fknbuflobo

Well, finally watched a practice Th/8/14. I arrived around 18:00 and it lasted for another 90 minutes or so. There are lots of new faces and several notable number changes. At least two players I had never even heard of before. Consult roster on gozips.com; it is finally updated. Observations on newcomers: Ezana Kahsay #18 is quite large, much larger than Zips CBs of recent memory. He is especially fluid and agile for his size, every bit as tall as Saad Abdul-Salaam #3, but thicker. Not certain if he is a starter or not. Niko De Vera #4 is well muscled, short but fast, showing a real burst down the sideline. I will resist comparing Niko to another recent Zip as I do not want to jinx the young man. It will be interesting to track the competition between Niko De Vera #4 and Bryce Cregan #14 for the LB position. (Senior Saad Abdul-Salaam #3 presumably has the RB nailed down.) Each brings a different skill set to the defense. Adam Najem rightfully and appropriately swapped jersey numbers with Richmond (Richie) Laryea. They are now #10 and #6 respectively. Najem looks in excellent form and Laryea is silky smooth. These two are going to combine brilliantly in the MF. Laryea already carries himself like a professional. Tall freshman Anthony Macchione #17 lacks the pedigree of some of the more touted Forwards in this class. However, Macchione scrapped and hustled to score multiple times during various types of scrimmage, displaying a palpable desire to get off his shot. These are my impressions of the freshmen upon witnessing but one practice. I can hardly wait to see more.

Best Yedlin article to date!

Right. In an elite program such as Akron's, professional calibre talent leaves early. Not sure when this changed, not quite 10 years ago, but NCAA MSoccer is now similar to NCAA MBasketball. An old team, full of upper classmen, like Notre Dame 2013, is rarely a contender. Quality freshmen are typically expected to contribute immediately. Anticipate more of this trend.

Does any one have a practice schedule? Many of us would like to watch the squad drill.

I do not see any Zips on this list.

Right. This discourse belongs in the 2014 thread.

I would be surprised if Porter does not select Nagbe, even when Valeri is arguably more deserving.

"THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"

I stand corrected. @ Z.I.P. Next time you come ashore, you can use one of my tix.

Dude, deadline for season tix (scarves) was June 2nd. Keep up!

Beasley is done. Father Time is undefeated. I agree about Johnson. But Johnson can also play in MF. Sarkodie will get an opportunity to fit in somehow, somewhere. He is putting together a fine MLS season so far.

Well lookey here...... http://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2014/news/article/2014/07/07/all-star-roster-revealed-2014-chipotle-mls-homegrown-game-portland-august-4

I suggest Sarkodie LB with Yedlin RB. Kofi has the better left. Did anyone catch Sarkodie's assist over the weekend? Beautiful cross! Sorry; cannot provide video from work.

Brenes is a fairly common name in Central America, I am told. Even so, yours is a worthy question. However, I have not been able to find anything on it.

@ Crew8! Represent, boy!

Yikes!

Yedlin made an immediate impact on the match. He should have joined the fray sooner, and who knows....... .....and DeAndre also got U of Akron mentioned on an international broadcast!

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/college-coaches-survey:-best-players-in-di_aid33082 Unless I am missing something, this is the first time in recent memory with no mention of any Zips, regardless of whose list it is.

Good points all. I still think the match could have been promoted better by USSF. It is their cup, right? USOC? Even so, I do not think the attendance was bad enough to dissuade the powers that be from having another appearance at FE/CC. Everything considered, it was a pretty good showing. Could have been better, but it wasn't bad.

It was a wonderful night to watch football. However, it was too sultry to play without losing one's cool, as exhibited by both sides. They were kicking, shoving and butting the whole game. Every player seemed in ill temper from the very jump. Tackles were often late and brutal. I hope no one sustained lingering injury. But I guarantee many were walking gingerly this following morning. http://www.ohio.com/sports/high-sch...g-for-four-area-players-crew-win-2-1-1.496936 Particularly impressive was the charter bus full of Indy Eleven faithful who made the five hour transit to Akron. They were replete with banners, scarves and jerseys. (They have existed for little over a year.) They were generous with stories and brew before the match. Once things started, they were in full voice throughout the night. Though we are more closely aligned with Columbus Crew, both geographically and experientially, Zips Nation salutes the Indy Eleven and their supporters. Our game is evidently alive and well in America’s heartland.

There it is!!!! http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2013-14/releases/20140522covdh2

SID! GoZips.com! Where you @???? This is the biggest story you will ever write!

Unbelievable! DeAndre Yedlin is first Zip to a World Cup! Perhaps not such a long shot after all? I stand corrected! http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/05/klinsmann-roster-donovan.html#more-77354

I am in.