With coaches practice started at most high schools, the excitement for the 2009 MN high school season is upon us. Should be a great year for HS soccer with many very strong U16, U17 and U18 girls club teams.
NSP's coach(DV) proves that if you use to play pro(1 year) does not make you a good soccer coach. HM's second rate coach beat NSP last night 2-0. DV does not have a clue on how to adjust or even tell his defenders to step to keep HM offsides. 1 NSP forward is not going to beat 4 defenders. DV teaches Boot Ball with no passing to build up the attack. Get the ball and boot it and loose possession. Get a clue DV.
High school coaching can often show the abilities of coaches to take a diverse talent pool and pull them together as a team. Obviously, some programs are blessed with great club talent and with great numbers of participants. That being said, high school coaching offers different challenges than coaching a premier-level team (where the talent range can be quite narrow.) Some who coach premier level teams struggle in their ability to teach the masses and some who teach/coach the masses well may not have the resume to take on a premier team.
love the comments about BV some are spot on....understand that the whole strategy this year for them is to get the ball to #3 so she can score, anyone else does not matter.
352: HAHAHA very funny! Nice one, Dad or Grandparent. Isn't she new to the Blue team this year, and hasn't even stepped foot on the field yet? Be careful, when you make ignorant comments, you will get feedback.
10:52am you are spot on. But it is not #3 they want the ball to. It is number #13....hockey player....prone to getting a yellow card every game. There is no attack from the outside mids, and the centermids have been told by DV himself. Kick the ball up top to #13. Sure NSP has had success this year...but look who they have beat....come on! Only a few games left. NSP will get waxed in Sectionals. 1 game....then done!
Pretty sure that 10:52 is correct as #3 has 19 goals on the season and your #13 has 5. You must be the same guy who crowned her the "best forward on the 16 MTA team"
Regarding Bville - they have been an underachieving HS doormat for years so at least JD has them winning the games they should. That said, their last 4 games are tough (Eagan, Tonka, Rosemount, Hill Murray) and they need to show they can compete at the higher levels to be considered in the same conversation as the state's better teams. They aren't in the the EP/Woodbury class just potentially the next tier.
bvl will take a dip next year due to graduation they will rebound in a few years as their current U15 club team matriculates (yes i know a big word) assuming that the bulk of that team are bvl kids.
9:07 JI was the caoch at NSP last year. Why such a hater.... pick on the Tarten ,Hill Murray, Mahtomedi, East Ridge, WHITE bear, WOODBURY, STILLWATER coaches... there is no tradition of good soccer at NSP, the coach is fine.
1150 spot on. BVLLE has no interest in midfield play it is get up and go, they are winning so it is working. whether or not it will work when things tighten up in a week or so will be interesting. It is easy to stop the get up and go, one player team, if a coach knows what they are doing
Should be interesting to see how Burnsville does against a very solid Minnetonka defense this Saturday. LD is probably the single toughest player in the state to stop one on one.
Back to the difference between HS and high level club play. LD is one part of a team at Inferno, HS is based on look at me individualism, or boot ball, or U14 C1 soccer... except for the top two or three HS teams.
7:57 - i think you just confirmed what 7:48 had to say. LD plays on the top club team for her age, but her high school team is no where near the top two or three in the metro.
LD is a trmendously skilled player. More fun to watch than probably any player from this state in awhile. If she was 5'6" it would be frightening to watch her tear up the B10 or B12. My point was that in hiogh school where few teams have more than a defender or two, she becomes very difficult to stop, with the exception of a few players in this state that can guard her one on one.
CB is tearing up HS more than any other player in the state, even though she is really more of a hockey player. That can happen in HS soccer. For what its worth, she is 5' 6".
Not sure who LD is but the best female player this state has produced, CS, was barely 5 feet tall. This isn't basketball, if you can play you can play.
Best female player the state has produced...JK from Mahtomedi. Finalist for Collegiate Player of the Year...MVP for UNC....pretty good for a Class A school.
Also...that Scurry girl was also a pretty good goalie. I am not sure if CS is at their level.
CB was also player of the week (KARE 11 and Star Tribune) a while back, but I don't know what kind of coach lets a girl score over 3 goals in a blowout game. 5-6 goals in a game is not something that should be celebrated and if she is the leading scorer in state it is only because of this type of "sportsmanship" from Edina.
sure it is, but do you leave your "Star" player(s) on the field just to keep racking up the points to pad their stats or do you pull most if not all of your 1st string and give the kids on the bench a chance to play for their high school and develop more depth on the team for now and coming years? Seems like the classier teams back off with their starters & stars and give the other players a chance.
yes, it IS high school and what a great time in their lives where valuable life lessons are learned. Does not mean that you promote yourself at the cost of others.
i need a lesson from 320p... oh wise one, what do you do when it's 3-0 20mins into the match? sit the kid(s) for the rest of the game? or let them start in the 2nd half and take the 'risk' that they (heaven forbid) score more goals and "pad their stats"?
i miss the 15-0 scores of a couple years ago. usually from a school that recruits, or the dad's the coach, or all the dd phenoms who played on the same U-inthewomb team, or my favorite season stat- 35+goals / 0 assists!
i have yet to see a resume cross my desk that included 'padded my stats in high school soccer' OR 'my team sucked in high school, but we were classy'.
People we are completing the circle again. Half the time these blogs are complaining that MN soccer is not good enough to compete with other states and the kids are not committed enough, tough enough etc.
Then the other half of the time we argue that coaches and players should be more classy and stop scoring.
Please take up knitting or something and stay out of soccer, athletes who make it to the next level have a burning desire to succeed. They do not demean others, but they do not slow down, or turn the switch off. Ever.
No I'm not from Edina, so don't play the other blog game...
The question is not about "pulling back" or "quitting". I agree that a player that puts in 3 in the first 20 minutes raises a tough question. However, is there no player on the bench that can play at that point? Is it worth risking an injury when up 3 in the first 20? Should other players get a shot as well?
Don't give me the line about great players never slowing down. This is not the NFL (where even top teams run the ball when the game is out of reach) or MLB (where you don't steal a base up big in the late innings). There is a difference between "slowing down" and having class. This is high school soccer and coaches should teach lessons about sportmanship.
The larger point I was making was not to judge a player based on stats that are "earned" against weaker teams.
If you are worried about injuries the kids shouldn't even play. Come on, just because one team is better than another doesn't mean they don't have class.
I personally think it is more humiliating to players to see mass subbing, and keep away tactics than to be scored on. But again, those that lose think winners are rude, coaches are jerks for training their players to succeed, etc.
You can't win when parents feelings are the first consideration. High school sports are supposed to be about the experience of playing, not how the parents feel. Losing is part of the experience for almost all. How you react to the loss says more about class than whether you score 100 more goals than the other team.
This is a frequent complaint/issue in HS soccer because the level of competition is so uneven. Some teams have full-time top level MRL players, while others have part-time C1 or lower players. The MRL players can hog the ball and score frequently against the latter. That doesn't help them get to the next level. In fact, it may hurt them. This problem is made worse by the top AA teams that put a bunch of A teams or out-state schools on their non-conference schedule.
Orono and Blake played to a 1-1 draw today. Both teams had a handful of genuine opportunities. Overall, a solid back and forth match between two nice teams. It was 0-0 at half. Blake scored first and unfortunately for them, not too long after Orono was awarded a goal on an indirect kick that never hit another player before it hit the net. Good to see a good amount of young talent on both teams.
i too have been low profile but the chances of my 'true identity' or full moniker being known are slight. like h.s. soccer, the ebb and flow causes constant change in the food change...sometimes known as proud parents.
which game are you looking to attend? i'm out of town until mid-day tues. we'll review the tepid attempts at humor when assigning new meaning to the revered ems.
ps, i attack every windmill i see and protect the downtrodden!
ems
who still hasn't figured out how to identify myself with the blue letters.
Rivals in the section-of-death which also includes: Blake, MHA, Vis and Washburn. The winner of that section will come down to someone either finishing or not; putting the ball on frame or not.
very good prophet! you won something from the spiegel catalog (from chicago, il).
934...the history of this site (and the previous similar one who's name escaped me at the moment) encouraged ownership for statements. not the anonymous tag we see here/now.
agree with their statement or not, you 'knew' who was thinking what and that created a bond of sorts.
Class A really is down this year when top A team gets beat 3-1 by AA team and a team with 4-7 record is ranked in the top ten in class A. So many games almost worthless of quality intent and purpose and parents funding child to go to some of schools to play there at young age. Double AA though not club level competition but certainly still competive at top four teams level.
Mrs. Robinson craftily used her anonymous identity to unearth TomAss. Mrs. Robinson chose her pseudonym wisely. I have been quietly watching the last offspring playing on her high school team. And enjoying every minute of it. No comments one way or the other, just happy to watch and enjoy the comradery. I, too, ems am technically challenged and don't know how to get a blue name. Perhaps TomAss can hold a class?
yeah, I think the guy on here who says AHA shouldn't be in the top 10needs to eat a little crow. Despite their record the coaches are voting them in because they play a wicked hard schedule and they've now lost to #1 BSM to a rspectable 2-0 score, tied #2 Mahtomedi, and tied #3 SPA. Yes they are down, and we all like to kick the traditional powers when they are down - but if you are going to say they shouldn't be ranked I guess you can't rank Mahtomedi, SPA, or Totino Grace either seeing as they drew with all three of those teams?
Watch out for that team as a darkhorse #5 seed in that section of death - they got two of their injured kids back for last night and I think SPA was a little surprised by them.
I don't think MAH is in the section the above poster thinks they are in. They are in 4A from what I can see - a tough section (by Class A standards) nevertheless with Simley, St Croix Lutheran, and East Ridge.
Soccer, Girls Class: A Section: 4 17 teams in this section
Academy for Sciences & Agriculture Concordia Academy-Roseville East Ridge High School Mahtomedi High School Mounds Park Academy New Life Academy of Woodbury Saint Croix Lutheran High School Saint Paul Arlington High School Saint Paul Como Park H.S. Saint Paul Harding High School Saint Paul Humboldt High School Simley High School South Saint Paul High School St. Paul Preparatory School Coop: 391 "Saints" Saint Agnes High School Saint Bernard's School (HOST) Coop: 409 "Saint Paul Johnson H.S." High School for Recording Arts Saint Paul Johnson High School (HOST) Coop: 795 "Charter Stars" Avalon School Twin Cities Academy High School (HOST)
which section has SPA, Blake, Vis, AHA & Minnehaha (4 of the current top 10).
BSM will walk through their section. Mathomedi and St. Croix in their section. I believe Blake just soundly beat Breck. The dark horse team will be Rogers as they are back to full strength.
What's so sad about east Ridge winning? Full of a lot of talent and has a top notch coach. Just needed time for all the players to gel since it's a new team.
4/10/09 10:10 AM - OK, so AHA has stayed with some good teams. But have they beaten any? Look at the teams they have actually beaten .... pathetic! They may earn more respect once they knock off a good team or two. Their tie this weekend against SPA may be their best result?
Sections 3, 4, and 6 in class A are definitely the ones to watch.
Section 3 has traditionally been the most competitive and deepest section, and it still will be a dogfight this year between AHA, SPA, Minnehaha, Blake, and Vis.
Mahtomedi finally doesn't have a cakewalk to state in section 4. There are 5 teams (Mahto, Simley, East Ridge, S Saint Paul, and St. Croix) that could end up taking that section.
And, section 6 is also loaded with good teams (BSM, Breck, St. Louis Park, Orono, etc.). Looking forward to sections starting in about a week!
935 - BSM, some talent at all thirds of the field, very organized, creative in their playmaking, good field vision and ability to change the point of attack with one strike of the ball. Good talent off the bench but maybe 4 players deep.
They played very well as a team, a lot of unselfish players
Weakness in the back may be the ability to handle opponents' speedy attackers
One game left a good impression, but it is the only benchmark I have to go with
Junior Katie Bethke scored a career high 4 goals today and added 2 assists to gather 10 points individually and help her U of M Gophers to a 9-0 win against a rather hapless University of South Dakota Coyotes.
if she had been a player on a Class AA high school power doing that against an outstate Class A high school, what do you think the comments would have been on this thread?
Watched the Woodbury White Bear Lake game on local cable tv and I echo 12:27pm...Woodbury will win it all. If you dont pressure WDB they can shoot and score from well outside the 18. They are not afraid to possess the ball when they cant go forward and not play "Boot Ball" up to the forwards for a turnover.
If White Bear was playing someone else I would bet they would have beat them. WBL is a good team.
Woodbury, Park have split the SW County school district for years, East Ridge wont be the reason for all 3 schools having less success in the years to come. While the U of EP may have some success with sports programs they also have a lions share of non extra curricular students , not that underage drinking is all that bad, 2 in EP wouldnt hurt sports programs.....same with Stillwater.
Well, why not make make so many classes that everyone is a winner.....True team Track , Swimming, Wrestling ,Team , Individual , Football has.... I dunno,lots of classes. The truth is....GIANT schools only cater to coaches egos. Of course a coach wants 4000 kids to choose from, not the best for the students,less per capita participation. Dont even start with the quality will suffer. Less opportunity for H.S. kids , who change so quikly, to rise rather than be eliminated.
Problem with new schools - most of the liberal loonies equate new structures to better education. Talk about wasting money. Isn't that right Bloomington Lincoln ? Edina West? Hopkins Eisenhower or was it Lindberg?
Class size at Chaska and now the new Chan HS is higher than it was when it was a single HS. Some AP classes with 50 students in them.
Money is being spent on structures rather than hiring additional teachers and keeping the quality teachers
now back to your regular scheduled program of HS girls soccer
752- yep that sounds like an educational discussion to me -
Oh wait, I see your word association ties liberal loonies to Democrats. I get it now! Well, if the shoe fits or if I struck a chord, I really can't control how you feel or react.
Agree with the craziness of new schools. Have you been to the Palace in Chan? Did they really need a recording studio? The baseball field is nicer then the new Target Field
The problem is the funding mechanism involved in allocating funds. If I ran my business like a public school I would be out of business.
With section play upon us, will it be the same old same old or will some new blood pop up?
AHA v Eastridge may be the preview of old versus new this Saturday.
I saw Simley light up SSP a few weeks back. SSP is typically a solid side and a contender and is this year as well. Maybe a view of the future in that section. Although I don't think any of those coaches are hoping to see the Zephyrs early in sections. Along with SCL this could be the new section of death. Although right now let's call it the section-of-you-are-going-to-play-at-least-two-hard games to reach the Dome.
The behavior in victory by Northfield last night was appalling, the program should be reprimanded by their conference and their state high school league. In all the years I have been going to HS games I have never in my life heard the announcer, and adult man, taunt high school girls before over the loudspeaker. It was the most childish and blatant display of poor sportsmanship that I have ever seen and their coach, their athletic director, and their principal should have to answer for it.
Its high school girls soccer for crying out loud. You are a grown man and you feel the need to taunt 15 year old girls. P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C
Enrollment at East Ridge is 1050... thats with no senior class. 1188 and you are AA, so yes, this will be the one and only year that East Ridge is a class A team
Following the match the Northfield announcer actually taunted the AHA kids, parents, and coaches by repeating over and over again that Northfield "swept" AHA this year and that it was "two wins for Northfied, zero for AHA"
I understand that before DM's arrival at AHA that program in and of itself needed some work on its image, but since he has been there they have conducted themselves with superb character and sportsmanship. There's no doubt they are down this year and I am sure everyone wants their "revenge," but listening to an adult taunt a bunch of high school girls was just malicious.
side note: AHA lost its sophomore goalkeeper for the year also, as they were forced to play in standing water last night - she slipped while taking a goal kick and tore ligaments in her ankle.
maybe Northfield should stop taunting and gloating for a minute and take account of the fact that DM sat down 6 starters last night because they are finally getting healthy and he didn't want to risk them in those conditions in a game that didn't matter at all.
their announcer should be so proud his team ran it up on a JV squad. Its borderline criminal that that keeper loses the rest of her season because they were forced to play in that muck. I respect DM a lot, but he should have refused to play at all last night.
please help me understand why it is that the announcer's bad behavior is indicitive of an entire program - are you suggesting the coach asked the announcer to taunt the visitors? Does anyone know if Northfield's coach spoke to DM about the incident?
2:12 makes a fair point, we shouldn't indite the entire program, and yes coach marshak indicated to me that he recieved an apology from coach cohrs this morning and he would share it with us all.
I can say it was pretty low class, but it was also the actions of one individual. I would hope at the very least he is not allowed to announce for them anymore.
As for specifics, he repeated, at least 4 or 5 times "Northfield sweeps Holy Angels, two wins for Northfield, zero for Holy Angels." He repeated it over, and over, and over, and in a clear mocking tone. During the game he also used a blatantly condescending tone when announcing AHA subs.
coach DM offered to count Northfield's earlier win over AHA as the conference game and concede Northfield the points and standings, all to keep his team (which is just now beginning to get somewhat healthy) off that field and out of those conditions. Northfield knew they had the stronger team this year and just wanted to kick AHA while they were down - that theory is clearly reinforced by the announcers behavior. The end result was AHA was forced to play and a players season is over because the field was so bad she couldn't take a goal kick without ruining her ankle.
If nothing else AHA just got all the bulletin board material they could ever ask for, and next year this team of sophomores will be a year older, a year stronger, and feature not only the return of Schultz, but two Schultz's on their front line as her sister will play as well. Watch out.
Soccer can be played in the rain. It is too bad that a goalkeeper 'ruins' their ankle while taking a goal kick. Indeed there are few things worse than a self imposed injury. AHA offering to forefit the game because of a wet field is quite sad. Numerous games were held on non-artifical turf all across the state Tuesday night. It seems we have a tendency to want to wrap our children in cotton so they only play in prsitine conditions. I have always preferred the athletes and the coaches that look to go after challenges (the weather conditions included)as opposed to finding countless excuses and reasons to complain. Yes, I imagine, the idiot announcer was inappropriate. Hopefully he gets handled, but do not make it anything more than that. A soccer game was held in the rain, one girl planted wrong and hurt her ankle, DM provided the message that he does not believe his athletes are tough enough to play on a rough weather night (quite the message), and his team lost at Northfield (a place that is always tough to play). I know there are athletes with asthma issues--maybe any breezy games should be suspended, I know there are athletes who have light sensitivity--maybe games under the lights and any games should in the daytime--should be suspended. I am tired of the culture of excuses. Yes, AHA had to play in the rain. We all appreciate the depth of the sacrifice that their players, coaches, and parents had to make that night.
The Northfield announcer also made a comment after the boys game that same night. Apparently doesn't understand the point of high school sports.
In response to the person asking about the tall Northfield coach, yes it is the guy that yells a lot and gets cautioned frequently. Part of the reason he challenges the referees so much, is that he is a top level referee himself and expects a quality and effort from the crews assigned to his games. Not always appropriate and not defending him, just adding info that might help explain why..
Glad the other poster heard he did offer an apology, I would have been surprised if he didn't. He is a decent guy and just wants the best for his players.
10:47 - i've seen northfield play on numerous occasions, and if he is a high level ref, then either he does not know the rules, he teaches a style that not just bends the rule but more often than not breaks them, or he condones that style of play/those actions from his players. i also sincerely doubt that i am the only one who has that opinion.
1047 - I must have done a good job for him then when I use to be able to referee. He never once was a difficult coach to deal with when I had his games
Thoughts on class A section seedings in the most competitive sections? I know there are some key games left, but lets start throwing thoughts out there.
I'm assuming BSM gets #1 in their section. Breck, Orono, or SLP at #2? Four very solid teams here with a few decent ones beyond them.
Does the #1 go to SPA or Blake? Minnehaha and AHA I'm assuming go #3/4. There are 3-4 other good teams not to far behind that group.
Does St. Croix actually get the #1 seed in their section? Not sure how you can give it to Mahto despite the rankings. East Ridge, Simley, and S St Paul are in here as well.
Overall it is too bad that so many of the top teams are crammed into 3 sections.
I think they should not allow announcers to say anything at all during the game. Some announcers flat out get out of hand, usually talking when the opponent has the ball (possible distraction). Hardly need these people to announce anything other than starting line-ups. There are some real goofballs behind the microphones and quite annoying for the most part.
Hard to choose from Bauer, DiGregorio, Kallman, and Sessions (haven't seen Buie).
Bauer has size, speed, 1v.1 moves, and hard, accurate shots with both feet, DiGregorio has the highest work rate and is a natural scorer, Sessions has the total package (except size) including field awareness, Kallman is an outstanding defender with size, speed, an aerial game and a rocket shot.
I would give the nod to Kallman if I had a vote, but they are all deserving.
Compare each to what they've brought to the team success as a whole, and over 3-4 years on varsity. What has each contributed over time and in key wins.
Not a matter of "position" but rather a matter of who makes the difference when she's on the field in winning games and making things happen. KK and KS both have been dominating on backline.
Ms. Soccer won't be decided on this blog so let's just not get into player bashing on any level.Performance on the field, over time, has probably already decided the outcome.
While I don't disagree that CS is the top player for WDB, I don't see why that should make her Ms. Soccer. Why not a player that elevates a team that doesn't put all that talent around her like LD? I am not saying one or the other is a bettter player, just don't agree with 834's line of reasoning.
2006-07 Class A -Mr. Soccer - GK 2005-06 Class A -Ms.Soccer-GK Class AA - Mr.Soccer - GK So yes and these were 3 outstanding individuals who made the difference for their teams.
Why couldn't MS. Soccer be a great defensive player that keeps her very mediocre team in every game and even ranked in the top ten? Without this player, her team would probably have only won one-third of the games they've won.
Having watched the Inferno for years, I would have to say that their most dominant player is KK - by far. She is what keeps them in games. CS is a great player too but KK is the one that really shines out there. She hasn't gotten as much ODP national exposure as CS but certainly landed a better college spot. Her defense is amazing to watch and she is tough as nails. She would get my vote (if I got to vote!)
LD is one of the most fun players to watch. Very creative, very passionate about soccer. I think it is amazing how well Burnsville has done (a mediocre team at best) and it must be mostly due to her up top. She is an amazing athlete and a great kid too.
East Ridge has no seniors, brand new team that for the most part have never played together as a team and a lot of very young players. Underdogs that are outshing class A for their very 1st year.
i get the part about no seniors, but at the beginning of each new season, EVERY high school team has not played together. Huge roster turnover each year and let's be honest, since the seasons are only 2 months long, just how much "jelling together" or "knowing where you teammate will be" do you really think there is or carried over from 10 months ago?
My prediction is BSM v East Ridge for the title with BSM winning 2-0.
Assuming BSM wins Section 6, they will be the #1 seed. Winner of Section #3 will be the second seed and the winner of Section #4 will be the third seed. You can book it here......
Simley versus East Ridge in that final with East Ridge winning. East Ridge beat AHA 1-0 at the stardome with AHA almost back at full strength. Simley has a few undersclassmen that can finish and IMHO that is the most important thing in HS socccer, but East Ridge moves the ball like a premiere club team. They are also young, but they play passing soccer (like Arsenal for you EPL fans).
I wouldn't tout East Ridge by saying they beat AHA 1-0 recently. AHA is also the #5 seed in their section. Nonetheless, East Ridge and AHA are probably just as likely to win their section as the stronger seeds. Wide open!
How does WBL get the #2 seed in Section 4AA over Stillwater? Stillwater beat them in head-to-head play and only had one loss (to Woodbury) all year. Is the MSHSL web site wrong, or did something screwy happen at the Section 4AA seeding meeting? Just doesn't make sense to an outsider looking in. I have no connection to either school, just doesn't seem right.
With regards to AA, does anyone see any of the top seeds getting ousted, and if so, who are these teams to knock off those top seeds? Anyone? P.S. Can we have a decent discussion without ripping anyone? Just a good discussion with support please?
not sure about all the sections, but I would be shocked if WDB & EP/EDI aren't the top two seeds on course to meet in the finals. The only other team out there with some talent depth is Wayzata (other teams also have a few high quality players, but not super deep - Eagan, Eastview, CR, etc...).
Section 1 is wide open between LN, RC and LS. No one here is strong though.
Section 2 is a coin toss between Edina and Eden Prairie, but Eden Prairie has a much stronger defense. Eden prairie should win with it's defense. Likely whoever comes out is a finalist against Woodbury.
Section 3 Eagan seems too explosive for Eastview. If it stays close EV will win.
Section 4 Woodbury, but both Stillwater and White Bear lake are decent. Woodbury will meet Eden prairie or Edina in the finals.
Section 5 MV, Centennial or Osseo. Osseo could come out as the third seed. Overall a weak section.
Section 6 Wayzata is the favorite, but Minnetonka's defense could shut them down.
Section 7 Anoka can score, but can they stop anyone? CR has slipped.
i'd look for sec 6aa for the upset. wayzata's 5 draws throughout the season (3 with teams in that section) make me think it's a dog fight. (or would that be cat fight?)
Was anyone at the BSM/North Branch game last night? Wondering how it ended in a 1-1. And don't tell me BSM rested their top players because their best player had an assist? Was the weather that big of factor in the game?
why aren't all sections required to play on turf for section final. this year field conditions are going to play a major role in the games, which is dissapointing and unnecessary.
so if you are the #1 seed and have worked hard all season to earn that advantage, and your home field is grass, you should give that up and play on some neutral site on a surface that you don't practice on all the time (and that might be the home turf of your opponent)? i can live with that at state as there are no home games, but getting to state is the hardest part for some of the sections.
huh? what does installing turf fields (which both private and public schools are more commonly doing due to them being in the long run more economical and functional) have to do with elitism?
Last year AHA won the Section 3A final over Vis on the Star Dome's very old turf field. They clearly were more comfortable with the surface, and it helped them gain a significant possession advantage during the game. Vis plays home games on a very thick, well maintained grass field which requires passes to be struck with much more force.
AHA deserved the top seed, and they deserved the advantage gained. If Vis had earned the top seed, the grass would have played to their advantage.
Placing all neutral site games on turf gives an advantage to teams that normally play on turf. These sites should be rotated, with both surfaces getting equal opportunity.
1,477 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 601 – 800 of 1477 Newer› Newest»NSP's coach(DV) proves that if you use to play pro(1 year) does not make you a good soccer coach. HM's second rate coach beat NSP last night 2-0. DV does not have a clue on how to adjust or even tell his defenders to step to keep HM offsides. 1 NSP forward is not going to beat 4 defenders. DV teaches Boot Ball with no passing to build up the attack. Get the ball and boot it and loose possession. Get a clue DV.
7:12
Lighten up ,NSP is having a very good year with the talent they have, first year for DV.
Not his first year coaching....no excuses.
kid gets bad grades - must be the teacher.....
soccer team loses - must be the coach.....
High school coaching can often show the abilities of coaches to take a diverse talent pool and pull them together as a team. Obviously, some programs are blessed with great club talent and with great numbers of participants. That being said, high school coaching offers different challenges than coaching a premier-level team (where the talent range can be quite narrow.) Some who coach premier level teams struggle in their ability to teach the masses and some who teach/coach the masses well may not have the resume to take on a premier team.
love the comments about BV some are spot on....understand that the whole strategy this year for them is to get the ball to #3 so she can score, anyone else does not matter.
352: HAHAHA very funny! Nice one, Dad or Grandparent. Isn't she new to the Blue team this year, and hasn't even stepped foot on the field yet? Be careful, when you make ignorant comments, you will get feedback.
7:12 is spot on.
10:52am you are spot on. But it is not #3 they want the ball to. It is number #13....hockey player....prone to getting a yellow card every game.
There is no attack from the outside mids, and the centermids have been told by DV himself. Kick the ball up top to #13.
Sure NSP has had success this year...but look who they have beat....come on!
Only a few games left. NSP will get waxed in Sectionals. 1 game....then done!
OOOH 11:11, another MTA Blue parent with hurt feelings!!!
She was better even as a white team player.
Pretty sure that 10:52 is correct as #3 has 19 goals on the season and your #13 has 5. You must be the same guy who crowned her the "best forward on the 16 MTA team"
DV played one year pro? Where?
Resume says MN Thunde,curious why only 1 year in the USL???
He also states Haitan National Team. Curious about to.
Regarding Bville - they have been an underachieving HS doormat for years so at least JD has them winning the games they should. That said, their last 4 games are tough (Eagan, Tonka, Rosemount, Hill Murray) and they need to show they can compete at the higher levels to be considered in the same conversation as the state's better teams. They aren't in the the EP/Woodbury class just potentially the next tier.
bvl will take a dip next year due to graduation
they will rebound in a few years as their current U15 club team matriculates (yes i know a big word) assuming that the bulk of that team are bvl kids.
9:07
JI was the caoch at NSP last year. Why such a hater.... pick on the Tarten ,Hill Murray, Mahtomedi, East Ridge, WHITE bear, WOODBURY, STILLWATER coaches... there is no tradition of good soccer at NSP, the coach is fine.
Orono, spa, benilde....how is the coaching in the small school world?
1150 spot on. BVLLE has no interest in midfield play it is get up and go, they are winning so it is working. whether or not it will work when things tighten up in a week or so will be interesting. It is easy to stop the get up and go, one player team, if a coach knows what they are doing
Should be interesting to see how Burnsville does against a very solid Minnetonka defense this Saturday. LD is probably the single toughest player in the state to stop one on one.
Doesn't LD play for Inferno? Why then does Inferno get not much done out of state if LD is so tough to stop? Not a team player?
Back to the difference between HS and high level club play. LD is one part of a team at Inferno, HS is based on look at me individualism, or boot ball, or U14 C1 soccer... except for the top two or three HS teams.
748
Great HS bashing, where is the proof? I see just as much boot ball at the club level, except for the top two or three teams...of course
7:57 - i think you just confirmed what 7:48 had to say. LD plays on the top club team for her age, but her high school team is no where near the top two or three in the metro.
LD is a trmendously skilled player. More fun to watch than probably any player from this state in awhile. If she was 5'6" it would be frightening to watch her tear up the B10 or B12. My point was that in hiogh school where few teams have more than a defender or two, she becomes very difficult to stop, with the exception of a few players in this state that can guard her one on one.
CB is tearing up HS more than any other player in the state, even though she is really more of a hockey player. That can happen in HS soccer. For what its worth, she is 5' 6".
11:54--who is 5' 6"?
Who is CB?
CB is Edina's leading scorer.
Not sure who LD is but the best female player this state has produced, CS, was barely 5 feet tall. This isn't basketball, if you can play you can play.
Best female player the state has produced...JK from Mahtomedi. Finalist for Collegiate Player of the Year...MVP for UNC....pretty good for a Class A school.
Also...that Scurry girl was also a pretty good goalie. I am not sure if CS is at their level.
CB was also player of the week (KARE 11 and Star Tribune) a while back, but I don't know what kind of coach lets a girl score over 3 goals in a blowout game. 5-6 goals in a game is not something that should be celebrated and if she is the leading scorer in state it is only because of this type of "sportsmanship" from Edina.
If its an easy blow-out, are the first three goals from a "star" player also unimpressive?
I thought the object of the game was to score goals!!
sure it is, but do you leave your "Star" player(s) on the field just to keep racking up the points to pad their stats or do you pull most if not all of your 1st string and give the kids on the bench a chance to play for their high school and develop more depth on the team for now and coming years?
Seems like the classier teams back off with their starters & stars and give the other players a chance.
Get over it...this is HS.
yes, it IS high school and what a great time in their lives where valuable life lessons are learned.
Does not mean that you promote yourself at the cost of others.
I think it is MA's fault.
i need a lesson from 320p... oh wise one, what do you do when it's 3-0 20mins into the match? sit the kid(s) for the rest of the game? or let them start in the 2nd half and take the 'risk' that they (heaven forbid) score more goals and "pad their stats"?
i miss the 15-0 scores of a couple years ago. usually from a school that recruits, or the dad's the coach, or all the dd phenoms who played on the same U-inthewomb team, or my favorite season stat- 35+goals / 0 assists!
i have yet to see a resume cross my desk that included 'padded my stats in high school soccer' OR 'my team sucked in high school, but we were classy'.
ems
everyone beware......don't ever knock an Edina kid or the program or you will feel the wrath of ems!!!!
People we are completing the circle again. Half the time these blogs are complaining that MN soccer is not good enough to compete with other states and the kids are not committed enough, tough enough etc.
Then the other half of the time we argue that coaches and players should be more classy and stop scoring.
Please take up knitting or something and stay out of soccer, athletes who make it to the next level have a burning desire to succeed. They do not demean others, but they do not slow down, or turn the switch off. Ever.
No I'm not from Edina, so don't play the other blog game...
wth does running up scores have to do with the calibre of MN soccer players?
EMS and 8:00am--
The question is not about "pulling back" or "quitting". I agree that a player that puts in 3 in the first 20 minutes raises a tough question. However, is there no player on the bench that can play at that point? Is it worth risking an injury when up 3 in the first 20? Should other players get a shot as well?
Don't give me the line about great players never slowing down. This is not the NFL (where even top teams run the ball when the game is out of reach) or MLB (where you don't steal a base up big in the late innings). There is a difference between "slowing down" and having class. This is high school soccer and coaches should teach lessons about sportmanship.
The larger point I was making was not to judge a player based on stats that are "earned" against weaker teams.
If you are worried about injuries the kids shouldn't even play. Come on, just because one team is better than another doesn't mean they don't have class.
I personally think it is more humiliating to players to see mass subbing, and keep away tactics than to be scored on. But again, those that lose think winners are rude, coaches are jerks for training their players to succeed, etc.
You can't win when parents feelings are the first consideration. High school sports are supposed to be about the experience of playing, not how the parents feel. Losing is part of the experience for almost all. How you react to the loss says more about class than whether you score 100 more goals than the other team.
ggrrrr 10:54, where can I find that testosterone shake that you're drinking?
This is a frequent complaint/issue in HS soccer because the level of competition is so uneven. Some teams have full-time top level MRL players, while others have part-time C1 or lower players. The MRL players can hog the ball and score frequently against the latter. That doesn't help them get to the next level. In fact, it may hurt them. This problem is made worse by the top AA teams that put a bunch of A teams or out-state schools on their non-conference schedule.
Where is TomASS when you need him?
He's lost without Karl Rove.
Orono and Blake played to a 1-1 draw today. Both teams had a handful of genuine opportunities. Overall, a solid back and forth match between two nice teams. It was 0-0 at half. Blake scored first and unfortunately for them, not too long after Orono was awarded a goal on an indirect kick that never hit another player before it hit the net. Good to see a good amount of young talent on both teams.
I'm stirring the pot on the boys side.
646 I get my Karl Rove fix on Fox and I'm never lost since I have my own personal GPS system named after me Tom-Tom
ems - how the hell are you mate?
Double Jeopardy Question for Guinness and cigars- the three initials in the moniker "ems" stand for what?
ems - you could take some abuse here but I know you have broad shoulders.
ems- going to be at an Edina game soon to watch some of my players on my club team ( came out of retirement - I figured if favre can do it I can)
TOMASS! MY MAN!!! my apologies to Animal House...
i too have been low profile but the chances of my 'true identity' or full moniker being known are slight. like h.s. soccer, the ebb and flow causes constant change in the food change...sometimes known as proud parents.
which game are you looking to attend? i'm out of town until mid-day tues. we'll review the tepid attempts at humor when assigning new meaning to the revered ems.
ps, i attack every windmill i see and protect the downtrodden!
ems
who still hasn't figured out how to identify myself with the blue letters.
sub 'chain' for the 2nd 'change'...laptop
ems
EMS - Early Morning Sage
Probably only us old-school bloggers know that. These newbies are too spiteful for my taste.
Tomass, all we need now is Mrs. Robinson and it'll be a nice little reunion. Maybe she can find Polly Anna as well.
Maybe you guys should get a room?
lets talk sectionals.
AHA SPA 1-1 tie on the new rug.
Rivals in the section-of-death which also includes: Blake, MHA, Vis and Washburn. The winner of that section will come down to someone either finishing or not; putting the ball on frame or not.
splitsville
very good prophet! you won something from the spiegel catalog (from chicago, il).
934...the history of this site (and the previous similar one who's name escaped me at the moment) encouraged ownership for statements. not the anonymous tag we see here/now.
agree with their statement or not, you 'knew' who was thinking what and that created a bond of sorts.
hatfields v mccoys. ems v the world.
again, nice job prophet!
ems
Class A really is down this year when top A team gets beat 3-1 by AA team and a team with 4-7 record is ranked in the top ten in class A. So many games almost worthless of quality intent and purpose and parents funding child to go to some of schools to play there at young age. Double AA though not club level competition but certainly still competive at top four teams level.
Mrs. Robinson craftily used her anonymous identity to unearth TomAss. Mrs. Robinson chose her pseudonym wisely. I have been quietly watching the last offspring playing on her high school team. And enjoying every minute of it. No comments one way or the other, just happy to watch and enjoy the comradery. I, too, ems am technically challenged and don't know how to get a blue name. Perhaps TomAss can hold a class?
yeah, I think the guy on here who says AHA shouldn't be in the top 10needs to eat a little crow. Despite their record the coaches are voting them in because they play a wicked hard schedule and they've now lost to #1 BSM to a rspectable 2-0 score, tied #2 Mahtomedi, and tied #3 SPA. Yes they are down, and we all like to kick the traditional powers when they are down - but if you are going to say they shouldn't be ranked I guess you can't rank Mahtomedi, SPA, or Totino Grace either seeing as they drew with all three of those teams?
Watch out for that team as a darkhorse #5 seed in that section of death - they got two of their injured kids back for last night and I think SPA was a little surprised by them.
I don't think MAH is in the section the above poster thinks they are in. They are in 4A from what I can see - a tough section (by Class A standards) nevertheless with Simley, St Croix Lutheran, and East Ridge.
1:07 - ????? Looking for the MAH reference that puts them in that section?
I think 12:04am lays out the section pretty well.
Sectional Assignments
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/competitiveSections09.asp?activity=414
Soccer, Girls
Class: A
Section: 4
17 teams in this section
Academy for Sciences & Agriculture
Concordia Academy-Roseville
East Ridge High School
Mahtomedi High School
Mounds Park Academy
New Life Academy of Woodbury
Saint Croix Lutheran High School
Saint Paul Arlington High School
Saint Paul Como Park H.S.
Saint Paul Harding High School
Saint Paul Humboldt High School
Simley High School
South Saint Paul High School
St. Paul Preparatory School
Coop: 391 "Saints"
Saint Agnes High School
Saint Bernard's School (HOST)
Coop: 409 "Saint Paul Johnson H.S."
High School for Recording Arts
Saint Paul Johnson High School (HOST)
Coop: 795 "Charter Stars"
Avalon School
Twin Cities Academy High School (HOST)
1:07 here.
1:32 beat me to it. Thanks
I can confirm that there are 14 teams in section 4A so some of the 17 listed above must not be competing.
IMO section 4 and section 6 are the most competitive in single A.
Early doors prediction - BSM vs section 4 winner in the finals, pending obviously on the state tournament draw.
which section has SPA, Blake, Vis, AHA & Minnehaha (4 of the current top 10).
BSM will walk through their section.
Mathomedi and St. Croix in their section.
I believe Blake just soundly beat Breck.
The dark horse team will be Rogers as they are back to full strength.
SPA, Blake etc are in section 3.
Anyone know when the seeding meeting will take place?
Most sections will seed next Sunday following the final games on Saturday night.
Sadly, East Ridge could win A.
What's so sad about east Ridge winning? Full of a lot of talent and has a top notch coach. Just needed time for all the players to gel since it's a new team.
Most would prefer to the top notch coach to fail because he's a loser.
prophet - lets not forget Bangu Mom and her army boots, and sweeper.
I just like to come in and stir the pot.I knew the newbies would be clueless about early morning sage.
Ok its was suggested we get a room - may I suggest a bar during state tourney time and I will make sure you all start working blue....so to speak
Saw BSM play last week. Like a lot what I saw.
Most who want talent to fail lack talent themselves.
4/10/09 10:10 AM - OK, so AHA has stayed with some good teams. But have they beaten any? Look at the teams they have actually beaten .... pathetic! They may earn more respect once they knock off a good team or two. Their tie this weekend against SPA may be their best result?
tomASS-
how so? haven't got a chance to see them play yet.
Sections 3, 4, and 6 in class A are definitely the ones to watch.
Section 3 has traditionally been the most competitive and deepest section, and it still will be a dogfight this year between AHA, SPA, Minnehaha, Blake, and Vis.
Mahtomedi finally doesn't have a cakewalk to state in section 4. There are 5 teams (Mahto, Simley, East Ridge, S Saint Paul, and St. Croix) that could end up taking that section.
And, section 6 is also loaded with good teams (BSM, Breck, St. Louis Park, Orono, etc.). Looking forward to sections starting in about a week!
935 - BSM, some talent at all thirds of the field, very organized, creative in their playmaking, good field vision and ability to change the point of attack with one strike of the ball. Good talent off the bench but maybe 4 players deep.
They played very well as a team, a lot of unselfish players
Weakness in the back may be the ability to handle opponents' speedy attackers
One game left a good impression, but it is the only benchmark I have to go with
The ones with the biggest egos fall the hardest.
A valuable life lesson lost...
Junior Katie Bethke scored a career high 4 goals today and added 2 assists to gather 10 points individually and help her U of M Gophers to a 9-0 win against a rather hapless University of South Dakota Coyotes.
And your point is?
if she had been a player on a Class AA high school power doing that against an outstate Class A high school, what do you think the comments would have been on this thread?
Woodbury will win it all this year hands down. Then you'll never hear from them again.
Splitsville
Go back to Oct 2 on this blog to find out how classless KB is to the high school parents.
They also don't understand why you would keep a top player on the field. To gain fitness, perhaps?
Watched the Woodbury White Bear Lake game on local cable tv and I echo 12:27pm...Woodbury will win it all. If you dont pressure WDB they can shoot and score from well outside the 18. They are not afraid to possess the ball when they cant go forward and not play "Boot Ball" up to the forwards for a turnover.
If White Bear was playing someone else I would bet they would have beat them. WBL is a good team.
12:27 - WTH!!!!!! Why don't you get your own moniker? Why would anyone steal someone's else id for your idea. I've been using splitsville for 3 years.
splitsville.
That'll teach Lakeville and Woodbury to open new schools.
University of EP parent
U of EP parent- now that's funny
hmmmmmm- we didn't have that problem with Chaska & Chanhassen
Woodbury, Park have split the SW County school district for years, East Ridge wont be the reason for all 3 schools having less success in the years to come.
While the U of EP may have some success with sports programs they also have a lions share of non extra curricular students , not that underage drinking is all that bad, 2 in EP wouldnt hurt sports programs.....same with Stillwater.
Tinkl Indapodi
4:40
Did they split up the dinner theatre?
449 - no the zoo ;-) but I like your thinking
Always amusing when people say enrollment doesn't matter. Why not get rid of A and AA then?
Don't even start the enrollment discussion. Class A gets screwed IMO based on the relative number of teams in each class.
Well, why not make make so many classes that everyone is a winner.....True team Track , Swimming, Wrestling ,Team , Individual , Football has.... I dunno,lots of classes.
The truth is....GIANT schools only cater to coaches egos. Of course a coach wants 4000 kids to choose from, not the best for the students,less per capita participation. Dont even start with the quality will suffer. Less opportunity for H.S. kids , who change so quikly, to rise rather than be eliminated.
and now for something completely different
Problem with new schools - most of the liberal loonies equate new structures to better education. Talk about wasting money. Isn't that right Bloomington Lincoln ? Edina West? Hopkins Eisenhower or was it Lindberg?
Class size at Chaska and now the new Chan HS is higher than it was when it was a single HS. Some AP classes with 50 students in them.
Money is being spent on structures rather than hiring additional teachers and keeping the quality teachers
now back to your regular scheduled program of HS girls soccer
Go back to clearing brush if your are going to talk politics.
723 - I dig ditches, I'm above clearing brush.
Thought I was talking education.
"most of the liberal loonies equate new structures to better education." Really?
nice job by that teachers union, maybe they could run an ad about their successes in Chan and Chaska.
752- yep that sounds like an educational discussion to me -
Oh wait, I see your word association ties liberal loonies to Democrats. I get it now! Well, if the shoe fits or if I struck a chord, I really can't control how you feel or react.
Agree with the craziness of new schools. Have you been to the Palace in Chan? Did they really need a recording studio? The baseball field is nicer then the new Target Field
The problem is the funding mechanism involved in allocating funds. If I ran my business like a public school I would be out of business.
With section play upon us, will it be the same old same old or will some new blood pop up?
AHA v Eastridge may be the preview of old versus new this Saturday.
I saw Simley light up SSP a few weeks back. SSP is typically a solid side and a contender and is this year as well. Maybe a view of the future in that section. Although I don't think any of those coaches are hoping to see the Zephyrs early in sections. Along with SCL this could be the new section of death. Although right now let's call it the section-of-you-are-going-to-play-at-least-two-hard games to reach the Dome.
splitsville
Does East Ridge have a senior class (I know sometimes when new high schools open it they don't). What's their enrollment?
No senior class, but still bigger than most Class A schools with only the three grades this year. 1,000 plus maybe?
Anyone know where online to find the enrollment numbers for all the Class A schools?
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/index.asp
find the school you want in the drop down box. the info will be on the right hand side.
tomASS - Liberal Loonies sounds right to me.
1132 - I was hoping it sounded left ;-)
The behavior in victory by Northfield last night was appalling, the program should be reprimanded by their conference and their state high school league. In all the years I have been going to HS games I have never in my life heard the announcer, and adult man, taunt high school girls before over the loudspeaker. It was the most childish and blatant display of poor sportsmanship that I have ever seen and their coach, their athletic director, and their principal should have to answer for it.
Its high school girls soccer for crying out loud. You are a grown man and you feel the need to taunt 15 year old girls. P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C
East Ridge will not be class A for long.
Enrollment at East Ridge is 1050... thats with no senior class. 1188 and you are AA, so yes, this will be the one and only year that East Ridge is a class A team
East Ridge already has a much stronger team than a LOT of the Class AA teams. Watch out!
Please elaborate on Northfield behavior. We used to play them but had some issues and stopped.
Sounds like an interesting story
I think that east ridge woodbury rivalry will become excellent soccer to watch over the next few years
Following the match the Northfield announcer actually taunted the AHA kids, parents, and coaches by repeating over and over again that Northfield "swept" AHA this year and that it was "two wins for Northfied, zero for AHA"
I understand that before DM's arrival at AHA that program in and of itself needed some work on its image, but since he has been there they have conducted themselves with superb character and sportsmanship. There's no doubt they are down this year and I am sure everyone wants their "revenge," but listening to an adult taunt a bunch of high school girls was just malicious.
what a little, little man.
side note: AHA lost its sophomore goalkeeper for the year also, as they were forced to play in standing water last night - she slipped while taking a goal kick and tore ligaments in her ankle.
maybe Northfield should stop taunting and gloating for a minute and take account of the fact that DM sat down 6 starters last night because they are finally getting healthy and he didn't want to risk them in those conditions in a game that didn't matter at all.
their announcer should be so proud his team ran it up on a JV squad. Its borderline criminal that that keeper loses the rest of her season because they were forced to play in that muck. I respect DM a lot, but he should have refused to play at all last night.
Northfield's arrogance is even worse comsidering they are a AA school now and will be lucky to be a top 6 seed in section play.
please help me understand why it is that the announcer's bad behavior is indicitive of an entire program - are you suggesting the coach asked the announcer to taunt the visitors? Does anyone know if Northfield's coach spoke to DM about the incident?
What exactly did the announcer say?
is northfield the school with the big, tall coach who's always going ballistic during games (seems to get a few yellows and a red every year)?
2:12 makes a fair point, we shouldn't indite the entire program, and yes coach marshak indicated to me that he recieved an apology from coach cohrs this morning and he would share it with us all.
I can say it was pretty low class, but it was also the actions of one individual. I would hope at the very least he is not allowed to announce for them anymore.
As for specifics, he repeated, at least 4 or 5 times "Northfield sweeps Holy Angels, two wins for Northfield, zero for Holy Angels." He repeated it over, and over, and over, and in a clear mocking tone. During the game he also used a blatantly condescending tone when announcing AHA subs.
there's no question, it was taunting.
What has Northfield ever won?
It's a nice town and they use to have some very good football teams
coach DM offered to count Northfield's earlier win over AHA as the conference game and concede Northfield the points and standings, all to keep his team (which is just now beginning to get somewhat healthy) off that field and out of those conditions. Northfield knew they had the stronger team this year and just wanted to kick AHA while they were down - that theory is clearly reinforced by the announcers behavior. The end result was AHA was forced to play and a players season is over because the field was so bad she couldn't take a goal kick without ruining her ankle.
If nothing else AHA just got all the bulletin board material they could ever ask for, and next year this team of sophomores will be a year older, a year stronger, and feature not only the return of Schultz, but two Schultz's on their front line as her sister will play as well. Watch out.
Soccer can be played in the rain. It is too bad that a goalkeeper 'ruins' their ankle while taking a goal kick. Indeed there are few things worse than a self imposed injury. AHA offering to forefit the game because of a wet field is quite sad. Numerous games were held on non-artifical turf all across the state Tuesday night. It seems we have a tendency to want to wrap our children in cotton so they only play in prsitine conditions. I have always preferred the athletes and the coaches that look to go after challenges (the weather conditions included)as opposed to finding countless excuses and reasons to complain. Yes, I imagine, the idiot announcer was inappropriate. Hopefully he gets handled, but do not make it anything more than that. A soccer game was held in the rain, one girl planted wrong and hurt her ankle, DM provided the message that he does not believe his athletes are tough enough to play on a rough weather night (quite the message), and his team lost at Northfield (a place that is always tough to play). I know there are athletes with asthma issues--maybe any breezy games should be suspended, I know there are athletes who have light sensitivity--maybe games under the lights and any games should in the daytime--should be suspended. I am tired of the culture of excuses. Yes, AHA had to play in the rain. We all appreciate the depth of the sacrifice that their players, coaches, and parents had to make that night.
I thought OS was a senior.
You thought wrong :)
The Northfield announcer also made a comment after the boys game that same night. Apparently doesn't understand the point of high school sports.
In response to the person asking about the tall Northfield coach, yes it is the guy that yells a lot and gets cautioned frequently. Part of the reason he challenges the referees so much, is that he is a top level referee himself and expects a quality and effort from the crews assigned to his games. Not always appropriate and not defending him, just adding info that might help explain why..
Glad the other poster heard he did offer an apology, I would have been surprised if he didn't. He is a decent guy and just wants the best for his players.
10:47 - i've seen northfield play on numerous occasions, and if he is a high level ref, then either he does not know the rules, he teaches a style that not just bends the rule but more often than not breaks them, or he condones that style of play/those actions from his players. i also sincerely doubt that i am the only one who has that opinion.
AHA certainly leads the HS division in posters on this blog, or maybe it is just a few bloggers who post often.
1047 - I must have done a good job for him then when I use to be able to referee. He never once was a difficult coach to deal with when I had his games
Thoughts on class A section seedings in the most competitive sections? I know there are some key games left, but lets start throwing thoughts out there.
I'm assuming BSM gets #1 in their section. Breck, Orono, or SLP at #2? Four very solid teams here with a few decent ones beyond them.
Does the #1 go to SPA or Blake? Minnehaha and AHA I'm assuming go #3/4. There are 3-4 other good teams not to far behind that group.
Does St. Croix actually get the #1 seed in their section? Not sure how you can give it to Mahto despite the rankings. East Ridge, Simley, and S St Paul are in here as well.
Overall it is too bad that so many of the top teams are crammed into 3 sections.
MAH got the #1 seed in 4A on a coin flip. SCL, SIM, SSP, ER then in that order.
I think they should not allow announcers to say anything at all during the game. Some announcers flat out get out of hand, usually talking when the opponent has the ball (possible distraction). Hardly need these people to announce anything other than starting line-ups. There are some real goofballs behind the microphones and quite annoying for the most part.
Lighten up -- its high school soccer. The whole thing is just for fun or "goofy."
Many other teams played in the rain besides AHA they need to stop complaining about unfit weather conditions.
12:54 I agree with you. Any thoughts on Ms. Soccer for class A and AA?
AA - someone from WDB....
A - goalie from BSM? I have no idea in Class A.
AA - top contenders... Sessions, Bauer, Grabowski, Kallman, Vallarelli, DiGregio and Buie
A - top contenders ... Melchert, Jobe, Kosch, Bergstedt, G.Miller, Piche
CS in AA. Some other good players but she is a cut above.
What is the criteria for Ms Soccer
gotta be a senior
gotta play soccer
In AA,
Hard to choose from Bauer, DiGregorio, Kallman, and Sessions (haven't seen Buie).
Bauer has size, speed, 1v.1 moves, and hard, accurate shots with both feet, DiGregorio has the highest work rate and is a natural scorer, Sessions has the total package (except size) including field awareness, Kallman is an outstanding defender with size, speed, an aerial game and a rocket shot.
I would give the nod to Kallman if I had a vote, but they are all deserving.
In AA,
Compare each to what they've brought to the team success as a whole, and over 3-4 years on varsity. What has each contributed over time and in key wins.
Spot on with CS being the total package. Most feared but most respected threat on the field.
As a coach, have watched CS play for almost 4 years now....consistently the most thrilling player to watch...has it all.
WDB best team. CS best player on that team. Case closed.
8:34, not so fast. KK totally dominates from the back line. It would be nice to see a defender rewarded.
Not a matter of "position" but rather a matter of who makes the difference when she's on the field in winning games and making things happen. KK and KS both have been dominating on backline.
Ms. Soccer won't be decided on this blog so let's just not get into player bashing on any level.Performance on the field, over time, has probably already decided the outcome.
While I don't disagree that CS is the top player for WDB, I don't see why that should make her Ms. Soccer. Why not a player that elevates a team that doesn't put all that talent around her like LD? I am not saying one or the other is a bettter player, just don't agree with 834's line of reasoning.
you folks are falling behind....the boys have more comments...what's up with that???
As a coach one always hope that your top players elevate the team as a whole and does so without thinking of temselves.
Agreed -- Ms. Soccer should have a lot of assists, not just goals.
Has a goalie ever won Ms. Soccer?
2006-07 Class A -Mr. Soccer - GK
2005-06 Class A -Ms.Soccer-GK
Class AA - Mr.Soccer - GK
So yes and these were 3 outstanding individuals who made the difference for their teams.
Why couldn't MS. Soccer be a great defensive player that keeps her very mediocre team in every game and even ranked in the top ten? Without this player, her team would probably have only won one-third of the games they've won.
so who did you have in mind 9:59?
Based on the last 1/2 of their season, East Ridge should be favored to take State in A.
Agree on East Ridge as the favorite.
Having watched the Inferno for years, I would have to say that their most dominant player is KK - by far. She is what keeps them in games. CS is a great player too but KK is the one that really shines out there. She hasn't gotten as much ODP national exposure as CS but certainly landed a better college spot. Her defense is amazing to watch and she is tough as nails. She would get my vote (if I got to vote!)
11:48, 9:07-Who do you think will be playing East Ridge in the class A state championship game?
LD is one of the most fun players to watch. Very creative, very passionate about soccer. I think it is amazing how well Burnsville has done (a mediocre team at best) and it must be mostly due to her up top. She is an amazing athlete and a great kid too.
Ms. Soccer for A will be the older Savino from HM
Sorry to tell you, Hill Murray is AA.
East Ridge will DOMINATE whoever they play. Top coaching and a motivated underdog team full of talent and drive.
Why is 10:21 talking about Inferno?
This is a high school thread and Ms.Soccer is a high school award.
how can you call them a Class A underdog when they have quite possibly the largest enrollment and a team with a handful of ODP kids?
East Ridge has no seniors, brand new team that for the most part have never played together as a team and a lot of very young players. Underdogs that are outshing class A for their very 1st year.
Underdogs...spa would be...only 326 kids in school.
Benilde is my pick to meet East Ridge in the final, unless the seeding is messed up.
Mahtomedi will be in the final.
i get the part about no seniors, but at the beginning of each new season, EVERY high school team has not played together. Huge roster turnover each year and let's be honest, since the seasons are only 2 months long, just how much "jelling together" or "knowing where you teammate will be" do you really think there is or carried over from 10 months ago?
My prediction is BSM v East Ridge for the title with BSM winning 2-0.
Assuming BSM wins Section 6, they will be the #1 seed. Winner of Section #3 will be the second seed and the winner of Section #4 will be the third seed. You can book it here......
Looks like Mahtomedi got the no 1 seed followed by St Croix Lutheran, Simley and then East Ridge. Waiting for the rest of the brackets to be posted.
Sorry, SSP is fourth, East Ridge is fifth.
Mahtomedi won't make the section final.
East Ridge will take it all!
Simley versus East Ridge in that final with East Ridge winning. East Ridge beat AHA 1-0 at the stardome with AHA almost back at full strength. Simley has a few undersclassmen that can finish and IMHO that is the most important thing in HS socccer, but East Ridge moves the ball like a premiere club team. They are also young, but they play passing soccer (like Arsenal for you EPL fans).
splitsville
Any posting for AA sections
http://www.mshsl.org/ has all the brackets
East Ridge vs. St Croix Lutheran in the 4A final. Classic Suburban is way down.
Doesnt East Ridge play Saint Paul Johnson tomorrow night?? That should be a easy one for East Ridge.
I wouldn't tout East Ridge by saying they beat AHA 1-0 recently. AHA is also the #5 seed in their section. Nonetheless, East Ridge and AHA are probably just as likely to win their section as the stronger seeds. Wide open!
Eastridge is solid on defense. They have trouble scoring. IMO they win the section.....easily.
Mahtomedi will beat Eastridge
How does WBL get the #2 seed in Section 4AA over Stillwater? Stillwater beat them in head-to-head play and only had one loss (to Woodbury) all year. Is the MSHSL web site wrong, or did something screwy happen at the Section 4AA seeding meeting? Just doesn't make sense to an outsider looking in. I have no connection to either school, just doesn't seem right.
5:01 - best guess is because Stillwater came in 4th in their league and WBL came in 2nd.
Stillwater also lost to Mounds View and Roseville in league play.....
grass field conditions will play a factor in tomorrow's games. 40d in the afternoon...possible snow during the evening.
good luck to all the teams!
ems
With regards to AA, does anyone see any of the top seeds getting ousted, and if so, who are these teams to knock off those top seeds? Anyone? P.S. Can we have a decent discussion without ripping anyone? Just a good discussion with support please?
not sure about all the sections, but I would be shocked if WDB & EP/EDI aren't the top two seeds on course to meet in the finals. The only other team out there with some talent depth is Wayzata (other teams also have a few high quality players, but not super deep - Eagan, Eastview, CR, etc...).
Section 1 is wide open between LN, RC and LS. No one here is strong though.
Section 2 is a coin toss between Edina and Eden Prairie, but Eden Prairie has a much stronger defense. Eden prairie should win with it's defense. Likely whoever comes out is a finalist against Woodbury.
Section 3 Eagan seems too explosive for Eastview. If it stays close EV will win.
Section 4 Woodbury, but both Stillwater and White Bear lake are decent. Woodbury will meet Eden prairie or Edina in the finals.
Section 5 MV, Centennial or Osseo. Osseo could come out as the third seed. Overall a weak section.
Section 6 Wayzata is the favorite, but Minnetonka's defense could shut them down.
Section 7 Anoka can score, but can they stop anyone? CR has slipped.
Section 8 Brainerd again?
i'd look for sec 6aa for the upset. wayzata's 5 draws throughout the season (3 with teams in that section) make me think it's a dog fight. (or would that be cat fight?)
ems
4:32
2 losses to Tarten.
Was anyone at the BSM/North Branch game last night? Wondering how it ended in a 1-1. And don't tell me BSM rested their top players because their best player had an assist? Was the weather that big of factor in the game?
why aren't all sections required to play on turf for section final. this year field conditions are going to play a major role in the games, which is dissapointing and unnecessary.
so if you are the #1 seed and have worked hard all season to earn that advantage, and your home field is grass, you should give that up and play on some neutral site on a surface that you don't practice on all the time (and that might be the home turf of your opponent)? i can live with that at state as there are no home games, but getting to state is the hardest part for some of the sections.
I concur. Why punish a school because they spend their money on academics instead of a new turf field? Seems a little elitist to me.
huh? what does installing turf fields (which both private and public schools are more commonly doing due to them being in the long run more economical and functional) have to do with elitism?
Last year AHA won the Section 3A final over Vis on the Star Dome's very old turf field. They clearly were more comfortable with the surface, and it helped them gain a significant possession advantage during the game. Vis plays home games on a very thick, well maintained grass field which requires passes to be struck with much more force.
AHA deserved the top seed, and they deserved the advantage gained. If Vis had earned the top seed, the grass would have played to their advantage.
Placing all neutral site games on turf gives an advantage to teams that normally play on turf. These sites should be rotated, with both surfaces getting equal opportunity.
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