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Bonilla is unlikely much of a loss. Mayer is a bit more substantial, but still a sustainable loss. I wonder who the Zips will acquire via same process.

From what I hear and read, Koroma is really something special. It would be crushing should he change his mind from attending UA.

Not only does College Soccer News show Koroma as non-commital, but they go on to write this little tidbit [url="http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page4754.htm"]: College Soccer News: Who is next in line at Akron? For four consecutive seasons the Zips have lost a big time goal scorer but it hasn’t presented a significant problem since someone has always been on board who was capable of filling the gap. It went like this: Steve Zakuani to Teal Bunbury, Bunbury to Darlington Nagbe, Nagbe to Darren Mattocks. Zakuani left in 2008 after his sophomore season to enter the professional ranks. Bunbury did the same in 2009 at the conclusion of his sophomore season. Nagbe followed suit in 2010 after his junior season. Mattocks completed the cycle when he elected to take his game to the professional level in 2011 at the end of his sophomore season. The success that Zakuani, Bunbury, Nagbe, and Mattocks achieved at Akron speaks well for the program but the exit left enter right scenario of big time goal scorers looks to have at least temporarily come to an end heading into the 2012 season.

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page12693.htm

On which TV channel is this to be broadcast? I cannot make it to Manny's tonight. Help!

Ben Zemanski is proof that technique, hustle and pitch-perfect tactical awareness can trump superior athleticism. How many MLS executives would pass the first round on Ben now, as they all did in 2010? He unbelievably was drafted 47th overall.

I am no MLS scout; I just play one on ZNO. But I sure wish The Crew would give Holmes a tryout. I think he can succeed in the right setting. IMO, Holmes is a player very similar to Ampaipitakwong. Holmes is a better finisher while Ampai is a better passer. Neither is athletically superior.

Columbus is NOT my hometown. I hold no allegiance to Columbus whatsoever! The Crew happen to be the closest MLS franshise to NEO. What of it? Now, things would be different had they actually brought a franchise to Hudson/Boston Heights (whatever) as once proposed. I would consider THAT my hometown team. But not Columbus. We all know who rules Columbus, and it is not The Crew.

In all fairness, each of the four listed above is a very good collegiate player. I am not sure that Luke Holmes is better than any of those four. I have not seen Jamie Finch play, but I have seen the other three. Holmes will get a chance if he wants it.

To Luke Holmes, if you are out there: We The Faithful are pulling for you. We wish you had been a Zip for your entire career.

I just spouted off on BigSoccer, so I copied it here. Beats working! Whether live, video, or film, I have watched every match of Darren Mattocks' career @ Akron, both home and away. (You know I speak truth on that point). He is the most natural finisher I have ever witnessed at the collegiate level. That comparison includes many already playing MLS. Sure, he has other deficiencies. But during his Sophomore season, he demonstrated a willingness to work on his weaknesses. For instance, his passing has improved dramatically over one year. He was actually a rather poor passer upon arrival @ Akron. Contributing to his inconsistency is his lack of brute strength. As he is still young, some strength will be gained without much effort. I would have loved for him to remain a Zip another year. But he should take the opportunity given. If I needed a Striker, as Montreal Impact apparently do, I would draft Darren Mattocks with the first pick tomorrow. No bout a doubt it!

Who has seen Henry's brilliant FA strike? Not bad for a senior citizen! Go Gunners!

OK, if Speas signed with them, I suppose I will start following the Crew. But there is no chance I will EVER wear Black & Gold.

+1

Enrollment of +32,000 and an endowment of +$223 million is nothing to sneeze at. The football program has been in the toilet historically, but Wayne St has always had pretty decent academics. I think this is the result of a conscious decision to not put too much emphasis on sports, as evidenced by their leaving the MAC shortly after being one of its charter members. It could have very easily happened that Wayne State and Akron U could have changed positions -- and I'm not saying that would be a positive or negative occurence. If Dr William Muse had not made the decision that Akron should be a larger player on the intercollegiate athletics front, we would likely still be looking at YSU, Northern Michigan and Wayne State as our equals (again, without any value statement) -- and in football, we basically ARE their equals today. I've known a number of Wayne State alumni myself, and they are all well educated and smart people, every bit as glamorous and marketable as a grad of Akron or K ent State. And, to my friend Bobbyake (who I believe I spent good times with in Santa Barbara a year ago), when I was a student at the U of A, everyone looked at K ent as the yuppy, more conservative of our two brother institutions (notwithstanding the two sociology departments). The University of Akron has a history as deep in the history of America's working class as any university in America. We should all be as proud of that as we can be. It's what makes our university what it is -- part of our nation's story of working people struggling to improve themselves by fighting for opportunities (as OWS is doing today) and succeeding. Merry Christmas to all. +99 Totally agree, Z.I.P.

No coach gets hired or fired without an AD playing an integral role. Does not happen! Period! Also inextricably involved is the approval of the Board of Directors. Both the AD and BOD are culpable for Iannello. Both are to be praised for Bowden. There is an element of chance in every occurrence. Maybe TW got lucky. So what! All that counts is the scoreboard. Yes. It is because of Men's Soccer 2010 Championship that I am willing to defend TW. Was he primarily responsible for it? Certainly not! But TW played his part in it. Top executives take both the criticism and the accolades. What is your suggested response here, what is your rationale? "Nice job, Tom, but you're still fired because of that other thing." Are we allowing for Wistrill to redeem himself? If you EVER associate me with Kan't State again, I will make it my personal business to find out who you are. There is a difference between argument and insult .

All of which makes it even more mind-boggling that our crack A.D., the Clueless One, did not consider Bowden two years ago...and apparently wasn't targeting him this time around, either. Does everyone also understand what a hindrance it is to have such a worthless representative running the athletic department? This needs to be rectified...and quickly. Give credit where credit is due. TW is to be blamed for Iannello because it happened under his directorship. Conversely, TW gets the credit for Bowden, as it also happened on his watch. We must remain logically consistent.

Is it too soon for the "Fire Terry Bowden" thread? Maybe we should wait until after the holidays.

Someone @ Akron should inquire if #11 Giuseppe Gentile is considering a transfer. That dude can ball.

UNC - Charlotte should seriously consider former Zip Shaun Docking, current HC @ Coastal Carolina.

Hell. I would have picked TB over the two who turned down the position.

No. But how are we to cope with that Bowl Ban ?

Good point! I agree. For some reason, Korb has been an underrated player throughout his career. Whatever his deficiencies are, speed is not one.

People keep referencing Mattocks' speed. And to be sure, he has wheels. I do not think he is the fastest on 2011 Zips. Is he faster than Yedlin, Sarkodie, Valentin, or Zakuani? Who are the fastest Zips in recent memory? Does anyone remember Mark Phister? That dude could roll.

You two are apparently more familiar with the mechanism by which MLS players transfer to Europe. Feel free to educate me on any particular point. This I do know: The top MLS players transfer to the top European leagues all the time. By now, we have numerous examples of this occurring. How is playing in the MLS not a preferable first step to an international career? A Jamaican in Canada seems incongruous? Try Norway! Portmore, Jamaica = 17* 59’ N Akron, OH = 41* 04’ N Montreal, QC = 45* 30’ N Seattle, WA = 47* 37’ N Stavenger, Norway = 58* 58’ N