Comments on: 2010 USSF 2nd Division Schedule Should Be Released Today or Tomorrow-NSC Minnesota Openers Revealed

By: Brian Quarstad

Brian Quarstad — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:24:46 +0000

Sorry, missed some of the humor. Shot right by me. The scenario that you laid out for the opener could very well happen.

Actually, the schedule this year looks about as fair as any schedule the Thunder ever had.

By: Cam Stoltz

Cam Stoltz — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:18:24 +0000

Brian, Metrodome – moving or making a youth tournament, (Shhhhhhhh don’t tell anyone but I am being cynical!!!!!!!) No –we/MN – beggars can’t be choosers. We can complain about the April games either here or in Canada. That’s my point.

I can see soccer working soccer out in 50 degree weather, baseball, probably more miserable. Just don’t prop and promote the heck out of an opener if the attendance will damage the image. I could just see a cold cloudy April day and 378 people in the stands the first time KARE or WCCO bring camera’s. I suggest assigning the larger promotion and push the heck out of the first game they may have large numbers and ok weather. Of course Memorial Day is unpredictable in MN.

What I mean by the owners: did Minnesota have equal rep or how was the schedule made? For instance, do older franchises with more boisterous owners have any twist in the final schedule? At first, when I read your article, I was under the impression that IMS reader folks were not happy or somehow think MN may have been short changed.

That’s all I meant, is the schedule fair and who really made it? And no, I don’t think even the NSC can invent a new youth event that quick (again – a joke!) and certainly they would not play at another facility all be it the Plastic Barnyard (Metrodome).
Thanks for your updates anyway -well done as always!

By: Brian Quarstad

Brian Quarstad — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:23:54 +0000

Cam, I think you understand, with the scheduling and sanctioning of tournaments that is not something you just move. It has to be planned nearly a year in advance. We all know that playing in the Metrodome is not really very affordable. Instead you have a team playing in early season that could be nice, could be crappy. So the opener could go either way as well. The only thing you could do is try harder next year to get a later opener in the norther states. I think if NASL gets the league next year that is exactly what they will attempt to do.

“Could ownership of other teams have an angle on MN?” I have no idea what you are asking here?

By: Cam Stoltz

Cam Stoltz — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:19:02 +0000

Baseball plays earlier in similar climates. Europe plays thru the winter, all be it not has “harsh” as MN – but again April?. The sports center can do at least two things to combat this: Move early games to metrodome (ha) or move one of the youth tournaments to encourage a fan base. Might have to plan around a grand opening vs a season opening. Could ownership of other teams have an angle on MN?

By: Jeff Wolter

Jeff Wolter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:31:57 +0000

“They have had to truck in snow to Whistler, where the outdoor events are taking place.”

Incorrect, I work in the ski business. Whistler is father up in the mountains with a base at 2100′ and has plenty of snow. The Snowboard events are being held at Cypress Mountain which is right above Vancouver and that’s where they have little snow.

By: KT

KT — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:24:49 +0000

“US Soccer is quickly learning what a pain in the ass running a league can be….”

As the NASL will find out next year.

By: fotbalist

fotbalist — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:14:18 +0000

As a Vancouverite who now lives in MN, I assure you Vancouver weather is a walk in the park for any Minnesotan, that is if you don’t mind the grey sky and persistent drizzle of rain. I’m excited about the season, and even though the travel has to be hard on the players and club finances, seing PR in MN will only increase the level of play here. Go MSN MN Stars! (boy that’s a mouthful)

By: Super Rookie

Super Rookie — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:07:51 +0000

NSC Minnesota totally ruined my plans of watching “So You Think You Can Dance” on Wednesday nights this summer. They better create an awesome mascot to make up for this!

By: MA

MA — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:08:19 +0000

NSCMN may have a tough schedule, but that’s great for MN soccer fans as we get to see some of the league’s more talented teams often at the Nessy.

By: teucer

teucer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:46:49 +0000

Minnesota doesn’t get saddled with a second trip to Puerto Rico – that goes to Carolina, and Minnesota gets domestic airfare with a second trip to Tampa. This seems fairer, to me – and I’m not just saying that because it’s good for the Stars, since Carolina is my other team.