Zips #1

[UAZipster0305]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/ncaa/scoreboard?cc=5901http://soccernet.espn.go.com/ncaa/ranking?cc=5901The Zips were ranked in a tie for #3 in the NSCAA rankings (the one most considered for tournament seeding) and all teams ranked ahead either lost or tied. If a good result can be achieved against Tulsa, UA will have the #1 spot when the next poll comes out.Where is the emoticon for National Champs?...Have a feeling the MAC Champs sign just won't be enough this year!

[ksu sucks]

I hope the futbol americano team pans out like we hope. If so, it will make for a really exciting fall.

[MDZip]

Where is the emoticon for National Champs?...Have a feeling the MAC Champs sign just won't be enough this year!

I agree - I don't know if the mods can grab it and upload it but we have a real need for this now. Go Zips!

[MDZip]

I like the white background better.

[Z.I.P.]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/ncaa/scoreboard?cc=5901http://soccernet.espn.go.com/ncaa/ranking?cc=5901The Zips were ranked in a tie for #3 in the NSCAA rankings (the one most considered for tournament seeding) and all teams ranked ahead either lost or tied. If a good result can be achieved against Tulsa, UA will have the #1 spot when the next poll comes out.

St Johns defeated Notre Dame 2-0. They should be #1.

[MDZip]

It was reported in GoZips that the Zips have risen to spot #2 in the Soccer America National Rankings (sse the end of the article). Not according to an article in Soccer America where they say the Zips are #1 (I can't see the poll itself). Akron finds some answersby Paul KennedyMEN'S NEWS ... Heading into the 2009 season, Akron had several question marks. Who would replace Hermann Trophy winner Steve Zakuani, who left after his sophomore season and signed with MLS's Seattle Sounders FC? And who would replace four-year starter Evan Bush in goal?After the opening weekend of play, it looked like the Zips have found a replacement for Bush but finding a goalscorer to replace Zakuani will be a bit harder.Freshman goalkeeper David Meves earned a pair of shutouts as Akron beat SMU and Tulsa by 1-0 scores to sweep the to the Radisson Tulsa Airport Classic and move into the top spot in the Soccer America Men's Top 25.For the time being, Akron will get its goals by committee. The Zips hit the post twice against SMU and needed a penalty kick from Blair Gavin to win on Friday. Another midfielder, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, had the goal against Tulsa.* It was not a great week for the three ACC teams ranked in the Preseason Top 25. North Carolina had to settle for a 1-1 tie with Northern Illinois and fell to No. 2 behind Akron in this week's rankings. Defending national champion Maryland lost to UCLA, 2-0, in its opener, while 2007 champion Wake Forest managed only four goals (one an own goal) in three games and went 2-0-1. But before you write off the ACC ...-- Virginia put a horrible preseason behind it and beat Portland, 3-0, and Washington, 2-1, at the Portland Nike Invitational. Sophomore Tony Tchani, back after missing the last part of the 2008 season with a knee injury, set the tone with two goals in the first 15 minutes in the opener against Portland.-- Duke and N.C. State both won two games at the Duke/Nike Classic to move to 3-0-0. Denver, the defending MPSF champion, arrived in Durham with a No. 25 ranking, but N.C. State blew the Pioneers away, 4-0, and Duke won, 2-0, two days later.I think it is possible that we could pick up another #1 in the NSCAA poll tomorrow. I am a little disappointed Indiana lost, it will take a little lustre off the game on the 18th.This is OUR year!

[Zipsrifle]

Zakuani didn't win the Hermann Tropy last year...right?

[Z.I.P.]

Zakuani didn't win the Hermann Tropy last year...right?

You beat me to this one! When I read this in the magazine I almost fell over laughing. Paul Kennedy didn't so much commit a blooper, just forgot that the best player in the nation was passed over for the sure fire ACC selection. What was his name anyhow?

[Z.I.P.]

Akron finds some answersby Paul KennedyMEN'S NEWS ... Heading into the 2009 season, Akron had several question marks. Who would replace Hermann Trophy winner Steve Zakuani, who left after his sophomore season and signed with MLS's Seattle Sounders FC? And who would replace four-year starter Evan Bush in goal?After the opening weekend of play, it looked like the Zips have found a replacement for Bush but finding a goalscorer to replace Zakuani will be a bit harder.Freshman goalkeeper David Meves earned a pair of shutouts as Akron beat SMU and Tulsa by 1-0 scores to sweep the to the Radisson Tulsa Airport Classic and move into the top spot in the Soccer America Men's Top 25.For the time being, Akron will get its goals by committee. The Zips hit the post twice against SMU and needed a penalty kick from Blair Gavin to win on Friday. Another midfielder, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, had the goal against Tulsa.* It was not a great week for the three ACC teams ranked in the Preseason Top 25. North Carolina had to settle for a 1-1 tie with Northern Illinois and fell to No. 2 behind Akron in this week's rankings. Defending national champion Maryland lost to UCLA, 2-0, in its opener, while 2007 champion Wake Forest managed only four goals (one an own goal) in three games and went 2-0-1. But before you write off the ACC ...-- Virginia put a horrible preseason behind it and beat Portland, 3-0, and Washington, 2-1, at the Portland Nike Invitational. Sophomore Tony Tchani, back after missing the last part of the 2008 season with a knee injury, set the tone with two goals in the first 15 minutes in the opener against Portland.-- Duke and N.C. State both won two games at the Duke/Nike Classic to move to 3-0-0. Denver, the defending MPSF champion, arrived in Durham with a No. 25 ranking, but N.C. State blew the Pioneers away, 4-0, and Duke won, 2-0, two days later.I think it is possible that we could pick up another #1 in the NSCAA poll tomorrow. I am a little disappointed Indiana lost, it will take a little lustre off the game on the 18th.This is OUR year!

Thanks MD -- especially since you can't ordinarly get these stories off Soccer America unless you pay for them -- even as a subscriber to the magazine you can't see their articles! Interesting that Kennedy continues to repeat that Zakuani won the Hermann Trophy . You would think SOMEONE would have corrected him -- someone from Wake Forest NC for example! I -- and I suspect Caleb and the team too -- am not concerned in the least with where the rankings fall at this point in the season -- or any time before post-season seedings. It was a great honor two years ago to be ranked No 1 for much of the season. That point -- of placing rankings ahead of the drive to the College Cup and a title are past us now. This team is focused on one game at a time, with a single goal of being No 1 when its all over. Frankly, I don't know where St Johns or Creighton are ranked, but I would have a hard time placing Akron ahead of either. edit: Creighton drew their first game, but hey it's all a crap shoot anyway.

[MDZip]

Zakuani didn't win the Hermann Tropy last year...right?

Maybe Mr. Kennedy is so disappointed that he didn't that he is starting a subliminal campaign to have the vote recounted. :)And I certainly hope the team could care less about the ranking but it is fun for us fans.

[bmaker]

Today's NSCAA poll has Akron firmly in the No. 1 spot. The Zips will have to continue to perform this coming weekend against a couple mid-level teams or the bottom will fall out quickly.

[UAZipster0305]

http://www.nscaa.com/seniorRes.php?it=1064http://www.nscaa.com/SeniorResReg.php?it=9...;rg=Great_LakesI called it!Cincinnati is a respectable program, but High Point shouldn't give us any problems.Bring them on!

[Z.I.P.]

http://www.nscaa.com/seniorRes.php?it=1064http://www.nscaa.com/SeniorResReg.php?it=9...;rg=Great_LakesI called it!Cincinnati is a respectable program, but High Point shouldn't give us any problems.Bring them on!

Also, this past weekend, Northern Illinois increased the visibility of MAC soccer with their draw vs "highly-ranked" UNC (which doesn't seem to start playing hard until the NCAA tourney -- if they get in), followed by a 4-1 victory over UNC-Greensboro, a team that often qualifies for the post-season itself. I would have expected NIU to be in there somewhere. I guess that's a product of the MAC's lack of respect. They were in off-and-on last year.

[Zipsrifle]

#1 is great boasting for fans, but if I were on the team, I couldn't care less. We've been shafted in the past two seasons when it came to the post season, so I would be out for blood each and every week. The only ranking that counts is the one at the end of the season!

[MDZip]

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

[Z.I.P.]

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.

[MDZip]

I was Checking out Top Drawer Soccer for Zips News and I found a little pre-season tournament that the site ran and the voters (there weren't all that many) voted the Zips to win the Championship.http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/contest?contest_id=450I was, however, a little confused by this entry where we beat the WVU Minutemen. Anybody familiar with them - or the classic gold and purple team colors? Maybe that's why we won, playing fictional schools.

[LHSide]

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.

I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.html

[ZachTheZip]

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.

I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.html

Welcome! Thanks for the info. Finding stuff on soccer players is quite a bit more difficult than it is for some other sports.

[w00t]

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.

I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.html

Thanks for the info! I'm particularly intrigued by the distance on his throws... if they turn out to be anywhere near as valuable to UA as Rory Delap's are to Stoke City, we're in for a real treat. A good long thrower can really change a game.

[Z.I.P.]

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.

I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.html

Mahalo -- Whoops, I sometimes slip into my second tongue -- Thanks, LH.That training session this summer with Chelsea speaks for itself! Played in what -- four EPL academy matches? Obviously, Caleb sees a Very High Upside for young Gabby (Can we call him "Agbonlahor" -- at least we Villa fans?). He has a similarly high upside to that of Ben Speas when Ben first arrived at ESP Camp a couple years ago. It's nice to get fantastic athletes, who are great students (3.4 GPA) to represent The University of Akron. Now, let me throw in another recruiting tip: Try Googling the name Lepekola "Cletus" Seetane. This has to be on our (and other's) recruiting radar. One of the best Class of 2010 central mids and defensive/holding mids, the Lesotho immigrant plays club soccer in Louisville where he was last year's Kentucky HS POY. He's a two-time ESP all-star, who's club coach is a UL undergraduate responsible for the immigration of Lepe and another former Lesothoan from southern Africa. Could be an interesting recruiting situation developing. Of course, I don't know the current status, but Lepe played on the same ESP camp team as Ben Speas, so there's a connection. Does W00t have any feelers out on him? ---edit--- Further investigation shows that on seeing his pix, Lepe Seetane is the 'Lil' Dru Joyce of his sport. He may go 5'2" -- accent on may.BTW -- I remember DeLap having played with another of my fave clubs, Sunderland's Red and White once -- he was always out injured. Hopefully Genovesi is more durable. As far as the powerful throw-in goes, I've often seen how dangerous that technique can be at the youth/HS -- and occasionally college level, but throw-in strategy at the pro level seems totally different. Ever notice how at youth and HS levels (and all the women's college games I watch especially) there's that "unwritten rule" that you have to advance the ball upfield on a throw-in -- so the ball always gets thrown forward along the sideline, and often gets knocked out of play? However, at higher levels, top US D-1 ball and professional leagues, the purpose is to get the ball back in play in space, with the ability to move forward as soon as it's in play. I try to teach that to the players I know and coach, but somehow it's hard to defeat that Unwritten Rule. NOW -- there are exceptions to the rule -- the goal by the USA yesterday in Nigeria for example: that was on a throw-in from at least 25 yards out right into the 6-yard box that Jumpin' Jack McInerney outfought the Spanish keeper for and tapped into the net for the Americans. That was an occasion where the throw-in DOES make a difference.

[Z.I.P.]

I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.html

"My dad scored more goals than your dad!"Folks, this is truly prolific: (Nice mullet too!)http://alpha.fdu.edu/thsports/halloffame/2000/King.htmlHopefully Gabby "Agbonlahor" Genovesi has some of his father's magic!

[scottditzen]

Welcome LH.I will never forget watching Michael King with the Crunch. He was awesome.

The NCSAA poll, Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Times and Soccer America (not publicly accessible) all have the Zips at #1 now. The only major publication that has it wrong is College Soccer News (we are #3 there).

This Just in: We have another 2010 commitment. From Top Drawer and ESPN reports, a verbal from Gabriel Genovesi, Mequon, Wisconsin. Not familiar with this kid. No position listed, no national team play. Will try to find more. He's the second commit, after US-U17 captain Perry Kitchen.

I am from WI and joined to follow Genovesi as he goes on to Akron. If it helps, Genovesi was recruited by several D1 schools (SLU, Wake Forest, GTown, GWU, to name a few) in all 3 field positions. He played USSF Academy for FC Milwaukee but now plays on a mens team (ages range from 20-30), the MK Majors. He is also a State Track Champion in the 400m and has the longest throw in I have ever seen in my life. He did play for the WI 1992 ODP team and the regional team but then joined the USSF Academy, where they do not allow you to do ODP. His Dad is FDU Hall of Famer Michael King and who holds a NCAA D1 scoring record and played with the Cleveland Crunch. Another interesting note is that he started playing soccer in 8th grade. Here is a link: http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/10876653...8/11635408.html

[LHSide]

Thanks for the warm welcome. ZIP - watch the big words I am just a haole! I am trying not to be a homer, but I gotta say you get a great player and person in "Agbonlahor" Genovesi. On a side note - Agbonlahor is a new one. They yell "Henry" at him during games, maybe there are some former Arsenal fans in WI. I thought Genovesi was going to fly under the radar since he started soccer so late but then I saw that so many big D1 schools were recruiting him. Shows what I know. I will be interested to see where he plays. He did play with Perry Kitchen as a defender during ODP, but I tend to think he was placed there because of his size. I have seen him play Academy games - half the game as a forward, score 4 goals and then play the other half as a defender. He seems to like to run and be most comfortable playing MF, but he reads the game well and manages to get the whole team involved in the run of play which is nice. This past HS season he played all three positions, so where Coach Porter will put him in will be interesting. Should be interesting to see him play with Bunbury and Nanchoff, since all of their dads played together at some point. A little Cleveland connection? I will try to post anything I hear on this end about his progress. Forgive me if I don't make it on here as much as I should, I can be a little computer illiterate.

[Z.I.P.]

Thanks for the warm welcome. ZIP - watch the big words I am just a haole! I am trying not to be a homer, but I gotta say you get a great player and person in "Agbonlahor" Genovesi. On a side note - Agbonlahor is a new one. They yell "Henry" at him during games, maybe there are some former Arsenal fans in WI. I thought Genovesi was going to fly under the radar since he started soccer so late but then I saw that so many big D1 schools were recruiting him. Shows what I know. I will be interested to see where he plays. He did play with Perry Kitchen as a defender during ODP, but I tend to think he was placed there because of his size. I have seen him play Academy games - half the game as a forward, score 4 goals and then play the other half as a defender. He seems to like to run and be most comfortable playing MF, but he reads the game well and manages to get the whole team involved in the run of play which is nice. This past HS season he played all three positions, so where Coach Porter will put him in will be interesting. Should be interesting to see him play with Bunbury and Nanchoff, since all of their dads played together at some point. A little Cleveland connection? I will try to post anything I hear on this end about his progress. Forgive me if I don't make it on here as much as I should, I can be a little computer illiterate.

From one haole to another, your experiences are appreciated from ovah heah. I was unaware that Teal's dad had played in MISL, or whatever futsal league that was. I only follow REAL football! Actually though, I know Bunbury (a Guyana-born Canadian national) is one of the most capped and highest scoring Canucks of his era (in WC qualifying that is -- I believe Canada lost out in a play-in game - possibly to Australia, in 94). He had a goal ratio around 1:2 goals to starts. I hope his son stays in blue and gold long enough to win himself a Hermann. It's not out of the question THIS year, the way things are going.I forget what Gabriel's height is. He could really help our back line (or central mid) -- and strike even MORE fear in opponents that a <.20 GAA -- if we could get more height in the back. I guess we'll have to wait at least till next summer to see -- and I have to think there's a good chance of a red shirt in his future, honestly. That might be best for everyone. Keep us up to date on the Wisconsin scene. When is the HS season there -- right now?