between bringing in someone for State Cup and rostering someone who's here 9-10 months/year. I'm not a SSM-model fan either, just stating the obvious. One group is trying to adhere to the letter of the law, and the other didn't. It's right there in black and white . . . and if there's an uproar, someone will change it from within MYSA. Those rules can be changed by the members at the yearly meetings.
Ref Coach Bell, rumor has it that FSU only offers the soccer coaching staff yearly contracts. There isnt much job security.
The head coach at FSU interviewed with Oklahoma, and rumor had it he was the number 1, but turned it down. The Texas asst ended up getting the OU job.
Can anyone point to the rule that keeps people from recruiting Nationally?
Also, if someone is going to cite the fact that MYSA kept a player from Nebraska from rostering for State Cup...what rule did they cite to keep this from happening?
I don't think that SSM SC is making that much of a strecth. You guys say everything is black and white, but then say that those on border communities are alright because they are in the same tv market as the Twin Cities? Give me a break! Having out of State players is either alright ro it isn't---can't have it both ways.
spell check please
Is there any truth to the rumor that Bangu folded one of its girls teams?
I do believe that the western WI clubs play in MYSA leagues and their players are part of MN ODP. So let's compare the two........a couple of kids who play under the MYSA umbrella and are part of MN ODP or kids from all over the country (and other countries).....seems like a stretch for both anon 7:59 and SSM SC. But let's be honest, not only do we all see things through our own glasses, but we see what we want to see..... It's all part of helping us justify our decision and opinions.
I don’t know if a team folded, but I do know that two bangu U13 players joined Burnsville a couple of weeks ago.
yes - a Bangu GU13 team has recently folded.
Yes they did fold one of their two U-13 girl’s teams. I understand some parents pulled their little superstars when they failed to make the top team. You probably won’t see that on their Web site.
And another club would feature a similar story?
Geez! same old crap
and did you think the Bangu haters and Bangu lovers/defenders were going to go away?
So any buzz on the Bangu/Thunder combination. What it means for other clubs in terms of top youth players and the ever precious practice space?
I wish this site would go down again, for good!! Parents happy because a U13 team folded. How sad.
I wish this site would go down again, for good!! Parents happy because a U13 team folded. How sad.
anon 1:49 I don't believe anyone said they were happy. I read a small dig at the club, but happy?
It is a shame that these girls are left scrambling for a team. I hope they all find somewhere to play.
Actually, those parents of the kids who pulled out are the ones who are mostly happy. Bangu had fielded a very un-Bangu-like team. There were very few players on that team would have made C1 on any other club and then the coaching wasn't exactly top-shelf either. The parents saw that and left. From what I hear, I think almost all of the players had found places to play fairly quickly after the U13s folded. I don't think it was that their girls hadn't made the top team, but rather it didn't appear to be a team that was as good as others they could join outside of Bangu.
1.3.1 Residency Rule
a. US Youth Soccer Rule 201: A player must register in the state in which he or she resides with his or her parent(s) or guardian(s), or in the case of a student in residence at a boarding school or college or university, the player may register in the state in which the boarding school, college, or division of the college or university is located. Any other questions of residency may be determined by the state in which the player is registered to vote or holds a current driver's license.
b. Any foreign players who are ineligible for State Cup, Region Cup, or National Championship competition by US Youth Soccer policies are also ineligible for MYSA competitive league play and district and state tournament competition.
c. For purposes of league play and State Cup, a foreign player must reside and attend school in the area served for the 6 months prior to the beginning of the playing season. The District Operating Committee may make exceptions to the above state residency requirement on a case-by-case basis.
You will find that (generally) the Bangu White teams are no better than the community club teams, as indicated by the recent "success" of the premier team last year who were relegated.
Face it the teams other than the blue teams are there to feed the scholarship fund and pay the unnecessary age group coordinators.
anon 4:35,
Care to talk about this MWL rule as it relates to SSM?
Did SSM play in last years State Cup?
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.
South Campus, respecfully, I'd be interested to hear your comments here about this rule.
I don't think any can argue that at least as far as residency goes, SSM can technically play in state cup. However the rule cited was put in with the intent of allowing the occasional boarding school STUDENT who may want to play soccer the opportunity to do so. It did not envision a whole team of nationally recruited soccer players congregating in one place to compete against local or statewide teams. Now it will have to be dealt with.
re: Bangu haters/lovers
Just like politics, nobody takes a reasonable line anymore or finds a middle ground. You don't have to be a 'Bangu lover' to appreciate their wanting and, sometimes, trying something different, or the successes they've earned. On the other hand, you don't have to be a 'Bangu hater' to point out where you disagree with something they've done. My biggest issue with them is the hypocrisy of professing to teach kids how to be good soccer citizens, yet pushing many ethical boundaries in their dealings with people (sometimes within their own ranks) and organizations. I think the kids eventually see through that. On the other hand, I think a few individuals who coach there are probably some of the brightest minds in young player development.
I agree. Although MA never was my daughter's coach . . . the times he did interact with her, she learned much. The political crap will always happen. I think you need to take all of it with a huge grain of salt. . . one person's terrorist is another's freedom fighter.
One big advantage of having a blue/white team is that you will always have a scrimmage team available (if both teams want) and players can play up if it is mutually beneficial.
blue/white team scrimmages rarely ever happen, as they are too lopsided.
anon 11:07...
You're right, the political crap will (and does) happen. My daughter plays for the Bangu girls U13 blue team and has never played for MA or MC either. Both of them interact with her, know her name and take an interest in her as a person. Her coach came back to Bangu this year and is an excellent coach. As a whole, every Bangu coach we've had contact with is respectful and encouraging to our daughter.
I think a lot of the "political crap" happens at the hands of the parents. I also believe the people I pay to coach my daughter know more about this game than I ever will. I for one think parents should stay out of soccer decisions and trust those we pay to make the best decisions for their team. IMO, if a parent can't do that they're doing their daughter a disservice.
Wow, posts like that anon9:31's pretty accurately show why others refer to bangu parent's as "having drunk the kool-aid".
As a fellow bangu parent, please never think that some life long soccer rat knows more about what is best for your daughter than you do.
Amen, its not brain surgery
What's the last thing you would want to hear your brain surgeon say while working?
"Whoops!"
my daughter does not play for Bangu, rather for a mid sized community club. However, I still trust the "soccer" judgement of her coaches and allow him to make the "soccer decisions", i.e team placement, position, etc... I believe that was the point of the 9:31 post, not if the Bangu coach was replacing the parent in raising their child (I also allow her school teachers the same professional respect). From what I've read, yes, many Bangu parents do drink the "kool-aid", but many non-Bangu parents also drink a bitter "wine".
I never said my daughter's coach knows better than me what's best for her. I did say he knows what's best for the team and he does. Last time I checked, soccer was a team game. Once parents understand the game is bigger than their child they can step away and enjoy watching their child take part in something the child is passionate about.
Her coach is a paid professional. There's a reason Bangu uses paid coaches and I think they've been pretty successful going that route.
I wouldn't expect them to tell me how to do my job and I won't tell them how to do theirs. They DO know more about the game than I ever will.
Maybe I did drink the koolaid, but man is it sweet.
let's find a bangu blog and leave this for MN soccer scene. Minnesota is bigger than bangu parents trying to give a buzz on the blog.
the students who reside at SSM are elgible for Mn ODP. So why not let SSM play in Mn state cup. I always thought better competition would make teams better.
So one game against SSM in state cup will make a team better? Are you serious? LOL
obviously not, however playing a team that is better than you will help a team quickly identify how they need to get better. beating up the same teams over and over again does nothing for a team. teams need to be challenged to get better. take the MRL for instance,it is broken up into two flights. 1 st division and premier. I dare say teams like mockingbird (ky) a solid program in Kentucky, does not fare well against teams like Michigan Wolves, Chicago Sockers ect.
State cup is one tournament. So why not let SSM play in the state cup ?? could be fun and interesting.
Let us assume SSM is "better competition and would win state cup. So are you saying it would benefit a team to play one game against SSM in state cup rather than win state cup and play 3 quality teams at regionals? I don'r care how you slice it, allowing SSM in state cup would do NOTHING for MN soccer.
u miss the point entirely. if SSM as u say is "better competition" would the current order of Mn teams not implement better training, schedule better competition so that they would be more prepared when they play as u say "better competition" at state cup.
one begets the other. think a little broader. If Mn team 1 is always and only playing Mn 2,3,4,5,6,7. How will that prepare them for the better teams at regionals ?? Or is playing /winning state cup enuff, then getting ur butts handed to u at regionals.
How else can teams prepare themselves for the Magics,Wolves, Sockers, Internationals, Carmels, Vardars, Scott Gallaghers and all the other region II established powerhouses ...
813 has it right, let SSM or whoever play the other teams all they want. Doing it in State cup does nothing.
Deep sigh and just shaking my head that SSM can cause this much pettiness.
My take on the now famous "Rule 2.02"? Well, all I know is that Region 2 doesn't give a crap what the folks at S-SM or parents with the MN CC feel. They are looking out for the best competition they can find for MRL. They have the ability to make exceptions in any case they deem suitable. I don't have a dog in the State Cup fight, mine is on the U16 brand of S-SM.
I realize how frustrating it is to ask a question over and over again and not find an answer. On the girls' blog I asked for nearly a month what National recruiting rule was broken by S-SM. Naturally, there was no response...and this is because there is no rule against recruiting on a national level.
I have done some checking with other parents, and I have YET to find any of the U16 player parents (girls side is all I know) that were contacted/recruited by S-SM. Everyone I have spoken to approached the coaching staff, not the other way around.
I just cannot understand the pure hatred that comes from all of you. I love my kid, but I love the game as well. Even when my daughter's team gets beaten, I love to watch a quality game! I watched S-SM U16s get beaten by three very good ODP squads this weekend. But, know what? I don't hate or have any ill feelings against any of the teams that beat us. I appreciate each of the teams, and the competition they provided to our girls on a cold winter day when most club teams were sitting on their rears watching SpongeBob.
I do disaree with all of you who say that the S-SM teams are only 25% MN kids. USYS clearly says that if they reside at a Boarding School they are 100% ALL MN kids for the purposes of registration. I realize every night that I walk past my daughter's room that she is not an Iowa resident right now.
Why can't people just accept the things that these kids have given up to pursue the sport that they love and many parents bastardize by throwing thier personal predjudices into? I personally have nothing at all against any MN club/team/group-- why do you hate us so much?
Here is what Region 2 Officials used to make the exception for S-SM in MRL. This can be found on page 5 of the MRL rules:
"1.05 Rules, Policies and Procedures
The MRL Commission will have authority, subject to the provisions of the Midwest Regional
League Commission Charter, to promulgate all league rules, policies and procedures
reasonable and necessary for the administration and growth of the MRL."
I guess that took me less than 5 minutes to find.
Now that I have taken your bait and given you the proof you asked for.....I have three tasks for you. Choose which you prefer to pursue.
1) Please give me the MYSA rule which says that an out-of-State player is not allowed to roster on a MN team for State Cup (outside of any rules to stop pre-State Cup "tampering or stacking").
or
2) Please cite for me the National rule from USYS or USSF which prohibits or defines player recruiting.
or
3) Please name a specific player who you have proof was recruited by S-SM for anything more than the Top Talent Summer Camp.
Your choice, but I am betting that you'll not want any part of any of th three.
One last question that I have...and I asked it earlier and it was poo-poo'd as not relevant. But, I'll ask it again.
Because of this provision in the MYSA Bylaws:
"Section 4 Extraterritorial Members
2.401 Defined
An Extraterritorial Member is any youth amateur soccer organization organized, domiciled or operating outside of the MYSA’s territory which is permitted to join the MYSA pursuant to a written agreement between the MYSA and such organization's home state soccer association.
2.402 Permissive Membership
At the discretion of the MYSA, any youth amateur soccer organization organized, domiciled, or operating outside of the MYSA’s territory which desires to register all or some of its teams in the competitive leagues operated by the MYSA, may become an Extraterritorial Member of the MYSA, providing that such organization is in good standing with and has the permission of its home state soccer association and USSF."....
it would be possible for an Iowa, Wisconsin, Canadian, North Dakota, South Dakota (hell, any Club in the World if they were willing to do the travel to make league games) team to join the MYSA and thus play in State Cup. What if the Madison 56rs decided to seceed from the Wisconsin Youth Assn and register with MN, and played State CUp there? Then, what if they won?
Wouldn't that be interesting? You think you are having a cow now....why don't you look at problems that you can change/avert instead of complaining that someone in the Midwest is actually trying to do something good for soccer/players?
Now I'll leave you to do your homework. I'm sure you'll oblige me since I helped you to find the info you were looking for.
Thank you in advance.
"3) Please name a specific player who you have proof was recruited by S-SM for anything more than the Top Talent Summer Camp."
How can anyone deny that SSM recruits? That is hilarious. I don't take a position on the State Cup thing, don't care, but we received 3-4 phone calls from SSM trying to get our kid to come there. And no, it wasn't for a camp. You can argue all day about whether what they do is legal or gives them an advantage over clubs who can't recruit. Just don't say that they don't.
I have seen this argument on different sites for months now. Both sides have failed to come up with anything new for months and it is beyond boring. Two sides talking and talking and both not listening to the other. Stop please.
Amen
I believe I just read an article that for the next World Cup in 2010, FIFA is allowing the USA to field a team of international superstars. The USSF is opening their pocketbooks and forking out big dollars for the world's greatest soccer players. The only restriction for them to play in South Africa is that they reside in the USA for nine months in the year prior to the tournament. The head of the USSF stated that although the players may not be from here, it best for the soccer development in this country. In responding to the complaints from the other countries, he commented that playing against the USA team would be good for them as only playing against better competion would allow them to raise their level of soccer.
anon 7:38...not sure how much experience you have with national clubs but I will go ahead and relay mine...my daughter, who is in her second year came from the michigan hawks to ssm...she was the leading scorer on her team and the club treated us well so there was not a bitter reason to leave. At the time, this was May I believe, we did recieve a call from ssm to check it out..my daughter was a freshman at the time playing for a div 1 has where she was playing varsity and was there leading scorer as well...the school is a top ten school in michigan.
The HS soccer was bad to say the least..we visited ssm and imediatly liked the place...if you want to call this recruiting...so be it...at the top clubs in the us this goes on all the time..I have no issue with it as long as the kid's fullfill there current obligations(most major clubs will let guest playing and do forth but will refuse taking a player full time during season).
ssm has definatly helped her become a more complete player..I am not implying that it is the end all, but just part of the solution.
What I find discouraging on these blogs is the need to tear down any new ideas or successful clubs. the state cup argument hold's no water...as many people have pointed out these kids are mn kids...like it or not. because on the girls side there is no other way to qualify for regionals or nationals outside of state cup or mrl premier, they(ssm) are just engaging by the rules of engagement for the national tournament...The boys have a very good shot at winning the state cup..the girls I give a 50-50 shot...I would like to see more academies for girls then let them play..until that happens, this is what we have...don't forget, ssm is about development..the win at all cost mantality just doesen't exist there from my experience...I think this is missed in all these arguments pro or con....I also believe from personal experience in recruiting that D1 schools really like the ssm program and I we all know they could give a rat's ass if you win state cup or not...The idea behind ssm making soccer more competetive is also very valid...teams like bangu, wings, and blackhawks(by the way..great historical club) know where the benchmark is....that is what folks are implying when they state that ssm is good for the state. I only wish all the clubs success and to relay my two cents worth.
anon 10:37
I'm amazed at how much you know about the Minnesota clubs even though you live in Michigan...or did you move here with your daughter after she decided to attend Shattuck? ;-)
How would you know the U18 girls have a 50-50% chance of winning state cup?
Have you been traveling here scouting the teams? ;-)
anon 10:37
I'm amazed at how much you know about the Minnesota clubs even though you live in Michigan...or did you move here with your daughter after she decided to attend Shattuck? ;-)
How would you know the U18 girls have a 50-50% chance of winning state cup?
Have you been traveling here scouting the teams? ;-)
nice post anon 10:37...so much to do with soccer...what's your take on the u-18's then?...and no..I didn't buy a snowmobile to scout the teams:)
roflmao...
Funny to see this guy pretending he's from Michigan but knows all about Blackhawks, Wings Bangu etc...
Nice try Bubba but your cover is blown.
No, MI Dad is the real deal!! And prior to playing w/the hawks, his daughter played with the Gators..Anyone who follows youth soccer knows about other states clubs. I can say that mine has played against alot of MN teams when younger at NSC/JFG/AAG tournaments. Cover being blown?? Look at the Shattuck roster, duh, MI girl. MI Dad is TRYING to not come across as attacking anyone, and then you have yahoo's coming back with non-sense.
MI Dad, good post!! See ya this weekend!!
Look at rosters? Know about teams/clubs outside of provincial CC MN? Why would one want to do that....the level of soccer in MN is so high now that there is no reason to research anything else or look for a better environ for thier children.
BTW, with a little research, it wouldn't be difficult at all to figure out who the SSM parents who are posting are....and could probably find addresses and phone numbers to them without much digging. But, no worries about that since very few in MN cares what happens outside thier City limits.
Fact, MYSA DOC denied a GK from Nebraska the opportunity to play for the Tsunami Stars two years ago, regardless of the rules that are written by USYSA, MN teams have different rules. SSM can field players from outside MN and WI, the rest of the MN teams cannot. Does not matter what rule you site, the DOC has final say on if you can roster a player ourside of MN and WI and they have already spoken on that. SSM can recruit all they want and they can use the boarding school rule, the rest of the MN teams cannot roster outstate players, fair of not fair, who care the SSM U18 girls will not win state cup so it really does not matter, the U18 boys will easilty and that is going to take a regional spot from a MN team that plays by different rules. Thats life, SSM is here to stay and MN is going to have to deal with it.
I cited the specific rule that allowed S-SM into MRL. Now, can someone please produce the rule that was/is used to keep out of State players out of State Cup for other MN teams? The answer is "no". Reason why? Because it doesn't exist. Someone earlier said that neither side has produced a decent argument which has swayed the other side (or something along those lines). I disagree....I have provided information showing why Region 2 allowed SSM into MRL. I have shown that it is not unprecedented that entire teams from outside MN can compete in MYSA Leagues, and are thus allowed into MN State Cup if they desire. I have provided every bit of FACTUAL information that I have been asked for. The other side has produced NOTHING but feelings and accusations. To show my age....where is the beef in your arguments?
Why was the GK fom NE not allowed to play? Did NE not release the player? Was the deadline for roster changes not met prior to freezing the roster for SC? Did the team already have five players who had transferred teams in the same seasonal year? I am quite sure that Ian did NOT just out of spite refuse to let them play. There was a reason, and if you are so familiar with the incident-- why don't you know what the reason was? Maybe MA can find out from Bangu powers-that-be why the player was not allowed?
I can tell you atleast one Bangu team will have (atleast) one Kansas player and one Wisconsin player on its roster this year for State Cup. So, I don't see the conspiracy everyone is citing against the MN teams.
I came in here to try and give a rational perspective to the irrational arguments against these kids who live in your State, play in your State, and provide revenue to your State in many ways. But, like many others...I am tired of beating my head against the wall. I do understand how mis-information could cause some to be upset initially.
Bottom line is this- the program is not breaking any rules, they are in good standing with both MYSA, USYS, and USSF rules and they aren't going anywhere. The program will continue to grow. Might as well accept that "it is what it is" and move on with life.
I am done with this conversation. I will continue to read, because it actually provides me with some entertainment for my day. If anyone has a question for me, just invoke the moniker and I'll answer. Otherwise, I will sit back and giggle to myself.
change is inevitable, growth is optional
decide for yourself
I will agree that watching the twisted logic and rationalizations is amusing. On both sides. Many claim to have all the facts. They don't. Many claim to understand the other sides motivations. They don't. People will pick apart parts of arguments that they think they can and ignore the ones they can't. It is hard to decide which side is more moronic, but I am sure people will continue trying to show it is them.
Why does SSM want to play in a State Cup event when they have about 85% of their players from other states? What would that prove...other than to piss off the rest of this state?
Is this supposed to be an ego boost for the slimy little troll down in Faribault?
That is the one thing I don't understand on SSM's end. Why do they want to play State Cup? You hear over and over from them about how development is what matters, not results. State Cup is a results driven competition against lower level teams. The development will be nonexistent, results are all that can be gained. As far as making it to regionals, they can travel and play teams like that anytime they want to. Makes me think there are other motives or needs other than what they profess.
I think it is for no other reason than a route to Nationals where a Championship could then be used for higher level recruiting and increased awareness of the program.
Which leads to increased enrollment which leads to less need to offer scholarships which leads to more $$ earned. Which is really what it is all about. That is not a criticism, this is America. I have no problem with a school trying to make money. Just don't pretend there is some noble ideal about improving soccer development, whether in MN or wherever. Bangu, Wings etc are no different.
I believe the last few posts pretty much hit it right on the head. SSM can easily schedule all the "player development" matches that they would want anytime. It's to hopefully hang a banner or to be a highlight in their recruiting literature or player conversations. At least Bangu professes to be about player development and to win State Cup. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't.
tomass - true, change is inevitable, but history is strewn with change that was bad or misguided. Just another "black or white" statement which sounds quaint but without the depth or insight (on one side of the argument or the other) that usually comes from you.
it's bad or misguided if there is not growth -to grasp or understanding, to have adeptness to, to have the ability to positively adapt and influence the change.
Sorry for the black and white motivational brevity
For younger teams at SSM, it is about development and growth as a player. That is why you don't see them even a part of this discussion regarding State Cup or MRL.
For the older kids, don't they deserve to have a ring to grab after? They have been told it is about development for a couple years now, they deserve to now go out and try to prove that growth/development on a larger stage.
For the admin of SSM, who knows what the motivation is (and who cares).
SSM-SC - I took in most of the games this weekend down in Shattuck and thought the play was fair to good. There might be a reason your squad went 0-3. From what I saw, all the state ODP teams had more skill than the SSM U16's (which I know is comprised of a variety of ages). There was definitely a talent gap. We all see what we want to see, but some of us can be like the Black Knight in Monty Python's Holy Grail......"all right, we'll call it a draw".
1:38 - Should the U16 SSM been better given they practice 5+ times a week? Or did they just have a bad weekend?
Should SSM expect more for the money they pay their players?
anon 7:51 - you can have the best coaches in the world with the best training developmental plan in place, but if the talent isn't there, the odds of winning might not be there. But if it is all about "development" should that really matter? What's funny is how people equate "development" with "winning". Interesting to see the retention rate of the current U16's a few years from now. If it is like the most recent years, it will probably be fairly low.
Can someone give a run down of the games at SSM last weekend which various posters have mentioned?
anon 8:27 - I'm sure ssm-sc will have an in depth analysis of the SSM U16 squad. The games I saw, SSM lose 3-1 to WI '92's, MN '92's beat NE '92's 2-0, MN and WI tie 1-1 (best game with the most talent) and MN 92's beat SSM 2-0 (not really that close). I know SSM also lost to NE, but not sure of the score.
Any standouts on the MN team? As someone else mentioned I would think that SSM practices daily on a big field. The MN team practices together how often? So, not a bad showing for MN
No real standouts on MN team, I saw a well balanced team with many good players that plays well together considering the lack of practice.
This weekend is the Adidas Tournament held at Shattuck.
U18s
Shattuck
FCDynamo IND
Bangu MN
Mo Premier
Va Tech, Boston U, Iowa, MN and a host of others will be there scouting all the teams.
SAT test will be in the morning.
Your all welcome to come watch some good soccer.
Why would College coaches be at a U18 event? Almost all of the players will have already committed. Are there some younger teams also?
Most of the Shattuck 18s are only Jrs. And Im sure that not ALL 18s around the nation have verballed.
At CASL and the Final Four event, for the 18s, there were tons of coaches watching.
From Big Soccer:
SSM U-16's vs. ODP teams from Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Minnesota. SSM U16s lost each game.
The SSM 16 boys are coach challenged. No matter how good the training, they will always loose competative games because of coaching.
Not sure what ssm-sc's analysis will be, but I will share my own extremely biased opinion on the ssm u16s.
There are some (~6-7) girls on the SSM 16s that are as talented as anyone I saw last weekend. Several of these are 1 or 2 years younger than the '92 girls they were facing.
Whereas the ODP teams were mostly strong at all 11 positions, the Shattuck girls have very little depth and could not matchup across the field. SSM also had basically no bench, where as the ODP teams could bring in lots of girls with only a little drop off.
As for the retention issue, let me say this - my daughter has loved her Shattuck experience (on the field and off) and her play has developed nicely thanks to an excellent coaching staff. She would love to return next year.
However, they will need to do some serious recruiting to increase the number of players in order to upgrade the competitive level. Otherwise, my daughter likely will not return (my choice, not hers). They are too often dressing 10 for practices, and this is just too few to get the best out of the training sessions.
anon 2:24 It was the S-SM u-16 girls, not boys that played the ODP teams
Will all of the SSM U18 boys and girls play wtih SSM or will some go back to their home clubs?
1:06 PM
Not sure on the boys side at SSM but the U18 girls were basically required to cut their ties to home clubs once they decided to enter MRL and subsequently MN State Cup.
Also just heard another girl leaving the SSM program this weekend. (MN PLayer)
what age level?
MA's U14 team had a girl leave to go down to SSM but from reading his blog, it appears that she is back for the summer.
2:55PM
U17 player
Why should any of you care if MAs player will be back thsi summer or not? After all, she IS one of those evil out-of-State players that you all claim are not allowed on MN teams. But, I guess someone did point out that you could watch MN tv stations in Wisconsin-- so I guess technically she is considered a MN player? I smell a Bangu slant/bias toward who can compete in State Cup with out of state players.......
ouch - anon 10:14pm. Either a bit defensive or someone stole one of your flying monkeys..... (as an FYI, you might be the only one who associates a player from Hudson, WI - a twin cities suburb, from a player from IA, NE, KS, IL, etc....) Me thinks you may not be able to see the forest through the trees (or you enrolled your daughter at SSM).
If a player is playing in the MYSA league with a club that is an affiliate member you can hardly call that an out of state player.
There are a lot of Wisconsin kids playing soccer in the MYSA in Minnesota in a lot of different clubs, not just on MA's team, but she is an easy target to single out based on that team's recent success.
If the U13 white team did fold - that is news for those in that age group. It will be much harder this year to recruit players from other clubs unless they are positively promised a roster spot. If the blue team retains its premier spot, then next year those at tryouts who don't make that roster would play U14C3 if the MYSA rules stand, and will most likely be out shopping for a new club, maybe even the dad who raves about the club now. And if the team doesn't retain its premier status? Mass exodus, I suspect.
Oh, I see. A player from Wisconsin is considered a MN player. What if my daughter were from Lake Mills, Iowa? Lake Mills is the same distance from Faribault as Hudson, would my Iowa player be also considered a MN player?
What about the Kansas player that is rumored to be rostering with MA's team for State Cup? If they are rostered with Bangu, would she still be considered an out-of-Stater and be hated as much as my Iowa kid?
But, I digress.......
Question- I think we can all agree on is that MA's team is a quality one. How does everyone feel they would do if they played against various Region 2 1993 State teams?
Question for SSMUpTownCampus-- You stated that your daughter has improved as a player due to quality coaching, right? If this is the case, why would you force her to leave SSM just because you don't feel her teammates are high enough quality for her? The current U16 team is about development, not wins. Wins are nice, but not what I sent my kid to SSM for. But, that is me.
ssm-sc...FYI I doubt that anyone "hates" your daughter. If Lake Mills is currently affiliated with MYSA - then yes. Is Lake Mills a MYSA member and does their soccer club play in a MYSA league?
Player development is maximized by who you practice with/against. Coaching can only take a player so far.
Be careful when you cite rules as they cut both ways. I have no problem with SSM players being allowed to play in State Cup competition per the MYSA residency rules. The rules also state that to play in MRL (which from what I understand is the sole criteria for SSM to earn the right to play in State Cup) the team must have played in an MYSA sponsored league. When did this occur?
anon 12:20,
We've been down this path before. MWL bent over and allowed SSM into the league via some loophole.
It's amazing what a few bucks put into the right hands can accomplish.
anon 5:54: actually, it was a combo of MYSA and SSM convincing MWL. SSM could not do it on its own.
In this case MYSA = Ian Barker
I guess none of you brave anon posters wants to tackle my question of how you feel MA's team would compete if they played agaisnt State ODP teams a year older?
I am not sure how old the SSM team is, but the MN team was pretty much split between U16's and U15's (they even had a '93 play some). Half the players were 9th graders.
SSM team is split between U15s and U14s (they even had several '94s play the whole game). Half the players were 8th graders. No subs.
Sounds like the age group splits on the various teams are more a function of the players continually leaving SSM than anything else. The U17 (Junior) rumored to be leaving last week is now gone.
Hey SSM, I'd tackle that one but I don't know enough about the 93 ODP age group. My guess is we'd stack up fairly well... assuming my 93s played with us :)
SSM, how about if ask how MA's team would do against the U16 team at SSM. My money is on MA's team by 5 goals.
As far as Wisconsin players playing in state cup, Hudson is part of the MYSA as is River Falls and Eue Claire, so players from those clubs would be eligable. Hard to compare that to the Canadian kids that SSM has and are not even US citizens yet get to play in the US Youth Soccer Champioships. And MA's team does not have a player from Kansas playing with them, know your facts before you speak you will be much more credible that way.
12:21:
Who cares where the competition comes from? Doesn't better the competition result in better soccer players? Anyway, MN girls eventually have to face outside competition. Does it really matter whether it is in a showcase tournament, playing SSM, ODP, State Cup, or Regions? After all, isn't development more important than ribbons/medals?
anon 12:37. I agree with your viewpoint, but help me understand then why SSM would want to play in our lowly State Cup if not for the ribbons/medals. They can easily schedule all the developmental opportunities against outside competition whenever they want to.
Also what teams will benefit from playing SSM in state cup? The only one would be Bangu, the rest will be playing a team so much better that one contest will do nothing for their development. As far as Bangu goes, their development would be aided far more by playing 3 games against quality competition at regionals than playing one against SSM in SC if they lose. I think SSM should be allowed in State Cup, although I can understand the arguments to the contrary. Just please don't offer the argument that it somehow will aid soccer development for MN kids. It won't.
how can anyone try to justify excludsing individuals from partaking in extracurricular activities while studying abroad in a foreign country. many mn state cup winning teams have had foreign players who were here on study abroad programs..why should these canadians be treated any differently.
would it really be fair to exclude some one from playing a game based solely on the fact that they are from canada or any other country for that matter?
would your response be the same if youre child was studying abroad and was refused access to his/her sport because he/she is an american.
you all need to keep things in perspective...soccer is a game and not life as many of you seem to suggest
anon 1:04. Don't take one post as the sentiment of everyone. There are MYSA provisions already in place to ensure they are eligible.
Tell you what, anon12:21, how about we take up your argument regarding players on or not on MA's team after State Cup this year? I have strong reason to believe that you may be the one who isn't up on the facts a little later in the year. 5 goals? Come on, let's get real here? A win, maybe.....but I doubt it. The tactical advantages, coordination issues, speed of play, size and such just won't get it. Plus, Mark's best player would be on our side of the field....so want to change your score prediction?
MA- thanks for your reply. My point is that there is a big difference between each age year in not just ODP but in youth soccer in general. In watching the 92 and 93 teams play back-to-back I was able to witness the difference first hand. It is a pretty big difference in skill, coordination, speed of play, and tactical knowledge. Not saying that your team would get beaten, but they would be competitive games. And I don't want to hear arguments from anyone about how MN dominated SSM.....were it not for a PK (deserved)then it was a 1-1 game.
And whoever stated that MN didn't really have any standouts, are you serious? The two centerbacks are BOTH Regional players with one being invited to the National Pool. If those girls aren't standouts, I don't know who would be. Maybe you could elaborate?
Funny thing is, here I am (one of the "outsiders" who obviously is not welcome among most MN parents here) being the one standing up for MN ODP! I can tell you that Iowa's 92s have one player that is an absolute stud, but the team as a whole is horrible. I am being non-biased and honest about what I saw. The MN and WI (or should I say FC Milwaukee?) teams were very good sides. These are the best that these States have to offer, a club team playing with over half 8th graders shouldn't be able to compete with them or else we'd have to call them "Team Iowa".....
MA- have you thought about brining your girls to play this winter? I think that it would be a good experience given the average ages of our players.......
All angst aside, how are the Lakeville and Woodbury U16s? Looks like we will be playing Lakeville next week and Woodbury on the 24th.
hey anon 12:58...let's not just exclude ssm, but all the the strong teams in sc so we can chat about how lovely everything is...pathetic....I am sure we can give all the kids ice cream afterwards when they find out that any competition was eliminated...and by the way..back to state cup...I am changing my vote from bangu to ssm at the girls u-18....or maybe both teams ought to just forget entering this OPEN tournament.
Knowing the make up of the '93 talent in MN, at least half of the top 10 kids weren't even at SSM that weekend due to other sports activities, w/MA's team in AZ, or prior commitments.
anon 1:25 - I think you missed the mark on anon 12:58's comments. If I interrupted them right it was more of a rip on the "developmental" argument that comes out of SSM's supporters in regards to State Cup.
1:04 the flaw in what you are saying is the difference in allowing kids to play who come here to study and also want a chance to play soccer, not the other way around as we are discussing here.
Hey SSM-SC - I have been sitting on the sidelines of this discussion, grinding my teeth, and wishing I never new this site existed.
But I have to speak up before you get me or my daughter in trouble with her club team that she loves as dearly as she loves her SSM teammates.
My daughter is honored to be able to play for both SSM and Mark's Bangu team. Furthermore, we like to think that she brings a certain set of talent's to the game that help her to contribute positively to both teams.
However, we would never consider her to be the best player on any team for which she has played. Nor would we want her to think of herself as the "best player". In fact, I think one of her skills is that she makes players around her better; so when she is at her best, it is her teammates that shine.
In any case the term "best player" is pretty meaningless in soccer. How do you determine if an awesome sweeper or center back is a better player than a goal scorer? Or a mid who has a knack of finding teammates? Or goalies? Last I checked, soccer was a team sport and when a team has an identifiable "best player", that usually means the team is not that good. Certainly not the case with either team my daughter plays on.
I guess I'm just asking to keep her out of these discussions. As others have said, very little positive outcomes result. Thanks, and see you this weekend?
I normally don't find a need for people to apologize for typos, but since I have basically identified myself above - I should point how that I do know how to spell knew.
See, nothing positive results from posting here.
well said ssmwisco. The rush to claim to be the best or identify others as best because they share something with your kid (ODP success in the case above) is amusing as judging a soccer player is a very subjective thing. It is all in the eye of a particular coach or coach at a given time. And in the case of ODP it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy as once you are in, you are in. I know most of the MN ODP teams and players well, and while the ones who have had regional and national success are excellent players, there are others who are equally talented. I certainly would not say any of them stand out from the rest of the team. Be thankful for success and recognition, but don't think it makes you better than your teammates. This seems to be more of an issue with parents than players.
the flaw in what you are saying is as follows....motives are irrlevant in evaluating their status in this country...they are here on student visas...in terms of how our govt and legal system as well as that of canada views them, they are here for educational purposes....whether or not soccer influenced their decision to pursue this educational opportunity is irrelevant in terms of defining their status as students.
contrary to beliefs of a few of you on here, the frustrations of mysa clubs and bangu in particular do not negate their legal status as students.
As i stated previously soccer is a game, it is not life as some but not all(thank you 107 for pointing that out) of you seem to suggest.
239 no flaw and don't dispute anything you said regarding their legal standing. Also don't deny that the boarding school rule gives them every right to play state cup. The use of that rule to recruit a whole team of soccer players most of whom would never have come to SSM just for the "education" and have them compete in state cup is the issue.
anon 2:50...there is no issue..and the underhanded passive agressive comment regarding "never would have come" is YOUR issue...period.
LOL "underhanded passive agressive comment"? Someone does have issues here, and it isn't 2:50. No position on this issue, but the posts just keep getting sillier.
So 259, are you saying these players would be at SSM if there were no soccer program?
Jealous Crybabies, excuse after excuse after excuse. Just let the kids play the game. May the best team on that given day win and we all wake up the next day.
Anybody check the rankings on NSR.com for U18 Girls?? IMG #1. WoW, a place were recruiting takes place. I wonder if all those kids go to IMG for school?
I learned something this past weekend...At the Shattuck Adidas Showcase, we were talking with a Missouri Premier parent, guess what? They have players from IL and as far away as the other side of the state on that team. FOUL!! We were discussing some of the happenings on this site and the MO parent asked, doesnt everyone do this?? Like Dah!!
WAKE UP and just let your little Jenny play.
anon 309...do you think bangu would get there players without winning?
wow...good to see the ol blogsters back at it....did anyone catch the ssm games over the weekend?...good stuff..ssm boys vs av was a very good game...ssm girls looked good...now that the bait is out..let the games begin!
As for the kids from our northern boarder...Florida State University recruits alot of nationals from other countries. Did anyone see who won this years female herman award?? Yep, Mimi from Japan. So when your little Jenny goes off to play for Anywhere State University, you gonna cry foul about FSU recruiting from other countries?? Give it rest and get a clue, this is the future of youth soccer.
ssm-wisco
Be aware however that if SSM continues to play MN State Cup your daughter will have to give up her club team just as the current SSM U-18's have.
It sounds like it all depends on who's foot the shoe is on..... The CC's complained when Bangu pushed the envelope, Bangu complains when SSM pushes the envelope, and human nature being what it is, SSM will complain when USSF Academies drop in and start pushing the envelope.
Wisco, your dd can play State Cup with your MN club team. My dd played State Cup with her IL club team as U15 & U16 while attending Shattuck. The 16s are reg with USClub, the 18s are with USYSA. Mine decided to give up her IL club team due to how busy it became. Plus, this year the 18s reg with USYSA and she would not of been able to play State Cup with any other club team. You should be reg with your MN club team now as your primary, right?? This works everywhere. Before mine started with Shattuck, she was Reg with IL as her Primary team, but since we lived in another state, we were reg with her home state as her secondary team. It saves alot of paper work for guest playing etc. If you have any questions, get with SouthCampus and he can get you intouch with me. Just communicate with Coach J.
Good Luck!!
anon 4:23,
I've been reading this blog for about 5-6 weeks now and I'm wondering where you have read that Bangu is complaining about Shattuck?
This question for anyone...what is going on with te USSF Academies?
7:28am This Shattuck parent has zero problems with Bangu. Matter of fact, if we lived in this state, that would be the club of choice for us!! I think its great that Thunder and Bangu are trying to make a go of merging.
anon 8:45 - thanks for the input, but not sure that question was asked (other way around).
Regarding USSF Academy, here's a link:
http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/Academy%20Overview.pdf
You can go to the US Soccer site at www.ussoccer.com and get more info.
I believe that a few MN clubs applied for the initial season but were denied (the most popular assumption is geography in respect to the IL clubs).
One of the trickier issues with the academies is no state cup (unless this has been modified).
The boys program is in the middle of their first year and not sure if/when a girls academy program will follow.
SSMWisco-
I do apologize for anything that I may have said that offended. This also goes for MA and anyone affiliated with his team. I don't have any ill feelings against any of the Clubs or players in MN. My only beef is with the narrow-minded who only look to limit the soccer possibilities in MN by citing conspiracies that don't exist (ala- SSM parents getting the girls blog shut down, etc.).
I made the comment about the player being the "best" on MAs team based upon the fact that I assume she is the only player from the team to be invited to National Camp. That is the criteria I used, not accurate by any stretch--but the best evaluation I could use.
Yes, I will make it a point to meet you this weekend. It seems our daughters have become quite good friends? I am not sure if you are the mother or the father in this case, but I did meet the mother at CASL.
On an unrelated note:
This talk of a merger between Bangu and the Thunder. Isn't that how SSM began its venture into soccer also? What happened to that relationship (SSM and Thunder)?
I know that was the Tim Carter introductions to SSM.
How would this venture be different/better than what was done at SSM except for the obvious residency program?
ssm-sc...I don't believe any of MA's kids have been invited to national camp or are even on a regional ODP team. The upcoming year is when things really kick in for his '94's.
Just going by what I was told by my daughter......if not true, then I don't have my facts straight and made an assumption based upon bad information.
the MYSA website has all the ODP results from 2007.
What I heard: Bangu, as an independent club will cease to exist come Fall. They and Thunder are trying to get larger area clubs to buy into a Thunder Academy scheme where these clubs have an elite group/teams within each club that plays in another league. Many Bangu teams/players will most likely be released and have to find spots on other clubs to play after this summer.
"I made the comment about the player being the "best" on MAs team based upon the fact that I assume she is the only player from the team to be invited to National Camp. That is the criteria I used, not accurate by any stretch--but the best evaluation I could use." ssmsc your last sentence is very accurate. The quality of a soccer player is in the eye of the beholder and different coaches will have different opinions. Just because a player makes a regional or national pool doesn't make her a better player than someone else, just better recognized. The girls who are in regional and national teams from MN are fine players, but there are many others in state who are their equals. And no, I have no kid in the program. I just don't like ODP success being seen as the be all and end all.
anon 11:34, some truth to your statement, however, when certain kids in any sport (hockey, football, soccer) are consistently recognized, there is a good chance that he/she might be a better player and therefore more recognized. Baseball is probably the one sport where a batting average or ERA allows for more objective evaluations. Are there injustices and players who are completely deserving but overlooked - sure. Is is subjective - yes, however your statement paints way too big a brush stroke. There are many coaches involved in the evaluation and decision making processes for these teams in all the sports, so many of them all must be seeing the same thing in certain players but not in others.
Anon 11:34
Agree 100% with your ODP assessment but certainly most people will not. Way too many people see the players coming out of ODP as the only ones who might have a clue how to play the game. In my opinion even the colleges use it as a tool to identify players because they are too lazy to do truly do their homework.
1151 that is exactly right but who can blame them? If you are successful at ODP you are most likely a very good player and the coaches homework and scouting have been done for them.
anon1151, 1200 - I think many college coaches will use ODP as a barometer, but understand that ODP doesn't always bring the best players or provide any certainty of college success. At best it provides a scouting summary that shows capabilities of possibly playing at the next level.
What players and parents fail to realize, is everything that has occurred prior in your playing career is meaningless regarding college ball, playing time, and possible success.
The slate is wiped clean and you must prove yourself year in and year out for the next 4 or 5 years
anon 11:08
When you say "another league", are you talking about a league other than MYSA? If this is the case, I'm sure these people have though about the negative impact this will have in the relationship Thunder-MYSA, which up until now has been an annual handout from MYSA.
I would be interested in your response, since what you said matches what I know about the Thunder situation...
anon 12:00
Let me guess, ODP parent, lol.
tomass is right. Success at college requires a special individual discipline not all kids possess. No parent to drive them to practice, stay on top of them, or comment/prepare their diet. Not always a year-round club option to maintain skills plus the everyday college distractions. It is easy to see why many college teams churn through the players by the end of sophomore year.
anon 12:21
Let me guess, kid didn't make it, lol.
12:24
Actually she did but we are able to see it for what it is.
12:25 - then why rip anon 12:00? I obviously did not read into their post what you did. I thought it was a fairly mundane comment/opinion.
tomass is right. Success at college requires a special individual discipline not all kids possess. No parent to drive them to practice, stay on top of them, or comment/prepare their diet. Not always a year-round club option to maintain skills plus the everyday college distractions. It is easy to see why many college teams churn through the players by the end of sophomore year.
Kinda sounds like Shattuck??
anon 12:12
I am not all that savvy with all the other leagues around, but the mention may have been US league? or that they would create their own league where these elite Thunder/Club teams would play. I don't think they have thought it through all that well.
It does sound a lot like Shattuck which is why the kids attending there will be very well prepared. They will have already been thru many of the issues surrounding leaving home including the drugs, alcohol and other temptations that lead so many college kids astray.
or they could churn through the kids.....
I forgot to mention that in my post under the other thread.
The Thunder plan to host a non-MYSA league (I think they said US Club Soccer) for their younger Academy teams to participate in. Helping ensure better competition and helping to minimize the conflict arising when an Academy team plays a non-Academy team within the partner club.
MYSA may have an issue with it, but they (MYSA) won't be calling the shots here. And as I mentioned in the other thread the Thunder seem ready to lose MYSA support checks should MYSA choose to pull their sponsorship because of this new programming. Seems a bit petty if it comes to that but I also understand that MYSA is beholden to the masses here. I would hope that the Thunder and MYSA could work together in this, but we'll see.
I think MYSA will be better if another league is started. This might change the way leagues are currenlty being ran for the better, competion helps. But then again the grass is aways greener on the other side of the fence, having a large player pool as US Club has vs. teams it is hard to say who you actally played in a game, other than just club 'X'.
USClub allows recruiting.
This is too interesting as another US Club Soccer league is set to start in MN in the Fall of 2008. We'll go from 1 all-powerful, omnipotent and omnipresent MYSA to 3 leagues: MYSA, Minnesota Premier Soccer League and whatever the Thunder one is going to be called. 1 USYS and 2 US Club Soccer...
Who's playing in the MN Premier Soccer League? If it's nothing more than MN teams, what would be the difference from MYSA Premier league and why would the MRL only teams want to migrate over to it?
anon - so as not to have the bureaucracy of the MYSA controlling things
So we will have 3 bureaucracies instead?
anon 7:18,
Obviously you've never worked with USCS personnel.
It's the farthest thing from a bureacracy as you'll find.
But when it is all said and done, won't the participants still be the same teams? The better teams don't migrate to MRL because of MYSA bureaucracy, they migrate for better competition.
anon 7:36,
The teams don't create the bureaucracy. The bureaucrats do.
If USCS was a viable option many clubs would make a move.
Time will tell.
There is some info on the MPSL website as to how the league will operate. One of the things that caught my eye was the emphasis placed on the league's technical committee.
Imagine if the MYSA ditrict operating committee's function was be implement the programs as defined by a Tech Committee!!!
MPSL website info?
I think MPSL might be a place for SuperEagles to play locally as they lost thier MYSA spot by moving club.
Why would SuperEagles want to play MSYA? They play in the top club league - National League (although not fairing very well) and their next choice is MRL (either league qualifies them for State Cup). At best there are 2-3 quality teams at each age group in MN (at some ages maybe only 1 - U16 girls) so the incentive for the top team to play in a league with 1-2 decent competitive teams is not productive.
sorry - I meant MPSL, not MYSA. same difference either way.
Are you saying SE's would not of played MYSA Premier?I think they would of,again.
good question, but do not know the answer. At least at that age there are a few regional level MN teams to compete against.
anon 12:02
Pay attention! How are the SE going to play MPSL if it is a fall league that goes up to U12s...
why is everyone making such a fuss about MPSL being the next great thing if it is only a fall league? Take a peak at the MYSA team listings for the fall. It's a fraction of the spring/summer season.
how is it a premier league if its for u12 and under,funny.
so it wont exist in the summer?
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