Soccer Boy
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 04/21/10
Posts: 1999
Loc: Negril, Jamaica
The Stars are hosting a combine for all the local lads who want a shot at making the team. It is my understanding that it will be this Friday from 8-11am and then for a few hours in the afternoon.
Is anyone planning on checking it out? I think I will be there for a little bit in the AM as I have to be over that way for work.
Registered: 08/21/02
Posts: 1433
Loc: Minnesota (in spirit)
It's heeeeeeere...
This is the latest list for the local combine. Sorry about the gaps, but local low-level guys can be difficult to get info on. The rec-leagues generally don't keep track of stats, stat keeping in the NPSL is spotty, to say the least, and if you can find anymore than a roster list on about half of the NJCAA teams, you consider yourself lucky. To my way of thinking, any college that doesn't provide a page for each player in the program is doing a disservice to their student-athletes. Well, enough of my whinging...
Twitter page with pic: https://twitter.com/#!/jaschiltz21
Played HS soccer in Blaine.
MRSL ad: I am a 20 year old college student and I play soccer at the University of Northern Iowa and I'm looking for a way to stay in shape this summer and continue my playing career. I am a fast player and I like to use my speed to beat players. I also have a good strike and I do also play goalie and in college I have a record of 3-0-1 when I have started in goal. I love playing and I will play anywhere on the field that you need me. Thank you
And there it is. If you have any extra info on any of these guys, please feel free to post it.
Oh, and no combine contest for the local combine. However, there still is a Dorados de Sinaloa jersey unclaimed from last years combine (no signings, no winners) that will be up for grabs for this year's Invitee Combine in February. Look for it.
Installing a hemi on each of the search engines I'll use this year, I remain
Registered: 08/21/02
Posts: 1433
Loc: Minnesota (in spirit)
You'd think so, but...
In 2007, the Minnesota Thunder resigned a midfielder named Jeremiah Bass who had played for them from 2001 to 2003. Funny thing was, he wasn't making a living playing soccer when they resigned him. But, hey, let's let David La Vaque, writing for the StarTribune in a May 31st, 2008 article, tell the story...
"When it comes to his professional soccer career, however, Bass -- the league's reigning player of the week and the Thunder captain -- has not always been in the right place at the right time.
From 2001-03 he trained with the Thunder, but only played in exhibition games. In 2004, he traded soccer for a job with Ameriprise Financial. Love for the game kept him playing in local men's leagues, where he was reunited with Thunder coach Amos Magee and offered a second chance to play professional soccer.
Bass, 30, not only is captain this season, but he is also the team's oldest player -- and the only one working a fulltime job during the season.
He arrives at his downtown Minneapolis office by 6:30 a.m., drives up to the National Sports Center in Blaine for training sessions beginning at 9 a.m., and then goes back to work. Bass uses his vacation hours when the team goes on the road.
"It gets hard some days but I feel pretty comfortable with everything right now," he said.
"Something tells me that if he is good enough, Target can probably be worked around" conjectures
That little old jersey collector
Me
Edited by uhclem (01/05/1208:56 PM) Edit Reason: faulty link
Metcalf was a starting goalkeeper in the first Stars Fantasy Camp, and played the full 90 (OK 80) minutes. Very important career note. Uhclem, you're slacking.
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Soccer Boy
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 04/21/10
Posts: 1999
Loc: Negril, Jamaica
I attended the combine this morning. It was great to see Coach Manny, Craig and Kevin. (Kevin looked tired, but was sporting a nice sun tan.) There were 34 players who attended. One player at the combine was from Norway and had the first name of Ole, so he automatically received 20 bonus points (10 for being from Norway, and another 10 because his first name was Ole). I tried to play through my right quad strain, but my agent did not let me go out on the pitch. Rumor has it Liverpool might be call with Suarez serving his 8 match suspension. I want to be in top shape when I get my call-up.
Rumor has it that IMS will have a great article about the combine up on the WWW site soon.
From what I know about the game..I believe the coaches were looking for players with good first touch, smart decision making and of course quickness and any physical attributes. I really hope they consider some locals to help the growth of soccer in both Minnesota and neighboring states.
Registered: 08/21/02
Posts: 1433
Loc: Minnesota (in spirit)
And the bell sounds for round 2...
For the first year, I have received the original list of all applicants, pre-winnowing.
139 players have sent in applications. From players with MLS experience to African and Carribean players with national team experience to players with experience in the British, French, Scottish, and Italian lower divisions, to graduating college players to rec league players to one applicant who, under the "current team" space on the application, wrote, "I think I am going to be the best player in the world". (I'll be doing especially extensive research on him! )
It will probably be whittled down to around 60 to 70-some players before the combine begins. Some applicants will never reply to our acceptance of their application. Some will cancel for injury or other reasons. Some will just not have enough to make the preliminary cut.
Others may very well be added at the last minute. In every combine, there are a few invitees recommended from the club's sources and soccer contacts who merit a look. I will try to keep up with the goings on through the combine, itself (Again, I will be attending this one).
So, I will begin my research tonight and hope to have some results by this weekend. If the preliminary short sampling of names I gave a quick run through the search engines are any indication, this will be a combine worth dropping by and observing. (It's open to the public, more details later.)
"And awaaaaaayy we go!" calls out
That little old jersey collector
Me
"Players win games and players lose games - it's all about players, really." - Bobby Ferguson, Scottish International goalkeeper
Edited by uhclem (02/07/1201:26 PM) Edit Reason: grammar
Soccer Boy
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 04/21/10
Posts: 1999
Loc: Negril, Jamaica
Anyone from the fantasy camp apply. #totaljackassery show some promise on the back line. Jackfingc netted a few goals and Seamonster distributed the ball well in the midfield. I know Djorn and I have been locked in extensive contract negotiations. Not sure how that will tirn out.
Registered: 08/21/02
Posts: 1433
Loc: Minnesota (in spirit)
Just a quick update...
Have sent in the first half of the report to the club. I expect to send the second half in by this Monday AM, with posting here shortly after the first set of updates has been sent to me.
Nothing exceptionally weird so far. But there are a few rather interesting possibilities in the positions we are looking for, mainly Forwards and speedy wingers (one applicant has a video highlight reel titled something like "Faster than Theo Walcott", which just might be the case).
Anyway, time to crawl back into the hole. I hope to have the report posted here by mid-week.
Shifting the search engines back into overdrive, I remain
That little old jersey collector
Me
"Dimitar Berbatov doubles his goal tally in the league this season from one to three." - Guy Mowbray, BBC1
Registered: 08/21/02
Posts: 1433
Loc: Minnesota (in spirit)
Well, it's here.
The club has whittled down the applications from 140 or so down to 44 invitees. This would be a record low for the Thunder/Stars, but this can probably be explained by there being three combines this year.
Between the local combine already held, the invitee combine next week and the Grande combine in Arizona later on, Manny and Co. will get to look at more than a hundred players. But by only scheduling them at about 30 to 40 at a time, they will get more of a look at each one. Less chance of one getting lost in the crowd.
Also, the contest is on again this year. I'll post the full rules again this weekend, but start picking your first six favs and your 4 reservists from this list and the local combine list (in case of cancellations). A free jersey awaits the winner.
2012 Invitee Combine Post
Mohamed Abdi - F - 6’5” 220 - 25 Was an invitee to 2007 combine. Played on Riverland C.C. soccer team
Michael Dietze - F - 5’11 - 160 - 22 College bio http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Rw155EqkOigJ:www.shupirates.com/ViewArticle.dbml%3FDB_OEM_ID%3D12600%26ATCLID%3D1568535+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Josac Villamizar - M - 5’6 - 145 - 19 ? Claims to have played for the Hopkins Dynamo.
Behind each name is position, height, weight and age, in that order. "Claims to" means that I could not find confirmation on the web. This is fairly common in the lower leagues.
"Keep you eye on this thread for last minute additions" advises
That little old jersey collector
Me
"I don't think they're as good as they are." - Kevin Keegan
GumbyGrrl
First Team Member
Registered: 09/13/07
Posts: 931
Loc: Blaine
Keep in mind there have been guys trialing at the unofficial trainings. I've only watched a couple of practices, and I've seen a lot of unfamiliar faces, not counting the local guys that Manny has invited in to train. (Melvin Tarley, the guy who works for the Sanneh Foundation who I've met a couple of times but whose name I've forgotten again. Which is a shame, because he's a very nice guy.) Anywhoooo, Manny is a smart guy. I have faith in him.
Edit: I can't wait to pick my players, especially when I pick the one guy based on his movie ratings...
Edited by GumbyGrrl (02/17/1207:35 PM)
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bq
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 3479
Loc: Minnesota
Originally Posted By: GumbyGrrl
Keep in mind there have been guys trialing at the unofficial trainings. (the guy who works for the Sanneh Foundation who I've met a couple of times but whose name I've forgotten again. Which is a shame, because he's a very nice guy.)
Zac Brown?
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Soccer Boy
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 04/21/10
Posts: 1999
Loc: Negril, Jamaica
I bumped into Wasson the other day when I was out and about. He is really optomistic about the season. He said that he had a great result with his knee surgery last year and that he is looking forward to making an impact on the pitch. It also sounded like he and a bunch of other players are training, albiet informally.
Who all is going to some part of the combine? I plan on being up there for the first day.
GumbyGrrl
First Team Member
Registered: 09/13/07
Posts: 931
Loc: Blaine
1 Derek Oelmann F 2 Kyamran Tairov F 3 Vedran Ilic M 4 Adam Janssen GK 5 Menesky Magloire D 6 Jason Olsgard D Reserves 1 Alen Bradaric 2 Miles Marmo F 3 Adrian Ortiz D 4 Max Malmquist M
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"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of Stars makes me dream." --Vincent Van Gogh
seamonster
First Team Starter
Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 1487
Loc: St. Paul
I think I missed the personnel change news.
I did get a call from a new staffer yesterday asking if I renewed my season tickets. Thought that was slightly strange as I would hope they were privy to that information.
JJE
First Team Starter
Registered: 06/08/05
Posts: 1489
Loc: Twin Cities
Both guys have said on Twitter and Facebook that they're still fans and plan on coming to the games and hang out with us. Doesn't seem like there are hard feelings on their part.
KJ's mention was the first I had heard of this as well.
Uh-oh, time to register OMS now...
I would be shocked to hear contraction would even be considered, but I haven't been through the ups-and-downs the long time supporters have.
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seamonster
First Team Starter
Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 1487
Loc: St. Paul
Contraction is a threat, however The Stars needs the NASL as much as the NASL needs The Stars. Add more teams like Ottawa and the threat becomes even more real. Throw in the ups and downs of Traffic Sports and every off-season is an adventure.
Leprechaun
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 07/26/00
Posts: 1722
Loc: St. Paul, MN
Can someone summarize for those of us not in the know?
Joe and James are gone - this refers to the 2 gentlemen who worked in the front office/ticket sales area. Something along those lines anyway. Is this a cost cutting move by the league, wanting to spend less money on our bastard stepchild of a team? Is that the gist of it?
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GumbyGrrl
First Team Member
Registered: 09/13/07
Posts: 931
Loc: Blaine
Joe and James were the ticket sales guys. The only two ticket sales people. I haven't heard any 'why' or how they are being replaced. I'll ask tomorrow when I stop by to watch the combine for a bit and let you know if I find out anything.
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"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of Stars makes me dream." --Vincent Van Gogh
bq
Hall Of Famer
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 3479
Loc: Minnesota
Originally Posted By: GumbyGrrl
Joe and James were the ticket sales guys. The only two ticket sales people. I haven't heard any 'why' or how they are being replaced. I'll ask tomorrow when I stop by to watch the combine for a bit and let you know if I find out anything.
I was up there yesterday afternoon and they have hired a new person, Kelsey Kroll, whom some of you may remember from her internship with the Thunder, I think back in 08. She has spent some time employed with the Green Bay Packers doing similar duties. From what I understand she is manager of ticket sales. As you also know they have secured Andy Lorei to do some marketing stuff as well and he may have a ticket sales component tied into his job descriptions. Lorei will still be a player so he will wear numerous hats like Kevin Friedland.
I know Joe and James read this board and care about the team. I also know that many of us liked both of them as they are great guys. I also understand that we all care about the team and become somewhat engrained in it. But one needs to be careful about forming opinions or even speculating too much into what happened. It's a front office decision and I would suspect for lots of reasons, including being respectful to Joe and James, they are not going to be able to share much in regard to details.
I'm looking forward to seeing those two at the Stars games and buying them a beer. I also wish them both luck in finding employment and quickly.
Edited by bq (02/22/1206:53 AM)
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GumbyGrrl
First Team Member
Registered: 09/13/07
Posts: 931
Loc: Blaine
thanks, bq. I didn't realize Andy Lorei was doing ticket stuff, but I guess I should have, because I had heard he was going to head up/organize a street team.
I hope I didn't sound confrontational; I was just curious, and the best way to avoid rumors and rampant speculation is to go to the source.
Joe and James are great - I have a feeling they won't need to buy beers for at least the first game or two.
_________________________
"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of Stars makes me dream." --Vincent Van Gogh
Registered: 08/21/02
Posts: 1433
Loc: Minnesota (in spirit)
Hey, I can take a hint...
Not this year, but we had a couple of close ones.
Adam Janssen, GK, got a long look after the combine, but I think his upcoming duty as a member of the Canadian Olympic squad made the signing difficult, as he would not be available for much of the season.
Also, Evan Sassano sent in an application for the combine (he was one of the initial list of 136 players I looked up for the team), but his schedule prevented him from attending, so Manny brought him in later for a look.
So, summing it up and taking this opportunity to announce the results of the combine contest, no one from the combine was signed this year, so no one will win the jersey again this year.
"Oh, well, there's always next year." shrugs
That little old jersey collector
Me
"Being given chances - and not taking them. That's what life's all about." Ron Greenwood, BBC Radio
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