A Plead For Civility

At the request of a number concerned readers, I am once again asking those who comment on stories and 'chat threads' to be civil. In a recent email from a concerned parent, a very eloquent plead for civility was requested:  

"...Online impersonation has become a crime in California which clearly represents that the freedom of speech of online posting comes with responsibility. My husband read the blog and said it's just one big pissing contest of superegos. To read the blog, you'd never convince anyone that youth soccer is "all about the kids." Requiring people to identify themselves increases the civility of debate. I urge you to allow only those who are willing to take responsibility for their words by identifying themselves to post on your blog. If we preach to our kids that sportsmanship, fair play and integrity are what we value, shouldn't we adults play or blog by the same rules?"

This blog has significant number of younger readers. The new direction of the blog will feature content from MN connected players who are working hard to get to the next level in their game. I hope this new content can both inspire and entertain. I would like to keep the blog interactive, open and to encourage responsible commenting.

At the suggestion of a number of readers and other bloggers, I am considering allowing only registered users to post. However, historically, this drives both readership and interaction down to almost nil. For the sake of keeping this forum a place for fair exchanges of opinions and a place that younger readers may use as a resource, please:

1. Know that while you may post as anonymous, you can be tracked through your ISP by your IP address
2. Stay on topic and be civil
3. Do not insult others, use racial slurs, and otherwise unkind comments
4. Do not call out youth players by name or team+position, unless you have something nice to say

A good rule of thumb for online behavior is that if you wouldn't say it to someones face, then don't post it.

If you have input please contact me at mnfutbol@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Tim Gibbons

Changes Coming Soon!

The MNFUTBOL blog will see a slew of changes over the next week or so. Fresh new look, new content and a new direction for providing unique content and stories. Please be patient as some new components may be buggy or the site may be inaccessible for brief periods of time. Thank you.

Chat: Euro Futbol/Champions League

Chat: USWNT: 2011 Women's World Cup

Chat: USMNT: Gold Cup & Friendlies

Introduction

Hello fellow soccer fans, my name is Tim Gibbons and I am the new MNFUTBOL.

I am an avid footy fanatic following UW-Milwaukee Panthers, UMN Men’s Club and Women’s teams, the MLS, EPL, and the Spanish League when I can catch a game. Locally I try to get to MIAC college games, NPSL and NSC Stars games. My favorite cups include Champions League and the World Cup.

Chat: State Cup Preview

Chat: Boys Club, Tournaments and News

Chat: Girls Club, Tournaments and News

Chat: Midwest Regional League games, results and news

Chat: ECNL games, results and news

Chat: DAP games, results and news

Under New Ownership

The MNFUTBOL blog is under new ownership. Check back in early 2011 for a new look and upgraded content.

For now, anonymous posts will not be allowed. They may return when the new blog is published in the early part of 2011, but I am still trying to figure out what format will be used.

Happy Holidays!

By the Numbers

MN State Cup update. The semi-finals are set. Clubs with semi finalists (not including 19s):

16 for MTA
4 each for EDP, SCV and WDB
3 each for BHK, EDI, PSA and SSM
2 for TCF
1 each for BVL, DKT, LKV, NSS, PRL and TRV

This may the the first semi finalists for Three Rivers at girls U17s. Congratulations to all players, coaches, clubs and parents.

NSC Stars - MN's new pro soccer team

After the MN Thunder imploded over the winter, the National Sports Center put together a replacement team called the "NSC Stars." The NSC Stars (1-1-0) are off to a flying start, getting their first victory in a 1-0 match against the Carolina Railhawks. For those who have not followed the USL v TOA saga, USSF decided to run the 2nd division of professional soccer on their own for 2010. "USSF D-2 Pro League" is comprised of 2 conferences, each named with the battling parties "USL Division" and "NASL Division."

Brian Quarstad (BQ) has done a great job covering the story on Inside MN Soccer. Visit his blog for more details and to see some very good, in depth coverage of soccer around Minnesota and beyond.

Visit the NSC Stars team web site for schedule, tickets, etc.

Visit the USSF D-2 Pro League web site for more information on the league and teams.

2010 Boys State Cup

This might be the last year for SSM and MTA/Bangu to field teams U16 and U18. Can MTA repeat with 7 Championships? Brackets and schedules can be found here.

2010 Girls State Cup

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

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

Good luck to all team, coaches and parents!

MTA and SSM gain USSF Development Academy

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

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

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

Visit the USSF Development Academy web site for additional information.

MN Thunder, USL and TOA

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

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

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

Boys Club News and Chat

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