Crew8

The MLS is probably the best option for Darren, if he can't succeed in the MLS, well I doubt he'll ever make it in Europe in a top division. Two, maybe four years at most in the MLS, he can make the move to Europe if he wishes. Most likely to a 2nd division type of league, or first division in France, Portugal, Sweden, etc. depending how well he's performing in the MLS. If the Norwegian league was his best offer, the MLS is a better situation for Darren. The Norwegian league probably ranks 15-20th at best in Europe. Some of the best players have made the transition from MLS to Europe. As an example, just look at the USMNT, besides Landy Cakes, most of the best players have followed this route to Europe, and I expect more to follow this route. EDIT: Although, I'm not saying the Norwegian league would be a bad start if Darren chose too. But players like Josh Gatt, Mikkel Diskerud, or Clarence Goodson who currently or have played in Norway didn't receive GA contracts either. 2nd EDIT: Mistake, Clarence Goodson did receive a GA contract in 2003 drafted by at the time Dallas Burn. Played for 3 years in MLS, and made a move to Norway.

Nice! fantastic choice Darren!

Absolutely agree! Look around and tell me which GK ever received a GA contract, or left early to the pros. Goalies are a different animal from field players. I know, I was one! Zak McMath and David Bingham from Cal received GA contracts last year I do believe. List of former GA players including keepers I will say, I don't think Meves will fall into this class of GA keepers, but I do think he'll hold onto the #1 spot between the posts in 2012 for Akron. It won't be given to him, he'll still need to prove he is #1.

If you're looking for Supporter Section Tickets to Group Stage Olympic Qualifiers in Nashville. Tickets went on sale. $22 per game or $27 for non-members. $66 for all three US U-23 games(or 6 games, each day is a doubleheader) I know of possibly 5-7 making the trip. Might be renting a passenger van or at least car pool if anyone is interested in making the trip. Probably would leave early Thursday, March 22nd and return home Tuesday, March 27th. Group A schedule in Nashville Doubleheader Event Schedule: March 22 (Thursday) El Salvador vs. Canada at 5:30 p.m. CT USA vs. Cuba at 8 p.m. CT March 24 (Saturday) Cuba vs. El Salvador at 3:30 p.m. CT USA vs. Canada at 6 p.m. CT March 26 (Monday) Canada vs. Cuba at 5:30 p.m. CT USA vs. El Salvador at 8 p.m. CT As soon as I hear of hotel discounts and Pre-game parties, I'll pass along on here. Last March, versus Paraguay, Pre-games were held at McFadden's across the river from LP Field.

Le Bron Speas Very bad call. The LeBron comparison is assinine. I don't think he was being serious. Anyway, he needs to sign that homegrown contract and we'll finally have a former Zip playing for an MLS club within driving distance! Rumor is....it will possibly be official this week. I hope the rumors are correct.

Darren Mattocks turned down offer from Swedish club Djurgårdens IF - Djurgården IF wanted Darren - was rejected Translated Fotbolltransfers.com can reveal that Djurgården IF tried to recruit sought-after talent Darren Mattocks, too, who played college football in the U.S. in recent years. But the offer turned down by the striker. Jamaican striker Darren also measured, 21, have poured into goals for the University of Akron in the American college series. He has made ​​a total of 36 goals in 46 matches in the last two years. Several clubs in Scandinavia have shown interest in him. Norwegian Viking Stavanger is one of them. Fotbolltransfers.com can now reveal that Djurgården IF also tried to tie attacking talent - but without success. - Djurgården put a bid but it turned down. The player has other options that he think about right now, says agent Patrick McCabe to fotbolltransfers.com. - Djurgarden gave an attractive offer but there is better offer in the market for Darren. The decision is based not only on the economic aspects, he continues. Khaled El Ahmad, scouting director of the Royal Canal, confirming that they were interested in the 21-year-old. - That is correct. I've talked to his agent. I've seen him play in college and they got in to me. We put an offer but he chose another club, he says to fotbolltransfers.com. Mattocks also ranked as one of the best talent in the U.S. and could end up high on January draft if he chooses to stay there.

Hallelujah...they still need blue. Blue and more numbers to choose from

A must read, written by Julian Valentin for The Shin Guardian - Oreo Prose: The Maturation of Zarek Valentin

Coach Porter interview with Yanks Abroad - 2 Parts Porter Primed to Lead U-23's - Part 1 Porter Primed to Lead U-23's - Part 2

The NPSL would be more feasible, although I don't know if the NPSL would permit two clubs so close. The Dayton Dutch Lions owners have money, and lots of it and is supported by Netherlands top division FC Twente. They also have a club in Houston, Texas Dutch Lions.

I thought someone asked before who would be Coach Porter's assistant coach for the U23 squad, but I couldn't find it. Anyways, Wisconsin's Head Coach John Trask was announced today. Trask was also alongside Porter assisting the U18 squad in previous years.

Alfred Koroma I agree....#10 Alfred Koroma

So they did such a crummy job, they've been given a do-over. Now I'm starting to understand the NCAA. And that's scary! Did they do a crummy job? I haven't heard anything, positive or negative, about the venue. Neither have I, but its in a Minor League Baseball park, that's crummy enough for me. With the amount of soccer specific stadiums today, I just don't get it. Where the Women's College Cup was played this year, the place would be perfect, although I don't know if its big enough. Did anyone catch the attendance at this year's Men's College Cup Final? EDIT: I found the attendance for the entire weekend, 18,400. The final, 8,777

Columbus Crew looking outside MLS for players Bliss also said the Crew are considering adding several Home Grown players, a group that includes North Carolina junior Ben Speas, who scored the lone goal in Sunday’s College Cup title match. “He’s on our list for sure,” Bliss said. “A lot comes down to him. I know he transferred down there [from Akron where he won the College Cup in 2010], and I don’t know his college credits situation and if he wants to complete his last year and maybe graduate. He also has to weigh, ‘How much can I make today as opposed to how much I can make if I wait a year?’”

It would be good for Darren to stay and develop more, but IMO he has more chances of developing at a higher level somewhere else than here in Akron. That's the one issue with college soccer, you're not playing all year long or playing in competitive games. You have the PDL, training invites, spring practice, its really not enough. He's ready and in need of the next level of training either in Europe or MLS. Even with the MLS, you're not training as long as European clubs. A reason Jurgen Klinsmann has been pushing for many players to go to training invites in Europe during the offseason. If Darren goes to Europe, I don't think it will be the last time we'll ever hear of him. And if the match is on television somewhere in the world, I'll be sure to find a link.

It will be interesting to see where Darren decides to go. MLS or Europe? Mattocks ready to skip MLS for Europe - Soccer By Ives

What a strike from Speas! Pick up that homegrown contract Crew!

Same city and stadium as this years 2011 College Cup

A Preview to the College Cup UNC-Charlotte

I really want to pull for Charlotte in their look a like Celtic kits, but I'm undecided. The better team which is UNC, but I hope the match is a close one and not a blow out. If Charlotte wins, so be it, I just want to see a good soccer match. The meaning of Akron losing to the Champions in the 3rd round doesn't fill in any voids for myself. We either win or we lose. 2012 we will dominate and I'll be planning my trip to Hoover, AL.

Should be a good match Sunday. I'm not pulling for either team more than the other. I just want to see a good game. More Rob Stone.....I can't wait!

I really don't want to see PKs again, but this game is more closely matched than the first one

No problem! I just checked, looks like the feed is coming in pretty well. One of the websites I use for soccer matches.

Soccer can be cruel. Creighton were the better team on the field. Charlotte played with a lot of heart though.