I would say that the game between SSM and Woodbury 18s, the parents for both sides were very professional. Sure, there were a few ahs and ohs, but there wasnt any bickering going on between the 2 groups.
Anyone who thinks that Burnsville has a TEAM of regionally competitive players at U14 has no idea of what regional competition really means. Burnsville has 1 gifted player who does EVERYTHING for them in the attack - and she's a year younger. Take that player out of the mix and you have a VERY average MN team with an average coach who has been "let go" from many different head coaching positions.
As far as I know soccer crowds are allowed to make noice and it is part of the game. Maybe it is different in MN, would explain why Thunder has a hard time getting people to there games why go if you cant cheer.
MN players are developing a lot faster than MN ref's. Don't have a solution for it but something needs to be done. This weekend we played in what is supposed to be the best and most important MYSA tournament of the year and we had ref's that where being coached/developed during our game.
Understand that they need to have this in order to develop the ref's but don't use state cup. Plenty of scrimmages during the winter where teams would like to have MYSA bring in refs for developmental purposses.
And before I hear it I do not bring it up because we lost the game but rather because it does raise some red flags and concerns.
I would like to see a state cup that has no more than eight teams qualify for the main portion of the tournament in each age group. Divide them into two groups followed by semifnals and final. Use previous results and a play in system to decide who gets to participate in group play.
This would raise the level of play especially at the younger ages and also allow MYSA to schedule all games at one complex as well as get qualified ref's for all games.
Think TM and MYSA is doing a great job with giving everyone a chance to play but it is starting to get to big.
6:22- I would too, they play SCV first. If they are as beaten up as the previous poster says, then they have to take it a game at a time. Don't look ahead.
Good luck to them. I know that both EP and SSM would like to beat the best to get the title of Champs. No excuses, no asterisks.
4:55 In "A", I believe Prior Lake u13's can not advance with a tie, MTA u12's do. If I read the rules correctly, the 1st tiebreaker is head to head and the 2nd is goals against. MTA u12's have 1 less goal against, so in case of a tie, they come out of their group. In "C", MTA advances with a tie equal to or less than 2-2. Same reason as above.
Good to hear that there was no bickering from the Woodbury 18 parents. Saw them both in and out of state last year, and they (a few of)the parents made them the worst behaved bunch we saw all year. Riding the refs and opposing players equally, and bickering with other parents. Maybe they grew up.
MTA, Burnsville Tonka and Eden Prairie will advance.
MTA beats Eden Prairie and Tonka beat Burnsville in the semi finals.
I think final between MTA and Tonka will be closer than their first meeting in MRL. If it weren't for a few bad bounces, Tonka might have wone that game.
Larry - see below from the state cup rules found on the MYSA website:
2. g. Group Winners In group play, each team will be awarded three (3) points for a win or a game forfeited to them, one (1) point for a tie, and no (0) points for a loss. In the event of a tie within a flight, the following criteria will be used to determine the winner. A. HEAD TO HEAD COMPETITION (In the event of a tie among three (3) or more teams this criterion will not be used. B. Most wins, then C. Goal Differential (goals scored minus goals against) with a maximum of three (3) goals differential per game.), then D. Fewest Goals allowed, then E. FIFA "Kicks from the Penalty Mark" (following the last round robin game or at least 60 minutes prior to the schedule play off round game)
6:29, 10:42 here, what I do know is that I've been around soccer for many years and have yet to see a team lose 3-0 that "dominated" the game. Does the "better" team always win in soccer - no, but rarely does the "better" team get shutout 3-0. Hopefully you are right and they will prevail in the future, in all sincerity best of luck to them as well as every other team. If they don't, then it might be time for another "tonka" ruling (probably before your time since it would appear your DD is a U14).
The number of losers here talking about 13 and 14 year old soccer teams is scary. Go get alife and let the coacjhes coach and most importantly let the kids play.
8:35, I'm sorry the little ones are just too much of a nuisance. I'm sure your DD is a U17 superstar. But, soccer will be here long after your DD goes on to some division III school.
We will try not to irritate your pompousness too much as we enjoy the competition at the irrelevant age groups.
Yes 8:11, my DD is a U14 player. That doesn't mean I don't know what you're referring to with the "Tonka ruling" comment.
Some people have more than one kid and have been around this game a long time, even if they have a U14 daughter. 8:48's comment is spot-on, you just proved that. Parents with older kids do tend to be a bit pompous.
Again, you were not at the game in question and are jumping to some conclusions.
Not sure why in your ming D3 soccer is an insult. IMHO D3 was enjoyed by my DD and remembers those times fondly. I also enjoyed watching didnt matter to me it was D3 or D1.
I agree, whats wrong with a D3,D2 or a NAIA education?? Come on 8:48, answer the question..!! There is a player from SSM going to Seattle Pacific which is the Natl Champion last yr in D2 soccer. What kinda of fun is she going to have, playing for a very competitive soccer program, living in Seattle..I see nothing wrong with this!!
10:05 - give it up. A few bad bounces? If I recall correctly, the MTA goalie did not even touch the ball the entire first half. When MTA scored off an outstanding flip throw combination, Tonka adjusted and actually played some offense. Once they adjusted, they actually had some opportunities. The second goal by MTA was a forward who moved past at least 3 Tonka players. The third was an outstanding shot from outside the box - no lucky bounce involved.
Could the results be different next round? Definately, but it was a decisive MTA victory the first game.
Oh, I know, but Tonka had some key players missing or some other excuse.
8:48 - personally, I would be thrilled to have my DD graduate with an outstanding degree from "some DIII" school such as Carlton, St. Thomas, St. John's, MacAlaster, Hamline, Bethel, St. Ben's, St. Olav's, Gustavus, etc....(and those are just the local ones) Hopefully since your DD is probably in 8th grade you still have a chance to cement the educational priority in her.
Not a bad weekend for MTA. They were 27-12-4 at state cup this weekend as a club. Their teams scored 107 goals and gave up 46. They had five teams advance to the semi finals and two advance to the finals.
Friday, May 8 MTW U1302 Boys – 1-1 tie MTE U13 Boys – 3-0 win *team advances to semifinals MTA U1302 Boys 3-2 MTW01 U13 Boys *MTW01 advances to semifinals MTA U1301 Boys – 3-2 win *team advances to semifinals
Saturday, May 9 MTE U13 Girls – 2-1 win MTA U14 Girls – 6-0 win MTN U13 Girls – 2-2 tie MTA U13 Girls – 4-1 win *team advances to semifinals MTW U14 Girls – 0-4 loss MTA U17MW Girls – 3-1 win MTA U17C1 Girls – 1-4 loss MTA U17 Boys – 6-0 win MTE U15 Girls – 4-0 win MTW U16 Boys – 2-0 win MTA U15MW Girls – 4-0 win MTA U14 Boys – 8-1 win MTA U15 Boys – 5-1 win MTA U16 Boys – 3-1 win MTA U15PR Girls – 1-3 loss MTA U16MW Girls 1-0 MTA U16PR Girls MTW U14 Boys – 3-2 win MTW U15 Boys – 1-3 loss
Sunday, May 10 MTE U13 Girls – 1-0 win MTA U14 Girls – 6-0 win MTW U14 Girls – 0-2 loss MTE U15 Girls – 3-0 win MTA U17MW Girls – 1-1 tie MTA U17C1 Girls – 0-3 loss MTA U17 Boys – 1-2 loss MTA U1801 Girls 2-0 MTWU18 Girls *MTA advances to final MTA U18 Boys – 3-2 win *team advances to final MTA U15MW Girls – 2-1 win MTW U16 Boys – 2-1 win MTA U15PR Girls – 3-2 loss MTA U15 Boys – 5-0 win MTW U15 Boys – 1-1 tie MTA U16 Boys – 6-0 win MTA U16MW Girls – 3-0 win MTA U16PR Girls – 0-1 loss MTA U14 Boys – 4-0 win *team advances to semifinal MTW U14 Boys – 0-1 loss
It is consistent with what I observed this weekend. Everywhere I turned there seemed to be an MTA team playing. Often those teams were quite impressive. Sometimes they were anything but impressive.
That's the cavalrys bugle you hear folks. Reinforcements are on the way for the big showdown Sunday. This is the biggest game of the year and no holds barred. A game of world cup proportion right here in Minnasoder.
What's at stake you might ask.
The biggest ego in the state vs the Privileged Ones.The loser to be banished out of the blue and into the black of oblivion never to be heard of again.
MTA lost 12 and tied 4? I thougt the won everything? To hear people talk, I'm amazed they didn't win those 16 games. Okay, maybe I could see 3 ties, because there were 3 games where it was MTA vs MTA.
Is that kind of like Spy vs Spy; a comic strip or cartoon. Take your pick.
Interesting stats. 38 MTA entrants, 7 semi/finalists so far (63% win percentage, 18% of teams advancing).
I did the math on my little CC (SCV) and our 11 teams could only muster 13 wins, 6 losses and 2 ties last weekend, with three semifinalists so far (65% win percentage, 23% of teams advancing).
Looks like at SCV you can save some dough and not have to worry about losing your spot to the next group of recruits.
My kid is on one of the teams that lost. When we left our old club we were told the only team we'd lose to was our own blue team. We are 0-2 at State Cup, lost to a c-1 team that was a middle of the pack team last year. I want a refund.
We were told that too. "Leave your club, play for our white team, which will be the second best team in the state (behind our blue team). Work hard this summer and displace a blue player next year." I can't believe we bought into it. MTA only sees blue. Everything else subsidizes that.
We heard the same thing a few years ago and left our team to play with them. It wasn't I thought it would be at all. We left after one season and found another club that we are happy to call our team. This is by far the best coaching, best group of girls and parents that we have ever played with. It may not be the best team in the league but its the best team for us to play on. This is our 2nd year and couldn't be happier.
Seriously, my daughter was on the Wings team State Champs last year we were "pooled" put on the white team the fees compared to last year are staggering. For what? We are looking elsewhere.
Anonymous said... Interesting stats. 38 MTA entrants, 7 semi/finalists so far (63% win percentage, 18% of teams advancing).
I did the math on my little CC (SCV) and our 11 teams could only muster 13 wins, 6 losses and 2 ties last weekend, with three semifinalists so far (65% win percentage, 23% of teams advancing).
Looks like at SCV you can save some dough and not have to worry about losing your spot to the next group of recruits.
12/5/09 11:00 PM
Hey Anon, sorry to pop your bubble, but the question I have for you is, how many teams from your club are above U16?? U11-15 are for the U-Littles, this is where the need for the CC comes from, learn your skills at the early ages close to home, then, wait and see how many of the players playing now at U-Little want to play later on, when it really starts to count. This is where MTA comes in at.
9:25 sure, I believe you so do the parents posting above, they are getting a great deal. Please don't spew mta baloney and claim you're not an mta guy, we're not that dumb.
MTA has 3 teams in semi-finals at U13 Boys and it appears they will have 3 teams in semi-finals at U13 girls. Looks like their white teams at these ages are doing just fine. These successes at younger ages will be the base of the MTA program for next several years. I think the model works and will only get better over the years. Different strokes for different folks. Nobody is forcing anyone to join MTA.
Congratulations to MTA for a solid foundation but the model has yet to be set. The challenge will be the movement of players from year to year to get the best talent in each team regardless of parental influence or ecomonic situation. Some players will improve, some will peak early, others later. Those will be the tough decisions by the MTA coaches and then aligning a coach that works best with the talent. The agression on the U13 Boys sidelines amongst coaches and teams is high. Can the MTA soccer minds mitigate the tension and build on these teams where some players may go from a State Cup champion one year to a Classic 1 player the next. Tough job for coaches, parents, and player.
11:12 - well put. Of course any team/club faces that issue and arguably it will be more difficult for the local community club that tries to create truly competitive teams. in general they are expected to care less about winning and more about community and a more cut throat culture that has to exist to have multiple elite teams with lots of movement as MTA does wouldn't fly. mta isn't currently a good choice for my child but i can see how it would be for many. it still surprises me how many MTA players I see that got removed from the top team and now play on the second team. frankly, they probably could have a picked a higher level CC in their geographic area (there are at least a couple in each part of the metro) and found a year long team and have been a more impactful player
11:57 - good comments. I believe it all depends on what the family (we are all kidding ourselves if we think it is just the player) wants. Many of the MTA second teams are top 6 or 7 in the state with many in the top 4. As the age groups get higher I do believe you see some of that where it finally dawns on the family that little landon/mia isn't going to make the top team. Unless the CC is geographically convenient it might not make sense. Define "impactful". Key player on a MN premier team? What I seem to find is that most kids (and parents) want their child to be the best they can be. In soccer, who you train with is a huge determining factor on your development. Anyway you look at it, hopefully parents make the right decision. MTA is the right choice for some, CC's for others, SSM for a few. No one is putting a gun to anyone's head (that I am aware of) and forcing them to pick one option or the other. I know of families whose child was on a MTA white team and were very happy and I know of some who were very disgruntled and left. I know of families whose child was on the top CC team and were happy and I know of some who were very disgruntled and left. Choices, choices, choices, options, options, options, we should all be grateful we have this luxury.
11:57 and 12:23 I think one of the challenges anyone on this board has is that we all have a different CC in our mind when comparing to MTA. MTA is a specific club and when compared/contrasted to the CC's as if they are one entity problems of perspective occur. Most of us have our personal CC experience to draw from. I am sure many at St Croix, Dakota Rev, Eden Prairie, etc. feel they have a "CC option" that is very comparable in it's depth and commitment level to the player as any MTA option could ever provide them. I am equally sure that those who are at, or were at, a smaller less developed CC Agree that the MTA program provides a better option for their child. Most of these posts come from peoples own personal experiences. If my Daughter was at a CC that couldn't give her a good opportunity for success I would look to provide her that opportunity. Likewise if my daughter were on an average MTA white or below team that wasn't giving her a good experience I would be looking to some of the best CC's to see if she was a better fit with one of those clubs/teams. Choices are a good thing. MTA not all good,not all bad. Same with the CC's some are very good, others not so good. Good luck to us all as we try to find the best fit for each of our own situations.
Absolutely agree with 12:42. My DD played at a northern metro CC for a couple of years before moving to Bangu. We made the move due to a lack of training/development in the team and players. Bangu/MTA certainly is more expensive but she has improved each year as a player and enjoyed herself immensely. She has never played on the blue team, always the white. We are considering going back to the local CC but at her age they are a C1 team and average at that level. She wouldn't get to play in State Cup, Schwan's Cup, or any of the NSC events as the team won't commit to any time beyond the league schedule and weekday training. Leaving MTA would mean finding another CC or club closer to home but it wouldn't be the "home" CC. Your perspective and options are influenced by the local CC.
Face it when it comes to MTA. Your on the blue team life is great. Lots of training, and life is good. Those trips all over the place and bragging rights. But the minute you drop down to white or heaven forbid the gray team. You start to wonder why am I writing out those big checks. Is there cheaper options out there and are they any good. Out of the thousands of soccer players in this state our kids wont all make that blue team so why not look around for better options. CC is usually the most affordable. But there is other teams that are not CC that are good. There smaller and work the kids one on one. If your unhappy with your current club look around there's others out there that are good, maybe not the best but good. Who knows maybe you will be the underdog that just takes on the blue team and wins. Just look for options if your not happy look, you might just be surprised what you find.
Didn't several girls on the MTA white team receive college scholarships? I know they had more getting scholarships than can roster on 1 team. There must have been 30 kids in that picture that was on the website.
Life can't be all that bad on the Bangu/MTA 2nd/White teams as they've faced each other in State Cup finals at least 5-6 times over the past few years.
Hey SS, I haven't heard much about your U15 game against MTA White on Sunday. You were predicting a win for DRev. The score indicates it was a close game. Thoughts? Post game commentary?
My oldest daughter got a college scholarship playing on a low level Premier team quite a few years ago. The amount was an enticement and it went up every year. Be wary when parents brag about their college scholarships. It is usually a small amount. Women's soccer splits scholarships around many players. Good grades will get you further. My younger daughter played CC, MTA (white) and back to CC. She has now retired. She simply got burned out playing soccer year round. The passion died. She probably would have been happy playing C1 level as it is less intense.
I agree. There are too many egotistical coaches out there putting themselves ahead of what the game is really about - the players. No matter at what level, when the coaches take the fun out of playing, the players will quit and move on. I once watched a game against a Carmel team (a very good team) and you could hear the coach talking to the players about smiling when they played. What a concept. They beat another very good regional team 3-0 and were smiling.
The first 15 minutes or so we played really well and went up one zip. As the half went on White took over and they tied it up about 5 min before half. Second half they where the better team we played kick and run that was the players words, but I sure agree with them. White played well better team won.
Will be a good game tomorrow between them and NSSA think NSSA need a win and MTA will win group with a tie looks like Wayzatta and TC fire may get 7 points each so wildcard may not be an option unless they tie than we may have two teams on 7 points for wildcard spot but that is to complicated for me to sort out.
No prediction from my part.
As far as me predicting a win vs white why would we play the game if i did not think we would win it?
Good luck to all teams that are still in the competition
Why do you care what % it is? My player got partial athletic, partial academic. Total accounted for about 70% of total college costs. It is great for our family.
Coaches will work out the scholarships any way they can. A good student can get academic money at some private schools that is guarenteed for 4 years provided they stay above a 3.0. That is a good start and maybe books. From their based on performance, you do well and you may get more. The coach early on stated during recruiting stated his goal was to get 50% over 4 years and between academics and hard work on the soccer field my daughter got their. She was an invited walk-on but her school in the western suburb still wanted her to be present for signing day since she was the only DI player on her team. Nothing wrong with that and she has a degree and a good job. Plenty of opportunities for $$s if your a sudent-athlete in that order.
do the math. there are only 14 D1 scholarships offered, usually a roster of roughly 20 kids. the "big time" schools with nothing but big time recruits can't offer 100% athletic to everyone so they make it up with academic/financial need. the "medium" and "smaller" programs can oftentimes offer 100% to selected recruits as they may have some walk-ons or kids in the 50% range.
Okay, we get it. Our kids won't get full rides in college for playing soccer. But please don't tell that to them. Is there anything wrong with having a dream? Last summer, in the middle of a game, my 12 year old son randomly caught the ball and started to cheer, resulting in a whistle for a hand ball. After the game, I asked what he was thinking. He said that he was pretending that he was the goalie in the World Cup, the game was tied, and he just stopped the final PK to win the game. Okay, maybe it would be better to have those dreams after the game. None the less, I would rather that my kids not be bothered with reality at their ages. Both still plan to play soccer in college and continue on to be professional players. These goals and dreams only cause them to train and play harder.
No, they don't read this blog, but I hear similar statements from other parents on the sidelines, from coaches, etc. Let them be kids and have their dreams. I am sure many people made similar comments to our current President...
One of the problems of our generation...we want our 6 and 8 year olds to act like they are 12 and our 12 year olds to have the commitment and maturity of a 16 year old.
But at the same time, certainly don't expect the people on this blog who are adults to act their age and treat each other with respect.
13 State Cup games: 2 big games that could go either way. MTE 12's vs Prior Lake 12's, tie or win puts PL through the bracket. Rev vs EP, tie or win puts Rev through the bracket. MTA Blue and white win or tie and they are through plus a whole series of other unlikely events must take place for them to not advance.
Predictions? I like MTE 12's and Rev because of them holding the tie breakers. First goal is a big one. Crazy game though and anything can happen. Expecting very cool, and windy conditions.
13 State Cup games: 2 big games that could go either way. MTE 12's vs Prior Lake 12's, tie or win puts PL through the bracket. Rev vs EP, tie or win puts Rev through the bracket. MTA Blue and white win or tie and they are through plus a whole series of other unlikely events must take place for them to not advance.
Predictions? I like MTE 12's and Rev because of them holding the tie breakers. First goal is a big one. Crazy game though and anything can happen. Expecting very cool, and windy conditions.
those should be big games indeed. i hope none of the players in those pressure packed matches forgets they aren't playing goalie in the world cup and decided to catch the ball and cheer wildly.
MA's 12s play Prior Lake's 13s, not the Prior Lake 12s.
MTA 13 Blues have clinched already, haven't they?
White needs at least a tie vs Sibley.
I think Rev and EP will tie, putting a lackluster Rev team in the final against MTA Blues who will walk over either the MTA 12s or the Prior Lake 13s in the other semi.
Nice backhanded slam of the Rev team. They are a good team, well coached and most fun is the FACT they have stuck together and made a very good team of themselves as opposed to bolting when they were given the slick pitch. I hope they win it all. Good luck this weekend.
yeah man, they should totally just like... get a trophy for not bolting after hearing the "slick pitch."
I love how people imply its the "honorable" thing to do not to leave your local rec club for one of the premier options. They complain about the egos of the "premier" clubs, yet slather themselves in self righteous crap.
THEY ARE 13s ... THEY HAVEN'T "STAYED TOGETHER." THEY ARE 13s!!!!!!!
12:05 YOu must know nothing about this team . Most have been together since U-9/10. They are a well coached, hard working team. operative word team. Something else, they all seem to genuinely like one another. I am not, have not and will not pass judgement on the MTA system. Choices are good. I agree with a series of posts from 5-13 discussing this topic. I encourage you to read them. Good luck to all of the teams playing this weekend, I of course have my favorites just like you all do, but at the end of the day what I wish for is a good game with good weather, with ref's who let the players decide the outcome, parents who watch and cheer (but avoid bitching and coaching) and of course no injuries to any of the players.
12:05 So thie Rev team is considered by many as one of the U-13 favorites, They have won all 3 games so far without giving up a single goal. I guess maybe they feel, and are showing that they are currently playing for one of the "Premier options" you describe.
how many Dakota Rev teams have played in the USYSA Region II tournament? How many are in MRL? Show me the list of Dakota Rev U17 and U18 players and what college programs they are going to...
my apologies for not considering it a "premier" organization.
If the "other option" is sooooooooooooooooooooo great, why do the parents and coaches from there seem to spend 90% of their time convincing the rest of us how great it is? Citing statistics that read like an infomercial. Kind of sucks all the fun out of a youth game.
I LOVE clubs that claim to be top organizations in MN based purely on the limited success of 1 team in that club. How much mileage is Woodbury going to get with their Inferno team? Or Rev get with their above average 13G team? 1 team does not make you a regionally competitive club.
As for MTA, they are undoubtedly MN's most competitive club for now, but also have a LONG way to go to get the competitive respect of top clubs across the nation.
Gee, what's so bad about being part of a team or club that's on the up and up?
MTA may have "arrived," but how long will they "stay"? My money is on DKT, WDB, SCV, and PSA being here 20 years from now. MTA will be a faded memory (certainly replaced by the next big idea, and the next big idea, and so on).
2:11, For the same reason they tell their friends how much better the sand was on their vacation that cost 3x the alternative choice they passed on and how much better their Fiji water tastes than filtered tap water.
1) To make themselves feel special, part of an exclusive club
2) To justify, in their mind, why they are spending 3x what is needed to have a great soccer experience as youth.
This is not MTA's fault, nor do these people represent 95%+ of the parents with kids involved at MTA. MTA just happens to be the most expensive and promoted option in town and as such is the magnet for the "More it costs, better it must be, expensive label wearing types" that seem to use this blog as their outlet.
These people are everywhere, the golf club, the crazy school parent, etc....In the soccer world of MN MTA happens to be their roost. Too bad for MTA and the majority of MTA families.
There will always be an MTA to satisy psycho parents and power-hungry coaches. This current group of power-hungry 'goons is well-organized; the next group may not be so.
No One of the soccer people at Dakota REV have ever claimed (to my knowledge) to be a Premier club (what ever that means). However we are happy that we can offer a good option for players at all levels at most age groups.
It is up to each team to decide what they want to play/how much money they want to spend.
It appears more and more clubs/teams feel they have to play MRL to keep up with the neighbours. Not becuase they cant find competition in MN.
Who knows maybe REV will have a team participate as well someday.
Same old question. What is a good soccer club number of top teams? number of championships? or number of smiles?
3:35 - could very well happen as MTA is very beat up and from what I've been told missing some key players. If both teams at 100%, it would be an upset for SCV to beat the three time state cup champs.
how many Dakota Rev teams have played in the USYSA Region II tournament? How many are in MRL? Show me the list of Dakota Rev U17 and U18 players and what college programs they are going to...
The real question is "how many former Rev players"
It looks like this year MTA will only win one, maybe two state cup titles. The 15s for sure and maybe the 13s. All other ages groups will go to different cubs.
In the only final this weekend it looks like a tossup to me. Watching MTA play last weekend they were missing some familiar faces. SSM completely dominated a decent Woodbury team. If MTA has all their players back I give them a slight edge, if not a slight edge to SSM. Should be an enjoyable game either way. The MTA-SSM U18 final last year was an excellent game and both of these teams are better than their counterparts in last years contest. There was a minimum of parental chatter last week, hope that continues. I do enjoy watching older age groups play more than younger for that reason. One thing though, Why did they ship the 16's and 17's to CI, I like to watch but that is a long way to go. You would think the primary age groups would stay closer in.
I heard MTA U18s have 4 girls away at college. Whether they've back in town yet is one thing, whether they've trained much is another. They certainly haven't trained with their team. It's a shame the U18s weren't scheduled later in the month to allow for the college players. They do that for the U19s. Somebody needs to think a little more before when scheduling this age group.
You play with who you have. Players always miss games for one reason or another. Prom, injury, gone to college, mad at coach, it is always something. Any game is decided on that day by the players who are there. Re the U18 game I agree they should schedule later as they do with U19's but in this case it doesn't really matter. Both teams are going to regions, I doubt if one more state cup title is that important to MTA and I know Shattuck has bigger fish to fry.
8:48 - good question. depends on your child and her ambitions. personally i would never send them to Dekalb before the year they pick a regional team (i believe it is '95's this summer?) as it is very expensive and imo a waste of money. right or wrong, it means something if they are looking for a scholarship, especially if they make the regional pool. there is something to say about different coaches, throwing kids in different situations, taking them out of their comfort zones, etc..
College coaches value ODP (someone thought the kid could play), and the training and competition make it valuable for development.
That said, the MN selection process is flawed -obvious familiarity shown by evaluators to players they know - screaming at teammates seems to be viewed as a positive attribute, whether to get someone to pass the ball (with no regard for whether it is a good pass to make) or at teammates to do better after the screamer plays a poor ball. This seems to be "communication" and "demanding the ball". Full-field games are required to see if a player has the required combination of ball skill, speed, strength, and field awareness. Hard to show the last three in 4v4 or 6v6.
As with most team selections, the top 25-50% is obvious. The rest, players with potential to develop, are often screwed up, choosing prima donnas, teammates of the top 25-50% who can make them look better in 4v4/6v6, kids the evaluators recognize - kids who are ineffective in a full field game.
U15 will be MTA Blue vs MTA White, as White defeated NSSA. SCV C1 won a very weak C bracket, with Wayzata and MTA Gray struggling.
EP blew their chance to advance with a rather puzzling tie with Tonka C1.
NSSA vs MTA Blue, no contest SCV vs MTA White, no contest
Blue vs White should be no contest. The only question is whether Blue throws the game to White, since Blue has already advanced to Regionals thru MRL play.
9:14-When is that article you provided the link to from? I overheard a MTA parent say that MA was tacitly discouraging participation in ODP. The statement made by the parent claimed MA said that colleges were looking more at "Elite Leagues" than ODP.
Agree that the refs at State cup are not the best (see previous post)
However we had a assistant today who was fantastic. The young man may have been 19-22. He got every call right against a team that played the offisde trap and they where all against my team. The most impressive part was that two of the three where called on players that checked back from an offisde postion and one touched the ball to a played who would not have been offside and would have had a one v one with the GK. Very impressed with the young man.
So at U15 there will be 2 MTA teams in the semi-finals and they most likely will meet in the final. How do we stop this? We have the same problem at U13.
6:12 All will be clear by Sunday afternoon. Lets let them play. then we will talk about the finalists. Good luck to all today, not only the players but also the spectators trying to stay warm :) Why do we live here?
ODP is a joke, especially at the young ages. My 1997 son went to the festivals (try outs), and received an email stating the first 80 boys who paid ($795 I think) would be taken to regions! No need for talent - whoever has the money goes! Unreal! I could send him to two residential camps for that money. And, all 270 players at that age can continue to train for $100. What kind of quality training can you get with 270 kids? I agree that if there is a chance to advance to a regional team, it is worth the cost (and I think they moved that again this year - 1994's and older?).
6:12, Don't worry. You don't need someone to create another "Tonka Rule". When MTA begins play in the new Elite National League those teams won't be allowed to compete in State Cup. So from U15-U18 you won't have MTA blue teams competing at State Cup in near future.
11:19, the blue team will not "throw" that game. Will they play it the same as they would if they hadn't already secured a spot at regionals? Probably not.
It happens all the time, a team is in the play-offs, and they rest their top players or try a few new things. That's the nature of sports.
The white team has beaten the blue team in the past (last year in mrl). So it's not out of the question and you should be careful about making such accusations.
6:47 - my understanding of the ECNL guidelines is that in either year 4 or 5 they will not be allowed to compete in State Cup. I believe they do have the option to leave earlier if desired.
6:12 Your comments gave me a good chuckle, not at you, but at earlier posts that tried to insinuate the White teams were not worthy, that they were being used as "cash cows" by MTA. It's a change to see people feel threatened by the White teams. CM has done a good job of preparing his 13's and the are playing well as a team. The 13's probably will come out of group. If they do it will be exciting to see their match with Rev on Sunday.
Wow - EP could "easily beat REV"? Really? Do you also have a DD on the u15 team?? If so, when it was 1-0 EP at the half, you likely jumped on your cell phone to say they were "easily beating" MTA?? Really...
"When MTA begins play in the new Elite National League those teams won't be allowed to compete in State Cup. So from U15-U18 you won't have MTA blue teams competing at State Cup in near future."
You can hope, but that's 5 years down the road, and already being backed off on by the league. There are ways to do both, at least for several years...
MTA 15 Blue vs. White will still be a battle. Blue needs the state win to ensure preferential seeding in regionals based on being semi-finalists last year, which they would give up if they go to regionals under MRL.
I have seen both MTA U15 Blue and White since U13. Neither has made a significant RELATIVE change in their level of play since. Blue was a regionally competitive team at U13, and White was near or at the top of the rest in MN.
At 13, White won Summer State after finishing 2nd in South District. At U14, White played MRL and made finals at State Cup, but lost two games during the year to NSSA, the MN Premier League champ. Blue remained regionally competitive at U14.
Blue's players are better at every position (or they wouldn't have made the Blue team in this system), and they play MRL Premier level competition.
Blue should win relatively easily. If Blue doesn't win, draw your own conclusions.
P.S. How much player movement has there been between White and Blue in the last two years? Changes to Blue come from outside the state.
It depends on their aspirations. Being on the current 2nd best team in MN as measured by State Cup is great, but they should look at their goals and the best way to achieve them.
Hopefully the players are having fun. If they are having fun, and the MTA program meets the family budget and schedule, by all means stay with White.
If their goal is a D1 scholarship, making the top MN team (in this case MTA Blue) would help. However, the odds of making the MTA Blue team are probably lower for them than an outsider, because the coaches know their strengths and weaknesses too well. If that is their goal, the parents will spend a lot of dollars for long odds.
If they could have more fun playing on a MN Premier League team, they certainly should consider it. I don't think White would necessarily would win the MN Premier league, but they would be a top contender - probably the favorite this year.
Each year will be different as the teams change and players mature. If EP and WZ's best players moved to one club, or EAG or REV merged their top players (things like this have happened for years), either would likely be better than White. No amount of $$$ spent or MTA coaching could change the talent difference.
So, if D-1 is the absolute goal, make an honest evaluation of the physical capability required, and talk to MTA about what your daughter can do to make the Blue team. If you don't like the answer, and MTA White is otherwise not a great fit for your daughter, check out the MN Premier teams and see if there is a better fit.
Since the goal at MTA is for the Blues to be the state's best, by default the goal of the whites is to be second best. Does anyone else see a problem here? Showing up everyday with the goal of being second best? Meanwhile, other teams are striving to be the best?
Look at the current u16s. As 14s, the blues beat the whites in the finals, making them arguably the best and second best in the state, respectively. Many players and parents probably thought as 10:02 did. Well, better to be on the second best team than 3rd or 4th or 5t.
At u15s, however, the EP team (trying to be the best) passed the whites. The blues still won state cup, but now the EP team was second, not the whites.
This year? Well, the blues may still be the top team (too early to say), but it is clear that the whites are not in the top two, or even top four. It seems pretty clear that the Blues, EP, SCV, SSM, and Wayzata have all passed the team striving for second.
12:21 - not sure if that is the best example. At U13, EP was the 2nd best team behind MTA but with half of their roster out due to injury lost in a pk shootout to MTA White at U14. EP back to being one of the two top teams at U15 & U16. Also, neither of the two MTA teams came out of any "academy" program as they were all formed "fresh" at U13.
It will be interesting to see just how things evolve over time as the teams come out of their academy. MTA will most likely have two U13, one U14, and two U15 teams in the semi's (I didn't include the U12's that made it). There will always be a few talented teams at each age group (EP/REV at U13, BVL/TNK at U14, NSSA/SCV at U15). Only time will tell. The way things are currently scheduled out, by the time the current U11 Academy teams hit U16, they will most likely be done with MN State Cup as they will be playing ECNL (curious to also see if the new league has any pull with current or future players).
As the earlier poster commented, it all depends on what you want to get out of it. If you are happy and your needs are being met - then most will stay. If not, then those will leave.
any details on the EP/REV game? was the wind a big influence? was the score indicative of the possession/better team? just curious, no axes to grind.....
The wind was a huge factor in all the games today. It took away some of the skill elements of the game and was an equalizer in the games all day long at LWB fields.
EP up in half REV had four great chances in the second and tied it up on one of them. EP defended well, but REV should have put them away. EP scored with 20 seconds left. Overall a pretty bad soccer game.
Prediction... MTA 3 Eden Prairie 3 Burnsville 5 Tonka 0
Championship... Burnsville 5 MTA 0
That will be the score once Burnsville exposes the two illegal players on the MTA team. They both played for the same east metro high school last year and would be playing U15 this year if they hadn't moved to MTA together a few years ago. I know for a fact (and so does the Burnsville coach) that numbers 15 and 16 for MTA are July 1994 kids and they will be exposed before the championship game. I hope MTA enjoys having their MRL championship stripped from them.
8:04- hitting the sauce a wee bit early this evening? there are these things call birth certificates, but I'm sure they've had fake ones for the last umpteen years....... toss back another one while you're reading this.....
see below. MTA will play the C pool winner (WYZ?) and SCV will play EP.
2. j. Semifinal Games The semifinal games will be scheduled as follows: • 3 Groups - Winner of Group A will play the Wildcard Winner of Group B will play the Winner of Group C If the Wildcard comes out of Group A the following schedule will be followed: Winner of Group A will play the Winner of Group C Winner of Group B will play the Wildcard
8:37 here is the rule for semi from state cup rules book.
If the Wildcard comes out of Group A the following schedule will be followed: Winner of Group A will play the Winner of Group C Winner of Group B will play the Wildcard
8:40 I'm stating the facts. there are a lot of stupid and ignorant people posting on this blog and they have nothing to do with improving minnesota youth soccer.
8:04: MTA U14 played MRL - you've heard of that, right? There's a great deal of paperwork involved, including multiple ID checks, submittal of birth certificates, etc. Hasn't your club ever played MRL?? Maybe not, thought I'd fill you in.
8:04 - listing player numbers is the same thing as listing their names. That's crossing what very few boundaries we have here. Try to act like an adult, yes?
It's pretty simple, actually. A coach merely has to say, "I would like to see proof of player X's age." Player X will then have to present an original document. If there is an issue, it will arise then. But until then, everyone should shut up about who is what age.
There's actually a bond required, but clearly when State Cup is at stake (imagine!) a mere $150 is a small price to pay - and you get it back if you're right. What's the downside? Complete BS.
MTA was missing arguably their best player, their best defender and another starting defender due to injury. not an excuse, jsut a fact. yes, it does make a difference - and SCV has a good side.
hahaha ... love the "4x State Cup team manager" label!!!!! Particularly when they don't know what they're talking about... time to let somebody else try to step up to the challenge? Oh, yeah... the rest of us are smarter than that...
Where's the gasbag we all know as SSMSC tonight? Funny, a day doesn't go by without a post regarding the superiority of the program down there, yet no post for us?
1,384 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 1384 Newer› Newest»I would say that the game between SSM and Woodbury 18s, the parents for both sides were very professional. Sure, there were a few ahs and ohs, but there wasnt any bickering going on between the 2 groups.
Anyone who thinks that Burnsville has a TEAM of regionally competitive players at U14 has no idea of what regional competition really means. Burnsville has 1 gifted player who does EVERYTHING for them in the attack - and she's a year younger. Take that player out of the mix and you have a VERY average MN team with an average coach who has been "let go" from many different head coaching positions.
Just the facts Jack
So you're saying a "youngster" is single-handedly going to beat MTA? Wow! Making excuses already. MTA must really suck.
As far as I know soccer crowds are allowed to make noice and it is part of the game. Maybe it is different in MN, would explain why Thunder has a hard time getting people to there games why go if you cant cheer.
MN players are developing a lot faster than MN ref's. Don't have a solution for it but something needs to be done. This weekend we played in what is supposed to be the best and most important MYSA tournament of the year and we had ref's that where being coached/developed during our game.
Understand that they need to have this in order to develop the ref's but don't use state cup. Plenty of scrimmages during the winter where teams would like to have MYSA bring in refs for developmental purposses.
And before I hear it I do not bring it up because we lost the game but rather because it does raise some red flags and concerns.
I would like to see a state cup that has no more than eight teams qualify for the main portion of the tournament in each age group. Divide them into two groups followed by semifnals and final. Use previous results and a play in system to decide who gets to participate in group play.
This would raise the level of play especially at the younger ages and also allow MYSA to schedule all games at one complex as well as get qualified ref's for all games.
Think TM and MYSA is doing a great job with giving everyone a chance to play but it is starting to get to big.
SS
U13 girls summary
Group A
Prior Lake U13's advance with a win or tie against MTA U12's. MTA only advances with a win
Group B
DREV advance with a win or tie against EP. EP only advances with a win.
Group C
MTN advances with at least a tie
Group D
MTA U13 have already advanced.
As the post earlier mentioned, fun to see that in two of the games determining who advances those games pit the teams in question.
MTA Blue 16's are pretty beat up. Might be the opening that EP and SSM are looking for.
4:36 - now that is a bush league post. there are levels of discourse even for this board that you are beneath.
5:00,
I heard the same. 2 key players out for at least a month.
If I were MTA 16s, I would worry about SCV before EP or SSM.
6:22- I would too, they play SCV first. If they are as beaten up as the previous poster says, then they have to take it a game at a time. Don't look ahead.
Good luck to them. I know that both EP and SSM would like to beat the best to get the title of Champs. No excuses, no asterisks.
4:55 In "A", I believe Prior Lake u13's can not advance with a tie, MTA u12's do. If I read the rules correctly, the 1st tiebreaker is head to head and the 2nd is goals against. MTA u12's have 1 less goal against, so in case of a tie, they come out of their group.
In "C", MTA advances with a tie equal to or less than 2-2. Same reason as above.
Good to hear that there was no bickering from the Woodbury 18 parents. Saw them both in and out of state last year, and they (a few of)the parents made them the worst behaved bunch we saw all year. Riding the refs and opposing players equally, and bickering with other parents. Maybe they grew up.
EP will win it, they are on a roll
U-14 prediction...
MTA, Burnsville Tonka and Eden Prairie will advance.
MTA beats Eden Prairie and Tonka beat Burnsville in the semi finals.
I think final between MTA and Tonka will be closer than their first meeting in MRL. If it weren't for a few bad bounces, Tonka might have wone that game.
Final score...
Tonka 2 - MTA 1.
oh no, it's the return of mr. "we dominated but lost 3-0" guy..... gotta love his resiliency.
Larry - see below from the state cup rules found on the MYSA website:
2. g. Group Winners
In group play, each team will be awarded three (3) points for a win or a game forfeited to them, one (1)
point for a tie, and no (0) points for a loss. In the event of a tie within a flight, the following criteria will be
used to determine the winner.
A. HEAD TO HEAD COMPETITION (In the event of a tie among three (3) or more teams this
criterion will not be used.
B. Most wins, then
C. Goal Differential (goals scored minus goals against) with a maximum of three (3) goals
differential per game.), then
D. Fewest Goals allowed, then
E. FIFA "Kicks from the Penalty Mark" (following the last round robin game or at least 60 minutes
prior to the schedule play off round game)
I believe the previous post was accurate.
Right, 6to 5, advantage Prior Lake
10:42, were there? Did you see the game? I doubt it, so maybe you should stick to what you know.
6:29, 10:42 here, what I do know is that I've been around soccer for many years and have yet to see a team lose 3-0 that "dominated" the game. Does the "better" team always win in soccer - no, but rarely does the "better" team get shutout 3-0. Hopefully you are right and they will prevail in the future, in all sincerity best of luck to them as well as every other team. If they don't, then it might be time for another "tonka" ruling (probably before your time since it would appear your DD is a U14).
The number of losers here talking about 13 and 14 year old soccer teams is scary. Go get alife and let the coacjhes coach and most importantly let the kids play.
8:35, I'm sorry the little ones are just too much of a nuisance. I'm sure your DD is a U17 superstar. But, soccer will be here long after your DD goes on to some division III school.
We will try not to irritate your pompousness too much as we enjoy the competition at the irrelevant age groups.
Yes 8:11, my DD is a U14 player. That doesn't mean I don't know what you're referring to with the "Tonka ruling" comment.
Some people have more than one kid and have been around this game a long time, even if they have a U14 daughter. 8:48's comment is spot-on, you just proved that. Parents with older kids do tend to be a bit pompous.
Again, you were not at the game in question and are jumping to some conclusions.
before tonka start looking ahead to mta, they have enough to worry about in burnsville and their #12
8:35
Not sure why in your ming D3 soccer is an insult. IMHO D3 was enjoyed by my DD and remembers those times fondly.
I also enjoyed watching didnt matter to me it was D3 or D1.
I agree, whats wrong with a D3,D2 or a NAIA education?? Come on 8:48, answer the question..!! There is a player from SSM going to Seattle Pacific which is the Natl Champion last yr in D2 soccer. What kinda of fun is she going to have, playing for a very competitive soccer program, living in Seattle..I see nothing wrong with this!!
9:03 - is your U14 DD your oldest soccer playing daughter?
10:05 - give it up. A few bad bounces? If I recall correctly, the MTA goalie did not even touch the ball the entire first half. When MTA scored off an outstanding flip throw combination, Tonka adjusted and actually played some offense. Once they adjusted, they actually had some opportunities. The second goal by MTA was a forward who moved past at least 3 Tonka players. The third was an outstanding shot from outside the box - no lucky bounce involved.
Could the results be different next round? Definately, but it was a decisive MTA victory the first game.
Oh, I know, but Tonka had some key players missing or some other excuse.
8:48 - personally, I would be thrilled to have my DD graduate with an outstanding degree from "some DIII" school such as Carlton, St. Thomas, St. John's, MacAlaster, Hamline, Bethel, St. Ben's, St. Olav's, Gustavus, etc....(and those are just the local ones) Hopefully since your DD is probably in 8th grade you still have a chance to cement the educational priority in her.
Not a bad weekend for MTA. They were 27-12-4 at state cup this weekend as a club. Their teams scored 107 goals and gave up 46. They had five teams advance to the semi finals and two advance to the finals.
Friday, May 8
MTW U1302 Boys – 1-1 tie
MTE U13 Boys – 3-0 win *team advances to semifinals
MTA U1302 Boys 3-2 MTW01 U13 Boys *MTW01 advances to semifinals
MTA U1301 Boys – 3-2 win *team advances to semifinals
Saturday, May 9
MTE U13 Girls – 2-1 win
MTA U14 Girls – 6-0 win
MTN U13 Girls – 2-2 tie
MTA U13 Girls – 4-1 win *team advances to semifinals
MTW U14 Girls – 0-4 loss
MTA U17MW Girls – 3-1 win
MTA U17C1 Girls – 1-4 loss
MTA U17 Boys – 6-0 win
MTE U15 Girls – 4-0 win
MTW U16 Boys – 2-0 win
MTA U15MW Girls – 4-0 win
MTA U14 Boys – 8-1 win
MTA U15 Boys – 5-1 win
MTA U16 Boys – 3-1 win
MTA U15PR Girls – 1-3 loss
MTA U16MW Girls 1-0 MTA U16PR Girls
MTW U14 Boys – 3-2 win
MTW U15 Boys – 1-3 loss
Sunday, May 10
MTE U13 Girls – 1-0 win
MTA U14 Girls – 6-0 win
MTW U14 Girls – 0-2 loss
MTE U15 Girls – 3-0 win
MTA U17MW Girls – 1-1 tie
MTA U17C1 Girls – 0-3 loss
MTA U17 Boys – 1-2 loss
MTA U1801 Girls 2-0 MTWU18 Girls *MTA advances to final
MTA U18 Boys – 3-2 win *team advances to final
MTA U15MW Girls – 2-1 win
MTW U16 Boys – 2-1 win
MTA U15PR Girls – 3-2 loss
MTA U15 Boys – 5-0 win
MTW U15 Boys – 1-1 tie
MTA U16 Boys – 6-0 win
MTA U16MW Girls – 3-0 win
MTA U16PR Girls – 0-1 loss
MTA U14 Boys – 4-0 win *team advances to semifinal
MTW U14 Boys – 0-1 loss
Thanks for the list, 7:50. I had been wondering.
It is consistent with what I observed this weekend. Everywhere I turned there seemed to be an MTA team playing. Often those teams were quite impressive. Sometimes they were anything but impressive.
Your list confirms my impressions.
That's the cavalrys bugle you hear folks. Reinforcements are on the way for the big showdown Sunday.
This is the biggest game of the year and no holds barred. A game of world cup proportion right here in Minnasoder.
What's at stake you might ask.
The biggest ego in the state vs the Privileged Ones.The loser to be banished out of the blue and into the black of oblivion never to be heard of again.
And you think this is just youth soccer..........
MTA lost 12 and tied 4? I thougt the won everything? To hear people talk, I'm amazed they didn't win those 16 games. Okay, maybe I could see 3 ties, because there were 3 games where it was MTA vs MTA.
Is that kind of like Spy vs Spy; a comic strip or cartoon. Take your pick.
Interesting stats. 38 MTA entrants, 7 semi/finalists so far (63% win percentage, 18% of teams advancing).
I did the math on my little CC (SCV) and our 11 teams could only muster 13 wins, 6 losses and 2 ties last weekend, with three semifinalists so far (65% win percentage, 23% of teams advancing).
Looks like at SCV you can save some dough and not have to worry about losing your spot to the next group of recruits.
this blog is hilarious, you can't make this stuff up....
My kid is on one of the teams that lost. When we left our old club we were told the only team we'd lose to was our own blue team. We are 0-2 at State Cup, lost to a c-1 team that was a middle of the pack team last year. I want a refund.
6:01,
Who are you claiming told you that?
And why would you be dumb enough to believe that?
Too funny!
6:01 is obviously someone trying to stir things up. These guys are so transparent.
We were told that too. "Leave your club, play for our white team, which will be the second best team in the state (behind our blue team). Work hard this summer and displace a blue player next year." I can't believe we bought into it. MTA only sees blue. Everything else subsidizes that.
We heard the same thing a few years ago and left our team to play with them. It wasn't I thought it would be at all. We left after one season and found another club that we are happy to call our team. This is by far the best coaching, best group of girls and parents that we have ever played with. It may not be the best team in the league but its the best team for us to play on. This is our 2nd year and couldn't be happier.
Seriously, my daughter was on the Wings team State Champs last year we were "pooled" put on the white team the fees compared to last year are staggering. For what? We are looking elsewhere.
Anonymous said...
Interesting stats. 38 MTA entrants, 7 semi/finalists so far (63% win percentage, 18% of teams advancing).
I did the math on my little CC (SCV) and our 11 teams could only muster 13 wins, 6 losses and 2 ties last weekend, with three semifinalists so far (65% win percentage, 23% of teams advancing).
Looks like at SCV you can save some dough and not have to worry about losing your spot to the next group of recruits.
12/5/09 11:00 PM
Hey Anon, sorry to pop your bubble, but the question I have for you is, how many teams from your club are above U16?? U11-15 are for the U-Littles, this is where the need for the CC comes from, learn your skills at the early ages close to home, then, wait and see how many of the players playing now at U-Little want to play later on, when it really starts to count. This is where MTA comes in at.
Non-MTA Dad
9:25 sure, I believe you so do the parents posting above, they are getting a great deal. Please don't spew mta baloney and claim you're not an mta guy, we're not that dumb.
MTA has 3 teams in semi-finals at U13 Boys and it appears they will have 3 teams in semi-finals at U13 girls.
Looks like their white teams at these ages are doing just fine.
These successes at younger ages will be the base of the MTA program for next several years.
I think the model works and will only get better over the years.
Different strokes for different folks. Nobody is forcing anyone to join MTA.
Congratulations to MTA for a solid foundation but the model has yet to be set. The challenge will be the movement of players from year to year to get the best talent in each team regardless of parental influence or ecomonic situation. Some players will improve, some will peak early, others later. Those will be the tough decisions by the MTA coaches and then aligning a coach that works best with the talent. The agression on the U13 Boys sidelines amongst coaches and teams is high. Can the MTA soccer minds mitigate the tension and build on these teams where some players may go from a State Cup champion one year to a Classic 1 player the next. Tough job for coaches, parents, and player.
11:12 - shouldn't that be the case at all competitive clubs? And if not, why not?
11:20,
You took the words out of my mouth. How is that different than any club in any sport?
11:12 - well put. Of course any team/club faces that issue and arguably it will be more difficult for the local community club that tries to create truly competitive teams. in general they are expected to care less about winning and more about community and a more cut throat culture that has to exist to have multiple elite teams with lots of movement as MTA does wouldn't fly. mta isn't currently a good choice for my child but i can see how it would be for many. it still surprises me how many MTA players I see that got removed from the top team and now play on the second team. frankly, they probably could have a picked a higher level CC in their geographic area (there are at least a couple in each part of the metro) and found a year long team and have been a more impactful player
11:57 - good comments. I believe it all depends on what the family (we are all kidding ourselves if we think it is just the player) wants. Many of the MTA second teams are top 6 or 7 in the state with many in the top 4. As the age groups get higher I do believe you see some of that where it finally dawns on the family that little landon/mia isn't going to make the top team. Unless the CC is geographically convenient it might not make sense. Define "impactful". Key player on a MN premier team? What I seem to find is that most kids (and parents) want their child to be the best they can be. In soccer, who you train with is a huge determining factor on your development. Anyway you look at it, hopefully parents make the right decision. MTA is the right choice for some, CC's for others, SSM for a few. No one is putting a gun to anyone's head (that I am aware of) and forcing them to pick one option or the other. I know of families whose child was on a MTA white team and were very happy and I know of some who were very disgruntled and left. I know of families whose child was on the top CC team and were happy and I know of some who were very disgruntled and left. Choices, choices, choices, options, options, options, we should all be grateful we have this luxury.
11:57 and 12:23 I think one of the challenges anyone on this board has is that we all have a different CC in our mind when comparing to MTA. MTA is a specific club and when compared/contrasted to the CC's as if they are one entity problems of perspective occur. Most of us have our personal CC experience to draw from. I am sure many at St Croix, Dakota Rev, Eden Prairie, etc. feel they have a "CC option" that is very comparable in it's depth and commitment level to the player as any MTA option could ever provide them. I am equally sure that those who are at, or were at, a smaller less developed CC Agree that the MTA program provides a better option for their child. Most of these posts come from peoples own personal experiences. If my Daughter was at a CC that couldn't give her a good opportunity for success I would look to provide her that opportunity. Likewise if my daughter were on an average MTA white or below team that wasn't giving her a good experience I would be looking to some of the best CC's to see if she was a better fit with one of those clubs/teams. Choices are a good thing. MTA not all good,not all bad. Same with the CC's some are very good, others not so good. Good luck to us all as we try to find the best fit for each of our own situations.
wow, six posts in a row with some rational opinions. agree-disagree. agree to disagree. no one yelling, no one ripping. YEA!
Good/interesting reading not anything new but all very good opinions/points.
SS
Is this fair ? Be on a state champ team two years running then find out you lose your roster spot three days before this years championship game.
It's all about the club and marketing. Forget about the kids.
This is the state of youth soccer in MN.
I'm not sure what Non-MTA Dad's point is, but 6 of SCV's 11 State Cup teams are U16 and older.
Absolutely agree with 12:42. My DD played at a northern metro CC for a couple of years before moving to Bangu. We made the move due to a lack of training/development in the team and players. Bangu/MTA certainly is more expensive but she has improved each year as a player and enjoyed herself immensely. She has never played on the blue team, always the white. We are considering going back to the local CC but at her age they are a C1 team and average at that level. She wouldn't get to play in State Cup, Schwan's Cup, or any of the NSC events as the team won't commit to any time beyond the league schedule and weekday training. Leaving MTA would mean finding another CC or club closer to home but it wouldn't be the "home" CC. Your perspective and options are influenced by the local CC.
Face it when it comes to MTA. Your on the blue team life is great. Lots of training, and life is good. Those trips all over the place and bragging rights. But the minute you drop down to white or heaven forbid the gray team. You start to wonder why am I writing out those big checks. Is there cheaper options out there and are they any good. Out of the thousands of soccer players in this state our kids wont all make that blue team so why not look around for better options. CC is usually the most affordable. But there is other teams that are not CC that are good. There smaller and work the kids one on one. If your unhappy with your current club look around there's others out there that are good, maybe not the best but good. Who knows maybe you will be the underdog that just takes on the blue team and wins. Just look for options if your not happy look, you might just be surprised what you find.
Didn't several girls on the MTA white team receive college scholarships?
I know they had more getting scholarships than can roster on 1 team. There must have been 30 kids in that picture that was on the website.
Life can't be all that bad on the Bangu/MTA 2nd/White teams as they've faced each other in State Cup finals at least 5-6 times over the past few years.
3:19,
I think you meant to say that Bangu/MTA top teams have played their white/2nd teams in State Cup finals over the recent years.
Correct?
Hey SS, I haven't heard much about your U15 game against MTA White on Sunday. You were predicting a win for DRev. The score indicates it was a close game. Thoughts? Post game commentary?
South Fan
Egotistical coaches who disrespect their players reap what they sow.These coaches don't belong in Youth Soccer.
9:51 If you are refering to SS you couldn't be more WRONG! go away.
9:51- I agree with the above posters about SS. He is one of the good guys.
i think you might be jumping to conclusions that 7:42 and 9:51 are related. nothing wrong with defending SS, but not sure if the points are connected.
My oldest daughter got a college scholarship playing on a low level Premier team quite a few years ago. The amount was an enticement and it went up every year. Be wary when parents brag about their college scholarships. It is usually a small amount. Women's soccer splits scholarships around many players. Good grades will get you further. My younger daughter played CC, MTA (white) and back to CC. She has now retired. She simply got burned out playing soccer year round. The passion died. She probably would have been happy playing C1 level as it is less intense.
I agree. There are too many egotistical coaches out there putting themselves ahead of what the game is really about - the players. No matter at what level, when the coaches take the fun out of playing, the players will quit and move on. I once watched a game against a Carmel team (a very good team) and you could hear the coach talking to the players about smiling when they played. What a concept. They beat another very good regional team 3-0 and were smiling.
The first 15 minutes or so we played really well and went up one zip. As the half went on White took over and they tied it up about 5 min before half. Second half they where the better team we played kick and run that was the players words, but I sure agree with them. White played well better team won.
Will be a good game tomorrow between them and NSSA think NSSA need a win and MTA will win group with a tie looks like Wayzatta and TC fire may get 7 points each so wildcard may not be an option unless they tie than we may have two teams on 7 points for wildcard spot but that is to complicated for me to sort out.
No prediction from my part.
As far as me predicting a win vs white why would we play the game if i did not think we would win it?
Good luck to all teams that are still in the competition
SS
9:53 I think several of the players will receive more than an "enticement". I think full tuition is a nice place to start!
Dream on..........
No dream...just facts for this '09 family.
Hmmmmmmm........methinks we are stretching the truth...but whatever makes you puff your chest go for it!!!!
Scholarships are like gas mileage, all lie about it! Don't believe it unless the bragging parent or coach shows the paper.
Why do you care what % it is? My player got partial athletic, partial academic. Total accounted for about 70% of total college costs. It is great for our family.
2:49
Yes, there are four DI recruits who signed from the U17 MTA White team from last year.
Coaches will work out the scholarships any way they can. A good student can get academic money at some private schools that is guarenteed for 4 years provided they stay above a 3.0. That is a good start and maybe books. From their based on performance, you do well and you may get more. The coach early on stated during recruiting stated his goal was to get 50% over 4 years and between academics and hard work on the soccer field my daughter got their. She was an invited walk-on but her school in the western suburb still wanted her to be present for signing day since she was the only DI player on her team. Nothing wrong with that and she has a degree and a good job. Plenty of opportunities for $$s if your a sudent-athlete in that order.
State schools also offer merit aid to good students and will combine this with athletic.
do the math. there are only 14 D1 scholarships offered, usually a roster of roughly 20 kids. the "big time" schools with nothing but big time recruits can't offer 100% athletic to everyone so they make it up with academic/financial need. the "medium" and "smaller" programs can oftentimes offer 100% to selected recruits as they may have some walk-ons or kids in the 50% range.
Okay, we get it. Our kids won't get full rides in college for playing soccer. But please don't tell that to them. Is there anything wrong with having a dream? Last summer, in the middle of a game, my 12 year old son randomly caught the ball and started to cheer, resulting in a whistle for a hand ball. After the game, I asked what he was thinking. He said that he was pretending that he was the goalie in the World Cup, the game was tied, and he just stopped the final PK to win the game. Okay, maybe it would be better to have those dreams after the game. None the less, I would rather that my kids not be bothered with reality at their ages. Both still plan to play soccer in college and continue on to be professional players. These goals and dreams only cause them to train and play harder.
No, they don't read this blog, but I hear similar statements from other parents on the sidelines, from coaches, etc. Let them be kids and have their dreams. I am sure many people made similar comments to our current President...
Nice post 8:55am.
Your 12 year old... caught a ball in the middle of a game... and started cheering wildly... and he wasn't playing goalkeeper...
This would have been an endearing story if he was 6, or even 8... at 12, that's just weird man.
One of the problems of our generation...we want our 6 and 8 year olds to act like they are 12 and our 12 year olds to have the commitment and maturity of a 16 year old.
But at the same time, certainly don't expect the people on this blog who are adults to act their age and treat each other with respect.
What is wrong with this picture?
What picture? I don't see any pictures on here.
someone writes a heartfelt post and someone feels the need to rip them - thanks for contributing 9:07.
Spoken like a 12 year old, but I like it. ;-)
Any must see games to watch this weekend on the girl's side?
haha i'm with 9:07, that ridiculous. its like that will ferrell soccer movie or something.
13 State Cup games: 2 big games that could go either way. MTE 12's vs Prior Lake 12's, tie or win puts PL through the bracket.
Rev vs EP, tie or win puts Rev through the bracket.
MTA Blue and white win or tie and they are through plus a whole series of other unlikely events must take place for them to not advance.
Predictions? I like MTE 12's and Rev because of them holding the tie breakers. First goal is a big one. Crazy game though and anything can happen. Expecting very cool, and windy conditions.
13 State Cup games: 2 big games that could go either way. MTE 12's vs Prior Lake 12's, tie or win puts PL through the bracket.
Rev vs EP, tie or win puts Rev through the bracket.
MTA Blue and white win or tie and they are through plus a whole series of other unlikely events must take place for them to not advance.
Predictions? I like MTE 12's and Rev because of them holding the tie breakers. First goal is a big one. Crazy game though and anything can happen. Expecting very cool, and windy conditions.
those should be big games indeed. i hope none of the players in those pressure packed matches forgets they aren't playing goalie in the world cup and decided to catch the ball and cheer wildly.
i believe that is PL's U13's and they hold the tiebreaker vs. MTE U12's.
SSM vs EP at U16. Winner moves on, loser maybe wildcard. A tie and I believe both would get through.
MA's 12s play Prior Lake's 13s, not the Prior Lake 12s.
MTA 13 Blues have clinched already, haven't they?
White needs at least a tie vs Sibley.
I think Rev and EP will tie, putting a lackluster Rev team in the final against MTA Blues who will walk over either the MTA 12s or the Prior Lake 13s in the other semi.
Yes, Prior Lake 13s hold the tie breaker against MTA 12s
Nice backhanded slam of the Rev team. They are a good team, well coached and most fun is the FACT they have stuck together and made a very good team of themselves as opposed to bolting when they were given the slick pitch. I hope they win it all. Good luck this weekend.
yeah man, they should totally just like... get a trophy for not bolting after hearing the "slick pitch."
I love how people imply its the "honorable" thing to do not to leave your local rec club for one of the premier options. They complain about the egos of the "premier" clubs, yet slather themselves in self righteous
crap.
THEY ARE 13s ... THEY HAVEN'T "STAYED TOGETHER." THEY ARE 13s!!!!!!!
are any of the U13 REV kids ex-Bangu/MTA?
if more than one, my intuition tells me that might be at the root of some of the verbal jousting (hell hath no fury like a player/parent scorned).
12:05 YOu must know nothing about this team . Most have been together since U-9/10. They are a well coached, hard working team. operative word team. Something else, they all seem to genuinely like one another. I am not, have not and will not pass judgement on the MTA system. Choices are good. I agree with a series of posts from 5-13 discussing this topic. I encourage you to read them. Good luck to all of the teams playing this weekend, I of course have my favorites just like you all do, but at the end of the day what I wish for is a good game with good weather, with ref's who let the players decide the outcome, parents who watch and cheer (but avoid bitching and coaching) and of course no injuries to any of the players.
12:05 So thie Rev team is considered by many as one of the U-13 favorites, They have won all 3 games so far without giving up a single goal. I guess maybe they feel, and are showing that they are currently playing for one of the "Premier options" you describe.
one u14 game might be interesting on sunday assuming it plays out and burnsville plays tonka. MTA blue will cruise to the finals
What pictures? Where are the pictures?
how many Dakota Rev teams have played in the USYSA Region II tournament? How many are in MRL? Show me the list of Dakota Rev U17 and U18 players and what college programs they are going to...
my apologies for not considering it a "premier" organization.
1:40, if you put everyone else down, maybe you'll feel better about yourself.
Sounds like 1:40 is calling out someone who is making ignorant claims. C'mon u13 Dakota Rev parent. Answer 1:40's questions.
Rev may be on the up and up, but they are no where close to "arriving".
If the "other option" is sooooooooooooooooooooo great, why do the parents and coaches from there seem to spend 90% of their time convincing the rest of us how great it is? Citing statistics that read like an infomercial. Kind of sucks all the fun out of a youth game.
Burnsville over Tonka 3-1. Burnsville is really playing well right now.
I LOVE clubs that claim to be top organizations in MN based purely on the limited success of 1 team in that club. How much mileage is Woodbury going to get with their Inferno team? Or Rev get with their above average 13G team? 1 team does not make you a regionally competitive club.
As for MTA, they are undoubtedly MN's most competitive club for now, but also have a LONG way to go to get the competitive respect of top clubs across the nation.
Gee, what's so bad about being part of a team or club that's on the up and up?
MTA may have "arrived," but how long will they "stay"? My money is on DKT, WDB, SCV, and PSA being here 20 years from now. MTA will be a faded memory (certainly replaced by the next big idea, and the next big idea, and so on).
Chicago Magic and Eclipse are merging, both boys and girls. All teams will be under the Eclipse banner. Done Deal. The rich get richer!
2:11, For the same reason they tell their friends how much better the sand was on their vacation that cost 3x the alternative choice they passed on and how much better their Fiji water tastes than filtered tap water.
1) To make themselves feel special, part of an exclusive club
2) To justify, in their mind, why they are spending 3x what is needed to have a great soccer experience as youth.
This is not MTA's fault, nor do these people represent 95%+ of the parents with kids involved at MTA. MTA just happens to be the most expensive and promoted option in town and as such is the magnet for the "More it costs, better it must be, expensive label wearing types" that seem to use this blog as their outlet.
These people are everywhere, the golf club, the crazy school parent, etc....In the soccer world of MN MTA happens to be their roost. Too bad for MTA and the majority of MTA families.
- Ex MTA'er
What role did MTA play in the merger? I'm sure they had someone there getting it done.
There will always be an MTA to satisy psycho parents and power-hungry coaches. This current group of power-hungry 'goons is well-organized; the next group may not be so.
At u16, a SCV win on Saturday and MTA would likely be completely shut out of the semi finals for that age group.
No One of the soccer people at Dakota REV have ever claimed (to my knowledge) to be a Premier club (what ever that means). However we are happy that we can offer a good option for players at all levels at most age groups.
It is up to each team to decide what they want to play/how much money they want to spend.
It appears more and more clubs/teams feel they have to play MRL to keep up with the neighbours. Not becuase they cant find competition in MN.
Who knows maybe REV will have a team participate as well someday.
Same old question. What is a good soccer club number of top teams? number of championships? or number of smiles?
Good luck to all the teams this weekend.
SS
3:35 - could very well happen as MTA is very beat up and from what I've been told missing some key players. If both teams at 100%, it would be an upset for SCV to beat the three time state cup champs.
Thanks for bring perspective SS.
Hopeful finals (best comp and future blogging)on girls side:
u13 MTE Blue vs Dak Rev
u14 Burnsville vs MTA Blue
u15 MTE MRL vs MTA
u16 MTA vs SSM
u17 Woodbury vs SCV
u18 MTA vs SSM (set)
MTA could certainly sweep it but for competitive sake there are only a couple shoo ins.
how many Dakota Rev teams have played in the USYSA Region II tournament? How many are in MRL? Show me the list of Dakota Rev U17 and U18 players and what college programs they are going to...
The real question is "how many former Rev players"
3:49 Thanks for the pre-made excuse. Real nice!
It looks like this year MTA will only win one, maybe two state cup titles. The 15s for sure and maybe the 13s. All other ages groups will go to different cubs.
How will they market that?
Thanks for your concern 4:51. We'll find a way if it happens.
451 I hope you are right but probably wishful thinking. Minimum of 4, max of 6 is how it will likely end up.
In the only final this weekend it looks like a tossup to me. Watching MTA play last weekend they were missing some familiar faces. SSM completely dominated a decent Woodbury team. If MTA has all their players back I give them a slight edge, if not a slight edge to SSM. Should be an enjoyable game either way. The MTA-SSM U18 final last year was an excellent game and both of these teams are better than their counterparts in last years contest. There was a minimum of parental chatter last week, hope that continues. I do enjoy watching older age groups play more than younger for that reason. One thing though, Why did they ship the 16's and 17's to CI, I like to watch but that is a long way to go. You would think the primary age groups would stay closer in.
I heard MTA U18s have 4 girls away at college.
Whether they've back in town yet is one thing, whether they've trained much is another. They certainly haven't trained with their team.
It's a shame the U18s weren't scheduled later in the month to allow for the college players. They do that for the U19s.
Somebody needs to think a little more before when scheduling this age group.
Shouldn't the excuses come after the game?
You play with who you have. Players always miss games for one reason or another. Prom, injury, gone to college, mad at coach, it is always something. Any game is decided on that day by the players who are there. Re the U18 game I agree they should schedule later as they do with U19's but in this case it doesn't really matter. Both teams are going to regions, I doubt if one more state cup title is that important to MTA and I know Shattuck has bigger fish to fry.
Question - is ODP worth the money?
8:48 - good question. depends on your child and her ambitions. personally i would never send them to Dekalb before the year they pick a regional team (i believe it is '95's this summer?) as it is very expensive and imo a waste of money. right or wrong, it means something if they are looking for a scholarship, especially if they make the regional pool. there is something to say about different coaches, throwing kids in different situations, taking them out of their comfort zones, etc..
here's a decent link:
http://www.roadtoregionals.com/why-i-send-my-girls-to-odp/
love him or hate him, at least MA is very knowledgable.
all i have to say is that the refs this year suck
And TM should stick to directing the tournament, not reffing. Please.
$750 for 1996 ODP. Incredible waste of money
MTA U 15 Blue 4 Eden Prairie 1
Is TM on the EP soccer board?
College coaches value ODP (someone thought the kid could play), and the training and competition make it valuable for development.
That said, the MN selection process is flawed -obvious familiarity shown by evaluators to players they know - screaming at teammates seems to be viewed as a positive attribute, whether to get someone to pass the ball (with no regard for whether it is a good pass to make) or at teammates to do better after the screamer plays a poor ball. This seems to be "communication" and "demanding the ball". Full-field games are required to see if a player has the required combination of ball skill, speed, strength, and field awareness. Hard to show the last three in 4v4 or 6v6.
As with most team selections, the top 25-50% is obvious. The rest, players with potential to develop, are often screwed up, choosing prima donnas, teammates of the top 25-50% who can make them look better in 4v4/6v6, kids the evaluators recognize - kids who are ineffective in a full field game.
U15 will be MTA Blue vs MTA White, as White defeated NSSA. SCV C1 won a very weak C bracket, with Wayzata and MTA Gray struggling.
EP blew their chance to advance with a rather puzzling tie with Tonka C1.
NSSA vs MTA Blue, no contest
SCV vs MTA White, no contest
Blue vs White should be no contest.
The only question is whether Blue throws the game to White, since Blue has already advanced to Regionals thru MRL play.
9:14-When is that article you provided the link to from? I overheard a MTA parent say that MA was tacitly discouraging participation in ODP. The statement made by the parent claimed MA said that colleges were looking more at "Elite Leagues" than ODP.
Agree that the refs at State cup are not the best (see previous post)
However we had a assistant today who was fantastic. The young man may have been 19-22. He got every call right against a team that played the offisde trap and they where all against my team. The most impressive part was that two of the three where called on players that checked back from an offisde postion and one touched the ball to a played who would not have been offside and would have had a one v one with the GK. Very impressed with the young man.
SS
So at U15 there will be 2 MTA teams in the semi-finals and they most likely will meet in the final.
How do we stop this?
We have the same problem at U13.
6:12 All will be clear by Sunday afternoon. Lets let them play. then we will talk about the finalists. Good luck to all today, not only the players but also the spectators trying to stay warm :) Why do we live here?
ODP is a joke, especially at the young ages. My 1997 son went to the festivals (try outs), and received an email stating the first 80 boys who paid ($795 I think) would be taken to regions! No need for talent - whoever has the money goes! Unreal! I could send him to two residential camps for that money. And, all 270 players at that age can continue to train for $100. What kind of quality training can you get with 270 kids? I agree that if there is a chance to advance to a regional team, it is worth the cost (and I think they moved that again this year - 1994's and older?).
6:12,
Don't worry. You don't need someone to create another "Tonka Rule".
When MTA begins play in the new Elite National League those teams won't be allowed to compete in State Cup.
So from U15-U18 you won't have MTA blue teams competing at State Cup in near future.
11:19, the blue team will not "throw" that game. Will they play it the same as they would if they hadn't already secured a spot at regionals? Probably not.
It happens all the time, a team is in the play-offs, and they rest their top players or try a few new things. That's the nature of sports.
The white team has beaten the blue team in the past (last year in mrl). So it's not out of the question and you should be careful about making such accusations.
6:47 - my understanding of the ECNL guidelines is that in either year 4 or 5 they will not be allowed to compete in State Cup. I believe they do have the option to leave earlier if desired.
6:12 Your comments gave me a good chuckle, not at you, but at earlier posts that tried to insinuate the White teams were not worthy, that they were being used as "cash cows" by MTA. It's a change to see people feel threatened by the White teams.
CM has done a good job of preparing his 13's and the are playing well as a team. The 13's probably will come out of group. If they do it will be exciting to see their match with Rev on Sunday.
which teenager will likely be more successful in college?
the one who played 40 elite games games /year
or
the one that reffed 40 c2 games / year
Larry,Don't be so sure they wil be playing REV (the white team). EP is no push over and they could easily beat REV.
Wow - EP could "easily beat REV"? Really? Do you also have a DD on the u15 team?? If so, when it was 1-0 EP at the half, you likely jumped on your cell phone to say they were "easily beating" MTA?? Really...
MTA 15 Blue was fortunate to beat white in the U14 final last year. Not that much difference in the teams. Don't be surprised at any result.
"When MTA begins play in the new Elite National League those teams won't be allowed to compete in State Cup.
So from U15-U18 you won't have MTA blue teams competing at State Cup in near future."
You can hope, but that's 5 years down the road, and already being backed off on by the league. There are ways to do both, at least for several years...
My prediction for the day.....
The wind is going to have a major factor.
good luck to everyone!!
MTA 15 Blue vs. White will still be a battle. Blue needs the state win to ensure preferential seeding in regionals based on being semi-finalists last year, which they would give up if they go to regionals under MRL.
I have seen both MTA U15 Blue and White since U13. Neither has made a significant RELATIVE change in their level of play since. Blue was a regionally competitive team at U13, and White was near or at the top of the rest in MN.
At 13, White won Summer State after finishing 2nd in South District. At U14, White played MRL and made finals at State Cup, but lost two games during the year to NSSA, the MN Premier League champ. Blue remained regionally competitive at U14.
Blue's players are better at every position (or they wouldn't have made the Blue team in this system), and they play MRL Premier level competition.
Blue should win relatively easily. If Blue doesn't win, draw your own conclusions.
P.S. How much player movement has there been between White and Blue in the last two years? Changes to Blue come from outside the state.
9:33,
So should the "white" players on 2nd best team in the state leave MTA and go to the 3rd, 4th or 5th best team in the state?
It depends on their aspirations.
Being on the current 2nd best team in MN as measured by State Cup is great, but they should look at their goals and the best way to achieve them.
Hopefully the players are having fun. If they are having fun, and the MTA program meets the family budget and schedule, by all means stay with White.
If their goal is a D1 scholarship, making the top MN team (in this case MTA Blue) would help. However, the odds of making the MTA Blue team are probably lower for them than an outsider, because the coaches know their strengths and weaknesses too well. If that is their goal, the parents will spend a lot of dollars for long odds.
If they could have more fun playing on a MN Premier League team, they certainly should consider it. I don't think White would necessarily would win the MN Premier league, but they would be a top contender - probably the favorite this year.
Each year will be different as the teams change and players mature.
If EP and WZ's best players moved to one club, or EAG or REV merged their top players (things like this have happened for years), either would likely be better than White. No amount of $$$ spent or MTA coaching could change the talent difference.
So, if D-1 is the absolute goal, make an honest evaluation of the physical capability required, and talk to MTA about what your daughter can do to make the Blue team. If you don't like the answer, and MTA White is otherwise not a great fit for your daughter, check out the MN Premier teams and see if there is a better fit.
Since the goal at MTA is for the Blues to be the state's best, by default the goal of the whites is to be second best. Does anyone else see a problem here? Showing up everyday with the goal of being second best? Meanwhile, other teams are striving to be the best?
Look at the current u16s. As 14s, the blues beat the whites in the finals, making them arguably the best and second best in the state, respectively. Many players and parents probably thought as 10:02 did. Well, better to be on the second best team than 3rd or 4th or 5t.
At u15s, however, the EP team (trying to be the best) passed the whites. The blues still won state cup, but now the EP team was second, not the whites.
This year? Well, the blues may still be the top team (too early to say), but it is clear that the whites are not in the top two, or even top four. It seems pretty clear that the Blues, EP, SCV, SSM, and Wayzata have all passed the team striving for second.
any results from this morning? Was the wind a factor?
U13 EP beats REV and advances.
MTE beats PL to advance.
Both 2-1 games.
12:21 - not sure if that is the best example. At U13, EP was the 2nd best team behind MTA but with half of their roster out due to injury lost in a pk shootout to MTA White at U14. EP back to being one of the two top teams at U15 & U16. Also, neither of the two MTA teams came out of any "academy" program as they were all formed "fresh" at U13.
It will be interesting to see just how things evolve over time as the teams come out of their academy. MTA will most likely have two U13, one U14, and two U15 teams in the semi's (I didn't include the U12's that made it). There will always be a few talented teams at each age group (EP/REV at U13, BVL/TNK at U14, NSSA/SCV at U15). Only time will tell. The way things are currently scheduled out, by the time the current U11 Academy teams hit U16, they will most likely be done with MN State Cup as they will be playing ECNL (curious to also see if the new league has any pull with current or future players).
As the earlier poster commented, it all depends on what you want to get out of it. If you are happy and your needs are being met - then most will stay. If not, then those will leave.
So much for all the HYPE about the Rev 13s. Their top 3 or 4 players will be at MTA next year.
Congrats to EP and good luck to all teams in semifinals.
Long season ahead for the REV girls, there is life and plenty of reasons to enjoy the game after state cup as well.
SS
Congrats to EP and good luck to all teams in semifinals.
Long season ahead for the REV girls, there is life and plenty of reasons to enjoy the game after state cup as well.
SS
Rev players will enjoy it, the parents won't. Awesome!
any details on the EP/REV game? was the wind a big influence? was the score indicative of the possession/better team? just curious, no axes to grind.....
The wind was a huge factor in all the games today.
It took away some of the skill elements of the game and was an equalizer in the games all day long at LWB fields.
EP up in half REV had four great chances in the second and tied it up on one of them. EP defended well, but REV should have put them away. EP scored with 20 seconds left. Overall a pretty bad soccer game.
U16 results?
U16 results?
bad? bad soccer because of the wind? not sure what you mean.
U14 semi finals...
MTA vs Eden Prairie
Burnsville vs Tonka
Prediction...
MTA 3 Eden Prairie 3
Burnsville 5 Tonka 0
Championship...
Burnsville 5 MTA 0
That will be the score once Burnsville exposes the two illegal players on the MTA team. They both played for the same east metro high school last year and would be playing U15 this year if they hadn't moved to MTA together a few years ago. I know for a fact (and so does the Burnsville coach) that numbers 15 and 16 for MTA are July 1994 kids and they will be exposed before the championship game. I hope MTA enjoys having their MRL championship stripped from them.
8:04- hitting the sauce a wee bit early this evening? there are these things call birth certificates, but I'm sure they've had fake ones for the last umpteen years....... toss back another one while you're reading this.....
16G news...MTA Blue 1 SCV 1.
To all self serving Blue parents in the words of Nelson Muntz "HA HA"
8:21 - not surprised with all the MTA injuries. I believe both teams go through - congrats!
Word is that the Blue team DIDN'T advance. Is that possible???
8:33 don't be stupid. If MTA 16 tied SCV then MTA wins the group play, SCV is the wild card. They get to play each other again in semi.
if they tied 1-1, they would have won the pool on goal differential and SCV would be the wild card.
Would they play in semi's? I know sometimes they shuffle things around if both teams would have come from the same pool.
8:36 Quit being an ass it was a legit question.
see below. MTA will play the C pool winner (WYZ?) and SCV will play EP.
2. j. Semifinal Games
The semifinal games will be scheduled as follows:
• 3 Groups - Winner of Group A will play the Wildcard
Winner of Group B will play the Winner of Group C
If the Wildcard comes out of Group A the following schedule will be followed:
Winner of Group A will play the Winner of Group C
Winner of Group B will play the Wildcard
another SSM team bites the dust....
8:37 here is the rule for semi from state cup rules book.
If the Wildcard comes out of Group A the following schedule will be followed:
Winner of Group A will play the Winner of Group C
Winner of Group B will play the Wildcard
To all U15 semi finalist girls. I would like to say good luck and have fun tomorrow.
8:40 I'm stating the facts. there are a lot of stupid and ignorant people posting on this blog and they have nothing to do with improving minnesota youth soccer.
Because they tear down MTA.
It would seem MTA got exactly what they wanted at U16, EP with the more difficult semi and not having to face SSM.
Any game report on the MTA SCV game?
MTA 16 followers dont bring up the injury excuse that will give the REV parents and excuse injuries are part of the game.
Illegal players... blah blah blah... really??? Clearly not the case or it would have been apparent by now.... "I know for a fact"... that's so BS.
8:04: MTA U14 played MRL - you've heard of that, right? There's a great deal of paperwork involved, including multiple ID checks, submittal of birth certificates, etc. Hasn't your club ever played MRL?? Maybe not, thought I'd fill you in.
8:04 - listing player numbers is the same thing as listing their names. That's crossing what very few boundaries we have here. Try to act like an adult, yes?
It's pretty simple, actually. A coach merely has to say, "I would like to see proof of player X's age." Player X will then have to present an original document. If there is an issue, it will arise then. But until then, everyone should shut up about who is what age.
There's actually a bond required, but clearly when State Cup is at stake (imagine!) a mere $150 is a small price to pay - and you get it back if you're right. What's the downside? Complete BS.
Bond? Not. You pay an additional $150 for volunteers. If your volunteers show up, you get your $150 back. It has nothing to do with age verification.
- 4x State Cup Manager
Ahhh...yes it does this year. You will lose $$ if you accuse someone of not being age appropriate and you are wrong.
Slide 9
http://mnyouthsoccer.org/events/09statecup/coaches_mtg.pdf
That's news to me. Well, if BVL is so convinced, why aren't they challenging? It'd be only $10 per player if they're wrong.
What happened to MTA 16s? Or is SCV that good?!
10:33 = exactly the point. If it were true (or if they "know for a fact" as alleged above), it would have come out long ago.
10:28: Maybe you should read the rules again.
Signed - 3x State Cup team manager, but I've read the rules.
The blog is heating up!
Fun for all!!
MTA 16s played with no subs. Given that, they had a good outcome. Best of luck to them as they advance!
MTA getting their players back for tomorrow? Good luck to all the teams.
Game report on the MTA SCV game?
MTA was missing arguably their best player, their best defender and another starting defender due to injury. not an excuse, jsut a fact. yes, it does make a difference - and SCV has a good side.
hahaha ... love the "4x State Cup team manager" label!!!!! Particularly when they don't know what they're talking about... time to let somebody else try to step up to the challenge? Oh, yeah... the rest of us are smarter than that...
Where's the gasbag we all know as SSMSC tonight? Funny, a day doesn't go by without a post regarding the superiority of the program down there, yet no post for us?
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