1004 I doubt MM would have said anything close to what you claim. But if he did, he can rest easy. The winner of the semi final between Woodbury and MTA will win this year.
Having said that, wake me up when these girls are 16 and anybody really cares what happens.
And now we begin the singling out of any team (in this case either BVL 15 or MTA 15) and point out how they either could or could not have won regionals or will or wont win, blah blah blah. Stimulus created or saved 3 million jobs, blah blah. All the chatter is fine but the truth is MN has perhaps 1 regionally competitive team (Thunder u16). Last year, the other MN teams had almost no success at regionals. That's just the way we are for reasons debated on here a thousand times. Did any team get so much more incredibly better in one season and every other team in Region 2 drop off so bad that this will change? Of course not. If you combined the top players from BVL15 and MTA15 they still wouldn't win Regionals. Lets just enjoy what State Cup is, a chance to find the best MN team for that particular tournament which is spread out over several weekends in hope that the best team prevails and represents MN as best as possible.
9:53 - correct on many fronts based off of prior records. Some potential hope: WDB U18 went 2-1 in their pool and lost by one goal in the last minute to the pool champion (who then went on to championship game) and have been playing very well this year. MTA U13 have also had a fair amount of regional success.
First things first - there is still a weekend of playoffs to get through and we all know that sometimes the 1-0 winner in PK's that doesn't get one shot off during the game can sometimes be the age group champion.
WDB U18 is something like 2 wins and 10 losses at regions over the years. MTA U19's won their pool last year but got smoked in semis. MTA U16's did not score a goal in 3 games at regions last year. U18's and U19's are the best bet for regional success. Not because they are so much better than our other teams, but by U18 and especially U19 the focus is off youth soccer and players are either in or looking ahead to college. U13's are also a possibility as many top clubs have not yet consolidated talent at that age. U14-U17 are the key age groups to measure success at and we haven't had much.
No kidding! And by the way, the U16's did score in their third game 4-0 against IA. They tied the Fury from IL and CSA from Ohio South 0-0 in their first two games.
If you check I would wager you will find that the current MTA U16and U19 tams have winning records in their years at regionals. It is true that WDB U18 has not done well but they did win 2 games last year and appear to be a better team under new coaching this year. Our younger teams also will likely be competitive. Is the darkness overwhelming?
MTA has teams in State Cup semifinals at ages U13, U14, U15 and U16 in both boys and girls brackets. In several of these groups they have 2 teams in the semis. They also have U17 boys in semifinal. U19 boys are unopposed winners and U19 girls will most likely win again. Their younger teams have really improved the past 4-5 years. This club is now actually developing players and not just convincing strong players to join their club.
120, I believe to take credit for developing players and teams you need to teach them from the beginning, that is when they start playing soccer. Not at U10 or U11 when they have been playing for 4-5 years already. When they start doing that then they can crow about their development. They get strong players to start from other CC's or clubs and did a great job of gathering top players, but I believe a lot of their success can be attributed to Bangu's past success and yes MA.
MTA has following girls teams in State Cup semis: u13 - 1 team u14 - 2 teams u15 - 1 team u16 - 2 teams It sure looks like another very successful year especially in these younger age groups. "sssssssss" must be the steam coming out of the hater's ears!
White teams worthy?? I would ask players and parents of kids on the Blue teams if they think they are worthy. The parents response would be yes they are worthy, we need their money to offset costs. The players response would be yes their worthy as long as their not on my team.
WOW! A very impressive performance once again. 2 teams in semis at U13, U14 and U16. At U15 a team in the semis and at U19 in semis. I can see how some would be jealous.
345, I guess it's all in how you look at it. Would I call their results impressive based on that they draw from a larger area than any other CC or club - No!! They should win most of their games, not only should they win most of their games, but they should be kicking their opponents butts, but in most cases they are not. I would say that most of the teams underperform with the talent they get and the money and time they spend training. The real impressive performance is the snow job the coaches use to part you from your money. When you start winning at regions and sending a few teams to nationals then I would say WOW!!! Not after beating up on some crappy CC'S. The fact that that impresses you makes me believe you are either a self absorbed MTA coach who is riding the coat tails of coaches like MA or a parent who know nothing about soccer.
4:07, If you're so "in the know" tell me how much it costs for my daughter to be on the U14 white team. I won't hold my breath waiting for a correct answer.
Technically, not all of those semi final teams are MTA teams. MTA actually only has 3 semi final teams - Woodbury has the most with 4. The others are MTE and MTN, not the MTA "elite academy."
So really, the regional academys have more semi final teams (5) then MTA does.
So keep trying to claim all the success, but it's just spin.
Oh and, more to the point. Even the U16 team that does have a chance at regionals is not an MTA team. They too are an MTE or east academy team.
I wonder if the ECNL knows that the club they let into their league is actually only truly represented at U17. The U15 and 16 teams are MTE or east academy. Maybe I'll shoot them a line and let them know this whole ECNL season has been a fraud
lol - they can call them what they want but they are all "Academy" teams, but whatever thinking "technically" gets you through the day is fine. The funny thing is that both the U15 & U16 teams are in the ECNL......... You might want to hold off "shooting them a line" to avoid your inevitable embarrassment.
Funny, when White teams stink they're labeled "Wings" by the MTA brass. As in, "Oh, THAT team? Well, they're just a Wings team." I heard it twice last weekend. Classy. Very classy.
Now remember, when the good MTA team plays the bad MTA team this weekend and it goes to kicks, the bad MTA team has to try to make it look like they're attempting to score. This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Congrats to Woodbury (5), Eden Prairie (4), and St. Croix (4), for leading the "rest" of the clubs in semifinalists. Blackhawks, PSA, Edina and Shattuck each have 3.
8:13 MYSA League parameters have no bearing on ECNL. ECNL is US Club so your point is mute. Go ahead and email the ECNL. In fact here is the email address eliteclubsnationalleague@gmail.com!!! Can't wait for you to post their response. I will be waiting..................................................................................................
807 and 813 - Guessing you're on a fishing trip. Because if you are really that clueless, then you know absolutely nothing about MTA (E, N, W, etc) and so your opinion means ..... not much. Unlike CC's MTA doesn't want their teams competing with each other. And doesn't have to because of the regional academy system that was set up. The MTE U13 White team is registered as a North team, just like the U14 White team was last year. The U16 Blue has always been an East labeled team because there were 3 teams at this age group in Bangu at U13. Again, they needed to be spread around to different districts. This way you get multiple teams in Premier until they are old enough for ECNL.
Wow...a lot of folks sure go to a lot of effort in their attempts to make MTA look bad. There's a lot of anger and jealousy out there among those wishing they were in the ECNL and USSF Academy I guess. Folks, channel your enrgy into something more productive. MTA is here to stay and will become even more dominant as the years go by with the ECNL and USSF Academy there to attract the cream of the crop.
Actually MTA will be less dominant at State Cup. The boys USSF Academy teams will not be allowed to compete in State Cup. I'm not sure if that will be the case for the ECNL teams but the boys definitely will not compete at State Cup with their "blue teams".
I am tired of the bashing of the MTA White teams. My daughter has played on an MTA White team for several years. She has grown as a person and a player. She ENJOYS her teammates, practice, and games. Her team is a State cup semi finalist and a premier team. The level of play and training she is receving at MTA is significantly higher than she would be receiving at her local CC. The cost is $2400 for everything but travel costs which was another $1000 this year. While that is more than double what it would cost at the CC the benefits far outweighs to costs.
In soccer, as in life, we do not have a "one size fits all" model. Everyone needs to make the deicsions that are best for them and their families. Shouldn't we be happy that there are so many choices for our DD's?
Can someone from MTA on this thread comment on why they play in MN (MYSA) and whether this is the plan going forward. To me, I think they should bow out of all MN leagues and local tournaments and focus exclusively on the premier level events. What is the point of pulling kids out of CC, putting them on a white team and then playing the Dakota Rev tournament for example? If the answer is revenue and profit, then let's be straight forward (there is nothing wrong with that motive). There is no improvement in the culture and competitiveness of MN soccer by having MTA bring in tier 2 players, consolidating them and then going back and beating the same local club teams in local tournaments. Have these teams bow out of MYSA leagues and the state tournaments and only play tournaments that emphasize non-MN teams (out of state, NSC, USA Cup, etc.). If it is a training academy, then I am sure I see the reason for playing MYSA league games. Again, if we are talking profit motive, so be it. Does any brass from MTA want to comment on why they play all the MYSA leagues and local tournaments? Thanks
9:56 The reason they play MN tournaments is to create visibility for recruiting other players. It isn't only the lower tier teams at age 11 and 12 they play all of the blue teams too. Often signing up for a higher age to "get better competition". I actually don't have a big problem with thier teams playing local tournaments as it often proves that many local CC have teams that can compete favorably against these "top select teams". (or should I say "elite teams")
I think that there is lack of information regarding the MTA funding formula. MTA's White teams do not fund the Blue teams and vice versa. There is a small portion of money (I think it's between $10-25/player) that is built in to scholarship players. Most community-based clubs have recreational or lower-level teams that fund administrative costs (Coaching Directors, Referee Coordinators and so forth), but I don't believe that this has truly taken place with MTA. The former Wings has a model like this, but to my knowledge none of this money is coming into subsidize the ECNL or USDA teams.
As for participating in the Minnesota leagues, I believe that most of the Blue teams will be out on both the boys' and girls' sides. Historically, the club has had teams in these leagues to be able to participate in the USYS National Series (State Cup, Regionals, etc.) Many teams on the girls side have decided not to participate in the MRL due to the signficant costs (about $750-1,000/player) of having to travel. In addition, the window of opportunity to play the games is very narrow due to when the State Cup begins here. There are a number of teams, both MTA and otherwise, who have or are feeling the brunt of two to three weekends of games immediately preceding State Cup. I believe the Dakota Rev U14 team has a significant number of injuries, some related to their MRL participation.
There is a lot of weight put on winning State Cup that comes from all sources; players, coaches, parents, club officials and other clubs. I enjoy the competitive nature of the State Cup, though I feel that we judge prematurely if that is our only gauge. I am not an apologist for teams that do not win, rather someone who would rather look at the big picture. To train for 6-8 months, play in a number of competitions, witness significant growth on and off the field and be wholly assessed by one formative assessment doesn't recognize the players, coaches and parents for their accomplishments. At the end of the day, yes, you have to win the big game. If you watched Inter Milan play Barcelona in the Champion's League, you know this. However, I would rather watch Barcelona play the game beautifully and I will affirm that they are the best team in the world even though they won't have the hardware.
I hope this information helps. If not, I will do my best to fill in holes.
PIA: Yes, MTA lacks transparency, especially to its owm members, but your post doesn't fully explain the MTA "funding formula." Why don't you think that rec/lower-level teams do not fund any portion of MTA's administrative costs? Then where does the the funding come from?
Pia, let's say MTA grabs the high end of your estimate for scholarships ($25 per player), and assume a team has 1 scholarship and 17 full-price players. 17 x $25 = $425. The anonymous MTA White post above you projects a total bill of $3,400 this year (including travel). Where's the other $2,975 coming from?
They ain't charging $25 per player for scholarships. My math says it's $200 per player on a team with 1 scholarship player, or over $400 per player on a team with 2 scholarship players.
Maybe that's why they're pulling scholarships and getting kicked out of indoor training facilities.
I have a child that plays for a MTA team and one that plays for a club on the east side. The fees for the two were about the same, but slightly more for the east side team (they played in a fall league and had new uniforms). The costs for travel for the MTA player were higher (about $2000-2500 for all 4 ECNL events, which includes airfare, hotel, and chaperones). The east side player will do two out of state tournaments, costing about $1000. I have seen budget information for both teams, along with the expense accounts. Costs are similar. Both teams train 2-3 times weekly, almost year around (break for high school soccer). Sure, you can find a less expensive option with parent coaches or training twice a week in the winter in a high school gym, but you get what you pay for...
I believe that there is a fee that is labeled as an administrative cost on each of the MTA budgets. Last I heard, it was $100/player per year. This is similar to other higher level teams that my kids have played on and significantly lower than some other major clubs in the region. As for the rest of the scholarship money, budgets are constructed based on one less player than the team carries. Therefore, each team creates one scholarship for itself. This only covers the team expenses, not travel and whatnot. I don't know about the boys' side, but I believe that there are very few kids who receive a full scholarship on the girls' side. Again, this is based on my experience with a couple teams over the past three years and by no means am I all-knowing. Additionally, I know of several fundraising opportunities that the club hosts. I also believe that expenses from tryouts and merchandise are put into a club scholarship pot. Last year, before the Thunder went under, they also gifted a good portion of money. Several coaches, both boys' and girls', forgo a good portion of their salaries or use a portion of it to help kids pay to attend events that they cannot afford. As for transparency, I would agree that I would like to see more transparency from MTA. I would also like more transparency from the community-based club I have been a part of. I received budget breakdowns from both entities each year and believe that they were both constructed reasonably. There will always be buffer dollars put into any budget (unless you like going back and asking families for more money), but I would say that the general formulas were sound.
My daughter does not play for MTA. She plays for a big club in the south metro. I can't understand why anyone cares what MTA charges their players!?! I can't help but wonder if some of the MTA bashing regarding their cost structure isn't being generated by some of the "white,silver etc." team parents themselves.
I have a question pertaining to the MTA teams that lost their State Cup play in games and the MTA teams that went 0-3 or 0-2-1 at State Cup: Do they pay the same fees to support the scholarship players, or are they considered "Wings" teams?
According to a two people who collect a paycheck from MTA, half of the players on the 17 boys blue team are on scholarship...Keep drinking that kool-aid.
I beleive the reason people trumpet the MTA success is to reinforce the reason they went to that club. To get away from idiots like you.
They are in a no win situation...if they lose then people on this blog will cheer and ask why would you spend that money. If they win...well they're suppose to win because of the extensive training and cost associated with it, not to mention the players they are able to sign up.
I know many other clubs have teams train year round, how come they don't have the same number of teams advancing in State Cup?
Based on the MTA haters on this blog should be changed from MN Futbol to Bash MTA.
308, Maybe they should try letting someone else pat them on the back instead of doing it themselves every five minutes. It just gets a little old. The arroagance that the majority of the parents display is incredible.
What does EP pay for their travel, training and MRL league? You will be surprised that it is about the same as MTA. Or how about JE team from Woodbury last year? They paid about the same. Just check your checkbooks and come to reality.
Last year my costs at MTA for an academy team included a $150 registration fee, which was comparable to CC's and $160 extra for director salaries, scholarships, website, etc. We still had another $190 for MYSA and US Club fees. However, I knew what I was getting into. I had a budget sheet in my hand at tryouts. And, I knew who my DD coach would be and how many days a week and what type of training she would receive. I made an educated decision to continue with MTA last year. And, an educated decision to move to a different club this year where I felt she would get equitable coaching and training and I would get more value for my money.
*I'm not sure about the U1 age group, but I believe the semi final game between Woodbury and MTA will determine the champion. It does look like they play in league before Saturday, so I reserve the right to change this pick after that result is posted.
9:22 - the MTA and WDB U19 teams are all players who are currently in college. The MTA team is the old Stars team from the past and WDB is the old Eclipse team (with an addition/replacement here and there). Don't be confused by the MYSA U19 league bracket as that's just a catch-all for a lot of teams. To be eligible for State Cup a team must participate in a MYSA approved league so teams opt for that age group.
I think what 9:23 might be referring to is that MTA has no teams in the semi's at either U18 or U17. WDB has always dominated the current U18 age from back in the U12 days, have won every previous State Cup and are the favorites once again this year. They have the vast majority of that age group talent and have had three quality coaches along the way to develop the girls. MTA has never been much of a factor at this age. The current U17 MTA team won State Cups from U13-U15, started leaking oil last year and haven't seemed to recover.
u15 will be the most interesting final 4 only from the sense there is doubt. TC fire seems like they are hot and cold and on the right day could beat Burnsville or lose by 3. MTE will handle Woodbury easily. the fact still remains that burnsville beat MTA last year in the finals so unless either team changed significantly it should still be a toss up. both played heavy out of state off seasons with limited success (in terms of wins). any speculation on kids being hurt, blah blah is stupid. hopefully this will be a situation where both teams make it to the final and there is no upset along the way. neither team will be highly competitive at regionals but at least they will have more experience via their mrl and ecnl seasons.
That is not the MTA U19 team playing in the premier league, it is the U18 team. The U19 team is not playing in any MYSA league as U19's are not required to play in a league. They will win state cup with ease over Woodbury.
Are MTA 19s the best team or the only team? Kids with lives are on to other more important things by then. U19 soccer is not very good. A good U17 team will win most matches, though they'll end up with bruises and broken bones as a result.
I doubt anyone except parents care much about U18 soccer. Probably not even the parents much care about U19. College has taken priority over youth soccer by that time.
lol 11:30, the players on the two girls U19 teams that will be playing in State Cup all currently play in college (Gophers, Northwestern, Valpo, UW-Milw, UW-GB, ISU, etc....). I honestly do not think that U17 high school juniors would stand a chance. It's a different story in the MYSA U19 league as that's a hodge podge of a bunch of differnt teams/ages.
Still, they're the ONLY ones left. Everyone else has grown up and moved on with their lives...focusing on studies and making something of their lives instead of chasing a ball around.
Plus, it's women's soccer, for chrissake. Almost as hard to watch as women's basketball (did you see THAT layup??!!!) NO FUTURE.
Women's soccer is paying for the college education for many of these young women. Most of us think that's great. Especially those of us who are getting much of the tuition paid because our daughters are playing in college.
There is not much money in college soccer, maybe enough to pay for books with a few dining hall passes. Playing in college is much more than the small scholarship
According to the MYSA Web site, U15 MTA beat Woodbury 4-0 in a state cup semi final preview. Not sure what that means, but it should mean MTA should be favored to win on Saturday.
7:07, you have no idea what you are talking about. I know several players who are not paying a dime for college because of soccer. There is way more money that you think, thank you title IX.
10:21 - good point, however, the reason that the vast majority of graduating seniors do not play soccer in college is that just like graduating senior baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, etc.... players they aren't good enough and no one offered them an acceptable scholarship. This does not mean they are failures or bad athletes, it just means they aren't in the top 2%-5%. There is nothing wrong with that. The same reason that the top universities accept maybe only 15% of their annual applications. The other 85% just did not have what those colleges were looking for in terms of test scores, GPA's, activities. This does not mean they aren't smart, talented, or quality kids, just that the school liked other kids more. There is nothing wrong with that. Failure/rejection is a part of life and how we react/grow/succumb to it in many ways defines our character. I would love to see examples of kids who turned down acceptable scholarships at a top notch college that they have chosen to attend a lesser ranked school. Same holds true for athletes.
hmm. You're playing the "not good enough" card. What about the kid who CHOOSES not to play soccer in college? My kid loves the sport, has played since age 4, and is good enough to have had a few coaches in contact, and yet soccer programs are nowhere on the list of college criteria under consideration. I suppose some folks are hoping for an outpouring of cash from schools to make up for their lack of financial planning, but at what cost? Do you know the time commitment schools require of their D-1 athletes? Be careful what you hope for.
So let me get this straight...You come on a Minnesota soccer forum and rip on girls who choose, or parents of girls who choose, to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level?
Do you even know anybody who plays D-1 soccer? Any D-1 sport? And if you do (which I highly doubt), why would they continue with this horrible drain on their time/life if they don't enjoy it? The idea that a few people on here have that somehow athletes miss out on the 'college experience' just blows me away. Go talk to people who actually played a sport in college and tell me how many say that they wouldn't have if they could do it all over. I guarantee you won't find many.
I think it is clear that you think a persons time in college is better spent only doing school, partying, maybe a club here and there. Well let me ask you this...Why doesn't the same idea apply in high school, or middle school. Why didn't you force your kid to stop playing soccer when he/she was 8 years old so he/she could join the math leagues and make sure to attend every possible birthday party.
The fact is that the few kids who are fortunate enough, and dedicated enough, to play any sport at the D-1 level will likely be more prepared to succeed in life than those who decide it is just too much of a time commitment. Sports teach kids many important lessons about life, which is one of the main reasons most parents get their kids involved in the first place. Unlike you, who apparently let their kid play soccer so that someday they could find an online forum that could be used to rip those who truly dedicated themselves to the sport.
I thought this was a girls state cup thread? u13 girls MTE vs PL - MTE 4-2 u14 girls MTA vs MTN - MTA 4-1 u15 girls MTE vs BVL - MTE 2-1 (shootout) u16 girls MTE vs SCV - MTE 4-1 u17 girls EP vs TCF - EP 3-1 u18 girls SSM vs WDB - WDB 1-0 u19 girls MTA 1-0
u15 is toss up, u13 actually will be fun to watch for a young age group. good luck to all teams
2:51 Thank you for the rant, great response. I have been there and D-2 & D-3 should also be included. Perhaps not quite the pace but the experience is very much the same and life teaching.
I'm one of those "dumb jocks" from the 70's (college years) who was "owned" by my college coach. Was very fortunate to have had over 50% of my schooling paid for by a very good program who regularly beat up on decent D1 and D2 programs in my sport. I consider myself very much a family person, very successful financially, even though during my active sports semester each year in college our team had to miss two of every five days traveling for my sport. I would tell anyone that I would give anything to relive those four years once again. The comraderie with my teammates lives on today, though we are scattered about the country. The late nights catching up on schoolwork were tedious, but an essential. Oh, and though we loved playing my sport, we really didn't miss out on the social scene either. Luckily, due to hard work I get to watch my daughter do the same thing next fall and though it is a different sport, she is mature enough to handle the demands of a very demanding program, her studies and it is my hope she can continue to "have a life" after classes and soccer. It does work for most kids, but not for all.
13-MTE 14-MTA 15-Burn 16-Forfeit both teams, as both coaches decide to blow shootout. Unbelievable! 17-EDP 18-WDB, but they decline to go to Regions. 19-Wings, as they appeal to be re-instated as a stand alone club at the last minute and are given a late entrance.
Please folks, lets not use this blog to be petty and so quick to jump on each other. I enjoy reading the positve thoughts and opinions of others (wrong or right). ONE should be secure enough that ONE does not need to point out others failings.
Have a DD too young to play State Cup, but we would like to watch a game or two. Which semis or finals will be the most competitive? Which one will have teams playing the "beautiful" version of the game?
Competitive and "beautiful" don't always go together. From a competitive standpoint, the U15 age would probably have the two teams closest in strength (BVL & MTA). IMO (before I get ripped). For sheer talent and "beauty", i would check out these teams in this order - U18 WDB team, U16 MTA, U17 EP (of course I just jinxed them and they will all now lose - sorry). However, at her age, I would recommend MA's U13 team. It's the next level for her and she will understand and appreciate it more - IMO.
1018 for sheer depth of talent the U19 group is the best MN has produced to date. If the earlier post about the Wings team playing is correct there will be around 35 D1 players on the field between the three teams. Many D2 and D3 players also. Disclaimer in that these teams are composed of college students so some players may not be back. For individual talent that is the age group to watch. Problem is the teams don't play together all year so may not be very cohesive. As far as "beautiful" soccer goes good luck. There won't be much of that at any age group. The top teams at the older age groups will show a bit of that but for the most part are all very direct. The fields are also getting chewed up and that will also make it hard to play pretty soccer.
12:42 -- As you put the U19s as the best MN has produced to date, don't forget about 84/85 Tsnami team. Two time national finalists. Maybe all talent was consolidated into one team at that agre group (I have no personal knowledge), so your statement is accurate as to depth of talent, but I think some would give you an argument.
Hey 3:31 if you're an American male you should be on a football site, not a girl's soccer site. The fact is that girl's that play soccer are tough kids and guys that rip girl's soccer got cut from their hs football team, so go away you embarrasing twirp.
So, MTA has 4 times the semi finalists than the next best club (boys and girls combined), where is the sssssssssss boy and what do you have to say now?
16 for MTA 4 each for EDP, SCV and WDB 3 each for BHK, EDI, PSA and SSM 2 for TCF 1 each for BVL, DKT, LKV, NSS, PRL and TRV
So, it looks like the older ager groups (61, 17, 18) play early and the younger ones (13, 14, 15) play later in the day. Was someone listening at MYSA when people cried about prom?
MTA - You consolidate talent at U13. You draw from all across the metro area. You SHOULD win all the MN State Cups. Leverage it for marketing all you want, but quit bragging about it on here. The only competition you SHOULD have, if you're doing the job you claim to be doing in terms of elite player development, is from SSM.
Haters - Quit hating and quit trying to measure up to a club that draws from a far larger market than your CC does. Make a choice to not play for MTA and be happy with it. Go for the "upsets" in State Cup and enjoy the challenge.
KLear is absolutely correct on one thing. MTA does consolidate talent at U13 - from their own regional academies. The vast majority of the current U13 and U14 teams were already together prior to the U13 age.
My DD team is a premier CC team and has almost half the girls from outside the community and the rest of the team from within. MTA isn't the only club that draws from the metro - kids who want to play at the premier level will try out for clubs outside their own CC. I think it works well!
9:49 is right. I've had a chance to see the rosters of the top teams int he state through my imvolvement with State Cup the past few years. There are very few if any premier level teams once you get past U14 that can by any stretch of the imagination considered a "community club team". The WDB U18 team is a perfect example of that. The have a handful of players from Woodbury then attracted kids from all over the metro. Not much different that the current MTA U19 team that has dominated that age group for years. They had a nucleus of players from Lakeville when they were with Bangu-Tsunami and added top players over the year. You're only kidding yourself if you think you can be a true premier level team with players from only 1 community. The only possible exception might possibly be MU just due to the much larger population base than the suburban clubs. All in all it's a very silly argument if you step back and just look at the facts.
I generally do not have a problem with MTA. I do like to watch their teams when they play my daughters (3 daugthers). But that U14 team and their parents and their arrogant coach (who couldn't be opn the sidelines) make my skin crawl.
It looks now, like MTA will have trouble winning more than 2 age groups (not counting 19). They will win at 13 and 16. EP will win at 14. The 15s had their hands full with a Woodbury team they were lucky to beat. EP should win 17 and Woodbury ahould win 18.
So, EP will have 2 (14 & 17), MTA will have 2 (13 & 16), Burnsville will have 1 (15), and Woodbury will have 1 (18).
I have to tip my hat to MA, He is the only reason MTA will have 2. He built both the 13s and 16s.
15's lucky to beat Woodbury? LOLOLOL. The MTA goalie did not touch the ball ONCE in the second half. The wind was brutal, field conditions were bad. Burnsville scored their goals in the first half when they had the wind, TC Fire had their 2 goals in the second half when they had the wind. I hope everyone on this site who has so much to say makes it to the fields tomorrow to cheer on all MN teams.
For all those out at LWB today you now know why more clubs don't bid on holding State Cup (hello CR). Ruined fields for the year and it's still May. Run away WDB/ER....run away!
MTE losing at u14 wow! The 2 vaunted teams at that group (MTA and Rev) again shut out. Looks like they are set at 13 and 16. Without u15 (they can easily win) seems like a disappointment
Congratulations EP 14's This team must practice in a wind tunnel. Last year they beat Rev in very high winds and now they take it to MTA Blue in similarly windy conditions, Hats off to you for finding a way to get the job done. I agree with the above post however that although EP is more athletic than White, White has also done a good job in finding ways to compete against more athletic teams. White scrimmaged Blue several times with decent results, tied Rev in State Cup using a Slow down style of play and did just beat EP 4-2 in league play. In this game expect White to play similarly to the way they played Rev earlier in State Cup. Very boring but effective.
9-0? LOLOLOL. Plus, did you see the MTA-Woodbury game? They rested no one. Do you really think for a minute that they would rest players in a state cup semi final?
I watched the second half of the MTA-Woobury game and their best players were all out there at some point.
From what I saw of both Burnsville and MTA yesterday, I think MTA is the better team, but it will be close and could go either way.
Thank you 9:26! the MTA team was falling apart the whole first half.. it was so funny to watch, haha this so called elite team couldn't even handle the cute little woodbury local girls! glad they trained all winter to crumble to an average team like that. But i'm glad MTA came out with a win or they would have flipped a shit for losing state for the 4th year in a row hahahahha
246 is probably one of the Woodbury parents on the side line trash talking the 15 year-old girls. Telling them they suck, they can't win and hurling personal insults at young girls.
MTA will end up with 4 girls State Cup Championships again. The MTA Stars will win easily at U19. They'll have 5-6 championships with their boys teams. All in all another extremely successful State Cup for their club.
You are correct 827, but they have to be a little disappointed with the 14s and maybe a little pleasantly surprised with the 15s who got the monkey off their back.
Was out at LWB all weekend (got wet, sunburned, and windburned...), saw lots of games. The most dominant age group team was the MTA U13 girls. Best of luck to all the MN teams in OH next month.
Funny how they boast so loudly about winning so many age groups. MTA should win every age group. They ARE the elite academy that picks all of the best players from the CCs. One would hope they'd define success as winning (or heck, just being competitive) at the next level. I for one won't pat them on the back until that happens, and I'm not holding my breath because in my humble opinion, they've assembled all of the players but have very weak coaching in general. But I'm preaching to the choir.
7:10, Doesn't the WDB girls U18 team have the best players from many community clubs? How about the U17 EDP team? Don't they have players from several CCs? Think about what you say next time before putting your other foot in your mouth.
7:10 They don't get all the best players, or they would win all the ages all the time.
You state you won't pat the winners on the back until they win at regionals or above? But you would pat your own CC team if they won? Why do you sell your own daughter short?
heck, WDB18 is the first team developed in the model that has become MTA - under MA before WDB club decided that the ideas were just not suitable for their program.
Anyone who thinks that these two teams are community teams is kidding themselves.
Next year the top MTA boys teams will not be competing in State Cup because they'll be in the USSF Development Academy. This will dilute their talent across the U15-U18 age groups. Will this also be happening with their ECNL girls team? Does anybody know?
2:46 - we know who you are. Too bad your money couldn't buy your DD a spot on the team. I feel sorry for her. You should really get over it for her sake. And, you may want to consider who your are talking to on the sidelines because he brings it all back to the other parents.
I witnessed a game this Sunday that sealed the deal on why I will never have my kids associated with MTA. From the coaches to the players to the parents of this one particular championship team I found them to be whining, arrogant, and unsportsmanlike. The players behavior was boorish and the coach and parents were no better. I wish this wasn't the case from our state top club but they should be ashamed. I understand the pursuit of winning but there is more to life lessons for these kids than this. They better at least clean up their act before regionals before they embarrass themselves out of state.
ok 12:27 you might as well tell us which team you are talking about....it will add some creditability to your comment and not look like a whinning parent from the losing team.
this is 12:27. it was u15 girls (MTE vs BVL). I do not have a daughter on BVL 15 but stayed over to watch. i understand the 'chip on the shoulder' MTE must have had from last year (i wasnt at the game last year) and that emotions run high but this was too much. the play bordered on dangerous and cheap and listening from the parents side I never heard more whining across the field from a 'high level' coach in years for every single call. again, when they go to regionals they need to clean up their act. MTE is expected to be held to a higher standard and this was embarrasing. i also don't agree with 2:35, that this is 'just girls soccer'. these kids and families pour their time, money and energy into this on a yer round basis and it constitutes much of their 'lives'. the lessons here were bad. MTE was the better team on this day (last year it was BVL) and neither team should claim to be that much better than the other. these 2 teams are head and shoulders above their age group and should provide good competition through u17. Hopefully now that MTE has a win and BVL has a win both sides will clean up their acts.
I also saw the play you are talking about and I have to agree that the player should have slowed down once the goalie picked up the ball. The player received a yellow card and was very lucky not to have received a red.
3:41 - everything you say could very well be true, but when it comes from the losing side, unfortunately, it just sounds like sour grapes. when you say "the play bordered on dangerous and cheap" was that both squads or just one? i have also been on sidelines when anytime one team's player gets knocked down the parents scream for a foul, but when they get physical its good clean soccer. did the ref just let them play or where the fouls called extremely one sided? Also, why should MTE be held to a higher standard than any other club?
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1004
I doubt MM would have said anything close to what you claim. But if he did, he can rest easy. The winner of the semi final between Woodbury and MTA will win this year.
Having said that, wake me up when these girls are 16 and anybody really cares what happens.
"While I have no interest in the team, my kid has friends there."
I've always loved that one.
They did not have equal playing time at regions, particularly in the game you mention.
Who is "MM"?
And now we begin the singling out of any team (in this case either BVL 15 or MTA 15) and point out how they either could or could not have won regionals or will or wont win, blah blah blah. Stimulus created or saved 3 million jobs, blah blah. All the chatter is fine but the truth is MN has perhaps 1 regionally competitive team (Thunder u16). Last year, the other MN teams had almost no success at regionals. That's just the way we are for reasons debated on here a thousand times. Did any team get so much more incredibly better in one season and every other team in Region 2 drop off so bad that this will change? Of course not. If you combined the top players from BVL15 and MTA15 they still wouldn't win Regionals. Lets just enjoy what State Cup is, a chance to find the best MN team for that particular tournament which is spread out over several weekends in hope that the best team prevails and represents MN as best as possible.
U18
Woodbury 3 SSM 0
Wayzata 1 Blackhawks 2
St Croix 0 Edina 2
PSA 0 MTA 0
Semi's (Top Two Teams Advance)
Woodbury v PSA
Edina v SSM
9:53 - correct on many fronts based off of prior records.
Some potential hope:
WDB U18 went 2-1 in their pool and lost by one goal in the last minute to the pool champion (who then went on to championship game) and have been playing very well this year.
MTA U13 have also had a fair amount of regional success.
First things first - there is still a weekend of playoffs to get through and we all know that sometimes the 1-0 winner in PK's that doesn't get one shot off during the game can sometimes be the age group champion.
What does
Woodbury 18
MTA 16
MTA 13
Have in common accept that they can win at regionals?
They can spell?
WDB U18 is something like 2 wins and 10 losses at regions over the years. MTA U19's won their pool last year but got smoked in semis. MTA U16's did not score a goal in 3 games at regions last year. U18's and U19's are the best bet for regional success. Not because they are so much better than our other teams, but by U18 and especially U19 the focus is off youth soccer and players are either in or looking ahead to college. U13's are also a possibility as many top clubs have not yet consolidated talent at that age. U14-U17 are the key age groups to measure success at and we haven't had much.
if anyone is out and about and sees a black rain cloud directly over someone's head then congratulations as you've just met 11:57am.......
No kidding! And by the way, the U16's did score in their third game 4-0 against IA. They tied the Fury from IL and CSA from Ohio South 0-0 in their first two games.
I don't think that the kids act this immature over soccer games. Think grown-ups need to grow up!
1157
If you check I would wager you will find that the current MTA U16and U19 tams have winning records in their years at regionals. It is true that WDB U18 has not done well but they did win 2 games last year and appear to be a better team under new coaching this year. Our younger teams also will likely be competitive. Is the darkness overwhelming?
MTA has teams in State Cup semifinals at ages U13, U14, U15 and U16 in both boys and girls brackets. In several of these groups they have 2 teams in the semis.
They also have U17 boys in semifinal. U19 boys are unopposed winners and U19 girls will most likely win again.
Their younger teams have really improved the past 4-5 years.
This club is now actually developing players and not just convincing strong players to join their club.
120, I believe to take credit for developing players and teams you need to teach them from the beginning, that is when they start playing soccer. Not at U10 or U11 when they have been playing for 4-5 years already. When they start doing that then they can crow about their development. They get strong players to start from other CC's or clubs and did a great job of gathering top players, but I believe a lot of their success can be attributed to Bangu's past success and yes MA.
shoot, that rebuttal took 17 minutes and i had bet it would take less than 10.
Oh really? Bangu and MA, the recipe for soccer success.
Don't most of the same people who ran Bangu also sit on the board at MTA?
ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
The three teams mentioned above have all been coached and built by MA.
Ha! That's like giving credit to Lake Itaska for the Mississippi River.
253, I would give a little more credit than that, I would compare his input to that of the St. Croix River and what it contibutes to the Mississippi.
MTA has following girls teams in State Cup semis:
u13 - 1 team
u14 - 2 teams
u15 - 1 team
u16 - 2 teams
It sure looks like another very successful year especially in these younger age groups.
"sssssssss" must be the steam coming out of the hater's ears!
actually two teams at U13, the steam pressure gauge just went up a few more degrees.
Look again Bozo at the u13 brackets, unless you choose to ignore the white team as not being worthy.
White teams worthy?? I would ask players and parents of kids on the Blue teams if they think they are worthy. The parents response would be yes they are worthy, we need their money to offset costs. The players response would be yes their worthy as long as their not on my team.
WOW! A very impressive performance once again.
2 teams in semis at U13, U14 and U16.
At U15 a team in the semis and at U19 in semis.
I can see how some would be jealous.
It appears the "white" teams are very worthy if at least 3 of them have made the semi-finals.
345, I guess it's all in how you look at it. Would I call their results impressive based on that they draw from a larger area than any other CC or club - No!! They should win most of their games, not only should they win most of their games, but they should be kicking their opponents butts, but in most cases they are not. I would say that most of the teams underperform with the talent they get and the money and time they spend training. The real impressive performance is the snow job the coaches use to part you from your money. When you start winning at regions and sending a few teams to nationals then I would say WOW!!! Not after beating up on some crappy CC'S. The fact that that impresses you makes me believe you are either a self absorbed MTA coach who is riding the coat tails of coaches like MA or a parent who know nothing about soccer.
4:07,
If you're so "in the know" tell me how much it costs for my daughter to be on the U14 white team.
I won't hold my breath waiting for a correct answer.
I believe its around $230-240 per month. That doesn't count the $500 I believe you initially paid for fees to start. Any other questions?
Isn't about $2500 the going rate for a premier team that trains a decent amount of time in the winter?
$2,000/year plus travelling more if kids play fall.
Technically, not all of those semi final teams are MTA teams. MTA actually only has 3 semi final teams - Woodbury has the most with 4. The others are MTE and MTN, not the MTA "elite academy."
So really, the regional academys have more semi final teams (5) then MTA does.
So keep trying to claim all the success, but it's just spin.
Oh and, more to the point. Even the U16 team that does have a chance at regionals is not an MTA team. They too are an MTE or east academy team.
I wonder if the ECNL knows that the club they let into their league is actually only truly represented at U17. The U15 and 16 teams are MTE or east academy. Maybe I'll shoot them a line and let them know this whole ECNL season has been a fraud
lol - they can call them what they want but they are all "Academy" teams, but whatever thinking "technically" gets you through the day is fine. The funny thing is that both the U15 & U16 teams are in the ECNL.........
You might want to hold off "shooting them a line" to avoid your inevitable embarrassment.
Funny, when White teams stink they're labeled "Wings" by the MTA brass. As in, "Oh, THAT team? Well, they're just a Wings team." I heard it twice last weekend. Classy. Very classy.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Now remember, when the good MTA team plays the bad MTA team this weekend and it goes to kicks, the bad MTA team has to try to make it look like they're attempting to score. This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Congrats to Woodbury (5), Eden Prairie (4), and St. Croix (4), for leading the "rest" of the clubs in semifinalists. Blackhawks, PSA, Edina and Shattuck each have 3.
8:13 MYSA League parameters have no bearing on ECNL. ECNL is US Club so your point is mute. Go ahead and email the ECNL. In fact here is the email address
eliteclubsnationalleague@gmail.com!!! Can't wait for you to post their response. I will be waiting..................................................................................................
807 and 813 - Guessing you're on a fishing trip. Because if you are really that clueless, then you know absolutely nothing about MTA (E, N, W, etc) and so your opinion means ..... not much. Unlike CC's MTA doesn't want their teams competing with each other. And doesn't have to because of the regional academy system that was set up. The MTE U13 White team is registered as a North team, just like the U14 White team was last year. The U16 Blue has always been an East labeled team because there were 3 teams at this age group in Bangu at U13. Again, they needed to be spread around to different districts. This way you get multiple teams in Premier until they are old enough for ECNL.
North district is tradionally the weakest, which makes sense why the white teams are entered in the north.
Wow...a lot of folks sure go to a lot of effort in their attempts to make MTA look bad.
There's a lot of anger and jealousy out there among those wishing they were in the ECNL and USSF Academy I guess.
Folks, channel your enrgy into something more productive. MTA is here to stay and will become even more dominant as the years go by with the ECNL and USSF Academy there to attract the cream of the crop.
Actually MTA will be less dominant at State Cup.
The boys USSF Academy teams will not be allowed to compete in State Cup.
I'm not sure if that will be the case for the ECNL teams but the boys definitely will not compete at State Cup with their "blue teams".
I am tired of the bashing of the MTA White teams. My daughter has played on an MTA White team for several years. She has grown as a person and a player. She ENJOYS her teammates, practice, and games. Her team is a State cup semi finalist and a premier team. The level of play and training she is receving at MTA is significantly higher than she would be receiving at her local CC. The cost is $2400 for everything but travel costs which was another $1000 this year. While that is more than double what it would cost at the CC the benefits far outweighs to costs.
In soccer, as in life, we do not have a "one size fits all" model. Everyone needs to make the deicsions that are best for them and their families. Shouldn't we be happy that there are so many choices for our DD's?
Can someone from MTA on this thread comment on why they play in MN (MYSA) and whether this is the plan going forward. To me, I think they should bow out of all MN leagues and local tournaments and focus exclusively on the premier level events. What is the point of pulling kids out of CC, putting them on a white team and then playing the Dakota Rev tournament for example? If the answer is revenue and profit, then let's be straight forward (there is nothing wrong with that motive). There is no improvement in the culture and competitiveness of MN soccer by having MTA bring in tier 2 players, consolidating them and then going back and beating the same local club teams in local tournaments. Have these teams bow out of MYSA leagues and the state tournaments and only play tournaments that emphasize non-MN teams (out of state, NSC, USA Cup, etc.). If it is a training academy, then I am sure I see the reason for playing MYSA league games. Again, if we are talking profit motive, so be it. Does any brass from MTA want to comment on why they play all the MYSA leagues and local tournaments? Thanks
9:56 The reason they play MN tournaments is to create visibility for recruiting other players. It isn't only the lower tier teams at age 11 and 12 they play all of the blue teams too. Often signing up for a higher age to "get better competition". I actually don't have a big problem with thier teams playing local tournaments as it often proves that many local CC have teams that can compete favorably against these "top select teams". (or should I say "elite teams")
I think that there is lack of information regarding the MTA funding formula. MTA's White teams do not fund the Blue teams and vice versa. There is a small portion of money (I think it's between $10-25/player) that is built in to scholarship players. Most community-based clubs have recreational or lower-level teams that fund administrative costs (Coaching Directors, Referee Coordinators and so forth), but I don't believe that this has truly taken place with MTA. The former Wings has a model like this, but to my knowledge none of this money is coming into subsidize the ECNL or USDA teams.
As for participating in the Minnesota leagues, I believe that most of the Blue teams will be out on both the boys' and girls' sides. Historically, the club has had teams in these leagues to be able to participate in the USYS National Series (State Cup, Regionals, etc.) Many teams on the girls side have decided not to participate in the MRL due to the signficant costs (about $750-1,000/player) of having to travel. In addition, the window of opportunity to play the games is very narrow due to when the State Cup begins here. There are a number of teams, both MTA and otherwise, who have or are feeling the brunt of two to three weekends of games immediately preceding State Cup. I believe the Dakota Rev U14 team has a significant number of injuries, some related to their MRL participation.
There is a lot of weight put on winning State Cup that comes from all sources; players, coaches, parents, club officials and other clubs. I enjoy the competitive nature of the State Cup, though I feel that we judge prematurely if that is our only gauge. I am not an apologist for teams that do not win, rather someone who would rather look at the big picture. To train for 6-8 months, play in a number of competitions, witness significant growth on and off the field and be wholly assessed by one formative assessment doesn't recognize the players, coaches and parents for their accomplishments. At the end of the day, yes, you have to win the big game. If you watched Inter Milan play Barcelona in the Champion's League, you know this. However, I would rather watch Barcelona play the game beautifully and I will affirm that they are the best team in the world even though they won't have the hardware.
I hope this information helps. If not, I will do my best to fill in holes.
PIA: Yes, MTA lacks transparency, especially to its owm members, but your post doesn't fully explain the MTA "funding formula." Why don't you think that rec/lower-level teams do not fund any portion of MTA's administrative costs? Then where does the the funding come from?
Pia, let's say MTA grabs the high end of your estimate for scholarships ($25 per player), and assume a team has 1 scholarship and 17 full-price players. 17 x $25 = $425. The anonymous MTA White post above you projects a total bill of $3,400 this year (including travel). Where's the other $2,975 coming from?
They ain't charging $25 per player for scholarships. My math says it's $200 per player on a team with 1 scholarship player, or over $400 per player on a team with 2 scholarship players.
Maybe that's why they're pulling scholarships and getting kicked out of indoor training facilities.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
"sssssssssssssssssss" is the sound of steam coming out of hater's ears as MTA puts more teams into State Cup semi finals than ever before.
I have a child that plays for a MTA team and one that plays for a club on the east side. The fees for the two were about the same, but slightly more for the east side team (they played in a fall league and had new uniforms). The costs for travel for the MTA player were higher (about $2000-2500 for all 4 ECNL events, which includes airfare, hotel, and chaperones). The east side player will do two out of state tournaments, costing about $1000. I have seen budget information for both teams, along with the expense accounts. Costs are similar. Both teams train 2-3 times weekly, almost year around (break for high school soccer). Sure, you can find a less expensive option with parent coaches or training twice a week in the winter in a high school gym, but you get what you pay for...
I believe that some of the schlorship money is raised by MTA's yearly raffle fundraiser.
MTA did not get kicked out of indoor facilities, the MN Thunder pro team and their camps did.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssss
is the sound of you making water in your pants
I believe that there is a fee that is labeled as an administrative cost on each of the MTA budgets. Last I heard, it was $100/player per year. This is similar to other higher level teams that my kids have played on and significantly lower than some other major clubs in the region. As for the rest of the scholarship money, budgets are constructed based on one less player than the team carries. Therefore, each team creates one scholarship for itself. This only covers the team expenses, not travel and whatnot. I don't know about the boys' side, but I believe that there are very few kids who receive a full scholarship on the girls' side. Again, this is based on my experience with a couple teams over the past three years and by no means am I all-knowing. Additionally, I know of several fundraising opportunities that the club hosts. I also believe that expenses from tryouts and merchandise are put into a club scholarship pot. Last year, before the Thunder went under, they also gifted a good portion of money. Several coaches, both boys' and girls', forgo a good portion of their salaries or use a portion of it to help kids pay to attend events that they cannot afford.
As for transparency, I would agree that I would like to see more transparency from MTA. I would also like more transparency from the community-based club I have been a part of. I received budget breakdowns from both entities each year and believe that they were both constructed reasonably. There will always be buffer dollars put into any budget (unless you like going back and asking families for more money), but I would say that the general formulas were sound.
grow up 1:09 PM
My daughter does not play for MTA. She plays for a big club in the south metro. I can't understand why anyone cares what MTA charges their players!?! I can't help but wonder if some of the MTA bashing regarding their cost structure isn't being generated by some of the "white,silver etc." team parents themselves.
I have a question pertaining to the MTA teams that lost their State Cup play in games and the MTA teams that went 0-3 or 0-2-1 at State Cup: Do they pay the same fees to support the scholarship players, or are they considered "Wings" teams?
According to a two people who collect a paycheck from MTA, half of the players on the 17 boys blue team are on scholarship...Keep drinking that kool-aid.
Don't worry, 2:05. There are a bunch of MTA vs. MTA games this weekend, so there's bound to be something extremely stoopid to talk about next Monday.
Its interesting that MTA supporters/parents need to trumpet the state cup results of their teams on this thread. Sounds a bit insecure.
16 boys too
we need shekki to return to this blog so he can explain why scholarships are so prevalent on the boys teams.
2:16
I beleive the reason people trumpet the MTA success is to reinforce the reason they went to that club. To get away from idiots like you.
They are in a no win situation...if they lose then people on this blog will cheer and ask why would you spend that money. If they win...well they're suppose to win because of the extensive training and cost associated with it, not to mention the players they are able to sign up.
I know many other clubs have teams train year round, how come they don't have the same number of teams advancing in State Cup?
Based on the MTA haters on this blog should be changed from MN Futbol to Bash MTA.
We never want to see that racist on this blog ever again.
308, Maybe they should try letting someone else pat them on the back instead of doing it themselves every five minutes. It just gets a little old. The arroagance that the majority of the parents display is incredible.
When you enter 30 teams into State Cup, you're bound to get a semifinalist or two, as well as a few 0-3 teams and a few play-in losers.
hey , how bout some state cup talk.
What does EP pay for their travel, training and MRL league? You will be surprised that it is about the same as MTA. Or how about JE team from Woodbury last year? They paid about the same. Just check your checkbooks and come to reality.
at least on the boys side, mta has many many more scholarship players than other clubs. that means more expense to everyone else.
Last year my costs at MTA for an academy team included a $150 registration fee, which was comparable to CC's and $160 extra for director salaries, scholarships, website, etc. We still had another $190 for MYSA and US Club fees. However, I knew what I was getting into. I had a budget sheet in my hand at tryouts. And, I knew who my DD coach would be and how many days a week and what type of training she would receive. I made an educated decision to continue with MTA last year. And, an educated decision to move to a different club this year where I felt she would get equitable coaching and training and I would get more value for my money.
Predicted winners...
13-MTA
14-MTA
15-Woodbury*
16-MTA
17-Eden Prairie
18-Woodbury
19-Woodbury
*I'm not sure about the U1 age group, but I believe the semi final game between Woodbury and MTA will determine the champion. It does look like they play in league before Saturday, so I reserve the right to change this pick after that result is posted.
Okay, sorry, I meant I'm not sure about the U15 age group. I apologize for the typo.
MTA is a lock at U19
609, decent picks, but two cahnges...
MTA should win at both U15 and U19.
I would pick Burnsville at U15 if their top player wasn't hurt. If she's 100 percent they would be a lock.
Wow - the excuses begin. Is the team built around one player, and they can't win without her? I feel bad for the other girls on that team.
IF MTA U-19 is a lock then how did MTA lose to PSA U-18 in premier league game 1-0. This shortly after PSA lost 3-0 in state cup game.
Why does MTA suck at the older ages?
10:58, so your DD got cut from the team?
Chuckle...So people only leave MTA if they are cut, right?
9:23,
Bangu U19 boys are the best team at that age...and guess what? So are the MTA U19 girls.
9:22 - the MTA and WDB U19 teams are all players who are currently in college. The MTA team is the old Stars team from the past and WDB is the old Eclipse team (with an addition/replacement here and there). Don't be confused by the MYSA U19 league bracket as that's just a catch-all for a lot of teams. To be eligible for State Cup a team must participate in a MYSA approved league so teams opt for that age group.
I think what 9:23 might be referring to is that MTA has no teams in the semi's at either U18 or U17.
WDB has always dominated the current U18 age from back in the U12 days, have won every previous State Cup and are the favorites once again this year. They have the vast majority of that age group talent and have had three quality coaches along the way to develop the girls. MTA has never been much of a factor at this age.
The current U17 MTA team won State Cups from U13-U15, started leaking oil last year and haven't seemed to recover.
u15 will be the most interesting final 4 only from the sense there is doubt. TC fire seems like they are hot and cold and on the right day could beat Burnsville or lose by 3. MTE will handle Woodbury easily. the fact still remains that burnsville beat MTA last year in the finals so unless either team changed significantly it should still be a toss up. both played heavy out of state off seasons with limited success (in terms of wins). any speculation on kids being hurt, blah blah is stupid. hopefully this will be a situation where both teams make it to the final and there is no upset along the way. neither team will be highly competitive at regionals but at least they will have more experience via their mrl and ecnl seasons.
That is not the MTA U19 team playing in the premier league, it is the U18 team. The U19 team is not playing in any MYSA league as U19's are not required to play in a league. They will win state cup with ease over Woodbury.
what a question, 19s are in college....DUH
Are MTA 19s the best team or the only team? Kids with lives are on to other more important things by then. U19 soccer is not very good. A good U17 team will win most matches, though they'll end up with bruises and broken bones as a result.
I doubt anyone except parents care much about U18 soccer. Probably not even the parents much care about U19. College has taken priority over youth soccer by that time.
lol 11:30, the players on the two girls U19 teams that will be playing in State Cup all currently play in college (Gophers, Northwestern, Valpo, UW-Milw, UW-GB, ISU, etc....). I honestly do not think that U17 high school juniors would stand a chance.
It's a different story in the MYSA U19 league as that's a hodge podge of a bunch of differnt teams/ages.
Still, they're the ONLY ones left. Everyone else has grown up and moved on with their lives...focusing on studies and making something of their lives instead of chasing a ball around.
Plus, it's women's soccer, for chrissake. Almost as hard to watch as women's basketball (did you see THAT layup??!!!) NO FUTURE.
I'm #500!
Women's soccer is paying for the college education for many of these young women.
Most of us think that's great. Especially those of us who are getting much of the tuition paid because our daughters are playing in college.
Paying the college education? Most? Much? Some? Any?
Imagine how much you'd have for college if you didn't have to pay those MTA bills from U9 to U18.
There is not much money in college soccer, maybe enough to pay for books with a few dining hall passes. Playing in college is much more than the small scholarship
In the immortal words of Rodney King - "Why can't we all just get along?"
According to the MYSA Web site, U15 MTA beat Woodbury 4-0 in a state cup semi final preview. Not sure what that means, but it should mean MTA should be favored to win on Saturday.
http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/standsum/schedscores.cfm?l=EG15PR
7:07, you have no idea what you are talking about. I know several players who are not paying a dime for college because of soccer. There is way more money that you think, thank you title IX.
Why all the hate?
845
Who cares who wins that game at U15? MTA will get crushed by Burnsville. Burnsville has proven they have MTA's number.
i'd rather have my kid going to college when she's going to college instead of being owned by a soccer coach.
Those are not the only options for most kids.
10:21 - good point, however, the reason that the vast majority of graduating seniors do not play soccer in college is that just like graduating senior baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, etc.... players they aren't good enough and no one offered them an acceptable scholarship. This does not mean they are failures or bad athletes, it just means they aren't in the top 2%-5%. There is nothing wrong with that.
The same reason that the top universities accept maybe only 15% of their annual applications. The other 85% just did not have what those colleges were looking for in terms of test scores, GPA's, activities. This does not mean they aren't smart, talented, or quality kids, just that the school liked other kids more. There is nothing wrong with that.
Failure/rejection is a part of life and how we react/grow/succumb to it in many ways defines our character.
I would love to see examples of kids who turned down acceptable scholarships at a top notch college that they have chosen to attend a lesser ranked school. Same holds true for athletes.
hmm. You're playing the "not good enough" card. What about the kid who CHOOSES not to play soccer in college? My kid loves the sport, has played since age 4, and is good enough to have had a few coaches in contact, and yet soccer programs are nowhere on the list of college criteria under consideration. I suppose some folks are hoping for an outpouring of cash from schools to make up for their lack of financial planning, but at what cost? Do you know the time commitment schools require of their D-1 athletes? Be careful what you hope for.
So let me get this straight...You come on a Minnesota soccer forum and rip on girls who choose, or parents of girls who choose, to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level?
Do you even know anybody who plays D-1 soccer? Any D-1 sport? And if you do (which I highly doubt), why would they continue with this horrible drain on their time/life if they don't enjoy it? The idea that a few people on here have that somehow athletes miss out on the 'college experience' just blows me away. Go talk to people who actually played a sport in college and tell me how many say that they wouldn't have if they could do it all over. I guarantee you won't find many.
I think it is clear that you think a persons time in college is better spent only doing school, partying, maybe a club here and there. Well let me ask you this...Why doesn't the same idea apply in high school, or middle school. Why didn't you force your kid to stop playing soccer when he/she was 8 years old so he/she could join the math leagues and make sure to attend every possible birthday party.
The fact is that the few kids who are fortunate enough, and dedicated enough, to play any sport at the D-1 level will likely be more prepared to succeed in life than those who decide it is just too much of a time commitment. Sports teach kids many important lessons about life, which is one of the main reasons most parents get their kids involved in the first place. Unlike you, who apparently let their kid play soccer so that someday they could find an online forum that could be used to rip those who truly dedicated themselves to the sport.
20/5/10 2:51 PM You need a moniker! Thank You!
I thought this was a girls state cup thread?
u13 girls MTE vs PL - MTE 4-2
u14 girls MTA vs MTN - MTA 4-1
u15 girls MTE vs BVL - MTE 2-1 (shootout)
u16 girls MTE vs SCV - MTE 4-1
u17 girls EP vs TCF - EP 3-1
u18 girls SSM vs WDB - WDB 1-0
u19 girls MTA 1-0
u15 is toss up, u13 actually will be fun to watch for a young age group. good luck to all teams
2:51 Thank you for the rant, great response. I have been there and D-2 & D-3 should also be included. Perhaps not quite the pace but the experience is very much the same and life teaching.
Yes, 2:51 speaks for all of us hovering dreamers who live through our kids. You definnitely scared 2:11 away for good.
I'm one of those "dumb jocks" from the 70's (college years) who was "owned" by my college coach. Was very fortunate to have had over 50% of my schooling paid for by a very good program who regularly beat up on decent D1 and D2 programs in my sport. I consider myself very much a family person, very successful financially, even though during my active sports semester each year in college our team had to miss two of every five days traveling for my sport. I would tell anyone that I would give anything to relive those four years once again. The comraderie with my teammates lives on today, though we are scattered about the country. The late nights catching up on schoolwork were tedious, but an essential. Oh, and though we loved playing my sport, we really didn't miss out on the social scene either. Luckily, due to hard work I get to watch my daughter do the same thing next fall and though it is a different sport, she is mature enough to handle the demands of a very demanding program, her studies and it is my hope she can continue to "have a life" after classes and soccer. It does work for most kids, but not for all.
I love the person who comes in here and anonymously tells an anonymous poster to get a moniker...that always cracks me up.
As far as state cup goes...
13 - MTE
14 - MTA
15 - MTE
16 - MTE
17 - EP
18 - WDB
19 - MTA
13-MTE
14-MTA
15-Burn
16-Forfeit both teams, as both coaches decide to blow shootout. Unbelievable!
17-EDP
18-WDB, but they decline to go to Regions.
19-Wings, as they appeal to be re-instated as a stand alone club at the last minute and are given a late entrance.
what do you mean a stand alone club ?????? for just one team????
So the U-19 bracket has become a round robin between Woodbury, Wings and MTA. Should be a great weekend.
"Dumb jocks." I love that label. How fitting for the overbearing dads posting here.
"But dad, I want to go to Prom!"
"You'll strap on those shinguards and get to Lucy Winton Bell for that State Cup game and earn that (possible)(partial) scholarship, young lady!"
8:24
There are no injured players, certainly not the best ones. I watched the m on Monday.
6/5/10 12:16 PM, Amen, brother. Amen.
I don't think so, 21/4/10 9:53 AM.
I'm surprised no one has jumped on 21/4/10 10:02 AM for his ridiculous comment. I mean, really.
4/21? a month ago? can't even remember what i had for dinner last night. refresh our memories from a comment 500 posts ago.
9:45...9:40 had a typo....try to keep up!
Please folks, lets not use this blog to be petty and so quick to jump on each other. I enjoy reading the positve thoughts and opinions of others (wrong or right). ONE should be secure enough that ONE does not need to point out others failings.
Thank You!
Have a DD too young to play State Cup, but we would like to watch a game or two. Which semis or finals will be the most competitive? Which one will have teams playing the "beautiful" version of the game?
Competitive and "beautiful" don't always go together.
From a competitive standpoint, the U15 age would probably have the two teams closest in strength (BVL & MTA). IMO (before I get ripped).
For sheer talent and "beauty", i would check out these teams in this order - U18 WDB team, U16 MTA, U17 EP (of course I just jinxed them and they will all now lose - sorry).
However, at her age, I would recommend MA's U13 team. It's the next level for her and she will understand and appreciate it more - IMO.
Its also going to be windy again this weekend, which will affect all of the games "beauty".
1018 for sheer depth of talent the U19 group is the best MN has produced to date. If the earlier post about the Wings team playing is correct there will be around 35 D1 players on the field between the three teams. Many D2 and D3 players also. Disclaimer in that these teams are composed of college students so some players may not be back. For individual talent that is the age group to watch. Problem is the teams don't play together all year so may not be very cohesive. As far as "beautiful" soccer goes good luck. There won't be much of that at any age group. The top teams at the older age groups will show a bit of that but for the most part are all very direct. The fields are also getting chewed up and that will also make it hard to play pretty soccer.
ugh. girls' soccer. why do we even care?
why are you on this site if you don't care? go away.
Don't all girls who play college sports turn into you-know-whats?
the only upset that has any real chance of happening is TC Fire over Burnsville at u15.
12:42 -- As you put the U19s as the best MN has produced to date, don't forget about 84/85 Tsnami team. Two time national finalists. Maybe all talent was consolidated into one team at that agre group (I have no personal knowledge), so your statement is accurate as to depth of talent, but I think some would give you an argument.
Hey 3:31 if you're an American male you should be on a football site, not a girl's soccer site. The fact is that girl's that play soccer are tough kids and guys that rip girl's soccer got cut from their hs football team, so go away you embarrasing twirp.
3:31 sounds like a rejected man. 3:31 this is not the lonely man's web site!
3:54
TCF parent living out the dream.
3:54
TCF parent living out the dream.
So, MTA has 4 times the semi finalists than the next best club (boys and girls combined), where is the sssssssssss boy and what do you have to say now?
16 for MTA
4 each for EDP, SCV and WDB
3 each for BHK, EDI, PSA and SSM
2 for TCF
1 each for BVL, DKT, LKV, NSS, PRL and TRV
So, it looks like the older ager groups (61, 17, 18) play early and the younger ones (13, 14, 15) play later in the day. Was someone listening at MYSA when people cried about prom?
just wait
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
ROFL...just wait for what?
Is that the sound of you peeing your pants?
Ridiculous.
MTA - You consolidate talent at U13. You draw from all across the metro area. You SHOULD win all the MN State Cups. Leverage it for marketing all you want, but quit bragging about it on here. The only competition you SHOULD have, if you're doing the job you claim to be doing in terms of elite player development, is from SSM.
Haters - Quit hating and quit trying to measure up to a club that draws from a far larger market than your CC does. Make a choice to not play for MTA and be happy with it. Go for the "upsets" in State Cup and enjoy the challenge.
This is all so funny.
KLear is absolutely correct on one thing. MTA does consolidate talent at U13 - from their own regional academies. The vast majority of the current U13 and U14 teams were already together prior to the U13 age.
My DD team is a premier CC team and has almost half the girls from outside the community and the rest of the team from within. MTA isn't the only club that draws from the metro - kids who want to play at the premier level will try out for clubs outside their own CC. I think it works well!
9:49 is right. I've had a chance to see the rosters of the top teams int he state through my imvolvement with State Cup the past few years.
There are very few if any premier level teams once you get past U14 that can by any stretch of the imagination considered a "community club team".
The WDB U18 team is a perfect example of that. The have a handful of players from Woodbury then attracted kids from all over the metro. Not much different that the current MTA U19 team that has dominated that age group for years.
They had a nucleus of players from Lakeville when they were with Bangu-Tsunami and added top players over the year.
You're only kidding yourself if you think you can be a true premier level team with players from only 1 community.
The only possible exception might possibly be MU just due to the much larger population base than the suburban clubs.
All in all it's a very silly argument if you step back and just look at the facts.
Looking at 17 boys . Eden prairie and mta white look out of place and will get killed.
wrong thread 11:08
Mta went 1-1 at 9am. Only had two teams in six games.
SsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssSsss
Congrats to EP U14 for their win over MTA U14. 1-0.
WTG EP!
Karma's a B!t@#.
I generally do not have a problem with MTA. I do like to watch their teams when they play my daughters (3 daugthers). But that U14 team and their parents and their arrogant coach (who couldn't be opn the sidelines) make my skin crawl.
It looks now, like MTA will have trouble winning more than 2 age groups (not counting 19). They will win at 13 and 16. EP will win at 14. The 15s had their hands full with a Woodbury team they were lucky to beat. EP should win 17 and Woodbury ahould win 18.
So, EP will have 2 (14 & 17), MTA will have 2 (13 & 16), Burnsville will have 1 (15), and Woodbury will have 1 (18).
I have to tip my hat to MA, He is the only reason MTA will have 2. He built both the 13s and 16s.
By the way, waht has AK really accomplished. He ran the current 15s into the ground and it looks like he's doing the same with the 14s.
He really hasn't proven a thing.
MTA will win 4 age groups. U13, U15, U16 and U19.
Thats the amount they usually win.
Some things never change.
15's lucky to beat Woodbury? LOLOLOL. The MTA goalie did not touch the ball ONCE in the second half. The wind was brutal, field conditions were bad. Burnsville scored their goals in the first half when they had the wind, TC Fire had their 2 goals in the second half when they had the wind. I hope everyone on this site who has so much to say makes it to the fields tomorrow to cheer on all MN teams.
At u14 MTA white just beat EP on Tuesday 4-2. MTA has a good chance here. Should be another good game. Hopefully the wind will die down a little bit.
For all those out at LWB today you now know why more clubs don't bid on holding State Cup (hello CR). Ruined fields for the year and it's still May.
Run away WDB/ER....run away!
U16 MTA Blues vs ST. croix will be an interesting game
ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss is the sound of egos deflating.
who's? yours? I belive the u16 MTA blue team played very well today and should be in the final game.
What was the score? 1-0 again<
If St. Croix keeps it to two goals, it will be surprising.
MTE losing at u14 wow! The 2 vaunted teams at that group (MTA and Rev) again shut out. Looks like they are set at 13 and 16. Without u15 (they can easily win) seems like a disappointment
I agree , they should easily handle bvl at U15. MTA was resting their key players for the final. MTA 9-0.
There are some interesting match-ups today. U14, U15 and U18 should all be good games.
Good luck ladies! Let's hope the storms hold off and we have a great day of soccer.
Congratulations EP 14's This team must practice in a wind tunnel. Last year they beat Rev in very high winds and now they take it to MTA Blue in similarly windy conditions, Hats off to you for finding a way to get the job done.
I agree with the above post however that although EP is more athletic than White, White has also done a good job in finding ways to compete against more athletic teams. White scrimmaged Blue several times with decent results, tied Rev in State Cup using a Slow down style of play and did just beat EP 4-2 in league play. In this game expect White to play similarly to the way they played Rev earlier in State Cup. Very boring but effective.
1147, what have you been smokin'?
9-0? LOLOLOL. Plus, did you see the MTA-Woodbury game? They rested no one. Do you really think for a minute that they would rest players in a state cup semi final?
I watched the second half of the MTA-Woobury game and their best players were all out there at some point.
From what I saw of both Burnsville and MTA yesterday, I think MTA is the better team, but it will be close and could go either way.
9:26 hook line and sinker.
Thank you 9:26!
the MTA team was falling apart the whole first half.. it was so funny to watch, haha this so called elite team couldn't even handle the cute little woodbury local girls! glad they trained all winter to crumble to an average team like that. But i'm glad MTA came out with a win or they would have flipped a shit for losing state for the 4th year in a row hahahahha
ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Is the sound of the sssssssssssssssssssssizzling hot MTA boys teams who already have 6 teams heading to regions.
Girls will most likely only have 4-5 teams heading to regions.
246 is probably one of the Woodbury parents on the side line trash talking the 15 year-old girls. Telling them they suck, they can't win and hurling personal insults at young girls.
It was sooooooooo classy.
Does anyone know who won the u14 girls game?
U13 MTA Blue
U14 EP
U15 MTA Blue
U16 MTA Blue
U17 EP
U18 WDB
Girls - MTA with 3 titles and a finalist at U19.
Boys - MTA with 5 locked up and a finalist at U16.
I guess the only real surprise is EP at U14, but even then tough to call the defending champs winning again an upset....
Wow, MTA with only 3 titles?
please everyone let 6:56 fish alone.
Congrats to all the champions. We'll be rooting for ALL of you in Ohio. Now go, have fun, and do Minensota proud!
...or Minnesota...LOL, sorry about that.
Actually, MTA had no titles this year. All three winners are MTE teams. So the regional academy does well and the "elite academey" is skunked...
please everyone let 7:50 go fishing with 6:56.
MTA will end up with 4 girls State Cup Championships again.
The MTA Stars will win easily at U19.
They'll have 5-6 championships with their boys teams.
All in all another extremely successful State Cup for their club.
You are correct 827, but they have to be a little disappointed with the 14s and maybe a little pleasantly surprised with the 15s who got the monkey off their back.
Was out at LWB all weekend (got wet, sunburned, and windburned...), saw lots of games.
The most dominant age group team was the MTA U13 girls.
Best of luck to all the MN teams in OH next month.
Funny how they boast so loudly about winning so many age groups. MTA should win every age group. They ARE the elite academy that picks all of the best players from the CCs. One would hope they'd define success as winning (or heck, just being competitive) at the next level. I for one won't pat them on the back until that happens, and I'm not holding my breath because in my humble opinion, they've assembled all of the players but have very weak coaching in general. But I'm preaching to the choir.
7:10,
Doesn't the WDB girls U18 team have the best players from many community clubs?
How about the U17 EDP team? Don't they have players from several CCs?
Think about what you say next time before putting your other foot in your mouth.
PS - Do haters belong to choirs?
7:10 They don't get all the best players, or they would win all the ages all the time.
You state you won't pat the winners on the back until they win at regionals or above? But you would pat your own CC team if they won? Why do you sell your own daughter short?
Weak coaching? Yet they still win?
WDB and EDP are remnants of age groups MTA was too late to take control of. In two years it will be news if a non-MTA club wins 1 age group.
7:58, you say, "They don't get all the best players, or they would win all the ages all the time."
That's not a true statement. The best players with weak coaching will not win, which was my initial point.
8:45's comment is true. I find that scary for the health of Minnesota soccer.
heck, WDB18 is the first team developed in the model that has become MTA - under MA before WDB club decided that the ideas were just not suitable for their program.
Anyone who thinks that these two teams are community teams is kidding themselves.
You know what I'd rather see? A TEAM to beat at each age level, not a CLUB.
Next year the top MTA boys teams will not be competing in State Cup because they'll be in the USSF Development Academy.
This will dilute their talent across the U15-U18 age groups.
Will this also be happening with their ECNL girls team?
Does anybody know?
2:46 - we know who you are. Too bad your money couldn't buy your DD a spot on the team. I feel sorry for her. You should really get over it for her sake. And, you may want to consider who your are talking to on the sidelines because he brings it all back to the other parents.
I witnessed a game this Sunday that sealed the deal on why I will never have my kids associated with MTA. From the coaches to the players to the parents of this one particular championship team I found them to be whining, arrogant, and unsportsmanlike. The players behavior was boorish and the coach and parents were no better. I wish this wasn't the case from our state top club but they should be ashamed. I understand the pursuit of winning but there is more to life lessons for these kids than this. They better at least clean up their act before regionals before they embarrass themselves out of state.
ok 12:27 you might as well tell us which team you are talking about....it will add some creditability to your comment and not look like a whinning parent from the losing team.
Folks, please don't forget, it's GIRLS SOCCER. fer crying out loud, it's GIRLS SOCCER.
12:27 which game?
U16. Embarassing.
Still looks like a whining parent. lots of adjectives, but no facts. What was embarrassing, boorish, etc.
this is 12:27. it was u15 girls (MTE vs BVL). I do not have a daughter on BVL 15 but stayed over to watch. i understand the 'chip on the shoulder' MTE must have had from last year (i wasnt at the game last year) and that emotions run high but this was too much. the play bordered on dangerous and cheap and listening from the parents side I never heard more whining across the field from a 'high level' coach in years for every single call. again, when they go to regionals they need to clean up their act. MTE is expected to be held to a higher standard and this was embarrasing. i also don't agree with 2:35, that this is 'just girls soccer'. these kids and families pour their time, money and energy into this on a yer round basis and it constitutes much of their 'lives'. the lessons here were bad. MTE was the better team on this day (last year it was BVL) and neither team should claim to be that much better than the other. these 2 teams are head and shoulders above their age group and should provide good competition through u17. Hopefully now that MTE has a win and BVL has a win both sides will clean up their acts.
I also saw the play you are talking about and I have to agree that the player should have slowed down once the goalie picked up the ball. The player received a yellow card and was very lucky not to have received a red.
3:41 - everything you say could very well be true, but when it comes from the losing side, unfortunately, it just sounds like sour grapes. when you say "the play bordered on dangerous and cheap" was that both squads or just one? i have also been on sidelines when anytime one team's player gets knocked down the parents scream for a foul, but when they get physical its good clean soccer. did the ref just let them play or where the fouls called extremely one sided? Also, why should MTE be held to a higher standard than any other club?
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