Zip_ME87

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

Great find. Here is a pdf of Senate Resolution 701 (111th Congress)...hope this works:

Awesome, well-deserved article. Thanks for posting.

Nice to read the positive comments. Also, interesting tidbit that the only other MAC school to have a team national championship (1964 & '65 Cross Country) is Western Michigan, in Kalamazoo, hometown of Coach Porter.

Thanks for the link GoZips. I've watched these guys a lot over the past 2 seasons, and they have always come across as outstanding people. A couple of things that really struck me during the time in Santa Barbara: 1) Nothing made me happier than seeing our players so happy holding that trophy and celebrating with each other. I thought about how they don't get much time off from their sport. There's our Spring exhibition games, some of them compete with the US Men's developmental teams, and most of them compete with other developmental teams during the summer. Lots of hard work which led to a well-deserved National Championship. I couldn't be happier for any team! 2) After the Zips defeated Michigan, many of our players and our players' families embraced a number of Michigan players as they exited the field. As Chad later pointed out after defeating Louisville, these guys play together at other levels of soccer competition and know and respect each other. It's a great feeling being the Champions, but it feels even better being Great (respectful) Champions. Kudos to our team and our fans who showed Louisville and Michigan respect following both games.

Thanks Meatwad. That's an awesome video! I can't get enough of seeing those guys celebrate.

Steve Zakuani Amazing! Well done Akron on winning the National Championship! Great school/team/coach - much deserved! 6:17 PM Dec 12th via web You're not wrong Drew! RT @DrewFromTV Akron, OH is Title Town USA now that the Zips are nat'l soccer champs. Steve Zakuani must be happy. 1:11 PM Dec 13th via web Proud of you Ampai! RT @AnthonyAmpai Still hasn't hit me yet that we are bringing Akron their first National Championship 2:01 PM Dec 13th via web Drew Carey (part owner of the Seattle Sounders) Akron, OH is now Title Town, USA now that the Zips are nat'l soccer champs. Steve Zakuani must be happy. 8:23 AM Dec 13th via Twitter for iPhone Ben Zemanski AKRON ZIPS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPS! Congrats boys! 6:21 PM Dec 12th via TweetDeck (I don't know how to link direct to the specific tweets; so, the links will likely only work for a few days)