Zip Plays for USA Tomorrow

[Z.I.P.]

The newest international backliner for Akron Zips soccer will be in action in Nigeria on Monday at the Under-17 World Cup when the USA takes on Spain in the first round of pool play, and you can see it -- and I think all USA games, live on ESPNU. Monday's game is scheduled at 2 PM EST.Akron 2010 recruit Perry Kitchen had been wearing the captain's armband for his national team, so I assume he will be wearing it in the world championships. I believe he wears #4 for the US, and I'm not sure if he plays the center back or outside, but given our current line-up of two freshmen, a junior and a soph, he could be the nation's top benchwarmer next season! Also, take a look -- if he plays -- at fullback Eriq Zavaleta for the US. He's an Indiana youngster, who I'm sure is under the microscope of Caleb Porter. Dontch wanna play for us Eriq?

[Z.I.P.]

The newest international backliner for Akron Zips soccer will be in action in Nigeria on Monday at the Under-17 World Cup when the USA takes on Spain in the first round of pool play, and you can see it -- and I think all USA games, live on ESPNU. Monday's game is scheduled at 2 PM EST.Akron 2010 recruit Perry Kitchen had been wearing the captain's armband for his national team, so I assume he will be wearing it in the world championships. I believe he wears #4 for the US, and I'm not sure if he plays the center back or outside, but given our current line-up of two freshmen, a junior and a soph, he could be the nation's top benchwarmer next season! Also, take a look -- if he plays -- at fullback Eriq Zavaleta for the US. He's an Indiana youngster, who I'm sure is under the microscope of Caleb Porter. Dontch wanna play for us Eriq?

Ningunos responderos? Perry was taken off in the second half by coach Wilmer Cabrera. The limey announcer did say he had some sort of minor injury, but no details. Cabrera switched from his 4-3-3 and brought in Victor Chavez to play up front in the 2nd half -- who had a breakway for the tying goal early in the second half, and rather than slotting a pass to a wide open teammate sent the ball right at the keeper who made the stop. This was a disappointing 2-1 loss for the USA, against one of the tournament favorites (runners-up in 2007) -- especially since they took the lead and went a man up barely a minute into the game. It was one of the most entertaining and well-played youth games I've ever seen, and I have to think these are the two teams that will advance from the group.As far as Kitchen's performance, he did show some freaky skills from the right back spot in his half of play. He took a long pass back from about forty yards and managed to control it easily on his foot. He made a couple of very accurate medium-to-long distance passes on runs that did not eventually develop, but I would say he had a good half. He did not figure in either of the Spain scores, and only came up into the offensive zone a couple times. He took some of the USA throw-ins also. Zavaleta came on in the second half -- and immediately committed a horrid late tackle earning the amarilla. Kitchen did wear the USA captain's armband, and got a good amount of camera time at the start, introducing his teammates to the attending Nigerian dignitaries before the coin-flip and start of play.A quick comment: I did not think there could be anything worse than watching FIFA TV's coverage, then I had to sit through ESPN's halftime report. Not one word about the game being played! Five minutes-plus about Livapool's victory over ManU, and Rafa Benitez status as coach. Pathetic display by those two accented clowns kissing up to their network's EPL coverage!US plays Malawi next. Obviously it's a must 3-pointer.