Congratulations to all teams representing Minnesota at this year's USYSA regional tournament. This is probably a MN State Cup that will not be forgetten.
.........Boys...............................Girls
U13.. MTA East 96 Blue.......Eden Prairie
U14.. MTA Elite 95 Blue......Burnsville Fire
U15.. MTA Elite 94 Blue......MTA East 94 Blue
U16.. Shattuck Academy.....Wayzata Rage
U17.. Valley United...............Woodbury Inferno
U18.. MTA Elite 91 Blue...... MTA Elite 91 Blue
U19.. TBD...............................TBD
Hopefully all Minnesota Youth Soccer fans can pull together and support these teams in South Dakota.
254 comments:
1 – 200 of 254 Newer› Newest»woo hoo. I'm the first post! Go MTA!
Good luck to MTA . . . but this is the year of the Inferno!
How about good luck to all teams...? I know crazy thought.
Good luck to all, but great luck to MTA!
From an MTA parent: All the best to every team heading out to Sioux Falls. The players, from every team, should relish this opportunity. Their parents, from every team, should have a beer (or whatever floats their boat) and chill and just be happy that their kids have this experience.
From a non-MTA parent: Good luck to the underdog teams that worked hard, overcame the odds, and earned your right to be there!
4:02 Hopefully the Inferno will finally get the job done at Regional's. Multiple disappointing years at Regional's for a team with a ton of promise. They are definitely on a roll now blowing out several teams in MRL and State Cup and hopefully they can carry that momentum through.
Doubtful.
Hopefully Inferno will play better this year. They appear to be stronger with a deeper roster this year and most importantly are healthy heading into regionals.
Inferno needs to keep their mouths shut and stay out of the mud.
Doubtful.
when do they do the pool draws?
a lighter note. anyone watch the USMNT tonight? Not that it made a difference, but how does FIFA let them play on such a crap field, that was embarassing? And what was Spurgen Wynn doing out there? Bradley and the boy should be ashamed. I have seen u-10 teams defend better
if it is not the fields, it is the refs, - why not give CR credit for playing well and handing it to US big. We have to understand, we cannot have manicured soccer fields everywhere. The fields are not the issue. We had a bad really bad game...
On the USMNT last night vs CR, I thought the field was artificial turf, US team defense was slow, Costa Rica was more agressive and quicker to the ball. No excuses we got our butts handed to us. We should still make the World Cup but if we want a good showing we need to step up our defense and be more agressive to the ball.
As a parent with no one involved in this years State Cup and Regionals, good luck to all MN teams. Enjoy the experience, Sioux Falls will be a great time. My son was participating last time the Regionals were held in Sioux Falls,it was a great experience for him. Watch some other games as you have an opportunity to enjoy some very good soccer.
GO MINNESOTA TEAMS !!
USMNT will never do anything until they can find some offense and finally put an end to the donovan obsession, he never shows up in big games. that davies kid looked good. they should see if adu can handle the pressue of more minutes at least he has some creativity with the ball. torres also looks like he will be a fine player. right now all we have going is howard in the nets and bradley in the middle, the rest would have no place on most quality national teams
I hope all the Minnesota teams get crushed, completely blown to pieces. That way the US Academy program can keep rejecting us and the local community clubs can continue their vice like grip on their precious little cash cows
Ooooo-kaaaaayyyy....
8:38, I think you should dig a hole and climb in it. These are kids and my child is not one going but I still wish them the best of luck. If you feel that way you should get completely off the board and your darling child should get off the field and go find a new hobby like knitting or something because with a parent like you they will never be good enough. When you push a child beyond themself they will not succeed they will become bitter to the sport like you have.
Landon Donovan is the next Claudio Reyna and Jeff Agoos. Highly overrated and will continue to disappoint on the big stage with the unconditional support of the coaching staff.
Daddy should bench son Michael after that awful performance.
How can the US complain about the field when we made the world play on our crap fields in 94? NFL astroturf for the World Cup in the wealthiest country yet we complain about the field last night? What goes around comes around.
Not sure many CCs are "cash cows."
Thought US performance was poor. I wonder if Bradly spoke to any of the 91 ODP coaches. My son who was down in CR for ODP, said that CR style of play then was very much like their style of play last night. Seemed like US was confused and didn't know how to react. IMHO I thought Beasley played horrible!
Regionals - Our family will be staying at Palisades State Park (room rate is much cheeper) hope to get some sun, have some good campfires and watch a lot of really good soccer. Best of Luck to MN!
Ann - the US game last night is not a "lighter note" in the least. It was an embarrassing performance.
Bradley is benched for the next match, by CONCACAF, for accumulated cautions.
too many issues for our lads to discuss here, let's hope it was just a bad performance and not a sign of things to come.
"How can the US complain about the field when we made the world play on our crap fields in 94? NFL astroturf for the World Cup in the wealthiest country yet we complain about the field last night? What goes around comes around."
ARE YOU A MORON????? THERE WERE NO GAMES PLAYED ON ASTROTURF (they put grass in the Silverdome) and the facilities were world class in 94.
9:16 is ignorant to say the least, if not a moron. Its against FIFA rules to play world cup matches on artificial surface. I was at Sweden v Russia in Detroit in 94, the field was amazing, the venue was phenomenal, and yes, it was grass.
9:12 - you apparently have some trouble recognizing sarcasm when you see it. Pretty obvious he just made that post to get a rise out of people, and you but hook. line. and sinker.
mama mia just lost what was left of his credibility on here for being (once again) completely ignorant of the facts. We made them play on NFL astroturf in 94??? well done lad.
Does anyone else find it interesting that just a year ago MTA dominated the girls side at State Cup with 5 out of 7 titles. But it looks like clubs have stepped up to the plate and there has been a complete turn around with MTA only getting 2 out of 7 titles.
Whereas on the boys side MTA has always struggled and last year results with 3 out 7 titles. This year they should improvement with 4 out of 7 titles. I thought they had a very impressive showing especially at the younger ages.
I know a lot of people on this blog hate MTA/SSM but it doesn't seem like anyone should be complaining too much about recruiting with the results posted.
Seriously, what does the field condition have to do with anything.
Both teams last night played on the same pitch.
That was an embarrasing perfomance by the USA.
ADJUST TO THE CONDITIONS.
Keep the ball in bounds.
Make a tackle or two.
Pretend you are inspired.
Anything....
Wow, that was something....
11:34, agreed that competition has improved at all ages. Please keep in mind that the U19's have yet to play (and are heavily favored) which will give them three and of course we can't forget the "asterisk" game which could have given them four (as the U13's would have been the heavy favorites). But, to go back to the first comment, yes, the competition has improved at U14 and U16, other than those age groups nothing else really changed.
Why does every thread here have to involve a bunch of adults arguing over whose is bigger? Leave it on the field. If you don't like MTA, don't let your kid play for them. Before MTA, there were other clubs where talent clustered, the notions of "stealing talent" have been around forever, and none of the baiting or finger pointing did any good for the kids or the game.
I would say that the MTA may have taken a step back on the girls side. The autonomy that Bangu team had, has been removed. Even though MTA seems to have the same leadership, the poor leadership of the Thunder is probably rubbing off a bit.
The U.S.A is out of touch with the rest of the world when it comes to the latest trends in soccer. other countries develop players and here in the U.S. it's the same ol Dorance bootball. Here in the U.S practice is all run,run,run and a tad of juggling while the rest of the world is all about developing complete players. U.S. soccer really stinks.
the folks who run the thunder professional team have little if any say on how the thunder youth academy is run. it's basically bangu with a few wings folks running a youth soccer club with the mn thunder name. if you've looked at who is running it, you will see it is the same people.
everyone is entitled to their opinions, but not sure how one can claim they have taken a step backward on the girls side. 3 of 4 semi-finalists at U13, runner up at U14, both finalists at U15, I'll give you that at U16, never had anyone at U17, champs at U18, and most likely champs at U19. it would seem their biggest problem might be their past success level has been so high it is tough to maintain.
By the nature of its purpose and the importance of its own charter, I think the honest issue is that MTA should dominate State Cup for both male and female up and down the line. If your role is to be the flag bearer in regional soccer for MN by pooling the top talent, frankly, you HAVE to win State Cup. MTA has a significant strategic advantage in its ability to recruit across the metro and aggregate the best kids on a single team. Even a good CC based team that recruits is going to have little ability to have more than 3-5 kids that would come from outside their own community and can play on a State Cup winning level team. If you throw out the asterik game and look at the rest, the Wayzata and Burnsville results on the girls side is probably representative how a single team can get lucky and have enough pooled talent to win. Again, ultimately MTA should accept no result other than winning all ages. It was a good year for sure, but it also proves that with a little luck, there can be a CC at almost every age that can compete.
9:52 - i agree at the younger ages and the first teams out of the Adademy. From the current U16 and above those teams did not come out of the Academy,so they had to take what they could get (except for U18 which had been together for years). I guess time will tell. BTW, take a peak at all the other states, none of the "monster" clubs win every age group.
Oh my God! Soccer discussion!
Ann- welcome
1057 - Sorry my vote goes to McBride as the best attacker the US has ever produced to date.
Landon has almost always been a big fish in our little pond.
McBride has proven himself at the EPL level on a very consistent basis. Any other field players with his type of career and nose for goal?
socmom - good post. Everyone forgets that both teams are playing in the same conditions.
buck-up and go play.
I meant 1059 on LD discussion
Coach Bradley was the wrong choice from the get go. His son had some brilliant games last year but has been very inconsistent
All the US egos could not let Klinsmann run the show and actually create a national program that could impact the sport for the short and long term.
tomASS - McBride was a great target striker whose game was made for the EPL, but I would hardly call him a "creative attacker" which is what the original poster said I think. McBride is a good finisher, great ambassador, and a WARRIOR on the pitch (saw him get his head split open for the umpteenth time against Italy in the last WC), but he was, is, and always will be a finisher and not a creator. Donovan can score, or create scoring for other players. Very similar to Tab Ramos before Leonardo split his skull open in 94, and he never really recovered.
1:17, what practices are you watching lately? That was a really great post... if it was 1980
tomASS - in case you didn't notice Klinsmann fell right on his arse with Bayern, maybe it was good thing he didn't get the job. You have to do more than take a good young HOME squad deep into a world cup to prove yourself. I mean heck, didn't South Korea even make the semis when they hosted?
I'm not saying Bradley was the right choice, but we're seeing some of these "young star" managers flame out (Klinsmann at Munich, Van Basten at Ajax).
I know everyone has their favorites, but I ALWAYS enjoy watching Frankie Hejduk! I think he was sorely miss in the CR game. As a defender, I have seen him be more creative and out work his teammates consistantly.
It seemed like Donovan was having some issues on the field last night. On camera it looked like he instructing and coaching his teammates on the field. It also looked like his teammates didn't appreciate it. If that is true, that maybe Donovan problem. You know the saying players play, coaches coach, and referees suck. That is how it goes isn't it? :)
257 - reread the earlier post and he did say attacker. I stand corrected from that perspective LD has always been decent but never a favorite of mine. 309 brings up a good point that I always wondered about. LD leadership skills Players do have to have a leader on the field that helps their teammates work through things going on during the game, but does LD not have their respect or do his teammates have too much invested in their egos. After all in the heat of the moment it's not personal, it's soccer.
303 - agree with the Bayern comment, but their are other challenges between a pro-league team than a men's national team in how they are managed. I think Klinsmann is better suited for national team and player development training and coaching.
If not Bradley, and if not Klinsmann, then I would love to hear some other available options at the time.
I know I was busy with other things at the time ;-)
My favorite part of watching any national team broadcast is listening to ex US players turned commentators.
They don't pull punches.
I get the feeling they are not enamored with the new school players.
When a commentator has to dig for something nice to say, and all he can come up with is Donovan having character for taking a PK, that's weak.
On a side note...
All of us gals last night had to do a double take.
Was that really Alexi Lalas?
Yeah baby, Alexi was looking good.
one can only hope it is the moms posting rather than the daughters
Alexi doesn't have much of a business mind though.
tomAss- I'm a young sweet thing (a couple of decades ago).
when is the wildcard draw for region2 posted?
US mens soccer suffers from losing a lot of the bigger and faster players (at a young age) to Football. IMHO the US women have outperformed the men largely because soccer for women is higher up the food-chain than it is for men. I am NOT saying the US men soccer players are not great athletes - they are. But imagine a few (more)of the world-class sprinters taking up futbol instead of football in this country at the early ages.
splitsville
"But image a few more of the world class sprinter taking up futbol instead of football"
How about like every other country, we adapt the game to the type of athletes we have playing it. Asian, South America have vastly different styles of play than Germany, England. It seems like we spend to much time looking at the green grass somewhere else instead of making it work.
Someone listed information concerning the cut-off date for club participation by high school players. Would you please share that again.
Wildcards are all settled for Region 2 are all settled. I suppose there could be an age group still waiting for a game from MRL.
Part of the problem is with our ODP systems. They consistently pick the same players and try to develop them. If a hold-over does not make the regional team, then they should not be eligible the following year. Give some of the other players a chance. Same for regional camps. Players who don't make the national pool, should step aside for other players. We have too much good-old-boy and coaches favorites. Let's be real. Soccer Coaching in the US does not attract the best and brightest. Limited pay, limited recognition. Rarely does a 'highly successful individual' say, "I want to be a soccer coach."
5:22 - Good point. However England currently believes that it has done a poor job in training at youth soccer; England blames coaches are too focused on wins.
The drop in English players in the EPL bares that out.
Europe believes that France has done an exceptional job in youth soccer training (OK I'm a T Henry fan so take that with a grain of salt).
How do you suggest we make it work?
Also please note that soccer in the Arizona desert and SCAL is not the same as soccer at NDSU and at Robbie stadium in October. Just like the EPL is different from the continent because it is 40 degrees cooler.
Splitsville
8:12
My psychiatrist recommended coaching youth soccer as a remedy for occasional feelings of euphoria.
splitsville
splitsville - LOL, youth soccer is a better choice than shock therapy. Too much pleasure from the electrical stimulation.
812 - they keep calling but the money and control are just not right for me
8:12,
Al Jefferson didn't make the all-star team this season. I guess he should step aside and go play int he CBA so we can give someone else a chance to make the all-star team.
LeBron James didn't win the NBA title. I guess he should step aside so the Cavaliers can give somebody else a chance to win it.
Katie MN is clearly a better player than me on the the 93 ODP team. Katie MN didn't make the regional team in 2008. Katie MN shouldn't step aside for me because Katie MN is still closer to making the regional team than me.
before last year and all the '93 holdovers, MN usually had maybe 1-2 kids make the holdover camp. So according to 8:12, the other 16+ MN ODP players should not be eligible for the following year? Am I understanding this correctly?
812, LIBERAL, Sally deserves a shot also.
Doesn't EVERYONE deserve a participation award?
Al
shouting neocons who name call...that is nothing new
The first thing MN needs to do is water board all the club coaches until they make player development the #1 priority. Generally they are a bunch of delusional egomaniacs with "the club comes first". By now everybody pretty much know who the biggest offenders are. If you hear one of these yahoos is going to coach your kid run like heck or try another sport.
hey 5:20 instead of writing two lines you could have just said "I hate MTA". Sometimes it's better just to get to the point.
Worst offenders...SCV, MUS, EDP, BHK, VLY, EDI, WYZ...in that order!
Not MTA ?
The funny thing is you bash SCV and other clubs, yet you know nothing about the majority of the coaches. Sure, you may have had a run in with one or two of them, but you're going to generalize an opinion based on that??
Didn't MA try to forfiet games vs club team during the 2007 U14 premier league? For the "better of the club". Should have been warning of things to come.
Wow, I must be really tired or you guys are making no sense. Let me see if I can follow you guys.
1. ODP Sucks (heard it before not worth responding to)
2. ODP players should be rotate to include my kid (hahahahaha, my son the C3 player finally has a shot)
3. ODP coaches suck (heard it before, not worth responding to)
4. Club development sucks (go change it, get involved)
and finally....
5. MA threw the game for the club. (no, MA is a egomanical idiot and threw the game because he is an egomanical idiot)
Anonymous said...
Part of the problem is with our ODP systems. They consistently pick the same players and try to develop them. If a hold-over does not make the regional team, then they should not be eligible the following year. Give some of the other players a chance. Same for regional camps. Players who don't make the national pool, should step aside for other players. We have too much good-old-boy and coaches favorites. Let's be real. Soccer Coaching in the US does not attract the best and brightest. Limited pay, limited recognition. Rarely does a 'highly successful individual' say, "I want to be a soccer coach."
4/6/09 8:12 PM
Good try knocking ODP, but DAP is taking over ODP. Get the facts down first before banging on ODP.
Hey MA why no final r2tregionals blog? AK where did your blog go? do you 2 have something to hide?
ODP is overrated. Actually it is probably fairly rated by most who are "in the know" : Rating, Poor.
The program is just not attracting the top players. I know some of the very good players are involved but realistically 2x as many players deserving consideration are not even showing up. The cost is high and the training is marginal at best. Better to just have those top players try out for some of the top teams and get recognized by the college scouts that way.
10:31 - i bet i can't name 5 of the top 100 MN girls youth players who aren't involved in ODP (although something tells me you think your DD is probably one of them....).
11:03- check the names of MN players listed on Top Drawer and compare that to ODP lists. Then tell me that you can't name 5 of the top 100 in MN that aren't affiliated/participate in ODP. The percentage isn't high of those who don't participate, but it is bigger than the 2% you claim.
For the boys ODP currently is their option, until the state get an DAP.
High cost, last time I check it out there were scholorships for those players with financial need. So high cost is a bit of an excuses.
We are getting the top players from MN and some other states particiapating in MN ODP. The competition is pretty tough for many of those opportunities. I would agrue that we have all the top players playing, because they are able to do the very first thing any great soccer player has to do. Step out on the field. It is easy to make excuses as to why you did or didn't make ODP. It much hard to fail and come back, and the very best generally always fail at least once. What makes them great is what they have done after they have failed.
I would say ODP is pretty good. It's not easy to train a TEAM when you see them at most once a week and many players miss due to conflicts. Not easy is an understatement. It's impossible. However, ODP is still a good forum to have the top players congregate to train together and to identify the top players for the national pool. MN ODP is structured as an identification tool, anything more is a bonus.
ODP teams meet approx 15-20 total hours over 10 weeks before heading to camp. High School teams meet for 15-20 total hours in preseason. NICE PRIORITIES!
If there are top players out there that aren't doing ODP, too bad for them and too bad for our national pool who could use their help.
My opinion is, ODP should be restructured like a club team. If you make the ODP final roster, that's your club team for a year and you train like a club team for a year. It will never happen. However, MTA will soon be fulfilling that role when they begin to attract the majority of the top players. Good for them.
IMO, ODP was a joke filled with politics when my DD played years ago,(5-6yrs)...she was on a team that won Primier league several times, played MRL premier division (middle of the pack), went to regionals, went to college showcases etc... all went to college (I,II,III),75% got some sort of scholarship...not ONE girl on her team participated in ODP or even choose to tryout after a few yrs they were age eligible because of the politics (no coaches from their club were evaluating, the ones that were there picked girls from their club))...unless something changed and coaches truly are evaluating each year...it is a waste of time/money.
But to suggest kids step aside because they didn't make the regional team is ridiculous...I just don't believe they pick the top 18 players...once on the ODP team it is likely they will stay on the team
They stay because the coaches are unwilling to admit they might have made poor choices.
6/6 12:29
Truer words were never spoken. Politics at its highest. My kid participated in ODP for four years making pool. Did well one year at nationals. Favoritism by IL coaches was unbelievable. My kid said ODP is waste of time.Currently playing D1.
We all like to claim, ODP is polictical. However just like Japan, Brazil, and German all teams and all coaches have different styles of play and players. To say it polictical is a bit of a cop out, and only discourages players from participating. I know a mom, who for 3-4 years has been telling her kid it was all political, using that as an excuse as to why he 1st didn't make ODP and then the club premier team. The truth of the matter is, if she ever shut up long enough to let her son listen to what the coaches were telling him, he could have been a ODP player easily. Honestly, if your DD didn't make the ODP team doesn't mean she not a good player. But it could mean, there was better player her position (and she was unwilling to try anything else) or he was looking for a different type of player to fill the roll your DD normally fills.
ODP bashers tend to be MTA supporters. THEY want to serve ODP's purpose.
didn't make the high school team........it was political
didn't start or play enough on the high school team......it was political
didn't make the state ODP team......it was political
didn't make the regional pool......it was political
didn't get a good grade in a specific class........teacher didn't like me
didn't get the job.....it was political
didn't get the promotion.......it was political
got fired........it was political
Landon starting over Freddy....political. It happens everywhere. Agoos, Reyna, etc.
449 - not an ODP supporter, not political nor an MTA supporter.
Ziatan basically covers my opinion in the last paragraph posted of what needs to change.
It does need to be revamped and improved. It does look good on the soccer resume and that is about it.
Once the next level starts, whatever is on the resume, becomes only words and past highlights.
Every next level requires new performance and new proof of what you can do on the field as a player. Nothing on paper matters at that point.
Once Freddy Adu actually does something at the international level maybe then he will get a chance. At some point a great "prospect" starts to get "suspect".
650 - LOL yep. has only been a Nike marketing ploy so far. Maybe the international training will help. To date it has not.
Good reminder for parents - what you do at age 14 (birth certificate excluded) is not what you may do at 19, or 20 or 21 or 22
How many times will Donovan fail at 1v1 attempts? He's 0 for 3 in the last two games.
How many goals did Freddy score for the U23 team? And even the U20 World Cup? Did Freddy score for the MNT in November?
don't get me wrong, neither of the two players does much for me, but frankly using U23 and U20 accomplishments to bolster your argument doesn't sway me much. any goal is an accomplishment, but a free kick goal against guatemala isn't the same as braces against mexico. how many times has Adu been knocked off the ball since he's so small? why has benfica loaned him out, why didn't monaco finalize the loan, etc.....
MTA supports ODP. Just look at how many of their players are out for ODP.
Why did Bayern send Landon home? How many wins did Landon lead us to in Germany 06? How many times have Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Donovan, Beasley, etc. been knocked off the ball because they're so small? How many times has Dempsey been knocked off the ball because he's South Amer...I mean Texan.
you win Zlatan, Adu is better. hope he's having a good match this evening (does Nike make splinter proof match shorts in any of their kits?).
Did the U19 games take place this afternoon?
Don't forget Ribery, same team less size, and uglier. But a hell of a player.
Look at the average size of the players on arguably the best team in the world, Barcelona.
were was freddy adu and torres for the game against honduras? starting the game with 2 defensive mids! it looks like over the past two games,questionable decisions by the us coach.field aside,costa rica made us look like fools.altadore is a good player,same as adu,why would thier clubs pay what they did not to give them much playing time. answer-to keep the us down.
not sure most of the best soccer countries have to try to keep the US down....... btw, if you watched the costa rica game you might be able to answer your own question regarding torres.
Torres: Exposed against CR due to playing 3 mids and having to cover for Beasley.
Casey: 5 touches of the ball, 2 completed passes.
Donovan: High work rate, not good on the ball, a few bad freekicks and cornerkicks. Overrated.
Beasley: Terrible first touch, feet of stone.
Onyewu: So big and strong, so slow. Only kicks it long.
Bocanegra: So slow. Only kicks it long.
Bradley-Pablo-Clark: Only play the ball backwards.
Dempsey: Our best player, stay out wide, stop playing dumb.
Adu: Our most dangerous player. Should be starting.
Altidore: Should be high striker.
Spector: Should always start.
Casey: A waste of time.
GK: Howard (Guzan)
LB: Bocanegra
CB: DeMerritt
CB: Onyewu (Califf)
RB: Spector (Dolo)
LM: Donovan (Rogers)
DCM: Clark (Edu)
ACM: Adu (Feilhaber)
DCM: Bradley (Pablo)
RM: Dempsey (Torres)
S: Altidore (Davies)
Didn't see Honduras 1st goal so can't say much about it, other than it sounded like an defensive break down all the way back.
I'm still not impressed with Beasley and would not have put him in the game. I thought Feihaber played very well and I would think has earn his spot. I thought
Spector & Bocanegra played very well. Donovan played quite a bit better than in the CR game, but I would say he still has a lot more to show us.
Adu, I sorry, I am just not a Adu fan. I think the goals he scored playing on the U20 & U23 teams were impressive, but hey I never thought he was 14 or 16 years old at the time either. So, his performance and goals alway had me questioning if he was the real deal. Or just an older guy playing with younger guys. I've watch him in a couple of MLS games and I wasn't impressed there either.
First goal was due to Dempsey losing the ball in the middle of the field with no midfield support.
I'm an Adu fan. Even if he was 24 scoring 5 goals in a U23 tournament, that's impressive. Does anyone think Adu is older than 20 right now? Besides, age is just a number. Whether you're Macheda at 17 or Del Piero at 45, who cares?
Age is just a number? Yes, it is if there is no age limit. But if it is U14 and your 15 or 16, that would be an unfair advantage. I would think that FIFI has some reason for labeling it U20 & U23? Otherwise why not just label it JV & B squad.
Adu impressive scoring record is suspect for two reason. 1) His age has alway been questioned and never really answered to anyones satisfaction. Right now, he just turned 20. Do I think he 20, no I think he's probably 24.
2)He has not been able to replicate the type of score that he has done for the U20 & U23 team anywhere else. Nor, even shown that same calibar of play. Makes one wonder if it is simply a fact that he is/was more physically mature than anyone else on the field or more skilled. Don't get me wrong I think he has skill, I just think his physical maturity has a much to do with his success on U20 & U23 teams as his skill. When put in a position with other at that same physical maturity level he is not nearly as sucessful.
Adu is 5'8" 143 lbs. He isn't even physically mature for a 16-year-old. Adu doesn't shave. How is he older than 20?
Adu plays 90 minutes for the U23 team. He doesn't even start for the MNT. How is he supposed to show the same caliber of play if not given the same chance?
When given minutes, I think Adu has shown the same caliber of play. Watch the tape. Adu and Dempsey are the only players that can attack and create.
Is Robinho 29 because he shaves and is quicker than everybody? Is Iniesta 33 because he's balding? Is Donovan 35 because he's faster than everyone in the MLS but too small and not skilled enough to do anything outside of CONCACAF?
Zlatan, I don't disagree with you, but 9:20 does raise some valid questions. Kind of reminds me of the little league kid a few years ago who was throwing all of the no hitters until they found out he was 14 playing against 12 year olds (Danny something..). I do agree that at some point he does deserve at least 60+ minutes in a few games in a row so they can see just what he's got.
Zlatan- 1st he doesn't shave so he has to be only 20? Sorry, my 16 year is shaving does that mean he's 20? I know of many men that are in their 30 & 40's that only shave occasionally. Menyar, I think he only about 5'6", so he must be 13year old huh?
I watch both games, I rather see Feihaber than Adu. I thought Feihaber was more effective.
Anon 10:35
Why does any player deserve playing time. I think most coaches would tell you that no player deserves playing time, but they can earn it. The usual way to earn it, is at training. I would suspect that perhaps Adu, is not showing well against bigger and stronger players during training.
From previous comments I would also suspect he can only play one positions. If someone else is playing that spot better you ride the pine.
11:22, 10:35 here. I don't disagree, but games are different than training practices. some players are "drill kings" while others flourish more during game time situations (which infrequently happen during trainings). Just my humble opinion. What Adu does have to offer (and personally I'm lukewarm on him) is an attacking creativity which is so lacking on the MNT (US soccer in general). It's soccer "by the numbers" and that can only take you so far.
I'm led to believe Donovan is a practice player. Perhaps competing harder against Adu than against Costa Ricans. I can certainly see Donovan being an a-hole in training and taking out Adu.
The Little Leaguer was listed as 12 when dominating 12-year-olds, but was actually 14. Adu was listed as 18 when dominating 22-year-olds. Do you really think Adu was 24 when listed as 18? Right now, why would somebody think Adu is older than 20? If anything, Altidore is older than 19 and LeBron is 46.
Funny thing is, if Adu did what Dempsey did Saturday night (causing Honduras' goal and missing Feilhaber's service), he'd be banished.
I guess it's all up to him to make the most of his opportunities (which he hasn't done so far in the few he has had).
Looks like Nike found out about this conversation........
Playing 25 minutes when 3-0 down with exhausted teammates (see Bradley) isn't much of an opportunity for an attacking player.
Let him start.
what are you his agent? I tend to agree with 11:22.
I am confused: is Adu playing at Regionals?
I went to the Monaco web site and browsed around for a bit. Looks like Parks is their go to guy. Looks like Adu size should not be an issue for him in Monaco. Looks like Parks has had a very similar career. The next year for Adu will tell if he the real deal or just a great scam.
The greater scam has been Landon Donovan and his international career.
He only got minutes for Munich because Juergen wants a job in the US.
I gree with you. Donovan, has always been a bit over hype IMHO. But I think playing on the outside is his strength. I not sure, but is Donovan and Adu competiting for the same spot on the field? Donovan has also shown some versatility where as Adu has not.
simple fact regarding the world cup is that the usa in the next 20 years will never make it to the championship game. 1- we dont have a full team of players that can compete at that level.2- in regards to soccer,the us is an infant with this game, the rest of the world has a higher thought and focus on the game than in the us. soccer in the us has gotten more prevelent and now a days thiers better training offered than even 10 years ago for the youth, but we are far off from competing closely with the big guns in the international arena.
20 years? Gosh I hope not. Does training need to change? Perhaps. Are we trying to play a game that doesn't suit the types of players we have? Perhaps. The US hasn't figure out how to make the game their own yet. They still seem to be copying other country's styles without the right type of players.
can't we invent some kind of "extreme" x-games soccer so we get a head start on everyone else and then win the gold medal at the olympics?
We have some coaches that are not flexible. They don't have the moxy to build a stategy to maximize the talents of the players they have putting themin the best position to win.It's like they are trying to pound square pegs into round holes.
The U.S. needs to upgrade the quality of coaching. Locally here in Minnesota it's the same ol coaches year after year.A good example is MTA. The coaching staff doesn't hold a candle to what you see in CA,IL,Tx. Consequently you won't see significant improvement anytime soon.
Our coaches are our former players. CA players have been better than MN players since the beginning of time. CA coaches will therefore be better than MN coaches. There are more immigrants on the west and east coasts than in MN. Therefore there is more access to the shared ideas European and South American football. Nothing wrong with that.
I've seen Freddy play in person on the right flank (U17 Nats), up top (MLS), and center midfield (U23 Nats). Versatile?
The US would benefit from developing adult players in one position (like Messi wide right, Xavi central, Henry striker).
it also doesn't hurt that there are 30+ million people in CA and roughly 20+ million people in TX. The influx of nationalities is a big plus, but numbers add depth and talent. Are they "better" coaches because they might win more? FYI, Phil Jackson is moving in on his 10th NBA coaching title. Guess how many times he's been coach of the year.........anyone, Bueller, Bueller......once. What I will give other coaches credit for is allowing the kids to just play more and create. Up here we play "soccer by the numbers". There are also disadvantages up here since the weather sucks 6 months of the year and the kids have to go into domes. Tough to have an impromptu pickup game at the dome.
From everything I read on this blog, ranging from
bad weather to bad domes to bad coaches to cheating coaches to cheating clubs to big money clubs to bad referees to corrupt MYSA executives to club recruiting to meaningless high school seasons to crazy parents to subsidized teammates to political ODP to limited college opportunities to Freddy Adu not being good to threatening high school coaches to a bad MN Thunder team to a bad National Team coach to bad tournament directors...
Why should I choose to play SOCCER instead of other activities?
Socker sounds stoopid to me.
- Kid A
Please don't tell us
It's the beautiful game, it's the game we love, it's the game we love to play, it's the game I eat, drink and sleep, etc.
- Kid B
"Why should I choose to play SOCCER instead of other activities? from Kid B
If you read all that, you right you shouldn't play soccer. Sounds like you are spending way too much time on a computer. Try video games, you'll probably have a lot more fun. ;)
Imagine if Michael, Lebron, Kobe, Tiger, Derek, Payton, Adrian and Randy (OK, Brett too) grew up dreaming of being professional soccer players.
That's a US problem. Te best athlete in US grow up with dream to do play other sports. The rest of world, theey want top play futbol. My country, futbol. Your country, foootball. US never be good that way. MAybe win supr Bowl and World Serie and NBA, but no World C up.
Bee
the problem i have seen in minnesota hasent been the quality of coaches." thier are plenty of good coaches". its the parents commiting thier kids to more than one or two sports.on my kids team thier are a few players who have the potential to be extremely good players,but do to being involved in too many activities they miss alot of practices and training sessions.this is at the top level in thier age group.if you are playing at the top level wich has more commitment, you should be avaliable to show up for what was written in the commitment statement.parents are over pressuring and over commiting thier kids. overseas,you play soccer,in the us, you play hockey,basketball,dance,band,SOCCER,football,lacrosse,other functions.soccer always seems to take a back seat to other functions,atleast when it comes to the youth players.
i had players miss a game" for a choir concert".if a player cant hold up to what they were commited to, quit, and open up a roster spot for someone who wants to show up.
5:47, it looks like spelling took a back seat to soccer in your little world.
i type quick and could care less if somthing is slightly miss-spelled.my point got across.are you one of those"proper" persons who doesnt make any mistakes.get real.
see i miss spelled again, call the teacher
missing a game for a choir concert is typically due to the fact that it is required for a grade in that class in school
U13 Girls
Caramel United Academy (IN)
JUSC (IA)
FC Milwaukee Blue (WC- WI)
Eden Prairie
U13 Boys
Rushmore SC (SD)
Ambassadors (ON)
???? I couldn’t find it
MTA
U14 Girls
Eclipse Select (IL)
West Des Moines SC (IA)
Toro Booyah (NE)
Burnsville
U14 Boys
Dakota United (ND)
MRL2 (no winner yet)
Chicago Wind (IL)
MTA
U15 Girls
Illinois (no winner yet)
JUSC (IA)
CSA Elite (OS)
MTA
U15 Boys
Chicago Fire Jrs. Red 11 (IL)
Grand Rapids Crew Jrs. (MI)
Dakota United (ND)
MTA
U16 Girls
Illinois (no winner yet)
Mockingbird FC (KY)
Ohio Elite Academy (MRL2)
Wayzata
U16 Boys
KCFC Rangers (KS)
Missouri (no winner yet)
Campton United Navy (MRL1)
SSM
U17 Girls
Dynamo FC (IN)
West Des Moines Heat (IA)
Kansas (no winner yet)
Woodbury
U17 Boys
Chicago Fire Jrs. Red 11- (WC- IL)
Elm Grove Premier (WI)
Missouri (no winner yet)
Valley United
U18 Girls
Arsenal Primo (NE)
CASA (MRL 2)
Kansas (no winner yet)
MTA
U18 Boys
Missouri (no winner yet)
Croatian Eagles (WI)
United International (WC- KY)
MTA
Region 2 brackets for the State cup winners. Who's bracket looks promising?
school got out on a tuesday."last dat of school".game was on a thursday.singing for a non school function.
anyway, enough of that, i was just trying to make a point about kids being stretched past thier own limits"atleast for some of them"
Girls take:
U13 - not bad, but often tough to tell at this age group
U14 - so-so, IL is always tough and NE can be tough at this age (traditionally v. physical)
U15 - tough. Any pool at this age with IL and OS will be difficult
U16 - tough. Illinois will be difficult and the other two teams finished fairly high up in MRL Premier
U17 - not too bad. Hopefully they can do something with it.
U18 - CASA usually fields a good team, but no Ohio Elite so I'm sure they are happy
Early prediction...maybe the same record as last year with some opportunities (last year's U13, U16, and U17 only won one game amongst them) and some tougher acts to follow (last year's U14, U15, and U18 only lost one game amongst them).
Do u know who is in the U18G bracket with Shattuck?
Kansas - TBD
Ohio North - CASA as a MRL wild card
Nebraska - Arsenal Primo
please see attached link:
http://www.region2.com/Assets/Midwest+Regional+League+Digital+Assets/2009+Regionals+Team+Entries.xls
you have to match up the pool group codes (A,B,C,D) by age/gender.
U19 State Cup
Boys - Valley over WBL 5-2 (two titles for Valley - nice accomplishment, only other club with more than one)
Girls - MTA over NMT 5-0
Correction on SSM
Indiana - Carmel United
Iowa - Ankeny
Michigan Hawks
Nice draw, MI will most likely be their toughest test. That's why they call it the "luck of the draw". Lose State Cup and get a pool that is arguably easier than the State Cup champs....
Good luck to all the teams.
MTA 19G easy draw as they did last year, semis for sure
MTA 18G average, have a chance to advance
SSM 18G similar to MTA 18G
WDB 17G fairly soft, good shot at semis
WYZ 16G Difficult
MTA 15G Average, decent chance at semis
BVL 14G not a bad draw, Eclipse always tough
EP 13G No idea
Draws are good overall. Should have a top 4 won-lost ranking again. Opportunity for the non MTA teams to show they can be successful at this level also.
The brackets are not even out yet. where did you make these up from ??????
see 8:13's post
they haven't even done the draw yet. nothing put out by region II . You go to that website. 8:13 jumped the gun bigtime. the draw is next week - he is way off ~
my apologies. 8:13 is correct.
Nice draw for Inferno except for West Des Moines Heat (IA) which have had their number in the past.
yes the draw is out look on region 2 page, then go to regionals 2009, then go to 2009 Regional Cup Entries. You have to work at it a little but you can see if the team is A1 or A2 or A3 etc. and then match it up. Times and order of the games not listed yet
they do have the time blocks set for the different age groups (i.e. U13B at 8:00 & 9:30 on Saturday am, etc...) but nothing completely confirmed yet (click on Group Play Schedule without teams).
The draw is out. See 932's post.
Or simply looking at 639's would save you alot of hassle. Thanks appreciate going through and finding all the brackets for MN!
All Rankings I refer to are NationalSoccerRanking.com. I don't know enough about the bottom 2 ages so that's why I left those out.
U15 Boys- Beat ND, lose to MI who's ranked #1 and IL #18. Could possibly draw with IL though MTA ranked #23 but Jedi was #14. Hopefully makes noise with 2 wins.
U16 Boys- Probably the toughest group at this age. #1, #9, and #10 (if Gallagher wins today) ranked teams in region according to NSR. Unfortunate for this team. SSM unranked, must not have a feel on them as they are new to the age group.
U17 Boys- #12( if Gallagher wins), #20, #30 ranked teams on NSR make this a favorable draw and shot to advance for this age. St. Croix is currently at #7, Valley's ranking has yet to be updated they sit at #38.
U18 Boys- #3, #6, #29 ranked opponents. MTA is currently #5. To bad they couldn't get a better draw.
U19 Boys- Tough age to tell you don't know what team around the region had kids stop playing by now but Valley should be competitive regardless and at least present a chance at advancement.
Reg 2 watered down. Some top teams aren't even participating. A lot easier for Minny to lock up some winners. Reg 2 ain't what it used to be.
Anon 1:05
Any opinion on why it's watered down and why top teams wouldn't be participating.
Anonymous said...
Nice draw for Inferno except for West Des Moines Heat (IA) which have had their number in the past.
9/6/09 8:46 AM
Heat has ONE player, #11, Plays forward, is super fast, and has control of the ball, she wont juke you going 1v1 thou, They play loooonnnnngggg ball thou. Over the top to 11. You face guard her like a certain MTA coach does and you will be fine.
NationalSoccerRanking.com has not updated most of their rankings since last years National Cup. Many teams rankings should be significantly different. But nice job analyzing. Hope you get to see a bunch of games! Enjoy!
I really hope MN teams do well...but from the teams listed in each age group, it's going to be tough for MN. Best chance is still on the girls side.
2:28 maybe you should call JE as they haven't been able to beat them previously. 2-0 loss at U16 and 5-0 loss at U14. I'd like to see them make a good run.
You know you have a good draw when beating an Iowa team is your top concern.
Iowa is the weakest team in that pool -- they just seem to have Inferno's number.
Don't be an idiot 2:27 we all know that academy players will not be participating on the boys side. And in 2 or 3 years, they won't be competing on the girls side either.
At this stage 1-1-1 in pool play would be a good result for any MN team. That isn't meant to be an insult, just reasonable based on where the state stands in the region
The state has ranked #3 or #4 in won lost record at regionals for the past 3 years, well above 500. Are you ignorant of that fact or just spouting off.
1152 I would guess 829 was referring to the boys side. If girls he simply has not done his homework.
U13 EP will have there hands full with Carmel United, they are a very strong team not sure about the other teams they are facing. U14 Burnsville also will face extremely tough teams in Toro and Eclipse. Predictions EP 1-2-0.
Burnsville 1-2-0 also. Eclipse is very good at crossing and finishing using their heads. Anything better I would consider a very good showing. Good Luck!!!
5:15 given the Inferno's record at regionals, I don't think they can look past anyone. History tells us they will have their hands full with Iowa. I wish them the best and would love to see them advance.
U14B - I'm thinking that MTA will beat IL (Chicago Wind) and ND (Dakota United) but will struggle with the MRL wildcard team (MI Wolves). Never know, they may pull it off!
Inferno has never had out of state success to speak of, very good draw at regions this year could change that. I think they will get through to semis. Anything can happen then. MTA U19 has an even easier draw and should also get through. None of the rest of the teams have all that difficult of draws either. MTA 15 and 18 and BVL 14's could advance if play well and have some luck. EP 13 and WYZ 16 will struggle.
let me first say that I am happy Burnsville beat MTA to go to regions but there is no way they will be able to beat Toro or Eclipse. I hope they do but they will need more than luck.
U-13 girls WH should be up at Blaine this weekend and he could scout the JUSC team who is playing in the Walmart Cup.
U-14 Toro is really tough and Burnsville will have it's hands full. Good luck to Burnsville. Anything can happen, that's why they play the games.
I have seen both Eclipse and Toro and they are both very good. I would give the edge to eclipse. Both teams will give Burnsville all they can handle. It is a game and anything can happen, Good Luck!!
Eclipse is solid as always, the Toro team is not very strong. Burnsville should win two games and if they can catch a break against Eclipse could advance.
So after all the dust has settled MTA/Bangu has 7 teams going to Regions.
Even after the fiasco at U13 girls where they were huge favorites but were disqualified.
They had 8 championshions last year and also 8 in 2008. They had 7 in 2006.
It appears they are are very consistent with their success at State Cup
So? Just random bragging? Are you a director at MTA?
If not, how could it possibly matter how many teams MTA has going to regions? Either your DD's team is going, or not. Simple as that. If your DD's team is not going, even if MTA sent 16 teams, her team would still not be one of them. If her team did win, congrats, but I don't see how having six other MTA teams in SD will help her team do any better.
If you are a MTA director, then I suggest you should have other things to be taking care of than bragging on the blogs.
6:25....yawn...get a life and drink some kool-aid, so you don't choke on all that dust....blah, blah blah....yawn
congrats to all the Mn team's going to regionals
6:45 Capital L on forehead.
645pm
It's cause the boys side stepped it up. Any team is going to do good if they gather all the best kids from the twin cities. Good luck to all the teams heading to SD.
I have to think anything less than winning every age group must be considered a failure for MTA. Aren't they supposed to be the ONLY place to develop and play regionally and get scholarships? Oh well, maybe next year.
that always begs the question......why do they leave their old club?? (I know, I know, stupid, gullible parents swallowing the "sales/marketing" pitch hook,line, and sinker).
9:29,
Is there one club in any state that wins all the age groups at State Cup on both girls and boys?
I haven't dug into it that deeply but there doesn't appear to be any club that dominant in any state.
Anyone have a way to look at that?
dominant clubs in region II are: Carmel united - Indiana, SLSG - MO, FCMilwaukee - WI, MTA - MN. None of these dominate...impossible. IL, ON, OS, and MI all have many good clubs so no domination either.
9:30, you always answer your own question.
12:06, you kind of remind me of the one soldier who is marching out of step with his platoon who thens yell at the all the other soldiers to get in step with him......
7:11 capital L on forehead
Good one.
Does the "L" stand for "limp"?
The elite players will continue to migrate to MTA because there are no real options especially at the older ages. This has been going on for a long time and will continue to do so. That's just the way it is.
Do your homework, Goober. Real options at the older ages include:
For u16 girls - EP, Wayzata, SSM and SCV
For u16 boys - SCV and SSM
For U17 girls - Woodbury, PSA and SSM
For U17 boys - Valley United, SCV, Blackhawks and SSM
For u18 Girls - SSM
For U18 Boys - EDP and SSM
For u19 - umm, lets see, college teams?
8:44 those are options - but not the best options. Ummm lets compare college scholarships. Also take out SSM and its price tag except for 10% of the population.
yawn...yawn...blah, blah,....drink some kool-aid...the arrogance continues....the high degree of ego resulted in cheating...drink the kool-aid's new flavor...Ugli friut punch
10:22- Yes. Let's compare college scholarships. You seem to be confusing "college signings" with "college scholarships". The two are very different, and scholarship amounts are NEVER disclosed. So, unless you are willing to disclose this info-- I guess we can't compare these either.
Secondly, forget about the SSM price tag. Nice try, but that isn't really relevant. It has been stated many times on this board that if your player wants to attend and can't afford it-- it will be handled. Not having money is not a reason SSM uses to keep kids out. Same kind of deal as scholarships at any club.
So, I guess that leaves you without any (credible) excuses.
Not many parents are willing to send their kids off to a boarding school like SSM especially when we've seen in this years State Cup that their program isn't all that strong.
Can't honestly say if it's the caliber of player or mediocre coaching that saw them stumble in State Cup this year.
I know their U16 boys won but against Minnesota teams that had talent scattered between 5-6 clubs. They barely beat the MTA 2nd team in the final.
I think SSM will find it harder and harder every year to get the Minnesota kids to enroll.
Stop me if you've heard this one before - A bragging goober walks into a corner as a result of saying things that don't hold water, so he tries to change the subject by lashing out as SSM.
What's a goober? Is that an MTA wannabe?
Nope, the wannabees already have a name - MTW.
Stop me if you have seen this before. A frustrated anti MTA parent posts something trying to appear to be an over the top MTA parent. He then uses the post to lash out at MTA by using SSM as his proxy. Over and over and over. As amusing as it is predictable.
Stop me if I'm wrong. If you have multiple kids in the program you have a better chance of making a top team.
"QUOTE - Anonymous said...
Not many parents are willing to send their kids off to a boarding school like SSM especially when we've seen in this years State Cup that their program isn't all that strong.
Can't honestly say if it's the caliber of player or mediocre coaching that saw them stumble in State Cup this year.
I know their U16 boys won but against Minnesota teams that had talent scattered between 5-6 clubs. They barely beat the MTA 2nd team in the final.
I think SSM will find it harder and harder every year to get the Minnesota kids to enroll.
13/6/09 11:58 AM - QUOTE"
HEY 11:58 AM I AM SO SORRY THAT THE STACKED MTA U16 BOYS A TEAM BLEW IT SO EARLY IN STATE CUP FINAL. THEY ABSOLUTELY CHOKED. WAS THAT DUE TO "MEDIOCRE" COACHING ? I WOULD SAY NO. JUST A BAD GAME - IT HAPPENS. THE SSM U16BOYS ONLY DID WHAT THEY NEEDED TO AND WON STATE CUP.
AS FAR AS THE U17, U18 SSM BOYS, SOMETIMES GAMES TURN OUT THAT WAY.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL MINN TEAMS AT REGIONALS.
Also, U18 SSM girls will be going to Regionals along with the MTA U18s. Both will represent MN well....we'll see how each does.
I hardly feel that anyone could say much against the U16 SSM girls. In State Cup, they had ONE GOAL scored against them in the tournament. They lost ONE GAME 1-0 which was the difference in the tournament.
I would hardly call any of the showings of the SSM teams as embarrassing or program killers. But, I know there are many who would wish that to be the case. The program will continue to gain strength, with or without MN players. I think it a tragedy that MN players are going to lose out on the opportunities to play with some of the world class players rumored to be coming in. You can either embrace and take part or complain that some situations aren't fair- and your kid is a victim. I know what choice most of you will take.
10:22- BTW, I am still waiting for the answer to my question I posed to you. But, I guess that you have learned the error of your ways and now understand your lack of knowledge on this issue.
10:56
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