Zip_ME87

I'm not sure. In the past, it may have been done by the coach, but I think our current AD, being the good man that he is, probably feels that it's his responsibility. As much as I feel this situation to be hard for me (having taken a lot of time to talk with our players before and after games and get to know them some, including Victor), I'm certain that it has to be extremely difficult for our coaches, staff and players. I would ask that all Zips fans please have faith in them and show them support. We'll never know all the facts because that stuff has to stay between the player, coaches, staff, and team.

This has been hard for me, but I know in retrospect that Jared has the best interest of the Zips Mens Soccer Program and its student athletes as his top priority. I'm sure there's more to this than any of us will ever know, as it should be, for Victor's and his teammates' sake. I hope that Victor will move on, get his degree, and find success in whatever path he takes. I hope that the team can move on and be successful this season. I know that I will continue to be there for them. They deserve that and more.

Victor's Instagram post last night... soutoav8 I am not that religious but I feel like God has something really good planned for me in the future! A setback in life won't stop me from becoming a better person, player or whatever is there for me! I truly love Akron, my teammates who became important people in my life, the soccer program and this community that presented me so many special people! The memories and the feeling of being a Zip will never leave my mind and my body! It is hard to see what's next but I will work harder than ever to find it and to help other people that have done so much for me throughout these 3 years and 9 months at Akron! My passion for life and the game of soccer will never go away! Thank God for all the blessings and unforgettable moments on the pitch doing what I love wearing my #8

I remember folks (including me) questioning Jim Tressel's credentials to be University President. He sure seems to be working out well at YSU. I think Matt could be fine as UA President. He's been doing very well thus far. If he's great at relationships and getting the best out of everyone, I'd suspect he could hire someone to help with the strategic thinking. Running the university isn't done by one person, but requires a team anyway.

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Mine too.

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One caveat to my liking of your post. We're not talking about professional players here. This is an amateur, college team as opposed to a professional team. College is a place to learn and develop. That development can occur on numerous levels. Yes, VS8 has had a number of transgressions and chances, but he has done what he needed to do each time. For whatever reason, his passion for competition reared it's ugliness again. I fully understand and agree if significantly more has been asked of him before a return this time. However, just to dismiss him would be wrong. Our other players also can learn from this to step up in the face of adversity. Life doesn't always unfold in the way you would like.

I needed to see this ... Watch Darlington Nagbe rescue Timbers' CCL hopes with last-gasp golazo http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/09/28/portland-timbers-get-monkey-back-massive-ccl-road-win 54’ – CDC – Kevin Melara (Jamal Jack) 79’ – POR – Fanendo Adi 90’ – POR – Darlington Nagbe

I realize I was a probably a little overboard in my "Edit" comment earlier. I think some folks did talk to Victor. I hope whatever may have been said was supportive and encouraging. I probably get overly sensitive because I take the time to talk to our players whenever I can, and they all mean a lot to me. They don't always perform as I or they would like themselves to, but they're all great guys. And when it comes to the players from outside the U.S., I'm probably even more sensitive. I can't imagine how it is to adjust to another country, it's customs, culture, etc. and at the same time pursue a college degree and play a sport so far away from family.

If people saw him, why didn't they ask? Certainly Victor knows what his situation is. Edit: It is beyond me why people post questions and conjecture and can't have the decency to talk to someone face-to-face. The guy is 1000s of miles from his family; talking to him, asking him what's going on, and conveying support, regardless of the situation, might be of some help to him. When I talk with him, he comes across as a great, caring, young man. I hope he finds it within himself to realize he has an issue and to resolve it.

Really happy for Jared. I know he's very proud to continue our program at the highest level of collegiate soccer. I hope our fans are seeing how lucky we are to have him and will consider giving to the Zips Mens Soccer Goal Club, if possible, to continue helping our coaches with recruiting trips, etc. From what I've seen thus far, what a great, unexpected find in Ben Lundt. As someone else stated, this appears to be the deepest team we've ever had, and I know we have 4 capable GKs who push each other to excellence. [I make a point of this mainly because I didn't see it coming.]

@Z.I.P. thanks for all of this great information. I really like that we scheduled GCU. They may just be getting going, but it looks like they have the right things in place. If they're on our away schedule next year, this is a trip I want to make in addition to the Pacific NW trip that I'm hoping we schedule to "pay back" Seattle and Oregon St. Would be most awesome if the Timbers were home that weekend.

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I think some questioned this opponent when the Zips' schedule came out. Looks like they're a good draw at their place. A visit there in 2017 could be fun.

Sophomores Vincent and Lundt named DI College Players of the Week KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 30, 2016) – University of Akron sophomore Ben Lundt and University of Louisville sophomore Gabrielle Vincent were named the NSCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s College Players of the Week.

Not sure who to contact either, but got a number of likes and a retweet for this...

I made it a point after the match to not only thank and congratulate Ben for his awesome goal keeping, but to also thank and congratulate Zips GK Coach Ger Coppinger.