Z.I.P.

The reason I was confused by the relationship between Akron Brass and Lubricantes de Akron is that I swear I have seen lubricants used by fire departments (described on the container as for fire equipment) with 'Akron" in the brand name.

Eh, mahalos to our MBB posters out in Green and Wadsworth! I wonder to what extent these rules were changed because the previous ones were being conveniently violated. Some may recall my past recitations of visits to universities in Hawaii and Oregon where I witnessed coaches actually "coaching" players in open gym, and even players and assistant coaches playing together in open gym sessions. Hey, BTW, the most interesting thing I saw on the link from DiG was that the school in Portage County (SiPC) finally showed the door to their long-time women's coach -- several years after he was accused of abusing players in a fashion similar to a recent Rutgers mens coach.

OR, you could say it reflects the attention which the media pay to any sport or social phenomenon. It was in a University of Akron sociology class where I first learned of the process of the self fulfilling prophecy. As for myself, as I've stated here on multiple occasions, the women's game (at this time at least, even with the intervention of players like Britney Griner) is a more entertaining, competitive and team-oriented game than what is provided by men's basketball. Nonetheless, I will be watching coach Dambrot's squad every chance I get. But when I have my own choice, I will gladly pay less than half as much for a ticket to a women's game that is IMHO a better entertainment value.

Rolling right along now, we can conclude that Lubricantes de Akron is actually the Diez Minuto Fast Lube of Mexico. Then there is the Akron Brass Company, formed by BF Goodrich workers in 1918... The history of Akron is full of fascinating stories. Y la historia de Tijuana tambien.

Next question: Who wants to order

Can someone insight us about the changes in NCAA rules governing pre-season practice sessions. In the past coaches weren't even allowed in the gym when players were playing prior to October practice start. What are they allowed to do nowadays? Mahalo kakou.

Nathan Quirk is not on that list.

I only heard on the NBCSN broadcast of the Sounders - Whitecaps game on July 6th that DeAndre suffered a separated shoulder in the World Cup. If so, he sure came back quickly, as he was subbed in in the second half in Vancouver.

Looking forward to the run down from attendees of the Crew's incredible 1-0 victory -- ending the Timber's (I believe) 15-game unbeaten streak. I only noticed in the box score that a Portland player I am unfamiliar with got a straight red in about the tenth minute, then Caleb brought on an extra defender. What I forgot to mention about the Columbus @ LA Galaxy game is that both Chad Barson and Ben Speas started and I think played 90'. Hard to tell though as the L.A. broadcast misses subs. I noted that Will Trapp started today for the Crew, while Ben Zemanski played for Portland, and Nannchoff came on in relief. Nice.

Said Holden Caulfield. BTW, isn't Xavier spelled with an 'e'? Never mind.

All I can say is, if the Crew put on the same uninspired performance they showed in L.A. a couple days ago, Caleb's squad should roll! Man -- that was torturous to watch; two offensively incompetent teams balied out momentarily by poor defense. Without Keane, the Galaxy would be in the same department as Toronto FC.

Isn't this the same thread we have every year with the Blue Ribbon College Basketball report? Sure looks the same...

I read somewhere that he arrived in Boston today. Hmmmph.

So let me get this straight...Akron is playing two games vs teams that they could end up playing twice in the same season? But they left an offer on the table to play @Hawaii while already on the road. Maybe hotels are cheaper in Moraga and Columbia. Well, actually, I know they are. p.s.: I want to know if Underdog is coming?

Maybe he's planning to sign-up with coach Dambrot's November signing class. In which case CK might owe Steve McNees a post-game beer at New Castle's famous Villavova Inn! Hell, I'll buy Steve a fancy umbrella drink when he arrives for the Diamond Head Classic, if he had anything to do with it!

Third time this has come up. I have the shirt on the left. What interests me is finding out just where "Akron Lubricants" is producing their product. In my career, which includes hazmat management, I've found that many fire departments and heavy equipment maintenance shops use the stuff. In fact, I think they have a line intended for fire equipment. Maybe they should be sponsoring the Chicago Fire.

Does MLS still have a reserve "league", with a table that creates at least what could be called a competitive situation? I suspect the answer is "no", which makes one wonder why they are playing reserve games at all.

Does "missing" mean someone hadn't already heard about the departure? Andy Chiu has transferred to Boston College. Alfred Koroma is gone to SMU, latest I heard. We will probably actually miss Koroma's presence on the field a lot, as he is an all-America caliber player. Andy's loss is of another type -- mostly symbolic, as he would likely not have earned much playing time at Akron. However, he is the type of academic all-everything performer that top-flight college athletic programs need to show they are more than overgrown jocks. He filled the role that was served a few years ago by the blogging benchwarmer from Tucson -- someone remind us of his initials again. Sorry, man! I miss him, AND Andy. Good luck to both.

Is it just me, or does the US get the Group of Death about 75% of time in WCs?

I've tried to find the final scoring leaders for the tournament, but no luck. I watched Lassiter for two-and-a-half games, in which he scored either six or seven goals, but could have scored a dozen given his chances. Ariel looks and plays like a young Darlington Nagbe, same size and movement, with the always-present ability to read the game and defenders before they can react to his moves. He's particularly dangerous with his head, as well as both feet. He moves across the field well, can play back to the controlling midfield, yet be able to make attacking runs rapidly and has the rare defensive skills often lacking from young forwards. He's in the U-20 player pool, but missed out on the World Cup. I expect to see him in the R-W-B often in coming years. As an aside, I happened to see a coach from Northern Illinois at the tournament.

The Far West Regional (Region IV) is taking place here in Honolulu this week, and I have to tell you, I have witnessed the best U-18 player I have ever watched. Ariel Lassiter is the son of former USMNT player Roy Lassiter, and he has it all, pace, skill, creativity and team leadership. This is the closest to a LeBron of futbol there may be today. Wow! (Edit: Okay, on reflection, that may be a deeply stupid statement, the timing must have threw me off) Sure wish the Zips could have gotten their grips on this kid. Amazingly, he's headed to Cal Poly, SLO. Here's a report from SoccerAmerica on the tournament and Lassiter: http://www.socceramerica.com/article/52216...raight-win.html

I'll let the cat out of the bag: @Hawaii is a possibility.

Clearly crochet! If you don't believe me, ask this guy.

So what you're saying is: Look out, because AJ is fighting to deny the red-shirt coaches want to put on his back! We'll be looking forward to the display all the malahini (newbie) Zips put on for the fans in the islands, come December 23rd. And hopefully before and after...

Video of the game from the Timbers. Third video screen down to second PDX goal. Ben surprised the defense (or they forgot him) with a late run down the middle, and slotted the pelota perfectly inside the right post. That's his third career score, after two with Chivas. Too bad they allowed two late goals for another draw. This team should be in first. Also, I'm wearing my Cleveland Force shirt today, nice to read about them and Brian Quinn above. I think Brian is still director of the San Diego Surf FC, que no? All I remember of the Sockers was the irrepressible and unstoppable Stevie Zungul. Kai Haaskivi I think also played in SD after leaving Cleveland. Kai still working for Adidas?