2010 Girls State Cup

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

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

Good luck to all team, coaches and parents!

MTA and SSM gain USSF Development Academy

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

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

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

Visit the USSF Development Academy web site for additional information.

MN Thunder, USL and TOA

Many may have already read or heard about the demise of the MN Thunder and PDL Rochester Thunder. Unpaid bills, released players, no communication from owner Dean Johnson, would lead most to believe the MN Thunder no longer exist. Also, with the USL recently being sold to a ownership group with no team, a fraction of the former USL called the TOA (Team Owners Association) which represents angry team ownership for 6 or 7 USL/former USL teams, has been working on putting together a new league for a 2010 schedule.

For more details check out Inside MN Soccer, where Brian Quarstad has done an excellent job following the break story lines. See http://www.insidemnsoccer.com for more details.

What does all of this mean to top level soccer in Minnesota? What will all the former Thunder fans do May-August of 2010?

Boys Club News and Chat

Seems like we've had many months, even years, of talk about the MN U18 boys. With winter tournaments and Midwest Regional League on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how all of the MN boys teams compete this club season.

Girls Club News and Chat

With the high school season over, many MN soccer fans are turning their attention to the upcoming club season. While travel budgets may be smaller with the economic down turn, may team are still planning a full winter season of tournaments.

Lady Gophers Soccer

The lady gophers start the preseason with a #18 national ranking. With last year's outstanding season behind them, and loosing many oustanding seniors, they may not be able to match last year's success. They should be a very entertaining team, loaded with local talent. Get out to a match and support MN's only D1 program! Click here for schedule

Men's D1 Soccer

This year's incoming D1 freshmen class from MN was very small. But the MN men are well represented at D1 programs including: Butler, Brown, Creighton, Marquette, UW-GreenBay, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, Western Illinois and others.

Women's D1 Soccer

Every year MN sends several dozen young ladies into D1 soccer programs. Use this thread to exchange information about the upcoming season.

MIAC, D2, D3, UofM Men's Club, NAIA Soccer

The upper midwest enjoys some of the best non-D1 soccer in the country. The MIAC (Men's & Women's) should be an interesting race this year, and MN's only public D3 school, UMN-Morris, looks to continue improving. Additionally, the UofM Men's club soccer is also a national powerhouse for club soccer and enjoy's a strong series pre-season matchup with the MIAC elite.