"We played against (opponent) last season and (number) was an excellent player. Not sure if (she/he) graduated or not but if not (she/he) will be one of the top players in the state." Just trying to put a template out there for the novice parents who aren't sure how to brag on this blog.
Already said I think Lakeville South or Jefferson should do well. I kind of like cheering for the underdog so I hope Jefferson can pull it together and stay healthy.
417 you are exactly right. Some of the more entertaining moments on this blog are parents finding creative ways to talk up their DD's. As far as teams to watch it doesn't change much from year to year. The Lake was the dominant conference last year with Sub East not far behind and the NW Suburban way down. I look for the Sub East to be the top conference this year with MV,WDB, and PCG the class of it. WBL will be a sleeper. In the Lake LS and Eastview will be down a bit from last year. It should be wide open between Eagan and BJ and EP. Edina should win the CLC with Armstong and Wayzata right behind.
Woodbury will own the Suburban East. Though give Stillwater a year. Terrible tragedy with the coach, though she's recovering, and a young team will be very strong in 09.
4:17 - I would hate to think that someone might actually praise another team or player with no ulterior motives. Are there over zealous parents - sure, but I would bet the majority of the posts you reference are sincere. Maybe I'm just not as cynical as you.
I would agree with 417. Parents are the primary cause when individual players are singled out. True praise of another team most often will be team based.
Hey...I have praised individuals on different teams many different times over the years. Yep, I have been accused of being a parent of about 20 kids in different schools all over the state! Ha! Makes me laugh everytime. The players I praise are individuals who I see play a wonderful game. They may not be consistent, they may not be well known but if they have a good night while I'm watching I don't mind acknowledging a job well done.
FOA I do not remember you ever being accused of that. Well, maybe with regard to players at a certain large school that starts wit E.:) Seriously though I wish parents (and it usually is) would not do that. Not only is it in poor taste but it also seems to inspire others to either criticize said players or get into a "me too" mode. That is equally as bad. Leave the kids out of it and talk about teams and coaches and leagues.
Jefferson will have a strong defense with leadership provided by some WDBY and BTSC players. They're big, strong,fast and deadly in the air on corners. Will be fun to watch.
LS might also surprise some people after graduating some big names. They still have some very experienced and skilled players who will be going on to play college soccer (U of MN, UND & NDSU) who have played together.Don't count them out just yet!
EV will have a rebuilding year but still has their 1st & 3rd scorer,experienced GK and fast D/outside MF. Big question here is new coach and if there is any young talent to fill open spots.
EP will also have a shot. Although the U17 Premier team didn't have a great summer season there's always younger talent that allows WH to reload.
Saw U17 WBL at State Cup. I was impressed at how much progress they made. Could be a team to watch.
Forgot to add: U17 Eagan struggled in summer league but has some key players returning that are younger. They will return an awesome natural scorer who has amazing speed and a very good GK.
One of the biggest questions for me in the Lake is AV. Haven't seen many of these girls this summer. They will have a new GK this season but will return a soph who can score. Anyone have more info on this team?
Rosemount will continue to struggle until they can build a strong CC here. I wish REV luck with this. Second year coach is trying to build a program and I wish him luck too.
Eagan will be solid and they are not young as most of their key players will be Juniors. Not aware of any "awesome" players returning for them but they have many very good players some of which played for WDB 16's in the summer. They will be in the top 4 in Lake.
Not for girls, it is common for freshmen to be major contributors to varsity programs and sometimes younger although most coaches will not take players younger than frosh, regardless of how good they are, for social reasons. A 15 year old girl will just as athletic as an 18 year old. Boys are different, there is a big difference in physical development between a freshman and a senior.
CLC had both Edina and Armstrong in AA State Semi's lasdt year. Look for two more again this year. Edina will be tough to beat with a great coach, great keeper and a very solid top to bottom line-up. Wayzata will contend with the deepest program in CLC, but tough to replace w/o top two playmakers from LY. Speedy forward will have to carry the load. Armstrong has two very solid players up top, but GK loss could kill. Minnetonka has "wild card" in new coach, great player up top and a great central defender. Hopkins is in perpetual rebuilding mode. Edina will win conference, probably to semi's in State. Wayzata should edge out Armstrong in sections and Mtka. could surprise.
Indications are that Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Hopkins and Armstrong will be joined in 2009/2010 by Eden Prairie, Chaska and Jefferson to be called the Suburban Lake West.
I have heard something similar only did not think Jefferson was moving due to the size imbalance with the rest of those schools. Rumour is that Shakopee could be joining that league. Jefferson will stay in LC where there are other "smaller" AA schools like LS,LN,BK,RSMT etc.
On the subject of enrollment are there any small AA schools that could surprise this year? I know Lakeville South (#40) won last year but that is an exception. Typically the mega schools dominate the sport. The other semifinalists last year were #17 Edina, #23 RA, and #10 WDB. Other traditional powerhouses are #1 EP, #2 WYZ, #8 CR etc. Just having a big school does not mean you will have a state championship contender, but if you don't aren't one of the 25 largest it usually means you won't.
Chanhassen is joing the Lake in 09. That is the only thing that is for sure and that makes 12 teams. The classic teams will be placed by the MSHSL since Armstong is leaving. Then in 2011 a big mix up will happen.
Totino lost 14 players, including both goal keepers. They still have some good players, but with that many gone, plus a new coach, it is hard to rate them near the top.
monticello Class A has a great keep coming back ive watched him for many years. one of the best keepers in the state. I saw him playing at the state cup with the wings premier with out him they would have gotten crushed by bangu.sure the mississipi 8 is a bad confrence but they will have mr soccer from zimmerman and they should have the monticello keep somewhere up there to. watch for them
On the girls side, I think Mahtomedi should be mentioned when talking class A. (no my daughter doesn't play there - she plays for a horrible AA team that will get beaten by Mahtomedi this year).
Metro area girls soccer question. Which coaches have their act together? Quality tactical/technical knowledge and they are good people/teachers that are positive. Which high school programs? (A or AA)...curious parent here.
With the HS season right around the corner and club season wrapping up how many '09 players have committed already? I've heard the rumors about some of the big names but what about the girls from Wings,WDBY,EP, etc??? Any news?
CLASS A lowdown: Totino Grace and Blake graduated much of their team, but will still find a way to be competitive. Mahtomedi will always be solid because of the fact they are one of the biggest Class A schools, and Holy Angels will be quite good.
In response to quality programs having their acts together because of their coaches ability to create positive experiences and strong teams, I have much respect for several Tri-Metro schools (Minnehaha, SPA, and Blake).
2009 . Bagnall, Olivia M Lakeville, MN MINNESOTA . Crocker, Kelsey D Eden Prairie, MN CREIGHTON . Gleich, Kelsey M Cottage Grove, MN CLARKE COLLEGE . Godfrey, Devahn F St. Paul, MN UW-GREEN BAY . Hoaglin, Rachel M Lakeville, MN VALPARAISO
. Koller, Alex M Bloomington, MN ILLINOIS STATE . North, Kelsey M Apple Valley, MN UW-GREEN BAY . Phillips, Allie M Vadnais Heights, MN MINNESOTA 2007 Region II ODP 2007 adidas ESP Camp 2008 Region II ODP . Price, Marissa M Apple Valley, MN MINNESOTA . Reinhardt, Chelsea F Lakeville, MN NORTH DAKOTA STATE . Sandstrom, Amanda D Lakeville, MN SOUTH DAKOTA . Spicher, Allison GK Eden Prairie, MN UW-MILWAUKEE 2008 Region II ODP . Stapf, Sheri D Lakeville, MN NORTH DAKOTA . Sturchio, Jennifer GK Rochester, MN UW-GREEN BAY . Westlund, Briana D Cottage Grove, MN NORTHWESTERN 2007 Region II ODP 2007 NSCAA High School All-American
In the Tri-Metro, I would have to say Blake is still the favorite although they lost many key players. Minnehaha may be down this year, but Breck and SPA will probably still contend. If St. Croix Lutheran continues their upward progression, they could make some noise again this year.
And as you saw on the boys side you get a bunch of egotistical posts from parents and players followed by others dissing these players. How about just sticking to teams.
I am with 909 there are several candidates in AA with no clear standout. In A the pickings are slim with no clear choice there either. I do agree that throwing names out is silly.
throwing names out is silly because no one has played a minute yet. Oh yeah, except for parents that hope to see someone mention their kid's name or do it themselves under the moniker anon.
Most valuable in Minny doesn't really mean a whole lot. I believe we've had one 5 star recruit in the last five years.We have quite a few 2-3 stars that will land with mediocre soccer schools located in and around the five state area.
Ya ya I know...North Carolina really wanted Mia bad but she decided to stay close to home.
12:39 - according to soccerbuzz, here are the top 25 recruiting classes for last year (take it for what it is worth). MN was rated #32 (7 Big Ten schools in the top 32).
NATIONAL TOP 25 320 Division 1 Teams Rank School 1 Florida State 2 North Carolina 3 Boston College 4 California 5 UCLA 6 Stanford 7 Portland 8 Florida 9 Texas A&M 10 Notre Dame 11 Virginia 12 Santa Clara 13 Texas 14 Maryland 15 Georgia 16 Michigan 17 USC 18 Penn State 19 Michigan State 20 San Diego 21 Wisconsin 22 Duke 23 Ohio State 24 South Carolina 25 Georgetown
It is worth nothing. Purdue has been ranked from 8-11 in the Big Ten for 5 years running yet has had one of the top 3 teams for years and won the league tourney last year. The top 15 or so players and the top 6-8 classes probably have some basis for accuracy. After that it is sheer guesswork for people to look at and talk about and create interest in the ranking sites. More hits = more revenue.
I think DeLaSalle will continue to improve in girls soccer. They seem to be getting tougher and tougher every year. Can they content for the Tri Metro? I, too, like the Tri Metro because it is neat to see what coaches can do with such small schools. MPA and SPA are such small schools and I really do not think they can recruit much because of their price tag/academic rigor. The Tri Metro as a whole is an intriguing conference. My daughter attended a Lake Conference school but now I just follow soccer (boys and girls) as a fan.
I think DeLaSalle will continue to improve in girls soccer. They seem to be getting tougher and tougher every year. Can they content for the Tri Metro? I, too, like the Tri Metro because it is neat to see what coaches can do with such small schools. MPA and SPA are such small schools and I really do not think they can recruit much because of their price tag/academic rigor. The Tri Metro as a whole is an intriguing conference. My daughter attended a Lake Conference school but now I just follow soccer (boys and girls) as a fan.
Interesting post. My experience shows that the 'recruiting' bit that gets applied to private schools is a bit over simplified. I agree that the MPA's, SPA's are a bit small and expensive and you aren't going to go there because of a sport (20k a year with no athletic scholarships you are going there for academics). I do see that many of the Catholic schools (Cretin, Holy Angels, and Benilde) do attract students who are going there because of a sport. I would be more curious about their recruiting policies...if they offer money for exceptional athletes etc. I only know them through my experiences as a high school/club ref.
3:52 - maybe hockey, bball or football, but doubtful for soccer. the season is too short and overall quality marginal. even with all that, it's the funnest two months of the year for many of them.
It makes sense that they would be mostly private in Class A. Logic: much of the best soccer in the state is played in the Metro Area--esp in the suburbs. Most of the schools in suburbia are monster size (class AA) and that leaves most other metro area schools being smaller, private schools or inner city smaller high schools. The great number of class A schools are private (many of who are quite dreadful at soccer--the small christian schools or they are in 'greater minnesota'--the Fairmonts, Mankatos etc....
Totino is such a big metro area private school that I think it should be in AA. It does not make sense that there are 64 AA teams and close to 100 A teams. They should be divided evenly.
I was surprised to see SPA around 350 in 9-12...that is pretty small. they are usually pretty solid and can generally hang with the bigger privates. is it the legacy of the lagos years?
around 1200 is the cut off between a and aa. but some larger schools are classified as "A" if they have a certain % of low income students. Basically, the MSHSL has gone back tot the 3/5 rule where kids on free and reduced lunch are counted as only a partial student.
more large metro A Suburban schools Orono, St. Louis Park, Simley, Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Rogers, STMA, Monticello, Delano, Rockford, Waconia. In addition many St Paul and Mpls city schools.
SPA played in AA voluntarily until about 2000. It had been a "soccer school" in the wake of the Lagos, with an excellent girls program as well, coached by Mark Yueill. Making the varsity soccer team was a huge deal, esp. in consideration of the fact that at the time, 1/4 of the kids in the school were in the soccer program. The coaching quality and stability diminished, particularly on the girls side, but it is still a place that kids are drawn to the soccer fields.
my daughter was on Keren's team at SPA. my daughter loved her experience there. huge credit should go to Ben (Danielson) who is the current SPA coach. he did a great job with that team as well and my daughter loved playing for him (and Keren) and to this day, she will attest that those two far surpassed any of her experiences at Bangu or her current collegiate playing experience.
The Star Tribune usually does a pre-season breakdown (sometimes actually more than a quarter of a page!). Anyone have any idea when they might run this? They normally run 1-2 fall sports a day for about a week. First games are in roughly two weeks.
word is the one weakness predicted with AHA is a weakness no longer - goalkeeping. I'm hearing on good authority they have an incoming freshman who's been playing for Kelix (not for a more "intense" club because she's also a big time hockey standout) who will be a household name by the end of the year.
IF that issue is resolved I'd have to put them a solid #2 in the state behind Benilde - Blake, Totino, Mahtomedi all lost too many good players. As for Minnehaha, I wouldn't look for a repeat of last year, then again last year they only had one quality win (Benilde), followed by an inflated record from a cream puff schedule. I think this was fairly reflected when they bounced out of 3A early.
8:45 - why must you jump to such a negative conclusion (and my guess is you are the same person who always instantly bangs out that response)?
Here I'll really confuse......WDB has a great midfielder, Eastview has a really fast forwarder, Mounds View also has a great midfielder, Edina has a strong GK. So unless they are all related to me somehow, not sure how you are going to respond.
LOL! Bravo to you 8:58! I just hate it when people assume! Don't know anything about the AHA goalie but I will hopefully make at least one game. I also want to watch LS to as I think they still have some really good players. I watched some Jefferson games last year and it will be fun to watch how they have progressed. They were right on the edge of breaking out in the Lake. Watched them play EV and EV was lucky to escape with the win. I am very impressed with their defense, particularly one of the tall girls who was strong in the air. As always it will depend on who can stay healthy in this short season. I'm afraid my home team will be down from last year as there will only be 6 returners, although I think they will be strong in their spots. ;) Saw online that of the three captains all have committed already to play college sports- 2 for soccer and one for basketball. Looking forward to seeing what the new coach brings to the field. Let the games begin!
11:49 - I do not disagree that there are parents out there anonymously tooting their own kids horn. Personally, I believe it is a minority. I would like to believe that most folks are like "fan of anonymity". Fans of the game who can pat a player on any team on the back for a job well done. I definitely agree that names should never be mentioned.
A little change of topic...Has anyone else been following the Ohio U/Elofson(MN player) basketball story? I have been reading about it and wondered if anyone else has views on the rescinding of a verbal scholarship offer when a new coach is hired. In this case I think the timing is tacky and unprofessional but I think in the long run the player will be happier knowing up front. How awful that a young player has to go through this. I wish her luck in finding a good fit for her education and happiness.
Timing was obviously the a major issue in rescinding the scholarship after the AAU season was complete. The young lady missed out on a summer of trying to make connections with coaches that may have parlayed into another scholarship. Are there are any examples of this (locally) in soccer?
I agree that in the end she is better off than going to place where she isn't wanted but in the end she may have won the coach over when she was there. Poor form by the coach and it appears from the publicity that there may be a backlash with future recruits.
The new coach should not be bound to verbal commitments of the old coach, period. If the player changed her mind and broke her commitment to the school because of a coaching change nobody in here would say a peep... bottom line is this underscores a BIGGER problem with the NCAA and recruiting... EARLY VERBAL COMMITMENTS.
Its a cancer on all sports, especially soccer, basketball, and football however
just to clarify....edina was a finalist in the state tourney last season. the red star's 2009 'pre-season poll' will be 2008's final poll. you all know that. and let's play soccer!!!
white bear vs. woodbury , whitebear south campus 10 A.M.. key,,,, see which teams passing game is jelling at this stage, and which team possesses most tactical knowledge from center of field and after club season if new teammates compliment each other.
Why is it that you you remain so quiet this year about Eastview's faults? Can't we get just a few sentences of edgy analysis?
Since I'm a longtime Eastview follower myself, I clearly remember how you criticized Eastview in last year's preseason. I'll admit to taking umbrage when you took shots at the coach and called the defense "suspect". It was vindicating to find that same coach standing at the podium ten weeks later at the State Tournament banquet accepting the Coach Of The Year award. Even better was the "suspect" defense shattering the goals-against record at Eastview, recording shutouts in 16 games
Cmon, Fan, give us some more of that unbiased commentary. Or are you going go lay off the Eastview this year because your daughter isn't on the bubble this week?
A year later and you are still bitter about something said about your dd's high school soccer team? Come on friend life is too short to carry that around for a year...
Anyone know what last years three best teams have coming back? I know LS lost some several excellent players and WDB lost a few also. Does EDI have almost everyone back?
LS is talented, but other than OB, no big time players and not enough to repeat or probably even get out of the section. They cannot replace KB and KL. Woodbury IS the team to beat, they reload again. Edina has a great keeper and solid across the board with no stars, but very good.
hey! i hate it when i miss some veiled (yeah, riiiight) comment pumping up a kid's skill and/or potential and how that kid will 'save the program'...lol.
it's still too early to talk about team success since most are still trying to solidify their rosters anyhow.
what ever happened to the 8 yr old phenom from a couple years ago? she must be in china warming up.
1:57 - I bet if you compare this poll with the final year end poll, just about every one of the schools will still be on it with only some shuffling of the ranks. In Class A it has truly turned into the "haves" & "have-nots". Too bad four of the top 9 are in the same section.
Yes, Holy Angels, Minnehaha, Blake, and SPA will once again duke it out in their section. Although I don't think there is a whole lot of meaning in preseason polls, I have to say that Holy Angels is going to be tougher than a number 5 rank this year.
Actually, another Tri-Metro school, Visitation, is in the same section as Blake and Holy Angels as well, and they could easily be tougher than Minnehaha and SPA this year. Vis is easily a top 10 team in state this year.
Vis will be quite good. Good comment. Minnehaha is a bit down. SPA beat Vis 5-2 last year and I am not sure if they graduated much. It feels like Vis should be good (pretty big all girls school).
SPA's new keeper (has been the backup for the last two years) is a Junior who played U16 premier last year. They are fortunate to have her---as many small schools would not have two Premier-level keepers. Like any small schools, I imagine they cannot afford any more injuries. I only know them from coaching club soccer (and yes the new goalkeeper is in the club that I volunteer for--Blackhawks)
Development...Over the last few years I've talked to club coaches and ex club staff along with current and past college players. I asked who in their opinion is the best coach at developing complete players,ball skills,technique,field awareness et all. The coach named the most often by far was Simon Whitehead.
I was surprised how many people who were with Bangu past and present mentioned SW.
If you have a kid who wants to develop into a complete player SW is the coach for him.
Other than EHS, what team does Simon coach? I know his Coerver program was one of the originals and for many was just about the only option until all the clubs (MTA and the larger CC's) kicked in their year round training programs.
what scrimmage were you watching yesterday? Edina was the class of the day and should win the CL, but LS easily handled Valley and South. LS is not a top 5 team right now but will be. Valley is a top 10 team, especially if they figure it out in the back, South would be at the bottom of the Lake
Usually kids who dribble too much are one dimensional players who need help developing passing skills.Excessive dribbling can easily be defended and stiffles an offense.
Coached AAU basketball for seven years.Every once in a while we'd get a kid who was a good athlete but wasn't a very good shot. This particular kid just wouldn't give up the ball. Dribble until he got a shot. He was about a 30% shooter.The kid was costing us games. Had to sit him down and explain what I expected from him.To make a long story short the kid was not coachable and I cut him.The team didn't miss him.
If you have a kid(s) on your team who after you explain what's expected still don't perform it's best to cut them and the sooner the better otherwise the entire team suffers.
Defending State Champ Lakeville South needs to regroup after tough season opening 1-0 loss to good class A Orono team. Am sure that with 3 bangu division 1 recruits and another bangu region ODP player that things will improve.
Comparing previous posts 19/8/08 9;36 P.M. AND 20/8/08 12;46 P.M.....about above mentioned team and PERHAPS the earlier post and assessment closer to reality.
LS outshot Orono 20-2. LS missed PK with two minutes left in match. Orono got a scrappy goal on an inexperienced keeper- who is actually a b-ball player recruited to play in the nets. Orono worked hard and took its chance when it needed it, LS could not finish at all an really miss KL and KB.
LVS sat three starters which gave the young kids a chance to play.Team lost a lot of seniors so a lot of new faces play. Will take most of the season for players to get on the same wavelength.
Both teams put out good effort. Orono scored off a scrum in front of the net in the first half.In the closing minutes a LVS player was tackled in the box and OB took the pk from about 12 yds out but missed the net.
Game wasn't pretty but it was a beautiful night for soccer and nobody got hurt.
20/8/08 12:46 P.M. Have to admire smart move by seasoned LS coach to divert potential outcome of game and season results from himself. Orono congratulations on apparently hanging in there and maximizing chances against talented team with highly touted players and coach.
Very strong opening win for Holy Angels, especially considering some key players were held out. Quite talented, especially on the attacking end. MA is very young and inexperienced, with only 3 returning starters and lots of sophs playing most of game; they should improve as the season goes on.
Saw the AV game Saturday night and really enjoyed the competition with Hastings. AV had some very skilled players but Hastings had some hard nosed competitors who kept pushing the ball away from their goal and up the field to their forwards. Totally different playing styles but completely entertaining and sitting on the edge of your seat excitement. This game was worth the price of admission.
There is a situation involving the transfer rule that I am hoping someone who knows can explain.
1) Player transfers to SSM at beginning of Sophomore year. 2) Player transfers back to old HS at end of Junior year. 3) Parents have lived in same school district (the one the player goes to HS in) the entire time. 4) Player so far has not been allowed to play because in violation of transfer rule.
Seems like the player should be allowed to play. Any insights?
Trying to rank players is stupid. We should try and compare Hope Solo and Abby Wambach! The best part about it is the rankings are done by a staff writer. Not a coach or anyone of importance.
it all depeneds on when she transferred her junior year. since she transferred once already- during her sophomore - she will have to sit out at least one calender year in varsity athletics. if she transferred last fall she can compete in the winter and spring, if she transferred in the spring she would not be eligible at all
the stribs coverage of girls soccer is a joke. interesting how the strib pretends to promote equality in gender - but their coverage of girls sports to boys sports says it all. They will spend more time on Cretin football than on all girls sports combined.
the red star has always professed to be gender equitable....then in the final wash just the opposite is evident. get used to it. besides, girl's soccer is not a revenue sport. 'go boys, go!'....
Strib-Milea? loves EP football and would get on his knees for Grant. He has never been a fan of Cretin. Agree though to your main point, coverage of girls sports as a whole is lacking by the Strib. "Other" paper is worse than the Trib in covering high school sports, although they will have a nice article of BW from PCG.
10:52 Not big surprise about top players picked , bangu has influence at paper and also in all state selections and all tournament teams which sometimes back fires later when players dont live up to billing in college. So what, most players named were all state last year and regardless of how well their teams do or what statistics they have, all again shoe-in for all state team this year. Genuine best players in group and ones not mentioned have their teams do well and have stats to back it up this year and last. Believe Eastview and Holy Angels should be included in top ten.
Holy Angels would get clobbered by any of the decent AA schools. If you don't believe me, then check scores of common opponents as they become available.
9:21 So now Bangu is influencing the paper and the HS league coaches, whats next they are going to influence the presidential election. Come on dude get real, the fact is the best senior female players play for Bangu, that may be why they are listed as the five players to watch. Next year the list will include five players from Woodbury Inferno, just wait and see.
A well fought contest by two teams that are tops in class A. Too bad they will probably match up against one another again in sections before reaching the state tourney. Although Blake is down somewhat compared to last year, they continue to be well coached and strong defensively. Holy Angels has more offensive firepower (Hoaglin and Schultz) and experience. Their contest was back and forth for the first 60 minutes without many scoring opportunities. The last minutes of regulation and OT were more action packed in terms of scoring chances. Both these teams should be fun to follow this year in class A.
Who is Hoaglin? A freshman or transfer? I saw AHA in Sections last year. Schultz stood out on turf, but was stifled by combination of Blake defense and poor, uneven field at Blake. No one else stood out as being a cut above.
Blake gave up goals to Sartell and St. Cloud Cathedral last weekend. How good is AHA's offense?
Hoaglin has been starting for AHA for at least 3 years, and is a very solid midfielder. Some consider her a viable candidate for Ms. Soccer this year. The combination of her and Schultz give AHA a great 1-2 punch.
Both goals Blake gave up last weekend were on stoppages (one being an unlucky handball in the box that resulted in a PK). Hope that gives you some of the info. you were looking for.
I'm tired of all the assumptions and gossip on this blog. Grow up and lets exchange some interesting soccer information. I have no interest in reading posts that speculate who the authors of previous posts are. Question posts for their content, not their authors. Lets talk soccer and leave the negativity aside.
10:04 - agreed. There have always been a couple of "yahoos" on this blog who immediately pound out the "if must be the parent blogging about their kid" post whenever a name is mentioned. Personally, I think we should be talking about teams not players.
there is no way hoaglin is a ms. soocer- she is a nice player but there are a handful of midfielders better. she would be a role player on any of the big AA schools
I agree, if Hoaglin would be a so called "role" player on a AA school, it would be a large role. Anyway, it isn't worthwhile to compare A and AA candidates, as a Ms. Soccer is awarded for both classes.
I don't think you should talk about individuals at this age.
As for A versus AA - AHA will play Bloomington Jeff this year and that should answer the question of whether the little schools can play against the big schools and whether the rich kids can play against well the other rich kids.
There are a few Class A girls that will be going on to play for some Division I collegiate programs. I think that those girls could very well be pretty darn good players--even in the AA world. After all, Jena Kluegel (played for North Carolina, All American, National Player etc.) came from a Class A school, Ali Schwach (plays for Ohio State)...etc....probably would have played some minutes for a AA school. RH from AHA is getting may D1 looks..as is Crocker from Vis. and others. Class A will frequently have wonderful individual players. Their teams often lack depth, in comparison to AA schools. RH from AHA is one of the top 5 players in the state of MN (according to the recruiting chart that we use at Drake).
1:59 makes some good points as the big difference is depth. IMO, there are many, many top notch Class A kids who would not only start, but contribute to just about any Class AA school (even the heavyweights).
Agreed. Though most, or average A schools are C-2 equivalent, that's not to say that there aren't some great players in A. Look at Mahto's recent history of turning out great players.
For a player to fully develop though, they need to be around faster play, which they all get from November through June with their club teams.
2:29 - Mahto's a great example and I agree with your average A school level (although some of the better schools are obviously higher). The big diffence is that the top Class AA schools have starting line-ups of premier+ (MRL-only, etc...) players. Woodbury, EP, Wayzata, MV, Edina, EV, LS, WBL, etc... have solid kids at virtually every position. The only drawback is the mixture of grades out on the field.
"We played against (opponent) last season and (number) was an excellent player. Not sure if (she/he) graduated or not but if not (she/he) will be one of the top players in the state."
ReplyDeleteJust trying to put a template out there for the novice parents who aren't sure how to brag on this blog.
Already said I think Lakeville South or Jefferson should do well. I kind of like cheering for the underdog so I hope Jefferson can pull it together and stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteWH and his EP team should do very well
ReplyDelete417 you are exactly right. Some of the more entertaining moments on this blog are parents finding creative ways to talk up their DD's. As far as teams to watch it doesn't change much from year to year. The Lake was the dominant conference last year with Sub East not far behind and the NW Suburban way down. I look for the Sub East to be the top conference this year with MV,WDB, and PCG the class of it. WBL will be a sleeper. In the Lake LS and Eastview will be down a bit from last year. It should be wide open between Eagan and BJ and EP. Edina should win the CLC with Armstong and Wayzata right behind.
ReplyDeleteWoodbury will own the Suburban East. Though give Stillwater a year. Terrible tragedy with the coach, though she's recovering, and a young team will be very strong in 09.
ReplyDelete4:17 - I would hate to think that someone might actually praise another team or player with no ulterior motives. Are there over zealous parents - sure, but I would bet the majority of the posts you reference are sincere. Maybe I'm just not as cynical as you.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with 417. Parents are the primary cause when individual players are singled out. True praise of another team most often will be team based.
ReplyDeleteHey...I have praised individuals on different teams many different times over the years. Yep, I have been accused of being a parent of about 20 kids in different schools all over the state! Ha! Makes me laugh everytime. The players I praise are individuals who I see play a wonderful game. They may not be consistent, they may not be well known but if they have a good night while I'm watching I don't mind acknowledging a job well done.
ReplyDeleteFOA I do not remember you ever being accused of that. Well, maybe with regard to players at a certain large school that starts wit E.:)
ReplyDeleteSeriously though I wish parents (and it usually is) would not do that. Not only is it in poor taste but it also seems to inspire others to either criticize said players or get into a "me too" mode. That is equally as bad. Leave the kids out of it and talk about teams and coaches and leagues.
Jefferson is Sick!! no doubt
ReplyDelete12:07 - Would you care to elaborate?
ReplyDelete12:07 - Lemme guess...you're the same punk that posted that juvinal response on the boys string, huh?
ReplyDeleteJefferson will have a strong defense with leadership provided by some WDBY and BTSC players. They're big, strong,fast and deadly in the air on corners. Will be fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteLS might also surprise some people after graduating some big names. They still have some very experienced and skilled players who will be going on to play college soccer (U of MN, UND & NDSU) who have played together.Don't count them out just yet!
EV will have a rebuilding year but still has their
1st & 3rd scorer,experienced GK and fast D/outside MF. Big question here is new coach and if there is any young talent to fill open spots.
EP will also have a shot. Although the U17 Premier team didn't have a great summer season there's always younger talent that allows WH to reload.
Saw U17 WBL at State Cup. I was impressed at how much progress they made. Could be a team to watch.
Will add more later!
Forgot to add:
ReplyDeleteU17 Eagan struggled in summer league but has some key players returning that are younger. They will return an awesome natural scorer who has amazing speed and a very good GK.
One of the biggest questions for me in the Lake is AV. Haven't seen many of these girls this summer. They will have a new GK this season but will return a soph who can score. Anyone have more info on this team?
Rosemount will continue to struggle until they can build a strong CC here. I wish REV luck with this. Second year coach is trying to build a program and I wish him luck too.
Lake conference will still be the toughest from top to bottom. Other conferences have 1-3 good teams but not the overall depth as the Lake.
ReplyDeleteWill all the Class A powers be strong this fall (TG, Mahtomedi, Blake, BSM, etc....)?
Eagan will be solid and they are not young as most of their key players will be Juniors. Not aware of any "awesome" players returning for them but they have many very good players some of which played for WDB 16's in the summer. They will be in the top 4 in Lake.
ReplyDeleteSorry..I think Juniors are still young...my bias, no offense meant!
ReplyDeleteNot for girls, it is common for freshmen to be major contributors to varsity programs and sometimes younger although most coaches will not take players younger than frosh, regardless of how good they are, for social reasons. A 15 year old girl will just as athletic as an 18 year old. Boys are different, there is a big difference in physical development between a freshman and a senior.
ReplyDeleteCLC had both Edina and Armstrong in AA State Semi's lasdt year. Look for two more again this year.
ReplyDeleteEdina will be tough to beat with a great coach, great keeper and a very solid top to bottom line-up.
Wayzata will contend with the deepest program in CLC, but tough to replace w/o top two playmakers from LY. Speedy forward will have to carry the load.
Armstrong has two very solid players up top, but GK loss could kill.
Minnetonka has "wild card" in new coach, great player up top and a great central defender.
Hopkins is in perpetual rebuilding mode.
Edina will win conference, probably to semi's in State. Wayzata should edge out Armstrong in sections and Mtka. could surprise.
The Edina coach is one of the best here in MN to teach skills.
ReplyDeleteWill the Lake Classic be disolved as was speculated last year?
Indications are that Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Hopkins and Armstrong will be joined in 2009/2010 by Eden Prairie, Chaska and Jefferson to be called the Suburban Lake West.
ReplyDeleteI have heard something similar only did not think Jefferson was moving due to the size imbalance with the rest of those schools. Rumour is that Shakopee could be joining that league. Jefferson will stay in LC where there are other "smaller" AA schools like LS,LN,BK,RSMT etc.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of enrollment are there any small AA schools that could surprise this year? I know Lakeville South (#40) won last year but that is an exception. Typically the mega schools dominate the sport. The other semifinalists last year were #17 Edina, #23 RA, and #10 WDB. Other traditional powerhouses are #1 EP, #2 WYZ, #8 CR etc. Just having a big school does not mean you will have a state championship contender, but if you don't aren't one of the 25 largest it usually means you won't.
ReplyDelete118 here, I misspoke re Shakopee, it is actually Prior Lake that would be joining the conference mentioned.
ReplyDeleteClass A? Holy Angels the favorite? I think Blake lost quite a bit. BSM and Totino should be good. Any other teams in Class A of note?
ReplyDeleteChanhassen is joing the Lake in 09. That is the only thing that is for sure and that makes 12 teams. The classic teams will be placed by the MSHSL since Armstong is leaving. Then in 2011 a big mix up will happen.
ReplyDeleteTotino lost 14 players, including both goal keepers. They still have some good players, but with that many gone, plus a new coach, it is hard to rate them near the top.
ReplyDeletemonticello Class A has a great keep coming back ive watched him for many years. one of the best keepers in the state. I saw him playing at the state cup with the wings premier with out him they would have gotten crushed by bangu.sure the mississipi 8 is a bad confrence but they will have mr soccer from zimmerman and they should have the monticello keep somewhere up there to. watch for them
ReplyDeleteOn the girls side, I think Mahtomedi should be mentioned when talking class A. (no my daughter doesn't play there - she plays for a horrible AA team that will get beaten by Mahtomedi this year).
ReplyDeleteThey (Mahtomedi) seem to be there at the end.
Metro area girls soccer question. Which coaches have their act together? Quality tactical/technical knowledge and they are good people/teachers that are positive. Which high school programs? (A or AA)...curious parent here.
ReplyDeleteWith the HS season right around the corner and club season wrapping up how many '09 players have committed already? I've heard the rumors about some of the big names but what about the girls from Wings,WDBY,EP, etc??? Any news?
ReplyDeleteANON 5:58--Who are your big names?
ReplyDeleteCLASS A lowdown: Totino Grace and Blake graduated much of their team, but will still find a way to be competitive. Mahtomedi will always be solid because of the fact they are one of the biggest Class A schools, and Holy Angels will be quite good.
ReplyDeleteIn response to quality programs having their acts together because of their coaches ability to create positive experiences and strong teams, I have much respect for several Tri-Metro schools (Minnehaha, SPA, and Blake).
Plus, a growing number of Mahtomedi girls are being developed in a very strong club (St. Croix).
ReplyDeleteZephyr dad
I also like the vibe of the Tri Metro Conference. Which team is the favorite this year?
ReplyDelete--a Dad of a former high school player whose daughter played in college and is all done but now I just like to go watch some good games.
Here is a nice site referenced earlier on this blog for verbals.(copy & paste) I have only found BTFC commitments.
ReplyDeletehttp://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=poknaL_RaORDOMcyz_riBDA&gid=0
Here's the Bangu players from that link:
ReplyDelete2009
.
Bagnall, Olivia M Lakeville, MN MINNESOTA
.
Crocker, Kelsey D Eden Prairie, MN CREIGHTON
.
Gleich, Kelsey M Cottage Grove, MN CLARKE COLLEGE
.
Godfrey, Devahn F St. Paul, MN UW-GREEN BAY
.
Hoaglin, Rachel M Lakeville, MN VALPARAISO
.
Koller, Alex M Bloomington, MN ILLINOIS STATE
.
North, Kelsey M Apple Valley, MN UW-GREEN BAY
.
Phillips, Allie M Vadnais Heights, MN MINNESOTA 2007 Region II ODP
2007 adidas ESP Camp
2008 Region II ODP
.
Price, Marissa M Apple Valley, MN MINNESOTA
.
Reinhardt, Chelsea F Lakeville, MN NORTH DAKOTA STATE
.
Sandstrom, Amanda D Lakeville, MN SOUTH DAKOTA
.
Spicher, Allison GK Eden Prairie, MN UW-MILWAUKEE 2008 Region II ODP
.
Stapf, Sheri D Lakeville, MN NORTH DAKOTA
.
Sturchio, Jennifer GK Rochester, MN UW-GREEN BAY
.
Westlund, Briana D Cottage Grove, MN NORTHWESTERN 2007 Region II ODP
2007 NSCAA High School All-American
Not sure if it's accurate but heard that two Wings players have also verballed to UWGB. Any confirmation available?
ReplyDeleteIn the Tri-Metro, I would have to say Blake is still the favorite although they lost many key players. Minnehaha may be down this year, but Breck and SPA will probably still contend. If St. Croix Lutheran continues their upward progression, they could make some noise again this year.
ReplyDeleteSPA will not have their All State GK as she is out after having knee surgery.
ReplyDeleteI hear Minnehaha is just TERRIBLE this year... do I hear wrong?
ReplyDeleteThe boy's side has already put the question out: Who will Ms Soccer be this year? A and AA
ReplyDeletehoaglin in A, price or dooher in AA.
ReplyDeleteAnd as you saw on the boys side you get a bunch of egotistical posts from parents and players followed by others dissing these players. How about just sticking to teams.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can think of several others in AA but hate to throw out their names. I'd look to players heading to the U or large OOS schools.
ReplyDeleteI am with 909 there are several candidates in AA with no clear standout. In A the pickings are slim with no clear choice there either. I do agree that throwing names out is silly.
ReplyDeletethrowing names out is silly because no one has played a minute yet. Oh yeah, except for parents that hope to see someone mention their kid's name or do it themselves under the moniker anon.
ReplyDeleteThe Strib will soon have a piece in sports section about fall HS sports and these "experts" will list the players to watch.
ReplyDeleteMost valuable in Minny doesn't really mean a whole lot. I believe we've had one 5 star recruit in the last five years.We have quite a few 2-3 stars that will land with mediocre soccer schools located in and around the five state area.
ReplyDeleteYa ya I know...North Carolina really wanted Mia bad but she decided to stay close to home.
LOL sounds like someone's DD only got 1 star.
ReplyDelete12:39 - according to soccerbuzz, here are the top 25 recruiting classes for last year (take it for what it is worth). MN was rated #32 (7 Big Ten schools in the top 32).
ReplyDeleteNATIONAL TOP 25
320 Division 1 Teams
Rank School
1 Florida State
2 North Carolina
3 Boston College
4 California
5 UCLA
6 Stanford
7 Portland
8 Florida
9 Texas A&M
10 Notre Dame
11 Virginia
12 Santa Clara
13 Texas
14 Maryland
15 Georgia
16 Michigan
17 USC
18 Penn State
19 Michigan State
20 San Diego
21 Wisconsin
22 Duke
23 Ohio State
24 South Carolina
25 Georgetown
It is worth nothing. Purdue has been ranked from 8-11 in the Big Ten for 5 years running yet has had one of the top 3 teams for years and won the league tourney last year. The top 15 or so players and the top 6-8 classes probably have some basis for accuracy. After that it is sheer guesswork for people to look at and talk about and create interest in the ranking sites. More hits = more revenue.
ReplyDeleteI think DeLaSalle will continue to improve in girls soccer. They seem to be getting tougher and tougher every year. Can they content for the Tri Metro? I, too, like the Tri Metro because it is neat to see what coaches can do with such small schools. MPA and SPA are such small schools and I really do not think they can recruit much because of their price tag/academic rigor. The Tri Metro as a whole is an intriguing conference. My daughter attended a Lake Conference school but now I just follow soccer (boys and girls) as a fan.
ReplyDeleteI think DeLaSalle will continue to improve in girls soccer. They seem to be getting tougher and tougher every year. Can they content for the Tri Metro? I, too, like the Tri Metro because it is neat to see what coaches can do with such small schools. MPA and SPA are such small schools and I really do not think they can recruit much because of their price tag/academic rigor. The Tri Metro as a whole is an intriguing conference. My daughter attended a Lake Conference school but now I just follow soccer (boys and girls) as a fan.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. My experience shows that the 'recruiting' bit that gets applied to private schools is a bit over simplified. I agree that the MPA's, SPA's are a bit small and expensive and you aren't going to go there because of a sport (20k a year with no athletic scholarships you are going there for academics). I do see that many of the Catholic schools (Cretin, Holy Angels, and Benilde) do attract students who are going there because of a sport. I would be more curious about their recruiting policies...if they offer money for exceptional athletes etc. I only know them through my experiences as a high school/club ref.
ReplyDelete3:52 - maybe hockey, bball or football, but doubtful for soccer. the season is too short and overall quality marginal. even with all that, it's the funnest two months of the year for many of them.
ReplyDeleteanyone care to offer up a top 10 list for both A and AA in girls soccer?
ReplyDeleteThe Islanders have been recruiting for decades.
ReplyDeleteToday the top recruiters are Hopkins,Jefferson and EP.
who does jefferson have?
ReplyDeleteWho has Jefferson recruited???
ReplyDeleteHockey players? I don't think it's soccer players.
Class A top 5?
ReplyDelete1. Holy Angels
2. Blake?
3. Mahtomedi?
4. Benilde?
5. Totino?
Missing anyone?
LOL the biggest public school in class A and 4 privates. Surprise..surprise!
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense that they would be mostly private in Class A. Logic: much of the best soccer in the state is played in the Metro Area--esp in the suburbs. Most of the schools in suburbia are monster size (class AA) and that leaves most other metro area schools being smaller, private schools or inner city smaller high schools. The great number of class A schools are private (many of who are quite dreadful at soccer--the small christian schools or they are in 'greater minnesota'--the Fairmonts, Mankatos etc....
ReplyDeleteTotino is such a big metro area private school that I think it should be in AA. It does not make sense that there are 64 AA teams and close to 100 A teams. They should be divided evenly.
could anyone out there please name another large metro A school?
ReplyDeletehere are last year's sectional brackets:
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showsection.asp?actnum=414
10:37 is right on with his post (not sure about the Totino statement as i'm not that in tune with that school).
how big is t-g? most of the other larger private schools are in the 800 student range.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see SPA around 350 in 9-12...that is pretty small. they are usually pretty solid and can generally hang with the bigger privates. is it the legacy of the lagos years?
ReplyDeletelarge metro A schools...richfield, simley, st. paul highland park, south st. paul...
ReplyDeletelarge metro A schools...richfield, simley, st. paul highland park, south st. paul...
ReplyDelete2:00 - how big are these schools?
ReplyDeletearound 1200 is the cut off between a and aa. but some larger schools are classified as "A" if they have a certain % of low income students. Basically, the MSHSL has gone back tot the 3/5 rule where kids on free and reduced lunch are counted as only a partial student.
ReplyDeletemore large metro A Suburban schools Orono, St. Louis Park, Simley, Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Rogers, STMA, Monticello, Delano, Rockford, Waconia. In addition many St Paul and Mpls city schools.
ReplyDeleteyou know there's urban sprawl when STMA, Monticello, Delano, Waconia, etc.... are considered "Suburban" schools.
ReplyDeleteSPA played in AA voluntarily until about 2000. It had been a "soccer school" in the wake of the Lagos, with an excellent girls program as well, coached by Mark Yueill. Making the varsity soccer team was a huge deal, esp. in consideration of the fact that at the time, 1/4 of the kids in the school were in the soccer program. The coaching quality and stability diminished, particularly on the girls side, but it is still a place that kids are drawn to the soccer fields.
ReplyDeleteStability has diminished but the coaching quality seems ok. Keren Gudeman left SPA to become Carleton's Head Coach...not bad
ReplyDeleteGudeman is a quality person and coach. Talk about an excellent mentor!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Gudeman did a great job with SPA girls, runner ups at state under her tutelage.
ReplyDeletemy daughter was on Keren's team at SPA. my daughter loved her experience there. huge credit should go to Ben (Danielson) who is the current SPA coach. he did a great job with that team as well and my daughter loved playing for him (and Keren) and to this day, she will attest that those two far surpassed any of her experiences at Bangu or her current collegiate playing experience.
ReplyDeleteback to fall h.s. soccer....how do stillwater? roseville? park of cg? look...
ReplyDeleteDoes Park have a goalie to replace Voight?
ReplyDeleteyup. park may have one of the best up and coming keepers out there...time will tell
ReplyDeleteWoodbury will still dominate the Suburban East!
ReplyDeleteThe Star Tribune usually does a pre-season breakdown (sometimes actually more than a quarter of a page!). Anyone have any idea when they might run this? They normally run 1-2 fall sports a day for about a week. First games are in roughly two weeks.
ReplyDeleteword is the one weakness predicted with AHA is a weakness no longer - goalkeeping. I'm hearing on good authority they have an incoming freshman who's been playing for Kelix (not for a more "intense" club because she's also a big time hockey standout) who will be a household name by the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteIF that issue is resolved I'd have to put them a solid #2 in the state behind Benilde - Blake, Totino, Mahtomedi all lost too many good players. As for Minnehaha, I wouldn't look for a repeat of last year, then again last year they only had one quality win (Benilde), followed by an inflated record from a cream puff schedule. I think this was fairly reflected when they bounced out of 3A early.
I hope your daughter does well as the keeper for AHA
ReplyDelete8:45 - why must you jump to such a negative conclusion (and my guess is you are the same person who always instantly bangs out that response)?
ReplyDeleteHere I'll really confuse......WDB has a great midfielder, Eastview has a really fast forwarder, Mounds View also has a great midfielder, Edina has a strong GK. So unless they are all related to me somehow, not sure how you are going to respond.
858, Maybe you come from a big family!! LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL! Bravo to you 8:58! I just hate it when people assume! Don't know anything about the AHA goalie but I will hopefully make at least one game. I also want to watch LS to as I think they still have some really good players. I watched some Jefferson games last year and it will be fun to watch how they have progressed. They were right on the edge of breaking out in the Lake. Watched them play EV and EV was lucky to escape with the win. I am very impressed with their defense, particularly one of the tall girls who was strong in the air. As always it will depend on who can stay healthy in this short season. I'm afraid my home team will be down from last year as there will only be 6 returners, although I think they will be strong in their spots. ;) Saw online that of the three captains all have committed already to play college sports- 2 for soccer and one for basketball. Looking forward to seeing what the new coach brings to the field. Let the games begin!
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate when people assume but in most cases (not all) they assume correctly.
ReplyDelete11:49 - I do not disagree that there are parents out there anonymously tooting their own kids horn. Personally, I believe it is a minority. I would like to believe that most folks are like "fan of anonymity". Fans of the game who can pat a player on any team on the back for a job well done. I definitely agree that names should never be mentioned.
ReplyDeleteA little change of topic...Has anyone else been following the Ohio U/Elofson(MN player) basketball story? I have been reading about it and wondered if anyone else has views on the rescinding of a verbal scholarship offer when a new coach is hired. In this case I think the timing is tacky and unprofessional but I think in the long run the player will be happier knowing up front. How awful that a young player has to go through this. I wish her luck in finding a good fit for her education and happiness.
ReplyDeleteTiming was obviously the a major issue in rescinding the scholarship after the AAU season was complete. The young lady missed out on a summer of trying to make connections with coaches that may have parlayed into another scholarship. Are there are any examples of this (locally) in soccer?
ReplyDeleteI agree that in the end she is better off than going to place where she isn't wanted but in the end she may have won the coach over when she was there. Poor form by the coach and it appears from the publicity that there may be a backlash with future recruits.
The new coach should not be bound to verbal commitments of the old coach, period. If the player changed her mind and broke her commitment to the school because of a coaching change nobody in here would say a peep... bottom line is this underscores a BIGGER problem with the NCAA and recruiting... EARLY VERBAL COMMITMENTS.
ReplyDeleteIts a cancer on all sports, especially soccer, basketball, and football however
Yes, but the NEW coach reaffirmed the offer in May when she came on board. She reneged on her offer in August!
ReplyDeleteWe don't KNOW the whole story, do we?
ReplyDelete^^^ What does that mean?
ReplyDeleteWho cares???
ReplyDeletejust to clarify....edina was a finalist in the state tourney last season.
ReplyDeletethe red star's 2009 'pre-season poll' will be 2008's final poll. you all know that.
and
let's play soccer!!!
When does the big review come out?
ReplyDeleteright after the 'adapted chess' ratings (for boys) come out.
ReplyDeleteAny good scrimmages this Saturday?
ReplyDeletewhite bear vs. woodbury , whitebear south campus 10 A.M.. key,,,, see which teams passing game is jelling at this stage, and which team possesses most tactical knowledge from center of field and after club season if new teammates compliment each other.
ReplyDeletescrimmage preview of season first big matchup on august 26 at whitebear at 5 pm.
ReplyDeletefan of anonymity ...
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that you you remain so quiet this year about Eastview's faults? Can't we get just a few sentences of edgy analysis?
Since I'm a longtime Eastview follower myself, I clearly remember how you criticized Eastview in last year's preseason. I'll admit to taking umbrage when you took shots at the coach and called the defense "suspect". It was vindicating to find that same coach standing at the podium ten weeks later at the State Tournament banquet accepting the Coach Of The Year award. Even better was the "suspect" defense shattering the goals-against record at Eastview, recording shutouts in 16 games
Cmon, Fan, give us some more of that unbiased commentary. Or are you going go lay off the Eastview this year because your daughter isn't on the bubble this week?
A year later and you are still bitter about something said about your dd's high school soccer team? Come on friend life is too short to carry that around for a year...
ReplyDeleteUntil you win a state tournament you're just another wannabe. Case closed.
ReplyDeletecan you say old boy network?
ReplyDeleteAnyone know what last years three best teams have coming back? I know LS lost some several excellent players and WDB lost a few also. Does EDI have almost everyone back?
ReplyDeleteLS is talented, but other than OB, no big time players and not enough to repeat or probably even get out of the section. They cannot replace KB and KL.
ReplyDeleteWoodbury IS the team to beat, they reload again.
Edina has a great keeper and solid across the board with no stars, but very good.
Let the scrimmages begin.
Will the NW Suburban come back to life this year? That conference last year was the weakest I have seen it in years.
ReplyDeleteThanks dad.
ReplyDeleteamen 1150
ReplyDeletehey! i hate it when i miss some veiled (yeah, riiiight) comment pumping up a kid's skill and/or potential and how that kid will 'save the program'...lol.
ReplyDeleteit's still too early to talk about team success since most are still trying to solidify their rosters anyhow.
what ever happened to the 8 yr old phenom from a couple years ago? she must be in china warming up.
MSHSSCA Girls A Top 10
ReplyDeleteSunday, August 17th, 2008 (pre-season)
1) Benilde-St. Margaret’s
2) Mahtomedi
3) Blake
4) Totino-Grace
5) Holy Angel’s
6) Orono
7) La Crescent
8) Minnehaha Academy
9) St. Paul Academy
10) Sartell
Others: Simley, Breck, Fridley, Mounds Park Academy, Visitation.
Next Poll comes out Labor Day; Monday, September 1st.
1:57 - I bet if you compare this poll with the final year end poll, just about every one of the schools will still be on it with only some shuffling of the ranks. In Class A it has truly turned into the "haves" & "have-nots". Too bad four of the top 9 are in the same section.
ReplyDeleteYes, Holy Angels, Minnehaha, Blake, and SPA will once again duke it out in their section. Although I don't think there is a whole lot of meaning in preseason polls, I have to say that Holy Angels is going to be tougher than a number 5 rank this year.
ReplyDeleteActually, another Tri-Metro school, Visitation, is in the same section as Blake and Holy Angels as well, and they could easily be tougher than Minnehaha and SPA this year. Vis is easily a top 10 team in state this year.
ReplyDeleteVis will be quite good. Good comment. Minnehaha is a bit down. SPA beat Vis 5-2 last year and I am not sure if they graduated much. It feels like Vis should be good (pretty big all girls school).
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned earlier SPA GK out for the year from knee surgery. Do they have a back up?
ReplyDeleteSPA's new keeper (has been the backup for the last two years) is a Junior who played U16 premier last year. They are fortunate to have her---as many small schools would not have two Premier-level keepers. Like any small schools, I imagine they cannot afford any more injuries. I only know them from coaching club soccer (and yes the new goalkeeper is in the club that I volunteer for--Blackhawks)
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Looking forward to following the team.
ReplyDeleteGood scrimmage...Edina,South,Apple Valley and LVS.
ReplyDeleteEdina solid and very sound technically. Returning most of their team plus a transfer from LVS. Predict they will win the Classic and possibly state.
South..a good team should win the city.They have good balance.
Apple Valley .Very good team. Will be a top ten team.
LVS...Too much dribbling.Easily defended. Needs emphasis on team play.Could be a top ten team by year end.
Development...Over the last few years I've talked to club coaches and ex club staff along with current and past college players. I asked who in their opinion is the best coach at developing complete players,ball skills,technique,field awareness et all. The coach named the most often by far was Simon Whitehead.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised how many people who were with Bangu past and present mentioned SW.
If you have a kid who wants to develop into a complete player SW is the coach for him.
Other than EHS, what team does Simon coach? I know his Coerver program was one of the originals and for many was just about the only option until all the clubs (MTA and the larger CC's) kicked in their year round training programs.
ReplyDeleteanonymous
ReplyDeletewhat scrimmage were you watching yesterday? Edina was the class of the day and should win the CL, but LS easily handled Valley and South. LS is not a top 5 team right now but will be. Valley is a top 10 team, especially if they figure it out in the back, South would be at the bottom of the Lake
Usually kids who dribble too much are one dimensional players who need help developing passing skills.Excessive dribbling can easily be defended and stiffles an offense.
ReplyDeleteCoached AAU basketball for seven years.Every once in a while we'd get a kid who was a good athlete but wasn't a very good shot. This particular kid just wouldn't give up the ball. Dribble until he got a shot. He was about a 30% shooter.The kid was costing us games. Had to sit him down and explain what I expected from him.To make a long story short the kid was not coachable and I cut him.The team didn't miss him.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a kid(s) on your team who after you explain what's expected still don't perform it's best to cut them and the sooner the better otherwise the entire team suffers.
20/8/08 12;25 P.M. check at goggle EHS Girls Soccer 2008, under coaches.
ReplyDeleteBest games tonight?
ReplyDeleteInterested in getting a peek at Jefferson tonight vs. Anoka.
ReplyDeleteEdina 5, Chaska 0.
ReplyDeleteEdina 5, Chaska 0.
ReplyDeleteJefferson 1 Anoka 0
ReplyDeleteAHA 4, Minnehaha 1
ReplyDeleteDefending State Champ Lakeville South needs to regroup after tough season opening 1-0 loss to good class A Orono team. Am sure that with 3 bangu division 1 recruits and another bangu region ODP player that things will improve.
ReplyDeletePerhaps coaching was the difference in the Lakeville v Orono match.
ReplyDeleteWhen in doubt give the credit/blame to the coaches.
ReplyDeleteComparing previous posts 19/8/08 9;36 P.M. AND 20/8/08 12;46 P.M.....about above mentioned team and PERHAPS the earlier post and assessment closer to reality.
ReplyDeleteLS outshot Orono 20-2. LS missed PK with two minutes left in match. Orono got a scrappy goal on an inexperienced keeper- who is actually a b-ball player recruited to play in the nets. Orono worked hard and took its chance when it needed it, LS could not finish at all an really miss KL and KB.
ReplyDeleteLVS sat three starters which gave the young kids a chance to play.Team lost a lot of seniors so a lot of new faces play. Will take most of the season for players to get on the same wavelength.
ReplyDeleteBoth teams put out good effort. Orono scored off a scrum in front of the net in the first half.In the closing minutes a LVS player was tackled in the box and OB took the pk from about 12 yds out but missed the net.
Game wasn't pretty but it was a beautiful night for soccer and nobody got hurt.
Orono's new field is outstanding.Congrats!
Why did three starters get benched, too much dribbling not enough team play.
ReplyDelete20/8/08 12:46 P.M. Have to admire smart move by seasoned LS coach to divert potential outcome of game and season results from himself. Orono congratulations on apparently hanging in there and maximizing chances against talented team with highly touted players and coach.
ReplyDelete4:02 huh? not sure what are you trying to say (or insinuate).
ReplyDeleteVery strong opening win for Holy Angels, especially considering some key players were held out. Quite talented, especially on the attacking end. MA is very young and inexperienced, with only 3 returning starters and lots of sophs playing most of game; they should improve as the season goes on.
ReplyDeleteWoddbury 6, Cretin-Derham Hall 1
ReplyDeleteEden Praire 5, Duluth East 1
Woodbury is the team to beat.
ReplyDeleteGames tomorrow? What to watch?
ReplyDelete9:57 On the attacking end did new woodbury inferno forward recruit former bangu player take charge in HA vs. MA game. Fun player to watch.
ReplyDeleteGiven the nature and style of BJ team could someone give us the blow by blow in a parently exciting OT game with Armstrong.
ReplyDelete7:22 - no, she is CA with the girls U15 national team for a camp.
ReplyDeleteLOL now that was creative.
ReplyDeletehere we go again.....round and round she goes....
ReplyDeleteWhite Bear 0 EVHS 1
ReplyDeleteLady Bears had multiple chances but couldn't finish. EV GK had great save on PK. WBL controlled 2/3 of game. Beautiful day for a soccer match.
stillwater area high school 1 SPA 0
ReplyDeleteCentennial 2-1 over Roseville in OT.
ReplyDeleteAnyone catch the Breck vs. Benilde game? Breck being the victor is a surprise. Is Benilde overrated or is Breck much improved?
ReplyDeleteHow did Woodbury game v. Eden Prairie go?
ReplyDeleteAV 1 Hastings 0
ReplyDeleteInteresting game. AV had more talent and depth but Hastings was scrappy and wouldn't give up.
Century 2 LVS 1 in OT. Century awarded free kick in OT and converts on a nice play.
ReplyDeleteLS cannot finish, lots of chances, dominates possesion but can't find the net. century keeper makes some nice saves
ReplyDeleteWoodbury wins shoot out over Eden Praire
ReplyDeleteSaw the AV game Saturday night and really enjoyed the competition with Hastings. AV had some very skilled players but Hastings had some hard nosed competitors who kept pushing the ball away from their goal and up the field to their forwards. Totally different playing styles but completely entertaining and sitting on the edge of your seat excitement. This game was worth the price of admission.
ReplyDeleteWhite Bear lists 5 Freshman on their program/roster. Isn't #6 a Sophmore? I remember her from last year.
ReplyDeleteMade me chuckle, Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThere is a situation involving the transfer rule that I am hoping someone who knows can explain.
ReplyDelete1) Player transfers to SSM at beginning of Sophomore year.
2) Player transfers back to old HS at end of Junior year.
3) Parents have lived in same school district (the one the player goes to HS in) the entire time.
4) Player so far has not been allowed to play because in violation of transfer rule.
Seems like the player should be allowed to play. Any insights?
The family and coaches have to appeal the transfer rule and give reasons why she should be able to play. It has been done before.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of Strib's review? Wish it could be more in depth!
ReplyDeleteThe girls ranking of top five players looks like the Bangu Stars team.
ReplyDeleteTop ten rankings look realistic.
Yep..only left out one headed to the U and added a Wings player.
ReplyDeleteBig one tonight - AHA v Blake at AHA... AHA still missing one stud but their U15 WNT player is back and should be fit to play.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I thought AHA was supposed to have some amazing freshman keeper? The two on their varsity roster are a senior and a junior?
confused.
Trying to rank players is stupid. We should try and compare Hope Solo and Abby Wambach! The best part about it is the rankings are done by a staff writer. Not a coach or anyone of importance.
ReplyDeleteit all depeneds on when she transferred her junior year. since she transferred once already- during her sophomore - she will have to sit out at least one calender year in varsity athletics. if she transferred last fall she can compete in the winter and spring, if she transferred in the spring she would not be eligible at all
ReplyDeletessm is not a mshsl team so there really wasn't a 'transfer'.
ReplyDeleteshe should be allowed to play for the original h.s. in my humble opinion.
the stribs coverage of girls soccer is a joke. interesting how the strib pretends to promote equality in gender - but their coverage of girls sports to boys sports says it all. They will spend more time on Cretin football than on all girls sports combined.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot more people interested in football than soccer, that may explain it.
ReplyDeletethe red star has always professed to be gender equitable....then in the final wash just the opposite is evident. get used to it.
ReplyDeletebesides, girl's soccer is not a revenue sport.
'go boys, go!'....
Strib-Milea? loves EP football and would get on his knees for Grant. He has never been a fan of Cretin. Agree though to your main point, coverage of girls sports as a whole is lacking by the Strib. "Other" paper is worse than the Trib in covering high school sports, although they will have a nice article of BW from PCG.
ReplyDelete10:52 Not big surprise about top players picked , bangu has influence at paper and also in all state selections and all tournament teams which sometimes back fires later when players dont live up to billing in college. So what, most players named were all state last year and regardless of how well their teams do or what statistics they have, all again shoe-in for all state team this year. Genuine best players in group and ones not mentioned have their teams do well and have stats to back it up this year and last. Believe Eastview and Holy Angels should be included in top ten.
ReplyDeleteHoly Angels would get clobbered by any of the decent AA schools. If you don't believe me, then check scores of common opponents as they become available.
ReplyDeleteThe top A schools might hang with the big schools here and there, but when enrollment is 800 versu 2400+, the sheer numbers are too hard to overcome.
ReplyDelete9:21 So now Bangu is influencing the paper and the HS league coaches, whats next they are going to influence the presidential election. Come on dude get real, the fact is the best senior female players play for Bangu, that may be why they are listed as the five players to watch. Next year the list will include five players from Woodbury Inferno, just wait and see.
ReplyDeleteHoly Angels 0, Blake 0 (OT)
ReplyDeleteA well fought contest by two teams that are tops in class A. Too bad they will probably match up against one another again in sections before reaching the state tourney. Although Blake is down somewhat compared to last year, they continue to be well coached and strong defensively. Holy Angels has more offensive firepower (Hoaglin and Schultz) and experience. Their contest was back and forth for the first 60 minutes without many scoring opportunities. The last minutes of regulation and OT were more action packed in terms of scoring chances. Both these teams should be fun to follow this year in class A.
Early season conference predictions:
ReplyDeleteClassic Lake-Edina
Classic Sub-Mahtomedi
Lake-BJ
Mississippi 8-Rogers
Minn. City-Southwest
Missota-AHA
North Suburban-Benilde
NW Suburban-Osseo
Tri Metro-Blake
Suburban East-Woodbury
Can anyone provide a recap of Moundsview/Park game? Was it as tight as the score indicated?
ReplyDeleteIMHO - this is the best place to get women's soccer news
ReplyDeletehttp://www.minnesotasportsonline.com/sporthome.php?yid=0809&sport=113
- no I don't own it
splitsville
Holy Angels vs Blake
ReplyDeleteWho is Hoaglin? A freshman or transfer? I saw AHA in Sections last year. Schultz stood out on turf, but was stifled by combination of Blake defense and poor, uneven field at Blake. No one else stood out as being a cut above.
Blake gave up goals to Sartell and St. Cloud Cathedral last weekend. How good is AHA's offense?
Hoaglin has been starting for AHA for at least 3 years, and is a very solid midfielder. Some consider her a viable candidate for Ms. Soccer this year. The combination of her and Schultz give AHA a great 1-2 punch.
ReplyDeleteBoth goals Blake gave up last weekend were on stoppages (one being an unlucky handball in the box that resulted in a PK). Hope that gives you some of the info. you were looking for.
Thanks for info on Hoaglin. I'll make sure I look for her if I get a chance to see AHA this year.
ReplyDeleteFunny how all the talk about Hoaglin. Wonder if this is the daughter of the Hoaglin from Bangu. You don't think? No.
ReplyDeleteHow would he know how Blake was scored on in 2 previous out of town games??? hmmm 6:11
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of all the assumptions and gossip on this blog. Grow up and lets exchange some interesting soccer information. I have no interest in reading posts that speculate who the authors of previous posts are. Question posts for their content, not their authors. Lets talk soccer and leave the negativity aside.
ReplyDelete10:04 - agreed. There have always been a couple of "yahoos" on this blog who immediately pound out the "if must be the parent blogging about their kid" post whenever a name is mentioned. Personally, I think we should be talking about teams not players.
ReplyDeletethere is no way hoaglin is a ms. soocer- she is a nice player but there are a handful of midfielders better. she would be a role player on any of the big AA schools
ReplyDeleteanon 1041 r u kidding! RH would start for any AA school.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree, if Hoaglin would be a so called "role" player on a AA school, it would be a large role. Anyway, it isn't worthwhile to compare A and AA candidates, as a Ms. Soccer is awarded for both classes.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you should talk about individuals at this age.
ReplyDeleteAs for A versus AA - AHA will play Bloomington Jeff this year and that should answer the question of whether the little schools can play against the big schools and whether the rich kids can play against well the other rich kids.
splitsville
There are a few Class A girls that will be going on to play for some Division I collegiate programs. I think that those girls could very well be pretty darn good players--even in the AA world. After all, Jena Kluegel (played for North Carolina, All American, National Player etc.) came from a Class A school, Ali Schwach (plays for Ohio State)...etc....probably would have played some minutes for a AA school. RH from AHA is getting may D1 looks..as is Crocker from Vis. and others. Class A will frequently have wonderful individual players. Their teams often lack depth, in comparison to AA schools. RH from AHA is one of the top 5 players in the state of MN (according to the recruiting chart that we use at Drake).
ReplyDelete1:59 makes some good points as the big difference is depth. IMO, there are many, many top notch Class A kids who would not only start, but contribute to just about any Class AA school (even the heavyweights).
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Though most, or average A schools are C-2 equivalent, that's not to say that there aren't some great players in A. Look at Mahto's recent history of turning out great players.
ReplyDeleteFor a player to fully develop though, they need to be around faster play, which they all get from November through June with their club teams.
2:29 - Mahto's a great example and I agree with your average A school level (although some of the better schools are obviously higher). The big diffence is that the top Class AA schools have starting line-ups of premier+ (MRL-only, etc...) players. Woodbury, EP, Wayzata, MV, Edina, EV, LS, WBL, etc... have solid kids at virtually every position. The only drawback is the mixture of grades out on the field.
ReplyDelete