Z.I.P.

Okay, I shall attempt my best imitation of Paul Gardner describing the Beautiful Game.First off -- remember how Zeke 54 stated that he wanted to attend a "downtown" campus, but not RIGHT downtown? Understand we are dealing with athletically - and hopefully academically - advanced children, not adults. Therefore, Ben's quote should not be taken as a slap at his good friend, Kofi (correct spelling, sorry for earlier) Sarkodie, with whom he played on the US U-17 squad under coach Hackworth. You see, with Kofi playing in the back and in a year, Ben in the midfield and Blair Gavin, Zakuani and Nanchoff up front (is Nanchoff a forward -- I think so, but excuse my 5000 mi ignorance), we can expect some very fast ball-movement from end-to-end. In fact, in describing Kofi to friends, I've used the phrase "young Becks" to describe his tremendous back-line distribution and field-switching abilities. That, having seen him on TV just twice. I can see Kofi playing at least a pseudo-libero role for the Zips, much as Beckham often does for the Galaxy -- at least when he was out here for the Pan-Pacific Cup. BTW -- I had thought that Speas was himself playing fullback previously, but apparently his offensive skills were too valuable to national coaches to keep him behind the 50.So, back to the idea of the stylish football player. American football has for far too long modeled itself after the slow, less-than-exciting style of the European -- or if you will, British -- game. Now, after a couple decades of dominance by Brazil and Argentina, at long last the US coaching community decides it should switch tactics and go after the South American style of developing great individual ballhandlers and scorers. Soccer is an individual game played by eleven people at a time -- that can sum up the difference of the Brazilian and Argentine game. Think of the way the US dominates the world in basketball -- at least on paper! Great speed (or "pace" as it's known in soccer), dribbling, and shotmaking, and the ability to blend this individuality into team play with precise passes in the zone and crosses to target players is the new "next generation" strategy in developing beautiful skill players to perfect the Beautiful Game. How many LeBrons will the US be able to develop in soccer? If we're to win World Cups, we have to build them.Will Akron U become the Man U of the NCAA? I'd put our young Caleb up against Sir Alex Ferguson any day! Sorry mate, didn't intend to put any more pressure on your shoulders -- either Calebs or Fergies. An aside: I can't wait for Sept 12th. My plans are firm. I see the guy Steven from Fox Football Fone-in wearing his Lobos T-shirt, so I just sent away for the Stevenhatesmyclub T from Whoareyadesigns.com. :blink: Awesome, even if I only wear it once.

Well, all I can say is, if UCLA steals Amobi Akugo away from us, then I'll be singing "Fight on for Ol' S-C" every time the Bruins take the field! Come on Caleb, you can get 'im! Don't let 'im say "no'". BTW -- did you know that last fall Ben (as in Speas) was called up to the men's U-20 squad for their camp in Argentina? Yes, Men's Under-20! (His 17th birthday wasn't until January)

No. The most recent was Kofie Sarkodie, UA recruiting class of 2008. You should read my posts more carefully. (See the thread "Soccer Recruits" for the discussion of Ben and Kofie)BTW -- Kofie is the second national youth team captain Akron has recruited in as many years, as Blair Gavin captained the US-18 squad a year ago

Former Zip All-America fullback Cameron Knowles was named to the USL First-Division (formerly A-Leagie) Team of the Week already this month, according to Portlandtimbers.com. Cameron was one of three finalists for league Defender of the Year last season, and played more minutes than any player in USL last season. With MLS expansion next year, there's an increased chance this youngster will make a MLS roster for good. Not sure what Caneron's goals are, or how long he'll continue to hang out in North America before trying his luck in his native Aotearoa/New Zealand, or in the Australian A-League.Good luck to the Timbers in their first year after the retirement of Timber Ray -- America's only chain-saw clad mascot.

Hmmmm. Did she just sign i the late period? One of the pre-season mag's last year had her listed as an Akron recruit. Wonder when she changed her mind -- before or after the chaos in the JAR. I fear the mire will only deepen.

I'm not sure if it is a "skills camp" or not. Was told that LBJ had some sort of event in June.I think we can get Bron to pull some strings, if you really want Zeke to get in. Now does Jamie Dixon have that power? LOL!

It was reported last fall that Kest had recruited a 6-5 player from Sandusky Perkins HS. Anybody know what happened? Maybe she's going to W Va Wesleyan.

Anyone can be replaced? Let's start with Jody Kest. She has lost my respect as a coach. I have NEVER heard of an entire team being asked -- or told - to leave a school, and that is basically what has happened here. How can this NOT reflect on the coach? Most of these players are her own recruits anyway. What does that say about her decision making and leadership? As those who have read my posts this past season know, I have a deep commitment to the UA WBB squad. Changes have to happen -- sooner rather than later.

You're absolutadootley right neighbor! I was mostly being facetious about Kofi being "underaged". But fact is, he just turned 17 about a month ago. I believe his academic success is partly due to his immersion at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, where along with international soccer competition, players receive intensive classwork and tutoring. It just means one additional year to make the Big $$$ playing in Europe or MLS. Can't wait to see Kof' defend on Michael Green of Strongsville in Sept vs the UNM Lobos. He could and should be the most offensive defender in the NCAA.

OK. I stand corrected. Gleefully!!! Like Thank You Football Gods

We were before the announcement of this recruiting class. I can see UA winning a National Championship in the next 3-10 years.www.collegesoccernews.com usually ranks recruiting classes, but doesn't have a related post yet.Nice that someone is thinking along the same wavelength as Caleb (and I!). But I happen to believe your time span is too long. I'll be surprised if we don't win a title in the next three years, with our talent.It will be very interresting to see how Akron is ranked in the pre-season. I think the coaches may put Akron top-5, but more reasonable is around #10. A team this young and talented will improve as season advances, and could be a real contender by November -- but I hate to put too much pressure on the kids' shoulders so early. Especially Coach Porter. Now let's get that stadium built for our champs!

Simply put, Kofi Sarkodie is the top player in America in his age class. But -- when he pl;ayed in the U-17 World Cup last August, he was just 16 y.o. How can he play college soccer at 17? Anyhow, I'll take him!!!!!

Ok, here is the way I see it....Congress is looking into SPORTS for the rich helping the rich, but we're going to spend billions to bailout the banks and builders who happen to have powerful lobbies??? WTF is going on in Washington! Take it from a constituent, Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie and grandstanding is a redundancy.

I wouldn't assume anything, if it weren't for some persistant rumors backing up my suspicions.She led the Big Macs in assists. Just ask their mascot, Hamburglar!BTW -- WBB used to have a total of FOURTEEN scholarship. When did it increase?

It's a good thing you're only talking about basketball, GZ! If you left a teaser like that empty about, oh say.. a soccer recruit, half this board would be heading to Medina County to get the rest of the story. Hey -- it's not another Wadsworth player, is it -- I still say Goddard will be a starter next year! BTW -- ever seen Kofie Sardodie play?

Thanks for that Rifle! It makes reference to a "multi-complex facility". I wonder if the fund drive includes $$ for the soccer stadium. At least I can hope.

And one more reason they should have kept him: He was a loser.

LOL! That buggah is just lucky he wasn't canned three or four years ago -- as he should have been. Maybe then he would have been too young to file the suit. How the heck old IS he, anyway? 65?

Ben (as in Speas) has gotten enough discussion (on and off this board), that most apparently expect him to be a future Zip. That's great and shows Caleb's continued coaching and recruiting acumen. But PLEASE... don't give us false hopes about a player the likes of Kofi Sarkodie playing college football (i.e., soccer) at Akron -- or anywhere else. Seeing that kid's abilities in Korea last summer, I have to say Sarkodie is the next Jozy Altidore. As much as I would love to see America's premier 17 y.o. someday in an Akron uni, I have to say that it would be against his best interests to even consider playing US college ball when he could be learning the game at the international level day in and day out. Adu, Edu, Altidore, Sarkodie, that's the line of up and coming US superstars. Surely the kid will be entering into the Generation Adidas program.

Regarding the sudden ability to play a full two team game: Even when the program was in D I-AA they were always able to play that format in the Spring Game. Have they really been THAT depleted, that they've had fewer players than 20 yrs ago?

Is there something stopping you from sharing your scoop with the rest of us? Curious minds...

Greenhill & Schmitt: PWOs who would be starters at most MAC schools immediately.Nagbe: partial scholarshipBunbury: Full scholarshipMy guess

Ustedes estan invitado para juntame en La Tierra de Encantadamente, en Albuquerque a la Universidad de Nuevo Mexico el 12 de Septiembre cuando juegan los Zipperos y Los Lobos. (Please join me in the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 12 as the Zips take on the Lobos).?Quien esta viniendo? Who's coming? Write The Zip in Paradise if you're planning to attend.

Does that answer your question? Whatever you do, don't count on the University of Akron Sports Information Department (Gozips.com in particular) for University of Akron sports information.You won't get more information anywhere, than right here on the Zipsnation. P.S.: If you want to see the best player in Ohio next season, join me and the Zips in Albuquerque in Sept.