TheTank123

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet! Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect. Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football. The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th. Funny you should ask. I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15. Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that. Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer. I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches. There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad. Awesome man, thanks for the update. I have seen Trapp play previously and I do believe he was wearing one then as well. Could be just a precautionary measure. How did the other transfers look (Quinn and Walls)? The one I think was Quinn (tall and skinny) lost possession and seemed a bit off form. I am not sure Walls was there at all. Keep in mind there is no program to consult when watching a players-only practice. I identified who I could while simultaneously keeping my ornery daughters out of trouble. All the drills were at ¾ speed, if that. On the other hand, everyone knows who Yedlin is. If you read above, like everyone else, I have high expectations for Sarkodie's replacement. Barson was barking at him a bit about opening to the field and making the first touch count for more. I interpret this as a sign that Yedlin is already considered a starter and that Barson is not concerned about hurting his confidence whatsoever. I wish I could have stayed longer, but my girls were getting restless. In some ways, I enjoy watching practices more than I like matches. And therein lies the exact reason he wanted to come here. This is the only college in the country that good players get better.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet! Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect. Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football. The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th. Funny you should ask. I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15. Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that. Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer. I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches. There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad. Awesome man, thanks for the update. I have seen Trapp play previously and I do believe he was wearing one then as well. Could be just a precautionary measure. How did the other transfers look (Quinn and Walls)?

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet! Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect. Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football. The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

I don't think he'll go at this time. I feel like whoever gets it this time, is only keeping the seat warm... Don't worry about Porter leaving any time soon. He will need to become a successful professional coach before he's in the running for any full time USMNT gig.

DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders) - is lightning fast. He has absolute blinding speed. Kofi who? Zip fans don't love him too much; he might not be at Akron as long as Kofi Sarkodie. He is very slight and he'll need to be stronger to battle the older and more physical developed college players. He's a player to keep an eye on. Aw, c'mon. He can't be THAT good. If so, how did USYNT coaches miss him? Looking forward to seeing DeAndre' and meeting with Tank and Bizbee in a month. Apparently, some decent BBQ in Northridge, though I'm looking forward to the barbacoa in E LA. Mmmmmm, borrego delicioso!. Haha, the meeting is going to be a lot more pleasant if DeA does what he needs to do to secure a starting spot. We all know how much Porter subs ;-)

Already posted.

My guesses, UCSB away on October 5th and Wake Forest at home on October 29thAgreed. Only thing that might make it different is that FSC likes to broadcast Friday night games and the UCSB game is on a Wednesday.

Actually there has been just one Akron soccer player who played a year and left for the MLS. But you're right, women could not play on the men's soccer team or in a men's professional leagueWell, I don't think we'll be able to definitively answer this one, simply because Don Garber will never allow it to be answered. Could Abby Wambach play in MLS? How about Hope Solo? I think Abby would make Chivas USA a better team right now -- sheez, do they need scoring! And, she's as big as many MLS forwards, taller than Darlington Nagbe, e.g.As far as personal knowledge goes, I have seen one US Women's National Team player, two-time Olympic gold medalist Natasha Kai (now with Philadelphia in WPS) play practice and friendly games with the Hawaii women's team against older men players from the Oahu Island Soccer league -- many of whom have college experience, and Tasha more than held her own -- she was the best player on the field. Not exactly MLS caliber, but good men's ballers nonetheless. I think Tasha could compete against US minor league men's players. And I think the other USWNT players could too. And for that matter the WNBA all-stars or an Olympic team could give a team of NBA D-League players a run for their money. Would probably lose out on account of pure size, but if there were a height limit, it would be a close one.Z.I.P. I gotta disagree with you. The D-League team would run the WNBA team out of the gym. Geno Auriemma was on a radio show during UCONN's undefeated streak and they brought up a poll conducted on a local papers website. 30 percent of respoe'd lose by 50"ndents said the UCONN women's team would beat the men's team and his response was something to the effect of "30 percent of people must not be very smart."

Not even close. Soccer is a sport where the ball can do the work for you, reducing the influence of size/speed. They would absolutely destroy a high school team.

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.This was my exact prediction! If two people guessed it, that means it will certainly be true! I agree with your thoughts on Walls and think they apply to Holmes too. If you have only one season left of eligibility and you are starting at your school, why would you transfer if you don't expect to start? Because honestly, in Porter's system, to not start is really to not play, he doesn't like to rely on excessive substitutions. These guys are trying to get big attention by being at a big program in their last seasons so that they have a shot at the pros, and they're not going to get that shot from the bench.I agree with point about transfer eligibility. There is no reason for upperclassmen to transfer except for guaranteed starting spot. That likely ensures that Quinn and Walls start. Holmes definitely starts no matter how you slice it. He is that good. I agree with lineup you two propose, and you are very likely correct. However, suppose this Barrett is something special up top. Hard to believe Porter is bringing in another Jamaican forward just to sit bench. Otherwise, why not Tulloch? That would move Holmes back to his more natural position of AMid.Mattocks – FBarrett, Chiu? - FHolmes – MTrapp – MCaldwell – MHere is where it gets dicey!Balogun, Bonilla, Brenes, Portillos, Quinn, Walls? – MMayer, Afsarifard? - DBarson – DGallego - D Yedlin – DPersonally, I like Balogun at D rather than M.As much as I hate to mention it, Speas’ departure at least makes more sense now. I will know much more once I watch practice, providing I have the time, and providing they allow it.What is with all these GKs? Meves is officially on notice!I can pretty much guarantee you Mayer is the starter at LB. You don't bring in LB's from English academies and expect them to compete for PT with a kid who only made 9 appearances as with Loyola Marymount.I can envision them using Balogun in place of Speas as the "supersub" type player. I do not know anything about his defensive abilities, but obviously I'm hoping he doesn't get the start at RB ;-)

Why do you say that?

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.

With a championship program and a positive Learning Environment both on & off the field at UA, Porter will continue to attract STUDENT-Athletes. 1. STUDENT-Athletes are able to garner Academic grants to complement partial scholarships. 2. Transfers are willing to leverage Student Loans & partial scholarships for the opportunity to be noticed at a high level here. 3. We are now in the position to do what the ACC schools have done within the NCAA system for yearsjohnnyzip84, SouthernRoo has provided the same answers I would have. The appropriate petition to the NCAA is to increase 9.9 scholarships to at least a full team.Yeah, the 9.9 thing is a joke. I won't get into the specific numbers but DeAndre was a partial with a lot of financial aid money.

Pretty sure Bisbee and I will be there.

And the same in game three vs New Zealand. Perhaps the most unwatchable game I've ever struggled to watch. Both teams knew going in that a draw would advance them (though the US controlled much of the possession). So neither made much effort to score. Two teams packing it in like UNC in the 09 semifinal. Yikes. Not sure who USA plays next, but I'm not expecting to see Souders on the field. Mobi Fehr does a pretty good job, and takes free kicks on set pieces -- I guess that's his advantage. Go sign him Caleb. I really like McIntosh, the US keeper. Completely in charge. As I said before, Caleb... They play Germany who has looked like an absolute wrecking ball so far. The youth talent level in that country is scary. Just out of curiosity -- are DeAndre, Trapp and Gallego eligible for the U17 team? They would have had to turn 18 before 1 Jan 2011 to be ineligible. They are too old. I thought the rule was (effectively), that if they did not turn 18 before 1 Jan 2011 they were eligible for the 17s Age Group. That's the way the USYSA works, I'm almost positive. And all three of the guys have their 18th BD in 2011. Happy 18th to DeA in two weeks. I'm not entirely sure why but they are too old. There are 93's out there like Luis Gil who would absolutely be on the team if he could be. Edit: Ripped from the FIFA U17 World Cup 2011 rulebook: All players in competition must be born on or after January 1st, 1994.

And the same in game three vs New Zealand. Perhaps the most unwatchable game I've ever struggled to watch. Both teams knew going in that a draw would advance them (though the US controlled much of the possession). So neither made much effort to score. Two teams packing it in like UNC in the 09 semifinal. Yikes. Not sure who USA plays next, but I'm not expecting to see Souders on the field. Mobi Fehr does a pretty good job, and takes free kicks on set pieces -- I guess that's his advantage. Go sign him Caleb. I really like McIntosh, the US keeper. Completely in charge. As I said before, Caleb... They play Germany who has looked like an absolute wrecking ball so far. The youth talent level in that country is scary.

Not sure what you mean by this. Speas is from Stow; so, he has spent a lot more than 2 years in the Akron area. Comparing UNC to Akron. UNC has the prettier surrounding area, nicer weather, all that stuff. My point was that I don't think Speas was looking to transfer until something happened that made him transfer vs waking up one day and saying "I hate this place" and deciding to leave.

Keep the faith. Look at it this way...in my estimation, Speas would have stayed if he had started. I simply can't believe that a kid who thought he would have a chance to start would up and leave the defending national champions. There had to be something that pushed him over the edge. He had already spent two years in Akron (which is everyone's biggest knock against the school) so it's not like he wasn't used to it.

He should help the team GPA Maybe. I haven't heard enough to figure out whether he's from the Ivy league or South America. Both are possibilities at this point. I'd have to think Colombia. I feel like if you make the choice to go to Columbia to play soccer you are more interested in the education/NYC aspect of it than being a great soccer player.

He should help the team GPA

If true, then I feel really badly for Ben. There can't possibly be any guarantee at UNC of being a starter... not at any school playing to their/our level. I like Ben and want to see him become a pro soccer player someday. Jumping from Akron to UNC is more likely to hinder his prospects than to help them. Best wishes to him; I hope it's not a move that he comes to regret. I was looking for Ben Speas and Chad Barson to make me a Crew fan (when they become pro players for the Crew). Oh well, Chad will be reason enough, but it would be better with multiple Akron alumni. GO ZIPS! Yeah. I certainly don't know the situation behind his leaving but losing a player of his caliber (at least from what I saw last year) has to be tough for any coach.

What sport does he play? He's listed as a guard haha Also, that says "Freshman", but he has played in college for 3 years?! I thought that meant goalkeeper. Did we have a BB teammate of his a few yrs ago (Wauwatosa East HS)? Or was that West? I thought he was a goalkeeper for a minute too, then I remembered we had three returning GKs plus supposedly another new one coming in. I still think it's crazy how many new transfers we are getting. Are they all going to get to play? It seems silly to transfer if you're not going to play Who are the transfers besides Quinn, Walls, Avar...., and Holmes? It's pretty apparent where some of those guys are going: Nanchoff gone...Quinn is a left footed midfielder. Nagbe gone...Holmes is a forward Ampai gone...Walls plays CM No LB as of now but supposedly we are getting someone from Wigan's U19's so I can't imagine he won't be pencilled in as a starter.

I don't think it's the case that we didn't have "room" for him, it may have just been a case of him not getting as much PT as he wanted. My guess is Speas expected to start this year.

Z not playing and Blair Gavin being subbed for Ben Zemanski...NOT right. Blair & Ben should be on the pitch together; not one subbed out for the other. On a more positive note, Fox Soccer Channel's coverage of the Sounders vs Whitecaps on Saturday night included Steve-o in the booth for a few minutes during which, I believe Steve said, he is up and walking (bones healed). Still a long way to go, but very good progress. Since we're talking about last week's games, I was at the DC-San Jose game. I wore my Akron #10 jersey and got the attention of all three former Zips before the game. I think Ampai especially appreciated it (bet he didn't know I was rooting for United) cause he gave me a a big two thumbs up. About the actual game...like I said, I was rooting for DCU, and of course I was rooting for my former Zips, which made the game especially painful. As much as it pains me to say it, the DC defense is very leaky. Steven Lenhart kinda made fools out of them with three goals and an assist. After the game a few of the DC rookie players went around signing autographs, and Perry looked very angry. I can't expect too much from these guys though, three of the four starting on the backline are rookies, and their GK is only in his second season. Ampai did have a good game though, and it's really nice to see him in the starting XI. I still cannot believe 17 other teams passed him up in the draft. Now he is starting at SJ, what a steal he was for them. It was interesting to see the interaction between former teammates. There were a few head-to-heads between Ampai and Perry, I would have to imagine that would be weird playing against a former teammate, but I guess with all the trading around it happens frequently. Also, Ampai and Korb were standing next to each other coming out of the tunnel and traded jerseys after the game. Overall I enjoyed the game despite the result. I'm planning on rounding up a bunch of my intern colleagues to go to the college ID night in two weeks at RFK. They have discounted tickets for students and some other deals going on too. DC will be playing Houston that night, so hopefully Kofi will get some minutes. I would guess it would have much different emotions in an Ampai vs. Korb matchup than Ampai vs. Kitchen. Korb was there the entire time Ampai was, Kitchen only for his last year.

Great link. Thanks for posting.