Seeding, Bracketing, & Advancement

In the U12 First Divisions only, teams shall be seeded based on the input from clubs with teams in the Director’s Academy. A maximum of two (2) teams per bracket will be seeded.
In the U11 First Divisions, the MSYSA JR State Cup Committee shall attempt to place teams into brackets so that brackets are as balanced as possible.
In the U10 age group (including the U10/U11 division) and the U11 and U12 Second Divisions, the MSYSA JR State Cup Committee shall attempt, when possible, to place teams into brackets so that they play against teams from other leagues.
In all divisions, advancing teams will be as followed:
- Two (2) preliminary brackets: Bracket winners and runners-up each advance to the Semifinals.
- Three (3) preliminary brackets of 4 teams each: Bracket winners and one wildcard advance to the Semifinals.
- Three (3) preliminary brackets of 5 teams each: Bracket winners and wildcards advance to the Quarterfinals.
- Four (4) preliminary brackets for U12 First Divisions: Bracket winners and wildcards advance to the Quarterfinals.
- Four (4) preliminary brackets for all other divisions: Bracket winners and runners-up each advance to the Quarterfinals.
- Five (5), six (6), and seven (7) preliminary brackets: Bracket winners and wildcards advance to the Quarterfinals.
- Eight (8) preliminary brackets: Bracket winners advance to the Quarterfinals.
- Nine (9) or more preliminary brackets: bracket winner and wildcards advance to the round of 16.
It is acceptable for two teams from the same preliminary bracket to play against each other in the round of 16 and all other subsequent rounds.
The MSYSA JR State Cup Committee’s decision regarding seeding, bracketing, and advancement is final. Teams may not appeal their decision.