Z.I.P.

So they did such a crummy job, they've been given a do-over. Now I'm starting to understand the NCAA. And that's scary!

My considered opinion on the final: Best NCAA final I can remember watching. Both teams seemed to be playing to score goals. No question that Charlotte was the better and more aggressive squad on the pitch. I was disappointed to see them lose a game they deserved to win. However it was good to see the story in this morning's paper start with the sentence that the Cup MVP played for the Akron Zips a year ago and was defending his own title. That said, I can understand somewhat the controversy over the referreeing. However, you have to understand that Mr Kennedy, the center ref, like every championship game ref in recent years, is a MLS ref. He called the game the same way he would an MLS game -- he allowed contact that is usually whistled in US college soccer. I happen to prefer that style of officiating. On the possible penalty call in the first half that coulda/would changed the result, I at first felt that he should have pointed to the spot as it appeared there was a tug of the jersey. But when I watched the replay, there didn't appear to be as much contact as it first appeared. I think if it were an MLS contest, it would have been a 50/50 call. Those often are let go. So, for those upset with the officiating, you should tell the NCAA to get college-only officials, as MLS refs should be expected to call an MLS-like game.

Hooner, do you know something I don't? I didn't think next year's Cup Final site had been announced yet. Two weeks ago, NCAA anounced U of San Diego as site/host for 2012 Women's College Cup. Unless something got past me (I've been watching for the site announcement for months), I am anticipating the 2012 men's CC to be back on the West Coast. There seems to be a general consensus that the East and SE sites have been too cold and underattended, compared with for example UCSB. I would support anywhere West of the Mississippi, where a big crowd is assured and is unlikely to have a home-team host.

Okay, back to the subject at hand, namely the Beautiful Game as it's played in the capitol of American Collegiate Soccer. Those who have observed Akron strikers over the past four or more years, please provide me your opinion of how Darren Mattocks stacks up against the other recent Akron MLS-graduated strikers, namely Steve Zakuani, Teal Bunbury and Darlington Nagbe. Of that group, I must put Mattocks in fourth place. He has great pace, and has proved he can score versus US college opposition. However, he lacks the physicality of Bunbury (or frankly the other two -- this is his biggest weakness, IMO), the touch of Nagbe, or the pure football instincts and on-ball grace of Zakuani. Mattocks may be the best available forward in this year's draft, but IMHO this is the weakest draft overall in the past at least five years. Please discuss amongst yourselves, as I've become verklempt.

LOL Paul Winters is the odds on favorite to be the new HC. He played here in the mid to late 70's Everyone referred to the school as "Akron U" back then. It was in the late 70's to early 80's that there was a push to get people using U of A as it was considered more respectable. The idea was to improve the image and reputation. So......if Winters is hired...don't be surprised if he makes a slip once or twice GUYS, GUYS! Look at the top heading...this is the "Soccer" forum. If you want to have a debate about semantics and solely American sports, please PM In The Zone from across the pond. And BTW, as a born-and-bread Akronite, I can testify, it was only when the number of non-Akronite graduates of UA climbed to near the number of Akronites that this subject became a clamor. Akron U is not the proper name of the university, it's just what we locals call it. If I were a former Massachussets businessman I might bet something like 10 grand that RfR44 gradded from a HS outside Summit County. Anybody wanna take me up on that -- I mean anybody want to back me with house money?

Stick to soccer little man. Thanks Big Guy! It's people like you who make this board what it is! What it is...

Holy Cow! I can't believe the Cap'n hasn't chimed in yet to defend his favorite ex-Zip! edit: Oh, all right! Sheesh! Even the Great Z.I.P. can't keep a straight face over that one. I don't know who Andrew Clayman is, but I suspect he got a LOT of feedback (and very little positive) on this list. Tarver was perhaps the most, or highest recruited Zip ever (well, OK, perhaps Zeke took his place, barely), and the only JC All-American, but MAN, nobody who ever saw his selfish play could confuse him with a guy who made his teammates into a better team. I'm disappointed to not see that little guard from Ohio, circa late 90s. He only played a year, maybe two after transferring from Wyoming, but he was as quick a guard as the league has ever seen. Anyone remember his name?

Well I guess we were both wrong. Arizona is blowing out Detroit at the half 38-22. Holman is doing his part for Detroit with 7 points, 5 boards and a block though. Never heard a final on that one. How did Arizona do?

Thanks for posting the link! That's a nice Q&A they did with him. If he really tries to learn some French, he'll have it made in that city. I'm looking forward to seeing the new jerseys. Here are some photos to the new Montreal Impact Jerseys with your former Akron Zips. I couldn't find these same photos on the website. Does EVERYTHING in that country have to be sponsored by BMO? They look like Toronto FC's AAA farm club!

Who was the only one to mention Narduzzi in the Wheel of Fortune thread? The idea that they would hire an only-recently-successful small college coach over a guy with Narduzzi's resume? That's laughable, and predictable.

He has turned around the worst FCS program. Would not be a bad guy to go after. However he failed to get his VERY talented team in the playoffs this year. I don't see another 6-5 season for his team next year. Aha! Another guy with a Hawaii connection! (coached here in mid-90s). And another chance to undo LO's take-back of the promise to play at Aloha Stadium. Although, at this point, I'd just as soon see Coach Pfau's team as the other footballers.

Or Ben Speas somehow manages to lose 2 NCAA finals in the span of 3 years. Seriously, that matchup is what I have on my bracket, but I have Creighton winning. “Our mindset is UCLA, UCLA, UCLA" And that's who I have playing Creighton Sunday afternoon. (I'll be rooting for the mid-major, as usual!)

Thanks Yaz! These are always good! I requested he add Bobby Wood while in the U-20's over the summer. As my request, Wood was co-host in one of the recordings and supposedly it got deleted somehow. Haha Unfortunately, it appears Bobby Shou Wood, "the next Brian Ching" was deleted from the Florida U23 camp by Coach Porter. Can we ask Zarek to put him back in? Bobby Shou Wood suffered a knee injury a few weeks ago as he was just starting to get back into playing time with 1860 Munich first team. Because of damage to the lateral meniscus in his knee. Expected to be back to training after the winter break. Thanks for da info, Crew8! Hawai'i needs another US international badly. With the growth of Academy League (and impossibility of Hawaii ever having a team in it), the only way we'll get players to the top of the heap is for them to grow elsewhere, as has occured with Wood and the UCLA freshman (forget his name, Grandfather owns a VW dealership!) who left Hawaii (Kailua, Oahu) for Orange County and became a Development Academy League all-star, touring Europe last Summer with Gallego and Yedlin.

Anyone find an answer to this important question? I'd like to buy a couple for Christmas. Are they available? Or is there a talented screen-printer who could make a couple on the fly? just wondering, thanks. Try contacting SKN Athletic Gear in Akron. I bought a 2010 Away SS #8 from them last December. Looks like they haven't updated the website much, but if they're selling and have available the 2010 shirts for $30, I'm buying another one. Its not Adidas, but its still a quality jersey and you can customize it. Thank you Mr Crew8-ive! Santa arrived early! Wonder why they don't sell these on campus -- they'd sell out in no time.

Thanks Yaz! These are always good! I requested he add Bobby Wood while in the U-20's over the summer. As my request, Wood was co-host in one of the recordings and supposedly it got deleted somehow. Haha Unfortunately, it appears Bobby Shou Wood, "the next Brian Ching" was deleted from the Florida U23 camp by Coach Porter. Can we ask Zarek to put him back in?

Koroma may well be the best US striker in this age pool. He expects to start, he expects to be an impact freshman of the Zakuani/Bunbury class. Porter, however will make him earn his spot in the lineup. There's no doubt that the recruiting for a new top line is just beginning. I'm expecting some international flavor once again to appear on the horizon. Here is Koroma's bio from the U17 World Cup team: Note his favorite basketall team. Is LeBron recruiting for Caleb now? While on the recruiting and youth classification subject: I didn't notice anyone writing about the incredible job of the US U17 club in last weekend's Nike Int'l Friendlies. I watched the Turkey and Brasil games, and long story short, "Holy Crap"! I've never seen a US youth squad look more skilled or creative than what that team showed in Florida. I've not been a big fan of how Wilmer Cabrera has used his talent on the international stage, but somehow the USA has grown an incredible surplus of age group stars -- as this team had very few players remaining from either the 2010 residency group or the last World Cup squad. Would others who watched care to deliver their opinions? Frankly, I can't wait to see the future development of the remarkable striker Junior Flores. This kid comes from the DC area I understand. And I hear he's just fifteen now!? He could be the next big American star. I don't expect any collegiate coaches to have a shot at his talents.

The Seminoles have three players from Northern Ohio (which accounts for the scheduling of this road game), including Cierra Bravard, who had no problem tossing away her promise to play for UA when the ACC came a-wooin'. Hope the Rowdies will "welcome" her in their best fashion. Also, for those unfamiliar, Coach Sue Semrau I believe holds the NCAA record for technical fouls collected in a year, and possibly all-time among women's coaches. Her personality -- and not-so-great-won-loss-record -- was reportedly why USC canned her in her last position. See if you can make her get hot under her collar. Go Zips!!!

Also, the WPL is on the brink of going under...again.

Zips USMNT I can't bring myself to loyally follow a team across an ocean or continent. I'm 100% behind this comment! That's why I only root for Lanikai Tuesday (for the unenlightened, they play in the Men's Island Soccer Organization - MISO), and the American Samoa National Team (WE BEAT TONGA, WE BEAT TONGA!!). They are on the same continent as I -- Oceania. Secondarily, I can tell you that if and when La Liga gets the coverage in the USA that's due, Spainish futbol will gain much more popularity in the USA. How many people have GolTV, anyway? Whatever happened to ESPN's coverage from the past couple seasons, will it return in 2012?

It's too bad that NIU lost their best defensive linemen against OU, because Arkansas St is playing very well right now. I agree, these should all provide opportunities for wins, but without checking any odds I believe Temple and WMU might be the only two MAC teams who will be favored heading into these games (Toledo and Air Force should be close). All in all it's been a pretty decent year for any MAC team who wasn't coached by a guy whose name rhymes with jello. I'd like to see the entire conference come through in these bowl games for a change. Okay, with the pay-off fluff. I just wanna know how in the world Western Michigan is going to be favored over Purdue??? That's the one we have the least chance of winning. I'd say NIU and Ohio have the best chances. Wyoming is a very underated team. Air Force is a tough opponent. Too bad none of them get UCLA this year.

Then please just tell me you weren't one of the people campaigning for Tressel. He's like the entire baggage claim area at Hopkins airport compared to Pellini. ++ Phew!!!! I was afraid no one would raise that "baggage" claim.

+1 I expected the men to struggle early on with all the new parts coming in. I think the MSU victory got all of us a little too excited and made our expectations a bit unrealistic. This team has crazy potential. Hopefully that is shown Saturday. I know I'll be in Cleveland. Also, it's not a competition between the men and the women. The ladies aren't going to draw as well as the men, because that's the way our culture is. Men's sports outdraw women's everywhere, not just in Akron. I wish the ladies all the best and hope they can beat FSU this Saturday! Well, let's see. The women's NCAA volleyball regional on Saturday night drew 8600 to Stan Sheriff Center in town. The Hawaii men's team is lucky if they can draw 1/4 that total. But then again, I've been in the house when it was packed with over 10K for the volleyball (men) Warriors. Now THAT's a fun atmosphere! p.s.: Doug, Have a safe trip back to the Land of the Gods. Do you surf Legian? That's a left break, isn't it?

Beating the Bruin drum consistently, aren't we ? Not sure, did you unintentional omit the ? Also, Coach Salcedo may still need more swag to keep his position.

I like the idea, having watched FSU in the WAC for 20+ years. He's a "really nice guy", which may explain why he lasted as long as he did without achieving goals such as a top-25 ranking. However, He didn't take FSU to the top from "out of nowhere". They have been good for a very long time. I'd like to think he might consider it.

From what I've seen and heard, it would seem Hoffmann is the favorite. Anyone hear otherwise?