Zip_ME87

Victor Souto graduated from the University of Akron last night Summa Cum Laude and posted a picture of himself with his dad and brother in the lobby of EJ Thomas Hall with the following caption on his Instagram account... soutoav8 Jan/2013 I was landing in the ?? not knowing English and what would happen in my journey here in this beautiful country... Dec 2016 I am here with my Brother and Dad, (Mom was watching it online in??) graduating from The University of Akron with the highest Honors Designation any Undergrad student can have... Summa Cum Laude in Business Administration and Sales! I love and thank God, my Family, my Friends, Teammates and everyone that helped me realize this Dream! This is not a personal accomplishment of mine, this is the result of a teamwork. I thank those that truly care about me and never gave up on me! I also thank the people that made me suffered, and for a second made my smile go away... I am back, stronger and happier to take on any opportunity life brings me! I am ready to share all of my Summa Cum Laude Knowledge about Business and Soccer wherever and whenever ??????⚽️? from "not knowing English" when he started at UA in January 2013 to Summa Cum Laude in Business Administration. WOW

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/the91stminute/2016/12/bobby-muusss-words-can-be-a-clarion-call-for-college-soccer/ some excerpts ...The NCAA knew the field conditions in Houston were garbage. It adroitly moved the women’s College Cup from North Carolina over the HB2 bill, but did not feel a similar move was necessary for actual on-field concerns in the men’s game. Vocal opposition helps, and it would seem that paradigm is shifting. Muuss’s words were not said in a vacuum, and the field was simply a single glimpse into a world the NCAA as a governing body has ignorantly neglected. ... Part of the hang-up is in logistics. The NCAA continues to insist changes at the DI level trickle down to DIII, which doesn’t make sense. A DI men’s roster choked with high-profile DA players does not need (and should not have) a full rotating substitution rule in place. But if you change the rule set to FIFA regulations (including a normal clock, a lengthier schedule and no extra time during the regular season), under current auspices a DIII women’s program would have the same rules in place. There’s no reason to not split off the DI game from the rest of the pack, but the NCAA has been reticent to act. And therein lies the trouble. The NCAA continues to prove it cares little about the college game, which has been particularly mettlesome in men’s soccer development. The 18-22 age range are practically lost years for men’s players, and regulatory bloat meant the college game had little role to play as an institution in righting the ship. And so we await change while looking to the scions of the college game to continue to beat the drum. Luckily, it would seem those drumbeats grow in volume each year. ...

Jesus Perez leaving (from Reggie Laryea's Instagram account)... reggielaryea14 So sad that my Mexican brother is leaving Akron it was fun playing with u I wish u the best and I know you will kill it where every you go. I know we will meet again if Donald Trump doesn't kick us out of America love you brother ❤️ #jeremystillugly #mannyswillmissyou @chinatwn @marcelzajac11 @robbydambrot

It appears Anthony Macchione is also leaving. Niko de Vera posted a picture of him and Anthony on Instagram with this ... nikookin30"You know our presence but you don't know our history"-G.S It's been real man. Growing up and playing with you basically my whole life. We've been through a lot together. Sad it has to come to an end but excited for your future. Go kill it brother. #portlandboys

Jeremy Pollard posted this on Instagram today... jeremy_pollard Looking back at the past year in Akron I couldn't of asked for a it to have been any better. The people I met will forever have a place in my heart and so will Akron soccer. I've made life long friends and I can honestly say this has been the greatest year of my life so far. Unfortunately it's time to move on from Akron towards a new chapter in my life, but I will always remember my brothers in blue and gold who helped me become a better player and person everyday. Good luck to you all in the future, I'm sure we will meet again. And you know what they say ... it's always a great day to be a zip ?⚽️? #reggieisstillugly

I don't think it necessarily signifies Adam is headed overseas. I think the NYRB still have Adam's homegrown rights. No reason for HG's to participate in the Combine.

Initial List of 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine Invitees Announced Unless I missed someone, the only Zips on this initial list is Danilo Radjen.

http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/20161206g1cojo Danilo Radjen, Sr., 3.696, Exercise Science/Physiology Brad Ruhaak, Sr., 3.651, Mechanical Engineering ... not only played for Zips Mens Soccer but also for Michigan Bucks, co-oped and was in the UA Honors College. (Very deserving to be the student speaker at Saturday afternoon graduation ceremony.) http://www.mac-sports.com/news/2015/12/20/GEN_1220153529.aspx?path=fhockey Noted last Fall *Victor Souto, Akron, Junior, 3.829, Business (Sao Paolo, Brazil)... so far from home and English is this young man's 2nd language

More stupidity from MLS. Minor - Wil Trapp is a homegrown; why is he not listed under that heading for CrewSC? Major - Chad Barson is out of contract with CrewSC. If they have no intention of signing him, he should not be protected just for being a homegrown; MLS should not be allowed to completely control players like this. My understanding is that CrewSC still owns Ben Speas' MLS rights. So, even though Ben played for Minnesota in 2016, they would have to make a deal with CrewSC for Ben to play for them in the MLS in 2017.

I hope the NCAA is proud of that crap show. Horrible field, horrible referee, horrible soccer, and the champion of PK's. Awful.

If MLS Cup final and College Cup are going to be on the same weekend, perhaps they should both be in the same location...probably not a good idea. Actually, I don't understand MLS Cup final and College Cup in same weekend this year. I'm glad that didn't happen last year so that I could attend both.

Outscored 16-1 to end it...ugh!

Talen Energy Stadium. http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/stadium

Philadelphia.

Things have been very quiet on the recruiting front. Throughout the season, it seemed there were potential recruits making visits; however, I have no specifics.

I'm very sorry to hear this, but not completely surprised. It was apparent throughout the season that Nick Costa was the 2016 backup and that both Jeremy and Tor Saunders were redshirting. I have not seen Tor play, but I liked Jeremy's performance in the Spring. Great young man. Great parents. If he is transferring, I still wish him the best. With 4 GK's, I expected to lose at least 1; maybe 2.

Why is the field in Houston in such poor shape? MAPFRE Stadium's field looked immaculate for MLS Cup last December in Columbus. The field in KC for the College Cup last December looked much better, too. The Dynamo should be embarrassed.

Amazing, Jonathan Lewis just got a Congratulations to University of Akron Soccer's Jonathan Lewis who was named to the US U-20 team... on Channel 8's sports at about 6:26 pm tonight. Always happy to hear our guys mentioned by the Cleveland sportscasters.

Seems to me that the toilet paper toss would be more appropriate for the Kant game...Flushes.

I know "Buffalo's in Canada" (per the AK Rowdies), but Seattle?

After six years in MLS with the Portland Timbers, Darlington Nagbe would be well served by a move to Europe this winter. ...Before you start debating the merits of going from MLS to the Scottish Premier League, you must first understand that Celtic is the league's powerhouse, a UEFA Champions League regular, and a team with rich history and a large, passionate fan base. It is also a team stacked with talent. If Nagbe has aspirations of climbing the ladder of European soccer, then joining Celtic would be a strong first step. This reality is what drove a talent like French forward Moussa Dembele to join Celtic last summer. Playing for Celtic would mean more European scouts watching him than currently watch him in MLS. Celtic is running away with the Scottish League title, and could have it essentially clinched before Nagbe would arrive, but there will still be important matches to play, such as the Old Firm derby against Rangers, and tough matches against the likes of Hearts and Aberdeen. It is a safe bet Nagbe has consulted with close friend and former college teammate Perry Kitchen, who left MLS for Scottish club Hearts last winter. Kitchen has enjoyed an excellent first year in Scotland, earning the captain's role for a Hearts team currently in third place. Kitchen's positive experience in Scotland could be the final evidence Nagbe needs to convince him a move to Celtic would be a worthwhile one. ...