My kids team played a friendly against the Germans team. After the scrimmage our coach said their game is just at a much higher level than he even expected. The defender is rock solid and the attacker is just about unstopable. They are a fantastic addition to their team.My kid said "I've never played against anybody that good".Sweet,sweet players....
The Burkhardts will return to Germany this summer where they have been invited to work out with older players on the 1 Potsdam Club which plays in the Frauen Bungdesliga League.
They are already being recruited by many of our top U.S. universities in particular Florida State and UCLA among others.
A while back there was a good discussion about winter training programs that were supported by several different clubs. Burnsville, Rev, MTA, St Croixand Prior Lake were a few of the clubs referenced. I am curious to keep exploring how well these programs are being recieved and if they are for only the C1/Premier teams or if all levels of play are involved. If all levels are playing how are the programs differentiating between play levels. Are they training all C1/Premier on one day and the others on another? Are all kids mixed together during the training sessions? I have always been of the belief that kids develop best when surrounded by similarly talented players but am curious what is working out there.
FSU and UCLA huh?? Who told you this? Its kinda funny, because in the US, this is the place to be if your a female player to train and compete the best players. Why is it then that all the internationals are coming back to the US for the WPS League? Not because europe has a better womens league??
Still not impressed 11:26 and 1:21. First of all which MTA team do these girls play for? Who have they "scrimmaged" to show their uberfrau skills? And just because they are from the fatherland, and have been recruited by German Women's team doesn't impress. Personal experience has shown me that the Germans (and the rest of Europe) hold womens futbol in the same regard as a traveling circus freakshow. So much for equality and enligtenment,eh?
The infamous german sisters who are going to school here in MN (but no one has ever had a class with them), play soccer (but no one has ever seen them play even though they have been in scrimmages), etc......
Unfortunately, 11:26 keeps casting the line out and always seems to get a bite or two....
I just got an email from MYSA announcing that as a direct result of comments on this site, it has been determined that there is no way anyone but MTA could win at state cup and all state cup games on the girls' side will be cancelled.
The only exception will be at u17, where it seems some team from Woodbury has a outside chance of surpassing MTA. Those games will still be played, though MTA will get an automatic bye to the finals.
you read it here first, MTA will sweep all ages both boys and girls at State Cup. The rest should not waste their money on entry fees or gas to get there.
for a while this thread was actually doing pretty well with decent age group talk..........but then..........folks like 7:07 & 9:19 (probably the same person)........drag it down.
No, the uberfraus don't play for SSM. Saw that team recently, and didn't see any sisterly superstardom. I think someone has implied that they are in the MTA system at U16. Anybody out there that can put this urban legend to rest once and for all??
10:35, I have to agree with you, I think it's people just trying to create conflict. Why would any Minnesota club fear SSM? They are a national program and at most will only have a handful of Minnesota kids on their teams. And once MTA is awarded USSF Academy status those kids from Minnesota considering SSM will have one fewer reason to go to a boarding school to play soccer at the highest level.
I still hold out hope mta will not be offered to USSF academy. It will be less than it could be if they are awarded it by people who don't know the landscape here.
11:32 - so who should they award it to? Let me guess.....SCV or Blackhawks. I think we've had this discussion before. Don't forget, Blackhawks won a national championship 20 years ago...
4:00 USSF Academy wants to find and develop players. With almost 5 million people in Minnesota they believe there will be some talented athletes who one day may play for the men's US National Team. Why wouldn't they want to have a stake in the ground in Minnesota?
11:32, Do you think the landscape here is any different than in other states? Don't you think there is animosity towards the Chicago Magic, Scott Gallagher, Dallas Texans, FC Delco? All these clubs face the same charges and accusations from community clubs in their states. They're stealing our players. They cost too much to belong. Their coaches aren't really that good. Same petty jealousy that goes on here. Same whine...different state. Trust me because I've lived through it in Missouri. Get over it folks. The USSF Academy will be awarded to the most successful club for the most recent time periods, not someone who won something 15-20 years ago.
11:27, you're right about SSM, but SSM will also be attracting players nationally. There is no way the school program will only be made up of MN players and thus there will be many other MN players not able to make the cut at SSM yet who could still compete at the US Dev Acd level. There will also be MN many players who could easily make the cut at SSM but who have no desire to take part in a soccer program that is meshed with an educational one.
Those who still "hold out hope" that MTA will not be awarded a spot are either MTHaters or have no idea about the direction US Soccer and FIFA are heading in regards to the growing movement of youth clubs affiliated with professional teams.
I heard tonight that there will be new chapters added to the Abboudians book of MTA worship. Specifically, German choral chants and abundant temporary swoosh tattoos will be available in the next printing. The haters chapter and the No-SSM Psalms have been augmented as well. All of this should help the masses understand their role and believe their tithes are a worthy investment. I still wouldn't sign up for the Jonestown winter get-away with free refreshments, though. I'm a hater. OK hater haters, Happy Holidays!
Hater 10:57, you just don't get it, if you are a follower, soccer riches will come your way. Why, they are scaring people out of State Cup competition with their zeal!
I heard the German girls are challenging the regular MTA types to a cage match. I suspect there will be Teutonic dominance, but it might be interesting, depending on whether the regulars have blue, white, black or green players on their team. If it's cash cow types, it could be a real slaughterhouse.
Quite unlike 12:54 who's only here for the relevant deep soccer insight afforded by the smart posters which I'm not venturing a guess on their affiliation.
1. Corner Kick Indoor Soccer Center Addition. Beautiful. 2. Bielenberg (only indoor venue with simulated wind and highest dirt content in the air). 3. EP dome before new turf (featured astro sandpaper). 4. Augsburg before new turf and dome (dome was so dirty it blocked out the sun). 5. NSC before renovation. It had the best and most dangerous open seams in the past-expiration turf and best watching environment...
Damn, lots of cynics in here. I think people are just trying to change the subject to throw the haters off of their crazy tirades about the German girls and rest of the MTA sillyness.
This just in, a certain high level soccer club has adopted a fight song in honor of the german players they've recently added. This is a common practice apparently in Europe where high level clubs have this feature. The song is the German national anthem Das Lied der Deutschen.
8:51- Hmmm? Wasn't that the same score that SSMSC said the SSM U16s beat the EP U16s. When that happened, the remarks were "it was just a friendly, you can't read into it". So, which is it? Friendlies count or they don't?
All haters, I'm signing off for the holiday thus will not be posting truths regarding the powder blue gas clouds that get sent out here. You're on your own for 72 hours! I'm hoping santa brings some german ringers for my dd's team.
Stop the Slander December 14th, 2008 by FaceInTheCrowd I am continually amazed at the audacity of some parents and the fact that they are willing to forever memorialize themselves in print. Many years ago, one of my kids got angry with another kid at school and left a scathing voicemail on the family’s home phone. While she had every right to be angry with this kid, she did not show great class, or any modicum of class for that matter, with her diatribe. If I remember correctly, she even swore on the recording. Once it was brought to my attention, I was horrified and thankfully, so was she. It proved to be a very good lesson about being responsible for what you say, both verbally and in print. Once it’s out there, it’s forever out there and you have to own it, like it or not.
The latest debate in our state is about a very talented young woman who happens to be among the most highly recruited in the nation. There have been articles of late on this young woman’s upcoming recruiting decision and everyone has an opinion. I might also add that this is one of the nicest, most humble, unassuming players we know.
What started as an innocent thread on a forum known for it’s vicious back-biting has turned out to be an ugly and sometimes insulting repartee about this young player and her family. It has digressed from a very flattering first post to musings about whether or not this kid will even be able to get playing time at any of the schools she is considering.
Now, tell me, do you honestly think that any D-1 college or university would be offering a full ride to a player that is never expected to see the pitch from any perspective other than the bench? Of course not, but if you read the posts, that’s exactly what some of these know-it-alls are predicting.
My point here is that it is usually not hard to figure out the real identity of the posters. The soccer world turns out to be a small one the longer you live in it and even though you write as if you are anonymous, you rarely are. Think seriously about what you say before you put it out there. Not only will your friends and enemies figure you out, but your kids probably will as well. Respect is a hard thing to get back once it’s been lost and what are you really getting back out of all this nonsense?
Be happy for every chance that every kid gets and remember the old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. Happy Holidays to everyone and best of luck to every soccer player out there-it’s your parade and don’t let anyone rain on it!
(ED: One reason I started Top Drawer is that one of the few things that passed for news in elite youth soccer were these bulletin boards where almost always you have people anonymously slandering some teenage player. The ability to anonymously insult is one of the least attractive aspects of the Internet and combined with the sin of jealousy and the less inspiring features of the youth soccer world, it makes a very, VERY poisonous brew. I’m often puzzled as to why reasonable people keep visiting those sites).
That was very well put and very true. I would also add that parents who wish to brag about their child's accomplishments or abilities should follow the same advice.
Boys - MTA will be the team to beat in many age groups and this will bring everyone else's best games. It will be tough for MTA to take many titles but expect them to be in it at most age groups.
MTA will take U13s but it will be won by the West group.
Nice article on Inside Minnesota Soccer about a kid from Minnesota, Cody Cropper, who is working out with Wolverhampton in the UK in hopes of signing a pro contract in future. Here's link to story. Just scroll down a bit to locate it. http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/
Why isn't there any "this tournament is over rated and not worth traveling to. There are no decent teams competing." Wasn't that the complaint about CASL?
Looks like WDB and MTA 18's have some decent games. What everyone has to remember is that you sign up for these months in advance not knowing what your draw will be. It also looks like many tournaments seem to be getting a bit diluted with additional flights ($$$) and very selective top brackets which consist of either Red Bull, National League, or only a few top teams. This leaves all the other brackets a bit uneven in team and talent depth.
559 that is because it is more true about CASL. Disney does not segregate out the national league teams before forming flights. That way a quality team will have the opportunity to play some good competition. Case in point: Compare the WDB 17's opponents at Disney to the ones they played at CASL. Showcase tournaments should not be playing league games as part of their tournaments.
Looks like MTA has taken over the new East Ridge Soccer Association. AK, PW, and MA (2 positions) all voting members of the board. TB is the director and also a current MTA coach.
MTA U18 and WDB U17 were given strong teams to play. MTA U15 and EP and MTA at U16 are facing mediocre at best teams at Disney. Appears criticism of CASL was unwarranted.
Is that a typo or is there actually a team ranked #218 in their region playing in Disney? If this is a gotsoccer scheduled tournament using gotsoccer rankings why would gotsoccer permit this? Frankly I put more credence in NSR. With gotsoccer it appears the more you play, the more points you earn and the higher your ranking. In the gotsoccer system a regional semi-finalist can be ranked behind a state cup semi-finalist if they don't run around to a bunch of tournaments. This is a big handicap to midwest teams due to the weather and geography tournament options aren't always convenient. In the other regions lots more high quality tournaments much more centraly located. I guess you've got to start somewhere though....
rankings...what ever happened to just playing to get better. rankings is a joke. what do you get if your ranked #1 anyway?? a free cup of joe? nope. nadda.
how do you get better if the teams you are playing aren't any good (i.e. - gopher's mens basketball preseason schedule.....). other than parental/club bragging, that was my understanding of one of the other reasons for rankings - to pair off comparable teams for regional/national tournament play. it's a long way to go to play a couple of "NR"'s.
11:16- I would disagree with you about your theory that it is not worthwhile to travel this distance to play a "NR".
These teams (for the most part) provide very good competition. It is easy to sit on this end of a computer and talk about the "weakness" of a team based upon a calculation. However, it is something different to step onto the field and compete with them.
I think you are doing your kids a great injustice to talk about the "nobody" teams they are playing atleast until after the results are in. Hard to talk smack about how good "little Mia's" team is once they have been beaten by the "NR" teams you complain about.
Engage brain before speaking, it'll save your excuse-making process later.
I didnt see anything insulting about 12:00 post. I happen to agree with it. I know Im going to be blasted for this, example, but Shattuck isnt ranked, and I can promise you you will get a good game from them. Shattuck might not win, but it will make the other team play hard and give them a great game. Isnt that what competition is all about. Plus, how can the so called experts rank a team if they havent seen them play. Not all clubs travel, and there are some really great teams out there that arent involved in a Super Club. The Des Moines Menace U18 boys team is a very good "unranked" competitive team, they do not travel the circuit as I call it, but on any given day, they can beat you.
10's dad you know as well as anyone that rankings above U15 or so from NSR are fairly accurate, not perfect by any means but by then the teams have enough interregional play to have an idea where they are at. SSM 18G is off the radar because of the way they have had to play in different age groups over the years. Had they played consistently in their current age group as most teams do they would be ranked.
MTA 15 Blue 2'nd flight 3-0-0 McLean Striker VA #15R1 #15R1 W 1-0 Stars Elite GA NR #44N W 2-1 Baltimore Bays MD #24N #63N W 2-1 NASA GA #17N #8N
MTA 16 Blue 3'rd Flight 1-1-1 CUP Red OH #20R2 #17R2 T 1-1 HYSA Storm MO NR #15R3 L 2-0 Chantilly VA #18R1 #25R1 L 1-0
EP 16 5'th Flight 4-0-0 FC America Kumba FL NR #218R3 W 4-0 Cobb Chiefs GA #27R2 #29R3 W 1-0 Sunrise Fire FL NR #23R3 W 3-1 Clearwater FL #50N #146N W 4-3 MatchFit NJ NR #40R1
WDB Inferno 17 3'rd Flight 1-2-0 Colorado Storm #19N #67N L 5-4 Atlant Fire GA #46N #112N W 4-0 YMS Comets PA #35N #49N L 3-1
MTA 18 Blue 1'st Flight 2-1-0 North Atlanta GA #27N #55N W 3-2 Albertson Fury NY #11N #8N L 3-1 Colorado Rush #21R4 #30R4 W 2-1
Solid performance overall. The teams in the strong flights showed well and the teams in the weaker flights have advanced.
3:46, I would agree with you, at the older ages you can tell who the best teams are. Its the teams that compete in the circuit. Any of the top 7 can win it all at the end of the year. You dont need rankings to figure it out thou. Most of the teams are set without loosing players and gaining new players. The current Eclipse 18 team hasnt had any new players now for 2 yrs, before that it had new players every year. Im sure the same for the MTA Stars team?? With Shattuck, we get new players every yr. And we play with younger players every yr as well, still do. But that is the system it is. Its worked well for us.
I think the next big tournament/showcase is Vegas then Crossroads and Blue Chip?
Mn did well this coming spring with some home MRL games. Its about time I would say.
10s Dad
How bout them Utes huh?? They get my vote for the #1 team in the country. Talking about rankings, NCAA D1 Football is a joke.
It's great to see Minnesota teams winning games at high level out of state tournaments. As recently as 5-6 years ago this wasn't happening. Thanks to all involved who took it upon themselves to elevate the level of play in Minnesota and took the initiative to develop clubs and player development programs that offered year round high level training for our kids. It's not only paying off in youth leagues and USYS and US Club Soccer events but also at the collegiate level in MIAC as well as the Gopher Women's program. Happy New Year!
MTA 15's win semi 2-1 will play Atlanta Extreme (#16 R3) in final. EP in final at U16 as noted above. Granted these teams are not in strongest flights but still nice accomplishments. Good luck in the hardware game.
Congrats to EP 16 and MTA 15. Hopefully the success they had will get MN teams a chance in the top brackets in the future. Obviously the success they had indicates they would have faired quite well in the higher brackets.
Whats with all this German worry? Who cares. You are all acting like Germany is the 2nd coming of great female footballers. If they were great players, and came to the US for soccer, then they would of went to Chicago, Dallas, places were the top clubs are at, just like our boys going over to Europe, to the TOP clubs.
I believe the Germans are here because they want to learn the language and are living with relativesand oh by the way they just happen to be great players. MDW has offered them scholarships but they are also looking at UCLA and Florida ST. They would be immediate impact players at the U and make the U one of the favs for the B10 title.Let's hope they pick the Gophs.
Have we ever established for a FACT what team these ghost Germans play for....for further verification what are their last names?
It has been confusing, but I thought the initial claim was that they are playing for the MTA U16s? If that is the case, I doubt that MDW has offered scholarships at this point....I'd guess older than U16. There are National teamer U16s out there that have yet to be offered scholarships.
Sophomores in HS are offered scholarships on a regular basis, in particular from this point forward after the showcases. The class of 2010 is complete for many schools and 2011's will be picking up a lot of speed over next few months.
True, but not true 9:00am. Are there some sophomores being offered and accepting scholarships, yes - a few, but being that schools cannot even email or contact a 2011 until 9/1 of this year the vast majority (upwards of 90%) of the 2011 verbal commitments will not be until the fall. Is there communication going on with sophomores and schools - of course, but mostly still very preliminary. Not many sophomores have made "un-official" out-state campus visits yet - if they are looking out-state. What's the rush?
Looks like the MN teams did pretty well in Florida. What other tournaments are comming up out of state that MN teams are participating in? Kind of fun to watch the online scoring etc.
Congrats to CS....always nice to see a familiar name accomplish thier goals.
Starting this year, there is a very good crop of upcoming female players over the next three years. Do a quick search on TopDrawerSoccer for MN and you'll see.
I think it would be nice to read about more players as they commit. If anyone has any other info on who is going where....please post. That may be a productive discussion (if everyone can act like adults).
615 there will be at least 14-18 2010 MN girls committed by June. It happens every year and will be no different this year and for years to come. SSMSC do not encourage people to post commits here, it will only lead to the usual bragging/slamming cycle we see over and over. Verbals can be sent and seen at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=poknaL_RaORDOMcyz_riBDA&gid=0
2011s is a bit too early for committing. And any player who is a 2011 will be told by any college coach, that its way too early. Sure, there are a few that have committed already. im sure that these so called German players have been to all these campus's already huh?? I can tell you, that some of these schools that are being mentiioned will NOT offer anything to anyone unless they come for a unofficial visit. but Im sure you know how it all works thou dont you??
My son played against the Germans in a friendly recently. The german girls were guesting on a boys team.My son said that the Germans were the best players on the pitch by far. They may play them again at EP before the PHX tournament.
CS appears to be a coaches dream with a work ethic second to none, a very skilled player who works as hard as anyone. Congrats! I've seen her play many times over the years and this is a case of a very average player at, say U-12, vastly improving by nothing other than hard work and determination.
I do not know how this really works, how are kids able to commit their junior years, is there an early admissions to these colleges? What happens if these kids do not get accepted into the schools or is that predetermined?
The kid or college can change their mind at any time prior to signing the NLI in February of their senior year. It is considered bad form to do so however, particularly for the college. It would be difficult to recruit if it was known that you backed out on scholarship offers after acceptance. Academic prowess is a factor in recruiting also. Scholarship tendered athletes will be given a more relaxed look than non-athletes when being considered for admission. Only to a point though. The coaches will probably not recruit you if they don't think you can make it academically at their institution and will not offer you if there is doubt about whether you will be accepted. Not everyone can play soccer at the elite soccer schools, and not everyone can handle the academics at elite academic schools.
In simple terms, most coaches want to see the players grades prior to anything being mentioned as a scholarship. The college coach will have the player fax the grades from 10th grade on up and the coach will forward to the admissions office. A player as young as a freshman can verbal to any school they want, and they can also change their mind prior to Feb of the Sr yr if they wish. Look at the player (JR) that just changed her mind from Mizzou to Notre Dame. It happens more than you would think.
If you are looking at D2 schools what is the protocol for that? How early should a player be contacting schools? Obviously the above is for D1 schools - what would be the latest for the D2 schools?
I would say that before or early in your junior year just send an email to the coaches or a letter informing them of your interest and some of your credentials, at the very very latest after your senior season of high school, but thats getting in the game pretty late, for the best results start the process early and be proactive, don't wait for the coaches to come to you
If you really like the school and it's a good fit academically suggest you attend their camp if possible. You take the initiative. It's best if you do it on your own. Don't assume you will get outside help.
would you prefer to be a bench player for a top ten team with a chance to advance in the NCAA or would you prefer to play for a team where you will get plenty of PT and a chance to make a real contribution to the team?
10:48 I assume by the NCAA reference you are talking about a college hypothetical. So I would answer that simply that it depends on so many other factors. I think especially for women the most important component in deciding a school is not the soccer program but rather is the educational choices provided. Soccer has little or no career opportunity (of substance) and that player who has earned the scholorship has a golden opportunity to better themselves long term.
So by looking at the education first and soccer program second you could find yourself in either situation, player or benchrider.
Taking the educational component out of this discussion I would rather be the part of a championship caliber team recognizing I will see less play time. Just surrounding oneself with success will create a winning long term attitude that carries through in so many ways. Being part of the best, winning championships etc. is an experience that so few in this world get. A quality program usually has a quality coach who works hard to make all players feel part of the experience, whether at practice or during the games.
Now if you want to talk about a club youth program that could be a whole different situation.
Anonymous said... I would say that before or early in your junior year just send an email to the coaches or a letter informing them of your interest and some of your credentials, 10/1/09 4:20 PM
I would recommend calling the coach(s) instead of emailing. Have you seen a coaches or asst coaches desk before? They have SO many emails and letters there isnt a good way to even start looking at them all. After you have made contact with the coach via phone or visit, then email works after the fact, they know who they are getting the email from.
10:48..good question, but most of us on these boards are parents, I think this question is meant for players. Each player is different and has different goals.
9:12, I do agree with you that MOST women college soccer players wont advance after college in this sport, but Marta from Brazil just signed a 3 yr contract with the LA Sol for 1.5 mil. Now, Marta is rated the #1 womens soccer player in the world, she is only 22 or 23 yrs old. I dont see every WPS player making that kind of money.
From what I understand, Marta had been playing for a club in Sweden for the last 3 yrs, and the US had to either match it or come in a just a bit more than what she was already making??
I just hope that they dont out pay the new league players like they did with Mia and that bunch.
Hangover or not, many of the 94s impressed college coaches in attendance (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, etc) and I think that was the point.
Huh? I think the poster was commenting on the hangover status. MTA is the only club right now that offers that level of exposure to their players. Bragging? Maybe. But also fact.
Anonymous said... Huh? I think the poster was commenting on the hangover status. MTA is the only club right now that offers that level of exposure to their players. Bragging? Maybe. But also fact.
2:57, I don't have a kid in MTA but what other club had teams just play at Disney in front of a ton of college coaches, then followed it up with another scheduled weekend in front of a dozen coaches from some of the Midwest's top program? Please enlighten all of us what your club is doing for your soon to be college aged prospects so we know of other options out there if they exist. Hope to hear back from you soon.
MTA claims to be Elite when they have two teams in each age group (Blue & White). They also have three teams in 15's (Blue, White, purple). Sounds like the directors are in it to make the big bucks.
From what I hear the MTA directors make far far less than guys like WH, WB, TE, JT etc... Why isn't anyone whining about how much those DOCs earn and they hardly ever see their teams win a State Cup and have far fewer players receiving college scholarships?
Congrats to all who attended. I have to say though....one wonders what was up with the KCFC Intensity team. Having watched them play many times, and seeing them put incredibly lopsided scores up on people-- a 4-0 loss doesn't seem to fit with Hugh's team. Guessing they weren't at full strength OR they have lost some serious talent over the past few months?
6:00pm/7:44pm = scared DOC (probably from the UK) afraid to lose players or blinded that their club can handle the development of elite players.
"Elite" is a marketing word. MN could have more elite teams but too many people like 6pm/7:44pm are working too hard trying to pretend they can cater to the very best MN players and telling those players that they have no need to move to a MTA Blue-type program. Let me guess. You'd support an elite program under the Thunder or under any other club if they only had one team at an age group, right?
As far as overpaid DOCs - true that there are many who make much more than any of the MTA guys, but it's a thankless business with headache after headache caused by crazy parents. I applaud all MN DOCs who take on the challenge.
I just heard Thunder will be playing a bunch of friendlies against teams in their new, elite status. A little birdie told me they're courting top-level teams from England and Germany, and we're not talking some third division crap team anymore. Given that they're now one of the top teams in the US, I would like to see them bring in a Fulham or a Dortmund and not waste their time with MLS teams or second division European teams. This would be good for season ticket sales, too, and I know my son, who plays for MTA, would like to see his heros play against more fitting competition.
It wasn't but a few years ago that few if any MN teams were traveling in the winter to out of state tournaments,or for that matter even doing much if any training in the offseason. This year we have already talked about several teams from MTA, EP,Woodbury,SSM etc. traveling to showcases or top flight Tournaments. I am aware of several other clubs traveling in FEB/March To phoeinix,Vegas,Tenn,MO. for very highly rated tournaments.
It seems the youth winter development programs have turned it up a notch and I say GREAT! The landscape has changed somewhat in MN. MTA is still a "player" at all age groups but other very good programs and teams are forcing them to raise the bar or be passed. Time will tell if Bangu/MTA's dominance on the girls side will continue. If they do continue to be as dominant as the Bangu top teams were in 2008 they will have to be a much improved team to do so.
Please list the out of state fall tounaments you are aware of and which teams are attending from various clubs so we can all watch the progress of the MN teams.
anon 5:49, Without a doubt a few visionaries here in Minnesota took the bull by the horns several years ago and dialed up the quality and intensity of training and play here in Minnesota. They did this by assembling high quality coaches and trainers and setting up off season training programs. It's not rocket science.
Build it and they will come. We saw the movement of the serious soccer player as they gravitated to better coaching and better year round training environment.
Since that happened many clubs have watched the success of teams who train during the off season under good coaching and in turn have implemented their own off season regiment and have hired quality trainers to improve their program and players as well as "keep up with the Joneses".
What this has done is elevate the level of play across the state but decidedly so for the clubs who train during off season under professional coaches.
My hats off to the visionaries who have helped move Minnesota Soccer out of the stone age.
951 so since WDB U17 did poorly at Disney this year does that mean they have gotten worse? I don't think so, but it makes as much sense as your self serving argument. =) MTA 16's are better than last year and so is EP. It should be an entertaining state cup.
7:58 MC, MA, or a crony? I love it when time to pat yourself on the back and take credit for any progress anywhere rolls around again (seems to be more frequent lately). Tell us again about how your invention of a rounded stone device revolutionized the transportation industry! Better yet, explain how just a few daily ethical oversites can lead to tremendous on-field success and continued shock when the vast majority of people just plain can't stand you...It's a shame that you never retell that one. The best one, though, is how Bangu taught Eclipse, Vardar, Magic and every other Midwest club to repeat their success in their own states, and then they went to the USSF and straightened them out, too. Can I get a shovel (make it a dozer) over here? We're drowning in b.s. again. BTW Einstein: That's regimen, not regiment, unless you are exaggerating your following again (ad nauseum). Blogmaster, make it a double, mate!
9:10- I personally don't see much of a change in store given curren economic conditions. People will still spend thier money on thier kids, in the hopes of defraying some of the costs for a college education. Thus, moving the economic "status" of thier children to equal or better thier own. Personal opinion only.....
For proof that people aren't all doom and gloom about the economy (as reported in the media)....try to go out to eat on a Friday/Saturday night. Is the wait longer or shorter than one year ago? A stretch, maybe. But there seems to be no change in the "luxury" habits of most.
2,440 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1801 – 2000 of 2440 Newer› Newest»6:37, other than 15, there is no other age MTA has a lock on. Odds are they'll be lucky to win 4 (girls) 6 is not in the cards for them.
6:27-Get the St. Croix-Woodbury match out of your head. PSA is the only challenger to Woodbury and they are a distant second.
My kids team played a friendly against the Germans team. After the scrimmage our coach said their game is just at a much higher level than he even expected. The defender is rock solid and the attacker is just about unstopable.
They are a fantastic addition to their team.My kid said "I've never played against anybody that good".Sweet,sweet players....
857 we heard the same argument last year and Bangu won 5 on the girls side. This year will likely be no different, time will tell.
637
you gotta love 9:43 and the way that story line keeps resurfacing. this blogs needs to lighten up a bit and 9:43 is doing a good job.
The REV U14 coach is amazing but they be happy to be middle of the pack in C2. sorry to say but State Cup is not even on the horizon for that team.
Assume it was a typo
I am not exactly neutral but the U15 age group is fun to be part of many good teams if it was not for Blue it would be wide open.
SS
9:43,
I was at that same scrimmage and didn't see any GERMANS! hahahaha
Good try MTA!
The Burkhardts will return to Germany this summer where they have been invited to work out with older players on the 1 Potsdam Club which plays in the Frauen Bungdesliga League.
They are already being recruited by many of our top U.S. universities in particular Florida State and UCLA among others.
I heard Colonel Klink will be the team's manager.
Which team do the "Burkhardts" play on?
Club? Boys? Girls? Age?
After seeing the two of them play, here's all I can say "Ich bin ein Berliner"
1:21,
All I can say is:
You are full of it!
I'm from MTA and its people like you that gives us a bad name.
All I can say is Schu-u-u-u-ultz!!!!
1:26 look the quote up, it's a JFK quote it's positive so you should be happy to be an mta guy.
What would Colonel Burkholter say? "Klink you i-d-i-o-t!"
A while back there was a good discussion about winter training programs that were supported by several different clubs. Burnsville, Rev, MTA, St Croixand Prior Lake were a few of the clubs referenced. I am curious to keep exploring how well these programs are being recieved and if they are for only the C1/Premier teams or if all levels of play are involved. If all levels are playing how are the programs differentiating between play levels. Are they training all C1/Premier on one day and the others on another? Are all kids mixed together during the training sessions?
I have always been of the belief that kids develop best when surrounded by similarly talented players but am curious what is working out there.
More important, what is Col Hogan doing about this?
Hogan and Schultz are at a referee clinic together getting ready for next years games...
"I see nothing!!!!"
FSU and UCLA huh?? Who told you this? Its kinda funny, because in the US, this is the place to be if your a female player to train and compete the best players. Why is it then that all the internationals are coming back to the US for the WPS League? Not because europe has a better womens league??
Still not impressed 11:26 and 1:21.
First of all which MTA team do these girls play for? Who have they "scrimmaged" to show their uberfrau skills? And just because they are from the fatherland, and have been recruited by German Women's team doesn't impress. Personal experience has shown me that the Germans (and the rest of Europe) hold womens futbol in the same regard as a traveling circus freakshow. So much for equality and enligtenment,eh?
2:59 keep on hatin' you'll be a believer when you see them play.
2:59 - don't bite!!
The infamous german sisters who are going to school here in MN (but no one has ever had a class with them), play soccer (but no one has ever seen them play even though they have been in scrimmages), etc......
Unfortunately, 11:26 keeps casting the line out and always seems to get a bite or two....
2:59 - bite!!
They play for SSM 18's
I just got an email from MYSA announcing that as a direct result of comments on this site, it has been determined that there is no way anyone but MTA could win at state cup and all state cup games on the girls' side will be cancelled.
The only exception will be at u17, where it seems some team from Woodbury has a outside chance of surpassing MTA. Those games will still be played, though MTA will get an automatic bye to the finals.
Two U-17 national team players wouldn't help the MTA 17's beat Woodbury.
you read it here first, MTA will sweep all ages both boys and girls at State Cup. The rest should not waste their money on entry fees or gas to get there.
for a while this thread was actually doing pretty well with decent age group talk..........but then..........folks like 7:07 & 9:19 (probably the same person)........drag it down.
The mta folks should not post that type of nonsense on here, I agree with 9:25 please let's keep this thread away from that garbage.
That's right... for any MTA BLUE team now to NOT win state cup, it's a lost season. How high the bar?
How can they cancel the state cup games? Other teams could win it. How can this happen, seriously?
So will SSM be playing state cup this year in the boys 16, 17 and 18age groups ?
11:06, no they will not be, Tim Carter heard mta had teams at all those ages and decided there was no way to win.
gee, some clown went to bed angry and woke up still in a hatin' mood...
Wow 7:38..your a important guy, you know who Tim Carter is. Hope that makes you feel like a king today. Why do you people need to drop names?
8:47 and 10:32 = haters
No, the uberfraus don't play for SSM. Saw that team recently, and didn't see any sisterly superstardom. I think someone has implied that they are in the MTA system at U16. Anybody out there that can put this urban legend to rest once and for all??
10:32 it's you're, a contraction for "you are", and no, I'm not an important guy except apparently to you today.
Someone with knowledge posted earlier that the Burkhardts are cousins not sisters and that they apparently play in the same age group.
OMG, I just saw this.
http://www.twincitiesfire.org/boysteams.htm
MTA, tell me it ain't so. $1500 club registration fee?
MTA club registration fee is $150.00 per player NOT $1500.00.
Fire SC better correct this or they'll end up getting sued.
SSM--- SOCCER SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
HOW ABOUT AFFILIATE...MTA/SSM
NOW WE GOT A POWERHOUSE!
All the facts indicate SSM and MTA are the top clubs. The CC's can spin all they want but tomorrow they will still be a CC.
SSM IS A SCHOOL NOT A CLUB
PLAYING AS FARIBAULT IS A SHAM
PLAYING AS MTA MAROON IS GENIUS
SSM IS A SCHOOL NOT A CLUB
PLAYING AS FARIBAULT IS A SHAM
PLAYING AS MTA MAROON IS GENIUS
SORRY TO DOUBLE
WAS ACCIDENT
DON'T KNOW HOW TO REMOVE
All this anti SSM stuff is scared MTA kool-aid drinkers. Long term the SSM style program will come out on top there is no other way.
I'm a MTA kool-aid drinker and I agree. Don't blanket stereotype all MTA people with your idiocy.
I don't think any of these posters are from MTA. Rather anti MTA people having a conversation with themselves and again using SSM as their proxy.
10:35,
I have to agree with you, I think it's people just trying to create conflict.
Why would any Minnesota club fear SSM?
They are a national program and at most will only have a handful of Minnesota kids on their teams.
And once MTA is awarded USSF Academy status those kids from Minnesota considering SSM will have one fewer reason to go to a boarding school to play soccer at the highest level.
I would caution against thinking because they are a academy boys will flock to MTA. SSM has a huge advantage over any club with regards to facilities.
I still hold out hope mta will not be offered to USSF academy. It will be less than it could be if they are awarded it by people who don't know the landscape here.
11:32 - so who should they award it to? Let me guess.....SCV or Blackhawks. I think we've had this discussion before. Don't forget, Blackhawks won a national championship 20 years ago...
why should they award it to any MN club? not saying it wouldnt be great for soccer in MN, but why should they give it to anyone?
4:00
USSF Academy wants to find and develop players.
With almost 5 million people in Minnesota they believe there will be some talented athletes who one day may play for the men's US National Team.
Why wouldn't they want to have a stake in the ground in Minnesota?
11:32,
Do you think the landscape here is any different than in other states?
Don't you think there is animosity towards the Chicago Magic, Scott Gallagher, Dallas Texans, FC Delco?
All these clubs face the same charges and accusations from community clubs in their states.
They're stealing our players. They cost too much to belong. Their coaches aren't really that good.
Same petty jealousy that goes on here. Same whine...different state.
Trust me because I've lived through it in Missouri.
Get over it folks. The USSF Academy will be awarded to the most successful club for the most recent time periods, not someone who won something 15-20 years ago.
11:27, you're right about SSM, but SSM will also be attracting players nationally. There is no way the school program will only be made up of MN players and thus there will be many other MN players not able to make the cut at SSM yet who could still compete at the US Dev Acd level. There will also be MN many players who could easily make the cut at SSM but who have no desire to take part in a soccer program that is meshed with an educational one.
Those who still "hold out hope" that MTA will not be awarded a spot are either MTHaters or have no idea about the direction US Soccer and FIFA are heading in regards to the growing movement of youth clubs affiliated with professional teams.
I heard tonight that there will be new chapters added to the Abboudians book of MTA worship. Specifically, German choral chants and abundant temporary swoosh tattoos will be available in the next printing. The haters chapter and the No-SSM Psalms have been augmented as well. All of this should help the masses understand their role and believe their tithes are a worthy investment. I still wouldn't sign up for the Jonestown winter get-away with free refreshments, though.
I'm a hater. OK hater haters, Happy Holidays!
Hater 10:57, you just don't get it, if you are a follower, soccer riches will come your way. Why, they are scaring people out of State Cup competition with their zeal!
Any noteworthy scrimmages take place over the weekend?
Noteworthy scrimmage... that's a good one! Isn't that a bit of an oxymoron? Maybe to all but over zealous parents and wacko coaches.
IMAHATER2
I heard the German girls are challenging the regular MTA types to a cage match. I suspect there will be Teutonic dominance, but it might be interesting, depending on whether the regulars have blue, white, black or green players on their team. If it's cash cow types, it could be a real slaughterhouse.
I told you, see them once and you'll say "Ich bin ein Berliner"
it's nice to see that during the holiday season a few of the bloggers are never lonely as they seem to like to respond to their own posts.....
Quite unlike 12:54 who's only here for the relevant deep soccer insight afforded by the smart posters which I'm not venturing a guess on their affiliation.
Top 5 indoor soccer venues in the Metro area:
1.) Rosemount Dome
2.) ?
3.) ?
4.)?
5.)?
splitsville
1:SSM go there and the rest are pretty bad.
Irish dome has potential but need new nets and lines
SSM will win this one and should since it is the only soccer only place.
1. Corner Kick Indoor Soccer Center Addition. Beautiful.
2. Bielenberg (only indoor venue with simulated wind and highest dirt content in the air).
3. EP dome before new turf (featured astro sandpaper).
4. Augsburg before new turf and dome (dome was so dirty it blocked out the sun).
5. NSC before renovation. It had the best and most dangerous open seams in the past-expiration turf and best watching environment...
Damn, lots of cynics in here. I think people are just trying to change the subject to throw the haters off of their crazy tirades about the German girls and rest of the MTA sillyness.
This just in, a certain high level soccer club has adopted a fight song in honor of the german players they've recently added. This is a common practice apparently in Europe where high level clubs have this feature. The song is the German national anthem Das Lied der Deutschen.
I don't see how anybody can defeat the German's team.They recently moved the defender to mid to create an even more dynamic attack.
One other outstanding player has transfered to their team and several others have expressed an interest in joining.
7:00pm,
Yea righT!
Which team was this again? hahahaha
The Germans are playing for PSA U17 and EPHS.
PSA 17 just lost to EP 16's 2-0 the other day. The Germans are not making that big of a difference if you ask me.
That was a friendly, only over involved parents would attach any significance to it.
9:04,
Whatever makes you happy
9:04 must be a psa 17 parent.
8:51- Hmmm? Wasn't that the same score that SSMSC said the SSM U16s beat the EP U16s. When that happened, the remarks were "it was just a friendly, you can't read into it". So, which is it? Friendlies count or they don't?
8:51 must be SSMSC
The Germans are not very good
Holy crap. Shut this blog down for the holidays.
950- maybe you shouldn't visit the site
Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
After shutting down the blog for the holidays.
9:57, Why shouldn't I visit this site? I'm trying to help all you losers who post here about your kids and lose sleep over your national ranking.
What? I just woke up.
MTA held a combine. Four teams made up of Verbals,Current College Players,Lightning Players. Good for Minnesota soccer. Keep up the good work.
I HEARD IT WAS 6 TEAMS, EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AN MTA.
The combine was a Lightning event.
8:51 was NOT me. How would I know the score of a friendly match not involving my kid's team?
But, Happy Holidays to everyone regardless of your team affiliation. I wish only the best to everyone, and hope to see you at the games!
SSMSouthCampus
All haters, I'm signing off for the holiday thus will not be posting truths regarding the powder blue gas clouds that get sent out here. You're on your own for 72 hours! I'm hoping santa brings some german ringers for my dd's team.
9:45 That's the funniest post on here in weeks. See you in 72!
9:45....If you get yourself a lap top you can feed your addiction 24/7 from anywhere on the globe.
?
From TopDrawerSoccer.com..Up for decission??
Stop the Slander
December 14th, 2008
by FaceInTheCrowd
I am continually amazed at the audacity of some parents and the fact that they are willing to forever memorialize themselves in print. Many years ago, one of my kids got angry with another kid at school and left a scathing voicemail on the family’s home phone. While she had every right to be angry with this kid, she did not show great class, or any modicum of class for that matter, with her diatribe. If I remember correctly, she even swore on the recording. Once it was brought to my attention, I was horrified and thankfully, so was she. It proved to be a very good lesson about being responsible for what you say, both verbally and in print. Once it’s out there, it’s forever out there and you have to own it, like it or not.
The latest debate in our state is about a very talented young woman who happens to be among the most highly recruited in the nation. There have been articles of late on this young woman’s upcoming recruiting decision and everyone has an opinion. I might also add that this is one of the nicest, most humble, unassuming players we know.
What started as an innocent thread on a forum known for it’s vicious back-biting has turned out to be an ugly and sometimes insulting repartee about this young player and her family. It has digressed from a very flattering first post to musings about whether or not this kid will even be able to get playing time at any of the schools she is considering.
Now, tell me, do you honestly think that any D-1 college or university would be offering a full ride to a player that is never expected to see the pitch from any perspective other than the bench? Of course not, but if you read the posts, that’s exactly what some of these know-it-alls are predicting.
My point here is that it is usually not hard to figure out the real identity of the posters. The soccer world turns out to be a small one the longer you live in it and even though you write as if you are anonymous, you rarely are. Think seriously about what you say before you put it out there. Not only will your friends and enemies figure you out, but your kids probably will as well. Respect is a hard thing to get back once it’s been lost and what are you really getting back out of all this nonsense?
Be happy for every chance that every kid gets and remember the old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. Happy Holidays to everyone and best of luck to every soccer player out there-it’s your parade and don’t let anyone rain on it!
(ED: One reason I started Top Drawer is that one of the few things that passed for news in elite youth soccer were these bulletin boards where almost always you have people anonymously slandering some teenage player. The ability to anonymously insult is one of the least attractive aspects of the Internet and combined with the sin of jealousy and the less inspiring features of the youth soccer world, it makes a very, VERY poisonous brew. I’m often puzzled as to why reasonable people keep visiting those sites).
That was very well put and very true. I would also add that parents who wish to brag about their child's accomplishments or abilities should follow the same advice.
You all need to get a life.
boys state cup predictions!!
13,no idea so MTA
14,MTA though it could be an upset
15,MTA though MU Jedi could three peat
16,MTA
17,St Croix
18,E P
glad to see boys stuff
imo boys 14
mta
edp
scv
bhk
psa
nsa
vly
bln
13s thru 18
MTA
PSA
MTA
MTA
Blackhawks
MTA
13s thru 18
MTA
PSA
MTA
MTA
Blackhawks
MTA
Boys - MTA will be the team to beat in many age groups and this will bring everyone else's best games. It will be tough for MTA to take many titles but expect them to be in it at most age groups.
MTA will take U13s but it will be won by the West group.
13- MTA
14- MTA
15- MU
16- MTA
17- Valley
18- EP
check this out: ODP in Florida...
...., but Region II evened the boards with a Hamad Jaman 56th minute shot. The game ended at a 1:1 deadlock.
1992 Region II Goal Scorers: Hamad Jaman (56:00); super eagles
Thanks for the above update. Tell me was the post placed by Mr. or Ms. Jaman? Nice to see your child is being productive at the Inter-Regionals.
Super who???
For petes sake 12:38..cant you be nice!! Why the smart ARS post? Make you feel better.
Nice article on Inside Minnesota Soccer about a kid from Minnesota, Cody Cropper, who is working out with Wolverhampton in the UK in hopes of signing a pro contract in future.
Here's link to story. Just scroll down a bit to locate it.
http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/
Ahhhhhh...Orlando...72 degrees and sunny. Happy New Year.
That kid is a heck of a player,one of the top in the state.
Many teams at Disney:
MTA 15 Blue 2'nd flight
McLean Strikers VA #15R1
Stars Elite GA NR
Baltimore Bays MD #24N
MTA 16 Blue 3'rd Flight
CUP Red OH #20R2
HYSA Storm MO NR
Chantilly Explosion VA #18R1
EP 16 5'th Flight
FC America Kumba FL NR
Cobb Lady Chiefs GA #27R2
Sunrise Fire FL NR
WDB Inferno 17 3'rd Flight
Colorado Storm #19N
Atlant Fire GA #46N
YMS Comets PA #35N
MTA 18 Blue 1'st Flight
North Atlanta GA #27N
Albertson Fury NY #11N
Colorado Rush #21R4
Why isn't there any "this tournament is over rated and not worth traveling to. There are no decent teams competing." Wasn't that the complaint about CASL?
Looks like WDB and MTA 18's have some decent games. What everyone has to remember is that you sign up for these months in advance not knowing what your draw will be. It also looks like many tournaments seem to be getting a bit diluted with additional flights ($$$) and very selective top brackets which consist of either Red Bull, National League, or only a few top teams. This leaves all the other brackets a bit uneven in team and talent depth.
3:02, if you are going provide Orlando weather reports, you have to follow it with sports reports on the MN teams.
6:16, agreed that MTA 18s and WDB received solid schedules. The MN 16s, on the other hand, got mostly garbage.
559 that is because it is more true about CASL. Disney does not segregate out the national league teams before forming flights. That way a quality team will have the opportunity to play some good competition. Case in point: Compare the WDB 17's opponents at Disney to the ones they played at CASL. Showcase tournaments should not be playing league games as part of their tournaments.
Weds 31st...watch a little soccer then play golf at Grand Cypress CC in the afternoon.Tough duty but somebody has to do it.
2-0-1 so far at Disney for Minnesota girls. Waiting on EP and Woodbury.
Inferno loses 5-4. What happened to the defense? I assume there are not shootouts??
EDP 16's win 4-0.
Have to remember that the #1 objective of a showcase event is to show all the players fairly as there are a gazillion college coaches in attendance.
Got soccer rankings included from post above, quite a difference.
MTA 15 Blue 2'nd flight
McLean Strikers VA #15R1 #15R1
Stars Elite GA NR #44N
Baltimore Bays MD #24N #63N
MTA 16 Blue 3'rd Flight
CUP Red OH #20R2 #17R2
HYSA Storm MO NR #15R3
Chantilly Explosion VA #18R1 #25R1
EP 16 5'th Flight
FC America Kumba FL NR #218R3
Cobb Lady Chiefs GA #27R2 #29R3
Sunrise Fire FL NR #23R3
WDB Inferno 17 3'rd Flight
Colorado Storm #19N #67N
Atlant Fire GA #46N #112N
YMS Comets PA #35N #49N
MTA 18 Blue 1'st Flight
North Atlanta GA #27N #55N
Albertson Fury NY #11N #8N
Colorado Rush #21R4 #30R4
gotsoccer rankings are not very good,based on tournaments.NSR do a slightly better job but both sites are full of errors.
Looks like MTA has taken over the new East Ridge Soccer Association.
AK, PW, and MA (2 positions) all voting members of the board. TB is the director and also a current MTA coach.
MTA U18 and WDB U17 were given strong teams to play. MTA U15 and EP and MTA at U16 are facing mediocre at best teams at Disney. Appears criticism of CASL was unwarranted.
Is that a typo or is there actually a team ranked #218 in their region playing in Disney? If this is a gotsoccer scheduled tournament using gotsoccer rankings why would gotsoccer permit this? Frankly I put more credence in NSR. With gotsoccer it appears the more you play, the more points you earn and the higher your ranking. In the gotsoccer system a regional semi-finalist can be ranked behind a state cup semi-finalist if they don't run around to a bunch of tournaments. This is a big handicap to midwest teams due to the weather and geography tournament options aren't always convenient. In the other regions lots more high quality tournaments much more centraly located. I guess you've got to start somewhere though....
rankings...what ever happened to just playing to get better. rankings is a joke. what do you get if your ranked #1 anyway?? a free cup of joe? nope. nadda.
how do you get better if the teams you are playing aren't any good (i.e. - gopher's mens basketball preseason schedule.....). other than parental/club bragging, that was my understanding of one of the other reasons for rankings - to pair off comparable teams for regional/national tournament play. it's a long way to go to play a couple of "NR"'s.
11:16- I would disagree with you about your theory that it is not worthwhile to travel this distance to play a "NR".
These teams (for the most part) provide very good competition. It is easy to sit on this end of a computer and talk about the "weakness" of a team based upon a calculation. However, it is something different to step onto the field and compete with them.
I think you are doing your kids a great injustice to talk about the "nobody" teams they are playing atleast until after the results are in. Hard to talk smack about how good "little Mia's" team is once they have been beaten by the "NR" teams you complain about.
Engage brain before speaking, it'll save your excuse-making process later.
12:00 - your post smacks of "rationalization 101" for spending the time and money to send your kids down FL/NC/NV, etc....
Whatever happened to having a differenct opinion? Would it be possible to agree to disagree without getting insulting?
I didnt see anything insulting about 12:00 post. I happen to agree with it. I know Im going to be blasted for this, example, but Shattuck isnt ranked, and I can promise you you will get a good game from them. Shattuck might not win, but it will make the other team play hard and give them a great game. Isnt that what competition is all about. Plus, how can the so called experts rank a team if they havent seen them play. Not all clubs travel, and there are some really great teams out there that arent involved in a Super Club. The Des Moines Menace U18 boys team is a very good "unranked" competitive team, they do not travel the circuit as I call it, but on any given day, they can beat you.
10s Dad
Happy and Safe 2009
"engage brain before speaking"..... not sure how anyone could take that as a compliment.
10's dad you know as well as anyone that rankings above U15 or so from NSR are fairly accurate, not perfect by any means but by then the teams have enough interregional play to have an idea where they are at. SSM 18G is off the radar because of the way they have had to play in different age groups over the years. Had they played consistently in their current age group as most teams do they would be ranked.
GotSoccer.com does have SSM U18s ranked, but as U19s given the circumstances alluded to in the previous post.
SSMSouthCampus
Results
MTA 15 Blue 2'nd flight 3-0-0
McLean Striker VA #15R1 #15R1 W 1-0
Stars Elite GA NR #44N W 2-1
Baltimore Bays MD #24N #63N W 2-1
NASA GA #17N #8N
MTA 16 Blue 3'rd Flight 1-1-1
CUP Red OH #20R2 #17R2 T 1-1
HYSA Storm MO NR #15R3 L 2-0
Chantilly VA #18R1 #25R1 L 1-0
EP 16 5'th Flight 4-0-0
FC America Kumba FL NR #218R3 W 4-0
Cobb Chiefs GA #27R2 #29R3 W 1-0
Sunrise Fire FL NR #23R3 W 3-1
Clearwater FL #50N #146N W 4-3
MatchFit NJ NR #40R1
WDB Inferno 17 3'rd Flight 1-2-0
Colorado Storm #19N #67N L 5-4
Atlant Fire GA #46N #112N W 4-0
YMS Comets PA #35N #49N L 3-1
MTA 18 Blue 1'st Flight 2-1-0
North Atlanta GA #27N #55N W 3-2
Albertson Fury NY #11N #8N L 3-1
Colorado Rush #21R4 #30R4 W 2-1
Solid performance overall. The teams in the strong flights showed well and the teams in the weaker flights have advanced.
Good results from those attending. Congrats to all.
SSMSouthCampus
3:46, I would agree with you, at the older ages you can tell who the best teams are. Its the teams that compete in the circuit. Any of the top 7 can win it all at the end of the year. You dont need rankings to figure it out thou. Most of the teams are set without loosing players and gaining new players. The current Eclipse 18 team hasnt had any new players now for 2 yrs, before that it had new players every year. Im sure the same for the MTA Stars team?? With Shattuck, we get new players every yr. And we play with younger players every yr as well, still do. But that is the system it is. Its worked well for us.
I think the next big tournament/showcase is Vegas then Crossroads and Blue Chip?
Mn did well this coming spring with some home MRL games. Its about time I would say.
10s Dad
How bout them Utes huh?? They get my vote for the #1 team in the country. Talking about rankings, NCAA D1 Football is a joke.
It's great to see Minnesota teams winning games at high level out of state tournaments.
As recently as 5-6 years ago this wasn't happening.
Thanks to all involved who took it upon themselves to elevate the level of play in Minnesota and took the initiative to develop clubs and player development programs that offered year round high level training for our kids.
It's not only paying off in youth leagues and USYS and US Club Soccer events but also at the collegiate level in MIAC as well as the Gopher Women's program.
Happy New Year!
10's dad actually MTA 18 Blue added 4 new players this year and 2 last year. Several players off to college.
MTA 15's win semi 2-1 will play Atlanta Extreme (#16 R3) in final. EP in final at U16 as noted above. Granted these teams are not in strongest flights but still nice accomplishments. Good luck in the hardware game.
Where did the new U18 MTA players come from?
Germany.
Touche
The German girls play for PSA U17.
943 three from MTA White, one each from CG, EP and WBL. Nobody from overseas to my knowledge.
EP 16 and MTA 15 win their flights at Disney.
Congrats to EP 16 and MTA 15. Hopefully the success they had will get MN teams a chance in the top brackets in the future. Obviously the success they had indicates they would have faired quite well in the higher brackets.
NY the team that beat the Stars was beat in the final 3-1 by Eclipse. Good Job Stars.
2:54 you are right, PSA U-17's have at least nine players with German surnames!
Whats with all this German worry? Who cares. You are all acting like Germany is the 2nd coming of great female footballers. If they were great players, and came to the US for soccer, then they would of went to Chicago, Dallas, places were the top clubs are at, just like our boys going over to Europe, to the TOP clubs.
I believe the Germans are here because they want to learn the language and are living with relativesand oh by the way they just happen to be great players. MDW has offered them scholarships but they are also looking at UCLA and Florida ST. They would be immediate impact players at the U and make the U one of the favs for the B10 title.Let's hope they pick the Gophs.
Have we ever established for a FACT what team these ghost Germans play for....for further verification what are their last names?
It has been confusing, but I thought the initial claim was that they are playing for the MTA U16s? If that is the case, I doubt that MDW has offered scholarships at this point....I'd guess older than U16. There are National teamer U16s out there that have yet to be offered scholarships.
SSMSouthCampus
Sophomores in HS are offered scholarships on a regular basis, in particular from this point forward after the showcases. The class of 2010 is complete for many schools and 2011's will be picking up a lot of speed over next few months.
True, but not true 9:00am. Are there some sophomores being offered and accepting scholarships, yes - a few, but being that schools cannot even email or contact a 2011 until 9/1 of this year the vast majority (upwards of 90%) of the 2011 verbal commitments will not be until the fall. Is there communication going on with sophomores and schools - of course, but mostly still very preliminary. Not many sophomores have made "un-official" out-state campus visits yet - if they are looking out-state. What's the rush?
9:00-which 2010's from MN are verballed?
CS of WDB Inferno of 2010's to Wisconsin. This is arguably the best of the 2010's.
I would think most 2010's have committed by now or will be in the next few months.
Maybe the top kids in the nation, but not many MN girls.
Looks like the MN teams did pretty well in Florida. What other tournaments are comming up out of state that MN teams are participating in? Kind of fun to watch the online scoring etc.
Congrats to CS....always nice to see a familiar name accomplish thier goals.
Starting this year, there is a very good crop of upcoming female players over the next three years. Do a quick search on TopDrawerSoccer for MN and you'll see.
I think it would be nice to read about more players as they commit. If anyone has any other info on who is going where....please post. That may be a productive discussion (if everyone can act like adults).
SSMSouthCampus
615 there will be at least 14-18 2010 MN girls committed by June. It happens every year and will be no different this year and for years to come. SSMSC do not encourage people to post commits here, it will only lead to the usual bragging/slamming cycle we see over and over. Verbals can be sent and seen at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=poknaL_RaORDOMcyz_riBDA&gid=0
2011s is a bit too early for committing. And any player who is a 2011 will be told by any college coach, that its way too early. Sure, there are a few that have committed already. im sure that these so called German players have been to all these campus's already huh?? I can tell you, that some of these schools that are being mentiioned will NOT offer anything to anyone unless they come for a unofficial visit. but Im sure you know how it all works thou dont you??
My son played against the Germans in a friendly recently. The german girls were guesting on a boys team.My son said that the Germans were the best players on the pitch by far. They may play them again at EP before the PHX tournament.
CS appears to be a coaches dream with a work ethic second to none, a very skilled player who works as hard as anyone. Congrats! I've seen her play many times over the years and this is a case of a very average player at, say U-12, vastly improving by nothing other than hard work and determination.
I do not know how this really works, how are kids able to commit their junior years, is there an early admissions to these colleges? What happens if these kids do not get accepted into the schools or is that predetermined?
The kid or college can change their mind at any time prior to signing the NLI in February of their senior year. It is considered bad form to do so however, particularly for the college. It would be difficult to recruit if it was known that you backed out on scholarship offers after acceptance.
Academic prowess is a factor in recruiting also. Scholarship tendered athletes will be given a more relaxed look than non-athletes when being considered for admission. Only to a point though. The coaches will probably not recruit you if they don't think you can make it academically at their institution and will not offer you if there is doubt about whether you will be accepted. Not everyone can play soccer at the elite soccer schools, and not everyone can handle the academics at elite academic schools.
In simple terms, most coaches want to see the players grades prior to anything being mentioned as a scholarship. The college coach will have the player fax the grades from 10th grade on up and the coach will forward to the admissions office. A player as young as a freshman can verbal to any school they want, and they can also change their mind prior to Feb of the Sr yr if they wish. Look at the player (JR) that just changed her mind from Mizzou to Notre Dame. It happens more than you would think.
If you are looking at D2 schools what is the protocol for that? How early should a player be contacting schools? Obviously the above is for D1 schools - what would be the latest for the D2 schools?
I would say that before or early in your junior year just send an email to the coaches or a letter informing them of your interest and some of your credentials, at the very very latest after your senior season of high school, but thats getting in the game pretty late, for the best results start the process early and be proactive, don't wait for the coaches to come to you
If you really like the school and it's a good fit academically suggest you attend their camp if possible. You take the initiative. It's best if you do it on your own. Don't assume you will get outside help.
MTA U-15 girls rated #6 in the nation. I am not a MYAer but that is a pretty great rating. Looks like Disney win gave huge points.
Congratulations!!!
P.S. We still hope to beat you at State Cup :)
General question...
would you prefer to be a bench player for a top ten team with a chance to advance in the NCAA or would you prefer to play for a team where you will get plenty of PT and a chance to make a real contribution to the team?
10:48 I assume by the NCAA reference you are talking about a college hypothetical. So I would answer that simply that it depends on so many other factors. I think especially for women the most important component in deciding a school is not the soccer program but rather is the educational choices provided. Soccer has little or no career opportunity (of substance) and that player who has earned the scholorship has a golden opportunity to better themselves long term.
So by looking at the education first and soccer program second you could find yourself in either situation, player or benchrider.
Taking the educational component out of this discussion I would rather be the part of a championship caliber team recognizing I will see less play time. Just surrounding oneself with success will create a winning long term attitude that carries through in so many ways. Being part of the best, winning championships etc. is an experience that so few in this world get.
A quality program usually has a quality coach who works hard to make all players feel part of the experience, whether at practice or during the games.
Now if you want to talk about a club youth program that could be a whole different situation.
Anonymous said...
I would say that before or early in your junior year just send an email to the coaches or a letter informing them of your interest and some of your credentials, 10/1/09 4:20 PM
I would recommend calling the coach(s) instead of emailing. Have you seen a coaches or asst coaches desk before? They have SO many emails and letters there isnt a good way to even start looking at them all. After you have made contact with the coach via phone or visit, then email works after the fact, they know who they are getting the email from.
10s Dad
10:48..good question, but most of us on these boards are parents, I think this question is meant for players. Each player is different and has different goals.
9:12, I do agree with you that MOST women college soccer players wont advance after college in this sport, but Marta from Brazil just signed a 3 yr contract with the LA Sol for 1.5 mil. Now, Marta is rated the #1 womens soccer player in the world, she is only 22 or 23 yrs old. I dont see every WPS player making that kind of money.
10s Dad
so that makes one well payed player at $500k/yr. There might be anotehr 30 players in the world who make $200K+/yr.
From what I understand, Marta had been playing for a club in Sweden for the last 3 yrs, and the US had to either match it or come in a just a bit more than what she was already making??
I just hope that they dont out pay the new league players like they did with Mia and that bunch.
10s Dad
Results from the Toro Showcase In Lincoln NE. this weekend
U16
MTA 4
KCFC 0 (defending region champ)
MTA 1
Scott Gallager 2
MTA 1
Arsenal 0
Well done ladies!!
U15
MTA 1
SG 1
MTA 0
Toro 0
MTA 1
KCFC 2
Disney Hangover?
Hangover or not, many of the 94s impressed college coaches in attendance (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, etc) and I think that was the point.
Great to hear, now what are you going to brag about?? I thought this is why the select teams travel anyway?? DAH
Huh? I think the poster was commenting on the hangover status. MTA is the only club right now that offers that level of exposure to their players. Bragging? Maybe. But also fact.
Can only be good for MN that MN teams no matter what club does well.
Anonymous said...
Huh? I think the poster was commenting on the hangover status. MTA is the only club right now that offers that level of exposure to their players. Bragging? Maybe. But also fact.
12/1/09 1:17 PM
ONLY?? Guess again!!
2:57, I don't have a kid in MTA but what other club had teams just play at Disney in front of a ton of college coaches, then followed it up with another scheduled weekend in front of a dozen coaches from some of the Midwest's top program? Please enlighten all of us what your club is doing for your soon to be college aged prospects so we know of other options out there if they exist. Hope to hear back from you soon.
MTA parents make me giggle.
Too bad they don't do the same for their white teams. But MC and the rest sure like to cadh those checks every month..
5:18's been waiting all new year to get in his/her old, tired, broken record refrain. Move on.
MTA claims to be Elite when they have two teams in each age group (Blue & White). They also have three teams in 15's (Blue, White, purple). Sounds like the directors are in it to make the big bucks.
Calling two or three teams ELITE is a joke!
5:54 The truth hurts, huh?
From what I hear the MTA directors make far far less than guys like WH, WB, TE, JT etc...
Why isn't anyone whining about how much those DOCs earn and they hardly ever see their teams win a State Cup and have far fewer players receiving college scholarships?
721,
way to side step the ELITE argument.
Well done lad!
Congrats to all who attended. I have to say though....one wonders what was up with the KCFC Intensity team. Having watched them play many times, and seeing them put incredibly lopsided scores up on people-- a 4-0 loss doesn't seem to fit with Hugh's team. Guessing they weren't at full strength OR they have lost some serious talent over the past few months?
SSMSouthCampus
A bit of both, KCFC not as strong as last year and MTA 16 has improved from last year. Will be a tight game if they play again.
6:00pm/7:44pm = scared DOC (probably from the UK) afraid to lose players or blinded that their club can handle the development of elite players.
"Elite" is a marketing word. MN could have more elite teams but too many people like 6pm/7:44pm are working too hard trying to pretend they can cater to the very best MN players and telling those players that they have no need to move to a MTA Blue-type program. Let me guess. You'd support an elite program under the Thunder or under any other club if they only had one team at an age group, right?
As far as overpaid DOCs - true that there are many who make much more than any of the MTA guys, but it's a thankless business with headache after headache caused by crazy parents. I applaud all MN DOCs who take on the challenge.
8:30,
Improved from last year? If they improved they would have won all three games over the weekend.
Losing a national team player and still stating that you have improved is nonsense.
Last year Bangu wins Disney and this year they do not advance out of the group (Same flight)
Sure looks like they have REALLY improved =)
I just heard Thunder will be playing a bunch of friendlies against teams in their new, elite status. A little birdie told me they're courting top-level teams from England and Germany, and we're not talking some third division crap team anymore. Given that they're now one of the top teams in the US, I would like to see them bring in a Fulham or a Dortmund and not waste their time with MLS teams or second division European teams. This would be good for season ticket sales, too, and I know my son, who plays for MTA, would like to see his heros play against more fitting competition.
It wasn't but a few years ago that few if any MN teams were traveling in the winter to out of state tournaments,or for that matter even doing much if any training in the offseason. This year we have already talked about several teams from MTA, EP,Woodbury,SSM etc. traveling to showcases or top flight Tournaments. I am aware of several other clubs traveling in FEB/March To phoeinix,Vegas,Tenn,MO. for very highly rated tournaments.
It seems the youth winter development programs have turned it up a notch and I say GREAT! The landscape has changed somewhat in MN. MTA is still a "player" at all age groups but other very good programs and teams are forcing them to raise the bar or be passed. Time will tell if Bangu/MTA's dominance on the girls side will continue. If they do continue to be as dominant as the Bangu top teams were in 2008 they will have to be a much improved team to do so.
Please list the out of state fall tounaments you are aware of and which teams are attending from various clubs so we can all watch the progress of the MN teams.
anon 5:49,
Without a doubt a few visionaries here in Minnesota took the bull by the horns several years ago and dialed up the quality and intensity of training and play here in Minnesota. They did this by assembling high quality coaches and trainers and setting up off season training programs. It's not rocket science.
Build it and they will come. We saw the movement of the serious soccer player as they gravitated to better coaching and better year round training environment.
Since that happened many clubs have watched the success of teams who train during the off season under good coaching and in turn have implemented their own off season regiment and have hired quality trainers to improve their program and players as well as "keep up with the Joneses".
What this has done is elevate the level of play across the state but decidedly so for the clubs who train during off season under professional coaches.
My hats off to the visionaries who have helped move Minnesota Soccer out of the stone age.
951 so since WDB U17 did poorly at Disney this year does that mean they have gotten worse? I don't think so, but it makes as much sense as your self serving argument. =) MTA 16's are better than last year and so is EP. It should be an entertaining state cup.
What do you see in the near future given the current economic conditions?
7:58
MC, MA, or a crony? I love it when time to pat yourself on the back and take credit for any progress anywhere rolls around again (seems to be more frequent lately). Tell us again about how your invention of a rounded stone device revolutionized the transportation industry! Better yet, explain how just a few daily ethical oversites can lead to tremendous on-field success and continued shock when the vast majority of people just plain can't stand you...It's a shame that you never retell that one.
The best one, though, is how Bangu taught Eclipse, Vardar, Magic and every other Midwest club to repeat their success in their own states, and then they went to the USSF and straightened them out, too. Can I get a shovel (make it a dozer) over here? We're drowning in b.s. again.
BTW Einstein: That's regimen, not regiment, unless you are exaggerating your following again (ad nauseum).
Blogmaster, make it a double, mate!
9:10-
I personally don't see much of a change in store given curren economic conditions. People will still spend thier money on thier kids, in the hopes of defraying some of the costs for a college education. Thus, moving the economic "status" of thier children to equal or better thier own. Personal opinion only.....
For proof that people aren't all doom and gloom about the economy (as reported in the media)....try to go out to eat on a Friday/Saturday night. Is the wait longer or shorter than one year ago? A stretch, maybe. But there seems to be no change in the "luxury" habits of most.
SSMSouthCampus
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