[bobbyake]

Zarek and Sinisa started for Montrel today against Toronto, and apparently Sinisa has scored to put them on top already.

ha, which is funny because I made a little rant on one of the MLS's posts for today's game saying, "Montreal needs to get the Akron boys into the game!! Evan Bush should be the starting goalie!!!!"
The soccer gods heard my prayers.

[bobbyake]

For anyone on the fence about getting Martchday Live, I highly recommend it.

I like using it on the iPad. The picture quality and stream are outstanding on the iPad, and if you have an Apple TV, you can use air play to watch it on your TV. Here's a Promo Code to get $9 off: 2012TICKET15

Here's a link to the goal. When it's posted on youtube, I'll add the youtube video.

[ZippyRulz]

Nagbe v. Salt Lake

[Z.I.P.]

I've been checking around, and while I cannot find it now, I saw a reference earlier that Ampai had been training with the Thailand national team last fall. Not sure if that is factual, and if so whether he has gathered any caps, but if so, I guess it would remove him from contention for future US duty. He would probably be the best player in Thailand history. I'm going to try and gather more info with the help of some friends -- especially since my current work place has a 75% Thai population. Hopefully, I can get one of my new friends to translate some of the Ampai Thai fans Facebook page!

According to this post on the Bigsoccer board, Ampai scored for the Earthquakes Reserves squad in a game today vs Vancouver.

[bobbyake]

Impact hero Ubiparipovic marks return to remember

MONTREAL – When Sinisa Ubiparipovic received a pass from Lamar Neagle at the edge of the Toronto FC penalty area this past Saturday, the words “Remember me?” might as well have been flashing on the Olympic Stadium big screen.

OPTA Chalkboard: Ubiparipovic adds a touch of class to Impact's rugged midfield

The veteran added to his Montreal legend, scoring the Impact's opener 18 minutes in and marking his long-awaited return to the blue jersey.

Ubiparipovic could have made his first start earlier in the season, but an MCL injury he picked up in preseason in late February set the Bosnian back. That was pretty much the lone blotch on an otherwise spotless spring for the Bosnian, who was determined not to let it hinder his return to MLS too much.

“It’s been a frustrating three or four weeks,” Ubiparipovic told reporters following the Impact’s 2-1 defeat of Toronto FC. “I’ve been working hard to get my fitness back and whatnot. It just feels rewarding to get in there, I score a goal and the team wins. It’s a double bonus.”

Ubiparipovic had not taken part in MLS action since September 4, 2010, when Real Salt Lake defeated his former club, the New York Red Bulls.

That made his return this past Saturday doubly sweet. He hit the target on his return to MLS, and did so in Montreal, where supporters have already grown to love this elegant attacking midfielder. During the team’s 2011 season – its last in the second flight – Ubiparipovic led a furious late-season push for a playoff spot after being signed in the middle of the year.

The Impact eventually fell short of the NASL playoffs, but Ubiparipovic’s ability to both set up and score goals made him an instant hit and gave the fanbase a hero heading into their first MLS preseason.

It was a breath of fresh air to see the 28-year-old pick up where he’d left off. And he may have endeared himself even further to the Montreal faithful with his goal celebration. Upon scoring, Ubiparipovic immediately turned to the Toronto traveling fans and cheekily pointed to his ears.

“I heard them singing before the game, I had to give them a shout out,” Ubiparipovic said with a laugh. “It was too far for me to go the other way. I just had to be creative at that moment.”

[Zip_ME87]

According to this post on the Bigsoccer board, Ampai scored for the Earthquakes Reserves squad in a game today vs Vancouver.

http://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/2012/04/...erve-league-2-1

[johnnyzip84]

In reserve action, Montreal whips Toronto 1-0


Evan Bush played all 90 for the shutout. Sinisa also got into the action, following his huge goal in the regular game. Marsch must be trying to get him back in shape. Zarek also played.

[Z.I.P.]

In reserve action, Montreal whips Toronto 1-0
Evan Bush played all 90 for the shutout. Sinisa also got into the action, following his huge goal in the regular game. Marsch must be trying to get him back in shape. Zarek also played.

MLS keeps stats and even standings for their "Reserve League", but it's really nothing but practice/scrimmage games.

[Z.I.P.]

This is not Akron related, but I had to add it because of my pride for the Islands! The second best Hawaii footballer, Zach Scott, the pride of Maui County scored his first career MLS goal, and the Seattle Sounders made it stand up in their 1-0 victory at home vs the Colorado Rapids today. Zach's career was almost given up. After starting for the USL Sounders, he's spent most of the past three-plus years languishing on Sigi Schmidt's reserve side in Sounderland (not to be confused with the Black Cats of NE England!). This is great news, that I just hope gets some attention on the Hawaii news/sports tonight.

Edit: I found a NEO connection!: Zach played a season for the Cleveland Force in the MISL. Wow!

[bobbyake]

Perry Kitchen got an assist today. http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-...?videoID=182685
Chris Korb started and his man scored a goal http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-...?videoID=182680

Both Nanchoff and Mattocks are not on the roster for Vancouver today. Teal Bunbury is on the bench.

[Yaznasty]

SBI article on Nagbe

[bobbyake]

I can not find a single Zip playing in the USL-Pro or NASL, anyone else? Devon McKenney isn't showing up on this year's roster for Carolina.

[Crew8]

I know it's not Zips material, but Akron native Josh Williams(Copley HS) and former CSU Vikings is getting his first start today for Columbus Crew. He's been seeing some playing time in the past few games after being injured all of last season.

[bobbyake]

Even if he doesn't play, party awaits Nanchoff in Columbus

BURNABY, B.C. – Michael Nanchoff may or may not make his season debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend, but one thing is certain – there’ll be a party.

It may take two and a half hours for friends and family to make the drive from Nanchoff’s hometown of North Royalton, Ohio, to Columbus, but it’s a trek worth making. Just look a the numbers - over 500 tickets have been claimed by “Team Nanchoff” for Vancouver’s match against the Crew this Saturday (7:30 pm ET; watch LIVE online).

The player’s own supporters club showed up 200 strong, t-shirts and all, last season, but now his backers are ready to up their game even further.

From a tailgate party and “a couple of DJs” to the serving of ćevapi, a Serbian sausage, the festivities surrounding Nanchoff’s return make Saturday’s match the must-attend event for the in crowd in the Columbus area.

Vancouver’s most prominent supporters club is adding its voice as well.

“One of my friends started getting e-mails from one of the Southsiders about some of the chants,” Nanchoff told MLSsoccer.com after training at Swangard Stadium on Tuesday. “So I think they’re going to implement some of them during the game. Hopefully it’ll be pretty cool. We’ll see. Hopefully it’s nothing embarrassing! We’ll find out.”

While there’s no guarantee Nanchoff will take part as he recovers from a heel injury suffered against Sporting Kansas City during preseason on February 29, he will travel after participating in full training sessions for just over a week and said he'll do his best to give head coach Martin Rennie a decision to make.

“Right now I’m doing everything I can,” Nanchoff said. “I don’t know if I want to put a percentage mark on it in terms of chances, but I feel good, and I’m pushing as hard as I can there in that spot, so we’ll see.”

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[Zip_ME87]

Even if he doesn't play, party awaits Nanchoff in Columbus
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I'm glad Michael is at least traveling to C-bus this year even if he doesn't get to play. I know his family will be there and at least one of our former players who was in his 5th season (redshirted) last year. Too bad the match in C-bus coincides with a Zips' Spring match.