Crew8

Off topic, but I was thinking who could represent the 50th State earlier this week when this was brought to my attention. US Soccer: 50 States & 50 Jerseys Z.I.P. came to mind and you just reminded me. The gentleman who owns the 49th State I've met a few times at past US matches. He's the one who's behind this idea.

Teal Bunbury Gives Tour of Sporting Park

I'm disappointed, but he made the right choice picking the US. Wondo baffles me, I rather see Gomez on the squad over Wondo. Teal is still young and I bet he has a bigger role in the World Cup Qualification matches. It sounds like its come down to form as of late. Bob Bradley “Teal is a young striker that we certainly see a lot of potential,” the US manager said Monday on a media teleconference call. “I didn’t think it was the right time for him. I don’t think he’s been as sharp as we would like so far in the season. And I think that’s a sign of him continuing to mature and grow. Article - Shuffling Strike Force Although this is great for Kansas City as they open up their new stadium June 9th and Teal's face all over KC. I'm sure they begged for him to stay.

Akron Summit Assault recorded their first franchise win last night 1-0 over the Indiana Invaders. Tough to have 4 matches in 8 days, 2 on the road, and finish 1-1-2, only loss coming from a fantastic Chicago Fire squad. Congrats to ASA! Next home match is Saturday, June 4th 730pm Michael Balogun scored the lone goal in the 21st minute and played 75 minutes Aodhan Quinn, Thomas Schmitt, Matt Dagilis all played 90 minutes Kayvon Afserifard came on in the 75th minute

Interesting. Anything on Navarrete? Seems weird to show up for Spring semester and leave before that's even finished. Is anyone else going crazy with excitement about this upcoming season. I cant wait for it to start. I find this odd, why would you show up for Spring to leave for UAB? UAB - Diego Navarrete

If you live more than a hundred miles away and like to watch a few current Akron Zips playing for the Summit Assault. All the Home matches will be on USL Live Still trying to work on getting a few away matches. But if you live within the Akron area, you should watch in person and support soccer in our community.

I agree with bisbee. Give it time, the transition is not as easy as you would think. The MLS is a physical long season, Thierry Henry didn't exactly tear up the league last year, actually he was horrible. People don't give the MLS enough credit, although it can be ugly at times, its physical. I don't think you'll see MLS clubs downgrade future Zips players.

Here is an article on Will Trapp, I didn't know if it was posted already or where to post it. Will Trapp silences crowds, takes a bow - ESPN Rise

Did anyone go to the game Saturday? I was there, but unable to watch any of it due to working at the AO booth. 45 minute lightening delay didn't help either. David Meves was there, but playing goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire. As far as Akron Zips playing for the Summit Assault FC Kavon Afsarifard Matt Dagilis Thomas Schmitt Aodhan Quinn Michael Balogun

Did anyone go to the game Saturday? I was there, but unable to watch any of it due to working at the AO booth. 45 minute lightening delay didn't help either. David Meves was there, but playing goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire. As far as Akron Zips playing for the Summit Assault FC Kavon Afsarifard Matt Dagilis Thomas Schmitt Aodhan Quinn Michael Balogun

If anyone really likes to know, Akron Outlaws were defeated 7-6 against the Cleveland Outlaws in the First Leg of the Rust Belt Cup Sunday afternoon. Cleveland's 25+ man team outnumbered Akron's 13 players who traveled north to Independence. Still Akron were able to grind it out and hang in there until the end in front of about 40 spectators, mostly Cleveland supporters on a wet and miserable day. Cleveland wearing Blue sponsored by AFC Cleveland and Akron wearing Orange sponsored by Akron Summit Assault FC. After going down 3-1 and a miss PK by Cleveland, Akron bounced back with two incredible shots, one from its youngest member a laser from the right corner of the 18 yard box. The other goal coming on a 25-30 yard lob shot just above the fingertips of the goalkeeper. By far, Akron had the best goals of the day, but were not able to keep up with the fresh and total line changes of Cleveland. With 10 minutes to play, Akron tied it up 6-6, content on going home and moving onto the 2nd Leg was not an option, Akron continued to attack. With just a few minutes left, Cleveland were able to find the back of the net and hold onto the lead. Final 7-6 Great day indeed! The Akron lads played great. Would've been nice to Win or even to come away with a Draw in the first leg, but we'll be bringing the hammer in the 2nd Leg here in Akron. Can't wait, hope some of you like to come out and play or even to support Akron soccer. News of the field and date will be finalized shortly. Late August or early September. Pittsburgh is asking to challenge the winner, I said "Book your trip to Akron, OH"

There is no way of knowing if this player is actually a player. Notice the poster did NOT mention Steve Zakuani, so he might not be familiar with Akron -- and so vice versa. Let me assure you, if this kid is Akron material, Oliver Slawson and Caleb will do all they need to provide him am opportunity. Otherwise, I would wish him good luck at Fort Lewis State, a really nice program and location to attend college. But he DID mention Zakuani in post #7 and #8. Thanks for pointing that out Zach. I read Mike's original post, and then scanned the rest of the thread. I probably missed it -- but I may have looked at it before those were posted, not sure. I'll edit my own post there. Does anyone remember this thread? It took me a while to find it, but I can tell you now that the player who was being shopped on Bigsoccer was the most recent Akron recruit -- David Mayer. Hey -- I have to correct myself (belatedly, been knocked out with sinus infection this week) about this player. The English coach I was in contact with told me that I had made the wrong guess. The player he wrote about -- who attended the February camp @Akron did not get 'picked-up' by the team. David Mayer is another prospect, and I believe a VERY good player, even by UK standards. I did hear from a good source over the weekend David Mayer will be starting classes in the summer

Anyone going to the first match for Akron Summit Assault FC this Saturday versus Chicago Fire PDL? Print this for 20% Off ASA Apparel and a Free Bottle of Water. You don't need the coupon to get in for Free.

Nice! I know where I'll be. At Kevin O'Bryan's Pub drinking a few cold ones

could care less about that site. Notice how they're big Suckeye fans, while most of us here are not. I could careless about OSU and don't really care who likes them or not. But if you have soccer skills or none at all, come on out and represent Akron as a Soccer Fan!

Help us out Akron! That city up North, called Cleveland thinks they have it in the bag. Lets show them on the pitch The Cleveland Sports Forums

I apologize its not U of Akron vs Cleveland St., but what a great lead way into the new season On May 15 the two local chapters of The American Outlaws, Akron and Cleveland, will play each other in the first of two games that will decide the winner of the inaugural "Rust Belt Cup." This is kind of cool because AFC Cleveland is sponsoring the event, as is Akron Summit Assault FC. These are most certainly NOT professional teams. This is a friendly game between the two chapters, but it will mark the first meeting of the two new area professional soccer clubs pitted against one another (even if it's just as sponsors). This game will be at 4:00 in Independence, on the field next to the high school. After the game we are all heading over to Mavis Winkle's on Rockside for food and drinks. We'll have the place to ourselves, they were supposed to be closed that day and are opening just for this. In August or Sept. we'll play the 2nd Leg on our Home territory here in Akron. Its not too late to play at all. If you know anyone who would want to play, but isn't a member, both chapters are actively signing up new people. If anyone would like to come, this would be a great opportunity to meet a good many local soccer nuts. Families are encouraged, there's a great park and playground right there too. For the adults, there are 99¢ pints of Labatt and Miller Lite at Mavis. Another cool thing that day is The Golden Goal Sports Network (AFC Cleveland's broadcasting partner) is going to film both the game and the party afterward to use in a documentary they're making about AFC Cleveland, "AFC Cleveland the Building of a Franchise." Let me know if anyone would like more info. Email AO Akron More Info here: Akron Outlaws vs Cleveland Outlaws -Rust Belt Cup 2011-

Good match! Crew prevailed! Watched Akron Zips get recognized at half time on the televisions at Kevin O'Bryan's Pub. Afterwards, a large group stuck around to watch Nagbe and Portand vs RSL. A fine night for footy talk, pints of beer, and MLS. Quick Interview with Caleb Porter from our friends ISN:

Just bumping this back up if anyone happened to miss it. We still have a few seats available if anyone is interested. Anyone looking to see Akron's new Semi-Pro Soccer Team, Akron Summit Assault FC. All Official AO Akron Members will receive a discounted ticket rate of $8 to all Home Matches. Just provide your ID at the ticket booth. $18 for a AO Akron year membership plus you receive a T-shirt and other discounts. But don't forget the first match at home May 14th vs Chicago Fire PDL will be FREE to the public and AO Akron will have a table set up for more information. Roster will be released Monday and I believe Five Akron Zips will be joining the Summit Assault. Any questions, send an email to aoakron@gmail.com

Zakuani's Open Letter to Sounders Fans Rapids' Mullan distraught, taking time off

I was watching when it happened. Tough one for Steve, read its a broken tibia and fibula, having surgery tonight. Feel bad for a veteran like Mullan, although it was a horrible tackle and deserves to be banned for a little time. Hoping for a fast recovery to Steve. If you like to send your thoughts to Steve visit this link Best Wishes to Steve

Give it time, give it time! You lose seven players on a starting soccer squad, its not so easy to recover like in other sports. The key will be how the season comes to an end, October is the time for the team to come together.

I hope the weather "permits" this scrimmage in Akron and the Sporting KC vs Crew match (featuring Teal Bunbury) in Columbus. Go Zips and SKC! Hopefully the weather holds. If not looks like its going to be a sloppy game. 90% chance of rain, thunder, and wind all day. If anyone is interested who is attending the Akron/Xavier match. A few of us are heading to Kevin O'Bryan's Pub on S. Main afterwards to watch the El Classico - Barcelona v Real Madrid at 4pm and going to stick around for the 730pm Crew v Sporting KC match.

Crew, I'm recommending teh U of A hire you. You out-organize the athletic department by ridiculous margins. I imagine they can't afford you though. Haha Thanks Z.I.P. Good chance I'll be in need of a new job soon. Hey, U of A if you're reading, I need a job!

Is Caleb listed as a part of the coaching staff, guest instructor...? Inquiring minds... I can tell you that in the last camp DeA went to he was an official assistant along with Vidovich from Wake and Lolla from Louisville. I know Porter has gone out of the country a few times with the team so my guess is that he is a permanent assistant coach (notice how there aren't any spring games scheduled during this week). Yep, he'll continue to assist with the U-18 this summer. After Portland, its onto Lisbon, Portugal in May, and then to Northern Ireland for a International Tournament in July. The only reason I know, is I asked Coach Porter himself back in February First question in the video I'm curious to see if Porter will continue to assist with the youth programs next year. I know he's been working with the US U-18 the last two years and he like to takeover Coach Sweats job someday.