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As a long-time Black Cats fan, I was watching young master Yedlin's progress with much interest! When he arrived the concern was whether he could handle the pressure of Premier League forwards, and not gift opponents goals. Clearly, he measured up to that test remarkably. His steady back-line defense was consistently solid by any standard. Now, DeAndre must turn himself into a wide back who -- with pace as strong as any in the league -- is able to threaten opposing defenders in the penalty area. Honestly, his attacking central passes rarely threatened defenses, and he must learn the 'tricks-of-the-trade', if he is to become the world-class footballer we all know he can be. Meanwhile, sign the paper, young man, so I can order that #24 red-and-white stripe shirt! Guy Ellis -- an American private equity funder should be able to afford a couple million pounds. But, with one of the leakiest defenses this season, I hope he also brings in some experienced CFs. Then Sunderland can set trail to be "the Leicester of 17".

I'm tired of reading about the VCU game. Mr. Abreu was no longer running the point, his backup was a freshman with very little playing experience. Brian Walsh had spent the entire night before in the emergency room due to food poisoning and was taking IV's right up to the opening tip and probably never should have been allowed to try and play. Two other Zips were sick but not hospitalized. VCU took full advantage with their havoc full court & full game press. The Zips were a star crossed team that year Akron's best group (?) but they were physically and emotionally battered. If all were healthy they would have given VCU their money's worth but we will never know and all we remember is the heartless pounding Skaka delivered on KD's team and a lost opportunity to get an NCAA win and advance in the tournament.

Front Page ESPN story, Can Lebron deliver on the free education to UA?

Zips Football posted the article on their Facebook page. Unless they're using it for bulletin board material I wish they hadn't.

Americans on loan: The best and worst through the years Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/best-worst-usmnt-loans-donovan-dempsey-yedlin-altidore#:Yex2Vz1itb48_A#cKqRMJzLlAQIjSMa.99 THE SEVEN BEST AMERICAN LOANS 1. DeAndre Yedlin to Sunderland There have been some really good loans for American players but this one really stood out for many reasons. First, it showed that Yedlin is Premier League quality. Other successful loans like Landon Donovan at Everton only confirmed what everyone knew -- that he was a good player. This loan really revealed a lot about Yedlin. Second, that he could handle the extreme pressure of a Premier League relegation battle. That is one of the toughest stages for a young player and Yedlin handled it very well. Finally, it might have proved to Klinsmann that Yedlin is ready to take the right back job for the U.S. team, a position proven difficult to fill since Steve Cherundolo’s retirement. So far, Klinsmann had primarily used Yedlin on the wing. His performance at Sunderland perhaps eliminated any doubt about Yedlin’s defensive ability. ...

Great find! I had no idea; he's not listed on their roster on the website, but here's an article from their May 11th match where he's listed getting a caution in 90+ http://www.indyeleven.com/news/2016/05/11/elevennpsl-recap-051116vcdl Last, I knew, Thomas was living in Indianapolis; so, this would make sense. Good for him. It appears there is more than 1 Indy Eleven. Thomas plays for Indy Eleven NPSL http://www.indyeleven.com/npsl-roster

Schmitty? http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/650152?referrer_id=2333971

I will set the over/under at 15 minutes. How will you wager on the time Mr. Murschel spent analyzing the 2016 Zips?

I was very vocal in my displeasure in Akron's OOC scheduling. With games secured against Creighton, Louisville, and UTEP combined with whatever mid-majors we face in that Savannah tournament, the schedule isn't shaping up to be half bad. I'm going to hold out congratulating them until I see the full schedule, but I'll be the 1st to give them their due if it's well deserved.

You guys usually beat me to this stuff! Slackers. "DeAndre Yedlin open to Sunderland stay amid reports of £2m bid." - Dan Kilpatrick http://www.espnfc.com/sunderland/story/2875093/deandre-yedlin-open-to-sunderland-stay-amid-reports-of-2m-bid