Zip_ME87

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).

It's not on TV other than Telefutura (is this on dish?). It's on ESPN3.com. I don't know why Fox Soccer Channel didn't choose to broadcast. It's at 10 pm ET, I believe (7 pm PT).

Steve Zakuani tweeted a few hours ago: "Just landed in LA! Here to support the US in their game vs Chile & more specifically @TealBunB" Wonder if Blair Gavin, Ben Zemanski, & Zarek Valentin are also attending given that the game is at the Home Depot Center, regular season home of Chivas USA?

D and Ampai to meet again in Southern Cali near UCSB The Earthquakes and Timbers are holding part of their training camps in Ventura, CA...just down the road from Santa Barbara. They have scheduled an exhibition match in Ventura, CA on Feb 7th according to the San Jose Mercury News. Chivas USA training camp report Valentin first practice

In my opinion, we're not seeing that. With all the chaotic substitutions, I don't know what team we're seeing on the floor. Sorry, I like KD (he's certainly much better than Hipsher and Crawford), but he's not above criticism.

Actually, it was Kofi Sarkodie. However, that doesn't really matter. I get and agree with your point, but in the case of Zips Men's Basketball, I think most of the blame falls on the Head Coach. Yes, the players have to perform, but I don't understand KD's lineups, such as Bardo and Zeke on the floor at the same time. I've also never liked the overused (in my opinion) substitutions. Can't he figure out who the 5 starters are and leave them on the floor when they're "hot" rather than pulling them in and out? Why is Cvetinovic allowed to "go crazy" at times and make stupid decisions, yet remain on the floor? Why isn't Egner getting minutes?

I dont think porter needs accolades to know he's the best college soccer coach right now. Numbers dont lie. I agree. Caleb doesn't need the NSCAA, either, to confirm that he is the best college soccer coach.

Coach Porter received the award last year, and like the Hermann Trophy voting, I believe that the voting for Coach of the Year is done prior to the College Cup. At that time, Louisville (Coach Lolla) was ranked #1. Personally, and from all of the accolades bestowed upon him by others in the "soccer world", Caleb should have been a repeat recipient.

It was an awesome event. Very well done. Thanks to the Athletics Department for ensuring that all of the 8 players who are leaving were there. It was great to be able to thank and congratulate everyone and to wish them well. For anyone who is interested (and can't wait until the Fall, like me)... when I asked, Caleb told me that the Spring (exhibition) schedule is set, and there will be 3 home games this year...Xavier, Cleveland State, and Maryland. [i don't know who the Zips are playing away.]

Awesome! Here's another good article...MLS Draft Recap (SBNation) DC United: Again, this is really about the one big name they had just fall in their lap, but they did get the player that many people have been calling the best all-around-player in the draft. Perry Kitchen is going to start, probably in the midfield, almost right away. He's going to make DC better. Chris Korb, his Akron teammate, came later in the second round, but adding two players from arguably the greatest men's college team in history can't be bad can it? The answer is "no," in case you were wondering.

What really matters, and all that I really want out of any "celebration is To tell the players who are leaving... THANKS for bringing us a National Championship. THANKS for coming to Akron. BEST WISHES for your future. I wish you MUCH SUCCESS. and those who are staying... See you in the Spring , at least for a few games, no matter where they are played, and I look forward to and will be there next season! Go Zips!

I have a friend in San Jose whom I try to visit at least once a year. I'll have to arrange my visit when the Earthquakes are home!

Korb to DC United...nice!

Wow. Thanks for posting that Zach.