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A fact is an indisputable certitude. I do not know for a fact that other coaches were interested back in September. I misspoke; I apologize. It is possible, though I do not believe it for a second, that no one besides Jared Embick even wanted the Akron job. I consider Brian Maisonneuve a top flight assistant coach with big upside. I consider Shaun Docking a top flight coach with a proven track record (an alum). Claudio Reyna was an all-time great US international player, though a bit unproven as a coach. These are three that were copiously rumored to be inquiring about the job. I have not been able to confirm any of that. Those who know are not talking. In the unlikelihood that Embick has assumed a job that no one else wanted, he has inherited a program in fine shape, with great resources, and a loyal, active following. He does not need to build anything. He need only (only, ha) recruit, administrate, and coach. Should he do even a decent job, he will win the MAC and go to the NCAA tournament. A championship is highly unlikely. Should Embick fail to win the MAC, or (God forbid) have a losing record, or fail in some other awful way, he will be pilloried, and rightly so. Why are folks cutting Embick slack before he even fails? Expect excellence and then settle for what is necessary only after we fall short.

I was told by more than one source that there were several qualified candidates considered. These sources refused to divulge candidates names. I may be able to pry free those names now, don't know. Story sounds plausible to me. Regardless, the salient point is that Embick does not get a pass on his first year. Love Lolla, but Porter did not inherit the same infrastructure that Embick has. I hope you are not insinuating that the Akron job was not a widely attractive one back in September. I believe there was much interest. You are closer to the fire nowadays. Do you know differently?

No! Last September, UA had ample opportunity to recruit several top flight coaches. I know for a fact that many were interested, though I am less certain of the names. There will be no honeymoon for Jared Embick. Nor will there be any quarter for Tom Wistrcill should this go poorly. Not here. Not now. The standard has been set very high. Step to or step off!

Yes. Definitely joking on the Chelsea/Arsenal rivalry. I too see hunormous potential in Alfred Koroma. Koroma is poised for a breakout year, and Creighton is poised to win a championship. Koroma is just one of their incoming transfers this offseason.

Snagging Ismail Seremba seems all the more important now.

There is no way It is difficult to rationalize this as anything other than a crushing blow. I believe Koroma is poised for a breakout season. This is precisely the sort of thing that cannot occur if the program is to remain nationally relevant. http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads....1979845/page-2[/url

Anything more on Ismail Seremba? Born in London, he chose Chelsea over Arsenal? I am already skeptical on this kid.

Gonzales was also huge! "Omar walkin', here come Omar! Omar walkin'!"

No surprise here!

For better and for worse, Yedlin is no longer flying beneath anyone's radar.

Four former Zips participated in Timbers @ Sounders (five if you count CP). Even more intriguing that they were matched up head to head. Zemanski vs. Zakuani and Nagbe vs. Yedlin. Could a team comprised entirely of former Zips win an MLS championship?

I sure hope this is true about Ismail Seremba.

When does Yedlin turn 20? edit: July 9th http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeAndre_Yedlin When will U20 WC happen? When is the cutoff?

Holy Cow! I cannot believe the quality of Yedlin's score! I doubt he ever shot the ball like that for Akron. Seriously. Wow! What a goal!

I wonder at the actual dimensions of JW Field. It certainly looks small and crowded.

Right. There was no guarantee Souto was going to rate. I have seen my fill of mediocre foreign players. Football is so international, country of orign means little or nothing. Souto is a real find. Now, bear in mind, my evaluation is off one scrimmage vs. Cleveland State. Even so, I know a footballer when I see one.

That, my friend, is a good travel plan.

Sao Paulo, Brazil, Corinthians youth system In my not always humble estimation, Souto likely would have started on any squad we have ever had at Akron. I can scarcely believe I am saying that, but I know what I saw. He is quick, fast enough, very technical with productive first touch, strong on the tackle, and physically rough. Good futbol acumen. My guess is 5"11", 180#, thick legs and thick ankles. Forgive me; I evaluate footballers as I would a horse at auction. See if somebody else can find out more on Victor Souto. Rein Brenes will be All-American if he can stay healthy. His score was clinical. We have seen this player grow every year.

I arrived 10 minutes late. *Stevenson*Brenes*Koroma* *Fives*Souto*Foldesy* *Afsarifard*Gallego*Souders*Abdul-Salaam* *Pina* There was plenty of subbing and switching of positions. Many other guys saw big minutes. Two major takeaways: 1. Victor Souto (sp?) is the real deal! He would have cracked the starting 11 on last year's squad. Very appropriate he should wear the #6. 2. Fernando Pina can kick the ball much further than can David Meves. Where was Derschang? Where was Quinn? Well, we know these guys did not transfer.

Andy, your point is well taken if not entirely accurate. Ben Zemanski played for Everest SC; his father was coach. Incidentally, Dan Zemanski has been promoted to Head Coach at Hiram College, a position vacated by our new acquisition, Carl Capellas. http://www.hiramterriers.com/sports/msoc/2.../20130214pj1rq5

All who are able are encouraged to hit the road up I-77. CSU is not that far away. Krentzler Field will have an inflatable dome over the pitch, so it will not be uncomfortable. Admission is FREE. I will be noticing: Fernando Pina. Just how good is this guy? For all his short-comings, Meves still leaves gigantic shoes to fill. Andrew Souders. I anticipate him replacing Barson, in tandem with Gallego. This pairing is critical to 2013 success. Alfred Koroma. It is time for ready Freddie to realize his hunormous potential. Matthew Foldesy. In limited PT last year, he did not perform to (my) expectation. He likely feels the same. Somebody new. Who among last year’s bench will seize the opportunity. In fact, I open the challenge. Which returning player not earning a letter in 2012, earns one in 2013? See you on (or near) the pitch!

Welcome back, stranger.

Do tell!

Just jerking your chain. They may be delaying the announcement because not everything is settled with this Brazilian kid. I do not know. See you there tomorrow.

I will continue to post on BigSoccer because it pleases me to do so. There will come a time in the near future when I will remind the folks you have listed above that part of their jobs is to disseminate pertinent information. I too will be there at CSU to see our boys. Will that be indoors? Does Krentzler field have a seasonal, inflatable dome?