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I realize that it is still early, but I think that Yedlin kid shows real promise.

So, an official announcement is imminent? Hit the books, Yaz! Time for study. EDIT: Nevermind, I see it now.

Great updates; keep it coming! This spring will present the opportunity for some returning player to seize more playing time. It is reasonable to think that at least one of these will start in the fall. We just do not know who that will be. Stevenson has a good shot to start at LB, even though that is not his best position. I think Brenes will push for time at holding MF. I would also like to see Chiu play some, just to see what he can accomplish. Should be interesting! Here is to a speedy rehab for all the injured!

If that is the case, I potentially will see all spring matches. Great!

I am ready right now! Cannnot wait! Thanks for the update.

Really? That is not what I have heard. I heard that Mattocks got a full ride, and Koroma looks to do the same. You definitely would know better than I. Please elaborate.

Thanks! That is more than we had before. There are numerous sites having Koroma coming to Akron. I cannot see all those sites being wrong. I am starting to feel fairly confident about it.

If everyone on TDS's commitment list materializes, we do not need further addition. There are less than 10 full scholarships to dole out. Koroma will likely command a full ride, as did Mattocks. The program can support only so many full-ride, soccer-only, scholarships.

Supposing Koroma signs and comes, I do not think we need to add anyone else. I want to see more carry-over and continuity in 2012 than we did last year.

I am keen to see Akron's signed LOI list published.

Andy, please link the GW article you reference.

I did not realize Stevo had further complications. Thanks for the post, Johnny.

Who is Omari Morris?

Arsene Wenger has signed nada! At this point, young Zarek Valentin would be a welcome addition.

Great analysis Yaz! I have been watching very closely.. well, for a long time. The breakout sophmore seasons of Zakuani and Bunbury were not surprises at all, at least, not to me. Barrett scoring double digit goals in 2012 would be a very pleasant surprise. Do not count on it.

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.