Sunday, May 01, 2011

Chat: '11 Girls HS Soccer

2011 Girls Minnesota State High School Soccer

1,341 comments:

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Anonymous said...

Inside Minnesota Soccer: Burnsville takes the lead from a low shot from near the top of the 18 box that beat the keeper down to her left.

Anonymous said...

Inside Minnesota Soccer: Burnsville gets another from outside the 18 to double their lead 2-0.


Burnville 2 quick goals!

Anonymous said...

Both goals were from Blahnik

Anonymous said...

Centennial gets one back. Burnsville up 2-1.

Anonymous said...

Burnsville up 3-1!

Anonymous said...

5-1

Anonymous said...

Not a typo - Burnsville 5-1!

Anonymous said...

5-2.

Anonymous said...

wow that is not the usual score of a semi-final! what happened?

Anonymous said...

Wayzata - LVN heading to OT

Anonymous said...

Update?

Anonymous said...

wow that is not the usual score of a semi-final! what happened?

You seem so surprised. It seems not many respected BV this whole season. Centennial is a fine team but BV dominated - no disrespect intended.
Lots of firepower and an underrated defensive group.

Anonymous said...

Wayzata wins in shoot out.

Anonymous said...

What is that I hear? Wayzata wins! Yes! So much for all those LVN folks saying that they were the top team in the state. I guess you should wait to claim the top spot after you win the championship!
Congrats to Wayzata and Burnsville!

I'm taking Wayata 2-1.

Anonymous said...

I think BV 2-1. Wayzata will pack it in in the back.

Anonymous said...

"Plenty of REV connection still alive in the tournament. North has several REV Players and the entire coaching staff, Varsity and JV, are REV trainers/coaches. Go North!"

Thus explains the disappointing loss...

Anonymous said...

So here are the seed results:
#1 below seed finish (at best 2 places below, worst 3 places below)
#2 quarterfinal loser
#3 quarterfinal loser
#4 beats their seed (at best by 3 places, worst by 2 places)

Random draw makes more sense (or at least more sense than what we are doing).

Anonymous said...

huh?

Anonymous said...

We should never listen to this poster again:
"LVN should dominate play vs. Wayzata as the Trojans will pack the box and try for single goal. 2-0 LVN. Centennial and Burnsville will be close. 3-2 Centennial. Keep stirring the pot SSC fan.

10/30/11 8:34 AM"

Wayzata outworked LVN the whole game.

Anonymous said...

I think the final SOG was Wayzata 10, LVN 6 at the end of regulation. Well organized defenses on both sides, wouldn't say there were too many quality chances on goal.

Anonymous said...

9:08,

Looks like LVN coach is not afraid to take the blame for the huge upset.

http://www.thisweeklive.com/2011/10/31/panther-girls-soccer-falls-to-wayzata-in-a-shoot-out/

Good luck to Wayzata in the final!

Anonymous said...

10:16,

Soooooo he is a humble loser... awesome!

Anonymous said...

Lighten up 10:21 and show some respect, he could have trashed the officials, opposing players, etc. but he took the high road. Each side put their hearts and bodies into this battle tonight.

Anonymous said...

Is the SSC guy still in the house?

Anonymous said...

SSC still finishes with 50% of the placers if that is what you are asking about.

Anonymous said...

10:29,

Agreed! Class act.

I'm a soccer dad of three, and I think a lot of these coaches lack a little bit of humility. Good to see.

Anonymous said...

did the centennial coaching staff not understand that bvlle had a top forward? how do you let her run free so often to start the match? that loss on the coaches

lvn v wta good game, both teams had chacnes, hit the post, etc. wzta clears one off the line late, takes their shots from teh spot, congrats to them.. maybe there is something to be said for scheduling weak opponents so you are fresh come tourney time

Anonymous said...

more whining...

Anonymous said...

1041 posts about girls' soccer in MN. what a yawn of a sport.

Anonymous said...

8:03am If it's such a yawn, why did you feel the need to come on the blog and read the posts?
Maybe you're one of the LVN people that all but guaranteed that you would be in the finals and you're yawning because you stayed up late licking your wounds.

Anonymous said...

I watched a great deal of soccer this year. I can say that most of the games I watched were of high quality.
I have had daughters that played at a very high level in the summer so I know good soccer.
Berating the high school players and programs just exposes you ignorance.

u pick em said...

And you came to this blog why 8:16? Pot meet kettle.

A blow out and a nail biter last night. Anyone see both games and venture some positive and even-handed analysis of what we might see on Thursday?

Anonymous said...

I think Wayzata is better than some thought and the same is true of BV. I think it will be a one goal game in favor of BV.

Anonymous said...

Saw both games. Wayzata could beat BV if their forwards could control the ball and shoot but they are not very skilled. Wayzata will be very sore and tired after that battle last night. BV didn't have as tough of a game.

Anonymous said...

I saw both games and was very impressed with the way that Wayzata organized their defense. Burnsville has some firepower up front so it should be a good game.

Anonymous said...

but it's like watching paint dry. it's amazing colleges give money to these kids.

Anonymous said...

keep stirring the pot bro

Anonymous said...

The WYZ-BV game might come down to goalies. WYZ I believe alternates goalies and I believe the one that played in the shootout is the stronger of the 2.

Anonymous said...

wayzata will play for a counter attack while bvlle will go all in, should be fun. BTW the coacehs did a bang up job seeding this thing #4 and unseeded play for the final.

the coaches should somehow be taken out of section and state seeding

tomASS said...

@11:03 Totino Grace did this a few years back. Without looking I can't recall their result without going to look it up but I remember it went to a shoot -out in the final. Each goalie for Totino played a half. Don't recall how OT and the shoot-out was handled

Anonymous said...

11:31 All of the top 6 teams got to compete aginst each other, LVN was the only one that ended up with a puff game early - is seeding really that big of a deal?

Anonymous said...

goalies play hockey. keepers play soccer.

duh.

Anonymous said...

re: seeds, there are these things called upsets where a better team loses to an underdog.

Anonymous said...

11:31

Coaches could be taken out by seeding 1-64 (all teams in AA) using the QRF and starting the playoffs from there.

First 3 rounds would be considered sectional playoffs and when it gets down to the final 8 teams that is the state tournament

Might be too difficult to do in class A with many more teams and more travel involved with many more "outstate" teams

Anonymous said...

Random draw removes all politics and less than intelligent "seeding".

Anonymous said...

re: seeds, there are these things called upsets where a better team loses to an underdog.

11/1/11 11:48 AM

That many upsets?
If you just look at two teams that met in the first round-BV/WDB
Similar season records (BV in tougher conf.)
Common opponent results indicated BV as the better team (Eagan and Edina - BV defeated them, WDB did not). This should have been a no-brainer.

Anonymous said...

seeding all 64 would be great and create a "buzz" for the tournament that it currently lacks, it is a great idea and would open up the teams to new and exciting match- ups every year instead of the same old same old

Anonymous said...

I like it! QRF can seed 'em all and then let 'em play- October Madness!

Anonymous said...

Any players that stand out in the state tournament?

Anonymous said...

QRF still ignores common opponent comparisons which is a better indicator of which team is better.

Anonymous said...

There is never going to be a perfect system but at least ranking by QRF gives the best teams (1-10ish) the best chance at getting to the state tournament.

Current section system is eliminating some of the best teams from ever having the chance of getting there while other teams get to the state tournament without having to be one of the "top" teams in the state just because of where their school is located geographically.

Section 2: QRF 6,10,12
Section 3: QRF 2,5
Section 4: ORF 3,4,8,11
Section 7: QRF 22,27,38...
Section 8: QRF 19,25,34,35...

Sections 1,5,6 had a clear cut top team this season and they all advanced to state

Anonymous said...

All teams had THE CHANCE to make it to state, albeit some had a more difficult road as noted above. We do have a 64 team format that considers the cost associated with staging the tournaments.

Anonymous said...

My daughter's team didn't make it to state. Oh well! They had the opportunity, seeding or not. You win you move on!

Anonymous said...

Like most tournaments of course the top scorers and skills players will get all the publicity and attention (SK, AB, JR for example). But ultimately as BOLD has stated it is often the back line and keepers that will make the ultimate outcome. I watched both semi-finals yesterday and the winners did a better job of keeping the other top player in check. Burnsville looked like they had one key shadow on JR (number 13) with backup from (9) just in case. It is clear JR is a special player and did serve a great ball for a goal (after it was 2-0) and got a breakaway goal to make it 5-2. Any chances they got came through her but 13 and 9 did a reasonable job. In contrast, Burnsville forward had limited pressure and that just killed Cent. In the second game, similarly Wayzata matched up one on one on SK and she seemed to disappear. In the finals one can assume Wayzata will mark AB from Burnsville and see if the other players can score. They probably don't have the firepower up front and would likely love a 0-0 shootout. My prediciton is a 1-0 game for Wayzata as they have more experience in recent years (players and coaches) and if it goes the distance would be a better bet in PKs. I think they will get a goal somehow. Good luck to both teams!

tomASS said...

dear 1146 Duh,

pure semantics on your part, but if you must, then it should be, "keepers play football"

Anonymous said...

I saw both games yesterday. JR is gifted but doesn't seem to have much of a work rate. She seems to just wait for balls to be played directly to her feet. AB is also a talented forward. KS from WYZ and SK from LVN really hustle and make things happen on the field.

Anonymous said...

futbol

Anonymous said...

Listen folks, you are living in a fantasy trying to find a perfect system to seed playoffs. There is no perfect system. It's sports, just like life, luck plays a role.

As the saying goes, "Good Luck is when opportunity meets hard work".

At the end of the day you still have to win all 3 games to be a state champion and no one will remember who came in 2nd, 3rd of 4th. So if this is your current fixation, please get a hobby!

Anonymous said...

"Listen folks, you are living in a fantasy trying to find a perfect system to seed playoffs. There is no perfect system. It's sports, just like life, luck plays a role.

As the saying goes, "Good Luck is when opportunity meets hard work".

The problem now is that it ISN"T luck. It is poor seeding. Go to a random draw.

Anonymous said...

Good luck is picking the right numbers on the Powerball. Not a lot of hard work there.

tomASS said...

@359 not in the U.K.

Anonymous said...

i believe going into this tournament that many folks commented that upto 6 teams had a shot of winning so the outcomes shouldn't come as any surprise. one thought on the seeding issue, so if they had done a random draw, then there would have been a chance that the two finalists - Wayzata & Burnsville (and you can argue that they are the two best teams since they are playing for the championship) could have met in the first round?

Anonymous said...

Yes that could have happened but it would have been random rather than coaches jockeying for position.

Anonymous said...

Centennial wins, 2-1.

Anonymous said...

Follow up: if anyone is interested in a recap, let me know. Otherwise, I won't bother.

Anonymous said...

@9:41 - could you cleary specify who were the coaches who jockeyed for position and there arguments on why they should have been a specific seed?

Anonymous said...

Huh, looking back whoever posted 8/31/11 @ 10:35pm...Genius, had Way at number one.

Any prediction for the powerball?

Anonymous said...

shows how much anyone cares about 3rd 4th place game, score not even in the paper!

Anonymous said...

I care.

Anonymous said...

I am surprised at how quiet the blog has become. We have two of the best TEAMS we have seen in a while in the final and there is so little talk.
It should be a great final.

Anonymous said...

Where are the Wayzata and Tony haters???

Anonymous said...

Did the Pioneer Press announce their Players of the Year? Have players been notified if they have made the all tournament team?

Anonymous said...

The tournament isn't over yet.

Anonymous said...

I realize that, but the tournament is over for all schools except two. Have the players from the other teams been notified?

Anonymous said...

Until they play the game how would they know if players from the other teams would be chosen? If players on the two finalist teams shine especially brightly they would be chosen.

Anonymous said...

I know of two girls that were notified after the game yesterday that they made the team. I also know of one from a quarter final game.

Anonymous said...

And, how would the players NOT on BV or WAY know to show up for the ceremony if they weren't notified that they had been selected. Does anyone know how many all tournament players each team receives? For example, one for each team that makes the first round and doesn't advance, two for each semi-finalist, three for each of the final two teams?

Anonymous said...

2:01 - agreed. The only consistent breakout is that quarterfinalists get one player (who have already been notified) and the state champs get four. 16 players on the all tournament team. Usually the runner-up gets 3 (although they have gotten 4). The 3rd place team traditionally gets either 2 or 3 and the 4th place almost always gets two. So if the 2nd place gets 4, then the 3rd place team gets 2, if the 2nd place team gets 3, then so does teh 3rd place team.

Anonymous said...

Any guesses on who?

Anonymous said...

Bri Stelzer from LVS is girls player of the year, superstar from ev is boys

Anonymous said...

Predictions:

Prairie Seeds 3-2
Blake 2-1
Eastview 3-1
Wayzata 1-0

Anonymous said...

Any thoughts on who should be on the all-tournament team?

Anonymous said...

no.

Anonymous said...

Yes.

Anonymous said...

all tournament kids are told ahead of time, by today at the latest, so they can be there for the picture

Anonymous said...

imagine how nutty this blog would get if PSA had a girls' team.

Anonymous said...

they do

Anonymous said...

yeah, but it's not filled with grown women.

Anonymous said...

this bsm blake game is hard to watch. girls dribbling into coverage. LOOK up and PASS to a teammate, for crying out loud.

Anonymous said...

Is it over? What was the score?

Anonymous said...

Blake won 1-0.

Anonymous said...

what time game start? they running on time?

Anonymous said...

Any score??

Anonymous said...

Wayzata 2 - 1 in a shootout.

Anonymous said...

How could they win when they had such a weak non-conference schedule....:)

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...same with Centennial vs. Lakeville North!

Anonymous said...

SSC conference dominated! Ok? I think the entire conference was on the weak side and played weak opponents.
Congrats Wayzata!

Anonymous said...

how was the game?

Anonymous said...

i would still say that if you put wayzata in the SSC they finish fifth. anyone can win one game in soccer, it is easy to stop people from scoring and play for a shoot out.

Anonymous said...

i would still say that if you put wayzata in the SSC they finish fifth. anyone can win one game in soccer, it is easy to stop people from scoring and play for a shoot out.

Anonymous said...

i love the ssc. i love to double post. ssc will win it all.

Anonymous said...

i love the ssc. i love to double post. ssc will win it all.

Anonymous said...

more whining...

Anonymous said...

...with nothing to back those statements up.

Anonymous said...

MN State AA Girls final

A great game by two great teams!

Congratulations to both teams!

Anonymous said...

Having attended as a fan without a kid in the game I thought it was a good competitive game to watch with ebbs and flows. Burnsville had the most dangerous offensive player on the field (AB) and she got behind on the defense a few times. After she scored the highlight goal, Wayzata seemed to switch the player marking her which was good. The goal seemed to wake up Wayzata and KS from Wayzata dominated the mid field all the way through to the end of regulation. It looked like Burnsville pulled a similar move by putting 9 on KS starting in OT and that seemed to level the control of the flow of the game. AB on Burnsville had a couple of chances to put the game away but Wayzata made some good tackles. By the end both teams seemed really tired and the quality of play slowed (natural). Given the fact that Wayzata just experienced PKs and once Bville missed the first shot, it was pretty much a forgone conclusion (although surprisingly Bville still had a chance). It would have been nice to decide the game on something other than PKs but that is an age old issue with soccer. All in all it was an entertaining game and it wouldn't be surprising to see both teams back next year. Thanks to Wayzata and Burnsville for a good end to the year and congratulations. Now, on to the MTA/Rev bickering for the next 8 months.

Anonymous said...

Blake and Benilde was also a good, hard fought game. Blake's defense was very strong, making it difficult for the strong Benilde offense to penetrate. Both teams had solid midfields. Both teams, ranked #1 and #2 all season, deserved to be in the championship game.

Anonymous said...

How many times has BSM been in the final without winning? Seems as if they are always in the mix but never win?

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the Wayzata program. I feel for the Burnsville girls after such a hard-fought game, but I'm fairly content that their coach, one of the biggest, shadiest dick-heads in Minnesota soccer, didn't end up on top.

Anonymous said...

KS from WYZ has played in 3 state championships, helping her team win 2. That is quite an accomplishment for her and her WYZ teammates.

Anonymous said...

Thank you mom! But playing for MTA will get me a scholarship, not helping Wayzata win state championships.

Anonymous said...

Yes, time to start the MTA thread!

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe that anyone even suspected that Burnsville would not win. They have the most dangerous attacker in the state. She is bound to go far...oh wait. She doesn't play for MTA. Gophers, here she comes! Great for the gophers and AB, but wouldn't it be great to have such a great player represent our State outside of the midwest? So frustrating!

Anonymous said...

I never thought Burnsville would win! I was sure it would be Wayzata or LVN, but not Burnsville. One player doesn't make a team!

Anonymous said...

Scoring a lot of goals in high school makes her the most dangerous player in the state? Please!!

Anonymous said...

BV' team is what got them there. Their defense was as good as any.

Anonymous said...

3:31
Why the hatred for the BV coach? Please answer or scurry under the rock from whence you came!

Anonymous said...

Stop it!....Play nice children!

Congrats to all of the young ladies and their coaches for a fine season!

Anonymous said...

I just think that it is inappropriate for people to engage in vulgar name-calling on this blog. At least if they are going to do it they should cite their reasons for the name-calling.
I agree that it should stop. Heck, I don't think it should have occurred in the first place!

Anonymous said...

The word is AB will be moving to MTA to play in the ECNL.

Anonymous said...

That would be a great choice! It is the only way to be seen by top level coaches! Great decision by her and her family. I never thought she would get past the brainwashing by TE against MTA.

Anonymous said...

7:39 - It most certainly IS NOT the only way to be seen by top level coaches. Many, many, good, non-MTA/ECNL players are seen by top level coaches all the time. Your pot-stirring with this is one of the things wrong with youth soccer. Trust me, she is on the radar of ALL the top level colleges. How stupid can you be?

Anonymous said...

Can anyone actually confirm that she is on an MTA ECNL team?

Anonymous said...

People on this blog are insane. Some of the comments in the last 10 posts might have reached a new low.

Anonymous said...

952, Who do you consider are those top level coaches that you are talking about??? Just wondering??

Anonymous said...

11/4/11 9:08 PM

The most dangerous attacker in the state? Wow your daughter must be good!

She's going to the Gophers? Is that the same Gophers that ended the season below .500? The same Gopher team that had an RPI of 84 last week?

She must be the most dangerous attacker in the state.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to BS from LKV for Pioneer Press player of the year. It is nice to see a all around good player that can play anywhere on the field get recognized and not just someone who scores a lot of goals. The Pioneer Press left off many West Metro players from their list though.

Anonymous said...

The Pioneer Press left off ALL of the west metro players which kind of waters down their results! At least the Star Trib includes the entire metro area.

Anonymous said...

I guess the Pioneer Press doesn't consider itself a major metro area paper. It's like the Minnetonka Sun I guess.

Anonymous said...

I actually went and bought the paper to see if the in print version was different from what was posted on line. What is also strange is that all the East players are "Honorable Mention" without including an All Metro list. Was looking through the rest of the sports page to see if there was a "West" group. No such luck!

Anonymous said...

Quite a powerful list. No West Players (Wayzata) and only one from Burnsville. Seems like a strong, well researched list

Anonymous said...

Not well researched when you don't have any West metro players especially from the state champion team(WZY) and others like SB from Orono, players from Benilde, Tonka, Edina and Eden Prairie.

Anonymous said...

The St Paul Pioneer Press writer took the All State and All State Honorable Mention (both A and AA) lists and subtracted all the girls on the west side of town and added in another selection from Woodbury and Eagan.

Anonymous said...

Why would they do that?

Anonymous said...

The interesting thing about this year's results is that all the teams that made it this year, probably will be the picks for next year given their 'star' players are primarily underclassmen. LVN, Centennial, Burnsville, Wayzata, Eastview and Woodbury (I believe) are led by Juniors and Soph. This year's Sr. Class seemed to lack depth (there are certainly some good players) but next year should be even better.

Anonymous said...

you're all jealous that your DDs couldn't make the Pioneer Press all metro team. pathetic.

Anonymous said...

I don't think anyone is jealous. It is just a shame that some talented west side players were completely ignored. There are players on the list that are complete unknowns.

Anonymous said...

I'm from the east metro and my daughter didn't make it. Never thought she would. She's good, but not great and by no means deserving to be on an All-Metro team (in my eyes yes, but I have to be real)!
The Pioneer Press list does have some fine deserving players. But since they left off the entire west side, the list does become weak and watered down.
Congrats to the girls that did make it!

Anonymous said...

That Pioneer Press reporter doesn't know much about soccer. Kind of a parrot. No West side boys either.

Anonymous said...

This blog holds back MN soccer. It only fuels negativity. If you want to keep pushing MN soccer forward, get rid of this blog.

Anonymous said...

5:57,
How does this blog hold back soccer? Please elaborate how it impacts players, coaches and clubs.
Do you think anyone in a decision making position is influenced by anyone posting in here?
Think about it.....really?

MNF said...

If you want to promote youth soccer for girls and young women, have your young players respond to Katie Bethkie's blog posts. She is an outstanding role model for young women athletes.

Anonymous said...

Who is she?

Anonymous said...

3:58...The all state team for aa consisted of 5-sr, 8-jr, 2-so, 1-fr. to my knowlwdge it was based on just these tourn games, so i dont think you can make the statement the sr lacked depth. next year i would assume it also would be similar numbers. congrats to all that made it and for the underclass kids, good luck next year.

Anonymous said...

10:05 Fair point but if you think of the top 10 I bet most are underclassmen (and probably 4 of the top 5 non-keepers) (JR, SK, KS, AB). Regardless it should be an exciting year to come

Anonymous said...

Would love to see a Senior/Junior game this year instead of All State AA v All State A at the Senior Classic. The A teams could do the same thing. My money would be on the Class AA Juniors to beat the Seniors. It would be way more challenging than always having the AA team beat the A team.

Anonymous said...

What contradicts everything written above is that from a club standpoint, the current seniors have won RII championships, are in the ECNL top bracket, and been to the USYS championships. The current juniors and sophomores have accomplished nothing other than having their parents post a lot on this blog (and sorry, I have no dog in this hunt).
We should all be greatful for the current crop of DREV and Burnsville parents because without them there would be maybe only 300 posts on this thread.

Anonymous said...

11;27 was thinking the same thing...10:54, you mean to tell me the top u16's from last year would beat the top u17's?

Anonymous said...

Posted like a true anon MTAer.

Anonymous said...

great comeback 11:32am. could you maybe be a bit more original or provide a few more facts to support you opinion? what's next -"i know you are but what am I" or "i'm rubber you're glue..."?

Anonymous said...

There are some juniors that have won Rll championships that play up on those teams.

Anonymous said...

11:27 Three current juniors were on the MTA team that advanced to Nationals and played in the A bracket of the ECNL.

Anonymous said...

so that's 3 out of 18. i think i'd still place my bet on the side with 15.

Anonymous said...

sounds like MTA talk is back...or should I say it never left. I doubt (even with three jr that played up in club soccer) the jr class would whoop up the sr class.

Anonymous said...

10:54 AM here. Never said they would whoop them up. And I never intended this to go the way of MTA. Just the seniors playing the juniors from different area high schools. That was it and someone had to turn it all about MTA. All I was thinking is that it would make for a better event.

JR's mom said...

Once again, a lot of talk by people who are unwilling to identify themselves, and don’t have all the facts. The U18 ECNL team lost a lot of talent, with BD going to Rice, BR playing for the Gophers, GK TF, and then some players who returned to their true age group. Having said that, they picked up some great All State talent from around the metro area. These are a great group of girls who have accomplished a lot over the years, and I am sure they will continue to be successful this year and at their respective colleges.

On a separate note, I was approached by a parent regarding the college recruitment process. From my experience, there is SO much incorrect information out there, and it can be detrimental to girls if they rely on what they are told. Some thoughts that came to mind are:

Myth #1 – No (or only a few) female soccer players will get scholarships. This is obviously incorrect. Title IX certainly helps. I was told by one D1 coach that the female Rowing Coach actually went around campus to identify athletic looking girls to join the team, and offering a partial scholarship for their participation (not recently). Obviously, those schools with large Football Programs have more opportunity.
Myth #2 – It is taboo for parents to talk to college coaches. This may be true up to a certain point, but if it is getting serious, you cannot rely on a 16 year old to ask all the right questions. I have specifically asked that question of multiple D1 coaches, and they have all told me the same thing. Sure, they want to make sure that the player is independent enough to be away from home, but that doesn’t mean a parent can’t call them, especially if you haven’t visited campus.
Myth #3 – Everyone is looking out for your player’s best interest (as if anyone believed this in the first place). College recruiting is a BUSINESS, and it does get cut throat. Offers change as coaches hear of campus visits, and deadlines suddenly appear. Be prepared to deal with the pressure.
Myth #4 – If you don’t commit early, the offers will disappear. We were seriously considering accepting the first verbal offer which came literally a few years back. Take your time, make sure it is the right fit for your player. If the school is not the right fit academically, then it is not a good choice, regardless of the athletic program. Don’t set your player up for failure by pushing too hard.
Myth #5 – College coaches attend multiple showcase events with no priority to any certain event. Okay, I am sure people won’t like this, but from my experience and discussions with D1 coaches, they are attending the ECNL National Events to identify talent. I won’t go so far as to say they don’t attend any other events, but I can tell you that the top programs in the nation will ALWAYS be represented at ECNL national events.

I could go on and on, but I am sure there are many out there who could care less about what I have to say (and it doesn’t hurt my feelings, I hear it all the time). However, if this serves as useful information to anyone who is struggling through the process, then it was worth my time. I know that I learned the hard way, and I would be more than willing to talk to anyone one on one who would like to discuss the process in more detail.

Anonymous said...

JR's Mom...

Those are all great points and I found them to be true as our daughter went through the process.

I would add one important thing.

Players need to research the schools, find a place they are interested in and reach out to the coaches. Emails should NOT be cookie-cutter messages, they should be personalized for that school and that coach. And follow-up with the coaches you're contacting.

Oh, and, look at the whole school, not just the team. Remind your child that college is about school and the soccer is a huge commitment on top of their first job - student.

Anonymous said...

Nicely said. Thanks to both.

Anonymous said...

Is this a myth: Most soccer athletes that get full rides are receiving them because they have the soccer skills and the academics? A lot of schools give about 30 to 40 percent sport and 60 to 70 percent academics, at least for soccer.

In other words, athletes should remember that school is first/top priority.

Anonymous said...

Very true 11:34. The first question most coaches asked my daughter was, "What is your GPA"? The next questions was about test scores.

Anonymous said...

JR's Mom - thanks for the advice and feedback, those of us with younger daughters in the early stages of the college recruitment process appreciate the information. Good luck to the team this season

Anonymous said...

Realistically though, only a VERY small percentage of girls playing soccer in Minnesota will continue to play after high school. An even smaller percentage will play Division I.

Don't get me wrong, I think every young player should get encouragment and the ability to follow their dream, but parents also need to manage expectations.

The advice from JRs mom and 9:50 is great and very accurate, but their kids (not sure who 9:50 is) are the exceptions.

Anonymous said...

Reality #9: It's sick when parents promote their kids and annoint kids by name to be super stars, nothing on this blog is worth reading. Players know who the good players are, no matter what mommy says. Many of the best kids in Minnesota don't play for the Minnesota Thunder for ethical reasons. IM OUT.

Anonymous said...

Dear 9:36, why do you visit this blog? It sounds like your personal biases keep you from thining straight, good idea for you to leave, please continue to apply your ethical standards and leave for good this time.

Anonymous said...

Dear 9:36, why do you visit this blog? It sounds like your personal biases keep you from thining straight, good idea for you to leave, please continue to apply your ethical standards and leave for good this time.

Who are you? Boba Louie?

Anonymous said...

9:36am. Ok, goodbye. Don't let the blog door hit you in the a&* on the way out!

Anonymous said...

1036, Just because your a leading scorer on a high school team doesn't mean you are one of the top players in the state. Leading scorer doesn't always equate to being the best player on a team!!! Who keeps it out of the goal or out of the backfield and who controls the major portion of the game?? The midfield?? The most talented and skilled players don't play forward especially in Minnesota.

Anonymous said...

So your daughter must be a mid fielder?

Anonymous said...

The best player on the field is going to vary from team to team you knuckle head!

Anonymous said...

The leading scorer on my daughter's high school team is a C2player. If she gets the chance to chase the ball right up the middle she scores. We're in a less than stellar conference! She can't make a team higher than C2 because she has no skills and she's tried! Leading scorers don't always equal the best player on the team.

Anonymous said...

1151, maybe in high school but not in club!

Anonymous said...

"ethical reasons" 11/10/11 9:36 AM?
Please elaborate.

Anonymous said...

it is rare a top player does not succumb to the MTA web it is what it is. there are some seedy people at MTA but also many good coaches

Anonymous said...

There are seedy people/coaches in every club! It's life, there are good and bad people in all aspects of society.

Anonymous said...

Our daughter is only looking at Div II or Div III schools and soccer programs - that is her appropriate level. But, the extra scholarship, on top of her academic scholarships, is significant for us as parents. And she can enhance her college experience. And showcases have been instrumental in identifying the right program for her. I'm sorry, but even if you play for MTA, it is not all about getting a DI scholarship. It is about the experiences in life that are right for them.
Even in college, it is a good time to remind parents that this is your child's experience and not yours.

Anonymous said...

839, better stick to DII, DIII has no scholarship money for athletics.

The best thing to tell your daughter is to make sure her grades are up. No matter the level they want to play, they will need the grades before they need soccer skills.

Anonymous said...

The ECNL season starts for MTA today. Games at McMurray in St. Paul, for 15s, 16s, 17s, and 18s both today and Sunday.

Anonymous said...

NEWSFLASH!!!
High school season is over.

Another NEWSFLASH!!!
No one cares about the ECNL season or MTA.

Anonymous said...

I do! Please post the scores!

Anonymous said...

I care, post the scores! We could take this over to the ECNL link on this page. But, it is fun to annoy the people that are jealous of ECNL and MTA.

Anonymous said...

Must not have been a good day for MTA. No scores posted, I guess we would have heard if the games had gone well.

Oh well, so much for the best teams no longer playing in MYSA (that will be the excuse when state cup starts).

Anonymous said...

MTA ECNL scores yesterday;

U15 6-0 vs BVSC
U16 1-0 vs BVSC
U17 8-0 vs BVSC
U18 3-3 vs BVSC

Games could be tougher today, but a good first day showing.

Anonymous said...

By the looks of those scores, it looks like the first round of ECNL games went well. I think the BVSC is a team from Kansas City.

Anonymous said...

The best teams will no longer be playing in State Cup. That's just the way it is.
Look how many of the Strib's All Metro players play on MTA teams.

Anonymous said...

ECNL Thread...
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=33083019&postID=8145535984382266867&isPopup=true

Anonymous said...

almost 40 comments in 9 months. THat ECNL thread is fasinating! I do not believe anyone, except for thoe crazies at MTA, care about ECNL.

Teams don't earn their way in, they simply get in because of the uniform they wear. It means nothing, except for parents to say, "my little MIA plays in the national league."

Anonymous said...

So if you have a pretty uniform the ECNL will let your club join?
I'm guessing your uniform is slightly bitter.
And ECNL just started this weekend, I'm sure that thread will increase.
I find it facinating that there are1900+ comments on high school soccer.

Anonymous said...

ENCL will be gone in 3 years. The cost and travel will be the end of it. Cal South teams and Texas teams will pull out then the house of cards fall. Everything works in cycles.

Anonymous said...

You know what is funny – MTA parents say something on this blog, they get blasted. They do not say anything in this blog, they still get blasted!

11/13/11 3:07 PM - Please learn how to type and/or spell.

Note – if you would like for your club to get in to ECNL, it’s simple – WIN MORE GAMES!

Anonymous said...

Win most of the state cup championships and your club might get an invite to ECNL.

Anonymous said...

A note to all of you helicopter parents: When referring to upcoming college decisions, please use SHE instead of WE and HER instead of OUR.

Anonymous said...

If WE are paying for HER college, than WE have input in where SHE goes.
That doesn't mean WE are helicopter parents. So sorry that YOUR parents must not have cared too much about YOU or YOU don't give a damn about where YOUR "SHE" goes. WE feel sorry for YOU.

Anonymous said...

8:31. I think I know who you're talking about, but have the courage to address them directly. Now, go fly away coward.

Anonymous said...

8:31 here. I'm not addressing any one person. You're all nuts.

I'm amazed at the partial (boys) and partial to full (girls) soccer scholarships kids get, and then you google the school and it's a crappy school. Sure, you'll boast about the kid going to Notre Dame or Duke, but the majority go to schools you wouldn't even sniff at if they didn't offer you money to play soccer. That's messed up.

And, no need to bring my parents into this. They cared so much that they let me make my college decision, financially supporting me along the way.

I care greatly about where my kids go to college, which explains why I've been flying all over the country with them over the past five years. But ultimately, it's their decision. Luckily we didn't spend all our wealth on soccer fees, so our kids are able to go where they want.

It's called allowing them to grow up, to learn how to make decisions, and frankly, to learn how to make mistakes. Just because you have the dough doesn't make you the decision-maker. What a horrible lesson to leave with your kid.

Anonymous said...

Flying all over the country with them over the past five years ..looking at schools??? You must be nuts.

Anonymous said...

Seriously 9:52am, you flew all over the country for the last 5 years. Unless you work for an airline, that was nuts! Look at all the money you could have saved by driving to any of the fine schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Iowa. (You could have used that money to pay for your kid to play with a better soccer club! jk)
And who's to say what school is crappy. Maybe in your opinion? Quite possibly that so-called crappy school specializes in a subject that is important to that individual. Maybe it's close to relatives. There are many factors that could be looked at. My child doesn't want to be on a large campus. They want a small school in a small town (I would prefer University of MN or WI, but they won't be comfortable) In the end it's up to them. It's everyone's individual choice.
Let me repeat, flying all over for the last 5 years. You are the blog winner for Total Nutjob!

Anonymous said...

i believe 9:52 stated "kids" and "them" as in plural - the responses make it sound like they went every week with one child for 5 years. give me a break. personally, i commend them. at least they are traveling to schools to determine if they are the right fit academically for their child and not if the soccer team is appropriate and what part (if any) of a soccer scholarship can they get. to each their own.

Anonymous said...

The responses make it sound like they went every week with one child for 5 years...what??? You are nutsy too!

Anonymous said...

Let's see...fly all over to visit colleges, or fly all over to play soccer games.

hmmmmmmm...9:52 is right. You're all nuts.

Anonymous said...

no one's nuts. to each their own. why people care what other folks do i've never understood.

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