Zip_ME87 Posted January 1, 2011 Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 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. They are great guys who did us proud and who are proud to be Zips. If they do like Steve Zakuani has done, they'll continue to spread the word about Akron and how great it was to be a Zip. That could help with recruiting from MLS development teams around the country (and possibly Vancouver & Toronto). It also could get the word out to kids who participate in soccer camps where our guys might show up from the local MLS team. Having at least 5 and up to 7 Zips taken in one draft will provide Coach Porter with substantial evidence as to why a potential recruit should choose Akron, especially if Zips go 1-2-3 in this draft, or if 3 or more spots in the top 10 are Zips. Lastly, it will be noticed in the "soccer world", where it matters as far as future recruiting. I refuse to be negative about this. Next year is going to be more of a challenge for Coach Porter and staff than it would have been had fewer guys left for MLS. But, as I pointed out in another thread, I believe, we had 6 Freshman on the field at one time vs Virginia in the 2009 Championship game and they stayed right with the Cavaliers. It can be done. We have 4 starters remaining...thank you Scott Caldwell, David Meves, Darren Mattocks, and Chad Barson. Add to that Ben Speas who had significant playing time as a Freshman in 2009 (started a number of games, as I remember) and a decent amount of time in 2010 as well as experience in the 2009 and 2010 College Cups. (If you review the footage, I believe you'll see that Speas had a header save at the line of our goal vs Virginia that was as awesome as Chad Barson's save vs Louisville.) Eric Stevenson did a great job in the first game of the season scoring the first goal in 2010 vs North Carolina. Thomas Schmitt, Renaldo Brenes, and Michael Balogun also had significant minutes for us in 2010. Lastly, add in 3 redshirt freshmen and another great recruiting class (which is probably incomplete at this time), and I think our prospects look good for 2011. I'll also give a shoutout to Anthony Ponikvar who looked good subbing for an injured David Meves in the game at Northern Illinois in 2010. Without several great saves by Anthony, the Zips could have easily lost that game. (I'm sure I've forgotten to mention others and I apologize for that.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 Article on Mattocks returning for another year. Imagine if he was called up to the senior Reggae Boyz team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheTank123 Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 Article on Mattocks returning for another year. Imagine if he was called up to the senior Reggae Boyz team. Very cool. First time I've seen it in writing that he is staying. That would have been a lot of goals to replace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crew8 Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 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. Sexual Preference? Nah just looking forward to watching the "fine young men" from Akron on the pitch for the US National Team and performing at the highest level in the future Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip_ME87 Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 Zarek Valentin Interview (January 4, 2011) EDIT: Ampaipitakwong Focused on Next Step Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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