The 2008-2009 Gopher Women are off to an outstanding 12-1 start and giving the U of M faithful something to follow this fall. MD has them playing some very solid at the back and in the midfield. The attack looks very dynamic at times and consistent goal production has not been a problem They are moving into their tough part of the Big 10 season. Can they make this a dream season by advancing deep into the NCAA tournament?
I think they will! Go Gophers!!
697 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 697 Newer› Newest»I agree. The Gophers are loaded and will go a long way in the NCAA's. They will wear down most of the teams with their direct style. They may be the best conditioned team in the nation.
GO Gophers............
They are well conditioned but not overly deep. They also lack scoring punch. It will depend on their draw. It is very possible they could get thrown into a group with Notre Dame, Milwaukee etc. If so it will be a short tourney for them. They need to win a couple of games in the conference tourney and try to get a Top 16 seed.
I'd take Milwaukee over Notre Dame any day....
And I'd be watching out for Madison over the next couple of years. They are ramping up on players and already have the best coaches in place to compete with Penn State. They already know how to do it.
Milwaukee over ND? I don't see that. ND's second 11 would be a top 20 team. They may be the deepest women's college team ever.
Anon 7:08: Let me clarify. MN vs UW-Mil preferred over MN vs ND.
7:47: 10-4... roger that
Latest Polls
Soccer Buzz
#19 Minnesota (LW #19)
Soccer Times
#19 Minnesota (LW #21)
Soccer America
#21 Minnesota (LW #25)
NSCAA/Adidas
#25 Minnesota (LW #25)
Top Drawer
(NCAA 64 Team Tournament Projection)
#29 Minnesota
Mackenzie (MACK) Misel from Iowa has verballed to play with Minnesota, she is a 2010 from West Des Moines SC plays defender.
222, Can anyone verbally commit to a school or was she recruited and offered a scholarship. Don't know how it works?
Thanks,
A Freshman in HS can verbal to any college, sure. And yes, a coach can offer a scholarship to any student in HS, no matter the age, however the recruit HAS to go to the University for a UNofficial visit. The college coaches are now starting to look at 2011s, go to bigsoccer.com on the womens college site, there is a great spreadsheet on 09s, 10s, and now some 11s that are verballing. 2010s are almost done.
Im sure she was offered some sort of scholarship.
see attached.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=poknaL_RaORDOMcyz_riBDA&gid=0
Based on the performance of recent Gophers from Iowa...
I'd say this recruit is good news.
She's compiled a nice resume.
Yes she has....I had heard once that Coach MDW wanted to pull the best player out of Iowa every year?? That group she has now that are Sr's, Hoodie, she made the most inroads in the state of iowa for attending MN.
10s Dad
You must be good if someone posts your school choice on three separate threads.
MDW deserves some praise, she has the team back in the NCAA hunt and if lucky, a big ten championship. If she can find a true target player, watch out
Obviously MDW has a very solid team this year. She has worked very hard over 4 years and churned and burned many players(and a couple of coaches)in and out of the program. I agree she deserves credit for the 2008 team, but I would want to see a couple of years of success before calling Minnesota soccer a "top program"
You are not going to see any impact game changers coming to the U. Those players don't want to play Big Ten style soccer.Sorry,but that's just the way it is.
Really? Heyboer, Maxwell, etc would be interested to hear you say that. North Carolina and the rest of the ACC play "Big Ten style" soccer also. They just do it better. UNC seems to be able to attract impact players.
why are so many players from the current u18 eclipse select, fc milwaukee, ohio elite, etc. going to big ten schools if no top notch players want play big ten soccer?
Tell me what Eclipse players are going to what big10 schools?? Remember, there are 3 18 eclipse teams. The top team, they are going to the likes of Duke, Princeton, Stanford, Tennessee, Mizzou, Texas, Clemson, Louisville..Dont try to spin this because they are from Eclipse. Its a big club you know.
Ohio Elite, going to UNC, Santa Clara the top players are anyway. Now, FCM, maybe...They all want to stay in-state. I think more are going to the Big East Marquette.
Gophers lead Iowa 1-0 with 15 minutes to play.
If they hang onto this lead they will tie Penn State for Big 10 Championship.
No "baby steps" this year for the girls...just "giant leaps" for MDW and her players.
Minnesota Gopher women win tonight over Iowa 1-0.
They are Big 10 Co-Champs with Penn State with a record of 8-2 in Big 10 and 18-2 overall.
Congrats to the team and coaching staff on a fantastic year.
Let's hope the ladies get an invite to NCAA Tourney.
Gopher girls get number 2 seed in Big 10 Tournament.
They open with Northwestern on November 6th at 10:00 AM.
is there such a thing as an automatic ncaa bid for conference winners like in college basketball?
I believe ...
The Big 10 tournament winner gets an automatic bid to NCAA tournamant.
The rest are selected at large.
With the Gophers record, place in the conference and RPI they have a good chance of getting an at large bid even if they don't take B10 tournament title.
But...
Iowa is as close to home field advantage as they can get.
I like their B10 tournament bracket.
I'd bet they make it to the finals.
GO GOPHERS
Do they want to get to the final? I think they have an NCAA bid wrapped up. They should pull a PSU and coast at the tournament and stay healthy for the NCAA's.
Getting to the NCAA is a big deal for MN. Congrats. But when they start the NCAA tourn they will be lucky to win a game. No chump teams like in the Big 10. Don't get too excited folks.But good luck anyway.
The kid who verbaled to the Gophs....If this kid is that good why would she pick the Gophs. Maybe being from Iowa she never heard of ND,UCLA,Port,Fsu etc....LMAO
maybe the player wanted to stay close to home...maybe her family is her top priority...maybe she has been exposed to people from the east coast or west coast and does not like what they represent...Maybe she recognized that you don't have to play at the best programs to have a good athletic experience...maybe she she realized that if she's a student-athlete at the U with good grades as an under graduate, her chances of being admitted into any of the U's top end grad programs are greatly enhanced...Maybe she's thinking about her future after 4 years of soccer.
Soccer is not life...If her career ended on day one at the U due to injury, she would still be in a location that she prefers. ANY child who picks a school based on the quality of an athletic program and nothing else is very likely to regret that decision. Why do you think so many mn soccer players who go to schools elsewhere end up transferring back to the area?
maybe the player wanted to stay close to home...maybe her family is her top priority...maybe she has been exposed to people from the east coast or west coast and does not like what they represent...Maybe she recognized that you don't have to play at the best programs to have a good athletic experience...maybe she she realized that if she's a student-athlete at the U with good grades as an under graduate, her chances of being admitted into any of the U's top end grad programs are greatly enhanced...Maybe she's thinking about her future after 4 years of soccer.
Soccer is not life...If her career ended on day one at the U due to injury, she would still be in a location that she prefers. ANY child who picks a school based on the quality of an athletic program and nothing else is very likely to regret that decision. Why do you think so many mn soccer players who go to schools elsewhere end up transferring back to the area?
OSU, ILL, and NU are all tied for 5'th at 5-5-0. I believe they are all 1-1 againstt the other. Which one gets seeded where? Finishing second would get the Gophers a game against the team that is determined to be in 7'th place.
4:14-
Illinois #5
OSU #6
NU #7
See for complete bracket:
http://www.gophersports.com/pdf7/151239.pdf?ATCLID=1615593&SPSID=38622&SPID=3296&DB_OEM_ID=8400
2009 National team recruits by conference.
Big East 14
ACC 13
Pac 10 12
Big 10 11
SEC 9
Big West 6
Big 12 5
So much misinformation floating around about where impact players attend school it seemed some facts were needed. As you can see the Big Ten attracts just as many "impact players as anyone. Of course being on a national team does not automatically make you a great player or necessarily better than someone else, but it is the best benchmark we have.
Regarding the Iowegian rcruit. As a freshman in HS she still plays with dolls and sleeps with her teddy.She wouldn't have a clue about the reasons some goofball posted about verbaling the U. You people must live in dream land.
Also, WHO ever said this recruit was really good anyway?? here you go, assuming.
Anonymous said...
2009 National team recruits by conference.
Big East 14
ACC 13
Pac 10 12
Big 10 11
SEC 9
Big West 6
Big 12 5
So much misinformation floating around about where impact players attend school it seemed some facts were needed. As you can see the Big Ten attracts just as many "impact players as anyone. Of course being on a national team does not automatically make you a great player or necessarily better than someone else, but it is the best benchmark we have.
1/11/08 6:45 PM
Besides Parkhill, what other big time recruits are flocking to MN? IL isnt getting any, either is Iowa. WI is having a fair recruiting year next yr, so is Penn State, however, WI and PSU are starting to recruit players from Canada. Most of the regional level players that are at Ohio State or thinking about going to Ohio State, is because Lori Walker is a Region II ODP coach, and she starts it at these camps. Her starting freshman forward, Paige Maxwell, she was a team pet of Coach Walkers Region II team. Just ask Cat, she will tell ya the same thing.
I believe the Iowa player coming to the U is starter for the WDM club team which has defeated the MN state cup champs at regions twice by a combined 7-0. She must be a good player.
Nope, wrong one, the one your thinking about plays for the WDM Heat U17s. MM is a 91 that is a 2010, she plays for the U18 Xtreme. Plays in the back.
Hope the U does something this year cuz it's going to be rough going next year.
Anon 7:10
If the Gophers continue to do well this season , it's possible they'll get a transfer or surprise recruit for 09 and 10.
That being said, I partly agree with your point of view.
We will be loosing several dominant players in the likes of KK, KH and LS.
Gophers need to send a thank you to OSU Keeper. OSU defeats PSU 1-0 despite being outshot 30-4. Soccer is a cruel game sometimes.
And OSU did it @ PSU.
Teams are coming into Big Tens looking to make a lot of noise.
It should be a fun weekend in Iowa.
The Gophers don't seem to be letting up.
Gotta love MN's frosh forward's performance recently.
Gophers have NCAA bid wrapped up. Biggest concern should be staying healthy as depth is limited. Agree with previous poster that this senior class will be missed. The main thing the Gophs lack is a goal scorer. The lack of goals is astounding considering the amount of chances the midfield creates. KH,KW and CG have been amazing all year. The attackers need to step it up for an NCAA run to happen.
2:11 - Agreed that the amount of opportunities the Gophs have had and the # of goals isn't as good of a ratio as it should be. I'm sure they already know that and is what they are working on to prepare for NCAA's.
Not having 1 goal scorer isn't always a bad thing however. They are a difficult team to prepare for as they have 5-7 girls that can all score from anywhere. They won't be an easy team to prepare for in NCAA's. But to do well in NCAA's they won't have the luxury of missing gimme's close to the net.
As for missing seniors, there isn't a top 25 team in the country that doesn't miss their seniors. The Gopher seniors are tremendous leaders and will be missed immensely, but no one cares about that right now. They just care about taking the team as far as possible right now.
And let's not forget, goal scorers or not, they have given up 7 goals in 20 games. It is defense that brought them a Big 10 co-championship. It had nothing to do with goal scoring.
I had a chance to talk to the parents of the Ohio St goalie. She was heavily recruitedand liked the atmosphere at St.First class all the way. There can't be too many goalies at the college level better than her.ST lost their playmaking mid from last year and are struggling as a result.
TS has come on strong the last several games as a goal scorer.
She will be a huge asset in the upcoming tournaments.
She has given the team an added dimension and the other players are now confident in her and are looking for her as a target and to score.
Couldn't have happened at a better time!
she has been their biggest threat lately. I hope her minutes correspond to her talent not her status as a freshman.
257 I agree the lack of a true goal scorer is a a problem but not one that can't be overcome with a team effort. Can you imagine if MN had someone like Heyboer or Maxwell or Schoepfer? 211 as you say the midfield creates many great opportunities, eventually some will be finished, just need to finish a few more than they have been. The defense has been rock solid but will be tested much more once they get to NCAA tournament. I think they will get a decent seed and get by their first round game. It will be difficult after that but anything can happen. Must avoid ND in the initial 4 team pairing.
3:56
Agree completely - they do need to avoid ND, however, putting Minnesota in a regional with ND would be a punishment to ND which I don't think would happen considering they are the #1 overall seed. Yes, ND would be heavily favored over the Gophers, but the Gophers are ranked high enough that I don't think the tourney committee would put ND in that position in the 2nd round of the NCAA tourney.
Gophers last RPI was #28. It could go up but if not it would be a perfectly logical second round matchup.
Who do the Gophs get in rd 1 of the B10. Best guess??
Iowa-PSU
MSU-IL
MN-NW
PU-OSU
I like the Gophers over ND. The lady-gophers have something special going on this year. I predict at least the final 8.
Go Gophers!
Anon 8:51
Wow, that's high praise.
I'm a big fan of this year's team but wouldn't go out on the ND or final 8 limb !!!
It's great to hear this kind of support.
I do agree, there is something special happening with this bunch this year.
They really have surpised a few naysayers and don't appear to be letting up.
Barring injuries / illness I'd say they are poised to do well @ Big Tens.
After that, depending on the brackets, I can see them advancing @ NCAAs.
I really appreciate how much FUN this group has been to watch.
I hope they continue to work hard and reach their goals.
8:51 - Can I buy $5.00 worth of that?
RECENT RANKINGS
NCAA RPI (Nov 3): # 22 Minnesota
Top Drawer Projected 64 Tournament Teams : #14 Minnesota
Soccer America Projected 64 Tournament Teams : #22 Minnesota
Soccer Buzz Top 25: #18 Minnesota (LW #19)
Soccer Times Top 25: #19 Minnesota (LW #19)
Soccer America Top 25: #20 Minnesota (LW #21)
NSCAA/Adidas Top 25: #21 Minnesota (LW #25)
who do u think will get the 4 #1 seeds then?? Notre Dame, UCLA, UNC ?, Stanford or Portland?
Game Day.
Gophers vs Northwestern @ 10 in Iowa City.
Big Ten awards announced.
Coach MDW Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Players Schwartz, Hood, Clark, Dark and Strahota also honored.
Go Gophers.
After leading the team to twice as many victories this season as last and tying a school record with 18 wins, head coach Mikki Denney Wright was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. Denney Wright and the Minnesota coaching staff has led the team this season to a school record 18 wins and the Gophers’ 18-2-0 record represents the best winning percentage of any Big Ten program.
In just her fifth season at the helm of Minnesota Soccer, Denney Wright has revitalized a program that had struggled prior to her tenure. Committed to a philosophy of recruiting the best homegrown players as well as athletes with outstanding character on and off the field, Denney Wright and her coaching staff have the program poised for its first NCAA Tournament run in nearly a decade.
Hood and Clark All Big Ten First Team. Schwartz and Dare on second team.
Gophers in a bit of trouble in Iowa City. Down 1-0 to Northwestern at half and being outshot 9-4.
It would be better for the Gophs if they lost. Rest up for NCAA's. It may cost them in the seeding but being healthy is more important.
2 goals by Wagner have Gophers in front. 27 minutes left.
Gophers now up 3-1 with 13 minutes remaining in the match. They should move to semi-final.
Gopher women win 3-1 over NU.
Solid win today for the Gopher girls.
They have the defense and the momentum.
I think they'll win Big 10 Tournament.
just remember......if they do win it is because the B10 is down.......JK, happy to see the girls are doing well and kudos to the coach.
Game Day.
Rain / snow showers predicted.
Temps @ 37 with wind @ 17 mph.
Kickoff @ 1PM.
I believe Purdue is missing a lead attacker who was called up for U20 NT.
She wasn't on last night's box score.
GO GOPHERS.
Yea, its COLD down here in Iowa today. Its windy, and rain on and off, but not heavy.
10s Dad
MDW'S recruiting moxie....Rouse had to beg just to walk on. That's all you need to know about MDW'S expertise.
The weather here is miserable. Gophs dominating but PUR has their two best players hurt (will not play).Nice break for Gophs. Why did coach take Strahota out and put in Bethke? TS is their best Off weapon. They don't need Bethke to win this game.
Gophs 1 PUR 0 half.
PUR gts wind 2nd half
1:39,
But her ego isn't too big to see that Rouse can play and start after seeing more of her.
Have to give MDW for basically admitting she made a mistake but all is well now.
always good to hear from our CI fan(s). hadn't seen one of your posts in a while.
Gopher girls win 1-0.
They dominated play but couldn't get the 2nd goal to ice the game.
They're on to the final on Sunday.
Fantastic year for this team.
The Gophs will beat PS if they contain #28. The D should be able to do it.The Gophs look like the better team. 2-1 Gophs.
Here's some stats.
National rankings top four polls
Minnesota.....21 18 19 20
PS .....23 27 24 23
MN should be slight Fav over PS
Anything can happen in soccer. You can be out shot 20 to 1 and still win the game. But,based on national rankings the B10 isn't going very far in NC2A.But it will still be a great year for the Gophers no matter what happens.
1:39:
Rouse did not beg her way onto a Big Ten team.
Being a recruited walk on simply means accepting an offer to play without the promise of an athletic scholarship your freshman year.
Things have turned around for her since.
I give both MDW and the player credit for this move.
Sometimes money isn't everything.
And likewise, hard work often pays off big.
Gopher Parent
3:03: I Love the pun ("ice").
It was an absolutely miserable day in
Iowa City yesterday.
Cold, windy, freezing rain and snow.
My hats off to those girls.
They battled to hold onto that win under pretty miserable conditions.
I'll tell you this, that's a team with good fitness.
As the game wore on Purdue ran out of steam.
Best of luck to the Gophers vs Penn State.
I'm hoping they make more U soccer history.
If the Gophs win Sunday would the NCAA seriously consider having them host a set of first round games? Lots of complaints about the weather in Iowa yesterday but that would be typical for Minnesota in mid-November.
MN RPI is currently #22 entering B10 tourney. Wins over #57 NU and # 54 PUR won't help much. PSU is #13 so a win there might bring them up a bit. Still unlikely they will host, but possible if beat PSU.
is bethke injuried?
I believe ...
You have to bid for hosting a first / second round game.
Sites are not simply assigned.
Except for top seeded 16, first round games are matched geographically.
MN RPI may rise based on results of all the games across the nation this weekend.
Bethke sprained her ankle .
Does season attendance and facilities factor in to bid to host
Gophers have been very fortunate on injury front this year, important for a team with little depth. Some of that is luck but also credit MDW for her prevention program.
Game Day in Iowa City.
It looks like improving weather conditions.
Big game for the Gophers.
You can watch on the Big Ten Network @ 2PM.
Go Minnesota.
Gophs down 2-1 with 20 to go. Back line unable to handle Toney. Dare keeping them in it.
Gophers lose 2-1, LS almost tied it in last minute but shot just went wide. MN really misses Bethke, she was their most dangerous player while in the game but was not able to play many minutes. Hopefully she will be ready to go next week.
Great run by the Gophers.
I think this is MDW's 1st recruiting class that are seniors this year.
Looks like she knows what she's doing.
The front runner from PSU was the diff in the game.
We had 2 good chances in last 15-20 minutes but just couldn't sneak one past their keeper.
The Gophers will make some noise in NCAA tournament.
This team took GIANT steps this year.
Wonderful job by a superbly talented group of Senior leaders. Depth was truly the difference. Gophs used 2 reserves 43 mins, PSU used 6 for 170+. Gotta believe the bench can help a bit more next week.
PS playing four back while Gophs playing three back. This was a mistake. Poor strategy.
# 28 should have been marked and double teamed. Everybody knew she was the killer.
Gophers anticipation around the PS goal was poor resulting in three missed scoring opportunities.
The better team won.
PS is losing players. They will win two games max in NC2A.
The Gophs will win one game in NC2A.
Niether of these teams are strong enough to go beyond this.
Great year for the Gophs. Next year .500 in B10 will be a good year.
MN couldnt contain Toney. This is the problem with the Big-10, Toney for the most part is the best dangerous player 1v1 in the conference, they havent played the FSU's, UNC's, Portlands, UCLA's with more than just 1 dangerous player. Congrates to the team for the great Big10 run, but now comes the one and done games. Totally depends on the draw.
Yes, gophers struggled to contain Toney, but Penn State struggled with the Gophers as well....they just finished their opportunities better than the Gophers. Gophers put consistent pressure on them (in a 4 back system) but kudos to State's goalie for being in great position.
anon 340 saw it during the 2nd half...what didn't mdw?
make that 'why'....
a typical mn coach, unable to make an adjustment during a game...?
Watch when and where the Gophers will play their first round NCAA tournament game.
Monday 11/10/2008
7:00 PM (approx.)
ESPNEWS Live
Division I Women's Soccer Selection Announcement (64 teams)
9:51 - wow - you must have fun living such a caustic lifestyle
I feel bad for your family if that is your typical attitude
It will be fun to watch where the Gophers are headed on Friday.
Some folks just can't accept the facts. They live in a delusional state of mind.
Gophers get very nice draw. Marquette first round and then Colorado. Gets tougher after that with Notre Dame in 3'rd. Still, a smooth road to round of 16.
Minnesota will be host site as well.
Easy draw and home field advantage. Get your tickets to South Bend!
is the draw on line anywhere?
Come and support NCAA Womens Soccer @ the Robbie
Friday Nov 14 and Sunday Nov 16
Minnesota (20-3-0) vs Marquette (11-7-3)
South Dakota St. (14-4-1) vs Colorado (14-4-4) (top 16 seed)
Winners of the above
http://www.ncaa.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/ncaa/sports/w-soccer/auto_pdf/WSoc-DI-2008Bracket
Don't think Gophs got easy draw. They will be lucky to beat Marq.. Doubt they can beat Col.
Good luck gophs.
Maybe at a neutral site they would have trouble. At home they should win both games.
I doubt any draws are easy.
But given the other comparable first / second round games in our region, I like ours over say Milwaukee's.
The Panthers are headed to ND to play Michigan State then the winner of ND and Toledo.
Because of our mini bracket, we can't meet up with ND until the 3rd game.
By the way, I counted a total of 28 Minnesota players between the Gophers, Marquette and SDSU.
Come support the home grown talent.
I propose a productive and positive game on this site. I know, I know, how dare it be positive.
Fill out your brackets before Thursday 11:59pm. Feel free to copy below and fill in your own teams.
1pt=1st round correct pick
2pt=2nd round correct pick
4pt=3rd round correct pick
6pt=Correct Elite 8 teams
8pt=Correct Semi-Finalist
10pt=Correct Champion
Tie breaker = minute of 1st goal in final.
*Must have a moniker to play*
1st round Winner:
ND
Milwaukee
Minnesota
Colorado
BC
Harvard
Auburn
FSU
Portland
WSU
Georgia
Wake Forest
OK State
PSU
Denver
Stanford
UCLA
San Diego
BYU
USC
Duke
South Carolina
WVU
UVA
Florida
UCF
Washington
Texas AM
Missouri
Illinois
Charlotte
UNC
2nd Round or Sweet 16:
ND
Minnesota
BC
FSU
Portland
Wake Forest
OK State
Stanford
UCLA
USC
Duke
UVA
Florida
Texas AM
Missouri
UNC
3rd Round or Elite 8:
ND
FSU
Portland
Stanford
UCLA
UVA
Florida
UNC
Final Four:
ND
Stanford
UCLA
UNC
Finals:
ND
UCLA
Champion:
ND
Tie breaker: 1st goal in 19th minute
Temps will be in the upper 20's to low 30's with a good chance of light snow at ELRS this weekend. That is not conducive to good soccer. The NCAA is crazy to have games here.
anon 9:55,
And it's insane not to have a retractable roof on the new Twins stadium!
Anon 9:55
I believe the NCAA arranges and pays for travel costs during championships.
I can't imagine they have enough money to fly 64 teams south.
The way it stands now, teams are required to travel by bus if their game site is within 400 miles.
Hence you get mini brackets defined by geography.
In our "pod" Minnesota is the logical choice.
Two teams travel by bus, one flies, one hosts.
Shattuck can hold the games inside of the dome...
domes aren't desired or feasible. where would you put the spectators? do they all just stand on the sidelines like what currently happens when watching a scrimmage?
Then standoutside then like what currently happens when watching in cold.
The NCAA prefers grass.
It's not like these girls have never played in freezing weather.
I've seen all four teams play. Colorado will win our mini bracket.
Agree. lots of MN gals in tourney.This is great. One of the better players and underrated is Steph from SD. She's tough as nails and if opponents don't watch out she will put them to sleep.
Don't forget your snowmobile suit.
CU is going to be without their star player. Nikki Marshall called into the U20s. Big difference maker for sure!! Minnesota has a real great chance to advance
The NCAA has an online "interactive" tournament bracket if anyone's interested.
http://www.ncaa.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/bracket_dI_soccer_women.html
you snooze, you lose. no lapses from this point on mdw.
good luck to the team.
NCAA games tomorrow @ the Robbie:
SDSU / Colorado @ 3PM
Marquette / Minnesota @ 6PM
Come support the Gophers as they try and make a little more program history.
From IMS:
Hat’s off to Coach Mikki Denney Wright who has turned the Gophers soccer program around in her 5 seasons with the team. The Gophers had gone 18-31-3 (.375) in the three years prior to her appointment as head coach in January of 2004. Minnesota has posted a 54-38-6 (.582) record during her tenure, including a 20-3-0 (.870) mark this season. Denney Wright and her staff hope to have the program in position for its first ever trip to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen this weekend if they can win both games.
We all know there are a few folks on this site who may not care for her or the program (or just like to criticize for the sake of it), but congrats on a great season and to what is shaping up to be a solid program.
Game Day.
Let's show some support for a hard working bunch of girls.
Bring whatever you need to stay warm and dry...
Come on out to the Robbie tonight @ 6PM.
843 you forgot to mention the Big Ten record of 22-27-1 (.450).
12:58 -
You forgot to mention jealousy(i.e. YOU)
Hey - like you stated previously, "I'M JUST STATING THE FACTS!"
Let's GO GOPHERS - Who cares about temps!
12:58 - I believe the last line in 8:43's post pretty much sums it up......
What was the Gopher's Big Ten record the three years before she came?
17-32-1 (.350)
Was at the game. SDST beats
COL 1 nil...SDST scored early then played COL even. Col had chances.Shot over net ,hit crossbar,hit post and a great save by SDST keeper.COL missed their top player big time.
Gophs dominating Marq 2-0 at half.
Gophs should be favored by two goals Sunday.
Great crowd at Gophs game.
SDSU has a lot of confidence in their defense. It's a strategy that's been used all season. Score early and pack it in the rest of the match playing one forward. I have to believe there was a little over-confidence on the part of CO too.
The Gophs will have no trouble with SDSU I would be supprised if they don't win by 5 goals
Gophers win 2-1!! Congrats.
Big 12 5-1 .833
Big 10 3-1 .750
Big East 3-1 .750
ACC 5-2 .741
Pac 10 4-2 .667
SEC 2-4 .333
Guess Big 10 not so bad after all.
Gophers seem to have luck on their side as they caught a break playing at home and now again with Colorado losing. Sweet sixteen is assured and then anything can happen. Difficult to see them getting past ND or FSU though.
You will find out how good the B10 is starting next week after all the shoe clerks and pretenders are history. This weeks games don't mean much.
B10's top team PS one and done.
Boogeyman
"Sweet 16 is Assured"... "Gophers should be favored by 2"..."I would be supprised if they don't win by 5goals" Wow people, you sure know how to repect your opponent. That must come from all the post season success of recent past. SD State WILL show up and try not to embarrass themselves against the new soccer measuring stick.
Game Day.
Brave the weather conditions today and come support the Gophers.
They are making a bid to visit Notre Dame.
Anyone who watched SDSU / Colorado and thinks the Jackrabbits will be an easy victory, wasn't paying attention.
Mr Boogeyman what is your problem !!!
I think he's related to Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh.
Gophers should win today without too much difficulty but..... I would like to see them play better than they did Friday. Marquette was the better team for most of the game. Gophers only had 2 chances and scored on both, ome of them a very soft goal. They will need to play much better next week to even be in the game.
if the soccer girls go out today with the same attitude the football team had in the 2nd half yesterday.... well, i'm pretty sure sdsu isn't going to roll over and give them the game.
good luck to both teams. play hard.
ems
I allso say good luck to both teams remember there are alot of Minnesota girls that play for SDSU. Either way it is good for Minnesota soccer.
Gophers up 2-0 at half and cruising. Subs should see some action today. Bethke back and healthy. Team will be at full strength for ND next weekend. ND beats MSU 1-0 while outshooting them 29-3. Gophs will have their hands full.
Notre Dame is not 100%..Not sure about today, but Bock did not suit up for the Friday match, she hurt her knee in the BigEast tournament. Hanks isnt 100% either.
Hanks had 10 shots today. Seems to be OK.
Solid effort for MN today in 2-0 win over SDSU. Gophers dominated the first half. Jackrabbits had a slight edge in second half as Gophers substituted freely but outcome was never really in question. On to ND.
Now the real tournament begins. Wannabes are history.
Gopher women in Sweet Sixteen!
That would be giant steps!!!!!
MDW's first recruiting class advances farther than any Gopher team in history.
Congrats Coach!
So if they don't make tourney next year would that be a giant step backward?? Try to keep some perspective and don't make outrageous claims when success comes. Likewise don't bash and be overly negative when things don't go so well.
This has been a great season for the Gophers relatively speaking.
It's a fact the Big Ten was mediocre at best this year.
The Big Ten has two teams left in the sweet 16.
MN vs ND
ILL vs NC
So you wanted to play the big kids. Well Big Ten chest thumpers here is your big chance to show the soccer world just what ya got.
Lets hear from all of you who think either Big Ten team has a chance to win.C'mon lets hear why you think they can win.Don't be bashful!
ACC 9-3 .750
Big 10 5-2 .714
Big East 5-2 .714
Pac 10 6-3 .667
Big 12 6-5 .544
SEC 3-5 .375
Pac 10 and ACC still rule. Big 10 still the best of the rest.
6:34
the above doesn't mean much....
Now you are down to the best 16. This will tell you who's the best and how everybody stacks up.
Not really. The first two rounds show you the depth and strength of various conferences. Now will show who the really strong individual teams are.
All you Gophers/MDW bashers would have bet your house that the Gophers wouldn't have made it this far this season...and you know it!
Now you continue to belittle this team that has advanced farther than any Gopher team in history.
Time for you bashers to eat crow.
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They are as strong as they come defensively...How did Greece win Euro 2004, how did team usa beat the russians? Exactly, both played nearly perfect as a team on their defensive end...anything can happen, nothing is predetermined.
best of luck to the girls.
what would be the purpose of anyone bashing this team unless it is somehow personal against the team and/or coaches or some jeolousy for someone else having success??
I think as with any program a lot of people leave it and have axes to grind.
Notre Dame outshot Michigan State today 29-3 yet needed a goal in the 72'nd minute to win 1-0. Anything can happen.
Should the Gophers bunker in or play straight up?
something in between...drop a forward back in an attempt to win the battle in the midfield. IMHO thats where this game (as with almost all games) will be won or lost.
I agree. The gophers strength lies in their mids, the back line is solid but not great and vulnerable to good attackers when the opponents midfield can give them service. PSU game was a good example. The Gophers must win the midfield battle, not just hold their own, to have any chance at all. Dare will need to play the game of her life also.
Gophers back 3 are going to have their hands full with the Irish's 3 forwards. The Irish match up 3v3 in the center midfield which may neutralize the Gopher attack through the midfield and cause them to track back as the Irish will push center mids forward into the attack much like the Gophers do with Grimwood and Wagner. If the midfield doesn't track they will be numbers down in the defensive 1/3. Irish play with 4 in the back which will outnumber the Gopher 2 forwards and be able to keep the Gopher's wide midfielders in front of them if they aren't busy tracking back to the aid of the Gopher's back line. It will be an interesting game. The x-factor may be whether or not Bock plays for the Golden Domers and if the Gophers can keep converting on set pieces.
Wish it was on TV.
It's great to be a fan but you have to be reasonable. The facts are the Gophers DON'T have a chance.If you think they do you are a rookie and don't know soccer.You actually think the Gophers match up with the Irish???
They have to play the game of their life to avoid a blowout.This ain't the Big Ten or the Jackrabbits. Wake up and get real.Start making your excuses now and avoid the rush.
ILL. will get slaughtered.
Some fans are realistic and others are delusional.
MN has a chance, Bock (who is the D1 Player of the year I think) hasnt played for the 2nd straight game, Hanks played in a knee brace and is far from 100%, one of there best defenders just got called into the U20s. The Gophers have a chance. They cant be affraid to take it to the Irish thou.
10s Dad
10"s Dad
Would you put a C Note on the game?
I think many would have bet a C note at beginning of the season that the Gophers wouldn't be playing ND in Sweet Sixteen.
Those folks would be out $100 right now.
This team has proven they can play with anyone.
Is ND the favorite? Of course.
Will this be a competitive match?
I think so.
Will this season be a disappointment if they don't beat ND?
HELL NO!
This team deserves a lot of congratulations and many apologies from the bashers of the past 2-3 years.
5:42 - We don't even need their apologies, let them sulk in their own jealousy and cynacism. Our girls don't play for the haters, they play for their own pride, families, and personal development, and of course, for the U of M.
Ah, nope I would not bet against ND, but I do think the Gophers have a chance, they will need to play their best, and they need to score. I hope they dont play bunker ball.
10s Dad
the hate for MDW is alarming, she has taken a program that was lifeless and a few years later they are in the sweet 16 and regular season co-champs. I am sorry if she did not recruit your kid or take you on her staff (the egos and opinions of some of the coaches in this state both on the club level and HS is hilarious) but give her some credit and win or lose vs the Irish it is a great season. Of course ND is the favorite but it will not be a blowout. Who gave teh jackrabbits a ahcen versus Colorado. If you follow soccer you know it is a funny game where anything can happen as alluded to earlier by the greeks inexpicably winning the euro champ.
10:57 Apparently you don't understand the difference between hate and fact. Everybody hopes the Gophers win.But that won't happen not because of hate but because ND is the much better team.
Will Minnesota beat Notre Dame? Just answer YES or NO.
Those with a lil courage might want to sign their moniker.
NO
Eastsider
Yes - The Gopher run isn't over yet.
Splitsville
except for one yahoo on here i haven't read a lot of "the gophers are definitely going to win" talk. i agree, we all hope they will win, but they will be big underdogs. can they win - sure, will they win - most likely not.
i guess where many of us are perplexed is that there is a bit of an undercurrent with some of the posters who i sense want and hope they lose. not sure why (maybe they can elaborate)....
I would love to see MN win!! We have friends and past teammates on this team. (Iowa girls and Lightning connections)
10s Dad
I think some of the Gophers die hard supporters get a bit paranoid when someone posts they don't think they can beat Notre Dame. From that they assume it's some kind of hate thing.I'd guess most of these folks probably never played sports and don't have any idea how to handicap a game. Only losers bet with their heart.
1:41 - please show us all these posts of die hard Gopher supporters that you are referencing? Most of what I've read are from fans who want them to win (nothing wrong with that) Is 10's Dad in some dream world? I don't think so, he's only stating what he would love to see happen. What's the obsession with betting and having to handicap a game? Why can't we just be fans and root them on?
1057 makes an interesting statement "I am sorry if she did not recruit your kid or take you on her staff (the egos and opinions of some of the coaches in this state both on the club level and HS is hilarious)" That is remindful of the MTA mantra whenever anyone dares to differ with them. "I am sorry if your kid could not make or was cut from an MTA team" Connection?
I think a lot of animosity is directed at MDW due to all the kids she's recruited from Bangu/MTA the past few years.
It's similar to the anger directed at the Minnesota Thunder and their coaches etc since they have aligned with the Bangu youth program.
There are a few vocal posters/bashers but the majority of the soccer community is behind MDW and her Gophers and the Minnesota Thunder.
Don't let a few malcontents sway your feelings and opinions.
ND coach Randy Waldrum was kind of sarcastic when he gave his MS post game."Ya ,they played a 4-5-1 ten behind the ball They all do when they play us. our opponents are just hoping to hang on and get to a shoot out".
He said they are better than last year. Nine starters returned and they recruited an all american freshman class.
They get the best players from all over the country ie TX,ILL,CA,OH,CAL etc.Think they have one player from IN.
ND the great consolidator.
Gophers play Notre Dame Fri 21st.
Northsider
Bock is doubtful - takes Gophers from 2 to 3 goal favorites. Coach MDW National Coach of the Year. ELR now on National Historic Landmarks list. Goldie = ESPN top Mascot.
I think we can all agree on one thing...
In order for MN to do well vs ND the Gophers will all have to have their own personal best games.
They are clearly the underdogs.
But win or loose this has been a great run for a hard working group of kids.
How sweet is it to play the Irish at ND.
This is sports, anything can happen on any given day.
Winning streaks get broken.
Every year some Cinderella team upsets a top seed.
I'd love to see this bunch come away with a win on Friday.
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I have no beef with the MTA or past Bangu accomplishments, in fact they have changed the landscape of MN soccer (you can argue for good or bad) and try their best to get soccer here to the next level. But, if you read this blog, especially earlier in the year, you will find loads of MDW hating going on. Where does this come from? I know for a fact that some of it comes from those who are jealous she got the job and think, for whatever reason, she is undeserving. There are many reasons this jealousy would manifest itslef; two main ones are- a coach thinks they could do better (I have heard this from the hroses mouth) and parents are upset their kids did not get recruited (also a running theme around here)altgh MDW has gotten most of the best players to stick around the last few years. No MTA bashing in my post, just wondering why the hatred? She has done an admirable job after taking over a trainwreck
941 may be partially correct. There are some vocal people who feel that in the past few years if you did not play for Bangu then MDW would not look at you. Also with any program people become disenchanted and leave and some bitterness remains.
I believe some of the animosity (hatred awfully strong word) towards MDW is more than at the position than her personally. the Gophers could have hired Anson Dorrance and there still would have been some people bitching and moaning.....he only recruits out of state, he is a jerk, he doesn't recruit my daughter, he cut my daughter's scholarship, he didn't play my daughter, blah blah blah, so a lot of the resentfulness is at the position of Head Coach and what that position must do in order to be successful.
sure, there are some that resent MDW because she is hard, demanding, and yes, didn't recruit or play your daughter possibly. it is exaggerated a little just because she is a younger female.
But it doesn't take rocket science to figure out that she, her staff, and her team have had an amazing impact on the program.
If they win Friday, there will still be some that refuse to jump on the ship, but that is ok. There are plenty more that are.
Gophers definitely have their hands full, but it wouldn't be worth it, if they didn't. Best of luck, I'll be rooting and following.
6 out of the 7 MN recruits from 08 or 09 are from MTA. Does anyone believe that there aren't any better players in the entire remainder of the state that do not play for that club?
the '10 class will most likely come from outside mta as the bulk of the best players are at wdb, etc... from '11 on out it is way to early to even speculate. the 08 & 09 top teams were both bangu so it just makes sense that the bulk of the recruits would come from there.
I am not a close follower of the Gophers but how can you not give MDW
huge kudos for this season? Look where the Gophers were a few seasons ago. She is winning big and doing it with a lot of local kids in the mix.
Isn't it possible that the best players from 08 and 09 came from MTA? A college coach would not overlook someone becasue they played for a certain club. They go after the best players, it is that simpole. If they lose they will get fired, to think that MDW only recruits from MTA is crazy, the fact is that for the past few years MTA had the best talent, it will change, it always does, 15 years ago it was the Blackhawks or St.Croix, maybe next year it is WDB, but the idea of a coach overloooking players because they do not play for a certin club is ludicrous.
Most of the bashing comes from knuckle dragging males who can't stand it that a women has done a good job. Males should not be allowed to coach womens teams.They should stick with the mens teams. There would be a lot mor women coaches if not for male favoritism by males for males.
Without a doubt MDW is by far the best coach in MN.
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Play the feminist card all you want, but the reality of the situation in mn is that their are exactly 2 quality feamle coaches, mdw and je.
As to MDW specifically....I challenge you to ask any girl on that roster or previous MN rosters who have played for both her and ds who the best coach they ever played for is...I guarantee you 9 out of 10 times they will say ds.
For all those who think the Gophers have no chance, UCLA needed an own goal in the 78'th minute to beat San Diego 1-0 in the second round. Anything can happen!!
Anon 8:52: Thank You !!!
I've been watching "March Madness" for a long time now.
Every year some underdog team surprises the experts.
This is college soccer.
Anything can happen on any given game day.
Yes the Gophers will need their best game.
But frankly, I think they are due that performance.
No way has this group peaked or played to their fullest potential.
Maybe Friday will be the day.
San Diego was 15-5-3, ranked #16 in the Nation and only lost one time in the WCC conference to a little known program called Portland. One of their non-conference losses was to defending National champ USC in overtime. San Diego had 8 members on the WCC all conference team. I'd say they are not your typical underdogs.
Anonymous said...
For all those who think the Gophers have no chance, UCLA needed an own goal in the 78'th minute to beat San Diego 1-0 in the second round. Anything can happen!!
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San Diego played bunker ball v UCLA on Monday, UCLA 20 shots to
6. UCLA beat them once already this yr 3-0. Now for the hardest test to date, they play USC on Saturday. At this level, a win is a win.
Of course Im kind of a homer when it comes to UCLA..:)
10s Dad :)
LOL 10's dad I thought that would get a rise out of you! No doubt that underdogs play bunker ball, and I am sure UCLA is a much better team. However, as you say, a win is a win. It does not have to be pretty.
South Bend weather forecast for Fri
Temp Lo 21 Hi 29
Heavy snow 80%
Touchdown Jesus
.....Charlie Weiss still employed...Knute rolling over in his grave
Game info on Notre Dame web page "Game Tracker".
Also...Go to NCAA.com
Lower left link "D1womens soccer"
Brackets
Click ND vs MN
Click on Watch
Brings you to ND "game tracker"
Maybe Gophers have game tracker???
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