Z.I.P.

Imposter's call Frenchy's call I can't believe I've never heard that. Are heart attacks contagious?

What with Warzycha (Crew HC's son) drawing the Carda Roja, and the Columbus Collegians drawing a crowd larger than many Crew crowds, this night is a great one for college soccer in Ohio! Despite it all, we're still #1.

I won't get into all of the assumptions you made here, but at least look at your math. This year, soccer sold 750 season tickets at an average of $75 apiece, That alone is over $55,000 and that does not count GA ticket sales. And with your other assumption if we sold out every game and had 1500 students in attendance, that would still be 2700 paying customers. At $5 apiece and 14 homes games, that would be $189,000. I'm not saying it operates at a profit, but at the very least your ticket math is a bit off. Crap. I knocked off a zero somewhere. That's what I get using my phone for a calculator. You're right, my math is way off. But I was being generous with the amount of paying customers by assuming only 1500 students show up per game. In reality it's more than that. But as far as soccer operational cost, there was an article linked to Zipsnation a year or two ago that showed the cost of the top-10 non-revenue sports, with Men's Soccer at the very top. It was $600,000 per year, and ours is much higher thansk to paying Coach Porter an order of magnitude more money than most college soccer coaches (don't get me wrong, it's money well spent). Your $189,000 figure doesn't even cover coach Porter's salary. Soccer doesn't cover even 50% of the cost of the program. I think Football breaks even or comes close. Interesting thread here! Just about EVERY sport with a few exceptions make $$ at some schools. I'm sure John's Hopkins has a profitable lacrosse program (to support the Med Center). The most profitable sport at the U of Hawaii is women's volleyball with >5000 ave attendance. I suspect schools like Cal Poly and UCSB make money from men's soccer. I'll look into it further.

Lovely! Take note that even some fans of UC-Santa Barbara are falling for the Zips! (from the BigSoccer Board): "Akron is good. There's no doubt about it, and they've got to be awfully hungry. Nobody beat them last year, yet they don't end up the National Champion. If the Gauchos aren't there in December (like hell they won't!), I'll be pulling for the Zips (hope that was a good jinx). The way they've played the last few years, they deserve a title." Also note that both teams wear blue and gold. (But then again so do some others) and of course what we're playing for:

When do they fit into the Akron football schedule? And when do I get my citation on the award for FEAR THE ROO? I still feel a bit of upset at that. But, before I forget, Way to Go, Wadds! Best of luck.

Holy cow! Emporer Brutus is a clown! "Akron made the right moves more through luck than anything". And while Louisville has better facilities than Akron, Tosu has better facilities than Louisville! and Good luck getting your respect back, OSWho soccer. He is right about Bluem though. The real "fluke" was them making the NCAA title game three yrs ago. And he thinks Akron soccer was "obscure" before Ken Lolla? I remember beating the Suckeyes every time we played them in the 70s-80s. That was while Ken was a kid.

So how do you vote for this? Could be Hawaii vs Akron going head-to-head.

A few tidbits of information and intrigue about Friday night's huge victory. I can assure you that that game caught the attention of the entire soccer nation. Many fans -- and coaches -- had only seen Akron play in last year's NCAA Soccer Cup, and were not privy to just how totally dominant they can be on the pitch. Friday night was proof positive that no other team comes close to what Akron is capable of doing on the soccer field. And I contribute this to describe just how dominant they were: Tulsa played a good game! Yes -- Tulsa played as good a game as they are capable of playing -- they were simply flooded over by events -- two goals in about two minutes before the fifteenth minute. On the rare occasions when Tulsa held possession for more than a couple passes, they moved the ball forward with skill and a talent level that in my opinion proves they are a top-5, and quite possibly a top-2 team in the nation. I think -- especially after the lesson they received on their Ohio trip -- that they would be even or favored over any team but Akron, playing on their home field, and can play even with anyone (but you know who) on the road. For those who did not see the FSC telecast or the replay, the broadcast team that calls the NSCAA Game of the Week is the best and most informative team FSC puts on the air, bar none. The former 22-year Georgetown coach, Keith Tabatznik provides more knowledgeable information to the viewer -- and does his homework to obtain his info, than anyone in US soccer broadcasting. I've had the pleasure of meeting Mom Porter, as I guess some of you have -- but the stories the guys had about the rest of the Porter family were a regular "Who's Line is it Anyway" (is that the name of the 60's game show where the contestants had to guess the celebrity being described?). For those who don't know Glenn Meyernick was the deeply loved coach of US national youth teams who died several years ago, prematurely. Glenn had the story of Caleb's sister performing with "Gooch's" daughter at the Houston Ballet Company. Dad Porter? A lumberjack who became President of the world's largest paper company? I don't know if these are perfectly true, but the announcers gave us information never before presented, even to inside fans of the Zips. Credit to FSC for putting these guys together. I have forgiven Keith Tabatznik for referring in rapid speech to the Rowdies as the AK-49ers. Even if he did it three times. He admitted he had no idea where he came up with that one. I friended his Facebook page, and the Rowdies should too. The field looked lovely on natinal TV. Only criticism I could mutter is the ball seemed to bounce inconsistently -- sometimes dieing at the feet of players after free kicks, sometimes landing two yards short and bouncing over the head. That should go away with age, as should I, I suppose. I'm looking for phrases that make good sound bites for this Akron team, and at the same time, considering possible signage for the trip to CA in Dec (knock on fake wood). How does this feel for starts: Akron Soccer, We're Taking Our Talent to Santa Barbara?

As I mentioned on Saturday, the second goal of the Tulsa game was more than a "nice shot" by Akron freshman Perry Kitchen. To the average fan, it may have looked that way. To the experienced fan of international and high level football, that was one of the best goals you will ever see in a college game. Perry wasn't just standing there, waiting to put the ball into the net. He had to find an opening between defenders, and most importantly, he had to have a sense of when and where the ball would appear. This is the instinct that develops from years of play at the highest level. Kitchen's right footed reach to get the outside of his foot on the ball and expertly kick -- not just deflect it, into the goal was the sort of play players in Major League Soccer, and even the English Premier League hope they are able to make when the opportunity occurs. Kitchen, I am confident, will score many more goals at Akron before he goes on to play professionally in hopefully no less than two more years. Perry Kitchen also has a future playing for the full US MNT. Top Drawer Soccer has an article on Perry Cooking Up a Good Start to his college career.

Unless I missed it, I don't believe that Genovesi or Brenes have seen any regular season playing time (redshirts?). I don't think any of the other freshmen have played besides Perry, Mattocks, Tulloch, and Ontiveros. I too was wondering if any of the others were redshirting. What you right is write. The others are red-shirting. The cupboard will never be bear.

There's history on Akron's side for an Akron target transferring back from Rice: Wendell Bates! Mac nuts to whoever remembers his high school, and grad year.

Z.I.P. has come down from the mountain, and whoooo-hooooo! Look who climbed to the mountain top of Lee Jackson Field!! Will have much more to say about the game, which I reviewed late-night in SF, NM, late in my retreat to Nueva Espana del Norte. But for now, I just want to give a shout out to those AK Forty-Niners at LJF Friday evening (anyone who watched the FSC telecast is smiling right now) And, Holy Ronaldinho, Batman, that outside-right foot put-away by Perry Kitchen was a work of art. I'll bet there wasn't a prettier goal in the EPL today! And -- I have to give my kudos to Tulsa #14's dad when I drop back onto the island. It appears that Kofi got credit for the goal, but it couldn't have happened without the work of Blaine Gonsalves. He tried to do what Kofi himself did later in the half -- head the ball over his own goal. Just a little short -- and the ball was a bullet as well. And, if you want to see just what the current ceiling for attendance for college soccer is -- sorry Akron, you came up about 11,000 short -- check out the game story from UCSB vs UCLA just a little later on Friday evening. The Gauchos are good enough to put a run together (especially Sam Garza!) and make a December home appearance in the College Cup. That may be the only way to give Caleb's Kids some competition. And there would be too little room in 17k seat Harder Stadium. Adios hasta mas tarde. Aloha ahiahi. No, Go Zips, I am not wishing the fish good night. I'm wishing it to all the Zips out there.

Just time enough to make this request to AK Rowdies and fans at the game Friday -- not sure if I can make it to a TV in Alamosa, CO or nearby resort location, but please give a warm Rowdie welcome to Tulsa's #14, Blaine Gonsalves from Honolulu's Iolani High School. Talking with his coach from Hawaii Soccer Club Honolulu Bulls, he's the club's Player of the Week, for his performance last week for Tulsa. Fresh flower leis are the appropriate welcoming gift in Hawaii, but Rowdies can provide your own sort of aloha to the former Hawaii HS POY (2008). Mahalos and best wishes to the #1 team in America.

We seem to have a kindred spirit on their board: Re: 2010 TU Soccer Thread Reply -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TU soccer is currently the only football on campus that isn't totally depressing! Posted from wireless.rivals.com Posted on 9/19 4:40 PM | IP: Logged But their football team is way better than ours. Our futbol team is only a little better than theirs. I'm not sure that I agree with that. We could beat them 9 times out of ten. Conservatively speaking. And for the record, (technically speaking) each team has one loss -- including our defeat to USF, and their exhibition home loss to New Mexico.

This could be a preview of next year's Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders MLS game. But whoever the Sounder's mascot is, better look out, because Timber Joey carries a chainsaw! Actually, I think he may be ITZ's cousin.

Just from watching the games on FSC, the Columbus Crew has about the poorest fan following in MLS, rarely getting over 10,000 in attendance. However, every team in the league has a hardcore following of maybe four or five thousand who attend every game and are part of the organized fan section that stands and chants most of the game. Exception being Seattle, where about 15-20,000 stand and cheer for 90 minutes. Only thing I've ever seen approaching a U-2 concert.

Folks, looking in from EL Norte de Nuevo Mexico. I'm afraid you failed to read the note at the top of the page on Cleveland.com: Editor's note: This story first appeared in The Plain Dealer on July 21, 2007 This is not news, it is left over on the web/server from the original posting. The developers went to the legislature to get them to provide half of the funding for the portion that would be paid for by a sales tax increase, I think. Don't think it got out of committee, so the developers dropped the plans entirely. In any case, it is NOT going to happen. MLS has no plans to expand beyond next year, when it goes to 20 teams. That is the max teams that a soccer league can stand without relegation. There is still a possibility of Cleveland getting a franchise in USL when it is reestablished after this year's USSF takeover. On another front, I saw the Boys from Labatt's Blue, UBuffalo play over the weekend. They have a couple of midfielders who are decent, but they can't compete against top flight teams, being overwhelmed by New Mexico (1-0, outshot about 14-2) and UC-Santa Barbara 4-0. Adios de Tres Piedras, NM. Sadly, I'll have to miss the Tulsa game as I'll be camped at 10000 ft in Carson NF.

Ask and you shall receive. This is accurate to the end of the 2008 season. Men's Soccer 2009 media guide, page 36 Interesting historical insight I noticed -- Akron lost to Michigan State in the NCAA tournament three straight years '66-'68. All at Akron. Is it time to schedule the Spartans for old time sake?

Doc Z, as Caleb tried to say, that's not "cocky", its just a matter of fact. No one in college soccer can deny it, and the only way to argue otherwise is on the pitch. But the other reality I read was this: "This is the flagship program in the MAC, and on campus." Of course that has been the case for a generation, and its about time the rest of the athletic programs began to compete and set higher standards (including the administrators). Akron needs to be more than just a soccer school. Also, I can't help noticing the by-line. Is this Elton's first venture into soccer? Maybe not, but nice work, I don't mind saying. With the one exception -- I think the UA began the reference in the schedule release of calling Cal State-Northridge "Cal-Northridge". I would expect the Plain Dealer to be able to know there's no UC-Northridge, but I guess I have a (far) West Coast bias. Well, actually, I'm on the South shore right now.

Next year the team WAS supposed to play in UC-Irvine's tournament. However, with Cal-St Northridge coming to UA this year, I suspect the Zips may go to the Valley instead. See you in 2011, LAZip?

The First Energy GP-1 Phase Change Coliseum.

This has been discussed a bit on here, but I think it's pretty likely that Valentin is gone. Sarkodie, ditto. I keep thinking -- maybe the guy with the highest ceiling, who has only begun to scratch the surface of his talent, is Ben Speas. Speas and Caldwell will be the Gavin and Zemanski of 2011. Ben and Perry Kitchen are capable of scoring goals from the midfield, no doubt about it. As good as this team is this year, 2011...Mmmmm, mmmmm, Good!

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...D=10800#results I'm not sure what these are based upon, frankly (pro potential??). The thing that amazes me, from the Akron perspective is how Chad Barson can be ranked that far down - #64. The two guys just in front of Chad (Luthy and Restrepo) aren't too shabby either. Barson and Valentin are pretty much inseparable in ability if you ask me. I think Korb and Nanchoff are ahead of some other Akron players just because of their experience as senior/junior, but the others behind are liable to pass them -- if they stay long enough. What do people think?

Read the last sentance. Couldn't stop the impulse to bring this to Zipmeister's attention. However, the award for misappropriated statement of the week goes to the football coach from James Madison. I turned on ESPNNews after the VaTech-JMU game, just as the JMU coach was being interviewed. His analysis of what went wrong for the opposition: "Virginia Tech was just not firing on all syllables."

Be careful what you wish for. As Bull-In-Exile stated, this is most likely not a good thing for the MAC or Akron. A split like this has been coming for a long time, but the most likely scenario has the BCS conferences fractioning off from the NCAA. This would leave the MAC, C-USA, the Sunbelt, etc. somewhere in college sports purgatory between the BCS and the NAIA. You could pretty well kiss any kind of significant TV deals goodbye, the BCS schools would be taking those with them. The NCAA basketball tournament would be a shell of its former self. The soccer team would probably take the biggest hit as the College Cup would be stripped of top competition like North Carolina, Wake Forrest, Virginia, Indiana, etc. thereby dilluting the significance of future tournament runs by Zips soccer. As much as the NCAA deserves its criticism, and needs to make some changes, this kind of harm to the organization would be akin to cutting off one's own nose to spite one's face. Didn't listen to the CBS-CSTV, but I find the whole scenario quite hard to believe. But then I never thought the Tea Party would go and blow up the Republican Party either. I was surrounded by anarchists as a student organization director at Portland State a decade ago, but somehow I never imagined anarchy would overtake the establishment. This is truly a whole new world we inhabit.