Tuesday, March 24, 2009

'09 Boys State Cup

Boy's parents don't seem to get as worked up as the girls, but they are usually not as well behaved on the sidelines. Regardless, should be competative at all boys age groups, except U19.

http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/events/statecup.cfm#sched

334 comments:

1 – 200 of 334   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

I think it is very sad that ssm are eligible for state cup.How can a team made up mostly out of state players represent minnesota at regions.How did some of the ssm teams jump into u18 c1 despite not playing mysa before?
It looks as though the ssm 17 boys are playing in the 18s league.How can they play league when school ends and they split for home or is their a rule that says they can chage the roster.
Its sad that minnesota kids who have worked hard to compete are now faced with the challenge of playing an "academy" team.Real academy teams do not play state cups according to academy rules so what is ssm?A high school,club or an academy or just whatever suits them at the time.
Mr Carter and his staff have really gone down in my estimation,its a very very poor choice if people have "development" at heart.

Anonymous said...

Don't worry. SSM will not win U17 or U18 boys. Their quality is way, way, way down over last year. They will have egg on their face when neither of their boys teams from national roster can beat lowly MN teams.

Anonymous said...

HAHA neither of them will win?

There is no chance for any of us minnesota teams to beat SSM... They're too damn good.. I've seen them play a lot and played against their U18 team.

Let me just say this, when I played against their U18 team(I play for U18MTA-we tied 2-2) all we did was sit in and pack the defense, and luckily they scored an own goal to make it a tie for us...there is no way we can be that fortunate two times in a row...

Anonymous said...

It is self select at u17 and 18 explains why they can play C1

Anonymous said...

So you can self select to play u18c1 as a new u17 team?

Anonymous said...

anon 8:35,
So you have a roster of players from all over the USA and you played a shorthanded MTA team with kids from only Minnesota to a tie?

Are you players just not that good or is it your coaches who are screwing you guys up?

Anonymous said...

6:47- Please read before you post. 8:35 is FROM MTA- NOT SSM. Therefore, your post makes no sense.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the MTA U18s need a pep talk. They should be happy with that result. New team, not played together, half of team missing, playing against team that practices every day together. Not bad.

Anonymous said...

I highly doubt that Anon 8:35 pm is from the U18 MTA team.

Anon 8:35 = bored SSM player

Anonymous said...

7:44,
I did read closely and I'd bet the farm 8:35 is from SSM....that's why I responded as I did.

Anonymous said...

I dont think there is ANY SSM player, male or female that gives a rat about this blog site!! Let lone what all you yahoos post. Next yr at this time they will all be playing for a college team.
last time I checked, even Man-U loses games. So did Michael, Kobe, the list is never ending.

Anonymous said...

If you dudes dont like it, join it!

Anonymous said...

Ok boys predictions anyone?

Anonymous said...

someone will win, someone will not. That is the only correct prediction on this site.

Anonymous said...

I want to applaud MYSA for scheduling the U16 and U17 Boys not in Stillwater, but rather in Minneapo...I mean St. Pau...I mean Blai...I mean Lakevil...I mean Maple Gro...I mean Eden Pra...I mean Blooming...I mean Woodbur...I mean Dulut...I mean Winnipe...I mean Anchorag...

What a complete joke. Nice use of the head MYSA. Maybe now the players will get recruited by St. Johns. Great!

On the bright side, all the metro teams can call themselves the "home" team against SSM.

Anonymous said...

I predict that the MTA Blue teams will be very difficult to beat through U16. I don't think MTA Blue is the favorite at U17. U18 would seem to pit MTA Blue against SSM in a pretty even battle. I originally wondered whether this development squared with the spirit of the competition. But, the more I think about it, maybe it will make for some inspiring performances for teams seeking to knock off the favorites and also put a lot of pressure on those MTA Blue teams. I think that teams through U16 will be very curious to see how they fare against the MTA Blue teams, and there surely will be some upsets. So perhaps it could be a more exciting competition in some ways (kind of like cup matches in associations abroad), and maybe this will all contribute to the overall development of the sport in this state and its ability to send strong teams to regionals. The contrary argument is very obvious, but the situation is here so why fear it or reject it without experiencing it? I am interested to see it all play out.

Anonymous said...

7:23,

If those "minnesota kids who have worked so hard to compete" have worked as hard as they can, why should they lose to SSM?

Do recruited players at SSM work harder? Maybe the "minnesota kids" should work harder. I'm sure they could.

I'm led to believe the SSM players have worked harder, work harder and care more. Sounds like a team that deserves to win.

Anonymous said...

11:31,
Obviously you haven't read a lot of the commentary on this blog.
SSM recruits nationally and even internationally for their teams and offers scholarships worth over $100K for the 4 years the players are at SSM.
Minnesota club teams are recruiting from 1 metro area and scholarship money is minimal compared to what SSM players receive.
I'm sure the players on SSM and Minnesota club teams work equally hard.

Anonymous said...

me thinks "mama mia" (11:31) is just trying to stir the pot as no one is that naive.

Anonymous said...

Are the SSM players better than "minnesota kids" because they receive $100K scholarships for 4 years?

Are the SSM players better than "minnesota kids" because they come from outside of Minnesota?

Are the SSM players better than "minnesota kids" because they have worked harder to develop the abilities they have today?

What makes you a good player: scholarships, hometown, or hard work?

Anonymous said...

state cup thread here please stay on topic

Anonymous said...

I'm with ya 6:26

Anonymous said...

Soooooo what you are saying is that everyone is born with the exact same athleticism and those that work the hardest will be the best?

Obviously must have skipped the genetics classes and lectures on Darwin during school.

Anonymous said...

Sooooo now Darwinism is going to be used as argument as to why SSM is less deserving of a State Cup championship than the "minnesota kids who have worked so hard."

This is great.

"Back in the day, Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment and work to become better."

The presence of SSM and the MTA Empire will raise the level of play throughout Minnesota.

Anonymous said...

I think the point of 9:10's comments is that the SSM's players just might be more athletic and better soccer players. Very little to do with scholarship money, where they come from, and especially how hard they work (as I am pretty sure the MN players work just as hard).

Anonymous said...

There is no comparison because at SSM they train every day for 2 hours, they have an onsite physio and they have games every weekend. The coaches have near total control over the players lives. They should be in better shape and their workrate should be a lot higher. So I would call a 2-2 tie a good result. Theywill meet again barring an upset in the State Cup.

Anonymous said...

Everyone needs to stop complaining about SSM. It's not like they are this elite national power as of now so play them like everyone stop else and stop complaining about having to do it. They are not even a lock for the titles.

Anonymous said...

I won a state cup with a U16 premier team and also with U18 shattuck.

I was by far the hardest working player on the premier team by training and working out on my own. I went to shattuck to challenge myself. I certainly wasn't the hardest worker at shattuck when I arrived, but my work ethic was pushed to the next level.

From my experience, all minnesota players work harder than the average couch potato, but the players at shattuck have put in way more time in their pasts and they work way harder in the present than most of the minnesota players.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 25/3/09 4:08 PM said...
"I dont think there is ANY SSM player, male or female that gives a rat about this blog site!! Let lone what all you yahoos post. Next yr at this time they will all be playing for a college team."

Well...I guess they do care rat about this blog site.

Anon 11:08 good for you that you work so hard. But I'm sure a lot of players feel they work harder than anyone else. The nine loses SSM has had this year were they because you didn't work hard enough?

Anonymous said...

anon 11:08 played in college this year, for the number 2 team in the country starting half the games, he can play soccer and knows how to work hard

Anonymous said...

10:28,
Why do you need to lie and exaggerate.
He didn't start a single game last season and in fact only saw action in 3 matches.
You ruin any credibility when you lie about something that's so easy to disprove.

Anonymous said...

11:08, 10:28, 11:46:

There is no player that played for Eden Prairie and then also for last years SSM team that won state cup at U18. Yes, he would have had to played for Eden Prairie as a U16 which none of the MN kids did.

Everyone just get back to talking about the state cup and not the rest of this crap go do that elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

he played for valley, then SSM, now college

Anonymous said...

11:46, TB stat line last season

GP 23
GS 10
Goals 6
Assists 3

Anonymous said...

3:43, I know the player in which you were all trying to claim as it being him. Either he was mistaken on the year he won state cup in club or it's someone trying to pull a quick one. Look back at this age group on region 2 and when they were U16 Eden Prairie won it, Valley did not. Valley won U17 and also U15.

Also some of you are trying to claim it is TB and others CS.

Anonymous said...

TB did not play for the #2 college team in the country.

"anon 11:08 played in college this year, for the number 2 team in the country starting half the games, he can play soccer and knows how to work hard"

No reason to lie.

Anonymous said...

this is so stupid.

stick to state cup.

Anonymous said...

Went on "Inside MN" twitter page and saw that MTA lost to the Thunder 3-2. It kind of surprised me. (Surprised that MTA didn't get spanked)

Anonymous said...

LET THE CRYING BEGIN !! SSM WINS BOYS u16, 17, 18 and 19 !!!

Anonymous said...

Heard the Thunder didn't use their starters the entire game. Otherwise they would have won by more.

Anonymous said...

1:50, first they dont have a 19 boys team so they cant win that, second they probably do have a good chance to win some of those, but i would say that 17 they will not win, 16 is going to be a challenge but i like their odds, and 18 they should win

Anonymous said...

So U18 team can compete with a PRO team -subs or not- still a PRO team? Better watch out.

Anonymous said...

SSM U18 Boys tied MTA U18 boys in a scrimmage recently but MTA barely had enough players and had 2-3 U16s playing just to field a team.

Anonymous said...

Ok...two different score, does anyone which one is right.

On twitter
SSM vs MN Thunder 0-0 T

On SSM web site
SSM vs MN Thunder 0-1 L

The MN Thunder must have had dead legs by the time they got to SSM. They played U18 MTA team yesterday, Marquette @ 11:15 & them SSM at 12:30?

Anonymous said...

The games against Marquette and SSM were 60 minutes long, as you can see from the start times. I imagine they used the whole of their 20 something man roster and are looking for a good workout since it is their preseason.

Anonymous said...

The Thunder went total 90 on Saturday against the MTA boys.
Sounds like it was a "fitness weekend" for the Thunder as well as a way for Donny Gramenz and his staff to determine the last few roster spots as they were looking at a few new players over the weekend.

Anonymous said...

Most college games in the spring are 30 mins halves. Usually playing 3 30 mins halves. And almost everyone plays in the spring.

Anonymous said...

What does any of this have to do with State Cup? You people need to learn to stay on topic or stop posting about MTA or SSM because you think that's all that matters in the world. Get over yourselfs and get back to the topic already!

Anonymous said...

CLUB CHATTER IS STIL OPEN FOR THOSE ITEMS

Anonymous said...

I THINK THE STATE CUP WINNER SHOULD GET AN ACTUAL CUP , NOT JUST A TEAM PICTURE IN FRONT OF A BANNER.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I think it was being discussed. They were trying to get some insight into what many would consider one of the biggest games at State Cup. It is an age group with clearly defined opponents that are equally matched, thus making it interesting.

Chill, they may not be discussing your son's team but they are trying to get some insight into a State Cup game. Perhaps instead of attacking them, you could post something of interest for discussion regarding state cup.

Suggestions – who are the front-runner in the age groups. Why you feel those teams are the front-runners. Is there any age groups were one team would blow out the competition? It has seemed like that the level of competition has increased over the past few years and there will not be any blow out age groups. Be specific and reframe from name calling to be taken seriously.

Anonymous said...

To 12:38..What is the big deal about State Cup for you anyway?? Its a tournament. Big deal. Im all for playing the games and what they mean, but come on, we cant chat about other things?? Im thinking you are more black and white and cant think outside the box.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the u16 SSM boys team for going undefeated and winning the Las Vegas Premier Invitational this weekend.

Anonymous said...

SSM U16? Just check the Las Vegas Premier web site to see who they played. umm they lost their first game and didn't even play in the finals.

Anonymous said...

I am still convinced that on a player:parent blog ration, SSM smokes everyone. With only 3 teams and maybe 60 players, they outblog everyone. What's the word most commonly used......vicariously........

Anonymous said...

2:51...I think your wrong in your assessment. I think there are a LOT of wanna-be's

Anonymous said...

Hey 2:41, let’s not get too picky about the word “undefeated.”. In Las Vegas this past weekend, SSM did lose 2-0 to Players SC 93 Boys (ranked 6th in Nevada), but Players SC 93 Boys then lost to NVSC North Valley ’93 (AZ) (ranked 32nd in Arizona), and NVSC North Valley ’93 lost to PVSC Pumas (ranked 5th in Idaho), and then SSM pounded PVSC Pumas 5-2 --- so, really, when you add it ALL up, the first loss was a fluke and it is very fair for the SSM faithful to blog that SSM really should be considered undefeated in the tournament. It doesn’t matter that they didn’t play in the championship game. They can still puff “Congrats…on winning the Las Vegas Premier Invitational”, can’t they?

ThunderMAN said...

MN Thunder Academy did NOT play in this tourney!!!

Schedule of games:

SSM 1 vs Graceland University(2006/2007 NAIA National Champions) 0

Marquette 1 vs MN Thunder 0

SSM 0 vs MN Thunder 0

Graceland University 1 vs Marquette 0

Anonymous said...

Can someone please explain why a report on these MN Thunder (the USL team) games is relevant to those of us looking at this thread on the boys state cup? By the way, I'm happy for Graceland, beating Marquette and all.

Anonymous said...

Oh probably because SSM U18 Boys was in it.

Anonymous said...

OK, that's very interesting. Hey all -- let's post all the scrimmage results for all the boys state cup teams! Everybody is dying to know. Then let's print them out and keep them close when state cup rolls around and we can see if they are helpful. SSM 18s are a great team, assembled from great players from around the country. They'll probably win state cup.

That, however, is probably the least interesting subject for anyone interested in state cup this year. Its much more interesting to see how the teams with MN kids are improving (or not), and how they'll fare against one another. One thing is clear -- the SSMs are handicapped in broadening the discussion. They can only focus on their little darlings because they know very little about any other club in the competition, being from elsewhere.

mama mia said...

I don't even drink the SSM kool-aid, but the recent U18 SSM results posted on their website are very impressive. Congratulations to them. That team is fortunate to get to play against teams of that quality.

It looks like SSM will once again represent Minnesota well at the U18 regional and national tournaments.

I expect SSM to blowout the U18 competition. How did SSM tie MTA on 2/7/09?

Why Cambridge-Isanti and not Blaine NSC?

mama mia said...

9:28 here you go:

U14: MTA over EDP blowout
U15: MUS over MTA
U16: MTA over BHK
U17: SCV over SSM shootout
U18: SSM over MTA blowout
U19: VLY over WBL

Region Champs: SCV U17
Region Champs: SSM U18

The rest of the winners will go winless at regionals.

Anonymous said...

13 MTW
14 SCV
15 PSA

Blogger1 (MN-D) said...

9:28,
Aren't these state cup predictions fun? They are so in-depth and they raise so many interesting discussion topics.

I think I'm realizing there are two soccer parties in Minnesota.

Soccer Republicans
Prefer to "stay on topic" when blogging; hated everything "Bangoon;" hates everything MTA and ODP; is jealous of SSM; didn't think WB had Mr. Soccer locked up after 3 weeks; didn't think RG was the best player in Minnesota; drive minivans; blog anonymously.

Soccer Democrats
Tend to venture off topic; support the Bangu and MTA models; think SSM is good for Minnesota; don't care about high school awards; aware of ODP, Thunder, Lightning or collegiate results.

Anonymous said...

mama mia

I believe the reason that State Cup has not been held at the NSC in recent memory is because the fields are smaller than allowable for the Snickers National Cup series.

Anonymous said...

anon 10:00.
SSM U18s were able to tie MTA on 2/7 because MTA was short players and called up some U16's to have enough to have the scrimmage.

Anonymous said...

For those who follow the U16 boys, an interesting scrimmage result this past weekend:

SCV 5, CDA 0

These are C1 teams, but watch out for SCV.

Anonymous said...

mama mia,
I laughed out loud about your prediction that SCV will not only win State Cup but regions too!
That age group is so fragmented that we have ZERO chance of winning regionals no matter which club goes as Minnesota's representative.

Anonymous said...

8:35 - please don't get the SCV crowd going. All we are going to hear now is how close they were last year to making it to the semi-finals (if we had just won one game at regionals we would have made it......).

Anonymous said...

8:26 - you are correct, SCV is building a soccer dynasty!

Anonymous said...

Is this the same SCV team who last year at U16 with a truly great draw failed to win a game?
They couldn't even beat South Dakota or Nebraska!

Anonymous said...

No he is writing about the current SCV U16 boys group. I think what he is saying is that they could be a surprise this year. We will see.

Anonymous said...

i think they are referencing the post from "mama mia" yesterday at 10:16pm. they were U16 last year.

Anonymous said...

11:30,
That is correct!

Anonymous said...

i dont think st. croix will even win their group this year at 17, valley will win the group, but SCV will most likely be the wild card, i think SSM, valley, SCV, and arsenal will advance and any one of the 4 could win the whole thing

Anonymous said...

I just looked SCV U17 bracket. Tough draw for sure.
I think they'll struggle to win even 1 game this year in bracket play.

yoogle said...

MUS won't beat MTA at U15B. Frankly, the second MUS team is better than the MUS team that has won this group the past two years.

SCV got the great draw this year at U15B, as MTA, MUS1 and MUS2 are all in the same bracket.

Anonymous said...

dont know how you can pick wild cards,if SCV 17s lose to Valley why would they get in as a wildcard?
Wildcard could come from any group.
Not much chance of any team beating SSM this year at 17s.

Anonymous said...

The wildcard will most likely come from SCV or Valley because of the other teams in their group. They have the best draw to have the potential to pick up more points in their other two games than the other groups do. That is my guess for what anon 11:41 was going off of.

Anonymous said...

Mama Mia - you may not be drinking the SSM kool aid, but you are defineately drinking something.

U13 Kids are too young don't know anything at all about them. But have a family friend with a kid on the Blackhawks-so I'm cheering for them.

U14- Final will be MTA vs NSSA. It will be a tight game but I think MTA will win.

U15-The games to watch will be in Group A. Championship will be who knows against SCV.

U16- Edina from Group A
MTA from Group B
Blackhawks from group C
Three Rivers from group D
Edina got a horrible draw in this group and will be perhaps a bit beat up. I'm kind of leaning toward MTA in this group. If they do have players filling in for the 18's and still being competitive with SSM they must be pretty good.

U17- WOW it just plain messed up.
Group A- SCV
Group B This is a horrible draw for all of these teams. But should be some great soccer to watch
Group C WSD
Wild card - I think will be VLY. It should probably be from group B but I think there will be some ties and losses in that age group that will keep a wild card from comming out of this group.
Wildcard will depend

U18
Games to watch will be SSM vs MTA & CDA vs EDP. My prediction will be MTA vs EDP in the finals. Based on....I would like to see a team that truely represents MN Soccer advance to regions.

Anonymous said...

st. croix 17s will win their bracket easily, even valley wont be a challenge

Anonymous said...

I would love for a variety of clubs to advance to regionals. That would mean a deep pool of teams from Minnesota to do us all proud. As of now, I don't think we are there yet. So here are my predictions:

U13 MTA Blue over MTA West
MTA Blue is packed with talent and size. MTA West probably will get past the others. Watch out for MTA U12s. Hope I am wrong and some other team shows itself.

U14 MTA Blue over SCV
MTA Blue has strong talent and lots of game experience this winter and spring. SCV has best chance of getting to championship game. Watch out for NSSA because they have solid defense. This is not the strongest age group in terms of depth of teams.


U15 MTA Blue over MUS Jedi
MTA Blue again has excellent talent and again much game experience this winter and spring. MUS Jedi is a perennial power and could pull off upset. Watch out for SCV, another loaded team. There are some seriously talented teams in this age group.

U16 MTA Blue over EDI
MTA Blue will have tough road, but its defense is strong. EDI has comparatively easier route but could be beaten by several teams. Watch out for SSM, which will likely face MTA Blue in semifinal. Defense will be a huge factor.

U17 SCV over SSM
SCV has strong, organized team regardless of the critics. SSM could prove too much but unclear yet. Watch out for BHK -- lots of firepower but shaky on defense.

U18 MTA Blue over SSM
This should be a close one. MTA Blue and SSM both deeply talented. No real darkhorse to watch out for.

Anonymous said...

Several big name coaching changes coming soon. Will have major impact
in near future.

Anonymous said...

coming or going?

yooqle said...

The SCV 17s should do well in spite of their coach. That said, at U17B, there's too much talent spread among too many teams. I'd love to take the top 15 and put them with a quality coach for a year. THAT group of Minnesotans would whup SSM-USA.

buoddA said...

What will happen first:

(1) MTA wins every age group at State Cup?

or

(2) MTA implodes?

Place your bets...

Anonymous said...

MTA implodes? What is the rumor here? I have a son on an MTA team this year for the first time. While the club management is as disorganized and disfunctional as could be imagined, that is made up for by lots of knowledgable parents who catch the plates before they hit the floor. That's not surprising since many of the parents were pretty involved soccer parents as their kids developed, many were coaches, many served on the boards of the CCs where the kids first played.

But having said that, I don't see much risk of the club imploding any more than any other club could implode. The boys are having a great time and enjoy the challenge of playing against quality players at every training session.

MTA implodes? I don't see it. I also have to say, as a loyal CC parent, that I hope the day does not come when MTA wins every age group.

Anonymous said...

It is hard to tell if 17's are talent or just have too many parent way too involved. The parents keep posting on this blog and others on how extremely talented this group is. All I have ever seen is a bunch of over indulged players who hang on to the ball way too long. One touch passing in this age group is a lost art. Moving and distributing the ball quickly most of them think needs to be done by dribbling. The problem is while as individuals they may look great, it really doesn't get the job done. The best thing that could be done with this age group is for club DOC, coaches and other parents to learn from the mistakes these parents have made and not to let it happen again.

Anonymous said...

The problem that I see with the U17 age group is that every game only has one ball which will make it virtually impossible for all the best players to ever be on the same team. There is a reason that in the past there has been so much annual roster change.

Anonymous said...

Big changes are coming and if you are a dribbler you will become a one/two touch passer or you will be replaced. Start working on your field awareness and passing skills.

The soccer philosophy in Minnesota is changing.

Anonymous said...

the 17 are an amazingly talented group of players, one former wings player started out in this age group and was far too talented for his own age so he moved up two years older on another wings premier team and then was the youngest player ever drafted by an MLS team, another player that played for arsenal is now playing in the german bundesliga, WB was Mr. Soccer this year, there are others that will be D1 soccer players if not professionals as well, PY, DD, BW, HJ, st. croix twins, IK, KD, as well as some others i may have missed, this age group is the real deal and if the talent was consolidated on one team, with a coach that could manage that many talented players, they would have a legitimate shot at winning a national championship, the problem is that of the players just mentioned they are spread among 6 different teams

Anonymous said...

Ok dad, your post is exactly what everyone is talking about!

"there are others that will be D1 soccer players if not professionals as well" LOL

I whole post is more parental hype. The age groups has some of the best PR going for it in the state. Mr. Soccer is a prime example of the PR load of #@*& you yahoo have been selling for five years.

Anonymous said...

So the big question........why can't they all play on the same team? I think 6:19 might be right.

Anonymous said...

i think it started at U-13 with this age group and why they never came together, valley was so dominant in the small sided game but never went out to actively recruit anyone as the field got bigger and they needed more players which may have solved the entire issue if they would have taken the initiative and stepped up right away to consolidate the talent as they were already the best team and everyone knew that back then, and then bangu and PSA both formed their own little recruiting rivalry against each other where they had most of the top end talent on those two teams, followed by valley and wings, but they never were able to put aside their differences and form one team and then others like WBL, which eventually became current SCV for the most part, Blackhawks, and Westside starting taking talent away and slowly spreading it out even more throughout the age group, it has been a fun age group to watch throughout the years, but non one took the initiative to pool the talent into one club when they were younger and it has resulted in a large group of teams that are very competitive, but no one that is dominant on the regional or national level

Anonymous said...

The knock on this age group is that it has always been very parent driven with their Landons needing to be "the man" or in this case "the boy".

Anonymous said...

Congrats to SSM u-16 boys winning the Las Vegas Premier Invitational, great prep for State cup www.lasvegaspremier.com for tourney results !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to SSM U16 boys, evidently Got Soccer posted the wrong information orginally.

I did go to that exact same web site when this was orginally posted and it had SSM losing to Players SC 93 and NOT playing in the finals at all. I'm surprise to see all that information suddenly changed. What happened? How do you go from not playing in the Championship to winning the tournament?

Anonymous said...

Regarding the U17 talent level, there is no doubt that there is some very talented players in this age, but many have been overlooked as they were asked to and did play different roles so that some kids could be the star based on the coaches favorite, to these kids the team came first and the accolades went to others that weren't deserved. To many egos on some of these kids that will eventually catch up with them and others weren't ever recognized for what they did to the overall success of the team.
This is why there would never be any success in pooling all the so called super stars because they can't and won't accept a total team concept.

Anonymous said...

In response to ANON 7:29

About a month ago, I saw the MTA U18s play the MTA U17s after my son’s practice at Augsburg. My son and some of his teammates were pumped to watch the game. I too was interested, as I have read so much on this blog about how talented the 17 age group is. MTA U18s destroyed the MTA U17s. The 17s only had one shot on goal that I could recall, and the 18s seemed to be able to score at will. Someone had to point out to me who Mr. Soccer was because he was truly missing out on the field. Based on that game the 17 are not the most talent age group to come out of MN, by far. The 18s moved the ball quickly and controlled the field it. The 17 lost the ball frequently and repeatedly tried to dribble the ball thru the middle or dribble thru multiple attackers. I know scrimmages are learning tools and have little or no meaning, but this was truly and enlightening game to watch. I guess what I really saw the 18 understood that it was a team sport while the 17 didn't seem to get it at all.

Anonymous said...

The U18's are not more talented than the U17's. MTA is not a good team to watch if your looking for a team game by a U17 team. For that Valley is the best TEAM at U17, they don't rely on soul individual skill even though they have some outstanding players. St. Croix sends almost everything through the twins. Westside I also think may be the other team that has a good team concept for the U17's. MTA though? Please, all those kids think they are super stars even though they all aren't.

Anonymous said...

Valley maybe the best team, but I believe the post was speaking about individual talent. As far as ODP regional players, all the age groups seem to average about six players. Even there the 93 have seven and one national player now. WB & PY all high school season were heralded as super stars. PY fans even made sure that everyone knew that Mr. Soccer Class A was a second choice after the HS coaches decided that it was only a senior award. Better players by far were overlooked to the PR machine of the uber parents.

If you were basing you opinion on an age groups talent by the success of the teams in the age group, well that group would seem about average there too. The 90-91 Bangu boys I think maybe the most successful group finishing third in the MRL Premier Division. I know the 88-89 Wings were successful also and may have finished better. The Super Eagles had early success at U14 playing at regional’s but lets get real, that was four years ago allot of there success was based on a few players early maturity as often happens at the younger ages. I am sure most college coaches and professional coaches are more impressed with success on the field at U17 than at U14. The ideology that they are a deeply talent pool I think actually lends itself to the problems at hand. Instead of consolidating there talent for the benefit of everyone during their critical year they again are going on their own. If the 90-91 have had such poor success in attracting D1 scholarship what has the 91-92 done that will get them noticed better.

What does this have to do with State Cup? Not much, it does illustrate the damage uber parents can do not only to there own age groups but to the age groups around them. Stop thinking you people are something special and start thinking you need to work together. You might accomplish something, until then you are just another age group.

Mr. MTA said...

Just heard - no US Soccer Development Academy for MN this year. No for MTA, no for SSM. Too bad for the boys. Likely impede consolidation efforts.

Anonymous said...

Mr MTA, thanks for the info. Though many people (MYSA included) will likely be very happy that MTA did not get this it is really a shame for Minnesota soccer.

Anonymous said...

reasons?

Anonymous said...

They probably have figured us out. Maybe they understand that, in Minnesota, we resent anyone who excels or succeeds or dares to dream.

Anonymous said...

who says it official?

Anonymous said...

Hey, keep it up, we are catching up to the girls site

Anonymous said...

It's official, girl's league very much up in the air too.

Anonymous said...

MTA and SSM not in and all you can hear is crickets.

Anonymous said...

The word is the USSF board thought the additional expense of teams having traveling to Minnesota for games was excessive.
Both SSM and MTA were deemed qualified but the cost of adding them was not prudent in current economy.
That's the word coming out of Faribault.

Anonymous said...

same excuse they used last year. thing is SSM is an actual academy, not a fake one like some of the other ones already in the DAP.

Anonymous said...

what terrible news. I hope they stay the course.

mama mia said...

MTA U18 has all the top U18 players. MTA U17 is probably the 5th best U17 team.

If the top 16 players from U17 played on one team, they would probably be the best Minnesota has seen since 1990.

The U17s didn't consolidate because there were a number of strong teams when they were young in opposite sides of the Twin Cities (PSA, Valley, WBL, Bangu, Wings). They were rivals, were loyal to their clubs, and it didn't make sense for any one team to break up what they had built and play at a greater distance from home.

It would have made sense if the top 16 played for Bangu. But why would the PSA players leave to play for Bangu after two strong showings at regionals?

Anonymous said...

Don't forget that Bangu actually went further in Regionals then PSA did.

Anonymous said...

MTA U18 has most of the top players not all. Anyone could make a good agruement that EDP and CDA have top players on their teams. Both teams have played MTA/Bangu very tight. The point being, is every age group has good or top players not playing on the top team.

At ODP last year the 91's played the 92's. The top players should be out on the field then and they still lost. This year the 92's will play the 93's I predict that they tie.

So, sorry guys I'm just not buying it, again they are no different than every other age group in MN other than their uber parents are way more involved (coaching/forming clubs/MYSA DOC/lawsuits etc..) than others parents.

Anonymous said...

A source says the key to the "wait and see" decision was player development...SSM attracts, develops and retains players, whereas MTA really has only shown they can attract. Also, concerns about MTA player turnover, as well as long-term viability of the program in a state that generally rejects player consolidation. For travel/balance purposes they want to add two, but right now SSM is the only true academy in MN, in their view.

Anonymous said...

12:33, you may be right. However, I've seen a number of DAP clubs across the country and what MTA is doing dwarfs many of those programs already in DAP. I think US Soccer saw that as well. Very, very few current DAP clubs can match what SSM has, but MTA would not even be close to the bottom in DAP.

Franklin Pierce said...

SCV U17s are 3-1 so far in MRL premier league. Wins over Vardar (Michigan), Pacesetter (Ohio South)and Sockers (Illinois)...not bad for a team everyone thought would be destroyed at that level.

Anonymous said...

Are there any other states that are in the DAP that only has one club in the state that is in DAP member?

Anonymous said...

Hope that SCV U17's can keep that going, maybe Minnesota will send two U17 teams to Regionals.

Anonymous said...

I think most people in MN do not understand the importance that DAP can do for these players. People on this site complain that they cannot compete with the bigger cities (Chicago/Dallas/Jersey etc) but yet, people in MN are not willing to join forces and go to MTA. Im not trying to come across as a recruiter for MTA, I do not have a male player playing in MN, but if most of the players would join MTA, it would help with the DAP efforts.

Shekki said...

Too bad MTA has bad leadership. It was a good idea that was poorly executed. Even if it was well-executed, the leaders are so polarizing that it was doomed from the start.

C'est la vie. The grass ain't always greener.

Anonymous said...

Granted I new to MTA, but I fail to see how MTA leadership is any different than ANY of the local CC.

Anonymous said...

Hey,not everyone said SCV 17s would struggle at mrl premier,I said they would do ok,be competive,I stand by that.
Then people accused me of being a parent,ironic as I'm a u17 coach and not at SCV.I just happen to know they are a very very good team who I thought went in to last years Cup as favorites and then won it.
This year they go in as second favorites.

Anonymous said...

Shekki, the envious hater is back! Yes! Same old same old though, throwing out vague accusations of ineptness without an iota of substance to back it up with. Typifies most of the ignorance that i abounds in the world of the haters.

As for SSM, too bad MTA held you down. You deserve to be in DAP.

shekki said...

awwwww...you MISSED me!

Anonymous said...

DAP shot down, bailouts, budget deficits, high unemployment, crummy April weather, it's all MTA's fault (anything I forgot?).

Anonymous said...

I believe Wisconsin only has one DAP (FC Milwaukee) but they are like 2 hours from chicago so...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. It feels like USYS just said- "MN players don't mean anything to us. We don't need them, so they don't get any opportunities".

Again, USYS lets the Minnesota player down. And this time, MYSA didn't even have to assist.

mama mia said...

Please elaborate on MTA's poor leadership?

I'm part of a top Minnesota CC. I think it has poor leadership that constantly makes poor decisions, is extremely polarizing and is so slow in making progressive moves with hockey moms and baseball dads making decisions on the board.

From the outside looking in at MTA, I would say they've done some pretty nice things with a handful of young cronies who live and die Minnesota soccer.

I sense jealousy brought on by player stealing, overhype, aggressive marketing and crazy finances. I too hate all those things, but so be it. MTA has a great thing going with passionate people and it will help Minnesota soccer.

Anonymous said...

mama mia - nice post. I agree with your sentiments - love 'em or hate 'em, you can't question the passion and commitment that the MTA leadership has in elevating the quality of MN soccer. They have a vision (not shared by all) and are attempting to achieve it.

Anonymous said...

Here's a listing of all the current USSF clubs. There are quite a few that don't hold a candle to what either SSM or MTA have accomplished or have currently in place. For many of them, it would appear to be much more about logistics.

Here's the link:

http://ussda.demosphere.com/Clubs/index_E.html

Kind of a shame for the boys up here.

Anonymous said...

If I had to guess why SSM and MTA didn't get the Academy approval it would be complaints from the Chicago area teams about the expense of traveling to Minneapolis to play our clubs.
The word out of Faribault is that it was all about finances and addition expense for current academy clubs.
It is a shame because SSM and MTA are both doing the right things for the game here in Minnesota.

Anonymous said...

It amazes me that is finaces when it more expense to fly to Denver from Chicago than to drive to MN. These two are in the same league.

Anonymous said...

I agree with 9:23...Ctown teams travel all over, Vegas, Dallas, Orlando, need I say more?

Anonymous said...

so what would be the reason they opted not to pick them?

Anonymous said...

The reason communicated to SSM and from what I've heard 2nd hand from an MTA insider was that it was a financial decision.
It can't be much clearer that that.

Anonymous said...

Mama Mia,
Who are you? I've been reading your posts for a year now. While controversial at times, I always seem to agree.

Maybe the Chicago teams think it's too cold in Minnesota to justify the cost. Maybe they don't want Minnesota to continue to be catching up to them.

Anonymous said...

Anon 2:35- WHO ARE YOU?! We can't tell if we've been reading your posts because you won't take a moniker.

If you agree with mama mia, then that means you are probably pretty reasonable. Please take a moniker so that people know who you are.

Signed,

Mr Black Kettle

socmom said...

Isn't it just possible...
USSF is using finances as an exucse?
Maybe they just don't think MTA & SSM boys programs have proven themselves over the long term just yet.
In reality, MTA is a "new" club.
SSM has only been around a few years.
I don't buy the money POV.
There are other teams that have to fly.

Anonymous said...

P.S.
Maybe this has something to do with USSF decesion.
"U.S. Soccer Awards 144 Scholarships..."
http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_13434894.html

Anonymous said...

12:05 - take a peak at some of the other clubs (see link)

http://ussda.demosphere.com/Clubs/index_E.html

Many of the clubs have a lot less to show in the way of accomplishments than MTA/SSM.

My guess is that although both clubs might have qualified, the changes that would have been needed to acommodate them (impact on current teams, district restructuring, etc...) just wasn't equal to the need to include them. Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

USSF has nothing to hide. They would not give "an excuse" to lessen the blow. The reasoning given is the reasoning. Plenty of clubs nation-wide have been told they are not up to the standard for DAP.

If this were the case with either MTA or SSM, they would have been told that in no uncertain terms. USSF doesn't care about the "feelings" of either MTA or SSM.

SSMSouthCampus

Anonymous said...

Edina u18 boys will win the cup this year. Lead by the brick wall christian rans this team will be hard to beat...mark my words

Anonymous said...

Is that why they got owned by a U17 team at a scrimmage?

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:21
I did take a peak.
Here are the U15/U16 club teams listed in the "Frontier Division" which is where MN would belong (I'm assuming).
Chicago Magic
Sockers FC
Chicago Fire
Real Colorado
St. Louis Scott Gallagher
FC Milwaukee
St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Colorado Rush
Colorado Rapids
Of the above clubs, only Colorado Rapids, sitting in last place, is not mentioned on Soccer America's "Top 30" clubs.
Have Bangu or Wings (boys)ever cracked a national "top club" list?
I don't care how strong MTA believes their club can become.
The fact is, they are not proven yet.

Anonymous said...

3:27, I think you are correct, MTA is not proven yet. Not saying they wont be in the future, but right now, they are not. And due to this fact, it hurt SSM. Only FCM is the only club that has one club from a state, but FCM is only 45 mins drive from Ctown.

Anonymous said...

http://www.dallascup.com/

Shattuck U18s in the U19 bracket, winner of the 1st game v a team from England 3-1...Shattuck 17s in the U17 bracket, winners over a Costa Rica team 1-0 Good job boys!!

mama mia said...

I don't even drink the SSM kool-aid, but the recent SSM results are very impressive. Congratulations to them. That team is fortunate to get to play against teams of that quality. It looks like SSM will once again represent Minnesota well at the U18 regional and national tournaments.

Oops, I posted that same thing last week.

For the USSF not to make an exception for a top level team like SSM and allow them in this "Frontier Division" defeats the goals of promoting soccer and the growth of the sport. Once again, the adults in charge make rules that ruin the essence of sports.

Anonymous said...

Agreed, SSM U18 will be solid, but hard to add an entire program for one team. USSF DAP encompasses U16 & U18 age groups meaning a lot has to do with the strength of the incoming U15's & U17's. At this point SSM doesn't even have a U15 team (that I am aware of) and their current U16's & U17's a good but not great. Both programs have a bit of a way to go.

Anonymous said...

SSM U17 0 CZ ELITE SOCCER 1

Anonymous said...

not state cup

Anonymous said...

Team from England that Shattuck beat was a village team.

Anonymous said...

Let's not forget that the Dallas Cup has some requirements to qualify to play, but not sure were international teams fit in that criteria.

Anonymous said...

I dont think the criteria is that rigid,some fairly average teams get in from the States and its tough to evaluate foriegn teams unless they are academy level

Anonymous said...

You people are nuts! Lets talk down about a team from MN that is playing in the top boys youth tournament in the US, they are 2-0 in bracket, have scored 6 goals in 2 games, but yet you yahoos are putting them down saying they are beating panzee's. What ever.

Good Job Shattuck. Win or lose, your winners in my book!!

Anonymous said...

Gosh, if Shattuck is playing Village teams, then what does that say about your team/club?

Anonymous said...

Exactly. There are 3 good youth teams in all of Minnesota, boys and girls, that are even worth being paid to watch. MTA U18 Boys. SSM U18 Boys. SCV U17 Boys.

If you're not on one of those teams, your team is crap and I wouldn't watch that crap even if I were paid.

That's not actually how I feel, but it's kind of true. Why do the Thunder have such a tough time drawing a crowd?

Anonymous said...

you mean the men's professional team the Thunder?

I think they have difficulty drawing crowds because they are percieved to be minor league.

I enjoy their games myself.

Anonymous said...

That's a bold statement if your going to put SCV 17's in there you need to add in a few more from that age they are not leaps and bounds above everyone else in that age group. You people are nuts.

Anonymous said...

To all you yahoos who think that MTA and SSM didn't get USSF DAP because they were both new clubs...

http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_13762561.html

Anonymous said...

The SCV 17s play better as a team than any other 17s team, there aren't any ballhogs on the team and thats why they're a fun team to watch.

Anonymous said...

Valley and Westside are better at playing as a team than anyone in that age.

Anonymous said...

12:30: That link sends me to an error page "unable to locate" for ussoccer.com.

If the article is still posted, can you redirect us? thanks.

Anonymous said...

11:22 and 5:42,

Are you the same person that degrades what SSM U17 is doing at Dallas Cup, yet you think your own son's team is a quality side? How many State Cups have Valley or Westside won?

You couldn't pay me to go watch either of those teams again.

I also enjoy Thunder games, sometimes. Season ticket holder.

-10:27

Anonymous said...

scv,very good team but where did they finish in the league?
The difference with league is one game home/away,its not a crapshoot.

Anonymous said...

Thank god for MTA/SSM and the U17 SCV team or this thread would be bare.....

.......and if they had only won one of their regional games last year they would have made it to the semi's.......

Anonymous said...

The difference with State Cup is that it is what matters and that is when teams have their full roster and that is when the best players play their best.

...and if they would have won a couple State Cup games last year they would have made it to the semi's...

And so it continues...degrade the team that is better than your team.

Anonymous said...

it's almost too easy with a couple of the SCV parents....

Anonymous said...

Shattuck 18s advance to the qrt finals winning the bracket going 3-0. Not too bad boys!! Good luck

Anonymous said...

U19 (To be played Friday)
North Texas Strikers vs. Miami FC Kendall Academy (FL)
NV Fusion (CA) vs. FC Dallas U18 Academy
Dallas Texans U18 Academy vs. Royal Navy (UK)
Shattuck St. Marys (MN) vs. Solar SC U18 Academy (TX)

Not bad company!!

Anonymous said...

What are you surprised about? Don't think any of the competition draws from a national pool do they? Or can dangle $100K financial incentives in front of players? I'm not knocking the program by the way, I support what SSM is doing. But the boasting and chest pounding of loser SSM parents is nauseating.

Anonymous said...

how do you know its a parent?? My guess is, all the parents are down there and could give a rat about this site. Gosh, SSM gets bashed all the time, as well as MTA, but then when someone post something positive then you get slammed yet again. Go figure??

Anonymous said...

Who was the last player to have $100k cash dangled in front of them? The story gets bigger and bigger each time it is told.

The exaggeration and jealousy of some of you is what is truly nauseating.

Anonymous said...

yea, I thought so as well. 100K huh?? Maybe for a full ride to Notre Dame?? NOT HAPPENING

Anonymous said...

I don't think the implication is $100K in cash. I think they we're referring to the value of the 4 year scholarship to attend SSM.

Anonymous said...

30,000 a year x 4 = 120 000
so it was underestimated!

Anonymous said...

SCV 1 Westside 1{scv wins on penalties beats Bangu in the final 3 1,same score Westside beat Bangu in group}
SCV 0 Westside 0
SCV 3 Westside 0
SCV 2 Westside 3.
Intersesting scores from 08,I'm surprised not to hear more about Westside,who plays for them?

Anonymous said...

SCV is just another wannabe club.Not much interest in SCV.

Anonymous said...

no,not really a wannabe club,the 17s won state cup and that is why they get ink.

mama mia said...

What's State Cup? Don't you mean State Tournament?

Anonymous said...

Is all this talk about the SCV U16 team that finished 4th in the league last year with a 5-5 record?

Anonymous said...

Yes and Also the same SCV who beat the 2 year returning champs,and the same SCV who won 15s state tournament 8-0and 16 state cup 3-1 and the same SCV who beat Eclipse(#2 in region 7th in nation) in their mrl group play and the same SCV won their mrl playoff and beat valley 3-0 in a game were possesion was completly one sided... And after all that which was accomplised they to come back and beat teams like Valley, Westside...sounds like a joke .... The only team who gave SCV any competition in MN have always been Blackhawks and Shattuck

Anonymous said...

Anon 11:24 ... Also a 3-1 record and MRL premier league that accordig to last years 0-7 Arsenal team that league must bepretty damn tough

Anonymous said...

I personally expect Sir Alex to be there at the State Cup to recruit the whole team.

Anonymous said...

I just looked at the SCV U17 Boys team's record in Midwest League.
It's a bit misleading.
They are 3-1 but...
The wins came against 3 teams whose combined record in the league is 1-11.
Those 3 teams have scored a combined total of only 7 goals but have allowed 35 goals.
SCV will struggle to get out of their bracket and maybe not even win a game in this years State Cup.

Anonymous said...

hey SCV parent...Eclipse boys have never been rated that high. Maybe the girls side.

Anonymous said...

Having the bullseye on your back isn't all it's cracked up to be, is it? Everybody wants to knock of the top team and gain its own recognition and then the parents can pound their chests.. There's a lot to be said for working hard and flying UNDER the radar!

Anonymous said...

pretty tough not to win a game in their bracket,they have Valley,Eagan,Woodbury.

Anonymous said...

08 results,
SCV 2 Valley 1
SCV 3 Valley 0
SCV 0 Valley 1
SCV 0 Valley 1
no competition?

Anonymous said...

A quick note of thanks to all the MN U17 teams for the lively entertainment over the years. Arguing over who's the best team in what is the pinnacle of national soccer prowess - MN boys. You really can't make this stuff up.

Anonymous said...

in the 3-0 win st. croix had over valley, valley played the entire game with only 10 players because they had so many injuries, they are very evenly matched teams

Anonymous said...

Really, who cares?

Anonymous said...

you do,you replied

Anonymous said...

Lets not forget how the SCV 17 boys were formed. As SCV was in bed with MYSA allowing a team to form and play C1 in about the weakest division the East had ever seen. Allowing them to easily make premier and attract other to players...funny thing is that MYSA did everything they could to stop the old bangu from doing these things over the years. I guess it helps that one of the SCV parents was on the MYSA committee that allowed this to happen.

Also important to point out that MRL is not what is used to be. With USSF academy, National League, Super Y, US Club soccer, etc. it no longer has any prestige and is full of soft teams, even in the premier group. A 5-5, 4th place MN league team is winning a few games in the premier flight...enough said.

Really doesn't matter because they age group has widley dispersed talent. SCV could win state cup or loose in the semi final by 3 goals. Or if they play poorly not even get out of their group.

They are a good team, but nowhere near what their parent groups think they are. Also not very entertaining to watch, unless you are a fan of lump-it-and-run-fast. Only a few of them will even play college soccer, only 1 has a shot at D1.

Anonymous said...

Arsenal were 0-7 in the national league.

Anonymous said...

Good point 6:52

I guess cheaters can finish 1st, if Daddy is on the MYSA.

Anonymous said...

Should make for some fierce competition and a lot of fun at State Cup.

Good thing the games are up in Cambridge so all the other teams can watch to help grow the sport.

Also a good thing the games are scheduled at the same time so teams can watch each other and increase crowds.

Great planning MYSA! You're always thinking a couple steps ahead of the play.

Anonymous said...

MYSA,Tom Moriarty,absolute clowns with no respect for players or coaches.

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