Thursday, August 20, 2009
Lady Gophers Soccer
The lady gophers start the preseason with a #18 national ranking. With last year's outstanding season behind them, and loosing many oustanding seniors, they may not be able to match last year's success. They should be a very entertaining team, loaded with local talent. Get out to a match and support MN's only D1 program! Click here for schedule
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«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 1273 Newer› Newest»Yes WI did play and get beat in pre-conference by Notre Dame, #1 Stanford,and Tennessee..the 1st 2 names on this list sure is better than ANY non-conference games MN played!! Did it help them prep for the B10, I think so.
12:35 - please explain how (other than I think so).
12:35 -
Your Blinker's On
one down, one to go next weekend.
Looked like a MTA reunion. Refs gave a gimme to Sota. That's ok...we'll take it.
How so?
Yes the GG's got some help from ref but were the better team for the majority of game. Gophers have had many games this year decided on questionable calls. In their favor with NW and WIS, against them with PSU and MICH. Against Northwestern I don't believe there was a foul called the entire first half. Then in second half the whistle seemed to blow every minute and the style of play had not changed. Big Ten should be able to do better.
11:08 go ahead and get your rule book out, and take the NISOA test. Remember, you need to pass the physical test too. Then buy the uniform, and register with the assignor.
When (if) you earn the right to a center in a few years, remember to listen to the crowd-because they understand the rules better than you do. Especially fouls like "handballllllll" and any time "their" team is gently touched...
Stick to supporting your team rather than questioning something you do not understand.
8:22 -
I believe you are listening to the crowd right now.
Wow 822 skin a bit thin this morning? Agreed 1108.
Not thin skinned, just throwing out the challenge.
Not landing KK tells you there is something inherintly wrong with MDW's recruiting technique. Lost several MS Soccers the last couple years. Apparently last year was a fluke and now it's back to mediocrity. Too bad,it was fun while it lasted.
South Side Sid
NCAA offical RPI released today.
Here's how MINNY sits on Nov 2.
10 Penn St.
12 Ohio St.
31 Wisconsin
36 Indiana
39 Purdue
42 Minnesota
49 Illinois
56 Michigan St.
71 Michigan
76 Northwestern
112 Iowa
South Side -
Who is the other Ms. Soccer they missed? The only other one went to WI and was done playing soccer after 1 year.
Last year was a fluke? Nice analysis. I'm guessing someone is paying you for your brains and writing skills.
Have another.
how can Indiana have the 4th best RPI in the conference when they are in 8th place? Soccer RPI's make no sense some time.
Didn't a Miss Soccer go to Northwestern. Plays defense??
Some folks live in a small world and only read the Red Star.
Ms. Soccer is a MSHSSCA award.
Mr. & Ms. Soccer
2008-2009 Season
Class A Mr. Soccer Dan Killen Attacker St. Bernard's
Ms. Soccer Brittany Henry Attacker Mahtomedi
Class AA Mr. Soccer Whitney Browne Attacker Osseo
Ms. Soccer Stephanie Brandt Attacker Rochester Century
2007-2008 Season
Class A Mr. Soccer Keidoe Pour Attacker St. Bernard's
Ms. Soccer Megan Gallivan Midfielder Blake
Class AA Mr. Soccer Colin Montasterio Midfielder Wayzata
Ms. Soccer Krista Lundgren Attacker Lakeville South
2006-2007 Season
Class A Mr. Soccer Paul Grandstrand Goalkeeper Breck
Ms. Soccer Tippy Jordan Attacker Mahtomedi
Class AA Mr. Soccer Abe Gibbons Midfielder Minneapolis South
Ms. Soccer Angie Olson Attacker Eagan
2005-2006 Season
Class A Mr. Soccer Brandon Miller Attacker Totino-Grace
Ms. Soccer Chelsea Turner Goalkeeper Rochester Lourdes
Class AA Mr. Soccer Ryan Vint Goalkeeper Wayzata
Ms. Soccer Dana Tripp Defender White Bear Lake
Norwestern? Miss Soccer? Who?
no former Ms. Soccer's at Northwestern.
She was the Metro Player of the Year... BW
South Side Sid = Norwestern Parent
It's only 6 more hours of driving. Have a good one.
4:32:
What it looks like, is that Indiana's early non conference string of 6 straight wins helped them.
One of those was vs then #6 ranked Florida.
South Side I realize you feel MDW should spend less time recruiting MTA and more time recruiting your club (WDB). You are probably right. Keep in mind though that very few Ms. Soccers pan out in college and that the GG's are having another good year this year, showing that last year was no fluke. Next year will be even better.
MDW recruiting techniques are just fine, she is getting the players she needs. Big game tonight for GG NCAA chances with NW playing WI. WI loss and GG win against IN puts MN in 3'rd and likely in tournament. If WI wins best Gophers can do is 4'th which is bubble territory with their lackluster RPI.
speaking of past ms. soccer winners, i've heard sb is redshirting this year due to the injury...can anyone confirm?
Wisconsin beats Northwestern 2-1 in the 89th mintue.
That's not the best news for Gophers.
the difference between teams 3-9 in the B10 is very small. Every games seems to end with a one goal differential (oftentimes in OT). As we've seen in the past, if a teams gets on the right roll (and the ball bounces their way) they can finish near the top. Things go the other way and they end up in the bottom half. The B10 has two good teams, a couple of bad teams, and a whole bunch of OK teams.
MDW does a good job of recruiting, you can't get them all. KL from LS broke her foot at WI and it ended her career. BW from PCG was thought by some to be the best player in the state last year, but the award went to aplyer from Roch Cent, no Ms. Soccer's missed
There are a lot of freshmen and sophomores playing some big minutes this year and the team is a break here or there from being much better. They need someone who can attack.
those players are rare and are usually the differnce makers between the elite teams and everyone else. True in the B10 as well. Not just forwards, but more importantly, creative, playmaking mids. Players who can break down a defense with both their dribbling and their passing vision. Not sure if there are any out there in 2010 or 2011.
There are alot out there in 2010 and 2011, are they from MN, no!! That is why recruiting outside the boundries of MN is so important.
Here is a question that hasnt been asked yet thou. What is MDW's recruiting budget?? Does she go to the ESP, NIKE 50, Disney, Final Four, CASL, Surf etc to scout/recruit? I know that WI and Iowa when they hired the new coaches a few yrs back that the AD gave both coaches a increase in the recruiting budget. Maybe the U doesnt have that big of a budget?? Might explain some things
there are some very good 2011's and 2012's out there (ODP regional & national results to prove it). the bigger question is will they stick around.
Big Big Ten game on the line for the Gophers tonight.
Purdue @ Indiana.
Here's how the three teams sit today with games remaining.
4. Minnesota (14 Pts) (GR: vs IND)
5. Purdue (11 Pts) (GR: @IND vs IOWA)
9. Indiana (8 Pts) (GR: @MINN vs PUR)
The NW vs. Wisconsin game last night had absolutely zero implications on the Gopher NCAA hopes. If anything, it helped their cause as they beat WI and theoretically another win by WI helps MN's RPI which is the sole factor in determining the NCAA teams.
3:00
Probably true as far as NCAA RPI goes.
But the Badgers win knocked the Gophers out of any longshot 3rd place Big Ten hope.
And Big Ten standings do count for something in the MN record books.
Our game vs Indiana has more implication and is a must win.
Indiana, while 9th in conference, is still sitting two slots above us in the RPI.
A victory vs the Hoosiers will likely bump us up a spot or two.
(I understand the NCAA committee uses an updated RPI for the at large selection process but does not release that report to the public).
How bout the Gophers football team.They get big bucks and hand out scholarships like Haloween candy. Bring in a bunch of out state punks. You can take the punk out of the hood but you can't take the hood out of the punk.Another punk arrested. Soccer team gets chump change.
reality check 7:33, the revenue generated by that same football team subsidizes almost all of the soccer team.
socmom didn't you say Michigan and MSU were must wins? Are you backtracking?
No, not backtracking.
They were must wins, at the time, to stay near the top of the Big Ten standings and keep our RPI from falling into bubble territory.
At this point, our must wins are needed to place in the top half of the Big Ten and to keep our RPI from falling any lower into the "bubble".
Purdue just beat Indiana in OT.
A Gopher win vs Hoosiers and Boilermakers win vs Hawkeyes would puts us in a tie for 4th.
Anyone know how Big Ten standing ties are broken?
Ties for 4th place aren't relevant. Likely both 4th place finishers go home. Whoever has the higher RPI might move on. How about a tougher preseason schedule next year, say maybe UMD, Winona or MSU instrad of South Dakota or NDSU? The Gophs shot themselves in the foot with their patsy schedule.
7:33 do you have a clue how college sports work? It's called the "golden goose".
huh? golden goose?
top drawer soccer came out with their tournament projections and the GG's are "on the outside looking in".
Where do you find that site?
Straight from the horses mouth...
Here's how the NCAA soccer committe selects at large bids.
http://www.ncaa.com/blog/2009d1womenssoccer/
As a Gopher fan, the note in parenthesis (last 8 games) worries me a bit.
agreed - the GG's need to beat Indiana in their last game. That should put them ahead of them in regards to RPI plus the head-to-head. Even then they are about as "bubbly" as it gets.
Here's Top Drawer site.
I believe some of their info is subscription only.
I could be wrong.
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/
10:49 - thanks for the link - nice site. Interesting to see some MN girls in their regional top 20's in the future years. Could be good news for the GG's!
9:20
Of course everybody knows about the Golden Goose.
Two more punks arrested. Think that's four in a couple days. Must be a record. I'd rather lose with our local kids.
New stadium ??? They should have dropped the football team to the MIAC. Football has been dead for decades.
The Robbies funded the soccer stadium.
Better yet,drop all D1 sports at the U and focus on education. Sports is overrated.
South Side Sid
lol - sports are overrated but i'm going to spend my time on a youth soccer blog. you can't make this stuff up.
and back when I was a kid we used to walk to school in the snow barefoot and uphill - and we liked it! we didn't have any of these fancy schmancy high fallutin thingamajigs that the youngin's have nowadays...
The Gophers could save a lot of dough recruiting if they stayed in state. They should check out the Minnesota Juvenile Detention Centers and they could get their JUCO transfers from the St Cloud Reformatory.
What's the over/under on the number of arrests by Gopher's for 2009?
WESTSIDER
If you look at the top 100 list of girls for 2010 and 2011 very few of them live near our borders. GG's NEED to spend $ on recruiting at tournaments, etc.
there are quite a few in their regional top 20 for 2011, 2012, etc...(one kid at the top) from not just MN, but also exceptional talent from IL and WI. I doubt any top 100 kid not from around here is going to come up to MN to play. If they are that good, then the top tier programs near them would also be after them.
Top Tier programs...Ok then, how in the heck do you become a Top Tier program?? RECRUITING
Again, MN has a top womens hockey program, why didnt MN get Alev from Alaska and WI got her?? RECRUITING. Alev wants to play hockey after soccer. This is just one example. I havent researched this, but who was the last player to come play for MN from any state west of the Dakota's?? Has there been one?? Or is it that only IA, WI, MN and maybe IL players are able to play at MN? There seems to be more and more Canadians coming down to play, they are all over the map, its MN's neighbor to the north for petes sake. I mean, if your not going to go recruit west coast, and east coast, then get up north.
how do you know they didn't try-or couldn't get the hockey side to also be on board. i agree with the comments about the Canadian players, but name one top tier non-midwest kid at WI (maybe other than the AK player)? not just some kid from out of state, but a truly big time national top 50-75 recruit?
imo, i don't believe MDW's recruiting strategy is to look too far outside of the state and if so, i guess you'll just have to disagree with her. there are some strong kids coming up in 2011 & 2012 (lots of RII ODP players and one is rated nationally #6), so hopefully she'll snag a few of those.
i would love to see MN have a top tier program just as I would like to see gopher football consistently be an annual top 15 program, just lots of hurdles to overcome (and winter domes to play in).
Hey 3:39
Did you notice that both the Kelter sisters went to Wisconsin?
It kind of looks like they wanted to go as a package deal.
Perhaps the MN hockey / soccer programs couldn't offer the pair what they wanted.
Emphasis on HOCKEY, as that is the sport taking the hit.
Purdue beating Indiana on Tuesday could be good for the GG's. A MN win tomorrow and they would end up tied for 4th and most likely with the 4th best RPI. I think that would get them in.
Agree with some of the comments on recruiting nationally and in Canada, but also believe there are some top notch kids locally coming down the pike.
The players coming down the pike are no better than the ones the state has produced over the last several years. They are not enough if the goal is to be a premier program.
not sure I agree and it would appear neither does the RII staff. but to be honest, not sure if MN will ever be a premier program due to location and adjacent population base. if you are a top tier player from CA, TX, FL, NC, etc... why would you want to come to MN to play soccer when you can go to better programs that are closer and warmer? what can MDW offer that is better than what the schools from the ACC, Pac10, WCC, SEC, etc... can offer?
Other than PSU back 4-5 years ago, when was the last time a B10 team made the quarterfinals?
The "RPI Guy" is at it again.
Here's his "unoffical" report for games through Nov 4.
Unoffical Big Ten RPIs
10-Penn State
11-Ohio State
32-Wisconsin
33-Purdue
42-Minnesota
44-Indiana
51-Illinois
57-Michigan State
73-Michigan
81-Northwestern
111-Iowa
Thanks socmom. Lose tomorrow and IMO they are toast. Win and they are a big maybe. What do you think?
From what I hear ,on other sites, there's a "bubble" chance for a bid if they win.
But, this is tournament week around the country.
At large selections are at stake all around.
Then there's always the chance of an upset somewhere.
You'd think ,having beaten both Purdue and Wisconsin, we'd have a little bit more RPI to show for it!
If we have weather Friday ,like today ,it should be a nice evening for our Big Ten finale!
I hope the Gophers draw a big crowd.
Socmom -
if we would have beaten Tennessee or Michigan (both ties), we would probably be off the bubble.
If we would have beaten GA, we would already be in regardless of the Indiana game.
A few have questioned the non-conference schedule, but if you look at the Non-conference RPI - we are 5th in the big ten, just like our regular RPI. So there are plenty of Big Ten teams that have a far worse non-conference ranking and schedule.
Wisconsin's non-conference RPI is horrendous, but they didn't lose but one game in conference and squeaked out a few ties, so truly, it does come down to conference performance.
There were a lot of if's and with having the weekend we did in Michigan, getting the opportunity to beat Indiana and a potential NCAA bid is encouraging.
I strongly believe we are IN with a WIN against Indiana.
Gopher Parent
Additionally - Illinois had a very tough non-conference schedule with kept their RPI at a very high level thruout the year. However, they completely flopped in the conference season and will be out of NCAA's.
So it really does boil down to conference results for these reasons and in the event of any tie-breakers, they look at the performance over the last 8 games which are almost all conference games. So in the end, the Big Ten games are going to count significantly higher.
The Big Ten has some fabulous recruiting classes coming in (Penn State's #1 in the nation next year and teams not losing a lot so this will keep the RPI's up and will produce 5 maybe 6 qualifying teams/year making the conference season exciting.
I don't know this for sure, but don't be surprised to see a couple of big 10 teams get to the elite 8 this year. I could be wrong, but don't be surprised.
Gopher Parent
From the NCAA Championship Handbook regarding at large selections...
SELECTION CRITERIA
• Won-lost record
• Strength of schedule
• Eligibility and availability of student-athletes for NCAA championships
PRIMARY CRITERIA
• Adjusted Rating Percentage Index (RPI)
• Results versus common opponents
• Head-to-head competition.
SECONDARY CRITERIA
• Results vs teams already selected to participate in the field
(including automatic qualifiers with and RPI of 1-75)
• Late season performance
(defined as last eight games including conference tournaments)
Here's how the B10 sits heading into final games this weekend.
With a win tonight the Gophers clinch at least a share of 4th place.
Standings / Points / Games Remaining
Ohio State (22) (@ MSU)
Penn State (22) (@ MICH)
Wisconsin (19)
Minnesota (14) (vs IND)
Purdue (14) (vs IOWA)
Michigan State (11) (vs OSU)
Northwestern (10) (vs ILL)
Michigan (8) (vs PSU)
Indiana (8) (@ MINN)
Illinois (8) (@ NU)
Iowa (3) (@ PUR)
gopher parent - i hope you are right, but i would be shocked if there are two B10's team in the final 8. in all honesty, i think there is a 50-50 chance there will be one. a lot has to do with how the brackets play out. PSU & OSU could have favorable brackets to get them into the sweet 16 and then at that point anything can happen. in soccer, the ncaa really likes to keep things regional, so out west (P10 & WCC) and in the southeast (ACC & SEC) sometimes heavyweights are forced to play much earlier than normally would be expected.
Based on current RPI's, 9 of the top 16 teams come from the ACC & Pac 10, but not all of those teams will be top 16 seeds due to geography.
There may not be a B10 Tournament this year, but the postseason has definitely begun for the Gophers. Win tonight and they move on...lose and their season is over.
Anyone see the ESPN clip about the BYU/New Mexico WSoccer game last nite. The NM player is the dirtest player Iv ever seen. You can watch the clip on BigSoccer.com on the front page or in Womens Soccer forum.
and in classic high school/college reffing fashion they finally yellow carded her.
Saw that early this morning.
Was wondering if anyone else would comment.
Makes any Gopher cards I've seen this year look pretty silly...
The pony tail drop was something.
This is the only team we played this year I will say this about,
but I put Michigan in close to the same category as New Mexico.
Take a look at the Indiana vs. Michigan game on the big ten network.
It is too bad the Minnesota vs. Michigan game wasn't on as well. It could have also been an ESPN highlight piece.
Does it surprise you ref MI, look who is coaching.
huh?
Wow the RPI Guy is busy.
Here are his "unoffical" rankings as of Nov 6.
This reflects games through Thursday.
I cut it off after the 40s, as that seems to be about as low as at large bids go.
Man, PSU is moving on up.
Adjusted RPI (Non Conf RPI)
09 (38) Penn State
10 (22) Ohio State
32 (74) Wisconsin
33 (42) Purdue
40 (44) Minnesota
44 (12) Indiana
MSU just beat OSU 1-0
That could hurt a good seeding for OSU as their RPI will be sure to drop.
I hope it doesn't give MSU too much of a bump into MINN RPI territory.
As of today's "unoffical" RPIs, we were @ 40 and MSU @ 56.
The Spartans managed to beat the top two Big Ten teams.
Interesting season.
If MN ties Ind then MN, Ind, and MSU will all be in the same RPI territory (probably the 40-45 range). That would not be good for the Gophers. Better take care of business tonight.
any chance of mn landing top drawer soccer's #6 player in their 2011 ranking? she's a local kid. lock down the borders mdw.
GGG's leading 1-0 over IND. Game starting to get out of control. Players running around like a Chinee fire drill. 9 min left
could we have asked for nicer weather for the last game - and way to go GG's.
Keep your fingers crossed for next Monday's results. 4 or 5 teams from the B10?
Purdue HAS to beat Iowa today. The big question is, will the committee take 4 or 5 from the B10?? I think Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Purdue are in. MN is on the bubble, but at the top of the bubble.
And it's hard to imagine Purdue won't beat Iowa, on senior day, at home.
I don't think the committe will snub the Boilermakers again.
(Last year they took 3rd in Big Ten but 4th (MSU) and 5th (ILL) place teams got the NCAA nod).
Some of the other conferences are predicted to get half a dozen bids.
I don't see why the Big Ten couldn't get 5.
I'm guessing it will come down to the RPI.
Gophers are in - Purdue is in with a win and Michigan State isn't completely out. Big Ten will get 5teams and has an "outside" chance at 6
Big 10 will get at least four:
OSU, PSU, WI, PUR with MSU & MN fighting over the 5th spot.
MN has the higher conference standing and RPI.
MSU has some better wins and is ranked higher in the polls (Great Lakes region & Top Drawer).
Hopefully both will get in.
Blue Monday,Blue Monday...Oh how I hate Blue Monday....
Thunder?? Is the Lightning dead or alive for 2010??
Mich ST 1 OS 0
NW 1 ILL 0
Pur 3 Iowa 2
Rumor has it Lightning is dead. No longer. What a shame. I will never support Thunder again.
Latest Unoffical Big Ten RPIs
10-Penn State
17-Ohio State
31-Wisconsin
33-Purdue
35-Minnesota
45-Michigan State
52-Indiana
61-Illinois
75-Michigan
77-Northwestern
117-Iowa
If these numbers are close to accurate, it's looking much better for the Gophers.
The win over Indiana clearly helped.
Final Big Ten Standings
1. Penn State
2. Ohio State
3. Wisconsin
4. Minnesota
Purdue
6. Michigan State
7. Northwestern
8. Michigan
Indiana
Illinois
11. Iowa
Holy Cow, just read IMS, Thunder let go of all players contracts, they have no GM, no Coach and now no Players. Doesnt look good for USL-1, WL, and maybe even PDL in MN. They gonna change MTA back to Bangu??
Since last Friday night, it's been looking better for MN.
This has been a roller coaster season!
NCAA field and host sites announced tonight at 7PM on ESPNews.
Final RPI Guy's Report:Big Ten RPIs
10-Penn State
16-Ohio State
35-Wisconsin
37-Purdue
38-Minnesota
42-Michigan State
51-Indiana
62-Illinois
76Northwestern
79-Michigan
122-Iowa
yes, as mentioned before, still a chance of getting 6 Big 10 teams in the NCAA's.
With a couple of upsets yesterday, Ohio State may be back in the top 16 for seeding purposes.
Top Drawer has MN in at #31 ahead of WI & MSU. Let's hope they are right.
Yeah 8:13, you are probably right.
MSU's win over OSU really helped the Spartans cause.
However, I'm still happy to see us in the 5th vs 6th Big Ten RPI spot!!!
Yes, and if it really came down to a tough decision for the committee, we have the head to head over both Purdue and Wisconsin.
Any chance of playing S. Dakota State to acvance to Round of 16 again?
No.
SDSU lost the auto bid / tourney title to IUPUI.
expect the GG's to be a #2 or #3 seed in one of the four team opening pods. they will have to travel and will be in a group with a very strong #1 seed. most likely will be the underdog in their first game.
1:04 - I think you are right on. It will be a good experience for them to travel away from home for NCAA'S. It will be an invaluable experience to gain before next year as they will have a really strong team, possibly as good as 2008's team.
Why possibly as strong as 2008's?
I also suspect they will be flown out somewhere.
If so, here's hoping to WARM country.
I doubt they'd mind ending up on the west coast ....
2:36
Surely you jest.
GGs could be much better in 2010. They have all the starters back and all key players have 1 more year of experience under their belts.
I think it will be a much better season next year even though this year was a good one.
Socmom was right. The Michigan games were must wins.
Only one Big Ten team seeded and they were a 4. Ouch.
Dang...
I thought we'd inch out MSU.
Unoffical RPIs / NCAA Bids
10-Penn State (IN-AUTO)
16-Ohio State (IN-AT LARGE)
35-Wisconsin (IN-AT LARGE)
37-Purdue (IN-AT LARGE)
38-Minnesota (OUT)
42-Michigan State (IN-AT LARGE)
I guess, if you are the NCAA selection committe picking between MN and MSU, you go with the team who beat PSU, OSU, and MN.
7:31P.M. I beg to differ, unfortunately the Big Ten teams have seen will also improve dramatically. Wisconsin team mainly composed of freshman and sophomores, Michigan State will be tougher with leading scorer probably healther for more of the year. Gophers have to go on road to Ohio and Penn State next year. Michigan recruiting classes will start paying dividends and toss in traditionally strong Purdue. Agree Gophers 2010 class is very strong but have to press opposition and play with sense urgency like Gophers played Indiana second half to compete with big four. If Gophers dont get selected next year 2010, conceivable that in MDW first ten years, there could be regretfully only one NCCA appearance. That happens and the in state recruiting doors rip wide open.
MDW has only been at Minnesota 6 years.
8:28, I totally agree with you. Its too bad GG didnt make the dance, but next yr will not be much easier. Mich is recruiting from a much bigger area than the GG are, so is Penn State, Ohio State..its a broken record, GG's NEED to start putting more urgency on the recruiting front. And staying with in your own states boarders isnt working.
Every team with an unoffical RPI between 1-44 got in except MN.
That's a bad break.
thoughts.....
power conferences rule....
Pac 10 - 8 out of 10 teams
ACC - 8 out of 11 teams
Big East - 7 teams
SEC - 6 teams
that's 45% of the field in 4 conferences and i believe there are 34 at-large bids so that's almost 75% of the at-large bids going to these four conferences.
Include the Big 10's 5 slots (4 at-large) and the numbers are even more weighted.
Big 12?
The Big 12 only received 2 invites and one was automatic. Missouri which won the conference season was shut out.
Other conferences:
WCC - 3 bids with two of them being seeded (Portland & Santa Clara which surprised me)
California - 8 teams made it from this state.
more thoughts...
i'm sure Wisconsin's not complaining about getting to host an opening round (like the GG's last year). not just that but two of the teams are warm weather squads (Arizona State & Central FLorida) heading up here for the weekend.
location, location, location is a big plus when it comes to non-conference games. you can't fly out every weekend, so the GG's play the schools in WI, SD, ND, etc....
Santa Clara, San Diego, etc... get to play Stanford, UCLA, USC, etc... as their non-conference games which on top of being in strong conferences pumps up their non-conference RPI's.
9:00...Good info, however WI went to the west coast. So did Ohio State. There are a host of schools out west that Im sure would do a home and home away deal with MN?? The question still is, is the AD giving the soccer program $ to travel AND to recruit?
9:20 - so if i understand you correctly, instead of flying down to the Southeast, MN should have flown to the west coast? they should at least make sure that Marquette (which usually is) and hopefully someone like Notre Dame is on their schedule each year, but they really have to work at it. Here are two west coast non-conference schedules:
Santa Clara - UC Santa Barbara, Maryland, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Purdue, Wisconsin, USC, Stanford, Cal
San Diego - UCLA, USC, Arizona, Ohio State, Rutgers, Kansas, LB State
Plus they have to play each other, Portland!, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, etc...
Attractive to recruits as well as conference and post season preparation.
You bet that is attractive to recruits!! Wouldnt you want to go out west instead of to SDak? I mean, what the heck is the coach at MI saying to his recruits from ALL over the US?? Isnt the winter there just as bad as MN? They have a really bad soccer stadium (they are making a new one thou).
so if i understand you correctly, the recruiting pitch is...."come up here to MN to play and leave your warm home and once a year we'll go somewhere warm to play a non-conference game"? why would they want to leave in the first place?
11:39 - i would love to see high quality national kids here at MN (not just a kid who happens to come from CA, TX, FL, but with no accomplishments - IMO the local players are just as good as those). I'm just trying to be a realist. MN isn't even PSU or OSU which get to draw from huge population bases. i do agree that they should at least go after some of the Canadian players.
11:39 - I looked at MI's recruits and they have one 2011 from CA with a solid background. The rest of their 2009 and 2010's are Canadian, somewhat local, and a few kids from CA who I'm sure are solid, but with no real accomplishments. Who are all these national recruits you are referring to?
Look at the top recruits on Topdrawersoccer.com and check out the top 100 players.... 2010's and 2011's. Look at where they're from. Could we not get any of them?
Oh I dont know, there is a girl coming from the upper north east, is on regional teams etc..WHO ever said NATL players?? All Im trying to say is, some of the OTHER B10 schools are pulling in recruits from other regions let lone other states within the region. Look at the POY for the B12, Freshman from MO that went to Neb.
12:07, I dont have a answer on what kinda of recruiting pitch needs to be said. I know this isnt the same, but if Shattuck can recruit players from outside the state, WHY CANT OUR COLLEGE do the same??
Maybe having a main soccer field on the main campus would be good...maybe pulling in a bigger name assistant coach that's already had success at the D1 level vs. starting out at the D1 level. My 2012 daughter is definately looking at the coaching staff.
comparing Shattuck (where they pay to have someone train them) to recruiting to a Div. 1 athletic program is way out there.
Why are we still talking about some player from MO playing at the University of Nebraska - who has been terrible for years.
I will reiterate what someone said in a previous discussion. It is nice to hear people aggressively seeking a top in the nation Minnesota soccer program when just a few years ago, getting a win or two in the big ten was a task.
a NH kid to PSU, a MO kid to NEB, etc...
the distances those kids "went away to college" might be closer than Des Moines to MSP.
I agree they really need to widen their recruting base to elevate the program.
Regarding Topdrawersoccer.com, no need to focus on the 2010's as they are already done. In looking at the 2011's, there's a local kid (#6), but the majority of the top 100 are CA, TX, Fl, NY, etc... That doesn't mean MDW shouldn't be going after them as well as especially hard after the central, midwest and upper midwest kids.
SSM is a very small private school. The U is a huge public college. Very few schools are like SSM. There a schools in every state similar to the U. SSM has only 3 sports, hockey, figure skating and soccer and they focus very hard on them. They have a beautiful ampus, two sheets of ice and an excellent soccer (only) field. You can't compare a small elite private HS with a large university. I am not knocking the U its an academically excellent school and a great place to go, but it again is not even close to being like SSM.
1:27 - your 2012 daughter has lots of factors to decide. Make sure to go visit all the other stadiums. You will have a hard time finding a better one.
As for top tier D 1 assistant coaches.....they don't stay assistants for very long. Chances are slim they will be coaching your daughter for 4 years.
And this goes without saying - academics must line up with where you think they may want to study and the resources that are offered to help them thru the curriculum.
1:18
Why doesn't Minnesota develop stud players? Never mind,they wouldn't go to the U anyway.
1:44 True, the U does have a beautiful stadium but WOULD be nice to actually have it on campus. Even with the bells and whistles of the stadium (window dressing) one still should love the "feel" of the campus, its academics and when you're lucky the team & coaching staff and distance from home desired all line up. The whole package.
1:51 - same with football (Floyd, Harris, Byrd, most likely the big CDH kid, etc....) and women's BBall (most recently Hill from last year). The UofM might snag the other top MN players, but not the truly elite player. So we end up with good to very good teams, but rarely elite.
Having 90% of your team from in-state is like having one big glorified high school team...players you seen over and over. That's not for a lot of kids that are trying to strike out on the own.
No, But the mommies and daddies are sure happy.
2:32 No doubt. A lot of helicopter parents...same as in high school.
202 that is the best thing i've ever read on this blog. spot on! and verrrry funny (not haha funny) at the same time.
i've been critical of mdw's 'recruiting' for years...nobody (very few) from outside the 7 county metro mosquito control area. that behavior (attitude) keeps the team in the 2nd (or 3rd) tier for many years to come.
ems
I will defend MDW as she has done a lot over the last 6 years. 1:31 from yesterday makes a great point that it's a big step in the right direction that now folks aren't satisfied with just making the tournament when a few years ago it was can they win a few games. Now the goal is to be a truly elite program - as in annually top 15.
This doesn't happen overnight at a program like MN. A foundation needed to be built and I believe MDW has done that. However, at some point the recruiting needs to take the next step. IMO the difference between the programs like MN and the truly elite programs is that player or two that is a difference maker on the offensive end. A forward that strikes fear or an attacking midfielder with a swivel head, anticipation, passing vision/expertise, and creativity. It's even true in the Big 10 - PSU has one, OSU has one, even MSU has one (until her leg broke....). Whether they come from here (and IMO there are a few coming down the pike), Canada, or anywhere else in the US for the GG's and MDW to rise to the top MN needs to land one or two.
I keep saying thou, how big is the U's recruiting and scheduling budget??
Penn State just inked a girl from WA State.
http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool...ory?id=4625368
And they are getting the 2nd rated recruit from MASS in Hayley Brock and another Maya Hayes from Jersey..(granted Jersey is close to PSU). But WA State?? That is a long way from home.
Then there are those on this blog saying we will be better next yr because we will have more experience. While we are doing nothing, others are reloading.
10:06 - I understand what you are saying, but MA and NJ are to PSU like IA and WI are to MN (Newark is closer to PSU than Des Moines is to MSP) That's the schools local recruitng base - they just have 5x more kids in the recruiting pool. As I've said before, CA, TX, FL, even WA kids are great but they have to come with some big time accomplishments. Granted the WA girl made one ODP regional team which is a plus - but not a big wow.
IMO, I believe MN has the budget but its the current recruiting direction and philosophy of MDW to almost solely focus on MN and the adjoining states. I think that was wise at the outset to fortify the program (and let's be honest what big time out of state recruit would have come to the program that she inherited). However, IMO, she needs to either broaden her scope or get passed up by the rest of the Big 10.
There is a great player at Shattuck, she is from Sweden. Sweden Youth Natl teams. Im wondering if GG's even knew this?? havent seen any scouting going on from the U down at Shattuck. However, rumor has it that UCLA is looking at her?? (could that be, 2 Shattuck players at UCLA). There are a host of new Canadian players at SSM this yr.
I think a little "luck" in recruiting would help as well.
The GGs hosted several out of region recruits over the Indiana game weekend.
Do you remember the weather that Friday night?
10/11 2:00
A stadium on campus??? C'mon ..Maturi is wondering why all the empty student seats at the new football stadium.It's because the team is pathetic and the quality of Big Ten play is pathetic and the weather usually sucks. Forget that loyalty crap.
YA,there was an outstanding possible world class iternational exchange student in the Lake Conference that wanted to play soccer but the MSHL wouldn't allow it. Typical head up your azz decision.
Sorry,no offense but the GG's will be lucky to finish in the first division next year.
They are a team of basically one dimensional players and are easy to defend. They don't have one difference maker (like the kid from Mich ST) who could actually win a game for them when the chips are down.
They had a one time lucky year in 2008. They were overrated at the start of the year because of 2008 but are now rated more acurately. 2010 expectation should be 5th or 6th in the Big Ten.
Anon 10:05-
Do you have an opinion on why those types of forwards aren't coming out of Minnesota?
Coach MDW takes a lot of heat for her recruiting of in state players.
But it seems to me, the finger should also be pointed at the youth development system in this state.
Fire away...
2:08 - I'll take that bet any day. you just let me know when. How were they overrated? They were picked to finish 6th and finished 4th.
Strahota and Bethke aren't quite Heyboer or Toney, but name another attacker in the Big Ten that is better? Noshbusch from Wisconsin definitely isn't.
Iowa??- no one
Northwestern??? - no one
Illinois??? - no one
Purdue??? - maybe 1
Wisconsin - no one
Michigan - no chance
Indiana - no one
Ohio State - no one - great midfield though
You are right, we don't have a Heyboer - but our forwards are as good as any in the Big Ten save 2 maybe 3.
2:22 - you are exactly correct, which is precisely why the GG's will always be a good (occasionally very good) team but never elite.
Maybe MN has everyone conditioned (like the Twins) that it's OK to be what they are, to be "the little engine that could", etc...
I get frustrated when fans are accepting of the status quo and not striving to be the best.
No one said anything about status quo and not striving to be the best.
There are many factors involved in recruiting top 50 talent (which the Gophers do every year). Some are great, some have significant risks involved. It is very different than basketball and football. You don't have to like it or understand it, but it is what it is.
socmom - 10:05 here. How many are there of that calibre in the first place annually across the country? I think 2:22 is probably accurate in that there might 2-4 right now in the Big 10 - and that's 11 teams with four grades per team. What I do know is that there are some kids coming down the pike (forwards & midfielders) who have made the RII ODP teams, GNT, and one WNT (take that for what it's worth-but someone thinks they are good). I believe the talent is getting better each year here in MN, so hopefully some will not only stick around but continue to make a difference.
"never be elite."
There are 315 women's soccer programs that are not elite.
There are 6 or 7 that are.
10-12 years ago, there was only 1.
Women's soccer continues to grow, so will the elite teams.
Because I like comparing apples to apples and we are talking about goal scoring...
Here are the Big Ten CONFERENCE ONLY goals and game winning goals leaders (from the Big Ten website).
These stats show how we match up to other Big Ten teams when playing only each other.
No surpise that Schoepfer tops both lists....
BIG TEN GOALS
Schoepfer, Katie-PSU...10
Toney, Danielle-PSU.....7
Nosbusch, Laurie-WIS....6
Nairn, Christine-PSU....5
Steuer, Lauren-OSU......4
Bowyer, Ashley-OSU......4
Warren, Jessica-PUR.....3
Cosnek, Alyssa-IOWA.....3
Adams, Paige-WIS........3
Granberg, Lauren-OSU....3
Herczg, Alicia-NU.......3
Strahota, Tamara-MINN...3
Showalter, Morgan-IOWA..3
Rouse, Molly-MINN.......3
BIG TEN GAME-WINNING GOALS
Schoepfer, Katie-PSU...4
Rouse, Molly-MINN......3
Nosbusch, Laurie-WIS...3
Heyboer, Laura-MSU.....2
Bowyer, Ashley-OSU.....2
Herczeg,Alicia-NU.....2
Toney, Danielle-PSU....2
2:48 - I think you are right on. The talent is definitely getting better and that will be one of the many key factors in the GG's continuing to climb up the ranks.
Thanks Socmom -
I didn't mention Rouse just because she is a midfielder but she can definitely be thrown into the conversation.
Assists are not shown as Bethke's name would appear in that number I'm sure.
Schoepfer graduates. Both Strahota and Rouse played their best soccer at the end of the year. But athletically and skill wise - I don't see anyone on there except for Toney, Heyboer, and Nairn better than the Gopher attackers. Wouldn't you agree??
You saw more of them than I did....but certainly OSU didn't have any, I know Wisconsin doesn't, Indiana's weren't close,
Round Two...
BIG TEN ONLY POINTS
Schoepfer, Katie-PSU..... 25
Toney, Danielle-PSU...... 18
Nosbusch, Laurie-WIS..... 16
Nairn, Christine-PSU..... 16
Steuer, Lauren-OSU....... 13
Bowyer, Ashley-OSU....... 10
Adams, Paige-WIS......... 9
Cameron, Tiffany-OSU..... 8
Showalter, Morgan-IOWA... 8
Granberg, Lauren-OSU..... 7
Strahota, Tamara-MINN.... 7
Samp, Carly-IND.......... 7
BIG TEN ONLY ASSISTS
Nairn, Christine-PSU..... 6
Schoepfer, Katie-PSU.....5
Steuer, Lauren-OSU....... 5
Bethke, Katie-MINN....... 4
Cameron, Tiffany-OSU..... 4
Nosbusch, Laurie-WIS..... 4
Toney, Danielle-PSU...... 4
Dagley,Caroline-NU...... 3
Rosenbluth, Jess-PSU..... 3
Samp, Carly-IND.......... 3
Lam-Feist, Monica-WIS.... 3
Brady, Colleen-OSU....... 3
Ibewuike, Vanessa-PUR.... 3
Adams, Paige-WIS......... 3
if the attack was so great then why didn't they win more? Why did our leading scorer have 3 goals in league play? They averaged one (1) goal per Big 10 game. Nothing wrong with being a subjective fan, but take off the rose (or maroon in this case) colored glasses.
Socmom - great info. What it seems to be reinforcing is why the GG's are who they are...the 4th-6th best team in the Big 10.
Anon 3:03...
I'm not making a case for our attack being so great.
And,BTW, so as not to confuse anyone, Bethke was the Gophers OVERALL leader.
The above stats are simply cut and pasted from the Big Ten CONFERENCE ONLY Stat Leaders.
(I'm guessing it's not a complete list but only goes down to top 10).
And one more note, if you look closely you don't see Heyboer racking up goals, assists, points during Big Ten play.
But what is pretty clear...
There's a reason Penn State's # 1.
The root cause of the problem why MN doesn't develop real playmakers is because coaches at the club level don't try to teach it. It takes too much time. It's too much work. It's much easier to teach direct (boot ball). That's all the kids know. The way it is now if you had a kid with playmaker ability who the heck could play with them. The playmaker is at a different level in field awareness and anticipation.They gonna dribble around waiting for someone to figure out what's next. Playmakers don't fit in Minnesota.One of the top club coaches is only interested in who can run the most and fastest nationals. MDW is no different. She came from a program that's all they do. Heck..just go recruit players that run track.
Club coaches have all the excuses. One coach said watch pro soccer and learn how to be a playmaker.Another coach said no team will outcondition my team.In three years his team went from very successful nationally to also ran status.
You want to recruit a kid who's a playmaker. The kid looks at the coach and the teams style of play. The kid won't come to the U because they play direct. The kid would probably want to go to a Stanford.
The bottom line is don't expect any playmakers to come to the U any time soon.
Bootball??? Seriously....that story is so tired it is hilarious.
Gophers could definitely use some more playmakers, but they don't play bootball. They definitely recruit speed.
But the bootball story is just another excuse for - my daughther doesn't have enough pace for the D 1 game but dang is she good in a 4 v 4 small-sided session because technically she is so gifted.
Speaking of Stanford...
And not meaning to show the Gophers any disrespect.
But watch the Cardinals if you get a chance.
That's some pretty soccer going on.
socmom - are you a traitor?
yes stanford plays good soccer.
parents of daughters that think everyone plays bootball - just send them to brazil...i'm sure they will find it different and be able to jump right in and play with them.
"What I do know is that there are some kids coming down the pike (forwards & midfielders) who have made the RII ODP teams, GNT, and one WNT (take that for what it's worth-but someone thinks they are good)."
This is where the debate comes in. If they are good, everyone on here thinks they will go someplace else. And if they stay, well then they won't get the college experience they should have if they leave.
Anonymous said...
Maybe MN has everyone conditioned (like the Twins) that it's OK to be what they are, to be "the little engine that could", etc...
I get frustrated when fans are accepting of the status quo and not striving to be the best.
11/11/09 2:28 PM
I agree
Take a peak at Stanford's recent 2009 class and incoming 2010's. The UofM would be happy with one of those kids. There's only 14 D1 scholarships, so almost all those kids are getting partials.
Regarding playmakers - IMO they are born that way - kind of like natural scorers. It's a mindset and the playmaker sees the game differently and at a different speed. They anticipate (which you really can't teach) and instinctively react to everything going on around them (another thing that is hard to teach). Watch Lampard, Gerrard, and how Zidane use to play. They are just wired that way.
The 4 #1 seeds all play good soccer. UNC plays more direct than the other 3 top 4 seeds, but they also play a very high pressure style. FSU is nottin but speed, UCLA works it and holds poss, Stanford does the same. All 4 squads have a very good midfield that can hold onto the ball until they break down others defense.
3:55 - this is a typical statement of thinking it is always better somewhere else and that we have it so bad here.
Same story, different day, anonymous posters in the doom and gloom.
I love how a select few just feel it is so bad here.
Go visit some of those so called "unbelievable" and "warm" places.
In the end, I don't see a huge exodus of the best players from Minnesota...maybe other schools in the midwest, but just not that many are going to be enticed to the other wonderful places.
Minnesota (as a state,economy, and educationy, not just soccer) has way more to offer. And if you think it doesn't, you haven't spent enough time elsewhere.
4:06 - I agree with you in that most will stick around and your second to last line is somewhat true....
"In the end, I don't see a huge exodus of the best players from Minnesota...maybe other schools in the midwest, but just not that many are going to be enticed to the other wonderful places."
It's nice to dream, but it's a two way street and those big time schools/programs in the far away, exciting, warm places have to also be knocking on the door. Someone has to do the "enticing".
Big Ten Conference just released 2009 All Big Ten Teams / Honors
Congrats to the following Gophers.
2009 All Big Ten Teams (MN)
Forward: Katie Bethke (2nd Team)
Midfield: Molly Rouse (2nd Team)
Defense: Jennie Clark (1st Team)
Goalkeeper: Cat Parkhill (All Freshman Team)
Sportsmanship Award: Sara Clancy, Sr.
http://www.bigten.org/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/111109aaa.html
Ok Ok I'll bite....Just who are the GGGs playmakers that you speak of?
Heard a rumor that AK, former BJ player, will suit up as a GG next year after recovering from injury. True???
The players "coming down the pike" are no better than the ones who have come out the past 4-5 years. ODP recognition is a result of the states teams doing better in out of state tourneys over past several years resulting in MN players getting more of a look than they did in the past. There is not a single offensive player in the state better than the forwards/mids the GG's have now.
Just how strong is the Big Ten.
How will the five teams do in the Big Dance.Here's one guess.
Penn St....one win
Mich St....one win
Purdue.....one win
Ohio St....may win two and advance
Wisc.......one win
Best guess six wins.
5:59 - wouldn't the fact they did better in out of state tournaments and at the ODP camp be a reflection that they might be better.......
Something tells me when growing up your favorite Winnie the Pooh character was Eeyore.
Agree with 559. 626 they have not done better in out of state tournaments than did Woodbury inferno, Bangu 89-90 and 90-91 or St. Croix Eclectic etc. As far as region camp goes the 91-92 team also won that tourney and advanced to nationals. The current U15's and U17's have done nothing. The U16 team had some succcess early but certainly not more that the Bangu 90-91 or Woodbury Inferno teams. I am not trying to diminish their talents as there are some very good players coming along, there also have been some very good ones already gone.
Man, 3:21 hit the nail on the head.
That post summarizes MN girls development perfectly.
The Lady Gophers will be even better next year and finish higher in Big 10 standings.
All of their starters are back next year and the first year players will be much better prepared to help the team succeed with a year of Big 10 experience under their belt. I just don't understand why people want to bash this team and coach.
To think having an entire starting team returning next season and that they won't be even better is ridiculous.
Anonymous said...
Ok Ok I'll bite....Just who are the GGGs playmakers that you speak of?
11/11/09 5:43 PM
From what Im reading, a local club hero from the State of MN
Woodbury HS was the #1 team in the nation this year before being upset in state finals. There are no younger players at other schools better than the seniors they are graduating.
AK from BJ a Gopher? You won't compete in the B10 that way.
i always chuckle when folks equate high school soccer success with club success. Senior parent pride!
8:56 - I think the point is that there currently isn't one and according to those in the know, doesn't look like one on the horizon.
Congrates to JC for making the Big-10 First Team
yes...jc absolutely deserved it...the top defender hands down!
11/11 4:06
You sound like Sid Hartman...
I don't think a kid coming out of HS is really too interested in the local economy or has started mailing resumes.
Some kids are homers and some want a new experience. The U isn't so much better academically than most major colleges.I'd guess most kids from Minny would prefer to attend a Univ in a warm climate for a change. Heck one of the best HS girls basketball players just selected the U of Miami over the U of M. Where would you rather go to college?
As far as the U campus,it's big but the whole area is getting rather run down. There are beautiful campuses in warmer climates all over the country. Check some out on their web-pages.
To each their own.
Well we finally got a brand new football stadium on campus.
Where are the students?
10,000 empty student seats.
We build a stadium and nobody come. Nobody come!
What the......
Maybe if they served booze they'd come. Ya think?
That player from SSM that passed on the Gophers is doing ok at UCLA. Started 8 of 18 games,scored three goals and had 3 assists for a #1 seed. This kid played in MDW's back yard and she couldn't land her. That should tell you all you need to know about recruiting at Minnesota.
Weather doesn't help. Also, pull in an assistant coach with at least some experience at D2 or D3 and for sure at the D1 level. Not just a player turned coach. Must have been a great player but recruits are looking at the staff of colleges very closely.
1:37 - why not just say here comes a slam on MDW. Since you seem to have intimate knowledge of the situation, was it that she wanted to go the MN but wasn't recruited by them? Please confirm if that was the case.
If not, then she chose to go to one of the perennial top 5 programs.
I always love the "they didn't land her therefore they can't recruit". My hunch is she never had any desire to go to MN. Much like KK who's going to FSU and CS who's going to WI.
Unfortunately, why let that get in the way of a good slam of the program.
So experience alone makes you a good coach? What are you with the teachers union? Its about performance, not experience.
I agree that great players rarely make great coaches.
When you can't keep KK, a great player, here in MN with a sister on the team and a sister as a coach what does that tell you? Looking for a better team than the U? FSU fits that bill!
Hasn't anyone on this blog lived anywhere but the Midwest?
Is it that difficult to believe a young kid would LOVE to live, attend college and play soccer in Florida or California?
minnesota myopic.......
Gophers got screwed. They beat Purdue, finished ahead of them in conference, but Purdue had a higher RPI. So only RPI would let them in ahead of MN.
Gophers finished ahead of Mich State, had a much higher RPI, but lost to Mich State at East Lansing, but Mich State got in.
Either RPI trumps or is doesn't. Either head-to-head trumps or is doesn't. Either conference placement trumps or it doesn't.
They got screwed!
Sounds like high school or bad ref syndrome. Got screwed cuz of bad reffing...starting player out...etc. etc. There is no "trump card"...it's like recruiting players...there is no trump card except what's in THAT players own mind...the whole package,,,different for everybody!
1:57,
You're spot on!
There are tons of kids who want to move away from home when they go to college. Southern California is pretty appealing to a lot of young people.
Then on top of just the location, weather and quality of school you can play on a top 10 national program?
I know what my choice would be...cya later Ski-U-Mah!
just wait till you get the rebuttal posts about playing in front of your family and friends (sounds like that could more important to mom/dad) and how you need your support system if things don't go well and you are so far away (no, no, don't be independent and figure it out on your own). It's the newest generation of kids raised by over bearing, over involved parents. What's the expression - "helicopter" parents as they hover over them and plan their course through life so they never have to face adversity, failure, or overcome any obstacles.
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