TennZip

I am happy with this news. Coach Embick and Coach Groce are both outstanding coaches and Akron is very fortunate to have both leaders. Coach Embick and his staff have done a great job in adding players for next fall. The future is bright for Akron soccer. The Beacon has a long article about the contract extension. One item in the article…..that I did not know….is the first game for next fall. From Beacon article: The Zips are scheduled to begin the 2026 season against Dayton on Aug. 20 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Richie Laryea had another assist last night for Toronto in 2-1 win over Columbus great paragraph about Richie. In this article: https://torontoreds.com/match-report-toronto-fc-2-1-columbus-crew-01km95cfm0b1 The Richie Laryea Factor - At this point, it’s not even a debate: Richie Laryea is the heartbeat of this roster. Whether he’s marauding down the wing or tucking inside to create overloads, his work rate and tenacity set the tone for the entire squad. His assist on the Cifuentes goal was a perfect example of his ability to turn a standard transition into a goal-scoring opportunity. When the game gets chaotic, Laryea is the one player who consistently demands the ball and forces the opposition into mistakes, making him arguably the most indispensable piece of Fraser’s lineup.

https://www.torontofc.ca/news/richie-laryea-named-to-team-of-the-matchday-3-bench

this should be a link to a 5 minute interview with Beto Ydrach

26 minute interview Wil Trapp sits down with Zarek to talk about the offseason and the coaching staff https://www.mnufc.com/video/sotl-episode-328-the-next-generation-with-wil-trapp#sotl-episode-328-the-next-generation-with-wil-trapp

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/article/?categoryId=21&articleId=55698&articleTitle=college-signees-to-watch-in-mls-next-pro As the MLS NEXT Pro season begins this weekend, keep an eye on these 10 college signings. Stefan Dobrijevic, Austin FC II – The Akron scoring ace has precedent going from Zip, to NEXT Pro to an MLS deal. Jason Shokalook is part of the Chicago Fire after first signing with the second team. Dobrijevic is a strong candidate in Austin to pull off the same feat. The striker has the quality to bang in NEXT Pro goals and earn first-team reps. It won’t be simple because the team does pour tons of money into its attacking positions via transfers (and they rarely work).

https://www.instagram.com/p/DU4AsfbkdSv/?img_index=1

If my memory is correct, I think all college soccer teams are limited to playing games on 6 dates in the spring. Weather in NE Ohio is so unpredictable. Hopefully, the zips can add match in late Match.

It is great to see Remi Agunbiade's name on the roster. Remi , who was drafted in the MLS draft, definitely will be a future MLS player. I know that Remi will continue to improve...and will help the Zips have a great fall campaign. When looking at the roster, I am particularly excited by the 5 names shown as forwards. Angel Lopez Martin Aiden Benitez Remi Agunbiade Ignacio Alem Farrell Ngongang Angel and Aiden both had outstanding freshman campaigns at their respective schools. Farrell really has great talent and could be poised for a big step up in year 2. Ignacio had some outstanding moments late in the year. I think that Londen Sears and Leo Morana saw time as forwards in High School. I am sure that our coaching staff will find the best position for them in the college environment. You can never have too many good forwards and I am excited to see this group score some goals in the sping and in the fall.

I definitely agree with one of Jared's statements !!!! "It is an exciting time to be a Zip soccer fan."

Class of 2026 commit...... very good size for a forward. 4.0 student https://www.instagram.com/p/DUB7JyzgUdU/?img_index=1 https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-soccer-recruiting/ohio/medina/highland-high-school40/grace-shondel1

The lady zips have added 5 transfers.....several of them from Big East schools....

Malik Henry was fantastic tonight for the Canadian national team in a friendly against Guatemala

top drawer soccer also included a goal that Aiden scored

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/article/?categoryId=21&articleId=55589&articleTitle=ten-underrated-mens-transfer-portal-moves Aiden Benitez, Akron Benitez is headed to Akron after recording four goals and four assists in a stellar first season for the Butler Bulldogs. The Indiana native can play multiple attacking roles at a high level, and his conference experience suggests he could get off to a fast start.

I assume that if this happens, that soccer would be included (article only mentions basketball) IMHO, this would make the Big East a stronger league for soccer https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01/sen-jon-husted-pushes-big-east-to-admit-university-of-dayton.html WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, a Columbus-area Republican, is making a pitch to move his alma mater into one of college basketball’s premier conferences. Husted joined Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt on Wednesday in sending a letter to Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman urging the conference to admit the University of Dayton and Saint Louis University, citing the schools’ alignment with the Big East’s mission and their strong basketball programs.

I have to give credit to Z.I.P for finding this you tube featture on Cam Knowles Great former zip Wil Trapp is interviewed during this video.... Cam and Wil......2 great former zips

Jose Pedro started 15 games for the zips in fall 2025. Jose will transfer to a conference rival. NOTABLES Played in 16 matches, making 15 starts in 2025… took two shots on goal and recorded four assists… logged 1,235 minutes… helped the Zips post a 13-5-3 (5-2-1 BIG EAST) record… helped the Zips advance to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight… played in the Liga Revelacao before Akron, reaching the champions phase for famous Portuguese team Rio Ave. QUOTING COACH HIGGINS "Jose is a big pick up for us from an in-conference rival. He has proven that he has the ability to play and thrive in the BIG EAST and we will look to get the best out of him on both sides of the ball."

I watched a 6 minute highlight video of CB/LB Giannis Gazis (from Greece) To say that I was impressed...would be an understatement..... This young man will definitely be in the mix to replace Ashton Kamdem at LB. Idahir Deanda from Indy 11........is listed as a defensive midfielder on one site that I looked at.

It appears that the zips ......have also added another domestic recruit Idahir Deanda - Midfielder...... his instagram profile is private....but he does show @zipsmsoccer https://www.instagram.com/idahir.deanda/ top drawer soccer shows that he is from Ohio...but has played for Indy Eleven academy https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer/college-soccer-details/men/akron/clgid-438/tab-commitments#sectionblock start your research, zips fans.....sounds like a great recruiting class

Zips soccer fans, please start your research zips are adding 3 international players for 2026 https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/2026-mens-division-i-international-signees_aid55377

Akron players totally dominated the 2025 MLS awards https://www.si.com/soccer/mls-player-poll-top-trash-talker-worst-locker-room-most-desired-club Most Underrated - Darlington Nagbe Most Fashionable - DeAndre Yedlin Best Trash Talker - Richie Laryea