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That is GREAT stuff! I love it! This confirms what I have been blathering about for a long time now. NEO, Akron in particular, is a hotbed of organically grown American soccer. This is not a result of the Zips' success. Rather, the Zips' success is an extension of the overall community. We love soccer around here, and we have done so for many generations. Here exists a quiet tradition; the roots run deep. THAT is the primary reason the Zips’ success is so very precious to us. It IS us! I think I need a tissue. Yours is the best posting I have read in quite some time! Keep it coming!

You are correct. Those stats must be post season as well. I was misreading the stat. It is still amazing that we have defeated Indiana only 6 times out 32 meetings. Over the life of the soccer program, Hoosiers are the nemisis of the Zips. Damn them! That tournament this year at Notre Dame really scares me.

Yes, these stats are exclusively regular season. We beat Hoosiers at home in 2009, off Mikey Nanchoff's last minute free kick. Remember? That was beginning of the season tournament, right? And then we beat them at home in 2010 during the NCAAs, right? Those stats are regular season only. Wow! It will take quite some time to level with Indiana. I remember many an @$$ whooping from Jerry Yeagley's teams. I predict we lose to them out at Notre Dame this year. Hoosiers are on the rise again, so watch out.

Does anyone know about Saad Abdul-Salaan #25? How did he get to Akron in the first place, and where is he now? Why is he not included among the twelve in the 2012 recruiting class?

Looks like a whole new team coming in. Seems like overkill to me. I wonder who would win, that team, or our Spring team. Oddly, freshman Saad Abdul-Salaan #25 is not mentioned at all. He showed raw talent. I wonder at his story.

That video is truly unbelievable! 500 people?

I may be old, but I am not senile. 2012 - 1982 = 30 http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.db...DB_OEM_ID=27000 http://www.gobearcats.com/sports/m-soccer/...s_hylton00.html

Wright State was very good 30 years ago. Wow, am I really that old? Perhaps the best player I ever played against was Hylton Dayes, who was named all-American all four years of his career at Wright State. He is currently the Mens’ head coach at Cincinnati.

I am disappointed that we have yet to see Andy Chiu in a match.

That is very interesting. Thanks for the information. I would agree that DY is now a tough take; he rarely is burnt one vs. one. His positional/team defense has improved as well. He shows maturation from season to season, a great thing to see in a young player. Just like everyone else, I expect BIG things from this kid. I have a really good feeling about the 2012 campaign to boot.

Interesting! What position did DY play in high school?

#17 looked OK at RW. It was probably good experience for him to play that position in an actual match. It will keep him thinking about offense. His speed and strength overcome other deficiencies. I would love to see DY develop a move to the left/inside. Even better if he acquires a lefty shot. He will then be unstoppable. He has athletic talent that other, more skilled, players can only dream of. IMO! PS. It certainly looked like a 3-4-3 to me.

Oh yeah...... Uniforms looked great! White socks, blue shorts, and white jerseys. I think that is how it should be from here on.

I hear you. Koroma starting and Schmitt starting are not mutually exclusive. Koroma definitely can play Wing Forward whereas Schmitt plays much better on the inside. I am slowly warming to the idea of Schmitt starting; he is playing THAT well. Seriously, had you witnessed the spring matches, you might be saying the same. Maybe ALL the freshmen will start; I do not know. I am just saying that Schmitt is not going to make such a decision easy for Porter. Surely, you have heard by now that Yedlin started last match at Right Wing, Mohawk and all.

After witnessing this Spring, count me among the converted. Schmitt is our starting CF.

It was a great night for soccer. Schmitt is making it nearly impossible for Porter to keep him on the bench. Wow! Some of his tactics are almost "Messianic".

What Would a Good Football Program do for Zips Soccer? Nothing! I do not think Soccer would be affected at all, not any more than would the English Department, the Law School, or the Polymer Science Program. The Soccer program is too proven to be either hurt or helped. The case that athletics (especially Football) is economically beneficial to the institution as a whole is a difficult one to make. This is an old argument. Economic causality is extremely hard to establish. General exposure/advertisement is the most solid point on which to stand. I still wish Zips Football much success. I may even attend a match game.

Interesting! I would like to see Afsarifard get more PT.

What was Akron's starting lineup?

@ buckeyes is on a Tuesday. I will still make the roadie.

This is a very tough schedule, with the toughest opponents on the road. I cannot recall a more difficult schedule in Zips history! Wow!

I have no idea how this guy got here. Coming from the same high school as Wil Trapp, I am sure there is a connection. I have no other details right now. If and when this dude fills out, he will look like a tight end.

I hate repeating myself. If anyone else remembers, please tell the youngsters how good of a player Shaun Pendleton (RIP) was.

Abdul-Salaan #25?

I was pleasantly surprised in how well Kayvon Afsarifard #22 played at CB, filling in for Gallego #4. Afsarifard #22 was smart, calm, and good in the air. He was also a willing and accurate passer. Brenes #7 is proving that he is our primary utility player, playing respectably at LB. He evidently can play anywhere except GK. An intriguing prospect is 6’2” freshman forward Saad Abdul-Salaan #25, who is not even listed on the official website roster. The handout roster says he is from Gahanna, Lincoln HS, (same as Trapp). He played LW the entire match with mixed results. Half the time he looked like he might score; the other half he looked lost. He is fast in the straight away because of his long legs, and he will shoot with either foot. However, he is neither quick nor agile, and is therefore easily defended by smaller, slower players. He also has a very inconsistent first touch. His passing is also below average. We will watch as this story develops. Stevenson #14 respectably played entire match at MF, filling in for Trapp #6.