Zip_ME87

I trust your "very reliable source" over a random live chat posting. So, is Gallego coming or no? Anyone? Here it is: Kinnelon Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Congrats Crew8. If I read this correctly, the Akron chapter has enough members to be an official chapter. I'm glad that I could help. http://twitter.com/AmericanOutlaws "Congrats to Brooklyn for becoming Official AO Chapter. Waiting on Minneapolis & Akron for their App but have enough, & Buffalo almost there!"

Teal BOONBOOREE shirts

Sounder at Heart also confirms DeAndre Yedlin NLI

According to the attached pdf of the Fall 2002 Alumni Magazine (blue box on page 27), a Men's Soccer trip to Spain occurred in August 2003. I admit that I had lost touch with Zips sports when I lived out of state and didn't start following again until 2005. Does anyone remember the referenced trip occurring (when Lolla was HC)? EDIT: attachment failed; try this link: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=...6dg&cad=rja

I will echo the sentiment that this is AWESOME! I could barely contain myself when I first heard it from my source (which is reliable), but many thanks for the confirmation.

+1000 I keep searching all over the internet to actually find a schedule that reads "Real Madrid (reserves) vs Akron Zips" March xx, 2011.

Many thanks RowdyZip!

I heard about the trip to Spain about 2 weeks ago, but didn't have a link or the full info. Thanks for posting this!

Perry Kitchen on Comcast Sports Net Washington, DC

+10 Also: There is a long standing, if not widely known, soccer tradition @ Akron. The roots are as deep here as any place in America. Ask not how did this happen; rather ask what took so long? Good points.

Regardless of whether or not folks understand the size of The University of Akron, I love all of the "press" that we are getting. Here's another article from Chivas USA Training Camp about Zarek Valentin, where Caleb Porter and The University of Akron are mentioned a few times.

Pictures please!

Zakuani and Bunbury would be awesome! (+ Perry Kitchen would be even more awesome!)

Ampaipitakwong is easy to pronounce; it only looks intimidating. However, the San Jose announcer could have a mouthful with Ampaipitakwong to Wondolowski.

Steve Zakuani goal during training camp.

I don't understand how Oregon State and the U of Oregon can be 1. and 2. when Ohio State and Cincy are already 1. and 2. I think the rankings are within their respective states.

Kind of in answer to your musings, ZIP... Agudelo and Bunbury "In Bunbury’s case, it was Caleb Porter’s college soccer factory at the University of Akron that prepped him for MLS and the US National Team. The path represents a bit of the “old” ways of MLS, as Bunbury entered the League through the draft with all of its quirky American-ness. It’s a system that hasn’t yet outlived it’s usefulness - despite talk that its influence is waning - thanks in part to the type of success Porter is having at Akron. The Zips just won their first national championship in 2010 and show no signs of slowing down as the new power of collegiate soccer. As long as Porter sticks around, the school should continue to churn out stars. Before Bunbury, Akron produced speedy Sounders winger Steve Zakuani. This year, the Zips supplied five of the first eight players selected at the 2011 edition of the SuperDraft. An Akron wave is in full swing, with Bunbury at its forefront. Porter has proven that he has an eye for talent and a knack for developing it. MLS will reap the benefits as long as he can keep it going. Bunbury, now a National Team prospect and seemingly on the verge of a breakout year with Sporting Kansas City, is the natural poster boy for the continued relevance of college soccer in general terms. He's also the standard bearer for the influx of Akron talent in more specific ones."

Portland Timbers: Caleb Porter Talks about "The Best I've Seen in College as a Coach"

Whitecaps Getting to know more about midfielder Michael Nanchoff Edit: Not a bad place to train...

On the timing of the Soccer celebration, I have to credit UA for doing the best they could. With the timing of the College Cup, Christmas break, the MLS Combine, and the start of MLS training camps, there really was no other day to schedule the celebration that would have allowed the MLS-drafted players to be part of the celebration. As it was, Kofi was unable to stick around for the autograph session because he had to catch a flight. IMHO, the best way to celebrate is to show up this Spring and next season at as many games as possible. Pack Lee Jackson Field and support our team.

My new ringtone, thanks. +1

Yeah, I was one of those Zips fans who went nuts! Thanks for posting about the watch party. It was great to finally meet you as well as other folks (Outlaws and non-Outlaws). Besides, I needed a beer after that ugly win at the JAR. Edit: Interesting video from Telefutura:

That sounds like fun. A friend and I will likely join you. The timing is perfect (after BGSU game at the JAR).