Next Year

[TheTank123]

Anyone have a link to anything about the kids who didn't start last year? It's obviously going to be a big rebuilding effort but those kids wouldn't be at Akron if they weren't good.

[fknbuflobo]

No one has mentioned Richard Diaz Jr.. He scored a boat load of goals for Virginia Rush, a renowned amateur club. In pre-season practice, he looked raw but good.

[ZachTheZip]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

[UAsoccerchamps11]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

[TheTank123]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

[fknbuflobo]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

2009 was a basic 4-4-2 formation, perhaps a 4-4-1-1. The wing backs routinely overlapped into the offensive third, just as they continued to do in 2010. That is the style Porter teaches.

Zemanski and Gavin, both holding midfielders, were singularly and unbelievably replaced by Kitchen, a freshman.

Formation recognizably changed to 4-1 (Kitchen) –3– 1 (Nagbe)–1 (Mattocks). I like this formation because of the clear-cut and distinct responsibilities of each position. This was only made possible by the work rate, soccer acumen, and physical toughness of Perry Kitchen.

Although perhaps not the best player on 2010 champions (I love saying that), Kitchen is the heart of that team. On a predominantly finesse oriented team, Kitchen is the only enforcer. He will not easily be replaced. God, I hope he remains a Zip one more year.

[TheTank123]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

2009 was a basic 4-4-2 formation, perhaps a 4-4-1-1. The wing backs routinely overlapped into the offensive third, just as they continued to do in 2010. That is the style Porter teaches.

Zemanski and Gavin, both holding midfielders, were singularly and unbelievably replaced by Kitchen, a freshman.

Formation recognizably changed to 4-1 (Kitchen) –3– 1 (Nagbe)–1 (Mattocks). I like this formation because of the clear-cut and distinct responsibilities of each position. This was only made possible by the work rate, soccer acumen, and physical toughness of Perry Kitchen.

Although perhaps not the best player on 2010 champions (I love saying that), Kitchen is the heart of that team. On a predominantly finesse oriented team, Kitchen is the only enforcer. He will not easily be replaced. God, I hope he remains a Zip one more year.

Awesome, thank you very much. It's becoming more and more apparent that Kitchen was the key to this team.

[jem101]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

2009 was a basic 4-4-2 formation, perhaps a 4-4-1-1. The wing backs routinely overlapped into the offensive third, just as they continued to do in 2010. That is the style Porter teaches.

Zemanski and Gavin, both holding midfielders, were singularly and unbelievably replaced by Kitchen, a freshman.

Formation recognizably changed to 4-1 (Kitchen) –3– 1 (Nagbe)–1 (Mattocks). I like this formation because of the clear-cut and distinct responsibilities of each position. This was only made possible by the work rate, soccer acumen, and physical toughness of Perry Kitchen.

Although perhaps not the best player on 2010 champions (I love saying that), Kitchen is the heart of that team. On a predominantly finesse oriented team, Kitchen is the only enforcer. He will not easily be replaced. God, I hope he remains a Zip one more year.

Awesome, thank you very much. It's becoming more and more apparent that Kitchen was the key to this team.

I'd love to see Kitchen back in an Akron uniform next year. What does he have to gain by returning for another year? He's already projected to be a top 3 pick and to sign with GA. Can't really gain anything from another year in school.

[UAsoccerchamps11]

I'd love to see Kitchen back in an Akron uniform next year. What does he have to gain by returning for another year? He's already projected to be a top 3 pick and to sign with GA. Can't really gain anything from another year in school.

Back to back National championships is what he can gain, where as if he goes into the draft he will be a top 5 pick and likely not to be with a contender.

[RootforRoo44]

I'd love to see Kitchen back in an Akron uniform next year. What does he have to gain by returning for another year? He's already projected to be a top 3 pick and to sign with GA. Can't really gain anything from another year in school.

Back to back National championships is what he can gain, where as if he goes into the draft he will be a top 5 pick and likely not to be with a contender.

That's not a very good argument. I'd take getting paid and playing professional any day. He's already won the national title and proved he can compete at a high level, he would be a fool to not leave if the contract is good.

Not that i want him to leave or anything.

[LHSide]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. And let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Genovese:

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339064 His 800m at State

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339670 His 4x400m at State (has the anchor leg)

[fknbuflobo]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. And let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Genovese:

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339064 His 800m at State

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339670 His 4x400m at State (has the anchor leg)

Wow. Genovese definitely has wheels.

Remember that Gabriel’s stepfather is Michael King, 3-time all-America forward at Farleigh-Dickinson and 20+ year veteran of professional indoor soccer.

I believe King was drafted by the Cleveland Force in 1987.

[TheTank123]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. And let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Genovese:

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339064 His 800m at State

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339670 His 4x400m at State (has the anchor leg)

Wow. Genovese definitely has wheels.

Remember that Gabriel’s stepfather is Michael King, 3-time all-America forward at Farleigh-Dickinson and 20+ year veteran of professional indoor soccer.

I believe King was drafted by the Cleveland Force in 1987.

Check this out: Souders player of the year, Trapp and Yedlin both receive All-American honors.

[Hugo42]

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/22/25384...ion-adidas.html

[Z.I.P.]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

2009 was a basic 4-4-2 formation, perhaps a 4-4-1-1. The wing backs routinely overlapped into the offensive third, just as they continued to do in 2010. That is the style Porter teaches.

Zemanski and Gavin, both holding midfielders, were singularly and unbelievably replaced by Kitchen, a freshman.

Formation recognizably changed to 4-1 (Kitchen) –3– 1 (Nagbe)–1 (Mattocks). I like this formation because of the clear-cut and distinct responsibilities of each position. This was only made possible by the work rate, soccer acumen, and physical toughness of Perry Kitchen.

Although perhaps not the best player on 2010 champions (I love saying that), Kitchen is the heart of that team. On a predominantly finesse oriented team, Kitchen is the only enforcer. He will not easily be replaced. God, I hope he remains a Zip one more year.

Merry Christmas everyone! Did we all get what we were dreaming of this year? No doubt about Z.I.P. I got to view the first national title win, which many thought was this team's destiny. In reality, it was nothing but years of hard work to become the best at their craft that made this collection the best college futbol had to offer.

I think fknbuflobo has it pretty straight. Another year of PK, with what we have coming in, and the amazing leftovers -- Akron is #1 in the preseason again. But on the other hand, maybe we should be grateful that we were able to experience one year of Kitchen's magic. If he were as good a player at another position, like say forward, he would have signed a pro contract earlier -- ala Jack McInerny. I have to think that that fact plays into Caleb's strategy, which seems to be "tie-up the backs first", as they are not just the heart of a winning team, but are less likely to jump straight from youth ball to the pros. Now, let's hope that Andrew Souders doesn't sign a pro contract in the next year-and-a-half. Does Gallego play CB? That will be an unbeatable tandem. And Yedlin on the outside? I hate to say it, but the next three years could belong to Akron. After that it's too hard to know, but I know we'll keep it humble under CP's control.

Happy New Year!

[fknbuflobo]

I predict another formation shift. Our strengths will be in different places next season.

I agree, i could see us running the 2009 formation with Perry ( if he stays ) and Scotty in the middle like a Ben zemanski and Blair Gavin, bc perry is more defensive, and Scotty is more possession.

Can you fill those of us who weren't here in on how the earlier formations differ from 2010's?

2009 was a basic 4-4-2 formation, perhaps a 4-4-1-1. The wing backs routinely overlapped into the offensive third, just as they continued to do in 2010. That is the style Porter teaches.

Zemanski and Gavin, both holding midfielders, were singularly and unbelievably replaced by Kitchen, a freshman.

Formation recognizably changed to 4-1 (Kitchen) –3– 1 (Nagbe)–1 (Mattocks). I like this formation because of the clear-cut and distinct responsibilities of each position. This was only made possible by the work rate, soccer acumen, and physical toughness of Perry Kitchen.

Although perhaps not the best player on 2010 champions (I love saying that), Kitchen is the heart of that team. On a predominantly finesse oriented team, Kitchen is the only enforcer. He will not easily be replaced. God, I hope he remains a Zip one more year.

Merry Christmas everyone! Did we all get what we were dreaming of this year? No doubt about Z.I.P. I got to view the first national title win, which many thought was this team's destiny. In reality, it was nothing but years of hard work to become the best at their craft that made this collection the best college futbol had to offer.

I think fknbuflobo has it pretty straight. Another year of PK, with what we have coming in, and the amazing leftovers -- Akron is #1 in the preseason again. But on the other hand, maybe we should be grateful that we were able to experience one year of Kitchen's magic. If he were as good a player at another position, like say forward, he would have signed a pro contract earlier -- ala Jack McInerny. I have to think that that fact plays into Caleb's strategy, which seems to be "tie-up the backs first", as they are not just the heart of a winning team, but are less likely to jump straight from youth ball to the pros. Now, let's hope that Andrew Souders doesn't sign a pro contract in the next year-and-a-half. Does Gallego play CB? That will be an unbeatable tandem. And Yedlin on the outside? I hate to say it, but the next three years could belong to Akron. After that it's too hard to know, but I know we'll keep it humble under CP's control.

Happy New Year!

Ugh, the kids just awakened me to open presents. I could have used an additional hour of sleep.

Yes, Z.I.P., I got EXACTLY what I wanted for Christmas - about 13 days ago.

To all the Faithful (you know who you are): Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

Much more on futbol later!

[Zip_ME87]

Yes, Z.I.P., I got EXACTLY what I wanted for Christmas - about 13 days ago.

To all the Faithful (you know who you are): Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

Much more on futbol later!

Merry Christmas to all and yes I got everything that I wanted for Christmas on December 12th. Thank you Zips' Men's Soccer...I can't say thank you enough. Looking forward to the spring schedule and all of the additional MLS games that will interest me next season.

Nice shoutout by Steve Zakuani and retweet by Teal Bunbury: "stevezakuani11 Shout out to the Akron boys who signed with MLS - D, Kofi, Nanchoff, Zarek - see you in the league! Maybe Seattle? " (http://twitter.com/TealBunB)

[MDZip]

Short article on the MLS website with a projection for next years championship contenders. Zips are listed but they caveat it with the expected "depends on who leaves". Interesting thing is that they don't mention a single ACC school.

[UA Fan]

I'd have to think Lolla's team would be the early favorite since we have so many leaving and will be very young.

[Zip_ME87]

I'd have to think Lolla's team would be the early favorite since we have so many leaving and will be very young.

I didn't go back and research it, but if I remember correctly, in the 2009 Championship Game, in the 2nd half at one point 6 of our 11 players on the field vs Virginia were Freshman.

Ben Speas

Scott Caldwell

Chad Barson

David Meves

Zarek Valentin

Yoram Mwila

I believe Caldwell played most of the 2nd half in place of Ampai, but Mwila wasn't in very long. My point is that Caleb, Jared, Oliver, and Liam have a lot of work to do to make up for losing 7 starters, but it's not impossible to do well with young talent.

[jem101]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. And let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Genovese:

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339064 His 800m at State

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339670 His 4x400m at State (has the anchor leg)

Wow. Genovese definitely has wheels.

Remember that Gabriel’s stepfather is Michael King, 3-time all-America forward at Farleigh-Dickinson and 20+ year veteran of professional indoor soccer.

I believe King was drafted by the Cleveland Force in 1987.

I stopped by the Track meet tonight v Can't and Genovesi competed in one of the events. I don't recall at the moment which one it was though, thinking 800 though. He finished 4th I think, and I didn't realize he was running until they announced the results. Also, Katie Wise of the women's soccer team competed in the triple jump. It's always fun to get out there and check out some of the non- mainstream sporting events on campus, especially if it involves beating the Flushes again.

[RootforRoo44]

I think many of you are forgetting how deep the 2010 team was.

Reinaldo Brenes will do great taking over a starting midfielder spot

Ben Speas has all american potential if allowed to shine

Scott Caldwell, i think we all saw what he is capable of late in the season.

McKauly Tulloch is going to be a MONSTER...my god he scored NINE goals in a game back in Jamaica once. I dont care if he was playing against weak opponents, that's damn impressive.

Gabriel Genovesi, has speed (won a state title in track) and size at 6'2" and if let loose could be huge for us.

Martin Ontiveros, let's not forget how highly touted of a recruit he was. And let's not forget our last small sized Texan/IMG Academy midfielder (Apaipitakwong).

Not to mention Nanchoff and Barson will likely be back,that's eight players that most any program in the country would die for. We are going to be pretty good even without mentioning the incoming freshmen.

Genovese:

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339064 His 800m at State

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/339670 His 4x400m at State (has the anchor leg)

Wow. Genovese definitely has wheels.

Remember that Gabriel’s stepfather is Michael King, 3-time all-America forward at Farleigh-Dickinson and 20+ year veteran of professional indoor soccer.

I believe King was drafted by the Cleveland Force in 1987.

I stopped by the Track meet tonight v Can't and Genovesi competed in one of the events. I don't recall at the moment which one it was though, thinking 800 though. He finished 4th I think, and I didn't realize he was running until they announced the results. Also, Katie Wise of the women's soccer team competed in the triple jump. It's always fun to get out there and check out some of the non- mainstream sporting events on campus, especially if it involves beating the Flushes again.

Gabriel was in the 400 meter.

[ZachTheZip]

There is a possibility of being even better next year even after losing 64% of this year's starters to the pros.

[RootforRoo44]

There is a possibility of being even better next year even after losing 64% of this year's starters to the pros.

I'm starting to think it would be a safe bet to say that next year we will still be the team to beat.

[fknbuflobo]

Mattocks

Holmes

Speas Caldwell

Brenes Trapp

Genovese Balogun

Gallego Barson

Meves