2011 Lineup Guesses

[GoZipsGoZips]

Any guesses for the starting lineup?With only 4 returning starters and a load of new faces… I really don’t see many issues with the 2011 team (looks awesome)… and I see just a few unknowns.First… Caleb probably didn’t go looking for another Jamaican striker who will not start… so he probably has high hopes for Barrett. If Barrett can start next to Mattocks… that means that Luke Holmes will probably be an attacking midfielder… and will join Caldwell and Trapp. That leaves just one opening for a Midfielder… with plenty of options. I penciled in Walls due to the fact that he was o the Hermann Watch List in 2010.The defense is looking pretty awesome too… with Barson, Gallego and Yedlin… and another opening where again… there are some great prospects. And of course… Meves will defend the net.I put together 2 charts… with just generic positions… not sure if there will be changes to the 2010 formation. Returning starters are Gold… returning players are Blue. Incoming freshmen are Red… transfers are Teal… and incoming Internationals are whatever color that is (quasi-Brown). Flags denote All-American HS or college… or the nationality… with some credentials in the white box above the name.So… what are your guesses for the second Striker… the Midfielders… and the 4th Defender… and formation/offense/defense?

[TheTank123]

Any guesses for the starting lineup?With only 4 returning starters and a load of new faces… I really don’t see many issues with the 2011 team (looks awesome)… and I see just a few unknowns.First… Caleb probably didn’t go looking for another Jamaican striker who will not start… so he probably has high hopes for Barrett. If Barrett can start next to Mattocks… that means that Luke Holmes will probably be an attacking midfielder… and will join Caldwell and Trapp. That leaves just one opening for a Midfielder… with plenty of options. I penciled in Walls due to the fact that he was o the Hermann Watch List in 2010.The defense is looking pretty awesome too… with Barson, Gallego and Yedlin… and another opening where again… there are some great prospects. And of course… Meves will defend the net.I put together 2 charts… with just generic positions… not sure if there will be changes to the 2010 formation. Returning starters are Gold… returning players are Blue. Incoming freshmen are Red… transfers are Teal… and incoming Internationals are whatever color that is (quasi-Brown). Flags denote All-American HS or college… or the nationality… with some credentials in the white box above the name.So… what are your guesses for the second Striker… the Midfielders… and the 4th Defender… and formation/offense/defense?

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.

[yazan07]

Any guesses for the starting lineup?With only 4 returning starters and a load of new faces… I really don’t see many issues with the 2011 team (looks awesome)… and I see just a few unknowns.First… Caleb probably didn’t go looking for another Jamaican striker who will not start… so he probably has high hopes for Barrett. If Barrett can start next to Mattocks… that means that Luke Holmes will probably be an attacking midfielder… and will join Caldwell and Trapp. That leaves just one opening for a Midfielder… with plenty of options. I penciled in Walls due to the fact that he was o the Hermann Watch List in 2010.The defense is looking pretty awesome too… with Barson, Gallego and Yedlin… and another opening where again… there are some great prospects. And of course… Meves will defend the net.I put together 2 charts… with just generic positions… not sure if there will be changes to the 2010 formation. Returning starters are Gold… returning players are Blue. Incoming freshmen are Red… transfers are Teal… and incoming Internationals are whatever color that is (quasi-Brown). Flags denote All-American HS or college… or the nationality… with some credentials in the white box above the name.So… what are your guesses for the second Striker… the Midfielders… and the 4th Defender… and formation/offense/defense?

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.

This was my exact prediction! If two people guessed it, that means it will certainly be true! I agree with your thoughts on Walls and think they apply to Holmes too. If you have only one season left of eligibility and you are starting at your school, why would you transfer if you don't expect to start? Because honestly, in Porter's system, to not start is really to not play, he doesn't like to rely on excessive substitutions. These guys are trying to get big attention by being at a big program in their last seasons so that they have a shot at the pros, and they're not going to get that shot from the bench.

[fknbuflobo]

Any guesses for the starting lineup?With only 4 returning starters and a load of new faces… I really don’t see many issues with the 2011 team (looks awesome)… and I see just a few unknowns.First… Caleb probably didn’t go looking for another Jamaican striker who will not start… so he probably has high hopes for Barrett. If Barrett can start next to Mattocks… that means that Luke Holmes will probably be an attacking midfielder… and will join Caldwell and Trapp. That leaves just one opening for a Midfielder… with plenty of options. I penciled in Walls due to the fact that he was o the Hermann Watch List in 2010.The defense is looking pretty awesome too… with Barson, Gallego and Yedlin… and another opening where again… there are some great prospects. And of course… Meves will defend the net.I put together 2 charts… with just generic positions… not sure if there will be changes to the 2010 formation. Returning starters are Gold… returning players are Blue. Incoming freshmen are Red… transfers are Teal… and incoming Internationals are whatever color that is (quasi-Brown). Flags denote All-American HS or college… or the nationality… with some credentials in the white box above the name.So… what are your guesses for the second Striker… the Midfielders… and the 4th Defender… and formation/offense/defense?

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.

This was my exact prediction! If two people guessed it, that means it will certainly be true! I agree with your thoughts on Walls and think they apply to Holmes too. If you have only one season left of eligibility and you are starting at your school, why would you transfer if you don't expect to start? Because honestly, in Porter's system, to not start is really to not play, he doesn't like to rely on excessive substitutions. These guys are trying to get big attention by being at a big program in their last seasons so that they have a shot at the pros, and they're not going to get that shot from the bench.

I agree with point about transfer eligibility. There is no reason for upperclassmen to transfer except for guaranteed starting spot. That likely ensures that Quinn and Walls start. Holmes definitely starts no matter how you slice it. He is that good. I agree with lineup you two propose, and you are very likely correct. However, suppose this Barrett is something special up top. Hard to believe Porter is bringing in another Jamaican forward just to sit bench. Otherwise, why not Tulloch? That would move Holmes back to his more natural position of AMid.Mattocks – FBarrett, Chiu? - FHolmes – MTrapp – MCaldwell – MHere is where it gets dicey!Balogun, Bonilla, Brenes, Portillos, Quinn, Walls? – MMayer, Afsarifard? - DBarson – DGallego - D Yedlin – DPersonally, I like Balogun at D rather than M.As much as I hate to mention it, Speas’ departure at least makes more sense now. I will know much more once I watch practice, providing I have the time, and providing they allow it.What is with all these GKs? Meves is officially on notice!

[TheTank123]

Any guesses for the starting lineup?With only 4 returning starters and a load of new faces… I really don’t see many issues with the 2011 team (looks awesome)… and I see just a few unknowns.First… Caleb probably didn’t go looking for another Jamaican striker who will not start… so he probably has high hopes for Barrett. If Barrett can start next to Mattocks… that means that Luke Holmes will probably be an attacking midfielder… and will join Caldwell and Trapp. That leaves just one opening for a Midfielder… with plenty of options. I penciled in Walls due to the fact that he was o the Hermann Watch List in 2010.The defense is looking pretty awesome too… with Barson, Gallego and Yedlin… and another opening where again… there are some great prospects. And of course… Meves will defend the net.I put together 2 charts… with just generic positions… not sure if there will be changes to the 2010 formation. Returning starters are Gold… returning players are Blue. Incoming freshmen are Red… transfers are Teal… and incoming Internationals are whatever color that is (quasi-Brown). Flags denote All-American HS or college… or the nationality… with some credentials in the white box above the name.So… what are your guesses for the second Striker… the Midfielders… and the 4th Defender… and formation/offense/defense?

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.

This was my exact prediction! If two people guessed it, that means it will certainly be true! I agree with your thoughts on Walls and think they apply to Holmes too. If you have only one season left of eligibility and you are starting at your school, why would you transfer if you don't expect to start? Because honestly, in Porter's system, to not start is really to not play, he doesn't like to rely on excessive substitutions. These guys are trying to get big attention by being at a big program in their last seasons so that they have a shot at the pros, and they're not going to get that shot from the bench.

I agree with point about transfer eligibility. There is no reason for upperclassmen to transfer except for guaranteed starting spot. That likely ensures that Quinn and Walls start. Holmes definitely starts no matter how you slice it. He is that good. I agree with lineup you two propose, and you are very likely correct. However, suppose this Barrett is something special up top. Hard to believe Porter is bringing in another Jamaican forward just to sit bench. Otherwise, why not Tulloch? That would move Holmes back to his more natural position of AMid.Mattocks – FBarrett, Chiu? - FHolmes – MTrapp – MCaldwell – MHere is where it gets dicey!Balogun, Bonilla, Brenes, Portillos, Quinn, Walls? – MMayer, Afsarifard? - DBarson – DGallego - D Yedlin – DPersonally, I like Balogun at D rather than M.As much as I hate to mention it, Speas’ departure at least makes more sense now. I will know much more once I watch practice, providing I have the time, and providing they allow it.What is with all these GKs? Meves is officially on notice!

I can pretty much guarantee you Mayer is the starter at LB. You don't bring in LB's from English academies and expect them to compete for PT with a kid who only made 9 appearances as with Loyola Marymount.I can envision them using Balogun in place of Speas as the "supersub" type player. I do not know anything about his defensive abilities, but obviously I'm hoping he doesn't get the start at RB ;-)

[yazan07]

Any guesses for the starting lineup?With only 4 returning starters and a load of new faces… I really don’t see many issues with the 2011 team (looks awesome)… and I see just a few unknowns.First… Caleb probably didn’t go looking for another Jamaican striker who will not start… so he probably has high hopes for Barrett. If Barrett can start next to Mattocks… that means that Luke Holmes will probably be an attacking midfielder… and will join Caldwell and Trapp. That leaves just one opening for a Midfielder… with plenty of options. I penciled in Walls due to the fact that he was o the Hermann Watch List in 2010.The defense is looking pretty awesome too… with Barson, Gallego and Yedlin… and another opening where again… there are some great prospects. And of course… Meves will defend the net.I put together 2 charts… with just generic positions… not sure if there will be changes to the 2010 formation. Returning starters are Gold… returning players are Blue. Incoming freshmen are Red… transfers are Teal… and incoming Internationals are whatever color that is (quasi-Brown). Flags denote All-American HS or college… or the nationality… with some credentials in the white box above the name.So… what are your guesses for the second Striker… the Midfielders… and the 4th Defender… and formation/offense/defense?

My guess is as follows: Mattocks HolmesQuinn Walls Trapp CaldwellMayer Barson Gallego YedlinHonestly the only newcomers I would bet my life on starting are Mayer and Gallego. Everyone else I could theoretically see a scenario where they don't.I can't see Quinn or Walls transferring unless they were guaranteed a starting spot. Quinn was the MVC Freshman of the Year and a Freshman AA while Walls is in his last year of eligibility.BTW, very well done on the infographic. I love those things.

This was my exact prediction! If two people guessed it, that means it will certainly be true! I agree with your thoughts on Walls and think they apply to Holmes too. If you have only one season left of eligibility and you are starting at your school, why would you transfer if you don't expect to start? Because honestly, in Porter's system, to not start is really to not play, he doesn't like to rely on excessive substitutions. These guys are trying to get big attention by being at a big program in their last seasons so that they have a shot at the pros, and they're not going to get that shot from the bench.

I agree with point about transfer eligibility. There is no reason for upperclassmen to transfer except for guaranteed starting spot. That likely ensures that Quinn and Walls start. Holmes definitely starts no matter how you slice it. He is that good. I agree with lineup you two propose, and you are very likely correct. However, suppose this Barrett is something special up top. Hard to believe Porter is bringing in another Jamaican forward just to sit bench. Otherwise, why not Tulloch? That would move Holmes back to his more natural position of AMid.Mattocks – FBarrett, Chiu? - FHolmes – MTrapp – MCaldwell – MHere is where it gets dicey!Balogun, Bonilla, Brenes, Portillos, Quinn, Walls? – MMayer, Afsarifard? - DBarson – DGallego - D Yedlin – DPersonally, I like Balogun at D rather than M.As much as I hate to mention it, Speas’ departure at least makes more sense now. I will know much more once I watch practice, providing I have the time, and providing they allow it.What is with all these GKs? Meves is officially on notice!

Well actually my buddy (where are you Ando?) said he did watch them play the other day (albeit he said it was against a highschool team) and gave me a few notes:-He said David Mayer looked really solid. With him being an LB by trade, I expect him to start there.-I will quote him as saying that the other Jamaican is the "anti-Darren" in the sense that he holds the ball and passes. He also said that Barret maybe takes too many touches and is somehow scrawnier than Darren. He suspected that Barret would probably be coming off the bench. -He said that he also though Balogun looked good too, though he was playing on the backline.-He also told me to take his observations with a grain of salt.

[GoZipsGoZips]

I forgot about David Mayer as he wasn't on the roster that I used to fill in the graphic... http://gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/roster?sort=last_nameThat's why I passed over him here... http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/.../20110712sguog1But... I remember looking him up when I heard about him... and seeing that he got released from his former club, Wigan Athletic. You have to think that this club is at least on the level of the MLS Academy Clubs in the US.He is listed as a MF... and looks like a Kofie-esque defender... covering some serious ground in this Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKuCRoAOTg... and he scored here: http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/Youth/0,...1791885,00.htmlSo do these two graphics look like the most likely senarios now?A consensus at this stage doesn't really matter as CP has a few weeks to go to unveil his starters. Looks really good though... loose 7 and still deep!

[TheTank123]

Already posted.

[yazan07]

Already posted.

huh?

[GoZipsGoZips]

I forgot about David Mayer as he wasn't on the roster that I used to fill in the graphic... http://gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/roster?sort=last_name

That's why I passed over him here... http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/.../20110712sguog1

But... I remember looking him up when I heard about him... and seeing that he got released from his former club, Wigan Athletic. You have to think that this club is at least on the level of the MLS Academy Clubs in the US.

He is listed as a MF... and looks like a Kofie-esque defender... covering some serious ground in this Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKuCRoAOTg...

and he scored here: http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/Youth/0,...1791885,00.html

So do these two graphics look like the most likely senarios now?

A consensus at this stage doesn't really matter as CP has a few weeks to go to unveil his starters. Looks really good though... loose 7 and still deep!

It's the end of July... College Soccer News... what are they waiting for:

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page424.htm

Akron has to be among the top few

[fknbuflobo]

I forgot about David Mayer as he wasn't on the roster that I used to fill in the graphic... http://gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/roster?sort=last_name

That's why I passed over him here... http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/.../20110712sguog1

But... I remember looking him up when I heard about him... and seeing that he got released from his former club, Wigan Athletic. You have to think that this club is at least on the level of the MLS Academy Clubs in the US.

He is listed as a MF... and looks like a Kofie-esque defender... covering some serious ground in this Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKuCRoAOTg...

and he scored here: http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/Youth/0,...1791885,00.html

So do these two graphics look like the most likely senarios now?

A consensus at this stage doesn't really matter as CP has a few weeks to go to unveil his starters. Looks really good though... loose 7 and still deep!

It's the end of July... College Soccer News... what are they waiting for:

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page424.htm

Akron has to be among the top few

Just looked at the roster.

Where are Walls, Quinn, Bonilla, Mayer, etc.? Are these guys coming or no?

[yazan07]

I forgot about David Mayer as he wasn't on the roster that I used to fill in the graphic... http://gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/roster?sort=last_name

That's why I passed over him here... http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/.../20110712sguog1

But... I remember looking him up when I heard about him... and seeing that he got released from his former club, Wigan Athletic. You have to think that this club is at least on the level of the MLS Academy Clubs in the US.

He is listed as a MF... and looks like a Kofie-esque defender... covering some serious ground in this Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKuCRoAOTg...

and he scored here: http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/Youth/0,...1791885,00.html

So do these two graphics look like the most likely senarios now?

A consensus at this stage doesn't really matter as CP has a few weeks to go to unveil his starters. Looks really good though... loose 7 and still deep!

It's the end of July... College Soccer News... what are they waiting for:

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page424.htm

Akron has to be among the top few

Just looked at the roster.

Where are Walls, Quinn, Bonilla, Mayer, etc.? Are these guys coming or no?

No one except for the returners and the original incoming class are on the roster. I'm sure the second half of the incoming class will be added soon. haha we have like two incoming classes this year

edit: though after looking at the roster, I did notice that Kyle Culbertson has been removed. Looks like a la Diego Navarette, we lost another Zip before he even really started his career. Pretty interesting

[GoZipsGoZips]

A consensus at this stage doesn't really matter as CP has a few weeks to go to unveil his starters. Looks really good though... loose 7 and still deep!

I was just looking at Soccershins posting on the "Top 100 Pro Prospects"... http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=23473 based on this Top Drawer Soccer feature that will be updated periodically... http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...cked-every-week

and had to look at this ranking as it applies to some guesses of the 2011 starters...

So... if Balogun is regarded (at least by TopDrawer) as a top 50 Pro Prospect... and the 4th best Pro Prospect on the 2011 Akron team... you would think that he will start... probably as a Defender as we are loaded with Midfielders...

So Barson is a lock... and you would think that Gallego would be too as he was a Milk Cup starter (and consequently regarded as one of the best U18 Defenders in the country). Gallego also played all 90 minutes of all 3 Milk Cup matches.

Who are the other D starters ? Mayer... because he has arguably played at a higher level than our academy guys... ? Or Yedlin... a higher ranked player than Gallego... if you go by rankings...?

I realize that Porter hasn't even decided on the starters yet... as the coaching staff hasn’t started practices yet... but it's interesting guessing as there is a lot of talent on this team.

If you’ve seen Coach Porter’s Pyramid of Success in the men’s locker room… the third (middle) tier is “Condition”, “Skill” and “Team Spirit”… “Poise” and “Confidence” make the second tier… and the Top Tier is “Competitive Greatness”.

Competitive Greatness is next to impossible to predict… so the coming weeks will reveal the players with the most “Competitive Greatness”... the starters…

At least at the beginning of the season…

Then we will certainly have a Caldwell or two… who will emerge as starters during the season.

I visit the stadium every so often to see how the work is coming (not much to look at now)… and I snapped a few cell-phone shots of the team… running around a lot… getting/staying fit… and seemingly looking for direction from a coaching staff. They score a lot… let’s hope that continues.

Pics:

Previous guess of the starting lineup... with a Purple circle indicating the Pro Prospect ranking from TopDrawerSoccer. So... how does this change the line-up now...or does it?

The 2011 team... working out. Somewhere out there are our starters and stars for the 2011 season.

[UAZipster0305]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

[GoZipsGoZips]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

[GoZipsGoZips]

Also... remember the Cal match last year... Cal was a lot bigger than us... and gave us fits.

Cal is also bigger this year too...

http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-soccer/mt...soccer-mtt.html

Sort by position... and you can see 6' 2" - 6' 3" Defenders... and the Forwards are about the same...

Big team...

Still looking for Mayer... can't find any new news.

[yazan07]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time.

Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI.

Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best.

[GoZipsGoZips]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time.

Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI.

Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best.

Let's hope that the roster still needs more work. I see that more are missing now... so that's likely the case.

I agree with your lineup of defenders... and I agree that there will be changes after the season starts. I said almost the same things on the bottom of page 1.

Guessing at the starting lineups isn't all that constructive at this point... it's just amusing... and it's good to see that we have a load of talent... and a coach who's pretty good at putting championship-caliber teams together.

I'm sure that some of our players are toying around with lineups too... maybe just in their minds. Our guys can be assured that Coach Porter will have a team of talented guys who just perform well together... all season long... whoever they might be.

I would think that Porter released some of the guys who he felt adversely affected the chemistry a few months ago...

... and everyone who is left at this point has a real shot at starting and contributing. Even the guys who are not U-14, U15, U16, U17, U18 standouts... can rise above their expectations now. All that they need to do is listen to the coahing staff... work harder than most... and apply what they learn.

[yazan07]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time.

Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI.

Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best.

Let's hope that the roster still needs more work. I see that more are missing now... so that's likely the case.

I agree with your lineup of defenders... and I agree that there will be changes after the season starts. I said almost the same things on the bottom of page 1.

Guessing at the starting lineups isn't all that constructive at this point... it's just amusing... and it's good to see that we have a load of talent... and a coach who's pretty good at putting championship-caliber teams together.

I'm sure that some of our players are toying around with lineups too... maybe just in their minds. Our guys can be assured that Coach Porter will have a team of talented guys who just perform well together... all season long... whoever they might be.

I would think that Porter released some of the guys who he felt adversely affected the chemistry a few months ago...

... and everyone who is left at this point has a real shot at starting and contributing. Even the guys who are not U-14, U15, U16, U17, U18 standouts... can rise above their expectations now. All that they need to do is listen to the coahing staff... work harder than most... and apply what they learn.

Now you can finally relax

[TheTank123]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time.

Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI.

Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best.

Let's hope that the roster still needs more work. I see that more are missing now... so that's likely the case.

I agree with your lineup of defenders... and I agree that there will be changes after the season starts. I said almost the same things on the bottom of page 1.

Guessing at the starting lineups isn't all that constructive at this point... it's just amusing... and it's good to see that we have a load of talent... and a coach who's pretty good at putting championship-caliber teams together.

I'm sure that some of our players are toying around with lineups too... maybe just in their minds. Our guys can be assured that Coach Porter will have a team of talented guys who just perform well together... all season long... whoever they might be.

I would think that Porter released some of the guys who he felt adversely affected the chemistry a few months ago...

... and everyone who is left at this point has a real shot at starting and contributing. Even the guys who are not U-14, U15, U16, U17, U18 standouts... can rise above their expectations now. All that they need to do is listen to the coahing staff... work harder than most... and apply what they learn.

Now you can finally relax

Anyone else notice that the numbers are kinda weird? There is no number 2 and no number 7. Balogun was 7 last year and is now 27...why would you make a senior change numbers, and why is a common number (2) not assigned to anyone yet? I can't believe they are retiring Zarek's number already...

Has anyone else been able to make it out to any more practices?

[yazan07]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time.

Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI.

Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best.

Let's hope that the roster still needs more work. I see that more are missing now... so that's likely the case.

I agree with your lineup of defenders... and I agree that there will be changes after the season starts. I said almost the same things on the bottom of page 1.

Guessing at the starting lineups isn't all that constructive at this point... it's just amusing... and it's good to see that we have a load of talent... and a coach who's pretty good at putting championship-caliber teams together.

I'm sure that some of our players are toying around with lineups too... maybe just in their minds. Our guys can be assured that Coach Porter will have a team of talented guys who just perform well together... all season long... whoever they might be.

I would think that Porter released some of the guys who he felt adversely affected the chemistry a few months ago...

... and everyone who is left at this point has a real shot at starting and contributing. Even the guys who are not U-14, U15, U16, U17, U18 standouts... can rise above their expectations now. All that they need to do is listen to the coahing staff... work harder than most... and apply what they learn.

Now you can finally relax

Anyone else notice that the numbers are kinda weird? There is no number 2 and no number 7. Balogun was 7 last year and is now 27...why would you make a senior change numbers, and why is a common number (2) not assigned to anyone yet? I can't believe they are retiring Zarek's number already...

Has anyone else been able to make it out to any more practices?

Well we have a #2, a freshman from Colombia. Also looks like Brenes is now #7. I know they're just numbers, but in soccer they usually have a lot of significance (this was especially pointed out by the US game last night). Does this mean Brenes might be a starter? Or at least preferred over Balogun? Or maybe they just both wanted #7 and Brenes won the coin toss. Seems odd for a senior to give up his number for a sophomore.

[bisbee]

I think Matt Dagilis will get playing time as a center back. We need his size in there. If not, we are highly vulnerable to being attacked in the air.

True... size matters... sometimes... as we saw with the WNT against Brazil and Japan...

but Barson and Gallego are 5' 10"... Yedlin is 5' 8"... and Balogun is 5' 9"...

and Mayer... ???... what happened to Mayer?

The new roster shows numbers assigned to everyone now... and Mayer is MIA. Anyone have any info on Mayer???

Nope still not everyone. Bonilla, Portillos, Walls, the seventeen incoming goalkeepers, all still not on the roster. You can relax, I'm sure he's still on the team, they are probably just updating the roster a little at a time.

Oh and I have to disagree with Dagillis or Balogun on the the backline. I still think it'll be Mayer-Barson-Gallego-Yedlin. We saw Balogun play as an outside back last year and he wasn't that great. If Yedlin is supposed to be better than Kofi then Balogun isn't starting above Yedlin or Mayer. Furthermore, Balo has never been a centerback and I don't expect him to play there either. I also don't know why Dagillis would start now if he hasn't started in the last two years. He wasn't better than Zarek and I don't expect him to be better than a kid who just finished playing three full games for the U-18 national team under which Porter wan an assistant coach. I think it's back to the bench for Matt and if Balogun is going to play it will be as a defensive midfielder. Even then, I'm not convinced he will be in the starting XI.

Also though, even if mine or anyone else's predictions aren't correct on August 27th, that doesn't mean it will be the case for the whole season. I think it could be a few games before we have a concrete starting line-up. I think last year Porter tried starting a few guys at would would eventually be Darren's spot and Scotty's spot. It could take a few games to figure out which guys work together the best.

Let's hope that the roster still needs more work. I see that more are missing now... so that's likely the case.

I agree with your lineup of defenders... and I agree that there will be changes after the season starts. I said almost the same things on the bottom of page 1.

Guessing at the starting lineups isn't all that constructive at this point... it's just amusing... and it's good to see that we have a load of talent... and a coach who's pretty good at putting championship-caliber teams together.

I'm sure that some of our players are toying around with lineups too... maybe just in their minds. Our guys can be assured that Coach Porter will have a team of talented guys who just perform well together... all season long... whoever they might be.

I would think that Porter released some of the guys who he felt adversely affected the chemistry a few months ago...

... and everyone who is left at this point has a real shot at starting and contributing. Even the guys who are not U-14, U15, U16, U17, U18 standouts... can rise above their expectations now. All that they need to do is listen to the coahing staff... work harder than most... and apply what they learn.

Now you can finally relax

Anyone else notice that the numbers are kinda weird? There is no number 2 and no number 7. Balogun was 7 last year and is now 27...why would you make a senior change numbers, and why is a common number (2) not assigned to anyone yet? I can't believe they are retiring Zarek's number already...

Has anyone else been able to make it out to any more practices?

Well we have a #2, a freshman from Colombia. Also looks like Brenes is now #7. I know they're just numbers, but in soccer they usually have a lot of significance (this was especially pointed out by the US game last night). Does this mean Brenes might be a starter? Or at least preferred over Balogun? Or maybe they just both wanted #7 and Brenes won the coin toss. Seems odd for a senior to give up his number for a sophomore.

Mayer is here and apparently is very good over on the left side

[Roogangs]

I believe the "new kid" from Colombia had been planning on coming to Akron but just needed to pass his English proficiency test.

Also, who do we feel will start as attacking mid since Holmes has to sit out the first 7 games?

[Z.I.P.]

I believe the "new kid" from Colombia had been planning on coming to Akron but just needed to pass his English proficiency test.

Also, who do we feel will start as attacking mid since Holmes has to sit out the first 7 games?

Where did you hear that??

BTW -- the idea that David Mayer is a very good player should not come as any surprise, if you know he started for Wigan's Academy team (U19 I guess). As someone over at BigSoccer boards shouted out -- get him a Green Card fast, the USA needs a left back BAD.

[bisbee]

I believe the "new kid" from Colombia had been planning on coming to Akron but just needed to pass his English proficiency test.

Also, who do we feel will start as attacking mid since Holmes has to sit out the first 7 games?

Where did you hear that??

BTW -- the idea that David Mayer is a very good player should not come as any surprise, if you know he started for Wigan's Academy team (U19 I guess). As someone over at BigSoccer boards shouted out -- get him a Green Card fast, the USA needs a left back BAD.

I also heard about the suspension. My understanding is that it has something to do with the possibility of his receiving pay for play in the past....that's all I heard.