Z.I.P.

Everyone, thanks for keeping us PacIslanders updated with the latest going-on in the Soccer Capitol of America. Looks like Gabriel might have some competition in the Akron soccer Olympiad coming in from South America! His club, Universidad Catolica is a perennial power in South America also. I remember that they played Real Salt Lake in SLC in RSL's first or second year. I think Cam Knowles was on the RSL team -- same summer they played Real Madrid on TV.

I wish I could count the number of times I've said that I was sure a coach wouldn't leave his current post. For most coaches I will absolutely agree wit you, but Porter is absolutely not your average coach. The man definitely marches to the beat of his own drummer (with the AK-Rowdies cheering in the background) so I would be stunned if he takes the UNC job. As a matter of fact I will send you $50 for a psuedo-nice dinner if Caleb is anyone else's head coach next fall. And to cut RootforRoo's disappointment in half for now, Docking is doing a heck of a job at Coastal Carolina, I just don't think he's done it for long enough to be a proven commodity which would be my guess what UNC is going to look for. We sort of had to take a chance an uproven coach when Porter was hired (thank God we did), UNC does not (and at this point we might not either when we need a new one - hopefully a long time from now). I think Docking will get a look in a year or two from some bigger programs because I expect he will continue his success, just not someone on the level of UNC yet. By the way, I saw a note on a Creighton message board saying it is the only sport in which they could conceivably win a National title. Maybe we have some more common ground for Bracketbusters? Who'd have thought we'd be the "haves"? Apparently that Creighton board head was not aware of the Dental School's absolute ownership of the "Root Canal Olympics" where the Jays have swept the "Bleeding Gum Awards" four years running. I'm extra-busy this time of year. Surf and Turf -- soccer season ya know. Anyways, its kind of ironic that Creighton poaches UNC's 22-year HC , since they were crying about Penn State stealing their own long-running coach just a year ago. The coaching vagaries in the NW -- did they play into DeAndre Yedlin's decision to abandon his "hometown" for the Midwest, Tank? It's been nearly a decade, BTW, since the Zips have made an appearance in the NW. I'd look for it to recur in the next 2-3 yrs. Someone in PDX has a nice pad waiting for Caleb's crew to land.

Anything on Lexa Green yet? Did coach get her LOI? -edit- Never mind, I see it on the other signing day thread. We should have the best defense in the MAC automatically.

There has never been a Medina player talked about on the Zips recruiting databases as far as I am aware of. Must have been Brianna Kanz of Medina's rival, Walsh. This girl's orthopedic surgeon should get an award. Four surgeries, three reconstructive rehabs? This girl's gotta be tough. Is she the perfect stopper? BTW -- she originally committed to the Portage gals. Must have taken the trip to the swamp before reconsidering.

Couple of details/notes of interest to posts yesterday/today: Coach Pfau has signed the captain of Walsh Jesuit's state championship team, a first-team HS all-Ohio MF/FB from Cleveland Inters. Any info on her, anyone? Andy Chiu has played all over the world, and was a member of Club America's academy team in Mexico City, according to info I've seen on the web. Come home Andy Chiu, Andy Chiu. Welcome to the Home of NCAA National Champions. Hope Jen is watching and interested. Bet coach Pfau is Brianna Kanz? UA already has some stuff up on her. That's the one, Thanks RFR44. I notice, nothing in yet from Lexa Green, the Neusport defender, who was very highly prized -- the best of the Vegas girls, and someone I've heard great things about from over here in Region IV.

You have it backwards, but it's been used. Akron Arsenal is one of the area's oldest clubs.

How can you not smile at this: D6MERIT:@zmnsk21 so after the 2005 superbowl win, is that when a kid from Ohio started to like the Steelers?! #orisitcuzthebrownsaresobad? Who's Zakuani rooting for?

Couple of details/notes of interest to posts yesterday/today: Coach Pfau has signed the captain of Walsh Jesuit's state championship team, a first-team HS all-Ohio MF/FB from Cleveland Inters. Any info on her, anyone? Andy Chiu has played all over the world, and was a member of Club America's academy team in Mexico City, according to info I've seen on the web. Come home Andy Chiu, Andy Chiu. Welcome to the Home of NCAA National Champions. Hope Jen is watching and interested. Bet coach Pfau is

Yes, I heard about this trip from the Above Named zip_me87. However I was, unlike most, not surprised. How can the work of Caleb Porter surprise anyone anymore? I'm just hoping for the sake of American soccer, that there is no training session with the Real starters -- Gente, PLEASE don't bring home any flopping skills learned at the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo! BTW -- I will be the first to sign up for the trip to the Basque Country, as soon as Caleb skeds Athletic Bilbao and Real Socieded. Eupa! BTW(2) -- Nice look on the blog Mike. Love the La Liga logo! World's best futbol!

There is something on Bigsoccer's Cleveland thread (what was the name of that USL team again, City Slickers or something?) -- they're supposed to re-start in 2012), saying the team would be playing at "Lebron's high school field" How many goals did HE score in HS? BTW -- How does the sale effect George Nanchoff -- was the whole club sold?

Apparently, someone missed the Vancouver Olympics. I'm sure they'll trade Teal for the Kid. Just tell them that's the deal!

It may be Nirvana, and I-Boy may be desperate, but neither of these guys is ranked in the top 100 kickers. in their class. And they're only #28 and 48 among punters. Do you call these "projects"?

So I hear. !Que revuelva la Rioja! Coach

Yes, with Darlington Nagbe in the hole. fknbuflobo, how about you organize a friendly between Bob Bradley's and Caleb Porter's players? I hope that one gets televised!

It'll be very interesting to hear what the ESPN broadcast team mentions about the CMU roster and recent moves. And will they try to rehash history by bringing up Keith's story. Let's hope at least they don't go there.

Interesting, to say the least. Since both Mattocks and Saad were not offfered GA contracts, did this mean MLS thought them inferior?

Ampaipitakwong is easy to pronounce; it only looks intimidating. However, the San Jose announcer could have a mouthful with Ampaipitakwong to Wondolowski. Damn! Could that be the reason Ampai fell to the second round -- opponents discovered he was less intimidating than they thought?

Awesome read that provides great insight as to why Nagbe justly won the Hermann! Thanks for posting it, Zip_ME87! I've been thinking back to two-plus years ago. Darlington Nagbe was not as heavily recruited as most of Akron's players in his class. He had not been a US Youth Residency player, not even as far as I can recall in any US international youth pools. The two Cleveland area strikers who were highly regarded that year were Darlington, and at the time I thought a bit above him, Michael Green, who ended up at New Mexico. How much of it is "the system"? In other words, if Darlington had gone to Albuquerque, and Green to Akron, would Green be the Hermann winner now in MLS? Makes you think, doesn't it?

Ah, an old Suburban League reference (which looks nothing like it did when I was there - think we have maybe five teams left that were in it back then). Green never did much in basketball, but always used to have Hudson's number in football. Actually had a year where Hudson and Green with both 9-0 and ranked 1-2 in the ABJ poll. Then we went to Green and got our butts handed to us. I know more than once Green was chosen by Canton McKinley as their first-round district tournament opponent. Do they still have it that way, where the #1 seed can pick who they want to beat up on? Green had a first round Bye last season. They won the disrict title. Awesome! Go Bulldogs! I know the gym is nicer too.

I hope 2014 gets here soon!

Ah, an old Suburban League reference (which looks nothing like it did when I was there - think we have maybe five teams left that were in it back then). Green never did much in basketball, but always used to have Hudson's number in football. Actually had a year where Hudson and Green with both 9-0 and ranked 1-2 in the ABJ poll. Then we went to Green and got our butts handed to us. I know more than once Green was chosen by Canton McKinley as their first-round district tournament opponent. Do they still have it that way, where the #1 seed can pick who they want to beat up on?

As I mentioned earlier, ex-Zip Cameron Knowles is also in the Timbers' camp.

TB I just caught the replay of the match on ESPN3.com. Shameful that ESPN did not carry a live broadcast on an otherwise slow TV sports night anyway. Our boy acquitted himself very well. He is maturing rapidly and will press for a spot on the full national side. I dare say that had Teal been the player in 2009 he now is, Akron would have scored a goal vs. Virginia in the CC final. At any rate, we should all be extremely proud of how TB represents Akron. Unfortunately for Teal Bunbury, he and Jozy Altidore play the same position and are essentially the same type of player. Juan Agudelo is more of a compliment to Altidore. Therefore, I do not see a forward line consisting of Altidore and Bunbury ever occurring in a FIFA qualifying match. Teal will likely need to beat out Altidore in order to start. This is possible. Hey, I know this is a long way from Rio 2014, but when Bob Bradley is in the coaching box, it IS the full US National side! I don't know for how long BB will continue to play the youth, but if it continues for much longer, you have to wonder whether Jozy will maintain his past role. Does the first round of qualifying (vs Turks and Kaikos) begin in one year? Agudelo seems to be very impressive, and Teal is developing as well as could be expected -- probably beyond.

Okay! I thought I knew who Nance Sr was. But I had to check it out to find his avocation after the NBA!. Thanks, Johnny. BTW -- seven victories in one season by Green! Is that a new record? In my day we were fortunate if we could beat Woodridge twice in a year.

This is an Awesome Idea, 44! I did wonder who the "we" mentioned above were, though. I've had the honor of meeting Stu Parry more than once, and he's a great guy, with obvious credentials at the Pouch. That said, I have to ask: What the heck is a "rooligan"? I would say it should be something that sounds like a real word! I happen to love the "_______Croo", since it rubs our popularity and honors in the face of the team from Down South which has failed to win any silverwear. I would vote for "Caleb's Croo"! And that comes straight from an "oldie".