With the high school season over, many MN soccer fans are turning their attention to the upcoming club season. While travel budgets may be smaller with the economic down turn, may team are still planning a full winter season of tournaments.
U-12 (playing 13) Burnsville girls win the Holiday blast over a very spunky U-11 Rev team. Not exactly the world cup but both teams appear to be near the top of their age groups.
I think it's an interesting conversation, not because of the issues about the team placement, I could care less. What intrigues me is the impact it has on MYSA. I think the real issue here is the way MYSA rules are vague and made without forethought. This is what causes people to get all cranked up because the rules are applied in an arbitrary manner based on emotion, a club's conections or a club's reputation.
That's what is at the heart of this conversation, not one team, their parents and coach.
If you're sick of it you don't have to pay attention, but the issue is much bigger than your reaction implies.
The fact is MYSA rules are created by member clubs. Many of the recent rules we've seen enacted are created to prevent other clubs from doing things or to prevent other clubs from gaining a competitive advantage. The rules should be geared toward improving conditions of the game for the players and their clubs. Basically some of what we're seeing happen is the law of unintended consequences because some of the rules are poorly thought out and passed based on emotion, not logic and careful thought.
I agree with the comments above regarding the real issue here. I have no child playing at U15 or U16, but there is are bigger implications here. Say what you will, but I would have the same issue regardless of the club. It is the principle much more than the specific team or club.
851 proves 842's point. Sometimes people can't get past their hate for MTA for whatever reason. And I believe that hate/emotion is the reason some rules are in place and are applied arbitrarily.
1120, you are right some people hate MTA, but I think they rationalize everything they do with they hate us so its OK anyway. I have no problem with the U15 coach trying to get his team into the highest age group possible, but I guess I'm sick of hearing parents saying they've earned it, because they haven't earned U16 premier.
I think what I've heard is not necessarily parents saying they earned it. What I'm hearing is parents (and probably others) saying they earned it within the rules. I draw a distinction. Maybe it's because I don't necessarily hate MYA, I just don't think their program is right for my daughters. Therefore it makes no difference to me if they are placed at U16 or U15 even though one of my daughters plays for a team in that league. I do not understand how it affects anyone else, even those of us with kids playing in the league and those relegated.
6:27:You have issues to be up at 6:30 A.M. telling the world about some 14-16 year olds beating some other 15/16 year olds in a meaningless gsme. keep telling yourself how great your DD is. Get a life you moron. Now, if you were reporting on something which mattered, I wouldn't be so mean. Did anyopne one ever tell you you are a nutcase?
big time congrats to Inferno! gotta love gotsoccer.com rankings. neither team they've beaten (nationally #4 & #16) were even state cup champs. one of them is actually #7 in their own region and #3 in their own state (VA).
Even national soccer ranking has the GA team ranked 11th in the nation (#1 from their state) so I don't know what you are looking at...but perhaps you just want to throw stones! How about some respect for a team from your own state that just had a good showing against another very good team!
No "advancing" at Disney as no playoffs to a champion. Everyone gets a 4'th game against a team with a similar record in pool play. Like most other tourneys it has gone to a strict showcase format at older ages to eliminate pressure to win. Regrettable from my view as an observer although I do understand the reasoning. Better for players 12-18 on the teams but not as interesting to watch.
Teams at Disney advance out of their pool to play winner of another pool. For the showcase brackets, there are three "semis" instead of four, and no finals. Weird.
U18 Showcase -- Inferno lose 0-2 to Eclipse in OT, both goals late in 2nd OT. Very good MN showing against #1 ranked team and defending National Champs.
U17 Copa -- EP lose 0-4 to FC Milwaukee. EP ends up 3-1 for a decent overall tournament.
U17 Copa -- Wayzata finishes 3rd in their pool.
U16 Predator -- MTA White finishes 4th in their pool, but competitive in all games.
It is a showcase tournament! Absolutely nobody cares about results or who you play. It is for college exposure and there was plenty of that. Coaches come to see players, not teams.
Take note Minnesota coaches FC Milwaukee plays soccer the way it should be coached. Possessing the ball,not being afraid of doing simple things well and reading the game and creating attacking trigger points and angles.. The ball is kept on the ground and there is purpose and intent with their offense. Have watched u-17 team that beat EP and their older teams that consistently beat and baffled BT teams. Their players see the whole field and are knowledgable and use their teammates unselfishly. I agree EP team will have tough time finding quality elite premier competition to improve as individuals and team because of semifinal loss in state cup and that will be used for acceptance into tournaments and level they are allowed to play at. Some elite players truly wanting to push their development further to be ready to play elite college programs may find only way is to quest play up against older level competition at premier elite tournaments otherwise their development will remain flat as 17-18 year olds and be too far behind entering first year of college to compete for playing time against players who have already played against far greater competition.
While having at least 2 minnesota teams EP and Wayzata being allowed to play in showcase tournaments is good for continued development of minnesota teams and players sadly some other u-17 teams and players are competely out of luck till next year because very seldom are three teams ever allowed in tournament from same state of minnesota.
If the U17s on the "other teams" you reference haven't been in front of the college coaches before next year, they are out of luck. Discussions need to be happening now in order to obtain any of the money left in the half-empty (if you're lucky) wallets of programs.
If you/you're child is a junior right now and you have no real options right now, you are in real jeopardy of walk-on status. Especially if you/they are expecting big time schools and money.
Wake up people. I am not trying to be mean or a doomsday alarmist here- but do want people to understand and be realistic.
So, when a player is offered a partial scholarship (25% or 50%) from a school, generally how long do they have to accept or decline before the university moves on to their next player of choice? Should sophmores be making unofficial visits now to the programs they might be interested in or wait until an offer is extended next fall?
Soph's (2012s) should be taking unofficials, I dont like it, but its the way of the game now a days. Its really sad, players cant even use the 5 official paid visits anymore.
Pick a college based on proper geographic location and educational needs and opportunities first and foremost.
The question players should ask is, "if my soccer career ended tomorrow ( ie due to injury), is this the place I want to be" for the rest of my college days.
If your playing premier soccer for the primary purpose of college soccer scholarships you're playing the game for the wrong reason.
1:06- Make the visits NOW. Don't fall into the "she's only a sophomore" trap.
Step 1- Player does research on where they are interested in ATTENDING SCHOOL. I echo Tomass above, school is most important thing.
Step 2- PLAYER (very important- the PLAYER) contacts the coaches and talks to them. Coaches can't answer back, so the kids must be persistent.
Step 3- If there seems to be a synergy and some interest by the coaches, make unofficial visits. Schedule it ahead of time with the coaches. But, I would probably save the visit for a time after the coaches have seen the kid play. Many times, it will give everyone more to talk about. Let the kid talk, the coaches don't want to talk to the parents.....
Step 3- Wait until offers, and make best decision possible.
Let the kid talk, the coaches don't want to talk to the parents.....
True, but it is a decision that isnt entirely up to the coach. It is beneficial (and critical) to have the kids and the parents ask pointed questions of the coach. After all, the coach will have a significant impact upon the collegiate experience. The interview of the coach is no time to be timid.
what is the official rule on transfers? if a kid is placed on a u15c1 team in a given club but is offered a spot on a u16c2 team at another club, is that a 'higher level' because of the age? how about if it is u16c1? obviously u15c1 to u15 premier is a no brainer but how about the above situations?
to the previous comment on 1/5 at 4:00. playing up an age is not necessarily a higher spot. the rule is vague in the MYSA manual (shocking) and it interpretted opposite of your point. u15c1 is higher than u16c2
This is in response to the short discussion above about college search tactics, and how coaches don't want to talk to parents. I've just gone through the recruiting process with my daughter, who ended up on a D2 team, based mainly on academics. We started out talking to a few local D3 schools, ones who would have been more than happy to have her no matter how badly she interviewed, and got an idea about just how bad she was at being interviewed. After that, we sat down and wrote two lists: questions you should be able to answer from the college coach, and responses to the "Do you have any questions?" query from the coach. She worked on these, to the point of actually writing out answers/notes about the questions, and really improved her performance in live interviews.
I know it's not completely on-topic, but thought it might help out some parents out there:
Questions you need to know how to answer:
1. What are your strengths? 2. What are your weaknesses? 3. I notice you haven't had a lot of varsity/club/whatever playing time - why is that? 4. What can you bring to our soccer program? 5. What are you looking for in a college soccer program? 6. Why did you choose the club team you currently play for? 7. Who are your biggest soccer influences? Why? 8. What is your biggest soccer accomplishment? 9. Tell me about a game where things didn't go right - how did you handle it and what did you do to fix it? 10. How do you/will you handle the pressures of academics and athletics at the same time?
Do you have any questions?:
1. Where do you think I'd fit in with the team as an incoming freshman - do freshman usually get much playing time? 2. How are your practices run? What does your weekly schedule look like? 3. Who are the toughest teams you play each year? 4. What kind of travel is involved/how much class will I miss during the season? 5. Do the girls on the team live in the same dorm - will I be roomed with another soccer player? 6. What style of defense/offense do you play? Who is in charge on the field? 7. Do you have any non-soccer team activities? 8. What kind of out-of-season training do you do? Is there a spring playing season? 9. Do any of the soccer players play other sports? 10. What's the team average GPA? How does this compare to the overall student body average GPA? 11. Do you coach/Are you involved with any of the local club teams? 12. How many people usually come to see the games?
I did forget one more question you should always ask a coach - "Are you now, or have you ever been associated in any way with Mark Abboud/Bangu/MTA/SSM/JE/The Bavarian Illuminati?"
Then it would have fit in here better... :)
Thanks for the kind comments - the lists really helped out my daughter.
4/1/10 2:52 A.M. whose your sources, team you mentioned and scenorio you described seems to be unfolding after major tournament annoucement of their exclusion in one of most college coach attended showcase tournaments. Wonder if the results from Disney that major showcase was waiting to see affected exclusion. Seems 4/1/10 3:07 A.M. also fit this unfortunate situation.
Agreed on the account of going into mrl with out games against quality competition. As for recruiting, it pretty much wraps up at disney for this year's juniors. EP has the upper hand in competition prior to state cup with their mrl schedule if it doesn't wear them down.
7:57- maybe EP has the "upper hand in competition", maybe they don't. Have to wait and see how they do against the competition they face.
Depending on the scores, the games may be of no use to anyone for experience. I think I'd wait and see how things go before I got too "high" on the team. Thus far, you have played very similar competition as has MTA and SSM this season. Seems to me that I read earlier on this blog that a college coach stated that they saw "nothing special" about the EP team in Texas? Maybe I am wrong, but I am almost certain I read it- too lazy to go back and check.
well i guess if some anonymous person on this blog reported that one unnamed college coach said that then it must be true. not sure ep should even enter state cup.....lol.
Not saying that, 10:01. All I am saying is that from a report from someone on a scouting trip, it seems apparent that there is something lacking on the team. Take it as constructive criticism more than a slam. There is plenty of talent on EPs team, not sure they are playing together. Sounds kind of like a "Real Madrid" issue.
i'll cut ep a bit of slack on any comments from texas. new coach, new system, many new players, a couple of key injuries - hard to put it all together in one month.
Perhaps the EP team and coach should have class room sessions on how to play as a team. They seem to lack soccer IQ at Disney and should follow the example of FC Milwaukee team that soundly defeated them .. simple team execution is better brilliant individual play. EP seemed to be afraid of doing simple things well.
Quite entertaining to watch those grasping at straws to try to tear down the EP team and hoping for a reaction. Hopefully the EP crowd with let the pigs play in the mud by themselves.
I m not sure that anyone is trying to tear the team down. Someone came on here spewing propaganda about how solid the EP team is. BY player names and resumes, they may be. However can you do something with them? Haven 't shown anything to prove they can to this point.
I have since seen some fairly benign comments about the fact that they probably should gain some impressive results prior to spouting off about how good they are.
I see it as a service to them personally. I very vividly remember how wildly happy they were last year when they beat SSM in State Cup. You'd thought they just won the World Cup! Only to not advance any further. The EP parents need to keep their emotions and tongues in check lest it be used against them.
3:30 Please provide the posting you reference. I don't see any resumes or player names in 478 postings or in past threads. Easy to throw mud and hope it sticks.
254, does that mean the U15 Blue team will actually be the team playing in premier or will they give the spot to another team like say their second team that lost the spot last year or let another younger team take that spot??
1141, your right one game doesn't define that team all your loses in out of state tournaments defines them. The reason MTA teams usually don't play MYSA is that if they did and lost they would have a harder time recruiting if they did lose. They don't play and still claim they are better than everyone else. Your arrogance is hilarious considering how poorly that team has performed over the years.
So that's the reason. You must be the smartest person in the world Gump. Your arrogance that you can determine the intentions of an entire club based on one thing is hilarious.
Dont be a gump hater. Although they perform poorly out of state, they are the highest quality in this one. MTA u15 girls are the top individuals in the state, note that all the top players are also the top ODP players ,and always have been.
MTA Blue will be playing in the MYSA U15 Premier league. The reason for this is the team is in the ECNL which is US Club soccer, the are not playing MRL so they need to play in a USYSA league to be state cup eligible. If the team/club had a choice they would not play in any MYSA league. However the must do so to play in state cup. MTA U16 and U17 blue teams will also be playing MYSA league as they are not playing MRL. Both teams will self select for a U18/19C1 league.
There you go, 12:07pm, if your team (I mean your daughter's team) wants a shot at beating an MTA team in MYSA league play, have them sign up for U18/U19C1. Best of luck.
MTA likes to give the impression they are too dominate to play in the State. They have to be able to withstand the criticism when they can't win every game as evidenced by losing to Burnsville last year. When they lose, then suddenly one game does not define them, but IF they won that one game, it would define them as the State Champions. You can't have it both ways.
15 Blues lost the State Cup final as U13's to the U12 Blues. This team also has lost to Burnsville and I think they had a rough time at the USA Cup barely beating Tonka (at their age group). Not sure there is much to brag about with this team in State. They are good, but beatable in our State.
I know im stating the obvious.....that MTA blue teams are self selecting at U18 or U19....i know its for entry into state cup....what I dont understand is why MYSA would allow themselves to be tooled in this fashion. Does MYSA have any consideration for the legitimate members of the U19 or U18 teams in these leagues. When is MYSA going to stop kissing the tookus of one club without any regard for others?
6:46 Nice try, MYSA is far from kissing MTA's tookus. If anything MYSA and the powers that be are against them. If you don't like the rule, propose a new one and get the rest of the clubs to vote on it. Member clubs make the rules, not MYSA. Who is it hurting if the 16's and 17's play in an older league, not the 18/19, if anything it is going to give them better games and good teams. Would you rather have them petition for premier league placement, which they would be granted or let them play in an older c1 league. Either ways someone is not going to be happy. The only way you can stop it, is if mysa allows teams become tournament only and allow them to play state cup. This will all be a mute point in two years when the ECNL becomes its own stand alone league and the U15-17 MTA blue teams won't compete in state cup at all.
8:27 Absolutly , put the premiere teams in premiere leagues at their own age group. For one, the level of play is higher than at the self appointed level....18 or 19. Playing in the premiere league would also elevate the play of the other Minnesota premiere teams. I know MTA is not about the good of Minnesota soccer or bringing more teams to a higher level, however playing local premiere would allow them to recruit by example..... what is there to fear? Also....no doubt the 15s,16s,17s...whatever....would dominate the leagues made up of girls on summer break from college or girls who want to play for fun,in a more rec type league. By the way.....wheres the common sense at MYSA.? Why cant MYSA change the rules on the fly ? When self serving clubs like MTA exploit the system because the driver (MYSA) is asleep ,or , drunk, behind the wheel.
I HAVE A QUESTION TO THIS BLOG/BOARD: What are the rules governing a MN high school coach, who is also coaching a Summer Club team, regarding contact with his/her high school players who are also on his/her Summer Club team?
I only see a July 1-7 'no-contact' period cited, but no other rules/issues. Can someone shed light on this? And if there is a rule, can someone point me to where it can be found?
From answer posted on boys club thread... Here is the link you are looking for. See Section 208 http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/Publications/code/handbook/HandbookTOC.htm From MSHSL Handbook (See Section 208) Q.What may a coach do and not do before and after the high school season with his/her high school athletes? A.MAY DO 1)Provide camp and non-school team information to athletes if approved for a summer waiver and authorized by your athletic director to do so. 2)Coaches approved for summer coaching may provide coaching during the prescribed time period. (Ref. Bylaw 208, Summer Coaching Waiver*) (*The summer waiver period begins on June 1 and concludes on July 31) (*The summer waiver period also includes a no-contact period from July 1 through July 7) (*Coaches who have been granted a summer coaching waiver...may continue to coach that team through Labor Day if that team participates in an end-of-the-season tournament as a natural extension of the summer team season). MAY NOT DO During the school year, prior to and following the sport season: 1)May not provide coaching, instruction, training, etc. to any member of their high school team, B-squad, J.V. or varsity other than during the season or under the summer waiver. 2)May not influence or direct a player’s non-school play. This includes: a)Directing athletes to play in a league or attend a camp or clinic. b)Place athletes on a roster, develop or organize a team roster; draft players for a team; select, secure, evaluate or otherwise influence the placement of athletes on a team for leagues, tournaments, camps or clinics other than those athletes approved for the summer coaching waiver. 3.May not direct, or unduly influence an athlete to participate in open gym, captain’s practice, or non-school teams, leagues or camps. 4.May not organize, supervise, direct or otherwise be involved in the organization of captain’s practice.
Winter travel tournament schedules starting to get released. I know a few at AZ Pres day tourney(MTA and Wayzata). Any other MN teams traveling? Who and where?
MTA U-13 and U-14 (blue) teams are playing next weekend at The Eclipse Winter Cup. Odd schedule and brackets for the 14's. They only have 3 teams total in the bracket and then also play one additional game against a U-13 team from CA, but the U-13 team is not listed as a team in the bracket? Then the winner of this bracket gets automatic Bye into the final. Good luck to both teams, it looks like both teams have a great opportunity for success within their brackets.
Travel all of the way to CA. andf end up having to play a team a year younger? That has to be disapointing, This team as well as most if not all of the other MN teams who are traveling want quality competition to prepare them for the upcoming season. This is a disapointment for the 14's from that perspective but it does create a fairly easy pass to the championship game.
Let me get this straight, MTA 13s and 14s are traveling to Cali to play?? WTF? You have got to be kidding me. WHY? Oh, to play better competition right. The ONLY reason you should travel to Cali is if you have players that want to attend school on the west coast. 13 and 14?? What ever. Must have some deep pocket parents. Take a look in the mirror parents and ask yourself, what really is the team getting from this nice expensive weekend. MTA, what a joke to take these young players out to Region 4 while there are other closer games you could of done. yet again, its a joke.
If you plan your trip properly it's a s cheap to fly to California as it is to Kansas City. And this time of year I'd prefer the weather in California. My wife and I enjoyed the winter tournaments in AZ and CA locations when our son and daughters were playing.
I think it's up to us, actually. We should expect more from the participants on the blog. It's ok to be ignorant but when someone points out how rude you are you should pick up on it and correct yourself.
Here are a few of the teams traveling. I went through a few of the larger tournament sites and found these MN teams are traveling over the next Month or two. Any others?
In the past, that Region 3 tournament down in Tenn has been a very good one. however, with the ECNL, that has really hurt alot of tournaments thru out the US.
Region 3 tourney has 11 state cup champions and one regional champ. Of the 3 teams attending it looks like the REV 16 team has the toughest schedule with 2 state cup champs (AL and KY) and the ohio south semifinalist. MTA 16's get INdiana semi finalist, Rev 14's have no State cup semifinalists or better teams.
Laguna Eclipse has one state cup champ attending, MTA teams do not see them in bracket play.
Vegas showcase will have dozens of State and regional champs, Very good chance everyone will see some very strong competition.
Vegas Mayors cup: had 7 state cup champs last year, this tournament is definately second tier to the Vegas Showcase.
Presidents Day : 24 State Cup champs and 1 regional champ. MTA 14 white gets Nevada State cup champs, New mexico finalist and AZ semi finalists in bracket play. Wayzata gets UT finalist.
Looks like MTA 14's(white) and REV 16's draw the toughest test of the scheduled games released so far.
2:35, Whats the point spread for each game? The only thing I got from that is you've got way too much time on your hands! My guess is since state cup 2009, most teams have gone through tryouts. Some improved while others fallen a bit. ie It's a brand new year and to claim an easy or hard road through bracket play is ridiculous!
The 16 age group schedule at region 3 is weird. The teams do not play the teams in their group and the teams in the group does not even play the same teams. Five team groups but each team only play three games, the Javanon team has a very easy schedule on paper vs the AL and the MN team.
Good luck to all teams travelling this winter and spring
Not sure where MTAs playing but a week of rain may provide them an advantage or at least even the playing field. The fields haven't seen this much rain in three years from San Francisco to San Diego. I hope the do not cancel these games.
The Laguna Eclipse tournament plays almost every game on Turf. Rain should not dramatically affect play. Prediction: Both teams advance to finals and good shot 13's win the whole thing.
1011- agree with prediction, would have liked to see both teams go to a higher level tournament in California where they could have faced better teams. I believe 14's have a good chance of winning also. If you are going to spend the money and travel that far why not pick a tournament where the top teams play in?
1:45 The 14's appear positioned to move to the finals based on the way the brackets are set up but will then likely run into a buzz saw. The other two brackets are really loaded with several top 25 teams. The 14's are a good team but I highly doubt they will be able to hang with the winners of the other bracket. Good luck just the same. 13 team has a better chance to win in my opinion.
probably not a bad rule, but MN does allow middle schoolers to play and many of the U13's and U14's do play HS (as well as the involvement of many of the coaches) which would water down their teams meaning if they opted to go to CA, they would either have to bring in multiple guest players or have very little preparation tine.
Eclipse tourney in Laguna Hills. U13's won (top bracket) U14's came in second in their pool to Real So. Cal - the eventual tourney champ https://www.gotsport.com/events/?EventID=6515
Below is a cut and paste of the weekend's schedule:
Girls Showcase Tournament Schedule
Friday, January 29th
4:00 – 5:30 pm ……………… (U17) Easter Iowa United v Woodbury 5:30 – 7:00 pm …………….... (U17) Madison 56'ers v SSM 7:00 – 8:30 pm.……………… (U18) SSM v MN Thunder Academy 8:30 – 10:00 pm ……………… (U18) Wayzata Rage v MYSC Yahara Academy
Saturday, January 30th
8:00 – 9:30 am………………. (U18) FC United v Iowa Rush 9:30 – 11:00 am…………….. (U17) FC United v Iowa Rush 11:00 – 12:30 pm.................... SSM Boys 12:30 – 2:00 pm...................... (U18) MYSC Yahara Academy v SSM 2:00 – 3:30 pm........................ (U18) FC United v MN Thunder Academy 3:30 – 5:00 pm....................... (U18) Wayzata Rage v Iowa Rush 5:00 – 6:30 pm....................... (U17) FC United v SSM 6:30 – 8:00 pm………...…….(U17) Eastern Iowa United v Madison 56'ers 8:00 – 9:30 pm…………...….(U17) Iowa Rush v Woodbury 9:30 – 11:00 pm…………...... (U18) MN Thunder Academy v Wayzata Rage
Sunday, January 31st 8:00 – 9:30 am........................(U18) MYSC Yahara Academy v Iowa Rush 9:30 – 11:00 am......................(U18) SSM v FC United 11:00 am – 12:30 pm……..…(U17) Eastern Iowa United v FC United 12:30 – 2:00 pm……………..(U17) SSM v Iowa Rush 2:00 – 3:30 pm ……………. (U17) Madison 56'ers v Woodbury
Not sure which MTA U18 is attending, does anyone have information?
40 plus coaches will be attending. Some MN teams will be there. Appears as though this may be good for the players/teams who are willing to interact with SSM. Not so much for those who won't come to Faribault to play.
But, it is probably better for those players to pay big time $$$$$ to travel to Timbuktu for exposure to college coaches that are not even in this Region. Or, you could spend $30, drive to Faribault, have all 40+ coaches attention for your game. But, that would require you drop the "SSM is bad for MN" mantra.
If your looking for exposure to coaches I think the smaller indoor events like the MTA/Bangu one in St. Cloud, Arsenal in Nebraska, and the Shattuck one mentioned above offer the best opportunity for players. All provide a good number of coaches as a captive audience because there is only one game at time to watch.
10:02 - agreed as the vast majority of players end up sticking near home anyway. How many players annually go farther than MN or it's surrounding states?
Ageed...this is why I question any U13/14 teams from MN going out to Cali to play. WHY?? Do you have a team full of natl teamers that are all planning on going to Cali schools?? Cha$Ching$, I bet the coaches got to go out there for free on the teams dime.
more then likely the parents are paying for the coach and IF NOT I would be very surprised. The parents should be aware of this going in and if they don't like it, maybe they need to look for other options for their child to play on.
everyone goes into this with open eyes. this topic has been beaten to death on this blog. there are lots of other reasons for local top level teams to travel. typical minnesota myopic mindset.
The MN clubs who have set up these showcases have done a good thing for thier kids in a few ways. 1. They get more scrimmage/games in. 2. they create awareness for their club which can lead to other opportunities for their kids down the road. ie scrimmages or other showcases. 3. They do get visibility to some college coaches for their players.
My kids club is not one of the clubs who is sponsoring a showcase, but we were fortunate enough to be asked to attend in St Cloud last year and it was a good experience for all involved. My opinion of MTA went up because of the experience.
All of the above being true I still believe the best opportunity for visibility to upper Midwest coaches is at State Cup. Many attend because they get to evaluate players under pressure.
Tho one thing I get out of this is that teams U13 or even U16 is that they go out of town is for competition. If this is true why doesn't a team like a u13MTA team play a U14 or even a U15 team being it be a C1 or Premier in MN. Your argument will be the older team wont want to but if the teams are equal it would help both teams. I think it comes to clubs wanting to boost their so called value and or coaches looking for a cheap winter break or vacation. Again these are just my opions.
very legitimate point 2:50. imo, the issue playing teams up in age like you alluded to is that the hoped for experience/challenging usually doesn't materialize. older teams might be "bigger and stronger" but not necessarily better. playing a top notch same age regional or national level team is a better learning experience as you are now comparing apples to apples. the goal is to identify where the weaknesses are (and once again imo), you really don't learn that playing older teams.
You are correct, good things come from scrimmaging older stronger teams. But good things also come from measuring yourself against others from across the nation at your same age. Clearly you disagree. OK fine, but again my question is why on earth would you care what the reason is for top MN teams to travel? If the team you are on wants these "adventures" but you don't just go find a team that has goals more similar to your own. Don't try to bring others down to your level, consider trying to raise yourself up to their level. If that is not consistant with your thoughts then go find a different team. Why try and ruin the goals, and desires of the other kids. Let them enjoy their journey.
Saturday FC United U18 1 IA Rush U18 1 FC United U17 2 IA Rush U17 1 MYSC Yahara U18 0 SSM U18 1 FC United U18 6 MN Thunder U18 1 Wayzata Rage 2 IA Rush U18 0 FC United U17 0 SSM U17 0 EIU U17 1 Madison 56rs 2 IA Rush U17 0 Woodbury U17 2 MN Thunder U18 0 Wayzata Rage U17 3
Sunday MYSC Yahara U18 1 IA Rush U18 1 SSM U18 3 FC United U18 0 EIU U17 2 FC United U17 0 SSM U17 4 IA Rush U17 0 Madison 56rs ?? Woodbury U17 ??
Good weekend of games. Lots of coaches. Even got some press in the Faribault paper. Felt a bit like a feeding frenzy in many respects, the coaches were really busy taking notes all weekend. I watched all but maybe four of the games.
For the Shattuck haters, anyone look at TDS.com today. There is yet another huge academy just like SSM, So there is IMG, SSM, Darlington, and a few in the upper NE. I wonder if the people down in Region III are all crying cuz they have 2 full time academies that they have to play in State Cup and Regionals.
The answer to your question (11:40) is "no". The people in Region 3 are NOT crying because they have to play against Darlington and IMG.
Only in Minnesota does the general population complain because the competition is unfairly tough. Some teams actually want to play against good competition instead of walking through an easy State Cup to get blindsided at Regionals.
Why the newest youth soccer model is flawed. http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/2617/youth-soccer/2010/01/27/1764095/en-route-youth-soccer-needs-another-overhaul
I pop into this blog every so often and know that the whole SSM/MTA/Elite club fairness issue in has been beaten to death over time, so maybe I missed the recent post by someone that got 11:40am and 7:45pm from yesterday riled up.
i really dont understand who is writing the posts about ssm hating. It is my experience that nobody cares about ssm. SSM is a full time club team with a token school attached to it. Have the 17s or 18s won anything? Being competitive in Minnesota should be the priority. Basically, at this point, ssm is recruiting very marginal kids.
Wow 6:37....talk about passive/aggressive postings, yet hiding behind anonymity. SSM has some very talented U18 and U17 players, not merely marginal. The same could be said of MTA, Woodbury or Eden Prairie. There is not a single team in MN that is perfection in terms of talent...so let go of your SSM hatred.
Marginal? How many National team, or even Regional team members does your club have?
How about even simple State ODP players- and I am not talking about the pool that they cut down and never take to Regional Camp.
How many Herman Trophy winners has your club had?
How many more times has your club reached the USYS National Championship game? And if more than one, how many times/teams have tried?
For a young club, they are doing just fine. This whole argument is stupid. Here's a novel thought- how about we use this blog to discuss real issues? Maybe some real questions could get answered? I bet, if everyone tried really hard, we could actually help someone rather than tear someone down.
6:37 I get the point. Why is it so important to ssmers to be loved . It could be that nobody cares about this prep school . Alex Bunbury has a Herman award winner not ssm.
12:12 PM, I think you hit it on the nose, the USA CUP is very expensive, the fields are not in the best of shape and they are small compared to what regional tournaments are held on. If you want to attract those teams, get your fields in better shape, make them larger and control the costs. There are many top quality tournaments across the nation and internationally that don't charge as much, have better fields and attract the top teams.
USA Cup is poorly timed, it is too late for region teams. It doesnt help that it averages about 95 there most days. It is also very expensive for out of town teams and in this economy it is unlikely to improve in that respect.
USA Cup is poorly timed, it is too late for region teams. It doesnt help that it averages about 95 there most days. It is also very expensive for out of town teams and in this economy it is unlikely to improve in that respect.
The biggest issue for USA Cup is the quality of fields and small size of the fields. Unfortunately is sounds like NSC is fairly limited on what they can do about the field size unless they invest a large amount of capital. But until this is fixed they'll never get the very best teams to travel here and spend the money for these events. This comes from speaking with many coaches from other teams/clubs during my travels to other soccer events etc. It's a "chicken or the egg" type of situation...
1,123 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 1123 Newer› Newest»okay, I know Holiday tourney's locally are a joke (NSC, Blast, etc) but any fun teams out there? Any up and coming U11 or U12 teams?
U-12 (playing 13) Burnsville girls win the Holiday blast over a very spunky U-11 Rev team. Not exactly the world cup but both teams appear to be near the top of their age groups.
Thunder wins blast U-15/16 with a team of 14-16 year old players. Beat Chan Chaska 5-3 in final.
Hey 724,
I think it's an interesting conversation, not because of the issues about the team placement, I could care less. What intrigues me is the impact it has on MYSA. I think the real issue here is the way MYSA rules are vague and made without forethought. This is what causes people to get all cranked up because the rules are applied in an arbitrary manner based on emotion, a club's conections or a club's reputation.
That's what is at the heart of this conversation, not one team, their parents and coach.
If you're sick of it you don't have to pay attention, but the issue is much bigger than your reaction implies.
hate to disagree 8:42, but IMO, at the heart of this matter and the degree of emotional "cranked -updness" is three letters - mta.
The fact is MYSA rules are created by member clubs.
Many of the recent rules we've seen enacted are created to prevent other clubs from doing things or to prevent other clubs from gaining a competitive advantage.
The rules should be geared toward improving conditions of the game for the players and their clubs.
Basically some of what we're seeing happen is the law of unintended consequences because some of the rules are poorly thought out and passed based on emotion, not logic and careful thought.
I agree with the comments above regarding the real issue here. I have no child playing at U15 or U16, but there is are bigger implications here. Say what you will, but I would have the same issue regardless of the club. It is the principle much more than the specific team or club.
no dog in the fight, keep in mind it is youth soccer NOT parent soccer
851 proves 842's point. Sometimes people can't get past their hate for MTA for whatever reason. And I believe that hate/emotion is the reason some rules are in place and are applied arbitrarily.
So how have the girls teams done down at the Disney Showcase - any results?
1120, you are right some people hate MTA, but I think they rationalize everything they do with they hate us so its OK anyway. I have no problem with the U15 coach trying to get his team into the highest age group possible, but I guess I'm sick of hearing parents saying they've earned it, because they haven't earned U16 premier.
I think what I've heard is not necessarily parents saying they earned it. What I'm hearing is parents (and probably others) saying they earned it within the rules. I draw a distinction. Maybe it's because I don't necessarily hate MYA, I just don't think their program is right for my daughters. Therefore it makes no difference to me if they are placed at U16 or U15 even though one of my daughters plays for a team in that league. I do not understand how it affects anyone else, even those of us with kids playing in the league and those relegated.
Inferno wins 1-0, EP wins 3-0, Wayzata loses 2-1. MTA U16 white lose 3-1
6:27:You have issues to be up at 6:30 A.M. telling the world about some 14-16 year olds beating some other 15/16 year olds in a meaningless gsme. keep telling yourself how great your DD is. Get a life you moron. Now, if you were reporting on something which mattered, I wouldn't be so mean. Did anyopne one ever tell you you are a nutcase?
5:44 - Is there a time frame that you can post at? Pretty sure you can post anything on here at anytime of the day regarding soccer. Dork!
hey 5:44 - not everyone works 9-5. based on your post you might want to look in the mirror as a new year's resolution......
Inferno wins 2-0 in 2nd game vs. #4 ranked team in the nation.
big time congrats to Inferno!
gotta love gotsoccer.com rankings. neither team they've beaten (nationally #4 & #16) were even state cup champs. one of them is actually #7 in their own region and #3 in their own state (VA).
Wow, beating the 4th best team in the nation...
That 4th ranked team won the Disney tournament last year in the showcase flight - so they are no slouches.
Even national soccer ranking has the GA team ranked 11th in the nation (#1 from their state) so I don't know what you are looking at...but perhaps you just want to throw stones! How about some respect for a team from your own state that just had a good showing against another very good team!
Hey 2:56, best passive aggressive post in 2010! Offer congrats and then belittle the competition. Beautiful.
looks like a lot of inferno parents either didn't go to disney or have wifi....
Disney Results - Woodbury win 2-0, Wayzata wins 3-0, EP wins 3-0, MTA loses 3-0.
Looks like Inferno plays the defending national champions tomorrow. Good luck!
Woodbury wins 3 to advance. EP advances out of group with 3 wins as well. Wayzata goes 1-1-1 and MTA U16 go winless in FL.
Was the MTA team the Blue or White team?
Is it MTA or MIA?
MTA White
2:36,
We'll let you know after State Cup...okay? ;-)
No "advancing" at Disney as no playoffs to a champion. Everyone gets a 4'th game against a team with a similar record in pool play. Like most other tourneys it has gone to a strict showcase format at older ages to eliminate pressure to win. Regrettable from my view as an observer although I do understand the reasoning. Better for players 12-18 on the teams but not as interesting to watch.
How are fields in Orlando? After watching some of the bowl games in Florida it would appear the teams are playing in some mud.
Teams at Disney advance out of their pool to play winner of another pool. For the showcase brackets, there are three "semis" instead of four, and no finals. Weird.
http://www.gotsport.com/events/schedule.aspx?eventid=5814&FieldID=0&applicationID=489887&action=Go
This team from Japan appears to be pretty good.
Disney update/wrapup:
U18 Showcase -- Inferno lose 0-2 to Eclipse in OT, both goals late in 2nd OT. Very good MN showing against #1 ranked team and defending National Champs.
U17 Copa -- EP lose 0-4 to FC Milwaukee. EP ends up 3-1 for a decent overall tournament.
U17 Copa -- Wayzata finishes 3rd in their pool.
U16 Predator -- MTA White finishes 4th in their pool, but competitive in all games.
EP did not play any good teams until FC Milwaukee. The ECNL deal is really hurting this team on getting any competition. Its to bad.
ECNL isn't EP's problem. They would have played plenty of tough teams if they hadn't been in the lowest flight.
It is a showcase tournament! Absolutely nobody cares about results or who you play. It is for college exposure and there was plenty of that. Coaches come to see players, not teams.
Take note Minnesota coaches FC Milwaukee plays soccer the way it should be coached. Possessing the ball,not being afraid of doing simple things well and reading the game and creating attacking trigger points and angles.. The ball is kept on the ground and there is purpose and intent with their offense. Have watched u-17 team that beat EP and their older teams that consistently beat and baffled BT teams. Their players see the whole field and are knowledgable and use their teammates unselfishly. I agree EP team will have tough time finding quality elite premier competition to improve as individuals and team because of semifinal loss in state cup and that will be used for acceptance into tournaments and level they are allowed to play at. Some elite players truly wanting to push their development further to be ready to play elite college programs may find only way is to quest play up against older level competition at premier elite tournaments otherwise their development will remain flat as 17-18 year olds and be too far behind entering first year of college to compete for playing time against players who have already played against far greater competition.
While having at least 2 minnesota teams EP and Wayzata being allowed to play in showcase tournaments is good for continued development of minnesota teams and players sadly some other u-17 teams and players are competely out of luck till next year because very seldom are three teams ever allowed in tournament from same state of minnesota.
If the U17s on the "other teams" you reference haven't been in front of the college coaches before next year, they are out of luck. Discussions need to be happening now in order to obtain any of the money left in the half-empty (if you're lucky) wallets of programs.
If you/you're child is a junior right now and you have no real options right now, you are in real jeopardy of walk-on status. Especially if you/they are expecting big time schools and money.
Wake up people. I am not trying to be mean or a doomsday alarmist here- but do want people to understand and be realistic.
Anonymous said...
http://www.gotsport.com/events/schedule.aspx?eventid=5814&FieldID=0&applicationID=489887&action=Go
This team from Japan appears to be pretty good.
3/1/10 1:50 PM
This team from Japan, kinda like Shattuck, they are in residence, which means, the players are living away from home, its set up just like SSM.
9:57
harsh but fair / true
So, when a player is offered a partial scholarship (25% or 50%) from a school, generally how long do they have to accept or decline before the university moves on to their next player of choice? Should sophmores be making unofficial visits now to the programs they might be interested in or wait until an offer is extended next fall?
Soph's (2012s) should be taking unofficials, I dont like it, but its the way of the game now a days. Its really sad, players cant even use the 5 official paid visits anymore.
Pick a college based on proper geographic location and educational needs and opportunities first and foremost.
The question players should ask is, "if my soccer career ended tomorrow ( ie due to injury), is this the place I want to be" for the rest of my college days.
If your playing premier soccer for the primary purpose of college soccer scholarships you're playing the game for the wrong reason.
My Opinion
7:27 So true. The education will last a lifetime. Long after most of the BS on this blog is long forgotten.
1:06- Make the visits NOW. Don't fall into the "she's only a sophomore" trap.
Step 1- Player does research on where they are interested in ATTENDING SCHOOL. I echo Tomass above, school is most important thing.
Step 2- PLAYER (very important- the PLAYER) contacts the coaches and talks to them. Coaches can't answer back, so the kids must be persistent.
Step 3- If there seems to be a synergy and some interest by the coaches, make unofficial visits. Schedule it ahead of time with the coaches. But, I would probably save the visit for a time after the coaches have seen the kid play. Many times, it will give everyone more to talk about. Let the kid talk, the coaches don't want to talk to the parents.....
Step 3- Wait until offers, and make best decision possible.
End of story. Simple, right? ;)
Let the kid talk, the coaches don't want to talk to the parents.....
True, but it is a decision that isnt entirely up to the coach. It is beneficial (and critical) to have the kids and the parents ask pointed questions of the coach. After all, the coach will have a significant impact upon the collegiate experience. The interview of the coach is no time to be timid.
what is the official rule on transfers? if a kid is placed on a u15c1 team in a given club but is offered a spot on a u16c2 team at another club, is that a 'higher level' because of the age? how about if it is u16c1? obviously u15c1 to u15 premier is a no brainer but how about the above situations?
u16 is considered a higher spot then u15 no matter what the level is
It depends, did she play on a team that:
1) played in MRL
2) was a State Cup Finalist
If either are true, she is entitled to play on any team at any level at any time. Isn't that how the majority on here think it should be?
a dead topic for over a week....get a life 12:00am.
When will MYSA decide on the 15's playing U16P?
to the previous comment on 1/5 at 4:00. playing up an age is not necessarily a higher spot. the rule is vague in the MYSA manual (shocking) and it interpretted opposite of your point. u15c1 is higher than u16c2
MYSA U16 premiere league is w/o a doubt weaker than U15 this year.
253 call mysa and they will tell you that ALL u16 is considered higher then ALL u15.
This is in response to the short discussion above about college search tactics, and how coaches don't want to talk to parents. I've just gone through the recruiting process with my daughter, who ended up on a D2 team, based mainly on academics. We started out talking to a few local D3 schools, ones who would have been more than happy to have her no matter how badly she interviewed, and got an idea about just how bad she was at being interviewed. After that, we sat down and wrote two lists: questions you should be able to answer from the college coach, and responses to the "Do you have any questions?" query from the coach. She worked on these, to the point of actually writing out answers/notes about the questions, and really improved her performance in live interviews.
I know it's not completely on-topic, but thought it might help out some parents out there:
Questions you need to know how to answer:
1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. I notice you haven't had a lot of varsity/club/whatever playing time - why is that?
4. What can you bring to our soccer program?
5. What are you looking for in a college soccer program?
6. Why did you choose the club team you currently play for?
7. Who are your biggest soccer influences? Why?
8. What is your biggest soccer accomplishment?
9. Tell me about a game where things didn't go right - how did you handle it and what did you do to fix it?
10. How do you/will you handle the pressures of academics and athletics at the same time?
Do you have any questions?:
1. Where do you think I'd fit in with the team as an incoming freshman - do freshman usually get much playing time?
2. How are your practices run? What does your weekly schedule look like?
3. Who are the toughest teams you play each year?
4. What kind of travel is involved/how much class will I miss during the season?
5. Do the girls on the team live in the same dorm - will I be roomed with another soccer player?
6. What style of defense/offense do you play? Who is in charge on the field?
7. Do you have any non-soccer team activities?
8. What kind of out-of-season training do you do? Is there a spring playing season?
9. Do any of the soccer players play other sports?
10. What's the team average GPA? How does this compare to the overall student body average GPA?
11. Do you coach/Are you involved with any of the local club teams?
12. How many people usually come to see the games?
Good luck.
11:31 Thanks for the info. I appreciate your input on this subject. Good post.
1131, Thanks for the info!! Finally something on the blog constructive.
holy cow 11:31 that was a great post filled with good ideas and no negative statement. are you sure you are on the right blog? thanks!
I did forget one more question you should always ask a coach - "Are you now, or have you ever been associated in any way with Mark Abboud/Bangu/MTA/SSM/JE/The Bavarian Illuminati?"
Then it would have fit in here better... :)
Thanks for the kind comments - the lists really helped out my daughter.
Any local teams playing in del SOL President's Day weekend tournament?
4/1/10 2:52 A.M. whose your sources, team you mentioned and scenorio you described seems to be unfolding after major tournament annoucement of their exclusion in one of most college coach attended showcase tournaments. Wonder if the results from Disney that major showcase was waiting to see affected exclusion. Seems 4/1/10 3:07 A.M. also fit this unfortunate situation.
There are many books available on college searches for soccer players. If you can't afford a book search the internet.
Agreed on the account of going into mrl with out games against quality competition. As for recruiting, it pretty much wraps up at disney for this year's juniors. EP has the upper hand in competition prior to state cup with their mrl schedule if it doesn't wear them down.
7:57- maybe EP has the "upper hand in competition", maybe they don't. Have to wait and see how they do against the competition they face.
Depending on the scores, the games may be of no use to anyone for experience. I think I'd wait and see how things go before I got too "high" on the team. Thus far, you have played very similar competition as has MTA and SSM this season. Seems to me that I read earlier on this blog that a college coach stated that they saw "nothing special" about the EP team in Texas? Maybe I am wrong, but I am almost certain I read it- too lazy to go back and check.
well i guess if some anonymous person on this blog reported that one unnamed college coach said that then it must be true. not sure ep should even enter state cup.....lol.
Not saying that, 10:01. All I am saying is that from a report from someone on a scouting trip, it seems apparent that there is something lacking on the team. Take it as constructive criticism more than a slam. There is plenty of talent on EPs team, not sure they are playing together. Sounds kind of like a "Real Madrid" issue.
i'll cut ep a bit of slack on any comments from texas. new coach, new system, many new players, a couple of key injuries - hard to put it all together in one month.
Perhaps the EP team and coach should have class room sessions on how to play as a team. They seem to lack soccer IQ at Disney and should follow the example of FC Milwaukee team that soundly defeated them .. simple team execution is better brilliant individual play. EP seemed to be afraid of doing simple things well.
Quite entertaining to watch those grasping at straws to try to tear down the EP team and hoping for a reaction. Hopefully the EP crowd with let the pigs play in the mud by themselves.
I m not sure that anyone is trying to tear the team down. Someone came on here spewing propaganda about how solid the EP team is. BY player names and resumes, they may be. However can you do something with them? Haven 't shown anything to prove they can to this point.
I have since seen some fairly benign comments about the fact that they probably should gain some impressive results prior to spouting off about how good they are.
I see it as a service to them personally. I very vividly remember how wildly happy they were last year when they beat SSM in State Cup. You'd thought they just won the World Cup! Only to not advance any further. The EP parents need to keep their emotions and tongues in check lest it be used against them.
3:30 - please inform us all when the details of your first sentence occurred?
3:30 Please provide the posting you reference. I don't see any resumes or player names in 478 postings or in past threads. Easy to throw mud and hope it sticks.
Sounds like a bunch of kids.
Who runs this blog? A bunch of kids?
U15 MTA Blue granted U15 Premier status. U16 denied.
254, does that mean the U15 Blue team will actually be the team playing in premier or will they give the spot to another team like say their second team that lost the spot last year or let another younger team take that spot??
3:03, get a life!!!
422- It's a legit question and hope they do play U15 premier.
So Burnsville will get some competition. No one has beaten them in league play for the last couple of years.
I hate to say it, but I TOLD YOU PEOPLE SO.
You really should listen to me more often. If you were to worship me, I'd post my name.
Hey everyone Anonymous was right again! Hey, that's me!
They wont accept the U15 spot, they re way to good to play in that league.
Or they are afraid of getting beat by Burnsville again!
829 are you being serious or trying to be funny?
Burnsville ....please. Mta blue teams dont play in the MYSA league for a reason.One game really does nt define this team.
1141, your right one game doesn't define that team all your loses in out of state tournaments defines them. The reason MTA teams usually don't play MYSA is that if they did and lost they would have a harder time recruiting if they did lose. They don't play and still claim they are better than everyone else. Your arrogance is hilarious considering how poorly that team has performed over the years.
So that's the reason. You must be the smartest person in the world Gump. Your arrogance that you can determine the intentions of an entire club based on one thing is hilarious.
Dont be a gump hater. Although they perform poorly out of state, they are the highest quality in this one. MTA u15 girls are the top individuals in the state, note that all the top players are also the top ODP players ,and always have been.
MTA Blue will be playing in the MYSA U15 Premier league. The reason for this is the team is in the ECNL which is US Club soccer, the are not playing MRL so they need to play in a USYSA league to be state cup eligible. If the team/club had a choice they would not play in any MYSA league. However the must do so to play in state cup. MTA U16 and U17 blue teams will also be playing MYSA league as they are not playing MRL. Both teams will self select for a U18/19C1 league.
Hope that clarifies things for all you.
There you go, 12:07pm, if your team (I mean your daughter's team) wants a shot at beating an MTA team in MYSA league play, have them sign up for U18/U19C1. Best of luck.
MTA likes to give the impression they are too dominate to play in the State. They have to be able to withstand the criticism when they can't win every game as evidenced by losing to Burnsville last year. When they lose, then suddenly one game does not define them, but IF they won that one game, it would define them as the State Champions. You can't have it both ways.
15 Blues lost the State Cup final as U13's to the U12 Blues. This team also has lost to Burnsville and I think they had a rough time at the USA Cup barely beating Tonka (at their age group). Not sure there is much to brag about with this team in State. They are good, but beatable in our State.
MTA U15 Blue PARENTS are the top in the state !
I know im stating the obvious.....that MTA blue teams are self selecting at U18 or U19....i know its for entry into state cup....what I dont understand is why MYSA would allow themselves to be tooled in this fashion. Does MYSA have any consideration for the legitimate members of the U19 or U18 teams in these leagues. When is MYSA going to stop kissing the tookus of one club without any regard for others?
6:46 Nice try, MYSA is far from kissing MTA's tookus. If anything MYSA and the powers that be are against them. If you don't like the rule, propose a new one and get the rest of the clubs to vote on it. Member clubs make the rules, not MYSA. Who is it hurting if the 16's and 17's play in an older league, not the 18/19, if anything it is going to give them better games and good teams. Would you rather have them petition for premier league placement, which they would be granted or let them play in an older c1 league. Either ways someone is not going to be happy. The only way you can stop it, is if mysa allows teams become tournament only and allow them to play state cup. This will all be a mute point in two years when the ECNL becomes its own stand alone league and the U15-17 MTA blue teams won't compete in state cup at all.
Must be fun to play ECNL when only 1/2 of the true squad makes the games. Even more fun to writte the check for it.
8:27
Absolutly , put the premiere teams in premiere leagues at their own age group. For one, the level of play is higher than at the self appointed level....18 or 19. Playing in the premiere league would also elevate the play of the other Minnesota premiere teams. I know MTA is not about the good of Minnesota soccer or bringing more teams to a higher level, however playing local premiere would allow them to recruit by example..... what is there to fear?
Also....no doubt the 15s,16s,17s...whatever....would dominate the leagues made up of girls on summer break from college or girls who want to play for fun,in a more rec type league. By the way.....wheres the common sense at MYSA.? Why cant MYSA change the rules on the fly ? When self serving clubs like MTA exploit the system because the driver (MYSA) is asleep ,or , drunk, behind the wheel.
7:10- Because MYSA is ALWAYS asleep, or drunk, at the wheel.
I HAVE A QUESTION TO THIS BLOG/BOARD: What are the rules governing a MN high school coach, who is also coaching a Summer Club team, regarding contact with his/her high school players who are also on his/her Summer Club team?
I only see a July 1-7 'no-contact' period cited, but no other rules/issues. Can someone shed light on this? And if there is a rule, can someone point me to where it can be found?
for the 824 post
I hope someone actually knows the rule on this particular question as it has always been a shady thing in the past
From answer posted on boys club thread...
Here is the link you are looking for.
See Section 208
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/Publications/code/handbook/HandbookTOC.htm
From MSHSL Handbook (See Section 208)
Q.What may a coach do and not do before and after the high school season with his/her high school athletes?
A.MAY DO
1)Provide camp and non-school team information to athletes if approved for a summer waiver and authorized by your athletic director to do so.
2)Coaches approved for summer coaching may provide coaching during the prescribed time period.
(Ref. Bylaw 208, Summer Coaching Waiver*)
(*The summer waiver period begins on June 1 and concludes on July 31)
(*The summer waiver period also includes a no-contact period from July 1 through July 7)
(*Coaches who have been granted a summer coaching waiver...may continue to coach that team through Labor Day if that team participates in an end-of-the-season tournament as a natural extension of the summer team season).
MAY NOT DO
During the school year, prior to and following the sport season:
1)May not provide coaching, instruction, training, etc. to any member of their high school team, B-squad, J.V. or varsity other than during the season or under the summer waiver.
2)May not influence or direct a player’s non-school play. This includes:
a)Directing athletes to play in a league or attend a camp or clinic.
b)Place athletes on a roster, develop or organize a team roster; draft players for a team; select, secure, evaluate or otherwise influence the placement of athletes on a team for leagues, tournaments, camps or clinics other than those athletes approved for the summer coaching waiver.
3.May not direct, or unduly influence an athlete to participate in open gym, captain’s practice, or non-school teams, leagues or camps.
4.May not organize, supervise, direct or otherwise be involved in the organization of captain’s practice.
If your kid can't make the MTA Blue team that's your wakeup call. Have your kid take up another sport.
Unless they enjoy playing.....
4:34- what are you trying to start? What is your point?
Winter travel tournament schedules starting to get released. I know a few at AZ Pres day tourney(MTA and Wayzata). Any other MN teams traveling? Who and where?
4:34
Unless your kid is on MTA s U16 blue , the rest are average .
MTA U-13 and U-14 (blue) teams are playing next weekend at The Eclipse Winter Cup. Odd schedule and brackets for the 14's. They only have 3 teams total in the bracket and then also play one additional game against a U-13 team from CA, but the U-13 team is not listed as a team in the bracket? Then the winner of this bracket gets automatic Bye into the final.
Good luck to both teams, it looks like both teams have a great opportunity for success within their brackets.
Travel all of the way to CA. andf end up having to play a team a year younger? That has to be disapointing, This team as well as most if not all of the other MN teams who are traveling want quality competition to prepare them for the upcoming season. This is a disapointment for the 14's from that perspective but it does create a fairly easy pass to the championship game.
Let me get this straight, MTA 13s and 14s are traveling to Cali to play?? WTF? You have got to be kidding me. WHY? Oh, to play better competition right. The ONLY reason you should travel to Cali is if you have players that want to attend school on the west coast. 13 and 14?? What ever. Must have some deep pocket parents. Take a look in the mirror parents and ask yourself, what really is the team getting from this nice expensive weekend. MTA, what a joke to take these young players out to Region 4 while there are other closer games you could of done. yet again, its a joke.
i always love it when someone tosses out an insult and no one responds so then the same person tosses out a bigger one hoping to stir things up.....
Hello. The Eclipse cup is in Chicago. The 13 team travelling is the Cali team. Switch to decaf.
If you plan your trip properly it's a s cheap to fly to California as it is to Kansas City. And this time of year I'd prefer the weather in California.
My wife and I enjoyed the winter tournaments in AZ and CA locations when our son and daughters were playing.
it's got nothing to do with the two letters of the state but more to do with the three letters of the club.
12:05
Eclipse Winter cup is in Laguna Hills CA.
12;20, why on earth would you drive to KC, its a 6 hr drive. Cha$Ching$...
Your language is offensive and particularly inappropriate here. Please apologize.
10:33 It's a public blog! Seriously?
I think that is up to the moderator...if there is one.
all you anons on the count of 3 apologize
I think it's up to us, actually. We should expect more from the participants on the blog. It's ok to be ignorant but when someone points out how rude you are you should pick up on it and correct yourself.
Here are a few of the teams traveling. I went through a few of the larger tournament sites and found these MN teams are traveling over the next Month or two. Any others?
Laguns Eclipse: (southern CA.)
MTA 13,14
Vegas Mayors Cup:
Rev 17
Bloomington 17
Blackhawks 19
Vegas Showcase:
MTA 15,16,17
Wayzata 17
Region 3 championships: Nashville
Rev 14,16
Mta 16
Anyone else?
President's Day- Phoenix
Wayzata 17
MTA 14
In the past, that Region 3 tournament down in Tenn has been a very good one. however, with the ECNL, that has really hurt alot of tournaments thru out the US.
Region 3 tourney has 11 state cup champions and one regional champ. Of the 3 teams attending it looks like the REV 16 team has the toughest schedule with 2 state cup champs (AL and KY) and the ohio south semifinalist. MTA 16's get INdiana semi finalist, Rev 14's have no State cup semifinalists or better teams.
Laguna Eclipse has one state cup champ attending, MTA teams do not see them in bracket play.
Vegas showcase will have dozens of State and regional champs, Very good chance everyone will see some very strong competition.
Vegas Mayors cup: had 7 state cup champs last year, this tournament is definately second tier to the Vegas Showcase.
Presidents Day : 24 State Cup champs and 1 regional champ. MTA 14 white gets Nevada State cup champs, New mexico finalist and AZ semi finalists in bracket play.
Wayzata gets UT finalist.
Looks like MTA 14's(white) and REV 16's draw the toughest test of the scheduled games released so far.
2:35, Whats the point spread for each game? The only thing I got from that is you've got way too much time on your hands!
My guess is since state cup 2009, most teams have gone through tryouts. Some improved while others fallen a bit. ie It's a brand new year and to claim an easy or hard road through bracket play is ridiculous!
The 16 age group schedule at region 3 is weird.
The teams do not play the teams in their group and the teams in the group does not even play the same teams. Five team groups but each team only play three games, the Javanon team has a very easy schedule on paper vs the AL and the MN team.
Good luck to all teams travelling this winter and spring
Good luck to the MTA 13 and 14 girls as they leave for a fun weekend in southern CA.
Not sure where MTAs playing but a week of rain may provide them an advantage or at least even the playing field. The fields haven't seen this much rain in three years from San Francisco to San Diego. I hope the do not cancel these games.
How will the rain may provide MTA an advantage?
Is this an MTA blog or what??!!
The Laguna Eclipse tournament plays almost every game on Turf. Rain should not dramatically affect play.
Prediction: Both teams advance to finals and good shot 13's win the whole thing.
1011- agree with prediction, would have liked to see both teams go to a higher level tournament in California where they could have faced better teams. I believe 14's have a good chance of winning also. If you are going to spend the money and travel that far why not pick a tournament where the top teams play in?
1:45 The 14's appear positioned to move to the finals based on the way the brackets are set up but will then likely run into a buzz saw. The other two brackets are really loaded with several top 25 teams. The 14's are a good team but I highly doubt they will be able to hang with the winners of the other bracket. Good luck just the same.
13 team has a better chance to win in my opinion.
Why not go to the surf cup in Nov? If its west coast you want, then surf is where the best of the best go.
many of the best U14's and even some of the U13's play high school which leaves very little preparation time.
CA HS does not allow high school sports until 9th grade.
probably not a bad rule, but MN does allow middle schoolers to play and many of the U13's and U14's do play HS (as well as the involvement of many of the coaches) which would water down their teams meaning if they opted to go to CA, they would either have to bring in multiple guest players or have very little preparation tine.
what tourney and what were the results in CA this weekend?
Eclipse tourney in Laguna Hills.
U13's won (top bracket)
U14's came in second in their pool to Real So. Cal - the eventual tourney champ
https://www.gotsport.com/events/?EventID=6515
Thats nice.
so the 14's came in second?
no - just second in their pool and they did not advance out. the team that won their pool (and beat them) ended up winning the tournament.
355, second in their pool.
Who Cares !
lighten up 4:16, a legitimate question was asked on the appropriate thread and folks responded.
4:20, I agree, why do people have to be so darn nasty on this board? a legitimate question was asked. I would rather see questions than hate
Anyone going to Shattuck this coming w/end for the tournament??
Any local teams but Shattuck playing?
There is atleast one MTA U18G team that will be there. They play SSM Friday night. Link to school website has schedule/results and is at
http://www.ssmsports.org/
Good informational video there as well.....maybe some could get some real information and actually do real research (for once)?
Below is a cut and paste of the weekend's schedule:
Girls Showcase Tournament Schedule
Friday, January 29th
4:00 – 5:30 pm ……………… (U17) Easter Iowa United v Woodbury
5:30 – 7:00 pm …………….... (U17) Madison 56'ers v SSM
7:00 – 8:30 pm.……………… (U18) SSM v MN Thunder Academy
8:30 – 10:00 pm ……………… (U18) Wayzata Rage v MYSC Yahara Academy
Saturday, January 30th
8:00 – 9:30 am………………. (U18) FC United v Iowa Rush
9:30 – 11:00 am…………….. (U17) FC United v Iowa Rush
11:00 – 12:30 pm.................... SSM Boys
12:30 – 2:00 pm...................... (U18) MYSC Yahara Academy v SSM
2:00 – 3:30 pm........................ (U18) FC United v MN Thunder Academy
3:30 – 5:00 pm....................... (U18) Wayzata Rage v Iowa Rush
5:00 – 6:30 pm....................... (U17) FC United v SSM
6:30 – 8:00 pm………...…….(U17) Eastern Iowa United v Madison 56'ers
8:00 – 9:30 pm…………...….(U17) Iowa Rush v Woodbury
9:30 – 11:00 pm…………...... (U18) MN Thunder Academy v Wayzata Rage
Sunday, January 31st
8:00 – 9:30 am........................(U18) MYSC Yahara Academy v Iowa Rush
9:30 – 11:00 am......................(U18) SSM v FC United
11:00 am – 12:30 pm……..…(U17) Eastern Iowa United v FC United
12:30 – 2:00 pm……………..(U17) SSM v Iowa Rush
2:00 – 3:30 pm ……………. (U17) Madison 56'ers v Woodbury
Not sure which MTA U18 is attending, does anyone have information?
MTA only have one U18 girls team.
Looks like a great event.
Good luck to all player's hopefully their will be plenty of college coaches.
Congrats to MTA 13's to the succes out west.
Isn't the Wayzata Rage U17?
Same with the Yahara team?
Both listed as U18's.
Typos or are they having them play up to fill out the event?
40 plus coaches will be attending. Some MN teams will be there. Appears as though this may be good for the players/teams who are willing to interact with SSM. Not so much for those who won't come to Faribault to play.
But, it is probably better for those players to pay big time $$$$$ to travel to Timbuktu for exposure to college coaches that are not even in this Region. Or, you could spend $30, drive to Faribault, have all 40+ coaches attention for your game. But, that would require you drop the "SSM is bad for MN" mantra.
Well , Wayzata is good.
lol 4:42.
4:42 is correct. a very solid upper midwest showcase for upper midwest college coaches.
If your looking for exposure to coaches I think the smaller indoor events like the MTA/Bangu one in St. Cloud, Arsenal in Nebraska, and the Shattuck one mentioned above offer the best opportunity for players. All provide a good number of coaches as a captive audience because there is only one game at time to watch.
10:02 - agreed as the vast majority of players end up sticking near home anyway. How many players annually go farther than MN or it's surrounding states?
Ageed...this is why I question any U13/14 teams from MN going out to Cali to play. WHY?? Do you have a team full of natl teamers that are all planning on going to Cali schools?? Cha$Ching$, I bet the coaches got to go out there for free on the teams dime.
more then likely the parents are paying for the coach and IF NOT I would be very surprised. The parents should be aware of this going in and if they don't like it, maybe they need to look for other options for their child to play on.
everyone goes into this with open eyes. this topic has been beaten to death on this blog. there are lots of other reasons for local top level teams to travel. typical minnesota myopic mindset.
Anytime your kid leaves this state, they become better soccer players and better people.
3PM. Exactly. But you rile up the "haters" with posts like that. Just state the facts, without the first sentence.
Then if your teams at U13/14 are so darn good, why doesnt other teams and clubs come here to play YOU?
9:58 - lol.
You were trying to be funny.....weren't you....?
Any scrimmage rsults
The MN clubs who have set up these showcases have done a good thing for thier kids in a few ways.
1. They get more scrimmage/games in.
2. they create awareness for their club which can lead to other opportunities for their kids down the road. ie scrimmages or other showcases.
3. They do get visibility to some college coaches for their players.
My kids club is not one of the clubs who is sponsoring a showcase, but we were fortunate enough to be asked to attend in St Cloud last year and it was a good experience for all involved. My opinion of MTA went up because of the experience.
All of the above being true I still believe the best opportunity for visibility to upper Midwest coaches is at State Cup. Many attend because they get to evaluate players under pressure.
Tho one thing I get out of this is that teams U13 or even U16 is that they go out of town is for competition. If this is true why doesn't a team like a u13MTA team play a U14 or even a U15 team being it be a C1 or Premier in MN. Your argument will be the older team wont want to but if the teams are equal it would help both teams. I think it comes to clubs wanting to boost their so called value and or coaches looking for a cheap winter break or vacation.
Again these are just my opions.
very legitimate point 2:50. imo, the issue playing teams up in age like you alluded to is that the hoped for experience/challenging usually doesn't materialize. older teams might be "bigger and stronger" but not necessarily better. playing a top notch same age regional or national level team is a better learning experience as you are now comparing apples to apples. the goal is to identify where the weaknesses are (and once again imo), you really don't learn that playing older teams.
12:09
Scrimmages dont have results.
2:50 why do you care?
You are correct, good things come from scrimmaging older stronger teams. But good things also come from measuring yourself against others from across the nation at your same age. Clearly you disagree. OK fine, but again my question is why on earth would you care what the reason is for top MN teams to travel? If the team you are on wants these "adventures" but you don't just go find a team that has goals more similar to your own. Don't try to bring others down to your level, consider trying to raise yourself up to their level. If that is not consistant with your thoughts then go find a different team. Why try and ruin the goals, and desires of the other kids. Let them enjoy their journey.
I don't know if I'd call them "scrimmages", but whatever.
SSM U17 beat Madison 56rs 3-1
SSM U18 beat MTA 5-0.
Unsure of Wayzata vs. MYSC
Eastern Iowa United tie Woodbury U17s 0-0
Good win for Woodbury, EIU is current Iowa State Cup Champs.
good win for wdb? is the 0-0 score accurate?
Yes, the 0-0 score is accurate, used the wrong term.it was a good RESULT for Woodbury.
Actual scores, all are below except for the last Woodbury game vs. the 56rs. I would appreciate if someone could add this one?
Friday
EIU 0 Woodbury 0
SSM U17 3 Madison 56rs 1
SSM U18 5 MN Thunder U18 0
Wayzata Rage 4 MYSC Yahara Academy U18 1
Saturday
FC United U18 1 IA Rush U18 1
FC United U17 2 IA Rush U17 1
MYSC Yahara U18 0 SSM U18 1
FC United U18 6 MN Thunder U18 1
Wayzata Rage 2 IA Rush U18 0
FC United U17 0 SSM U17 0
EIU U17 1 Madison 56rs 2
IA Rush U17 0 Woodbury U17 2
MN Thunder U18 0 Wayzata Rage U17 3
Sunday
MYSC Yahara U18 1 IA Rush U18 1
SSM U18 3 FC United U18 0
EIU U17 2 FC United U17 0
SSM U17 4 IA Rush U17 0
Madison 56rs ?? Woodbury U17 ??
Good weekend of games. Lots of coaches. Even got some press in the Faribault paper. Felt a bit like a feeding frenzy in many respects, the coaches were really busy taking notes all weekend. I watched all but maybe four of the games.
Wayzata is OK.
Press in Fairbault paper. LMAO
1137, come on, cut them some slack. There distribution is up to 979 readers!! and growing!!
For the Shattuck haters, anyone look at TDS.com today. There is yet another huge academy just like SSM, So there is IMG, SSM, Darlington, and a few in the upper NE. I wonder if the people down in Region III are all crying cuz they have 2 full time academies that they have to play in State Cup and Regionals.
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/soccer-camps/soccer-camps-archives/nid-14201
The answer to your question (11:40) is "no". The people in Region 3 are NOT crying because they have to play against Darlington and IMG.
Only in Minnesota does the general population complain because the competition is unfairly tough. Some teams actually want to play against good competition instead of walking through an easy State Cup to get blindsided at Regionals.
So the Elite programs kick butt. How bad can it be with a mercy rule in effect.
Why is everybody so bent out of shape over 5 or 10k per year. That's pretty cheap for an entire year.
Why the newest youth soccer model is flawed. http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/2617/youth-soccer/2010/01/27/1764095/en-route-youth-soccer-needs-another-overhaul
I pop into this blog every so often and know that the whole SSM/MTA/Elite club fairness issue in has been beaten to death over time, so maybe I missed the recent post by someone that got 11:40am and 7:45pm from yesterday riled up.
i really dont understand who is writing the posts about ssm hating. It is my experience that nobody cares about ssm. SSM is a full time club team with a token school attached to it. Have the 17s or 18s won anything? Being competitive in Minnesota should be the priority. Basically, at this point, ssm is recruiting very marginal kids.
Wow 6:37....talk about passive/aggressive postings, yet hiding behind anonymity. SSM has some very talented U18 and U17 players, not merely marginal. The same could be said of MTA, Woodbury or Eden Prairie. There is not a single team in MN that is perfection in terms of talent...so let go of your SSM hatred.
Marginal? How many National team, or even Regional team members does your club have?
How about even simple State ODP players- and I am not talking about the pool that they cut down and never take to Regional Camp.
How many Herman Trophy winners has your club had?
How many more times has your club reached the USYS National Championship game? And if more than one, how many times/teams have tried?
For a young club, they are doing just fine. This whole argument is stupid. Here's a novel thought- how about we use this blog to discuss real issues? Maybe some real questions could get answered? I bet, if everyone tried really hard, we could actually help someone rather than tear someone down.
3/2/10 5:16 PM
-- Huh?
3/2/10 5:16 PM
-- Huh?
9:57 - please direct me to the recent negative SSM posts prior to 2/3 so I can get caught up.
6:37
I get the point. Why is it so important to ssmers to be loved . It could be that nobody cares about this prep school . Alex Bunbury has a Herman award winner not ssm.
What can be done in MN do get a top level tournament for U15-18 teams?
Why is USA CUP so bad at attracting good teams they should be able to get the best Region 2 teams to come and play if they did it right
What can be done in MN do get a top level tournament for U15-18 teams?
Why is USA CUP so bad at attracting good teams they should be able to get the best Region 2 teams to come and play if they did it right
11:57 - what should they be doing which in your opinion would make it "right"?
Not 11:47 but
Make USA CUP affordable $700 per team for the week no player fee's $1,000 for both week and weekend if a team want to do that.
Work with Coon rapids so top teams get to play on good field's
Invest money in their own fields, look more at quality vs quantity
Have known soccer coaches in MN work with coaches from other state in bringing teams in.
12:12 PM,
I think you hit it on the nose, the USA CUP is very expensive, the fields are not in the best of shape and they are small compared to what regional tournaments are held on. If you want to attract those teams, get your fields in better shape, make them larger and control the costs. There are many top quality tournaments across the nation and internationally that don't charge as much, have better fields and attract the top teams.
The quality of the fields has gone down over the years and so has the competition level.
USA Cup is poorly timed, it is too late for region teams.
It doesnt help that it averages about 95 there most days. It is also very expensive for out of town teams and in this economy it is unlikely to improve in that respect.
USA Cup is poorly timed, it is too late for region teams.
It doesnt help that it averages about 95 there most days. It is also very expensive for out of town teams and in this economy it is unlikely to improve in that respect.
5:51- How about if you be more patient and don't hit the "submit" button twice with every post? You double post EVERY TIME you post.
The biggest issue for USA Cup is the quality of fields and small size of the fields.
Unfortunately is sounds like NSC is fairly limited on what they can do about the field size unless they invest a large amount of capital.
But until this is fixed they'll never get the very best teams to travel here and spend the money for these events. This comes from speaking with many coaches from other teams/clubs during my travels to other soccer events etc.
It's a "chicken or the egg"
type of situation...
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