1:19-agreed, my daughter now wants to become a "pit boss" as a result of her LVCS experiences. Nice to know she has already chosen her career. No need for college.
8:17 So I took your advise and checked out the link to Gotsoccer. Looks like the Thunder Blue team has more points on the Gotsoccer system so by that measure they are the better team. The Blue team was also State Cup Champ, very nice! But as you go through the tournaments the BLUE team recieved points it looks like there was one head to head meeting between the two teams and the REV team won the game 2-0. If that is true, (and why wouldn't it be since it seems so many at MTA are building their arguments around the BLUE teams significant points total) It would appear the REV team may have the edge. Again, only because of the head to head competition.
Here's the info from GOTSOCCER'S site.
Girls - Bronze Tournament
Girls U13 U12 - 11v11 A
Flight Ranking Value: 300 Champion: DAKOTA REV SC RAMPAGE (MN) Finalist: MINNESOTA THUNDER ACADEMY 96 BLUE (MN) Semi-Finalist: UNITED SELECT SA LIGHTNING (IL) Additional Teams MENOR SAN FRANCISCO (ECU)
There is an error in the GotSoccer website, Dakota Rev played the Bangu South Academy White game in Schwans Cup, game has been previously discussed on this blog.
Why wouldn't the team leadership at MTA have requested those points be transfered to the white team then? The game was in July. Any other errors that should be noted? Got soccer has a simple process for reporting errors, perhaps someone in the MTA organization could make the club leadership aware of the mistake so the correction could be made.
maybe the reason why it didn't get corrected is that it might be that only the few of you on this blog care about gotsoccer rankings for U13's (or at that time U12's)....
I am so sorry, I was joking when I said "lets get back to something serious like who is the best U-13 team", It was a Joke. The discussions on 12 year olds traveling seemed about as productive as the past "who is the best 13 team" discussions went.
I AM SORRY
PS if there is a mistake on the GOTSOCCER site I agree it should be corrected.
If EDP, EDI, TNK and PSA put a team together.... Maybe it will happen in the currently being discussed WLSA--West Lakes Soccer Assn. The four clubs would hold joint tryouts for a top level team at each age group.
And what Bangu/Wings just did. Any West consolidation is due to MTW and led by the Brits. Would expect Chan and Wayzata to get involved. Don't expect EP to as that would fly in the face of everything that club preached last year when they rejected the Thunder idea. But who knows... times change. Wonder if any of this is in the involved club's board meeting minutes. Or maybe it's a big secret that was first leaked to this blog! Regardless it could be a good thing
Who would they call the clubs in the South, East and North? Interesting soccer landscape if we get four clubs plus thunder. All teams competing are from the samwe five clubs =)
The MTA isn't anything special in the older age groups. I was at the Holiday classic watching the MTA and they got beat first game by the U-19 Ramsey Premier team. MTA had no kids with college offers or scholarships, the parents were terrible. They were talking trash to the Ramsey kids on the field as they walked or stood near them. Granted Ramsey only brought back kids for this tourney that played college ball and they destroyed everyone. But the MTA looked awful. A bunch of rich kids who's parents think their good. Ramsey, and Chaska had WAY more talent. I found a list of the colleges the Ramsey players played for. 1 goes to UW superior (D3), 1 goes to Lakeland (D3), 1 goes to the U (Club), the goalie trains with the thunder, 1 plays for Briar Cliff University (NAIA D1). All these kids didnt get asked to play on the MTA, not like they would have accepted the offer.
10:49- I will be there, as will 10's dad for the SSM vs. MN1 game (I think). Myself and one of the other SSM U16 parents will be hanging with a "low-life WI ODP parent" whose daughter plays with Eclipse (just kidding on the "low life" thing). Would be nice to meet some of you....even if we disagree here. I DO think that meeting and seeing that I don't have horns or have a "secret agenda" would make the blogs a little more civil?
If I could give one take-away to all of you it would be this: We all care about our kids/players. We all are doing what we believe to be best for them. It is of no consequence to me or anyone else WHY we make the decisions we do. It DOES NOT have any relevance on my life why you choose to go the route you choose. The only thing that I would appreciate (and think I give to others) is the honest consideration of different situations/reasons for making decisions. None of the available options are "wrong"-- it depends on your situation. JUST BE UNDERSTANDING. No one is trying to "kill your kid's dreams", nor can they. We all ahve choices to make, and we make the best choices we can. Just be open to hear the TRUTH about those other options and don't just take someone's word for it. Look into things, don't base your thoughts on hear-say-- be INFORMED.
Fantastic! I hope tongue was firmly in cheek, given the great results of the free market on Wall Street!! If not, I hope you got your bonus before the crash (or maybe after the bailout)! A perfect model of kid's soccer!
Perhaps we can get 10's Dad to join in and again riducule the work of blue collar folks.
Don't ya know that I too also am supporting a market that is free from all the regulations and what with the trading and the bailout I hope that more out of work people without health insurance too can afford to get jobs so that they too can also partake in the real America like down in Iowa and other parts around the area, too.
Joe, I dont think I was riduculing anyone, A subj matter was brought up, someone asked us for our thoughts, I posted my take after going thru this youth soccer racket having been there and yes, done that. I really could care less if a U9 team travels to Europe by way of the Manchester Cup Cha$Ching$ all the way. I have never posted that my way is the only way. I agree with alot of stuff on this blog and I disagree with alot of it as well. But I do not think I have attacked anyone for any post. Anyway, I will be leaving nice and warm Des Moines 8 degrees for Faribo tomorrow. Looking forward to some nice games and elite players.
the U-19 Ramsey premier team will be the force to be reckoned with in the Premier league. Half there guys play college soccer, One of them plays NAIA Division 1. I dont know how they can loose
High Schools usually hold some kind of a ceremony that kind of honors all of their athletes who are signing national letters of intent. It's a big day for the athletes.Congrats to all.
756, So you think kids are on Blue teams based on things other than their talent? Very interesting. What kind of politics do you know of? Is you comment just a stab in the dark or past experience?
The MTA recruits in youth soccer. They are the yankees of youth soccer. at the holiday classic they won ever age group both in girls and boys except like 1, when Ramsey and Chaska made it to the finals. Thats cause Chaska has AMAZING skilled players and Ramsey is just loaded with college soccer players, a couple play D2 and one ever plays down in a NAIA D1 school in iowa. Those 2 teams blew MTA out of the water.
4:58- I am interested in who you are referring to? There were many games this weekend, and there were teams who lost.
I can report on the results from some of the games, but definately not all of them. The U16s (including the 93 ODP teams) were as follows: MN 93 1 WI 93 0 MN 93 0 SSM U16s 0 WI 93 2 SSM U16s 0 MN 93 1 WI 93s 0 MN 93s 0 SSM U16s 0
U18 SSM boys beat DSM Menace 3-2 U16 SSM boys beat WDM U17 3-2
Great soccer all weekend, saw some real bright spots for MN soccer for the future (especially liked the Kelix striker/MF for the MN 93s).
Didn't hear a lick of German all weekend. The "twins" must be back half 92s, or they were on duty with ManU this weekend.
I would be interested in hearing your assessment or if you agree with me 4:58. My guess is that you'll have a different take on the games? Looking forward to discussing with you.
I saw a few MN players that are very exciting players. One player really stuck out, but she needs to learn to play with her teammates instead of full speed ahead. Im sure that will come.
10,s dad....that's called Minnesota Boot Ball. Skilled players??? C'mon. Here in Minnesota you can count em all on one hand. Minnesota develops boot ballers.
No, this player was not playing bootball, she is very fast and skilled, but thinks she has to try to bull rush the defense and she forces things. She draws the defense every time she rcv's the ball, but she doesnt look to pass. She will learn thou.
SSMSC knows who Im talking about. Good player. There were a few good players. I can see why MN has a good ODP team.
I wish thou that the coach of the ODP would of played another player that is on her way to FL this week a bit more in her real position. But again, Im sure he had his reasons.
1:00 - that all depends on whether she makes the team or not...... but in all honesty, like many things if life where subjective choices have to be made (school grades, club teams, high school teams, work politics, etc...) problems will naturall arise. There are many "bubble" players with very little difference in skills/ability with I would estimate players #12-#28. There is also some truth to the "once you make it your in" philosophy although there was substantial turnover in many of the younger teams from this year to last. At the very youngest ages going to IL IMO is a bit of a moneymaker as it has very little bearing on the future. This is just for MN, no idea what all transpires (but I would assume many of the same issues) at the regional level.
there are some good things to ODP...different environment....different coaching styles.....solid competition....pressure situations.....these are all traditionally viewed as positive components to developing a better soccer player (or any sport for that matter). Take someone out of their comfort zone and see how they do. However, there are some negatives to the program which have been mentioned previously (and frequently) on this blog. Please remember to decide for yourself and qualify the source of who's making the comment.
ODP is politics at a whole new level, I know of a kids who is now a sophomore and played varsity on a team that went to state this season, he has played up a year on a premier team his entire life and has been told by multiple college coaches that he is the number one recruit in his class, a class in which includes Eric Miller from Woodbury who is all ODP everything, I am not saying that this kid is better than Miller, but apparently some important people think so, yet he was cut from ODP twice, does that make any sense to anyone?
My daughter participated in ODP a few years back. The most interesting observation was that the author of RTR sent his kids in identical outfits and they all arrived at the same time and played in the same evaluation group. All the while he gazed upon them. I found that to be very amusing. The next year I dressed my daughter in the same combination (had to observe and quickly get her changed) and sent her out to that group. Funny thing is she made it that year! Imagine! If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Same as when 401(k)s lose 40% of their value (Bush admin. favored Wall Street buddies, lack of oversight/regs of financial markets, etc.). Quit whining, be accountable.
5:26, that is hilarious. Smart move, if it is true. Says something about the club that was hated back then was still respected in the ODP circles. Considering MYSA allows clubs to recruit for a whole 2 days in August, sounds like a creative maneuver by the club in question as well.
5:26 - Wow, give your daughter some credit. Maybe she has some skills. I seriously hope for her sake that she doesn't read this blog. I can't even image it..."Well, honey, you didn't make the ODP team because you have soccer talent, it is because I picked out your powder blue outfit for tryouts." And people complain that MTA parents are psycho...
ODP...we talkin ODP? Heck Caroline Smith couldn't even make the region pool and ended up being a NCAA Div 1 player of the year.ODP is all about politics.
as always when there are lots of complaints.........suggestions to improve it? A better way to identify players from all 50 states and funnel it down to 18 per state, 36 per region, 50+ nationally?
We complain a lot about ODP here in MN, but how would you feel if you lived in S. Cal or N. Texas where they also have to pick only 18 kids. In most age groups I would bet maybe 4-6 of our kids would even get a sniff at making one of those teams.
I know many of you have voiced your opposition, or maybe better stated your lack of support of the descision for MN kids traveling out of state prior to age 15 or 16.
I understand your feelings and am not trying to open the door to "rehash" that subject. I personally like watching how our MN teams are doing at these tournaments. I remember the MTA 12's just got home from an out of state tourney and did fairly well.
Can someone provide a list of the teams that you are aware are leaving the state over the next month or so and the name or link to the tournament they are playing in. Any team with any club, I just like to follow our MN teams.
Not sure everyone wants to hear it....but here goes (in a nutshell).
At U11, my daughter showed up to ODP tryouts. Was not at a level to compete with the other girls. Rightfully was not selected.
At U12, daughter showed up again. After working hard....was probably a bubble player. Again, not selected.
At U13, after much hard work- daughter not only fit in but shined and scored 2/3 of goals in the scrimmage. You guessed it, not selected. Pretty obvious she belonged....kid selected was the bench player behind her on her club team.
At U14, daughter scouted at another event by her year ODP head coach. Asked why she didn't try out...explained that she did, but was not selected. Was placed on State ODP team right before Regional Camp.
U15, two weeks before tryouts announced to local club she would be attending SSM. Went from starter at Regional camp to not in the top 24 within a two week span. Was called the week prior to Regional Camp and asked to attend. Placed on State ODP team.
U16, has not attended offical tryouts due to injuries. Is healthy now, State coach has been in contact (new coach who knows her) and is trying to get her in to train with his kids to make a decision on her.
Bottom line- politics kept her out for a few years. Politics then worked in her favor in the form of the head coach making the call.
There are many kids in State level ODP who belong there, but there are also those who don't. Same as in any other try-out situation. It is probably the best system possible, but isn't perfect. None are. It seems to work out pretty good at the Regional and higher levels.
ODP seems to work for her after many years of disappointment and headaches, but being at SSM she has opportunities that most don't for the future. ODP isn't probably as important for her as it is for many, given the situation at SSM.
I don't dislike the system, my beef is with the humans who were a part of my daughter's particular struggle with the system. Adults and profits have a tendancy to ruin a good system if allowed. I say have outsiders (from your State) select teams. Take the club preferences and intangibles out of the equation.
My beef is with parents who dissect their kids' ODP tryouts year after year and then shoot their mouths off about their kids' ability. I have been to many tryouts where some wallflower scores a couple goals and does nothing the balance of the time and then the parent freaks out about their dd's amazing performance for the next five years. We don't know what the level of the other kids was, and your own argument (that outsiders conduct the tryout) makes a hash out of you spewing your biased opinions at everyone else. Have a nice day.
As a casual observer of blogging here for some time, I would like to advocate that every parent and coach who is of even mild intelligence swear off participating in this any longer. We hurt our own kids and clubs by throwing crap at each other here to absolutely no positive end whatsoever. Please leave the game to the kids and coaches and let all of this uglyness come to an end. Think of the good you could do in your own family, club and community with the time that's wasted here. I will lead by example. Bye.
3:58- I agree with you. What you describe happens many times. I assume that given my description of her U13 year, you have chosen to assume I am one of those parents. I can assure you that I am not. Someone asked, and I gave the information.
Make whatever assumption you want, it makes no difference to me whatsoever. Things always resolve themselves over time...
4:02, though you will not see this, I will follow for my own reasons as I dislike that I am drawn into the negativity time and time again. Bye as well and good luck to all.
5:15..I agree with you about all the negativity. I mean, there is always going to be stuff to debate about, but spewing hate, I think there needs to be someone on this site that can control and issue yellow and red cards to abusers, kinda like BigSoccer.com.
re: ODP player selections, too many times Parent/Coaches of premier somehow also manage to use their position to influence their childs selection. Same can be said of Premier coaches garnering favors of other coaches to see that their players are selected (state and regional level).
7:54 Or... it could be that players from Premier teams make ODP teams because they are the best players at those ages. The likely are pretty good players if they play on the highest level (MYSA standards) the league offers.
825, They usually are better players but not all of them. Don't forget about that 8 letter word "politics". I have seen many teams that play at the highest MYSA level that have kids that have no right playing on that particular team. There is politics in every kids sport and every club.
9:49 You are correct, Polotics is a part of everything , not only youth sports. "it's not what you know, it's who you know" Cliche's become so because there is often a great deal of truth in them. Another thing to consider relating to team placements (Club and ODP) is that they take place (tryouts/placements) in Aug for a spring season. especially at 14 and below girls soccer you can have a significant body change that can take place within that window of time. That coupled with some being more passionate about the sport and working on the skills throughout thge winter months can certainly account for a few misplacements once the spring season kicks off.
How many times has a player not made a team who was in the top 70% of players on that team (other than in the eyes of the parents/supportive friends)? Seriously, how often?
So really you are talking about the bubble kids. That can go either way and yes, I'm sure politics does come into play. So if you are a bubble kid on a MN premier team I doubt you are going to make the MN ODP team. If you are a bubble kid on the MN ODP team then I doubt you are going to make the regional ODP team. IMO, the vast majority of "politics" complaints come from parents with unrealistic impressions of their kids abilities. Not all, but the vast majority.
about the ODP politics and connections, it generally happens at the regional level. Seriously, when the ODP Regional coaches are "selecting" they hold up a picture, announce a name and if no one knows the player, then it is on to the next one. I've actually seen regional coaches say, oh ya, that kids grandfather/father was this, coaces there or played there/then with this team and the kid is selected. you get the picture. don't believe ask one the MN regional coaches. This is generally occurs when they are trying get players after their top 11 - 15 or so are identified.
this is funny, there is a MN kid that went to the U20 WC, there is another MN kid at the U20 Camp going on right now in Cali. That is 2 players from MN that have been called into the U20 Natl Camp.
The Valley-SSM game was a good one, and I would agree that both PK calls were iffy ones. Valley United also hit the post on one that had the goalie beat he didn't even move and had another one that was by the goalie and deflected off of another Valley player that didn't react out of the way in time. SSM controlled the game a little more but it was a close one, Valley will have another good season, I believe this was their first game or scrimmage this off season and they also where missing 2 of there forwards, I believe it was because of a winter sport committment.
Wow 10:23, kinda one sided wouldnt you say?? Valley did this, and Valley did that, What can you tell the masses what SSM did?? How many shots did they get? MMMMMM? Key missing info I would say?? Was there any injuries on SSMs side?? Wasnt SSM playing at a much fast pace?? Again, kinda one sided if you ask me. Its going to be just like that later on today when the girls play Woodbary, SSM has some injuries and are without the center mid who is at the U20 camp.
Why is it that people feel the need to constantly make excuses? Sometimes in advance? And some of these same people lecture that it is not about the W, just development. Sheesh.
Scores in games/scrimmages at this point of the season mean very little. Coaches in most clubs are still sorting out which mix of players fit best in certain positions and which players have the chemistry on field to make things happen. They all have about 3 months before it really matters. Relax until then.
Unless it is a team who has been together for a very long time with little turn-over. Then, I would say that results (even this early) mean quite a lot.
I am sure that I am wrong because someone will have a child playing on a team that got beaten. Perspective....that is what it is.
to me it seemed that 10:23 was just trying to point out that Valley did keep the game close and that it was a very good game. Most people would just assume that because its Shattuck and they just beat MTA and Westside 4-1, that Valley would have gotten blown out of the water as well, I don't think he was trying to say how great anyone was, just that it was an even game
I think 4 1,4 1,3 1 has a familiar tone.Quite frankly all were soundly beaten by a better,fitter well tuned team. PSA Eagles at u15 were a step beyond the field,SSM is two steps beyond.
Are you talking about the best boys that are in Bradenton are in the US residency, or at IMG? I would put Shattucks up against IMG players any day. IMG and US Residency are 2 different things really.
By the way, Wed Feb 4th is signing day, players signing the Letters of Intent.
I think the elephant in the room (beyond the Nationally recruited complaint) is the fact that these players train together daily and take soccer seriously. I think that makes a bigger difference than anything else.
anon 8:09, Trying to read something into scrimmage scores at this time of year is like trying to pick the World Series winner on the basis on spring training games. It has very little relevance as to what happens when the games atually count beginning in May.
i agree with the earlier post on the significance of early season scrimmages. at young ages - yes, it is hard to tell. after U16 with teams that have had little meaningful player turnover, you pretty much know who's got what. the wild card is SSM which might be more in "mid-season" shape versus many other teams that might just be wrapping up spring training at this point in the year.
1:59- I disagree with you on this also. Spring training is full of rookie/draftees and new players to each team. Line-ups are less designed for wins or actual training and more for a try-out type of situation. Not so with youth soccer. With the exception of SSM U16 girls, I don't think many of the U16 and above teams have changed a whole lot.
These players know each other, have trained with each other for years. There are no surprises here.
3:05- There isn't a single "851" anywhere on this page, so what exactly are your congratulating on being "well said".
And by the way 3:05, why did your daughter leave SSM two years ago? You can try to hide, but your hate gives you away, even when you are just visiting watching her play.
613, Well said was about a comment that someone was quoting that ems had previously said about the best team being a team of orphans because of parents. I don't see it now either, maybe it was from a previous post and thought it was new. Not sure. However, I have never had a kid go to Shattucks. We will probably be visiting it soon for one of my kids is interested.
I PROPOSE MOVING THE STATE CUP TO JUNE LESS CONFLICT WITH SCHOOL LESS CONFLICT WITH MRL MORE GRASS TIME FOR ALL TEAMS TO PREPARE STILL TIME FOR WINNERS TO GO TO REGIONALS BETTER WEATHER
MYSA FINISHES UP BEFORE 4TH OF JULY THEN DISTRICTS,AVOIDING CONFLICT WITH USA CUP INCL BOTH WEEKENDS THEN STATE TOURNAMENT
THEN TRY-OUT FESTIVAL FEATURING GIGANTIC PREMIER COMBINE TRY-OUT AT BLAINE FOR ALL AGES, CLUBS AND SCHOOLS
FOR ALL SCOUTS,COACHES,FANS AND OTHERS
INTERESTED CLUBS SET-UP RECRUITING TENTS
ORGANIZED BRIDGE BETWEEN CLUB & SCHOOL
SENSIBLE CLUB TRANSFER WINDOW
VENDORS SELLING GEAR FUNDRAISER TENTS FOR SCHOOLS OR CLUBS THUNDER USL GAMES
Hmmm......not many more SSM parents on here than us Papa10.
Having a tough time sleeping while here in India, it is now 11:11 pm and would love to go to sleep.
SSM U16s will be traveling to Texas in April for the Spring Classic Invite. Looking at last year's teams (U15G) it appears that it should be a test...teams like Andromeda, Texans, Sting, and FC Dallas seem to like to attend. Platinum level tournament. Interesting choice, should be some good competition?
I vote no as well. June is a busy soccer month. Players need time to train/rest prior to Regionals, WL/PDL is in the prime of the schedule, ODP Regional Camp, College Soccer Camps etc.
SSMSC, I think there are a few more than you and I, they just dont post their names.
It is really wierd that Mumbai, India is 11.5 hours ahead of Central time US. How can you be 11.5 hours ahead? Can someone explain that to me, or even give another example (non-India) where a place doesn't advance an entire hour? Sorry, sleep deprivation talking.
If ever there was a case of a parent living through their child it's 10's dad. The moniker is a tell tale sign. Just like a guy with a personalized license plate.
If we can take anything from a moniker--maybe someone would say that you are predjudiced against Eastsiders?
Do you flash gang-signs with other Westsiders when you meet at Chipotle?
I am sure you wouldn't be proud of your child if he/she was at the level of 10? You probably would never acknowledge that it was your child, because you are much more grounded and sensible than that.
It will be interesting to see how much pt the players get who signed today. This blog has been full of this kid is better than that kid. Smack talk is cheap now the rubber hits the road. No excuses please.
Hey Westsider...Dame tottin Im proud of my dd. Im her number #1 fan. Im not ashamed to admit it. Arent you proud of your child who ever that may be?? Sounds like your from the inside? Where Im from westsiders have their noses all up in the air. Show me where Im living thru my players goals?? Im just trying to help her just like any parent would/should do.
10s Dad #1 Fan
hand signs from where Im from is 3 fingers pointing east to west for a Eastsider, and then 2 fingers pointing down for Westsiders, So Im told, LOL
AZ & Vegas tournaments are lame. Have gone downhill at a fast pace over the past years. Unless you're Red Bull, lucky to even get a glance by college coaches. Might get 5 mins.
9:50..I think you hit the head of the nail there...Unless your in Red Bull or the Natl League, scouts will not pay much attention to you or your team, at least the big conference schools. so what happens in the future?? Do you not go to these tournaments where RB and NL will be taking place, because you wont get any looks, or go to a tournament where RB/NL isnt there, but then, the colleges wont be there either because they have a budget.
I just went on the website's for the AZ Presidents day tournament and the Las Vegas College showcase both take place next week and Both had well over 100 college coaches registered to attend. Many D1 and D2 schools. This seems like a significant number of coaches. Perhaps other tournaments draw larger numbers but certainly no MN tournament has this level of college coaching interest.
"Lame" may be a bit harsh.
SS are you attending these tournaments with the primary reason being to get your 15's college visibility?
Vegas is in March-not next week. And your right, no MN tournmanet has this level of interest, but then again, Minnesota can't exactly HAVE an outdoor tournament in feb or March! 100 or so coaches? Most of them at Red Bull and Natl league.
Any MN Tournament in ANY month will not draw 100+ college coaches.
My bad on the Vegas dates I was thinking of the Mayors cup. BTW 56 college coaches signed up for that one.
Perhaps you are right that most college coaches are at Red Bull or Natl league. I am only going by what the tournament web site indicates. Any visibility for the MN kids is great as your point indicates: not many full sided (outdoor) tournament opportunities in MN in Feb/March:) Good luck to any and all MN teams playing out of state next week.
MC of MTA Stars is off to Cornell (she is originally from that area) is the only top player to leave the Midwest of the 09's and last year (08's)the only top player to leave the MW was the one which went to Cal-Davis. Neither Cornell or Cal-Davis are anywhere near being called top D1 programs. Does it make sense to travel coast to coast to "showcase" from U-14 to U-17 when almost all of these players actually stay home in the MW to play soccer in college? The fact is, the very best players to leave MN in the last number of years are within a six-seven hour drive. Comments?
If the goal in traveling out of state is primarily to get college recognition you are absolutely wasting your money. I doubt any of the teams primary objective in traveling out of state is regarding college visibility.
3:30 You must be speaking to a different group than I am. The parents of the kids I am speaking to have, to my knowledge, never even discussed the college visibility issue. They are focused on having a good experience for their kids and seeing where their team stands vs other top teams (hopefully) from other regions. I guess every team is different and maybe some are looking for that college scholorship.
Apparently the D1 coaches weren't too concerned that the U17 dominated SSM squad lost to a very good U18 team in state cup last year. They were impressed with the talent of the girls, nonetheless. Go figure.
I guess that shows the only people who really care about results are the petty parents. Sound familiar??
Apparently the D1 coaches weren't too concerned that the U17 dominated SSM squad lost to a very good U18 team in state cup last year. They were impressed with the talent of the girls, nonetheless. Go figure.
I guess that shows the only people who really care about results are the petty parents. Sound familiar??
if you're as tired of the dribble in this post as i, check out some real soccer coverage over at http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/ and no, i'm not bq, just a fan of what he is doing on his site.
i agree he is doing a great job, but i haven't find anywhere on his website where i can talk about my kid or rip other teams, coaches, players, parents, or clubs, etc.............
A more appropriate title for this blog should be MTA Rejects...A place where parents of kids not good enough for MTA can rant about how much they hate MTA and how they're better off without them.
353, As a parent of a MTA kid, please open your eyes. Pretty much any kid can make a MTA team as long as there are enough kids at that age group to start another team. Bangu used to be about putting together just Elite teams, but not anymore. A majority of their teams are far from Elite. MTA is now more about making money and supporting the layers of directors they have added since the merger with Wings. Yes they still usually have the top teams at each age group, but if MTA was truly about Elite player development they would have limited the number of teams at each age group. This would probably have helped them get more buy in from other clubs and CC's.
443, Good question! They typically have the largest draw, and typically the best talent. I believe in pooling the best talent from the state and creating a top team to compete nationally. I do ,however, hate when people get on this blog and take shots at other people because their kids are on a MTA team. Except for the Blue teams the rest are average at best.
being that mta has over the last few years often had multiple teams in the State Cup semi's at the same age, then that would make all but four teams in those age groups "below average".....
anon 9:52, Good point. They conveniently "forget" how many times over the past 3-4 years Bangu had multiple teams in semifinals and on at least 5occasions played each other in final of State Cup. It's wrong to say only their "Blue" teams are among the best given these results.
Goobers are back it looks, drooling over this simple formula. Go out, recruit a bunch of eager parents by telling them the club their kid is with is no good. Gather some atheletes spend all their enegy on State Cup beating the teams they trashed to get their players. Go to regions, get their butts handed to them, hope the rubes at home don't find out. When pressed, blame the other clubs for being haters by not pushing more kids to join the mighty machine. All this for... ready... 1 region champ and 0 national champs. Come back and brag constantly when you win at regions more than once and maybe make a run at Nationals. Til then, spare us the rehashed bragging.
11:59, Look at the records of the Bangu teams who went to regions. They win more than they lose. Are they on a par with Illinois, Michigan and Ohio? Of course not. Are our teams now doing better at regions than they did 5-10 years ago? Yes they are. Cry and whine all you want but Bangu/MTA has elevated the level of play and the success Minnesota has had at regions. Also look at the kids who played for MTA that helped the Gophers to the Final Four last fall. Your whining and crying sounds pathetic.
Well now, I'm glad I checked back in. This is a productive conversation. what next? "my Dad can beat up your Dad" Could everyone act at least ,,, say,,, 12 years old? Please!
In response to 5-2 my 15's will be in Vegas, primary reason for going is that we where looking for a fun tournament that the girls could look forward to during the winter months. If any player get any recogition from any college coach it is considered a bonus. As far as competition sure they will give us all we can handle.
Our U13's will be in Phoenix they are doing it to get a chance to play some really god none regional U13 teams. Even for them it is more about giving the girls something to look forward to during the winter than anything else.
As far as scrimmages in the winter think it is hard to read into the results, certainly know that our team has been very up and down and recently very down, for various reasons. However the kids like to play games and it gives coaches an opportunity to work on things have not met one coach that put a lot weight on results this time of the year however as a coach you want your team to play well even if the results do not matter so they do have value.
SS - good luck to both teams in the upcoming months and I commend your motivation for attending the tournaments.
The big question for everyone out there...........if SS was from MTA, would he get ripped for sending U13's to AZ? I have no problem with it, but awfully silent out there based on recent rhetoric......
Thanks to the St Croix U17s who came in to SSM to play the U16s today. The game got pretty chippy on both sides of the ball. Hate to see this happen, and hope that everyone is alright with no serious injuries.
Thank you to all who attended, look forward to seeing you all again.
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http://www.gotsport.com/rankings/results.aspx?Level=National&Gender=Girls&Age=13&Region=&State=MN&Search=&pos=
http://www.nationalsoccerranking.com/minnesota.htm
Not that IMO either mean much at U13, but at least get your facts straight.
1:19-agreed, my daughter now wants to become a "pit boss" as a result of her LVCS experiences. Nice to know she has already chosen her career. No need for college.
1:19 I forgot to add, with no college expenses, more $'s for more showcases!
Our U-13 team looks really good--look out!
8:17 So I took your advise and checked out the link to Gotsoccer. Looks like the Thunder Blue team has more points on the Gotsoccer system so by that measure they are the better team. The Blue team was also State Cup Champ, very nice! But as you go through the tournaments the BLUE team recieved points it looks like there was one head to head meeting between the two teams and the REV team won the game 2-0. If that is true, (and why wouldn't it be since it seems so many at MTA are building their arguments around the BLUE teams significant points total) It would appear the REV team may have the edge. Again, only because of the head to head competition.
Here's the info from GOTSOCCER'S site.
Girls - Bronze Tournament
Girls U13 U12 - 11v11 A
Flight Ranking Value: 300
Champion: DAKOTA REV SC RAMPAGE (MN)
Finalist: MINNESOTA THUNDER ACADEMY 96 BLUE (MN)
Semi-Finalist: UNITED SELECT SA LIGHTNING (IL)
Additional Teams
MENOR SAN FRANCISCO (ECU)
There is an error in the GotSoccer website, Dakota Rev played the Bangu South Academy White game in Schwans Cup, game has been previously discussed on this blog.
Why wouldn't the team leadership at MTA have requested those points be transfered to the white team then? The game was in July. Any other errors that should be noted? Got soccer has a simple process for reporting errors, perhaps someone in the MTA organization could make the club leadership aware of the mistake so the correction could be made.
maybe the reason why it didn't get corrected is that it might be that only the few of you on this blog care about gotsoccer rankings for U13's (or at that time U12's)....
I am so sorry, I was joking when I said "lets get back to something serious like who is the best U-13 team", It was a Joke. The discussions on 12 year olds traveling seemed about as productive as the past "who is the best 13 team" discussions went.
I AM SORRY
PS if there is a mistake on the GOTSOCCER site I agree it should be corrected.
Rev team will win 13 State Cup. You read it here, remember it. That team has talent, trains, and is the top of the age group.
REV 13 Parents please stop
SS
Thanks SS. Same to MTA parents. Support your kids' passions and shut up.
Here's to hoping the two teams aren't drawn in the same group, but don't forget about EP, Tonka, and Edina - all solid teams.
MTA
How about talking about some fun age groups like 14 and above appears to be a few condenders at U14, 16 as well as 18
If EDP, EDI, TNK and PSA put a team together.... Maybe it will happen in the currently being discussed WLSA--West Lakes Soccer Assn. The four clubs would hold joint tryouts for a top level team at each age group.
Bout time! Thanks MTA
This past Dec at the A-Lic recert down in FL, the big talk was about merging. Relates to what Seattle is doing and what StLouis just did.
And what Bangu/Wings just did. Any West consolidation is due to MTW and led by the Brits. Would expect Chan and Wayzata to get involved. Don't expect EP to as that would fly in the face of everything that club preached last year when they rejected the Thunder idea. But who knows... times change. Wonder if any of this is in the involved club's board meeting minutes. Or maybe it's a big secret that was first leaked to this blog! Regardless it could be a good thing
Who would they call the clubs in the South, East and North? Interesting soccer landscape if we get four clubs plus thunder. All teams competing are from the samwe five clubs =)
SS
The MTA isn't anything special in the older age groups. I was at the Holiday classic watching the MTA and they got beat first game by the U-19 Ramsey Premier team. MTA had no kids with college offers or scholarships, the parents were terrible. They were talking trash to the Ramsey kids on the field as they walked or stood near them. Granted Ramsey only brought back kids for this tourney that played college ball and they destroyed everyone. But the MTA looked awful. A bunch of rich kids who's parents think their good. Ramsey, and Chaska had WAY more talent. I found a list of the colleges the Ramsey players played for. 1 goes to UW superior (D3), 1 goes to Lakeland (D3), 1 goes to the U (Club), the goalie trains with the thunder, 1 plays for Briar Cliff University (NAIA D1). All these kids didnt get asked to play on the MTA, not like they would have accepted the offer.
If you can't play D1 you should join a rec league or try another sport.
Ramsey? lol
1:43 Real classy if you meant it. Real stupid if you're joking.
Whoops, didn't finish that post.
Ramsey? lol They are basing all future hopes on the success of one team. Kind of like Bangu and the Sota teams of old...
Were the german girls at that game?
1:47 Which ramsey team are you talking about
What tournament are the MTA u-13 girls attending in FEB/March.
Anyone going down to Shattuck for this weekends ODP tournament?? MN is sending 2 teams, WI and SSM U16s
Are the germans playing there? If yes, you'll want to see them play.
10:49- I will be there, as will 10's dad for the SSM vs. MN1 game (I think). Myself and one of the other SSM U16 parents will be hanging with a "low-life WI ODP parent" whose daughter plays with Eclipse (just kidding on the "low life" thing). Would be nice to meet some of you....even if we disagree here. I DO think that meeting and seeing that I don't have horns or have a "secret agenda" would make the blogs a little more civil?
If I could give one take-away to all of you it would be this:
We all care about our kids/players. We all are doing what we believe to be best for them. It is of no consequence to me or anyone else WHY we make the decisions we do. It DOES NOT have any relevance on my life why you choose to go the route you choose. The only thing that I would appreciate (and think I give to others) is the honest consideration of different situations/reasons for making decisions. None of the available options are "wrong"-- it depends on your situation. JUST BE UNDERSTANDING. No one is trying to "kill your kid's dreams", nor can they. We all ahve choices to make, and we make the best choices we can. Just be open to hear the TRUTH about those other options and don't just take someone's word for it. Look into things, don't base your thoughts on hear-say-- be INFORMED.
SSMSouthCampus
Wow - very Obama like SSM
Thanks, Dad!!!
1:50- Them is fightin' words with me!
SSMSouthCampus
SSMSouthCampus- So you are a Republican!! Good for you! I guess I will cut you some slack!
Thank you, 3:22. Don't my posts sound Republican? Free market....that is what this is all about. Even down to the youth soccer level......
SSMSouthCampus
You are correct!!
Fantastic! I hope tongue was firmly in cheek, given the great results of the free market on Wall Street!! If not, I hope you got your bonus before the crash (or maybe after the bailout)! A perfect model of kid's soccer!
Perhaps we can get 10's Dad to join in and again riducule the work of blue collar folks.
Joe the Plumber
Don't ya know that I too also am supporting a market that is free from all the regulations and what with the trading and the bailout I hope that more out of work people without health insurance too can afford to get jobs so that they too can also partake in the real America like down in Iowa and other parts around the area, too.
S.P.
Joe, Mine is as blue collar as them come!!
Keep cleaning the poop thou.
10s Dad
Joe, I dont think I was riduculing anyone, A subj matter was brought up, someone asked us for our thoughts, I posted my take after going thru this youth soccer racket having been there and yes, done that. I really could care less if a U9 team travels to Europe by way of the Manchester Cup Cha$Ching$ all the way. I have never posted that my way is the only way. I agree with alot of stuff on this blog and I disagree with alot of it as well. But I do not think I have attacked anyone for any post. Anyway, I will be leaving nice and warm Des Moines 8 degrees for Faribo tomorrow. Looking forward to some nice games and elite players.
10s Dad
the U-19 Ramsey premier team will be the force to be reckoned with in the Premier league. Half there guys play college soccer, One of them plays NAIA Division 1. I dont know how they can loose
RECIPE FOR A TOP TEAM:
4 WITH TALENT
4 ON THE BUBBLE WITH POLITICAL PARENTS
4 BELOW THE BUBBLE WITH MONEY TO PAY FOR THE
4 SCHOLARSHIP RECRUITS
CAP'N
National signing day coming soon.
CAPN,
Careful, you'll get in trouble for stealing trade secrets from mta.
My MTA team doesn't have any scholarshiped players. What are you talking about 3:45?
that you know about
High Schools usually hold some kind of a ceremony that kind of honors all of their athletes who are signing national letters of intent. It's a big day for the athletes.Congrats to all.
CAP'N,
It's amazing that they win all those state cup championships with that screwy formula.
Their coaches must be awesome to win with that mix, huh?
756, So you think kids are on Blue teams based on things other than their talent? Very interesting. What kind of politics do you know of? Is you comment just a stab in the dark or past experience?
The MTA recruits in youth soccer. They are the yankees of youth soccer. at the holiday classic they won ever age group both in girls and boys except like 1, when Ramsey and Chaska made it to the finals. Thats cause Chaska has AMAZING skilled players and Ramsey is just loaded with college soccer players, a couple play D2 and one ever plays down in a NAIA D1 school in iowa. Those 2 teams blew MTA out of the water.
Hey 1:07, when does the new semester start and you have to back to school?
THE CATHOLIC ADVANTAGE
CAP'N
how did it go down at shattuck this weekend.
SS
they lost
1:07 must go to private school
4:58- I am interested in who you are referring to? There were many games this weekend, and there were teams who lost.
I can report on the results from some of the games, but definately not all of them. The U16s (including the 93 ODP teams) were as follows:
MN 93 1 WI 93 0
MN 93 0 SSM U16s 0
WI 93 2 SSM U16s 0
MN 93 1 WI 93s 0
MN 93s 0 SSM U16s 0
U18 SSM boys beat DSM Menace 3-2
U16 SSM boys beat WDM U17 3-2
Great soccer all weekend, saw some real bright spots for MN soccer for the future (especially liked the Kelix striker/MF for the MN 93s).
Didn't hear a lick of German all weekend. The "twins" must be back half 92s, or they were on duty with ManU this weekend.
I would be interested in hearing your assessment or if you agree with me 4:58. My guess is that you'll have a different take on the games? Looking forward to discussing with you.
SSMSouthCampus
I saw a few MN players that are very exciting players. One player really stuck out, but she needs to learn to play with her teammates instead of full speed ahead. Im sure that will come.
10s Dad
Thank you 10's dad
pretty sure 4:58PM was not at the games but tried to be funny.
SS
10,s dad....that's called Minnesota Boot Ball. Skilled players??? C'mon. Here in Minnesota you can count em all on one hand. Minnesota develops boot ballers.
No, this player was not playing bootball, she is very fast and skilled, but thinks she has to try to bull rush the defense and she forces things. She draws the defense every time she rcv's the ball, but she doesnt look to pass. She will learn thou.
SSMSC knows who Im talking about. Good player. There were a few good players. I can see why MN has a good ODP team.
I wish thou that the coach of the ODP would of played another player that is on her way to FL this week a bit more in her real position. But again, Im sure he had his reasons.
10s Dad
my guess is he knows what she can do and needed to evaluate other players. don't even remember seeing her on sunday.
citizenship for odp
10:59, once sworn in at 13 or 14, a citizen of ODP for life?
now there's a fine whine we all haven't heard in a while...... ODP tryouts must be right around the corner......
Yes, if it's broken, don't fix it.
if it is broken (i'm assuming you mean ODP - and there are many parts i do believe need fixing) how do you suggest it be fixed?
My daughter is new to ODP this year. What are the problems with it?
1:00 - that all depends on whether she makes the team or not...... but in all honesty, like many things if life where subjective choices have to be made (school grades, club teams, high school teams, work politics, etc...) problems will naturall arise. There are many "bubble" players with very little difference in skills/ability with I would estimate players #12-#28. There is also some truth to the "once you make it your in" philosophy although there was substantial turnover in many of the younger teams from this year to last. At the very youngest ages going to IL IMO is a bit of a moneymaker as it has very little bearing on the future. This is just for MN, no idea what all transpires (but I would assume many of the same issues) at the regional level.
Thanks!
Selecting players for the Reg 2 team is very political and pretty much controled by IL.
My kid played on The MN ODP team for several years and now is playing in college.
If we were starting over he said he wouldn't play ODP again.
In retrospect you get enough exposure at showcases.
there are some good things to ODP...different environment....different coaching styles.....solid competition....pressure situations.....these are all traditionally viewed as positive components to developing a better soccer player (or any sport for that matter). Take someone out of their comfort zone and see how they do. However, there are some negatives to the program which have been mentioned previously (and frequently) on this blog. Please remember to decide for yourself and qualify the source of who's making the comment.
1:00 - love him or hate him but here are some other thoughts.....
http://www.roadtoregionals.com/why-i-send-my-girls-to-odp/
ODP is politics at a whole new level, I know of a kids who is now a sophomore and played varsity on a team that went to state this season, he has played up a year on a premier team his entire life and has been told by multiple college coaches that he is the number one recruit in his class, a class in which includes Eric Miller from Woodbury who is all ODP everything, I am not saying that this kid is better than Miller, but apparently some important people think so, yet he was cut from ODP twice, does that make any sense to anyone?
high school and club soccer should never go together in the same sentence.
high school and GOOD soccer should never be spoken in the same sentence, in general.
So when is the player(s) held accountable??
never - same at school when grades are bad or there are discipline issues (teachers don't like him/her, other kids fault, etc...).
My daughter participated in ODP a few years back. The most interesting observation was that the author of RTR sent his kids in identical outfits and they all arrived at the same time and played in the same evaluation group. All the while he gazed upon them. I found that to be very amusing. The next year I dressed my daughter in the same combination (had to observe and quickly get her changed) and sent her out to that group. Funny thing is she made it that year! Imagine! If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Same as when 401(k)s lose 40% of their value (Bush admin. favored Wall Street buddies, lack of oversight/regs of financial markets, etc.). Quit whining, be accountable.
5:26, that is hilarious. Smart move, if it is true. Says something about the club that was hated back then was still respected in the ODP circles. Considering MYSA allows clubs to recruit for a whole 2 days in August, sounds like a creative maneuver by the club in question as well.
5:38 what the hell are you talking about? Election is over move on dude.
6:29, why didn't you just say "quit whining"?
nice try 5:26, everyone knows that the players don't determine the ODP groupings, but nice story and a very creative dig at the old Bangu club......
ps - are we to honestly believe you pack multi outfits in your car before ODP tryouts? If true, get a life......
10:59's clarification
i think citizenship should be required for any country's version of odp
what's more
i think new national u-17 GK should pick a country NOW!
5:26 - Wow, give your daughter some credit. Maybe she has some skills. I seriously hope for her sake that she doesn't read this blog. I can't even image it..."Well, honey, you didn't make the ODP team because you have soccer talent, it is because I picked out your powder blue outfit for tryouts." And people complain that MTA parents are psycho...
9:03, what the hell are you talking about? [s]election is over, move on dude.
6:29
are ssm boys teams playing state cup.The 16s would win it and the 17s beat mta and westside 4 1.
ahhhh State Cup predictions. Now it is getting fun. Let's hear some prognostications. Boys and girls.
Holy Crud! If you want state cup predictions, just scroll back a few hundred posts. That topic has been so played out. Again and again and again....
ODP...we talkin ODP? Heck Caroline Smith couldn't even make the region pool and ended up being a NCAA Div 1 player of the year.ODP is all about politics.
ODP is like mta right idea wrongly run
ODP finds some, and misses some. I would challenge you to do some research to see how many of the other NCAA Div 1 POY WERE in ODP pools.
I am very lukewarm about ODP because of my daughter's personal experiences.....but overall the program is absolutely needed and serves a purpose.
SSMSouthCampus
6:35, give us some names of people you feel could run ODP or MTA better. I'd be interested to see your list.
as always when there are lots of complaints.........suggestions to improve it? A better way to identify players from all 50 states and funnel it down to 18 per state, 36 per region, 50+ nationally?
We complain a lot about ODP here in MN, but how would you feel if you lived in S. Cal or N. Texas where they also have to pick only 18 kids. In most age groups I would bet maybe 4-6 of our kids would even get a sniff at making one of those teams.
I know many of you have voiced your opposition, or maybe better stated your lack of support of the descision for MN kids traveling out of state prior to age 15 or 16.
I understand your feelings and am not trying to open the door to "rehash" that subject. I personally like watching how our MN teams are doing at these tournaments. I remember the MTA 12's just got home from an out of state tourney and did fairly well.
Can someone provide a list of the teams that you are aware are leaving the state over the next month or so and the name or link to the tournament they are playing in. Any team with any club, I just like to follow our MN teams.
SSMSC, tell us about your lukewarm history with ODP. It sounds like your pro and con about it.
Not sure everyone wants to hear it....but here goes (in a nutshell).
At U11, my daughter showed up to ODP tryouts. Was not at a level to compete with the other girls. Rightfully was not selected.
At U12, daughter showed up again. After working hard....was probably a bubble player. Again, not selected.
At U13, after much hard work- daughter not only fit in but shined and scored 2/3 of goals in the scrimmage. You guessed it, not selected. Pretty obvious she belonged....kid selected was the bench player behind her on her club team.
At U14, daughter scouted at another event by her year ODP head coach. Asked why she didn't try out...explained that she did, but was not selected. Was placed on State ODP team right before Regional Camp.
U15, two weeks before tryouts announced to local club she would be attending SSM. Went from starter at Regional camp to not in the top 24 within a two week span. Was called the week prior to Regional Camp and asked to attend. Placed on State ODP team.
U16, has not attended offical tryouts due to injuries. Is healthy now, State coach has been in contact (new coach who knows her) and is trying to get her in to train with his kids to make a decision on her.
Bottom line- politics kept her out for a few years. Politics then worked in her favor in the form of the head coach making the call.
There are many kids in State level ODP who belong there, but there are also those who don't. Same as in any other try-out situation. It is probably the best system possible, but isn't perfect. None are. It seems to work out pretty good at the Regional and higher levels.
ODP seems to work for her after many years of disappointment and headaches, but being at SSM she has opportunities that most don't for the future. ODP isn't probably as important for her as it is for many, given the situation at SSM.
I don't dislike the system, my beef is with the humans who were a part of my daughter's particular struggle with the system. Adults and profits have a tendancy to ruin a good system if allowed. I say have outsiders (from your State) select teams. Take the club preferences and intangibles out of the equation.
SSMSouthCampus
339,
My beef is with parents who dissect their kids' ODP tryouts year after year and then shoot their mouths off about their kids' ability. I have been to many tryouts where some wallflower scores a couple goals and does nothing the balance of the time and then the parent freaks out about their dd's amazing performance for the next five years. We don't know what the level of the other kids was, and your own argument (that outsiders conduct the tryout) makes a hash out of you spewing your biased opinions at everyone else.
Have a nice day.
As a casual observer of blogging here for some time, I would like to advocate that every parent and coach who is of even mild intelligence swear off participating in this any longer. We hurt our own kids and clubs by throwing crap at each other here to absolutely no positive end whatsoever. Please leave the game to the kids and coaches and let all of this uglyness come to an end. Think of the good you could do in your own family, club and community with the time that's wasted here.
I will lead by example. Bye.
good riddance 4:02
3:58-
I agree with you. What you describe happens many times. I assume that given my description of her U13 year, you have chosen to assume I am one of those parents. I can assure you that I am not. Someone asked, and I gave the information.
Make whatever assumption you want, it makes no difference to me whatsoever. Things always resolve themselves over time...
SSMSouthCampus
And, BTW 3:58 my kid has been called a lot of things....but a wallflower is NOT one of them.
SSMSouthCampus
4:02, though you will not see this, I will follow for my own reasons as I dislike that I am drawn into the negativity time and time again. Bye as well and good luck to all.
5:15..I agree with you about all the negativity. I mean, there is always going to be stuff to debate about, but spewing hate, I think there needs to be someone on this site that can control and issue yellow and red cards to abusers, kinda like BigSoccer.com.
10s Dad
re: ODP player selections, too many times Parent/Coaches of premier somehow also manage to use their position to influence their childs selection. Same can be said of Premier coaches garnering favors of other coaches to see that their players are selected (state and regional level).
7:54, you have got to be kidding? Give some facts
7:54 Or... it could be that players from Premier teams make ODP teams because they are the best players at those ages. The likely are pretty good players if they play on the highest level (MYSA standards) the league offers.
825, They usually are better players but not all of them. Don't forget about that 8 letter word "politics". I have seen many teams that play at the highest MYSA level that have kids that have no right playing on that particular team. There is politics in every kids sport and every club.
9:49 You are correct, Polotics is a part of everything , not only youth sports. "it's not what you know, it's who you know" Cliche's become so because there is often a great deal of truth in them.
Another thing to consider relating to team placements (Club and ODP) is that they take place (tryouts/placements) in Aug for a spring season. especially at 14 and below girls soccer you can have a significant body change that can take place within that window of time. That coupled with some being more passionate about the sport and working on the skills throughout thge winter months can certainly account for a few misplacements once the spring season kicks off.
How many times has a player not made a team who was in the top 70% of players on that team (other than in the eyes of the parents/supportive friends)? Seriously, how often?
So really you are talking about the bubble kids. That can go either way and yes, I'm sure politics does come into play. So if you are a bubble kid on a MN premier team I doubt you are going to make the MN ODP team. If you are a bubble kid on the MN ODP team then I doubt you are going to make the regional ODP team. IMO, the vast majority of "politics" complaints come from parents with unrealistic impressions of their kids abilities. Not all, but the vast majority.
New topic - teams are starting to gear up for spring tournaments and prep for State Cup...Any scrimmages this weekend? Results?
New topic - teams are starting to gear up for spring tournaments and prep for State Cup...Any scrimmages this weekend? Results?
SSM U-17 3
Valley U-17 1
SSM scored on two very iffy PK's, very good and even game though
I would guess that 5 17 is a valley parent
about the ODP politics and connections, it generally happens at the regional level. Seriously, when the ODP Regional coaches are "selecting" they hold up a picture, announce a name and if no one knows the player, then it is on to the next one. I've actually seen regional coaches say, oh ya, that kids grandfather/father was this, coaces there or played there/then with this team and the kid is selected. you get the picture. don't believe ask one the MN regional coaches. This is generally occurs when they are trying get players after their top 11 - 15 or so are identified.
this is funny, there is a MN kid that went to the U20 WC, there is another MN kid at the U20 Camp going on right now in Cali. That is 2 players from MN that have been called into the U20 Natl Camp.
7:42 you could guess that and you would be very wrong, do I win a prize
The Valley-SSM game was a good one, and I would agree that both PK calls were iffy ones. Valley United also hit the post on one that had the goalie beat he didn't even move and had another one that was by the goalie and deflected off of another Valley player that didn't react out of the way in time. SSM controlled the game a little more but it was a close one, Valley will have another good season, I believe this was their first game or scrimmage this off season and they also where missing 2 of there forwards, I believe it was because of a winter sport committment.
Wow 10:23, kinda one sided wouldnt you say?? Valley did this, and Valley did that, What can you tell the masses what SSM did?? How many shots did they get? MMMMMM? Key missing info I would say?? Was there any injuries on SSMs side?? Wasnt SSM playing at a much fast pace?? Again, kinda one sided if you ask me. Its going to be just like that later on today when the girls play Woodbary, SSM has some injuries and are without the center mid who is at the U20 camp.
Why is it that people feel the need to constantly make excuses? Sometimes in advance? And some of these same people lecture that it is not about the W, just development. Sheesh.
Scores in games/scrimmages at this point of the season mean very little.
Coaches in most clubs are still sorting out which mix of players fit best in certain positions and which players have the chemistry on field to make things happen.
They all have about 3 months before it really matters.
Relax until then.
Unless it is a team who has been together for a very long time with little turn-over. Then, I would say that results (even this early) mean quite a lot.
I am sure that I am wrong because someone will have a child playing on a team that got beaten. Perspective....that is what it is.
to me it seemed that 10:23 was just trying to point out that Valley did keep the game close and that it was a very good game. Most people would just assume that because its Shattuck and they just beat MTA and Westside 4-1, that Valley would have gotten blown out of the water as well, I don't think he was trying to say how great anyone was, just that it was an even game
u 15 boys
psa 3 mt blue 1
I think 4 1,4 1,3 1 has a familiar tone.Quite frankly all were soundly beaten by a better,fitter well tuned team.
PSA Eagles at u15 were a step beyond the field,SSM is two steps beyond.
They should be better they have been practicing and playing games together since august
Yes, they should be better (and are); they practice together more, they have more talent, and better coaching.
so, I suppose it isn't fair that the SSM boys have the level of talent and commitment to have trained since August with no other "distraction" sports?
I think given the whole picture SSM should maybe beat local teams by 5 to 8 goals.3 1 is not impressive,all things considered?
SSM recruits nationally. If they can't beat club teams who recruit from one metro area they should start looking for new people to run the operation.
Anonymous said...
SSM recruits nationally.
8:18am
Now this is a new one!! I didnt know this. How do I get my kids into something like this??
8:54- You can't be serious. 10s Dad or SSMSC can give you contact info.
They may look at players Nationally, but typically aren't getting the Nation's best. Those boys are in Bradenton.
Are you talking about the best boys that are in Bradenton are in the US residency, or at IMG? I would put Shattucks up against IMG players any day. IMG and US Residency are 2 different things really.
By the way, Wed Feb 4th is signing day, players signing the Letters of Intent.
10s Dad
I think the elephant in the room (beyond the Nationally recruited complaint) is the fact that these players train together daily and take soccer seriously. I think that makes a bigger difference than anything else.
SSMSouthCampus
anon 8:09,
Trying to read something into scrimmage scores at this time of year is like trying to pick the World Series winner on the basis on spring training games.
It has very little relevance as to what happens when the games atually count beginning in May.
i agree with the earlier post on the significance of early season scrimmages. at young ages - yes, it is hard to tell. after U16 with teams that have had little meaningful player turnover, you pretty much know who's got what. the wild card is SSM which might be more in "mid-season" shape versus many other teams that might just be wrapping up spring training at this point in the year.
1:59- I disagree with you on this also. Spring training is full of rookie/draftees and new players to each team. Line-ups are less designed for wins or actual training and more for a try-out type of situation. Not so with youth soccer. With the exception of SSM U16 girls, I don't think many of the U16 and above teams have changed a whole lot.
These players know each other, have trained with each other for years. There are no surprises here.
SSMSouthCampus
851, Well said, but parents shouldn't be naive to think that the soccer professionals always have their childs best interest at heart.
3:05- There isn't a single "851" anywhere on this page, so what exactly are your congratulating on being "well said".
And by the way 3:05, why did your daughter leave SSM two years ago? You can try to hide, but your hate gives you away, even when you are just visiting watching her play.
Man, you ssm people are making the mta zealots look less crazy. That's a difficult thing to do!
Not all of us.......
I would agree that the comment above is not cool.
SSMSouthCampus
613, Well said was about a comment that someone was quoting that ems had previously said about the best team being a team of orphans because of parents. I don't see it now either, maybe it was from a previous post and thought it was new. Not sure. However, I have never had a kid go to Shattucks. We will probably be visiting it soon for one of my kids is interested.
Ref the 6:13pm post, I have NO idea on who either of them are??
10s Dad
I PROPOSE MOVING THE STATE CUP TO JUNE
LESS CONFLICT WITH SCHOOL
LESS CONFLICT WITH MRL
MORE GRASS TIME FOR ALL TEAMS TO PREPARE
STILL TIME FOR WINNERS TO GO TO REGIONALS
BETTER WEATHER
MYSA FINISHES UP BEFORE 4TH OF JULY
THEN DISTRICTS,AVOIDING CONFLICT WITH
USA CUP INCL BOTH WEEKENDS
THEN STATE TOURNAMENT
THEN TRY-OUT FESTIVAL
FEATURING GIGANTIC PREMIER COMBINE TRY-OUT
AT BLAINE FOR ALL AGES, CLUBS AND SCHOOLS
FOR ALL SCOUTS,COACHES,FANS AND OTHERS
INTERESTED CLUBS SET-UP RECRUITING TENTS
ORGANIZED BRIDGE BETWEEN CLUB & SCHOOL
SENSIBLE CLUB TRANSFER WINDOW
VENDORS SELLING GEAR
FUNDRAISER TENTS FOR SCHOOLS OR CLUBS
THUNDER USL GAMES
THEN SCHOOL SOCCER
CAP'N
Hmmm......not many more SSM parents on here than us Papa10.
Having a tough time sleeping while here in India, it is now 11:11 pm and would love to go to sleep.
SSM U16s will be traveling to Texas in April for the Spring Classic Invite. Looking at last year's teams (U15G) it appears that it should be a test...teams like Andromeda, Texans, Sting, and FC Dallas seem to like to attend. Platinum level tournament. Interesting choice, should be some good competition?
SSMSouthCampus
Cap'n- you forgot one.....SSM players probably at home on summer break instead of in MN to compete. I vote no.
SSMSouthCampus
SSM PLAYERS SET , NO NEED TO PARTICIPATE
BESIDES, IT'S YOUR WELL PUBLICIZED CHOICE
CAP'N
I vote no as well. June is a busy soccer month. Players need time to train/rest prior to Regionals, WL/PDL is in the prime of the schedule, ODP Regional Camp, College Soccer Camps etc.
SSMSC, I think there are a few more than you and I, they just dont post their names.
10s Dad Ha, its 12 noon here.
It is really wierd that Mumbai, India is 11.5 hours ahead of Central time US. How can you be 11.5 hours ahead? Can someone explain that to me, or even give another example (non-India) where a place doesn't advance an entire hour? Sorry, sleep deprivation talking.
SSMSouthCampus
Cap'n-- why are you yelling at me?
SSMSouthCampus
If ever there was a case of a parent living through their child it's 10's dad. The moniker is a tell tale sign. Just like a guy with a personalized license plate.
Westsider
If we can take anything from a moniker--maybe someone would say that you are predjudiced against Eastsiders?
Do you flash gang-signs with other Westsiders when you meet at Chipotle?
I am sure you wouldn't be proud of your child if he/she was at the level of 10? You probably would never acknowledge that it was your child, because you are much more grounded and sensible than that.
It's national signing day...hooooray
It will be interesting to see how much pt the players get who signed today. This blog has been full of this kid is better than that kid. Smack talk is cheap now the rubber hits the road. No excuses please.
Hey Westsider...Dame tottin Im proud of my dd. Im her number #1 fan. Im not ashamed to admit it. Arent you proud of your child who ever that may be?? Sounds like your from the inside?
Where Im from westsiders have their noses all up in the air. Show me where Im living thru my players goals?? Im just trying to help her just like any parent would/should do.
10s Dad #1 Fan
hand signs from where Im from is
3 fingers pointing east to west for a Eastsider, and then 2 fingers pointing down for Westsiders, So Im told, LOL
SS - any input on early season matches? Always appreciate your input?
SS also, I know you are going out of state for a tourney (AZ or Vegas?) How does the competition look. Any good match ups?
Good luck none the less.
AZ & Vegas tournaments are lame. Have gone downhill at a fast pace over the past years. Unless you're Red Bull, lucky to even get a glance by college coaches. Might get 5 mins.
9:50..I think you hit the head of the nail there...Unless your in Red Bull or the Natl League, scouts will not pay much attention to you or your team, at least the big conference schools. so what happens in the future?? Do you not go to these tournaments where RB and NL will be taking place, because you wont get any looks, or go to a tournament where RB/NL isnt there, but then, the colleges wont be there either because they have a budget.
I just went on the website's for the AZ Presidents day tournament and the Las Vegas College showcase both take place next week and Both had well over 100 college coaches registered to attend. Many D1 and D2 schools. This seems like a significant number of coaches. Perhaps other tournaments draw larger numbers but certainly no MN tournament has this level of college coaching interest.
"Lame" may be a bit harsh.
SS are you attending these tournaments with the primary reason being to get your 15's college visibility?
Vegas is in March-not next week. And your right, no MN tournmanet has this level of interest, but then again, Minnesota can't exactly HAVE an outdoor tournament in feb or March! 100 or so coaches? Most of them at Red Bull and Natl league.
Any MN Tournament in ANY month will not draw 100+ college coaches.
My bad on the Vegas dates I was thinking of the Mayors cup. BTW 56 college coaches signed up for that one.
Perhaps you are right that most college coaches are at Red Bull or Natl league. I am only going by what the tournament web site indicates. Any visibility for the MN kids is great as your point indicates: not many full sided (outdoor) tournament opportunities in MN in Feb/March:) Good luck to any and all MN teams playing out of state next week.
MC of MTA Stars is off to Cornell (she is originally from that area) is the only top player to leave the Midwest of the 09's and last year (08's)the only top player to leave the MW was the one which went to Cal-Davis. Neither Cornell or Cal-Davis are anywhere near being called top D1 programs. Does it make sense to travel coast to coast to "showcase" from U-14 to U-17 when almost all of these players actually stay home in the MW to play soccer in college? The fact is, the very best players to leave MN in the last number of years are within a six-seven hour drive. Comments?
If the goal in traveling out of state is primarily to get college recognition you are absolutely wasting your money.
I doubt any of the teams primary objective in traveling out of state is regarding college visibility.
Shattuck players are, of course, headed all over the nation. Congrats to them.
2:49 Not from most of the parents I've talked to.
Didn't the SSM Girls lose in State Cup last year?
Nice article in Pioneer Press about kids signing for D1 & D2 scholarships.
http://www.twincities.com/ci_11629023?nclick_check=1
3:30 You must be speaking to a different group than I am. The parents of the kids I am speaking to have, to my knowledge, never even discussed the college visibility issue. They are focused on having a good experience for their kids and seeing where their team stands vs other top teams (hopefully) from other regions. I guess every team is different and maybe some are looking for that college scholorship.
Apparently the D1 coaches weren't too concerned that the U17 dominated SSM squad lost to a very good U18 team in state cup last year. They were impressed with the talent of the girls, nonetheless. Go figure.
I guess that shows the only people who really care about results are the petty parents. Sound familiar??
Apparently the D1 coaches weren't too concerned that the U17 dominated SSM squad lost to a very good U18 team in state cup last year. They were impressed with the talent of the girls, nonetheless. Go figure.
I guess that shows the only people who really care about results are the petty parents. Sound familiar??
if you're as tired of the dribble in this post as i, check out some real soccer coverage over at http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/ and no, i'm not bq, just a fan of what he is doing on his site.
i agree he is doing a great job, but i haven't find anywhere on his website where i can talk about my kid or rip other teams, coaches, players, parents, or clubs, etc.............
i like plymouth dome better because of the track ,the tv & other community center amenities for parents that don't watch every minute of practice
LC
9:29, probably BQ. Just more constant mta drivel, a more apt title would br rtr light.
Well said 11:58!
A more appropriate title for this blog should be MTA Rejects...A place where parents of kids not good enough for MTA can rant about how much they hate MTA and how they're better off without them.
353, As a parent of a MTA kid, please open your eyes. Pretty much any kid can make a MTA team as long as there are enough kids at that age group to start another team. Bangu used to be about putting together just Elite teams, but not anymore. A majority of their teams are far from Elite. MTA is now more about making money and supporting the layers of directors they have added since the merger with Wings. Yes they still usually have the top teams at each age group, but if MTA was truly about Elite player development they would have limited the number of teams at each age group. This would probably have helped them get more buy in from other clubs and CC's.
hey 4:23 - so why are you there?
443, Good question! They typically have the largest draw, and typically the best talent. I believe in pooling the best talent from the state and creating a top team to compete nationally. I do ,however, hate when people get on this blog and take shots at other people because their kids are on a MTA team. Except for the Blue teams the rest are average at best.
5:02
if your using MYSA as the standard all MTA teams are above easily average. Average being C2 teams. In order - Rec., C3, C2, C1, Premier.
being that mta has over the last few years often had multiple teams in the State Cup semi's at the same age, then that would make all but four teams in those age groups "below average".....
5:02--except for the 17 Girls Blue you mean.
anon 9:52,
Good point. They conveniently "forget" how many times over the past 3-4 years Bangu had multiple teams in semifinals and on at least 5occasions played each other in final of State Cup.
It's wrong to say only their "Blue" teams are among the best given these results.
Goobers are back it looks, drooling over this simple formula. Go out, recruit a bunch of eager parents by telling them the club their kid is with is no good. Gather some atheletes spend all their enegy on State Cup beating the teams they trashed to get their players. Go to regions, get their butts handed to them, hope the rubes at home don't find out. When pressed, blame the other clubs for being haters by not pushing more kids to join the mighty machine. All this for... ready... 1 region champ and 0 national champs. Come back and brag constantly when you win at regions more than once and maybe make a run at Nationals. Til then, spare us the rehashed bragging.
11:59 - speaking of rehashed.....
11:59 a bit acerbic but spot on!
11:59,
Look at the records of the Bangu teams who went to regions. They win more than they lose.
Are they on a par with Illinois, Michigan and Ohio? Of course not.
Are our teams now doing better at regions than they did 5-10 years ago? Yes they are.
Cry and whine all you want but Bangu/MTA has elevated the level of play and the success Minnesota has had at regions.
Also look at the kids who played for MTA that helped the Gophers to the Final Four last fall.
Your whining and crying sounds pathetic.
if the state cup was in august
would bng-mta-ssm win so many
ANY C3 team that practices every day after school on dirt all school year will have a shot at state cup
they could win as many ss ssm (1), but you are kidding right?
I hope all the SSM boys and girls team win all the state cups so this board gets even more moronic.
MTA is #1 without a doubt. Read the st paul Pioneer Press or the Star Trib. They just printed the facts.
The rest of you wannabes are losers.
Well now, I'm glad I checked back in. This is a productive conversation. what next? "my Dad can beat up your Dad" Could everyone act at least ,,, say,,, 12 years old? Please!
we don't wannabee, we play basketball too
lc
RE: MTA is #1 without a doubt. Read the st paul Pioneer Press or the Star Trib. They just printed the facts.
The rest of you wannabes are losers.
......uh didn't their u-16, 17 teams lose to SSM recently ?????
Boys teams that is (the above).
In response to 5-2 my 15's will be in Vegas, primary reason for going is that we where looking for a fun tournament that the girls could look forward to during the winter months. If any player get any recogition from any college coach it is considered a bonus. As far as competition sure they will give us all we can handle.
Our U13's will be in Phoenix they are doing it to get a chance to play some really god none regional U13 teams. Even for them it is more about giving the girls something to look forward to during the winter than anything else.
As far as scrimmages in the winter think it is hard to read into the results, certainly know that our team has been very up and down and recently very down, for various reasons. However the kids like to play games and it gives coaches an opportunity to work on things have not met one coach that put a lot weight on results this time of the year however as a coach you want your team to play well even if the results do not matter so they do have value.
SS
848 is not from MTA. Puts out that post periodically to get people worked up. Works well for him.
SS - good luck to both teams in the upcoming months and I commend your motivation for attending the tournaments.
The big question for everyone out there...........if SS was from MTA, would he get ripped for sending U13's to AZ? I have no problem with it, but awfully silent out there based on recent rhetoric......
SS,
Who have you been not playing well against? Seen any good teams?
Thanks to the St Croix U17s who came in to SSM to play the U16s today. The game got pretty chippy on both sides of the ball. Hate to see this happen, and hope that everyone is alright with no serious injuries.
Thank you to all who attended, look forward to seeing you all again.
SSMSouthCampus
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