Boys' soccer update
High school boys' soccer is in its second year without some of the state's top players. Last year, about 45 players left prep teams after the Minnesota Thunder Academy's U.S. Soccer Development Academy ruled its full-time players could not participate in any other leagues, including high school soccer. Its 10-month season also interferes with Minnesota State High School League bylaws.
Some development academy players, however, are filtering back into high school soccer. Apple Valley coach Chuck Scanlon said he's heard of several cases around the metro area in which players determined they're more comfortable on their high school teams.
Osseo and Prairie Seeds are among teams that have had players return from the Thunder Academy. The current Thunder Academy rosters show 40 high school-age players.
JASON GONZALEZ
