TheTank123

Is he left footed?

Very cool. First time I've seen it in writing that he is staying. That would have been a lot of goals to replace.

Genovese: http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339064 His 800m at State http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339670 His 4x400m at State (has the anchor leg) Wow. Genovese definitely has wheels. Remember that Gabriel’s stepfather is Michael King, 3-time all-America forward at Farleigh-Dickinson and 20+ year veteran of professional indoor soccer. I believe King was drafted by the Cleveland Force in 1987. Check this out: Souders player of the year, Trapp and Yedlin both receive All-American honors.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession. Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's? 2009 was a basic 4-4-2 formation, perhaps a 4-4-1-1. The wing backs routinely overlapped into the offensive third, just as they continued to do in 2010. That is the style Porter teaches. Zemanski and Gavin, both holding midfielders, were singularly and unbelievably replaced by Kitchen, a freshman. Formation recognizably changed to 4-1 (Kitchen) –3– 1 (Nagbe)–1 (Mattocks). I like this formation because of the clear-cut and distinct responsibilities of each position. This was only made possible by the work rate, soccer acumen, and physical toughness of Perry Kitchen. Although perhaps not the best player on 2010 champions (I love saying that), Kitchen is the heart of that team. On a predominantly finesse oriented team, Kitchen is the only enforcer. He will not easily be replaced. God, I hope he remains a Zip one more year. Awesome, thank you very much. It's becoming more and more apparent that Kitchen was the key to this team.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession. Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

Anyone have a link to anything about the kids who didn't start last year? It's obviously going to be a big rebuilding effort but those kids wouldn't be at Akron if they weren't good.

My thoughts on those leaving: Kofi and Darlington will leave. Nano will not go, no real offers for him. Mattocks def will not leave, Porter will tell him he is not ready and I truely feel our players respect his thoughts on their development (just look who Porter has guided to the pros and their success). Porter will tell Kitchen he needs to stay for one more year to develop a little more but I feel he may ignore and leave anyway, I have seen Kitchen's father talking it up at games with the scouts. Before Kitchen decides to leave or not he should have a talk with Amobi Okugo who was a freshman last year at UCLA and left for the MLS. He has not done much this year besides polish the bench of the 2800 mins Philly played Okugo played roughly 400 mins. I know he gets to train with great players but there is no substitute for game action. Valentin will leave, I think he is more soccer oriented and not very academic like some of the other players. Now in all honesty I dont worry about loosing Valentin. On interviews with Porter he consistenly regards Barson as his linchpin of the defense. I have never seen the kid mess up (and as I have said before I was a past defender and I watch them closely!). The team voted Barson the defensive MVP last year and well this year I am sure he will get it again. Valentin, although very good, makes terrible choices at times and has had to many to count passes directly to the other team, ie Cal vs Akron. If we lost Barson to the Crew (homegrown player) then I would be worried. In all: Korb = graduated Ampi = graduated Kofi = gone Darlington = gone Valentin = gone Kitchen = gone Mattocks = stays Nano = stays Barson = stays I will say that I am excited to start building new teams every year and still being competitive. Sure if all our guys stayed we would win again next year but lets make it interesting!!! Knowing what I do about the guys coming in, the defense is not going to be the problem, as long as the transition isn't too difficult. Although we can replace Ampai with Trapp, losing Darlington is going to be a huge hole to fill. I was, however, very impressed with how Speas played when he got in at the end of the championship game...Balogun looked to be able to contribute as well. It will be interesting to see how some of the bench players respond to getting more minutes.

I'm a moron.

I can't wait to see what kind of gems he pulls internationally.

Times change. Plus, really? The Zips haven't gained any notoriety because of the soccer team? Take any notoriety the basketball or football team has, multiply it by 18 and you still aren't getting anywhere near the notoriety of the soccer team. Every soccer fan in the country knows who Akron is, whether it be because of the national championship or because of multiple MLS players. I would bet your average NFL or NBA fan couldn't name a single player from Akron (aside from Jason Taylor and I'd be surprised if they knew he went there). Trust me, out here in Boston, MA no one is impressed with the basketball or football team. It's all soccer, all the time.

This is an amazing -- and valuable statement: The university also agreed to devote $80,000 ''in additional compensation'' to help him help UA President Luis Proenza promote the university ''locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.'' Probably -- no, surely that's an understatement (sorry Shirley) -- Caleb is now the most famous person associated with the university, and his notoriety (let's wait a bit before calling it "fame") provides a platform to not only promote the university, but to increase it's global presence. His time and energy are going to be overtaxed by all the requests for his presence, but his employer is, The University of Akron. Or for those who prefer, Akron U. My first thought: Money to scout internationally!

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though. As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards. If he leaves early he is absolutely GA. Let's just hope he doesn't. Nice artile on Zarek...still undecided if he is leaving: http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7201

Thanks JZ! The Scuttlebutt in the discussion shows how difficult is for Americans to get work permits in Europe/UK. MLS has to be happy about that. Excellent point, Z.I.P. I assume that if you impress enough in your "trial", the club will do as much as they can to help you clear the administrative hurdles. BTW, if anyone votes for "other" and has someone in particular in mind I'm sure we'd all be curious to know who it might be. Summoning Tank and Bisbee in 3-2-1... God I can't wait for the new season to start!!!

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though. As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards. If he leaves early he is absolutely GA. Let's just hope he doesn't.

I only recently "joined" the program (nephew will be on the squad next year) but have to say I'm incredibly impressed with the outpouring of support. It's clear that the area embraces the team and vice versa. I can't wait to catch my first game at LJF then head over to the Barley House (we went there when we were visiting schools with him..the sweet potato fries are a work of art) and celebrate. Here's to 2010 and an even better 2011!!!!

Gallego, Trapp and Yedlin will all start as freshman. They wouldn't have come if they weren't. Nobody is guaranteed playing time. If they want to start as freshmen, they will have to earn it by beating out current players. No one is guaranteed anything but for at least one of the players it has been "suggested" that if he keeps playing at the same level he will be starting come the fall. Just look at where they play. Ampai is gone, Trapp just happens to play that number 10 CAM position. Valentin/Kitchen are probably gone, Gallego happens plays CB. Kofi is gone, Yedlin just happens to play RB. Believe me, these kids came to Akron for the soccer development and to push their pro careers forward. It's hard to do that from the bench. Plus, Porter has worked with these three numerous times with the U18 MNT. He knows exactly what he is getting.

Gallego, Trapp and Yedlin will all start as freshman. They wouldn't have come if they weren't.

That tournament sounds like a way to get California exposure without playing the big boys yet. The key to this team staying successful is keeping homegrown talent, of which Ohio has plenty, and cherry picking from the other regions. Next year is OH, NJ, TX and WA...so far :-)

So let me get this straight. Since Chad Johnson wanted to play soccer, all American soccer players are as good of athletes as Chad Johnson. Kansas City (over half of their players are not from the United States) beats Manchester United in a "friendly contest". I'm sure this game was more like a preseason baseball game than a real game. If being able to run a long way makes one in great shape and better shape than people who play other sports, then marathon runners must be the greatest athletes in the world and not NBA players? Sorry bobbyake, your facts are weak at best and prove little. Here is how I see it. Chad Johnson is a world class athlete and probably ran circles around the little kids on the pitch (what a stupid name). At some point there was no challenge to it so he challenged himself with better athletes. Those athletes were playing football and not soccer. See preseason game analogy for KC vs ManU. Running and bouncing a ball off of your head while collapsing in pain after nobody touches you doesn't make one a great athlete. In Europe, great athletes are playing soccer...In the US, great athletes like Chad Johnson are playing football, basketball and some play baseball. I think I speak for everyone here when I say GTFO. No one cares if you don't like soccer. Go tell Sarkodie or Nagbe or Kitchen they aren't good athletes. "Chad Johnson is a world class athlete and probably ran circles around the little kids on the pitch (what a stupid name). At some point there was no challenge to it so he challenged himself with better athletes. Those athletes were playing football and not soccer" Just world class stupidity right there.

Anyone know if this will be televised?

Tank, Good to have the Yedlin ohana ("family" to the non-Hawaiian reader) aboard the SS Akron Express. I haven't found a lot of info about young DeAndre, but apparently he has played on several occasions with fellow 2011 recruit Will Trapp of Columbus Crew Academy. Do the boys have a bet on tonight's US Open Cup Final between their clubs? I also noticed that DeAndre was a grappler at O'Day HS. In fact he was in the 104 pound class at the 2008 Washington regional championships. I hope he's put on a bit of weight, if he wants to compete in the rough and tumble of NCAA soccer. His wrestling background may come in handy however, when the boys from Columbus (meaning not the Crew, but rhyming, OSWho) take the pitch along with the Zips. What spot in the back line does DeAndre line up at? Has he any experience at the MF? Best wishes to DA. Hope Caleb schedules a trip home for him the next four years. I'll be there. Funny you should ask. Before the Sounders he played for Crossfire Premier as a right wing. He went to the U-18 National Camp in Carson, CA over the holidays and that's where he met Porter. The coaches moved him to right back during camp and he apparently did well at the position. He plays a holding midfield role on his current team but sees time at RB whenever national scouts are in attendance. I have often thought he would make a good RB because of his outstanding quickness, speed, and acceleration. He also has an uncanny ability to make runs forward which you all know Kofie has in abundance. He went to Europe with the SuperElite team this summer and that's what his European coaches thought was his best asset, saying he had a "spark" for getting forward. And as to his size, let's put it this way: My first destination after getting my driver's license was McDonald's. His first destination? The gym so he could get a workout in.

Just wanted to stop by and say hi. I am a member of DeAndre's family. He is incredibly excited to be joining a program that has so many loyal fans. One thing though: he will be taking over for Kofie, not Ampai :-)

A little bird told me he's actually the heir apparent to Kofie...