Z.I.P.

Wonder what "Construction cost $1,428,000" refers to? Construction cost estimate for the preliminary design review. What construction takes place during design? Any of you ZN PEs, don't hesitate to jump in now.

This is so typical of MAC sports: CMU has one of the best records in the entire nation, and they don't even get in "Others receiving votes" in the national poll. Their only OOC opponents of significance are three Big-11 teams, and they lost all three! So, maybe they don't deserve much -- but NOT a single VOTE???

Ahhhhh! Another clean sheet for Meves!

I can't say for sure, but I would guess 250k would only put Clemson near, but not above the top level of ACC soccer coaches. Sasho Cirovski MUST make that much to make the Turtles so feared.And here's a good article I found (rather college English paper-like, but interesting, and shows the time-line of the development of Wake soccer under Jay Vidovich). The construction of their stadium was simultaneous with the arrival of their program at a national level. It just took off from there. http://rootzoo.com/articles/view/Soccer/NC...he-making_12458

And you don't have to pay them as much because they live tax free. From what the RFQ stated the 1.7 million is for moving the pitch, doing embankments around the pitch, setting up a perimeter and having general seating for around 3700. It is specifically listed as Phase I and states that the completed project must allow for the building of locker rooms, concessions and a few other things that would allow it to be used during softball and baseball season (fan plaza type deal). Someone mentioned 12 million and that seems incredibly excessive considering Michigan is only having to spend 6 million on their new grand stands and press tower/Hmmmmm! Where did g-mann see this RFQ? Are Eff Who? Seriously, I think 3700 would be a serious size for a program! Now, let's get that 72 Roo Stadium built!

"Zavaleta" Got it? He played in place of Perry Kitchen yesterday at Sani Abacha Stadium. I almost hope that Indiana can get some of these in-state and nearby kids, just so they don't fall too far behind -- and start thinking about how (and which) other coaches are recruiting their territory. That deserves both a and a BTW -- what did you mean when you wrote If only soccer was more highly regarded, this could really help the exposure of our entire athletic portfolio.? It's the only thing I hear about on TV. Of course I only watch Fox Soccer Channel. I don't know.

From one haole to another, your experiences are appreciated from ovah heah. I was unaware that Teal's dad had played in MISL, or whatever futsal league that was. I only follow REAL football! Actually though, I know Bunbury (a Guyana-born Canadian national) is one of the most capped and highest scoring Canucks of his era (in WC qualifying that is -- I believe Canada lost out in a play-in game - possibly to Australia, in 94). He had a goal ratio around 1:2 goals to starts. I hope his son stays in blue and gold long enough to win himself a Hermann. It's not out of the question THIS year, the way things are going.I forget what Gabriel's height is. He could really help our back line (or central mid) -- and strike even MORE fear in opponents that a <.20 GAA -- if we could get more height in the back. I guess we'll have to wait at least till next summer to see -- and I have to think there's a good chance of a red shirt in his future, honestly. That might be best for everyone. Keep us up to date on the Wisconsin scene. When is the HS season there -- right now?

OK -- I can't disable my pop-up blocker. Please keep "us" informed of any changes. Mahalo from out heah!

GAMETRACKER??? Please?

I looked at #15 (7-7-1) Loyola Marymount's schedule. They beat UCSB on the road but they lost to #5 San Diego and #11 San Diego State, as well as way-down Cal St Bakersfield. Good strength of schedule can overcome some bad losses. Too bad we don't have SOS provided. Can anyone find one?Hey at least we're a shoo-in for a tournament bid. Like shoo fly pie?

Did they have a Newcomer of the Year vote? I guess not. (Foregone conclusion? -- not per our favorite Cleveland State beat writer).

Yeah, well the current coach has also had a wealth of young talented football players for the past five years. Too bad so few of them developed into experienced talented players who became stars. I'm unconvinced that the coaching roulette wheel is likely to be a quick fix. BUT -- it's the only fix we got, baby!

Here's an interesting trivia question I bet I can stump the panel on: What well known soccer coach began his coaching career at Ohio U.? Hint: He's moved his game up a little bit since then.

Ummmmm. More like Akron soccer = Florida football + Alabama football + North Carolina basketball + UCLA waterpolo. Get it?

"My dad scored more goals than your dad!"Folks, this is truly prolific: (Nice mullet too!)http://alpha.fdu.edu/thsports/halloffame/2000/King.htmlHopefully Gabby "Agbonlahor" Genovesi has some of his father's magic!

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.htmlMahalo -- Whoops, I sometimes slip into my second tongue -- Thanks, LH.That training session this summer with Chelsea speaks for itself! Played in what -- four EPL academy matches? Obviously, Caleb sees a Very High Upside for young Gabby (Can we call him "Agbonlahor" -- at least we Villa fans?). He has a similarly high upside to that of Ben Speas when Ben first arrived at ESP Camp a couple years ago. It's nice to get fantastic athletes, who are great students (3.4 GPA) to represent The University of Akron. Now, let me throw in another recruiting tip: Try Googling the name Lepekola "Cletus" Seetane. This has to be on our (and other's) recruiting radar. One of the best Class of 2010 central mids and defensive/holding mids, the Lesotho immigrant plays club soccer in Louisville where he was last year's Kentucky HS POY. He's a two-time ESP all-star, who's club coach is a UL undergraduate responsible for the immigration of Lepe and another former Lesothoan from southern Africa. Could be an interesting recruiting situation developing. Of course, I don't know the current status, but Lepe played on the same ESP camp team as Ben Speas, so there's a connection. Does W00t have any feelers out on him? ---edit--- Further investigation shows that on seeing his pix, Lepe Seetane is the 'Lil' Dru Joyce of his sport. He may go 5'2" -- accent on may.BTW -- I remember DeLap having played with another of my fave clubs, Sunderland's Red and White once -- he was always out injured. Hopefully Genovesi is more durable. As far as the powerful throw-in goes, I've often seen how dangerous that technique can be at the youth/HS -- and occasionally college level, but throw-in strategy at the pro level seems totally different. Ever notice how at youth and HS levels (and all the women's college games I watch especially) there's that "unwritten rule" that you have to advance the ball upfield on a throw-in -- so the ball always gets thrown forward along the sideline, and often gets knocked out of play? However, at higher levels, top US D-1 ball and professional leagues, the purpose is to get the ball back in play in space, with the ability to move forward as soon as it's in play. I try to teach that to the players I know and coach, but somehow it's hard to defeat that Unwritten Rule. NOW -- there are exceptions to the rule -- the goal by the USA yesterday in Nigeria for example: that was on a throw-in from at least 25 yards out right into the 6-yard box that Jumpin' Jack McInerney outfought the Spanish keeper for and tapped into the net for the Americans. That was an occasion where the throw-in DOES make a difference.

I'm not sure! It was struck from about five yards outside the 16-yard box. 85-90 yards, OK. I still liked the one by Danny Cepero, the New York Red Bulls keeper last year at Giants Stadium that bounced over the head of CCrew's Will Hesmer. I hope this is the one!Was that turf that SMU was playing on?

Ningunos responderos? Perry was taken off in the second half by coach Wilmer Cabrera. The limey announcer did say he had some sort of minor injury, but no details. Cabrera switched from his 4-3-3 and brought in Victor Chavez to play up front in the 2nd half -- who had a breakway for the tying goal early in the second half, and rather than slotting a pass to a wide open teammate sent the ball right at the keeper who made the stop. This was a disappointing 2-1 loss for the USA, against one of the tournament favorites (runners-up in 2007) -- especially since they took the lead and went a man up barely a minute into the game. It was one of the most entertaining and well-played youth games I've ever seen, and I have to think these are the two teams that will advance from the group.As far as Kitchen's performance, he did show some freaky skills from the right back spot in his half of play. He took a long pass back from about forty yards and managed to control it easily on his foot. He made a couple of very accurate medium-to-long distance passes on runs that did not eventually develop, but I would say he had a good half. He did not figure in either of the Spain scores, and only came up into the offensive zone a couple times. He took some of the USA throw-ins also. Zavaleta came on in the second half -- and immediately committed a horrid late tackle earning the amarilla. Kitchen did wear the USA captain's armband, and got a good amount of camera time at the start, introducing his teammates to the attending Nigerian dignitaries before the coin-flip and start of play.A quick comment: I did not think there could be anything worse than watching FIFA TV's coverage, then I had to sit through ESPN's halftime report. Not one word about the game being played! Five minutes-plus about Livapool's victory over ManU, and Rafa Benitez status as coach. Pathetic display by those two accented clowns kissing up to their network's EPL coverage!US plays Malawi next. Obviously it's a must 3-pointer.

It looks as though the JaMarcuss Russell era has come to a conclusion with today's 38-0 shutout loss to the Jets, the worst home loss in Raider franchise history. Starter Russell has completed below 50% of his passes on the season, and threw two early INTs, and fumbled in his own red zone. Ex-Rocket Bruce Gradkowski came on in the second quarter, and didn't do much better, completing something like 10 of 19 for just over a hundred yards, while fumbling at his own 4 yard line. The Raider Nation boards are starting to chant -- Char-lie, Char-lie!!This is provided primarily for the inducement of GP-1. There doesn't seem to be much else to liven things up about Akron football around here these days. I might buy a plane ticket, and get out my Browns #5 jersey! lol!

I THINK RUMP IS ONTO SOMETHING HERE!!! How can you blame a coaching staff when the top two QB's are lost for the season, RB's are injured, DLinemen who were counted on can't play. Well that's the view from the living room of the Brookhart household. In reality, I do think there's an outside chance Wisty has sympathy. That's the reason why the ZN must put the pressure on the AD, rather than consider it a foregone conclusion. Cause it ain't!

The newest international backliner for Akron Zips soccer will be in action in Nigeria on Monday at the Under-17 World Cup when the USA takes on Spain in the first round of pool play, and you can see it -- and I think all USA games, live on ESPNU. Monday's game is scheduled at 2 PM EST.Akron 2010 recruit Perry Kitchen had been wearing the captain's armband for his national team, so I assume he will be wearing it in the world championships. I believe he wears #4 for the US, and I'm not sure if he plays the center back or outside, but given our current line-up of two freshmen, a junior and a soph, he could be the nation's top benchwarmer next season! Also, take a look -- if he plays -- at fullback Eriq Zavaleta for the US. He's an Indiana youngster, who I'm sure is under the microscope of Caleb Porter. Dontch wanna play for us Eriq?

They don't even look Amish to me! But, have they changed your entire outlook on the Amish lifestyle? Thinking of moving to Lancaster County?

Here's an interesting follow-up: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/05/05...lege_ceos/5.htmIs this the type of role-model we want to promote? Quit college, fall-ass-backward into $$$ as the friend of a superstar athlete, become his agent, Exec Producer of his film, etc. etc. etc.? Whatalife!

Word on the street is Sweich isn't ready yet. Does he have a redshirt left? edit -- for those who can't tell sarcasm:

Which means he'll be 20 when he graduates high school!? How are his academics?