Zip_ME87 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 ..... I just still think we maybe could have used Ben this year, and that if he couldn't find time here, how did he find time at a school that did better than us this year? That's the part I've been trying to figure out. Hard to believe Coach Porter miscalculated Speas' potential to contribute to this year's team, but it's possible. It could also have been that he didn't fit Porter's style of play, could have been that he left with a chip on his shoulder and used that as motivation to get better, could have been that whoever Porter pictured playing ahead of Speas this year just didn't live up to expectations, could have been any number of things that aren't obvious to anyone who wasn't part of the decision. But the new recruiting class and thoughts of next year's team helps to erase memories of the guy from last year's team who may have made a difference this season but who "got away." What a great position to be in to "only" be a sweet 16 team after losing someone who might have made a difference. I don't think it's that difficult to understand how Ben could end up at a school that did better than us. He had the credentials - highly rated coming out of high school, played in every game while with the Zips, and experience in 2 previous College Cups. Any coach who was looking for just that 1 piece with Ben's abilities to complete his team would have been interested...UNC, in this case. That Caleb thought Ben didn't quite fit his style of play easily could have been why Ben left. Caleb said several times that former players who didn't fit his system were doing well elsewhere. At any rate, I don't share the animosity toward Ben that some seem to have due his leaving. Sometimes a person has to be a little selfish and put himself first if he wants to achieve his dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyake Posted December 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 ..... I just still think we maybe could have used Ben this year, and that if he couldn't find time here, how did he find time at a school that did better than us this year? That's the part I've been trying to figure out. Hard to believe Coach Porter miscalculated Speas' potential to contribute to this year's team, but it's possible. It could also have been that he didn't fit Porter's style of play, could have been that he left with a chip on his shoulder and used that as motivation to get better, could have been that whoever Porter pictured playing ahead of Speas this year just didn't live up to expectations, could have been any number of things that aren't obvious to anyone who wasn't part of the decision. But the new recruiting class and thoughts of next year's team helps to erase memories of the guy from last year's team who may have made a difference this season but who "got away." What a great position to be in to "only" be a sweet 16 team after losing someone who might have made a difference. I don't think it's that difficult to understand how Ben could end up at a school that did better than us. He had the credentials - highly rated coming out of high school, played in every game while with the Zips, and experience in 2 previous College Cups. Any coach who was looking for just that 1 piece with Ben's abilities to complete his team would have been interested...UNC, in this case. That Caleb thought Ben didn't quite fit his style of play easily could have been why Ben left. Caleb said several times that former players who didn't fit his system were doing well elsewhere. At any rate, I don't share the animosity toward Ben that some seem to have due his leaving. Sometimes a person has to be a little selfish and put himself first if he wants to achieve his dream. I agree, but it's hard to count him as a former Zip. Not sure how others feel about transfers, but I only consider players former Zips when they move up to the pros early or graduate. When Ben Speas players in the MLS, I'll consider him a former Tar Heel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip_ME87 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I agree, but it's hard to count him as a former Zip. Not sure how others feel about transfers, but I only consider players former Zips when they move up to the pros early or graduate. When Ben Speas players in the MLS, I'll consider him a former Tar Heel You're right. UNC will be listed as his college, but I'll still know him from supporting him and talking with him when he was a Zip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robh91 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 ..... I just still think we maybe could have used Ben this year, and that if he couldn't find time here, how did he find time at a school that did better than us this year? That's the part I've been trying to figure out. Hard to believe Coach Porter miscalculated Speas' potential to contribute to this year's team, but it's possible. It could also have been that he didn't fit Porter's style of play, could have been that he left with a chip on his shoulder and used that as motivation to get better, could have been that whoever Porter pictured playing ahead of Speas this year just didn't live up to expectations, could have been any number of things that aren't obvious to anyone who wasn't part of the decision. But the new recruiting class and thoughts of next year's team helps to erase memories of the guy from last year's team who may have made a difference this season but who "got away." What a great position to be in to "only" be a sweet 16 team after losing someone who might have made a difference. I don't think it's that difficult to understand how Ben could end up at a school that did better than us. He had the credentials - highly rated coming out of high school, played in every game while with the Zips, and experience in 2 previous College Cups. Any coach who was looking for just that 1 piece with Ben's abilities to complete his team would have been interested...UNC, in this case. That Caleb thought Ben didn't quite fit his style of play easily could have been why Ben left. Caleb said several times that former players who didn't fit his system were doing well elsewhere. At any rate, I don't share the animosity toward Ben that some seem to have due his leaving. Sometimes a person has to be a little selfish and put himself first if he wants to achieve his dream. It's one of those "I heard from someone who heard from someone..." type things, so I don't know how reliable it is, but what I've heard is that Porter felt Ben took too long to decide what to do next, and ended up slowing down the play. I personally don't see that as a big problem, as he definitely made stuff happen and almost always made the right choice. That more than I can say for Caldwell this year. I think Ben could have been one of standouts this year whether it was in midfield setting up the forwards, or as a winger like he's playing at UNC. How great would it have been to have him opposite Holmes, giving us two wingers who could rip a shot with both feet? As far as not being a former Zip... If Ben wants to play pro, it would not have been a smart career choice to stay at a school where he repeatedly gets overlooked for no apparent reason. Seeing as he's from the area, worked hard for the team however/whenever he could, was a big part in our 2009 and 2010 College Cup performances (does ANYONE remember his crazy goal line clearance in 2009?), and only moved on because he was told he has no future with this team, I definitely consider him a former Zip. Had he been given the time I feel he deserved, I have no doubt he would have been fully committed to the Zips. I wish him the best in the future, and hope to see him at a Crew game someday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip_ME87 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 As far as not being a former Zip... If Ben wants to play pro, it would not have been a smart career choice to stay at a school where he repeatedly gets overlooked for no apparent reason. Seeing as he's from the area, worked hard for the team however/whenever he could, was a big part in our 2009 and 2010 College Cup performances (does ANYONE remember his crazy goal line clearance in 2009?), and only moved on because he was told he has no future with this team, I definitely consider him a former Zip. Had he been given the time I feel he deserved, I have no doubt he would have been fully committed to the Zips. I wish him the best in the future, and hope to see him at a Crew game someday. I remember that, and I'm with you that I consider Ben a former Zip (although, when he goes pro, he will likely be listed as a Tarheel). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyake Posted December 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Current ranking: 1. fknbuflobo 79 2. bobbyake 74 3. ejcool24 69 (Possible 93 if UNC wins on Sunday) 4. bisbee 68 5. Porterforpres 65 6. Mes102 61 Except for ejcool24, everyone's bracket is finished. If UNC beats Charlotte, ejcool24 takes the #1 spot, fknbuflobo moves down to 2, and bobbyake moves down to 3. 4th to 6th are set in stone and will not change no matter who wins Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejcool27 Posted December 10, 2011 Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Current ranking: 1. fknbuflobo 79 2. bobbyake 74 3. ejcool24 69 (Possible 93 if UNC wins on Sunday) 4. bisbee 68 5. Porterforpres 65 6. Mes102 61 Except for ejcool24, everyone's bracket is finished. If UNC beats Charlotte, ejcool24 takes the #1 spot, fknbuflobo moves down to 2, and bobbyake moves down to 3. 4th to 6th are set in stone and will not change no matter who wins Sunday. Go UNC and it's 27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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