More Soccer roster changes

[Z.I.P.]

Here's a little fun fact: There was a point (not sure if it was when he graduated, or maybe earlier) that Ben Speas was ranked as Top Drawer Soccer's #1 player in his graduating class. Still shocked that he is leaving. It wasn't even a month ago that I was pieing him in the face

I thought when UA signed Ben that he was Top Drawer Soccer's #1 in his class. (Edit: I just read ZIP's post which makes more sense given that Ben missed his final year playing at CVCA due to injury.) I hope he left because he found a way into the pro ranks with the Crew (as a homegrown), but I don't know if that's possible at this time.

I believe Top Drawer's decision to move Speas to the top was based on his offensive exploits and potential, shown with the Crew Academy. He was playing a defensive mid or center mid with the national team while at Bradenton. His athleticism is strong enough that he still has the potential to be a real threat as an attacking mid/winger. It will be very interesting to find out where he lands. I hope he does not try to go overseas professionally, as that is a route shown so many times to be a dead end for young Americans. Hope he can find a way into MLS. Can't imagine why he would transfer, unless CP's scouting is different from what we've seen. I think he woulda/shoula been a starter this season.

[bisbee]

Here's a little fun fact: There was a point (not sure if it was when he graduated, or maybe earlier) that Ben Speas was ranked as Top Drawer Soccer's #1 player in his graduating class. Still shocked that he is leaving. It wasn't even a month ago that I was pieing him in the face

I thought when UA signed Ben that he was Top Drawer Soccer's #1 in his class. (Edit: I just read ZIP's post which makes more sense given that Ben missed his final year playing at CVCA due to injury.) I hope he left because he found a way into the pro ranks with the Crew (as a homegrown), but I don't know if that's possible at this time.

I believe Top Drawer's decision to move Speas to the top was based on his offensive exploits and potential, shown with the Crew Academy. He was playing a defensive mid or center mid with the national team while at Bradenton. His athleticism is strong enough that he still has the potential to be a real threat as an attacking mid/winger. It will be very interesting to find out where he lands. I hope he does not try to go overseas professionally, as that is a route shown so many times to be a dead end for young Americans. Hope he can find a way into MLS. Can't imagine why he would transfer, unless CP's scouting is different from what we've seen. I think he woulda/shoula been a starter this season.

Why is trying to play overseas often times a dead end? What happens?

[ZachTheZip]

Michael Beaven comes through with an update, including a quote from coach Porter on the departures.

[TheTank123]

Michael Beaven comes through with an update, including a quote from coach Porter on the departures.

So it sounds like the issue is PT. Better that than a structural problem within the program.

[Zip_ME87]

I'm glad to read Coach Porter's comments on the changes and totally respect that the details are internal. Best wishes to all of our departing players and many thanks to all of them for coming to Akron.

[zip37]

I'm saddened by Ben's leaving, but there is good news in that 3 yrs ago this upcoming season Ben statrted all [or most] games but the incoming players were so much better that Ben became a 2nd line player. Ben doesn't have diminished skills-- the competition is that much better.

[Blue & Gold]

Good ABJ post from Rasor's blog.

[ZachTheZip]

Article on Gabe Genovesi

"I cannot say enough about coach Porter and the UA men's soccer team for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the team and for also supporting me in the UA men's track program," wrote Genovesi, whose father is legendary Milwaukee Wave player Michael King. "I also cannot say enough about coach (Dennis) Mitchell and coach (Lee) LaBadie of the UA track program in allowing me the opportunity to run."

[fknbuflobo]

I'm saddened by Ben's leaving, but there is good news in that 3 yrs ago this upcoming season Ben statrted all [or most] games but the incoming players were so much better that Ben became a 2nd line player. Ben doesn't have diminished skills-- the competition is that much better.

To where is Speas transferring?

[Z.I.P.]

I'm saddened by Ben's leaving, but there is good news in that 3 yrs ago this upcoming season Ben statrted all [or most] games but the incoming players were so much better that Ben became a 2nd line player. Ben doesn't have diminished skills-- the competition is that much better.

To where is Speas transferring?

That's the $Million question. Transferring, or going pro? I just hope he doesn't show up in Cowlumbus, Bloomington, AnnArbor. I'd actually rather see him go to another MAC school -- one we could still beat, but whom would/might have a chance at an at-large berth with an all-America caliber attacking mid.

[Roogangs]

I'm saddened by Ben's leaving, but there is good news in that 3 yrs ago this upcoming season Ben statrted all [or most] games but the incoming players were so much better that Ben became a 2nd line player. Ben doesn't have diminished skills-- the competition is that much better.

To where is Speas transferring?

That's the $Million question. Transferring, or going pro? I just hope he doesn't show up in Cowlumbus, Bloomington, AnnArbor. I'd actually rather see him go to another MAC school -- one we could still beat, but whom would/might have a chance at an at-large berth with an all-America caliber attacking mid.

My guess is that he is done with soccer. I bet he does not transfer and that he just finishes school. He is close to his family who lives in the area and he has a girlfriend at Akron who he has been with since early in high school.

[Zip_ME87]

I'm saddened by Ben's leaving, but there is good news in that 3 yrs ago this upcoming season Ben statrted all [or most] games but the incoming players were so much better that Ben became a 2nd line player. Ben doesn't have diminished skills-- the competition is that much better.

To where is Speas transferring?

That's the $Million question. Transferring, or going pro? I just hope he doesn't show up in Cowlumbus, Bloomington, AnnArbor. I'd actually rather see him go to another MAC school -- one we could still beat, but whom would/might have a chance at an at-large berth with an all-America caliber attacking mid.

My guess is that he is done with soccer. I bet he does not transfer and that he just finishes school. He is close to his family who lives in the area and he has a girlfriend at Akron who he has been with since early in high school.

"In other Crew Academy news, a University of Akron spokesman confirmed that former academy product Ben Speas will transfer and play elsewhere this fall."

Source (Scroll down the page, under Horton signing could be first of Crew's many)

[yazan07]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

[Roogangs]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

[TheTank123]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

[yazan07]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

[fknbuflobo]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

Jack McInerney

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

[TheTank123]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

Jack McInerney

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

Yeah but that is saved for incredibly special cases...Jack McInerny, Luis Gil, Omar Salgado and Zach Herold were the only ones signed in the last two years and prior to that everyone has been in Residency. If they aren't signed to a GA by now they won't be signed until after a year of college.

[yazan07]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

Jack McInerney

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

Yeah but that is saved for incredibly special cases...Jack McInerny, Luis Gil, Omar Salgado and Zach Herold were the only ones signed in the last two years and prior to that everyone has been in Residency. If they aren't signed to a GA by now they won't be signed until after a year of college.

Oh ok I gotcha.

[Z.I.P.]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

Jack McInerney

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

Yeah but that is saved for incredibly special cases...Jack McInerny, Luis Gil, Omar Salgado and Zach Herold were the only ones signed in the last two years and prior to that everyone has been in Residency. If they aren't signed to a GA by now they won't be signed until after a year of college.

Oh WOW! I have been wondering for a while now, whatever happened to Zac Herold? He reportedly had signed an LOI with UCF. Didn't know he was drafted by TFC. What a shame -- he was a great prospect, with international class moves and pace.

[TheTank123]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

Jack McInerney

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

Yeah but that is saved for incredibly special cases...Jack McInerny, Luis Gil, Omar Salgado and Zach Herold were the only ones signed in the last two years and prior to that everyone has been in Residency. If they aren't signed to a GA by now they won't be signed until after a year of college.

Oh WOW! I have been wondering for a while now, whatever happened to Zac Herold? He reportedly had signed an LOI with UCF. Didn't know he was drafted by TFC. What a shame -- he was a great prospect, with international class moves and pace.

Yeah, stuff like that is just so sad. Kid worked his whole life and finally made it only to find out he can't play because of something that might happen.

[bisbee]

"With talented young players like Wil Trapp, Chad Barson and Andrew Souders coming through the ranks, there’s little doubt another signing might happen sooner rather than later"

Uh I hope none of those players sign any time soon, we need each of them

Well it is good to hear Speas will keep playing. As for future pro signings. Trapp and Souders will at least play one year at Akron. I know for a fact that Barson will be at Akron this year. He was offered a Pro Contract with the Crew right after the National Championship game and he turned it down. I believe he wants to get his degree from Akron, or the majority of his classes (isnt the kid a 4.0 pre med student?).

None of these guys are going to turn pro until at least 1 year at Akron. If you look at the payscale of HGP's vs. GenAdidas kids, it makes zero financial sense for someone to take the HGP contract if they think they can get a GenAd deal. Trapp and possibly others are definitely GenAd candidates.

Jack McInerney

I think they can get signed to a GA contract without even doing a year of college. Looking back on previous GA contract recipients, not all of them even made it to college.

Yeah but that is saved for incredibly special cases...Jack McInerny, Luis Gil, Omar Salgado and Zach Herold were the only ones signed in the last two years and prior to that everyone has been in Residency. If they aren't signed to a GA by now they won't be signed until after a year of college.

Oh WOW! I have been wondering for a while now, whatever happened to Zac Herold? He reportedly had signed an LOI with UCF. Didn't know he was drafted by TFC. What a shame -- he was a great prospect, with international class moves and pace.

Yeah, stuff like that is just so sad. Kid worked his whole life and finally made it only to find out he can't play because of something that might happen.

USSF required all players attending U18 training camp to have a normal ECG on record before attending camp. There is an emphasis on diagnosing possible cardiac anomalies to prevent sudden cardiac death although the occurence is not particularly common. There is a whole debate on the interpretation of ECG changes in persons who have an "athletic heart" as the results can prove to be misleading.

[Zip_ME87]

Not sure if this was posted somewhere on ZN.o previously since it's 11 days old, but I couldn't find it and thought it worth sharing...

Academy product Caldwell trains with Revs

“It’s a great feeling,” said Caldwell when asked about his emotions watching his former teammates turn pro. “Knowing that Caleb’s such a great coach, producing such great players – obviously recruiting them and taking their game to the next level – I know it’s a great place to be.”

With that said, Caldwell plans to take a different path than many of his former teammates who left school early to pursue professional careers. Caldwell has stated his intention to finish his degree at Akron and play the final two years of his collegiate career.

[TheTank123]

Not sure if this was posted somewhere on ZN.o previously since it's 11 days old, but I couldn't find it and thought it worth sharing...

Academy product Caldwell trains with Revs

“It’s a great feeling,” said Caldwell when asked about his emotions watching his former teammates turn pro. “Knowing that Caleb’s such a great coach, producing such great players – obviously recruiting them and taking their game to the next level – I know it’s a great place to be.”

With that said, Caldwell plans to take a different path than many of his former teammates who left school early to pursue professional careers. Caldwell has stated his intention to finish his degree at Akron and play the final two years of his collegiate career.

Another name to add to this list is Jake Fenlason, a keeper from FC San Diego. He has committed according to ESPNRise. His coach is Aodhan Quinn's father. Coincidence?

[yazan07]

Not sure if this was posted somewhere on ZN.o previously since it's 11 days old, but I couldn't find it and thought it worth sharing...

Academy product Caldwell trains with Revs

“It’s a great feeling,” said Caldwell when asked about his emotions watching his former teammates turn pro. “Knowing that Caleb’s such a great coach, producing such great players – obviously recruiting them and taking their game to the next level – I know it’s a great place to be.”

With that said, Caldwell plans to take a different path than many of his former teammates who left school early to pursue professional careers. Caldwell has stated his intention to finish his degree at Akron and play the final two years of his collegiate career.

Another name to add to this list is Jake Fenlason, a keeper from FC San Diego. He has committed according to ESPNRise. His coach is Aodhan Quinn's father. Coincidence?

What are we going to do with another GK? Meves is probably never going be taken out unless we are way ahead or he gets hurt. Poni is our backup. Andrian McAdams will probably never play as it is, why a fourth keeper?