TCSL Magazine - Summer 2025

L T LR U O CN IT • E enix CK nts ho E P e CH r ev t in o e m Sh m P Su RE

TCSL SCOUTING REPORT TCSL Members,

We’re excited to bring you this edition of the TCSL Magazine, where we highlight the far-and-wide accomplishments of the Twin Cities soccer community.

TCSL takes seriously our role to not only build league schedules but more importantly, ensure that all those that participate in soccer programs are left with a feeling of excitement, joy, and camaraderie … and now more than ever, the TCSL league experience extends far beyond hosting scores and standings on a webpage.

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The inaugural All-TCSL Games will feature top players, as nominated by their clubs, for inclusion in this special event for TCSL Regional, State and Cities players at the 13U/14U age groups. These All-Star style matches will deliver a memorable experience for those players selected.

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TCSL Fives play dates for the 8U player will be larger and more impactful than ever, with more clubs and players participating than ever before. TCSL is pleased to play a role in the introduction to club soccer for these players.

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Announced in February, ECNL Regional League-Twin Cities will kick off Fall 2025 which replaces NPL Super. More information is here.

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Minnesota’s leader in providing coach education opportunities for its members (or any coach interested), TCSL wraps up another cycle with providing a local USSF ‘C’ License and a local USSF ‘B’ License course.

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The Sideline Project, back for another year, aims to reinforce TCSL’s stance that youth soccer is for the players. Help your club win the Leaderboard contest.

As another Summer season is underway, we hope you enjoy the soccer experience whether you’re a club director, parent, player, coach or referee.

Matt Tiano CEO

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Dawn Ellerd

Member Services Manager

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Eric Bocan

Events & Operations Manager

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STARTING LINE-UPS What’s New ...........................6 Limelight................................8 The Sideline Project........... 10 Leagues................................ 12 Looking Back....................... 16 Looking Ahead.................... 17 Cups...................................... 18 Player Development......... 22 Coach Education................ 26 Referee Development........27 Admin Corner..................... 29

TCSL Magazine is the official publication of Twin Cities Soccer Leagues. It is published three times per year, featuring content about youth soccer in the Twin Cities and highlighting the many accomplishments of TCSL clubs, players, coaches and referees. Visit tcslsoccer.com for past issues. To advertise, reach out to us at info@tcslsoccer.com.

WHAT’S NEW TCSL welcomes ellen becken Former intern and recent graduate joins team as TCSL Operations Coordinator True to its mission to Raise the Level of the soccer experience, TCSL is thrilled to announce the hiring of Ellen Becken as its TCSL Operations Coordinator. Becken will support TCSL member clubs with league administration, events support and other special projects.

Becken was a standout TCSL intern two summers ago, and a recent graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College where she was an All-Conference selection.

Join us in welcoming Ellen to the team.

Six Interns Join TCSL for the Summer The TCSL internship program is for current college students looking to gain experience in the sports or events fields. Join us in welcoming such a great group this summer.

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Name

School

Isaac Brombacher

Liberty University

Caroline Lauinger

Concordia University, St. Paul

Megan McGraw

University of Minnesota Crookston

Shannon Reilly

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Zoë Roberts

University of St. Thomas

Bekzhan Turgunbaev

Minnesota State University, Mankato

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LIMELIGHT

WINTER LEAG

15 Clubs, 31 Teams win Winter Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 14 Boys EDT 1

11U 2014 BOYS BRACKET A

Fusion Soccer Club Boys 15 Academy 1

11U 2014 BOYS BRACKET B

MN Thunder Academy 2015 Boys Nike

11U 2014 BOYS BRACKET C

Edina Soccer Club 2013 Boys Green

12U 2013 BOYS BRACKET A

North Suburban SA NSSA 2013 Boys Academy Black

12U 2013 BOYS BRACKET B

CC United Soccer Club 2013 Boys Regional

12U 2013 BOYS BRACKET C

Keliix-Intra Soccer Club 13 Boys Regional (U12)

12U 2013 BOYS BRACKET D

St. Croix 2013 Boys Academy 1

13U 2012 BOYS BRACKET A

Tonka Fusion Elite TFE 13 Boys

13U 2012 BOYS BRACKET B

Boreal FC 2011 (BU14) Green – Lynch

14U 2011 BOYS BRACKET A

North Suburban SA 2011 Boys Academy Carolina

14U 2011 BOYS BRACKET B

Legacy FC 2010 LFC Boys Elite

15U 2010 BOYS BRACKET A

Boreal FC 2010 (BU15) White – Warren

15U 2010 BOYS BRACKET B

Salvo SC Salvo SC 09B Navy

16U 2009 BOYS BRACKET A

MN Thunder Academy 09 Boys TCSL

16U 2009 BOYS BRACKET B

North Suburban SA 2008 Boys Academy Black

BOYS 8

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17U 2008 BOYS

GUE RECAP

r League Championships MN Thunder Academy 2014 Girls

11U 2014 GIRLS BRACKET A

Boreal FC 2014 (GU11) Green – Johnson, B

11U 2014 GIRLS BRACKET B

MN Thunder Academy 2015 Girls Nike

11U 2014 GIRLS BRACKET C

Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 13 Girls EDT1

12U 2013 GIRLS BRACKET A

Fusion Soccer Club Girls 14 Academy 1

12U 2013 GIRLS BRACKET B

Fusion Soccer Club Girls 13 Academy 2

12U 2013 GIRLS BRACKET C

Tonka Fusion Elite TFE 13 Girls

13U 2012 GIRLS BRACKET A

Waconia SC 12 Girls Heyrman

13U 2012 GIRLS BRACKET B

North Suburban SA 2011 Girls Academy Black

14U 2011 GIRLS

MN Thunder Academy 2010 Girls TCSL

15U 2010 GIRLS BRACKET A

Salvo SC Salvo SC 10G Navy

15U 2010 GIRLS BRACKET B

Boreal FC 2009 (GU16) Black – Cowie

16U 2009 GIRLS

Fusion Soccer Club Girls 07/06 Select 1

17U-19U GIRLS BRACKET A

Western Wisconsin Soccer 2006G WWFC

17U-19U GIRLS BRACKET B

GIRLS TCSL MAGAZINE I SUMMER 2025 I

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THE SIDELINE PROJECT PARENTS, LET’S TRANFORM THE SIDELINES

At TCSL, we’re committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for our young athletes—and it starts with us on the sidelines!

Did you know? 62% of parents who take The Sideline Project Course say it changes how they show up at games for the better.

Join us in making a difference! Here’s how: •

Create a FREE Coaches’ Voice account (or log in if you have one)

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Find The Sideline Project module and take the course

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Fill out the form at the end to receive credit

By taking the course and committing to The Sideline Project Pledge, you’re helping to elevate the game for players, referees, and fellow families.

HOW TO COMPLETE THE COURSE 10

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Course Completion Leaderboard Until May 18, 2025, TCSL member clubs are engaged in a friendly competition to see which club will have the largest percentage of their families take the course!

The club with the highest completion rates will be recognized and rewarded with two USSF C License Courses sponsored by TCSL in addition to two customized Golanzo goals courtesy of KwikGoal.

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LEAGUES TCSL SUMMER LEAGUE 1,400 teams to take the pitch this year

MATCH DAY GUIDE >

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SCHEDULE/RESULTS >

MINNESOTA NPL NPL campaigns continue, teams eye league titles The Minnesota NPL represents the highest level of the TCSL pyramid for 13U-19U boys and girls age groups.

Once again, we are excited to send league winners (Super division) to the NPL Finals held in early July (boys) and midJuly (girls).

13U & 14U – One continuous schedule September – June 15U-19U – One continuous schedule November – June

SCHEDULE/RESULTS >

NPL 24-25 SEASON GUIDE >

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minnesota npl spring showcase

16U-19U boys and girls NPL players will play league matches in a Showcase environment! Teams play two meaningful league matches at this event and TCSL invites college

coaches to observe.

National Sports Center

Fernbrook

NEW FOR 2025

A college ID Camp is being held on May 9, in conjunction with the Minnesota NPL Spring Showcase. The ID Camp is being led by the following programs: • Minnesota State University, Mankato (Girls) •

North Dakota State University (Girls)

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St. Catherine University (Girls)

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University of Sioux Falls (Girls)

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University of St. Thomas (Girls and Boys)

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Augsburg University (Boys)

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Concordia College (Boys)

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St. Olaf College (Boys)

ATTENDING COACHES LIST > 14

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COLLEGE COACH REGISTRATION >

TCSL Fives 8U play dates in a fun, festival environment

Objectives • • • •

Provide a fun, energetic, introductory program for these crucial ages.

Retain players at 9U that are better prepared with a better developed skillset.

8U soccer should be its own brand of soccer and should not be mini-version of older-aged soccer.

Support clubs by having a standards-driven experience for these young players.

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Festival days – 2 matches on each play date, concluded within 2-3 hour span (convenient for families) 5v5: 4 field players + a goalkeeper. Developing thinking players with good technique.

Format

More clubs, more players participating than ever before!

summer 2025 Events Date

May 11 May 18

June 8

June 15

June 25

Location

All: Polar Lakes Park North: Chippewa Middle School South: Flying Cloud Fields North: Polar Lakes Park South: Lakefront Park North: Chippewa Middle School South: Lakefront Park Kingston Park (as part of 2025 TCSL Summer Festival)

MORE INFORMATION > TCSL MAGAZINE I SUMMER 2025 I

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LOOKING BACK ECNL and TCSL Announce New Partnership ICYMI, TCSL previously announced exciting updates to the TCSL league structure going into effect with the 25-26 season.

The Minnesota NPL two-level structure (“Super” and “Premier”) will be modified as follows: •

NPL Super will become ECNL Regional League-Twin Cities, with league winners advancing to the ECNL Regional League postseason.

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NPL Premier will remain the Minnesota NPL, with league winners advancing to the NPL Finals.

NEW for 2025-26

ECNL Regional League - Twin Cities Powered by TCSL & Girls team-based qualification 13U-19U Boys Year-round competition: 13U-14U Sept.-June / 15U-19U Nov.-June Winners advance to ECNL Regional League Postseason

National Premier Leagues & Girls team-based qualification 13U-19U Boys Year-round competition: 13U-14U Sept.-June / 15U-19U Nov.-June Winners advance to NPL Finals

Goes into effect beginning with the 2025-26 soccer year (August 1, 2025-July 31, 2026)

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Formerly NPL Super Formerly NPL Premier

LOOKING AHEAD All-TCSL Games Bringing together top Regional, State, and Cities-level talent TCSL recently announced the addition of an exciting new program!

The All-TCSL Games was launched to offer an additional, no cost, opportunity to top players within the TCSL league structure.

The All-TCSL Games will feature invitation-only “All-Star” matches for 2012 and 2011 birth year players from TCSL Regional, State, and Cities teams participating in the Summer 2025 season.

Players are nominated by their club; TCSL selects and invites players from the pool of nominees.

MORE INFORMATION > TCSL announces partnership with Coaches’ Voice; creates TCSL Learning Management Center TCSL’s partnership with Coaches’ Voice will allow us to engage with all TCSL stakeholders - club leaders, team coaches, team managers, referees and parents. Learn more about the new partnership.

Tryout Dates - July 2025

In early March, TCSL announced modifications to the tryout dates for Summer 2025 in consultation and collaboration with our member clubs.

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July 14, 2025 - 2014-2017 birth years may begin

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July 20, 2025 - 2013-2007 birth years may begin

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CUPS MINNESOTA CUP Who will rise to the top at Minnesota’s Marquee Event?

The Minnesota Cup is a statewide championship designed to advance the top 13U through 18/19U teams to the US Club Soccer National Cup. Super Division: Advance to US Club Soccer National Cup (Colorado) Premier Division: Advance to US Club Soccer Midwest Regionals (Illinois)

May 28-June 1, 2025 National Sports Center (HQ) & Other Twin Cities Metro Sites

DIVISIONS >

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SCHEDULES >

summer festival

Presented

by TRIA

Open to all 8U*-10U TCSL Teams This popular event will sell out!

This fun, one-day event serves as an exciting conclusion to the Summer league season for 8U, 9U and 10U teams.

TCSL works diligently to match up appropriate competition and to create brackets between teams that haven’t seen each other in league play.

7v7 teams (9U-10U): Guaranteed a minimum of three games with medals, and fun, for all.

5v5 teams (8U): Guaranteed a minimum of two games with medals, and fun, for all.

Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Boys 9U/10U and TCSL Fives *TCSL Fives (8U) boys and girls will play on Saturday

Sunday, June 29, 2025 – Girls 9U/10U

All matches played at Kingston Park (Cottage Grove, Minn.)

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION > Registration deadline: June 1, 2025 20

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TCSL SUMMER FINAL 4 July 11-13, 2025 I Twin Cities Metro Sites This exciting invitation-only event brings together the top four 11U-19U teams in each division of the TCSL Summer league, crowning Summer league champions and providing a thrilling weekend of competition!

Presented by TRIA

Top 4 11U-19U teams in each age/gender/division are automatically qualified based on standings in League play at season’s end.

All teams play two (2) matches.

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Semi-Final winners play in the Final 4 Championship

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Semi-Final losers play in the 3rd Place match

MORE INFORMATION >

How it works

Top 4 teams in each age/gender/ division automatically qualify

Division A Team 1 4-0 Team 2 4-0 Team 3 0-3

Division B Division C Team 1 4-0 Team 1 3-1 Team 2 2-2 Team 2 2-2 Team 3 0-4 Team 3 1-3

QUALIFY Team 1 Team 1 Team 1 Team 2 DIVISION-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATION FORMATS > TCSL MAGAZINE I SUMMER 2025 I

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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT TCSL REPS Wrapping up another successful season THANK YOU for your support of year three of the TCSL Reps program.

It is our goal to provide a meaningful, "club first" experience, where players can develop and grow, becoming leaders in their home club environment along the way.

To the Reps players and families: We sincerely hope you found your Reps experience to be meaningful, organized, and impactful to your youth soccer journey.

Thank you to the Reps team coaches, trip chaperones and families for a terrific 24-25 Reps season!

WHAT'S NEXT We are currently reviewing the Reps 24-25 season, and identifying areas for improvement and opportunity. More information will be shared with club directors about the 2025-26 Reps season as it becomes available.

Who are Reps?

Rep ---- as in “Representative” Reps ------ represent their team, club and league as a recognized talent.

Reps ------ should develop into leaders and role models for other players.

Reps ------ will always show respect to all.

Reps ------ will always give their maximum effort both on and off the field.

Reps, to “Represent” -----22

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SPORTSHOTPHOTO.COM

• Be recognized for your effort and talent:

Standout.

• Become a leader:

Excel.

• Leave your comfort zone:

Growth.

• Train and compete with and against other high-level players:

Develop.

• Represent - Take pride in representing your team, club and league:

Honor.

Reps 2010 Boys & Girls Succeed in Phoenix Teams impress at the 2025 Phoenix Cup Girls crowned champions with a record of 3-0-1, defeating De Anza Force (CA) in the final. Boys finished as finalists with a record of 3-1, falling to Oxnard United SC (CA) in the final.

Strong competition. Learning. Enjoyment.

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COACH EDUCATION improving every year As May begins, TCSL’s Coach Education calendar for 2024-25 starts to wind down. Time to reflect on an incredible year in Coach Education!

The second D course of the year concluded in April, an ongoing C course concludes next month, and we are preparing to host the B License’s second in-person week-long session on May 12-15.

Thank you, coaches, for your dedication to continual education and improving the environment for your players!

What’s next We are in the process of building our 2025-26 Coach Education calendar, and we again expect to offer numerous coach education opportunities for coaches of all levels.

Please keep an eye on our website’s Upcoming Courses list for more information about courses as they are added to our Coach Education calendar for 2025-26!

Interested in hosting a course at your club? Learn more.

HOST A COURSE AT YOUR CLUB > 26

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UPCOMING COURSES >

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT Referee numbers promising for 2025 Thanks to the efforts of the State Referee Committee – that recently underwent a curriculum overhaul to provide more practical on-field sessions as part of new referee certification – referee numbers in the State of Minnesota appear relatively stable.

Referee numbers up year-over-year

3,114 referees completely certified for this year as of April 30! (compared to 2,994 last year at this time).

1,310 are brand new Please respect our new referees!

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TCSL continues to be a leader in providing referee training opportunities and certification support Referee Shadow Program: TCSL hosted several one-day “Shadow” events at Winter & TCSL Fives festivals, providing valuable learning for new or recently certified referees.

Referee Field Training: As recently as Saturday, April 26, TCSL hosted and secured a facility for 60+ referees to become certified. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you on the field!

New TCSL Referee Module: ICYMI, in our effort to continue to Raise the Level of the Game, TCSL published for the first time a Referee Module on the Coaches’ Voice platform. This module helps referees ensure they are ready to officiate by covering relevant topics not typically covered in the introductory referee certification process.

HOW TO COMPLETE THE TCSL REFEREE MODULE ON THE COACHES’ VOICE >

SUPPORT THE GAME BY BECOMING A REFEREE! •

Flexible schedule

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Good pay

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Give back to the game

REFEREE CERTIFICATION INFORMATION > 28

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ADMIN CORNER With Appreciation TCSL would like to thank the countless club staff members that work so diligently to complete the many administrative tasks needed to get players on the field. Executive Directors, Administrators, Registrars, Field Assignors, Referee Assignors and Team Managers, you have our endless thanks and heart-felt appreciation.

Explore these resources for the Summer season and beyond:

CLUB ADMINISTRATOR RESOURCES >

TEAM MANAGER RESOURCES >

Tournament open to teams U9-U19 3 games guaranteed Top rated playing fields and referees Over 200 teams from North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Manitoba and more expected to compete

June 20-22, 2025 Register Today

www.tricityunited.org/summerclassic25

tcslsoccer.com

Vol. 5 No. 2 @tcslsoccer

@tcslsoccer

Twin Cities Soccer Leagues

Photos by Christopher Mitchell I SportShotPhoto.com