fknbuflobo

Good questions on Gainford and Seremba. I have heard the same regarding these players. Gainford will be a beast (possible starter) in the Fall. One must conclude that Sam is quite the player for Zips to tolerate his academic ineligibility for a full twelve months. Seremba is mending nicely and will practice informally in July.

We filed in to a breezy 70* with bright sun. God, I love spring soccer. 4-2-3-1 Team defense must be much stronger if the Zips are going to succeed in 2014. There admittedly were key personnel playing out of position, but the overall team defense was poorly organized and generally shabby. Far too often opposing forwards turned the ball in relative comfort. Flyers made it difficult for Zips to maintain possession through the midfield. Their physical tackling took the Zips out of rhythm throughout the match. This is an imposing bunch. Very large! Looked like Chelsea taking the pitch. http://daytonflyers.com/roster.aspx?path=msoc Zips did not react well to the chippy and choppy nature of the match. In particular, Victor Souto #8 lost composure, leaving Embick no recourse but to remove him from the contest to prevent a second yellow (or worse). Adam Najem #6 also did not cover himself in glory, reacting poorly to both the physical play and to the substandard officiating. In the final third, Zips lacked connection on the assisting pass, which was frequently intercepted by Dayton defenders. Sean Sepe #13 was frustrated all evening by poor service. Even so, he scored late to make it interesting and rang potential equalizer low and off the post in the waning moments. Zips acquitting themselves well were the aforementioned Sean Sepe #13, Richmond (Silk) Laryea #10, and the unrelenting stalwart Andrew Souders #2. The rest were either mediocre or dismal. Zips clearly have much work ahead. Dayton had plenty to do with the Akron’s bad night. A surprisingly technical side, Flyers strung together several impressive sequences, building to shots. Their second goal was thing of beauty, with four consecutive one touch passes involving four different players, and the score off the post. In a starting lineup averaging over 6’0” in height, the primary playmaker was 5”7” Amass Amankona #16. Dayton looks ready to rumble.

A quality schedule, but I think they could have done better. Too bad the first two exhibitions are not actual matches. And what is up with all these Florida schools?

Technically flawless has always been my description of Wil Trapp. The attached statistical analysis demonstrates just how active Trapp is in the central mid-field. Glad somebody has developed a method to capture this. 

Very tough injury from which to return, at any level of competition. I know this.

Trip to Richmond for Zips/VCU spring clash was great fun. I love road trips for spring soccer. Venerable City Stadium remains a suitable soccer venue. College Cup should return there. First time to Richmond, we blindly and fortuitously stumbled upon Can Can Brasserie, in the heart of historic Carytown, for Saturday brunch. Succulent! There we also made acquaintance with Devil’s Backbone Brewery (Vienna lager). Weather was a gorgeous 70* and clear. Rams went up a goal in the 2nd minute, before I could even start working on my sunburn. Zips fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation for the entirety of the contest. Not only is this formation en vogue throughout the world, but it caters to the talent of our current roster. Too many times last year our defensive midfield was stretched out of position. Zips equalized midway through the first half on a good build up to a garbage finish that trickled over the line. We will take it. Easily the goal of the match was #13 Sean Sepe’s text book receipt and turn in the box. Next touch BAM inside the post. Kid is quick, really quick. And he has the mentality of a finisher. He is never looking to pass, not ever. Very aggressive! I noticed Sepe last season when Zips played St. John’s. How Dr. Masur ever let this kid get away, I will never understand. VCU 1-2 Akron Dave Giffard’s VCU Rams are organized, aggressive, and very athletic. 2014’s squad may surpass last season’s underdog darlings.

Anyone traveling to VCU?

Wow. The planets are aligning for Yedlin to go to Brasil. But he must show well tomorrow vs. El Tri.

It is a mystery (to me) that the Columbus Crew declined to sign their own homegrown in Eric Stevenson. He could just as easily be loaned out to Dayton Dutch Lions right now. In this match, E had 1 goal and 2 assists. Man Of the Match. Right?

http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/03/feilhaber-torres-mexico.html DeAndre Yedlin will be on USMNT for next week's tune-up vs. Mexico. Who is watching? Where?

Yeah. Exactly. Yedlin might get a spot on the WC roster. Even getting a serious mention is really achievement enough for a second year pro. Should he actually make it, that would be a HUGE story, the biggest story in on ZNO ever. In any event, raise your class to DeAndre Yedlin! He has done us proud. I too heard the new schedule is almost ready. Let us hope that every single match is scheduled with RPI in mind. Remember that we have one less MAC mandatory this year due to ouster of Hartwick. Still trying these fonts...............

This is not really news, as Yedlin has been rumored as having a USMNT jersey for many months. Where have you been, lost on a tropical island somewhere? No, wait. Forget that. Now, it will be news indeed if DeA actually makes the WC squad. I see his chances as improved with the retirement of Steve Cherundolo.

I have known about this for a while. That does not change the fact that this is an incredibly good hire.

Great night out to watch Zips! Many of us were motivated to see the four newcomers. We were not disappointed. M Laryea aptly wore #10. Definite starter, Very quick. Very technical. Unlikely he will play out all of his eligibility. F Sepe #13 is extraordinarily quick of foot. Aggressive around the goal. Probable starter. He is already acclimated to the physicality of college ball. D Cregan #16 manned the left flank admirably. Caught out of position by more experienced CSU players. Room to improve. Good athlete. Potential starter. F Quirk #7 saw limited time in second half. Quick. Failed to threaten on numerous good opportunities. Need to see more. All in all a good showing by these four. It is going to be a fun spring.

Who will be @ CSU tonight?

http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2014/03/red-bulls-sign-duvall-oyongo-and-stevenson Well done, E!

A former Zip, coaching professionally.. in a league?.... ok, its a bit of a stretch. I just did not think it was worth a new thread. Remarkable news nonetheless.

National rumors persist that Shaun Docking (Akron, 1988) will soon be named new Head Coach of East Tennessee State University (ETSU). This after 16 seasons coaching Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Wow! Word is that he grew frustrated with Coastal’s facilities. If that is indeed true, it proves (to me, at least) that Zips definitely could have had him if they had wanted him.

Who is meeting at Becky's Bar & Grill prior to scrimmage @ Cleveland State F/3/7/2014?

I beg to differ. I think this list is marginally important. DarNag is one the most technically gifted players I have ever seen, certainly in the MLS. It is good that he is finally gaining proper respect.

http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2014/02/portland_timbers_loan_gleeson.html OK. So how does the Like This button work, anyway?