[fknbuflobo]

When will Jared Embick speak?

He needs to reassure us, because some of the faithful are beginning to flat out panic. All indications are that 8 of our starting 11 (uh, not to mention the coach), are leaving for the pros.

Who are the new recruits I AM SURE he must be landing? How are we to back-fill such losses? What is the plan? Please tell me there is a plan.

A burning hot spot light turns on Embick immediately following Porter's farewell party, @ 8:05 pm 12/12/2012.

[AkronZip54321]

When will Jared Embick speak?

He needs to reassure us, because some of the faithful are beginning to flat out panic. All indications are that 8 of our starting 11 (uh, not to mention the coach), are leaving for the pros.

Who are the new recruits I AM SURE he must be landing? How are we to back-fill such losses? What is the plan? Please tell me there is a plan.

A burning hot spot light turns on Embick immediately following Porter's farewell party, @ 8:05 pm 12/12/2012.

Who do we know FOR SURE that will not be back? Lets not jump to conclusions based on rumors posted on a website.

It is almost always impossible to not miss a beat when there is a coaching change. Porters first year-2006- the team did not win the MAC tournament OR even get an at-large bid after the 2005 team being penalty kicks away from the final 4 (to the eventual national champion on the road). The only players from that recruiting class who made any kind of mark in an Akron uniform was Lolla's recruit, Ben Zemanski. My point is that a coaches first year is almost always very difficult for a variety of reasons and we can not be too quick to judge or push blame towards Jared Embrick.

[Zip_ME87]

Who do we know FOR SURE that will not be back? Lets not jump to conclusions based on rumors posted on a website.

It is almost always impossible to not miss a beat when there is a coaching change. Porters first year-2006- the team did not win the MAC tournament OR even get an at-large bid after the 2005 team being penalty kicks away from the final 4 (to the eventual national champion on the road). The only players from that recruiting class who made any kind of mark in an Akron uniform was Lolla's recruit, Ben Zemanski. My point is that a coaches first year is almost always very difficult for a variety of reasons and we can not be too quick to judge or push blame towards Jared Embrick.

I agree, except we know that 3 starters won't return...Chad Barson, Scott Caldwell, and David Meves. We, however as you said, can't jump to conclusions as to which underclassmen will leave. It's happened in recent years, and is likely to happen this year. Finally, no NCAA coach is allowed to discuss recruits until they have signed their letters of intent. So, Jared can't address that even if he wanted to. We're just going to have to be patient.

[TennZip]

I think the first week that National letters of intent(NLI) can be signed is Feb. 4 to Feb. 7. Go to the 2nd page of the document below.


http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public...uiting+calendar

From the little that I know about recruiting, coaches are not supposed to speak about recruits until the NLI has been signed. With the student-athletes being on twitter and facebook, word gets out quickly these days. Coach Embick has to follow the rules. I am confident that the program is in good hands.

I am not 100% convinced DeAndre, Dillon, Bryan and Wil are all gone. I am sure that all 4 of them are having discussions with Coach Embick and Coach Porter.

That being said, David Meves graduating leaves a big hole....but Pina has a great reputation and I am sure he will do well. I am praying for good health for Alfred Koroma and I am looking forward to seeing Reinaldo and Alfred doing great things up top. Andrew Souders and Phil Fives and Abdul will all be excellent next year for the zips.

Over the last few years, Akron has been fortunate to get excellent transfers like Aodhan and Robbie Derschang. I would think that 2 out of 11 starters next year will be transfers for the 2013 year. Akron will continue to play an attractive, possession style game and Coach Embick will do well in recruiting.

Coach Porter left some monster shoes to fill. I want Akron to continue to raise the bar for collegiate soccer but I am confident in Coach Embick. I know we all want the Akron success story to continue....but let's give Coach Embick time to show what he can do.

[Zip_ME87]

I think the first week that National letters of intent(NLI) can be signed is Feb. 4 to Feb. 7. Go to the 2nd page of the document below.
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public...uiting+calendar

From the little that I know about recruiting, coaches are not supposed to speak about recruits until the NLI has been signed. With the student-athletes being on twitter and facebook, word gets out quickly these days. Coach Embick has to follow the rules. I am confident that the program is in good hands.

I am not 100% convinced DeAndre, Dillon, Bryan and Wil are all gone. I am sure that all 4 of them are having discussions with Coach Embick and Coach Porter.

That being said, David Meves graduating leaves a big hole....but Pina has a great reputation and I am sure he will do well. I am praying for good health for Alfred Koroma and I am looking forward to seeing Reinaldo and Alfred doing great things up top. Andrew Souders and Phil Fives and Abdul will all be excellent next year for the zips.

Over the last few years, Akron has been fortunate to get excellent transfers like Aodhan and Robbie Derschang. I would think that 2 out of 11 starters next year will be transfers for the 2013 year. Akron will continue to play an attractive, possession style game and Coach Embick will do well in recruiting.

Coach Porter left some monster shoes to fill. I want Akron to continue to raise the bar for collegiate soccer but I am confident in Coach Embick. I know we all want the Akron success story to continue....but let's give Coach Embick time to show what he can do.

Good post TennZip. I have confidence in Jared as well, and he deserves the time to prove himself and our support while doing so. He's been part of our success the past 6 seasons.

I'm confident in Fernando Pina or Andrian McAdams in goal. As far as position players, without including the underclassmen in question, we have Alfred Koroma, Reinaldo Brenes, Robbie Derschang, Aodhan Quinn, Eric Stevenson, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Keyvon Afsarifard, Andrew Souders, Phil Fives, Matt Foldesy, and Zac Portillos who have all seen playing time over the past season or more. Then there's Adam Najem, the 1 recruit (midfielder) listed by Top Drawer Soccer. Hopefully, he's still interested in joining our family. Maybe a few transfers, as you mentioned, in addition to recruits of whom we've not heard. Then Jared could perhaps add some international players. I remember Darren Mattocks being a late addition (announced in summer 2010). We also have other players whom we've not seen play but could step up.

[fknbuflobo]

Good job. This is the sort of shtuff I want hear. This will be an active message board this off-season; I personally guarantee it.

I am most interested in hearing from Coach Embick. It is time for him to "preach to the choir," as it were. We need it.

Yes, you are correct about NCAA rules and NLI. I did not mean to insinuate that Embick would or could publicly speak about specific recruits. But in past years there were always rumors on the street on who was coming next season. I hear none of that now, which bothers me.

Why should I be so patient? I do not want a rebuilding year where we fail to reach the NCAA Tournament. That is no longer acceptable at Akron. Any criticism will be harsh but fair. The bar has been raised.

Please introduce yourselves at the Porter farewell. I already know Zip_ME87.

[Z.I.P.]

Generally speaking (and especially so for elite programs), as soon as a player makes a college decision he conveys that to Top Drawer Soccer and or other recruiting sites. I have to assume we actually do have only ONE recruit. Yikes.

[fknbuflobo]

Coach Embick, we want expect to hear from you tonight.

[Crew8]

The New York Times Soccer: Akron After Porter

[TennZip]

The New York Times Soccer: Akron After Porter

wow....thank you for finding this article and posting it....

[Zip_ME87]

The New York Times Soccer: Akron After Porter

Thanks Crew8. Nice find.

BTW, with the Crew signing Wil Trapp, you can now count me in as a Crew fan.

[Yaznasty]

Thanks Crew8. Nice find.

BTW, with the Crew signing Wil Trapp, you can now count me in as a Crew fan.

And to celebrate being a Crew fan you just bought a Timbers jersey? haha. I'm afraid all the excitement of Caleb at Portland is going to shake my faithfulness as a DC fan. I guess I'll probably root for Portland as well and just be conflicted when the two face off.

[Zip_ME87]

And to celebrate being a Crew fan you just bought a Timbers jersey? haha. I'm afraid all the excitement of Caleb at Portland is going to shake my faithfulness as a DC fan. I guess I'll probably root for Portland as well and just be conflicted when the two face off.

You are correct that I have a Portland jersey with Porter's name and college # on it (that I picked up 2 months ago). I will continue to be conflicted when our former players, and now coach, face off. However, in the past I had no connection to the Crew (other than Ben Speas who hasn't seen significant playing time yet). That has changed and hopefully will change more with another HG addition as the Crew has indicated may be in the works.

[Crew8]

Thanks Crew8. Nice find.

BTW, with the Crew signing Wil Trapp, you can now count me in as a Crew fan.

Still waiting on one more Akron signing.

[Yaznasty]

Still waiting on one more Akron signing.

Wednesday night I walked past Wil and Chad and their mothers as Wil was saying "well we're probably going to be teammates again." This was right after he told me he couldn't disclose where he was signing haha. Can't wait to see more of our guys in the league.