Any updates on Sunday's games? Are they playing with lightning possible and all this rain and cold? Good day for some upsets if they are playing in these conditions.
I have been apart & seen those types of games, the point is you don't go on a blog after you beat a team and start bashing your opponets. Or complaining how you should have beat them 11-1 but the ref & fields kept you from performing. You won, show some class, nothing else needed to be said.
At boys U15B, the MTA mission is clearly working. Blue performed admirably (3-3-1) in MRL premier, after successfully recruiting away the best players from the other top U15 teams. A month ago they finally addressed the playing time concerns raised by the parents of the players who do not play (you know, the "I-won't-guarantee-playing-time-but-I-will-guarantee-the-best-training-he'll-ever-get" discussion), and apparently that alleviated things for awhile, though I can't imagine the parents of players #12 to #18 will stick around to subsidize the players who play (a key weakness in the MTA financial strategy, given that the Thunder will never be able to subsidize the program).
Plus, MTA's second team (White) is leading their MRL first-division bracket, undefeated and beating teams that took it to MU Jedi and Wildcats. Lots of internal issues at MU, as their wackiest parents are acting even wackier.
And SCV, which used to be such a fun team to watch, has been much less than impressive this spring, losing key players and replacing them with players who are average at best. SCV may not even make it out of their bracket, as they will face a MTA White and a PSA team that has loaded up on Liberians. Luckily, neither MU team will see PSA, so Shekki won't have to raise a fit and demand to see their papers.
MTA U15B Blue will dominate at State Cup, and will beat PSA in the championship.
at higher level soccer (or just about any sport for that matter) the "player 12-18" issue will always be there. for parents the choice comes down whether you want your child to be a little fish in a big pond or the big fish in a little pond. whether parents want to believe it or not, who you train with and against is one of the most crucial elements in player development. what this oftentimes comes down to is the reluctance of the parents to accept the fact that their child may not be a starter. nothing wrong with taking a step down and moving to another team if the main goal is for the child to play in games, for most players that is their biggest joy.
True, true, 10:15. Unfortunately, for many parents, playing time is all that matters. They don't see their thousands in fees paying for great training...they see their thousands in fees paying to play in games with a top team. When they realize how many top players are subsidized, a lot of these folks will walk.
if clubs are going to subsidize players (just like colleges subsidize students with everyone's tuition or your tax dollars) then at the larger clubs it needs to come from a clubwide scholarship fund so the costs are spread out amongst 100's and 100's of players. if a team's total yearly expenses are being split up amongst 10 families instead of 16-18 then that is something very few people would agree with. not sure how the clubs do it here in mn or the exact specifics of 8:15's reference.
Just because you may pay $1000's in training fees does not assure you of great training. There are plenty of coaches that are very good where team fee's are not that of MTA of a few other clubs. Do not believe that hype. Also scholarships are not always based on financial ability to pay, past history with Bangu shows that it goes to whoever the coach wants to KA with.
you can have the best coach in the world, but if the players you are training with are lacking in physical ability or soccer skills the development will never get there.
Several MTA coaches have said "winning state cup is really all that matters". It's their marketing strategy. Youth soccer should be about player development and not about a coaches record. College is a different matter.
Teams play MRL to get competition against strong competition so they're ready for State Cup. My non-MTA son's team is playing MRL this spring for precisely that reason. They will play better in State Cup as a result of their MRL experience.
The MTA model requires a continual influx of new/strong players (read the previous post about mid- to low-level players subsidizing the others, getting tired of not playing and moving on), and the only way they can keep new players revolving in is by being able to claim they're the best. They need to own State Cup to be able to continue to make that claim. And when a club/team says winning State Cup is all that matters, the players at the end of the bench will not play.
They also need to get/remain big so they have economies of scale (again, read the previous post about player subsidizing). 5 of the 12 U13B State Cup teams are affiliated with MTA. I'll go out on a limb and predict an MTA team will win U13B. That said, four MTA teams for sure won't win it.
Congrats to MTA for assembling tons of Landon and Mia wanna-bes. Their marketing/recruiting/subsidization machine works very well. The big challenge will be keeping them all, because a LOT of players will be working hard and paying a lot to support those top teams.
1:46 - you only missed one key point.........I must have missed the part where the smart, educated, informed parents did not make the decision in choosing MTA.
2:33 - it is constantly written that the parents make the decision to play for MTA and not the players. Isn't a parent supposed to help their child make a decision? My 11 year old can't decide what TV show to watch but I'm supposed the let him chose between his community club and a variety of other programs? The child should have input but at the younger ages (u12 and below) the decision should rest with the parents. No different than what schools to attend, what to have for dinner, etc. My son will eat hot dogs and french fries for dinner every night if I let him.
Folks...it's all about winning. How else do you explain a team going to a Show Case tournament and not playing all the players on the team. There are coaches who's ego is more important than their players. It seems to me parents should expect their kids to get playing time at Showcase events.
Some parents have requested to see their clubs budget and expense reports. They are still waiting. Youth soccer is a business.
MTA will be alot more successful on the girls side in State Cup, the boys however will struggle, thus compounding the already apparent in-fighting over the timmy/tommy come latelys that have displaced their Jack/Johns. Watch the mass exodus happen
this is the same whiny complaint we all hear every year whether it was Bangu and now MTA, and we'll hear it again about this same time next year from the same parents group.
Looking for advice. We just moved to Woodbury, and we have a really good U12 boy and a U9 girl who loves to play but needs some work with her ball skills. I guess we will miss the summer season, but does the Woodbury club even offer competitive teams at those ages? A neighbor told me the younger Woodbury boys play for St. Paul Blackhawks, Thunder and SC Valley, and the younger girls play for Thunder...does that make sense? Is something wrong with the Woodbury club? Some posts here are helpful. It seems Thunder is your state's love/hate club. Are there any websites that can help us figure this out?
11:23 Woodbury had a reputation as a club that put the good of their organization ahead of the needs of the individual players. I don't know if that is true now. This is one of the seeds that led to the Minnesota Thunder Academy. The MTA East director is Andy Kaasa. He is the best kids coach and trainer I have ever seen. He doesn't get involved with all the petty bickering you see going on between the various clubs. He works with and for the kids. Odds are he may let your daughter get involved now, at least for skills development and maybe place your son with a team. He coaches my granddaughter and has for 4 years. You can contact him at akaasa@mnthunder.com. If your kids want to have fun enjoying the game as the develop, I don't think you can do better.
10:23, most likely it will not be a championship preview at 17's, only the winner from each group is garunteed a spot in the semi's then its down to wild cards and with BHK in that group too, as well as a very good C1 SCV team, I just dont see a wild card coming from that group too much potnetial for ties and teams beating each other too much, IMHO I like VLY and SCV to both advance becasue they should both beat their C1 teams and then if they tie even better chance for both to advance, but even the loser should have close to 20 points and that will be hard to overcome for anyother second place team
That's kind of like Cristiano Ronaldo choosing between Sporting CP and Manchester United. Players should always try to play where their teammates are equally or more dedicated and talented, where their coaches will push them to the next level, and where their team competes at a level desirable to you.
To each their own. Go to tryouts for every club and see which one is the best fit.
Woodbury might have a good coaching director, but with the new athletic association and soccer club now in existence feeding the new Woodbury HS and the revenue that the Woodbury SC stands to lose (50%) based on the new district lines, my bet is that that club will no longer be able to afford to pay what they're paying.
To the new guy, I'd figure out if you're in the East Ridge district. If so I think you have an easy decision to go with MTE/ERSC. If you live in the other district you still might have an easy decision.
Call both club directors and talk to them though. That would obviously give you a better feel.
Thanks for the input. I was not aware of an ERSC club, and we are in the new school area. I was told the Woodbury club was managed poorly in the past, and the club is weak at younger ages because of that. Is there new leadership?
1123, It all depends on the money you want to shell out. Coever is excellent for the cost. They usually have a 18 week Center of excellence program over the winter for between $400-450. 1 1/2 hours per week. It also depends on the trainers that you have, some are better than others. Another option is one-on-one, that can be spendy and there are several great one-on-one trainers.
Wow 9:39 PM you sound like an old high school coach my kids had, if they are from Somalia they must be good soccer players, that is just BS, while some of the Somalia kids might be talented, having them play as a team player hasn't been very successful, many of them are ball hogs and don't know how to pass. It is all about them and not a team.
I bet the high-priced one-on-one training suggested above is excellent for teaching teamwork. I think 9:39's point was that you don't have to buy soccer skills with big bucks.
Don't waste your money on Coerver either. If you ever walked in Holy Angels this winter on a Thursday night, SW had 100-125 kids in half a dome. For him it is all about the $$ and getting as many kids he can into the program. The center of excellence are a joke, if I was paying for the AHA training this winter I would demand my money back.
Been to Holy Angels many times for practice and have seen SW'training in action. There is none better for teaching technical skills.Fact is people are jealous of his success. His club has trained more kids that have gone on to play at the college level than any other club by far. When it comes to technical training SW is #1.
Northsider, I usually agree with your posts but you're dead wrong about SW. Coerver is all about camps and revenue, packing kids into small spaces to maximize income.
And in my mind you can't be the #1 technical trainer if you've never played the game.
Best technical trainer I have ever been around is David Lawson from Kelix. Althought my kids did not ever play for the club, they attend his training sessions for years and have highly developed technical skills.
The Somali national team couldn't beat MTA or SSM U18s.
SW=Simon Whitehead, Director of Coerver Minnesota. And Simon is a VERY good trainer, especially at the young COE level. Some say 'you get what you pay for'. In Simon's case, you get more! Simon is not alone in providing high caliber training in MN. MTA has a couple of great trainers, especially in the East. PSA has one good trainer. I hear good things about Kelix and the TC Fire trainers. Other clubs seem to be 'hit or miss'. The majority of comments on this blog appear to come from parents with limited exposure to what's out there. If you have never experienced many trainers, how can one compare basef only on cost?
All this talk of generalizing player capabilities based on their country of origin is crazy! First Liberians, then Somalians.... Football is football and it doesn't matter from where the person comes. It all starts with footskills and the desire to control the ball. Some youth player parents call certain kids 'ball hogs' but if their kids played along with the greats at an early age (Messi, Henry, Rooney, Anelka, etc.), they would likely say the same things. "What ball hogs!"
Nicely put in regard to Simon W. It's refreshing to actually have you and only a few others actually know what there talking about in regard to the topic.
The Liberian National Team could certainly beat the U18 SSM and MTA teams. If fact, they are probably on par with the US National Team. I reiterate that the Somali National Team v SSM or MTA would be a great game to watch.
I would say that 1-on-1 SW is a good trainer. In his 50+ player sessions, he is average at best, and not worth the money.
Long-time reader, first-time poster wants to know what a "DD" is. I have visions of one thing (or should I say two things), but have to think it refers to something else.
- Somali kids have superior technical skills (see above). - Somali Natl Team is weak (see above). - Somali Natl Team is filled with war veterans and part-time pirates. - Somali player development stops when they become adults. - We're talking about technical skill development, not the ability to play with teammates. - Did the Somali kids, with superior technical skills, need to pay big bucks to Coerver & MTA to develop superior technical skills?
Tell your kids to go outside and practice (for free).
No u18 SSM or MTA team could beat a national team. If they could why does american soccer suck so bad if they are making world class players at the age of 18?
Bring all this talk over to another part. Why is it so hard to for you fools to keep the right topics in the right areas??? This is boys state cup, move it on over to mn soccer happenings or something.
Now here comes someone saying your just mad cause you wanna hear us talkign about your kids team blah blah blah blah blah...I only read this board for the humor you all give me each and every day.
5:48 there is a thing called friends...maybe you never had them or your son or daughter dont have them but if you like the sport you will never get tired of playing it by yourself and or with friends
11:08, I think that MTA will likely win both. Both of those teams are just so strong. And their talent does not just come from Bangu and Wings players but also players developed by other clubs, too. But in this cup competition all it takes is an upset you have nailed the ones who could upset them.
VLY 17B go 2-1 this weekend at MRL and lead division with 5-1 record, one game left with Westside, if they win they are in MRL Premier division for 18B next summer
ARS and MTA are in first and second after early games this morning in their division as well
Keep it up boys, this is great for MN soccer to get teams having success at the regional level
VLY 17B go 2-1 this weekend at MRL and lead division with 5-1 record, one game left with Westside, if they win they are in MRL Premier division for 18B next summer
ARS and MTA are in first and second after early games this morning in their division as well
Keep it up boys, this is great for MN soccer to get teams having success at the regional level
3/5/09 5:34 PM
Thats interesting that they have Westside last for a shot at premier,should beat them easily though.
Why? what would give you that indication, just wondering? WSD has not beaten VLY in 3 years, why is that going to change now when VLY is playing at the top of their game, havent seen either team play this year, but i feel based on results that VLY has to have the upper hand in this game, especially with that extra motivation and WSD is playing for nothing in that game
It is true that U16 Blackhawks lost some players. Edina lost some too. I think Blackhawks suffered more as a result, but they still have a strong team.
You might want to read the MRL rules and bylaws. Winning U17B 1st division will not put VLY into the premier group next year. The league director has authority over promotion and religation. If there is a playoff between the 6 teams that each won 1st division, VLY would be included. However, since they are very unlikely to win state cup, and will probably finish in the middle of the MN State League, it would be difficult for the commissioners to place them in Premier. I agree with the previous poster, that WSD will find a way to beat them.
4:35, if you read the MRL promotion bylaws it states that there is no playoffs this year and the league winners from the six leagues will gain promotion to the premier league next season, and wondering why it is VERY unlikely that they win state cup, and considering they won the MN state league last year why would they finish in the middle this season
7:26 is correct. Early fall info from MRL talked about playoffs weekend of June 13, but later info dropped that off the calendar and after reading the bylaws, MRL has the option of having playoffs or taking the #1 team in each subdivision (there are 6) to move up to Premier. No, I'm not from VU, I had been checking on this so as to get a handle on the summer schedule for our team.
I hear WSD went to mrl without their top player and have injury issues,could be rumour but I also hear the head coach hasnt gone to mrl with them.I spoke to a WSD parent who says they treat mrl like scrimmages and its state cup they really will play for. I still think ssm is the team to beat at 17s.As for mrl perhaps WSD wont play their best 11 against VU?
This should make U15 state cup a bit more interesting. Both MU teams seem to have dropped a level based on their poor (Jedi) and average (Wildcats) MRL 1st Division showing.
MTA White should be the favorite in their group B.
MTA Blue should win group A, with 2nd place probaly going to MU Wildcats. That would mean the 2 time defending State Cup winner Jedi may not make the semis.
When it's all said and done, would you rather be hoisting the National Championship trophy or be promoted to the MRL Premier League for 2010.
Personally, I would play for the National Championship.
It would be an accomplishment to be proud of forever. On the other hand, the MRL promotion would last for one season, with a different roster, between a senior year and a college season, when players are less focused on club soccer than on graduation.
In general, I don't think teenage players really think about any of this. They just play every game like it's another game.
10:44, 2-time state cup runner-up SCV U15B might not make the semis either, as they have MTW and PSA in their bracket, and SCV didn't impress in MRL. My U15B semi predictions:
(1A) MTA v. (2B) PSA (maybe SCV) (1B) MTW v. (2A) MU Wildcats
With what I have seen in MRL, State Cup play in, scrimmages, and last year's results I would not be so confident in MTA white. CTG outplayed them in the play in game, but lost in kicks from the mark. SCV and PSA will also give them a very difficult game. Honestly, I would put my nickel on PSA to win their bracket due to their one terrific player and rough style of play, with SCV or MTA white as runner up.
If MTA blue plays like they have in MRL Premier (when they were fresh, i.e. not their third or fourth games of the weekend), they should win their bracket soundly, but MU wildcats have not been beaten by this group since last State Cup. MU jedi are too small, don't appear to like each other, and spend too much time trying to calm one difficult player. Edina is building but needs a tremendous effort to beat wildcats or MTA.
MN refs typically do not allow rough play at state cup. PSA will be at a disadvantage, compared to MRL. I think the rest of your analysis is quite good. The Jedi certainly have talent, but unless they pull it together quickly, they could go 1-2 or evern 0-2-1 in group play.
The predictions I thought were interesting. There are two games there that look to be interesting. SSM vs BHK, I don't know enough about the BHK to make a prediction, but I thought this was one of the super star teams in this age group. MTA vs SCV, know a little about both teams but find it interesting that predictions are that MTA will beat SCV, last years State Cup winners.
How on earth could SSM lose 1 4 after having so much time to train and great facilities to do it,they dont even have to drive to training. The Coaches get to watch scrimmage game tapes and probably have more time to prepare than any club team. It seems amazing that they could lose 1 4 to a Mn club team,ironically SSM even had Blackhawks center midfielder playing for them. Can you imagine paying thousands to play at SSM and then show up at Mn State and get whacked 4 1. This result really blows away the whole train daily big time academy theory.Could it be that Shattuck train too much?Are they burnt out,bored of it all?How the heck do they get hammered like that?
and the u-16 SSM boys put away the Blackhawks 3-1 after spotting them a cheap goal. SSM owned the entire game. RE: the u17 SSM boys, hey everyone plays a bad game. Chalk it up to that. Congrats to the U17 blackhawks they finished thier chances.
10:37 - how many of the best SSM U17's play on their U18 team? If there are a few, then I'm sure that would dilute the overall talent level of the team. Quite possibly the same scenario at U16.
10:58 - 85% to 90%+ of the teams that enter State Cup have little realistic chance of winning it. Have you ever thought it could be about "competing"......
Uffda! That's quite a whipping the Blackhawks U17s put on SSM. No joy in "Mudville/Faribault" today after all that bluster for the past several months.
Even though SCV U 17 lost I still vote for them to be in the final I have watched that team in several occasion including their MRL games that I watched them perform at Their best. I beleive this team Suffered yeterday from lack of respect and over coffidence ... And the field deffinatly do not fit their game.
U17 final
Scv vs MTA or Blackhawks
SCV takes wild card an beats Valley in semi final no prob.
Remember this comment when this outcome is the real one .
Injuryies? Overconfidence? No arrogance! SCV were outplayed by a better team yesterday. The would not beat Valley in another game. SCV will not make the semis.
Even with Minnesota's top U17 Boys talent spread out over 5-6 teams SSM with their players from across USA, Canada and the UK still loses to the Blackhawks? That has to be pretty embarrassing to the crew from Faribault. It will be interesting to see how they respond to yesterday's whipping later today.
All in all a wake up call for SSM boys program. U17s get spanked by the local Blackhawks side and U18s lose to the local boys from MTA. The 16's did well this weekend against mediocre teams and will cruise thru next weeks match but will have hands full in semi finals. I bet the little general starts dialing up the recruiting intensity tomorrow morning. Hard to sell that expensive boarding school program when they're losing to local Minnesota teams.
if you thought their recruting was intensive before, just wait till they start bringing players from all over the globe (Europe, S. America, Asia). you ain't seen nothing yet. don't forget.....it's all about development......
In a few years state cup results really won't matter as sometime in the future both MTA & SSM will be invited to join the USSF Academy on the boys side and MTA will opt out on the girls side to focus on the new ECNL.
also, congrats to 7:02pm for his son's team beating a local C1 squad 5-0.......
Wow the SSM boys really shit-the-bed. 18s done, going home (to different states...boo hoo, bet most wish they would have played state cup in their home states, 17s probably done, severly outplayed today, but had a little luck, - but not going home cuz they have to play local league...boo hoo. 16s, with the easily the poorest coaching staff, are overachieveing and may make it through to the semis.)
17 boys is very exciting. No great teams, but lots of very competative ones.
I'm not 8:32 but... I think a lot of folks remember how the SSM U16 boys coach screwed up when he coached a very talented bunch of players at Mpls South HS. Those kids probably could have won state that year without a coach. It's still kind of a running joke among a lot of HS coaches how badly he screwed things up there for a few years.
9:09 -- That's an awesome idea! It would be fun to look through old editions as the years pass. This could really add to the legacy of the tournament regardless of what happens with DAP.
Yeah right,a standing joke amongst other high school coaches! High school soccer is a joke,most of the coaches are a joke,most of them think club is a development tool for their great high school program,thats the real joke. Have you ever watched the Valley crew run a game,sub 7 players every 10 mins and go balls to the wall then sub again.Carl had a talented team but uncoachable players,lots of arrogance and an extremely obnoxious father. Carl is respected amongst his peers as a very smart football brain,their are people higher up in the game who know he could do their job better. Carl is a top coach,dont let your grudge make you an ass.
I think its related,though you are right. If this was a real site that was really interested in opinion one would be able to start ones own topic but instead we are told what we can discuss,quite pathetic. Bit like throwing feed to chickens
16B: A: Reigning champ EDI is 0-2. EDP should beat MTW17 to advance. B: MTA Blue will beat PSA to advance. PSA looks really good, but does not match well with Blues. C: SSM will win with a win over a weak BLM team. D: SCV locked up group today. C1 team looks strong.
Don't count on SSM being added to the USSF Academy program, I believe that some of the criteria is success at State Cup, Regionals, etc. With their showing this year, that might be a negative against them.
Difference between MN nice and SSM. Remember this comment by SSm parent.....
Anonymous said... bad field, bad ref, should have been 11-1 SSM...they controlled the entire game.
25/4/09 8:34 PM
I don't think we have actually heard much from the SSM parents since then. Most SSM parents on the blog are in the girls program. Which is probably why there is double amount of comments comments compared to this thread.
Claims that Carl with the SSM 16's is a "poor" coach is utterly ridiculous. I've played for him and I've been around a lot of high level coaches and he is among the best there is. He knows the game, is a great teacher and wants the best for his players. Players/parents that have had problems with him were those with their own self interest at heart, not the teams they played for. Remember, this is youth sports and if you don't contribute and offer anything to the development of players and the game yourself then shots at those that do is cowardly at best.
My 17’s prediction is VLY 2 – EAG 1 SCV 3 – WDB 0 VLY advance from Group A – SCV has 6 pts w/a 5pt goal differential MTA 1 vs. BHK 0 SSM 5 vs. SCV 0 BHK advance w/6 points and +6 on goals. MTA has 6pts with +3, SSM has 6pt with +3. WSD 2 vs. LKV 0 AFC 1 vs. EDP 0 AFC advances. All other teams are out. Wildcards opportunities would be SCV w/+5 MTA w/+3 SSM w/+3 SCV advances as wildcard.
"A private eduction and soccer 6 days a week with a world class coaching staff... $30K ... getting knocked out of state cup by the very locals you thumb your nose at ... priceless."
CC is a good trainer and most of the time a nice guy. But a poor coach, poor organizer and a poor manager of players. His game time decisions on a good day are questionable. I was around him for many of his WSD year..."among the best there is"? give me a break. I also have been around a lot of high level coaches who would agree your characterization is "utterly ridiculous."
Anyone who says that MTA will "easily" win -- especially against an organized team like SSM -- must have an agenda. The poster above who refers to the cruelty of the game has got it 100% correct. That cruelty could begin on Saturday with an upset by PSA which is defensive and geared to attack on the counter. And if they get past PSA, SSM will be a formidable challenge. People who think games play out at state cup based on reputation often have their hopes dashed. Think about Bangu last year against Edina in the U15 championship. Edina was not supposed to win, but they did.
not a lot of discussion about the actual GAMES this weekend.This blog is supposed to be about the state cup games and results! Anybody want to talk about the games?
Wildcat player had the ball coming in on the keeper, the keeper came out to challenge and the wildcat player chipped the ball high to go over the keeper but he jumped up and hand balled it outside the penalty area (it would have gone in). It's an obvious goalscoring opportunity for the Wildcat player and an automatic red card for the keeper(E-4).
In 15B SCV v. MTW, ref ruled deliberate hand ball/red card/PK, then linesman overruled, saying ball crossed goal line before hand ball. So, no foul, no PK and no red card should have been awarded. The team is checking to make sure red card is removed.
Sad the MTW goal was scored in minute 42 of a 40 minute half, when there were no injuries.
Doesn't have to be any injuries, ref can add time for any variety of reason's. Substitutions, ball's being kicked far out of bounds. How many sub's came into the game in that half? It takes up about 30sec. to 1 min. for subs to come off and then go in. If each team subs all 7 allowed per half well you do the math.
Come on 1:42, you can grid your axe too. This is a blog, he is an adult, and he the previous posters comments are not a new opinion. I know the truth hurts and what goes around comes around. The sooner MN stops letting a foreign accent determine a coach’s ability the sooner we will start to produce more nationally competitive teams.
Actually the U17 MTA boys are currenlty ahead in the WC race (fewer goals against.) While they control their own destiny, they probably need 3-0 win, as SCV are likely winners...but can they win 3-0? SCV will have the advantage of playing after MTA and will know exactly what they have to do. Or will MYSA move the MTA game to 2:00 also to make it more "MYSA fair"? Should be very exciting.
This could also be another example of how the 3 goal max differential per game comes into play to favor to penalize a team with fewer goals.
it is absurd that MYSA scheduled these U17 games at different times. Of course, I could also say it is absurd that they have been placed in Isanti, and the referee crews that these teams got because of that is just as absurd.
I know a few here really enjoy bashing Mr. Moriarty, but the field situation this year has been nuts. I don't think anyone ever realized how nice it was to have games in CR. Don't know what the fields are like in Isanti, but Lucy Bell fields are not very good. The sidelines are nuts.
SCV should be 2-1. SSM should be 2-1. If MTA can beat BHK, BHK and MTA will both be 2-1.
If MTA wins by 3 goals, MTA wins Goal Diff tiebreaker to win Group B. If MTA wins by 2 goals, MTA wins Fewest Goals Allowed tiebreaker to win Group B. If MTA wins by 1 goal, BHK wins Goal Diff tiebreaker to win Group B.
If MTA wins by 1 goal, SCV will win the wildcard Goal Diff tiebreaker if they beat WDB by more than 1 goal.
I coach u 17s,the one lineslady did both our games,called us offside at least 10 times first game{in the second half} and disallowed a goal second game,to be honest she isnt fit to officiate,its a shame to train to be undone by one idiot,Peter
MTA-SSM U18 Boys game was pretty much controlled by the SSM boys for the majority of the game. SSM had a questionable goal called back in the first half. Tied 0-0 at half. SSM broke the tie about 15 minutes into the 2nd half with a header from Jake Brown,off a corner kick. 1-0 SSM leads. MTA tied it 1-1 off a free kick goal from Rodrigo Galvan. Questionable call on the penalty. SSM steals ball from defender and taps it in on a breakaway goal from Gideon Asante. 2-1 SSM leads. MTA ties it with 7 minutes left 2-2 after another questionable penalty. Keeper came out way too far and made a bad play, David Saidu taps it in. With about two minutes left Trent Brown hits rebounded ball off goalkeeper, looks like it's going in, then it Hank Robson makes miraculous tap out.
Overtime 2-2.
SSM comes out strong while MTA looks to be running out of gas. MTA holds their own and defends well. Overtime ends with SSM dominating play but MTA defending well in their defensive third. Penalty kicks.
MTA Brett Kallman puts the ball in past SSM keeper Jordan Campbell. Jake Brown goes for SSM and MTA keeper Jeff Webster makes save to the right. MTA forward David Saidu shoots ball past SSM's Campbell. SSM forward, Austin Decker, misses the goal to the left. SSM's Campbell makes save against center midfielder Rodrigo Galvan. SSM left midfielder Joey Tennyson makes second shot after MTA keeper is called for moving before the first shot. MTA left midfielder Ryan M. makes shot to the right. SSM's left outside back Akil Howard makes second shot as MTA keeper is again called for moving before the kick. MTA's left midfielder finishes the PKs for the win.
I still can't believe these games are being held in Isanti. Would NSC have allowed these games to be played at its facility assuming a good relationship between MYSA and NSC?
You should know by now that MN refs are generally poor. It is almost funny when they assign a ref to an older boys game who can not keep up with the play. When the ref is out of position, because they move to slow and cant anticipate the game, or because they are cluless, see a offensive player behind the defense, they figure the player must be offside, so the flag goes up.
Unfortunately, many of the MN refs who can keep up with the game, and can anticipate the flow, are usually so arrogant that they insiste on putting their own 'stamp' on the game. Usually making obscure calls, too much kabitzing with the players, yelling instructions during play when there is a battle for the ball, rarely protecting players, and generally making the game about the pompus ref.
I saw a game 1 or 2 years ago, where probably the same ref during play wandered about 2 yards onto the field while trying to keep up with the game, was run over by the play. Everyone felt bad because she looked like she was really hurt. She continued, but kept calling fouls from the AR position against the team that ran her over.
Why not assign these refs to 13s and 14s? I'm sure when the game moves a bit slower, they would do a decent job.
SSM had a questionable goal called back in the first half. Questionable call on the penalty. MTA ties it with 7 minutes left 2-2 after another questionable penalty.
These are all from one post. A U18 post. How long have you been watching soccer? Please, learn the laws of the game and be a fan of the game rather that a spoiled brat who thinks the world is against you or your child. The referee's are not always right, but they are right more often than parents understand.
Consider that sometimes your team can lose a close one and it can still be a great game. Your opponents are not enemies, they help your kids improve and learn life lessons-try to relax people and enjoy the beautiful game.
I challenge each and every one of you who will join into the bashing to get off your arses and do something about it.
I am not saying that all referees do a decent job, but I and all the referee's I respect will gladly give up our 5-10 games per week to enjoy a game from the sidelines if you take the time and money to become a better referee than even the bottom referee is.
Remember to start, you need to attend a 2-day referee certification class $45-$65. Buy a minimum of 2 shirts $100. Referee shorts $30-$40. Socks $8-15. Flags $15-$80. Cards/whistle/game reports $15-$30. Shoes $75-$100. Gas to games ?$ And you get taxed on the earnings.
You need to give up time you can spend with your family, business, or on yourself to be treated poorly game in and game out even if you become a great referee.
If you as "adult" spectators (yes it's in quotes because I do not believe it) don't stop berating and harrassing the younger assistant referees (the linespeople to you ignorant fans), you will continue to be stuck with the older, out of shape AR's and the arrogant centers. No one else will do it.
You are the problem! Most of you think referees are not good enough but could not do half the job some of the worst referees do, nor are you willing to pay a premium for referees to drive to games, buy their uniforms, and have no regard for working multiple games without food to replenish energy. Could your highly trained players play three or four games in one day and perform at 100%???
Have you ever offered a good referee a thank you, or a bottle of water? Wake up people!
But, the benefits of the job are incredible! You can boss others around, make them obey your most obscure fantasies, and for 80 minutes be in total control of a game- even deciding the outcome if you so choose.
And, before you rush to judgement, I do have a badge myself. I am completely aghast at some of the crap that refs in MN think are important.
SSM Parent, don't blame the refs, you lost the game. I was at the game and it looks like you cannot watch a game without your Maroon glasses on. Game was even, both very good teams.
I am a referee, have been for 20 years. I do offer positive comments to refs when they do a good job. I also offer them water. Few refs do more than 2 back to back games, even fewer center 2 games in a row. Remember you are getting paid. Take up your working conditions and pay with your employer. Don't work the USA cup and other events that pay poorly. Dont take out your frustration on players...are you trying to teach them a lesson, because you are so unhappy?
I have tried to change things with MNSRA. I have also tried to get MYSA to implement a referee rating system. But they have no interest and MNSRA continue to fight it. They are a big part the problem. They continue to promote refs like themselves. Refs who think everything about being a referee is a big deal and you have invested so much time and money. You've made this about how hard it is to be a ref. What about the parents who pay much bigger dollars, the player who work hard many, many hours to prepare for a game. Only to have a bad ref determine the outcome of the game. A good thing for refs to think about when the take the field:
Players - paying to play Parents - paying to watch play Refs - getting paid Coaches - getting paid
Refs who feel the need to explain their calls to players, are just teaching players to argue. Make the correct call and move on. Tell the players you will answer questions after the game. Discuss game impacting calls with your AR if you are not 100% sure after you blow the whistle. ARs have the authority to ask parents to keep quite. They can also call over the center and have the parents sent away. BTW, if you do even a reasonable job, parents will mostly keep quite.
Don't stop with the refs...Minn needs to upgrade coaching if to better compete nationally.Clubs need to reverse their priorities from.... 1 club $ 2 coaches egos 3 player development
Currently the players are simply disposable pawns used by delusional coaches who think they are coaching world cup games.
6:14 I don't believe State Cup games can be held at the NSC as the fields don't fall into the requirements set by the Snickers National Championship Series.
MN soccer is so bad that it just beat two teams from a program were families pay in excess of 20K a year. MN soccer is so bad that it just beat two teams that train year round, six days a week, travel throughout the country and recruit from around the world. I not saying we can't improve nor should these accomplishments define us but we have to be doing something right. Don't we? :)
Why wouldn't MN coaches be led to believe they're coaching WC games when:
- MYSA has teams doing WC entries at State Cup games. - MYSA forces teams to do ALL of the registration nonsense (blue rosters, signatures, pre-registration speeches) prior to State Cup. - Parents buy their teams high-priced warm-ups, matching backpacks, and airfares to Dallas and San Diego.
If coaches of these premier teams didn't take it seriously, they wouldn't have a job.
In general, everyone needs to lighten up. It's just soccer.
The best thing I've heard so far in 2009 is the 9:00 curfew a MTA team had on a trip. What a joke! Sounds like the military. Be young, have fun.
521 comments:
1 – 200 of 521 Newer› Newest»Who are the U16 and U17 favorites?
SSM U16 boys win play in game 3-1. I have no further information other than the score, but that was the final score.
bad field, bad ref, should have been 11-1 SSM...they controlled the entire game.
Daddy's Money
9:07- Is that an Amazing Carnac answer to the question in this envelope I found on my end table?
The question was- "What was the one thing that couldn't make me more mature?"
Anon 8:34 WoW! I guess money doesn't buy class huh? You won the game, grow up and move on.
Any updates on Sunday's games?
Are they playing with lightning possible and all this rain and cold?
Good day for some upsets if they are playing in these conditions.
Anon 1:45pm....I'm sorry, you have never seen/been part of a game like that before. Even the MTA parents said the same thing.
I have been apart & seen those types of games, the point is you don't go on a blog after you beat a team and start bashing your opponets. Or complaining how you should have beat them 11-1 but the ref & fields kept you from performing. You won, show some class, nothing else needed to be said.
Anon 1:45
At boys U15B, the MTA mission is clearly working. Blue performed admirably (3-3-1) in MRL premier, after successfully recruiting away the best players from the other top U15 teams. A month ago they finally addressed the playing time concerns raised by the parents of the players who do not play (you know, the "I-won't-guarantee-playing-time-but-I-will-guarantee-the-best-training-he'll-ever-get" discussion), and apparently that alleviated things for awhile, though I can't imagine the parents of players #12 to #18 will stick around to subsidize the players who play (a key weakness in the MTA financial strategy, given that the Thunder will never be able to subsidize the program).
Plus, MTA's second team (White) is leading their MRL first-division bracket, undefeated and beating teams that took it to MU Jedi and Wildcats. Lots of internal issues at MU, as their wackiest parents are acting even wackier.
And SCV, which used to be such a fun team to watch, has been much less than impressive this spring, losing key players and replacing them with players who are average at best. SCV may not even make it out of their bracket, as they will face a MTA White and a PSA team that has loaded up on Liberians. Luckily, neither MU team will see PSA, so Shekki won't have to raise a fit and demand to see their papers.
MTA U15B Blue will dominate at State Cup, and will beat PSA in the championship.
mrkezdad,
Interesting insight. Honest and thorough. The continued influx of Liberians in MN soccer is great.
at higher level soccer (or just about any sport for that matter) the "player 12-18" issue will always be there. for parents the choice comes down whether you want your child to be a little fish in a big pond or the big fish in a little pond. whether parents want to believe it or not, who you train with and against is one of the most crucial elements in player development. what this oftentimes comes down to is the reluctance of the parents to accept the fact that their child may not be a starter. nothing wrong with taking a step down and moving to another team if the main goal is for the child to play in games, for most players that is their biggest joy.
True, true, 10:15. Unfortunately, for many parents, playing time is all that matters. They don't see their thousands in fees paying for great training...they see their thousands in fees paying to play in games with a top team. When they realize how many top players are subsidized, a lot of these folks will walk.
if clubs are going to subsidize players (just like colleges subsidize students with everyone's tuition or your tax dollars) then at the larger clubs it needs to come from a clubwide scholarship fund so the costs are spread out amongst 100's and 100's of players. if a team's total yearly expenses are being split up amongst 10 families instead of 16-18 then that is something very few people would agree with. not sure how the clubs do it here in mn or the exact specifics of 8:15's reference.
Just because you may pay $1000's in training fees does not assure you of great training. There are plenty of coaches that are very good where team fee's are not that of MTA of a few other clubs. Do not believe that hype. Also scholarships are not always based on financial ability to pay, past history with Bangu shows that it goes to whoever the coach wants to KA with.
you can have the best coach in the world, but if the players you are training with are lacking in physical ability or soccer skills the development will never get there.
Several MTA coaches have said "winning state cup is really all that matters". It's their marketing strategy. Youth soccer should be about player development and not about a coaches record. College is a different matter.
11:47,
Several have said that?
So why is MTA playing MWL and joining the new girls National League if winning State Cup is all that matters?
Teams play MRL to get competition against strong competition so they're ready for State Cup. My non-MTA son's team is playing MRL this spring for precisely that reason. They will play better in State Cup as a result of their MRL experience.
The MTA model requires a continual influx of new/strong players (read the previous post about mid- to low-level players subsidizing the others, getting tired of not playing and moving on), and the only way they can keep new players revolving in is by being able to claim they're the best. They need to own State Cup to be able to continue to make that claim. And when a club/team says winning State Cup is all that matters, the players at the end of the bench will not play.
They also need to get/remain big so they have economies of scale (again, read the previous post about player subsidizing). 5 of the 12 U13B State Cup teams are affiliated with MTA. I'll go out on a limb and predict an MTA team will win U13B. That said, four MTA teams for sure won't win it.
Congrats to MTA for assembling tons of Landon and Mia wanna-bes. Their marketing/recruiting/subsidization machine works very well. The big challenge will be keeping them all, because a LOT of players will be working hard and paying a lot to support those top teams.
1:46 - you only missed one key point.........I must have missed the part where the smart, educated, informed parents did not make the decision in choosing MTA.
2:33 - it is constantly written that the parents make the decision to play for MTA and not the players. Isn't a parent supposed to help their child make a decision? My 11 year old can't decide what TV show to watch but I'm supposed the let him chose between his community club and a variety of other programs? The child should have input but at the younger ages (u12 and below) the decision should rest with the parents. No different than what schools to attend, what to have for dinner, etc. My son will eat hot dogs and french fries for dinner every night if I let him.
it would appear that the parents are choosing MTA for the overall development because as parents they know what is best for their child.
4/27 10:15
4/27 10;31
Folks...it's all about winning. How else do you explain a team going to a Show Case tournament and not playing all the players on the team. There are coaches who's ego is more important than their players. It seems to me parents should expect their kids to get playing time at Showcase events.
Some parents have requested to see their clubs budget and expense reports. They are still waiting. Youth soccer is a business.
MTA will be alot more successful on the girls side in State Cup, the boys however will struggle, thus compounding the already apparent in-fighting over the timmy/tommy come latelys that have displaced their Jack/Johns. Watch the mass exodus happen
this is the same whiny complaint we all hear every year whether it was Bangu and now MTA, and we'll hear it again about this same time next year from the same parents group.
Looking for advice. We just moved to Woodbury, and we have a really good U12 boy and a U9 girl who loves to play but needs some work with her ball skills. I guess we will miss the summer season, but does the Woodbury club even offer competitive teams at those ages? A neighbor told me the younger Woodbury boys play for St. Paul Blackhawks, Thunder and SC Valley, and the younger girls play for Thunder...does that make sense? Is something wrong with the Woodbury club? Some posts here are helpful. It seems Thunder is your state's love/hate club. Are there any websites that can help us figure this out?
11:23 Woodbury had a reputation as a club that put the good of their organization ahead of the needs of the individual players. I don't know if that is true now. This is one of the seeds that led to the Minnesota Thunder Academy. The MTA East director is Andy Kaasa. He is the best kids coach and trainer I have ever seen. He doesn't get involved with all the petty bickering you see going on between the various clubs. He works with and for the kids. Odds are he may let your daughter get involved now, at least for skills development and maybe place your son with a team. He coaches my granddaughter and has for 4 years.
You can contact him at akaasa@mnthunder.com. If your kids want to have fun enjoying the game as the develop, I don't think you can do better.
Will anyone beat the U16 MTA Blue team? How interesting will the MTA U17 Blue vs SSM group matchup be? Will that be a preview of the championship?
www.woodburysoccer.com
The new guy at Woodbury, Rivard, is top notch. This guy gets it. Should be interesting to see the growth of the club over the next few years.
10:23, most likely it will not be a championship preview at 17's, only the winner from each group is garunteed a spot in the semi's then its down to wild cards and with BHK in that group too, as well as a very good C1 SCV team, I just dont see a wild card coming from that group too much potnetial for ties and teams beating each other too much, IMHO I like VLY and SCV to both advance becasue they should both beat their C1 teams and then if they tie even better chance for both to advance, but even the loser should have close to 20 points and that will be hard to overcome for anyother second place team
Woodbury SC or MTA?
That's kind of like Cristiano Ronaldo choosing between Sporting CP and Manchester United. Players should always try to play where their teammates are equally or more dedicated and talented, where their coaches will push them to the next level, and where their team competes at a level desirable to you.
To each their own. Go to tryouts for every club and see which one is the best fit.
Woodbury might have a good coaching director, but with the new athletic association and soccer club now in existence feeding the new Woodbury HS and the revenue that the Woodbury SC stands to lose (50%) based on the new district lines, my bet is that that club will no longer be able to afford to pay what they're paying.
To the new guy, I'd figure out if you're in the East Ridge district. If so I think you have an easy decision to go with MTE/ERSC. If you live in the other district you still might have an easy decision.
Call both club directors and talk to them though. That would obviously give you a better feel.
Is MTE and ERSC the same thing? If so, why is it not on the Thunder website?
Thanks for the input. I was not aware of an ERSC club, and we are in the new school area. I was told the Woodbury club was managed poorly in the past, and the club is weak at younger ages because of that. Is there new leadership?
New DOC has been there for almost a year and has made some major progress. A breath of fresh air for youth soccer.
1123, It all depends on the money you want to shell out. Coever is excellent for the cost. They usually have a 18 week Center of excellence program over the winter for between $400-450. 1 1/2 hours per week. It also depends on the trainers that you have, some are better than others. Another option is one-on-one, that can be spendy and there are several great one-on-one trainers.
And football was supposed to be a poor man's game.
Send me to Somalia and I'll bring back 11 homeless, street-playing kids to beat any of the Coever-trained MTA squads.
Wow 9:39 PM you sound like an old high school coach my kids had, if they are from Somalia they must be good soccer players, that is just BS, while some of the Somalia kids might be talented, having them play as a team player hasn't been very successful, many of them are ball hogs and don't know how to pass. It is all about them and not a team.
I bet the high-priced one-on-one training suggested above is excellent for teaching teamwork. I think 9:39's point was that you don't have to buy soccer skills with big bucks.
Don't waste your money on Coerver either. If you ever walked in Holy Angels this winter on a Thursday night, SW had 100-125 kids in half a dome. For him it is all about the $$ and getting as many kids he can into the program. The center of excellence are a joke, if I was paying for the AHA training this winter I would demand my money back.
Been to Holy Angels many times for practice and have seen SW'training in action. There is none better for teaching technical skills.Fact is people are jealous of his success. His club has trained more kids that have gone on to play at the college level than any other club by far. When it comes to technical training SW is #1.
Northsider
Northsider, I usually agree with your posts but you're dead wrong about SW. Coerver is all about camps and revenue, packing kids into small spaces to maximize income.
And in my mind you can't be the #1 technical trainer if you've never played the game.
If we're talking about the same SW I know, he has played the game and still does. Plays pretty well. BTW - Which SW are we talking about.
Best technical trainer I have ever been around is David Lawson from Kelix. Althought my kids did not ever play for the club, they attend his training sessions for years and have highly developed technical skills.
The Somali national team couldn't beat MTA or SSM U18s.
Who is SW?
1058, since you seem to know so much, what would you do?
SW=Simon Whitehead, Director of Coerver Minnesota. And Simon is a VERY good trainer, especially at the young COE level. Some say 'you get what you pay for'. In Simon's case, you get more! Simon is not alone in providing high caliber training in MN. MTA has a couple of great trainers, especially in the East. PSA has one good trainer. I hear good things about Kelix and the TC Fire trainers. Other clubs seem to be 'hit or miss'. The majority of comments on this blog appear to come from parents with limited exposure to what's out there. If you have never experienced many trainers, how can one compare basef only on cost?
All this talk of generalizing player capabilities based on their country of origin is crazy! First Liberians, then Somalians.... Football is football and it doesn't matter from where the person comes. It all starts with footskills and the desire to control the ball. Some youth player parents call certain kids 'ball hogs' but if their kids played along with the greats at an early age (Messi, Henry, Rooney, Anelka, etc.), they would likely say the same things. "What ball hogs!"
So, any predictions on the U14 boys in the State Cup? How about the PR teams and the C1 play-ins? Any info on each team?
1056,
Rooney?!? Don't you mean Ronaldo!!!!!, Never the less I agree with you 100%.
You got to know when to hold em and know when to pass em.
Nicely put in regard to Simon W. It's refreshing to actually have you and only a few others actually know what there talking about in regard to the topic.
"Its refreshing to have you and only a few others know what they are talking about in regard to the topic."
Thats refreshing!?! ha. Actually I think I know what you meant, I know, words is hard, gettin em all organized and such.
Re: U14B, MTA will be very hard to beat.
The Liberian National Team could certainly beat the U18 SSM and MTA teams. If fact, they are probably on par with the US National Team. I reiterate that the Somali National Team v SSM or MTA would be a great game to watch.
I would say that 1-on-1 SW is a good trainer. In his 50+ player sessions, he is average at best, and not worth the money.
SW should limit the size of the training sessions. My DD has attended smaller Coerver sessions with fantastic results, especially for the cost.
Long-time reader, first-time poster wants to know what a "DD" is. I have visions of one thing (or should I say two things), but have to think it refers to something else.
- Somali kids have superior technical skills (see above).
- Somali Natl Team is weak (see above).
- Somali Natl Team is filled with war veterans and part-time pirates.
- Somali player development stops when they become adults.
- We're talking about technical skill development, not the ability to play with teammates.
- Did the Somali kids, with superior technical skills, need to pay big bucks to Coerver & MTA to develop superior technical skills?
Tell your kids to go outside and practice (for free).
Darling Daughter
The US National team is ranked 15 in the world according to fifa.com
The Liberian national team is ranked 140 in the world. Somalia is 167.
No u18 SSM or MTA team could beat a national team. If they could why does american soccer suck so bad if they are making world class players at the age of 18?
Bring all this talk over to another part. Why is it so hard to for you fools to keep the right topics in the right areas??? This is boys state cup, move it on over to mn soccer happenings or something.
Now here comes someone saying your just mad cause you wanna hear us talkign about your kids team blah blah blah blah blah...I only read this board for the humor you all give me each and every day.
5:48 there is a thing called friends...maybe you never had them or your son or daughter dont have them but if you like the sport you will never get tired of playing it by yourself and or with friends
thats pretty lame you go on here for humor cant you find anything better to do?
Thoughts on 15B and 16B? Anyone? Bueller?
Will MTA win both, or does MU/SCV/PSA (15) EDI/BHK/SSM (16) have a chance?
The comment was not about the quality of SSM or MTA. It was a comment about how bad the Somali National Team is. How stupid are you?
My Dad can beat up your dad.
This is ridiculous.
11:08, I think that MTA will likely win both. Both of those teams are just so strong. And their talent does not just come from Bangu and Wings players but also players developed by other clubs, too. But in this cup competition all it takes is an upset you have nailed the ones who could upset them.
I heard Edina and Blackhawks both lost a lot this year at U16 age. Any truth to this?
VLY 17B go 2-1 this weekend at MRL and lead division with 5-1 record, one game left with Westside, if they win they are in MRL Premier division for 18B next summer
ARS and MTA are in first and second after early games this morning in their division as well
Keep it up boys, this is great for MN soccer to get teams having success at the regional level
VLY 17B go 2-1 this weekend at MRL and lead division with 5-1 record, one game left with Westside, if they win they are in MRL Premier division for 18B next summer
ARS and MTA are in first and second after early games this morning in their division as well
Keep it up boys, this is great for MN soccer to get teams having success at the regional level
3/5/09 5:34 PM
Thats interesting that they have Westside last for a shot at premier,should beat them easily though.
WSD will beat VLY.
Why? what would give you that indication, just wondering? WSD has not beaten VLY in 3 years, why is that going to change now when VLY is playing at the top of their game, havent seen either team play this year, but i feel based on results that VLY has to have the upper hand in this game, especially with that extra motivation and WSD is playing for nothing in that game
It is true that U16 Blackhawks lost some players. Edina lost some too. I think Blackhawks suffered more as a result, but they still have a strong team.
Is it best to take I35 or Hwy 65 to Cambridge from south of the Twin Cities?
Good question. Mapquest says to take Central/65, but we've taken 35 up and then jogged across (we live in Woodbury).
If you live on the SE part of the city I would take 35E north to 694 to 610 to Hwy 65. Sounds complicated but it actually pretty good.
From the SW I would go to I94 north. I94 I think is better than 35W. Go North on I94 to Hwy 252 to 610 to Hwy 65.
During the weekend it is a pretty quick drive. During the week traffic during rush hours is nuts.
You might want to read the MRL rules and bylaws. Winning U17B 1st division will not put VLY into the premier group next year. The league director has authority over promotion and religation. If there is a playoff between the 6 teams that each won 1st division, VLY would be included. However, since they are very unlikely to win state cup, and will probably finish in the middle of the MN State League, it would be difficult for the commissioners to place them in Premier. I agree with the previous poster, that WSD will find a way to beat them.
WSD has not beat Valley in three years?
I do not think that is true.
Actually it is not!
4:35, if you read the MRL promotion bylaws it states that there is no playoffs this year and the league winners from the six leagues will gain promotion to the premier league next season, and wondering why it is VERY unlikely that they win state cup, and considering they won the MN state league last year why would they finish in the middle this season
7:26 Check you post at the end of July. You will eat crow.
7:26 is correct. Early fall info from MRL talked about playoffs weekend of June 13, but later info dropped that off the calendar and after reading the bylaws, MRL has the option of having playoffs or taking the #1 team in each subdivision (there are 6) to move up to Premier. No, I'm not from VU, I had been checking on this so as to get a handle on the summer schedule for our team.
I hear WSD went to mrl without their top player and have injury issues,could be rumour but I also hear the head coach hasnt gone to mrl with them.I spoke to a WSD parent who says they treat mrl like scrimmages and its state cup they really will play for.
I still think ssm is the team to beat at 17s.As for mrl perhaps WSD wont play their best 11 against VU?
MRL U15s score from last night:
MTA White 2 MU Wildcats 1
This should make U15 state cup a bit more interesting. Both MU teams seem to have dropped a level based on their poor (Jedi) and average (Wildcats) MRL 1st Division showing.
MTA White should be the favorite in their group B.
MTA Blue should win group A, with 2nd place probaly going to MU Wildcats. That would mean the 2 time defending State Cup winner Jedi may not make the semis.
When it's all said and done, would you rather be hoisting the National Championship trophy or be promoted to the MRL Premier League for 2010.
Personally, I would play for the National Championship.
It would be an accomplishment to be proud of forever. On the other hand, the MRL promotion would last for one season, with a different roster, between a senior year and a college season, when players are less focused on club soccer than on graduation.
In general, I don't think teenage players really think about any of this. They just play every game like it's another game.
10:44, 2-time state cup runner-up SCV U15B might not make the semis either, as they have MTW and PSA in their bracket, and SCV didn't impress in MRL. My U15B semi predictions:
(1A) MTA v. (2B) PSA (maybe SCV)
(1B) MTW v. (2A) MU Wildcats
With what I have seen in MRL, State Cup play in, scrimmages, and last year's results I would not be so confident in MTA white. CTG outplayed them in the play in game, but lost in kicks from the mark. SCV and PSA will also give them a very difficult game. Honestly, I would put my nickel on PSA to win their bracket due to their one terrific player and rough style of play, with SCV or MTA white as runner up.
If MTA blue plays like they have in MRL Premier (when they were fresh, i.e. not their third or fourth games of the weekend), they should win their bracket soundly, but MU wildcats have not been beaten by this group since last State Cup. MU jedi are too small, don't appear to like each other, and spend too much time trying to calm one difficult player. Edina is building but needs a tremendous effort to beat wildcats or MTA.
MN refs typically do not allow rough play at state cup. PSA will be at a disadvantage, compared to MRL. I think the rest of your analysis is quite good. The Jedi certainly have talent, but unless they pull it together quickly, they could go 1-2 or evern 0-2-1 in group play.
Saturday's U17 Predictions
SCV 2 VLY 1
WDB 2 EAG 0
MTA 5 SCV 0
SSM 1 BHK 1
WSD 2 AFC 0
EDP 3 LKV 1
ok,I'll try too
SCV 2 Valley 2
Wdb 1 Eagan 1
Mta 4 Scv 0
Wsd 2 Afc 1
Edp 1 Lkv 1
SSM 4 Bhk 1
why not i can through out an opinion
SCV 1 VLY 3
WBD 0 EAG 2
MTA 3 SCV 1
SSM 4 BHK 1
WSD 2 AFC 2
EDP 1 LKV 0
Minnesota Thunder U13 Boys teams have 3 of the 4 semi-finalists at State Cup.
The predictions I thought were interesting. There are two games there that look to be interesting. SSM vs BHK, I don't know enough about the BHK to make a prediction, but I thought this was one of the super star teams in this age group. MTA vs SCV, know a little about both teams but find it interesting that predictions are that MTA will beat SCV, last years State Cup winners.
MTA plays SCV C1, Valley plays SCV MRL team that won state cup last year
BHK U17 4 SSM 1! Interesting. . . .
And, as someone predicted above, MTA beats the 2d SCV team 5-0.
VLY 3 SCV 2
AFC 3 WSD 1 or 0 not entirely sure, but AFC won the game either way
SSM with all their highly recruited players from across USA get slapped by the Blackhawks 4-1???
Ouch!
Is there anything more awkward than when the MYSA Executives address the teams with the State Cup introductory speech?
MYSA, give it a rest. Or maybe, wake up and smell the coffee, these players don't care about your stupid jokes.
"Football is a gentleman's game played by beasts. Soccer is a beastly game played by gentleman." Are you serious?
I'm surprised the kids didn't bust out laughing at that BS.
Awesome, the two crap talking arrogant teams U17 SCV and SSM both loose. Nothing could be better!
U16
SSM 3, BHK Premier 1
MTA Blue 3, BHK C1 1
MTA White 2. Edina 0
U15B
MTA BLUE 5, MU WILDCATS 1
MU JEDI 1,EDINA C1 0
ANYONE HAVE A BRACKET FINALS?
I cant believe you still spell lose as loose,funny.
Blackhawks U17 Boys owned SSM.
Blackhawks 4 SSM 1,music to everyones ears.
How on earth could SSM lose 1 4 after having so much time to train
and great facilities to do it,they dont even have to drive to training.
The Coaches get to watch scrimmage game tapes and probably have more time to prepare than any club team.
It seems amazing that they could lose 1 4 to a Mn club team,ironically SSM even had Blackhawks center midfielder playing for them.
Can you imagine paying thousands to play at SSM and then show up at Mn State and get whacked 4 1.
This result really blows away the whole train daily big time academy theory.Could it be that Shattuck train too much?Are they burnt out,bored of it all?How the heck do they get hammered like that?
and the u-16 SSM boys put away the Blackhawks 3-1 after spotting them a cheap goal. SSM owned the entire game. RE: the u17 SSM boys, hey everyone plays a bad game. Chalk it up to that. Congrats to the U17 blackhawks they finished thier chances.
10:37 - how many of the best SSM U17's play on their U18 team? If there are a few, then I'm sure that would dilute the overall talent level of the team. Quite possibly the same scenario at U16.
10:49 - that Blackhawk team is C1.
er,tell me how many of the best 17s play 18s?Why play state cup at 17s if they dont care to win it?
10:58 - 85% to 90%+ of the teams that enter State Cup have little realistic chance of winning it. Have you ever thought it could be about "competing"......
SSM,competing?I think they entered to win it.
Actually, SSM 16B beat BHK's premier team; BHK's C1s lost to MTA Blue.
U16 surprises:
St. Croix, a C1 team, smoked Three Rivers premier 3-0 in Group D.
Edina, last year's champ, lost to MTA White.
It doesn't blow away the train daily theory. It shows how poor the SSM coaching staff is...previous bloggers have pointed it out already.
Uffda!
That's quite a whipping the Blackhawks U17s put on SSM.
No joy in "Mudville/Faribault" today after all that bluster for the past several months.
SSM not out of it though,could win 2 and get wild card or even the group.
Sunday's U17 Predictions
VLY 6 WDB 0
SCV 4 EAG 0
BHK 6 SCV 0
MTA 2 SSM 2
AFC 4 LKV 0
WSD 2 EDP 0
Lopsided day in Isanti.
VLY 4 WDB 0
SCV 3 EAG 1
BHK 4 SCV 0
MTA 1 SSM 2
AFC 2 LKV 1
WSD 3 EDP 0
Even though SCV U 17 lost I still vote for them to be in the final I have watched that team in several occasion including their MRL games that I watched them perform at Their best. I beleive this team Suffered yeterday from lack of respect and over coffidence ... And the field deffinatly do not fit their game.
U17 final
Scv vs MTA or Blackhawks
SCV takes wild card an beats Valley in semi final no prob.
Remember this comment when this outcome is the real one .
SCV have key injury,can not fill void.They will make semis but lose.
Injuryies? Overconfidence? No arrogance! SCV were outplayed by a better team yesterday. The would not beat Valley in another game. SCV will not make the semis.
Even with Minnesota's top U17 Boys talent spread out over 5-6 teams SSM with their players from across USA, Canada and the UK still loses to the Blackhawks?
That has to be pretty embarrassing to the crew from Faribault.
It will be interesting to see how they respond to yesterday's whipping later today.
U18B Prediction for 2PM game
MTA 2 SSM 1
Should be one of the most entertaining games of the entire tournament.
Final MTA 1 SSM 2 Shattuck scored 2 in about 5 min...No possible way Shattuck can advance because of goal differencial in game 1. I hate Shattuck
U18 MTA wins in a shoot out.
SSM 2 MTA 3
Probably the most fun game to watch this year!
SSM u16 boys win 5-0 today..!
I was pretty good in my lopsided predictions.
Love,
9:15am
barring a huge upset, SCV U17's should go through as the wildcard.
All in all a wake up call for SSM boys program.
U17s get spanked by the local Blackhawks side and U18s lose to the local boys from MTA.
The 16's did well this weekend against mediocre teams and will cruise thru next weeks match but will have hands full in semi finals.
I bet the little general starts dialing up the recruiting intensity tomorrow morning.
Hard to sell that expensive boarding school program when they're losing to local Minnesota teams.
if you thought their recruting was intensive before, just wait till they start bringing players from all over the globe (Europe, S. America, Asia). you ain't seen nothing yet. don't forget.....it's all about development......
In a few years state cup results really won't matter as sometime in the future both MTA & SSM will be invited to join the USSF Academy on the boys side and MTA will opt out on the girls side to focus on the new ECNL.
also, congrats to 7:02pm for his son's team beating a local C1 squad 5-0.......
Wow the SSM boys really shit-the-bed. 18s done, going home (to different states...boo hoo, bet most wish they would have played state cup in their home states, 17s probably done, severly outplayed today, but had a little luck, - but not going home cuz they have to play local league...boo hoo. 16s, with the easily the poorest coaching staff, are overachieveing and may make it through to the semis.)
17 boys is very exciting. No great teams, but lots of very competative ones.
Any word on U15 games today?
8:32pm where do you get off saying the SSM u16boys have the poorest coaching staff ? what is your beef with SSM ??
8:32pm where do you get off saying the SSM u16boys have the poorest coaching staff ? what is your beef with SSM ??
Can't decide if this would be a good idea or not.
MYSA selling programs for perhaps $5 or $10 w/team pictue and rosters w/numbers?
I'm not 8:32 but...
I think a lot of folks remember how the SSM U16 boys coach screwed up when he coached a very talented bunch of players at Mpls South HS.
Those kids probably could have won state that year without a coach.
It's still kind of a running joke among a lot of HS coaches how badly he screwed things up there for a few years.
Also not 8:32. 9:10 is correct, could be one of the bigest under achievers in the history of HS sports. Best of luck to his 16s this year though.
Nothing new for the HS Jags. They arguably had the best talent last year but got stuck with a lousy coach who dragged the team down.
Nothing new for the HS Jags. They arguably had the best talent last year but got stuck with a lousy coach who dragged the team down.
damn, i lost the over/under bet on how long it would take for someone to take a shot at DS. i bet 20 minutes but it only took 16.......
9:09 -- That's an awesome idea! It would be fun to look through old editions as the years pass. This could really add to the legacy of the tournament regardless of what happens with DAP.
Yeah right,a standing joke amongst other high school coaches!
High school soccer is a joke,most of the coaches are a joke,most of them think club is a development tool for their great high school program,thats the real joke.
Have you ever watched the Valley crew run a game,sub 7 players every 10 mins and go balls to the wall then sub again.Carl had a talented team but uncoachable players,lots of arrogance and an extremely obnoxious father.
Carl is respected amongst his peers as a very smart football brain,their are people higher up in the game who know he could do their job better.
Carl is a top coach,dont let your grudge make you an ass.
What's all the HS talk about? Keep to task...this is the State Cup site....
I think its related,though you are right.
If this was a real site that was really interested in opinion one would be able to start ones own topic but instead we are told what we can discuss,quite pathetic.
Bit like throwing feed to chickens
16B:
A: Reigning champ EDI is 0-2. EDP should beat MTW17 to advance.
B: MTA Blue will beat PSA to advance. PSA looks really good, but does not match well with Blues.
C: SSM will win with a win over a weak BLM team.
D: SCV locked up group today. C1 team looks strong.
Lots of premier teams are stinking up the joint.
12:46, Shattuck won U16 Group C. Even with a loss next Saturday, they beat the two teams they'd tie.
In semis, A plays D and B plays C, meaning SSM will probably play MTA Blue in one semi. Folks, that's your U16 championship.
Don't count on SSM being added to the USSF Academy program, I believe that some of the criteria is success at State Cup, Regionals, etc. With their showing this year, that might be a negative against them.
Wow. Really quiet in here given the magnitude of the games over the weekend.
Difference between MN nice and SSM. Remember this comment by SSm parent.....
Anonymous said...
bad field, bad ref, should have been 11-1 SSM...they controlled the entire game.
25/4/09 8:34 PM
I don't think we have actually heard much from the SSM parents since then. Most SSM parents on the blog are in the girls program. Which is probably why there is double amount of comments comments compared to this thread.
Last year HS Jags were not in the top 10 for player talent. Their coach actually helped them overachieve.
9:55 - you are never going to win that argument against the vocal anti-DS minority.
Claims that Carl with the SSM 16's is a "poor" coach is utterly ridiculous. I've played for him and I've been around a lot of high level coaches and he is among the best there is. He knows the game, is a great teacher and wants the best for his players. Players/parents that have had problems with him were those with their own self interest at heart, not the teams they played for. Remember, this is youth sports and if you don't contribute and offer anything to the development of players and the game yourself then shots at those that do is cowardly at best.
U16 MTA will easily get passed Shattuck in the semi final.
Time will tell. I'd be careful with my predictions.
It's not always the best team that wins.
Soccer can be a very cruel game at times.
U17 Boys
If my math is correct and assuming VLY won't lose to EAG, the bracket winners will be:
A VLY
B BHK
C ARS
SCV (A) and MTA (B) are playing for the wildcard. SCV needs to beat WDB 3-0 to have a +5 GD. MTA needs to beat BHK 3-0 to have a +5 GD.
Semifinal Predictions
VLY 2 SCV 0
BHK 3 ARS 0
Final Predictions
BHK 4 VLY 1
SCV won't know if they get the MRL pass to regionals until the end of this month.
My 17’s prediction is
VLY 2 – EAG 1
SCV 3 – WDB 0
VLY advance from Group A – SCV has 6 pts w/a 5pt goal differential
MTA 1 vs. BHK 0
SSM 5 vs. SCV 0
BHK advance w/6 points and +6 on goals. MTA has 6pts with +3, SSM has 6pt with +3.
WSD 2 vs. LKV 0
AFC 1 vs. EDP 0
AFC advances. All other teams are out.
Wildcards opportunities would be
SCV w/+5
MTA w/+3
SSM w/+3
SCV advances as wildcard.
"A private eduction and soccer 6 days a week with a world class coaching staff... $30K ... getting knocked out of state cup by the very locals you thumb your nose at ... priceless."
CC is a good trainer and most of the time a nice guy. But a poor coach, poor organizer and a poor manager of players. His game time decisions on a good day are questionable. I was around him for many of his WSD year..."among the best there is"? give me a break. I also have been around a lot of high level coaches who would agree your characterization is "utterly ridiculous."
Anyone who says that MTA will "easily" win -- especially against an organized team like SSM -- must have an agenda. The poster above who refers to the cruelty of the game has got it 100% correct. That cruelty could begin on Saturday with an upset by PSA which is defensive and geared to attack on the counter. And if they get past PSA, SSM will be a formidable challenge. People who think games play out at state cup based on reputation often have their hopes dashed. Think about Bangu last year against Edina in the U15 championship. Edina was not supposed to win, but they did.
let's stop w/the personal attacks on SSM coaching. Go grind your personal axes elsewhere.
Congrats to all the teams playing and continued success as the tourny rolls on.
well 1:42... if you say so... wait a second, for a moment there I forgot YOUR NOT THE BOSS OF ME.
grinding... grinding... grinding... nothing 1:42 can do about it... grinding... grinding... grinding...
not a lot of discussion about the actual GAMES this weekend.This blog is supposed to be about the state cup games and results! Anybody want to talk about the games?
Did anyone see the u15 MU jedi v. MU wildcats? If so, can you describe the red card to the keeper?
Also, anyone see the u15 SCV v. MTA white? Again, can you describe the red card but no PK?
Unfortunately the descriptions I have heard don't seem to fit the laws of the game...
Wildcat player had the ball coming in on the keeper, the keeper came out to challenge and the wildcat player chipped the ball high to go over the keeper but he jumped up and hand balled it outside the penalty area (it would have gone in). It's an obvious goalscoring opportunity for the Wildcat player and an automatic red card for the keeper(E-4).
Was the PH awarded?
Sorry, typing issues. Was the PK awarded?
Direct kick outside the box, that's why it was a red card to the keeper.
In 15B SCV v. MTW, ref ruled deliberate hand ball/red card/PK, then linesman overruled, saying ball crossed goal line before hand ball. So, no foul, no PK and no red card should have been awarded. The team is checking to make sure red card is removed.
Sad the MTW goal was scored in minute 42 of a 40 minute half, when there were no injuries.
Doesn't have to be any injuries, ref can add time for any variety of reason's. Substitutions, ball's being kicked far out of bounds. How many sub's came into the game in that half? It takes up about 30sec. to 1 min. for subs to come off and then go in. If each team subs all 7 allowed per half well you do the math.
Come on 1:42, you can grid your axe too. This is a blog, he is an adult, and he the previous posters comments are not a new opinion. I know the truth hurts and what goes around comes around. The sooner MN stops letting a foreign accent determine a coach’s ability the sooner we will start to produce more nationally competitive teams.
Actually the U17 MTA boys are currenlty ahead in the WC race (fewer goals against.) While they control their own destiny, they probably need 3-0 win, as SCV are likely winners...but can they win 3-0? SCV will have the advantage of playing after MTA and will know exactly what they have to do. Or will MYSA move the MTA game to 2:00 also to make it more "MYSA fair"? Should be very exciting.
This could also be another example of how the 3 goal max differential per game comes into play to favor to penalize a team with fewer goals.
12:52, 5:22 is correct. Only 3 goals count towards goal diff. If your score predictions come true, VLY is out, MTA and BHK would be in the semis.
VLY? How can VLY be out if they have the most points in the pool? Do you mean SCV?
it is absurd that MYSA scheduled these U17 games at different times. Of course, I could also say it is absurd that they have been placed in Isanti, and the referee crews that these teams got because of that is just as absurd.
More Moriarty Madness!
I know a few here really enjoy bashing Mr. Moriarty, but the field situation this year has been nuts. I don't think anyone ever realized how nice it was to have games in CR. Don't know what the fields are like in Isanti, but Lucy Bell fields are not very good. The sidelines are nuts.
Yes, sorry, at U17B, I meant SCV, not VLY. Congrats to VLY on their performance so far!
U17 current Goal Differential
VLY +4
SCV +2
MTA +2
BHK +6
SSM -2
VLY can clinch Group A with Win or Draw.
SCV should be 2-1. SSM should be 2-1. If MTA can beat BHK, BHK and MTA will both be 2-1.
If MTA wins by 3 goals, MTA wins Goal Diff tiebreaker to win Group B.
If MTA wins by 2 goals, MTA wins Fewest Goals Allowed tiebreaker to win Group B.
If MTA wins by 1 goal, BHK wins Goal Diff tiebreaker to win Group B.
If MTA wins by 1 goal, SCV will win the wildcard Goal Diff tiebreaker if they beat WDB by more than 1 goal.
It's most likely looking like VLY, BHK, ARS, SCV.
Did not get a chance to see the MTA-SSM U18 Boys game. How did it go? Who scored and how did the PKshooutout end up, with misses or saves?
I coach u 17s,the one lineslady did both our games,called us offside at least 10 times first game{in the second half} and disallowed a goal second game,to be honest she isnt fit to officiate,its a shame to train to be undone by one idiot,Peter
MTA-SSM U18 Boys game was pretty much controlled by the SSM boys for the majority of the game. SSM had a questionable goal called back in the first half. Tied 0-0 at half. SSM broke the tie about 15 minutes into the 2nd half with a header from Jake Brown,off a corner kick. 1-0 SSM leads. MTA tied it 1-1 off a free kick goal from Rodrigo Galvan. Questionable call on the penalty. SSM steals ball from defender and taps it in on a breakaway goal from Gideon Asante. 2-1 SSM leads. MTA ties it with 7 minutes left 2-2 after another questionable penalty. Keeper came out way too far and made a bad play, David Saidu taps it in. With about two minutes left Trent Brown hits rebounded ball off goalkeeper, looks like it's going in, then it Hank Robson makes miraculous tap out.
Overtime 2-2.
SSM comes out strong while MTA looks to be running out of gas. MTA holds their own and defends well. Overtime ends with SSM dominating play but MTA defending well in their defensive third. Penalty kicks.
MTA Brett Kallman puts the ball in past SSM keeper Jordan Campbell.
Jake Brown goes for SSM and MTA keeper Jeff Webster makes save to the right. MTA forward David Saidu shoots ball past SSM's Campbell. SSM forward, Austin Decker, misses the goal to the left. SSM's Campbell makes save against center midfielder Rodrigo Galvan. SSM left midfielder Joey Tennyson makes second shot after MTA keeper is called for moving before the first shot. MTA left midfielder Ryan M. makes shot to the right. SSM's left outside back Akil Howard makes second shot as MTA keeper is again called for moving before the kick. MTA's left midfielder finishes the PKs for the win.
SSM 2 vs. MTA 2 Draw(dec. 2/4 PKs)
I still can't believe these games are being held in Isanti. Would NSC have allowed these games to be played at its facility assuming a good relationship between MYSA and NSC?
in reading all the other threads i believe that might be the fourth or fifth "we dominated but lost posting".
"We dominated but lost." Isn't that always the case when SSM or MTA loses?
You should know by now that MN refs are generally poor. It is almost funny when they assign a ref to an older boys game who can not keep up with the play. When the ref is out of position, because they move to slow and cant anticipate the game, or because they are cluless, see a offensive player behind the defense, they figure the player must be offside, so the flag goes up.
Unfortunately, many of the MN refs who can keep up with the game, and can anticipate the flow, are usually so arrogant that they insiste on putting their own 'stamp' on the game. Usually making obscure calls, too much kabitzing with the players, yelling instructions during play when there is a battle for the ball, rarely protecting players, and generally making the game about the pompus ref.
I saw a game 1 or 2 years ago, where probably the same ref during play wandered about 2 yards onto the field while trying to keep up with the game, was run over by the play. Everyone felt bad because she looked like she was really hurt. She continued, but kept calling fouls from the AR position against the team that ran her over.
Why not assign these refs to 13s and 14s? I'm sure when the game moves a bit slower, they would do a decent job.
SSM had a questionable goal called back in the first half.
Questionable call on the penalty.
MTA ties it with 7 minutes left 2-2 after another questionable penalty.
These are all from one post. A U18 post. How long have you been watching soccer? Please, learn the laws of the game and be a fan of the game rather that a spoiled brat who thinks the world is against you or your child. The referee's are not always right, but they are right more often than parents understand.
Consider that sometimes your team can lose a close one and it can still be a great game. Your opponents are not enemies, they help your kids improve and learn life lessons-try to relax people and enjoy the beautiful game.
OK Here comes the ref bashing by ignorant fools.
I challenge each and every one of you who will join into the bashing to get off your arses and do something about it.
I am not saying that all referees do a decent job, but I and all the referee's I respect will gladly give up our 5-10 games per week to enjoy a game from the sidelines if you take the time and money to become a better referee than even the bottom referee is.
Remember to start, you need to attend a 2-day referee certification class $45-$65. Buy a minimum of 2 shirts $100. Referee shorts $30-$40. Socks $8-15. Flags $15-$80. Cards/whistle/game reports $15-$30. Shoes $75-$100. Gas to games ?$ And you get taxed on the earnings.
You need to give up time you can spend with your family, business, or on yourself to be treated poorly game in and game out even if you become a great referee.
If you as "adult" spectators (yes it's in quotes because I do not believe it) don't stop berating and harrassing the younger assistant referees (the linespeople to you ignorant fans), you will continue to be stuck with the older, out of shape AR's and the arrogant centers. No one else will do it.
You are the problem! Most of you think referees are not good enough but could not do half the job some of the worst referees do, nor are you willing to pay a premium for referees to drive to games, buy their uniforms, and have no regard for working multiple games without food to replenish energy. Could your highly trained players play three or four games in one day and perform at 100%???
Have you ever offered a good referee a thank you, or a bottle of water? Wake up people!
But, the benefits of the job are incredible! You can boss others around, make them obey your most obscure fantasies, and for 80 minutes be in total control of a game- even deciding the outcome if you so choose.
And, before you rush to judgement, I do have a badge myself. I am completely aghast at some of the crap that refs in MN think are important.
8:33 Well said, you guys have a thankless job.
SSM Parent, don't blame the refs, you lost the game. I was at the game and it looks like you cannot watch a game without your Maroon glasses on. Game was even, both very good teams.
From a soccer fan with no horse in the race.
I am a referee, have been for 20 years. I do offer positive comments to refs when they do a good job. I also offer them water. Few refs do more than 2 back to back games, even fewer center 2 games in a row. Remember you are getting paid. Take up your working conditions and pay with your employer. Don't work the USA cup and other events that pay poorly. Dont take out your frustration on players...are you trying to teach them a lesson, because you are so unhappy?
I have tried to change things with MNSRA. I have also tried to get MYSA to implement a referee rating system. But they have no interest and MNSRA continue to fight it. They are a big part the problem. They continue to promote refs like themselves. Refs who think everything about being a referee is a big deal and you have invested so much time and money. You've made this about how hard it is to be a ref. What about the parents who pay much bigger dollars, the player who work hard many, many hours to prepare for a game. Only to have a bad ref determine the outcome of the game. A good thing for refs to think about when the take the field:
Players - paying to play
Parents - paying to watch play
Refs - getting paid
Coaches - getting paid
Refs who feel the need to explain their calls to players, are just teaching players to argue. Make the correct call and move on. Tell the players you will answer questions after the game. Discuss game impacting calls with your AR if you are not 100% sure after you blow the whistle. ARs have the authority to ask parents to keep quite. They can also call over the center and have the parents sent away. BTW, if you do even a reasonable job, parents will mostly keep quite.
Don't stop with the refs...Minn needs to upgrade coaching if to better compete nationally.Clubs need to reverse their priorities from....
1 club $
2 coaches egos
3 player development
Currently the players are simply disposable pawns used by delusional coaches who think they are coaching world cup games.
6:14 I don't believe State Cup games can be held at the NSC as the fields don't fall into the requirements set by the Snickers National Championship Series.
MN soccer is so bad that it just beat two teams from a program were families pay in excess of 20K a year. MN soccer is so bad that it just beat two teams that train year round, six days a week, travel throughout the country and recruit from around the world. I not saying we can't improve nor should these accomplishments define us but we have to be doing something right. Don't we? :)
Any predictions for U16 age group?
And you guys think being a soccer ref is bad, try doing a HS Football game and your the sidejudge..your getting a ear full on EVERY play.
Why wouldn't MN coaches be led to believe they're coaching WC games when:
- MYSA has teams doing WC entries at State Cup games.
- MYSA forces teams to do ALL of the registration nonsense (blue rosters, signatures, pre-registration speeches) prior to State Cup.
- Parents buy their teams high-priced warm-ups, matching backpacks, and airfares to Dallas and San Diego.
If coaches of these premier teams didn't take it seriously, they wouldn't have a job.
In general, everyone needs to lighten up. It's just soccer.
The best thing I've heard so far in 2009 is the 9:00 curfew a MTA team had on a trip. What a joke! Sounds like the military. Be young, have fun.
U16 group winners are/will be:
A: Eden Prairie (will win)
B: MTA Blue (will win)
C: Shattuck (won)
D: St. Croix (won)
Semifinals
A v. D: St. Croix
B v. C: MTA Blue
Final: MTA Blue
Josh,
Are you aware MTA lost 2 of their best players to injury?
Word is they're both out at least a month.
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