2012 US Youth Soccer Midwest Regionals; Minnesota Fails to Send Teams to Nationals
Minnesota Youth Soccer Association teams participating the in the US Youth Soccer 2012 Region II Championships in Saginaw, Michigan suffered a huge setback last week as all qualifying teams failed to win their brackets. As a result, Minnesota will not be represented at the US Youth Soccer National Finals, which will be held July 25-29 in Rock Hill, S.C. Notwithstanding the disappointing results, MYSA Executive Director Candace Daley, who attended the tournament, noted, “Every Minnesota team was very competitive and represented the state well.”
Last year Minnesota sent three of the 14 teams to the tournament finals. Those teams were the boys U16 Minnesota Thunder Elite Academy, the girls U17 Minnesota Thunder Academy East and the girls U19 Woodbury Inferno. Of those teams, the U16 Boys and the U19 Girls went on to victory in the finals.
Despite having no teams that will travel to South Carolina for the championship tournament, former MYSA player and current referee Elena Miller was selected to officiate in the finals based on her performance and referee assessments at the regional event.
2012 US Youth Soccer Region II Champions
Girls
Under-13 Girls (MI) Michigan Hawks
Under-14 Girls (OH-N) Ambassadors FC
Under-15 Girls (OH-N) Internationals 96 Red
Under-16 Girls (OH-N) Cleveland United White
Under-17 Girls (IL) Team Chicago Academy Botafogo
Under-18 Girls (OH-S) Cincinnati Soccer Alliance Elite
Under-19 Girls (MO) St. Louis Scott Gallagher Green
Boys
Under-13 Boys (IL) Chicago Magic
Under-14 Boys (MI) Vardar 98
Under-15 Boys (OH-S) CUP Crew Jrs Gold
Under-16 Boys (MI) Michigan Jaguars
Under-17 Boys (IL) Raiders FC Premier
Under-18 Boys (MI) Grand Rapids Crew Jrs
Under-19 Boys (OH-S) Crew Juniors
Results for Minnesota Teams
U13 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
Dakota Rev Riptide (G) 0 2 1 1 2 7 -5
MN Thunder Academy (B) 1 1 1 4 4 3 1
U14 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
Mpls United Black (G) 2 1 0 6 6 4 2
MN Thunder Academy (B) 1 0 2 5 5 4 1
U15 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
Prior Lake Splash (G) 0 2 1 1 1 4 -3
St. Paul United Elite (B) 0 1 2 2 1 4 -3
U16 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
Eden Prairie SC Fusion (G) 0 3 0 0 0 8 -8
Edina Swarm (B) 1 1 1 4 2 1 1
U17 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
Eden Prairie Showcase (G) 1 2 1 1 1 8 -7
St. Croix Juventus (B) 0 3 0 0 3 12 -9
U18 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
St Croix Scorpions (G) 0 3 0 0 0 7 -7
St. Croix (B) 0 1 2 2 0 2 -2
U19 Age Group Win Loss Draw Pts. GF GA GD
Eden Prairie SC (G) 2 1 0 6 7 3 4
Blackhawks (B) 1 2 0 3 8 8 0
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“MYSA Executive Director Candace Daley, who attended the tournament, noted that “Every Minnesota team was very competitive and represented the state well.”…. It’s nice to say, and probably felt the need if we have a PR department in the MYSA, I am sure those who made it to regionals feels the same. HOWEVER, what are we (or MYSA) going to do about it? Its seems the state association has been in decline for a while. I know the teams that “make it” feel close, probably proud, but what as a state are we doing to thicken the level and make exceptional strides? “Go with the flow” and “sometimes lucky” are/is no way to raise the bar. Our bar is low, especially comparing state soccer size and resources (and don’t give me that Northern climate crap). Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. But maybe the issue is the MYSA really doesn’t expect results??????
I have been involved in youth soccer in Minnesota for over 20 years. In that time, I have been a player, coach, trainer, parent and board member—I guess that covers just about everything. During that time, I have seen huge improvements in the organization we call MYSA and the clubs that support it. We have also produced many great coaches and administrators, including people like Ian Barker. We also have a fine professional soccer tradition that started with the Minnesota Kicks and runs through the Minnesota Stars FC, who won the NASL championship last year, and continue to dominate the league—they even beat Real Salt Lake a few weeks back in the US Open Cup!
I would agree that there is always room for improvement in the system, and we need to work hard to raise the bar. I could write a novel on what needs to be done to improve youth soccer in our state. However, if I would write that novel, 99% of it would be on what individual clubs, coaches/trainers and parents must do better. In my humble opinion, therein lies the problem, and it is not MYSA.
This year’s results are disapointing but is it really that surprising or unusual?
Was last year’s success typical? I do not think it was, more likely it was more the exceptional year.
We would need to judge the State teams over 5 years to have a real indication of where we are at.
I do not think that MYSA can take too much credit or blame, it is up to the clubs and coaches to do a better job.
I understand what Cam Stoltz is saying, it would be refreshing to hear someone say we need to look at what we can do as a state to be more competitive.
I see your points Aaron, I would then say the MYSA has to give more freedom to the club to expand their parameters, revaluate state team (ODP) process opportunity and funding (should be free – 100% or as close to fully sponsored), Premier and or MWL, and revamp this C3 to C1 structure that was outdated when it came in. For instance (suggestion that would not shock purists): True club play (premier) needs to be 8-9 months long. 11 v 11 – yes expensive indoor domes, outdoor turf – facilities are now online – its 2012. But near year round approach – one game a week for 30 weeks or so, time off in holidays (24 to 28 games slate – double round robin). November through May. Premier leagues expand to about 14 teams or so (Premier and C1’s best teams). Training = real training and coaching progression 2 times a week. That level may be more expensive, in the big picture but wipe out the ala carte style now, training, indoors which in the end is probably as costly and more confusing. League winner’s rep state in regionals. The Classic 3 to Classic 1.5 levels should remain (traveling “rec” soccer) seasonal outdoors for novice, new or multisport players. Those teams/clubs can aspire to become a statewide premier club or team or the best players seek higher level team/club, as they already do. ODP needs to be the best 20-30 players at each age with finances completely separate from participation. Open tryout process (free) and separate tryout (free) by reference of certified (licensed DOC’s). Results based salary for ODP coaches and so on. Just suggestions/idea’s……….The answers lie with what other parts of the country do, do well and a real soccer, not seasonal approach. Coaching qualifications, experiences and validation would work its way out for the better. More executive decision making needs to be given to DOC’s and less oversight by nonprofit boards. Review and oversight rather than direct influence and shared governance. The nonprofit approach often conflicts with competitive ability. I think MYSA is professional in duty, I think the org would be best served creating and staying ahead of the curve rather than relating to what the curve and trend is (has been).
Look deeper in results: Minnesota girls seven age groups 27% of possible points, boys seven age groups 32% (based on 3-1-0 per game). Winning percentage Minnesota girls, again seven ages, 29% while boys 38%. To win a group, you generally need higher than 66% of wins/ties/loss, you generally need 60% of points 3/1/0 to have a chance at the wild card. I wonder how our results compare to three general groups of Region II states tradition over 25 years: high- IL, OH, IN, MI or medium- WI, KY, KS or low- IA, ND, SD and NB? Other comparisons to ODP ratio of regional and national teams and NCAA I and II rosters and hometowns (state residency). Thats for the top players. MYSA has always served to particapation model. Just saying……..
Evaluating this year’s performance versus any previous year’s performance at the Region II Championship is like comparing apples to oranges. Arguably the top teams from MN (the MTA ECNL girls teams and the MTA/SSM boys DA teams) beginnng this season no longer participate in State Cup. This same scenario holds true for most of the other states.
@ Cam – great posts and comments
@ Aaron – We have produced great administrators? You want to rethink that one? How can a state soccer organization be proud of that accomplishment? As far as Ian Barker is concerned, he was a quality product before MYSA and if you asked me they tied his hands from doing more than he probably wanted to. The other things you site, MYSA has had nothing to do with the state’s soccer tradition or success.
You can blame the clubs, but isn’t the MYSA suppose to be the head youth soccer association in the state. If your not going to lead, how is it you’re serving your customer base ( the clubs ) ……oh that’s right…through great administrators and bureaucrats
I will be forthright and let you know my bias and disdain that I have had for a long time with the MYSA leadership and direction, so you can take my comments for what they are worth.
Don’t get me wrong. There are some fine people that work at the MYSA. As for the leadership, you get what you pay for when you hire a former HR person to be the state’s executive soccer
director……..great administrators
Apples and oranges still make juice. my points are the trends last 5 years, 10, 15, 20… SSM doesent count, most of them never played MYSA. State association needs to look in the mirror. As for administrators, cut the office staff in half, make ODP or whatever the hell you want to call it, 100% free. see how demand and achievement rise. Grow organization by quality and then hire according to sponsorship need and worth.
I guess I will have to think twice before I write another article about youth soccer as I did not want it to turn into a “bash MYSA session.” Regardless of where you go, people have the same complaints about youth soccer and the state organizations. I have done several coach education classes in California (during the winter when it is cold in MN) and I hear the same complaints on how things could be better at the youth level in a number of western states. To say that it is MYSA’s fault that no teams advanced is like saying it is Sunil Gulati’s fault the USMNT are not going to the Olympics.
The fact is after the MTA teams (the best boys and girls players in that club from U14-U18 are in US Development Academy & ECNL and did not compete in State Cup this year) our Minnesota teams are not strong enough to compete with the 2nd and 3rd best teams from other Region 2 states.
Just look at the winning percentage the past few years from the MTA teams at Regions compared to the non-MTA teams. It’s a pretty clear picture.
MTA has done a decent job of consolidating talent, not great but decent. After that our talent is spread across too many clubs for out kids/teams to be successful at Regions.
I’ll sit back and await the inevitable bashing from you all but run the numbers before attacking me. The percentages I mentioned tell the story. The numbers don’t lie.
Aaron, your article is fine and writing quality. But I actually think your Sunil Gulati point is the point: the success and issues fall under whose “watch”? Thats the same ultimate accountabilty we use in business, government, school and yes sports. Leadership in a simple nutshell.
@Aaron – I don’t think it was your overall reporting the facts that anyone has issues with. If anything it has created a great forum for civil debate. To misquote the Godfather movie, “it’s not personal, it’s soccer.
Your follow-up in the comments probably didn’t help your case with MYSA bashers like myself though
What brought light on the topic at hand was the typical, politically correct, and IMO; inane comment by the Bureaucracy of the MYSA. Heck she might as well quoted Stuart Smalley of past SNL fame, and ended with, “and dog-gone it, people like us!”
The real question she or the President of MYSA needed to answer; What is MYSA’s role in helping raise the performance level of the top level talent and teams in the state of MN. Is there a plan? If so, what is it and is there a time frame and process for implementing it?
If not, then provide the avenues and ability for clubs to do so on their own without interference from the State’s so called governing body of soccer. Either crap or get of the crapper….which shouldn’t be confused with the hopper
@ Aaron – forgot to include, I do agree with you in regard to the problems here not being exclusive. I know things are far from perfect in CA and in AZ; and maybe our problems are not as dramatic as we like to generalize. That being said it does not mean we can not steer our standards and expectations to higher levels of success and achievement.
I spent time in AZ this last year at a national level club. Believe me, MN does A LOT of things right…I could write for days on that and maybe one day I will. With that being said, we also hold ourselves back…coaches, administrators, and bodies of oversight all play into that. One of the big differences between CA/AZ/IL/MI/OH-S/TX and MN is they have full time coaches so the top coaches are spread across 2-3 teams at once and it is their job (literally) to make players better and the coaching staffs are (should be) working off the same curriculum. For some reason in MN, it is shunned upon if you make your living coaching soccer so we have fragmented approaches within clubs. I worked close to 40+ hours a week in AZ…including giving up all my nights and weekends. When I wasn’t on the field, I was writing up game or training evaluations on players, etc. It was no different than any other 40 hr job out there. However, with full time staff goes increased club fees…it was $2150 to put on the uniform (without the uniform, or registration costs, or fields, or ref costs, or tournament costs, or travel) and I think the country club factor of getting soccer is getting out of hand as well (but that’s for another day). The other big difference in AZ , we could count on 3 training sessions per week per team on a regular schedule…all league games were on Saturdays so the training to game ratio stayed higher. I agree with Cam, weather is NOT the issue although I didn’t believe that until I experienced it.
Re: MYSA – I think we get fair and equal confused at times. That can play into holding back top player development. MYSA does a very good job IMO but some things in terms of team placement, rostering, and # of league games could be tweaked causing positive changes.
Lastly, if we want to complain we have to be willing to be agents of change.