It's all about the club. The idiots don't realize that on Memorial Day sometimes families actually do something beside play and watch soccer. When you have coaches with no family and no life you schedule a goofy game so you have something to do. Players are pretty much fed up with it all.
MTA was formed from Bangu Tsunami and Wings United, so past State Cup results reference those point-in-time club names. Do you see them now? I hope MTA is more about getting Minnesota soccer noticed at a regional and nationally level. Several teams that could dominate state play either play up or play MRL.
Thanks for stating the obvious.Before Bangu ,Thunder Academy or whatever rises from the currant marketing cash cow, Minnesota soccer was noticed as much if not more regionally.Obviously this blog is a MTA parents way of affirming their decision to throw money at a administration, and for the most part, average to below average coaches, amongst a sympathetic crowd. Advertising reads; We ll take your super duper 10 year old,pool em til their 12,then we ll divide em up,play the good ones up at 13 and go premiere. Thats right folks,and we re the only ones in town that have the super duper coaches to pull this off. So be a good mommy ,give us your angel,we ll love her till we find a better one . Well put her on a white team and next year she ll back in the big time. After all we are the regional choice here in fly over country.
You can call that a System. I call it average salesmanship on easy targets.
My kids are long gone, I am very happy I didnt cave to this kind of lunacy.
1036 tough when your kid is not good enough to make it at the top level. How about the 1.5 million dollars of scholarship money that MTA kids secured this year. It can be a tough deal to make it that far, but its by far the top club in the state if you want to be pushed and play at the top level.
Rule seems clear that both MTA teams will need to be disqualified. Both coaches were involved and both are "team officials" (directors at MTA)
Page 28 of Championship Rules. Maybe MTA/MA should have checked into it:
"...If the Minnesota State Cup Director and Administrative Committee determines that a particular action by a team or any of its players, coaches, team officials or spectators is deemed unacceptable for any reason, the team may be disqualified, sanctioned, requested to play another qualifying game against the next highest ranking team that would otherwise be eligible to advance, and/or face forfeiture of one or more games. Examples of such action include, but are not limited to: suspected forfeiture or otherwise determining the outcome of a game with the design or purpose of controlling the advancement of any team from its own group or any other group, intentionally losing a game, or unnecessarily running a score up for no purpose other than to humiliate opponents...."
So It appears the only options are to play the next highest ranking team that would be elligible to advance.
That could be one of two teams: The U-13 PL girls were second in that bracket. The REV team has the next highest point total (9) and holds the tie breaker in the entire pool of 13 year olds. Actually the MTA white team has (10) pts but the are not "eligible to move on" because they already played a legitimate semi-final game against EP. The other option not addressed in the rules could be to just give EP the championship and let them advance to regions.
No evidence that both coaches were involved. Innocent unitl proven guilty and while it looks bad and we all may think AK was involved no proof is out there so while you may want to and would like to throw the book at AK its not going to happen, I guarantee it. MTA will beat EP and go to Regionals.
Actually 7:58, being that a 4 year full scholarship runs close to $200K at many schools, the number probably isn't that far off. Schools involved were MN, Northwestern, Valparasio, two different UW's, IA State, Creighton, Ball State, SDSU, Cornell, etc.... and they had in excess of 25 kids (which averages out to roughly $60K per player). Not all are full soccer scholarships, but most schools also find ways to come up with the balance of the funds (academic aid, need based).
So to summarize, maybe you should look into the "system" as it appears to be working quite well. Either that or "bs" should stand for "best scholarships".
The U18 Tsunami Stars team is probably close to that alone. They have 21 kids on their roster and all but a few got scholarships. So lets just say 15 out of 21 got money. Even though I bet it is more like 18, but I will be conservative since you are so negative. Its almost $100,000 for four years at the U of M now. So if 15 kids on that team got a full then they would be at 1.5 million by themselves, that is not counting these facts. The club had close to 30 sign, most of them are going to schools that cost a lot more than the U of M. Its to bad you have to be so negative and cant be happy for some other kids who are going to school for next to nothing or nothing. Must be rough going through life with such a bad taste in your mouth. I am glad I am not you!!!
They have two with full scholarships at Northwestern. Its $50,000 per year at NW. So that is $400,000 on two players. One going to Valpo and one Crieghton, $40,000 per year or another $320,000 on two more players. So that is $720,000 on four players. Three players with fulls at MN so that would put them right at a Million, and only 7 players accounted for. You have others going to IL ST, UW Milwaukke, SDSU, NDSU, ND. So even if these kids got 1/2 which at those types of schools you would think they would get 1/2. That is another 8 kids and lets say $50,000 that would put them at 1.4 million. All very very conservative estimates. GET A CLUE!!! Its to bad you have no idea what you are talking about. JEALOUS JEALOUS JEALOUS
Best place to stand at State Cup this weekend: in between Field 2 and 3 on Saturday morning at 9:30 in Coon Rapids. On one side, u14 MTA vs Burnsville (should be a good game). On the other side is the parental train wreck called EP vs MTA u13. Get there early and bring your cow bells!
9:22, the only problem is you won't be able to stand between the fields. That's the team area. Also, only tournament officials are allowed to stand at the ends of the fields, so that's out too.
I will be there and I'm choosing to watch the better game - U14. I think I'll be able to glance across and see what's happening on the other field. If it looks interesting, I might wander over.
It was a little tongue in cheek 10:12 but point well taken. i am sure you can 'hear' the progress from far away anyway. lets just hope for good weather, good games, and civility
no 10:32 i am not saying that at all (dont know the MTA parents). all i am saying is that the EP parents probably have a chip on their shoulders and the MTA parents have gone through a bunch of their own issues this week. regardless of whether we all find it silly with this level of emotion in youth soccer, the fact is, strong emotions exist. every call, every foul, every goal, every shot will have a little extra edge to it beyond the mere fact it is a state championship game
9:00 It sure would be wonderful if U of M and other D1 programs could hand out $100K 4-year scholarships, but there is no such thing. Scholarships are for one year and renew annually under several conditions. Scholarships are a limited amount and do not cover a "full ride". Coaches have fewer scholarships than players, so most get a "share" of a limited scholarship. Reality check time. Put your kid in a program where she will learn, grow and have fun. It doesn't matter if that is a CC, private school, or MTA. You will never recoup all the fees through a sports scholarship. And for goodness sake, let's hope kids have academics prioritized before soccer. That's where the real payback is.
A few days back, folks on this BLOG were asking about the MN Lightning roster. GM Djorn Buchholz replied via email that the Lightning roster will be posted this week.
I don't think anyone really cares about the Lightning roster. It will be full of MTA players with an MTA coach playing for the organization that oversees MTA.
Not aware that D1 schools gave out full scholarships for soccer. The outstanding player from SSM going to UCLa...she must have got a good financial deal I'd assume.
Actually you are wrong again. Division I school can have up to 14 full scholarships. Many do get cut in 1/2 but many kids get money for academics that they would not get otherwise.
I am not sure what you area talking about with the Lightning. Actually a lot of players back on the team. Krystle Kallman Kylie Kallman Jenni Clark Anne Gleason Mallory Beck Emily Orbell Rosie Malone Kelsey Hood Sarah Johnson Emily Redberg Marissa Price Chelse Cline Kaitlin Wagner Lindsey Schwartz Megan Almanzo Caroline Smith Kelsey Hans
That is 17 players that have previous experience on the team. Most have played for more than two years. I doubt they would come back if they did not enjoy the experience. Always turnover on the team. Most of the players that did not come back did not play that much according to the stats. Maybe they were not asked back or maybe did not want to sit again.
Added new Sarah Melhorn, Racheal Chavez, and Amanda Clark.
The Lightning will have no chance vs Indiana, they will win the Midwest Division easily. The Lightning will finish 2nd or 3rd.
The roster is out there go check it out. Try to think before you post. If you don't like MTA or DS that is fine but don't say that all the players are leaving, actually more are returning and coming back. Nice try again. A lot from St. Croix, some from IA, some from Blackhawks. Only 5 played youth club soccer for DS. Smith, Hans, Johnson, Redberg played on the team that went to two Natl Finals. Of course some of them can play and should be on team.
is rachael chavez the former rachael roth (as in mrs. pepe jon?) if so, didn't know she was still playing (or is she coaching?), but if so, way to go mom of three!
It's so funny to see these clueless morons come in make a post (like 8:53 PM) that is so far off base that it's laughable. Can't you just feel the love?
6:38, if I use my head, I agree. If I were to pick with my heart it would be. U13 EP U14 Burnsville U15 MTA white or, maybe better yet, no one U16 EP U17 Woodbury U18 it's too bad U19 north metro
8:25 - I guess your U15 & U18 comments pretty much indicate you're not a big MTA person? That's cool, but if your choices have anything to do with what happened at the U13 level then you've lost me.
is there anyone who can offer a non-biased (in that you focus more on the soccer than the flag) preview of this weekend? mainly, are the games going to be competitive or are they basically lopsided?
10:52 - really hard to tell at the U13 & U14 younger ages (wouldn't pay much attention to the back & forth on here between the finalists parents) and the only two where I would consider there are strong favorites would be U17 & U19. Both U15 & U16 should be good matches.
I don't have a U12/U13 player (my daughter is older), but some of you, for just a moment, should reflect on how you & your family would be feeling right now if you did have a player from one of these two teams. These MTA players did nothing wrong (c'mon, most 11 & 12 years old would have followed the instructions from their beloved coach to kick the ball to the goalie). I don't think the perception should be that their efforts are "tainted" because of what their coaches may or may not have done.
I believe 14, 15 and 16 will be goo matches. Each of the teams at those age groups has a chance to win. Favorites are probably U14 MTA, U15 MTA Blue, U16 EP. That said it would not be an upset if the team won those contests.
Before the U15 blue parents yell at me, the game between the MTA white and blue teams are always hard fought and close contests. What has won in the past.
As for the u15 championship - you're entitled to your opinion, but a few facts should be considered: 1. Blue was missing 2 players during the final last year. Both teams will be missing at least one player this year due to ACL injuries. 2. Blue has added a couple of really strong players since last year, increasing their overall talent. You'd be hard pressed to say the same about the White team. 3. Blue finished second in the MRL premier division, white MAY finish second in the first division.
The U15 final should be a good match. The white team has been known to put up a good fight but I've seen both teams play this year and I would have to say the new additions to the blue team really give them a boost. Along with many players getting much better from last year. Some skilled forwards on both teams and a good defensive back including some good goalkeeping.
8:32 - stupid comment on u14 - this game is 1-0 either way. rumor has it the two coaches are going to talk at halftime and for the good or MN soccer decide which team has the better chance at regionals based on the play in the first half. during the second half, the other team will allow an easy goal just to make sure the state is properly represented in SD. watch for a 'fluke' goal in the second half after a scoreless first half with the most qualified team advancing
some of you 14 parents need to lighten up. obviously 9:52 is having a little fun. let the game be played on the field already and stop living your life through your dd.
And I will say what I have posted in the past as Anon (perhaps you have read some of my posts). That is, this (u14) should be a fair, even game that probably will end up being 1-0 legitimately. Both teams are very stingy on d, have played similar pre-season schedules, met last summer to a 0-0 tie (won by MTA on PK) and both got better. Agree that both would represent MN well and be middle tier in the Region. Good luck to both and all the teams this weekend
I think you are kidding yourself if you think either MTA or Burnsville will represent well at regions at U14. Both team are light years away from being competitive with the top teams for Region 2. It doesn't matter which team you send they both have no chance at winning and the only chance they have at wining is if they get ND, SD or IA.
10:18 - just try not to be a moron your whole anonymous blog posting life. no one said said anything about winning region 2 over the top teams. the statement was they would be middle tier in region 2. see that means both teams did a nice job in MRL first division games, beating all the other tier 2 teams. that means they would likely go to regions and be competitive and in the middle tier. that is nothing to be ashamed of for mn teams. no one here is fooling themselves that the entire state has more than maybe 1 team that can compete regionally this year. relax and for a minute try to be somewhat less of a jerk
10:18 is right those teams combined to go 8-1-2 in MRL one team finished first and earned a promotion to premier. The other team finished third. They'll be smoked at regionals.
(tounge planted firmly in cheek).
I'm not saying either team will win regionals, but they'll be in most games they play.
Good luck to both teams, it should be a good game.
Good luck to all of the teams participating this weekend. My wish for you all is:good weather (no wind or rain), good sportsmanship, solid officiating, parents who cheer but leave the coaching to the folks on the other side of the field, and of course no injuries.
Have a great weekend, wish my team were stilll alive :(
7:31 You re correct about the 14 finalists 8-0-1, one team had 0 losses against 3 state cup finalists, a win over the league winner , 1 make up game. they ll finish second , by the looks of the last match. That said , should be a good game.
No reason for U15 final to be a good match. That is like saying a good C2 team should give a good game to a good C1 team. That should happen once in 20 times. The Blue team is a league better.
The Blue team seems better defensively this year than last, but much less dangerous offensively - sort of a passive attack waiting for their star forward to do something. Maybe missing the attacker out with the ACL makes the difference.
For the past 2-3 years MN state champs have been in the top 4 won-lost records at the regional tournament. The MTA'ers seem to think they should receive the credit for this. I expect that performance to continue this year and it will be with only 3 MTA teams providing results. MN is one of the 4-5 strongest soccer states in the region, MTA or no MTA. The "cc's" did the job in state cup and will continue at regionals.
9:40, If that's true it will be a first because over the past few years it's been MTA racking up the W's for Minnesota at Regions. I hope you're right because I want all our state's teams to succeed in Sioux Falls.
Let's hope the experieince is a positive one, regardless of whether a given MN team wins the Regional or gets thumped in pool play. Girls - Play your best, stay healthy, and come back stronger players on a stronger team. ...No matter which club you play for GOOD LUCK!
I went to Coon Rapids to watch the u13 and u14 girls finals Sunday morning. Two very entertaining games. The strong winds impacted the games more than I anticipated, but they were still well played games. First half with the wind, Burnsville’s 14’s were quicker to the ball and covered space better - second half, advantage MTA. A well deserved decision for the Fire. The energy the 13’s brought to the game made for a fun game to watch. Neither team was willing to yield anything to the other team. Edina almost put it away with 2 minutes left in overtime. A terrific shot from outside was pushed by the wind just enough to go high and hit the crossbar. Lots of oohs and aahs but no scores. Eden Prairie’s kicks from the penalty mark were dead on and they all hit the same top right corner.
One of the MTA u14 parents asked how my MTA u13 was dealing with the fiasco. My response that she, nor her teammates were not going to be defined by a poorly thought out decision by a coach, nor a heavy handed punishment by an organization. They still thrive on the game, the competition, their coach and their teammates. They have not lost anything.
Coach A has his U12 team playing in the U13 state cup for the learning experience. Coach B from the same club has his U13 team playing in the tournament. Team A and Team B win their respective groups and meet each other in the semi finals. Team A is tied with Team B at the end of overtime. The previous season the same club had a similar situation, except that it was in the finals. Coach A had stated publicly that he felt the younger team was over matched at Region and should not have advanced. Coach A made a unilateral decision to have his players roll the ball to the Team B goalkeeper, a de facto forfeit. Presumably Coach B was made aware of the possibility of this decision. Coach B has does not control Coach A’s decision. Coach B has his players continue as they would against any competitor. Team B won on kicks from the penalty mark. No other teams were affected by Coach A’s decision. The tournament directors ruled that Coach A’s decision violated their code of conduct and ruled all of Team A’s games would be declared forfeits. The semi final game just played was voided. Team B felt this was an excessive because they played according to the rules. The semi final game just played was voided and the resultant winner from A’s group would face Team B in the semi finals.
7:45 "No other teams were affected by Coach A’s decision."
This is where you are wrong,very wrong. The decision to select one team vs the other will affect all of the following games. Reason: The team playing didn't earn their spot and their coach was confirmed (by the ruling of the national State Cup committee) to have been involved in the plan to control the outcome of the game.
It is somewhat like when in Baseball a fielder makes an error and then for the rest of that inning all runs scored become unearned. In sports the intent of the game is to allow the team who scores more goals to be the winner. Simple concept, not sure why it is so difficult for people to understand that collusion is not permitted to determine a winner when two teams from the same club are involved (Or any time for that matter). Larry, glad to here the kids are dealing with this tough lesson. The actions by a few can really hurt many.
Do I have it right? After all the MTA hoopla. State Cup U13-U19 Champs: Girls 09: 3 (MTAs) (Assuming U19s over NMT) Girls 08: 5 (Bangu) That's going backward isn't it?
9:09 - if the U13 team had played it very well could have been 4 titles as they were the clear favorite, so I hope you did not sprain you shoulder patting yourself on the back for your insightful comments.
What you really need to look at is the younger ages where MTA had 3 of the four U13 semi-finalists, the U14 runner-up (congrats to a very good BVL team) and both finalsts at U15.
Looking forward to 2010, this years U12's will most likely be the favorites at U13, this years U13's will be next year's U14 favorites, etc.....
On the boys side, I believe they won 4 of the 6 age brackets that they entered (all the titles from U13-U15).
Trust me, I doubt MTA feels they have to go back to the drawing board.
This is definitely a step back for MTA. Combine two strong clubs, recruit like crazy, bring in all the best players, and win fewer titles. I expect many disillusioned parents wondering why they pay what they pay for this, and a return to other strong local clubs.
The new MTA model is working very well. They had 3 semi-finalists for U13 girls (one being a true U12 team) and also 3 semi-finalists for U13 boys. (one being a true U12 team) On the boys side they won at U13, U14 and U15. Overall the MTA boys won 4 State Cup championships more than ever before without even entering a team at U19. The academy approach is paying dividends.
Very equal first half- BVL advantage b/c of two very strong, well-placed shots. 50% possession for both sides.
MTA advantage second half- won most 50-50 balls, more shots, lots of combinations, looked very well-rounded- BVL goalie looked very good.
Really could have gone either way. Both teams are very skilled in all positions. MTA's midfield appeared to be stronger, but BVL had a few very fast forwards.
9:08 Are you complaining because Edina and Prior Lake did not earn the right to compete to see who played against Eden Prairie, because they were assigned victories by MYSA that they did not actually earn? I guess I agree with you, because no one can honestly dispute that the MTA U13 team did earn their spot in the semi finals.
Mark made a decision, solely on his own to forfeit the game. Can anyone with certainty of knowledge have an explanation as to how MYSA confirmed Andy was "to have been involved in the plan to control the outcome of the game." Does knowing equal involved? Remember, Andy has to follow tournament rules also - what would be his appropriate response to stop Mark?
I thought I would preface the following with this (definition of fraud: trickery, deception)
Definition:
1. Collusion is an agreement, usually secretive, which occurs between two or more persons to deceive, mislead, or defraud others of their legal rights, or to obtain an objective forbidden by law typically involving fraud or gaining an unfair advantage.
2.collusion: secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose
3. collusion: a secret agreement, esp. for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy
4.COLLUSION - An agreement between two or more persons, to defraud a person of his rights by the forms of law, or to obtain an object forbidden by law
No secrecy, no fraud, no collusion.
Result: Failure to equitably protect all its members, including the MTA U13 girls.
IMO, about the only frustration that MTA might have would be at the U14 girls, but nothing wrong with losing to an exceptional BVL team. They will most likely end up winning 7 of the 13 age groups they entered (which could have been 8 of 13 except for the U13 disaster). They have never had a strong U17 girls teams (so why would the current top players leave a 5 time state cup team) and in some ways the same on the boys side at that age. They did not win either U16 titles which might be a bit disappointing, but the girl's team wasn't as good as last year and the boy's team always seem to under-perform. These are also not "academy" teams as they were formed at the U13 age group when many of the other strong teams at that age group were already cemented. Things will change on the girls side in the future when the U15-U17 girls will not be playing State Cup due to the ECNL. If the MTA boys ever get accepted into the USSF Adademy, then the same scenario will follow.
The truth is of course it wasn't the result MTA was looking for on the girls side. They were disqualified at 13, have a big black mark on two of their top coaches, and lost at 14. That ain't good. In the grand scheme of things, MA and AK have tarnished reputations and that cannot be a positive for recruiting. That said, the club is about making money and I am not sure this really changes that. What is interesting is how some of the CC girls teams have created their own 'recruiting model' whereby the core of the teams comes from the local community but they add a few players from other towns that may not have a good offering or former MTA players that want to switch. You cannot underestimate the 'pied piper' impact of MA and AK and there will be a trickle down affect if they cannot recruit. Many CCs offer the same amount of year round training now and while they don't have the same depth of coaching talent, for specific teams they can present just attractive of an offer as MTA. For the life of me, unless you are absolutely one of the best players in the state (say top 15 past u13) I can't imagine why you would play with MTA. Tryout is one thing, but stay is another. One other interesting note, with all the MTA teams out from u15 down on the girls side (save 15 blue), they can commit more to ODP now. All in all, there isnt a single MN team on the girls side that will likely win regionals and go to nationals but there might be a few to compete for top 3 slots. Best case scenario would be a single MTA team at each age group that was truly regionally competitive (pollyanna). The way it is now, the profit needs won't support it. Good luck to all the teams at regions!
Trying to be a neutral as possible, I think the earlier arguments confuse the two issues. Will the U12/U13 debacle hurt MTA - absolutely. There are people that will look for alternatives given the scandal itself, but more probably because of the potential loss of MA and AK as coaches for the coming year(s). Is the academy approach working? I think it's far too early to tell and I think that anyone who thinks that none of the MTA talent is homegrown should take a closer look at the rosters. There are plenty of older players that have been there from the beginning. My biggest issue with the Academy concept is that it's upside down. The pro team should be the $upport for the academy (paying the coaches, and much of the other costs). Don't say you're emulating the European model then turn the finances on it's head.
I watched all games on field #3 Saturday.The game was won by the better team that day.The first half,aside from 3 or 4 rolls to the keeper was in the MTA end.True ,2 well placed shots and several very good looks.Second half , down 0-2 , MTA went heavy on top,BVL made no adjustments. Free balls advantage to BVL, midfield BVL,Defense BVL. Good game , result rings true.
Is the only attachment of the academy to the thuder ,reduced or free tickets? Seriously, MA had a regional championship,2 years ago.AK took a U12 team to premiere by winning the east in a 7 game league schedule, while also coaching a team from another club ( Fire ) in the same U13 east league. While I dont want to infer any wrong doing, given the current scandal, annointing these "futbol proffessionals" into gods is dangerous. There are very good non-MTA coaches throughout Minnesota , not marketing their every bowel movement. Its about making kids the best they can be, not using the best kids to pad ones resume.
If you think that SSM is going to go away since it appears they did not have a great State Cup, guess again, as they will work even harder to perform better next year.
If you think this year's U13 DREV team will implode since they did not make it to the semi's, guess again, as they will work even harder to perform better next year.
If you think this year's U16 EP team will take a step back since they did not win the title, guess again, as they will work even harder to perform better next year.
If you believe MTA was disappointed and will somehow take a step back since they only won 6 (likely 7) titles this year, guess again, as they will take it up another notch.
The programs with the solid foundations, committed coaching staff, and committed players will rarely go backwards.
Sorry if it came out that way. I also thought Wayzata was the better team that day. Inferno was dissapointing, SCV sat back the entire game. Woodbury is usually much more entertaining.
If MA & AK are suspended (have yet to see anything official - but seems likely), trust me, there will be a dozen quality coaches (many current non-MTA) with their hands up offering to coach those teams. But I'm sure that 12:19 is right, since only non-MTA coaches are about making the kids the best they can be and the MTA coaches are only using the best kids to pad their resumes ........
Looked like SCV packed it in the entire game. Pretty much made Inferno look like they were playing shorthanded when they had the Enture SCV team in their own end playing defense. Not pretty.
SCV did indeed pack it in in the first half. WBY had the wind and did a good job of sending the ball in, but got jammed up. Second half, SCV came out more, had the wind and gave WBY a few worries. Overall, not a bad game to watch. SCV has come a long way this year, with 13 girls on the roster all season.
A few years ago I had no interest in soccer. It was a game played by immigrants and a few kids. Then my kids got interested and wanted to play. OK..So I did get interested and started following the youth teams. Now my kids are off to college and after whats been happening with club soccer I don't care if I ever see another soccer game.Clubs,coaches and MYSA have acted like jackazzes.Is the soccer community better off today? Don't think so!.
4:39 - even with the best coaching the players still need to execute and the longer a packed-in team continues the hold the other team off the sheet, the more good coaching goes out the window since players begin to panic rather than relax.
Pop the cap and it all begins to flow.
Even though at the HS school level we have used the containment strategy early and very late, it should never be a complete game strategy.
I do not know the players on the EP u13 team so I would not know how to best utilize them. I do not know their opponents.
But being the underdog in almost everyone's opinion, I would start the game with an all out attack with extremely high pressure with 4 up front, a 3-3-4. Most teams with 4 in the back will have never encountered this high pressure I would have the 3 at mid and in the 3 back play as a very cohesive unit; always being being behind the ball and force the play in the different thirds to one side of the field or the other eliminating the middle and the switch of play.
I would come out swinging early and try to vary the tempo of that strategy. Make them adjust to you rather than you adjust to them.
But that is a WAG not knowing anything but everyone predicts EP will be overwhelmed.
If EP wants a look at the type of competition they will face at Region, their coach should call AK and see if he will agree to some game like scrimmages... seriously. I believe AK will agree.
such wonderful grace, maturity, and love coming from "adult soccer fans". I remember a few years back when Bangu fans would hope for everyone to support the teams from MN at regions.
I guess the hate that goes around comes around or it is a new generation of soccer parents.
geez tomASS, could you be a little bit more of an EP apologist...... you often times come across as fairly impartial and bi-partisan, but when it comes to your beloved EP, get a room why don't you....
do you know how comical it to be associated with "beloved EP". Having spent the last 17 years helping build the Chaska program and constantly competing with them
It is one of the last things I thought I would ever be called. I don't know whether to be offended or thrilled. I guess this is what they refer to as being conflicted.
Come on 11:02 You don't want to go down that path. I bet I could "back" my way into nearly every team "winning" State Cup by that logic. The we beat them and you lost to them so we must be the better team is so lame.
The U-13 age class this year ended in a way virtually no one would have predicted. Almost everyone had a MTA 13Blue vs Dakota Rev final. I personally still think these are the two best teams in MN and both will be home in June.
716 is so correct. If you took the Gophers just after the Madison rape scandal, there was a radio personality that did the 'we beat X and X beat Y' type of analysis several times and came up with the worst Gopher team in history being able to claim that they could have been National Champs. When you can't face the responsibility for your actions or those you trust (who have owned up to most of their parts in the scandal), I guess you'll do anything to justify the logic behind boosting your self-worth.
7:16 I concur...good luck to EP! The fact they won State Cup doesn't make them the best of the best. They were the best that day and get to go to SD. At the end of the year we'll see if MTA13's and DRev match up for summer state.
Hang on - youth soccer is all about State Cup (the only tournament that matters correct?). summer state is a joke I think I have heard a few times. for an elite club and elite teams, not winning state cup should be the only barometer (at an age group of course). by their own measurement (which I agree with) this season was pretty much a washout below u15. one could argue that the u14 MTA winning their first division in MRL salvaged their season as that is a nice accomplishment. i am sure all the true MTA folks will affirm the disappointment of the all important state cup. correct MTAers?
might disagree a bit with you 9:52 in regards to the U13 level as all those teams are still participating in MYSA in order to first of all even be eligible for State Cup and secondly to earn premier status of 2010.
State Cup is far and away the most important tournament, but virtually all the teams will start participate at Summer State at that age level.
9:52...at age 13 this is their FIRST of many important tournaments. All these teams play MYSA and have the entire year to prove their ability. Gaining premier status, MRL and summer state is still out there for the teams to reach. Maybe at 15, or older State Cup is all that some care about. However, because these 13 yr olds didn't make regionals their first State Cup is not reason to throw in the towel.
I think MTA is wise enough to realize they had 3 of the 4 semi finalists at U13 girls before the PK incident. Other clubs would love to have that problem. A one goal loss at U14 is hardly an embarrassment and the U15 final was MTA v MTA. Read into it whatever you want but it looks like things are in pretty good shape. (their boys swept U13-U15 and had finalist at U16 and won U18) It seems the approach they're taking is working well.
Congrats EP...go fun some fun at regionals....all you need to do is play hard and know matter the outcome you can hold you heads high. Congrats to all the team from MN
3 of the 4 U13 girl semi-finalists 1 team in the U14 girls title game Both teams in the U15 girls title game 3 of the 4 U13 boys semi-finalists and both title game teams U14 boys champion U15 boys champion
I guess by dominating at the younger ages, 9:56 must have meant ALL the semi-finalists and ALL the champions - I guess you've got us all there......
Hey.... lets flood state cup with all our super duper teams. Nice work on the U14 MTA white. Take a good team from 08 , blend it with a relegated team, break MTA promises to all.
do you ever get the feeling that all the non-MTA folks are stuck in a Cervantes novel playing the role of Don Quixote and they are fighting their MTA dragons (the windmills in their minds).....
probably just keep turning out many of the best girls youth soccer players in MN..... although "PJKTOMOTBGYSPIM" would be too hard to fit on one of those rubber bracelets......
I think, after you account for the cheating, MTA had only 1 of the 4 U13G semifinalists. Those darn asterisks can come back and mess up a perfectly good lie.
and I bet 7:42's club had a zero decline in the number of championships their club won (although if I remember my math correctly, I'm not sure if zero divided by zero is an actual number).
IMO, I think MTA is their own worst enemy (U13's fiasco excluded) as they have now forced all the other clubs to match their training and development which is creating many more solid players and teams. In a roundabout way, all the other clubs should be thanking MTA.
anon 7:42, Actually in 2007 and 2008 the old Wings club did not win a single State Cup championship. All of those titles were earned by the Bangu club. Thats not meant as disrespect to the Wings group as they were a top club but just the facts of the matter. I think next year is where the fruits of this merger will really bloom. Before the Abboud PK debacle MTA had 3 of the 4 semi finalists for both boys and girls. And I think it's obvious to most they have the top U12 boys and girls teams as well. They are building the program from the bottom up and it's only going to improve. The best part of it is other clubs are improving with them as they adopt some of the tactics that have proven to work for MTA with more winter training, more teams in MWL, more early season high level tournament events etc. You're living in denial if you think this merger isn't working.
Why would anyone possibly care how many titles MTA or anyone else won? Either you or your child's TEAM won or they did not. That is really all anyone should care about.
If you are a u16 MTA player/parent, the fact that MTA won at u18 does not make your TEAM any better.
If you are a u16 Wayzata parent, the fact that MTA won at u15 does not make your team any worse.
Care about the team you are involved with. If your team didn't win, think about what you or your daughter can do to help them win next year (or what team you need to transfer to). If your team did win, congratulations and good luck at regionals. You don't have to defend why your club didn't have more teams. It just doesn't matter.
258 - I love your last paragraph with the emphasis on team. Such a key point is missed by so many parents and players because too many worry about the individual player.
If you are making your teammates around you better and they are making you better; you really have an essence of a team.
That is the type of team to migrate to. Simple stuff, you win together and you lose together and through it all you grow and learn as players together.
Is that the same 13 blue team that won this weekend's tournament at the U14 level with only one goal scored against them the entire tournament? And won the final with a score of 3 to 0?
State Cup is the only tournament that matters is a famous quote. If the u12 or u13 teams won this weekend in all american girls i am sure by their own admission MTAers will dismiss it as hardly relevant
GREAT game between Rev13 and MTA 13 blue. 0-0 final and yes it was that close. Two great teams. It lived up to it's hype. I would pay to watch this quality of soccer.
Hello there :) I am 14 years old and from Burnsville. Well as much as I appreciate your very nice, "positive" comments ( haha positive??) , I think you should let the teams speak for themselves. Now I know you parents know SO MUCH about the game ( haha doubt it) but us players ( yes, the ones actually playing the game) don't need your worthless, negative comments. Now remember we're the ones playing the game, not you. Sorry to this but your soccer dreams are over. Bye Now :)
1,384 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1201 – 1384 of 1384914 what time is that game? When will semi results be known?
9:46
First of all, learn how to use commas.
Secondly, what would you have them do, not pick the best team for the blue team?
It's all about the club. The idiots don't realize that on Memorial Day sometimes families actually do something beside play and watch soccer. When you have coaches with no family and no life you schedule a goofy game so you have something to do. Players are pretty much fed up with it all.
what is 1229 talking about?
what is 1229 talking about?
It's the NSC Tournament...what are you ranting about?
MTA was formed from Bangu Tsunami and Wings United, so past State Cup results reference those point-in-time club names. Do you see them now?
I hope MTA is more about getting Minnesota soccer noticed at a regional and nationally level. Several teams that could dominate state play either play up or play MRL.
MTA U18's 2
MTA U19's 0
This was the final game of the NSC Cup.
NSC U13 Final
REV 3
MTA U12 Blue 1
Rev finally won something- Congrats
U15
Lakeville 2
REV 1
U12
Wayzata 1
MTA 0
1:43
Thanks for stating the obvious.Before Bangu ,Thunder Academy or whatever rises from the currant marketing cash cow, Minnesota soccer was noticed as much if not more regionally.Obviously this blog is a MTA parents way of affirming their decision to throw money at a administration, and for the most part, average to below average coaches, amongst a sympathetic crowd.
Advertising reads;
We ll take your super duper 10 year old,pool em til their 12,then we ll divide em up,play the good ones up at 13 and go premiere.
Thats right folks,and we re the only ones in town that have the super duper coaches to pull this off. So be a good mommy ,give us your angel,we ll love her till we find a better one . Well put her on a white team and next year she ll back in the big time. After all we are the regional choice here in fly over country.
You can call that a System. I call it average salesmanship on easy targets.
My kids are long gone, I am very happy I didnt cave to this kind of lunacy.
1036 tough when your kid is not good enough to make it at the top level. How about the 1.5 million dollars of scholarship money that MTA kids secured this year. It can be a tough deal to make it that far, but its by far the top club in the state if you want to be pushed and play at the top level.
Rule seems clear that both MTA teams will need to be disqualified. Both coaches were involved and both are "team officials" (directors at MTA)
Page 28 of Championship Rules. Maybe MTA/MA should have checked into it:
"...If the Minnesota State Cup Director and Administrative Committee determines
that a particular action by a team or any of its players, coaches, team officials or spectators is deemed
unacceptable for any reason, the team may be disqualified, sanctioned, requested to play another
qualifying game against the next highest ranking team that would otherwise be eligible to advance, and/or
face forfeiture of one or more games. Examples of such action include, but are not limited to: suspected
forfeiture or otherwise determining the outcome of a game with the design or purpose of controlling the
advancement of any team from its own group or any other group, intentionally losing a game, or
unnecessarily running a score up for no purpose other than to humiliate opponents...."
So It appears the only options are to play the next highest ranking team that would be elligible to advance.
That could be one of two teams: The U-13 PL girls were second in that bracket.
The REV team has the next highest point total (9) and holds the tie breaker in the entire pool of 13 year olds.
Actually the MTA white team has (10) pts but the are not "eligible to move on" because they already played a legitimate semi-final game against EP.
The other option not addressed in the rules could be to just give EP the championship and let them advance to regions.
6:12 here : sorry posted that on wrong thread. Not trying to slow down the "Controversy free" state cup talk. MY bad.
No evidence that both coaches were involved. Innocent unitl proven guilty and while it looks bad and we all may think AK was involved no proof is out there so while you may want to and would like to throw the book at AK its not going to happen, I guarantee it. MTA will beat EP and go to Regionals.
I would like to know where all the SSM supporters are now. U18 girls average at best and U18 boys the same.
12:39
Your scholorship figures are bs.You must really sold on the "system".
Actually 7:58, being that a 4 year full scholarship runs close to $200K at many schools, the number probably isn't that far off. Schools involved were MN, Northwestern, Valparasio, two different UW's, IA State, Creighton, Ball State, SDSU, Cornell, etc.... and they had in excess of 25 kids (which averages out to roughly $60K per player). Not all are full soccer scholarships, but most schools also find ways to come up with the balance of the funds (academic aid, need based).
So to summarize, maybe you should look into the "system" as it appears to be working quite well. Either that or "bs" should stand for "best scholarships".
The U18 Tsunami Stars team is probably close to that alone. They have 21 kids on their roster and all but a few got scholarships. So lets just say 15 out of 21 got money. Even though I bet it is more like 18, but I will be conservative since you are so negative. Its almost $100,000 for four years at the U of M now. So if 15 kids on that team got a full then they would be at 1.5 million by themselves, that is not counting these facts. The club had close to 30 sign, most of them are going to schools that cost a lot more than the U of M. Its to bad you have to be so negative and cant be happy for some other kids who are going to school for next to nothing or nothing. Must be rough going through life with such a bad taste in your mouth. I am glad I am not you!!!
They have two with full scholarships at Northwestern. Its $50,000 per year at NW. So that is $400,000 on two players. One going to Valpo and one Crieghton, $40,000 per year or another $320,000 on two more players.
So that is $720,000 on four players.
Three players with fulls at MN so that would put them right at a Million, and only 7 players accounted for. You have others going to IL ST, UW Milwaukke, SDSU, NDSU, ND. So even if these kids got 1/2 which at those types of schools you would think they would get 1/2. That is another 8 kids and lets say $50,000 that would put them at 1.4 million. All very very conservative estimates. GET A CLUE!!! Its to bad you have no idea what you are talking about. JEALOUS JEALOUS JEALOUS
Best place to stand at State Cup this weekend: in between Field 2 and 3 on Saturday morning at 9:30 in Coon Rapids. On one side, u14 MTA vs Burnsville (should be a good game). On the other side is the parental train wreck called EP vs MTA u13. Get there early and bring your cow bells!
9:22, the only problem is you won't be able to stand between the fields. That's the team area. Also, only tournament officials are allowed to stand at the ends of the fields, so that's out too.
I will be there and I'm choosing to watch the better game - U14. I think I'll be able to glance across and see what's happening on the other field. If it looks interesting, I might wander over.
It was a little tongue in cheek 10:12 but point well taken. i am sure you can 'hear' the progress from far away anyway. lets just hope for good weather, good games, and civility
agreed
9:22
What did I miss, has anyone said the U13 MTA team has parental troubles, details, details!!
no 10:32 i am not saying that at all (dont know the MTA parents). all i am saying is that the EP parents probably have a chip on their shoulders and the MTA parents have gone through a bunch of their own issues this week. regardless of whether we all find it silly with this level of emotion in youth soccer, the fact is, strong emotions exist. every call, every foul, every goal, every shot will have a little extra edge to it beyond the mere fact it is a state championship game
9:00 It sure would be wonderful if U of M and other D1 programs could hand out $100K 4-year scholarships, but there is no such thing.
Scholarships are for one year and renew annually under several conditions. Scholarships are a limited amount and do not cover a "full ride". Coaches have fewer scholarships than players, so most get a "share" of a limited scholarship. Reality check time.
Put your kid in a program where she will learn, grow and have fun. It doesn't matter if that is a CC, private school, or MTA. You will never recoup all the fees through a sports scholarship. And for goodness sake, let's hope kids have academics prioritized before soccer. That's where the real payback is.
A few days back, folks on this BLOG were asking about the MN Lightning roster. GM Djorn Buchholz replied via email that the Lightning roster will be posted this week.
I don't think anyone really cares about the Lightning roster. It will be full of MTA players with an MTA coach playing for the organization that oversees MTA.
Lot of Lightning players quit. Probably had something to do with the coach.
Not aware that D1 schools gave out full scholarships for soccer. The outstanding player from SSM going to UCLa...she must have got a good financial deal I'd assume.
Actually you are wrong again. Division I school can have up to 14 full scholarships. Many do get cut in 1/2 but many kids get money for academics that they would not get otherwise.
I am not sure what you area talking about with the Lightning. Actually a lot of players back on the team.
Krystle Kallman
Kylie Kallman
Jenni Clark
Anne Gleason
Mallory Beck
Emily Orbell
Rosie Malone
Kelsey Hood
Sarah Johnson
Emily Redberg
Marissa Price
Chelse Cline
Kaitlin Wagner
Lindsey Schwartz
Megan Almanzo
Caroline Smith
Kelsey Hans
That is 17 players that have previous experience on the team. Most have played for more than two years. I doubt they would come back if they did not enjoy the experience. Always turnover on the team.
Most of the players that did not come back did not play that much according to the stats. Maybe they were not asked back or maybe did not want to sit again.
Added new Sarah Melhorn, Racheal Chavez, and
Amanda Clark.
The Lightning will have no chance vs Indiana, they will win the Midwest Division easily. The Lightning will finish 2nd or 3rd.
The roster is out there go check it out. Try to think before you post. If you don't like MTA or DS that is fine but don't say that all the players are leaving, actually more are returning and coming back. Nice try again. A lot from St. Croix, some from IA, some from Blackhawks. Only 5 played youth club soccer for DS. Smith, Hans, Johnson, Redberg played on the team that went to two Natl Finals. Of course some of them can play and should be on team.
is rachael chavez the former rachael roth (as in mrs. pepe jon?) if so, didn't know she was still playing (or is she coaching?), but if so, way to go mom of three!
It's so funny to see these clueless morons come in make a post (like 8:53 PM) that is so far off base that it's laughable.
Can't you just feel the love?
Championship predictions:
13-mta
14-mta
15-mta blue
16-ep
17-woodbury
18-mta (already won)
19-mta
6:38, if I use my head, I agree. If I were to pick with my heart it would be.
U13 EP
U14 Burnsville
U15 MTA white or, maybe better yet, no one
U16 EP
U17 Woodbury
U18 it's too bad
U19 north metro
8:25 - I guess your U15 & U18 comments pretty much indicate you're not a big MTA person? That's cool, but if your choices have anything to do with what happened at the U13 level then you've lost me.
My head ;
U13 -Tainted
U14-Burnsville
U15-Blue
U16-Wayzata
U17-Woodbury
U18-Done
U19-Blue
is there anyone who can offer a non-biased (in that you focus more on the soccer than the flag) preview of this weekend? mainly, are the games going to be competitive or are they basically lopsided?
10:52 - really hard to tell at the U13 & U14 younger ages (wouldn't pay much attention to the back & forth on here between the finalists parents) and the only two where I would consider there are strong favorites would be U17 & U19. Both U15 & U16 should be good matches.
I don't have a U12/U13 player (my daughter is older), but some of you, for just a moment, should reflect on how you & your family would be feeling right now if you did have a player from one of these two teams. These MTA players did nothing wrong (c'mon, most 11 & 12 years old would have followed the instructions from their beloved coach to kick the ball to the goalie). I don't think the perception should be that their efforts are "tainted" because of what their coaches may or may not have done.
12:55 - most of the comments regarding this subject have as much to do with the club/coach as they do with what happened.
I believe 14, 15 and 16 will be goo matches. Each of the teams at those age groups has a chance to win. Favorites are probably U14 MTA, U15 MTA Blue, U16 EP. That said it would not be an upset if the team won those contests.
Before the U15 blue parents yell at me, the game between the MTA white and blue teams are always hard fought and close contests. What has won in the past.
As for the u15 championship - you're entitled to your opinion, but a few facts should be considered:
1. Blue was missing 2 players during the final last year. Both teams will be missing at least one player this year due to ACL injuries.
2. Blue has added a couple of really strong players since last year, increasing their overall talent. You'd be hard pressed to say the same about the White team.
3. Blue finished second in the MRL premier division, white MAY finish second in the first division.
Should be a good game. Good luck to both teams!
I'm sick of the Blue team BS.
U17 might be closer than you think.
Agreed. SCV may surprise at U17.
I don't believe 14 will be a good match. I think MTA will run away with that one.
The U15 final should be a good match. The white team has been known to put up a good fight but I've seen both teams play this year and I would have to say the new additions to the blue team really give them a boost. Along with many players getting much better from last year. Some skilled forwards on both teams and a good defensive back including some good goalkeeping.
Burnsville will beat MTA at U14. They are better by at least 3 goals.
8:32 - stupid comment on u14 - this game is 1-0 either way. rumor has it the two coaches are going to talk at halftime and for the good or MN soccer decide which team has the better chance at regionals based on the play in the first half. during the second half, the other team will allow an easy goal just to make sure the state is properly represented in SD. watch for a 'fluke' goal in the second half after a scoreless first half with the most qualified team advancing
That's hillarious 9:52. I THINK it's the dumbest thing I've ever read.
Next, people like 9:52 will bring up the unfounded accusation about players' ages.
It was a bad joke based on the U13 debacle. Either U14 team, MTA or BVL would well represent Minnesota at the regional level.
It was a bad joke based on the U13 debacle. Either U14 team, MTA or BVL would well represent Minnesota at the regional level.
some of you 14 parents need to lighten up. obviously 9:52 is having a little fun. let the game be played on the field already and stop living your life through your dd.
I'm 9:52 (and will be from now on) and you guys are morons if you don't realize it was tongue in cheek.
And I will say what I have posted in the past as Anon (perhaps you have read some of my posts). That is, this (u14) should be a fair, even game that probably will end up being 1-0 legitimately. Both teams are very stingy on d, have played similar pre-season schedules, met last summer to a 0-0 tie (won by MTA on PK) and both got better. Agree that both would represent MN well and be middle tier in the Region. Good luck to both and all the teams this weekend
952 are you an AM or PM , what's your sign dude?
;-)
remember it's not like your swimming with the sharks in here. Moron fish is still good eating if you smoke and then skillet fry em
what would be the best final to watch?
If you like courtroom dramas with lots of lawyers, I'd have to say 13G is your game.
M!M!
I think you are kidding yourself if you think either MTA or Burnsville will represent well at regions at U14. Both team are light years away from being competitive with the top teams for Region 2. It doesn't matter which team you send they both have no chance at winning and the only chance they have at wining is if they get ND, SD or IA.
Shekki,
Go away.
Even in your M!M! disguise we can easily spot you.
You're not wanted here.
10:18 - just try not to be a moron your whole anonymous blog posting life. no one said said anything about winning region 2 over the top teams. the statement was they would be middle tier in region 2. see that means both teams did a nice job in MRL first division games, beating all the other tier 2 teams. that means they would likely go to regions and be competitive and in the middle tier. that is nothing to be ashamed of for mn teams. no one here is fooling themselves that the entire state has more than maybe 1 team that can compete regionally this year. relax and for a minute try to be somewhat less of a jerk
what about for good soccer?
10:18 is right those teams combined to go 8-1-2 in MRL one team finished first and earned a promotion to premier. The other team finished third. They'll be smoked at regionals.
(tounge planted firmly in cheek).
I'm not saying either team will win regionals, but they'll be in most games they play.
Good luck to both teams, it should be a good game.
M!M! is not, nor ever was, Shekki.
Shekki
"what about for good soccer?"
any boys game
Good luck to all of the teams participating this weekend. My wish for you all is:good weather (no wind or rain), good sportsmanship, solid officiating, parents who cheer but leave the coaching to the folks on the other side of the field, and of course no injuries.
Have a great weekend, wish my team were stilll alive :(
methinks M!M! = Shekki
M!M! and Shekki are always welcomed here and make this site better.
Sorry for the endorsement
7:31
You re correct about the 14 finalists 8-0-1, one team had 0 losses against 3 state cup finalists, a win over the league winner , 1 make up game. they ll finish second , by the looks of the last match. That said , should be a good game.
Okay, it looks like the weather is decent for today games. Predictions.
13 Eden Prairie 3 - Eagan 1
14 MTA 3 - Burnsville 1
15 MTA Blue 2 - MTA White 1
16 Eden Prairie 1 - Wayzata 0
17 Woodbury 3 - St. Croix Valley 0
Next week's 19s
MTA 3 - North Metro 1
Racists like Shekki (or his alter ego) are never welcome anywhere other than KKK rallies.
results?
MTA has lost all of their games so far today.
12:11 - how many is that?
No reason for U15 final to be a good match. That is like saying a good C2 team should give a good game to a good C1 team. That should happen once in 20 times. The Blue team is a league better.
The Blue team seems better defensively this year than last, but much less dangerous offensively - sort of a passive attack waiting for their star forward to do something. Maybe missing the attacker out with the ACL makes the difference.
EP u13 in shootout over Edina, Burnsville u14 over MTA 2-1, so far
Anyone on the U15 MTA club with a laptop on the sidelines? Any updates on how the blue vs white is going?
Not at the game - got a text Blue 3 White 0 coach mikki in attendance
coach mikki will win it all in the b10 this year. she's the best coach in the b10.
Any results for the U16 and U17?
For the past 2-3 years MN state champs have been in the top 4 won-lost records at the regional tournament. The MTA'ers seem to think they should receive the credit for this. I expect that performance to continue this year and it will be with only 3 MTA teams providing results. MN is one of the 4-5 strongest soccer states in the region, MTA or no MTA. The "cc's" did the job in state cup and will continue at regionals.
9:40,
If that's true it will be a first because over the past few years it's been MTA racking up the W's for Minnesota at Regions.
I hope you're right because I want all our state's teams to succeed in Sioux Falls.
u16- wayzata in PKs
Mikki does a great job coaching and realizes the importance of recruiting. I wish U of M another great season.
Let's hope the experieince is a positive one, regardless of whether a given MN team wins the Regional or gets thumped in pool play. Girls - Play your best, stay healthy, and come back stronger players on a stronger team. ...No matter which club you play for GOOD LUCK!
All the teams headed to Regionals represent Minnesota. That makes them all OUR kids. Let's support OUR kids Minnesota!
I went to Coon Rapids to watch the u13 and u14 girls finals Sunday morning. Two very entertaining games. The strong winds impacted the games more than I anticipated, but they were still well played games. First half with the wind, Burnsville’s 14’s were quicker to the ball and covered space better - second half, advantage MTA. A well deserved decision for the Fire. The energy the 13’s brought to the game made for a fun game to watch. Neither team was willing to yield anything to the other team. Edina almost put it away with 2 minutes left in overtime. A terrific shot from outside was pushed by the wind just enough to go high and hit the crossbar. Lots of oohs and aahs but no scores. Eden Prairie’s kicks from the penalty mark were dead on and they all hit the same top right corner.
One of the MTA u14 parents asked how my MTA u13 was dealing with the fiasco. My response that she, nor her teammates were not going to be defined by a poorly thought out decision by a coach, nor a heavy handed punishment by an organization. They still thrive on the game, the competition, their coach and their teammates. They have not lost anything.
1116 I guess the Lightning did have a chance they tied and got a point for the 2nd year in a row vs the best team in the league
Lightning vs West Michigan 235pm Today at NSC
Coach A has his U12 team playing in the U13 state cup for the learning experience.
Coach B from the same club has his U13 team playing in the tournament.
Team A and Team B win their respective groups and meet each other in the semi finals.
Team A is tied with Team B at the end of overtime.
The previous season the same club had a similar situation, except that it was in the finals.
Coach A had stated publicly that he felt the younger team was over matched at Region and should not have advanced.
Coach A made a unilateral decision to have his players roll the ball to the Team B goalkeeper, a de facto forfeit.
Presumably Coach B was made aware of the possibility of this decision.
Coach B has does not control Coach A’s decision.
Coach B has his players continue as they would against any competitor.
Team B won on kicks from the penalty mark.
No other teams were affected by Coach A’s decision.
The tournament directors ruled that Coach A’s decision violated their code of conduct and ruled all of Team A’s games would be declared forfeits.
The semi final game just played was voided. Team B felt this was an excessive because they played according to the rules.
The semi final game just played was voided and the resultant winner from A’s group would face Team B in the semi finals.
Fair and Reasonable?
Yes, You are blinded by your connections.
7:45 "No other teams were affected by Coach A’s decision."
This is where you are wrong,very wrong. The decision to select one team vs the other will affect all of the following games. Reason: The team playing didn't earn their spot and their coach was confirmed (by the ruling of the national State Cup committee) to have been involved in the plan to control the outcome of the game.
It is somewhat like when in Baseball a fielder makes an error and then for the rest of that inning all runs scored become unearned. In sports the intent of the game is to allow the team who scores more goals to be the winner. Simple concept, not sure why it is so difficult for people to understand that collusion is not permitted to determine a winner when two teams from the same club are involved (Or any time for that matter).
Larry, glad to here the kids are dealing with this tough lesson. The actions by a few can really hurt many.
Do I have it right?
After all the MTA hoopla.
State Cup U13-U19 Champs:
Girls 09: 3 (MTAs) (Assuming U19s over NMT)
Girls 08: 5 (Bangu)
That's going backward isn't it?
9:09
You have it right. How many Wings players relegated to overpiced bush club teams or discarded. Thank goodness its about the kids.
9:09 - if the U13 team had played it very well could have been 4 titles as they were the clear favorite, so I hope you did not sprain you shoulder patting yourself on the back for your insightful comments.
What you really need to look at is the younger ages where MTA had 3 of the four U13 semi-finalists, the U14 runner-up (congrats to a very good BVL team) and both finalsts at U15.
Looking forward to 2010, this years U12's will most likely be the favorites at U13, this years U13's will be next year's U14 favorites, etc.....
On the boys side, I believe they won 4 of the 6 age brackets that they entered (all the titles from U13-U15).
Trust me, I doubt MTA feels they have to go back to the drawing board.
A majority of MTA success comes from recruiting good players not creating good players.
hard to argue with that 10:38, the bigger question is why would they want to leave where they are at? kind of a look in the mirror moment....
but then again, why does USC, Ohio State, FL, TX, etc... always get the best football players?
This is definitely a step back for MTA. Combine two strong clubs, recruit like crazy, bring in all the best players, and win fewer titles. I expect many disillusioned parents wondering why they pay what they pay for this, and a return to other strong local clubs.
The new MTA model is working very well.
They had 3 semi-finalists for U13 girls (one being a true U12 team)
and also 3 semi-finalists for U13 boys. (one being a true U12 team)
On the boys side they won at U13, U14 and U15.
Overall the MTA boys won 4 State Cup championships more than ever before without even entering a team at U19.
The academy approach is paying dividends.
U14 BVL/MTA game:
Very equal first half- BVL advantage b/c of two very strong, well-placed shots. 50% possession for both sides.
MTA advantage second half- won most 50-50 balls, more shots, lots of combinations, looked very well-rounded- BVL goalie looked very good.
Really could have gone either way. Both teams are very skilled in all positions. MTA's midfield appeared to be stronger, but BVL had a few very fast forwards.
9:08 Are you complaining because Edina and Prior Lake did not earn the right to compete to see who played against Eden Prairie, because they were assigned victories by MYSA that they did not actually earn? I guess I agree with you, because no one can honestly dispute that the MTA U13 team did earn their spot in the semi finals.
Mark made a decision, solely on his own to forfeit the game. Can anyone with certainty of knowledge have an explanation as to how MYSA confirmed Andy was "to have been involved in the plan to control the outcome of the game." Does knowing equal involved? Remember, Andy has to follow tournament rules also - what would be his appropriate response to stop Mark?
I thought I would preface the following with this (definition of fraud: trickery, deception)
Definition:
1. Collusion is an agreement, usually secretive, which occurs between two or more persons to deceive, mislead, or defraud others of their legal rights, or to obtain an objective forbidden by law typically involving fraud or gaining an unfair advantage.
2.collusion: secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose
3. collusion: a secret agreement, esp. for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy
4.COLLUSION - An agreement between two or more persons, to defraud a person of his rights by the forms of law, or to obtain an object forbidden by law
No secrecy, no fraud, no collusion.
Result: Failure to equitably protect all its members, including the MTA U13 girls.
IMO, about the only frustration that MTA might have would be at the U14 girls, but nothing wrong with losing to an exceptional BVL team.
They will most likely end up winning 7 of the 13 age groups they entered (which could have been 8 of 13 except for the U13 disaster).
They have never had a strong U17 girls teams (so why would the current top players leave a 5 time state cup team) and in some ways the same on the boys side at that age. They did not win either U16 titles which might be a bit disappointing, but the girl's team wasn't as good as last year and the boy's team always seem to under-perform. These are also not "academy" teams as they were formed at the U13 age group when many of the other strong teams at that age group were already cemented.
Things will change on the girls side in the future when the U15-U17 girls will not be playing State Cup due to the ECNL. If the MTA boys ever get accepted into the USSF Adademy, then the same scenario will follow.
State Cup Chanpionships to date:
MTA - 6 (big favorites at U19 girls)
EDP - 1 (???)
BVL - 1
WYZ - 1
WDB - 1
VLY - 1 (big favorites at U19 boys)
SSM - 1
The truth is of course it wasn't the result MTA was looking for on the girls side. They were disqualified at 13, have a big black mark on two of their top coaches, and lost at 14. That ain't good. In the grand scheme of things, MA and AK have tarnished reputations and that cannot be a positive for recruiting. That said, the club is about making money and I am not sure this really changes that. What is interesting is how some of the CC girls teams have created their own 'recruiting model' whereby the core of the teams comes from the local community but they add a few players from other towns that may not have a good offering or former MTA players that want to switch. You cannot underestimate the 'pied piper' impact of MA and AK and there will be a trickle down affect if they cannot recruit. Many CCs offer the same amount of year round training now and while they don't have the same depth of coaching talent, for specific teams they can present just attractive of an offer as MTA. For the life of me, unless you are absolutely one of the best players in the state (say top 15 past u13) I can't imagine why you would play with MTA. Tryout is one thing, but stay is another. One other interesting note, with all the MTA teams out from u15 down on the girls side (save 15 blue), they can commit more to ODP now. All in all, there isnt a single MN team on the girls side that will likely win regionals and go to nationals but there might be a few to compete for top 3 slots. Best case scenario would be a single MTA team at each age group that was truly regionally competitive (pollyanna). The way it is now, the profit needs won't support it. Good luck to all the teams at regions!
Trying to be a neutral as possible, I think the earlier arguments confuse the two issues. Will the U12/U13 debacle hurt MTA - absolutely. There are people that will look for alternatives given the scandal itself, but more probably because of the potential loss of MA and AK as coaches for the coming year(s). Is the academy approach working? I think it's far too early to tell and I think that anyone who thinks that none of the MTA talent is homegrown should take a closer look at the rosters. There are plenty of older players that have been there from the beginning. My biggest issue with the Academy concept is that it's upside down. The pro team should be the $upport for the academy (paying the coaches, and much of the other costs). Don't say you're emulating the European model then turn the finances on it's head.
10:58
I watched all games on field #3 Saturday.The game was won by the better team that day.The first half,aside from 3 or 4 rolls to the keeper was in the MTA end.True ,2 well placed shots and several very good looks.Second half , down 0-2 , MTA went heavy on top,BVL made no adjustments. Free balls advantage to BVL, midfield BVL,Defense BVL. Good game , result rings true.
reading your take 11:53, it's hard to believe the final score was 2-1. Almost sounds like there should have been a mercy rule or something.....
Is the only attachment of the academy to the thuder ,reduced or free tickets? Seriously, MA had a regional championship,2 years ago.AK took a U12 team to premiere by winning the east in a 7 game league schedule, while also coaching a team from another club ( Fire ) in the same U13 east league. While I dont want to infer any wrong doing, given the current scandal, annointing these "futbol proffessionals" into gods is dangerous. There are very good non-MTA coaches throughout Minnesota , not marketing their every bowel movement. Its about making kids the best they can be, not using the best kids to pad ones resume.
The best programs only work harder.
If you think that SSM is going to go away since it appears they did not have a great State Cup, guess again, as they will work even harder to perform better next year.
If you think this year's U13 DREV team will implode since they did not make it to the semi's, guess again, as they will work even harder to perform better next year.
If you think this year's U16 EP team will take a step back since they did not win the title, guess again, as they will work even harder to perform better next year.
If you believe MTA was disappointed and will somehow take a step back since they only won 6 (likely 7) titles this year, guess again, as they will take it up another notch.
The programs with the solid foundations, committed coaching staff, and committed players will rarely go backwards.
good to see the hate level has gone down now that state cup is over...
12:12
Sorry if it came out that way. I also thought Wayzata was the better team that day. Inferno was dissapointing, SCV sat back the entire game. Woodbury is usually much more entertaining.
didn't catch the U17 game, but heard the score was only 1-0. Did SCV pack it in?
anon 1221 -great post!
If MA & AK are suspended (have yet to see anything official - but seems likely), trust me, there will be a dozen quality coaches (many current non-MTA) with their hands up offering to coach those teams. But I'm sure that 12:19 is right, since only non-MTA coaches are about making the kids the best they can be and the MTA coaches are only using the best kids to pad their resumes ........
Looked like SCV packed it in the entire game. Pretty much made Inferno look like they were playing shorthanded when they had the Enture SCV team in their own end playing defense. Not pretty.
Packing it in has been going on for years at State Cup. That is where good coaching is needed to overcome those tactics. Right Tomass?
SCV did indeed pack it in in the first half. WBY had the wind and did a good job of sending the ball in, but got jammed up. Second half, SCV came out more, had the wind and gave WBY a few worries. Overall, not a bad game to watch. SCV has come a long way this year, with 13 girls on the roster all season.
I agree. This was not a game of a team packing in completely. The gap has closed at this age group, as usually happens as teams get older.
A few years ago I had no interest in soccer. It was a game played by immigrants and a few kids. Then my kids got interested and wanted to play. OK..So I did get interested and started following the youth teams. Now my kids are off to college and after whats been happening with club soccer I don't care if I ever see another soccer game.Clubs,coaches and MYSA have acted like jackazzes.Is the soccer community better off today? Don't think so!.
4:39 - even with the best coaching the players still need to execute and the longer a packed-in team continues the hold the other team off the sheet, the more good coaching goes out the window since players begin to panic rather than relax.
Pop the cap and it all begins to flow.
Even though at the HS school level we have used the containment strategy early and very late, it should never be a complete game strategy.
I do not know the players on the EP u13 team so I would not know how to best utilize them. I do not know their opponents.
But being the underdog in almost everyone's opinion, I would start the game with an all out attack with extremely high pressure with 4 up front, a 3-3-4. Most teams with 4 in the back will have never encountered this high pressure I would have the 3 at mid and in the 3 back play as a very cohesive unit; always being being behind the ball and force the play in the different thirds to one side of the field or the other eliminating the middle and the switch of play.
I would come out swinging early and try to vary the tempo of that strategy. Make them adjust to you rather than you adjust to them.
But that is a WAG not knowing anything but everyone predicts EP will be overwhelmed.
If EP wants a look at the type of competition they will face at Region, their coach should call AK and see if he will agree to some game like scrimmages... seriously. I believe AK will agree.
Why are there no scores posted yet is MYSA still dealing with U13 problems.
906 - not my call, but I would personally use some older teams within the EP club.
Not one good thing can come from your suggestion. I think it is a parental need more than a team or player need.
why scrimmage AK'S team,they couldnt even beat the 12s!I would scrimmage boys teams.
Game 1 EP13s 0 team1 7
Game 2 EP13s 0 team2 6
Game 3 EP13s 0 team3 9
1026
such wonderful grace, maturity, and love coming from "adult soccer fans". I remember a few years back when Bangu fans would hope for everyone to support the teams from MN at regions.
I guess the hate that goes around comes around or it is a new generation of soccer parents.
I don't know 10:08, maybe because EP tied Edina 0-0 before the shootout, a team that AK's team beat 4-1.........
Yep...too bad the MTA egos had to mess it all up by cheating.
1102 - one game in the past is not always the best indicator of the next game's outcome when using common opponents as a gauge.
I thought AK supporters were against speculation like that.
geez tomASS, could you be a little bit more of an EP apologist...... you often times come across as fairly impartial and bi-partisan, but when it comes to your beloved EP, get a room why don't you....
do you know how comical it to be associated with "beloved EP". Having spent the last 17 years helping build the Chaska program and constantly competing with them
It is one of the last things I thought I would ever be called. I don't know whether to be offended or thrilled. I guess this is what they refer to as being conflicted.
Come on 11:02 You don't want to go down that path. I bet I could "back" my way into nearly every team "winning" State Cup by that logic.
The we beat them and you lost to them so we must be the better team is so lame.
The U-13 age class this year ended in a way virtually no one would have predicted. Almost everyone had a MTA 13Blue vs Dakota Rev final. I personally still think these are the two best teams in MN and both will be home in June.
Good luck to EP. keep your "roll" going.
716 is so correct. If you took the Gophers just after the Madison rape scandal, there was a radio personality that did the 'we beat X and X beat Y' type of analysis several times and came up with the worst Gopher team in history being able to claim that they could have been National Champs. When you can't face the responsibility for your actions or those you trust (who have owned up to most of their parts in the scandal), I guess you'll do anything to justify the logic behind boosting your self-worth.
7:16 I concur...good luck to EP! The fact they won State Cup doesn't make them the best of the best. They were the best that day and get to go to SD. At the end of the year we'll see if MTA13's and DRev match up for summer state.
Hang on - youth soccer is all about State Cup (the only tournament that matters correct?). summer state is a joke I think I have heard a few times. for an elite club and elite teams, not winning state cup should be the only barometer (at an age group of course). by their own measurement (which I agree with) this season was pretty much a washout below u15. one could argue that the u14 MTA winning their first division in MRL salvaged their season as that is a nice accomplishment. i am sure all the true MTA folks will affirm the disappointment of the all important state cup. correct MTAers?
might disagree a bit with you 9:52 in regards to the U13 level as all those teams are still participating in MYSA in order to first of all even be eligible for State Cup and secondly to earn premier status of 2010.
State Cup is far and away the most important tournament, but virtually all the teams will start participate at Summer State at that age level.
9:52...at age 13 this is their FIRST of many important tournaments. All these teams play MYSA and have the entire year to prove their ability. Gaining premier status, MRL and summer state is still out there for the teams to reach. Maybe at 15, or older State Cup is all that some care about. However, because these 13 yr olds didn't make regionals their first State Cup is not reason to throw in the towel.
I think MTA is wise enough to realize they had 3 of the 4 semi finalists at U13 girls before the PK incident.
Other clubs would love to have that problem.
A one goal loss at U14 is hardly an embarrassment and the U15 final was MTA v MTA.
Read into it whatever you want but it looks like things are in pretty good shape. (their boys swept U13-U15 and had finalist at U16 and won U18)
It seems the approach they're taking is working well.
Not an MTA parent. EP 13s to be crushed at regionals.
Wow! Someone who is NOT an MTA parent thinks EP will get crushed. Maybe EP should just forfeit the darn thing.
well in order to make fine wine, grapes get crushed too.
Congrats EP...go fun some fun at regionals....all you need to do is play hard and know matter the outcome you can hold you heads high.
Congrats to all the team from MN
Why is it when MTA wins a one goal game it is because they are such a dynasty but when they lose a one goal game "it wasn't an embarrassment"?
Name 3 things as parent, you love about MTA.
Three things I love about MTA
1. Mark Abbo--oops.
2. The pink unifo--oops.
3. Dominating the younger ages at State Cu--oops.
1 Winning
2 Winning
3 Winning
1- Whining
2-Whining
3-Whining
let's see....
3 of the 4 U13 girl semi-finalists
1 team in the U14 girls title game
Both teams in the U15 girls title game
3 of the 4 U13 boys semi-finalists and both title game teams
U14 boys champion
U15 boys champion
I guess by dominating at the younger ages, 9:56 must have meant ALL the semi-finalists and ALL the champions - I guess you've got us all there......
Hey.... lets flood state cup with all our super duper teams. Nice work on the U14 MTA white. Take a good team from 08 , blend it with a relegated team, break MTA promises to all.
someone forgot to mention the Full90 headgear as a reason to play MTA.
do you ever get the feeling that all the non-MTA folks are stuck in a Cervantes novel playing the role of Don Quixote and they are fighting their MTA dragons (the windmills in their minds).....
What would MA do?
probably just keep turning out many of the best girls youth soccer players in MN..... although "PJKTOMOTBGYSPIM" would be too hard to fit on one of those rubber bracelets......
I think, after you account for the cheating, MTA had only 1 of the 4 U13G semifinalists. Those darn asterisks can come back and mess up a perfectly good lie.
11:12;
Just ask him, he's the best, and his little dog Ak too.
1048 - I prefer a good Vince Flynn novel
Let's review the results of the past three years.
2007 - BNG/MTA wins 8 State Cup championships and no other club wins more than 1.
2008 - BNG/MTA wins 8 State Cup championships and no other club wins more than 1.
2009 - BNG/MTA wins 6 State Cup championships and no other club wins more than 1 and has a finalist still to play at U19 girls.
I think most rational thinking folks would call that dominating.
Wow. Combine two strong clubs and see a 20% decline in championships. Blame it on the recession, yeah?
and I bet 7:42's club had a zero decline in the number of championships their club won (although if I remember my math correctly, I'm not sure if zero divided by zero is an actual number).
IMO, I think MTA is their own worst enemy (U13's fiasco excluded) as they have now forced all the other clubs to match their training and development which is creating many more solid players and teams. In a roundabout way, all the other clubs should be thanking MTA.
anon 7:42,
Actually in 2007 and 2008 the old Wings club did not win a single State Cup championship. All of those titles were earned by the Bangu club.
Thats not meant as disrespect to the Wings group as they were a top club but just the facts of the matter.
I think next year is where the fruits of this merger will really bloom.
Before the Abboud PK debacle MTA had 3 of the 4 semi finalists for both boys and girls. And I think it's obvious to most they have the top U12 boys and girls teams as well.
They are building the program from the bottom up and it's only going to improve.
The best part of it is other clubs are improving with them as they adopt some of the tactics that have proven to work for MTA with more winter training, more teams in MWL, more early season high level tournament events etc.
You're living in denial if you think this merger isn't working.
he he. well done, 8:43. You summarized the MTA credo.
um, 913, i think you have just joined the first group - you feel better after that post?
no one is getting fired, just suspeneded from coaching in state tournament for two years. thats it, east ridge next year should be intresting.
Any game summary from the U16 final?
Why would anyone possibly care how many titles MTA or anyone else won? Either you or your child's TEAM won or they did not. That is really all anyone should care about.
If you are a u16 MTA player/parent, the fact that MTA won at u18 does not make your TEAM any better.
If you are a u16 Wayzata parent, the fact that MTA won at u15 does not make your team any worse.
Care about the team you are involved with. If your team didn't win, think about what you or your daughter can do to help them win next year (or what team you need to transfer to). If your team did win, congratulations and good luck at regionals. You don't have to defend why your club didn't have more teams. It just doesn't matter.
258 - I love your last paragraph with the emphasis on team. Such a key point is missed by so many parents and players because too many worry about the individual player.
If you are making your teammates around you better and they are making you better; you really have an essence of a team.
That is the type of team to migrate to. Simple stuff, you win together and you lose together and through it all you grow and learn as players together.
have any of the ODP teams been posted yet?
They don't "post" them. They send out an email to the participants.
Did I just see DRev beat MTA Blue at Walmart Cup 5-3?
those were the U12's and REV had to rally to win.
How do you rally to win 5-3?
The team that tied the 13 Blue team in the eradicated State Cup game?
Is that the same 13 blue team that won this weekend's tournament at the U14 level with only one goal scored against them the entire tournament? And won the final with a score of 3 to 0?
State Cup is the only tournament that matters is a famous quote. If the u12 or u13 teams won this weekend in all american girls i am sure by their own admission MTAers will dismiss it as hardly relevant
U-13 Blue team plays Rev Thurs. night in league play.
GREAT game between Rev13 and MTA 13 blue. 0-0 final and yes it was that close. Two great teams. It lived up to it's hype. I would pay to watch this quality of soccer.
10:33 is either a fan or a Rev parent. You can tell because the MTA parents will complain about the refs, field, ball, etc.
So, why does the girls' post have three times as much activity as the boys'?
Hello there :) I am 14 years old and from Burnsville. Well as much as I appreciate your very nice, "positive" comments ( haha positive??) , I think you should let the teams speak for themselves. Now I know you parents know SO MUCH about the game ( haha doubt it) but us players ( yes, the ones actually playing the game) don't need your worthless, negative comments. Now remember we're the ones playing the game, not you. Sorry to this but your soccer dreams are over. Bye Now :)
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