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 401 – 600 of 697 Newer› Newest»Maybe the game will be on B10 network.
Oh...never mind...they probably only televise the mens games live.
Who cares about the mens game. Mens teams are pretty bad as evidenced by USA world ranking #24.You want winners you have to watch the women.
I know this is a bit premature, and really doesnt belong on this site, but, FCIndiana in the WL is in total disaray. The head coach left FCI to go to the new club in NY, he is taking all the international players with him. This summer, is it going to be pay back?? Teams like Lightning and Gaels might have a chance??
10s Dad
You're right, it doesn't belong on this site.
6" of snow expected in South Bend TH and FR. Possible good news for Gophs as game will either have to be moved off ND home field or played in miserable conditions. More likely game will be moved to Sunday though.
5:14PM, are you serious? JE? She was an average Div I GK obviously struggles to teach field concepts. She has had the best MN players at an age group and done nothing with them in any remotely competitive event outside of this state. In recent years she's begun looking at the age group below for answers. I haven't seen MDW run a session that doesn't involve defending so I can't say much about her. Before you accuse me of being anti-female coaches, I'm a woman coach. Not at the level to be considered the best in the state but sick of hearing about an a$$ like JE and how good she is just because she coaches the Inferno and wears an MYSA ODP jacket around. Please.
4:17, Move the two best players off the WDB team to another "good" U-17 team in this state and they beat WDB. BTW, she also bad mouths opponents players.
Good to see Colette chiming in...
Now now girls.
Apparently the Gophers aren't important enough to be covered live by the U.They aren't on the calendar. You'd think they could at least provide audio.
Ummm... it is still soccer. Nobody cares.
If you plan to head to South Bend, be REAL careful!!
LaPORTE, Ind. (AP) — Lake-effect snow and icy roads have caused numerous crashes in northwestern Indiana.
The heaviest snow has hit LaPorte and Porter counties along the southern edge of Lake Michigan.
Meteorologist Bill Wilson of the National Weather Service says Valparaiso recorded 7.4 inches of snow between 8 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday, with more on the way. He said some areas could expect totals of 5 to 10 inches by midday.
State police report numerous slick spots on Interstate 94 and the Indiana Toll Road. As of 4 a.m., troopers had been called to 25 crashes and eight slide-offs on I-94 in Porter County.
So to recap on this site.
DS is jerk, MA steals money from little girls and their parents, MC is a thief, MDW is incompetent, MO runs up scores for his own glory, WH is an A$$, JE is an A$$, KG was incompetent at one time, JD and MS were A$$e$ at one time, JY is selfish, CC is overrated, and TC is an A$$. Oh, and MYSA is clueless.
Apparently if you aren't making someone mad, you aren't doing your job right.
Anon 5:48
Thanks for the heads up and keeping your post related to Gopher soccer!!!
How about we start up a new thread to discuss who are the most overrated coaches in the state?
Anon 8:44: I believe ND is providing live video.
The soccer schedule should have a link to live stats as well.
Game time 7:30PM EASTERN.
Gophers will need to play in the WMF to be successful
the 5 MF's of the Gophers vs the 3CMF's of the Irish.
8:11...you are correct on almost all of your statements. Very observant.
9:40 - Let me get this straight... Our 5 WMF's minus their 3 CMF's = +2MF's...Unless of course our 5 MF's play like BS...FYI
Snow and cold in South Bend will be the great equalizer and enable the Gophers to pull this out. 1-0 Gophs. The end will come next week against FSU.
Did Assistant coach Cortis really cut Molly Rouse from her ODP team?
Molly is one of the Gophers best players.
1101 cannot be serious.
11:01 is the same person who posts about that player just about every week or so......
1101-
Is it possible that some players develop and make progress at different rates or ages?
Just because someone is a star in college does not necessarily mean they were a star when they were 15, 16 or 17. The opposite is also true. some players on the gopher roster, for example, were stars when they younger but peaked during that point in time, and as a result, have not had the success that many believed they would.
i don't mean to sound like i am ripping into those that fall into the latter category, i'm just saying players reach their full potential at different times in their soccer careers.
Most of the snow has been scraped off alumni field but it is still frozen with scattered patches of snow. MN could not ask for anything more. Upset coming.
What time is the game?
0-0 at half. Lots of slipping around, field not in good shape. Notre Dame outplaying MN by a good margin but MN did have a chance early. Two great saves by Dare on Henderson to keep it scoreless. Gophers back line struggling with ND forwards. Gophers in good shape as all it will take is a slip by a defender to create a chance. MN has 8 shots but only one that was dangerous.
you can watch the game on your computer. just cut and paste this link...
http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=nd&media=91579
Gophers being dominated now. They will need some luck. May be time to drop back and play for a shootout. ND players are going by them consistently.
MDW and the Gopher Women, congratulations on a phenomenal season and thank you for helping put MN women's soccer on the national map. ND 1, MN 0 in OT. Thanks for allowing a better opportunity here forward for MN girls to get recruited from bigger and beeter programs than in the past. Most Gophers are homegrown and college coaches around the country, primarily in the Midwest, will note that MN women's soccer may be a place to look. Again thanks!
ND 1 MN 0 OT
ND scores on a penalty kick.
Couldn't tell if ND player slipped and fell on her own or if she was interfered with. Ref gave her a penalty kick. I think he should have let them play on. Heck of a way to get a win
Field was frozen. Players slipping and falling all over the place.
Feel bad for Gophs to lose that way.
Great season!
Northsider
I would like to thank the ref for taking the game into his own hands and deciding it instead of the players. What a tragic way to end a hard fought game. A very questionable call in OT no less. I hope that ref got an earful from the MN staff. How can you make that call? How? Maybe if it was a clear one on one take down getting no ball, but she got a shot off there could not have been much contact.
Good run Gophers, too bad you ran into a self-righteous attention seeking egotistical ref. What a shame.
Swallow your pride. It was a good call.
It was a legitimate call, ND players were walking around the Gopher defense all night and there could have been other PK's called. The better team by far won the game. Don't diminish the Gopher effort with sour grapes.
8:46:
Sid, I didn't know you cared about soccer. Finally Sid Hartman is following women's soccer!!!! Do you think, Sid, that it could be an NCAA conspiracy, or merely one from the Golden Dome from the days of yore?
Channel 5 news KSMP didn't even mention the game. That's the sad part. But they have a cute blonde sports reporter. So I guess they are serious about womens' sports LOL.
She's not cute. Have you seen her up close?
Gophers taking ND into overtime only to lose on a PK was a great performance by a great Gopher team.
Congratulations ladies for making it to the Sweet Sixteen. Losing to the #1 team in the nation and not giving up a goal for 95 minutes and then only on a PK is nothing to be ashamed of. Hold your heads high and be proud of your accomplishments.
You made the state and 99% of the soccer community proud of you. (there are still a few haters out there)
Congrats to MDW for a great job of recruiting and training the past 4 years.
Hopefully this fantastic season will silence some of the less informed and less knowledgable critics on this blog.
805 did you watch the game?
8:19,
Yes, they were great defensively. They struggled on the attack.
They won 22 games this year and lost 4.
What's your point?
MDW will be Big 10 Coach of the Year and will be in the running for National Coach of the Year.
Correction...I meant to say she is Big 10 COTY.
1012 Dare was outstanding but the Gophers struggled defensively. No crime in that, most teams do against Notre Dame. 26 shots and 11 on goal with at least 7 excellent chances is not being great defensively. The attack provided a chance or two in the first half when the Gophers actually were able to possess out of the back. It is difficult to generate offense when your mids and forwards are forced to constantly help on defense. Particularly in second half ND was running circles around our defense. Dare, a rough and icy field, the crossbar and failure to put away some point blank chances by ND kept this from being 3-0 or worse. The Gophers spent the whole second half just trying to hang on and get the ball out of their end. No attacking players will be able to generate anything when their D and mids are reduced to desperation serving of 40 yard balls into a 2 v 4 situation.
I have to agree with anon 1012,
The Gophers had a phenomenal year and anyone who wants to say otherwise is grinding an axe for some other reason.
What is the cause of all this animosity directed at MDW and the Gophers?
They just had the best season in Gopher's history and MDW's first recruiting class is a major reason for that. With the talent she's recruited in subsequent years the overall program is light years ahead of where it was prior to her arrival. They took GIANT STEPS this year.
What's the beef?
Are there that many who are sexists and feel as a woman she doesn't belong?
Or is there another reason? It's hard to argue with her success.
Anyone?
1245,
I'm sure its just a couple of mta coaches who believe that they could have won a national championship with the same team. afterall they are the "professionals".
Miac Fan...Here goes (though it is quite obvious that you don't really want an answer) This team had a great season because they have great character and play for each other, period. The reality is that coach is frequently less than honest with her players about expectations and consequences. She plays the favorites game to no end, and is far less mature than all 18 kids and 2 coaches that have left the program since her arrival. According to your definition, I guess I'm a Bi-sexist because if she were a man she would not belong either.
Anyone
1:38 - now that's one of the better stretches I've read to knock MTA.
It was a great run for the Gophers. This was the year they had to make something happen.But the bottom line is when you compare the teams they couldn't match up vs the ND talent.
Next year will be back to .500. The B10 will be much stronger and the Gophers are losing most of their top players.
They have recruited some good players but none of them are impact players. BY comparison ND has six All Americans coming in. They get any player they want. Tough to compete.
But again,a great run for the Gophers. Congrats.
quick question "anyone".....what connection have you or your daughter ever had to the program?
The Gophers had a phenomenal year, for the Gophers. Expectations determine perception. People think the Gopher FB team is having a great year, they are but only by recent standards. If the Hockey team was ranked #22 in the nation and did not get past the sweet 16 people would be asking what the problem was. If the soccer team falls back to 500 next year which could easily happen will that be a terrible year? No it won't. Have some perspective. MDW is not the savior in a good year, and she is not a failure when the team struggles. The Gophers are like many programs, they will hang around .500 most years and every once in a while they will rise up as they did this year when everything goes right. There will also be years like 2006 when everything goes wrong and they hit the cellar. Don't put the coach on a pedestal in good years and burn in effigy in bad ones.
anon 1:42,
We're talking D1 soccer where the coach must win or lose his/her job.
This isn't rec league soccer anymore where players are required by rule to play 33% or 50% of each game.
Every coach has favorites so that is nothing new.
Every D1 program has kids and coaches that leave for various reasons, again this is nothing new.
In general the favorites are those who do the most to help the team win.
Occassionally a kid with less talent who busts their rear every day in training can become a coaches favorite.
Prima donnas rarely are anyone's favorite.
Bottom line is at D1 level it's all about winning and not being everyone's best friend.
do you mean that they all don't get participation medals at the end of the season?
2:21 Please don't compare this to hockey. There is only a handful of hockey teams in D1 in comparison to soccer. If the Gophers hockey team doesn't make the final four ("frozen four"-how dorky) they would have to be pathetic. Or for football to not make a bowl game. 2/3 of the D1 football teams make a bowl game of some kind as there are some 30 or so bowl games to be had. The Gophers soccer team had a phenomenal year. they might never be number one but it doesn't mean they don't have a strong program.
The Soccer program is no stronger than any other B10 team. They also are no worse other than possibly PSU. Anyone who argues otherwise on either side has an agenda of some kind.
221 and 1127 are exactly right. However, I think most posters on this blog have an agenda!
Anyone/1:42
get some much needed medical help....thank goodness your disease wasn't around this year.
Players and coaches, thank you for a memorable season!
Gopher Parent
Who are the Gophers out of state recruits for next year? Does anybody know. Couldn't find anything on soccer buzz.
not sure about the out of state recruits, but I believe the in state recruits include 3-4 from the mta elite 18s and 1 from the wsc eclipse 18s.
1 from Iowa also.
Gopher Parent/ Doctor Goldie
Thanks for the advice. Now here's a bit for you...
This is the USA and we get to have opinions here. We don't all have the same opinion. Doesn't make us sick. Just makes us different. So...If it bothers you to see a differing opinion, just point your browser to Gophersports.com instead of a FORUM.
You can find recruiting/commitment info on Big Soccer. By college or by club. Nice site.
i believe 2:21 back on 11/22 probably hit it right on the head. the issue comes with those bloggers who refuse to express dissatisfaction when things are not (were not) going well and those who refuse to acknowledge and commend the program when things are successful.
Iowa girl is a 2010
If the Gophers expect to compete they better get their act together and recruit one or two impact players. Cupboard looks a little bare for next season.Lost a lot of good seniors this year.
Yes, the senior class was awesome and had some awesome leaders....very difficult to replace.
The cupboard isn't as bare as you think though.
The frosh and soph classes this year were tremendous.
5 years ago I'm pretty sure you probably wouldn't have said the gopher team would tie for the big 10 title and go to the sweet 16 with 17 players from Minnesota.
Act together? You imply they do not already.
Got home from So Bend yesterday; wow was that game played in miserable conditions.
I thought our girls did really well considering the elements and the ref with magic glasses.
He must have put them on in OT to determine Hanks was fouled and didn't just slip and fall like everyone else was doing all night!!!
Barring any serious injuries, I disagree the Gopher cupboard is bare.
Sophomore Class: These four will likely all start next year.
Three of these girls contributed to what became one of the best Gopher seasons to date.
Let’s not forget, we are looking at a U20 National Team GK.
Junior Class: Five of them have started since their freshman year.
This group has good experience, fitness, versatility and work rate.
This past season did wonders for their confidence.
They can match the departing senior class in the “heart” department.
Freshmen / Seniors / Transfers:
That leaves MDW having to find a couple starters from the above.
The frosh have yet to announced.
Not much left in the way of seniors due to low numbers.
But, I’m putting my money on getting a surprise transfer or two.
We absolutely need to find a strong, skilled , creative goal scoring forward somewhere.
2009 may not be as historic as 2008 but there is still a lot of fight left in the remaining dogs.
Don't count them out just yet.
socmom - you have mentioned transfers a couple of times, do you have anybody in particular in mind?
I know you probably can't say their names but from what I can remember, there are only a few d. 1 players from this state, with elgibility left, and not already a Gopher.
excellent summary socmom. will they miss the seniors - of course, but i agree the cupboard is not bare. the current sophomores and freshmen saw extensive time during the year and contributed heavily to the success. from what i know about the incoming kids they are all quality players (as well as quality young women) who will not only add depth but will contribute as well. doubt they will be able to duplicate this year, but they should be solid next year.
No inside info just a gut feeling given how the program has improved the last couple of years.
I could see a player,who once passed on MN,reconsidering now that a year or two has passed.
Last year we lost several girls to transfers and picked up Krystle Kallman.
If ever MDW was going to get lucky with a surprise this would be the year.
Maybe but the bottom line is that 221 nailed it. Every year someone in the conference rises up and outperforms their history and expectations. The test is sustaining it. Last year Indiana was the surprise team in the conference, this year they were cellar dwellers. I doubt many players will change their college choice based on one year. I certainly hope more went into their college decision than games won in 2008. The Gophers will be hard pressed to finish in the top half of the conference next year. If they do not, recruiting advantages will likely be minimal.
Many who posted on this blog opined that this year's Gopher team would be lucky to finish above .500, or a game above .500 in conference.
Many who post now say that the incoming freshman class has no impact players, and that they have little chance of finishing above
.500 next year.
I suggest that no one has an idea how next year's team will fare, or how the incoming freshmen will contribute. This year, TS had more impact on the Gophers than KL did at Wisconsin, or KB at Northwestern (she was injured , which is always a wild card). MDW apparently recruited well. I'm guessing the Gophers will exceed expectations again next year.
Actually that is incorrect. The prevailing opinion on this blog at the beginning of the year was around 9-1 non conference and roughly 7-3 in the Big 10 with an NCAA berth. Not far off. I also think that 221 had the definitive post on what determines a good vs great year. MDW recruiting in state has been good recently, I would say 4 of the top 6 in 2008 and 3 of the top 6 in 2009.
zzzzz Gophers are above average! Gophers are below average! Who cares? Anyone have any final four predictions? The good teams are playing now, which means nobody from Big 10.
I predict Kerri Hanks from ND will fall down in the box and some silly ref will take the bait and award her a PK.
9:31 - you are wrong, onion breath. The 1st post on this blog that predicted more than six wins happened after the team was already 5-2 in conference.
Next years team will continue to play bootball. They don't have one player who scares anybody offensively. Gonna play boot and scoot and pack it in.Next years team won't be anywhere as good as this years team.That's not a slam that's a fact.
1118 I can't speak fo anyone else but I predicted 6-3-1 back in September.
1118 here is a post that was made on August 24. You need to know what you are talking about before typing. From MN players at D1 programs thread.
How about we talk about the players the Gophers do have, solid opening win over UNI. A bit of a make or break season for MDW with a senior laden team. Anything less than a top 4 finish in the Big 10 would be disappointing. I predict 6-4-1 in the league and an NCAA berth!
24/8/08 12:45 PM
LOL 8:02 I was thinking same thing. Here is another:
Anonymous said...
socmom seems a bit defensive. 219 makes valid points, the 06 team was 7-1-1 nonconference and then struggled. We will see what the gophers have over the next month. As far as quality of opposition so far the fact that they are 10-0 and ranked no higher than #20 shows that it has not impressed anyone. I think they are for real, they just haven't proven it yet. I predict a 6-3-1 Big Ten season and an NCAA berth. A good finish is important for MDW. This is likely the best team they will have for the next few years and they need to get it done. I agree that the top of the conference is down this year with PSU appearing more vulnerable than I can remember. A conference title for MN not out of the question.
24/9/08 11:37 AM
Gosh, I wonder what I was being defensive about in September...
The posters on this blog have shown MDW and the Gophers so much love!
I have a new topic; please weigh in.
MDW took a little heat for playing a softer 2008 pre-season schedule.
I was sceptical at first.
But in the end, I think it was a good move.
What say you about the 2009 pre-season schedule?
Final Four prediction. I will go out on a limb and go with ND,UCLA,UNC and Stanford. ND to win it all.
Socmom I still think 2008 was too weak a non conference schedule. The truth is the Big 10 was not very good this year. Winning it is an accomplishment and so is getting to the sweet 16 but I think this team had the ability to be more competitive with Notre Dame and the like and possibly do even more. I know, I know the game went to OT, there was a PK blah blah blah. Bottom line though is the Gophers were badly outplayed. IMO if they had played some stronger teams during the year they would have been better prepared for that game and would have played better. 20 wins is nice but even nicer would be to challenge yourself and see where you are compared to the best. Is the 09 schedule out?
9:02 - you make some valid points and I too would have liked to have seen a sightly tougher pre-season, however, the last time I checked ND hadn't lost a game all year and was rarely tested (especially against teams that played them straight up like the gophers - tough to pack it in when you are playing a form of a 3-5-2). There is nothing wrong with striving and wanting more, but the bottom line is ND was and is a much better team. MN is fortunte to have all Big 10 kids, ND usually ends up with All American kids. The better talent usually wins and they gap was evident. How did you think they were not more competitive with ND?
Look at the recruits coming in for ND and the other top schools.You have to be delusional to think you can compete equally with the top schools. Someone please explain why any of the top recruits would come to MN.
#28 for PS is a top player.She will terrorize the B10 next year.
We don't have a player who even comes close to her in ability.We couldn't even get that future all american from SSM to come to the U.
ND and the top schools each have a handful of those players.
At least the women didn't choke like Brewster's team and go into the toilet as soon as "a big bowl" was mentioned.
ND is who we thought they were and we let em off the hook!!!!!!
4:03..Good one with the comment about ND is who we thought they were and we let them off the hook..LOL
I happen to think MN will do fine next yr, remember, they have CP (who is a Natl Player) who Socmom mentiioned, that is huge in my book, with the defenders coming back next yr, the back line should be fine. Knowning what the rest of the B10 has and the incoming 09's, MN will be competitive. I will always follow the Gophers!!
10s Dad
ps.
UNC over A&M
ND over FSU
Stanford over Portland
UCLA over Dork
(all great games)
Stanford over ND
UCLA over UNC
UCLA over Stanford for a all Pac-10
final... (Im a homer remember LOL)
9.14 - definitely one of the better posts I have read here.
Yes, the Gophers could have played a tougher pre Big 10 schedule, however, they won every game with ease....these were games they had struggled with previously...two/three years ago. They even won every big 10 victory with ease except for the Purdue game which went into double OT. The rest of the victories were pretty much controlled the entire match by MN.
ND definitely has a better team and is why they hadn't gone to OT since 2004 and won about 97% of their games since then. But the Gophers had 3-5 legitimate chances to score and didn't therefore they lost. ND should have had more chances to score.....they have numerous national team and possibly future World Cup players.
Gophers did much better than most would have expected and they did not pack it in. They tried to play with them, didn't work out.
But with the consistent effort they continue to put in every game, and the quality of players coming in the next couple of years they will get more opportunities.
It appears some viewed that game through gold colored glasses. Expected on a MN blog though. 902 gives a more dispassionate assessment of that game which is more accurate. ND controlled that game to a much greater degree than many of the MN games which 457 claims they won with ease.
403 you give too many American Football references in your post. It will have to be ignored.
Reality check folks...
MDW and the Gophers could win the NCAA Championship and the detractors would still be here bashing her and her players.
Without a doubt MDW and her team exceeded all expectations this season and should be commended.
Undoubtably the bashers will ignore this years results and whine that it was a fluke and the talent coming back next year will flop.
It's a shame that some just can't acknowledge the achievements and move on with things and that they need to continue to hold a grudge for whatever reason.
LOL both sides of this are fairly predictable. My favorite post is this one from a few days ago "The Gophers had a phenomenal year, for the Gophers. Expectations determine perception. People think the Gopher FB team is having a great year, they are but only by recent standards. If the Hockey team was ranked #22 in the nation and did not get past the sweet 16 people would be asking what the problem was. If the soccer team falls back to 500 next year which could easily happen will that be a terrible year? No it won't. Have some perspective. MDW is not the savior in a good year, and she is not a failure when the team struggles. The Gophers are like many programs, they will hang around .500 most years and every once in a while they will rise up as they did this year when everything goes right. There will also be years like 2006 when everything goes wrong and they hit the cellar. Don't put the coach on a pedestal in good years and burn in effigy in bad ones" The bashers will always find something to bash. The kool aid drinkers will always find something to praise. Just like MTA, SSM, MYSA or any other topic on this blog.
7:05, 8:02, 8:08
I need to know what I am talking about before posting on this blog? That would eliminate everyone.
Please read my message before you rip me. I said no one predicted MORE than 6 wins, and then three bloggers give examples where no more than 6 wins were predicted. Hmm...
BTW - I was giving props to MN in my post.
Minnesota will never be a top team because they can't recruit the elite players.That's just the way it is.
kind of like football & basketball (although we should all agree on just how "top team" is defined - i.e., top 20, top 10, true national contender, etc...). did anyone think the gophers had a chance of winning the national championship this year - no (except maybe for 1 or 2 delusional homers). does making the sweet 16 make them a top team? all depends on what your definition of top team.
Top teams vary from year to year. Top programs don't seem to change much. Some teams are good every year.
Either your kid didn't get recruited by MDW or you are a coach whose player didn't get recruited by her. My kid is not necessarily being recruited by MDW, yet I appreciate what the U has done as it makes all MN players look better in the eyes of other coaches around the Midwest/country.
942 wrong on both counts. Are you an MTA'er? Whenever someone doesn't praise them the same response comes out. "your kid didn't make or was cut by an MTA team"
942 this is not a slap at Gophers, I am a fan, but what helps MN players in the eyes of coaches as you say is not how the Gophers do. It is how our club teams do at regional and national tournaments. That has been much better in the recent past and thus you see more and more of our players going to college to play, making ODP teams etc. It has already begun.
3:04:
Agreed, but it doesn't hurt to have a successful U team with mostly home grown players beating up on other B10 schools w/nat'l recruits, does it?
Doesn't hurt but don't think it helps either. Also doubt whether other coaches would agree with your "beating up" assessment. :)
3:04
So you are saying that college coaches are more impressed with how MN clubs perfom in youth tournaments than how MN players perform at the collegiate level.
Not 304 but i would say exactly. It is much more important how our teams perform at high level tournaments and in ODP than a good season by the local college team. Particularly now that we have teams in several age groups doing well and also we are seeing increased membership on region ODP teams. Consistent good performanxe year in and tear out will get Mn noticed and in fact already has. Coaches at the college level know that for all but a few programs success comes and goes and is the product of many variables. As someone said before Indiana was the surprise team in the B10 last year and made the sweet 16 and this year finished last. The increased attention is bad for MDW in that their is more competition for recruits from here than before, but that is more than offset by the fact that there are also more and better players here than ever before. College coaches recruit showcases and ODP and judge players there. They are not going to come to MN and beat the bushes for good players because the Gophers had a good year.
My point is that Gophers soccer has sucked forever. Now, with mostly homegrown kids, it is ever improving, while some neighboring states, ie. Iowa, Wis. and Neb. seem to be standing still. what is good for current high school kids is that the likes of KP, who redshirted, due to her USA commitment and others Frosh/Soph. gopher players are home grown, while teams from ISU, Iowa, Neb seem to be stasnding still with mostly home grown kids.
Why couldn't MDW recruit the kid from SSM? Is she too good for the U? Didn't want to play for an average team? What did the Gophers offer? Was she even recruited by the Gophers? What did she get from UCLA? Couldn't the Gophers match the offer?
7:58 - why did the Aldrich boy go to play basketball at Kansas? Why did the Floyd kid go play football at ND? Let's try not to be so provincial.
KP kad verballed to Louisville, but changed her mind to attend the U. Provincial? I say idiotic.
ODP is by definition "development", and is hopelessly political.
Club soccer is for teens and over-involved parents.
Top level soccer is played by adults.
Maybe the kid form Iowa wanted to get away from the Midwest and see the sights in Southern California where it's warm all year round?
Minnesota weather doesn't appeal to many people.
Ever wonder why we don't get the running backs and wide receivers from Florida to play football at the "U"?
Zero degrees in January or 75 sunny degrees?
I'd say that if the Gophers can finish next season ranked in the top 20 they will have had a successful season. I don't think it's reasonable to expect better than that when you consider that MN is handicapped recruiting nationally (outside the five state area).
I'd be happy if the make the tournament. Being in the top 20 is a duplicate of this year and I do not think that will happen.
NC 2 TX AM 1 2ot
ND 2 FLA ST 0
STAN 1 PORT 0
DUKE UCLA SAT
Given NDs 2-0 win over FSU ...
The Gophers 0-1 OT / PK loss isn't looking quite as bad.
The Irish managed to score a goal per half in regulation against Florida.
Props to the Gopher defense for holding ND scoreless for 90+ minutes.
Here's to 2009 !
Props to Dare and a frozen field. The defense gave up a lot of quality chances.
ND, NC, Stanford, and then hopefully UCLA will win their bracket.
Potentially all 4 #1 seeds.
Unlike march madness, in women's soccer there are some year in-year out dominate programs.
When a #3 seed making it to the final 8 is an upset then you know there are the "haves" and the "have nots".
UCLA killing Duke 5-1 with 20 mins to go. UCLA playing entire bench. This could have been 10-1.
This is UCLA'S best record in history. Be a "bencher" and win a national championship.
UCLA getting NC next. The great NC gonna get a whuppin!
Its not going to be easy for any team to win out. However, I think UCLA is playing a bit faster than UNC, and if they have too, they can play the rough game as well, just ask U$C. Stanford was flying around v Portland as well. Im still picking a all Pac-10 final.
10s Dad
So is it possession/finesse vs. direct/athletic in both semis?
"10s dad"....sounds like a personalized license plate. Like a possession.A little narcissistic.By the way who the heck is 10?
Dr Phil
for those of us not completely up to date on the college scene, which of the teams would be classified as "possession/finesse" and which are "direct/athletic" per 5:46's comments?
10's Dad. Please don't bite. Many of us do enjoy your banter and perspective (even though we may not always agree).
3.14159265's Dad
Its all in fun. However I do have a personalized license plate, Futbolr. I guess I could of used
3s Dad from our Lightning days. Now 3.14159265's Dad, what dont we agree on? That Im a Bruin Fan? LOL
10s Dad
The following Gophers were honored with Academic All-Big Ten.
Sara Clancy,Jennie Clark,Lindsey Dare,Clare Grimwood,Kelsey Hood, Krystle Kallman,Kylie Kallman,Angie Olson,Julie Rezac,Molly Rouse
NCAA Semis today (Eastern Times)
December 5 - Stanford VS Notre Dame
(Live on ESPN2/ESPNU/ESPN360.com simulcast @ 4:30 p.m. ET)
December 5 - UCLA vs No Carolina
(Live on ESPNU @ 7 p.m. ET)
(Tape Delay on ESPN2 December 7 at Noon ET)
ND 1 Stanford 0...ND scored early and held on. Stanford was the better team but couldn't score. They outplayed and out shot ND. But that's soccer. The better team doesn't always win. Stanford has some outstanding freshman. Good game.
Who is still standing in the men's tourney?
UNC v ND in the final.
Anon 7:24
Couldn't agree more about Stanford.
They were an absolute pleasure to watch.
And, had it not been for the PK, I'm not so sure UCLA would have lost.
It's really too bad the UCLA player got taken out so early.
IMHO both California teams played a much more attractive style soccer.
I would have loved a Stanford vs UCLA final.
Instead we get to watch ND and NC beat up on each other.
Men's Quarters
Wake Forest/USF
Northwestern/UNC
Indiana/SJU
Creighton/Maryland
Two Big 10 teams in final eight is encouraging. The women are way down but men seem to be holding their own.
Style of a teams play should be a consideration when a player is being recruited if at all possible.
players should do homework and attend camps of teams who's style of play best suits their talent.
For example Stanford...if you are not a complete on the ball player you don't have a chance to be recruited. I haven't seen a team more technically skilled in years.
ND 40 deep with big fast athletes looked foolish chasing the ball around the pitch. Only the luck of the Irish allowed them to prevail.
Research style of play before you commit at any level.
Northsider
NC 2 ND 1.....some of the ugliest soccer you will ever see at this level.This game was almost impossible to watch. Will set back U.S. soccer a few years.
This soccer is totally representative of the style the WNT has played for years. No setback whatsoever, just more of the same. Better team won today.
3:16 - Do you want to play pretty soccer or win 19 National Championships in 31 years? UNC obviously doesn't care as they have played the same way forever. I personally do not like UNC but they work as hard and play a pace unlike any other. I'm thinking I would take the rings, who cares about style.
UNC vs ND wasn't soccer. That's why the good ol USA is in the toilet globally.
Direct soccer has ruined the game. I'm just grateful my child completed 4 years of D1 without any longterm injuries. This year especially has resulted in an epidemic of impact-related ACL and MCL injuries due to thuggery in the "packed-in" backfield. Direct soccer is a statistical shortcut for teams and coaches who do not have the skill to play soccer the way it was intended. It is responsible for the current glut of D1 teams who in all reality would be better suited in the mid-D2 ranks.
Poodle-ball; twenty players running about chasing a ball until they drop from exhaustion. Score early, pull out all but one striker and pack it in the rest of the game,,, great entertainment!
Glad I'm not alone...
That NCAA final was not much fun to watch.
The term "beautiful game" certainly didn't apply to ND / NC.
Wow...
The WNT had taken on that style under the previous coach(es) but the new coach seems to be turning things around (maybe because she's not American). As the world continues to improve we can't just win by overpowering, outmuscling, and using our previous physical advantages.
There is a tradeoff. Do you look for comparatively small, slow, weak players with great skills? Or great athletes with mediocre skills. Obviously everyone wants big, strong, fast athletes with great skills. Not a lot of those around however. In the U.S. right now athleticism rules over skills.
9:58 - I might disagree. At the highest levels we should be able to find athletes with both.
I think it is very evident that we don't.
Gotta love this...
"Late no-call haunts ND"
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081208/SPORTS13/812080375/-1/XML
Waldrum / Hanks complaining about refs not calling a foul on ND.
Karma's a !@#*!
I was at both games on Friday..Stanford was the better team v ND. They controlled the tempo and attacked all nite long.
The UCLA game, UNC took them out of there game in the 1st half, it was a foul, happened right in front of us, but the 2nd half it was all UCLA, same as Stanford, they attacked in waves, had chances. The injury to UCLA's outside mid hurt them. The freshman they put in just wasnt the same type of player.
I went 0-2 for Friday nite. Didnt go back on Sunday.
10s Dad
Smaller players aren't necessarily slower or weaker.
The name of the game is anticipation and quickness I'll take the on the ball player over the track star every time.
I also agree the D1 game is slowly changing as there is more European influence.
D1 still cherishes athleticism, speed and strength. And why not? Just about every sport does. I suppose those who have DDs with ball skills and not much else were disappointed to see that terrific athletes will win most sporting events.
I think Tubby should quit recruiting tall, quick athletes and look at my kid. Only 5'6" and kind of slow but can handle the ball and shoot very well and can spin the ball on his finger!!
now what did 1:21 say to elicite those last two responses (2:20 & 2:39)? His point is very valid when it comes to soccer.
121 the name of the game is what gets the W. Right now that is athleticism most of the time. The Gophers had their best year ever and it wasn't because they have skilled players. It was because they are athletic.
2.29 - I just about spit water on myself laughing after reading your comment.
Does anyone here REALLY, i mean honestly, think about it, REALLY think that you are going to beat North Carolina connecting passes and possessing? And don't give me this UCLA did crap.
They play 3 in back, therefore teams are going to try and play long balls and switch the point.
You probably won't hear too many complain from the UNC team about their style. And the only thing you will hear complaints about from the ND side won't be their style either, but rather the referees.
Style, Schmyle.
topic switch please.
sorry I meant 2.39's comment
Everyone is turning this into a black-and-white discussion. "Athletic" players do have skills and "skill" players do have athleticism.
Tell the ND/NC/UCLA/Gopher, all teams branded as "athletic", etc... players that they are only athletic and I doubt they would agree. Tell all the "skill" teams that they have no athleticism and I doubt they would agree.
It's finding the right mix and also the right style. IMO, ND and NC could play a more possession style but they prefer not to. Stanford and UCLA could play more direct soccer, but they prefer not to.
They also recruit players that fit their style and based on last weekend's results the players/style of UNC/ND was a tiny bit better than UCLA/Stanford.
259, From Merriam-Dictionary; athlete, "a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina". Please, enough of the misuse of the term athleticism. If you want to say they are highly conditioned, strong, fast and able to run continuously 90 plus minutes of soccer, that would fit. Please note the the definition includes "Trained and skilled". Direct soccer is a style that maximizes the limited abilities of both the players and the coach.
In addition to the Gophers best year, they had there easiest road schedule. They can be grateful they played ND on a frozen field because it could have been really ugly.
3.38 go fly a kite or something. your nonsense is worthless and doesn't contribute to anything constructive.
that Merriam-Dictionary sure didn't help you much -
"they had there easiest...." Nice, hope you aren't an English teacher
Frozen field hurt both teams. Gophers fell down every time they tried any offense in the 2nd half. Gophers exceeded expections for everyone but themselves this year.
3.23 GREAT POST.
344, "your nonsense" Ya, my English teacher taught me to always capitalize the first word of a sentence too.
They play 3 in back, therefore teams are going to try and play long balls and switch the point.
-------------------
Ah 3:30...UNC went to 5 back after they scored on the PK. Not trying to stick up for the Bruins, just what they did.
and I probably would have done the samething. in the end the goal is to win.
We'll see how our teams do in world cup. NCAA is really minor league when it really comes down to it.
We'll see how our teams do in world cup. NCAA is really minor league when it really comes down to it.
U20s just won the World Cup on Sunday. Leroux, the freshman from UCLA won the golden boot. Full Natl Team won the Oly, U17s Runner Up World Cup, U20s Champions World Cup. All within months of each other. What else do you want them to do??
10s Dad
0:31-if you are a trainer here, then train your players to be better players here in the U.S. If you are not a trainer, disregard this message, but quit complaining that U.S. soccer ios no good.
No Gophers on the NSCAA/Adidas All America Teams.
But congrats to Kelsey Hood on making a Regional Team.
2008 NSCAA/adidas
NCAA Division I Women
All-Great Lakes Region
First Team
M Kelsey Hood Sr. Minnesota Ankeny, Iowa
http://nscaa.com/subpages/20080807155003799.php
Looks like MN also earned an academic award for team GPA.
Socmom 10:32 -
With your comments, you have consistently proven that Karma's not the only !@#*! on this board.
Congrats to Gopher GK !
Soccer America - Top 10 Leaders
NCAA Division I Women's Scorers (Final)
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 8:00 AM ET
Goalies Leaders
# 7 Lindsey Dare, Minnesota 0.454
Gopher Team Awards
Offensive MVP – Lindsey Schwartz
Midfield MVP – Kelsey Hood
Co-Defensive MVP – Jennie Clark, Lindsey Dare
Spark Award – Tamara Strahota
Teammate Award – Carlie Edwards
Newcomer Award – Krystle Kallman
Co-Ironwoman Award – Kaitlin Wagner, Kylie Kallman
MDW in state recruiting woes continue as she has lost arguably the top 2010 MN recruit to Wisconsin.
What woes is she having on her class coming in this fall?
Agreed that MDW has not been able to close the border but I think most would agree that she signed 3 of top 5-6 in 08 and 09. 2010 remains to be seen.
Not sure what some people want. You can't sign them all. There are only 14 full scholarships at a D1 school, so if we do the math that equates to 3.5 full rides per year. There are many reasons why kids select the colleges they pick....weather, campus ambience, parents might be alumni, rapport with the coaching staff, playing opportunities (how soon), etc... No school gets every kid they want, but for the most part MDW has done a very good job (IMO).
I don't think there is any 2010 that stands out from the crowd. If Gophers can get 50% or so of the top group of 4-6 players as they have done they will be OK.
2009 recruiting class is average.A .500 season next year would be acceptable. The Gophs are losing a lot more talent than what's coming in.
10:36 - so what you are saying is 22 year old seniors are better than 18-19 year old freshman? Personally, I believe their incoming class is as strong as last years. Much like high school, the current juniors will step into new roles as seniors, the current sophomores will step up into new roles as juniors, etc....
Looks like they've also picked up this year's Class AA Ms. Soccer for next year to their recruiting class.
Ranking MDW 2009's
AP 3 star
MP 3 star
OB 2 star
AA MS Soccer 2 star
Average recruiting class for B10.
Gophers have two impact players. Keeper and MR and a lot of good role players.
I've been hearing the "MDW didn't get the top MN recruit" line for several years running.
But I’m just not convinced that loosing the "top recruit" always translates into loosing "top talent".
Using Soccer Buzz info, look back at the Gophers 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 recruiting classes.
In 2005, MDW landed ONE top 100 recruit.
That current senior class led the team into the Sweet Sixteen.
Minny’s 2006 class was the highest ranked, with 5 top 100 recruits.
That would be next year’s seniors who haven’t panned out as expected.
In 2007, MDW did not recruit ONE player in the top 100.
That class, this year’s sophomores, was productive enough to win 24 games, a Big Ten title, and two NCAA tournament matches.
The 2008 class saw ONE top 100 recruit in a redshirt GK.
The other 3 freshmen helped the Gophers to a record setting year.
I’m sure MDW would have loved to land the 2010 recruit who recently committed to WI.
I’d also bet that one or two of the local “top recruits” (and their parents) who passed on MN in 2005-2008 might make a different decision if they had to do it over again.
"I’d also bet that 7 or 8 of MDW's2005-2008 signees might make a different decision if they had to do it over again."
And with that, along with $2.00 my friend, you can buy yourself a cup of coffee.
I remember the good old days when you could use that expression and coffee was only fifty cents....
Close the border???? - I know everyone is afraid to post names to protect the innocent, but who in the heck has Minnesota lost that would have been a big addition to their team the last couple of years. The only one that comes to mind ended up transferring back for her senior year this year. I follow them pretty closely and I know the state produces quite a few collegiate players each year, but I'm struggling to find who these D. 1 impact players are that are leaving.
Anon 3:53
I stated "one or two" not “seven or eight” top recruits.
But, nice try.
I stand by my statement.
This was a historic year, in many respects, for the Gopher soccer program.
Few athletes get to be part of such an experience.
Every one of those girls, 5, 10, 15 years from now, will cherish the 2008-09 season.
(Even those players, who didn’t get any playtime, will eventually look back with fondness).
I’m old enough to remember No Carolina State / Jimmy Valvano winning the NCAA basketball tourney.
How many kids “passed” on the Wolf pack and never enjoyed that kind of sports moment?
Forgive me the sentimentality.
But you can get a college degree ANYWHERE, even on line.
But not many get an opportunity to enjoy “one shining moment”.
socmom - very well stated.
Not really. It is not a college degree that the recruits should be pursuing, it is a quality college education. That you cannot get ANYWHERE, and that creates a lifetime of shining moments, not just one.
I guess someone needs to define a D1 impact player. Is it a potential all-american? If so, there are only about 40 of those out there (spread out over 4 years - 10 nationally per year so the odds are stacked of any coming out of here). Is it an all Big10 player or can it just be someone who impacts the team in a positive way? Makes the team better and possibly upgrades what they might have had previously.
205 is correct. There is not a single impact player that has left the state in the past 5 years. There also aren't any who have stayed. We don't produce them here.
3.24 - Good question....for the sake of simplicity, an impact player for the Gophers would be a regular starter (i.e. started at least 75% of the games) and for all those supposed "top recruits" that keep leaving the state, would most likely be a regular starter for the Gophers. I don't know who they would be. I can think of maybe 2.
3.36 - your response isn't worth a list of names. There have been and are plenty of good players from the State of Minnesota. There have been numerous long discussions about how Minnesota handles youth and club soccer so you can refer to those for opinions. Have a great and wallowing in your own cynacism day!
socmom do you really believe players would second guess themselves because the Gophers had a good year last year? This may surprise you but kids choose schools for reasons other than how good the soccer team did in any one season. Things like campus, academics, weather, etc also are sometimes considerations. Shocking I know.
205 and 336 and 425 you are all wrong. MN has produced several good players and will continue to. Some leave, some stay. The ones who stay (or leave and come back) haven't been any better players than the ones who have left. The reverse is also true. Different kids look for different things in a school. To each their own.
I guess unless you are a youth all-american, play on a youth/women's national team, or are a regional ODP player you can't be considered any good or be an "impact" player. Being that we don't produce many of those around here (a few ODP players, any national kids?) I guess we are "stuck" with our local kids, IMO I'm not sure I would want it any other way. I guess I'm a realist and can understand why some top 40 recruit from CA, TX, FL, IL, etc... would want to go to greener pastures and higher profile programs.
Dearest Socmom,
I did not quote you...intentionally. Read carefully...tongue firmly implanted in cheek.
Anon 3:53
Anonymous 4:25
Sorry to be a Cynic of your attempted use of the word... But the correct spelling is Cynicism. I shall now return to wallowing.
My definition of an impact player would be one who has to be marked by two players most of the time.A player who can create when the game is on the line. A dangerous player who can dish or score. Right now the player that comes to mind is #28 from Pen State. The Gophs don't have anybody who comes close to her and nobody who can contain her 1x1. That is an impact player.You have to know where she is at all times.She will dominate the conference next year.
So that makes one in the entire Big 10. It would seem that some of the never satisfied posters on this thread are frustrated that the Gophers don't have 2 or 3....
I suspect that the only Big Ten games 1041 saw involved the Gophers. Toney did dominate MN as PSU was one of the few teams that outplayed the stellar Gopher midfield and gave their forwards opportunities against Minnys solid but not overly athletic back line. Her speed was too much for MN defenders but against most teams she is a very good player but not skilled enough to be considered dominant IMO. The best offensive player in the conference is Heyboer from MSU. Good speed, great strength and vision, and can finish. And only a freshman.
So I guess that makes two impact players in the Big 10. Hopefully folks out there are starting to see the reality of recruiting and the scarcity of the truly elite college soccer player.
Defenders and keepers can also be impact players.
1:10
Seen a lot of B10 games and personally I'll take PS # 28 over your youngster from MS next season.We'll see how they do as individuals and how their teams perform.
Toney is not even the best attacker on PSU, that would be Schoepfer.
In 2009 Toney will be the PS stud. Toney has much more upside. You can make book on it.
Would an impact player be defined as one who had an immediate (freshman) and significant (positive) effect on a team?
Depends how significant. B10 last year Heyboer is only one who comes to mind up top, if you want to widen the net you could include Maxwell at OSU. As far as defensive players there probably are some but you do not hear about them as much.
I think being an impact player also involves being a very good player. A player can have a significant and positive impact in a mediocre team without being a great player.
Toney had two legitimate games against the Gophers but isn't near as relentless or even as good as Heyboer. She failed to show up in many of the PSU games. She just happened to in the Gopher games.
Gophers Spring Schedule
Sat Feb 28 @ USC
Sun Mar 01 @ Loyola-Marymount
Sun Mar 08 @ Missouri
Sat Apr 04 @ Iowa State
Sat Apr 18 Gopher Spring Classic vs Nebraska
Sat Apr 18 Gopher Spring Classic vs Drake
Nice spring schedule.
Do all the Big ten schools play a spring schedule?
When do the 2009 frosh get involved with the team?
8:41 In August once they graduate from high school and get their hs diplomas which most colleges require, duh.
8:41 I think some colleges have their new players on campus end of June/early July.They start working on strength and conditioning. Also some have the players assist in their camps.
where my daughter played, h.s. seniors would graduate early (dec) then enroll in the university for spring semester...that way they could workout, and participate in spring ball.
i haven't seen that happen in mn...maybe mdw should look into it?
ems
6:14--In what state do highschoolers graduate in 3 1/2 years?
graduation isn't based on time. it's based on credits. it's pretty common in the southern states.
ems
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