bisbee

And Gavin didn't win a national championship Toured the IMG facilities several years ago. Very impressive but unbelievably expensive to attend. Somewhere around 40-50K a year if I remember correctly !!!

Went to TopDrawer and saw that the Mens' ranking were not going to be released until next week ?????

Where did you hear that?? BTW -- the idea that David Mayer is a very good player should not come as any surprise, if you know he started for Wigan's Academy team (U19 I guess). As someone over at BigSoccer boards shouted out -- get him a Green Card fast, the USA needs a left back BAD. Z.I.P., Mayer looked really skinny to me. Good, but scrawny. Cristian Arboleda is already 22, a grown man. What is this business about Holmes having to miss 7 games? I do not believe it. Why would he transfer here knowing that beforehand? Maybe he did not know this would happen. I think it has to do with now being at a D1 NCAA school vs his previous NAIA (which it did not matter). Needless to say, he will get quality minutes and more than likely start once he returns from suspension. He was probably willing to take the suspension knowing he would get half a season and postseason to make his MLS/Pro statement. That is a huge blow to our title hopes! Holmes is a fine player. I do not buy your theory. Another season as NAIA POTY is more marketable than 1/2 season of @ NCAA Champs. Pro scouts do not care where the players are; they will find the talent. Look at all the players on the USMNT without any collegiate experience whatsoever. If this was an oversight, then it was a big one. Somebody did not do their homework. Very UN-Porter! I guess that moves Chiu into starting 11. Maybe Chiu... as Akiel Barrett is more of an unknown commodity at this point... but it wouldn't surprise me to see another Jamaican (Barrett) in the lineup... But... let's hope that Holmes is not suspended... can't find any info on that. Holmes looks like a leader out there. Hope to get to another practice this weekend. My bet is Barrett as the other foward, if we play with two fowards. I bet Brenes will play right back. Sorry to burst your hopes but i am 99.99% sure Holmes has to sit. Overall, I am not that concerned that he has to sit. He will come in after 7 games and start to tear it up. Brenes is a midfielder so I doubt he will play right back and Wil Trapp will probably play position that Kitchen occupied last year.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan... but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"... and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer? The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer??? Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time. Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI. Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best. Where does Arboleda fit in? Has maturity advantage but heard he is not fast. Anyone see him play?

Where did you hear that?? BTW -- the idea that David Mayer is a very good player should not come as any surprise, if you know he started for Wigan's Academy team (U19 I guess). As someone over at BigSoccer boards shouted out -- get him a Green Card fast, the USA needs a left back BAD. Z.I.P., Mayer looked really skinny to me. Good, but scrawny. Cristian Arboleda is already 22, a grown man. What is this business about Holmes having to miss 7 games? I do not believe it. Why would he transfer here knowing that beforehand? Maybe he did not know this would happen. I think it has to do with now being at a D1 NCAA school vs his previous NAIA (which it did not matter). Needless to say, he will get quality minutes and more than likely start once he returns from suspension. He was probably willing to take the suspension knowing he would get half a season and postseason to make his MLS/Pro statement. That is a huge blow to our title hopes! Holmes is a fine player. I do not buy your theory. Another season as NAIA POTY is more marketable than 1/2 season of @ NCAA Champs. Pro scouts do not care where the players are; they will find the talent. Look at all the players on the USMNT without any collegiate experience whatsoever. If this was an oversight, then it was a big one. Somebody did not do their homework. Very UN-Porter! I guess that moves Chiu into starting 11. Arboleda is a 22 yo freshman ?

Where did you hear that?? BTW -- the idea that David Mayer is a very good player should not come as any surprise, if you know he started for Wigan's Academy team (U19 I guess). As someone over at BigSoccer boards shouted out -- get him a Green Card fast, the USA needs a left back BAD. I also heard about the suspension. My understanding is that it has something to do with the possibility of his receiving pay for play in the past....that's all I heard.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan... but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"... and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer? The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer??? Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time. Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI. Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best. Let's hope that the roster still needs more work. I see that more are missing now... so that's likely the case. I agree with your lineup of defenders... and I agree that there will be changes after the season starts. I said almost the same things on the bottom of page 1. Guessing at the starting lineups isn't all that constructive at this point... it's just amusing... and it's good to see that we have a load of talent... and a coach who's pretty good at putting championship-caliber teams together. I'm sure that some of our players are toying around with lineups too... maybe just in their minds. Our guys can be assured that Coach Porter will have a team of talented guys who just perform well together... all season long... whoever they might be. I would think that Porter released some of the guys who he felt adversely affected the chemistry a few months ago... ... and everyone who is left at this point has a real shot at starting and contributing. Even the guys who are not U-14, U15, U16, U17, U18 standouts... can rise above their expectations now. All that they need to do is listen to the coahing staff... work harder than most... and apply what they learn. Now you can finally relax Anyone else notice that the numbers are kinda weird? There is no number 2 and no number 7. Balogun was 7 last year and is now 27...why would you make a senior change numbers, and why is a common number (2) not assigned to anyone yet? I can't believe they are retiring Zarek's number already... Has anyone else been able to make it out to any more practices? Well we have a #2, a freshman from Colombia. Also looks like Brenes is now #7. I know they're just numbers, but in soccer they usually have a lot of significance (this was especially pointed out by the US game last night). Does this mean Brenes might be a starter? Or at least preferred over Balogun? Or maybe they just both wanted #7 and Brenes won the coin toss. Seems odd for a senior to give up his number for a sophomore. Mayer is here and apparently is very good over on the left side

I think new guy may be a right back....definitely a defender Apparently Gallego played defensive mid for Red Bulls academy team but was a central defender on U18 national team;at least that is my impression in talking with DeA.

Noticed another addition to the roster. Freshman defender named Cristian Arboleda from Colombia.

Is he referring to their style of play or to their "good looks"?

Cool... More LOVE for the Zips

Well done, Yaz! 1. DeAndre Yedlin. He sure looked the part in the Sounders’ green. Great uniform! 2. Luke Holmes. This little dynamo is special. 3. Final 4. 4. DarNag is irreplaceable and was a large part of the success of last 3 years. Folks forget the game he had in 2008 tourney vs. OSU, as a freshman (@ St.V/M). 5. Mattocks has a big upside. He is a natural finisher, but he can improve on all other aspects of his game. 6. Repeat? Statistically very unlikely. 7. Yes. Porter is both capable and stubborn. 8. SZ #11, DN #6 is 2nd. 9. OSU 10. Yes, remember the Cal match, with the snow flurries during PKs. Meves with multiple and glaring errors. I actually lost my voice for shouting. (Yes, I am THAT guy.) I think DeAndre will look even better in Blue and Gold

Now that's what I am talking about...LOVE for the ZIPS

Ticket Information I'm there

I would be shocked to see a top 5 ranking let alone a top one. The Zips lost a lot of talent and even though it looks like a good set of replacements, these guys have never been on the pitch together. A lot of teams (e.g. Tulsa, UNC) return a lot of last years very good teams. I expect the Zips in the 6-10 range. 6 - 15 range, I would say. The important thing is to be ranked in the top four come tourney time in order to get home field throughout. Left out my Top # I was debating on Top 5 or Top 10... and meant to post Top 10... then Top 5. I think that UNC will be #1... and that ACC Teams will have 3 of the top 5... and maybe CAL being in there too... but I am still hopeful that Akron will get a Top 5... based more on the transfers than on the 3 top prospects. I do not think that UA will be ranked lower then a Top 10... not with that talent... not in the initial poll. I agree that gelling will be a key factor against high ranked teams that have played together. I also think that the lack of playing together will hurt the offense more than the defense. It will still be hard to score gainst this team. The offense will need a 1/3 of the season to come togther. But another issue... a bigger issue... is this killer schedule... maybe the most difficult ever for the Zips. But... voters will realize this... and even with 3-4 losses... we could be in the top 5. UNC finished with 4 losses and 4 ties and a #5 ranking. As far as the ranking at the end of the season... with this schedule... I'm not betting that we will be a top 4. But... we could beat a higher ranked team early and get home field advantage back for a game. Still reigning National Champions so that ought to be good for Top 5.

I had the same question about the number of keepers. I suppose you could have an unlimited number if you are not using athletic money but why would a freshman keeper commit to a program with so many keepers? Probably will be an amazing "competition" for starting MF spots during August. I think I would much rather be a defender where I think positions are most likely already set unless something totally unexpected happens.

I had the same question about the number of keepers. I suppose you could have an unlimited number if you are not using athletic money but why would a freshman keeper commit to a program with so many keepers?

Men's Soccer Adds Eight More for 2011 Season AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron head men's soccer coach Caleb Porter announced the addition of eight more players for the 2011 season Tuesday. In total, the Zips will welcome five incoming freshmen and three transfers. The talented group boasts a 2010 Hermann Trophy candidate, the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, a High School All-American and three internationals. Striker Akiel Barrett (Kingston, Jamaica/Calabar HS), midfielder Dominic Bonilla (Lawrenceville, Ga./CollinsHS), defender David Mayer (Wigan, England/Wigan Youth Academy), goalkeeper Jacob Fenlason (San Diego, Calif./Rancho Bernardo HS), midfielder Zach Portillos (Aurora, Colo./University of Washington/Grandview HS), midfielder Aodhan Quinn (San Diego, Calif./Bradley University/Mt. Carmel HS), midfielder Tony Walls (Wauwatosa, Wisc./Wisconsin Green Bay/Wauwatosa East HS), and goalkeeper Jean Pierre Van Der Merwe (Krugersdorp, South Africa) will suit up for the NCAA National Champion Zips this fall. "This has certainly been a grueling, seven-month process to reload our team to a level on-par with our standards," Porter said. "After the spring season, we felt there were still some major holes to fill. But with the addition of this final group of talented players, I am satisfied we are finally there. "We believe there are now quality personnel and depth in every position, and we should have all the pieces we need to put a championship caliber team together in 2011. We are excited to welcome this group to the Akron family and I look forward to their contributions." These eight new Zips will join UA's initial eight-player signing class announced last February that included six All-Americans and the NSCAA National High School Player of the Year as well as the NAIA National Player of the Year. In particular, the newest signing class will especially help bolster Akron's midfield core, which lost three starters to Major League Soccer last January. Of the four new mids, the three transfers – Walls, Quinn and Portillos – combined to start 53 games in 2010 and have appeared in 108 Division I matches collectively for their careers. Walls, a senior transfer from Wisconsin Green Bay, will have one year of eligibility remaining. The two-time NSCAA Great Lakes Team All-Region selection was named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List in 2010 and-recorded seven goals and four assists from his center mid position. The former Horizon League Newcomer of the Year is a three-time, all-league honoree and had started every game for the Phoenix the past two seasons. Walls was named to Freshman All-American teams by the College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer in 2008. Quinn, a sophomore transfer from Bradley University will have three years of eligibility remaining. He was the top freshman in the MVC last season and earned All-Freshman Team honors from College Soccer News and Goal.com after leading the Braves to a conference tournament title and NCAATournament appearance with three goals and a team-high 10 assists as an attacking mid. His 10 assists were the most recorded by a freshman in school history and ranked 26th nationally. In all, Quinn, whose first name is pronounced "AY-din", started all 22 games at Bradley and is the son of Brian Quinn, who played in the English Premier League during the 1980s and earned 48 caps for the U.S. National Team from 1991-94. Portillos, a sophomore transfer from the University of Washington, will have three years of eligibility remaining. He was a member of the U.S. U-17 National Team pool and was the Colorado State High School Player of the Year in 2008. Last season with the Huskies, Portillos was named the team's Rookie of the Year after recording two goals – both were game-winners – and one assist in 17 games, including 13 starts. The final midfielder, Bonilla is a 2010 ESPN Rise First Team All-American and the 71st-ranked recruit in the nation, according to Top Drawer Soccer. As the Georgia Class 5A Player of the Year, Bonilla led his club team, GSA, to its first ODP national championship and was named U.S. Youth Soccer Most Valuable Player. Barrett, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, will join fellow countryman Darren Mattocks and compete for a spot up top for the Zips this fall. Barrett, who was a star striker at Calabar High School, is a member of the Harbor View U-20 Team and his school's Player of the Year. Adding depth in goal for the Zips will be Fenlason and Van Der Merwe, who hails from Krugersdorp, South Africa. Fenlason was the starting keeper on the third-ranked high school team in the nation last fall, according to ESPN Rise. Furthermore, the Region IV ODP pool player set school records for career wins (48), career shutouts (26), season saves (135) and season GAA (0.592). Fenlason was a three-sport star in high school after also running cross country and track. Mayer, the third and final international student-athlete in the group, is a left back who most recently played for Wigan Youth Academy in England.2011 Akron Men's Soccer SigneesD Kayvon Afsarifard, Chardon, Ohio/St. Ignatius HS (Loyola University Chicago)F Akeil Barrett, Kingston, Jamaica/Calabar HSM Dominic Bonilla, Lawrenceville, Ga./Collins HSF Andy Chiu, El Pasco, Texas/Cornado HSD Kyle Culbertson, Olentangy, Ohio/Olentangy HSGK Jacob Fenlason, San Diego, Calif./Rancho Bernardo HSD/M Bryan Gallego, Kinnelon, N.J./Kinnelon HSM/F Luke Holmes, Oldham, England/Our Lady's R.C. HS (Notre Dame College)D David Mayer, Wigan, EnglandM David Murrow, Cleveland, Ohio/Strongsville HSM Aodhan Quinn, San Diego, Calif./Mt. Carmel HS (Bradley)M Zach Portillos, Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS (University of Washington)M Wil Trapp, Gahanna, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln HSGK Jean Pierre Van Der Merwe, Krugerdorp, South AfricaM Tony Walls, Wauwatosa, Wisc./Wauwatosa East HS (Wisconsin Green Bay)D DeAndre Yedlin, Seattle, Wash./O'Dea HS

More accolades for three of the incoming freshmen. Wil Trapp and Brian Gallego were named to the National Starting XI and DeAndre Yedlin was named to the West Conference Starting XI.

Pretty sure Bisbee and I will be there. I will absolutely be there My first trip into the San Fernando Valley, but from looks, not much choice in Lodging. There's a HoJo Express about two miles south of campus. Cheap @ $70/nt, if I don't stay with relatives. I have to travel to Hawaii women's games in Irvine and Long Beach on Fri/Sunday. Send me a PM so we can get together.

Pretty sure Bisbee and I will be there. I will absolutely be there

And the same in game three vs New Zealand. Perhaps the most unwatchable game I've ever struggled to watch. Both teams knew going in that a draw would advance them (though the US controlled much of the possession). So neither made much effort to score. Two teams packing it in like UNC in the 09 semifinal. Yikes. Not sure who USA plays next, but I'm not expecting to see Souders on the field. Mobi Fehr does a pretty good job, and takes free kicks on set pieces -- I guess that's his advantage. Go sign him Caleb. I really like McIntosh, the US keeper. Completely in charge. As I said before, Caleb... They play Germany who has looked like an absolute wrecking ball so far. The youth talent level in that country is scary. Just out of curiosity -- are DeAndre, Trapp and Gallego eligible for the U17 team? They would have had to turn 18 before 1 Jan 2011 to be ineligible. They are too old.

All of the new guys teams won. Have you heard if the Finals will be televised? Been a couple of years since they did that, but I enjoyed it. Supposed to be on ESPNU. BTW Gallego's NYRB team is only one that made it to the finals.

All of the new guys teams won.

I think that's the same thing people said when comparing Kitchen to Kofi Sarkodie a year ago. He got no PT is second game either.