10 questions

[ZachTheZip]

Michael Beaven asks ten questions to Akron Zips Soccer fans.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Michael Beaven asks ten questions to Akron Zips Soccer fans.

Those are 10 questions Michael Beaven should be answering for me.

[yazan07]

I know the point isn't to leave the answers here, but I just feel like it:

1. Which new UA player(s) are you most looking forward to seeing play this year?

Wil Trapp, DeAndre Yedlin

2. Which new UA player(s) will have the greatest impact on this year’s team?

Trapp, Yedlin, Bryan Gallego, Luke Holmes

3. What are your expectations for this year’s team?

I'm going to be vague and say a "deep run" into the NCAA tournament. Hoping for a trip to Alabama though!

4. Which former UA player(s) from last year will be missed the most this year?

I'm going to miss all of them. But I think the losses that hurt the team the most are Darlington and Perry. There is a reason they were at the top of the draft and there is a reason D won the Hermann Trophy. All of the other players we lost were amazing players, but I think these two had aspects of their game that you can't really teach. I don't want to diminish the losses of Ampai, Zarek, Kofi, Nano, and Korb, but I think Darlington and Perry specifically are "special" players.

5. Of the four returning Zips starters, who do you think will make the biggest improvement this year?

Darren, because he was the most raw of the starters last year and he had the most room for improvement.

6. Will UA repeat as the national champion this year?

I think there are a few teams that were almost as good as us last year and that didn't lose as many players as we did, which may very well give them the edge. I am expecting the team to make a deep run but not quite get it, and then after this year I don't see us having nearly the same turnover rate we had this past season, which will pave the way for another national championship in 2012.

7. Can coach Caleb Porter continue to have the Zips play the “dominant soccer” brand that has made them so successful?

Yes, he can and he will

8. Who is the most exciting player the Zips have produced in Porter’s tenure?

Steve Zakuani.

9. Which opponent are you most pumped up to see the Zips play this year?

Wake Forest, Ohio State

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

[fknbuflobo]

I know the point isn't to leave the answers here, but I just feel like it:

1. Which new UA player(s) are you most looking forward to seeing play this year?

Wil Trapp, DeAndre Yedlin

2. Which new UA player(s) will have the greatest impact on this year’s team?

Trapp, Yedlin, Bryan Gallego, Luke Holmes

3. What are your expectations for this year’s team?

I'm going to be vague and say a "deep run" into the NCAA tournament. Hoping for a trip to Alabama though!

4. Which former UA player(s) from last year will be missed the most this year?

I'm going to miss all of them. But I think the losses that hurt the team the most are Darlington and Perry. There is a reason they were at the top of the draft and there is a reason D won the Hermann Trophy. All of the other players we lost were amazing players, but I think these two had aspects of their game that you can't really teach. I don't want to diminish the losses of Ampai, Zarek, Kofi, Nano, and Korb, but I think Darlington and Perry specifically are "special" players.

5. Of the four returning Zips starters, who do you think will make the biggest improvement this year?

Darren, because he was the most raw of the starters last year and he had the most room for improvement.

6. Will UA repeat as the national champion this year?

I think there are a few teams that were almost as good as us last year and that didn't lose as many players as we did, which may very well give them the edge. I am expecting the team to make a deep run but not quite get it, and then after this year I don't see us having nearly the same turnover rate we had this past season, which will pave the way for another national championship in 2012.

7. Can coach Caleb Porter continue to have the Zips play the “dominant soccer” brand that has made them so successful?

Yes, he can and he will

8. Who is the most exciting player the Zips have produced in Porter’s tenure?

Steve Zakuani.

9. Which opponent are you most pumped up to see the Zips play this year?

Wake Forest, Ohio State

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

Well done, Yaz!

1. DeAndre Yedlin. He sure looked the part in the Sounders’ green. Great uniform!

2. Luke Holmes. This little dynamo is special.

3. Final 4.

4. DarNag is irreplaceable and was a large part of the success of last 3 years. Folks forget the game he had in 2008 tourney vs. OSU, as a freshman (@ St.V/M).

5. Mattocks has a big upside. He is a natural finisher, but he can improve on all other aspects of his game.

6. Repeat? Statistically very unlikely.

7. Yes. Porter is both capable and stubborn.

8. SZ #11, DN #6 is 2nd.

9. OSU

10. Yes, remember the Cal match, with the snow flurries during PKs. Meves with multiple and glaring errors. I actually lost my voice for shouting. (Yes, I am THAT guy.)

[jem101]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

[bisbee]

I know the point isn't to leave the answers here, but I just feel like it:

1. Which new UA player(s) are you most looking forward to seeing play this year?

Wil Trapp, DeAndre Yedlin

2. Which new UA player(s) will have the greatest impact on this year’s team?

Trapp, Yedlin, Bryan Gallego, Luke Holmes

3. What are your expectations for this year’s team?

I'm going to be vague and say a "deep run" into the NCAA tournament. Hoping for a trip to Alabama though!

4. Which former UA player(s) from last year will be missed the most this year?

I'm going to miss all of them. But I think the losses that hurt the team the most are Darlington and Perry. There is a reason they were at the top of the draft and there is a reason D won the Hermann Trophy. All of the other players we lost were amazing players, but I think these two had aspects of their game that you can't really teach. I don't want to diminish the losses of Ampai, Zarek, Kofi, Nano, and Korb, but I think Darlington and Perry specifically are "special" players.

5. Of the four returning Zips starters, who do you think will make the biggest improvement this year?

Darren, because he was the most raw of the starters last year and he had the most room for improvement.

6. Will UA repeat as the national champion this year?

I think there are a few teams that were almost as good as us last year and that didn't lose as many players as we did, which may very well give them the edge. I am expecting the team to make a deep run but not quite get it, and then after this year I don't see us having nearly the same turnover rate we had this past season, which will pave the way for another national championship in 2012.

7. Can coach Caleb Porter continue to have the Zips play the “dominant soccer” brand that has made them so successful?

Yes, he can and he will

8. Who is the most exciting player the Zips have produced in Porter’s tenure?

Steve Zakuani.

9. Which opponent are you most pumped up to see the Zips play this year?

Wake Forest, Ohio State

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

Well done, Yaz!

1. DeAndre Yedlin. He sure looked the part in the Sounders’ green. Great uniform!

2. Luke Holmes. This little dynamo is special.

3. Final 4.

4. DarNag is irreplaceable and was a large part of the success of last 3 years. Folks forget the game he had in 2008 tourney vs. OSU, as a freshman (@ St.V/M).

5. Mattocks has a big upside. He is a natural finisher, but he can improve on all other aspects of his game.

6. Repeat? Statistically very unlikely.

7. Yes. Porter is both capable and stubborn.

8. SZ #11, DN #6 is 2nd.

9. OSU

10. Yes, remember the Cal match, with the snow flurries during PKs. Meves with multiple and glaring errors. I actually lost my voice for shouting. (Yes, I am THAT guy.)

I think DeAndre will look even better in Blue and Gold

[zip37]

I KNOW DeA will look great in the blue & gold.

[yazan07]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

[TheTank123]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football.

The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

[fknbuflobo]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football.

The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

Funny you should ask.

I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15.

Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that.

Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer.

I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches.

There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad.

[TheTank123]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football.

The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

Funny you should ask.

I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15.

Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that.

Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer.

I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches.

There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad.

Awesome man, thanks for the update. I have seen Trapp play previously and I do believe he was wearing one then as well. Could be just a precautionary measure. How did the other transfers look (Quinn and Walls)?

[fknbuflobo]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football.

The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

Funny you should ask.

I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15.

Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that.

Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer.

I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches.

There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad.

Awesome man, thanks for the update. I have seen Trapp play previously and I do believe he was wearing one then as well. Could be just a precautionary measure. How did the other transfers look (Quinn and Walls)?

The one I think was Quinn (tall and skinny) lost possession and seemed a bit off form. I am not sure Walls was there at all. Keep in mind there is no program to consult when watching a players-only practice. I identified who I could while simultaneously keeping my ornery daughters out of trouble. All the drills were at ¾ speed, if that.

On the other hand, everyone knows who Yedlin is. If you read above, like everyone else, I have high expectations for Sarkodie's replacement. Barson was barking at him a bit about opening to the field and making the first touch count for more. I interpret this as a sign that Yedlin is already considered a starter and that Barson is not concerned about hurting his confidence whatsoever.

I wish I could have stayed longer, but my girls were getting restless. In some ways, I enjoy watching practices more than I like matches.

[yazan07]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football.

The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

Funny you should ask.

I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15.

Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that.

Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer.

I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches.

There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad.

Awesome man, thanks for the update. I have seen Trapp play previously and I do believe he was wearing one then as well. Could be just a precautionary measure. How did the other transfers look (Quinn and Walls)?

The one I think was Quinn (tall and skinny) lost possession and seemed a bit off form. I am not sure Walls was there at all. Keep in mind there is no program to consult when watching a players-only practice. I identified who I could while simultaneously keeping my ornery daughters out of trouble. All the drills were at ¾ speed, if that.

On the other hand, everyone knows who Yedlin is. If you read above, like everyone else, I have high expectations for Sarkodie's replacement. Barson was barking at him a bit about opening to the field and making the first touch count for more. I interpret this as a sign that Yedlin is already considered a starter and that Barson is not concerned about hurting his confidence whatsoever.

I wish I could have stayed longer, but my girls were getting restless. In some ways, I enjoy watching practices more than I like matches.

Do they have a regular schedule for these practices? I'll be back in Akron next week and would like to check it out if possible.

[TheTank123]

10. What are your most memorable moments from last year’s team?

The most memorable moment has to be the Cal game. Of course the national championship game was amazing, but the Cal game was just the most stressful, nerve-racking game ever. The PKs were scary and wonderful at the same time.

The Cal game was incredible. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Without a doubt the most incredible sporting event I've ever attended. The swings in momentum were incredible. Standing on that hill with 1500 other UA students is something I'll never forget. It was one huge roller coaster of emotions. I went from feeling like I would throw up to screaming in excitement. Simply amazing. Especially in PKs, standing shoulder to shoulder, arms linked with strangers. Heart pounding out of my chest. And then the Kofi PK. You could hear a pin drop when he stepped up. Followed by an absolute explosion! Is it August 25 yet!

Dude, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better. That atmosphere was just so perfect for such a suspenseful game. We were all freezing and none of us knew what was going to happen. and the PKs were so emotional, just like you said. Basically, Disney could have filmed that game for a movie and it would have been perfect.

Is anyone going to be able to make it out to any practices. I know we all have "jobs" and "real life responsibilities" but my guess is gozips.com coverage is going to be slanted towards the other football.

The boys are doing captains practices this week and start real practices on the 9th.

Funny you should ask.

I watched nearly 30 minutes of 2-touch possession scrimmage tonight ~ 7:15.

Brenes, Trapp, and Mayer were slowly running laps, Trapp wearing a neoprene sleeve on left knee. Keep an eye on that.

Gallego is stockier than I expected. He has the demeanor of a rough tackler, an enforcer.

I continue to be impressed with the overall ability of Holmes, deftly avoiding pressure with his allotted 2 touches.

There is no doubt that Barson is the leader of this squad.

Awesome man, thanks for the update. I have seen Trapp play previously and I do believe he was wearing one then as well. Could be just a precautionary measure. How did the other transfers look (Quinn and Walls)?

The one I think was Quinn (tall and skinny) lost possession and seemed a bit off form. I am not sure Walls was there at all. Keep in mind there is no program to consult when watching a players-only practice. I identified who I could while simultaneously keeping my ornery daughters out of trouble. All the drills were at ¾ speed, if that.

On the other hand, everyone knows who Yedlin is. If you read above, like everyone else, I have high expectations for Sarkodie's replacement. Barson was barking at him a bit about opening to the field and making the first touch count for more. I interpret this as a sign that Yedlin is already considered a starter and that Barson is not concerned about hurting his confidence whatsoever.

I wish I could have stayed longer, but my girls were getting restless. In some ways, I enjoy watching practices more than I like matches.

And therein lies the exact reason he wanted to come here. This is the only college in the country that good players get better.