Next Year

[meatwad]

Not to take anything away from the National Championship or the celebration surrounding it, but the conversation seemed to be dying down a bit so I figured this would be a good time to start discussing next year's lineup. There will of course be a few holes to fill in the starting lineup. Ampai and Korb will be missed for their leadership and outstanding play on the field. The tricky part (at this point) is figuring out which underclassmen will be lost to the MLS via Generation Adidas contracts. Some projections I have seen have as many as 5 Zips on the list (Link). I think that's very premature on some of those guys. Alternatively there is a tracker up (Link) that shows 3 Zips on the list. I'm inclined to view these as the most likely to come out (Kofi, Darlington, Zarek). That would leave us with 5 positions to reload: Attacking Mid, Center Back, Outside Back (2x) and Forward.

Here's how I could see us doing that:

F: Mattocks, Genovesi

AMFs: Nanchoff, Speas, Caldwell

DMF: Kitchen

Back 4: Gallego (Freshman), Dagilis, Barson, Balogun

I think Speas is more naturally a fit in the MF as opposed to Forward where he often subbed in this year. I think he would be a perfect replacement for Ampai in the Center Attacking Mid role. Genovesi (Redshirt Fr.) has an extremely high fitness rate and has fantastic pace and he and Mattocks would be able to run at the D with great speed.

The back 4 is where it gets most interesting since we are losing 3 of them. Gallego is a top 30 recruit, and putting him on the outside would be easier than dropping him right into the middle. Dagilis actually started as a redshirt freshman in the middle and was part of the team that got hosed having to travel to Northwestern. It would be interesting to see if he's still up to it having not been in the action much the last two years. I think that would be a cool story though if he started as a Freshman and again as a Senior, but I digress. Balogun was the one that went in there this year for Kofi when he was hurt, although, in fairness, he didn't impress a lot of people during that time I don't think. I still think he has the ability to play the position, but I wonder if his "tryout" this year hurt his chances a bit.

These are my thoughts. Please feel free to post your own!

It's great to be a Zip and have to worry about players leaving early because they are so dang good. What Porter has done here is nothing short of amazing. Let's take another College Cup next year!

[bisbee]

Not to take anything away from the National Championship or the celebration surrounding it, but the conversation seemed to be dying down a bit so I figured this would be a good time to start discussing next year's lineup. There will of course be a few holes to fill in the starting lineup. Ampai and Korb will be missed for their leadership and outstanding play on the field. The tricky part (at this point) is figuring out which underclassmen will be lost to the MLS via Generation Adidas contracts. Some projections I have seen have as many as 5 Zips on the list (Link). I think that's very premature on some of those guys. Alternatively there is a tracker up (Link) that shows 3 Zips on the list. I'm inclined to view these as the most likely to come out (Kofi, Darlington, Zarek). That would leave us with 5 positions to reload: Attacking Mid, Center Back, Outside Back (2x) and Forward.

Here's how I could see us doing that:

F: Mattocks, Genovesi

AMFs: Nanchoff, Speas, Caldwell

DMF: Kitchen

Back 4: Gallego (Freshman), Dagilis, Barson, Balogun

I think Speas is more naturally a fit in the MF as opposed to Forward where he often subbed in this year. I think he would be a perfect replacement for Ampai in the Center Attacking Mid role. Genovesi (Redshirt Fr.) has an extremely high fitness rate and has fantastic pace and he and Mattocks would be able to run at the D with great speed.

The back 4 is where it gets most interesting since we are losing 3 of them. Gallego is a top 30 recruit, and putting him on the outside would be easier than dropping him right into the middle. Dagilis actually started as a redshirt freshman in the middle and was part of the team that got hosed having to travel to Northwestern. It would be interesting to see if he's still up to it having not been in the action much the last two years. I think that would be a cool story though if he started as a Freshman and again as a Senior, but I digress. Balogun was the one that went in there this year for Kofi when he was hurt, although, in fairness, he didn't impress a lot of people during that time I don't think. I still think he has the ability to play the position, but I wonder if his "tryout" this year hurt his chances a bit.

These are my thoughts. Please feel free to post your own!

It's great to be a Zip and have to worry about players leaving early because they are so dang good. What Porter has done here is nothing short of amazing. Let's take another College Cup next year!

There is another freshman defender who you have overlooked. His name is DeAndre Yedlin and Porter has worked with him at U18 national camp. He was recruited as a replacement for Kofi. The kid has an incredible work rate and is a perfect "attacking right back". He is #13 on Top Drawer 100 and plays for the Seattle Sounders USSF Academy. Also don't forget about Will Trapp who is a dynamite mid fielder from Columbus Crew USSF Academy. He is ranked in top 10 on Top Drawer soccer. Both Trapp and Brian Gallegos are currently playing in a tournament in Israel with the U18 national team. Looks like Zips will reload once again.

[jem101]

It's hard for me to discuss this subject without knowing too much about the incoming Freshmen. Obviously, we have two highly touted freshmen coming in that sound like they'll be able to fill in the left and right back spots fairly well. Does anyone know what position in the MF that Trapp plays? He was the #4 recruit this year according to Top Drawer, so you would think that Porter would find a place for him. If he plays a holding mid role, then I could see Kitchen moved back to CB and if he played an attacking mid then maybe he would take over for Ampai. I could also see Brenes taking over for Kitchen so that he could slide back into Valentin's role. That's the great thing about this team, there is a lot of flexibility here.

btw, Does anyone know when the underclassmen must declare for the draft?

[skip-zip]

I don't know a whole heck of a lot about soccer. But, I think the contributions we've gotten from Freshmen the last couple of years has been astounding. So who knows, some of our best players next year may not even be guys that are even on the roster right now. It's a real luxury to have reached that level where incoming guys might be just as good as guys departing to the pros. Losing guys early that were the caliber of Zakuani, Burbury, and Gavin should have had some impact on us, and it didn't. Amazing.

[Dave in Green]

I'm thinking UA gets great performances from freshman soccer players for the same reason as top college basketball and football programs do. The very best players tend to sign with the very best programs, and a few of them are so good that they could literally go into the pros right out of high school.

Since UA doesn't have top 25 football or basketball programs, they don't attract the most talented young players in the country, and we Zips fans are not used to seeing freshman stars.

But with UA having what is arguably the top college soccer program in the country right now, it's attractive to the very best young recruits, including those who are so talented that they can be star players even as freshmen.

When it comes to the UA soccer team, we Zips fans need to be thinking more like Duke or Kentucky basketball fans, and expect that at least some of the incoming freshmen will be good enough to contribute immediately to another national championship.

[Z.I.P.]

Not to take anything away from the National Championship or the celebration surrounding it, but the conversation seemed to be dying down a bit so I figured this would be a good time to start discussing next year's lineup. There will of course be a few holes to fill in the starting lineup. Ampai and Korb will be missed for their leadership and outstanding play on the field. The tricky part (at this point) is figuring out which underclassmen will be lost to the MLS via Generation Adidas contracts. Some projections I have seen have as many as 5 Zips on the list (Link). I think that's very premature on some of those guys. Alternatively there is a tracker up (Link) that shows 3 Zips on the list. I'm inclined to view these as the most likely to come out (Kofi, Darlington, Zarek). That would leave us with 5 positions to reload: Attacking Mid, Center Back, Outside Back (2x) and Forward.

Here's how I could see us doing that:

F: Mattocks, Genovesi

AMFs: Nanchoff, Speas, Caldwell

DMF: Kitchen

Back 4: Gallego (Freshman), Dagilis, Barson, Balogun

I think Speas is more naturally a fit in the MF as opposed to Forward where he often subbed in this year. I think he would be a perfect replacement for Ampai in the Center Attacking Mid role. Genovesi (Redshirt Fr.) has an extremely high fitness rate and has fantastic pace and he and Mattocks would be able to run at the D with great speed.

The back 4 is where it gets most interesting since we are losing 3 of them. Gallego is a top 30 recruit, and putting him on the outside would be easier than dropping him right into the middle. Dagilis actually started as a redshirt freshman in the middle and was part of the team that got hosed having to travel to Northwestern. It would be interesting to see if he's still up to it having not been in the action much the last two years. I think that would be a cool story though if he started as a Freshman and again as a Senior, but I digress. Balogun was the one that went in there this year for Kofi when he was hurt, although, in fairness, he didn't impress a lot of people during that time I don't think. I still think he has the ability to play the position, but I wonder if his "tryout" this year hurt his chances a bit.

These are my thoughts. Please feel free to post your own!

It's great to be a Zip and have to worry about players leaving early because they are so dang good. What Porter has done here is nothing short of amazing. Let's take another College Cup next year!

One returning player who you have neglected, but who could find himself in a starting role on top: Thomas Schmitt. He simply has a nose for the ball and is a finisher. Something like Darlington. Time will tell. Also, there is a camp coming up in January at Stiles Center, where I believe a number of foreign players will be attending, and some could become 2011 Zips, ala the Irie Brothers of this team. A national championship does lead to a certain international interest in a program. You know how it is said some players can "write their own ticket"? Well at some point, coaches can also do that. John Wooden could pretty much have his selection of players at UCLA. I hate to jinx our program by naming names, but we aren't that far away now. Remember Zakuani's reading list?

[Rear The Foo]

meatwad, meatwad, meatwad . . . you couldn't just sit back and enjoy for a few weeks, could you?

[fknbuflobo]

It is not too soon to look forward to next year as it appears the Zips will change over significantly.

Gabriel Genovese is a very intriguing prospect. The guy can run like a deer. I want to see him with ball on foot.

Perry Kitchen will almost certainly move to center back.

Will Trapp will likely push to start immediately.

[TheTank123]

It is not too soon to look forward to next year as it appears the Zips will change over significantly.

Gabriel Genovese is a very intriguing prospect. The guy can run like a deer. I want to see him with ball on foot.

Perry Kitchen will almost certainly move to center back.

Will Trapp will likely push to start immediately.

Gallego, Trapp and Yedlin will all start as freshman. They wouldn't have come if they weren't.

[ZachTheZip]

It is not too soon to look forward to next year as it appears the Zips will change over significantly.

Gabriel Genovese is a very intriguing prospect. The guy can run like a deer. I want to see him with ball on foot.

Perry Kitchen will almost certainly move to center back.

Will Trapp will likely push to start immediately.

Gallego, Trapp and Yedlin will all start as freshman. They wouldn't have come if they weren't.

Nobody is guaranteed playing time. If they want to start as freshmen, they will have to earn it by beating out current players.

[TheTank123]

It is not too soon to look forward to next year as it appears the Zips will change over significantly.

Gabriel Genovese is a very intriguing prospect. The guy can run like a deer. I want to see him with ball on foot.

Perry Kitchen will almost certainly move to center back.

Will Trapp will likely push to start immediately.

Gallego, Trapp and Yedlin will all start as freshman. They wouldn't have come if they weren't.

Nobody is guaranteed playing time. If they want to start as freshmen, they will have to earn it by beating out current players.

No one is guaranteed anything but for at least one of the players it has been "suggested" that if he keeps playing at the same level he will be starting come the fall. Just look at where they play. Ampai is gone, Trapp just happens to play that number 10 CAM position. Valentin/Kitchen are probably gone, Gallego happens plays CB. Kofi is gone, Yedlin just happens to play RB. Believe me, these kids came to Akron for the soccer development and to push their pro careers forward. It's hard to do that from the bench. Plus, Porter has worked with these three numerous times with the U18 MNT. He knows exactly what he is getting.

[fknbuflobo]

Tank,

I agree with everything you say except Kitchen going pro this year. He will turn pro after next year.

Even so, talented freshmen will need to earn their playing time.

[ZachTheZip]

Until the Generation Adidas list comes out for underclassmen, we won't know who is staying and who is going.

[RootforRoo44]

So is this going to be the official "who's leaving, and who's not" thread?

[fknbuflobo]

So is this going to be the official "who's leaving, and who's not" thread?

Yes, in addition to discussing next year’s lineup, this will also be the official who is going pro thread.

[meatwad]

No one is guaranteed anything but for at least one of the players it has been "suggested" that if he keeps playing at the same level he will be starting come the fall. Just look at where they play. Ampai is gone, Trapp just happens to play that number 10 CAM position. Valentin/Kitchen are probably gone, Gallego happens plays CB. Kofi is gone, Yedlin just happens to play RB. Believe me, these kids came to Akron for the soccer development and to push their pro careers forward. It's hard to do that from the bench. Plus, Porter has worked with these three numerous times with the U18 MNT. He knows exactly what he is getting.

While I agree about Valentin and Kofi likely leaving I would be surprised if Kitchen is GA. Not that I don't think it's possible, but I would be surprised.

Considering TheTank appears to have some inside info I think that's good that Yedlin will be RB for Kofi as opposed to Balogun. We saw how that experiment worked out throughout the year, and it wasn't always pretty. I was not surprised that the only game we lost was one of the ones when Kofi was hurt. Of course this is all meant to be purely speculation and I'm sure at no point does anyone mean offense if someone is left off their list. It's great that we're going to reload with so many talented freshmen that's for sure.

Can't wait to see Trapp next year. Perhaps he does take Ampai's spot and Speas moves up top with Mattocks and becomes the creative forward much like Darlington was this year.

One point to nitpick with Z.I.P.... I can't see Schmidt getting much PT next year. He played in a couple games this year and didn't show very much. Similar to Balogun, I think he had some chances to play and didn't earn the time and I can't see him getting a shot next year. Again, I could be wrong. But this is what message boards are for, right? Prognostication amongst fans.

[jem101]

[While I agree about Valentin and Kofi likely leaving I would be surprised if Kitchen is GA. Not that I don't think it's possible, but I would be surprised.

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though.

As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards.

[TheTank123]

[While I agree about Valentin and Kofi likely leaving I would be surprised if Kitchen is GA. Not that I don't think it's possible, but I would be surprised.

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though.

As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards.

If he leaves early he is absolutely GA. Let's just hope he doesn't.

[TheTank123]

[While I agree about Valentin and Kofi likely leaving I would be surprised if Kitchen is GA. Not that I don't think it's possible, but I would be surprised.

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though.

As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards.

If he leaves early he is absolutely GA. Let's just hope he doesn't.

Nice artile on Zarek...still undecided if he is leaving: http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7201

[yazan07]

Well folks, here is the news we've been waiting for. Looks like Kofi and Darlington are headed to the MLS. that they are leaving, that they are headed to the next level of their careers and are going to make Akron proud.

[RootforRoo44]

Well folks, here is the news we've been waiting for. Looks like Kofi and Darlington are headed to the MLS. that they are leaving, that they are headed to the next level of their careers and are going to make Akron proud.

Just saw this as well...not a complete shocker but definitely good news for the younger Zips/incoming freshmen who will now get an earlier chance to prove themselves.

Also, congrats to Kofi and Darlington. Generation Adidas is a great program, and unlike other sports' athletes that leave early, at least these two will still have scholarships waiting for them should they choose to return and finish school. Can you imagine if the NBA had a similar setup?

[fknbuflobo]

[While I agree about Valentin and Kofi likely leaving I would be surprised if Kitchen is GA. Not that I don't think it's possible, but I would be surprised.

I'm positive that if Kitchen leaves he will be a Generation Adidas. Ives ranks him second on his latest big board, and projects him to go in the top three of the draft along with Nagbe. Hopefully he decides on another year of school though.

As to the Forward position most likely being vacated by Nagbe, I could possibly see Speas there as he could play that striker/ attacking mid role that Nagbe played where you essentially act as a pass first forward. Others have also mentioned Genovesi. I think the other big possibility is Tulloch. Remember that in the pre-season matches Tulloch was the starter alongside Nagbe. I was pretty impressed with his size and pace up top. We could have the Jamaican duo for our forwards.

If he leaves early he is absolutely GA. Let's just hope he doesn't.

Nice artile on Zarek...still undecided if he is leaving: http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7201

Zarek Valentin,

The pros will be there in 2012. Please stay another year to build momentum within the program. Too much change-over can stunt the team’s growth.

Win another championship!

Good luck with the U20s; we the faithful will be watching.

[fknbuflobo]

Well folks, here is the news we've been waiting for. Looks like Kofi and Darlington are headed to the MLS. that they are leaving, that they are headed to the next level of their careers and are going to make Akron proud.

Just saw this as well...not a complete shocker but definitely good news for the younger Zips/incoming freshmen who will now get an earlier chance to prove themselves.

Also, congrats to Kofi and Darlington. Generation Adidas is a great program, and unlike other sports' athletes that leave early, at least these two will still have scholarships waiting for them should they choose to return and finish school. Can you imagine if the NBA had a similar setup?

Kofi and Darlington,

We would love for you to play your senior years, but your departure is not unanticipated. You both are ready.

Good luck with all endeavors! Long suffering Zips will not forget what you have done for us. You will never pick up the check in this town. Akron will always love you.

[Zip_ME87]

Well folks, here is the news we've been waiting for. Looks like Kofi and Darlington are headed to the MLS. that they are leaving, that they are headed to the next level of their careers and are going to make Akron proud.

Just saw this as well...not a complete shocker but definitely good news for the younger Zips/incoming freshmen who will now get an earlier chance to prove themselves.

Also, congrats to Kofi and Darlington. Generation Adidas is a great program, and unlike other sports' athletes that leave early, at least these two will still have scholarships waiting for them should they choose to return and finish school. Can you imagine if the NBA had a similar setup?

Kofi and Darlington,

We would love for you to play your senior years, but your departure is not unanticipated. You both are ready.

Good luck with all endeavors! Long suffering Zips will not forget what you have done for us. You will never pick up the check in this town. Akron will always love you.

Absolutely, CONGRATULATIONS to Kofi and Darlington. You will be missed in Akron, but I will follow you in the pros as I have done with Steve, Blair, Teal, Ben, and Sinisa. With Chris & Ampai being invited to the Combine, the list is getting long.

I agree, Zarek, please stay at least 1 more year. We need you. GA will still be there next year, and you'll be closer to completing your degree. Even though the GA deal provide for completing your degree, it's still difficult to get back into completing your studies once you take an "extended break".

[jem101]

According to Soccer by Ives, things aren't shaping up to well for the 2011 Zips. Ives is hearing that a full scale exodus of Zips looking to go out on top is going to occur, with not only Nagbe and Kofi leaving, but also Kitchen, Mattocks and Valentin and also possibly Nano. That would leave us with three returning starters. Obviously this isn't finalized, but it's not looking to good for the Zips.