Z.I.P.

Center back, correct. http://wwww.goal.com/en-us/news/2617/youth...draw-brazil-0-0

Thanks trimmy for your contribution. In spite of the to-be-expected response from the naysayers, soccer, or if you will, football is far and away the world's biggest sporting spectacle, and ummmm, thinking culturally, perhaps only the motion picture industry can compete with it in the entertainment arena. Hey, if you're looking for a to beat up, this thread is as good as any. But if trimmy is speaking literally (i.e., coaching both the men and women's teams), the feat has in fact been done, by the legendary University of Portland Pilots Head Coach Clive Charles who lead both UofP teams, and excelled as manager of both (title: "Director of Soccer") for many years before dieing from cancer in 2003 after leading the Pilot women to their second national championship). Bill Irwin has coached the Portland men and women since then -- he relies heavily on his assistants of course -- I believe he dedicates most of his time to the women's program. Clive Charles was largely responsible for making soccer the king of sports in Portland. And Caleb Porter could provide the same impetus in Akron. Notice how the Wikipedia article on Portland athletics focuses primarily on the soccer teams? That's relative to their success compared with the rest of the teams. However, I feel we should give our two-year head coach, Chris Pfau all the room he needs to deliver a winning and eventually NCAA tournament team to Akron. His incoming recruiting class is probably the best in the MAC. And I expect the future to improve even more, recruiting wise, if they start to put together consistent results and a MAC title in the next couple of years -- a result not out of what we might expect at this point in time. I don't want to put too much pressure on Chris' shoulders, but expectations for his program are increasing -- and hopefully he can receive some help from an incoming men's recruit to gain his first US international player. No names mentioned here, but a little research can provide the solution to my puzzler.

This is an amazing -- and valuable statement: The university also agreed to devote $80,000 ''in additional compensation'' to help him help UA President Luis Proenza promote the university ''locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.'' Probably -- no, surely that's an understatement (sorry Shirley) -- Caleb is now the most famous person associated with the university, and his notoriety (let's wait a bit before calling it "fame") provides a platform to not only promote the university, but to increase it's global presence. His time and energy are going to be overtaxed by all the requests for his presence, but his employer is, The University of Akron. Or for those who prefer, Akron U.

Hilarious maybe, but from all looks, Drew is developed beyond any of our current/past players (at any position, frankly) at the HS Junior level. IOW, the opponents aren't laughing. He did his Barson best in the recent Nike International Friendlies, taking balls off the line in the first two games to preserve a win and draw. Be sure to keep abreast of how his US U17 national team does in Mexico at the 2011 U17 World Cup, where he will likely be the third straight future Zip FB to captain the team at the WC, after Sarkodie and Kitchen. I bet no other college in history could say that!

I wonder if the color is really that much darker than the short-sleeve. I like the darker better -- the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS stands out much better.

1-12 If that's "good," what's "great?" 4-16? No use arguing with some of these guys Cap'n. The way they see it Steve is the "Shooting" Guard and therefore he should lead the team in shots. You simply can't let facts about how many of his shots come from behind the arch or how he is an extremely streaky shooter get in the way of blindly breaking down shot attempts based on what position a player plays. Can we now say 1-11 was a "good" football season? Cap'n, PLEASE don't start calling him the "I-Guard"!

I agree. However, he didn't get to New England because of his great coaching record at Can't. He got there because of his personal/professional relationship with the head coach. Being a HC at Can't didn't hurt his career. It depends on what his career aspirations were. If they were to go to Can't and have losing season, one after another, then go to coach at New England, I would agree with you 100%. If he wanted the Can't job in order to parlay success into a BCS job, it hurt his aspirations. Well, history shows that if you have at least one winning season at K-ent, you can have a long BCS career. Ask Don James and Glenn Mason. The trouble is gaining that one winning season. (at K-ent!) Not many are willing to take a chance on it.

Thanks JZ! The Scuttlebutt in the discussion shows how difficult is for Americans to get work permits in Europe/UK. MLS has to be happy about that. Excellent point, Z.I.P. I assume that if you impress enough in your "trial", the club will do as much as they can to help you clear the administrative hurdles. BTW, if anyone votes for "other" and has someone in particular in mind I'm sure we'd all be curious to know who it might be. Summoning Tank and Bisbee in 3-2-1...

Thanks JZ! The Scuttlebutt in the discussion shows how difficult is for Americans to get work permits in Europe/UK. MLS has to be happy about that.

There are 14 JC teams in Mississippi divided into 2 divisions, they play a 9 game regular season. Top 2 teams in each division(4 team total) meet in a playoff system. Winner is Mississippi JC football champion. Mississippi JC Champion is one of the teams in the Mississippi Bowl which is one of about 8 or 9 JC Football Bowl games. Do they still play the Wool Bowl in Roswell, NM?

Made order from Bookstore on Tuesday for L and XL shirts. They were available and are on their way to Hawai'i nei. Look for Z.I.P. in his on ESPN next week @ Diamond Head Classic basketball tournament. He's getting plenny exposure on the network lately.

Just so we don't have to play them in women's BB!

One returning player who you have neglected, but who could find himself in a starting role on top: Thomas Schmitt. He simply has a nose for the ball and is a finisher. Something like Darlington. Time will tell. Also, there is a camp coming up in January at Stiles Center, where I believe a number of foreign players will be attending, and some could become 2011 Zips, ala the Irie Brothers of this team. A national championship does lead to a certain international interest in a program. You know how it is said some players can "write their own ticket"? Well at some point, coaches can also do that. John Wooden could pretty much have his selection of players at UCLA. I hate to jinx our program by naming names, but we aren't that far away now. Remember Zakuani's reading list?

Ha, I would guess based on political party that Brown has a much better shot at accomplishing this. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the NCAA Champs always receive the invite. Virginia was at the WH last year, I'm almost positive. Anyone else remember?

With regards to Kofi Sarkodie, I wonder how much Kofi's past experience with the U17 World Cup plays into Coach Rongen's decision about him. If you were following, three years ago Kofi received a chorus of criticism for his supposed poor play in the US team's 2007 World Cup, where I believe we were skunked in group play, losing to among others, Kazakhstan. This could have marked the image either of Kofi himself and/or US coaches regarding his international play. However, I feel pretty sure that Kofi HAS been part of US teams since joining the UA, so I am also rather miffed about his being left off -- and I think that Kofi will be joining names like Kitchen, Gavin, Ampaipitwakwong and eventually Andrew Souders the 2012 recruit from Amherst on future full US national teams.

Okay, I got a call within 30 seconds of the finish telling me my ESPN sign (Eventually ZipS Prove UNbeatable) was just featured on the network. Does anyone know where to find a replay of the game -- even the parts NOT featuring the illustrious Z.I.P.? Good to know that MDZip, and the possible future Mrs. MDZip got a deserved rest during the trip -- considering that his boss made him pull off the side of the road and finish his work before reaching Wine Country. That's another reason why I don't have WiFi.

Zach and Co., I knew the trip to UCSB was coming later in the month of September, however I had to find my earlier post (trouble linking, sorry) to find it is on Sept 30th. I guess NCAA Champions are allowed to accumulate frequent flyer miles. One trip over Labor Day weekend, another nearly a month later. Note to Caleb: Scout the Region 4 Playoffs (in Phoenix in 2011, for Bisbee's benefit) and other West Coast tournaments. The next Amobi Okugo could be OURS. As for Z.I.P., he may wait for the later visit, as he has made some friends in the SB area, referring to the Vino family.

First sighting: Sept 2008

When/where can I get a copy of the 2011 schedule? The "official" schedule won't be released before mid-Spring. That's why boards like this exist, to fill in the gaps. See you and the new Zips in September Biz.

I was still in the center of the stands, and with all the noise and excitement from the former players around me (they deserve to be given some credit for helping build a program that eventually won a national championship) I couldn't hear or understand anything being shouted by the Rowdie-Loco contingent. However, I hope by this point Akron people have learned how to pronounce the Prez's first name -- the accent is on the second syllable: (lu-EES). Although in Spanish, it's actually one syllable. Sorry if this sounds like more nitpicking. Let me also join in giving Tom W. some credit for giving our coach and program the resources needed to bring Akron it's first national title. Thank you sir! First, but hardly last. Santa Barbara says they're "Soccer Heaven". Akron could become America's Soccer Titletown.

I hate to say it but HAR may have put his finger on the prescient fact: #5 is the most skilled baller I have ever seen at the college level. He is simply magic with the football on his toe. And, he will soon be too good for American soccer. If the MLS wants this guy, I'm afraid they're going to have to put a lot on the table. Best of luck to the kid, he is not just an amazing athlete, but amazingly humble and easy going. I think when the team goes to the White House, BHO better get to know him. Perry has real leadership ability.

Amazing that apparently none of the Rowdies has chimed in -- on Friday night in Santa Barbara some dope from the Michigan U student section ran past the Rowdies with a sign reading "Lebron Hates Akron". I looked around at others and we all wondered -- "What has that got to do with futbol?" In any case, I'm glad that Lebron is also proud of Akron U. I know I am proud to have been a Zips soccer fan for 45 years.

I hope we've turned DiG into a soccer (i.e., football) fan for life. Get yourself a season ticket to see the best collegiate soccer in America at Lee Jackson Stadium. Yes -- Chad Barson taking that Louisville shot "off-the-line" late was a life-saver for the Zips tonight. What a great back line Akron has. It will be VERY interesting to see how we fill the holes of those who will depart this season until Andrew Souders arrives in 2012. But, believe me, this team will be re-armed (footed?) for battle in 2011. Caleb Porter is our coach, and we know what he's capable of. No one in Akron or for that matter, anywhere else should doubt that Akron produces champions. WE ARE CHAMPIONS.

A hundred +++s for that post. Chad Barson is the most underrated central defender in America. I hope we can manage to keep him another year. Same goes for our attacking mid, Perry Kitchen, who played an absolutely magnificent game. And Perry is one of the most soft-spoken players, who leads the team as a freshman with his play on the pitch. I want a chance to see these players again for another NCAA championship.

Exactly what I was thinking. This is the high point in Akron athletics history. I could not be more proud of Coach Porter and these players. These guys deserve one heck of a homecoming. Amen! Get started, Tom! When and where is the party? I think the first one is right now in Santa Barbara...be safe, Rowdies ! Not to worry, these guys are the ultimate class act. I watched most of the players depart for LAX in the past two hrs. The post-game "party" at the Doubletree was remarkably low key. The highlight was basically everyone in sight getting their chance to have their photo taken with the trophy. I hope the reception back in Akron is much wilder in nature. This team deserves to have the City Fathers throw a New York style ticker tape parade. Is the mayor and the city smart enough to make that happen?