Scott Caldwell

[Z.I.P.]

Some of you might remember this -- two years ago I had to ask on this board if freshman Blair Gavin was getting any playing time with the team. Blair was arguably the highest ranked recruit in school history, being the first US U-18 or U-17 player to put his name on the paper for Akron (along with Tony Ampai). But, Blair received little if any mention in game descriptions because the spot he played -- was he at center midfield, or holding mid? -- he didn't come foreward offensively often. The response I got to my question was that Blair had started all or nearly every game that season. And he was a crucial cog on the team that became Akron's first #1-ranked team. Well, this season, the highest-ranked recruit is Massachussetts native Scott Caldwell, who's been a member of US national youth teams for at least three years before Akron (wore the armband for the US U-16 and U-17 teams as I recall), and I think was in the Bradenton national youth residency program. Scott was the #6 ranked recruit by the best-known website that ranks recruits (TopShelf?) -- at least, after Ben Speas' injury which knocked him out of the #1 spot he held before his senior year at CVCA. Well, guess what? Scott Caldwell is this year's Blair Gavin! Starting and playing nearly 90 minutes every game of the season. He's apparently that same type of block of stone at the center of the formation, who helps hold the shape of the team together with his play. At least that's the view from here in the 50th state. Can anyone who's seen the team in person share any feedback on what role (and position!) Scott is playing on the consensus #1 team in collegiate soccer? With Blair now becoming more of an offensive threat, that puts the pressure on someone to be a ballhawk in the center. I suspect that's the role of Scott.

[MDZip]

Some of you might remember this -- two years ago I had to ask on this board if freshman Blair Gavin was getting any playing time with the team. Blair was arguably the highest ranked recruit in school history, being the first US U-18 or U-17 player to put his name on the paper for Akron (along with Tony Ampai). But, Blair received little if any mention in game descriptions because the spot he played -- was he at center midfield, or holding mid? -- he didn't come foreward offensively often. The response I got to my question was that Blair had started all or nearly every game that season. And he was a crucial cog on the team that became Akron's first #1-ranked team. Well, this season, the highest-ranked recruit is Massachussetts native Scott Caldwell, who's been a member of US national youth teams for at least three years before Akron (wore the armband for the US U-16 and U-17 teams as I recall), and I think was in the Bradenton national youth residency program. Scott was the #6 ranked recruit by the best-known website that ranks recruits (TopShelf?) -- at least, after Ben Speas' injury which knocked him out of the #1 spot he held before his senior year at CVCA. Well, guess what? Scott Caldwell is this year's Blair Gavin! Starting and playing nearly 90 minutes every game of the season. He's apparently that same type of block of stone at the center of the formation, who helps hold the shape of the team together with his play. At least that's the view from here in the 50th state. Can anyone who's seen the team in person share any feedback on what role (and position!) Scott is playing on the consensus #1 team in collegiate soccer? With Blair now becoming more of an offensive threat, that puts the pressure on someone to be a ballhawk in the center. I suspect that's the role of Scott.

Z.I.P., not quite sure where you're getting your information from, but Scott hasn't started a game this year, let alone played all 90 minutes. He has gotten some significant time in a few games, but not very many. Are you sure you are not confusing him with Chad Barson? (also a freshman, but a defender whom we don't hear a lot about, who almost never comes out of a game).

[FormerZip]

Some of you might remember this -- two years ago I had to ask on this board if freshman Blair Gavin was getting any playing time with the team. Blair was arguably the highest ranked recruit in school history, being the first US U-18 or U-17 player to put his name on the paper for Akron (along with Tony Ampai). But, Blair received little if any mention in game descriptions because the spot he played -- was he at center midfield, or holding mid? -- he didn't come foreward offensively often. The response I got to my question was that Blair had started all or nearly every game that season. And he was a crucial cog on the team that became Akron's first #1-ranked team.

Blair wasn't on the 2005 team. That was Akron's first #1-ranked team.

[roo gang]

Some of you might remember this -- two years ago I had to ask on this board if freshman Blair Gavin was getting any playing time with the team. Blair was arguably the highest ranked recruit in school history, being the first US U-18 or U-17 player to put his name on the paper for Akron (along with Tony Ampai). But, Blair received little if any mention in game descriptions because the spot he played -- was he at center midfield, or holding mid? -- he didn't come foreward offensively often. The response I got to my question was that Blair had started all or nearly every game that season. And he was a crucial cog on the team that became Akron's first #1-ranked team. Well, this season, the highest-ranked recruit is Massachussetts native Scott Caldwell, who's been a member of US national youth teams for at least three years before Akron (wore the armband for the US U-16 and U-17 teams as I recall), and I think was in the Bradenton national youth residency program. Scott was the #6 ranked recruit by the best-known website that ranks recruits (TopShelf?) -- at least, after Ben Speas' injury which knocked him out of the #1 spot he held before his senior year at CVCA. Well, guess what? Scott Caldwell is this year's Blair Gavin! Starting and playing nearly 90 minutes every game of the season. He's apparently that same type of block of stone at the center of the formation, who helps hold the shape of the team together with his play. At least that's the view from here in the 50th state. Can anyone who's seen the team in person share any feedback on what role (and position!) Scott is playing on the consensus #1 team in collegiate soccer? With Blair now becoming more of an offensive threat, that puts the pressure on someone to be a ballhawk in the center. I suspect that's the role of Scott.

Z.I.P., not quite sure where you're getting your information from, but Scott hasn't started a game this year, let alone played all 90 minutes. He has gotten some significant time in a few games, but not very many. Are you sure you are not confusing him with Chad Barson? (also a freshman, but a defender whom we don't hear a lot about, who almost never comes out of a game).

I bet you are thinking of Chad Barson. From what I hear, he is the "captain" of the defense. Also, one of the nation's top recruits. Looking up stats he had a goal this season and two other headers from corners against cincy and w mich that goalies made great saves. From watching games and hearing Porter talk about him he is one of those players who does everything correct, rises to every occasion, can take on any forward, yet receives no glory. My bet is he notches a game winner against V tech! Interesting note, I believe Barson and Sarkodie are best friends and I believe they played club soccer together since age 13. Barson, Sarkodie, Caldwell, Valentine, and Speas were all in Florida together. Talking with those guys, Barson actually began talking with Porter first and decided on Akron. The way high school and graduation worked out Sarkodie graduated a semester earlier than everyone so was at Akron a year sooner. Soon after Barson decided on Akron, Kofi committed, than the rest of the freshman crew followed. Goes to show how influential a couple of players can be!

[Z.I.P.]

Some of you might remember this -- two years ago I had to ask on this board if freshman Blair Gavin was getting any playing time with the team. Blair was arguably the highest ranked recruit in school history, being the first US U-18 or U-17 player to put his name on the paper for Akron (along with Tony Ampai). But, Blair received little if any mention in game descriptions because the spot he played -- was he at center midfield, or holding mid? -- he didn't come foreward offensively often. The response I got to my question was that Blair had started all or nearly every game that season. And he was a crucial cog on the team that became Akron's first #1-ranked team. Well, this season, the highest-ranked recruit is Massachussetts native Scott Caldwell, who's been a member of US national youth teams for at least three years before Akron (wore the armband for the US U-16 and U-17 teams as I recall), and I think was in the Bradenton national youth residency program. Scott was the #6 ranked recruit by the best-known website that ranks recruits (TopShelf?) -- at least, after Ben Speas' injury which knocked him out of the #1 spot he held before his senior year at CVCA. Well, guess what? Scott Caldwell is this year's Blair Gavin! Starting and playing nearly 90 minutes every game of the season. He's apparently that same type of block of stone at the center of the formation, who helps hold the shape of the team together with his play. At least that's the view from here in the 50th state. Can anyone who's seen the team in person share any feedback on what role (and position!) Scott is playing on the consensus #1 team in collegiate soccer? With Blair now becoming more of an offensive threat, that puts the pressure on someone to be a ballhawk in the center. I suspect that's the role of Scott.

Z.I.P., not quite sure where you're getting your information from, but Scott hasn't started a game this year, let alone played all 90 minutes. He has gotten some significant time in a few games, but not very many. Are you sure you are not confusing him with Chad Barson? (also a freshman, but a defender whom we don't hear a lot about, who almost never comes out of a game).

I bet you are thinking of Chad Barson. From what I hear, he is the "captain" of the defense. Also, one of the nation's top recruits. Looking up stats he had a goal this season and two other headers from corners against cincy and w mich that goalies made great saves. From watching games and hearing Porter talk about him he is one of those players who does everything correct, rises to every occasion, can take on any forward, yet receives no glory. My bet is he notches a game winner against V tech! Interesting note, I believe Barson and Sarkodie are best friends and I believe they played club soccer together since age 13. Barson, Sarkodie, Caldwell, Valentine, and Speas were all in Florida together. Talking with those guys, Barson actually began talking with Porter first and decided on Akron. The way high school and graduation worked out Sarkodie graduated a semester earlier than everyone so was at Akron a year sooner. Soon after Barson decided on Akron, Kofi committed, than the rest of the freshman crew followed. Goes to show how influential a couple of players can be!

You see! I managed to scare up a couple of new "insider" posters, just by posting some provocative language. Roo Gang is exactly right about the way the recruiting went down. I believe Ben, Chad, Kofi and Valentin are all in the '91 birth class -- probably true of Nagbe, Bunbury, Meves, Schmitt, Dagilis and maybe Caldwell as well. We OWN 1991! I did think though that Scott was a starter at midfield. Thinking about it now, who would he replace?! Maybe Caleb would consider going to a 3-man back line and placing Caldwell up at Holding Mid. Can anyone tell us where he played while at Bradenton? Is his game similar to Blair's, or is he even more possession oriented? He HAS to be the nation's top-ranked "12th Man". He should be another in the long line of future MLS/international professionals off of this team.

[Z.I.P.]

Akron vs Virginia Tech:34:04 Akron substitution. Caldwell, Scott M for Gavin, Blair M.First substitution.