fknbuflobo

Interesting. From what I know of both players, I would make Jones one of the two HMFs in 4-2-3-1 and push Caldwell into one the three OMFs.

Just two years ago, we would count consecutive passes, to see if we could reach 50. Most matches, we accomplished this once or twice during play. This somewhat frivolous “pastime” dates back to several years before Ken Lola left. I estimate AD 2000, maybe into the 1990s. Zips now struggle to tie together 5 passes. Way too many long, optimistic attempts! Maryland is a title contender. Syracuse is no slouch, to be sure. No shame in losing to either. Rather, it is in the way they have lost. Zips have looked downright awful in the pre-season (and in the Spring, for that matter). Disorganized, slow, and uninspired. 4 out of 6 MAC coaches have Akron winning the conference. I cannot remember the last time this poll was not unanimous. The Lobos of New Mexico should be licking their chops.

Yes, it has come to this.

This is going to be a long season.

There had better be a game effort by the Zips tonight. If not, the villagers will be reaching for their torches and pitchforks.

Yes. Very embarassing!

Here is my best guess at lineup and formation.

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!