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I LOVE that we are arguing about Zips goals, in August! Life cannot get better! Upon the 52nd viewing of Kitchen’s goal, I think the match situation is the salient point, that and the sheer ferocity of the strike. Remember that Michigan was up a goal due to Meram’s superb score. Kitchen’s equalizer was a culmination of the Zips mentally dominating the Wolves. Caldwell’s goal was great. I nearly suffered a stroke when he hit it. But it was essentially really good garbage clean-up after a corner. No complaints from me; long live Scott Caldwell. Trapp’s goal this last weekend was taken extremely well. To your point, it was a technically difficult strike to execute on the one-touch. God knows I would have sent that into the adjacent field! Very clever to keep on the ground, against the flow, back post! Boys and girls, the one-touch en gol is much more likely to succeed than the picture-perfect strike on the third touch . Wil Trapp reminds me of Ben Zemanski, more each time I see him. Anyone else see that analogy?

Thanks, Bobby. I will never tire of seeing that.

Serna gets #10? It is a hollow tradition, but very rarely does #10 come off the bench. We may read into that.

Trapp's goal was truly excellent, to be sure, even world class. Took me right out of my seat! Much love for #6 Wil Trapp! I can hardly wait for this season! But his goal does not compare with Kitchen's goal (referenced above) in distance, power, height, velocity, and (especially) magnitude. Kitchen's goal in 2010 NCAA Semi-Final is one for the ages, arguably the most important goal in Zips history. Please post video of THAT.

The James P. McGuire Cup was established 1975, one year after his death. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McGuire_(soccer) Incidentally, I competed in a McGuire Cup regional final in 1982. Funny but true.

Crew Juniors vs. GSA Our Boy, Captain of the squad, Wil Trapp puts Crew on top in second half with a real cracker one-touch instep drive from 25 yards. I love this kid.

Right. We are big Mattocks supporters up until the serious stuff (national teams) starts.

I suspect players have begun to assemble. Has anyone seen anything?

I do not have pix. But I was there only days ago. The pitch is remarkably green and even, especially considering our current drought conditions. The sprinkler system must be working well.

Frank DeFord is an articulate and talented writer, but he is misguided when commenting on Soccer. He cannot credibly remark on the sport, having never struck a ball in anger. He does not appreciate the technique and athleticism necessary to move the ball around the pitch. Conversely, I will wager that he has swung a baseball bat, shot a free throw, and thrown a football. He is sympathetic to these techniques. Such lack of experiential knowledge leads to complaining for lack of scoring. As we all know, the box score tells very little about a soccer match. Sportswriters hate that!

Regardless of system, I assume that Ramos and Porter each have the other on speed dial. Certain personnel and position combinations may foretell what Porter intends. Example: If Serna plays outside MF, that really does not tell us much because that is where he has played most of his young career. However, it will be significant if Serna starts at LB. How often does Trapp get forward into the offensive third? Or does he play the Holding MF? Does Koroma drift to one side or the other? Does he wander? Does he remain in the middle? I understand that perhaps none of this will translate to Akron 2012, but I suspect that at least some of it will.

It will be very telling to see where (what position) each plays.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/soccer/roger-alla...-football-club/

Please alert Coach Porter that I told BigSoccer that Zips would be 2012 Champions! No pressure, just tell him.

Was it the defender's back? Old school technique is two-handed punch ONLY. Yes, Mattocks' knees on defender's back.

He chinned it in. In no way does that diminish the quality of the score, or the requisite athleticism to execute it.

In contrast, how is Andrew Wenger (1st pick) doing for Montreal Impact?

Porter's career requires him to win another championship. It may be that Porter's epic failure to qualify U23s to London Olympics may work in UA's favor. He needs redemption. But Portland is not the opportunity for him. His inevitable jump to the pros will be with a higher profile MLS franchise, one of the original 10.

I am confident I could gain financial security making $350k per annum.

Bobby, just stop it!

Tika-Taka!

You are getting closer. This may be the lineup.

Was DeAndre enthusiastic about moving to RB?

Though Heather Mitts (herself) is looking good.

Quinn will play MF for Zips in 2012.