MANY players better than the MN players on the ECNL teams. ECNL teams have several top players but also have quite a few average kids whos parents are willing to spend alot of $$$$$. Clearly top half of ECNL teams are pretty darn good players . Below that all could be easily replaced with many players on Non-ECNL teams.
8:14 - sorry that I have to point out the obvious, but I said "Only top half". As in you are down playing her abilities. The kid is a very good players and was easily one of the best player on any team.
9:o4 Yes, she is a very good player on a team full of very good players. Your opinion is what it is and shows that you really don't know the team that well. I am going to stop speaking on this subject as when we get into this and say "they lost their best player" it is a negative toward the other players. This to me, is the same as criticizing the other players specifically.
9:17 - interesting how giving a complement to a player who deserves it is immediately viewed as a negative towards the other players. Which of course is never the intent. I guess this is a reflection of the entitlement society we live in today.
8:29- Usually the intent is to disparage the team as in: team A is better than team B. I really don't think their motivation was to simply compliment the player. Re-read the post and I think you would agree.
10:19- great post. The EP coach really sent a sad message to his team that reflects negatively on all involved. Sad when adults can't be the adults. This should not get swept under the rug until an apology is issued.
1:14 - Your logic is the poorest kind. The rules state who must change jersey's (Home team). It is not against the rules for the Away team to change nor is it illegal for them to do so (If the coach agrees).
The coach had a decision, neither choice broke the rules.
I hope I do not get injured in car accident on a lonely freeway with you as the only car passing by. Assume you would not stop to help as it is illegal to stop on a freeway.
12:27 This is a National Championship Series that follows the national rules, this prepares the team for Regionals and Nationals; better to learn at State level than the next leg or higher. No coach will cave if the rules are not broken. This is the first nor last team that will face this issue happens every year and at the coaches meeting it's always discussed. Life lessons can be painfully.
8:20 Not that big an upset, MU is a good team! Too many people assume things about soccer teams not knowing the realities of the teams or not watching that many games at any given age group. Often they have a perception of a club (either right or wrong) and assume it is true for all teams in that club. It proves that there are many good clubs in MN, not just the ones a casual fan thinks are good or those that are biased.
Rev is only perceived as top club by their parents and coaches. Have they ever won a state cup title? They are no different than the other 15 MN clubs with a few premier teams, with a few standout players scattered around. The rah-rah that you see on this blog is by their parents and coaches to make them feel better about themselves. MUS is a better club than REV as they have far more state cup titles.
I know that these tournaments are hard to run, but waiting until 7:15 to make the decision to realize that fields under water are unplayable is pretty disappointing. A lot of people drove a long way for nothing. The decision to cancel could/ should have made at 6 am.
New State Cup Director who does not know the fields at the venue. Probably was hoping to avoid the reschedule headaches. Most of us coaches know how fast those fields took water last year and how many remained unplayable.
Had a change to poll a number of MTA players, overwhelming majority were not happy about not playing in state cup this year. Can anyone explain again why MTA is not playing in State Cup?
ECNL does not prohibit playing state cup. It doesn’t appear their ECNL schedule conflicts in anyway with the state cup or regional schedules. MTA does not have any league games during the entire month of May. No MTA team will make the playoffs for the ECNL national event in June, so their seasons are basically done after PDA last week of May.
Why penalize the girls if this is what they really want to do? Any chance MTA will change their policy next year and allow the girls to play State Cup?
I'm confused why everyone thinks just because kids are on or make ECNL means they are the best players. Truth is there is very little difference between the kids who aren't the "Stars" on a ECNL team and a premiere team or MRL premiere team. Many good players out there and trying to choose one over the other is a matter of preference of the coach. There are teams in MRL and the state that can beat MN ECNL teams easily, but aern't part of ECNL. MTA is the ONLY ECNL team in the state, but it doesn't make them the best team in the state. They just get to pay more money and get their asses handed to them against top regional/national teams. Big deal. That doesn't make the kids who don't play ECNL "worse players."
"Had a change to poll a number of MTA players, overwhelming majority were not happy about not playing in state cup this year. Can anyone explain again why MTA is not playing in State Cup?
ECNL does not prohibit playing state cup. It doesn’t appear their ECNL schedule conflicts in anyway with the state cup or regional schedules. MTA does not have any league games during the entire month of May. No MTA team will make the playoffs for the ECNL national event in June, so their seasons are basically done after PDA last week of May.
Why penalize the girls if this is what they really want to do? Any chance MTA will change their policy next year and allow the girls to play State Cup?
5/6/12 8:01 PM"
They should be. Bad decision by the club. Shouldn't they ask the customers what they want instead of charging an arm and a leg and telling you you can't play? That has to be the cheapest tourny they would play in all year! Most Sota teams shouldn't be in ECNL anyway. They could get enough competitive challenges in MRL and their own state. Losing by 5,6,7 goals teaches the kids nothing.
The only thing MTA has going for it is being a part of ECNL and the college coaches at the venues. The girls coaches on the Elite level are average at best.
So. I do not disagree with much in the last (4) posts but the statements about MTA coaching and ECNL, to be unbiased, would have to be directed toward certain ECNL age levels, and certain coaches. You could generalize to the same degree and state "MTA has an ECNL team competing to finish in the Top 3 in region and headed for promotion to the top ECNL league this year" and "One of their top coaches was just hired into D1 which demonstrates the type of coaching MTA offers to youth players" and be equally accurate and equally biased in the opposite direction.
Biased bashing is very transparent. Feel free to call a wart a wart but don't try to generalize to the entire body in the same regard. It takes away your credibility and shines a light on your intentions which are to keep players and parents from having their kids tryout or train at MTA. Why else would you bash in a generalized negative way or even bring up MTA versus club XYZ?
If you are happy with your club and think it offers a better product you should tell your members to go tryout wherever you like and be confident in the fact you are offering the best product around in terms of development. Much healthier for all involved and better for soccer in MN overall.
8:37 you are a fool. The ECNL MTA teams are hands down the best teams in the state. The non-star players are better than the better players on MN MYSA and MN MRSL teams. They would win at least 9 out of 10 games against in state teams. The coaches are better and the players are much more highly recruited. Go to therapy if you need to live through your child's soccer career...and it just ain't measuring up!
REV flopped this past weekend. So now instead of boasting how they're going to win all the age groups, tbey're turning all their energy into other club bashing.
Your comments are too broad & therefore inaccurate.
1. Not all the coaches are better in ECNL than other coaches in the state. Your comment suggests the best 4-5 youth coaches in the state of MN are all ECNL coaches. This is an opinion of yours but probably not the opinion of most including kids and parents on some of the ECNL teams.
2. There are players not on ECNL teams at all age levels that are better than several of the ECNL players on each team at respective age group. Your comment suggests MTA has consolidated the best 20ish players in the State at U14 and up which was the discussion a page ago or so. Simply has not happened.
This debate is not going anywhere. You will be deleted if you use your "choice words". Can you two move on, talk about the MYSA's failure to cancel games before several hundred people drove for an hour to hear the news. That is pure irresponsible bahaviour, what goes through their small brains? The tournament manager should be ashamed, all those families, all those inconviniences could have been prevented if they got out of bed early, inspected the fields, and posted the cancellation prior to all the people getting on the freeway. What a waste, how can this organization continue to act like they do no wrong? An apoogy would be a great start.
I have a child who plays ECNL. I also have a child that plays for another club. Both girls are extremely happy where they play. If they're happy, we're happy! ECNL DOES NOT have all the talent in the state. There are many, many talented girls that play for other clubs and have no desire to play ECNL. This argument of "my club is better than your club" will go no where. Just be happy where your child chooses to play.
All should sign up for US Club regionals and avoid St Cup next year. Probably the only way the message will get through. MYSA still operates like a Monopoly but, like the airlines during de-regulation, those that did not adapt and focus on customer needs were soon gone and replaced. Mysa = Pan Am, US Club = Southwest (no frills but efficient and flexible with a focus on the customer and very fast growth because of it)
Any important issue no one has raised with State Cup is the quality of officiating. These are some of the most important games of the year and the level of officiating is below average from what I've seen so far. It's understandable though, what motivation is there to drive to Isanti to get paid less than what these referees would receive in their own communities? They're the most important games, increase the pay and do what it takes to attract higher level/more experienced referees.
The reason is they are kids. I saw a center ref telling his linesman what to do and where to stand on a free kick during one of the U15 games on Saturday. Unreal! If you have to tell a linesman where to be during a game to call off-sides, there is a serious issue.
Don't complain about the referee's unless you are one, put your free time where you mouth is. It is not a full time job. 1/2 are kids just learning the game and making some summer spending money and the other 1/2, for the most part, do it because they love soccer not as their primary job.
Another $15 per game still does not cover the gas money to get to Isanti so paying them more, unless you pay them a lot more is not the issue.
Tell your kids that refs will make mistakes, some will go in their favor, others will not. The biggest issue I see is when kids have been corrupted by their parents or coach into thinking the refs are against them in a game. Better chance that team will lose than win once this mentality sets in even in a fairly refereed game when missed calls are balanced.
So 11:33, do you think that because these complaints are made every year that people are just looking to complain or that there's validity to many of the complaints but MYSA won't/doesn't have to address them?
MYSA only controls the referee's and the location, to a degree, as they can select the location only from the options they receive bids from and Ref's from those that are willing / available.
Even if the best ref's in the state ran all games there would be annual complaints on here about the refs. "my son/daughter's team could not have lost, the ref's must have put his/her team on the wrong side of the scoreboard"
Agree, the location is not defendable unless they had no other options. Also agree with the games not getting called on Sunday until around 8am....lazy by MYSA and $15ish in gas per car that drove up on average adds up to a lot of wasted time & $$ for nothing.
Love the list.....most are looking to complain and mostly about things MYSA does not control.
Why not play State Cup the first and or second weekend in June games in the PM on weekdays and in the am on weekends Thursday-Sunday at various locations. Pretty confident clubs would be glad to host an age group or two. No need to have all the games spread out over 6 weekends at one location. Play in games Thursday group play Friday-Sunday and semifinal and finals the following weekend with Thursday and Friday being make up days for the first weekend and Monday for the second weekend if needed. As it is now we ask families to not plan anything for 6 weekends in case there is a state cup game. It would also allow teams a better chance to prepare by playing in MN prior to State Cup. The format will also be similar to what is used at regionals with three group games in three days. Ohio North is done with State Cup on June 10th so pretty confident it would work for MN as well. What would not work with this proposal? What could be done to make it better? What have I missed?
2:54 PM - June games impacts high school graduations which draws more scrutiny. - Clubs do not want to host now why would they want to do so in June. - Re-elections for Tournament Director 2013 get your nominations in early
Left off checklist - The hotels at regionals were terrible - Referees ar regionals were terrible - Where did they get these referees for Nationals
Most other states play all but the finals at a neutral location agreed by the teams. They play on weekends set by the state. The group play is another MN anomaly. The MYSA is overly controlling and pays so little for refs and they get what they pay for. Just set up a single elimination tournament and rank the teams based on prior year results. It really is simple..so simple that MYSA can't figure it out!
I thought this was about state cup? How about discussing the games instead of complaining. All the things mentioned are factors that affect all soccer games/tournaments not just state cup.
It is about state cup -- trying to make the tourney a great event.
I personally like the ideas about having the teams decide where to play during group play, don't see any reason why these group play games need to be in a central location.
Having the semi & finals in a central location is still good though, and if it were just these games being played I bet MYSA could find a sweet venue to host (i.e. lit metro location stadium) and make a big deal for the kids about making it there. Attract the top refs and pay a premium for them to officiate the top games.
In the meantime, back to reality....MYSA will never use common sense. Enjoy the long drive through construction zones, water logged fields, on the job training refs, and that stench that refuses to yield to fresh air. I know I would gladly pay an additional fee to SCV,Blaine, Coon Rapids, or Woodbury for the use of their complex, all it takes is some negotiation. MYSA please get on it.
I don't know that MYSA can honestly defend holding the competition there. Especially two years in a row! That is brutal for everyone. It is really unexcusable. Send them an email before they have their committee meeting.
The location is a problem, but it's not that big of a problem... until you allow teams to arrive for their 8am games and tell them only after their arrival that the games are canceled. I can't be mad at MYSA for having the location there, their hands are tied to a degree. But they definitely mishandled that situation and need to issue an apology, they won't because they probably feel they did nothing wrong.
The drive to Isanti is tough. Lets just be glad they stepped up to host. No bigger club would dare put that much stress on the fields this early in the season. Talk to the folks at Coon Rapids or out at Lucy Winston, they struggled all year to get their fields back into a playable condition after hosting. Agree MYSA needs to consider using multiple venues for pool play. It would solve many of the issues being debated on this blog and would open up the likelyhood of clubs being willing to host.
The venue does get paid for use of the fields and all proceeds from concessions are theirs. Many clubs are already hosting tournaments and they can make more in one weekend, control their own destiny and not have to deal with MYSA. Many of the larger clubs already have league games and their own tournament. They do not want to destroy their fields nor will some communities allow outside organizations to use space identified for residential use. The price per field could hardly make a dent in repairs if you get hit with bad weather.
Ah yes...all state 2 years, in high school, means? Let me guess she goes to a class A school. Maybe one that parents pay for their child to attend...that's about right
There is a new State Cup director this year. He is actually a pretty nice guy...give him a couple of years to dismantle the state cup mess left by the last guy...who ran it like a military camp for 7 or 8 years.
Agreed that we should give the new guy a chance, however, what happened on Sunday can't be swept under the rug. An apology is needed for MYSA to have any credibility. my kid looked out the car window at the fields at 7am and said "we aren't playing today". Why it took MYSA so long to figure that out is not acceptable. They need to be better prepared in the weeks ahead. This isn't helping an already tarnished image.
SCV hosted for several years and finally had to give it up as their fields were destroyed by way too many early season games played on wet fields that often were lost for the summer.
I'm all for multiple locations, though that would stink for the 4-player family playing in 4 different locations on a Saturday.
Hats off to the State Cup director for finally figuring out how to schedule U16-U18 games around prom. How refreshing to see my high-school senior scheduled Saturday morning and Sunday night, instead of the 8am Sunday (morning after) game last year. Last year his date had to have teammates do her hair in the car on the way home from their Saturday afternoon game. Finally they're scheduling U13s-U15s on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.
MYSA needs to post an apology on their web-page. The "new guy" will not get any slack just because he is new, he is also responsible for showing up at the fields after 7 a.m. last Sunday, his job is to make the call early and get the information posted on his decision BEFORE it impacts/affects hundreds of families. MYSA will get no respect from the average MN soccer family until they start treating "US" like customers.
The MYSA does a very good job. It is not perfect, no organization is. The other organizations are just as flawed, trust me, I've seen it first hand. Yes, they should have called the games earlier. I'm sure next time they will. It's not the end of the world spending a few dollars in gas money and a little time.
We are not asking for perfection --just some understanding of the inconvenience caused to many and perhaps a simple message on the MYSA website explaining what it intends to do in the future.
Why are you so confident that MYSA will call the games earlier next time? Have they admitted that they did anything wrong? Hell, they may think they acted appropriately.
Can the person in charge of the tournament explain why he came to the fields at 7:15? If he thought the fields were going to be too wet before leeving the metro area, then the cancellation should have been issued then...i.e at about 6:15. If he got on the road my guess he expected the games to be played. BUT since he decided to cancel when it was too late to notify the 8 teams that had 8.a.m games so they would not waste a trip, he is clearly insensitive at best, and most definitely LAZY for not anticipating his need to make an early call. Apology please!
MYSA is poorly organized, full of people too impressed with themselves to care about anyone else, and they piss away all the money they collect in fees by overpaying their incompetent staff for the services thay do NOT provide.
I’m sorry, I apologize. I have hired a local farmer in Isanti to keep me posted on the field conditions going forward.
Holiday Stations also has said they are sorry and are offering free gas if you were one of the 8 parents affected by last week’s mistake. Please come by my tent at the tournament and I will sign a voucher for you.
Mother Nature also posted on her site this morning that she is very sorry for making it rain last weekend, and has promised perfect conditions this weekend.
is it weekend prediction time? (disclaimer - please no MTA ECNL folks saying that none of this matters cause the ECNL teams aren't it). Not a lot of good games out there as some have been settled and a bunch of Premier vs C1 matches. At 13, Rev - EP will be good theater between the uniforms and Rev's annual saga. 14s - 16s look boring as Premier - C1 games tend to be lopsided (maybe PSA vs MTA at 14?). 17 has Bville vs St Croix for that bracket but those teams aren't really that good. Maybe a good weekend to stay home and be nice to Mom!
May only be 1-2 games on the girls side that will be interesting but at least it looks like shorts weather!
At 13 expect Rev will win a close one (assuming they bring all their uniforms) and then have an easy time against the WC in their semi. Rev vs MTE final (MTE already secured both semi-spots on the other side it looks like).
14's, other than PSA/MTA not too much unknown unless MU somehow gets upset.
People...I hope you are not going to sit here and name players, please grow up a bit and drop this fruitless argument. BACK TO STATE CUP!!! Nice weather in the forecast, mother's day present for all will be to see some healthy and competitive games. Best of luck to all.
Dead on. You have captured it and explained it politely. Some folk will still not like your post. This debate is not going to be resolved here. It will be played out in the lives of the people described above over the next few years. In the meantime... enjoy the state cup, give thanks to your God that your daughter is able to play and you are able to watch the games.
There is a question posted in the Girls Club, Tourney and News. I wanted to ask this question, but did not want to ask it in the State cup blog, as this question is not focused on state cup. There are a few people curious to hear the reasons and explanations. It is posted by 5/11/12 1:01 PM. Thank you.
If the majority of the best players in any given age group were in ECNL, logic would follow that the ENCL teams at a given age group would defeat a combined team pulling the best players from other clubs.
MTA teams at the U13 level very strong, maybe there is something to talent being consolidated at MTA. Looks like no goals were scored on one of the teams in bracket play. It will be a Rev Mta final, but not as good a match as originally posted. 13s will do well at Regions in June.
7:35: your comment is exactly the type of comment that hinders consolidation. The rev team is very good. I for one would like to see 5-6 of the players on that team show up at MTA tryouts this fall and your message that the game will not be close is your wish not necessarily reality. I would guess it will be a one goal game, finals between strong teams are always coached to not let the first goal in and take chances on the counter or with a strong forward or two against 4 defenders.
If the seal is broken early and a team gets a goal in the first 15 minutes it could open up but not likely.
Further predication. The u13 final will be won or lost on corner kicks. Both teams are very strong on set plays and there will be some good battles in the box.
1:28 all the more reason to support consolidation..... if you believe there are only a "a few" good coaches. Do you mean per age group or in the state?. I personally think there are 3-5 depending on the age group but I have obviously not seen them all or watched all the teams. ( have not seen the 17's and 18's very much so not commenting on those ages)
My assessment is more based on the technique of the teams and their style of play / ability to execute their style of play in a competitive game vs. watching practices so I may be calling the number short as a very good coach with a new team or a group of sub par players would not be counted in my numbers.
I am not coming at this from an MTA perspective but sadly, these don't strike me as regionally competitive teams. Still a great accomplishment for the kids to win in state and that should not be diminished. But top end of regional results IMO is 1-1-1.
Ahhhh. back to the "we are great everyone else sucks" banter. And the first appearance of "the winners will suck at regionals." The discussion was actually civil and semi-eductated for a day or so.
Guilty pleasure reading for me I guess - Kinda like reading the covers of the fine literature in the check out line of the grocery store :-).
8:34 There is no reason to be negative about teams in your posts (re.: your assessment of the 15 group). It is one of the most talented groups, actually. I think your post should be removed.
I agree with 9:19...regarding the post made by 8:34. I completely disagree with the statement regarding U15 - PL (everyone else is bad). Really? Some very good strong teams spread across many clubs. Your post shows a definite lack in sportsmanship and class.
TC Fire coach should be suspended at least for the next state cup game for his foul language at yesterday's match. Is this coach known for that type of behavior?
Burnsville is NOT going to make the finals @ U14. Give me a break. They lost 4-1 to Dakota Rev in league and had the easiest bracket. I would be more shocked if they beat MTA vs NMetro beating MU. U13 MTA will stomp in finals. Even if the score is only 1-0, it will be one sided.
8:34 here. I think you are mis-interpreting my comments. I was just being realistic about the goals for teams beyond state. From experience, it takes a pretty special group of MN players to make noise at regionals against the upper team clubs (in other words, perform beyond 1-1-1 in pool play). MTA has had the greatest number of state cup winners and the broadest success at regionals (yes SSM, Woodbury have had individual teams go far but I just meant broad success with multiple teams at multiple age groups). That said, if you take the top MTA teams out of the mix for MN this year in each age group beyond u13 (the ECNL teams) then reasonably 1-1-1 is a good outcome. As for u15, last year's state cup champion at u14 was MTA and unless there was an amazing influx of players and development, you are starting from the 'non-winner' pool. In the last 2 years in the u13-u16 age group there have only been 2 non-mta teams win it and I don't think they were better than 1-1-1 at regionals. The post that says 'everyone will suck at regionals' is silly. 1-1-1 does not suck but it's a good result based on where the state is using the history and facts. I said, you can't win state without a great accomplishment and that is nothing to diminish. I guess its better to be unrealistic than realistic.
And how about that STATE CUP!!! Watched two games on Sunday and the ref/officials were very good, Imagine that?? My DD team's lost so not supporting the Ref due to a win, rather I think he called a fantastic game. New crew of Refs, luck or something else? I see a lot of MN Refs still continue to "get in the way" (they are not fast or careful enough) the ball hits them in the butt or back... this is not a big deal but I see sometimes they break up good "potential" plays, this can be improved by being in better condition and doing more running/less standing around.
I thought REV was supposed to win 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s and 17s....they are only still alive at 2 age groups and won't make the final at either. Surely they are a club with great coaches, leadership and players! What a joke!
10:13, not sure what you're on about but they're still alive at 13, 15, 16 and 18 on the girls side. Is that bad for a club based out of a city of just over 20,000?
Rev did not have a team at u17 only age group they entered and are not alive in is u14 and that team went 2 and 1 in group play and beat another semifinalist 4 to 1 in league last week. Also possible that their c1 teams that entered at 15 and 16 want have losing records so think rev have had success so but maybe not based on how you measure success.
Prediction who will be in the finals
13 rev vs mta 14 mta vs mu 15 tonka vs pl 16 ep vs rev 17 mta vs Burnsville 18 ssm vs rev
His blog, his discretion. He can determine what he finds acceptable or not acceptable.
Either respect his sand box and whatever rules or decorum he chooses or do not post or start your own blog or take a moniker and stand by your statements
LOL, that is very well and good when it comes to our nation,and our constitutional rights which I would stand with you; however, when you have people over to your house do you not expect them to follow certain respectful guidelines as house guests?
tomass and 8:27 am, why don't you both just STFU? Talk soccer. Does anyone think MYSA is happy that MTA ECNL teams aren't playing state cup? Do you think other clubs are happy?
With the top MTA teams out of the way from 14-17 it clears the way for clubs like SCV, Rev to break through. Rev / MTA have the best 2 teams at u13 and Rev/ EP at 16 and it looks like they are heading towards playing each other. This could be the year they break through of course but i am guessing they either go 2-0 or 0-2. SCV academy haven't shined yet but they don't seem out of it. The general guess is the ECNL void will be filled by various teams from differing clubs which is a good opportunity to diversify
Doubt MTA would win 14,16 or 18 if their ecnl teams played the 15's and 17's probably would.
I be surprised if the ECNL teams don’t participate in state cup soon again. The kids and their parents miss playing games in MN and it hurts MTA's image when they do not win locally.
Not sure REV 16 will make the final would give their 18's and 13's a better chance of being in the final.
St Croix will have semifinal teams at 15, 17 and 18.
Winner at 15 will be the winner of PL and Tonka.
Winners 13 MTA 14 MU 15 PL 16 EP 17 Burnsville 18 SSM
Doubt MTA would win 14,16 or 18 if their ecnl teams played the 15's and 17's probably would.
I be surprised if the ECNL teams don’t participate in state cup soon again. The kids and their parents miss playing games in MN and it hurts MTA's image when they do not win locally.
Not sure REV 16 will make the final would give their 18's and 13's a better chance of being in the final.
St Croix will have semifinal teams at 15, 17 and 18.
Winner at 15 will be the winner of PL and Tonka.
Winners 13 MTA 14 MU 15 PL 16 EP 17 Burnsville 18 SSM
What's nice about not having top MTA teams in State Cup is the fact that this blog is actually somewhat civilized...compared to past years. Good riddance.
Let's not count out ECNL players playing in Regionals and Nationals. New rules allow teams to add or subtract players after each leg of competition as long as the player is registered with the club with US Youth Soccer pass. For example MTA wins State Cup at U17, they add a number of ECNL players to bolster their chances to go to Nationals for Regionals. They still compete at ECNL Championship but with a weaker team that may not advance as far. MTA leadership has never been one to not find a legal opportunity to take advantage of a situation and this new rule plays right into those ECNL clubs that have talent to play in both events. What team wins at State Cup may not look anything like the team at Regionals and MTA is probably the only club with talent to do this.
Yawn..........Why do you care or why should I care? It is within the rules assuming the ECNL girls have MYSA cards. Unless you have a kid on the U17 MTA team that is in the bottom half of the team AND they win State Cup why would anyone else be interested in what players MTA might add ahead of regionals?
Thanks for the explanation the deletions MNF. You could have stated that, and asked the conversation to move, without deleting everything. Obviously your call and you made it.
The 18 semi between ssm and sy croix will be a very good game to bad it is at 8:00am would have been a good game for younger players to watch. Good luck to both teams,
Are there MN girls on SSM, or is it a purely out of state talent pool that plays in MN. Rumor on the street is that they have hired a new director of girls coaching and the interest in the state for MN girls is growing. MTA could use competition for elite players in the state that want to be dedicated to one sport.
Part of the whole issue around consolidation that was not brought up, is that there is a subset of girls and boys who want to play one sport and want to surround themselves with others who want to dedicate and train in the same way. For kids who train year around with devotion to developing their footskills and touch and then in March the hockey players and basketball players return to their team without having trained in the same way, can cause frustration for those kids who have dedicated themselves to development. I have two girls, one who plays elite and one who plays three sports. Both love soccer, both are good, and I support both paths, but they should not be playing on the same premiere team. Different committment levels. My younger daughter wants to play with soccer kids who train and are dedicated with the same passion she has. By age 15 I think those players should be consolidated and should have a fighting chance to compete in the region. What is wrong with that?
And seriously who wants to send their child to a boarding school! In reality girls don't get these huge $$ pro contracts. Less than 1% of boys do, so maybe they go to a serious boarding school to increase their chances. Hockey yes, but soccer no.
TC Fire Coach using the F-bomb? Though I personally have no positive feelings for the coach, I would say let it go. There are many reasons vulgar comes out of coaches mouths and more than anything else it is the result of a high level of frustration where there seems to be no other recourse.
I was tossed only once from a game for using vulgar language and ended up getting a verbal and written apology from both the Referee and Tourney Director for the actions of the referee crew that caused my outburst and dismissal.
Tom Ass -- Nice try, but I strongly disagree. Using the F-word around players, parents and younger kids should not be tolerated in youth sports. The fact that the outburst is caused by bad refereeing does not make it acceptable. C'mon, either the coach apologizes and cleans up or the club should kick him out.
Would you have the same view if a parent goes ballistic and uses the F-word when a referee makes a bad call???
5/16/12 12:32 PM - Sorry to burst your bubble, but parents do use those words at games. At state cup this past Sunday, we heard parents dropping the f-bomb and smoking cigarettes while they were doing it. Should parents be smoking at a youth function like this? Is it acceptable for parents to drop the f-bomb? Maybe the two wrongs make one right?
Aaron did send out an apology and stated he was wrong and his actions were un-excusable. He just did not send one out to you.
Have you ever made a mistake in your life? Did people call for your head?
Everyone is human. It was a mistake, relax and let it go or pay attention at the next state cup game and see how many people are using foul language, especially the parents of the older ages. You would be surprised. If it is too much for you to handle, I suggest you stay at home.
Chill out 12:52 PM. Did he send an apology to the other team?
Should parents be smoking at a youth function like this? Is it acceptable for parents to drop the f-bomb[in public]? Certainly not bozo. Take a look at section 8 of the MYSA Manual -- these policies and rules need to be enforced.
929 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 929 Newer› Newest»5:27, Not true.
It's a matter of opinion on "best player", but PL did lose a very good player to ECNL. So true that 5:34pm.
A top half player.
I doubt a player who makes ECNL in only "top half".
So,8:00 if it is the "best" player they would in fact,not be "in the top half"? Tell us what half they'd be in.
8:00
There are many players in MN on many teams that are as good or better than players that are participating in ENCL.
8:15 - there are some, but not many.
MANY players better than the MN players on the ECNL teams. ECNL teams have several top players but also have quite a few average kids whos parents are willing to spend alot of $$$$$. Clearly top half of ECNL teams are pretty darn good players . Below that all could be easily replaced with many players on Non-ECNL teams.
8:14 - sorry that I have to point out the obvious, but I said "Only top half". As in you are down playing her abilities. The kid is a very good players and was easily one of the best player on any team.
9:o4
Yes, she is a very good player on a team full of very good players. Your opinion is what it is and shows that you really don't know the team that well. I am going to stop speaking on this subject as when we get into this and say "they lost their best player" it is a negative toward the other players. This to me, is the same as criticizing the other players specifically.
Rev will beat PL tomorrow 2-1.
That's Rev C1 team not their premier team. I truly doubt that they'll beat PL. But hey I wish it would happen. Best of luck!
Rev might even win by more.
Pl will win that one by 5 plus the rev team was c2 last year
9:17 - interesting how giving a complement to a player who deserves it is immediately viewed as a negative towards the other players. Which of course is never the intent. I guess this is a reflection of the entitlement society we live in today.
8:29-
Usually the intent is to disparage the team as in: team A is better than team B. I really don't think their motivation was to simply compliment the player. Re-read the post and I think you would agree.
U17 today
PSA beat MTE 2-0
EP clobbered TCF 5-1
Any other scores?
10:19- great post. The EP coach really sent a sad message to his team that reflects negatively on all involved. Sad when adults can't be the adults. This should not get swept under the rug until an apology is issued.
So you need to apologize for following rules?
where are the normal TCF u17 parents. Hard one to explain away losing 5-1
1:14 - Your logic is the poorest kind. The rules state who must change jersey's (Home team). It is not against the rules for the Away team to change nor is it illegal for them to do so (If the coach agrees).
The coach had a decision, neither choice broke the rules.
I hope I do not get injured in car accident on a lonely freeway with you as the only car passing by. Assume you would not stop to help as it is illegal to stop on a freeway.
217, sure it is!! Only 3 girls from last years team still play on that team and the team has a new coach. Any other questions??
12:27 This is a National Championship Series that follows the national rules, this prepares the team for Regionals and Nationals; better to learn at State level than the next leg or higher. No coach will cave if the rules are not broken. This is the first nor last team that will face this issue happens every year and at the coaches meeting it's always discussed. Life lessons can be painfully.
PL beats Rev 3-1. Rev scores on own goal in opening minutes and attempts to come back in the second half. Good PL team, but Rev looks good too.
MU beats REV Premier at 15's. Big upset! Rev Premier seems to be struggling this year.
PL will/should win it all.
8:20
Not that big an upset, MU is a good team! Too many people assume things about soccer teams not knowing the realities of the teams or not watching that many games at any given age group. Often they have a perception of a club (either right or wrong) and assume it is true for all teams in that club. It proves that there are many good clubs in MN, not just the ones a casual fan thinks are good or those that are biased.
Rev is only perceived as top club by their parents and coaches. Have they ever won a state cup title? They are no different than the other 15 MN clubs with a few premier teams, with a few standout players scattered around. The rah-rah that you see on this blog is by their parents and coaches to make them feel better about themselves. MUS is a better club than REV as they have far more state cup titles.
I know that these tournaments are hard to run, but waiting until 7:15 to make the decision to realize that fields under water are unplayable is pretty disappointing. A lot of people drove a long way for nothing. The decision to cancel could/ should have made at 6 am.
The decision should have been made at 12:00 am.
were the fields unplayable at 11:59 pm yesterday?
New State Cup Director who does not know the fields at the venue. Probably was hoping to avoid the reschedule headaches. Most of us coaches know how fast those fields took water last year and how many remained unplayable.
Do you think him being new had anything to do with why he didn't arrive at the complex until about 7:15?
Had a change to poll a number of MTA players, overwhelming majority were not happy about not playing in state cup this year. Can anyone explain again why MTA is not playing in State Cup?
ECNL does not prohibit playing state cup. It doesn’t appear their ECNL schedule conflicts in anyway with the state cup or regional schedules. MTA does not have any league games during the entire month of May. No MTA team will make the playoffs for the ECNL national event in June, so their seasons are basically done after PDA last week of May.
Why penalize the girls if this is what they really want to do? Any chance MTA will change their policy next year and allow the girls to play State Cup?
I'm confused why everyone thinks just because kids are on or make ECNL means they are the best players. Truth is there is very little difference between the kids who aren't the "Stars" on a ECNL team and a premiere team or MRL premiere team. Many good players out there and trying to choose one over the other is a matter of preference of the coach. There are teams in MRL and the state that can beat MN ECNL teams easily, but aern't part of ECNL. MTA is the ONLY ECNL team in the state, but it doesn't make them the best team in the state. They just get to pay more money and get their asses handed to them against top regional/national teams. Big deal. That doesn't make the kids who don't play ECNL "worse players."
"Had a change to poll a number of MTA players, overwhelming majority were not happy about not playing in state cup this year. Can anyone explain again why MTA is not playing in State Cup?
ECNL does not prohibit playing state cup. It doesn’t appear their ECNL schedule conflicts in anyway with the state cup or regional schedules. MTA does not have any league games during the entire month of May. No MTA team will make the playoffs for the ECNL national event in June, so their seasons are basically done after PDA last week of May.
Why penalize the girls if this is what they really want to do? Any chance MTA will change their policy next year and allow the girls to play State Cup?
5/6/12 8:01 PM"
They should be. Bad decision by the club. Shouldn't they ask the customers what they want instead of charging an arm and a leg and telling you you can't play? That has to be the cheapest tourny they would play in all year! Most Sota teams shouldn't be in ECNL anyway. They could get enough competitive challenges in MRL and their own state. Losing by 5,6,7 goals teaches the kids nothing.
More important question. Who cares? The shine is wearing off the mta sales pitch. People are wising up.
The only thing MTA has going for it is being a part of ECNL and the college coaches at the venues. The girls coaches on the Elite level are average at best.
So. I do not disagree with much in the last (4) posts but the statements about MTA coaching and ECNL, to be unbiased, would have to be directed toward certain ECNL age levels, and certain coaches. You could generalize to the same degree and state "MTA has an ECNL team competing to finish in the Top 3 in region and headed for promotion to the top ECNL league this year" and "One of their top coaches was just hired into D1 which demonstrates the type of coaching MTA offers to youth players" and be equally accurate and equally biased in the opposite direction.
Biased bashing is very transparent. Feel free to call a wart a wart but don't try to generalize to the entire body in the same regard. It takes away your credibility and shines a light on your intentions which are to keep players and parents from having their kids tryout or train at MTA. Why else would you bash in a generalized negative way or even bring up MTA versus club XYZ?
If you are happy with your club and think it offers a better product you should tell your members to go tryout wherever you like and be confident in the fact you are offering the best product around in terms of development. Much healthier for all involved and better for soccer in MN overall.
8:37 you are a fool. The ECNL MTA teams are hands down the best teams in the state. The non-star players are better than the better players on MN MYSA and MN MRSL teams. They would win at least 9 out of 10 games against in state teams. The coaches are better and the players are much more highly recruited. Go to therapy if you need to live through your child's soccer career...and it just ain't measuring up!
Seems like there's a lot of jealousy out there directed at MTA.
:-)
REV flopped this past weekend. So now instead of boasting how they're going to win all the age groups, tbey're turning all their energy into other club bashing.
10:51:
Your comments are too broad & therefore inaccurate.
1. Not all the coaches are better in ECNL than other coaches in the state. Your comment suggests the best 4-5 youth coaches in the state of MN are all ECNL coaches. This is an opinion of yours but probably not the opinion of most including kids and parents on some of the ECNL teams.
2. There are players not on ECNL teams at all age levels that are better than several of the ECNL players on each team at respective age group. Your comment suggests MTA has consolidated the best 20ish players in the State at U14 and up which was the discussion a page ago or so. Simply has not happened.
This debate is not going anywhere. You will be deleted if you use your "choice words". Can you two move on, talk about the MYSA's failure to cancel games before several hundred people drove for an hour to hear the news. That is pure irresponsible bahaviour, what goes through their small brains? The tournament manager should be ashamed, all those families, all those inconviniences could have been prevented if they got out of bed early, inspected the fields, and posted the cancellation prior to all the people getting on the freeway. What a waste, how can this organization continue to act like they do no wrong? An apoogy would be a great start.
Agreed! The management of the event was awful.
I have a child who plays ECNL. I also have a child that plays for another club. Both girls are extremely happy where they play. If they're happy, we're happy! ECNL DOES NOT have all the talent in the state. There are many, many talented girls that play for other clubs and have no desire to play ECNL.
This argument of "my club is better than your club" will go no where. Just be happy where your child chooses to play.
All should sign up for US Club regionals and avoid St Cup next year. Probably the only way the message will get through. MYSA still operates like a Monopoly but, like the airlines during de-regulation, those that did not adapt and focus on customer needs were soon gone and replaced. Mysa = Pan Am, US Club = Southwest (no frills but efficient and flexible with a focus on the customer and very fast growth because of it)
Any important issue no one has raised with State Cup is the quality of officiating. These are some of the most important games of the year and the level of officiating is below average from what I've seen so far. It's understandable though, what motivation is there to drive to Isanti to get paid less than what these referees would receive in their own communities? They're the most important games, increase the pay and do what it takes to attract higher level/more experienced referees.
100% agreed 9:34am! The officiating unbelievable!
The reason is they are kids. I saw a center ref telling his linesman what to do and where to stand on a free kick during one of the U15 games on Saturday. Unreal! If you have to tell a linesman where to be during a game to call off-sides, there is a serious issue.
Yearly State Cup Blog Checklist
Bad location: Check
MTA bad: Check
Bad moral decision: Check
MYSA bad: Check
Officiating bad: Check, took longer than usual though.
Did I miss anything?
Don't complain about the referee's unless you are one, put your free time where you mouth is. It is not a full time job. 1/2 are kids just learning the game and making some summer spending money and the other 1/2, for the most part, do it because they love soccer not as their primary job.
Another $15 per game still does not cover the gas money to get to Isanti so paying them more, unless you pay them a lot more is not the issue.
Tell your kids that refs will make mistakes, some will go in their favor, others will not. The biggest issue I see is when kids have been corrupted by their parents or coach into thinking the refs are against them in a game. Better chance that team will lose than win once this mentality sets in even in a fairly refereed game when missed calls are balanced.
Ha, love the checklist! Next up,
The winners should not have won and will get killed at regionals! Then your list will be complete.....
So 11:33, do you think that because these complaints are made every year that people are just looking to complain or that there's validity to many of the complaints but MYSA won't/doesn't have to address them?
MYSA only controls the referee's and the location, to a degree, as they can select the location only from the options they receive bids from and Ref's from those that are willing / available.
Even if the best ref's in the state ran all games there would be annual complaints on here about the refs. "my son/daughter's team could not have lost, the ref's must have put his/her team on the wrong side of the scoreboard"
Agree, the location is not defendable unless they had no other options. Also agree with the games not getting called on Sunday until around 8am....lazy by MYSA and $15ish in gas per car that drove up on average adds up to a lot of wasted time & $$ for nothing.
Love the list.....most are looking to complain and mostly about things MYSA does not control.
Why not play State Cup the first and or second weekend in June games in the PM on weekdays and in the am on weekends Thursday-Sunday at various locations.
Pretty confident clubs would be glad to host an age group or two. No need to have all the games spread out over 6 weekends at one location.
Play in games Thursday group play Friday-Sunday and semifinal and finals the following weekend with Thursday and Friday being make up days for the first weekend and Monday for the second weekend if needed.
As it is now we ask families to not plan anything for 6 weekends in case there is a state cup game.
It would also allow teams a better chance to prepare by playing in MN prior to State Cup. The format will also be similar to what is used at regionals with three group games in three days.
Ohio North is done with State Cup on June 10th so pretty confident it would work for MN as well.
What would not work with this proposal? What could be done to make it better? What have I missed?
2:54 PM
- June games impacts high school graduations which draws more scrutiny.
- Clubs do not want to host now why would they want to do so in June.
- Re-elections for Tournament Director 2013 get your nominations in early
Left off checklist
- The hotels at regionals were terrible
- Referees ar regionals were terrible
- Where did they get these referees for Nationals
Most other states play all but the finals at a neutral location agreed by the teams. They play on weekends set by the state. The group play is another MN anomaly. The MYSA is overly controlling and pays so little for refs and they get what they pay for. Just set up a single elimination tournament and rank the teams based on prior year results. It really is simple..so simple that MYSA can't figure it out!
I thought this was about state cup? How about discussing the games instead of complaining. All the things mentioned are factors that affect all soccer games/tournaments not just state cup.
It is about state cup -- trying to make the tourney a great event.
I personally like the ideas about having the teams decide where to play during group play, don't see any reason why these group play games need to be in a central location.
Having the semi & finals in a central location is still good though, and if it were just these games being played I bet MYSA could find a sweet venue to host (i.e. lit metro location stadium) and make a big deal for the kids about making it there. Attract the top refs and pay a premium for them to officiate the top games.
In the meantime, back to reality....MYSA will never use common sense. Enjoy the long drive through construction zones, water logged fields, on the job training refs, and that stench that refuses to yield to fresh air. I know I would gladly pay an additional fee to SCV,Blaine, Coon Rapids, or Woodbury for the use of their complex, all it takes is some negotiation. MYSA please get on it.
I don't know that MYSA can honestly defend holding the competition there. Especially two years in a row! That is brutal for everyone. It is really unexcusable. Send them an email before they have their committee meeting.
The location is a problem, but it's not that big of a problem... until you allow teams to arrive for their 8am games and tell them only after their arrival that the games are canceled. I can't be mad at MYSA for having the location there, their hands are tied to a degree. But they definitely mishandled that situation and need to issue an apology, they won't because they probably feel they did nothing wrong.
Out of curiosity, does MYSA pay the venue a fee for hosting state cup, or does the venue pay a fee to MYSA for the right to host?
If clubs don't benefit financially for hosting the state cup tourney, not sure why anyone would volunteer for it.
The drive to Isanti is tough. Lets just be glad they stepped up to host. No bigger club would dare put that much stress on the fields this early in the season. Talk to the folks at Coon Rapids or out at Lucy Winston, they struggled all year to get their fields back into a playable condition after hosting.
Agree MYSA needs to consider using multiple venues for pool play. It would solve many of the issues being debated on this blog and would open up the likelyhood of clubs being willing to host.
The venue does get paid for use of the fields and all proceeds from concessions are theirs. Many clubs are already hosting tournaments and they can make more in one weekend, control their own destiny and not have to deal with MYSA. Many of the larger clubs already have league games and their own tournament. They do not want to destroy their fields nor will some communities allow outside organizations to use space identified for residential use. The price per field could hardly make a dent in repairs if you get hit with bad weather.
Ah yes...all state 2 years, in high school, means? Let me guess she goes to a class A school. Maybe one that parents pay for their child to attend...that's about right
The person in charge of the state cup should be fired. If you agree, please make noise here and in Isanti -- honk, make signs,etc.
There is a new State Cup director this year. He is actually a pretty nice guy...give him a couple of years to dismantle the state cup mess left by the last guy...who ran it like a military camp for 7 or 8 years.
Agreed that we should give the new guy a chance, however, what happened on Sunday can't be swept under the rug. An apology is needed for MYSA to have any credibility. my kid looked out the car window at the fields at 7am and said "we aren't playing today". Why it took MYSA so long to figure that out is not acceptable. They need to be better prepared in the weeks ahead. This isn't helping an already tarnished image.
SCV hosted for several years and finally had to give it up as their fields were destroyed by way too many early season games played on wet fields that often were lost for the summer.
I'm all for multiple locations, though that would stink for the 4-player family playing in 4 different locations on a Saturday.
Hats off to the State Cup director for finally figuring out how to schedule U16-U18 games around prom. How refreshing to see my high-school senior scheduled Saturday morning and Sunday night, instead of the 8am Sunday (morning after) game last year. Last year his date had to have teammates do her hair in the car on the way home from their Saturday afternoon game. Finally they're scheduling U13s-U15s on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.
MYSA needs to post an apology on their web-page. The "new guy" will not get any slack just because he is new, he is also responsible for showing up at the fields after 7 a.m. last Sunday, his job is to make the call early and get the information posted on his decision BEFORE it impacts/affects hundreds of families. MYSA will get no respect from the average MN soccer family until they start treating "US" like customers.
Good luck 8:22, the MYSA is like the DMV... you know you're going to get awful service but you don't really have an alternative.
The MYSA does a very good job. It is not perfect, no organization is. The other organizations are just as flawed, trust me, I've seen it first hand.
Yes, they should have called the games earlier. I'm sure next time they will.
It's not the end of the world spending a few dollars in gas money and a little time.
We are not asking for perfection --just some understanding of the inconvenience caused to many and perhaps a simple message on the MYSA website explaining what it intends to do in the future.
Why are you so confident that MYSA will call the games earlier next time? Have they admitted that they did anything wrong? Hell, they may think they acted appropriately.
Can the person in charge of the tournament explain why he came to the fields at 7:15? If he thought the fields were going to be too wet before leeving the metro area, then the cancellation should have been issued then...i.e at about 6:15. If he got on the road my guess he expected the games to be played. BUT since he decided to cancel when it was too late to notify the 8 teams that had 8.a.m games so they would not waste a trip, he is clearly insensitive at best, and most definitely LAZY for not anticipating his need to make an early call. Apology please!
Hey 10:39:
MYSA is poorly organized, full of people too impressed with themselves to care about anyone else, and they piss away all the money they collect in fees by overpaying their incompetent staff for the services thay do NOT provide.
I’m sorry, I apologize. I have hired a local farmer in Isanti to keep me posted on the field conditions going forward.
Holiday Stations also has said they are sorry and are offering free gas if you were one of the 8 parents affected by last week’s mistake. Please come by my tent at the tournament and I will sign a voucher for you.
Mother Nature also posted on her site this morning that she is very sorry for making it rain last weekend, and has promised perfect conditions this weekend.
Can we move on now?
I thought 1:27 was a riot!!!
Move on people...must be tough always perfect?
MYSA does SO much right compared to many states. Live somewhere else for awhile and you will see how spoiled you are. It's embarrassing really.
Move on 2:26 PM or else!
Ouch! You are so mean.
Ummm...I'm guessing you know each other?
Wrarrreee -- CAT FIGHT!!!
is it weekend prediction time? (disclaimer - please no MTA ECNL folks saying that none of this matters cause the ECNL teams aren't it). Not a lot of good games out there as some have been settled and a bunch of Premier vs C1 matches. At 13, Rev - EP will be good theater between the uniforms and Rev's annual saga. 14s - 16s look boring as Premier - C1 games tend to be lopsided (maybe PSA vs MTA at 14?). 17 has Bville vs St Croix for that bracket but those teams aren't really that good. Maybe a good weekend to stay home and be nice to Mom!
May only be 1-2 games on the girls side that will be interesting but at least it looks like shorts weather!
At 13 expect Rev will win a close one (assuming they bring all their uniforms) and then have an easy time against the WC in their semi. Rev vs MTE final (MTE already secured both semi-spots on the other side it looks like).
14's, other than PSA/MTA not too much unknown unless MU somehow gets upset.
By MU getting upset I mean not winning 4 or 5 to nil
U16 Questions
Can North Metro give PSA a run?
Can Eagan give MTA a run?
Maybe success can be measured in more ways than one for example not only by number of state cup titles.
People...I hope you are not going to sit here and name players, please grow up a bit and drop this fruitless argument. BACK TO STATE CUP!!! Nice weather in the forecast, mother's day present for all will be to see some healthy and competitive games. Best of luck to all.
5/11/12 10:58 AM
Dead on. You have captured it and explained it politely. Some folk will still not like your post. This debate is not going to be resolved here. It will be played out in the lives of the people described above over the next few years. In the meantime... enjoy the state cup, give thanks to your God that your daughter is able to play and you are able to watch the games.
9:30 Thank you for trying to get this blog focused again on State Cup.
10:58 and 11:07 Ditto
Sorry...I meant 9:03, thank you for trying to redirect the focus to State Cup.
There is a question posted in the Girls Club, Tourney and News. I wanted to ask this question, but did not want to ask it in the State cup blog, as this question is not focused on state cup. There are a few people curious to hear the reasons and explanations. It is posted by 5/11/12 1:01 PM. Thank you.
One reason not specifically mentioned in the reply to the 5/11/12 1:01 PM post -- the elitist attitude of some MTA coaches and parents.
If the majority of the best players in any given age group were in ECNL, logic would follow that the ENCL teams at a given age group would defeat a combined team pulling the best players from other clubs.
Yes, that is silly.
4:34 PM thinks it's silly.
God I love this blog during May...
MTA teams at the U13 level very strong, maybe there is something to talent being consolidated at MTA. Looks like no goals were scored on one of the teams in bracket play. It will be a Rev Mta final, but not as good a match as originally posted. 13s will do well at Regions in June.
7:35: your comment is exactly the type of comment that hinders consolidation. The rev team is very good. I for one would like to see 5-6 of the players on that team show up at MTA tryouts this fall and your message that the game will not be close is your wish not necessarily reality. I would guess it will be a one goal game, finals between strong teams are always coached to not let the first goal in and take chances on the counter or with a strong forward or two against 4 defenders.
If the seal is broken early and a team gets a goal in the first 15 minutes it could open up but not likely.
Further predication. The u13 final will be won or lost on corner kicks. Both teams are very strong on set plays and there will be some good battles in the box.
1:28 all the more reason to support consolidation..... if you believe there are only a "a few" good coaches. Do you mean per age group or in the state?. I personally think there are 3-5 depending on the age group but I have obviously not seen them all or watched all the teams. ( have not seen the 17's and 18's very much so not commenting on those ages)
My assessment is more based on the technique of the teams and their style of play / ability to execute their style of play in a competitive game vs. watching practices so I may be calling the number short as a very good coach with a new team or a group of sub par players would not be counted in my numbers.
Why did TC Fire coach get thrown out of U15 game vs. Tonka?
Thought mta was the team to beat at u15 =)
Anyone with revised predictions for the U15s?
PL is the clear favorite at U15.
MTA 15's blew it. And there's no excuses. PL is the clear favorite and they should walk away with it now.
MTA doesn't have a team in State Cup. They're playing in ECNL.
MTN does have a team. Is that what you mean?
7:08-I don't think any team is going to "walk away" with anything. This is a talented group state-wide.
Finals guesses:
13 REV - MTE - MTE 1-0
14 BVL - MUS - MUS 1-0
15 PL (everyone else is bad)
16 REV - EP - Rev 1-0
17 BV - WZTA - WTZ - 1-0
18 SSM
I am not coming at this from an MTA perspective but sadly, these don't strike me as regionally competitive teams. Still a great accomplishment for the kids to win in state and that should not be diminished. But top end of regional results IMO is 1-1-1.
8:34 AM -- Happily, your opinion does not matter.
Ahhhh. back to the "we are great everyone else sucks" banter. And the first appearance of "the winners will suck at regionals." The discussion was actually civil and semi-eductated for a day or so.
Guilty pleasure reading for me I guess - Kinda like reading the covers of the fine literature in the check out line of the grocery store :-).
8:34
There is no reason to be negative about teams in your posts (re.: your assessment of the 15 group).
It is one of the most talented groups, actually. I think your post should be removed.
I agree with 9:19...regarding the post made by 8:34. I completely disagree with the statement regarding U15 - PL (everyone else is bad). Really? Some very good strong teams spread across many clubs. Your post shows a definite lack in sportsmanship and class.
TC Fire coach should be suspended at least for the next state cup game for his foul language at yesterday's match. Is this coach known for that type of behavior?
Burnsville is NOT going to make the finals @ U14. Give me a break. They lost 4-1 to Dakota Rev in league and had the easiest bracket. I would be more shocked if they beat MTA vs NMetro beating MU. U13 MTA will stomp in finals. Even if the score is only 1-0, it will be one sided.
8:34 here. I think you are mis-interpreting my comments. I was just being realistic about the goals for teams beyond state. From experience, it takes a pretty special group of MN players to make noise at regionals against the upper team clubs (in other words, perform beyond 1-1-1 in pool play). MTA has had the greatest number of state cup winners and the broadest success at regionals (yes SSM, Woodbury have had individual teams go far but I just meant broad success with multiple teams at multiple age groups). That said, if you take the top MTA teams out of the mix for MN this year in each age group beyond u13 (the ECNL teams) then reasonably 1-1-1 is a good outcome. As for u15, last year's state cup champion at u14 was MTA and unless there was an amazing influx of players and development, you are starting from the 'non-winner' pool. In the last 2 years in the u13-u16 age group there have only been 2 non-mta teams win it and I don't think they were better than 1-1-1 at regionals. The post that says 'everyone will suck at regionals' is silly. 1-1-1 does not suck but it's a good result based on where the state is using the history and facts. I said, you can't win state without a great accomplishment and that is nothing to diminish. I guess its better to be unrealistic than realistic.
12:27, I agree with you that 1-1-1 at regionals is a good result for any MN team.
And how about that STATE CUP!!! Watched two games on Sunday and the ref/officials were very good, Imagine that?? My DD team's lost so not supporting the Ref due to a win, rather I think he called a fantastic game. New crew of Refs, luck or something else? I see a lot of MN Refs still continue to "get in the way" (they are not fast or careful enough) the ball hits them in the butt or back... this is not a big deal but I see sometimes they break up good "potential" plays, this can be improved by being in better condition and doing more running/less standing around.
I mean mess, as not actively disagreeing with his call.
I thought REV was supposed to win 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s and 17s....they are only still alive at 2 age groups and won't make the final at either. Surely they are a club with great coaches, leadership and players! What a joke!
Was this really necessary 10:13?
10:13, not sure what you're on about but they're still alive at 13, 15, 16 and 18 on the girls side. Is that bad for a club based out of a city of just over 20,000?
Rev did not have a team at u17 only age group they entered and are not alive in is u14 and that team went 2 and 1 in group play and beat another semifinalist 4 to 1 in league last week.
Also possible that their c1 teams that entered at 15 and 16 want have losing records so think rev have had success so but maybe not based on how you measure success.
Prediction who will be in the finals
13 rev vs mta
14 mta vs mu
15 tonka vs pl
16 ep vs rev
17 mta vs Burnsville
18 ssm vs rev
@5/15 118AM
His blog, his discretion. He can determine what he finds acceptable or not acceptable.
Either respect his sand box and whatever rules or decorum he chooses or do not post or start your own blog or take a moniker and stand by your statements
6:47, PL and Tonka can't meet in the finals.
@5/15/12 8:27 AM
LOL, that is very well and good when it comes to our nation,and our constitutional rights which I would stand with you; however, when you have people over to your house do you not expect them to follow certain respectful guidelines as house guests?
tomass and 8:27 am, why don't you both just STFU? Talk soccer. Does anyone think MYSA is happy that MTA ECNL teams aren't playing state cup? Do you think other clubs are happy?
With the top MTA teams out of the way from 14-17 it clears the way for clubs like SCV, Rev to break through. Rev / MTA have the best 2 teams at u13 and Rev/ EP at 16 and it looks like they are heading towards playing each other. This could be the year they break through of course but i am guessing they either go 2-0 or 0-2. SCV academy haven't shined yet but they don't seem out of it. The general guess is the ECNL void will be filled by various teams from differing clubs which is a good opportunity to diversify
Who thinks TCF coach should be booted for his use of the F word on the field last Sunday?
5/15/12 11:23 AM - I am sure clubs are happy that ECNL is not participating in state cup, especially at the U15 age range.
Not true at all!
Doubt MTA would win 14,16 or 18 if their ecnl teams played the 15's and 17's probably would.
I be surprised if the ECNL teams don’t participate in state cup soon again. The kids and their parents miss playing games in MN and it hurts MTA's image when they do not win locally.
Not sure REV 16 will make the final would give their 18's and 13's a better chance of being in the final.
St Croix will have semifinal teams at 15, 17 and 18.
Winner at 15 will be the winner of PL and Tonka.
Winners
13 MTA
14 MU
15 PL
16 EP
17 Burnsville
18 SSM
So no REV or St Croix winners.
Doubt MTA would win 14,16 or 18 if their ecnl teams played the 15's and 17's probably would.
I be surprised if the ECNL teams don’t participate in state cup soon again. The kids and their parents miss playing games in MN and it hurts MTA's image when they do not win locally.
Not sure REV 16 will make the final would give their 18's and 13's a better chance of being in the final.
St Croix will have semifinal teams at 15, 17 and 18.
Winner at 15 will be the winner of PL and Tonka.
Winners
13 MTA
14 MU
15 PL
16 EP
17 Burnsville
18 SSM
So no REV or St Croix winners.
What's nice about not having top MTA teams in State Cup is the fact that this blog is actually somewhat civilized...compared to past years. Good riddance.
5/15/12 12:40 PM - You are funny. The blogs are still just as bad and people have already made the comments about it being that way.
5/15/12 12:34 PM - ok, you are correct. It is not true at all.
TCF coach used F bomb? No self control - boot him.
Please restrict your comments to Girls State cup. Move club, super team, and other club beef to the "Girls Club, Tourney and News" thread. Thank you.
Tomass nice to have your reasonable commentary. Thanks!
Let's not count out ECNL players playing in Regionals and Nationals. New rules allow teams to add or subtract players after each leg of competition as long as the player is registered with the club with US Youth Soccer pass. For example MTA wins State Cup at U17, they add a number of ECNL players to bolster their chances to go to Nationals for Regionals. They still compete at ECNL Championship but with a weaker team that may not advance as far. MTA leadership has never been one to not find a legal opportunity to take advantage of a situation and this new rule plays right into those ECNL clubs that have talent to play in both events. What team wins at State Cup may not look anything like the team at Regionals and MTA is probably the only club with talent to do this.
Yawn..........Why do you care or why should I care? It is within the rules assuming the ECNL girls have MYSA cards. Unless you have a kid on the U17 MTA team that is in the bottom half of the team AND they win State Cup why would anyone else be interested in what players MTA might add ahead of regionals?
Thanks for the explanation the deletions MNF. You could have stated that, and asked the conversation to move, without deleting everything. Obviously your call and you made it.
The 18 semi between ssm and sy croix will be a very good game to bad it is at 8:00am would have been a good game for younger players to watch. Good luck to both teams,
12:39
The SCV 17 lost to BV last Sunday. They can't be in the semi with BV (assuming BV wins, they are in the driver's seat).
Are there MN girls on SSM, or is it a purely out of state talent pool that plays in MN. Rumor on the street is that they have hired a new director of girls coaching and the interest in the state for MN girls is growing. MTA could use competition for elite players in the state that want to be dedicated to one sport.
Part of the whole issue around consolidation that was not brought up, is that there is a subset of girls and boys who want to play one sport and want to surround themselves with others who want to dedicate and train in the same way.
For kids who train year around with devotion to developing their footskills and touch and then in March the hockey players and basketball players return to their team without having trained in the same way, can cause frustration for those kids who have dedicated themselves to development. I have two girls, one who plays elite and one who plays three sports. Both love soccer, both are good, and I support both paths, but they should not be playing on the same premiere team. Different committment levels. My younger daughter wants to play with soccer kids who train and are dedicated with the same passion she has. By age 15 I think those players should be consolidated and should have a fighting chance to compete in the region. What is wrong with that?
My guess is that about half the ssm roster is mn kids it is a good team but sy croix and or rev can beat them if they have a good game.
Consolidation happens at each age group over time.
Ther are only a few MN girls on the SSM u18 team.
SSM does not play ECNL, so I think they have a hard time attracting the elite players.
And seriously who wants to send their child to a boarding school! In reality girls don't get these huge $$ pro contracts. Less than 1% of boys do, so maybe they go to a serious boarding school to increase their chances. Hockey yes, but soccer no.
TC Fire Coach using the F-bomb? Though I personally have no positive feelings for the coach, I would say let it go. There are many reasons vulgar comes out of coaches mouths and more than anything else it is the result of a high level of frustration where there seems to be no other recourse.
I was tossed only once from a game for using vulgar language and ended up getting a verbal and written apology from both the Referee and Tourney Director for the actions of the referee crew that caused my outburst and dismissal.
Shxt happens ;-) Let it go
Tom Ass -- Nice try, but I strongly disagree. Using the F-word around players, parents and younger kids should not be tolerated in youth sports. The fact that the outburst is caused by bad refereeing does not make it acceptable. C'mon, either the coach apologizes and cleans up or the club should kick him out.
Would you have the same view if a parent goes ballistic and uses the F-word when a referee makes a bad call???
5/16/12 12:32 PM - Sorry to burst your bubble, but parents do use those words at games. At state cup this past Sunday, we heard parents dropping the f-bomb and smoking cigarettes while they were doing it. Should parents be smoking at a youth function like this? Is it acceptable for parents to drop the f-bomb? Maybe the two wrongs make one right?
Aaron did send out an apology and stated he was wrong and his actions were un-excusable. He just did not send one out to you.
Have you ever made a mistake in your life? Did people call for your head?
Everyone is human. It was a mistake, relax and let it go or pay attention at the next state cup game and see how many people are using foul language, especially the parents of the older ages. You would be surprised. If it is too much for you to handle, I suggest you stay at home.
Chill out 12:52 PM. Did he send an apology to the other team?
Should parents be smoking at a youth function like this? Is it acceptable for parents to drop the f-bomb[in public]? Certainly not bozo. Take a look at section 8 of the MYSA Manual -- these policies and rules need to be enforced.
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