Zip_ME87

Nice... MLSsoccer: When you decided to leave Akron, did you have any idea what would be happening for you just one year later? Has all this taken you by surprise at all or did you expect this to happen? Bunbury: After coming out of Akron, I wasn’t necessarily expecting to play with the national team, go on these trips and be pretty successful with all that in my first year. Obviously, I wanted things to happen, help my team play well and be given opportunities like this so I could prove myself. In a sense, it kind of came out of the blue. For the most part, I was just expecting to be able to improve my game as the year went on. MLSsoccer: Speaking of Akron, I’m sure you took a lot of pride in seeing them take the national championship. Bunbury: Without a doubt. Caleb Porter has been amazing there over the last five years and transformed that school into a powerhouse. When I was there, he always talked about dominant soccer. Watching the team, you can just tell how passionate they are when they play, and that comes from Caleb Porter and the other coaches. It’s great to be a part of that, and I’m very happy for the guys to win it. It was very much deserved.

PM the moderators. I think they made the change for Gamechanger44.

Pitt fires new coach Haywood

I saw that. It was great. Thank you Men's Soccer!

They are great guys who did us proud and who are proud to be Zips. If they do like Steve Zakuani has done, they'll continue to spread the word about Akron and how great it was to be a Zip. That could help with recruiting from MLS development teams around the country (and possibly Vancouver & Toronto). It also could get the word out to kids who participate in soccer camps where our guys might show up from the local MLS team. Having at least 5 and up to 7 Zips taken in one draft will provide Coach Porter with substantial evidence as to why a potential recruit should choose Akron, especially if Zips go 1-2-3 in this draft, or if 3 or more spots in the top 10 are Zips. Lastly, it will be noticed in the "soccer world", where it matters as far as future recruiting. I refuse to be negative about this. Next year is going to be more of a challenge for Coach Porter and staff than it would have been had fewer guys left for MLS. But, as I pointed out in another thread, I believe, we had 6 Freshman on the field at one time vs Virginia in the 2009 Championship game and they stayed right with the Cavaliers. It can be done. We have 4 starters remaining...thank you Scott Caldwell, David Meves, Darren Mattocks, and Chad Barson. Add to that Ben Speas who had significant playing time as a Freshman in 2009 (started a number of games, as I remember) and a decent amount of time in 2010 as well as experience in the 2009 and 2010 College Cups. (If you review the footage, I believe you'll see that Speas had a header save at the line of our goal vs Virginia that was as awesome as Chad Barson's save vs Louisville.) Eric Stevenson did a great job in the first game of the season scoring the first goal in 2010 vs North Carolina. Thomas Schmitt, Renaldo Brenes, and Michael Balogun also had significant minutes for us in 2010. Lastly, add in 3 redshirt freshmen and another great recruiting class (which is probably incomplete at this time), and I think our prospects look good for 2011. I'll also give a shoutout to Anthony Ponikvar who looked good subbing for an injured David Meves in the game at Northern Illinois in 2010. Without several great saves by Anthony, the Zips could have easily lost that game. (I'm sure I've forgotten to mention others and I apologize for that.)

As professional sports have become greedier, I have found that I care less and less for specific teams. It was great last season being able to cheer for Blair & Ben with Chivas, Teal with Kansas City, Steve with Seattle, and Sinisa with New York. It was actually more gratifying to cheer for our former players to do well than to root for any one team to win. January 13, 2011 will be a great day, hearing the names of our players and "The University of Akron" called so many times as each of them are drafted. Coach Porter should streak his hair for the occasion.

Yes. A mutual friend of his family confirmed that for me.

I didn't go back and research it, but if I remember correctly, in the 2009 Championship Game, in the 2nd half at one point 6 of our 11 players on the field vs Virginia were Freshman. Ben Speas Scott Caldwell Chad Barson David Meves Zarek Valentin Yoram Mwila I believe Caldwell played most of the 2nd half in place of Ampai, but Mwila wasn't in very long. My point is that Caleb, Jared, Oliver, and Liam have a lot of work to do to make up for losing 7 starters, but it's not impossible to do well with young talent.

Congratulations to Darlington, Kofi, Michael, Zarek, and Perry. The January 13th draft is going to be fun hearing "The University of Akron" called out so often, and watching MLS in 2011 will be awesome. Much better than NBA playoffs and MLB. I would think that this would help Caleb's recruiting, being able to point to all of these players who received GA contracts from his team. Next season may be a little rough compared to 2009 and 2010, but we have a lot of great talent remaining and a great incoming class. Darren and McKauly were added "late" last year, and I look for Caleb to find a few more blue chip players to add to those we've already heard. Where's my season ticket renewal? GO ZIPS!

My wife and I really like the McKnights. My Phil favorite was at BG last year when Phil and the BG fans across the floor engaged in a shout fest. It went on for some time before a loud voice from the BG side told him to shut up. Phil shouted back "you don't know me" back across the court at him. I never heard another word from the BG fans. Keep in mind that this was at BG where Akron fans were out numbered by about 40 to 1. We still laugh about it. GET WELL PHIL !! I was there, too...it was great. Thanks for reminding me. For me, the best was when I first met Phil and his wife in Portland waiting to get in to see the Zips first NCAA Tourney appearance in 23 years. I left the earlier session before it was over because there was only 30 minutes allotted between sessions, and I wanted to be near the front of the line to get back in to see the Zips. That hour+ waiting in line sure went fast talking to the McKnights and Daryll Roberts' family. I wish Phil the best as well.

College Soccer is bigger in the sense that there are far more teams, i can tell you that. Attendance wise, I'm not 100% sure but I have to think Ice Hockey outdraws Soccer easily. I do know that OSU has the largest Arena (Value City, 17,500) but it's not specifically made for hockey and never comes close to full (been to a game that had less people than an Akron Club Hockey match). Though perhaps my fav. arena in college sports is Ralph Englestad Arena in North Dakota. The place is a palace and a good example of how big hockey is in some areas. I also love how the person who funded it said he would stop the funding if the school ever changed their name from the "Fighting Sioux". To make sure they didn't, the arena has the logo engraved in every seat, in marble in various places, and on every possible surface. It's great. But if you look at a few areas (Michigan, New England, Minnesota, etc.) you see how big Hockey is. Soccer has the potential to be bigger though. If this were to happen, Mock Draft (Zips projected as 6 of top 10 picks), Akron would certainly gain more attention.

Wow, what an MLS draft this would be! 6 of the top 10 picks from the Zips.

Phil could be visiting Europe. I believe Chris & Brett have an older brother who coaches basketball in England...can't remember the team. At any rate, I've missed Phil around the JAR as well. I hope to see him now that Brett is playing again.

This can't be halftime of the Michigan semi-final. The score was 1 - 1 at half.

Merry Christmas to all and yes I got everything that I wanted for Christmas on December 12th. Thank you Zips' Men's Soccer...I can't say thank you enough. Looking forward to the spring schedule and all of the additional MLS games that will interest me next season. Nice shoutout by Steve Zakuani and retweet by Teal Bunbury: "stevezakuani11 Shout out to the Akron boys who signed with MLS - D, Kofi, Nanchoff, Zarek - see you in the league! Maybe Seattle? " (http://twitter.com/TealBunB)

Not quite. If you read the link I posted, Proposition 62 allows players to earn up to $2000 working during the academic year (in addition to their ability to work during the summer). All I was noting was that prior to Proposition 62, players were always allowed to work during the summer.

It is against NCAA rules. Proposition 62 has allowed student-athletes to work during the school year since 1998. Furthermore, they have been allowed to work in the summer. "The new Proposition 62 goes into effect on August 1998. It should be made clear that without it, players had the ability to work in the summer which some people may argue was enough. "

20 MLSers called into Bradley's January camp EDIT: From Sporting KC's website

What if he has no access to any money? Have you ever not had a dime to your name and no chance to go out and make any? I'm not saying that is the case with him, but there are guys playing college football around the country who grew up in shacks and have zero money. Universities are making millions off of these players and they don't have enough money to take a girl out on a date. There is something wrong with that in my mind. Yeah, let's start paying players and ensuring that the BCS has even more control over College sports. How are the universities whose Athletic Departments already struggle supposed to get the funding to compete with the BCS in paying players? I'm sorry, but given the cost of tuition these days, a scholarship is ample compensation for playing. Are any of the suspended players non-scholarship players?

I'm with you, w00t. I want an Akron player in Columbus so that I can drive less than 2 hours to see him play professionally numerous times throughout the year, or I can watch on ONN numerous times throughout the season from the comfort of my living room. The obsession on this board over OSWho (and Can't) astounds me. Don't we get enough in the newspaper and on tv. Why even bring them up? folks say they hate them, but then they give them accolades by even mentioning them.

Well said. Previously mentioned Stevenson will be in the mix as well. Not to mention Trapp, Gallego, and Yedlin who are coming in as Freshmen and should compete for time. Not only that but recall that Mattocks and Tulloch were both very late adds to last years class. Who knows what Porter has up his sleeve for this year's class. It's definitely not a matter of whether or not we will be good next year... just how good. As I understand it, David Murrow is still planning to attend UA in the Spring. That should be a huge help to him to get time in the Spring (exhibition) season and not be totally new in the Fall.

Just saw this as well...not a complete shocker but definitely good news for the younger Zips/incoming freshmen who will now get an earlier chance to prove themselves. Also, congrats to Kofi and Darlington. Generation Adidas is a great program, and unlike other sports' athletes that leave early, at least these two will still have scholarships waiting for them should they choose to return and finish school. Can you imagine if the NBA had a similar setup? Kofi and Darlington, We would love for you to play your senior years, but your departure is not unanticipated. You both are ready. Good luck with all endeavors! Long suffering Zips will not forget what you have done for us. You will never pick up the check in this town. Akron will always love you. Absolutely, CONGRATULATIONS to Kofi and Darlington. You will be missed in Akron, but I will follow you in the pros as I have done with Steve, Blair, Teal, Ben, and Sinisa. With Chris & Ampai being invited to the Combine, the list is getting long. I agree, Zarek, please stay at least 1 more year. We need you. GA will still be there next year, and you'll be closer to completing your degree. Even though the GA deal provide for completing your degree, it's still difficult to get back into completing your studies once you take an "extended break".

Zach, I'm not sure you know exactly what you're talking about. I believe that Hartwick competes in Division I [Men's] soccer, but is D-III for everything else. Perhaps I don't understand what you mean by "The NCAA doesn't not allow split-divisional institutions any more." Perhaps you should check your facts, especially ones close to home [MAC], before making"old guy" comments to anyone.

It really doesn't matter what any of us think as far as LeBron's tweet. He took a moment to recognize a great team that worked very hard to put Akron on the map. If the players appreciate it, then I'm glad he did it. Go Zips!

Ha, I would guess based on political party that Brown has a much better shot at accomplishing this. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the NCAA Champs always receive the invite. Virginia was at the WH last year, I'm almost positive. Anyone else remember? Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't think it's automatic for the Soccer Champions. Virginia went as part of a larger event that included numerous NCAA teams. (EDIT: I don't think they do this every year, or at least I can't find evidence that they do.) UVA invited to WH