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.
ECNL teams are leaving USYSA by year 3, they will not play state cup or participate in any USYSA events. The league will expand to 60 clubs by year three and be its own entity affiliated with US Club only.
ECNL is a great league and will only get better. What makes a great league is the question. Competition makes it a great league. Next season all but a few of the top clubs will be participating. Within a few very short years the ECNL team will not be a part of USYSA State Cup, Regionals, and Nationals. Hundreds of clubs applied and only 12 were added for 2010-11. As for the marketing for MTA. Yes they can say they play the best competition at those ages now. All but one or two of the top clubs are in so yes they do. As for college exposure the college coaches go where the top players are playing period. If you have top players playing in the game the coaches will come out and watch. St Cloud Showcase is an example of a lot of okay players and a lot of okay programs represented. MTA had two blue teams and one or two okay teams from outside MN but that was it. Great for DII programs. MTA playing in ECNL will give them an advantage for sure. If you are a top player and want to play in a top environment with top level players, competition, and coaching you do not have much of a choice. Yes a few teams out there at a few age groups are very good, but top to bottom on the girls side its no contest. You have a good WDBY team at 18's, good EP team at 17's, a good Bville team at 15's. All or only 1 could win State Cup. As for Shattuck, its all over down there on the girls side. They will be good but not great. The number of kids leaving after a short time at Shattuck should cause reason for alarm. Most girls do not want to be sent away from home and most parents want to spend those quality last few years with their kids at home not an hour away in a dorm with boys right by.
U18: Woodbury if most of the team returns, otherwise St.Croix who played them tough last year.
U17: It's up in the air, EP has to be the favorite, but can the new group with their big players click? ones a team player, the other not so much. Sorry MTA Blue your dominance ended 2 years ago. Dark horse, Wayzata to repeat.
U16: THE UPSET; MTA Blue loses the top spot this year, Dakota Rev, or St.Croix will take it better coaching will decide it.
U15: Burnsville, they've got MTA Blues number
U14: MTA
Have at it MTA parents and bashers. I'm especially interested in your thoughts on the 16s.
1258, agree with most of your predictions except U16, if MTA blue is to get upset it will be by MTA white. Have seen both REV and St. Croix play and they don't have a chance. U15 Rumor has it Burnsville is down from last year. This age group IMHO is more of a toss up with a few teams in the running. U14 MTA or Rev (Both are good team with me giving REV the slight edge because I believe they played better competition and better tournaments since try outs. I also believe they didn't have kids play High School soccer and played tournaments and MRL ( not sure) all fall. I think MTA has the better athletes but Rev will play better as a team. U13 MTA Blue - No other real strong teams at this age group.
I see a pattern here. MTA will be in the hunt for all ages. Not saying they win all, but nice to be considered favorites! If they go away in three years what then?
In most leagues, each team plays the other teams in the league. That makes it a league.
ECNL is a few showcase tournaments each year masquerading as a league. Nothing great about it yet, it hasn't even completed a year of operation.
Soon it won't be "elite" enough for some of the members. There will be too many teams and clubs involved. The MECNL will be needed to provide differentiation in marketing clubs, breaking off from the lowly ECNL.
Nothing gained by the ECNL that isn't already available. Rank silliness for a ridiculous price. Now the MECNL will be fantastic.
18 Woodbury 17 EP 16 MTA Blue (there is no one within 3 goals). MTA White is second until someone knocks them off, but they are not close to Blue. REV and SCV? They have as much chance as EP, NSSA, MTA Silver, and Eagan, which is to say, none. SCV has yet to prove they can beat any of these teams. 15 MTA 14 REV 13 MTA
2:55 You are right MTA should be one of the contenders in all or nearly all age groups. The reason for their success is obvious. They do a better job of pooling the top talent at each age and do it "without borders" . The model MTA uses can create very good teams especially when they compete against primarilly CC programs. The best way for the CC's to compete is to follow the MTA model and still be true to their CC philosophy. MN needs at least one third fewer clubs. MN needs some of the CC's to merge. Why do we need Plymouth,Tonka,Wayzata to each have their own club? how about Bville,Prior lake, Shakoppe, or Woodbury,CG and Hastings? you get my point. Too much diversification of clubs dilutes the player pool and is the only reason MTA attracts top players. Those players would "stay home" IF they could get the training and depth of talent at their home club.
MY opinion: If we had a true consolidation of CC's so all "local" kids could be properly matched with players of similar talent and commitment MTA would lose much of it's Allure and MN soccer would move more teams to a high level of play. TC Metro Regional "super clubs" would allow better competition within the state and I believe increase the total number of athletes who would choose soccer over some other sports. I am sure many disagree but the current model of having each suburb have it's own club is crazy IMO.
u14 Rev vs MTA will be an excellent match up, both should be prepared based on their early season schedules. Same for u15 Burnsville vs MTA given MTA's ECNL schedule and Burnsville in Premier MRL. They might as well not even play u13 cause MTA will run away with that. 16 and above generally comes down to execution on plays (ie set pieces) or strange bounces so it is anyone's guess. Regardless, it's more fun to be discussing real events and not scrimmages. Bring on the sunshine!
9:08, you are correct in the league is more about playing at TOP Showcases, however, when they do play, guess who is attending them, yep, college scouts. And after all, isnt this what its all about?? Who cares who wins what tournament. So if your team isnt in the league, your not getting the looks from the most of the top conference coaches.
Yep - all those top national college scouts.........so if you are one of the lucky ones you might get to go play for the Gophers a whole ten minutes away. Seriously, how many kids from around here end up going to high level programs (i.e. - schools that consistently are in the top 25 and end up in the national tournament) outside of MN or the neighboring states - one maybe two per year? Don't get me wrong there are other reasons for going - competition, state cup prep, and as a whole the quality and quantity of potential high level MN college soccer players continues to grow, but the whole "got to showcase myself in front of national college coaches" thing is IMO extremely over-blown.
It's the natural evolution of soccer parenting..... 1) my DD's playing "traveling" not " house" league 2) my DD is on the "A" team 3) my DD is now on the "uber" club team 4) my DD is on the MN ODP team 5) my DD's team won State Cup and are off to regionals (where they might tie a game) 6) my DD is traveling to out-of-state tournaments for recruiting 7) my DD got a scholarship (most likely to a DII with some but not a lot of money) 8) my DD is now off to college. Hopefully she will have kids so then both her and I can share these steps as my granddaughter grows up. 9) I've made sure that everyone I ever knew was kept abreast of steps 1-8 (except the stuff in parenthesis).
11/3/10 6:32 AM Couldn't agree more with your concept of regionalizing CCs. But the egos of the individual club directors will keep this from happening. It has always been this way. One says, my club brings in more money - has more kids....the other says my club has more prestige - has a longer win record. Blah, Blah, Blah! In the meantime, they are the first to bash MTA-like models. After all it is easier to criticize than create.
2:42- So if you have a kid who has the athletic ability and the drive to set a goal to play college ball (scholarship issue aside) - we are bad/egocentric parents for helping them to live their dream? Come on! Frankly, I am damn proud that my kid got there because I know from personal experience how much work she put into it, how much she missed (parties, sleepovers, vacations) to achieve her dream. And I know how much our family supported her and so does she. Go spout your negativism somewhere where your opinion would matter.
hey 4:34, sounds like you just finishd point #5 and are moving onto point #6. I always love it when parents say their grade school kid wants to play soccer in college.
1:56 Yes, my DD got a DI scholarship. She signed at 18, committed at 17 and was making unofficial visits, attending camps and sending letter to the colleges that interested her at 15-16. At one of the unofficial visits when she was 15 the coach (of the college she ended up signing with) said they had seen her play over 10times already. Where? At the college showcase tournaments and at ODP region camp. Not at state cup, not at MYSA sponsored events and not at events within MN.
So these tournaments may seem overblown for some (and perhaps they are for some kids) but they are THE reason that most girls that have scholarships got their scholarships and like 2:42 got to realize their dream to play college ball.
4:43 - congratulations to your daughter and best wishes to her in the future. ODP is a great tool for recruiting as I agree with your comments. To 1:56's point (I will cut/paste) "Seriously, how many kids from around here end up going to high level programs (i.e. - schools that consistently are in the top 25 and end up in the national tournament) outside of MN or the neighboring states - one maybe two per year?" If your daughter was one of those few, then we all might have a guess at who she is. If not, then some of what 1:56 says is true. All the thousands of dollars spent to end up in your backyard. Although I do agree with the saying that goes something like "it's the journey not the destination that matters". So maybe I'm wrong - my mind is always open.
1:56's point is far too narrow: "Seriously, how many kids from around here end up going to high level programs (i.e. - schools that consistently are in the top 25 and end up in the national tournament) outside of MN or the neighboring states - one maybe two per year?"
There are many 2009s and 2010s that have gone or will go to high level programs (i.e., top 25 in academics) outside of MN through showcase soccer tournaments. The journey matters and sometimes the destination does too.
11:23--other than C. Smith at Kansas a few years back, which MN player made the national stage and actually left this area? So why, tell me, must these teams traipze about the US when very few leave this area to play at a top program? Oh, and Kansas isn't even eight hours away.
Hey 4:38, my kid decided in 6th grade that she was going to play soccer in college and in five months will do just that. And yes, I'm very proud of her for setting a goal and making it a reality right on schedule. Hopefully her next goal is to help clean up the mess in Washington!
Mine, too. She has received several verbal offers from D-1 schools, and she has not reached her junior year in high school. One included a full scholarship. Where did the coaches see her? Showcase events with MTA. It does happen.
Results from the Las Vegas College Showcase MTA 15 Blue 4 - Pleasanton Rage (CA North) 0 MTA 16 Blue 1 - Sting (TX North) 0La Roca FC Premier (UT) 1 - Wayzata Rage (U17) 0 MTA U17 Blue 1 - FC Virginia FPYC Explosion 1
Sorry about the funky formatting in the previous post. Let me try again. Results from the Las Vegas College Showcase MTA 15 Blue 4 - Pleasanton Rage (CA North) 0 MTA 16 Blue 1 - Sting (TX North) 0 La Roca FC Premier (UT) 1 - Wayzata Rage (U17) 0 MTA U17 Blue 1 - FC Virginia FPYC Explosion 1
for those parents with kids playing at state cup...i'm sure the coaches/managers have sent out the draw. for the idiots on this blog who have nothing better to do with their time and bash teams and players, well you'll have to wait.
I know Texas and California play winter high school soccer, just ended..... are the ECNL teams from these states fit ? I know gotsoccer is flawed but... Pleasanton is ranked 37 in CAN , not that many quality teams in north.
From the tournament Web site...17s loose... Saturday, March 13, 2010 ATLANTA FIRE UNITED 93 ELITE 2 SOLAR 93 1 CONCORDE FIRE ELITE '93 2 SOCCERPLUS CHARGE 0 CASL 92 SPARTAN ELITE 2 ARIZONA STING DEL SOL 93 GOLD 1 ALBERTSON SC FURY PREMIER 1 MINNESOTA THUNDER ELITE BLUE 0
ECNL is about getting seen by college coaches? ECNL is about marketing soccer clubs.
Vegas Showcase has two brackets of ECNL teams (A and B), and 5 more brackets of teams in both U16 and U17, all top teams from around the country (three more hrackets of U15). If the ECNL teams were not in the ECNL, it is a good bet that many would be at Vegas anyway. Vegas is a popular showcase that only accepts top teams from around the country.
If you are good, you will get seen with or without the ECNL. If you are good enough to play at a Top 10 school, those coaches will find you. If you are good enough to play at a Top 50 school, those coaches will find you (I realize the athlete also has to indicate interest in the school.
I don't see what the ECNL adds except marketing for the clubs.
Looks like the "random" draw again put the two best teams at U18 in the same bracket. So much for a meaningful final. Sure seems funny that this "random" draw seems to produce these types of results each year?
As a matter of fact, I bet that you'll find the U17 girls brackets to include EP and SSM in the same bracket also. I haven't seen them yet, but I'd be willing to bet $25 that it is true.
Do you know anything about the random draw? I've done them for 5 years. In a two-bracket age group, the finalists from the prior year are put at the top of the two brackets, and a representative from each remaining team pulls a chip out of a hat for placement into the other spots. IT IS RANDOM, and any team manager who has done a State Cup draw will attest to that, as we're all witnesses to it. So, PLEASE don't promote your conspiracy theory when there isn't one.
Because our coach is in another State. But, thanks. I'll be sure to keep the mystic secret once I get the info. God forbid we post ALL the information....all that matters is U13.....right?
1:28 So your coach is in another state? How did he attend the draw?
My guess is the coach for those 13's you refer to, didn't stick around for the 17 draw just so he could forward to his parents...who then turn around and post it for you since your coach or manager didn't have 5 minutes to share this his team!
hello 2:51.....ever stop to think that what the SSM parent meant by saying "bacause our coach is in another state" that his daughter attends school in Faribault and he lives in another state (like many SSM families)?
You seemed so intent in firing off an insult that you didn't think the whole thing through.
2:51- you really aren't thinking things through, are you?
3:05 was correct in his interpretation. Thank you.
We have not been given the info because the kids are just returning today from Spring Break. Thus, the coaching staff has not had the time to get the info out to us.
However, based upon some very helpful parents (who not only have kids on other teams within this age group, but are also friends- thanks TS) I would say that the U17 parents with a burr under their saddle are probably from MTA (either blue or white).
Sorry things didn't go your way, but that is no reason to act like a child.
I do now have, in my hands the magical power which comes with having the delicate information regarding the apparent top secret draw for U17 State Cup.
Driving home to Iowa now, will post this sensitive data when I get home (unless black helicopters get me first).
10:07 here- Nope. But I will say that someone is absolutely asleep at the wheel IMHO. If people aren't going to to do their job- I certainly am not going to do it for them. I have done enough even by asking the question.
At U16 Thunder Blue was entered as a U19C1 team and originally placed as a play in team it was changed shortly before the draw and they became the first seed since they won it last year.
If the same rules would have been followed at U17 the MTA blue team would have been a seeded team either in group C or D. Since they where a semifinalist in state cup last year.
Interesting how different rules apply in the same tournament.
9:26 Can I ask a stupid question? You indicate some teams are "age eligible" at U-17 but are listed as U-18 or U-19 teams. Does that indicate they are playing up to the higher age group in MYSA league? Or is it some other way of identifying them like through MRL. I am assumming it is the MYSA level of play correct? Does anyone know the reason those teams ore playing up one or two ages? Thanks for any clarification anyone can give.
Teams can play up if they wish to U18 or U19 since these leagues are self select. Almost like HS where U14 and up may play varsity. State cup teams can play thier age or the league level they are registered at. This is a good option if a team does not have a berth to a MYSA league at PR/C1.
As someone who doesn't have a horse in the race at U-17 and could care less who wins, EDP will clobber MTA. why? EDP has more talent and a better coach who will have them ready for the inferior MTA team.
I think it is pretty well understood that the best four teams in this age group are (in no particular order): Woodbury, EP, MTA, and SSM. I also think it that is safe to say that MTA is the ONE team of these four each of the other teams fears the LEAST.
I just looked at the premier league team lists, and it looks like they've lumped together U18 and U19 girls into one 9-team league.
WDB - assuming it's Inferno WYZ - assuming current U18PR WBL - assuming current U19PR EDI - assuming current U18PR NLS - U19 - moved up from C1 last summer SCV - U18 MRL team PSA - ? Mixture of the two U18PR-eligible teams and the U19PR team? MTA - ? Former U18 MRL team? TCF - U18 - moved up from C1 last year
I don't know a lot about most of these teams - do my assumprions make sense?
11:23--other than C. Smith at Kansas a few years back, which MN player made the national stage and actually left this area? So why, tell me, must these teams traipze about the US when very few leave this area to play at a top program? Oh, and Kansas isn't even eight hours away.
I doubt the EP parents are stupid enough to take the bait of getting into "discussion" on this blog. Don't play with pigs in the mud, it only satisfies the pig and you get full of mud.
Don't believe C Smith even made an ODP region team. So much for ODP. Of course she wasn't good enuff for da Gophas either. best player to come out of Sota ever!
The U-18 Premier league will be fun to watch this year. Heard that Woodbury will be both Inferno and Eclipse players mixed together. The only team in that group who will challenge Woodbury is PSA, who has won that league the past four years. The rest of those teams will be fodder for both Woodbury and PSA.
6:59- When has Wayzata EVER beaten the SSM U17s? The correct answer is NEVER, what magic has taken place in the last two months which you think will change this fact?
4:05 ssm 17s would not win U15 much less U17 , I dont care if they bring in jose morinho.
Wayzata won state cup last year, they should be considered in the mix.Ssm has nt played anyone much less beat anyone. Minnesota club teams go down to ssm for friendly scrimmages, many of their players are multi-sport high school athletes, its very difficult to be at full strength . For ssm , these contests are on their schedules as games, they define themselves by winning games that mean nothing to their opponents. The U16 team from last year has not improved,theyve gone backwards, any players of note have been moved to U18. New players are not an impact.
4:05 ssm 17s would not win U15 much less U17 , I dont care if they bring in jose morinho.
Wayzata won state cup last year, they should be considered in the mix.Ssm has nt played anyone much less beat anyone. Minnesota club teams go down to ssm for friendly scrimmages, many of their players are multi-sport high school athletes, its very difficult to be at full strength . For ssm , these contests are on their schedules as games, they define themselves by winning games that mean nothing to their opponents. The U16 team from last year has not improved,theyve gone backwards, any players of note have been moved to U18. New players are not an impact.
Anonymous said... 6:59- When has Wayzata EVER beaten the SSM U17s? The correct answer is NEVER, what magic has taken place in the last two months which you think will change this fact?
SSM 17s lost to the Eagan U16c1 team a team that was relegated last year. The same eagan team that was beat 4-0 by the U15 MTA team. SSM 17's would not win state cup at any age above U15.
Judging by how many 2009 U17 Premier teams couldn't even pull together a U18 team, and how much shakeup there's been on a lot of the teams that did manage to hold together (including the one my daughter moved to), I don't know if I'd take anything for granted in the U18/19 premier league this year.
Judging by how many 2009 U17 Premier teams couldn't even pull together a U18 team, and how much shakeup there's been on a lot of the teams that did manage to hold together (including the one my daughter moved to), I don't know if I'd take anything for granted in the U18/19 premier league this year.
For all you SSM haters out there, lets try to remember, that SSM has many differnet aged players playing for the 17s and 18s. Both of the SSM teams are not just all U18s and U17s. Sure, they all want to win, but, in the over all objective, it is about development and placing these players into college. This is fact. How many U15s does MTA or whoever have on their team starting, unlike SSM who has a few. How many U18 teams has U17 players starting besides SSM? So chalk it and spin it any way you like.
11:45 - agree with your comments completely. However, it's the "SSM lovers" who tend to talk "accomplishment" and not "development" that confuse everyone else out there......
9;40 2 months ago im guessing some of wayzatas players were....playing basketball,hockey,nordic skiing...they were training for soccer also, most club teams ramp up the training now. While Wayzata was rushing down to Faribault for a scrimmage.....ssm was gearing up for the most important game of their current season.On a side note.... the Burnsville or mta u15 teams would dominate the 17s of ssm.Honestly, I dont know anyone who is a ssm hater including myself, its just that they are truely a non-factor in Minnesota soccer.
Uhmmm. 5:39pm.....I can assure you that was NOT their "game of the current season". Good Lord, you certainly are feeling the hate for SSM. And yes, you are a SSM hater by all definitions. RELAX.
For the U17 / U18 maybe everybody should just sit back and let it all play out. Let the players truly enjoy themselves with out all the drama that I am sure all these players have had the past 6 or 7 years. These girls have worked hard, most are already committed to colleges if they are planning the route. So let the girls work hard, have fun and let all the negative comments go away. Tell the parents to mellow out, sit back and actually enjoy the last year or two of youth soccer. Remember parents you will not have a say in your players college soccer career so now is the time to back off
With regard to when the schedules will be posted on the MYSA website-
At the MYSA informational meeting, there was a PowerPoint given by Tom M. A few of the slides discussed the draw and how teams would be seeded. At the bottom of one of the slides, there is a bullet point which says- "Brackets will be posted with completed draw within one week from the mandatory meeting on the MYSA website www.mnyouthsoccer.org."
Here we are one week following the meeting and draw, and nothing is posted. Therefore, it has not indeed been posted "within one week" as MYSA stated in this meeting.
I realize this is a relatively small thing, but it is very representative as to the attitude of MYSA. They do what they want without regard to integrity and following their own rules. The group needs to be overhauled. Who do they work for?
Oh, and by the way, this PowerPoint can be found in the State Cup Section of the MYSA website. Look under the link titled something like "State Cup Informational Meeting". Easy to find, easy to prove the point.
Why would you think there would be a redraw at U17? Even IF this were true, there is no reason that MYSA could not have posted the rest of the brackets.
There also is no reason that MYSA could not have posted this reason for a delay on the website.
One other question, in the past when MYSA has made a decision it has always stuck by it- even when wrong. Why would they start trying to do the right thing now? Who would it benefit that they want to help?
according to mysa, they're not sure when the brackets will be posted. why did they make a point to tell everyone when they will get posted? they should have set the bar alittle lower! then if they accomplished it in time they would look like a well oiled machine! way to go mysa.
Please help us all understand what the rush is to post the brackets? So they're a few days late - big whoop. I can understand being frustrated with MYSA regarding implementing retroactive rules (Bangu a few years ago), in-house cronyism (SCV promotion a few years ago), double rules standards (SSM and MRL), etc..., but not sure if not having State Cup brackets on-line within the one week date that they noted in their powerpoint presentation is one of them.
So, 3:23, you are alright with them not following some of their rules? If they aren't going to follow a timeline, why should any of the Clubs have to follow it with regard to applications?
Hell, why worry about any of the rules- as suggested earlier just make them "guidelines". You can't expect others to follow your rules when you don't do it yourself. Have some respect for your customers.
Many players also play high school spring sports and often the State Cup games conflict with these varsity games. It would be helpful to know about these conflicts well in advance.
you girls' parents are the best. why play the games when you've already done the math to figure out who's going to beat who. u17g are a mess from what i hear, but SSM will beat MTA no doubt.
4:11- I don't think it was actually a rule, but it was something that was given as an unsolicited date by which the brackets would be released. So, rule or not- MYSA is not delivering on a commitment they made in public.
It comes down to respecting the customer- us. Also, there are many potential reasons that people may want the official release of brackets. As of yet, there has been no official release of the information promised. In my business, if I acted in this manner I would not have many customers left. I don't find it acceptable.
I haven't posted with regards to MYSA not posting the State Cup brackets, but, what would one expect from such a poorly run organization? Some very valid reasons have been stated why the schedule should be out, such as other sports, ODP tryouts, Prom dates. The point is, this organization doesn't serve it's fully paid members very well and the majority of it's PAID employees could NOT hold a job in the private sector. Why are public and "non-profit" employees so incompetent anyway?
The MYSA board and admins are largely a bunch of crackpots. Not all. Just certain (pres, exec director, etc.). We all know who they are (except them). Their monopoly on soccer admin in mn has led them to be a group centered on their own convenience, rather than serving the soccer community at large. Like the dems (representing the people) are finally trumping the reps (representing their own self interests), the soccer community at large will eventually rid ourselves of the stinky MYSA administration that is not serving the best interests of mn soccer. And I anticipate such coup will eventually come from within.
But, no, none of what you discuss will happen. It will continue as it always has, your child will finish youth soccer and you'll forget all about it. Leaving these people to bastardize the sport for a whole new group of youth. The cycle continues, and through all this the level of soccer stays mediocre at best. And to think, no one can figure out why.
For those dissatisfied with MYSA, what can we do? Are we able to vote for board members or administration personnel? I find it disheartening to learn that the State Cup director doesn't even live in Minnesota! I am wondering if the office staff have their hands tied, doing what they can to just stay afloat.
1038, agree with what you said but your political point isn't needed or to that fact true. I believe your dems just passed a Healthcare bill when the overwhelming American public didn't want it, but the dem leaders think they know better! What a croc of S@*T!! So how did thy represent the people.
Wow. I thought soccer advocates were smarter than those of other sports. It's very disturbing to see 'W' and Palin lovers on this blog. People are people; I know.
I guess I understand now why such nonsense can continue to propagate at the MYSA admin level: the admin is representing non-thinkers that exist amongst us. Ones that like the status quo. Ones that fear change. Ones that actually believe that things are great the way they are.
Again................wow!!!
The only thing that is going to stop this insanity is education. Education can come in the form of simple reading or leaving this State to see what exists elsewhere....and I'm referring to soccer things at this point.
Except of course, the slams against MYSA. Those are spot-on
1:48 - could care less about Rush the entertainer. You make my point that liberal intellectual elitists think they are the only ones that know anything about politics - my litter box is your sand box.
might just be me, but having read all the previous posts wouldn't discussions/arguments/bickering, etc,,, about mysa, state cup, odp, tournament results and specific local teams be somewhat about soccer?
US Club Soccer is a competing organization to USYS (of which MYSA is part). We need to get US Club Soccer (more) into Minnesota. We need our teams to play their regional tournaments, and we need to organize regional leagues under their banner. There is another option, folks.
Hey leadership of MYSA, you there? Did it ever occur to you that people would like to make plans for their late April early May weekends? It might help to know which weekends what age group/genders play, or are you all too imcompetent to figure it all out. Watch out, or Congress might take you over also which would mean the fees would go up to over $2K/year, no? Now there is a state job for Mark Dayton!
The "liberal intellectual elitists" one one side (BTW, thanks for the label) and the Reps on the other (who self-admittedly follow the "entertainers" - Rush, Palin, etc.) - and continue to believe that 'Nucular' is a word), BOTH united in their angst against the MYSA admin.
BOTH sides WISHING to plan their Summers (tournaments, camps, family activities, whatever).
BOTH sides WAITING for the State Cup Committee to publish the damn schedule.
BOTH sides of the aisle in agreement that change is needed (at least in words).
Any calls to action from my tea baggin' friends? I couldn't find any on your anti-MYSA Facebook page.
Hey 24/3/10 8:57 PM and all the others complaining about not being able to plan their weekends.
1) call your manager or whomever went to the State Cup draw. THEY KNOW THE DATES YOU PLAY.
2)if your daughter is playing serious soccer, you need to support her and be home weekends for other things like TRAINING.
3)if you call MYSA and volunteer to help, last I heard they will gladly take you up on it.
Don't get me wrong, I disagree with many things MYSA does, including State Cup issues-but seriously people wake up, try to solve your own problems with common sense. Complaining doesn't solve your problems.
I went to the State Cup meeting and I don't know my team schedule. I listened to the whole thing, got my brackets, but received no information on game dates/times. Not sure what you are talking about 8:18 AM.
A slide with what age group plays on what day, was shown it did not have game times on it but atleast it gave play dates, not sure if that was shown to everyone.
Again 25/3/10 8:39 AM, solve your own problem. Call MYSA and ask the dates. It's just not this difficult. But, I'm sure your precious vacation is more important than your daughters soccer team.
I want to first start off by introducing myself as your new MYSA Manager of Programs. I am so excited about this new opportunity and it has been a great first week learning so much about the organization and the State Cup.
The final posting of the schedule will be on the close of business on Monday the 29th. We were hoping to have it finalized today but we want to give adequate time for reviewing so there are no changes once posted. It will posted on the State Cup webpage at www.mnyouthsoccer.org on Monday. Thank you for your patience."
Thanks for posting this on why the schedule is not out for State Cup.
I have to giggle at the statement on '... reviewing so there are no changes once posted.' Are they God and know once posted there will be weather realated game time/date changes?
3:53- did you call twice? You *really* need to figure this whole posting thing out. It is almost the same as having a moniker for you- I can tell exactly who you are when you post.
Just looked at the U16G brackets, where 15 teams combine to form only one competitive bracket.
MTA Blue has no competition at this age group, and is in the A bracket with two play-ins and NLS, a C1 last year. At best, the play-in could add EAG.
The B bracket is competitive, with MTA White, and REV, NSS and MTA Silver from last year's PR league.
The C bracket is ridiculous, with only EP that has ever played a MN PR game.
Anyone paired with MTA Blue will lose tiebreakers on goal differential, and the competition in B bracket will be close, probably keeping two from advancing from that bracket. So two probably come from the ultra lame C bracket.
Oh my, rumor has it that the MTA U19 Stars will have a guest player from out of state playing with them this yr for State Cup. Please, after all these yrs of you parents crying about SSM, you have a outsider playing. Please explain.
How about MYSA scheduling the U17 girls and boys at 4:00 and 6:00 on Saturday? Do you think there will be any Prom issues? Why didn't they give them the U15s AM slots? MYSA couldn't be more inept if they tried!
It does seem that it wouldn't be that hard for MYSA to schedule State Cup in much earlier.
There is a known number of age groups, and the number of teams doesn't vary that much. There is a fixed number of weekends used. Schedule early games for U16-U18 and later games for U13-U15 to avoid prom. Use a three year average for the number of brackets at each age group for planning, and have some extra playing times and fields to handle extra games as necessary.
Teams that play in State Cup are formed in August and September, there is no need to wait until late Feb for applications. Post the playing dates for each age group in November, and have the application deadline in December, so teams can make an informed decision about their schedule. THAT would be serving the members. The current "problems" are self inflicted by MYSA.
They should play the U18-U17 games for State Cup on Wednesdays. No religion, No Prom, very few MSHSL events on Wed. Yes you are right people have to make choices, but I would hope we make decisions based on what is best for kids. Playing those games on Wed would help the kids out. If you are so rigid and can't adjust to make it better for the kids its time you get out Tom.
1,123 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 1000 of 1123 Newer› Newest»Yes now, no in the future
ECNL teams are leaving USYSA by year 3, they will not play state cup or participate in any USYSA events. The league will expand to 60 clubs by year three and be its own entity affiliated with US Club only.
thanks, 9:58 confused me.
any weekend results (out of town no scrimmages please)?
All I know is if I had the opportunity to go to an excellent college in a warm climate "I'm outa here".
Puma Region Three Championship U14
DAKOTA REV SC RAMPAGE (MN) 3 CLASSICS HAMMER FC 95 PREMIER (OS)
DAKOTA REV SC RAMPAGE (MN) 0 NORTH ATLANTA SA NASA '14 ELITE (GA) 2
DAKOTA REV SC RAMPAGE (MN) 3 BWSC BRENTWOOD '96 GIRLS PREMIER (TN) 0
PM DAKOTA REV SC RAMPAGE (MN) 1 HARPETH FC HFC G96 BLACK (TN) 1
Puma Region Three Championship U16
GATORS FC 94 ORANGE (MI) 0 MINNESOTA THUNDER ACADEMY MN THUNDER 94 WHITE (MN) 0
PALM HARBOR 93/94 PREMIER (FL) 1 MINNESOTA THUNDER ACADEMY MN THUNDER 94 WHITE (MN) 0
FC ALLIANCE 94G BLACK (TN) 1 MINNESOTA THUNDER ACADEMY MN THUNDER 94 WHITE (MN) 1
TNFC 94 AZUL (FORMERLY BLUE) (TN) 0MINNESOTA THUNDER ACADEMY MN THUNDER 94 WHITE (MN) 1
DAKOTA REV SC FURY(MN) 0 SWISA RUSH (IN) 2
DAKOTA REV SC FURY(MN) 0 NOVI JAGUARS MI JAGUARS U16 GIRLS (MI) 0
DAKOTA REV SC FURY (MN) 5 OHIO GALAXIES FC OHIO GALAXIES GIRLS 93 ELITE (OS) 1
DAKOTA REV SC FURY (MN) 0 FC ALLIANCE 94G BLACK (TN) 0 Rotary
Sereno College Showcase U16
MTA SILVER (MN) 1 ARIZONA HAMMERS 1
SERENO 94 GIRLS WHITE (AZ) 5 MTA SILVER (MN) 0
MTA SILVER (MN) 1 CHELSEA SC 93(CAS) 4
When is state cup draw?
Saturday I believe?
how about a state cup blog???
ECNL is a great league and will only get better. What makes a great league is the question. Competition makes it a great league. Next season all but a few of the top clubs will be participating. Within a few very short years the ECNL team will not be a part of USYSA State Cup, Regionals, and Nationals. Hundreds of clubs applied and only 12 were added for 2010-11. As for the marketing for MTA. Yes they can say they play the best competition at those ages now. All but one or two of the top clubs are in so yes they do. As for college exposure the college coaches go where the top players are playing period. If you have top players playing in the game the coaches will come out and watch. St Cloud Showcase is an example of a lot of okay players and a lot of okay programs represented. MTA had two blue teams and one or two okay teams from outside MN but that was it. Great for DII programs. MTA playing in ECNL will give them an advantage for sure. If you are a top player and want to play in a top environment with top level players, competition, and coaching you do not have much of a choice. Yes a few teams out there at a few age groups are very good, but top to bottom on the girls side its no contest. You have a good WDBY team at 18's, good EP team at 17's, a good Bville team at 15's. All or only 1 could win State Cup. As for Shattuck, its all over down there on the girls side. They will be good but not great. The number of kids leaving after a short time at Shattuck should cause reason for alarm. Most girls do not want to be sent away from home and most parents want to spend those quality last few years with their kids at home not an hour away in a dorm with boys right by.
OK I'll play.
2010 Girls State Cup Predictions;
U18: Woodbury if most of the team returns, otherwise St.Croix who played them tough last year.
U17: It's up in the air, EP has to be the favorite, but can the new group with their big players click? ones a team player, the other not so much. Sorry MTA Blue your dominance ended 2 years ago.
Dark horse, Wayzata to repeat.
U16: THE UPSET; MTA Blue loses the top spot this year, Dakota Rev, or St.Croix will take it better coaching will decide it.
U15: Burnsville, they've got MTA Blues number
U14: MTA
Have at it MTA parents and bashers. I'm especially interested in your thoughts on the 16s.
1258, agree with most of your predictions except U16, if MTA blue is to get upset it will be by MTA white. Have seen both REV and St. Croix play and they don't have a chance. U15 Rumor has it Burnsville is down from last year. This age group IMHO is more of a toss up with a few teams in the running. U14 MTA or Rev (Both are good team with me giving REV the slight edge because I believe they played better competition and better tournaments since try outs. I also believe they didn't have kids play High School soccer and played tournaments and MRL ( not sure) all fall. I think MTA has the better athletes but Rev will play better as a team. U13 MTA Blue - No other real strong teams at this age group.
Don't forget that SSM has very strong teams at both U17 & U18 and need to be included in the conversation.
i believe u18-wdb and u17-ep played over the weekend in a much more competitive scrimmage.
13's - MTA
14's - MTA, Rev, EP (toss up)
15's - MTA, Burnsville (toss up)
16's - MTA, MTA, Rev, SCV (??)
17's - MTA, EP, Way (??)
18's - Wdb
I see a pattern here. MTA will be in the hunt for all ages. Not saying they win all, but nice to be considered favorites! If they go away in three years what then?
In most leagues, each team plays the other teams in the league. That makes it a league.
ECNL is a few showcase tournaments each year masquerading as a league.
Nothing great about it yet, it hasn't even completed a year of operation.
Soon it won't be "elite" enough for some of the members. There will be too many teams and clubs involved. The MECNL will be needed to provide differentiation in marketing clubs, breaking off from the lowly ECNL.
Nothing gained by the ECNL that isn't already available. Rank silliness for a ridiculous price.
Now the MECNL will be fantastic.
18 Woodbury
17 EP
16 MTA Blue (there is no one within 3 goals). MTA White is second until someone knocks them off, but they are not close to Blue. REV and SCV? They have as much chance as EP, NSSA, MTA Silver, and Eagan, which is to say, none. SCV has yet to prove they can beat any of these teams.
15 MTA
14 REV
13 MTA
2010 State Cup
U19 - MTA
U18 - WDB
U17 - EDP
U16 - MTA
U15 - MTA
U14 - MTA
U13 - MTA
Take it to the bank.
2:55 You are right MTA should be one of the contenders in all or nearly all age groups. The reason for their success is obvious. They do a better job of pooling the top talent at each age and do it "without borders" . The model MTA uses can create very good teams especially when they compete against primarilly CC programs. The best way for the CC's to compete is to follow the MTA model and still be true to their CC philosophy. MN needs at least one third fewer clubs. MN needs some of the CC's to merge. Why do we need Plymouth,Tonka,Wayzata to each have their own club? how about Bville,Prior lake, Shakoppe, or Woodbury,CG and Hastings? you get my point. Too much diversification of clubs dilutes the player pool and is the only reason MTA attracts top players. Those players would "stay home" IF they could get the training and depth of talent at their home club.
MY opinion: If we had a true consolidation of CC's so all "local" kids could be properly matched with players of similar talent and commitment MTA would lose much of it's Allure and MN soccer would move more teams to a high level of play. TC Metro Regional "super clubs" would allow better competition within the state and I believe increase the total number of athletes who would choose soccer over some other sports. I am sure many disagree but the current model of having each suburb have it's own club is crazy IMO.
Good luck to the teams heading out of town this weekend. Looks like great weather for soccer in Vegas!
u14 Rev vs MTA will be an excellent match up, both should be prepared based on their early season schedules. Same for u15 Burnsville vs MTA given MTA's ECNL schedule and Burnsville in Premier MRL. They might as well not even play u13 cause MTA will run away with that. 16 and above generally comes down to execution on plays (ie set pieces) or strange bounces so it is anyone's guess. Regardless, it's more fun to be discussing real events and not scrimmages. Bring on the sunshine!
9:08, you are correct in the league is more about playing at TOP Showcases, however, when they do play, guess who is attending them, yep, college scouts. And after all, isnt this what its all about?? Who cares who wins what tournament. So if your team isnt in the league, your not getting the looks from the most of the top conference coaches.
wow, I thought it was all about the beautiful game.
Yep - all those top national college scouts.........so if you are one of the lucky ones you might get to go play for the Gophers a whole ten minutes away. Seriously, how many kids from around here end up going to high level programs (i.e. - schools that consistently are in the top 25 and end up in the national tournament) outside of MN or the neighboring states - one maybe two per year?
Don't get me wrong there are other reasons for going - competition, state cup prep, and as a whole the quality and quantity of potential high level MN college soccer players continues to grow, but the whole "got to showcase myself in front of national college coaches" thing is IMO extremely over-blown.
It's the natural evolution of soccer parenting.....
1) my DD's playing "traveling" not " house" league
2) my DD is on the "A" team
3) my DD is now on the "uber" club team
4) my DD is on the MN ODP team
5) my DD's team won State Cup and are off to regionals (where they might tie a game)
6) my DD is traveling to out-of-state tournaments for recruiting
7) my DD got a scholarship (most likely to a DII with some but not a lot of money)
8) my DD is now off to college. Hopefully she will have kids so then both her and I can share these steps as my granddaughter grows up.
9) I've made sure that everyone I ever knew was kept abreast of steps 1-8 (except the stuff in parenthesis).
11/3/10 6:32 AM Couldn't agree more with your concept of regionalizing CCs. But the egos of the individual club directors will keep this from happening. It has always been this way. One says, my club brings in more money - has more kids....the other says my club has more prestige - has a longer win record. Blah, Blah, Blah! In the meantime, they are the first to bash MTA-like models. After all it is easier to criticize than create.
2:42- So if you have a kid who has the athletic ability and the drive to set a goal to play college ball (scholarship issue aside) - we are bad/egocentric parents for helping them to live their dream? Come on! Frankly, I am damn proud that my kid got there because I know from personal experience how much work she put into it, how much she missed (parties, sleepovers, vacations) to achieve her dream. And I know how much our family supported her and so does she. Go spout your negativism somewhere where your opinion would matter.
hey 4:34, sounds like you just finishd point #5 and are moving onto point #6. I always love it when parents say their grade school kid wants to play soccer in college.
4:34 might be the exception, but most parents aren't being "pulled along" by their kid but are actually doing most of the "pushing".
1:56 Yes, my DD got a DI scholarship. She signed at 18, committed at 17 and was making unofficial visits, attending camps and sending letter to the colleges that interested her at 15-16. At one of the unofficial visits when she was 15 the coach (of the college she ended up signing with) said they had seen her play over 10times already. Where? At the college showcase tournaments and at ODP region camp. Not at state cup, not at MYSA sponsored events and not at events within MN.
So these tournaments may seem overblown for some (and perhaps they are for some kids) but they are THE reason that most girls that have scholarships got their scholarships and like 2:42 got to realize their dream to play college ball.
4:43 - congratulations to your daughter and best wishes to her in the future. ODP is a great tool for recruiting as I agree with your comments.
To 1:56's point (I will cut/paste) "Seriously, how many kids from around here end up going to high level programs (i.e. - schools that consistently are in the top 25 and end up in the national tournament) outside of MN or the neighboring states - one maybe two per year?"
If your daughter was one of those few, then we all might have a guess at who she is. If not, then some of what 1:56 says is true. All the thousands of dollars spent to end up in your backyard. Although I do agree with the saying that goes something like "it's the journey not the destination that matters". So maybe I'm wrong - my mind is always open.
1:56's point is far too narrow: "Seriously, how many kids from around here end up going to high level programs (i.e. - schools that consistently are in the top 25 and end up in the national tournament) outside of MN or the neighboring states - one maybe two per year?"
There are many 2009s and 2010s that have gone or will go to high level programs (i.e., top 25 in academics) outside of MN through showcase soccer tournaments. The journey matters and sometimes the destination does too.
11:23--other than C. Smith at Kansas a few years back, which MN player made the national stage and actually left this area? So why, tell me, must these teams traipze about the US when very few leave this area to play at a top program? Oh, and Kansas isn't even eight hours away.
Hey 4:38, my kid decided in 6th grade that she was going to play soccer in college and in five months will do just that. And yes, I'm very proud of her for setting a goal and making it a reality right on schedule. Hopefully her next goal is to help clean up the mess in Washington!
Mine, too. She has received several verbal offers from D-1 schools, and she has not reached her junior year in high school. One included a full scholarship. Where did the coaches see her? Showcase events with MTA. It does happen.
does anyone else have to click "newest" about 4 times to actually get to the newest posts?
State Cup Draw Day, Rev up your engines and let the speculation/prognostications begin.
Any results from out of state tournaments? Wayzata and MTA at Vegas?
Results from the Las Vegas College Showcase
MTA 15 Blue 4 - Pleasanton Rage (CA North) 0
MTA 16 Blue 1 - Sting (TX North) 0La Roca FC Premier (UT) 1 - Wayzata Rage (U17) 0
MTA U17 Blue 1 - FC Virginia FPYC Explosion 1
Sorry about the funky formatting in the previous post. Let me try again.
Results from the Las Vegas College Showcase
MTA 15 Blue 4 - Pleasanton Rage (CA North) 0
MTA 16 Blue 1 - Sting (TX North) 0
La Roca FC Premier (UT) 1 - Wayzata Rage (U17) 0
MTA U17 Blue 1 - FC Virginia FPYC Explosion 1
7:37 - That is happening to me as well. VERY frustrating.
Any news on State Cup draws?
When will MYSA post the state cup draws? It will probably take them two weeks like usual.
for those parents with kids playing at state cup...i'm sure the coaches/managers have sent out the draw. for the idiots on this blog who have nothing better to do with their time and bash teams and players, well you'll have to wait.
I know Texas and California play winter high school soccer, just ended..... are the ECNL teams from these states fit ? I know gotsoccer is flawed but... Pleasanton is ranked 37 in CAN , not that many quality teams in north.
8:28, SURE she did.
Here's U-14: Thats all I have.
Group A
Eden Prairie
Burnsville
Cottage Grove
Lakeville
Group B
Edina
PSA
Dakota Rev (2)
North Metro
Group C
Thunder White
Thunder West
Dakota Rev (1)
St. Croix
Group D
Prior Lake
Northern Lights
Thunder Blue
Winner of play in game between Maplebrook and Blackhawks
U16
Group A
MTA BLUE
Northern Lights
Winner of TC Fire vs Blaine
Winner of Eagan MTA W
Group B
MTA White
MTA Silver
Dakota REV
NSSA
Group C
St Croix
EP
Tonka
winner of MU vs Dakota Rev (c1)
U15
Group A
Burnsville
Blackhawks
North Metro
Maplebrook
Group B
MTA Blue
Edina
Wayzata
Lakeville
Group C
Tonka
Mpls United
Woodbury
MTA White
Group D
Eden Prairie
Twin City Fire
PSA
St. Croix
Saturday results from Vegas...
U15
MTA Blue 3 - Neusport Green (NV) 1
U16
MTA Blue 3 - Carolina Elite (SC) 2
U17
Wayzata 1 - Cal Rush Nike (CA North) 2
MTA Blue 0 - Albertson SC Fury Premier (NYE) 1
The ECNL website has the MTA U17's winning 1-0. Can anyone confirm who actually won the game?
I think that they did win. Good job MTA!!!! They are doing pretty well in the top ECNL Bracket.
From the tournament Web site...17s loose...
Saturday, March 13, 2010
ATLANTA FIRE UNITED 93 ELITE 2 SOLAR 93 1
CONCORDE FIRE ELITE '93 2 SOCCERPLUS CHARGE 0
CASL 92 SPARTAN ELITE 2 ARIZONA STING DEL SOL 93 GOLD 1
ALBERTSON SC FURY PREMIER 1 MINNESOTA THUNDER ELITE BLUE 0
I thought they were in the "B" or lower of the two brackets?
The ECNL is all about development, why do we care about the scores?
MTA 16's in the top ECNL bracket, 15's and 17's in the B bracket. The 15's and 16's have won both games. Not sure about 17's.
Don;t think you can call it a league either looks like not eveyone will play eachother but may be wrong.
ECNL is about exposure and getting seen by top college coaches.
U13 draw?
U17 dram?
U18 draw?
ECNL is about getting seen by college coaches? ECNL is about marketing soccer clubs.
Vegas Showcase has two brackets of ECNL teams (A and B), and 5 more brackets of teams in both U16 and U17, all top teams from around the country (three more hrackets of U15). If the ECNL teams were not in the ECNL, it is a good bet that many would be at Vegas anyway. Vegas is a popular showcase that only accepts top teams from around the country.
If you are good, you will get seen with or without the ECNL. If you are good enough to play at a Top 10 school, those coaches will find you. If you are good enough to play at a Top 50 school, those coaches will find you (I realize the athlete also has to indicate interest in the school.
I don't see what the ECNL adds except marketing for the clubs.
U 18 draw:
Woodbury
Shattuck
Blackhawks
Wayzata
St. Croix
PSA
Edina
MTA
Looks like the "random" draw again put the two best teams at U18 in the same bracket. So much for a meaningful final. Sure seems funny that this "random" draw seems to produce these types of results each year?
As a matter of fact, I bet that you'll find the U17 girls brackets to include EP and SSM in the same bracket also. I haven't seen them yet, but I'd be willing to bet $25 that it is true.
Can someone post the U17 draw results?
Do you know anything about the random draw? I've done them for 5 years. In a two-bracket age group, the finalists from the prior year are put at the top of the two brackets, and a representative from each remaining team pulls a chip out of a hat for placement into the other spots. IT IS RANDOM, and any team manager who has done a State Cup draw will attest to that, as we're all witnesses to it. So, PLEASE don't promote your conspiracy theory when there isn't one.
Can someone please post the draw results for U17? Thanks in advance....
Why don't you just ask your coach?
Because our coach is in another State. But, thanks.
I'll be sure to keep the mystic secret once I get the info. God forbid we post ALL the information....all that matters is U13.....right?
what happened to the u15 thunder girls last game in vegas? it looks like they won their first 2 (albeit against lower level teams)
1:28
So your coach is in another state?
How did he attend the draw?
My guess is the coach for those 13's you refer to, didn't stick around for the 17 draw just so he could forward to his parents...who then turn around and post it for you since your coach or manager didn't have 5 minutes to share this his team!
hello 2:51.....ever stop to think that what the SSM parent meant by saying "bacause our coach is in another state" that his daughter attends school in Faribault and he lives in another state (like many SSM families)?
You seemed so intent in firing off an insult that you didn't think the whole thing through.
wow 2:11 - creative way to get a dig in...
2:51- you really aren't thinking things through, are you?
3:05 was correct in his interpretation. Thank you.
We have not been given the info because the kids are just returning today from Spring Break. Thus, the coaching staff has not had the time to get the info out to us.
However, based upon some very helpful parents (who not only have kids on other teams within this age group, but are also friends- thanks TS) I would say that the U17 parents with a burr under their saddle are probably from MTA (either blue or white).
Sorry things didn't go your way, but that is no reason to act like a child.
SSM if you have the draw please post it no horse in the race but still interested.
Las Vegas showcase results are updated. MTA U16's take the top spot in the A challenge, and the U15's take the top spot in the B challenge.
ssm and sidekick 3:05,
Does it really matter who is out of town? email and text can make it easy for teams to communicate.
You found it easy to take a shot at 12:01 and those parents of 13's. Just an observation.
I do now have, in my hands the magical power which comes with having the delicate information regarding the apparent top secret draw for U17 State Cup.
Driving home to Iowa now, will post this sensitive data when I get home (unless black helicopters get me first).
no one cares, go away
Really? Was that either mature or called for?
Hey SSM,
Just because you're paranoid it doesn't mean they're not following you...LOL
U17 State Cup Draw
(All teams are U17 unless indicated otherwise)
Bracket A
WYZ-MRL
EDP-C1
TRV-C1
CRA-C1
Bracket B
EDP-MRL
BLM-Premier
MTAU17-Premier
MTAU19-Premier (age eligible @ U17)
Bracket C
SCV-Premier
WDB-Premier
ESD-C1
WYZU18-C1 (age eligible @ U17)
Bracket D
SSM-MRL
Play-in Game Winner
DKT-C1
TCFU18-C1 (age eligible @ U17)
The play-in game is:
BHK-C1 vs. PSA-C1
Enjoy!
6:28- Thank you for proving the point again how badly adults can act when they can hide behind anonymity.
9:26- You beat me to it. Thank you for finally posting.
I am very happy with the seedings how they are. But it looks to me again like MYSA doesn't even understand THIER OWN RULES!!
Does anyone else see problems with any of the seedings as opposed to the MYSA rules?
please elaborate about 10:07
10:07 here- Nope. But I will say that someone is absolutely asleep at the wheel IMHO. If people aren't going to to do their job- I certainly am not going to do it for them. I have done enough even by asking the question.
age group?
U17 Draw
Group A: WYZ
Group B: MTA
Group C: SCV
Group D: SSM
Toughest group is group B.
At U16 Thunder Blue was entered as a U19C1 team and originally placed as a play in team it was changed shortly before the draw and they became the first seed since they won it last year.
If the same rules would have been followed at U17 the MTA blue team would have been a seeded team either in group C or D. Since they where a semifinalist in state cup last year.
Interesting how different rules apply in the same tournament.
Wonder if they have to do it all over again?
9:26 Can I ask a stupid question? You indicate some teams are "age eligible" at U-17 but are listed as U-18 or U-19 teams. Does that indicate they are playing up to the higher age group in MYSA league? Or is it some other way of identifying them like through MRL. I am assumming it is the MYSA level of play correct? Does anyone know the reason those teams ore playing up one or two ages?
Thanks for any clarification anyone can give.
11:06- 10:07 here. You win the prize.
Teams can play up if they wish to U18 or U19 since these leagues are self select. Almost like HS where U14 and up may play varsity. State cup teams can play thier age or the league level they are registered at. This is a good option if a team does not have a berth to a MYSA league at PR/C1.
12:50 thank you.
10;59
MTA over EP, how?
7:37
Lets just say that MTA has a little something for EP.
I predict MTA 2 EP 0
Oh, here we go. State Cup has arrived. Let the mudslinging begin.
As someone who doesn't have a horse in the race at U-17 and could care less who wins, EDP will clobber MTA. why? EDP has more talent and a better coach who will have them ready for the inferior MTA team.
I think it is pretty well understood that the best four teams in this age group are (in no particular order): Woodbury, EP, MTA, and SSM. I also think it that is safe to say that MTA is the ONE team of these four each of the other teams fears the LEAST.
On the other hand, 9:36- read your statement and then think of other (even higher level) teams who fit this bill. One come to mind right away:
Real Madrid
Too much talent, not enough possible touches on the ball to keep everyone happy. JE IS a great coach, and if anyone can pull this off it is her.
Good luck to everyone.
too much talent on EP? Please.
Have to put Wayzata in the top 4 , SCV over SSM( very poor), MTA WHY?
8:20- I would agree that Wayzata should be in the top 4 instead of Woodbury. I do not, however, agree with anything else you said.
But, anything can happen. That is why they play the games.
I just looked at the premier league team lists, and it looks like they've lumped together U18 and U19 girls into one 9-team league.
WDB - assuming it's Inferno
WYZ - assuming current U18PR
WBL - assuming current U19PR
EDI - assuming current U18PR
NLS - U19 - moved up from C1 last summer
SCV - U18 MRL team
PSA - ? Mixture of the two U18PR-eligible teams and the U19PR team?
MTA - ? Former U18 MRL team?
TCF - U18 - moved up from C1 last year
I don't know a lot about most of these teams - do my assumprions make sense?
11:23--other than C. Smith at Kansas a few years back, which MN player made the national stage and actually left this area? So why, tell me, must these teams traipze about the US when very few leave this area to play at a top program? Oh, and Kansas isn't even eight hours away.
12/3/10 6:59 PM
Do players that attended Shattuck count??
EP U'17's are loaded with talent and will win. Players on that team have already verballed to the Gophers and will break through any defense.
12:17,
Must be an EP parent. MTA & SSM are also LOADED with talent.
12:17,
Must be an EP parent. MTA & SSM are also LOADED with talent.
12:17,
Must be an EP parent. MTA & SSM are also LOADED with talent.
this is not the inferno team from wdby, it is the team that hangs onto premier somehow each year
Yet none of the many "LOADED" teams won State Cup last year. Hmmm.
The Gophers know what they're doing in getting the top players from the EP U'17's.
I doubt the EP parents are stupid enough to take the bait of getting into "discussion" on this blog. Don't play with pigs in the mud, it only satisfies the pig and you get full of mud.
234- EP parents are ALL OVER this blog. They are probably the ones starting the drama.
SSM will win 17s. They have some great new additions to the team and a great Coach.
4:16 It looks like it brought out the WORST in you, calm down.
OK, here is the final say at U17.
WYZ easily wins Group A
EP beats MTA Blue in Group B
SCV wins Group C
SSM walks throug Group D
Semis: WYZ def.SSM
EP def. SCV
Final: EP def.WYZ
Thats all you need to know.
Soccer??? We talkin soccer???
Don't believe C Smith even made an ODP region team. So much for ODP. Of course she wasn't good enuff for da Gophas either. best player to come out of Sota ever!
i always love the Caroline Smith fan club posts that come completely unsolicted out of left field.........
11:44 No SSM doesn't count as they are not from MN.
The U-18 Premier league will be fun to watch this year.
Heard that Woodbury will be both Inferno and Eclipse players mixed together. The only team in that group who will challenge Woodbury is PSA, who has won that league the past four years. The rest of those teams will be fodder for both Woodbury and PSA.
SCV will be better than PSA.
6:59- When has Wayzata EVER beaten the SSM U17s? The correct answer is NEVER, what magic has taken place in the last two months which you think will change this fact?
4:05
ssm 17s would not win U15 much less U17 , I dont care if they bring in jose morinho.
Wayzata won state cup last year, they should be considered in the mix.Ssm has nt played anyone much less beat anyone. Minnesota club teams go down to ssm for friendly scrimmages, many of their players are multi-sport high school athletes, its very difficult to be at full strength . For ssm , these contests are on their schedules as games, they define themselves by winning games that mean nothing to their opponents. The U16 team from last year has not improved,theyve gone backwards, any players of note have been moved to U18. New players are not an impact.
4:05
ssm 17s would not win U15 much less U17 , I dont care if they bring in jose morinho.
Wayzata won state cup last year, they should be considered in the mix.Ssm has nt played anyone much less beat anyone. Minnesota club teams go down to ssm for friendly scrimmages, many of their players are multi-sport high school athletes, its very difficult to be at full strength . For ssm , these contests are on their schedules as games, they define themselves by winning games that mean nothing to their opponents. The U16 team from last year has not improved,theyve gone backwards, any players of note have been moved to U18. New players are not an impact.
Anonymous said...
6:59- When has Wayzata EVER beaten the SSM U17s? The correct answer is NEVER, what magic has taken place in the last two months which you think will change this fact?
17/3/10 10:33 PM
CHOKE
Anonymous said...
12:17,
Must be an EP parent. MTA & SSM are also LOADED with talent.
17/3/10 1:58 PM
Please explain "loaded". Do you have any examples for both teams, MTA & SSM?
Having seen SSM U17s on a number of occasions this year, I found them to be underwheming. Certainly not top flight at 17 or even 16.
SSM 17s lost to the Eagan U16c1 team a team that was relegated last year. The same eagan team that was beat 4-0 by the U15 MTA team. SSM 17's would not win state cup at any age above U15.
Judging by how many 2009 U17 Premier teams couldn't even pull together a U18 team, and how much shakeup there's been on a lot of the teams that did manage to hold together (including the one my daughter moved to), I don't know if I'd take anything for granted in the U18/19 premier league this year.
Judging by how many 2009 U17 Premier teams couldn't even pull together a U18 team, and how much shakeup there's been on a lot of the teams that did manage to hold together (including the one my daughter moved to), I don't know if I'd take anything for granted in the U18/19 premier league this year.
For all you SSM haters out there, lets try to remember, that SSM has many differnet aged players playing for the 17s and 18s. Both of the SSM teams are not just all U18s and U17s. Sure, they all want to win, but, in the over all objective, it is about development and placing these players into college. This is fact. How many U15s does MTA or whoever have on their team starting, unlike SSM who has a few. How many U18 teams has U17 players starting besides SSM? So chalk it and spin it any way you like.
11:45 - agree with your comments completely. However, it's the "SSM lovers" who tend to talk "accomplishment" and not "development" that confuse everyone else out there......
until ssm or mta produces someone who makes an olympic team I think everyone should chill a little.
name anyone from any club who has made an olympic team.
Brianna Scurry NESA
funny, over 20 years ago. based off of 2:43's post, roughly 99.9% of the clubs in the country need to chill out.
I'd put the number a little higher than that...
9;40
2 months ago im guessing some of wayzatas players were....playing basketball,hockey,nordic skiing...they were training for soccer also, most club teams ramp up the training now. While Wayzata was rushing down to Faribault for a scrimmage.....ssm was gearing up for the most important game of their current season.On a side note.... the Burnsville or mta u15 teams would dominate the 17s of ssm.Honestly, I dont know anyone who is a ssm hater including myself, its just that they are truely a non-factor in Minnesota soccer.
Uhmmm. 5:39pm.....I can assure you that was NOT their "game of the current season". Good Lord, you certainly are feeling the hate for SSM. And yes, you are a SSM hater by all definitions. RELAX.
For the U17 / U18 maybe everybody should just sit back and let it all play out. Let the players truly enjoy themselves with out all the drama that I am sure all these players have had the past 6 or 7 years. These girls have worked hard, most are already committed to colleges if they are planning the route. So let the girls work hard, have fun and let all the negative comments go away.
Tell the parents to mellow out, sit back and actually enjoy the last year or two of youth soccer. Remember parents you will not have a say in your players college soccer career so now is the time to back off
When will the schedules be posted on the MYSA website?
With regard to when the schedules will be posted on the MYSA website-
At the MYSA informational meeting, there was a PowerPoint given by Tom M. A few of the slides discussed the draw and how teams would be seeded. At the bottom of one of the slides, there is a bullet point which says- "Brackets will be posted with completed draw within one week from the mandatory meeting on the MYSA website www.mnyouthsoccer.org."
Here we are one week following the meeting and draw, and nothing is posted. Therefore, it has not indeed been posted "within one week" as MYSA stated in this meeting.
I realize this is a relatively small thing, but it is very representative as to the attitude of MYSA. They do what they want without regard to integrity and following their own rules. The group needs to be overhauled. Who do they work for?
Oh, and by the way, this PowerPoint can be found in the State Cup Section of the MYSA website. Look under the link titled something like "State Cup Informational Meeting". Easy to find, easy to prove the point.
Any news on the MRL games being played this weekend?
Tom is great at enforcing rules (and making them up along the way) but not very good at following them.
Obviously. Shouldn't the membership be able to have a say about that?
I'll check right now, but I am guessing that they didn't magically providing the information they were supposed to when they were supposed to.
Is the delay in publishing the brackets due to a redraw at U17?
Are they planning a redraw at u17? It does seem the right thing to do. Can anyone confirm?
Why would you think there would be a redraw at U17? Even IF this were true, there is no reason that MYSA could not have posted the rest of the brackets.
There also is no reason that MYSA could not have posted this reason for a delay on the website.
One other question, in the past when MYSA has made a decision it has always stuck by it- even when wrong. Why would they start trying to do the right thing now? Who would it benefit that they want to help?
according to mysa, they're not sure when the brackets will be posted. why did they make a point to tell everyone when they will get posted? they should have set the bar alittle lower! then if they accomplished it in time they would look like a well oiled machine! way to go mysa.
2:58- you seem like you have some first hand knolwedge, are they fixing something or just late in getting them up?
Please help us all understand what the rush is to post the brackets? So they're a few days late - big whoop. I can understand being frustrated with MYSA regarding implementing retroactive rules (Bangu a few years ago), in-house cronyism (SCV promotion a few years ago), double rules standards (SSM and MRL), etc..., but not sure if not having State Cup brackets on-line within the one week date that they noted in their powerpoint presentation is one of them.
So, 3:23, you are alright with them not following some of their rules? If they aren't going to follow a timeline, why should any of the Clubs have to follow it with regard to applications?
Hell, why worry about any of the rules- as suggested earlier just make them "guidelines". You can't expect others to follow your rules when you don't do it yourself. Have some respect for your customers.
was it a rule or something that they stated as part of their informational powerpoint presentation? please show us all where it's stated as a "rule".
Aren't the first games still over one month away?
Many players also play high school spring sports and often the State Cup games conflict with these varsity games. It would be helpful to know about these conflicts well in advance.
Ditto 4:49
you girls' parents are the best. why play the games when you've already done the math to figure out who's going to beat who. u17g are a mess from what i hear, but SSM will beat MTA no doubt.
It would be more helpful if MYSA could simply post a statement explaining the reason for the delay and get on with it.
let the crying begin, oh sorry it already has keep in mind it is ONLY a game
4:11- I don't think it was actually a rule, but it was something that was given as an unsolicited date by which the brackets would be released. So, rule or not- MYSA is not delivering on a commitment they made in public.
It comes down to respecting the customer- us. Also, there are many potential reasons that people may want the official release of brackets. As of yet, there has been no official release of the information promised. In my business, if I acted in this manner I would not have many customers left. I don't find it acceptable.
6:14 - you have made your point very, very clear in your many, many entries.
I haven't posted with regards to MYSA not posting the State Cup brackets, but, what would one expect from such a poorly run organization? Some very valid reasons have been stated why the schedule should be out, such as other sports, ODP tryouts, Prom dates. The point is, this organization doesn't serve it's fully paid members very well and the majority of it's PAID employees could NOT hold a job in the private sector. Why are public and "non-profit" employees so incompetent anyway?
The MYSA board and admins are largely a bunch of crackpots. Not all. Just certain (pres, exec director, etc.). We all know who they are (except them). Their monopoly on soccer admin in mn has led them to be a group centered on their own convenience, rather than serving the soccer community at large. Like the dems (representing the people) are finally trumping the reps (representing their own self interests), the soccer community at large will eventually rid ourselves of the stinky MYSA administration that is not serving the best interests of mn soccer. And I anticipate such coup will eventually come from within.
10:38- I like your thinking!
But, no, none of what you discuss will happen. It will continue as it always has, your child will finish youth soccer and you'll forget all about it. Leaving these people to bastardize the sport for a whole new group of youth. The cycle continues, and through all this the level of soccer stays mediocre at best. And to think, no one can figure out why.
For those dissatisfied with MYSA, what can we do? Are we able to vote for board members or administration personnel? I find it disheartening to learn that the State Cup director doesn't even live in Minnesota! I am wondering if the office staff have their hands tied, doing what they can to just stay afloat.
1038, agree with what you said but your political point isn't needed or to that fact true. I believe your dems just passed a Healthcare bill when the overwhelming American public didn't want it, but the dem leaders think they know better! What a croc of S@*T!! So how did thy represent the people.
10:38 It looks like you miss the great job "performed" by W. Don't worry, Palin is coming to your rescue. Now can we return to soccer?
119, thank you!
Yes - back to soccer please.
Wow. I thought soccer advocates were smarter than those of other sports. It's very disturbing to see 'W' and Palin lovers on this blog. People are people; I know.
I guess I understand now why such nonsense can continue to propagate at the MYSA admin level: the admin is representing non-thinkers that exist amongst us. Ones that like the status quo. Ones that fear change. Ones that actually believe that things are great the way they are.
Again................wow!!!
The only thing that is going to stop this insanity is education. Education can come in the form of simple reading or leaving this State to see what exists elsewhere....and I'm referring to soccer things at this point.
10:14 - ah an intelligent liberal elitist. One who believes that the Constitution and Bill of Rights are outdated based upon progressive thinking.
Now those documents are worth reading.
Free speech and thought apply to both political ideologies.
Palin is just being a capitalist and putting food on the table.
Now if you want to enlighten yourself to conservative thought, may I suggest Charles Krauthammer or Dennis Prager or George Will.
Remember clarity is far better than agreement
Tomass....when it comes to politics you are out of your sand box. Stick to topics you know a bit about. You still have your Limbaugh T-Shirt?
can we all just stick to soccer please?
since when has there been a discussion on soccer?
just a lot of parental nonsense
Except of course, the slams against MYSA. Those are spot-on
1:48 - could care less about Rush the entertainer. You make my point that liberal intellectual elitists think they are the only ones that know anything about politics - my litter box is your sand box.
might just be me, but having read all the previous posts wouldn't discussions/arguments/bickering, etc,,, about mysa, state cup, odp, tournament results and specific local teams be somewhat about soccer?
tomass, I don't know you but liked what you had to say!! Thanks!
US Club Soccer is a competing organization to USYS (of which MYSA is part). We need to get US Club Soccer (more) into Minnesota. We need our teams to play their regional tournaments, and we need to organize regional leagues under their banner. There is another option, folks.
Hey leadership of MYSA, you there? Did it ever occur to you that people would like to make plans for their late April early May weekends? It might help to know which weekends what age group/genders play, or are you all too imcompetent to figure it all out. Watch out, or Congress might take you over also which would mean the fees would go up to over $2K/year, no? Now there is a state job for Mark Dayton!
The "liberal intellectual elitists" one one side (BTW, thanks for the label) and the Reps on the other (who self-admittedly follow the "entertainers" - Rush, Palin, etc.) - and continue to believe that 'Nucular' is a word), BOTH united in their angst against the MYSA admin.
BOTH sides WISHING to plan their Summers (tournaments, camps, family activities, whatever).
BOTH sides WAITING for the State Cup Committee to publish the damn schedule.
BOTH sides of the aisle in agreement that change is needed (at least in words).
Any calls to action from my tea baggin' friends? I couldn't find any on your anti-MYSA Facebook page.
Hey 24/3/10 8:57 PM and all the others complaining about not being able to plan their weekends.
1) call your manager or whomever went to the State Cup draw. THEY KNOW THE DATES YOU PLAY.
2)if your daughter is playing serious soccer, you need to support her and be home weekends for other things like TRAINING.
3)if you call MYSA and volunteer to help, last I heard they will gladly take you up on it.
Don't get me wrong, I disagree with many things MYSA does, including State Cup issues-but seriously people wake up, try to solve your own problems with common sense. Complaining doesn't solve your problems.
Hey guys,I visit this site to read petty bickering about soccer, not politics - so straighten up.
I went to the State Cup meeting and I don't know my team schedule. I listened to the whole thing, got my brackets, but received no information on game dates/times. Not sure what you are talking about 8:18 AM.
A slide with what age group plays on what day, was shown it did not have game times on it but atleast it gave play dates, not sure if that was shown to everyone.
Again 25/3/10 8:39 AM, solve your own problem. Call MYSA and ask the dates. It's just not this difficult. But, I'm sure your precious vacation is more important than your daughters soccer team.
Person from our club tried to call MYSA today for dates and game times still pending call back
This came out today at 4:40PM
"Hello State Cup Team Contacts,
I want to first start off by introducing myself as your new MYSA Manager of Programs. I am so excited about this new opportunity and it has been a great first week learning so much about the organization and the State Cup.
The final posting of the schedule will be on the close of business on Monday the 29th. We were hoping to have it finalized today but we want to give adequate time for reviewing so there are no changes once posted. It will posted on the State Cup webpage at www.mnyouthsoccer.org on Monday. Thank you for your patience."
Thanks for posting this on why the schedule is not out for State Cup.
I have to giggle at the statement on '... reviewing so there are no changes once posted.' Are they God and know once posted there will be weather realated game time/date changes?
3:53- did you call twice? You *really* need to figure this whole posting thing out. It is almost the same as having a moniker for you- I can tell exactly who you are when you post.
This came out today at 5:00PM
"Hello State Cup Team Contacts,
The final posting of the schedule has been extended to Monday, 29 April."
Schedules are posted.
Just looked at the U16G brackets, where 15 teams combine to form only one competitive bracket.
MTA Blue has no competition at this age group, and is in the A bracket with two play-ins and NLS, a C1 last year. At best, the play-in could add EAG.
The B bracket is competitive, with MTA White, and REV, NSS and MTA Silver from last year's PR league.
The C bracket is ridiculous, with only EP that has ever played a MN PR game.
Anyone paired with MTA Blue will lose tiebreakers on goal differential, and the competition in B bracket will be close, probably keeping two from advancing from that bracket. So two probably come from the ultra lame C bracket.
Luck of the draw, but an ugly tournament.
Whoaaaaaa, MTA Silver, should we be afraid? Silver is a way to extract dollars from parents with their heads...
Oh my, rumor has it that the MTA U19 Stars will have a guest player from out of state playing with them this yr for State Cup. Please, after all these yrs of you parents crying about SSM, you have a outsider playing. Please explain.
who cares!!!
lol, there are two teams at U19..... seriously 12:52.
hey 12:52
go stir the pot somewhere else. No one cares!
How about MYSA scheduling the U17 girls and boys at 4:00 and 6:00 on Saturday? Do you think there will be any Prom issues?
Why didn't they give them the U15s AM slots?
MYSA couldn't be more inept if they tried!
Prom, soccer, track, family birthday party, people make choices. Get used to it, life is about choices all the time so no need to whine about it.
and mysa made the choice to put the schedule together the way they did.
It does seem that it wouldn't be that hard for MYSA to schedule State Cup in much earlier.
There is a known number of age groups, and the number of teams doesn't vary that much. There is a fixed number of weekends used. Schedule early games for U16-U18 and later games for U13-U15 to avoid prom. Use a three year average for the number of brackets at each age group for planning, and have some extra playing times and fields to handle extra games as necessary.
Teams that play in State Cup are formed in August and September, there is no need to wait until late Feb for applications. Post the playing dates for each age group in November, and have the application deadline in December, so teams can make an informed decision about their schedule. THAT would be serving the members. The current "problems" are self inflicted by MYSA.
9:27--Amen!
They should play the U18-U17 games for State Cup on Wednesdays. No religion, No Prom, very few MSHSL events on Wed. Yes you are right people have to make choices, but I would hope we make decisions based on what is best for kids. Playing those games on Wed would help the kids out. If you are so rigid and can't adjust to make it better for the kids its time you get out Tom.
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