Zip_ME87

Looking forward to seeing these four new guys with us in the spring. https://gozips.com/news/2019/1/15/akron-mens-soccer-announces-four-member-early-2019-signing-class.aspx Henrique Cruz Will Jackson Grant Abbott Johnny Fitzgerald

Congratulations to Marco Micaletto.

Might as well start this, and we can add to it when we have more information. We/I have not seen the Spring schedule yet, but I for one cannot wait to see our team back in action. I'm especially interested to see who steps up to potentially replace Ben Lundt and Abdi Mohamed as starters. Of course, we're still awaiting the official announcement of our 2019 recruiting class. Although, for 2019, the Soccer signing period began November 14, 2018, our coaches and team were a little busy at the time. Very much looking forward to reading about the talented players who will be joining our championship caliber program.

Diogo Pacheco is back in Akron.

Latest list of 2019 commitments from Top Drawer Soccer https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer/college-soccer-details/men/akron/clgid-438/tab-commitments Grant Abbott, GK, Decatur, Illinois, St. Louis FC Henrique Cruz, MF, New Jersey, Cedar Stars Academy John Fitzgerald, MF, Tallahassee, Florida, Barca Academy Will Jackson, MF, Hudson, Ohio, Internationals SC (OH) Cameron Victor, GK, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Internationals SC (OH) Natnael McDonald, MF, Georgia, Atlanta United Jaden Wright, F, Lorain, Ohio, Internationals SC (OH)

Bringing this here from the 2018 recruiting thread...

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2019/01/12/meet-fc-cincinnatis-newest-goalkeepers-ben-lundt-and-jimmy-hague/2556713002/

Watching Chelsea v Newcastle. I still get chills whenever I hear The University of Akron mentioned (talking about DeAndre, ~69th minute) on an English Premier League broadcast. All Star in his 2 seasons at Seattle; also had a stint at The University of Akron... Go Zips!!!

Enjoying life. By the way, it was great to see Jake in Santa Barbara...especially hanging with our current players (not on game roster) in the stands. Once a Zip; Always a Zip!!!

Thanks. “Cincinnati was the team I was hoping for,” Lundt said. “I’m really happy that I get to stay in Ohio. It really became home for me." I'm glad Ben is staying in Ohio, too. I hope Ben and Abdi can each make their team's roster.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/11/2019-mls-superdraft-grades FC Cincinnati GRADE: A+ It was a strong day for the expansion team, which made headlines by bringing in five picks from the Philadelphia Union and also going out to get LAFC’s first-round pick. Not only did FC Cincinnati recoup some of that allocation in a trade with the Red Bulls, they made their younger roster and deeper. Frankie Amaya has plenty to prove but adds an attacking edge to central midfield. Logan Gdula boosts their right back depth and looks nearly-pro ready. Toss in Tommy McCabe, a young central midfielder that has experience with the U.S. Under-17 national team, and if one of Jimmy Hague or Ben Lundt can slot in at goalkeeper, and it’s a very good day for the new franchise. Draft summary: Traded first-round pick (No. 16 overall) and second-round pick (No. 25 overall) to RBNY for $100,000 in General Allocation Money Frankie Amaya (Round 1, #1) Logan Gdula (Round 1, #13) Tommy McCabe (Round 2, #29) Jimmy Hague (Round 2, #30) Ben Lundt (Round 2, #37) New York City FC GRADE: C Trading up to add Luis Barraza seemed like a bit too early for the Marquette goalkeeper, who was the Big East goalkeeper of the Year in 2018. Abdi Mohamed likely faces long odds for a roster spot. If he does, he needs to find a path to playing time, there’s a chance he can continue to develop and emerge as an MLS-caliber right back. Draft summary: Traded first-round pick (No. 19 overall), $75,000 in General Allocation Money to LA Galaxy for No. 12 overall Luis Barraza (Round 1, #12) Abdi Mohamed (Round 2, #43) Hopefully, Ben and Abdi can make the most of the MLS pre-season. Being Akron players, both are accustomed to hard work.

Abdi Mohamed to NYCFC at #43. (Round 2, #19)