The MN girls draw is probably not as good as the boys. But generally I think the quality of the MN girls teams is higher than the boys (in comparison to the competition at Regionals.) That said, the girls with a chance to get out of their group are the 14s and 18s. All other teams should at least be competative.
Link with most Regional information is: http://www.region2.com/2008Cup/teaminfo.html
542 comments:
1 – 200 of 542 Newer› Newest»After the disaster at PDA nobody wants to even mention regionals.
What disaster and why does it matter?
Minnesota teams had a very good won-lost record at Regions last year and I expect we'll see the same this year.
Our U14 and U16 age groups appear to have the best draws at 1st glance.
My first glance shows that the U16s have the #4 team in the Nation in their pool.
Did you mean the U16s have the best opposing team in their draw?
I am familiar with the BNG U15's (my friend's daughter plays for them) and it would not shock me if they do well this year. They tend to rise to the occasion (Disney, State Cup) and they finally have all their players and pieces in place for Regionals.
Any results in from MRL First Division Playoffs?
Bangu Blue 14's lost to the Internationals 4-2. Bangu White lost 1-0 to Michigan.
White lost 1-0 to Ohio Premier. Second games: Blues lost 1-0 to Ohio Premier, Whites lose 3-1 to Michigan Rush.
The teams from the division containing the two Bangu teams went 0-6 against the teams from the division they are bracketed with. Shows how important league assignments are in determining if you even get a chance to be in the playoffs.
With when the different states play high school, both teams will most likely end up in next year's Premier brakcet if desired (just like BNG U15 & EP this year).
Here it's taboo to talk about it but we really need to improve the quality of our coaching.While the number of kids playing is increasing the quality of coaching has not improved.
I disagree. The quality of coaching is soooo much better than 10 years ago when over 50% of the teams had "dads" coaching who learned about soccer through "How To Coach Soccer" manuals.
Today we have many coaches who have played the game at the college and professional level. Does this alone make them a good coach? No..but it's a heckuva head start on the dad just trying to help out and learning the game from a book.
Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves.
Can the coaching improve? Of course...but to say the quality of coaching hasn't improved is ridiculous.
I agree with 12:44. Ten years ago is ancient history. That we have elite coaches is a myth created by our coaching brotherhood.An "A" license does not make a good coach.Anybody can get one. Quality of play is what matters.Our top coaches are still stuck in the I'll out condition the other side.You hear coaches say that all the time.We need coaches who understand all aspects of the game and teach and coach accordingly. Complete players we do not have. What we have are one dimensional athletes who have very little understanding of team play. Put the blame on the coaches where it belongs.
anon 10:12,
Can you give us a few examples of any "elite" coaches in Minnesota?
Maybe 1 or 2?
I think it might be best to define an "elite" coach for all of us. Is it winning? Some might say so, but there are probably 10 coaches would could win some of the age group State Cup titles if coaching the right players. Is it development? Some might say so, by then define developement. If MN players due to climate, population base, etc... do not win regional or national titles, but seem to be closing the gap is that development? MN is getting there, but the only way to get there is by experiencing it. Text books are nice and I agree a license is even better, but nothing compares with experiencing it in real match situations.
I probably agree with 3:38 in that things have improved, but could always get better. I'm sure that is a sentiment shared by every "top" coach in the state. It takes years to develop a strong coaching base and MN is building theirs.
I also don't think the top coaches consider themselves "elite" (at least not the ones I know). Don't mistake that for them not having egos or self-confidence. I do not believe that is a label they are putting on themselves.
It's also a myth to say anyone can get an A license.
Thought this was a blog about 08 Girls Regionals?
Check out the pic of the fields for this weekend -
http://www.roadtoregionals.com/9394g-journal/
Under-13 and Under-14s Moved to Rock Valley College
Due to weather and flooding at Sportscore 1, the Under-13 and Under-14 age groups have been moved to Rock Valley College, approximately five minutes from Sportscore 2, the main complex for the 2008 US Youth Soccer Region II Championships.
I've got a thick British accent, SO I CAN REALLY COACH
In response to 14/6/08 10;16 question of MWRL playoffs results, Woodbury Eclipse U-17 WIN 1st division playoffs and get promoted to spring U18 premier league, PUTTING 3 MINNESOTA TEAMS for first time in MWRL Premier league joining Wings and Bangu Stars.
And then you have WBL who proved in state cup that they are the second best team in the state. Deep age group.
Ive got a thick English accent.Not quite the credentials of a Bangu coach is it,I grew up in Shoreview and wear a nice blue warm up.
Is it fair to say that Bangu are anti English?
Not anti-English, just anti-MYSA.
Big upset at Illinois State Cup. Bangu U18's now have a relatively smooth road to semifinals. KUFC Cosmos takes out Eclipse and Magic to win it.
That is a break, we should have at a minimum 2 teams in the semis at U14 and U18. I am somewhat more pessimistic about the 14's as their results have not been encouraging since last summer but hoping they can turn it around. No chance at U13, slim chance at U15. U16 and U17 arguably are our two strongest teams but each have a very strong opponent in pool, #4N Vardar for U16 and #1N Eclipse for the 17's. These two will need to pull off a major upset to advance. I would have thought them to have a better chance until both these teams posted dismal results at PDA.
Unfortunately for the U18 girls they are pretty banged up.
Hopefully some of the injuries have healed enough where they'll be close to 100%.
Everyone has injuries, only whiners turn them into excuses. Not trying to single out the U18 parent 1020, have seen this from other teams parents as well.
I agree with Anon 11:00.
Every team heading to Regions faces the same problems.
Players are often overtired, injured, unavailable, etc
I have to chuckle at the hedging that starts about now.
As my kids would say “Man Up”.
Or maybe all these elite coaches need to take a course in managing their rosters.
I agree with 9:09 re the U16 and U17 teams. Both have beaten high quality opponents and appeared capable of matching up with anyone in Regions -- until their poor showing at PDA. They could simply have been burnt out after Vegas, State Cup, league games, training, etc., but that gives their coaches a difficult decision: how do you give the teams time to refresh, while at the same time have them gear up for Regions? It will be interesting to see how those two talented teams do this weekend aginst a couple of the best teams in the country.
anon 843, I think Gitchi Gummi u17s are the 2nd best team at girls u17 as they beat wbl
Did they do it at state cup when it matters most?
Prior tourney results mean little, Inferno has won a total of 1 game in their 3 years of going to regionals. This despite some good results leadng up to it. Maybe this will be the year they flip that around. I think they will.
Really good thing that the other finalist at U18 is also going to Regionals. They are the second best team in Minnesota, right-- NOT!
Shattuck U18s should have be competing at Regionals, something sensible should have been done when the draw took place. You can't tell me that someone at MYSA didn't realize that the way the tournament was drawn made NO SENSE WHATSOEVER. Send in the cannon fodder!!
I totally agree with anon 12:35. A round robin format would have taken care of this...
Bottom line, you gotta score to win. And whos fault is it that no one scored, I have yet to hear that mentioned??
Making it to regionals as the runnerup in State Cup is very fortunate. Nobody should complain if they don't receive this stroke of luck. Every team has a chance to win state cup and earn their way in. If not, don't whine that you were really the second best and should have had the chance to go.
Bangu U18 Girls beat Illinois State Cup Champs 2-0.
Great start for this age group.
Bangu U15 Girls beat Nebraska 4-0.
Goooo Minnesooootaaaaah!
North Metro lost to Michigan 1-6
Woodbury U16 girls lose to Iowa by 2-0 score.
Bangu U13s (true U12s) lose to Ohio North 2-0.
Bangu U17s win 3-1 over Nebraska.
I see Il managed to get 3 U18G teams into regionals. The two best teams, Eclipse and Magic, qualified thru MRL and were upset in State Cup by a mediocre KUFC Cosmos team. Hmmmm....
3:50 - I'm sure bangu had something to do with it......
Regionals Day 1
U13: Ohio North 2 Bangu 0
U14: Bangu 2 Iowa 0
U15: Bangu 4 Nebraska 0
U16: Iowa 2 Woodbury 0
U17: Bangu 3 Nebraska 1
U18: Bangu 2 Illinois 0
U19: PSA 2 Kentucky 2
All 4 girls wins by Bangu teams. (Our Minnesota boys didn't win any games on day 1)
We do need to do more to consolidate talent on boys teams. Maybe the new MTA/Thunder will be the start of top boys talent coming together so we can win a few games at Regions.
Talent is much more consolidated on girls teams.
It's time to switch DS from the girls to the boys...U16 ...he is an elite coach and has had success on the boys side previously.I'm sure he would savor the opportunity.
yeah,lets send only the top boy players to DS and the like,then we can brag about what a great coach they are?Duh!
Lets send all the top boys to,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,just about anybody and we can say what a great coach"anybody" is!
Its comical how on this whole blog site someone has cut down the boys 16s and always mentions that the talent is spread too thin,DS perhaps?
How about we send the top boys 16s to Valley Utd,already a good team,doing well on limited resources.
For some light and fun reading, check out Kaasa's excuse list on RTR. Let's see: Injuries, goals changed, decided to play people in different positions to prepare for regionals, opponents are really good (imagine that), another reference to combining with Dakota Rev at NSC Cup to explain losing to your own 14p team. I think that covers it.
You won State Cup, which was a nice accomplishment. No need to pile up excuses for mediocre league and tournament play since. That team overachieved and actually a 0-2 loss is not that bad in the opener at regionals. I hope there are no injuries or MYSA East District teams, or DR players who decide to join you, or other issues for you this weekend. On the other hand, that would be less painful than simply saying your girls earned the right to be there and then got beat by better teams while doing their best to represent MN.
Wake up folks...
It's not about coaching with our boys. As many have posted on this site it's about the fact that the boys talent is spread across many teams at most age groups. The boys talent is too diluted to compete at Regions.
Bangu has done a better job of consolidating talent on the girls side and they have seen much success. In fact the only wins Minnesota teams had yesterday at regions were from 4 of their 5 girls teams. Can't others make this connection?
It's time to consolidate talent on boys teams if we want to compete at Regions.
Maybe the new merger with the Thunder and the upcoming USSF Academy the Thunder will be awarded will speed up this process for the Minnesota boys.
Storlien was planning to coach the Bangu U16 Boys this year until a few of the fathers of the stronger players in the state decided they could do a better job of coaching their kids and their kids' teams.
Look where that got us. A U16 age group that has talent spread over 4-5 teams with little chance of advancing at Regions. I wish SCV much success in their next 2 games but know they're outmatched by talent from other states. If they win a game it'll be on their heart and determination.
It's all about consolidating talent to improve development and giving Minnesota a chance to compete regionally.
Don't take this as excuses. It's just fact.
Look at the wins and ties yesterday for Minnesota teams.
For the most part Minnesota won or tied the games against states with equal or less population than us.
(only exceptions WDB loss to Iowa and BNG win at U18 over Illinois)
All other 12 games outcomes follow the "population theory".
U17G side, the IL Eclipse Select side had a few KEY injuries yesterday. 1st, Bri the center mid (WVU) blew out her ACL a few weeks ago in the High School Semis, She is done, yesterday a starting forward S Iantorno (Princeton) either broke or turned her ankle and is 3x the size, she is done, the holding center mid, N Lipp (Duke) took 7 staples to her forehead, she might be done. 3 starters gone. The Stars play this team on Monday. The Eclipse are strong thou with the Defense. 2 Natl Team keepers, and a very solid back line. If the Stars can score one, they can win this.
anon 6:54 - go back to sleep. The Bangu team was there even before some of the kids move to another club. What did Storlein do then? He was watching butterflies and did nothing. The so called talented kids were stiffled by Bangu and nothing was done until a parent decided that enough is enough. MA stood there and did nothing for how many years. Now blame a parent for doing what is right for their kid. I would like to see storlein or MA's kid on field someday and let's see if he will put up with such medoicrity that had been going on for many years on the boys side. Of all these great coaches, I have yet to see anyone of them bring their little boy to field and accept this kind of poor approach to the boys in MN. Oh by the way there is a new cool aid in town - it is selling so let's parent pull out their check books. I hear this will remedy all ills that have existed with the boys program for year. ROFMAO, drank the cool aid...
anon 3:16
Bangu has had more boys champions the past 3 years than any other club by an 9-2 margin.
Put up or shut up.
If it's so easy to do why don't you start a club and take care of business?
You gotta love these jealous bozos who are all blow and no go.
Huge upset, Bangu 17 Stars go down to the Eclipse South (B team) today. So they will play the injuried riddled Eclipse Select side tomorrow. They will have to win like 4-0 and that aint going to happen. The South team gets beat in IL State Cup the 1st weekend. And they beat the MN State Cup Champions. WoW
The Stars have regressed over the last two years.Yes they were able to defend their State Cup Championships but barely.Their once explosive offense is nowhere to be found.They are attempting to play a style for which they are not well suited and plays into the hands of their opponents.If there is any doubt about this refer to their PDA performance (four losses,zero goals).This never should have happened and there is no credible excuse for it.
Wanna put a wage on next yr's U18 State Cup Champion?? Bangu or SSM?? LOL LOL LOL Just KIDDING!!
its funny you all take shots at DS. He has coached and won more games at regionals than any other coach in Minnesota soccer history.
that Eclipse B team that you call them is ranked 13 in the country with 15 division I players. Did you see the game?
i have one for you haters. DS coaches an all Cottage Grove boys team to a state cup championship in the 90's. I am guessing not a lot of talent on that team.
PSA U19G holding their own despite only two (injured) subs and a backup GK who's come to the plate.
They will advance with a tie but could even move on with a loss if the numbers add up.
Woodbury U16s lose this morning to Michigan/Varder, the # 4 ranked team in nation.
WDB v IA 0-2
WDB v NE 0-0
WDB v MI 0-4
This is the 1st Minnesota team to complete pool play.
We may have BNG U13s also fail to score a goal.
Vardar was a tough draw but I was hoping they would beat IA & NE.
Unfortunately for Woodbury they lose 2 games, tie 1 and fail to score a goal in any of the games.
This is a good team so competition must have been tough.
North Metro suffers another pounding losing to Eclipse Select 1-6.
They score 2 goals and give up 12 going 0-2-1 in pool play.
Too bad SSM didn't get the 2nd slot.
Bangu U18s tie KC Metro this morning so they will advance winning their bracket with 2-0-1 record. They score a total of 9 goals while giving up 2 in pool play.
Congrats to this team and good luck in semis!
Bangu U15s win todays game against KY by 1-0 score going 2-0-1 in pool play but fail to advance as Cleveland Futbol Club goes 3-0-0.
BNG scored 6 goals giving up 3 in pool play.
BNG 15s lost to Cleveland by score of 3-1.
Anon 10:34, I guess SSM should have won a game in State Cup because North Metro did. It seems pretty simple. Bad draw? Sure but you've got to work with the cards your dealt.
Biggest disappoint by far has to be the Inferno. They had a good draw but didn't produce on the field.
I think anon 1034 knows that but is just saying we know SSM U18 girls would have represented Minnesota a lot better than North Metro.
Luck of the draw is always a factor.
Typical Minnesota excuses.Who cares what happened ten years ago.What matters is what's happening now and it is not very good. Minnesota is the home of one dimensional coaches and as a result one dimensional teams.Until we get some real ELITE coaches who know how to develop PLAYERS nothing is going to change.That's just the way it is.
anon 11:50
Give us an example of some elite coaches.
Seems Abboud has done a great job with his current U14 team.
Didn't they win regions last year. Was that just luck?
Bangu U13s lose final pool play match by 4-0 score to Eclipse.
They lose all 3 games scoring 0 goals while allowing 10 goals.
They should never have been the team to represent the U13 girls in the first place. Other teams would have better represented MN. They did well in state cup because of their winter training but now at least about 3 teams would have been much better at getting results.
Bangu U14 girls win their 3rd pool match by 2-0 score to advance.
Thye score 7 goals over the three games to opponents 0 goals.
So far the Bangu 14 girls, Bangu 18 girls are through to semi finals.
The Bangu 17s have a mathematical chance but it looks like a long shot.
Of our boys teams the only ones with a chance to advance are Bangu 17s and Faribault/SSM 18s.
anon 1:16
Given your logic:
The SSM U18 girls would have represented our state better than the North Metro side.
Should we just have someone from the MYSA office designate who will go to regions?
The 18 Shattuck girls are now history. Here's to looking a year from now.
1:16 Careful, you are intimating that the Goober/Thungwingo system of concentration of talent is not producing. They make big promises and when they fail to come through they manage to blame all the "haters" Funny thing is, nobody points out the easy way the Goobers get off the hook "we need more concentration of talent" we all say ok go ahead and do it.
What the heck happened to Infernal? Other than the third game, this was not an unenviable draw. If memory serves, this team has struggled with Iowa teams (and Regionals in general) for years. I have heard that their performances this spring from State Cup to PDA have been poor, and now shut-out at Regions? I know the Stars have levelled off the past couple of years, but this appears to be a major step backwards for the WDB girls. Thoughts?
The girls have other interests, JE is spread too thin coaching that younger team too. Remember, if she was a male coach working for Bangu we'd be talking about naming streets after her for her successes.
Is Bangu promising players and parents they'll win at Regions?
I've never heard that even though I have 2 kids in the system.
All in all I'd say the club is doing fine. After all they won State Cup titles in 5 of the 6 age groups they entered teams.
Don't forget that in State Cup finals they had teams playing each other in finals as well as multiple teams in semi finals in additional age groups.
Seems to me the kids and club are doing alright.
116, Can I have some of what you are smoking.
DS bailed on the 16 boys not because of boys leaving to play with their dad, only one did that and took 2 other players with him. He bailed because the club did not get selected to the Academy. Still with players leaving Bangu still managed to get to State Cup finals which no other of the U16 team has done 4 straight years, so the program must be doing something right if the naysayers say that the best players left. Those that left didn't advance to the finals.
What does it matter anyway if a team or club does well at Regionals?? Remember, on the boys side the best of the best are not playing at Regionals. No Magic or Soccers since they are in the DAP. As for the girls, so what if teams didnt advance. Big deal. The teams that traveled to Rockford from every state won their state cups and deserved to travel. What does winning a Natl Championship mean anyway?? Nothing really. Its a game people, and most of you here forget this.
Seems to me it's more of a business.
i agree, its a business
What's the big deal about winning a National Championship? Did someone really say that? Seriously?
Yes, it is a game...but sheesh a question like that deserves a calling out.
As far as the U18s, looks to me like if the draw would have been different MN could have been sitting with a certain Championship game. SSM would have played Bangu in the Semis, possibly. But, like someone said above....it is over and the SSM U18s are done. They couldn't get it done when it counted. Looks like they'll have to wait to play the current U17 Stars for a spot next year?
BTW, much better showing from the MN sides than that of my home State of IA.
SSMSouthCampus
If its a business then why isnt my child getting paid??? That is the problem, you people are playing for the clubs. Its not just in MN, its everywhere. Its all about the club. There comes a time when its more important for your own player. Someday you will figure it out.
Anon 4:20 pm ...
Would you care to share how Bangu's 16's were able to even field a team this year after half of last year's starting field players and both goalkeepers left the team? How many players on this year's DID Ms. G and Bangu bring from Shattuck? Giving credit to "the program" is an enormous stretch of the truth.
Anon 116, didn't the U12's win state cup, thus, earning the right to represent the state at regionals. The 12's got stuck in the hardest bracket possible. You are kidding yourself if you think any other team from Minnesota would have done better. If you had been there you would know that the score of the first game was 1-0 till the very end before the Ohio team put in one at the end. The second was 1-0 till the last 12 minutes and the 3rd game was tied going into the second half. Their coach could have packed it in at the end to keep the scores very close but pushed players forward in hopes of tying the score and possibly winning. 116- would you have packed it in to keep score close or tried to secure tying goals in the end and possibly win. These girls deserve your respect for representing our state. You show your complete lack of class by saying someone else should have gone instead of them. Your opinion is base less and has no substance. I watched every team that played in state cup and not one of them would have scored a goal against the three teams that the 12's played.
Bummer for Bangu U12/13s. They really stunk up the joint. Made us all look bad, like we can't field an age-appropriate team.
Diego, your a real class act. I'm guessing you make yourself look bad all the time based on your comments.
Diego,
Hey man...you have all the answers.
So why don't you and your club put together an "age approrpriate" team to beat them?
What a concept, eh?
Funny how these folks whose teams lost to the Minnesota teams who won State Cup whine about the State Cup Champs being losers.
What a sad and pathetic life they must lead.
anon 1:16
Other U13 teams should have beaten the U12s when they had they chance!
is it all about winning or is it all about the experience?
Bottom line for the state this year, the teams that had fortunate draws advanced. The ones that did not, did not. We are now a competitive soccer state with most of R2, but there is still a gulf between us and the Illinois and Michigans of the world.
Hey, I know of this great U9 team, you just gotta see them. The should of, could of, won Nationals.
It's actual rather humorous to watch the wannabes post about how poorly Minnesota teams do at regions after their teams have lost to our champions in the State Cup tournament.
Get a life folks.
I agree with 8:38 that MN is in the mid-tier when it comes to RII states. Here are the numbers:
IL - 6 semi-finalits (lots of Eclipse at the older ages)
MI - 4 (a few differnt clubs)
WI - 4 (all FC Milwaukee)
KS - 4 (very strong at the younger ages)
MN - 2
ON - 2
MO - 2
NE - 2 (both at younger ages)
IN - 1
OS - 1
The draw has so much to do with your success.
Minnesota girls teams at Regions went 2 wins and 8 losses vs IL, MI and OH teams.
Our girls were 7 wins-3 losses and 4 ties vs balance of Region 2 teams.
Bangu teams had 8 of the 9 wins but then again they had 5 of the 7 teams.
We still have trouble competing with Illinois, Michigan and Ohio for both girls and boys.
Perhaps the Thunder will provide the elite coaches we need to develop players so we can improve our performance at the national level.It's obvius we need to upgrade the quality of our coaches.
U-18G Eclipse 1-0 over Bangu in semis... A very hard fought match. Congrats to the Bangu side for a great run.
Tough loss for the U18s...ES has done a great job with that group.
Haven't both the Thunder coach (Amos) and Lightning coach (Storlien) coached club teams in Minnesota?
Maybe some club should bring in an elite coach like Greg Ryan? LOL
Let's face it. Minnesota teams usually beat the teams from states that we should and usually lose to the stronger states like Illinois, Ohio, Michigan. Greater population results in a bigger and stronger player pool. There are exceptions but that holds true for the most part.
Anon at 9:31 recap illustrates that pretty clearly.
Seems like the Bangu U14s have recoved rather well from the "disaster at PDA".
They won all 3 matches in pool play and didn't allow a single goal.
Bangu 14's were not at PDA.
Bangu 18s played mostly defense the WHOLE game. They packed it in, at least the first half.
Its Eclipse v StL in the finals, the 2 best teams in the Region. Both teams have won Natl's a few yrs ago for both. I think StL won at U15 and the Eclipse at 16.
This age group of Eclipse has never won regionals, much less nationals. SLSC did win nationals as U15's.
Bangu U14's lose to Michigan Hawks in semi by 1-0 score.
U14 lose to Michigan Hawks in Semis. Form holds. MN had two teams that had fortunate draws. Both advanced and promptly lost to the first quality opponent they faced. At least they got there though. 5 years ago MN teams would not have advanced with a good draw.
U14 Girls went into OT against MI Hawks tied at zero's, Hawks scored in the first period and held the lead.
It hasn't happened overnight and we won't get there tomorrow, but girls soccer in MN is getting there.
State Cup Chanps at regionals from U13 to U18 last year were 12-5-3. This year 8-10-2. A bit of a backslide.
anon 1:46
Yes but if you exclude the U13s (true U12s who lucked into State Cup championship)the other 4 Bangu teams were 8-3-1 in pool play.
Also I don't think anyone expected WDB to not win a match.
I hear what you're saying but I don't think the slippage is as bad as it looks.
1:46 - I would agree at U16 & U17. U15 improved, U13 not sure how to evaluate it other than if they won State Cup then they deserved to be there. Any idea how they did in pool play last year and are the semi and championship games included in the 12 wins? If so, then the numbers would be 10-5-3 versus 8-8-2. Still a step back. What really hurts the numbers is at the U13 age where last years team went 3-0-0 in pool and then won two more while this year's team went 0-3 without scoring a goal.
This topic has popped up before, but what really is lacking are the big time offensive threats who can provide offense against the best. Zero goals at U13 & U16 while U17 only scored three goals against NE. U14 have some punch, U15 has a kid with flair, and U18 has some very strong offensive players, but the as a state we just don't seem to develope premium scorers/playmakers.
2:32 has hit the nail on the head when describing the lack of scorers. He is too kind though as I can't think of any big time scorers or offensive threats at ANY age group. We have some players who can run through or past other players to score on occasion by using strength or speed, but none that have the skills to score, or set up, goals when confronted with equalor better athletes on the other side of the ball.
Anon 2:32,
U15G Bangu team has a kid with flair who is a national team player. However if the coach is only playing her twenty minutes a game at mid instead of her natural position as an attacker, then the problem is not that MN can not create forwards. Lack of scoring for u15G Bangu Team was the result of the head coach's failure to utilize this player to the best of her abilities as an attacker.
We do have the kids that can score and break games wide open in MN. Needless to say it is the coaches with huge egos that keeps these kids from shining at the top level.
I agree with anon 2:58. I have seen the Bangu u15's and the coach either sat her on the bench or played her at mid. What a waste!
Lack of scoring is as much the responsibility of the offensive mids as the forwards. A very creative player should be able to show more at mid than at forward.
Anon 3:04,
Have you seen that team play this year?
I'm a parent for that u15G Bangu team and I can say that our coach last year was able to better utilize her and her teammates. Last season, we won the state cup and the powers be, still brought in a brand new coach with a different philosophy. Instead of getting out of group this year in the regionals, we were dissapointed.
3:04 - good point and to some extent true, but whether it's a Caroline Smith here in MN or a Abby Wambach on the national team, some kids just belong attacking up top.
Anon 2:24
The Inferno are a Finalist at Disney, go 3-1-0 in Las Vegas, 3-0-0 at Blue Chip, the 0-2-2 at PDA. The draw gives them Iowa and Nebraska in there pool. A team in that position should win a game. This is a quality team that can't get it done at Regionals. They haven't won a Regional game in the past three years. There last pool game against Vardar should have meant something. IMO this was the biggest disappointment for Minnesota.
Once again when quoting results you need to mention the flight. They were not in the top flight at any of the events mentioned except PDA. The results you mention came against teams ranked in the teens and twenties in their respective regions. The team is playing as hard as they can, expectations are unrealistic.
Girl's finalists by state:
MI, IL, KS - 3
IN, NE, MO, ON, WI - 1
4:00 - they achieved their national ranking (#28, but sure to drop) by beating 4 teams ranked within the top 28 nationally at that time at Disney - #19, #20, #21, & #28 (not sure where those teams are currently ranked). It may not have been the top flight, but the competition was solid.
I'm sure the players and coaches are just as disappointed.
Disney pool wins came against teams currently ranked #13 R2, #6 R3, #20 R1. The semifinal win came against #18 R3.
4:32 - great research and is great evidence that you never know how good a team is until the season plays itself out and past competition can be better evaluated. Maybe we were expecting too much, but IMO they still should have done better against IA and NE. Losing to Vardar is no crime as that team is in the championship game.
4:09, how many teams from the state of BNG made it?
Past posters, I don't even have a daughter. I'm a fan of good women's soccer. I've yet to see it played here. And the headbands are funny-looking.
Diego
Storlien was handed one of Bangu's top teams and in two years screwed them up so bad they went into the tank. Last seven games 1-5-1 and were shut out five times.He doesn't develop players and has no idea how to create offense.But,he is an expert excuse maker.
Maybe we could all take a step back and realize that MN has for the first time ever produced three teams that made it out of group play at Regionals. Close at another age group (U17B). Congrats to the players, parents, and coaches.
diego - where is the "good" woman's soccer so we can all understand what we are missing and what this state's players are lacking?
After watching Minnesota teams do battle at all the major tournaments, showcases, and regions for the past ten years I agree with the exception of Caroline Smith ,there has been a lack of the stand out Minnesota forwards who could score and constantly break down good defenders in upper elite premier games. At upper level competition the true forwards are the difference makers and usually determine who advance to semis or finals , not the club structure or the coaches strategy. This will not change with bangu thunder merge only be disguised and downplayed. Their emphasis has never been geared for
technique skills development or coever like skills development. What you usually hear is , oh we incorporate that into the practices, Very few coaches have ability or time to repetitively teach to gifted young athletes who have the intrinsic desire and self discipline to acquire those skills. This new U.S. Academy concept will only generate even more of the same , structured practices and competition with little consideration for individual skills development . Yes a club with club fees like bangu thunder should have had full time skills director long time ago but that would have hurt the bottom line and coaches egos. As far as the U15 bangu girls dont blame the coach , he was just trying to get player with flair in position where she could attack the defense. Apparently there was too little playmaking or skills in midfield to get her the ball in scoring position as forward.
10:27 - don't disagree. The only issue that I have is most MN teams play "system" soccer which frowns on individual and creativity. It's one touch, two touch, swing it wide, swing it in.
ANON 3:50 Have watched inferno team at regions three years now and noticed that same theme keeps repeating itself. Untimely poor touches and decisions have hurt their offense and lack of play making decreased their chances of good on goal shots. This should have been addressed and perhaps needs a new fresh perspective.
System soccer, good explainable term for whats going on now, does world champ womens Brazil team play that style. NOOOOO, and U.S. Academy how much time will they spend on individual skill development . As far as two touches depends on what part of the field ball is in... if in the attacking 1/3 or at trigger point of attack players should be encouraged to be creative, especially at the younger ages, K.C. Legends mens club teams have had great success with encouraging and developing individual creative attacking players. Key is to forget about winning at early ages and have kids having fun SHAKING AND BAKING. Consistently over period of time at practice and encouraging ,rewarding, and emphasizing kids to practice moving and grooving on their own or at park outside organized club practices.
anon 9:36
So I guess you're saying Storlien had nothing to do with Caroline Smith's development?
Have you ever talked to her about Storlien?
Maybe you should before sticking your foot in your mouth.
936 before you rip on DS re his current U17G offense remember that the team he inherited did have a prolific scorer. Injuries have left her a shadow of her former self. That is not DS fault.
Anon 8:15-
Are you telling me one of the "best" coaches in the state can't make an adjustment?
It's not like he didn't have a deeper, more experienced bench than most.
Come on...
Listen, the skills training your all talking about SHOULD be taking place at U-7/U-12..After that, either you have it or they dont!! Its time to move on to other training methods at U13 and above.
People are expecting there child will be the next Mia, that aint happening.
And this crap about the Brazilian team, the US just beat them a few weeks ago.
I do agree thou with those posters about 'system' soccer. I like to call it robot soccer. Dont worry, alot more clubs around the US are doing the same thing, its just not a MN thing.
You can only coach what you are given as in talent. Just because your Jennie has been playing select since U10 doesnt mean she is the next big thing. But yet you all want to put the blame on the coaches?? When will the players themselves ever take some blame here??
I think ultimately it is the parents fault. There needs to be some type of genetic screening being done before mating in order to ensure that we produce players that are good enough to be worthy of our wonderful coaches. Then we could sign them over to the Thunder development program as u1s.
Aldus, be careful what you wish for...your scenario may not be that far off.
Dagny Taggart
Mr Storlien's solution to improve his offense was telling his players to "watch professional soccer on tv". As Mr Storlien said,"I do not develop players. The development is done by the time the players finish U15".Kinda makes you wonder what the heck is going on.
dagny that name is going to bother me until I place it. Is it from Ayn Rand?
What ever happened to the parent & coaches predictions of the U12 teams playing U13 winning premier spots in league this season? Are they trouncing the so-called untalented U13 teams playing at their age group? Not.
Gosh I remember a Dkt Rev parent or was it Swedish Smurf on here predicting they would beat all comers except the 14 premier team, they got beat by the other u-12 team in their league.
Region 2 Champs
U13 Carmel IN
U14 Toro NE
U15 KCFC KS
U16 Eclipse IL
U17 Eclipse IL
U18 Eclipse IL
U19 Bloomfield MI
Didn't we hear earlier from a former Eclipse parent how many injuries the U17 team had and how vulnerable they were? Must have been some miracle recoveries or maybe just a very deep team. The surprise is at U14, apparently the big states have not yet consolidated talent at this age group. In consecutive years a MN and NE team have won it. Don't think you will find another example of that ever. Or is parity approaching?
If you watch the video of the Eclipse 17 game, yea, the one with the head injury is playing with what looks like a turban on her head, and the other played only in the semi and final. the semi and final both went into OT. Semi going into PK's. The bench was not deep at all. They just sucked it up. The team had to carry 3 keepers on the roster, why, cuz during the Regionals next month, all the U17 Natl teamers are going to be in camp prepping for U17 World cup. And both Eclipse keepers are on that team. There will be a few teams in the final 4 that will be hit hard with out some of there players due to the U17 Natl camp. I know the Slammers will be as well.
So is that picture of the fields underwater at Rockford on the RTR site a metaphor for the bangu (and MN) experience at regionals? Sunk, or adrift, or beached?
I'm a hater...of losing after being beaten to death with the messianic kool aid throughout the year...Not even a finalist? Boy, I hope there's some good excuses out there.
Ayn wrote a book about my life called Atlas Shrugged.
10:21 You just don't understand, it's the haters who caused the teams to not fare well at Regions. The new MTA will get more and younger players so the haters can't ruin them. This is a crazy deal don't achieve the success you promised, get rewarded with more opportunity. The sheep keep following.
anon 1021
Simple solution for you, Bubba.
Put together a team and go win State Cup. Then you can go show everyone how to win at Regions.
You're the guy who knows it all...now just go do it.
Simple, right?
Now way it's simple...I mean, the Bangu brain trust can't figure out how to win, so it must be impossible given their current restraints (lack of success recruiting teh best kids from west/north). THEY NEED MORE OF OUR GOOD PLAYERS! Wait, maybe they just need to learn how to develop what they already have taken from us (who WE developed).
Let's see who eliminated the teams that were such failures:
U13: U12's playing up
U14: MI Hawks #9 Nation
U15: Cleveland FC #4 Nation
U17: Eclipse #1 Nation
U18: Eclipse #3 Nation
Why did they lose? Because their opponents are better than them. These opponents are also better than just about everyone else in the country. If anyone thinks we will have consistent success against teams like this they are wrong. At least now we can field teams that belong on the same field as the great teams and have a chance to win. That is far different than 5 years ago. It is not a failure of Bangu or anyone else that results were not better. The kool aid lovers should not be promising anything more, the haters should not be criticizing this showing. We should continue to get better with more advanced training for the younger age groups. MTA will provide this. To date it has been missing.
And if Thingu doesn't pan out, we just wasted a few more years and any currency Bangu earned for the state of MN soccer.
I think this may end up hurting the girls side.
In truth,the boys side has no where but up to go.
My momma always taught me, if I want to criticize I better be willing to be a part of a solution. First we criticize those who win State Cup. Now we expect everyone to win Regionals.
I haven't heard of any other plans to improve the state of MN soccer beyond the MTA. The koolaid ain't magic and the players, no matter who is/has developed them, work hard. There were no blowouts against our top teams.
Take a vacation from the hate. Your blood pressure will thank you.
824
Excellent analysis.
All one needs to do is look back past the last 3-4 years to see how pathetic our teams performed at Regions. There were always a few exceptions.
But overall Minnesota teams got HAMMERED when traveling to Regions.
The respectability we've recently gained is a result of dedicated soccer professional putting their heads together and leading the way.
We fell behind when we were crying foul about a young girl leaving Edina to go play for Bangu or St Croix while other states were being more progressive.
As they say either lead, get on board or get out of the way.
Whining doesn't improve the situation.
9:13 I assume you refer to the constant whining by the Goo crew. We need more access to more and younger players, we need to get MYSA off our backs (unless they do what we want) we need the haters to stop bothering us blah blah blah. The new venture MTA has promised too much they need to spend their time delivering not worrying about others.
824
Idiot.
U13: U12 playing up. SO?! They lost and lost big. Period. This does not support your argument about being competitive.
How about Inferno at U16? Dismal every year they go, and at least you had the good sense not to mention them.
Your argument is full of something, and it ain't reason pal.
Good points 824 and well presented. Population (player base) issues will not allow MN to be among the very best, but we are well established in the second tier with Carmel, SLSC, FC Milwaukee, Ohio Elite, Internationals etc. Doesn't mean we are as good as we can be or will be with better training that the Thunder should be able to offer, particularly at young ages. I saw many games at regionals and almost all the games against the elite clubs were very competitive .
I would hate to be a child of some of these posters if I was treated in the same way that they write. "Congratulations honey because you won State Cup, but you are a worthless, loser of a child because you did not do better at Regionals".
10:53 you would? as opposed to being on a cc team and being told by goobers you are not a good player because you aren't with Bangu?
10:36
Before you rip these U12 kids tell us - were you at the games?
The new MN Transit Authority will be as fun to work with as the old one, I'm sure.
11:16 - as is often asked about a post like yours......could you or anyone please show me an example of what you are talking about?
http://www.eclipseselect.org/news_article.php?aid=49&nc=2
Impressive!
11:16
Who told you that? It's easy to make anonymous charges and allegations.
Where was that said and who said it.
Please provide details.
Thanks.
Isn't the Eclipse club a result of the Chicago Magic's girls program with another club?
For all of you ripping on the 12's at Regionals you may want to think about this...... If the U12's won MN State Cup, how do you think the real U13's would have done in Rockford? If they all lost to a U12 team do you really think they would have done a better job? I don't think so! The U14 Premier(if that is what they are still called) team couldn't even put it away in the Championship game against the 12's. Does anyone remember how many goals the 12's gave up at State Cup? I am pretty sure that the 14's only scored 1 goal against the 12's - this is suppose to be a premier team? They would have got their butts kicked at Regionals. 1036 - If you think that the 12's lost big, then you have no clue about the games. Not too sure if you know who they played in Rockford. Any other team from MN would have crumbled in that group.
Sounds like a parent or coach defending the 12s. (Typical - if you win, brag and if you lose, defend and knock down other teams.)They got lucky when they won state cup, that happens in soccer - few calls go your way (penalty kick) and you win. Are they the best of the U13 age group? No. Will this U12 team make premier like last year's team? Maybe, probably not. The East district teams are not supposed to be that good - why aren't they winning easily? More excuses?
Sounds like a parent or coach defending the 12s. (Typical - if you win, brag and if you lose, defend and knock down other teams.)They got lucky when they won state cup, that happens in soccer - few calls go your way (penalty kick) and you win. Are they the best of the U13 age group? No. Will this U12 team make premier like last year's team? Maybe, probably not. The East district teams are not supposed to be that good - why aren't they winning easily? More excuses?
sounds like your the making excuses why your team lost.. "few calls your way (penalty kick) and you win." Huh - How many goals did you put away on the 12's? Maybe the 14's (assuming that is who you are) should have tucked away a couple goals during the 2 halfs and yes, the overtime. BTW - not a parent on the 12's - just calling like I see it. Oh and didn't the 14's (13's) play in the esat when they won? I guess they just got lucky!
You can consolidate all you want but until we get coaches who can develop athletes into "players" nothing is going to change. There are a few "creative" players who have the skill sets to create scoring opportunities but their teamates aren't trained to anticipate and feed off them.It's easier to coach one dimensional track soccer than to build your team around a play maker.
The root cause for our poor performance on the national level is not population size but rather poor quality of coaching.
1:14
Does any Minnesota club have good coaching? Or are they all poor?
Give us a few examples.
BTE Elite Development team (see the BTE website) u-14 premier hand picked given a great coach couldn't do it against the u-12 team. I agree with the earlier poster, these guys are going to run the Mn elite program? We need and should demand better.
BTE Elite Development team (see the BTE website) u-14 premier hand picked given a great coach couldn't do it against the u-12 team. I agree with the earlier poster, these guys are going to run the Mn elite program? We need and should demand better.
Isn't the Eclipse club a result of the Chicago Magic's girls program with another club?
No, Magic still have a team, matter of fact, Magic girls were at Regionals in the U18 division, went 1-2. Played with 12 players.
The East U13 age group is much stronger this year than last year.
114, That is why The Thunder/Bangu/Wings merger is such a good idea. The kids will get good training at the younger ages to help grow more creative soccer players. My daughter plays for Bangu and sometimes we get to practice early and while waiting we watch the U8's and U9's train. They spend a lot of time on footskills and they encourage them to be creative. The teams that the academy produces are only going to get better and better. That is why I believe it is just as important if not more important for their to be an academy for the younger ages. If the kids are left with the same old parent coaches ( nothing against parent coaches - I used to be one) they will be way behind compared to the Elite clubs of Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, etc when they get to U13 Elite. Those clubs recruit and train at the earlier ages like what the new merger will be doing. If you don't believe me look up some of the top clubs web sites and look at their U10 and U11 teams and look at their history. They travel and train religiouly throughout the year. They don't leave the training to the community clubs and put teams together at U13. If we want to compete with them status quo won't work. As a parent of a current player I look forward to tryouts to see what new players it brings. Some parents worry about what team their kid will make. We came to Bangu so our daughter could train year round and play with kids with similar interests and abilities. If for some reason she doesn't make the top team I guess she will have to try harder next year. Either way it is a great lesson in life.
Anon 12:13,
You might want to get your facts straight before you rip on the Bangu 14-Premiers. So you say that they would not have done well at Regionals? Well, there is no way to know that. But before you continue believing what you do, take into consideration that the 14P girls not only played, but beat Chicago Eclipse. And unless I'm mistaken, the 12s lost BIG TIME to them. The 14s lost by 1 goal to Ohio North, and the 12s lost by 4.
Still feeling confident?
I am not a much of a Bangu fan, but in the 14Premier girls' defense, I will say that the outcome of that game did not at all show what happened on the field. After seeing the statistics, the result of that game seemed almost unreal. The 13s out shot the 12s 39 to 2, but the 12's goalie was a hard one to get past. The one time the 12s actually had the ball in their attacking third, they merely got lucky and were handed a penalty kick. I bet the 14's were kicking themselves after that one.
The 12s always seem to find themselves winning by a PK. Coincidence? I don't think so. #1 on their team drew a foul against Tonka bringing them the win. #1 also drew a foul against Bangu 14P in the ship which also lead to their victory. A few weeks later, when the 12s and 13s met again at the NSC Cup, #1 drew a foul which resulted in a goal but not a win.
Kinda makes you wonder what Kaasa is teaching.
For the most part, I agree with Anon 3:56.
The 14Ps did deserve the State Cup Victory.
My daughter is on the Bangu U12 team who defeated them, but I still believe the 13s are the better team, and would have had a better outcome at Regionals than we did. But that is behind us, and there is no way to change it now.
But regarding your comment about Andy Kaasa. He is telling them to do no such thing. You don't have the right to make such assumptions. He is truly a great coach and person.
356 - So your saying that the "14 Premier" team is only 1 or 2 goals better than the 12's? I wouldn't be bragging about that! You should be kicking some butt against the team younger than you. Fun reading all of this! When did the 14 Premier team beat Eclipse? If your talking Vegas - Website is wrong - You LOST 2-1.
:]
this is funnn!
#1 didn't draw the foul against the 14P in the final, #38 did. The u12's were outplayed but you can't fault them for the outcome. They played as hard as they could and got the victory. Sometimes those things happen in sports and life.
The 12s are a very strong team, I'll give them that.
But there is defiantly a large difference in skill between the 12s and 13s. Maybe the 13s are only 1 or 2 goals better than them, but none the less, they are better. Even you admitted to that.
356, The players that got fouled in all three games was not the same player as you state. You think they got lucky and were given a penalty kick. If you get fouled from behind because you get beat by a player you get a PK. It is that simple. You slight the effort and talent the player used to beat your player by saying it was a gift. You also make yourself sound bitter.
Anon 443.
You're right. Its life.
Blogging about all of this nonsense isn't going to change a thing, and I realize that. I was a fairly played game and the 12s played outstandingly. Good for them. I am still just in shock that we didn't go to Regionals. Thats all we talked about all year.
447,
That was fair. The 12s did deserve that penalty kick.
It was a mistake on our part to have done that, but I'm just upset about how 1 mistake made by 1 player changed our entire season.
I guess thats just soccer.
Congrats on making it to regionals.
You won fair and square.
wasn't this game played about one month ago? and people are stilling taking about it?
As a parent on a non-Bangu U14P team, I was very much impressed with the Bangu Blue team (U13's) that played up in the league. They were technically very sound, fast, creative, made great use of space, etc. They improved so much from the beginning of the season to the end. I think that they will do very well in MRL next year. Their ball movement was among the best in the league. Good luck next year!
Anon 12:13,
You might want to get your facts straight before you rip on the Bangu 14-Premiers. So you say that they would not have done well at Regionals? Well, there is no way to know that. But before you continue believing what you do, take into consideration that the 14P girls not only played, but beat Chicago Eclipse. And unless I'm mistaken, the 12s lost BIG TIME to them. The 14s lost by 1 goal to Ohio North, and the 12s lost by 4.
Still feeling confident?
Know your facts, Eclipse 14s are the the step children of the club, they didnt win State Cup and just got into Regionals as the wild card, they came in 3rd in MRL.
Are you still feeling confident?
Anon 12:13,
You might want to get your facts straight before you rip on the Bangu 14-Premiers. So you say that they would not have done well at Regionals? Well, there is no way to know that. But before you continue believing what you do, take into consideration that the 14P girls not only played, but beat Chicago Eclipse. And unless I'm mistaken, the 12s lost BIG TIME to them. The 14s lost by 1 goal to Ohio North, and the 12s lost by 4.
Still feeling confident?
Know your facts, Eclipse 14s are the the step children of the club, they didnt win State Cup and just got into Regionals as the wild card, they came in 3rd in MRL.
Are you still feeling confident?
I watched most of the girls State Cup games this year with exception of the U19s.
From what I saw this spring I would venture to say Bangu will be a strong favorite next spring at U13, U14, U15, U16, U18 and U19. Woodbury is still the class of their age group(next year's 17s) and will keep Bangu from sweeping all 7 girls championships.
It's hard to believe they've become so strong in just 3-4 years.
Yeah, and those results at regionals were terrific, too. Maybe instead of patting yourself on the back you should find a way to win an important game down there.
804,
Great bluster. If you can find a way to beat your own U12's (who, lest we forget, sent you packing) next year, you can go stick it to everyone at regionals. Where are you guys going to play next year, anyway (it seems your premier spot will be passed along to another team)?
So, let's see, if you can beat your own U12's and some teams that are premier cc teams, then you can go take on the big girls at regions. One step at a time.
800- (u13 parent) get a grip, we know you are a parent.
1148, My post was genuine. My daughter plays on a different U14P team. I guess kind and from the heart posts are not the norm here.
anon 10:03
You can't win at regionals if you don't get there...right? ;-)
You should know that!
Better luck next year!
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