7 starters to leave soccer team

[skip-zip]

Thanks guys. I don't understand pro soccer salaries. Yes, I know it's more than a normal college grad makes. It's actually A LOT more than I made when I came out of college a looong time ago. I'm never crazy about athletes in any sport leaving college for the pros. But, when we are only talking about these kinds of numbers, it's a little puzzling to me.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Serious question -- Will this exodous hurt the Zips program with regard to graduation rates? Does the NCAA nail UA because kids aren't graduating...even though they are turning pro?

[Blue & Gold]

Serious question -- Will this exodous hurt the Zips program with regard to graduation rates? Does the NCAA nail UA because kids aren't graduating...even though they are turning pro?

Good question. I remember Bob Huggins comment/gripe about how his graduation rate at Cincy was deceptively low because most of his players would leave after 4 years (but before completing their degree work) to play in Europe.

It'd be rather ironic to have a team stocked w/ academic all-americans yet have a low graduation rate. (Not an irony Huggy Bear ever had to endure. Lol.)

[you am i]

Thanks guys. I don't understand pro soccer salaries. Yes, I know it's more than a normal college grad makes. It's actually A LOT more than I made when I came out of college a looong time ago. I'm never crazy about athletes in any sport leaving college for the pros. But, when we are only talking about these kinds of numbers, it's a little puzzling to me.

They love the game. Its their dream. I understand it. They can finish school later.

What a tremendous compliment to Coach Porter that he was able to attract and develop such talent.

[johnnyzip84]

Thanks guys. I don't understand pro soccer salaries. Yes, I know it's more than a normal college grad makes. It's actually A LOT more than I made when I came out of college a looong time ago. I'm never crazy about athletes in any sport leaving college for the pros. But, when we are only talking about these kinds of numbers, it's a little puzzling to me.

They love the game. Its their dream. I understand it. They can finish school later.

What a tremendous compliment to Coach Porter that he was able to attract and develop such talent.

Agreed. The potential for far greater return is also there. Even though Caleb has been pushing the level of college soccer to unprecedented heights, these moves will undoubtedly expose each of these players to an even higher level of play. I have to believe that for many of them, the ultimate dream is to play in Europe and/or the USMNT. You're not going to skip straight from college soccer to either of these. By playing earlier in MLS, they are increasing their chances of getting noticed by a club in either the English Championship or Premiership or possible another of the top or near top European leagues. If any of these opportunities arise as a result of first impressing in MLS, the money will soon be there for these deserving individuals.

[jem101]

Thanks guys. I don't understand pro soccer salaries. Yes, I know it's more than a normal college grad makes. It's actually A LOT more than I made when I came out of college a looong time ago. I'm never crazy about athletes in any sport leaving college for the pros. But, when we are only talking about these kinds of numbers, it's a little puzzling to me.

They love the game. Its their dream. I understand it. They can finish school later.

What a tremendous compliment to Coach Porter that he was able to attract and develop such talent.

That's the other key with the GA contracts. A provision in all GA contracts is scholarship money for players to finish school after they are done playing. It's a great opportunity for Nagbe, Kofi, Zarek , Kitchen and Nanchoff. Sucks to lose them, but I wish them all the best for their careers. Thank you all for making the dream of come true.

[ZachTheZip]

Seruous question -- Will this exodous hurt the Zips program with regard to graduation rates? Dose the NCAA nail UA because kids aren't graduating...even though they are turning pro?

Nobody leaves college soccer early without a GA contract, unless they followed some really bad advice. What's great about that is they can come back to school and get their degrees at a later date.

Also, our soccer team has such great academics that I don't think the NCAA would be able to do much. The Zips GPA was one of the highest in the country in their sport. I believe everybody leaving is in good academic standing. It won't hurt us all that much. Besides that, college soccer doesn't have that many scholarships to take away in the first place. Most of our players get by on various types of academic scholarships and parental support, which the NCAA is powerless to take away.

[Zip_ME87]

Congratulations to Darlington, Kofi, Michael, Zarek, and Perry. The January 13th draft is going to be fun hearing "The University of Akron" called out so often, and watching MLS in 2011 will be awesome. Much better than NBA playoffs and MLB. I would think that this would help Caleb's recruiting, being able to point to all of these players who received GA contracts from his team. Next season may be a little rough compared to 2009 and 2010, but we have a lot of great talent remaining and a great incoming class. Darren and McKauly were added "late" last year, and I look for Caleb to find a few more blue chip players to add to those we've already heard. Where's my season ticket renewal? GO ZIPS!

[mes102]

If my math is correct, there are 18 MLS teams now, and there are 4 rounds in the MLS SuperDraft. If 7 Akron players are taken, that means almost 10% of the names being called on January 13, 2011, wil be from the University of Akron. That's AWESOME

[skip-zip]

If my math is correct, there are 18 MLS teams now, and there are 4 rounds in the MLS SuperDraft. If 7 Akron players are taken, that means almost 10% of the names being called on January 13, 2011, wil be from the University of Akron. That's AWESOME

That's great, but excuse me for being unknowledgable about this draft. Is this event on TV anywhere? And do more than 10 people watch it?

The publicity of hearing "The University of Akron" so many times would be great, but it needs a big audience.

[bobbyake]

If my math is correct, there are 18 MLS teams now, and there are 4 rounds in the MLS SuperDraft. If 7 Akron players are taken, that means almost 10% of the names being called on January 13, 2011, wil be from the University of Akron. That's AWESOME

That's great, but excuse me for being unknowledgable about this draft. Is this event on TV anywhere? And do more than 10 people watch it?

The publicity of hearing "The University of Akron" so many times would be great, but it needs a big audience.

With the average attendance for MLS being around 17,000 per game, it's safe to say more than 10 people will be watching it.

[ZachTheZip]

The MLS Superdraft will be held on Thursday, January 13th in Baltimore. It will be broadcast on ESPN. Last year it was on ESPN2.

There are four rounds, and 18 teams. Next draft there will likely be 20 teams as the MLS is expanding rapidly; Montreal is joining in 2012 as is an unannounced team.

[Zipsrifle]

Seruous question -- Will this exodous hurt the Zips program with regard to graduation rates? Dose the NCAA nail UA because kids aren't graduating...even though they are turning pro?

Nobody leaves college soccer early without a GA contract, unless they followed some really bad advice. What's great about that is they can come back to school and get their degrees at a later date.

Also, our soccer team has such great academics that I don't think the NCAA would be able to do much. The Zips GPA was one of the highest in the country in their sport. I believe everybody leaving is in good academic standing. It won't hurt us all that much. Besides that, college soccer doesn't have that many scholarships to take away in the first place. Most of our players get by on various types of academic scholarships and parental support, which the NCAA is powerless to take away.

Because I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist, I see this a different way. Before I start my rant here is my, possibly flawed, foundation: Because of so many Zips soccer players leaving early to go pro, the Zips soccer team will have a low graduation rate causing the team to be "Noncompliant" in some manner with an NCAA regulation.

Now, onto my conspiracy theory: Lets be honest, despite being the best college soccer team in the country, the Zips monetarily, are nothing in the world of college athletics. If the statement above is true, this presents the NCAA with a PERFECT situation to "Prove" it is "Tough" on institutions that are non-compliant with it's regulations. Think about it, the NCAA could come down HARD on Akron for not meeting a requirement and it would not hit the NCAA or it's supporters in the least. In fact, it would only serve to bolster the schools that do make all the cash. Think about it, if the NCAA were to take out Akron soccer, they could hold this example up as how the NCAA is serious about ensuring students get an education. Other soccer powers such as Indiana, NC, etc. would have a major competitor eliminated and the NCAA Soccer championship would return to the "Major" schools. It would relieve some of of the heat being put on the NCAA for favoring the "Major" schools as they could show they were not afraid to hit a Major program. As Akron supporters are a very small slice of NCAA athletics and we only have one newspaper that regularly covers the sport, the backlash would be almost non-existent. I fear that our success may be our downfall if the NCAA is as crooked as I think it is.

[zip37]

In the mid-80s, a joke going around was: The NCAA was so mad at U of Michigan that they put U of Akron on probation.

[fknbuflobo]

Someone please research NCAA position on Generation Adidas. Is GA regarded in same manner as simply leaving before graduation?

[Zipmeister]

If my math is correct, there are 18 MLS teams now, and there are 4 rounds in the MLS SuperDraft. If 7 Akron players are taken, that means almost 10% of the names being called on January 13, 2011, wil be from the University of Akron. That's AWESOME

Actually your math does not have to be correct for there to be 18 teams scheduled to be in MLS in 2011; that's just a fact. However, you are incorrect about there being four rounds in the SuperDraft. There will only be three this year. The fourth has been moved to the first of three rounds of the Supplemental draft on the 18th.

[Crew8]

Ohio.com article on the 7 starters set to leave for the MLS.

"Zips standouts Darlington Nagbe, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael Nanchoff, Zarek Valentin and Perry Kitchen signed professional contracts with Generation adidas and will forgo their remaining college eligibility to enter the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, sources have confirmed.

The five players are projected to be first-round draft picks along with UA senior midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong. Zips senior defender Chris Korb is also receiving interest from MLS teams."

Looking forward to seeing out boys in the MLS, along with getting some US Squad experience in the future

[Zipmeister]

Ohio.com article on the 7 starters set to leave for the MLS.

"Zips standouts Darlington Nagbe, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael Nanchoff, Zarek Valentin and Perry Kitchen signed professional contracts with Generation adidas and will forgo their remaining college eligibility to enter the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, sources have confirmed.

The five players are projected to be first-round draft picks along with UA senior midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong. Zips senior defender Chris Korb is also receiving interest from MLS teams."

Looking forward to seeing out boys in the MLS, along with getting some US Squad experience in the future

I hope you are not suggesting something about the sexual preferences of these fine young men.

[meatwad]

Ohio.com article on the 7 starters set to leave for the MLS.

"Zips standouts Darlington Nagbe, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael Nanchoff, Zarek Valentin and Perry Kitchen signed professional contracts with Generation adidas and will forgo their remaining college eligibility to enter the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, sources have confirmed.

The five players are projected to be first-round draft picks along with UA senior midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong. Zips senior defender Chris Korb is also receiving interest from MLS teams."

Looking forward to seeing out boys in the MLS, along with getting some US Squad experience in the future

I hope you are not suggesting something about the sexual preferences of these fine young men.

Go easy on him Zipmeister... he's new.

[Zipmeister]

Ohio.com article on the 7 starters set to leave for the MLS.

"Zips standouts Darlington Nagbe, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael Nanchoff, Zarek Valentin and Perry Kitchen signed professional contracts with Generation adidas and will forgo their remaining college eligibility to enter the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, sources have confirmed.

The five players are projected to be first-round draft picks along with UA senior midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong. Zips senior defender Chris Korb is also receiving interest from MLS teams."

Looking forward to seeing out boys in the MLS, along with getting some US Squad experience in the future

I hope you are not suggesting something about the sexual preferences of these fine young men.

Go easy on him Zipmeister... he's new.

OK, I just hope he isn't trying to put the X back in Christmas.

[yazan07]

MLS article about this year's Generation Adidas class.

The article starts with "Recently crowned NCAA champions, the Akron Zips will now stock a few MLS teams with high-class talent. The league today unveiled a list of 9 players who will form part of the Generation adidas class of 2011, with nearly half of the signings coming from Akron."

I mean I guess 5 players is "nearly half" of 9 players...sorta.

[skip-zip]

If my math is correct, there are 18 MLS teams now, and there are 4 rounds in the MLS SuperDraft. If 7 Akron players are taken, that means almost 10% of the names being called on January 13, 2011, wil be from the University of Akron. That's AWESOME

That's great, but excuse me for being unknowledgable about this draft. Is this event on TV anywhere? And do more than 10 people watch it?

The publicity of hearing "The University of Akron" so many times would be great, but it needs a big audience.

With the average attendance for MLS being around 17,000 per game, it's safe to say more than 10 people will be watching it.

Yes, I was exaggerating. I really don't know, and have never heard of this draft before. But, if only 17k show up at games, that unfortunately puts it in the same level of an Akron football game. And it brings me back to the point earlier of what kind of publicity we can possibly get by having The University of Akron's name mentioned at this draft as opposed to if these guys stayed and won more titles? I just don't see this huge publicity benefit by the University from having these guys entered in a pro soccer draft. Sorry, I can't find the positives in all of them leaving. But, I hope it all works out for them. They're great kids, great athletes, and did us proud.

[meatwad]

Yes, I was exaggerating. I really don't know, and have never heard of this draft before. But, if only 17k show up at games, that unfortunately puts it in the same level of an Akron football game. And it brings me back to the point earlier of what kind of publicity we can possibly get by having The University of Akron's name mentioned at this draft as opposed to if these guys stayed and won more titles? I just don't see this huge publicity benefit by the University from having these guys entered in a pro soccer draft. Sorry, I can't find the positives in all of them leaving. But, I hope it all works out for them. They're great kids, great athletes, and did us proud.

When Perry Kitchen is playing in the World Cup, they may or may not mention that he played collegiately at the University of Akron. Just a thought.

[UAsoccerchamps11]

Yes, I was exaggerating. I really don't know, and have never heard of this draft before. But, if only 17k show up at games, that unfortunately puts it in the same level of an Akron football game. And it brings me back to the point earlier of what kind of publicity we can possibly get by having The University of Akron's name mentioned at this draft as opposed to if these guys stayed and won more titles? I just don't see this huge publicity benefit by the University from having these guys entered in a pro soccer draft. Sorry, I can't find the positives in all of them leaving. But, I hope it all works out for them. They're great kids, great athletes, and did us proud.

Well when we are recruiting it shows that the best come to Akron by, winning a national championship and having our players leave school early for the pros, even Perry Kitchen leaving as a freshman. He is getting talks about be the #2, even the #1 overall pick. So i can see players leaving helping Porter recruit even more.

[johnnyzip84]

Yes, I was exaggerating. I really don't know, and have never heard of this draft before. But, if only 17k show up at games, that unfortunately puts it in the same level of an Akron football game. And it brings me back to the point earlier of what kind of publicity we can possibly get by having The University of Akron's name mentioned at this draft as opposed to if these guys stayed and won more titles? I just don't see this huge publicity benefit by the University from having these guys entered in a pro soccer draft. Sorry, I can't find the positives in all of them leaving. But, I hope it all works out for them. They're great kids, great athletes, and did us proud.

When Perry Kitchen is playing in the World Cup, they may or may not mention that he played collegiately at the University of Akron. Just a thought.

Or for Bolton or Blackburn or Birmingham etc making as much or more money than Dwight Smith, Victor Green, or Charlie Frye has in the NFL.