Both MTA and SSM have been awarded the designation and distinction as a "USSF Development Academy." This US Soccer run academy system is focused on developing top level boy's/men's talent. Players rostered on these teams play primarily in a USSF DA league comprised only of teams with this special designation. Starting in the fall, both teams will field boys teams at U16 and U18. The players rostered on these "academy teams" will not be eligble to participate in USYSA run leagues (including MYSA leagues, Midwest Regional League, etc.) Additionally these players will not be eligible for MN State Cup, "Regionals" or the National Championship series events. Lastly, USSF DA rostered players will no long participate in the Olympic Development Program (ODP.)
The academy has been around for a number of years and most other region 2 states have had several clubs participating. This has meant more spots for MN players in ODP Regional pools and teams, but has probably spelled the end of the ODP system that we have know for years.
Congratulations to MTA and SSM, and to the boys who will be able to participate in this outstanding development environment.
Visit the USSF Development Academy web site for additional information.
163 comments:
1. Can / Will USSF Academy players play in the fall high school season?
2. Does the USSF Academy schedule conflict with the fall high school schedule?
3. How many matches do Academy players play throughout the year?
4. When and where are these matches played?
5. Does MTA have a "home" complex yet to host matches?
6. Do Academy clubs receive money from US Soccer for anything?
Of course the USSF DA is the reason for some recent success by MN teams in MRL. None of the academy, thus top players, U16 (including U15s/U16s) and U18 (including U17s/U18s) teams/players in region 2 participate, so the teams in MRL are clubs 2nd or even 3rd teams. I recall SCV and AV parents hooting about having some success in MRL. I suppose that would be like hooting about success in MN state C1 leagues.
your right defeating the two-time region champions who have 12 division signees is not really that good of a win.
Has MN even had 12, non-SSM, division 1 players total in the last five years? Sounds like a pretty good win to me.
Not 8:39 I think the performance of those teams is great. Congratulations! They are obviously doing something right.
However, do not judge MN or anyone else by how many D1 signee they have. D1 Programs are hit and miss. Often, as they should, have more to do with academic talent than soccer talent. For example, so far this spring several D1 programs have lost to NAIA schools. The thought process of D1 should beat D2, D2 should beat D3 and D3 should beat NAIA is not accurate. They are going to college and academics does take priority in soccer at least.
It is easy for a D3 team or NAIA team (same level) to get up to play a D1 opponent. It's their super bowl. I played D3 and we tied UW Madison one year back in the 80s. We though we were the bomb. You also know that many D1 programs use the spring to look at players that didn't get much playing time in regular season. SSM is an outstanding program and a win or tie is certainly an accomplishment. The do the same thing as D1 schools in the spring. Lots of players get lots of minutes.
You can't really generalize NAIA schools as any level. The top NAIA teams are like D1 teams while the worst NAIA teams are like D5 teams.
NAIA has looser restrictions, so they often have older and foreign student-athletes who would be very good D1 players.
Can somebody answer the 6 questions above? Or does nobody really know anything around here?
1. Can / Will USSF Academy players play in the fall high school season? YES THEY CAN, USSOCCER website says they take time off for high school leagues.
2. Does the USSF Academy schedule conflict with the fall high school schedule? SEE #1
3. How many matches do Academy players play throughout the year? USSOCCER website says approximately 30 per year.
4. When and where are these matches played? YEP, need to wait until a schedule is made up.
5. Does MTA have a "home" complex yet to host matches? Not that I have heard. Probably don't need a complex when you have access to so many good fields in the Twin Cities.
6. Do Academy clubs receive money from US Soccer for anything? USSOCCER website indicates the league is subsidized, not much detail found. Unclear what is paid what is not.
Questions/Answers:
1. No.
2. Irrelevant. Once in a DA, you are out of the HS picture completely.
3. Look at the SSM schedule for an approximation.
4. They have to schedule matches first. Geez, they just approved them for a DA.
5. You have to assume they have adequate access to facilities or USSF wouldn't have approved them as a DA. Duh.
6. Not sure.
I guess it been awhile since you've been around some of the better NAIA teams. Lyndsey Wilson I'm pretty sure would beat 75% of all D1 schools. However in effort of finding some common ground I would say the TOP 16 of both D2, D3 and NAIA can compete with many of the D1 schools.
I would agree that all colleges use spring games to look at players and try different things. Whether they are D1, D2, D3 or NAIA.
Your SSM analogy, I thought, actually supported my view. Last year at State Cup SSM sent five teams and only one went on to Regionals. I am fairly certain SSM was trying as much as they like to say it didn't matter. Just because you spend a lot of money or are academically bright doesn't mean you are a good soccer player.
The main point of this was beating a team that says they have 12 players who have signed with D1 teams doesn't mean all that much. Last years SSM U18 boys lost at state cup, I think all of them have gone onto play D1. A great majority of them are playing for these teams; Wright, Campbell, Marist, Radford, Cleveland St., Drexel, UCF, Presbyterian, Fla. Gulf Coast, Gardner-Webb, UNC Asheville, Pittsburgh, San Jose St., St. Peter’s, Rider, Buffalo, IUPUI, Georgia St., Bryant, UC Riverside, Mt. St. Mary’s, Central Conn. St, Xavier, Canisius, UMKC, Vermont, Fla. Altlantic, Bowling Green, Alabama A&M, Oral Roberts, Albany, NJIT, St. Francis, Detroit, Long Island, Lipscomb, GA Southern, Mercer, IPFW, Houston Baptist, St. Joseph’s, SC Upstate, Jacksonville, Army, Robert Morris, Centenary, Howard, Belmont, VMI, North Florida, Manhatten. The bottom 25%.
1. Conflicting responses.
2. Also conflicting.
3. Cool.
4. Just curious as to how far the MN teams will be traveling. Are we talking midwest states? California? Florida? New York?
5. I just think it's about time MTA had a good central complex they called home. Just curious. Fort Snelling? NSC? Coon Rapids? For the good of MTA and for the good of MN Soccer and for the good of US Soccer, MTA should have a home complex.
6. Ok.
My understanding is some of the USSF Academy games will be played at NSC and others at SSM's location in Faribault.
so now MRL is worthless, D1 soccer is trash, and pretty much playing in college in general. Is there any good soccer of there other than than your son's team? What is the point of spending all this money on them and having them play on this super select team and go to all of these college showcase tournaments if playing D1, or any college soccer, is just a joke anyway. Some of you people need to step out of your own little worlds and realize there are things bigger and better than your son's U-whatever summer soccer team.
We should be congratulating teams that can go and compete in leagues like this like valley and St. Croix are doing at 18's, and next year SSM and MTA if they have success in the DAP. What happens next year if MTA goes in a has a terrible season in the DAP, what do all the naysayers say then? I'm sure they will had some excuse.
Good luck to all MN teams in their out of state journeys and adventures and I think it should be everyone's goal to strive for what some of he 18's have done and what DAP will bring MN soccer as a whole
When considering the history of soccer in MN as a whole, MN soccer in the last few years has never seen so many changes:
1. MN Thunder upgrades stadium.
2. MN Lightning are a strong team.
3. MN Thunder collapses.
4. Golden Gophers become a strong team.
5. Bangu tranforms into MTA.
6. SSM gets 2nd place at nationals.
7. U12 MTA State Cup conspiracy.
8. MTA and SSM leave MYSA.
9. Perennial losers in MIAC become winners.
10. MYSA defamation lawsuit.
It hasn't been pretty, but I still like where it's going.
However, we are in desperate need of a stadium for an MLS team and a Gopher Men's team. Pipe dream.
DM
Anon 21/4/10 3:47 PM take a deep breath. I don't think anyone was trashing anyone too bad. At least I wasn't. What I was saying qualifying your sons performance by how many players on the other team have signed with D1 programs is perhaps misleading. For the reasons I stated. I think I also said good job, it sound like they are playing well. I think any player who continues to play soccer after MYSA is a sucess for MN Soccer.
MRL Soccer in the region has changed with the advent of the DAs. MN will change with the advent of DAs in MN. Whether these changes are for the good or bad of soccer is yet to be determined.
Your SSM analogy, I thought, actually supported my view. Last year at State Cup SSM sent five teams and only one went on to Regionals. I am fairly certain SSM was trying as much as they like to say it didn't matter. Just because you spend a lot of money or are academically bright doesn't mean you are a good soccer player.
The main point of this was beating a team that says they have 12 players who have signed with D1 teams doesn't mean all that much. Last years SSM U18 boys lost at state cup, I think all of them have gone onto play D1. A great majority of them are playing for these teams; Wright, Campbell, Marist, Radford, Cleveland St., Drexel, UCF, Presbyterian, Fla. Gulf Coast, Gardner-Webb, UNC Asheville, Pittsburgh, San Jose St., St. Peter’s, Rider, Buffalo, IUPUI, Georgia St., Bryant, UC Riverside, Mt. St. Mary’s, Central Conn. St, Xavier, Canisius, UMKC, Vermont, Fla. Altlantic, Bowling Green, Alabama A&M, Oral Roberts, Albany, NJIT, St. Francis, Detroit, Long Island, Lipscomb, GA Southern, Mercer, IPFW, Houston Baptist, St. Joseph’s, SC Upstate, Jacksonville, Army, Robert Morris, Centenary, Howard, Belmont, VMI, North Florida, Manhatten. The bottom 25%.
21/4/10 1:19 PM
Ok, so what school does your kid go too?? And if SSM is placing kids in lower rated soccer programs, they all seem to be pretty good acadmic schools. NO? And the next question is, what schools are the MTA/rest of MN club boys attending?? I also see that you have left off alot of other schools on your list, There are some Ivy's, Notre Dame, etc..If your gonna post, post all the story, not just the story that you want to make it look like your story is true.
If my memory is correct, 5 years ago or so Akron wasn't all that hot of a destination.
Then Bunbury goes there from SSM and they win a national championship.
Not sure what my point is. Just sayin...
DM
DM,
Akron did not win a national title. Lost to Virginia in the final. Just and FYI.
DM needs a new hobby. he must be lonely trolling this blog.
Who is going to be coaching the U16 and U18 Developmental Academy Teams?
for which club?
U-18 boys MRL scores today
Premier
VLY won today, 4-0-0, first place in group
SCV, 1-1-0 today, 1-3-0, last in group
First Division
SSM won today, 4-0-1, first place in group
ARS lost today, 1-3-1, third place in group
DA players may still pay HS soccer in MN.
Rather than guessing, check out this link http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/Academy-Overview.aspx
this i information about the DA.
Hopefully clubs will get on board by encouraging their top players (who are interested) to attempt to make a DA team. The level will be beyond what most have experienced in their soccer life.
ODP coaches should be happy about one thing - now most of the "its all politics" talk should transfer over to the DA selections and coaches! hahaha
http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx
is a FAQ about the DA
18 boys MRL premier
Valley - 7
FC Pride - 4
Valley 5-0-0, first place in group
Wow, first place in the non-relevant MRL. The only good things is that they will probably get an automatic bid to Regionals...which doesn't have any of the best players/teams from most Region 2 states, but they still wont win a game at Regionals.
I'm not a Valley parent or supporter but that U18 team is strong. They will do fine at Regions.
I know some of you will say the best teams aren't there but that doesn't detract from the quality of the Valley team.
7:35
Why would they struggle at regionals? They are currently beating all of the teams that will most likely be there, Congrats to them they are obviously a good team and playing very well, same to SSM who is in first place in their 1st division league with a lot of MN boys on their roster
They did win 1 game last year:
(WI) ELM GROVE PREMIER 2 - 1
(MO) SCOTT GALLAGHER 2 - 4
(IL2) CHICAGO FIRE JUNIOR 0 - 2
And Elm Grove is not an USSF DA. Gallageher and Fire are and these were their 2nd teams.
You never know. 18 and 19 boys can be interesting.
no DAP at 17's so that was the top team in that age group for those clubs, yes the very top 17's were on the 18 DAP but the majority were on those teams
As was mentioned in the "Boys Club News and Chat" thread, Valley will be ineligible to compete in regionals because they have not followed MRL rules to be in the league and as wild card winners: MRL rule 2.02 states:
"Any team making application to the MRL must have competed in the State Cup competition
during the past seasonal year and must participate in its respective State Cup competition
during the current seasonal year."
Furthermore in regards to REgion II wild card slots, rule 5.01 says,"in each age group, two Wild Card slots to the US Youth Soccer Region II Championships may
be awarded to MRL Premier Division teams. In order to be eligible for a Wild Card slot, the
following conditions must be met:
(a) The team must participate in their State Association State Cup competition for the US
Youth Soccer National Championship Series during the current seasonal year..."
They could have changed their MRL schedule to work aroung the schedule conflict with our State Cup. SCV is in state cup and had MRL conflicts and had to make changes--the other MRL teams have to accommodate this because MRL rules say that state cup games take precedence .
6:19...please, nobody cares about Valley, MRL etc. this thread is about USSF Dev Academy...
You would be surprised people do care...sorry the attention was shifted away from SSM and MTA while people talk about success someone else is having. Maybe any talk about all other club teams should just be banned...
And don't forget; SCV cheated.
2:34...read the heading for this discussion---
"MTA and SSM gain USSF Development Academy"
...in this thread nobody cares about MRL, Valley, State Cup...there are threads from 2 years ago where you can post your tired info
To: Anon 22/4/10 12:07 PM
Reading the thread is vital to understanding post and not getting upset about people not post the whole story. So, if you will note the post on 21/4/10 9:13 AM which pretty much say, hey some of the D1 schools, may not have great soccer programs, but are great academic schools. The whole discussion was not about SSM but about how judging your son success by beating a team that had twelve D1 signees is not a good basis. The example of last years U18 MTA team beating last years U18 SSM team was a perfect example. The MTA team who I think had two players go on to play D1 soccer vs. the SSM who I think had all of their players that were of the right age go on to play D1 soccer. Yet, they lost to MTA at State Cup. So, why wasn’t the MTA team as success with D1 signees…..academics, desire, affordability would be my top three guess. Why SSM was so much more successful in getting players at D1 schools….academics, desire and their parents could afford it. Both teams were good, but MTA team was better on the field. The SSM team was better off the field. The one a six ratio just between those two teams is one we should all be ashamed about. The “we” was referring to educators, coaches and parents.
If your gonna post, read the thread, not just the last post and assume you know what is being discussed. My story was true, please feel free to dispute the facts if you like. It will be interesting to see your spin.
How would you know that SSM was better off the field? Do you have the transcripts/GPA's for all the players from both teams?
IMO, the reason that SSM's players are more successful at getting D1 scholarships is a)that's one of the main reasons they are going to SSM (not sure the case with MTA); b)SSM has a very strong staff and that is part of their job description - helping with college soccer placement. For some of the coaches that is their job, not like MTA where it's a coach who's doing it as one of many jobs. Take a peak at SSM's soccer brochure - landing college opportunities was on page 4.
It's no different than a kid going to a college prep school like Blake, Breck, Minnehaha, etc... There is no coincidence that their college acceptance rate (and quality of academic college) is better than a regular high school.
What facts would you like to dispute?
Who beat who? - you are correct and completely factual on that one
Why more SSM kids get D1's - no facts here, nothing but opinions.
Let me get this right. In your opinion, SSM sends more kids on to D1 schools because "a)that's one of the main reasons they are going to SSM" ..."It's no different than a kid going to a college prep school like Blake, Breck, Minnehaha, etc... There is no coincidence that their college acceptance rate (and quality of academic college) is better than a regular high school." I called it academics and desire so you will not get much of an argument from me on that point. To your other point, b) SSM has a very strong staff and that is part of their job description - helping with college soccer placement. For some of the coaches that is their job, not like MTA where it's a coach who's doing it as one of many jobs." That could be true, but if you don't have the academics portion of that process, whether you’re a full time or a part time coach won't really matter. Because at the end of the day, they are going to COLLEGE for an education and soccer is only a secondary function of college. I guess I think you are giving the SSM coaches more credit than they necessarily deserve. But whatever floats your boat.
The problem with your tirade is the discussion wasn't ever about SSM or MTA. It was about this post….
“your right defeating the two-time region champions who have 12 division signees is not really that good of a win.
Has MN even had 12, non-SSM, division 1 players total in the last five years? Sounds like a pretty good win to me.
20/4/10 8:52 PM”
Sometimes it is not about you, that is a fact.
So what is the point of your argument? That you have to be smart and really good at soccer? The fact is that team still beat a team with 12 players going to D1 soccer shools, trying to qualify that win as not being very good because you have to be smart and good at soccer to get into a D1 school is ridiculous. I was curious and looked up where those kids would be continuing their soccer and they are some soccer schools in very big conferences, not just tiny little barely D1 schools.
What I don't understand is why are we still talking about this, it happened two weeks ago and since then valley has shown that win was not really a fluke an have been absolutely dominant this year so far against the best the Midwest has to offer, and I don't want to hear any of that DAP crap, you don't have to play through them to win a regional or national title anyway in any region, this is the best of the Midwest and valley is showing where they belong and its great for MN to have that
seeing some of the schools that the SSM players went to are you sure that playing D1 soccer wasn't the priority? wouldn't there have been better academically challenging schools? now if receiving scholarship monies was the means to the end, then absolutely nothing wrong with that.
The orininal point was, just because you are playing soccer at a D1 school, doesn't mean you are necessarily a good soccer player. Is VU a good team. Yeah, just don't get caught up in the idealogy that a player is "good" because they are playing D1 soccer. Their is a lot that goes into playing D1 soccer beside soccer.
Seems like a pretty simple point.
Agreed - the talent range from the D1 "haves" to the "have-nots" can be quite extreme? not sure what deeper point you are getting at thought (and please don't tell me you need to be an outstanding student to play D1 soccer - because I know quite a few mediocre D1 soccer students).
Spoken like parents of a D3 or NAIA program. Get a life. D1 is better than D2, D3 or NAIA.
The D1 soccer programs never lose to D2, D3 or NAIA school. The D1 schools all have way better academics than the D2, D3, or NAIA schools an the only reason a good soccer player isn't going to a D1 school is because they can't.
If you believe that then you probably think that Denny Hecker isn't hiding any money from the bankrupcy courts and his ex's.
Never spent a dime with Denny Hecker, so I could care less what happens to him.
Come back when you sober up and can rationally explain how a D1 soccer school like Florida International University has better academics than a Macalester or St. Olaf.
1:19,
You need to read 9:17's post more closely.
I did. Just because a school is D1 does not automatically equate to "way better academics."
Unless 9:17 (or you) can come up with FACTS that show that a D2, D3 or NAIA school has NEVER beaten a D1 side, that comment is also dumb.
Finally, a young man (or woman) who is a "good" soccer player may opt for a D2, D3 or NAIA school instead of a D1 school for many reasons. Making an assertion that they aren't going to a D1 school simply because of grades just shows even more ignorance. I know several HS seniors that have outstanding grades that are choosing to play soccer at a smaller school. I also know kids whoa re good soccer players with mediocre grades that are going to go and try to make a go of it at D1 in the fall.
I'll be waiting for what is sure to be an eloquent and insightful response from 9:17.
1:19
not 9:17 here, but I think what he was trying to say is that the academic standards that the NCAA has for D1 are much higher than for D2, D3, and no restrictions for NAIA because they are not run by the NCAA
9:17 here, it was called sarcasm. D1 schools lose to D2, D3 and NAIA schools. Not always but it happens. D2, D3 and NAIA can have good academic programs, sometimes I would say even better than the D1 schools (Mac & St. Olaf are good examples) Their are many, many kids that can play D1 but chose to go to D2, D3 and NAIA school for various reason. I guess sarcasm should not be used on a blog. The post was in response to Anon 28/4/10 8:47 PM post.
I could be wrong but, I do beleive that 2007-2009 MN Mr. Soccer were not able to attend D1 schools because of academics. So, it is true that some very good soccer players have difficulties playing NCAA D1 soccer because of grades. We also have several young men presently not able to attend D1 school because they played some type of professional soccer. I'm not sure but if Cody Cropper were to come back to MN he too would have this problem. So, again some very very good soccer players are not playing NCAA soccer because they are not eligible but can play NAIA soccer.
Just an FYI, wasn't drinking. Eloquent responses generally aren't my thing hope, I lived up (or down) to your expectation.
darn....it should read "I HOPED I lived up (or down) to your expections. See even when I try it just doesn't work.
MAC and St. Olaf (I think you mean Carleton, but they all do it) employ "professional attention getters." AKA marketing people to promote the school. They contact media, they write summaries for orgs that reveiw schools, they wine and dine, etc.. The academics are no better/no worse that St. Thomas, St. Johns, Augsburg, Concordia, etc. Americans are so stupid, if they hear it or read it enough times they are apt to believe it.
The USSF Development Academy is the best thing that has happened for soccer in our state.
This will dramatically speed up the consolidation of talent that for the most part that has already occurred in most other states.
The sooner this happens the sooner we'll see teams from Minnesota winning at regionals on occassion and possibly getting the the national stage.
Thanks to SSM and the Bangu/Wings gang for bringing this to fruition.
The opposite will happen, MN will struggle even more on the regional and national stage now with all of its best players not playing state cup and regionals and being with the academy teams
Kind of like being the best of the lousiest or the lousiest of the best????
If our goal is to win World Cups, we need academies. Screw team/state accomplishments or bragging rights, we need superstars. Academies will allow that to happen. USA! USA!
If our goal is to win World Cups, we need academies, which allow the best players to rise to the top.
This not about a team or a state, but rather the individual.
USA! USA!
I only saw a few college coaches out at State Cup yesterday. It seems like this has become less of an event for the college coaches.
When this event was up at Coon Rapids there were many more college coaches in attendance.
Is this because of the USSF Academy now being the place for the top boys players to be seen?
9:27 AM,
College coaches haven't seen increased recruiting budgets so they need to be selective in the events they attend.
With the advent of the ECNL for girls teams and US Development Academy for boys some events they used to attend have been cut from their recruiting schedule.
It's widely know the best players have gravitated to these new leagues/programs so the majority of the D1 and D2 coaches have adjusted their recruiting schedules to include these new events.
You'll still see some D3 college coaches looking for a few diamonds in the rough at State Cup events but the days of D1 coaches traveling here to scout players at State Cup is over.
people posting to themselves
Yes they are!
No they aren't!
YES THEY ARE
Please stop.
When is the
Where is the
I apologise if this has already been answered, but from my research on the matter, I've ascertained that the Mn Thunder will field two teams for the USSF Development Academy next year, at 16U and 18U. Thusly, as those teams and players will not be eligible for the State Cup of Minnesota, I would assume that they would still register State Cup teams at those age groups, just not their strongest teams. But what about 17U? Will they offer a top team at that age level, or will those players be part of the 18U pool? I pose these questions as a newcomer to US youth soccer, and with a son who will play at 17U next summer but who is not interested in playing in the USSF Academy program. It appears the St. Croix team would be the next best option if the Mn Thunder will not compete at 17U. I appreciate your advise.
MTA will have a 92 DA team (born 1992 or later) and a 94 DA team (born 1994 or later) for next year.
In addition, the club has earned spots in MRL Premier at U18, U17, U16, and U15 for the USYS 2010-11 year.
Where is the best place for your kid? Well, that depends on many things. Certainly MTA and SCV make some sense (the MTA second team lost to SCV in what was, by all accounts, a very good final). Both have good coaches, although who knows if both will return next year. For the possibility of a new coach, there is no doubt that the MTA staff is the deepest in the area, with multiple national license coaches, and a few former pros working with teams, and some of them working with second teams.
The odd thing about the U17 age group for MTA is that some of those kids are 94s, and one would think they would have a good shot at making the 94 DA team. However, I am sure there are several 93s, also, who might just struggle a bit to make the 92 team, with as strong a group of 92/93s as there is in the area. That would mean that they would fit into either the U18 or the U17 MTA MRL premier team, not sure how the club handles this type of thing - will they allow players to play up to U18 to make the best possible team, or do they place players at age group pretty much regardless. Maybe someone has insight from within MTA.
Your best option is to talk to those involved at the prospective clubs about your son's goals, and see how their programming matches.
Oh yeah, and don't help your son with his Composition assignments. There is such a thing as paragraphs, you know? lol, hope you can take a joke
My hunch is many of the top 92s, 93s, 94s and 95s from many clubs will want to try out for the USSF Academy teams at SSM or MTA.
If you're serious about soccer that will be the place to be.
And will SSM open up their teams to players who don't attend school there or will it remain a "closed" to outsiders program when it comes to soccer?
SSM is a school whose "club" team is open to anyone who attends the school and tries out. That's $30k just to get to the tryout.
That leaves MTA. College-bound 92s and 93s won't flock to the U18 Academy team, as they're at the end of their soccer "careers" and are planning for (or are already in) college. 92s and 93s are graduating now or in a year, so this is too late in the process to get seen by a school. 92s and 93s who can't read (i.e., not college material) may head there for a shot to get recruited to play for the NSC Stars (set your sights high, boys).
I expect a mass-exodus of 94s and 95s to the MTA U16 Academy tryout, and then a mass exodus of the boys who do not make the Academy team to the next-best option. Advice to clubs with U16 and U17 premier teams in 2011: schedule your tryouts after they announce the Academy team, and then put fliers on windshields at the MTA tryouts.
The biggest concern to this pundit is the predicted mass-exodus to MTA at the U9-U14 age groups, as parents will flock there to get their kids "into the system" so they're known entities before the eventual Academy tryouts.
That begs the question of whether they can figure out their finances and set pricing in a way that will accommodate the huge influx of scholarship players they'll attract at every age.
-Spud
If you are serious about playing you would want to play on one of the DA teams. Even if you have decided on a college you should play, its even more important to train and play against top competition before you head off to University. Think about it?
12:16,
Excellent point. Many don't look at it like that but how better to be prepared for college soccer than by playing against the very best in the nation's U18 league?
93's won't tryout?? Half of the 93's are just finishing their sophomore year in high school. As you know, very few have committed to any school, the only one I have heard is EM, but there are probably a few more.
It is not too late to be seen by a school. Nice try spud.
Ah, the MTA people woke up from their hangover.
Let's take a bunch of kids who don't have money for college, and who won't be getting (much if any) money to play in college, and put them in a super-expensive traveling league right before they go off to college.
Be careful what you hope for, MTA. The Whites, Greys and Greens can only pay so much.
Spud
Spud, what a poor unhappy life you must live. You can't stand other kids getting an opportunity to play at a higher level, so you grasp at old myths of $$ spent to make yourself feel better. Sad.
Now it's greens? What happened to rainbow, and fuschia. Boring argument, already busted.
Hey how's that community based club financing itself, not on the backs of the C3, C2, and C1 players according to the haters-whoops I should have used the hater terms of whites, greys, etc.
Spud sounds very much like our old bigoted poster, Shekki.
I'm fairly certain Spud and Shekki are one and the same.
By the way the goons always overreact whenever anyone brings up their finances, one can conclude that Spud is on to something. It's a mess over there, from what I've heard.
Shekki is dead.
Hey potato head -- you predict a mass-exodus to MTA at the U9-U14 age groups? No way, Jose!
Show me the MONEY!
When will MTA hold tryouts for the USSF Academy teams?
I've heard MTA may hold tryouts for the USSF Academy teams in late July.
The word from USSF is that the Academy teams are not bound to tryout dates and restrictions imposed by state organizations.
I'd keep my eye on the MTA website for possible notices.
MTA tryout dates are posted on their website including dates for the USSF Development Academy teams.
When will SSM hold tryouts for their Academy teams?
8:04- Doesn't work that way. Nice try. If you are truly interested simply call the school. I am sure that it can be worked out? Otherwise, bark up another tree.
GET LOST 11:44 PM
Great interest in this thread. REMOVE IT!
Wow, the last two posts make me want to go back to school and figure out the psychology behind those kinds of remarks.
Thank You for sparking my educational interest again!
There will be a lot of interest in the MTA teams that will be playing in the USSF Development Academy.
The Academy's 2 showcase tournament events each year in which all the Academy teams play have seen over 300 college coaches in attenadance.
This is an opportunity too good for the truly elite players to pass up if they desire to play at the highest level and are interested in playing at a D1 college.
for 3k you can have a shot at the same college coaches you see in Muscatine next week. hope you make the acamdemy team becuase their keeping your money whether you make it or not. i wish i was poor.
4:33 with your post you appear poor in the areas of common sense, happiness, and intelligence. Guess you got your wish! Sorry couldn't help a little sarcasm.
The same old dribble from uniformed CC parents doesn't make it true.
Here's how you'll know if your son has a cahnce at the DA teams, he'll be invited to work out with the existing teams. In other words, you should already know if he has a chance this year.
Oh sure, a few will still have a chance if they are complete standouts at the rest of the team's tryouts-yes there will still be MRL premier teams, MRL teams, and possibly MYSA premier if enough boys want to work together. And many of those guys will be designated as developmental players, who can play in up to 6 matches and retain their ability to play in USYS leagues. Only the full-time DA players are not allowed to play in other leagues.
Good luck to your son in Muskatine, seriously! The more MN kids who pave the way with success in D1 schools the better for the younger guys who are working to get there in the future. Just remember, it's for kids not dads and moms.
4:33,
Muscatine is a good event but it only has a few dozen D1-D2 coaches as opposed to approx 300 at the USSF Academy Showcases.
Muscatine does have many more D3 coaches in attendance however and the D3 schools will offer a great education and excellent scholarships if your son or daughter is also strong academically.
One of my kids went that route and went to St Olaf and had a fantastic 4 years playing soccer and got a great education.
Muscatine is a good event.
Excluding Shattuck, which is already a college promotion machine and not really a Minnesota program, what percentage of next year's MTA DA players will get money to play in college? Really. Until MN gets D1 programs, MN kids will be largely ignored by D1 programs. Bunburrys and Millers come around every so often, but we don't have the players, and MTA DA won't change that. All I see is a program designed to give hope to overbearing parents with dreamer sons, which may finally help MTA get out of the red...or not.
So if you don't pursue the highest level you child can play at, what label do you get? Underbearing? Uncaring? Lazy. Selfish?
Apparently all the MTA haters on this blog are convinced MTA has money issues, and act as though no CC has ever run themselves into the ground or close to it.
It's just jealousy. Plain and simple. No better no worse, just different. Hope you treat people outside of soccer with more decency than you do here.
Prove they don't.
2:13 PM MTA does have money issues, ding-dong!
MTA will be stronger than ever and will continue being the only truly elite club in Minnesota.
ECNL and USSF Development Academy status will continue to draw players to their teams.
Don't listen to the whiners and haters. They're the ones whose kids can't make the teams or are just frustrated not being able to beat MTA or win State Cup titles.
It's typical jealousy and goes on in many states, not just Minnesota.
Yes, and hang on to your kid's MTA status to protect your sense of self-worth, Ms. western suburban mom. What a pathetic life you must live. I hope your kids doesn't get cut next month.
Being that this is Minnesota, I think the USSF Development Academy (USSF-DA) should be renamed the United Futbol Federation Development Academy (UFF-DA).
2:07 Thank You for thinking this out.
9:23 Hmmmmmm. I guess my only response is for you to look at yourself and consider if your own life isn't just as pathetic.
Any thoughts from last night's DA workouts?
Rumour has it MTA has been told not to contact players from other clubs to come compete for the spots for the DA 92 and 94 teams, as MYSA can sanction them for recruiting. Again, nice job MYSA, you are really supporting soccer players.
I would guess if your son wants a chance at the DA teams, you need to contact MTA yourselves and ask how to get involved.
And, please don't go into the bash sessions, if your son is happy and challenged at your current club/team that is awesome. Just hoping others can be included too.
2:22, every player who would have any shot at making those teams already knows about the program and when and where the tryouts are. The low attendance reflects the general lack of interest in the program (committment of time and money).
I wouldn't say low attendance, but you are entitled to your idea of what numbers should be attending.
I was just curious if all kids knew. You seem to think they do, can you clarify why you think they all know? Not arguing, just think a few were missing that were interested a few weeks ago when things weren't planned or announced yet.
I think the coaches at these age groups at MTA are well aware of the players who might be able to play at the USSF Academy level and will make sure those caliber players who aren't already at MTA are contacted.
There aren't many "secrets" by the time these boys are U15s and the coaches know who's out there.
I'm sure there are not any elite players who aren't aware of this unique opportunity.
These kids are networked. They text. They know things before we do. Five players from my son's team were "invited". None chose to go.
I sincerely doubt 5 players from any one team were identified as being capable of playing on a USSF Academy team.
You may have had someone believe you if you had said 2 players.
Tell us another fairy tale.
Relax 3:31, I'm not 3:19 but it could easily happen for a team such as SCV u16's or MU u16's. They have good 93's and good 94's. By the way I am also not an SCV or MU parent.
3:59 is accurate. MTA parents struggle with the idea that a good player would even consider playing for another club.
there are at least 4 kids that I know of that play up on valley 18's who are within the top 18 kids in that age group, so yes it is very possible that many kids from one team get asked
Also very possible that MTA does not get all the top talent in each age group this first time around, going forward I dont believe it should be an issue though
Hey 4:27, 3:59 is a MTA parent, and doesn't struggle with other clubs or understanding talent.
Again, relax. Just trying to make sure the word is out and everyone who should get a chance is aware, not all will be interested but should at least get the chance to turn it down.
The point is that rumour says MTA was told not to "recruit", and told that inviting players from other clubs would be considered "recruiting". I for one think that is crap, how can the top players get to this opportunity without being told...
don't worry, 9:38, the top U15-U18 players all know about UFF-DA. the fact that they're not trying out has nothing to do with an inability to communicate.
I still like the UFF DA!
MTA has posted USSF Development Academy Tryout dates on the website for the 92/93 and 94/95 teams.
http://www.mnthunderacademy.org/Tryouts/EliteBoysTryouts/index_E.html
A coach friend tells me the teams have already been selected. Why would a kid who hasn't been invited even go?
12:29,
Take it from me. the teams haven't been selected.
Special invites have been extended to some elite level players who don't currently play with MTA.
Rosters are not set.
The USSF Development Academy allows recruiting to be done in a different manner.
in other words, 7:56, they've already identified who they want.
7:56,
Until you see them play against the other top level players you really aren't sure if you want them. That's why there are tryouts.
MTA parent here - heard at U13 boys MTA tryout yesterday that the top U13 player in the state has not even registered to come back to MTA and won't return. Thought we were supposed to be about retaining and recruting best talent in the state. How are we going to compete regionally and USSF if we can't keep the best at home? Hope is is just another MTA rumor.
Nice try. best U13 player doesn't even play U13 plays U14. Highly doubt MTA would let him go to another club.
The top several U13 players boys in the state play on the MTA U14 team.
10:48, MTA parent,
Are you talking about the U12 player that played up on the MTA U13 Blue team?
You never can tell how old MTA kids are these days, can you?
The best U13 boy doesn't play for MTA in the first place. A better phrasing would be "MTA's best U13" (or 14 or 12 or however old he is). The soccer world is bigger than MTA's sandbox.
are you talking about that home schooled kid in Chanhassen who's dad trains him on his own? i hear he's amazing.
That's him
Watch out, Chanhassen. The MTA "scouts" will soon be peering over your back yard fences searching for this kid. You can always tell who they are: dark navy tshirt, warm-up bottoms that taper real tight at the bottom (very flattering for most of their physiques), and black indoor soccer shoes. They're always wearing black indoor soccer shoes. Most of them have really big heads too, and don't forget that smell.
I heard that the MTA U13 boys team lost several players this year because of issues with the three parent coaches. I also heard that they didn't even try to contact that top player that didn't register.
So, where will these "several players" go? If I recall the MTA 13s are much better than any other team. Where will these players go?
That depends on how you define "Much Better". Perceptions of what you see from the "outside" looking in do not always tell the true story.
Are you talking about the MTA true U13 & U12 boys who won the league at U14 or the Thunder team that went 10-1 in the West District?
does anyone know how old these mta kids are anymore?
It allways depends on how good they are.
MTA Parent
Heard that the MTA coach offered that U13 player a roster spot and the parent is stalling because he wants to shop his kid around!
yep, it's all about Yueill's kid anyway
Plain jealousy 3:17 and 3:21. Apparently you are too close to see what is happening. MY is a terrific coach, and if my son was young enough I would have sought him and his two assistant coaches.
If you were in charge, I bet your son would get to play more. If you missed out on one on one training and your son didn't meet challenges at ID2 and ODP-it may be due to your negative reactions, and MY's positive reaction and connection with the small soccer community (who respect his coaching and choices).
Parents always make coaches sweat, mostly because coaches are there to coach kids, not babysit parents.
And frankly, most of the kids act more like adults than their soccer parents.
3:38 PM,
Not jealous, but pleased to see parents (with kids with major talent) not willing to put with MTA's shenanigans.
You must be far away enough to make your silly, narrow-minded observations.
a club that truly cares about the long-term success of a specific age group would never have a dad coach. those teams always implode and the players disperse. not good, especially when there are strong alternatives that cost less.
funny how a coach is apparently sweating over possibly losing a player. one would think these amazing mta coaches with their credentials and matching outfits wouldn't lose sleep over losing one player out of 18. heck, they can just develop another strong player.
or could it be that they don't really develop, but simply corral, strong players?
is the emperor naked? well paid, but naked?
I think the chanhassen dad who trains his own kid may be on to something. I hear he was invited to an EPL camp last month. Wouldn't that be great if a kid who doesn't play with mta or anyone turns into this state's hottest soccer prospect?
Hate is in the air...take a whiff.
4:55, the valley 18 boys have been coached by two dads since they were 10 years old, the model to be successful is out there
yummmmy, i like that aroma.
Looking forward to watching Valley defend their kickball -- er, soccer championship. Run, Eagles, Run.
say what you want but unless you cheer for them, which clearly you dont, they beat you and won
And its sad what you say about them because yes traditionally they may have played this style of soccer, what high school teams didnt, but last years team was a thing of beauty to watch for the high school season compared to everything else I have seen out here in high school ball
you have a warped sense of beauty, 11:51. I suppose you'd prefer "dogs playing poker" over a Picasso on your living room wall.
8:01 AM
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
5/8/10 7:18 PM -- You were smelling your own fart.
9:43, spoken like a true "dogs playing poker" fan.
1:49 PM No, I like the fish that talks.
"give me that filet of fish, give me that fish..."
Is Eric Miller playing MTA-USSF Development Academy team?
Miller is playing on the MTA Development Academy team until he heads to Creighton as an early HS grad in January I believe.
I'm disappointed in the Strib for not including more Class A girls to the All Metro Second Team. Just because you play for a powerhouse doesn't mean you should automatically be recognized. Dig a little deeper Strib and come up with the worthy girls from Class A.
Out of the following Class A All State players, certainly there has to be more than two that deserve to be on the All Metro second team. (Removed Non-Metro players)
Goalkeeper
Alex Stitt 12 St. Louis Park
Defenders
Lauren Miller 10 St. Louis Park
Alex Schissel 12 BSM
Claire Wilson 12 Blake
Midfielders
Sophie Babo 8 Orono
Jordyn Burns 12 BSM
AnnMarie Healy 11 Providence
Mary Krambeer 12 Park Center
Amber Paul 12 Rodgers
Lydia Sutton 9 Blake
Forwards
Aliha Ballon 12 Rodgers
Jalyn Britton 12 St Croix Lutheran
Grace Cronin 12 Breck
Lizzie Lukas 11 South St. Paul
Jill Richgels 11 Simley
Mary Stringini 11 Holy Family
Thanks Inside Minnesota Soccer for putting this up on your website along with the pictures.
The Strib's coverage of the All-State teams etc was disappointing as usual. Inside Minnesota Soccer covered it much better, no surprise there I guess.
Miller and Uhl were great choices for Mr & Ms Soccer.
So what's happening with the comments closed on other topics?
Prairie Seeds wins State QF 7-0
Prairie Seeds would beat AV - hands down.
Mpls SW is going to beat AV hands down.
Of the 8 teams in the finals - 7 are undefeated. The one with losses is the defending state champion.
Wow Mpls SW dominated that first half. That was soccer! No boot ball.
MTA U16's and 18's have done very well in their 1st 2 weekends of USSF Development Academy matches.
Looks like next weekend in AZ could be tough against some of the stronger teams in the Academy.
Congratulations and good luck this coming weekend.
http://ussda.demosphere.com/Standings/index_E.html
Despite blizzard, we have opened a NEW site for MN soccer fans:
http://mnsoccerplus.blogspot.com/
Go to this site from now on and post your comments/ MNfutbol is under new management and we cannot wait.
Tomass, SoccerMom, TGBoy, come and kick this new site today.
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