Sunday, October 25, 2009

Last 10 years State AA Champions

Last 10 years State AA Champions

1999 - Edina (Classic Lake)
2000 - Edina (Classic Lake)
2001 - Edina (Classic Lake)
2002 - Eden Prarie (Lake)
2003 - Armstrong (Classic Lake)
2004 - Jefferson (Lake)
2005 - Wayzata (Classic Lake)
2006 - Apple Valley (Lake)
2007 - Anoka (Northwest Suburban)
2008 - Osseo (Northwest Suburban)

Classic Lake - 5 Champions
Lake - 3 Champions
Northwest Suburban - 2 Champions

So Classic Lake produced the most Champions past 10 years.

Class AA - State Tournament Bracket

Class AA - State Tournament Bracket

Thursday 10/29 - Hopkins HS
#4 Elk River vs. Northfield - 5:30 PM
#1 Apple Valley vs. Blaine - 7:30 PM <--- MUST SEE

Friday 10/30 - Park Cottage Grove
#3 Jefferson vs. Wayzata - 5:30 PM
#2 Woodbury vs. Champlin Park - 7:30 PM <--- MUST SEE

Like I've pointed out earlier what the top four seeded teams fear the most is to meet either Champlin Park or Blaine. Luck of the draw got #1 AV meeting Blaine and #2 to play Champlin Park. It couldn't be any better challenges for the top two teams.

#3 Jefferson shouldn't have any problems with Wayzata and it's the same for #4 Elk River when they play Northfield. I would say Wayzata and Northfield are the weakest of the bunch. It would be a gigantic upset if they go through next round.

Predictions
Apple Valley 3-1 Blaine
Champlin Park 2-1 Woodbury

Sure Things
Jefferson
Elk River

Saturday, October 24, 2009

What do top 4 teams fear the most?

Class AA State - Bottom 4 Teams Ranking
1. Champlin Park
2. Blaine
3. Northfield
4. Wayzata

What do top 4 teams fear the most?
This is based on the playing style, coaching, and players peformance.

Champlin Park.
The Rebels playing flat-four defense which could net many offsides.
The make the field smaller and playing more physical.
Watch more speedy flanks and midfielders.
Professional coach.
BTW, EP needs Gavin to bring them to State.

Blaine.
The Bengals has strong defense and stymie midfield.
The attacking game plan is well organized.

Conference Representatives

Class AA Section Champions
Section 1AA - Northfield - #1 Missota Conference
Section 2AA - Bloomington Jefferson - #7 Lake Conference
Section 3AA - Apple Valley - #1 Lake Conference
Section 4AA - Woodbury - #1 Suburban East Conference
Section 5AA - Champlin Park - #6 Northwest Suburban Conference
Section 6AA - Wayzata - #3 Classic Lake Conference
Section 7AA - Blaine - #5 Northwest Suburban Conference
Section 8AA - Elk River - #3 Northwest Suburban Conference

Conference Representatives
Northwest Suburban - 3 teams (Elk River, Champlin Park, Blaine)
Lake - 2 teams (Apple Valley, Jefferson)
Classic Lake - 1 team (Wayzata)
Suburban East - 1 team (Woodbury)
Missota - 1 team (Northfield)

Toughest Conference
Northwest Suburban Conference

State Seeding Prediction
1. Apple Valley
2. Woodbury
3. Elk River
4. Jefferson

AA Section Finals Update II

AA Section Finals Update

Section 5AA Final - Champlin Park 5-2 Maple Grove
Section 6AA Final - Wayzata 2-1 Armstrong
Section 8AA Final - Elk River 1-0 Moorhead

The Falcons couldn't muster another beating on the Trojans heh?
Anyone went to this game? What happened?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

AA Section Finals Update

AA Section Finals Update

Section 1AA Final - Lakeville North 1-2 Northfield
Section 2AA Final - Eden Prairie 0-2 Jefferson
Section 3AA Final - Apple Valley 4-0 Eagan
Section 4AA Final - Woodbury 1-0 OT White Bear Lake
Section 7AA Final - Blaine 1-0 Duluth East

Apple Valley 4-0 Eagan

I have two strong points that broke Eagan's game:

On defense: I guess Eagan didn't take my advice to play more physical to break up the flow. Eagan should double or even triple the fouls than what they have tonight.

On attacking: Eagan midfield forced the ball up too fast and given up possession too soon. They kept jamming the ball up front w/o much support from midfield. AV just booted right back to them.

I have two strong points why AV finally broke away:

On attacking: AV kept composure at midfield and dominate there to setup the plays with forwards. Basically the attacks are composed with midfielders and forwards which is very good for HS level.

On defense: AV is strong in the air and one-on-one. Many unnecessary booting but I guess they want the ball up front sooner. This could hurt them with good possession team.

Overall the possession is 65%-35% AV with plenty of scoring chances and good finishing. AV won it fair and square.

The only way to beat AV is in spot kicks.

Comparing AV this year vs last year, this year is much better at possession and more patient with the ball.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Class AA Coaches Poll - Update 10/21

Class AA Coaches Poll - Update 10/21
1. Apple Valley
2. Woodbury
3. Anoka (OUT)
4. Eagan
5. Minneapolis Southwest (OUT)
6. White Bear Lake
7. Eden Prairie
8. Elk River
9. Edina (OUT)
10. Bloomington Jefferson

Section Finals with Ranked Teams
2AA. #7 Eden Prairie vs #10 Bloomington Jefferson
3AA. #1 Apple Valley vs #4 Eagan
4AA. #2 Woodbury vs #6 White Bear Lake
8AA. #8 Elk River vs Moorhead

AA Section Final Games

AA Section Final Games

Section 1AA Final - Thursday 10/22/2009 5 PM at Lakeville North HS
Lakeville North vs. Northfield
The Panthers should not have problems with the Raiders.
I have Panthers 3-1 Raiders.

Section 2AA Final - Thursday 10/22/2009 7 PM at Eden Prairie HS
Eden Prairie vs. Jefferson
Like I said before. I would take Eagles but coaching is big setback.
I have Jaguars 2-1 Eagles.

Section 3AA Final - Thursday 10/22/2009 5 PM at Farmington HS
Apple Valley vs. Eagan
I would love to see this as the final game for State Tournament.
The Eagles are still the most favorite to win it all.
I have Eagles 3-1 Wildcats.

Section 4AA Final - Thursday 10/22/2009 5 PM at Woodbury HS
Woodbury vs. White Bear Lake
Well the Bears beat me last game so I will go with them this game.
I have Raiders 2-1 Royals.

Section 5AA Final - Friday 10/23/2009 7 PM at Champlin Park HS
Champlin Park vs. Maple Grove
Can the Rebels woulda-coulda-shoulda team finally break the jinx?
The Cinderella Crimson team knows how to play in Section.
I have Rebels 2-1 Crimson.

Section 6AA Final - Friday 10/23/2009 7:30 PM at Armstrong
Armstrong vs. Wayzata
The Falcons had no problems beating up Trojans twice before.
So this time will be no different.
I have Falcons 3-0 Trojans.

Section 7AA Final - Thursday 10/22/2009 7 PM at Blaine
Blaine vs. Duluth East
The last time they met, it was a tie 1-1.
The Bengals should pull put as victors from this game.
I have Bengals 2-1 Greyhounds.

Section 8AA Final - Friday 10/23/2009 5:30 PM at SCSU
Elk River vs. Moorhead
The Elks should win this game easily.
I have Elks 3-0 Spuds.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Games to Watch - Tuesday 10/20

XMan Games to Watch - Tuesday 10/20

Bloomington Jefferson vs. Edina - 7:00 PM at Edina
The Hornets will have their hands full tonight.
I don't think they can contain the Jaguars attacks.
I have Jaguars 3-0 Hornets.

Sure Games (should not be any surprises here)
Lakeville North over Rochester Mayo
Lakeville South over Northfield
Eden Prairie over Prior Lake
Elk River over St. Cloud Tech
Fergus Falls over Moorhead

Update on Monday 10/19 Games

XMan Update on Monday 10/19 Games
2-out-of-5 is horrible!

Right
Armstrong 4-0 South
Eagan 3-2 OT Park Cottage Grove

Wrong
Champlin Park 2-0 Centennial
Maple Grove 2-1 OT/SO Osseo
White Bear Lake 1-0 Stillwater

I believe coaching has a lot to do with these upsets.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Games to Watch - Monday 10/19

XMan Games to Watch - Monday 10/19

Minneapolis South vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 7PM at Armstrong
The last time they met, the Tigers came out ahead 1-0.
The Falcons have many good players and will they show up to play tonight.
This will be a good game to watch with all the chips on the table this time.
I have Falcons 3-1 Tigers.

Centennial vs. Champlin Park - 7PM at Centennial
The last time they met, the Cougars came out ahead 1-0.
Both have speedy attackers. The Cougars defense is more solid.
I have Cougars 2-1 Rebels.

Maple Grove vs. Osseo - 7PM at Osseo
The last time they met, the Crimson took the game 1-0.
Was it a fluke or the Crimson know how to win in Section.
I have Orioles 3-0 Crimson.

Stillwater Area vs. White Bear Lake - 5M at White Bear Lake
It was a tie when they met last. Both have strong defense.
This probably will come down to spot kicks.
I have Stillwater 2-1 Bears.

Eagan vs. Park of Cottage Grove 7PM at Eagan
The Wildcats have a strong record in tough Lake conference.
Finishing 2nd behind the almighty Apple Valley.
The Wolfpack will have their hands full tonight.
I have Wildcats 3-0 Wolfpack.

Anoka 1-2 Duluth East

That's a big shocker for me. Anoka has been doing well and especially at defense department. Two goals are the max they've given in a game this year versus scoring 6:1 ratio (48 for and 8 against). Champion of the tough NWS conference with record of 8-0-1.

I don't want to take credits away from Duluth East, they've done a great job in stopping the Tornadoes attacking and blasted in two goals for the win is a great accomplishment. Congrats.

BTW, I wasn't at this game. What happened?

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

AA Section Winners Prediction - 10/13

XMan AA Section Winners Prediction - 10/13

Section 1AA - Lakeville North
Section 2AA - Jefferson
I would have picked EP but it's the coach that I have a huge question.
Section 3AA - Apple Valley
Section 4AA - Woodbury
Section 5AA - Centennial
Section 6AA - Armstrong
Section 7AA - Anoka
Section 8AA - Elk River

Friday, October 9, 2009

XMan Games to Watch - Saturday 10/10

XMan Games to Watch - Saturday 10/10

** MUST WATCH **
Minneapolis South vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 3:00 PM at Robbinsdale Armstrong
This should tell how better Armstrong comparing to Minneapolis Southwest.
The Falcons need to make a strong case for #1 in Section 6AA.
They better trounce the Tigers more than 3 goals.
I have Falcons 4-0 Tigers.

White Bear Lake vs. Stillwater Area - 5:00 PM at Stillwater Area
The Bears need to win this game to secure #2 in Section 4AA.
I have Bears 2-1 Stillwater.

Elk River vs. Eden Prairie - 10:00 AM at Eden Prairie
These two could possibily meet in State Tournament (if they can win their sections).
I have Elks 3-2 Eagles.

Conference Champs Update 10/9

Conference Champs Update 10/9

Classic Lake - Armstrong.
Lake Conference - Apple Valley.
Minneapolis City - Minneapolis Southwest.
North Suburban - Totino-Grace.
Northwest Suburban - Anoka. ** Update **
St. Paul City - St. Paul Como Park and/or St. Paul Central.
Suburban East - Woodbury. ** Update **

Thursday, October 8, 2009

XMan Games to Watch - Thursday 10/8

XMan Games to Watch - Thursday 10/8

Conference Champs Update
Classic Lake - Armstrong.
Lake Conference - Apple Valley.
Minneapolis City - Minneapolis Southwest.
North Suburban - Totino-Grace.
Northwest Suburban - Anoka and/or Centennial.
St. Paul City - St. Paul Como Park and/or St. Paul Central.
Suburban East - Woodbury, White Bear Lake, and Stillwater are still in the hunt.

Anoka vs. Elk River - 7:00 PM at Elk River
The Tornadoes are close in winning conference if they can beat the Elks.
With the loss to Osseo last game, the Elks are out of running for 1st-place.
These two teams could possibly meet in the State Tournament (if they can win their respoective sections).
I have Tornadoes 3-2 Elks.

Centennial vs. Champlin Park - 5:00 PM at Champlin Park
The Cougars are in position to their conference if they can beat the Rebels and hope Anoka to lose.
The Rebels are very disappointing lately.
I have Cougars 3-1 Rebels.

Minnetonka vs. Edina - 7:00 PM at Edina
They're battling for 2nd-place in Classic Lake conference.
I have Hornets 2-1 Skippers.

Eden Prairie vs. Lakeville North - 6:00 PM at Lakeville
The Eagles are coming on strong lately and probably due to easier schedule.
I have Eagles 2-1 Panthers.

Monday, October 5, 2009

XMan Games to Watch - Tuesday 10/6

XMan Games to Watch - Tuesday 10/6
Plenty of good games on Tuesday as the season nearing close.
We have tight races in these conferences:
Northwest Suburban - Anoka, Centennial, Elk River
Classic Lake - Armstrong, Edina.
Suburban East - Mounds View, White Bear Lake, Stillwater, Park of Cottage Grove.

* MUST WATCH GAME *
Apple Valley vs. Bloomington Jefferson - 7:00 PM at Bloomington
There shouldn't be any questions who's better team but will they show up and play like one.
If they do then game should be over at half-time. Otherwise watch for an upset in OT.
I have Eagles 3-0 Jaguars.

Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South - 7:00 PM at Lakeville
There's always a battle between these two.
I have Panthers 2-1 Cougars.

Blaine vs. Centennial - 5:00 PM at Centennial High School
Can Bengals get back on winning track after losing to Osseo and Anoka.
Can Centennial come back after uncharistic lost to Spring Lake Park.
Centennial is in a tight race for #1 with Anoka and Elk River.
I have Cougars 2-1 Bengals.

Champlin Park vs. Anoka - 5:00 PM at Anoka
The Tornadoes is in good position to win the NWSC conference.
The Rebels have been disappointing lately.
I have Tornadoes 4-0 Rebels.

Elk River vs. Osseo - 5:00 PM at Osseo, MN
The Elks are in tight race with Anoka and Centennial.
Can they pull a fast one over Orioles to have a showdown with Anoka.
I have Elks 3-1 Orioles.

Robbinsdale Armstrong vs. Minnetonka - 5:00 PM at Robbinsdale Armstrong
Can the Falcons be the Champs of the outgoing Classic Lake conference?
I don't think the Skippers can stop the train.
I have Falcons 2-0 Skippers.

Edina vs. Wayzata - 7:00 PM at Edina
Don't count the Hornets out just yet. They're hoping for the Falcons to lose or tie.
I have Hornets 3-1 Trojans.

Mounds View vs. Woodbury - 5:00 PM at Woodbury
The Royals can win the Suburban East conference if they beat the Mustangs.
I have Royals 3-0 Mustangs.

Roseville vs. Stillwater Area - 7:00 PM at Stillwater
They're fighting for #2 spot in Suburban East conference.
I have Raiders 2-1 Ponies.

Park of Cottage Grove vs. White Bear Lake - 5:00 PM at White Bear Lake
They're fighting for #2 spot in Suburban East conference.
I have Wolfpack 2-1 Bears.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Games to Watch - Saturdday 10/3

XMan Games to Watch - Saturdday 10/3

Elk River vs. Park of Cottage Grove - 7:00 PM at Park of Cottage Grove
The Elks are looking stronger than I had thought earlier.
They will be in Top 10 by next week.
I have Elks 3-1 Wolfpack.

Osseo vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 1:00 PM at Robbinsdale
The Orioles and Falcons are making a strong run lately.
This should be a fun game to watch.
BTW, Armstrong will join Northwest Suburban Conference next year.
There will be no more Classic Lake Conference.
I have Orioles 2-2 Falcons.

Totino-Grace vs. Woodbury - 1:00 PM at Woodbury
We have #2 Class AA vs #1 Class A.
I have Royals 3-1 Eagles