NSC Stars - MN's new pro soccer team

After the MN Thunder imploded over the winter, the National Sports Center put together a replacement team called the "NSC Stars." The NSC Stars (1-1-0) are off to a flying start, getting their first victory in a 1-0 match against the Carolina Railhawks. For those who have not followed the USL v TOA saga, USSF decided to run the 2nd division of professional soccer on their own for 2010. "USSF D-2 Pro League" is comprised of 2 conferences, each named with the battling parties "USL Division" and "NASL Division."

Brian Quarstad (BQ) has done a great job covering the story on Inside MN Soccer. Visit his blog for more details and to see some very good, in depth coverage of soccer around Minnesota and beyond.

Visit the NSC Stars team web site for schedule, tickets, etc.

Visit the USSF D-2 Pro League web site for more information on the league and teams.

2010 Boys State Cup

This might be the last year for SSM and MTA/Bangu to field teams U16 and U18. Can MTA repeat with 7 Championships? Brackets and schedules can be found here.

2010 Girls State Cup

MN State Cup is upon us. With all of the excitement of the 2009 U13 girls soap opera, it might be good to focus on just the games this year.

Brackets can be found on MN Youth Soccer's web site or here

Good luck to all team, coaches and parents!

MTA and SSM gain USSF Development Academy

Both MTA and SSM have been awarded the designation and distinction as a "USSF Development Academy." This US Soccer run academy system is focused on developing top level boy's/men's talent. Players rostered on these teams play primarily in a USSF DA league comprised only of teams with this special designation. Starting in the fall, both teams will field boys teams at U16 and U18. The players rostered on these "academy teams" will not be eligble to participate in USYSA run leagues (including MYSA leagues, Midwest Regional League, etc.) Additionally these players will not be eligible for MN State Cup, "Regionals" or the National Championship series events. Lastly, USSF DA rostered players will no long participate in the Olympic Development Program (ODP.)

The academy has been around for a number of years and most other region 2 states have had several clubs participating. This has meant more spots for MN players in ODP Regional pools and teams, but has probably spelled the end of the ODP system that we have know for years.

Congratulations to MTA and SSM, and to the boys who will be able to participate in this outstanding development environment.

Visit the USSF Development Academy web site for additional information.