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The way I see things playing out, much of next year's success depends on Zarek Valentin's decision; he is the linchpin.

This is grade A bologna. There is no way that Nano will be offered GA, Mattocks clearly isn't ready, and while I can see Perry getting offered I still don't think it will happen. Zarek still hasn't committed to anything either. This guy is probably as wrong as the "Soccer Insider" last year that said Porter to DCU was a done deal. I agree with meatwad, trimmy10. If both Valentin and Kitchen stay, Zips win another championship. Nanchoff would be foolsh to leave without first graduating. Mattocks needs to ignore anyone trying to convince him to turn pro after a stellar, yet checkered, freshman outing. Mattocks is definitely NOT ready. Kitchen is more ready than Mattocks, but I would strongly advise both to stay at least another year. The MLS is not the NBA where signing one contract brings independent wealth.

Yes, there are blue-shippers coming in. More will follow as Akron has become the conduit to the pros. But we cannot win the 2011 championship with that much turnover. 3 returning starters? No way.

Just saw this as well...not a complete shocker but definitely good news for the younger Zips/incoming freshmen who will now get an earlier chance to prove themselves. Also, congrats to Kofi and Darlington. Generation Adidas is a great program, and unlike other sports' athletes that leave early, at least these two will still have scholarships waiting for them should they choose to return and finish school. Can you imagine if the NBA had a similar setup? Kofi and Darlington, We would love for you to play your senior years, but your departure is not unanticipated. You both are ready. Good luck with all endeavors! Long suffering Zips will not forget what you have done for us. You will never pick up the check in this town. Akron will always love you.

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though. As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards. If he leaves early he is absolutely GA. Let's just hope he doesn't. Nice artile on Zarek...still undecided if he is leaving: http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7201 Zarek Valentin, The pros will be there in 2012. Please stay another year to build momentum within the program. Too much change-over can stunt the team’s growth. Win another championship! Good luck with the U20s; we the faithful will be watching.

Z.I.P., I can barely wait to see young Mr. Sounders play. I have only read about him. How big is he? Central Defender, right? I have seen Will Trapp, and he is a blue chipper.

Zakuani already has all the necessary documentation. He also has spent time in Arsenal's system, so the EPL already know him. He will be the first Zip to Europe. I find it pleasing yet hilarious to see a HS Junior in this poll. lol!

Yes, in addition to discussing next year’s lineup, this will also be the official who is going pro thread.

Tank, I agree with everything you say except Kitchen going pro this year. He will turn pro after next year. Even so, talented freshmen will need to earn their playing time.

It is not too soon to look forward to next year as it appears the Zips will change over significantly. Gabriel Genovese is a very intriguing prospect. The guy can run like a deer. I want to see him with ball on foot. Perry Kitchen will almost certainly move to center back. Will Trapp will likely push to start immediately.

Another Defender here! Yes, I too wonder why Sarkodie and Barson are not invited as well, especially Sarkodie. Barson is rock solid, like you say. Sarkodie has amazing athleticism and skill. I predict Sarkodie to go to Full National Team soon. He may be 20 years or older; he is a Junior. One thinks that Chad Barson deserved an invite. While extremely talented, Valentin is sometimes wild back there, taking unnecessary chances. Barson and Kitchen have the mindset of central defenders, but Valentin strikes me as more of a wing back, similar to Sarkodie. BTW, wing back is where Valentin plays on the U20 team. Sarkodie and Valentin enjoy taking risks, and they are good at it. In fact that may very well be the lineup next year, providing everyone returns. Imagine Valentin moving into Korb’s vacancy on the right and Kitchen moving back into central defense, where he plays on the U20 team. That would make the best back line in NCAA history, superseding, of course, this year’s back line. I think Brenes will start at Holding MF next year, but not sure if he can hold it down alone like Kitchen did. Kofi, Zarek, please give us ONE more year! The MLS will still be there. The primary defensive aspect to shore up this off-season is Meves collecting long balls played into the box. That is David Meves’ only weakness.

Well said, Zach. Welcome aboard, all you newcomers! Even LeBron. I believe that we have won.

Great God Almighty! Now I forgot the argument............

It is absurd to defend the most popular sport in recorded history; the game requires no apology. Nevertheless, I cannot resist the bait. The least intelligent contributions are half-baked suggestions on how to fix Soccer. Futbol does not need fixing. The rules are more than 100 years old, akin to Baseball, steeped in tradition. These rules should not change for any short term interests. Like most, I hate penalty kicks deciding matches, but the rules have stood for numerous generations. Leave it alone. Yes, a slightly different athletic skill set pertains to each sport, Soccer included. But overall, the best athletes achieve the most, regardless of the sport. The assertion that America is not putting its best athletes into Soccer may still be true but it is slowly changing. Certainly, Chad Johnson could have played Soccer at some level. From previous posts here, it seems that he did. Conversely, I am certain that Kofi Sarkodie could have been a stellar corner back, should he have chosen. I often imagine an athlete such as Eric Metcalf playing Soccer. Scoring and excitement are not equivalent. There is arguably more drama in the near misses when scoring is comparatively rare. Dave in Green posted a very objective response to this last weekend’s matches. In Soccer, merely maintaining possession of the ball is difficult enough. There are constant and subtle nuances during every Soccer match. It is the same for all sports. Some of the best NFL games I can remember are 13-10 white knucklers. My interest as a spectator is in the athletic struggle. Soccer has more in common with other sports than it does unique qualities. Athletics is athletics.

Seriously? NC State? C’mon man. If Porter did not leave to take the Indiana job, I cannot see NC State.

Like whatever sport you want, as will I. In the grand scheme, Soccer (Football) does not need America; it is doing fine without us. I think that fact vexes many Americans. I am certain that had I been born on the north side of Lake Erie instead of in Akron, I would have grown up with skates and a stick instead of boots and shin-guards. But I was born here, and I started following Akron soccer when George and Louie Nanchoff were playing in the Rubber Bowl before ACME Zip games (1976-77?). I am extremely proud of our team and of this city’s love for it. Nothing can remove the smile from my face in the short term. I believe that we have won.

Here is where your fallacy lies: You are comparing a depiction of someone playing soccer well to someone playing three other sports poorly. One must not be in fantastic physical condition to play any of these sports poorly. Conversely, one must be in shape to play any of these sports well. If you think that beer-gut soccer leagues do not exist, even here in Akron, you are mistaken. Check http://www.gaasa.org/ Men’s Open Division. Every Sunday has beens and never was’s shamble about, fouling each other, occasionally scoring a goal. This phenomenon is common throughout the world, across cultures, and across languages. I have heard that 90% of all adult male Dutch belong to an organized league. Are all these at fighting weight? I seriously doubt it. When the snow clears, go to some reasonably flat, grassy space, partake of your favorite beverage, and knock the ball around with someone else. As you discover the subtleties of making the ball do your bidding, you will come to the realization that striking and receiving the ball is really fun. And you can conduct this activity anywhere in the world, language notwithstanding. Soccer is not an elitist sport. To the contrary, it is the most populace sport in human history. Anyone can just go play soccer. However, precious few of us can play soccer, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and etc. well.

Prez, Well done for years! Feel good now, don't it? Let us challenge these players to stay together for another championship. I certainly cannot blame anyone for turning pro, but they have the opportunity to do something transcendent here. If they turn pro, I will root for them in the MLS (or Europe). There are many fine recruits coming in, not to mention really good players that saw little to no playing time this year. Sarkodie – could go pro but won’t – future doctor – next to full national team Nagbe – most likely pro - LOVE him to play senior year, Mid-Fielder in pros Nanchoff – will play senior year, especially if Nagbe stays Valentin – could turn pro, but should play another year – PLEASE Zarek. Kitchen – fine player - heart of the team - needs another year Mattocks – natural finisher – still learning – not yet ready for pros Ampaipitakwong, Korb, Paez – Akron will always love you. Thanks and good luck.

I believe that we have won!

Looking for an answer..... Are we wearing dark blue today?

R.I.P., Barb. Are we wearing the dark blue today?

BH it is.

This is the match where Porter should pull another MF into the holding position. Michigan is all offense. They are excellent in the offensive third and will shoot at the slightest chance. If we stall their attack in the middle 3rd, the match is ours. Akron 3 Michigan 1

If we are fortunate enough to beat Michigan, do not wish for Louisville in the final. Cardinals are a quality side, even better than California. Akron 3 Michigan 1

Based on that thread posted today, I will go to the Barley House Friday. We called ownership out, and the Barley House has answered.