[Zip_ME87]

I think you'll still see Porter involved with the US system in some way as long as Klinsmann is the head coach of the USMNT. Remember Klinsmann hand picked Porter for the job. And US Soccer's goal since Klinsmann was hired is to change the style we play in the United States. Klinsmann is having the same difficulties with the senior squad instituting the 4-3-3 and one thing Klinsmann hasn't had to deal with yet is a meaningful match. Porter was thrown into the fire with only a few months of preparation. I could be wrong, but I believe Klinsmann ran a 4-4-1-1 in the one big Friendly match against Italy he actually won. Mostly because of the lack of attack, goals scored, and players performing the system correctly in previous Friendly matches. For all those who wanted Klinsmann as USMNT coach, I say, you're going to need to take some bumps and bruises and be patient. You can't institute a change in style over night. Porter is still a great soccer mind, I'm thrilled to have him in Akron, and he'll get his shot again.

Here's an interesting fact some may not know, Brazil's Men's Soccer Team has never won Gold in the Olympics either.

Yaz, stay away from those BigSoccer threads, its brutal over there. Haha

If someone offers thoughtful opinions on BigSoccer, even if I disagree, I don't have a problem reading it. But that stuff is just venting.

Anyway, thanks Yaznasty and Crew8 for your discussions. I agree with you that as long as USSoccer is interested in playing this system, Caleb will have opportunities to be part of it, and deservedly so.

[bobbyake]

The Case for Caleb Porter
take a few minutes to read this

[fknbuflobo]

That is a brilliant article! From where I am right now, I cannot see who wrote it. Good job, nonetheless!

The author is absolutely correct that Porter should be retained. However, the criticism leveled against Porter is, for the most part, warranted and fair. We fans are extremely disappointed. Go ahead and blast Porter. He not only can take it, but he will be better for it. In any event, Porter will be with USNT for a long time to come.

Not enough locals realize what a quality coach Dan Zemanski is. He has mentored countless players over the last decade plus. It is good to get his informed opinion here. By the way, his youngest son is rumored to be quite the soccer prodigy. No great surprise there! When can we begin recruiting him?

[Crew8]

The Case for Caleb Porter
take a few minutes to read this

Good stuff from ISN as always. If you get the chance read Paul Gardner's article "Olympic flop a minor distraction, not a major disaster" which was also linked in the ISN article.

Another related article I enjoyed last week is Mike Firpo's "The Growing Pains of American Soccer"

[Zip_ME87]

Thanks Bobbyake and Crew8 for those articles.

My belief in Caleb Porter has not wavered (how could it, given all he has done at Akron?!), but I really appreciate reading the non-Akron perspectives.

[Yaznasty]

If you use twitter, #SupportCaleb

[bobbyake]

Klinsmann stands by hiring of college coach for Olympics

In fact, Klinsmann made it clear that he wants to make sure his Olympic head coach remained "connected" with the US national team program, with potential participation in senior national team camps, coaching workshops and help him arrange trips overseas to learn from European managers.

He also didn't shy away from expressing his desire that Porter leave the college ranks.

"I think he has a huge future ahead of him and, rather sooner than later, will jump into professional field and will become a pro coach," Klinsmann said. "We really think that he has a lot of upside and I think he learned a tremendous amount during the last four months.

[Z.I.P.]

Klinsmann stands by hiring of college coach for Olympics

In fact, Klinsmann made it clear that he wants to make sure his Olympic head coach remained "connected" with the US national team program, with potential participation in senior national team camps, coaching workshops and help him arrange trips overseas to learn from European managers.

He also didn't shy away from expressing his desire that Porter leave the college ranks.

"I think he has a huge future ahead of him and, rather sooner than later, will jump into professional field and will become a pro coach," Klinsmann said. "We really think that he has a lot of upside and I think he learned a tremendous amount during the last four months.

Well...If he wins one more national championship, the pressure will increase by multiples over what its been up to now. I sure hope no one blames him if he succumbs. He'll always be "Akron's Coach", and no matter when he departs, he'll leave the program far ahead of where he stepped in.

[fknbuflobo]

Right! I am not quite sure whether to feel good or bad about this article.

[bobbyake]

this might be the last year we have Porter as Akron's coach. He's done very well by us and earned the opportunity to move up.

[bisbee]

this might be the last year we have Porter as Akron's coach. He's done very well by us and earned the opportunity to move up.

I don't think he will leave after this season unless he wins another national Championship.

[fknbuflobo]

I don't think he will leave after this season unless he wins another national Championship.

From your mouth to God's ears!

[bobbyake]

in 2012!! Porter and Klinsmann want to change the culture of US Futball. I believe a strong attacking team in the MLS is the next step.

[Yaznasty]

Klinsmann has stated that he still thinks there is a place for Porter in US soccer. It is clear that he has a high degree of faith in Porter and wants to groom him for a higher level. Could many coaches fail to qualify for a tournament that was supposed to be a given, and then have their superiors say they want to keep them around and bring them into the game plan even more? Klinsmann is still banking on Porter, even after how qualifying went.

Now, that being said, Klinsmann also made it clear that he thinks Porter needs to make the jump to the pro ranks if he wants to make it big time. Now, I would never question Porter's loyalty to our school, city, etc. but I think we all know where Caleb's long term priorities are. If Jurgen Klinsmann says "you need to start coaching at the pro level if you want to have a future in US Soccer," well, I would be mad at Porter for not taking the leap to the next level. I will definitely be extremely sad to see him go, but my no means will it be a question of not having loyalty or dedication to Akron, it's just about accomplishing his own dreams.

That being said though, If Porter is on his way out within the next year or so, I expect another National Championship before then.

[Zip_ME87]

Klinsmann has stated that he still thinks there is a place for Porter in US soccer. It is clear that he has a high degree of faith in Porter and wants to groom him for a higher level. Could many coaches fail to qualify for a tournament that was supposed to be a given, and then have their superiors say they want to keep them around and bring them into the game plan even more? Klinsmann is still banking on Porter, even after how qualifying went.

Now, that being said, Klinsmann also made it clear that he thinks Porter needs to make the jump to the pro ranks if he wants to make it big time. Now, I would never question Porter's loyalty to our school, city, etc. but I think we all know where Caleb's long term priorities are. If Jurgen Klinsmann says "you need to start coaching at the pro level if you want to have a future in US Soccer," well, I would be mad at Porter for not taking the leap to the next level. I will definitely be extremely sad to see him go, but my no means will it be a question of not having loyalty or dedication to Akron, it's just about accomplishing his own dreams.

That being said though, If Porter is on his way out within the next year or so, I expect another National Championship before then.

I would never be upset with Caleb if, after careful consideration, he decided not to make the leap to the next level but remain at Akron. He can be the Zips' Head Coach as long as he likes. I'd be happy if he were at Akron for a long time. Of course, I'd be happy to see him in the pros and/or US Soccer if that is where he truly wants to be.