Minnesota Soccer Times, January 2020

VOLUME 33

ISSUE 1

JANUARY 2020

SOCCER TIMES THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MINNESOTA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Best

At the dawn of a new soccer year, MYSA looks back at

THE

IN THIS ISSUE

ODP Players Shine in Florida PAGE 6

OF 2018-19

Top Leagues Kick-off 2020 Season PAGE 8

Annual Award Winners PAGE 14

Contents SOCCER TIMES Jan. 2020 Executive Director’s Message . . .

4

MYSA’s Best Compete at ODP Interregional . . . . . . . . . . .

6

Competitive News: Top-Level Spring Leagues Kicking Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Player Safety a Top Priority for MYSA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Coach & Club Honor Rolls . . . . .

12

Stars Shine Bright at MYSA Annual Recognition Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Soccer Times

January 2020

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SOCCER TIMES The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted; all rights reserved. Articles may not be reproduced without written permission. The advertising space provided in Soccer Times is purchased and paid for by the advertiser. None of the products or services are necessarily endorsed by MYSA or its affiliates. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of its advertisers or MYSA. Printed in the United States of America.

Minnesota Soccer Times Official Publication of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association is published six times per year

by Varsity Communications, Inc.

Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Officers: Steve May – President Jennifer Zarth – Vice President John Conte – Treasurer Ann Marie Courchene – Secretary

Member Representativs Vacant – East Metro David Carter – Northern Todd Loose – Southwest Metro Julie Magnuson – Northwest Metro Vacant – Southern

Minnesota Youth Socce Association State Office 10890 Nesbitt Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55437 Tel.: (952) 933-2384; (800) 366-6972 MNYouthSoccer.org

State Office Staff Matthew Madeira – Executive Director – Integrator Chato Alvarado – Director of Coaching & Player Development Stacy Dally – Director of Marketing & Communications Ashley Jacques – Director of Coaching & Player Administration Patti Isensee – State Registrar Ayla Lokkesmoe – Director of Operations Norine Olson – Director of Finance Cam Stoltz – Director of League Operations Iván Woyno – Director of Enterprise Development

Production Varsity Communications, Inc

Editor Brian Beaky

Graphic Designers Robert Becker, Joal Chiu

Advertising Inquiries Ian Civey - (425) 412-7070 ext. 102 ian@varsitycommunications.com Varsity Communications, Inc.

Sponsorship Inquiries Stacy Dally 952-252-0227 StacyDally@MNYouthSoccer.org

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Soccer Times

Looking Back AT

An Incredible Year for Soccer

By Matthew Madeira | MYSA Executive Director–Integrator

Executive Directors Message

T

his time last year, we were all getting ready for the wonders of 2019. And, 2019 was a good year.

1. We sent 3 of our ODP teams to Germany and the kids had a great time. Included in the trip was an afternoon with Christian Pulisic.

2. We had great results from our teams at regional and national tournaments, including MYSA’s second National Championship, won by the Three Rivers 16U Girls team.

3. A new league structure was created, with Minnesota League One and the Black and Blue divisions. Besides the good we saw locally within our youth ranks, we also were able to participate in the opening of the best stadium in MLS, our Minnesota United FC home at Allianz Field.

Finally, in 2019 we witnessed the U.S. Women’s National Team win another World Cup, while Megan Rapinoe received the 2019 Ballon D’Or and was named Sports Illustrated ’s “Sportsperson of the Year.”

So, let’s wonder now …. what will 2020 bring?

Stay tuned, as we are very excited for another great year of soccer.

MYSA Players Excel AT

ODP Interregional in Florida

By Chato Alvarado, MYSA Director of Coaching

E

arlier this year, I had the privilege to attend the Interregional event in Boca Raton, Fla., with three MYSA players. The event consisted of six days full of soccer (on and off the field), where players had the opportunity to play with and against the best ODP players in the United States.

From sunrise to sundown there was a lot of excitement and camaraderie (hotel, meals, rides to and from the fields, daily team meetings), but on the field, you could also sense the intense competition — the fact that every individual was there to showcase their skills, and prove to the ODP coaches and the U.S. National Team scouts that they deserved an invitation to the National Training Center in January of 2020.

Each of Minnesota’s three participants represented the state in a superb way! I am looking forward to seeing these players (and many other more) at ODP again next year!

”I had a great time playing with and meeting many high-level athletes. I’m so fortunate to have been able to play and compete at such a high level. I enjoyed the quality of coaching I received over the week. I gained many helpful experiences that will further my soccer knowledge and abilities. I am very grateful for the amazing experience and for the opportunity to go to the Interregional tournament.”

”Going to Boca was a such a great experience. It was so fun to meet new people and play against other athletes with such a high level of skill. I made so many great memories with my teammates and I hope there are more to come. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to come to Florida and play in the Interregional tournament.”

— Emilia McGiffert (2003)

— Vivian Rojas Collins (2005)

I

n addition to these outstanding young players, eight boys from Minnesota participated in the USYS ODP Boys Interregional Event on December 17-21, in Bradenton, Fla. Unfortunately, this issue went to print before the start of their event, but we are sure they represented Minnesota well!

Bennett Kouame: 17U Joy of the People Brandon Lee: U14 ECNL Minnesota Thunder Academy Demetrius Bernardy-Nelson: U18 High Performance Salvo SC Keegan James: 19U Premier Keliix-Intra Osher Zmira: 15U Premier Blackhawks Ramzi Ouro-Akondo: U19 Premier Keliix-Intra William Heinen: U17 Premier I Edina Soccer Club

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January 2020

Soccer Times

”My experience overall was very good. I loved it the whole time I was there. Also, since I had to come in late because of club team games, I was nervous to try and be a part of a team that had already been with each other for multiple days. But, as soon as I got there, everyone was super-friendly and welcoming on the team and the coaching staff. My nerves were gone after lunch of the first day, and I already felt closer to the people on the team. The soccer part of the trip was amazing. Having the chance to see all these amazing players my age from around the nation was great, and getting to meet new coaches with so much experience was helpful for me as a player. All in all, it was an amazing thing for me to experience, as both a player and a person.”

— Jordan Hecht (2005)

To learn more about Minnesota Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program, click here.

BVU CUP Not yet sanctioned by MYSA

June 26-28

•

2020

Registration opens January 1

Minnesota League One Kick-off Minnesota League One is our most competitive league, with teams participating from all over the state.

More than 390 teams will compete in the First Division or Premier League this spring, with games beginning as teams and facilities are available in 2020. Teams are primarily competing to earn a coveted spot in the Premier League for the following year. Congratulations to all the teams that earned Premier status this spring, and good luck to the rest of Minnesota League One teams!

Competitive

News

See All Minnesota League One Teams

The tournament is open to U9-U19 teams U9/10 7v7, 3 games, no playoffs, participation awards U11/U12 9v9, 3 games min, point system, winner awards U13-U19 11v11, 3 games min, point system, winner awards

Click the age groups here

13U 14U 15U

16U 17U 18U 19U

QUESTIONS?

tournament@bvunited.org bvunited.org

And remember, tag us in your pictures this spring so we can share your news and pictures with everyone! @MNYouthSoccer

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@MNYouthSoccer

@MinnYouthSoccer

FUSION SOCCER CLUB DECIDE. COMMIT. SUCCEED. Why choose Fusion?

Highest level of player training and development — the proof is in the play!

• Established pathway to player success — including our NEW college advisory program • Winter training with Fusion’s top coaches at multiple climate controlled dome sites • Opportunity for player development at every skill level and age • NEW — join our Goalkeeper academy and winter clinics

The Proof is in the Play!

Results from Fusion & Tonka Fusion Elite Programs • • • • • • • • • • • • •

20+ ODP Regional Showcase Selections 10 ODP Region II ID Camp Selections 10 MYSA Premier Statuses 8 MYSA Summer League Champions 6 USA Cup Champions 6 TCSL Summer League Champions 5 MN United FC Development Academy Selections 4 MN State Cup Finalists 4 US Club National Premier League Champions 4 USYS National League Premier Statuses 1 USYS Regional Championship Finalist 1 US Club NPL Finals Runner Up 1 USYS National Championships Qualifier

Multiple levels of play for all ages and skill levels: • • • •

Recreation: (3yrs thru 8th grade) – Multiple winter sessions, register NOW! Development: (U7-U8) – Multiple winter sessions, register NOW! Competitive: (U9-U21) – Summer, Fall & Winter, Missed tryouts? Contact us for available openings.

Elite: (U13-U17) – Quickly becoming the regions best program serving players with the highest level of skill and commitment, visit us at www.tonkafusionelite.com

Please visit our website, fusionsoccermn.com Soccer Times January 2020 on all programs or call us at (763) 450-3099 for more information

9

MYSA PUTS

Player Safety

Front & Center

P

layer safety is our top priority, and each season we are doing everything possible to protect our youth players. We work with club administrators to make sure our risk management and background screening requirements are implemented, and we are continually evaluating and revising our process to be at the forefront of player safety. All adults must complete and pass the following requirements:

Background Checks MYSA requires all adults to complete a yearly background screening which must meet certain minimum standards. If a person’s background check result does not meet the minimum standards, then that person is disqualified from participation. Through our partnership with the Minnesota State Referee Committee, MYSA also applies the same requirement and standards to all adult referees in Minnesota.

Safesport Training SafeSport training educates adults on emotional, physical and sexual misconduct, and notifies adults of their mandatory reporting duties. Adults must complete a 90-minute training in their first year, and a 30-minute refresher course annually after that. Parents may also take advantage of free trainings on the SafeSport website.

Concussion Training Concussion training must be completed every three years. There are various free, online concussion trainings available to coaches; MYSA endorses the CDC’s HEADS UP training. Like SafeSport training, parents are also encouraged to access the free trainings on the CDC’s website to learn more about concussions in youth sports.

If you have any questions about any of our Risk Management policies or requirements, please contact Director of Operations Ayla Lokkesmoe at AylaLokkesmoe@MNYouthSoccer.org.

NOTE All adults are required to complete and pass an annual background check Soccer Times

January 2020 11

MYSA

Honor Rolls

is proud to present the Club and Coach Honor Roll.

The Club Honor Roll is for MYSA clubs and associations that host a coaching license course, while the Coach Honor Roll includes coaches who have recently completed a license or diploma in Minnesota. Thank you all for your efforts to improve the level of soccer for all players in Minnesota. Congratulations to all clubs and coaches in this month’s Honor Rolls!

COACH HONOR ROLL

7V7 LICENSE

Alan Goroztieta

Isidro Rojas

Alejandro Sarmiento

Jakob Popkin

Alex Martinez

Janel Schliemann

Arnold Changamire

Joseph Ortmann

Brian Strom

Kevin Cuenca Medina

Carlos Luis

Kristi Downs

Daisy Cuenca

Mario Guevara Cadenas

David Mata

Michael Elvester

Edvin Lopez

Noe Cuenca

Fetsume Tewelde

Pablo Ayala

Gilberto Monroy

Rob Pachan

Gretchen Changamire

Robert Frischmon

Habteab Gebremeskel

Trish Legueri

COACH HONOR ROLL

Andrew Morgan Arnold Changamire Brian Griffith Catherine Parkhill Christopher Gray Derek Holman Emmanuel Brown Enzo Cena Fred Guenther James Heckendorf Jamie Erickson Jason Barnhouse Jessica Ryman Jonathan Hall Joseph Ortmann Juan Torres Kalvan Lee Kidane Habtes Kristen Spargo

Lisa Price Luke Patterson Martin Browne, Jr. Matt Rude Maxwell Meyer Megan Griffith Michael Elvester Michael Johnson Omar Alnuaimi Patrick Hager Peter Paye, Jr. Rob Pachan Robert Frischmon Ross Priest Steven Lawrence Tim Meehan Trish Legueri Victor Ortiz Zan Gao

BOARDED YOUTH & ADULT SOCCER LEAGUES

• • • •

CLUB HONOR ROLL

9V9 LICENSE

6v6 - Boarded!

Coon Rapids SA 9v9 License Great River Soccer Club 7v7 License Great River Soccer Club 9v9 License MapleBrook Soccer Club 9v9 License Northern Lights SC 9v9 License Urban Ventures 7v7 License

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

•

More ball touches per game!

Improved ball control in tight spaces!

Fast paced, intense soccer, which leads to increased endurance and physical ability!

• •

TURF BLASTERS boys & girls ages 5 and 6, boys & girls 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade.

TURF TOTS ages 3 and 4 FIELD RENTAL available in our fieldhouse and two boarded fields.

Burnsville, MN • soccerblastmn.com

(952) 895-1962 12 January 2020

Soccer Times

MYSA Celebrates

Best OF 2018-19

THE

O

n Saturday, Nov. 2, more than 250 guests gathered at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest to attend the 2019 MYSA Annual Recognition Banquet. In conjunction with the Annual General Meeting, the banquet honored players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers, and inducted a

new member into the MYSA Hall of Fame. MYSA welcomed WCCO’s Christiane Cordero to emcee the event and help celebrate this year’s best in soccer.

During the summer and fall seasons, we asked for parents, players, and club officials for nominations for the following awards.

ADMINISTRATOR

BOYS COMPETITIVE COACH

GIRLS COMPETITIVE COACH

Centennial Soccer Club

Orono Westonka Soccer Club

Fusion Soccer Club

Mike has been part of Centennial Soccer Club for four years. Since November of 2018, Mike has taken on many roles and tasks, including those of a Coaching Director, Club Registrar, website manager and Rec Coordinator, all the while being a team coach and manager. Mike is focused on growing his players as individuals and creating long-lasting friendships.

Nick is a great role model and example for all three of his children’s teams that he coaches. He demonstrates hard work and leadership on and off the field and in the community on a daily basis.

A parent of one of Nick’s teams puts it best by saying, “If you asked me to nominate a soccer coach for an award, I wouldn’t even need to think about it. Nick Lewis would be the first name out of my mouth.”

Mike Jefferson

14 January 2020

Soccer Times

Nick Lewis

Lawrence Tsoi

The culture that Lawrence has created around this team is healthy, respectful and safe for the players to learn, grow and fail.

Yes, you heard correctly, fail. Lawrence doesn’t shy away from difficult. He has created a viable program and continually works to develop and ensure the club provides appropriate-level programming for all players regardless of age, level or gender.

JOTP is more than “just fun” it is the pathway to true greatness, creating friendships, building competencies and gaining the super power of enjoyment.

• • • • • • •

Winter Programs

Futsal Teams/Leagues

Spring and Sumner camps

Summer Teams

Skills programs

Free Play and more

Two locations

www.joyofthepeople.org

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TOPSOCCER

THEBest OF 2018-19 GIRLS RECREATION COACH

Amanda Good Great River Soccer Club

Amanda was a volunteer coach in Great River’s Recreation program. She is very involved and engaged with the kids and encourages her players to play to have fun. She is right beside the kids, showing them skills and wearing a smile the entire time. When you look around at different teams, Amanda’s team always seems to be having the most fun. Her philosophy is opening up the world of soccer to the kids for a lifetime of enjoyment.

BOYS RECREATION COACH

Kyle Kreuser Hastings Futbol Club United

Kyle not only coaches his son’s recreational soccer team at Hastings Futbol Club United, but he also volunteers his time as a board member, serving as the Recreational Soccer Director. A parent with HFC United said that, “the work that Kyle Kreuser has put into the program has gone well above anything that I have observed in all my time associated with the club. The ideas and qualities that Kyle brings to the position is the biggest factor in the increased participation in HFC’s recreational programs.” As a middle school teacher, soccer coach and director, Kyle is a leader that has taken the time to further his knowledge of the game by using resources within the community to move recreational soccer into developing players.

TOPSOCCER COACH OF THE YEAR

Jeff Mueller

“Coaching soccer of any sort is a privilege; coaching TOPSoccer is an honor. I’ve coached special-needs soccer for 20 years, 15 of those years with TOPSoccer. My simple goal is to challenge our athletes to exceed the expectations of everyone, with the possible exception of their own expectations. And, it has to be fun, or what’s the point? I believe the beautiful game is never more beautiful than when it’s played with pure hearts and true joy. That’s TOPSoccer.”

TOPSOCCER BUDDY OF THE YEAR

Lucy Zimmerman

YOUNG FEMALE REFEREE

YOUNG MALE REFEREE

Kathleen Taylor

Mark Neuman

Kathleen has been playing competitive soccer since she was 9 years old and began reffing soccer in 2015. When Minnesota hosted the Midwest Region Showcase, she officiated games, in addition to playing as goalkeeper for the Minnesota ODP girls 2002 team. She has been a referee coach for three years now and is viewed as a role model by the younger refs. She provides encouragement and constructive feedback to others in an effort to help them grow their skills.

As a referee for both club and high school games, Mark is always prepared, professional and shows respect to the parents, coaches, players and to his crew at every game. Throughout Mark’s refereeing career, he has gained immense knowledge in the laws of the game. He continues to grow his knowledge by learning from other officials. Mark will stay late to watch games just so that he can observe the officials, or he will seek out other referees to ask them in-depth questions in order to improve his skills.

Lucy is an incredible spokesperson for TOPSoccer and the game of soccer. She is a very talented soccer player in her own right. In addition to always showing great sportsmanship on the field, Lucy goes out of her way to make parents and players at the TOPSoccer events feel welcomed and empowered. Lucy was introduced to TOPSoccer when she was a young athlete, following in her mother’s steps and volunteering with the program. As such, Lucy lives, displays and represents all of the values that the TOPSoccer program stands for. She is charismatic with the athletes, understanding of their needs and always willing to share a smile to brighten an athlete’s day.

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National Championship AND Presidents Cup PARTICIPANTS The following teams were recognized at the banquet, and featured in the September issue of Soccer Times:

VOLUNTEER

Jillayne Reinking Three Rivers Soccer Association

Jill will coach teams whenever and wherever needed. Whether it be 4-year-olds or 18-year-olds, she steps in and will help without a hiccup. If someone has a question, they ask Jill. If someone needs advice or help, they go to Jill. Need a referee? Find Jill. She is the true backbone of the recreation program and happily does it all as a volunteer. Jill is a true giver and has spread the volunteer spirit to so many just by being “Jill.”

Best OF 2018-19

THE

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Steve Olson

Currently, Steve serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the National Sports Center Foundation.

Steve’s involvement in soccer began when he became an official in 1973 and rose to the level of National Referee 10 years later. He went on to the FIFA Panel of International Assistant Referees and was a World Cup and Olympic referee. Immediately upon retirement, he was elected to the U.S. Soccer National Board of Directors as the first Referee Director, and in 2000, he was made a life member of U.S. Soccer for his contributions to the referee program. He currently serves as a U.S. Soccer National Assessor and Instructor, a FIFA Referee Instructor and has been an MLS Referee Assessor for almost 20 years.

Three Rivers Rampage 16U GIRLS

Keliix-Intra 18U GIRLS

Keliix-Intra 18U BOYS

Tonka Fusion Elite 14U GIRLS

MYSA SAVE OF THE YEAR

Kadyn Dilger

MYSA GOAL OF THE YEAR

Tim Persons

Each year MYSA requests that players and parents send in videos of memorable goals and saves during the season. All videos were reviewed, and four finalists were selected for each award. To view the video of finalists, visit the MYSA Facebook page.

MapleBrook Fury 19U GIRLS OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Minnesota ODP players who were selected to the US Youth Soccer Midwest Region player pool were recognized at the banquet, and featured in the November issue of Soccer Times.

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