Some highlights and predictions for the 2007 Boys Soccer Sections. I don’t know all of the teams and section well, but I’m taking a shot. Best of luck to all the teams, coaches, fans and parents!
Click on the section links below to see the MSHSL brackets and scores!
1AA - #1 Lakeville North – LN is the class of this average section and should win it.
2AA - #1 Eden Prairie – only Edina in the final should make this section tough for EP. EP wins the final though.
3AA - #1 Apple Valley – one of the toughest sections – AV and Burnsville in the final and it should be a barn burner – Eastview could be the surprise in this section
4AA - #1 Hill Murray – this section demonstrates the parity in soccer this year – no great teams here, but the top 5-6 are capable of winning it. Toss up.
5AA - #1 Osseo – surprised Osseo gets the top seed. This is a strong section and any of the top 5 teams could win it. I predict #3 Champlin Park wins it.
6AA - #1 Wayzata – probably the strongest section with any of the top 5 teams capable of winning it and doing well at state. Even though Wayzata has been scoring goals of late, I predict St. Louis Park wins it.
7AA - #1 Anoka – probably the best job of seeding by the coaches. Only Anoka, Coon Rapids and Blaine have a shot to win it. I say the semi-winner between Coon Rapids and Blaine beats Anoka in the final.
8AA - #St. Cloud Apollo – Traditionally out state teams get clobbered at state. Apollo should win the section.
1A - #1 Rochester Lourdes – this is a big section with 16 teams, but I can see anybody putting up much of a fight against Lourdes.
2A - #1 Mankato West – looks like a Mankato West v Mankato East final.
3A - #1 Blake School – I guess this is a good section for Class A, but really not many good teams. Blake and SPA should get to the final.
4A - #1 St. Paul Humboldt – what a great season for the boys from Humboldt! Congrats! This section has 4 good Class A teams in Humboldt, St. Bernards, Mahtomedi and South St. Paul. I say Mahtomedi over South St. Paul in the final.
5A - #1 Totino Grace – has teams that have historically been strong Class A schools, but not this year. This section is tough to figure out. Even #5 Mpls Edison has a chance to win it, although it should be Totino…don’t bet any money on this one.
6A - #1 Benilde – should be Benilde, Orono and Breck are the class of this section. I predict Orono in an upset in the final over Benilde.
7A - #1 Duluth East – hands down Duluth East rolls through the final.
8A - #1 Hillcrest Lutheran – just like AA, the winner of this section probably will not fair well at the state tournament.
I disagree about 4AA. Hill Murray is the class of that section by a good margin. Not saying that they're a lock to win it by any means but they should be considered the favorite.
ReplyDeleteI think that St. Thomas will beat Blake. Blake has padded their schedule with some weak schools. St. Thomas has a solid team and will give Blake a run.
ReplyDeleteThere was already one upset in this bracket with Richfield over St. Paul Highland.
Could be a good bracket with close games. I think the teams are closer in skill than records indicate.
I bet my money on Totino to go through. Watch for one of the best underclassman to carry them through it all. Never hurts to have a goal scorer on the team.
ReplyDeletethere is no way that st thomas will ever beat blake they are not good enough. Blake will crushe them, predicting 3-0.
ReplyDeleteLN will win with out adoubt there toughest competition will be either Rochester Century who they beat 3-1, or Owatona who they beat 6-0.
ReplyDelete3AA scores:
ReplyDeleteAV-3
Park-0
EV-2
Rosemount-3
OT
Sibley-3
Eagan-0
Hastings-1
Burnsville-0
So Valley and Sibley play and Hastings will play Rosemount.
bville and eastview both lost in very tight games. both are huge upsets in section 3A. we'll see how the rest works out....
ReplyDeleteThe high school league website says burnsville and eastview won. Is this a mistake?
ReplyDeletein the pioneer press it says they lost so i think its right
ReplyDeleteHave the night open to go to a game - Have no connections anywhere - What game will be the game to see tonight?
ReplyDeleteprobaly the LN vs Farmington tonight at 7 at LN.
ReplyDeleteSt. Thomas will probably give Blake a decent run. Remember they tied Hill-Murray 1-1 and lost to Sibley by just a 2-1 score.
ReplyDeletelakeville bs. farmington? its gonna be a blowout
ReplyDeleteYeah thats true Lakeville wins easily. Predicting 4-0 or 5-0.
ReplyDeletewait how did hastings beat burnsville?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how that happened but Burnsville I'm sure took them lightly and didn't bring their stuff, upsets happen when a team doesn't come prepared and takes a team to lightly. No way Eastview should have lost to Rosemount either but with 34 seconds left in overtime the goalie was chipped.
ReplyDeleteAnyone have any upset specials to look out for in tonights games?
If you're looking for a potential 1 vs 8 shocker I'd say the best bet would be Tartan vs. Hill Murray. This will be the third meeting of the season between these two conference rivals. Hill won the regular season games but they weren't shalackings by any means.
ReplyDeleteHastings has a good coach and he was able to come up with a gameplan for exposing a very weak burnsville defense.
ReplyDeleteLN just beat farmington 3-2. It was probaly the worst game Lakeville has ever played. That could of bean a huge upset. 8 seed taking down the 1 seed!
ReplyDeleteDo you mean could have "been"? Parity, parity, parity...
ReplyDeleteAnybody know the Hill Murray score?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe that Osseo and Champlin park lost. OMG!!!
ReplyDeleteBut the freaky MG won 2-0 over Mounds view. I told every body that this is the section in October. WOW that amazes me!!
HEAR we go!!!!!
hill-murray 2 tartan 1 tartan scored their only goal on a horrible pk call however
ReplyDeleteQuestion on field choices for sectional games.
ReplyDeleteI was at the DeLaSalle and Richfield game yesterday at Ft Snelling.
How can you play a high school sectional game at a field with no scorboard and clock? The fields at Ft Snelling are short and narrow.
I just think that games should be played at a stadium with a clock and scoreboard. The kids deserve at least that.
Anonymous 9:45 - I can't believe Osseo lost either, but you could see CP's loss coming - they haven't beaten anybody in the last 6 or 7 games. They had a bigtime implosion last night and put on quite a show for their home fans - 3 or 4 yellow cards, a red card, a fight, players, coaches and parents yelling at the refs. And as usual, all of this was due to the refs picking on CP again. Why do all the refs in the state hate CP? They just can't get a break -
ReplyDeleteOsseo, #1 seed, lost to Spring Irondale, #8 seed? How many times has a 8 seed won? Must be rare!
ReplyDeleteYea, poor CP, can't get a break...you must be joking! This is standard-issue CP parent behavior...their kids are just repeating their parent’s bad behaviour on the field. Arrogant, self righteous....you see the same thing at state cup and league soccer from their club teams and parents.
ReplyDeleteso whose going to win the osseo section..not the cp team or osseo.there both out... im thinkin mg or centennial..what do you guys think??mg's #6 had two pretty nice goals..i cant believe that kid didn't make it All-State.
ReplyDeletethey announced all-state already?
ReplyDeleteEr, anon 11:52, anon 9:45 was indeed joking. It is called sarcasm.
ReplyDeleteI think MG will win that section. And as for dave scheller (#6) being All-State material... no
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:52, 9:45, 2:49
ReplyDeleteWhen you visit CP please be careful, don't drink the water, it will make you a rabid parent. No, really it is a fact, drinking the water there will insure you have no soccer knowledge, sceam incessantly and have lots of time to write nasty stuff on a blog about other teams while insisting your child is perfect. Wait...you did drink the water there didn't you.
I put my money on Totino Grace lot of talk about an underclassman but I will tell you something look for the Captains to make the difference. One of the biggest players on the team is the Captain that plays defense #7. He has kept the team in many a game. You win games with a strong defense.
ReplyDeletedave scheller is definitly one of the most exciting players in the state. and according to his stats, hes doing pretty well with his ability.... i dont see why he isnt all state material
ReplyDeleteI have seen Scheller play and he is a very good individual play. Some day he may become a team player. Being on a weak team does not help and coaches who do not have a clue hurts more. (2 heads is not always better then 1)
ReplyDeleteI think the CP water must have chemicals which makes parents unable to spell simple words, form a simple sentence or use punctuation.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that people love to rip on coaches here. I assume you are a disgruntled parent? If I re-read the blogs from this fall, I think about 15 coaches have been shredded. Maybe you should start coaching HS soccer, as it must be quite easy to craft a team of boys?
ReplyDeleteI' sure someone at MG must have even a small clue, or they wouldn't be in the game anymore. Unless, of course, they did wrong by you personally? (Lets not start talking about the Super Eagles again!)
Anyway, good luck to everyone today. October soccer rocks! I love watching knucle-biter games from teams that 'shouldn't' have a chance! Beware the team that you overlook! (Burnsville, Osseo, CP, etc...)
I just talked to someone that I know at the Lakeville North-Century game and at halftime Century is up 2-0.
ReplyDeleteAnybody know the Woodbury- Hill Muuray score ??
ReplyDeletelakeville north loses 3-1. lakevilles goal was on a pk.... it really wasnt a very good game to watch, but rochester did the job.
ReplyDeleteHopkins 1 Wayzata 0 at start of
ReplyDeletesecond half.
what is the full time score of that game?
ReplyDeleteWayzata Wins 2-1 with goal in second OT. Vint scores with 10 minutes left in reg to tie it and Vint also scores
ReplyDeleteOT goal. Colin M also had excellent game.
Vint and Monasterio took it to another level. They are scary when they are playing like that. They should be fun to watch on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteApple Valley beat Sibley 2-0 on goals from Obarski, from over midfield on a free kick, and mike hutton
ReplyDeletemg beats irondale 4-0
ReplyDeletecentenial lost
ReplyDeletego MG
Central beats Cretin 1-0 in OT, I do not Know how Central lost 7 games because they have looked dominant in there ast 2 games.
ReplyDeleteCretin is a good team. congrats to central
ReplyDeleteAny girls scores since their board is disabled for now?
ReplyDeleteJefferson beat Minnetonka 3-2.
ReplyDeletePark beat Eagan 2-1 and EV beat AV 1-0.
ReplyDeleteEdina beat EP 2-1.
mike sikich played an amazing game in avs win over sibley turning away numerous shots and controlling his box..... hes defintly all state material
ReplyDeleteVery good game between AV and Sibley. The Sibley keeper had two very bad howlers that gifted AV the game.
ReplyDeleteobarski actually had the assist on the first goal of av sibly game...each hutton put in a goal in the game
ReplyDeleteav won with 2 very lucky goals wich resulted from poor goaltending that shouldnt have ever developed into scoring opportunities. it was a great game. the score should have been closer. The huttons played amazing as did mallace. sibley had possession in the second half and it was unfortunate they lost
ReplyDeleteI don't know how hutton got credit for the first goal and not obarski, the ball never had a change of direction, either way it was a good physical game by both teams
ReplyDeletewhat could have been for sibley who lost their ace goalscorer for the season.
ReplyDeleteI would not say that AV won because of two lucky goals, yes thats maybe how the goals were scored, but AV really dominated the entire game, Sibley never really had any great scoring chances and the few they did have Sickich came up with some big plays, overall I thought that AV controlled the game and had by far the better of the play, and were unlucky not to have a few more goals during the game
ReplyDeleteSibley had more possession and shots. Plus a PK call denied.
ReplyDeleteAV controlled the first half, no doubt about it. Henry Sibley had more possession in the second half. It was unfortunate that the two AV goals were not of quality, but they were indeed goals, which won them the game.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a different game if AV met Henry Sibley in the section final? Henry Sibley should not have been the #4 seeded team.
SLP and Wayzata will be a good match.
ReplyDeleteNeither team has a vegreat attack but defend well. Overall I think SLP has a better team defense.
I don't think Wayzata attacks well enough with numbers despite having strong individual talent so the edge goes to SLP.
SLP will win 1-0.
Still the Sibley parents complaining...the were seeded appropriately, were outplayed and lost. Get over it.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone see the 3a semi yesterday? How in the world did Simley (#11 seed) beat SPA (#2 in Section, #4 in coaches poll and a great team) 4-0? That's crazy. I looked and they beat Holy Angels 2-1 on Thursday, too. I never heard anything about this team and I haven't seen them. What are still doing here? Anybody know anything about these guys?
ReplyDeleteSimley has the ability to play well and they are right now. They did also tie Sibley twice during the season.
ReplyDeleteSibley never deserved a PK in that game, AV had solid defense to give minimal chances. Sibley played well but Valley still had the better of the play. Sibley may have been better than a 4 seed your right. But based on what they did all season not deserving of it in section 3.
Wayzata and SLP will be a great game. I would love to watch that one. Should be one of the better finals, if not the best.
av dominated the first 10 minutes but really had about two scoring opportunies.
ReplyDeletethere is no way you can say av controlled the game other than the huttons they play boot ball, much like a dump and chase in hockey.
sibley only played simley once this season
ReplyDeleteI saw the Sibley - Simley game. I think Simley got one shot and it was a great finish, but Sibley was all over them the rest of the game.
ReplyDeleteI saw SPA a couple of times, too and they looked great. I am trying to imagine how Simley, which defends ok but really doesn't have much going forward, could put up four on SPA.
Does anyone give them a chance against Blake?
who seeded Simley 11th in that section? They apparently outscored their three opponents in the sectional tournament 10-1. How was STA seeded 9th in that group? They were much better than that. I heard St Thomas was all over Blake and the Blake goalie stood on his head to get them through. Maybe Simley has a chance.
ReplyDeleteThe coaches in each section do the seeding. They all meet, briefly talk about their season, and each coach turns in a rankings, which is averaged out between all the ballots. (You don't vote for yourself, and your rankings are not hidden.)
ReplyDeleteYou need to understand the seeding meetings are a bit of a joke, along with all-state selection. Many of the coaches have not seen each-other's teams (or players) in action. Many coaches will shaft another team that is not in their conference, maybe they got shafted by a team/coach in years previous. Their record might not be a good indicator of their skill, they might have lost to certain teams that should then be ranked higher, even if they are not the better side.
Often sections include a few different conferences, and the votes tend to follow conference lines. But anything can happen! (And it does. Lots of grudges are carried in to these meetings.) It's politics!
callum mallace play was dominant in the av game for the first half and part of the second half..... then av put sam hautman on him and had no threats except free kicks off of other peoples fouls. This game truly showed sam's dominance and should be all state.
ReplyDeleteAV relies on kick and chase and they will have trouble against teams who have depth like ep and hill. Fluke goals won't carry them to four more wins.
ReplyDeleteSTA and Simley were seeded so low because they lost more games, but played in a tough conference for A teams. Hill-Murray, Sibley, Mahtomedi, South St. Paul are all solid teams that show they can play with most teams.
ReplyDeleteOf the teams ranked in the top 10 how many are left? Not many. This goes to show how much rankings don't matter.
ReplyDeleteAV already was up 2-0 on EP with 10 minutes left when they gave up 2 goals off free kicks just outside the box to tie it at 2. Both of their goals that game were also off free kicks. AV relies on solid team defense and finishing when they get chances off free kicks and counters. How many high school teams have success from anything else? Is that not how they won state last year? They simply try to out work the other teams.
ReplyDeleteTop ten teams left are Wayzata, EP, AV, Anoka, H-M, SLP. SLP or Wayzata will not make it to state though. Any thing can happen in the playoffs same thing happened last year when some teams people thought were shoe ins lost in section play.
GO! GO! GO!Maple Grove
ReplyDelete-->all the way to the state!!!!
a little over obsessive about maple grove. Anyone have opinions on the wayzata slp game and the mg spring lake park game?
ReplyDeleteMG can't take it lightly, Spring Lake Park has made two upsets already no reason to think they can't make a third.
ReplyDeleteWhoever scores first I'm giving the SLP-Wayzata game to.
Dan Lundgren is carrying Spring Lake Park being involved in every goal so far for them in the playoffs with 2 goals and 2 assists.
ReplyDeleteif MG made it to state, they would be one of the easier teams to beat, besides the ones out of sections 1 (since LN lost) and 8
ReplyDeleteI just checked out the MG record on Maxpreps. Looks like they beat St. Louis Park--and went to OT with Anoka. Anyone at those games? They lost to some weak teams, but handled some decent squads.
ReplyDeleteI expect Wayzata to beat StLP on their turf. They have been smart to go turf, since it is tricky for grass teams when they get to state.
Anoka will win, as will AV. Look for those two in the final. Both very athletic teams.
mg also tied hill murray. Not very physical but they have average skill with above average heart. they dont have many standouts. They just play well as a team.
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know more about the ep team?
EP is a very solid team, play possesion and love to bring the ball up the sideline and send big switches across the field from a D to a mid or forward. Team that no one can take lightly, Physical team with good size.
ReplyDeleteRe that Simley v. SPA result . . . I have a son on SPA so take this for what it is worth. SPA played well but has been prone to mistakes. They played an attractive, technical, possession game this season. Unfortunately for them, in their match against Simley, they had a few severe breakdowns and paid the price. Simley is a classic overachieving team -- they defend so well and courageously and put everything they have in their few opportunities. I noted one Simley player who truly impressed -- a strong and skilled red-headed junior who was always dangerous and got their first goal, a nice strike. He seemed the only Simley player who needed to be marked very carefully, and he was allowed a shot toward the very end of the first half, which he converted nicely (the first of SPA's breakdowns). The last three goals were, again, results of other breakdowns, which is no discredit to Simley -- they converted their chances, which is impressive and the sign of a successful team. Simley must be commended for a fine effort away from home and gaining a decisive result. SPA, from this parent's point of view, can be commended for aspiring to play a beautiful brand of soccer. They are lucky to have the coach they have, and we parents were lucky to watch the players we watched. Good luck to the boys who get to continue on toward state. Enjoy your run.
ReplyDeleteI surprised at MG performes.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up!
Your dream will come thru like a milk>>>>>>>))
does anyoine know the coaches for these teams on the boys side. it seems not too many engliash (brits) coaches. any reason why they stay away from coahcing high school soccer?
ReplyDeleteI was a neutral observer at the SPA-Simley game and I have to agree with the SPA parent above. SPA is a very good, skilled team that looks like they can knock the ball around with the best of them. I was especially impressed with their #7, a flank player who can absolutely fly and looked dangerous on many occasions. They were clearly well organized and well coached.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Simley, I thought their composure under pressure was extremely impressive. They had to weather a twenty minute blitz by SPA in the middle of the first half and then they settled down and countered with impressive energy and commitment.
I thought the key to the game was that after Simley scored their second goal, SPA had to try to play more directly and they did not look comfortable with that style, which really aided Simley's cause. They sat in picked off all of the long balls. It was an exciting game and SPA should be commended for their ability to possess, while Simley seems to understand how to defend very well and make the most of their chances.
Simley will not be able to hang with Blake. They have too many weapons and they are 17-0-0 and have outscored their opponents something like 68-2. All Simley did by beating SPA and Holy Angels is to make Blake's road easy. Blake is state-bound.
ReplyDeleteBrits coach HS soccer? Not enough money! Compare the pay/time compared to being a paid coaching director! J/K Many of them run the show by being a paid "trainer" or assistant. See Wayzata for a perfect example. Then they don't need to worry about all of the other non-field related crap a HS coach deals with.
ReplyDeleteanon 9:31, don't count out Simley just yet. Blake played the sisters of the poor all year while Simley was tested in a tough conference.
ReplyDeleteSimley lost or tied some pretty weak teams. That's why they got a crap seed.
ReplyDeleteI think the games of tomorrow night are Hill/Central, Wayzata/SLP, and MG/Spring Lake Park.
ReplyDeleteMy picks are Hill, SLP, and Spring Lake Park. Wayzata can beat some teams based on a few players and the fear factor, but it won't happen tomorrow night.
Spring has played a lot of tough teams well, plus they have a kid that can get it done against anyone.
MG wil win no matter what!1
ReplyDeletebe confident in your selfs.
MG Go Crimson!!!!
Barker/Leaney - Potatoe/Potato. How can a bad, finished, confused coach like Haws beat either one! great quote..
ReplyDeletei think EP vs Prior Lake would be a good one to watch
ReplyDeleteanon 2:26
ReplyDeleteAgree that Simley's loss to Washburn must have hurt their section seed, but when seeds 9-12 in the section (STA, MA, Simley and Richfield) beat seeds 5-8 (HP, Washburn, Roosevelt and Bethany Academy) by a combined total of something like 12-0 in the first round, I think there's a problem. Simley's 10-1 goal total in their three games, all on the road, indicates something was upside down in the seedings. Still not sure they have a chance against Blake, but they are putting together a nice run.
I would have to say that Mahtomedi are probably favorites to knock off Humboldt. The winner of that game will meet the winner of what will probably be a hotly contested match between South St. Paul and St. Bernards.
ReplyDeleteThe Greatest thing about the blog. It is funny how you all self promote. Which is so cool. But happens on the field tells the story.
ReplyDeleteIt is who comes ready to play. Look at Irondale against Osseo. It really comes down to which T E A M comes to play.
Lets keep this to a respected Blog not self promotion. Weather it be a parent, HS Coach, Summer Coach whatever. There are some of us who enjoy to read about the games and performance on the pitch
South St. Paul is a good team. KP is a good player. If the coach plays KP well, St. Bernards is finished.
ReplyDeleteI'ts interesting to see how the seeds worked out. Sections 4 5 6 were all a little crazy. Was this because of the parity in big suburban soccer this year? Or the coaches screwing each-other at the seed meeting? Everyother AA section nearly followed the seeds. Section 5 has a 4 vs. 6 game tonight. Is that just fun play-off soccer, or did someone get jobbed?
ReplyDeleteANON 8:25 - Sorry you are a true MN who believes that promoting your success is a bad thing and you exopect someone from NY to come and promote MN. Forget it.
ReplyDeleteSelf promotion in soccer is a very good thing expecially in a hoickey land. I bet you are not even telling your co-workers about your son's accomp-lishments in soccer but you had wanted him to shine in hockey but he is a little shrimp and can't hit hard in hiocket or football.
we have to not feel ashamed promoting these young men who get teased in schools for playing a "girls" sport.
By the way, if you go home tnoight tell your son you are produ of him and that you will put his name on this blog for the world to see that he is good. Maybe someday he will do the same and soccoer in MN will not trail hockey brags!!!
PROMOTE YOUR CHILD, PROMOTE THE SPORTS, PROMOTE SOMEONE ELSE CHILD, FIND ANY MEDIUM AND BE PROUD you love SOCCER.
Don't be like MYSA who is afraid to call tribune, promote ODP players, publish tournament results, or even make mention of successful teams outside the state but quick to keep showing MYSA lawsuit. haven't we all seen enough!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletePlease leave soccer/hockey out of this. (?)
ReplyDeleteAny news on the games tonight? I'm on kid duty, and the kids weren't up for a cold rainy night.
Mahtomedi over Humboldt 3-2.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWayzata 3 SLP 2
ReplyDeleteWayzata scores twice in last 8 minutes in a thriller.
MG 1 Spring Lake Park 0
ReplyDeleteApple Valley 4
ReplyDeleteRosemount 0
Roch Mayo over Roch Cent 3-2 in OT
ReplyDeleteI heard that SLP dropped the ball against Wayzata. Anyone there? Goalie issues?
ReplyDeletedid anyone hear about the EP game?
ReplyDeleteRegarding the SLP vs. Wayzata game the only goalie issue was the second goal SLP scored. The Wayzata keeper hesitated off his line on a long ball served just outside the box. Adam ran onto it and beat the keeper to the ball and headed it over him. Very exciting game. SLP played well. Wayzata figured out a way to take it up a level after SLP scored their second goal and it seemed to be all Wayzata. They scored with 4:45 left to tie it and then with :45 left to win it. Monasterio had a brillant asisst on the game tying goal. It will be fun to watch them at State. They will probably be the #3 seed behind Anoka and AV. Looking forward to an exciting end.
ReplyDeleteEP 4 - Prior Lake 2
ReplyDeletelooks like MG is on their way again, look for the team with good sound skills and a straight forward approach to continue forward, didn't anybody learn anything last year? I'm surprised they were seeded so low.
ReplyDeleteMG looks to have alot of heart going into state...mainly because of all the criticizm.
ReplyDeleteMG was seeded 4th in the nw conference because of their win/loss record even though their schedule was tougher than Anoka,Osseo and Champlin.It will be interesting how they seed them in state since all the top seeds in their sections have won.Good team with a lot of heart but will now have to play ranked teams.
ReplyDeleteMG was seeded fourth because they lost to Osseo, Champlin, & Centennial in league. In other words they were rank exactly were should have been given their performance during the season. Their coach understands two major points in advancing out of sectionals: 1) the value of teamwork and 2) that the season does not really count until sectionals. Good job MG, but there was no politics in your rankings.
ReplyDeleteSo--how about the AA seeds?
ReplyDelete1. Anoka--undefeated, but hasn't played too many "top" teams.
2. Hill-Murray, also undefeated, but with 5 ties. Might get 3-4 seed dependig on votes.
3. Wayzata Lost 1 game to Hopkins, a few ties.
4. AV one loss to Lake North, tied EP... might move up.
5. Lost to Wayzata, tied a few.
6. Maple Grove? Could be seeded lower, but tied HM and gave a tough game to #1 Anoka, who should give them a decent vote.
7. Rochester
8. ? Moorhead? St. Cloud?
I think the 2-3-4-5 vote could be very close.
The MG seed was correct. They had lost to the teams ahead of them. I don't think you could do it any differently. Remember, seeds are only a reflection of your season, which might not reflect how good you are playing in October.
ReplyDeleteThe tough schedule for MG helped them through sections and could help them in the seed meeting. A tie against Hill- Murray is looking good right now.
ReplyDeleteWayzata beats SLP, but SLP's only other loss was to MG early in the season. I am not sure which of those top teams wants to play MG in the first round.
Any of the teams will be tough. Even the Rochester team will give somebody a game.
ReplyDeleteMG won the games they were supposed to win in their section.They beat #5,#8 and#7 because Osseo and Champlin imploded. They scored an early goal in beating Slp early in the season but if you saw the game,SLP dominated every facet of the game and should have won easily.To suggest that the other section finalists are afraid to play this team is a bit farfetched.Let the games begin!
ReplyDeleteI wish the MG parents and fans would quit acting like victims. You are overstating any criticism that you may have received from a rival parent. You either under achieved as part of the regular season or were lucky to win your section. Either way, your going to state, so congrats...please stop the whining!
ReplyDeleteRochester is awful and will be the #7 seed. They will get pounded by the #2 seed whoever it is.
SLP was/is a better team. Of course, they are done. Seeds are just a part of things--play the games, and see what happens! The more-skilled team doesn't always win the game. Otherwise, what would be the point of the game?
ReplyDeleteFear the team who wins.
Apple Valley is a great example of this. They play ugly soccer. They (almost) always have. But they win.
Agreed on the MG fandom here. Mg is peaking at the right time, and thier section mates did not. Everyone saw the CP implosion coming, etc...
ReplyDeleteThe MG crowd is starting to sound like the Eagan fans that were inundating the blog with ranking and Mr. Soccer posts.
Don't go there! I hate Eagan even more now!
Congrats on section champ. Good luck next week. Enough said.
What happened to SSP and StBernards?
ReplyDeleteNot MG or SLP parent/player/fan/etc.
ReplyDeleteThe MG - Spring LP game was a "toilet bowl" played by 2 teams that were correctly ranked at #4 and #6 (and it showed). Either team could have won last night's game and MG will get killed in their first state game. It was disappointing to see how SLP did not adjust their defensive game after MG scored when the SPL goalie dropped the ball in front of a MG player.
I figured the games might be ugly last night--how was the field? I can't imagine any team controlling the ball well on a soaked field, especially whe they are playing for their lives. This fall makes you think that turf isn't a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't think MG will get killed. I saw them play Hill-Murray 0-0. HM was better, but the game was still a tie. Yes, MG will probably lose right away, but it should be a good game.
All of the MG players played good.
ReplyDelete#6 and #10 were the best but #7 played good. #9 scored the goal.
My MVP goes to #7 and #9.
Go MG!!!!!!!!!!!111
#1 is the best on MG
ReplyDeleteMy best guess on the AA seeds is this:
ReplyDelete1. anoke
2. apple valley
3. wayzata
4. eden prairie
5. hill murray
6. maple grove
7. rochester mayo
8. 8AA winner
That looks like a good prediction.
ReplyDeleteThe EP/Hill-Murray game could be fun as well. I haven't seen EP this year--that will be a tough one.
I think that MG would do well against Wayzata. They work hard as a group. Wayzata leans too heavily on two players. Should be a close Wayzata win.
Anoka and AV games will be boring wins.
Want to see rematch of Class powerhouses?
ReplyDeleteTotino Grace vs. Fridley
5pm - Game moved to Spring Lake Park on turf field. Could have been played at TG but I hear their field is a mud pile.
Does this give any team an edge? Would like some comments.
anon 133 I like your seeding predictions and agree with them whoever was earlier on here and said HM is gettign a 2 is crazy the top four will be Way, AV, EP, Anoka with the first three that I listed going behind Anoka in any order.
ReplyDeleteYep..Anoka first, followed by AV, EP, and Wayzata. HM will be 5, followed by MG. The 2-4 seeds don't really care, do they? I guess somebody will have a stiffy for the #2 seed, so they can avoid a tough quarterfinal game.
ReplyDeleteEP deserves the #3 seed more than Wayzata. Wayzata vs HM
ReplyDeleteEP might deserve it more, but Wayzata beat EP during the season, didn't they? That helps decide those problems.
ReplyDelete1. Anoka
ReplyDelete2. Hill-Murray
3. Eden Prairie
4/5 either Wayzata or Apple Valley
Anoka and Hill-Murray should be 1 and 2 because they were undefeated.
EP should be above Apple Valley because of their better conference record and tougher non-conference schedule.
ya but wayzata doesnt play in nearly as hard of a conference as EP. and theres no way AV is getting 4/5, the critics just love them way too much
ReplyDeletethe 4 and 5 spot dispute doesn't matter because those teams will be playing each other either way.
ReplyDeleteWayzata beat EP and has a better win/loss record so it will be seeded higher.It came through a tough conference,toughest section yet with the SLP/WAY championship game as one of the best games to date between two skilled teams that are well coached. Give credit to the Wayzata defense anchored by Tim Paulson since they have only allowed 10 goals while having lost a starting defender and alternating the goalies due to injuries.State tournament will be awesome to watch!
ReplyDeleteAV will be #2 seed...take it to the bank.
ReplyDeleteWhy shouldn't Wayzata be considered for #1 seed?
ReplyDeleteRecords:
Anoka 18-0-2
AV 17-1-2
Wayzata 17-1-3
EP 17-2-2
Strength of schedule-With weak teams listed
Toughest
1. Wayzata-Elk River,Tonka
2nd Toughest
2. Ep -Fergus Falls,Fargo,
Chaska,Kennedy, LakevilleS.
Rosemount
Weak
3. AV - Hudson,St.Cloud Cathedral
Blaine,Owatonna,Richfield,
Rosemount,Chaska,Park,
Kennedy,Lakeville S.
Undefeated, but very weak compared to top two
4. Anoka-Richfield,Owatonna,
St.P.North,Andover,Elk
River,Blaine,Park
Center,LakevilleS.
Who they beat:
Wayzata: beat EP, beat #6(SLP)and #11(Hopkins) in tough section, beat SIX AA ranked teams-Hopkins(twice),Edina(twice),EP,
and St.LP
Anoka: Beat no AA ranked teams except Osseo, won average section
EP: Tied Apple Valley, Lost to Wayzata, beat weaker section opponents, beat no AA ranked teams
AV: Tied EP, beat no AA ranked teams, beat weak section opponents
On second thought, when you consider the above facts, shouldn't Wayzata easily be the #1 seed? Someone please give me some facts to prove I'm wrong here.
Hopkins was never even ranked in the top 10. the best they got was 12th. So make that FOUR AA ranked teams
ReplyDeletewhoever said that SLP was a better team than mg is clearly mistaken. I went to the game and Maple Grove dominated almost the whole game. They hit the post several times and should of gotten a PK early in the game. The better team won this game.
ReplyDeleteav had to beat sibley and they are way tougher than hopkins or SLP.
ReplyDeletewow good job for MG, they got lucky they had to play a 5,8, and 6 seed to make it out. good job for them
ReplyDeleteI think it should be:
ReplyDeleteAV
Wayzata
EP
Anoka
Guys--Anoka is a good team. They have a unique style of play--kind of ram it down your throat AV style. Lots of good athletes. Three guys that can do a monster throw-in. So, anytime they have a throw in the offensive third, the ball is going in the box. They can throw small post. A lot of teams cannot handle the continued pressure.
ReplyDeleteDo they play some weak teams? Yes. Do they play some good teams? Yes. The rankings can be so arbitrary some times. There isn't a high council that meets and debates each week. I'm sure some of you bloggers would do a better job. Just because you beat someone who is ranked doesn't mean much.
anon 6:56
ReplyDeleteYou're joking, right? Sibley was 8-3-3 against a lot of single A teams and the likes of Richfield, Tartan(twice), Simley, and N St. Paul.
Next time,take off the rose colored glasses when you watch your MG team play.SLP possessed and attacked while MG protected their one goal lead by boot and scoot.If you were watching the same game and claim this utter dominance by Mg, you were probably referring to the jv team across the street.
ReplyDeleteanon 6:11,
ReplyDeleteThe rankings come from the coach's website and there are always 12-14 teams ranked. Those are the rankings I used. Even if you want to throw out Hopkins I think the argument for Wayzata is overwhelming.
I'm a coach. I don't vote. The rankings are crap. The coaches that vote are not always unbiased. They tend to rate who they play.
ReplyDeleteLike some other poster mentioned, you guys are probably better at ranking the teams than the coaches. Don't use their rankings to influence yours.
I wouldn't throw Hopkins out of the loop--they were a pretty good team this year. Lost a lot of close games. But Wayzata is not #1. I'm thinking Anoka and AV are tops--the top two are basically equal seeds, as they will play the weak teams.
Anon 8:05 MG may play ugly, but they won, right? Sad but true, MN hasa lot of ugly HS soccer! But it's still fun!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen them play, but over the year, I've seen a lot of pretty teams that didn't win in the end. That's the goal, right?
I actually saw MG last year and they were awesome--very balanced and fun. And they lost. In fact, I think they graduated about 15 seniors. I think MG must be shocked to be back too.
Your crazy, Anoka are not that good. Unless they play against the #8 or #7 seed, they will loose. If the are lucky enough to be ranked in the top 3, they will still end up loosing in the semi final and the 3rd place game. They should be the 4 or 5 seed.
ReplyDeleteok. enough of all this talk that mg team plays ugly. Don't criticize them and say they got lucky. If you want to criticize anyone you should look at a "ranked" osseo 1 seed who lost to an 8. As a 1 seed your basically put in the best position to win. If you don't do your job then someone one else (MG) will.
ReplyDeleteThe only way MG could score against SLP was when the SLP keeper dropped the ball in front of MG #9. He hit the post with an open net and almost missed the goal!!
ReplyDeleteMG people are so touchy these days! Just lucky that Osseo didn't show up to play against Irondale...
Don't be talking shit about MG.
ReplyDeleteYou should give a little RESPECT bro. You don't come up hear and act like stupid person.
MG kicked SLP.
MG dominated the game. I never saw SLP shoot a nice decent goal. #6 from MG shot a ball that struck the near post. Did you see the goaly:(he didn't move a bit)
So please if lost and your not in state champion Then SHUT THE HELL UP. DON'T TRY TO MAKE YOURSELF FEEL BETTER. If you want to make yourself better go to bar and drink BUDLIGHT. WHAT a stupid person/.
You are right! They are very touchy these days. Could it be lack of confidence? They keep talking about #6!!! He's like a football running back. Gets the ball puts head down and goes until he runs into a defender. No field vision.
ReplyDeleteMG - your 15 minutes will be over soon...
sorry, but no one is in "state champion" yet. if u think MG will be in the state CHAMPIONSHIP then you should be given ZERO soccer credibility.
ReplyDelete#6 is David Scheller and he is one of the best midfielders in the nw conference.His style may be unorthodox but he is the reason MG is even in state.Unfortunately, he will not carry this team very far but stranger things can happen since everything is 0-0 next week.MG last year was the Maplebrook premier team so they were expected to go all the way!Enjoy and relax!It is October after all!
ReplyDeleteits unfortunate that LN lost in sections cuz I'm sure they would have had a good run in state
ReplyDeleteToo bad one of either Maht or SSP has to go home tomorrow. I predict south st. paul in overtime.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, TG stayed with Wayzata and the game ended up in a Tie 1-1 . Both pretty strong squads. I really wonder if there was another game on the Pitch between Wayzata & TG how the game would be today.
ReplyDeleteI am with the previous Blogger. Everyone has the opportunity to show what they can do. Champions come to play and Champions win games.
Why do people got da problem with MG.
ReplyDeleteI think that they were crap and wone the 5AA Section champions.
Please lets talk about nicethings.
lets talk how they can improve.
people who critizez, they no about soccer or even about themselves.!!!!!!!!!!!
why does everyone keep saying Maple Grove got lucky in sections??
ReplyDeleteYes Osseo and C.P. lost in the first round. But MG went up and beat the teams they were supposed to beat. Osseo and C.P. didnt do that and dont deserve to go to State. Maple Grove does.
Yes Yes Yes!!! That's the attitude to talk about MG.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the MG haters are from CP or Osseo. I'd be pissed if I lost in the first game too...
ReplyDeleteWhen will the Brackets come out?
ReplyDeletestop talking about Maple Groveeeeeeeeee!!! they arnt that interesting
ReplyDeleteThe brackets should come out sunday.
ReplyDeleteMG haters went down the hill 50 MPH! yup! 50MPH and crushed into the hole!!. yup into the HOLE.
ReplyDeleteanon 10:49, how can you really say that? they should have lost to farmington in the 1st playoff game, played like crap and deserved to lose to century, and evry team that they did barely beat in the year would have come out more ready to play them (ep and av). all those would be much different games on turf.
ReplyDeletesouth st. paul 1-0 over mahtomedi
ReplyDeleteboth those teams should have been in state and they would have handed it to any of the fancy pants private schools who annually get free passes to the state tournament.
ReplyDeletecan anyone explain the totino game??
ReplyDeleteDEFENSE!!! TG allowed 29 goals and that is way too much in a championship run!They will be back next year because of a kid named Paul Yonga!
ReplyDeletedoes JY think everyone doesn't realize what he's doing?
ReplyDeleteNot only D - Its a team sports - if you can't score goals - no wins
ReplyDeletedefense keeps you in games, offense wins
fridley has the offense and the good D
speakin of Paul Yonga - is he junior so next year he'll be senior?
TG lost because after they were scored on, they continued playing the same way. I was floored to see no adjustment. They scored on a great corner kick, but could not have done it from dynamic play.
ReplyDeleteYou have to feel bad for the TG GK. In the first sudden death OT, on a low, hard shot, the [wet] ball went right through his hands and then right through his legs!!
I've seen Paul Yonga play and he is an extremely good midfielder. Next year he will be a junior and by his senior year will have a very good chance at Mr. Soccer for class A
ReplyDeleteJY...thanks for the scouting report.
ReplyDeleteAs a coach, player, scout, the greatest satisfaction we can receive is watching the young men you worked with for many years move ahead in the game of soccer.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest thing about the blog is we can all write our thoughts of the game but you ol goats need to get out on the pitch to remember how difficult it is to play the game and to play it with passion for 90 minutes.
I was at the game TG, Fridley game the conditions were a definite challenge where there were sheets of wind and rain. In my opinion Fridley wanted it more and played to that level with the fire in the gut, the passion. No excuses but they did deserve to win.
Paul Younga is an excellent player and young he has 2 more years he will be successful like his brother. (This is not his dad)
Now I will see you all at State Soccer Tournament Banquet yes with my son Justin Rajtar #7 who played like a Champion this year and has the passion and the love of the game.
Good luck to you all and if any of you are lucky enough I will be playing against you in the Mens League at NSC.
I have seen 5 of the section winners play this year. There is no doubt in my mind that Eden Prairie is BY FAR the best team.
ReplyDeleteThey will also have this advantage - they play and practice on artificial turf and that is the surface in the Dome.
Wayzata and Apple Valley are the best of the rest.
You should have included MG in your list. Now you will get hate mail from MG...
ReplyDeleteIt has been a fun year. I hope the best teams play to their abilities and that we all get a chance to see them in the Dome. Congratulations to the Boy's and their Teams. Good luck. We are really loooking forward to watching you.
ReplyDeletethanks man for not including MG.
ReplyDeleteeden prairie is defintely a great team this year... but you do need to know the fact that wayzata beat them and av tied them (which Gjervold bailed them out of). I think this is the most difficult state tournament in recent years. Anyone can win it. Id like to say good luck to all the teams in it.
ReplyDelete#3 Wayzata vs. #6 Hill-Murray
ReplyDeleteEP plays MG..what are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteIf MG scores first it will be tough for EP to get through there 6-10 player defense. (per SPLP game).
ReplyDeleteUgly but it seems to work.
If EP scores first it will be a blow out.
It will be a blowout. No ifs ands or maybes.
ReplyDeleteMaple Grove played 1 team (Burnsville) from the Lake Conference this year and got blasted 4-1.
Way to go, MG! By some miracle, you got the 5 seed, so lets see what you can do with it!
ReplyDeletehint: get blown out by EP
The way the brackets line up will result in Eden Prairie playing Apple Valley in the final.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen EP play, but have seen MG several times (Spring LP, Hopkins, Anoka, Park Center) and cannot believe that they won their section and that they have the #5 seed in state.
ReplyDeleteIt will be EP and Wayzata in the finals and Maple Grove will be the most dangerous dark horse in the tournament.Burnsville gave up over 35 goals so everyone knew they had no defense and they showed it by losing to Hastings!Kinda like Osseo whose coach said the only team they feared in sections as a # 1 seed was them. Only problem was,he did not let Irondale know that. Talk is cheap so let the games begin!
ReplyDeleteso losing 1-0 to hastings shows they had no defense?
ReplyDeleteHastings was a # 8 sees that gave up more goals than Burnsville and scored very little.Get real!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant # 7 seed gave up 38 goals and scored 23 goals.My point is Maple Grove is such an up and down team that has competed against ranked teams and their 4-1 loss to Burnsville means nothing once you get to state since everything is 0-0.
ReplyDelete