Zip_ME87

thats an interesting point as we all know that attendance lags when the weather is crappy...HOWEVER.... we had a pretty large crowd during the playoff game against Cal last year...From what I remember, the only bad weather last season was during the Cal game. For some reason, although bad weather was predicted for a number of games, it always cleared up or held off for the 3+ hours (warm ups through end of game) for our Men's Soccer team. I guess it was a sign of destiny. And, of course, weather probably didn't keep many away from the Elite 8 game vs. Cal.

I'm pretty sure only the use of 3 older players can be used in the final competition or Olympics and not qualifying matchesThanks Crew8...that's what I think.

I don't quite look at it that way, but you can if you want to.

The names Caleb mentioned were Brek Shea, Jozy Altidore, etc., who are already in the US Soccer player pool and eligible for the U-23 team. He could not mention others whom they (Jurgen Klinsman, Caleb, etc.) are considering, but are not already in the pool. And, no he didn't mention Teal Bunbury by name. I know Teal was included in Klinsman's last player call up but am uncertain of Teal's status in the player pool given that he saw no action in any of the recent friendlies nor did I see him listed as a "substitute not used".

OMG. This is horrible. I hadn't heard any of this until I just now read this thread. I wonder why he chose Infocision Stadium...was it a good place for him?

It wasn't an interview. It was a Q&A session with Zips fans who had football tickets for the Ohio game and was held in the East stands of First Energy Field at 2 pm (just prior to the Men's Soccer team signing autographs at the football.) I think fans might have been confused because the players signed autographs inside Inforcision Stadium while the Q&A was at First Energy Stadium. I was confused when I first read it on GoZips.com.At any rate, it was not recorded. It turned out to be Caleb and about 10 - 20 Zips fans...very informal even though Caleb was looking quite dapper in a suit and tie. I really appreciate his taking the time to do this, especially operating on 3 hours sleep. I'll re-iterate RootforRoo's sentiment that Caleb is a class act and a genuinely good man.

He explained how the U-23 MNT works and that he can have 3 older players [EDIT: if they qualify for the Olympics, I think. I should have asked if that meant the 3 older players could play in the qualifying matches.]. I asked if he expected to have any former Zips like Kitchen and Bunbury in the pool. He responded that he couldn't talk specifics, but he expected to have 4 - 5 Zips. [Please note the specific words I used, I asked "in the player pool"...which means they will compete to play on the U-23 MNT.]

He referred to players who have moved on and are doing well elsewhere. He did not mention specific names, unless he mentioned them in a 1-on-1 with you.

Wow. Two of the top 3 ranked teams in the country couldn't draw more than that in the hot-for-soccer ACC? Not good.I think the timing of this game was the problem. I watched the 2nd half on ESPNU because I didn't realize it started so early, at 5 pm I think. I thought it would be a 7 pm start. Ben Speas had a number of shots (name mentioned a lot by the announcers), but did not score.

Yes, I did notice that. Very classy of them.

Awesome news! Thanks.

Video froze so I couldn't see but from gametracker..."Akron #10 dragged down UB #21 at the top of the box after corner clear"

Don't be sorry about this thread. it's a good discussion and a good reminder that we're all Zips fans and should be a little more mindful of each other. I appreciate good sarcasm and don't always do a good job of indicating that I'm only being sarcastic in some of my posts. Most of the time when I post stuff like that, it's because I'm so frustrated that my only outlet is to share it here. [i've finally realized that I have to stop posting stuff in the football forum. I want to see the Zips do well, and I care, but it hurts so much to see our program where it is that I have to stay away. I know I can't handle it and don't want to berate it. I care enough that I renewed my season ticket to provide the program some funding, but I just can't go because it aggravates me so much.]As far as the Women's Soccer updates...many thanks, and please continue to provide them. I know I don't respond, but I do read them. I wish I could attend more of our athletics programs' games, but with living 40 minutes away and working (including travel for work), I just can't get to everything I'd like...especially in the Fall when football, soccer, and basketball coincide.

+1 If he left us for another NCAA program (which he has shown he won't do), I'd be upset. If he was moving up the ranks, I'd wish him the best of luck. I've go the upmost respect for Porter. Hopefully he wins a few more championships before he moves up. Go Zips!I totally agree. I'm extremely excited and happy to see Caleb get this well-deserved opportunity while remaining with us and hope one day to see him reach his ultimate goal, the same as I want for our players.

...Teal Bunbury, Zarek Valentin, ...

Remaining schedule is not a help: (RPI)149 Michigan145 Buffalo102 Bowling Green58 Wake Forest87 Michigan State123 Florida Atlantic

No problem. You through me for a loop because I thought it was only 6th...I looked it up to be certain.

This is Caleb's sixth season. He started in 2006. Why are you discussing seven seasons?

Thanks for verifying that. I thought it was but wasn't sure. When I mentioned to UCSB fans at UCSB that they needed to return the favor, they looked at me like "Are you nuts?".

Hey Mike. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoyed myself again at UCSB on Oct 5th, except for the result. You guys are great fans. Only one fan made a classless comment after the game. Not sure why folks resent fans of the other team cheering for their team, but I'll set him aside. Not sure of future schedules, but I would love to see the Gauchos return the favor and come to Akron in the early season, perhaps for our tournament. I don't know about others, but I don't have an issue with Ben. As others have said, he likely wasn't going to start at Akron; so, he moved on to do what he thought best for himself. (Although, I wonder if he might have been a good option for us this season as box-to-box mid-fielder.) Personally, I'd like to see him do well since he's from the area. It was always cool talking with him. His parents still attend Akron games from time to time and are supportive of our team/players...great people. Keep the wins coming at UCSB. We need to help each other as best we can with RPI.

College sports teams are big business, and some coaches are cashing in No problem with Men's Basketball and Men's Soccer salaries, but football...is that really what Akron currently pays per year?

I agree that it is frustrating at times. I sit in the front row of the grandstands; so, when the Zips are attacking the east goal, I have a great view of DeAndre's play. The Zips should be getting the ball to him more often, and as much as I think Darren is a good player, I also think he's oftentimes looking out for Darren rather than the team. I know Caleb gives him a lot of praise, but I hope he also reinforces that team is #1 during the season. Just hang in there, though. I'm confident that DeAndre will get more chances.

The end of a streak suggests Caleb Porter might be mortal, but everyone should still fear Akron. Nice bi line / article I especially like the following... Teams like Akron are not built overnight. It takes a certain coach with foresight and determination to believe in his vision to accomplish what Porter has in so very few years. The streak of second half domination may be over, but his potential as a coach is just now starting to get tapped.

I think you miss the point. The travel for this game is not the same as the College Cup. More days are allotted for travel for the Cup. Also, at Akron, classes and exams are complete before the Cup. If you mean travel for the NCAA Tournament prior to the Cup, it's still not the same. Only 1 game is played each week during the tournament. Yes, the pressure is greater because of the one and done situation, but the travel is not as difficult. I totally disagree with taking a long trip like this midweek with weekend games on either end...not good mid-season strategy. I didn't play, and I'm exhausted from the trip. There are plenty of great teams in the East and Midwest much closer who can provide the challenge/atmosphere. I have no problem playing a tournament like at Northridge (maybe Irvine in the future), but not a midweek, 1-game trip.

I have to agree with you. It's tough enough to play 3 games in eight days but factor in the travel,time changes,and stress and you have a set up for potential poor performance. Hopefully they get refocused and ready for Saturday and the friendly confines of First Energy-Cub Cadet. I'm in absolute agreement. It's one thing to not shy away from anyone, but to travel to Western Michigan, return home, travel 2000 miles a few days later, play a game with no adjustment to the time difference, and then return home another 2000 miles to play a few days later is tough...especially for college student athletes who also have class work to do. I hope Caleb won't schedule like this again. Who cares about West Coast teams and their not being able to schedule well outside their region...Akron is my team and the only team about which I give a darn.