Next Year

[UAZipster0305]

According to Soccer by Ives, things aren't shaping up to well for the 2011 Zips. Ives is hearing that a full scale exodus of Zips looking to go out on top is going to occur, with not only Nagbe and Kofi leaving, but also Kitchen, Mattocks and Valentin and also possibly Nano. That would leave us with three returning starters. Obviously this isn't finalized, but it's not looking to good for the Zips.

This isn't a bad thing, it's a dream come true! All the players that are leaving are going to go on to be some of the best professional players the United States has ever produced after winning a National Championship for the Zips. All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, National Champions, and gentleman off the field who are proud to be from Akron! Other than earning their degrees (which some or many may still do), what else can you ask for?

Ideally, I'd like to see all student-athletes graduate, but how can you ask someone to delay their dream with the risk of future injury? 50 years ago and maybe even 20 years ago, this was a legitimate argument, but these players can always go back to school or into coaching.

We were worried when Zakuani left, then when Bunbury bounced, and this season and the following will be no different. Coach Porter has made UA THE program for blue chip recruits, and this will continue in the future.

[fknbuflobo]

Yes, there are blue-shippers coming in. More will follow as Akron has become the conduit to the pros.

But we cannot win the 2011 championship with that much turnover. 3 returning starters? No way.

[jem101]

According to Soccer by Ives, things aren't shaping up to well for the 2011 Zips. Ives is hearing that a full scale exodus of Zips looking to go out on top is going to occur, with not only Nagbe and Kofi leaving, but also Kitchen, Mattocks and Valentin and also possibly Nano. That would leave us with three returning starters. Obviously this isn't finalized, but it's not looking to good for the Zips.

This isn't a bad thing, it's a dream come true! All the players that are leaving are going to go on to be some of the best professional players the United States has ever produced after winning a National Championship for the Zips. All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, National Champions, and gentleman off the field who are proud to be from Akron! Other than earning their degrees (which some or many may still do), what else can you ask for?

Ideally, I'd like to see all student-athletes graduate, but how can you ask someone to delay their dream with the risk of future injury? 50 years ago and maybe even 20 years ago, this was a legitimate argument, but these players can always go back to school or into coaching.

We were worried when Zakuani left, then when Bunbury bounced, and this season and the following will be no different. Coach Porter has made UA THE program for blue chip recruits, and this will continue in the future.

Don't get me wrong, I'm really proud of these guys for what they've accomplished and I can't wait to follow their careers in the MLS and hopefully EPL, Serie A, etc. That being said, it doesn't bode well for the 2011 Zips team. It doesn't matter how good of a recruiter Porter is, you simply can't replace 8 starters and hope to be anywhere near as good as you were the previous year. If all these guys go, we're going to see a big down year next year.

[meatwad]

According to Soccer by Ives, things aren't shaping up to well for the 2011 Zips. Ives is hearing that a full scale exodus of Zips looking to go out on top is going to occur, with not only Nagbe and Kofi leaving, but also Kitchen, Mattocks and Valentin and also possibly Nano. That would leave us with three returning starters. Obviously this isn't finalized, but it's not looking to good for the Zips.

This is grade A bologna. There is no way that Nano will be offered GA, Mattocks clearly isn't ready, and while I can see Perry getting offered I still don't think it will happen. Zarek still hasn't committed to anything either. This guy is probably as wrong as the "Soccer Insider" last year that said Porter to DCU was a done deal.

[UAZipster0305]

Yes, there are blue-shippers coming in. More will follow as Akron has become the conduit to the pros.

But we cannot win the 2011 championship with that much turnover. 3 returning starters? No way.

Don't under-estimate. After the 2009 season and losing Bunbury, most would have never guessed we'd even compete the for National Championship in 2010. Yet, we won! The standards and expectations now couldn't be higher, and I think that's how Coach Porter likes it.

[fknbuflobo]

According to Soccer by Ives, things aren't shaping up to well for the 2011 Zips. Ives is hearing that a full scale exodus of Zips looking to go out on top is going to occur, with not only Nagbe and Kofi leaving, but also Kitchen, Mattocks and Valentin and also possibly Nano. That would leave us with three returning starters. Obviously this isn't finalized, but it's not looking to good for the Zips.

This is grade A bologna. There is no way that Nano will be offered GA, Mattocks clearly isn't ready, and while I can see Perry getting offered I still don't think it will happen. Zarek still hasn't committed to anything either. This guy is probably as wrong as the "Soccer Insider" last year that said Porter to DCU was a done deal.

I agree with meatwad, trimmy10.

If both Valentin and Kitchen stay, Zips win another championship.

Nanchoff would be foolsh to leave without first graduating.

Mattocks needs to ignore anyone trying to convince him to turn pro after a stellar, yet checkered, freshman outing. Mattocks is definitely NOT ready. Kitchen is more ready than Mattocks, but I would strongly advise both to stay at least another year.

The MLS is not the NBA where signing one contract brings independent wealth.

[meatwad]

Nanchoff would be foolsh to leave without first graduating.

Mattocks needs to ignore anyone trying to convince him to turn pro after a stellar, yet checkered, freshman outing. Mattocks is definitely NOT ready. Kitchen is more ready than Mattocks, but I would strongly advise both to stay at least another year.

The MLS is not the NBA where signing one contract brings independent wealth.

+1 to everything you said. Summed up my thoughts exactly. Kitchen is waaaay more ready than Mattocks. If Mattocks leaves I would be shocked.

[fknbuflobo]

The way I see things playing out, much of next year's success depends on Zarek Valentin's decision; he is the linchpin.

[TheTank123]

The way I see things playing out, much of next year's success depends on Zarek Valentin's decision; he is the linchpin.

I'm a moron.

[UAZipster0305]

Nanchoff would be foolsh to leave without first graduating.

Mattocks needs to ignore anyone trying to convince him to turn pro after a stellar, yet checkered, freshman outing. Mattocks is definitely NOT ready. Kitchen is more ready than Mattocks, but I would strongly advise both to stay at least another year.

The MLS is not the NBA where signing one contract brings independent wealth.

+1 to everything you said. Summed up my thoughts exactly. Kitchen is waaaay more ready than Mattocks. If Mattocks leaves I would be shocked.

You are absolutely right. The MLS is not the NBA, MLB, NFL, or even NHL in terms of salaries. Nonetheless, if MLS salary income is responsibly managed, it provides enough to live off of while finishing the remainder of a degree. Even if this isn't the case, what's the harm in returning on loans? That's what most students do anyhow.

[Roogangs]

The way I see things playing out, much of next year's success depends on Zarek Valentin's decision; he is the linchpin.

My thoughts on those leaving: Kofi and Darlington will leave. Nano will not go, no real offers for him. Mattocks def will not leave, Porter will tell him he is not ready and I truely feel our players respect his thoughts on their development (just look who Porter has guided to the pros and their success). Porter will tell Kitchen he needs to stay for one more year to develop a little more but I feel he may ignore and leave anyway, I have seen Kitchen's father talking it up at games with the scouts. Before Kitchen decides to leave or not he should have a talk with Amobi Okugo who was a freshman last year at UCLA and left for the MLS. He has not done much this year besides polish the bench of the 2800 mins Philly played Okugo played roughly 400 mins. I know he gets to train with great players but there is no substitute for game action. Valentin will leave, I think he is more soccer oriented and not very academic like some of the other players. Now in all honesty I dont worry about loosing Valentin. On interviews with Porter he consistenly regards Barson as his linchpin of the defense. I have never seen the kid mess up (and as I have said before I was a past defender and I watch them closely!). The team voted Barson the defensive MVP last year and well this year I am sure he will get it again. Valentin, although very good, makes terrible choices at times and has had to many to count passes directly to the other team, ie Cal vs Akron. If we lost Barson to the Crew (homegrown player) then I would be worried.

In all:

Korb = graduated

Ampi = graduated

Kofi = gone

Darlington = gone

Valentin = gone

Kitchen = gone

Mattocks = stays

Nano = stays

Barson = stays

I will say that I am excited to start building new teams every year and still being competitive. Sure if all our guys stayed we would win again next year but lets make it interesting!!!

[TheTank123]

The way I see things playing out, much of next year's success depends on Zarek Valentin's decision; he is the linchpin.

My thoughts on those leaving: Kofi and Darlington will leave. Nano will not go, no real offers for him. Mattocks def will not leave, Porter will tell him he is not ready and I truely feel our players respect his thoughts on their development (just look who Porter has guided to the pros and their success). Porter will tell Kitchen he needs to stay for one more year to develop a little more but I feel he may ignore and leave anyway, I have seen Kitchen's father talking it up at games with the scouts. Before Kitchen decides to leave or not he should have a talk with Amobi Okugo who was a freshman last year at UCLA and left for the MLS. He has not done much this year besides polish the bench of the 2800 mins Philly played Okugo played roughly 400 mins. I know he gets to train with great players but there is no substitute for game action. Valentin will leave, I think he is more soccer oriented and not very academic like some of the other players. Now in all honesty I dont worry about loosing Valentin. On interviews with Porter he consistenly regards Barson as his linchpin of the defense. I have never seen the kid mess up (and as I have said before I was a past defender and I watch them closely!). The team voted Barson the defensive MVP last year and well this year I am sure he will get it again. Valentin, although very good, makes terrible choices at times and has had to many to count passes directly to the other team, ie Cal vs Akron. If we lost Barson to the Crew (homegrown player) then I would be worried.

In all:

Korb = graduated

Ampi = graduated

Kofi = gone

Darlington = gone

Valentin = gone

Kitchen = gone

Mattocks = stays

Nano = stays

Barson = stays

I will say that I am excited to start building new teams every year and still being competitive. Sure if all our guys stayed we would win again next year but lets make it interesting!!!

Knowing what I do about the guys coming in, the defense is not going to be the problem, as long as the transition isn't too difficult. Although we can replace Ampai with Trapp, losing Darlington is going to be a huge hole to fill. I was, however, very impressed with how Speas played when he got in at the end of the championship game...Balogun looked to be able to contribute as well. It will be interesting to see how some of the bench players respond to getting more minutes.

[Roogangs]

Knowing what I do about the guys coming in, the defense is not going to be the problem, as long as the transition isn't too difficult. Although we can replace Ampai with Trapp, losing Darlington is going to be a huge hole to fill. I was, however, very impressed with how Speas played when he got in at the end of the championship game...Balogun looked to be able to contribute as well. It will be interesting to see how some of the bench players respond to getting more minutes.

I agree 100%, Darlington is a huge loss but Porter will find a new way to overcome this loss (great coaches, players, and teams always do!!). Speas will step up, and I look forward to seeing Eric Stephenson. He is an unbelievable player that started against UNC and scored the first goal but for some reason did not play again. He could also fill in for Korb or Ampi as well, he is very quick and crafty on the ball, mark my words!! we can pull this post up next year at this time and say, wow Eric S had an incredible year.

[fknbuflobo]

OK, I disagree a bit on who is staying and who is going pro.

It appears that everyone agrees that Mattocks leaving would be terrible for him.

I really think Kitchen would make a mistake to leave this early. He needs another year. He surely would get drafted, but he needs more seasoning.

It is disappointing to here about Valentin not really attending to academics, but I have heard this elsewhere before. There must be something to it. If that is true, he is gone as he too will surely get drafted. He will play wing back in the pros.

I agree that Barson is the anchor of the defense.

[bandzip]

OK, I disagree a bit on who is staying and who is going pro.

It appears that everyone agrees that Mattocks leaving would be terrible for him.

I really think Kitchen would make a mistake to leave this early. He needs another year. He surely would get drafted, but he needs more seasoning.

It is disappointing to here about Valentin not really attending to academics, but I have heard this elsewhere before. There must be something to it. If that is true, he is gone as he too will surely get drafted. He will play wing back in the pros.

I agree that Barson is the anchor of the defense.

Having been a lab partner with Valentin he isn't a terrible student, he does his work, but let's just say he's a better soccer player than a lab partner. Haha.

[RootforRoo44]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. And let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

[meatwad]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. Let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Well said. Previously mentioned Stevenson will be in the mix as well. Not to mention Trapp, Gallego, and Yedlin who are coming in as Freshmen and should compete for time. Not only that but recall that Mattocks and Tulloch were both very late adds to last years class. Who knows what Porter has up his sleeve for this year's class. It's definitely not a matter of whether or not we will be good next year... just how good.

[Zip_ME87]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. Let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Well said. Previously mentioned Stevenson will be in the mix as well. Not to mention Trapp, Gallego, and Yedlin who are coming in as Freshmen and should compete for time. Not only that but recall that Mattocks and Tulloch were both very late adds to last years class. Who knows what Porter has up his sleeve for this year's class. It's definitely not a matter of whether or not we will be good next year... just how good.

As I understand it, David Murrow is still planning to attend UA in the Spring. That should be a huge help to him to get time in the Spring (exhibition) season and not be totally new in the Fall.

[yazan07]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. Let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Well said. Previously mentioned Stevenson will be in the mix as well. Not to mention Trapp, Gallego, and Yedlin who are coming in as Freshmen and should compete for time. Not only that but recall that Mattocks and Tulloch were both very late adds to last years class. Who knows what Porter has up his sleeve for this year's class. It's definitely not a matter of whether or not we will be good next year... just how good.

I think a lot of people have forgotten about these two players because they received so little playing time this year. Let's not forget they are products of the same IMG academy program that gave us Ampai, Blair, Kofi, and Zarek. Although these guys haven't been given too much time to shine, I'm willing to bet they are both incredible players. With Ampai gone, Nano possibly leaving (but hopefully not) and Kitchen possibly leaving or maybe even playing center-back, I expect to see these guys get significant minutes next year, and maybe even start.

[UAsoccerchamps11]

Looks like we lost Zarek and Nanchoff too

http://soccer.altweet.com/2010/12/mls-sign...generation.html

[meatwad]

Update from Ives

It appears that Nagby, Sarkodie, Valentin, and Nanchoff are all signed and delivered. Mattocks is off the board. Bruin, Hertzog, and MacMath are the others. Kitchen still in negotiations.... stay tuned.

Edit: looks like UASoccerChamps beat us both. I think the post was hidden though, because of being a new member. Either way, welcome to the forum!

[jem101]

Soccer by Ives is reporting that Generation Adidas has signed seven out of eight spots that they are planning on offering. Those seven are Nagbe, Sarkodie, Valentin, and Nanchoff. Also included are PSU's Hertzog, IU's Bruin, and Maryland's Macmath. Supposedly they are targeting Kitchen but the two sides aren't even close on a contract. As a fall back they are also targeting Cal keeper Bingham.

Edit: Meatwad beat me to it...

[RootforRoo44]

Crazy news if it's all true.

Mattocks and Kitchen staying would be HUGE for us but then again, I want to see Tulloch or Genovesi with some time at Forward.

I'm sure we can find a way to move people around.

btw anyone see this:

The firstmerit building has it going tonight.

[meatwad]

Crazy news if it's all true.

Mattocks and Kitchen staying would be HUGE for us but then again, I want to see Tulloch or Genovesi with some time at Forward.

I'm sure we can find a way to move people around.

Based on the wording of the article, to me it sounds like it is not a matter of if Perry is going, but where (MLS or otherwise). The "negotiations" that are taking place lead me to believe he has an offer elsewhere and the MLS is competing against that bid. We shall see, but I think Perry might be going. I'm shocked that so many Zips are GA. It's great for the program, but to have 5 guys in the discussion is insane. The most ever from one school at a time prior to this was 3. That's why Nanchoff, Mattocks, and Perry were not on my initial thoughts for players leaving. It's a testament to the program though. Now Porter can build the team from (almost) scratch and do it again next year. Go Zips!

[ZachTheZip]

Big reloading job on coach Porter's hands. But that's why we pay him the big bucks.