Early MLS Report Card

[johnnyzip84]

First let me be clear that I'm not trying to be negative towards the program. I just think it bears some thought as to how well (or not so well) the UA draftees have done so far in the MLS this season. Certainly each of these players can expect some scrutiny based on the unprecedented number of high picks coming from one NCAA program last year.

Here is one article covering the top MLS newcomers for 2011. Note the absence of any former Zips from the 2011 class. Valentin and Kitchen seem to be getting the most playing time. I know injuries have had a big impact. Still, I think this emphasizes that Caleb is much more than a recruiter. It'll be interesting to see if MLS teams downgrade future Zip players (just a tad) in upcoming drafts.

[Zip Watcher]

Something to keep in mind here .. is that this article ISN'T about rookies. It's about "new to the MLS" .. including several futbol veterans.

[johnnyzip84]

Something to keep in mind here .. is that this article ISN'T about rookies. It's about "new to the MLS" .. including several futbol veterans.

Good point. Although Will Bruin made the list and he was drafted behind 5 Zips.

[bisbee]

It has to be a huge step up for these guys coming from college to the pros. Give them time to adjust and then it will be more reasonable to evaluate their success/failure.

[Crew8]

It has to be a huge step up for these guys coming from college to the pros. Give them time to adjust and then it will be more reasonable to evaluate their success/failure.

I agree with bisbee. Give it time, the transition is not as easy as you would think. The MLS is a physical long season, Thierry Henry didn't exactly tear up the league last year, actually he was horrible. People don't give the MLS enough credit, although it can be ugly at times, its physical. I don't think you'll see MLS clubs downgrade future Zips players.

[bobbyake]

First let me be clear that I'm not trying to be negative towards the program. I just think it bears some thought as to how well (or not so well) the UA draftees have done so far in the MLS this season. Certainly each of these players can expect some scrutiny based on the unprecedented number of high picks coming from one NCAA program last year.

Here is one article covering the top MLS newcomers for 2011. Note the absence of any former Zips from the 2011 class. Valentin and Kitchen seem to be getting the most playing time. I know injuries have had a big impact. Still, I think this emphasizes that Caleb is much more than a recruiter. It'll be interesting to see if MLS teams downgrade future Zip players (just a tad) in upcoming drafts.

With Teal Bunbury and Steve Zakuani, I don't think it will be an issue. Nagbe hasn't looked too bad. I think Siniša Ubiparipović is a free agent right now, wonder if his playing career is done.

[yazan07]

First let me be clear that I'm not trying to be negative towards the program. I just think it bears some thought as to how well (or not so well) the UA draftees have done so far in the MLS this season. Certainly each of these players can expect some scrutiny based on the unprecedented number of high picks coming from one NCAA program last year.

Here is one article covering the top MLS newcomers for 2011. Note the absence of any former Zips from the 2011 class. Valentin and Kitchen seem to be getting the most playing time. I know injuries have had a big impact. Still, I think this emphasizes that Caleb is much more than a recruiter. It'll be interesting to see if MLS teams downgrade future Zip players (just a tad) in upcoming drafts.

With Teal Bunbury and Steve Zakuani, I don't think it will be an issue. Nagbe hasn't looked too bad. I think Siniša Ubiparipović is a free agent right now, wonder if his playing career is done.

Speaking of Steve-o and Teal...

[Valpo Zip]

Is Sinisa Ubiparipovic still in the MLS? or playing anywhere else?

[bobbyake]

Is Sinisa Ubiparipovic still in the MLS? or playing anywhere else?

Looks like he's on the Sounders reserve team http://live.soundersfc.com/Event/Reserve_M...C_vs_Chivas_USA

[Zip_ME87]

Player contributions aren't always noted, either. Take for example, San Jose's 2-1 victory last night over New England.

The article states: In a move to inject a spark in San Jose’s midfield, head coach Frank Yallop inserted Anthony Ampaipitakwong on the right side and McLoughlin on the left. It would be the latter move that paid dividends.

In the 71st minute — just four minutes after coming on for Ryan Johnson — McLoughlin appeared unmarked inside the box and met a Chris Wondolowski cross with a diving header that beat Reis inside the far post to give San Jose the lead.

I watched that game on MLS Direct Kick. The series that led to that score was Ampai forward pass to Wondo, Wondo pass across the field to McLoughlin, McLoughlin header into the net. Wondo gets the assist, but Ampai gets no credit for being involved, not even by the writer.

EDIT: From the San Jose Mercury News

The last time McLoughlin scored on a header, he added, was in an under-12 game. McLoughlin represents a younger-looking team that is bringing energy onto the pitch at a time the Quakes needed a kick in the pants.

"He and Anthony (Ampaipitakwong) changed the game for us," coach Frank Yallop said of the rookie wings that came on early in the second half.

San Jose scored all of its goals after their appearance; for consecutive games the Quakes have unloaded in the second half. They have scored five second-half goals in the past two games after scoring only one second-period goal in the first eight.

[Zip_ME87]

With Teal Bunbury and Steve Zakuani, I don't think it will be an issue. Nagbe hasn't looked too bad. I think Siniša Ubiparipović is a free agent right now, wonder if his playing career is done.

Speaking of Steve-o and Teal...

BTW, Steve-o made it to the game at Qwest Field last night, They showed him sitting in the stadium in a gray hoodie (incognito, I guess), and I believe it was Teal's sister (Kylie) sitting next to him.

[johnnyzip84]

ESPN Blog on the UA "Reunion" in LA

[Zip_ME87]

ESPN Blog on the UA "Reunion" in LA

Great article. I love watching and reading about our professional Zips. And, of course, I never get tired of reading "the college powerhouse" in reference to our Alma Mater!

GO ZIPS!

[Z.I.P.]

ESPN Blog on the UA "Reunion" in LA

Thanks, Johnny. I'll put that shot of 'Z-tine' next to the one of Blair Gavin -- both beating LandyCakes to the ball.

Hey -- Chivas plays @Houston tomorrow. I haven't seen Kofie play yet this season -- and I think he has as much potential, skill-wise and athletically as any of the Class of Twenty-Ten. Chivas plays as well or better on the road than any team in MLS.

[johnnyzip84]

ESPN Blog on the UA "Reunion" in LA

Thanks, Johnny. I'll put that shot of 'Z-tine' next to the one of Blair Gavin -- both beating LandyCakes to the ball.

Hey -- Chivas plays @Houston tomorrow. I haven't seen Kofie play yet this season -- and I think he has as much potential, skill-wise and athletically as any of the Class of Twenty-Ten. Chivas plays as well or better on the road than any team in MLS.

Kofi's lack of minutes early in the season has been the most surprising to me. But it does look like he's been getting more opportunities lately. I agree 100% regarding his potential. Perhaps he's having a little trouble adjusting to playing a more traditional defender role as opposed to the freelancing he was permitted to do as a Zip (the Zip D was so consistent and solid, Kofi was frequently available to make deep runs without the risk of giving up a counter).

[Zip_ME87]

ESPN Blog on the UA "Reunion" in LA

Thanks, Johnny. I'll put that shot of 'Z-tine' next to the one of Blair Gavin -- both beating LandyCakes to the ball.

Hey -- Chivas plays @Houston tomorrow. I haven't seen Kofie play yet this season -- and I think he has as much potential, skill-wise and athletically as any of the Class of Twenty-Ten. Chivas plays as well or better on the road than any team in MLS.

Kofi's lack of minutes early in the season has been the most surprising to me. But it does look like he's been getting more opportunities lately. I agree 100% regarding his potential. Perhaps he's having a little trouble adjusting to playing a more traditional defender role as opposed to the freelancing he was permitted to do as a Zip (the Zip D was so consistent and solid, Kofi was frequently available to make deep runs without the risk of giving up a counter).

On draft day, I remember the analysts saying they didn't understand Houston drafting Kofi because they were already loaded with defenders...which may be the issue.

[Z.I.P.]

ESPN Blog on the UA "Reunion" in LA

Thanks, Johnny. I'll put that shot of 'Z-tine' next to the one of Blair Gavin -- both beating LandyCakes to the ball.

Hey -- Chivas plays @Houston tomorrow. I haven't seen Kofie play yet this season -- and I think he has as much potential, skill-wise and athletically as any of the Class of Twenty-Ten. Chivas plays as well or better on the road than any team in MLS.

Kofi's lack of minutes early in the season has been the most surprising to me. But it does look like he's been getting more opportunities lately. I agree 100% regarding his potential. Perhaps he's having a little trouble adjusting to playing a more traditional defender role as opposed to the freelancing he was permitted to do as a Zip (the Zip D was so consistent and solid, Kofi was frequently available to make deep runs without the risk of giving up a counter).

On draft day, I remember the analysts saying they didn't understand Houston drafting Kofi because they were already loaded with defenders...which may be the issue.

FYI -- Kofi did not play. And Zarek was replaced, after starting about ten straight games for Chivas by Paulo Nagamura, already my least favorite MLS player. Seeing the game in its entirety, I expect 'Z' to return to the starting lineup this week.

[Zip_ME87]

FYI -- Kofi did not play. And Zarek was replaced, after starting about ten straight games for Chivas by Paulo Nagamura, already my least favorite MLS player. Seeing the game in its entirety, I expect 'Z' to return to the starting lineup this week.

Z not playing and Blair Gavin being subbed for Ben Zemanski...NOT right. Blair & Ben should be on the pitch together; not one subbed out for the other.

On a more positive note, Fox Soccer Channel's coverage of the Sounders vs Whitecaps on Saturday night included Steve-o in the booth for a few minutes during which, I believe Steve said, he is up and walking (bones healed). Still a long way to go, but very good progress.

[yazan07]

FYI -- Kofi did not play. And Zarek was replaced, after starting about ten straight games for Chivas by Paulo Nagamura, already my least favorite MLS player. Seeing the game in its entirety, I expect 'Z' to return to the starting lineup this week.

Z not playing and Blair Gavin being subbed for Ben Zemanski...NOT right. Blair & Ben should be on the pitch together; not one subbed out for the other.

On a more positive note, Fox Soccer Channel's coverage of the Sounders vs Whitecaps on Saturday night included Steve-o in the booth for a few minutes during which, I believe Steve said, he is up and walking (bones healed). Still a long way to go, but very good progress.

Since we're talking about last week's games, I was at the DC-San Jose game. I wore my Akron #10 jersey and got the attention of all three former Zips before the game. I think Ampai especially appreciated it (bet he didn't know I was rooting for United) cause he gave me a a big two thumbs up.

About the actual game...like I said, I was rooting for DCU, and of course I was rooting for my former Zips, which made the game especially painful. As much as it pains me to say it, the DC defense is very leaky. Steven Lenhart kinda made fools out of them with three goals and an assist. After the game a few of the DC rookie players went around signing autographs, and Perry looked very angry. I can't expect too much from these guys though, three of the four starting on the backline are rookies, and their GK is only in his second season.

Ampai did have a good game though, and it's really nice to see him in the starting XI. I still cannot believe 17 other teams passed him up in the draft. Now he is starting at SJ, what a steal he was for them.

It was interesting to see the interaction between former teammates. There were a few head-to-heads between Ampai and Perry, I would have to imagine that would be weird playing against a former teammate, but I guess with all the trading around it happens frequently. Also, Ampai and Korb were standing next to each other coming out of the tunnel and traded jerseys after the game.

Overall I enjoyed the game despite the result. I'm planning on rounding up a bunch of my intern colleagues to go to the college ID night in two weeks at RFK. They have discounted tickets for students and some other deals going on too. DC will be playing Houston that night, so hopefully Kofi will get some minutes.

[Zip_ME87]

Since we're talking about last week's games, I was at the DC-San Jose game. I wore my Akron #10 jersey and got the attention of all three former Zips before the game. I think Ampai especially appreciated it (bet he didn't know I was rooting for United) cause he gave me a a big two thumbs up.

About the actual game...like I said, I was rooting for DCU, and of course I was rooting for my former Zips, which made the game especially painful. As much as it pains me to say it, the DC defense is very leaky. Steven Lenhart kinda made fools out of them with three goals and an assist. After the game a few of the DC rookie players went around signing autographs, and Perry looked very angry. I can't expect too much from these guys though, three of the four starting on the backline are rookies, and their GK is only in his second season.

Ampai did have a good game though, and it's really nice to see him in the starting XI. I still cannot believe 17 other teams passed him up in the draft. Now he is starting at SJ, what a steal he was for them.

It was interesting to see the interaction between former teammates. There were a few head-to-heads between Ampai and Perry, I would have to imagine that would be weird playing against a former teammate, but I guess with all the trading around it happens frequently. Also, Ampai and Korb were standing next to each other coming out of the tunnel and traded jerseys after the game.

Overall I enjoyed the game despite the result. I'm planning on rounding up a bunch of my intern colleagues to go to the college ID night in two weeks at RFK. They have discounted tickets for students and some other deals going on too. DC will be playing Houston that night, so hopefully Kofi will get some minutes.

Cool that you were actually at that game, and thanks for that summary. I watched that game on Direct Kick but wasn't rooting for either team...just wanted to see the Akron guys do well. However, I did hate seeing DC give up 4 goals with Korb and Kitchen on the back line. It's great seeing Ampai get all the minutes he's been getting lately. The Earthquakes have become one of my favorite teams to watch. A friend of mine who lives in San Jose tells me they love Ampai out there...San Jose definitely got a steal.

[TheTank123]

FYI -- Kofi did not play. And Zarek was replaced, after starting about ten straight games for Chivas by Paulo Nagamura, already my least favorite MLS player. Seeing the game in its entirety, I expect 'Z' to return to the starting lineup this week.

Z not playing and Blair Gavin being subbed for Ben Zemanski...NOT right. Blair & Ben should be on the pitch together; not one subbed out for the other.

On a more positive note, Fox Soccer Channel's coverage of the Sounders vs Whitecaps on Saturday night included Steve-o in the booth for a few minutes during which, I believe Steve said, he is up and walking (bones healed). Still a long way to go, but very good progress.

Since we're talking about last week's games, I was at the DC-San Jose game. I wore my Akron #10 jersey and got the attention of all three former Zips before the game. I think Ampai especially appreciated it (bet he didn't know I was rooting for United) cause he gave me a a big two thumbs up.

About the actual game...like I said, I was rooting for DCU, and of course I was rooting for my former Zips, which made the game especially painful. As much as it pains me to say it, the DC defense is very leaky. Steven Lenhart kinda made fools out of them with three goals and an assist. After the game a few of the DC rookie players went around signing autographs, and Perry looked very angry. I can't expect too much from these guys though, three of the four starting on the backline are rookies, and their GK is only in his second season.

Ampai did have a good game though, and it's really nice to see him in the starting XI. I still cannot believe 17 other teams passed him up in the draft. Now he is starting at SJ, what a steal he was for them.

It was interesting to see the interaction between former teammates. There were a few head-to-heads between Ampai and Perry, I would have to imagine that would be weird playing against a former teammate, but I guess with all the trading around it happens frequently. Also, Ampai and Korb were standing next to each other coming out of the tunnel and traded jerseys after the game.

Overall I enjoyed the game despite the result. I'm planning on rounding up a bunch of my intern colleagues to go to the college ID night in two weeks at RFK. They have discounted tickets for students and some other deals going on too. DC will be playing Houston that night, so hopefully Kofi will get some minutes.

I would guess it would have much different emotions in an Ampai vs. Korb matchup than Ampai vs. Kitchen. Korb was there the entire time Ampai was, Kitchen only for his last year.

[Z.I.P.]

Watched Chivas get beat late by FC Dallas on Saturday. Zemanski was benched, but Zarek started, played 90 at Left Back. None of the other three ex-Zips got in as far as I could see (though I may have missed a late sub, haven't seen the box score). 'Z' played an excellent game, with just one poor clearance that hung up and was received 20-30 yds out by FCD player, but couldn't do anything with it. Again, the Fox announcers referred to Akron, as "The football factory at Akron." Too bad that Chivas again played only a so-so contest, and I recall gave up an own goal that was the difference. They're falling further behind with their poor play at home.