Top Goalkeeper in the country commits to Akron

[bobbyake]

The only thing you need to know about Fernando Pina is that he's the best goalkeeper in the country.

Akron knows this and more, which is why they secured his verbal commitment to join the program next season.

Fernando Pena

The Houston, Texas, standout will bring quite the experience to the college level. He was the leading keeper for the U.S. U17 squad last year when he earned his stripes in international competition.

We have Pina ranked No. 10 in our 2012 Top 100 class, and he makes the grade in just about any other criterion as well.

He's rangy and tough to beat, and also brings a confidence that helps him command his team. Pina has extensive U.S. National Team experience and will join another star-studded group of players in the next phase of his career.

Akron already has 2012 commitments from Matthew Foldesy, Alfred Koroma, Dillon Serna and Andrew Souders.

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...-keeper-commits

Ranked #10 overall, #2 in Texas. #1 as a goalkeeper. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...4/Fernando-Pina

[mes102]

The only thing you need to know about Fernando Pina is that he's the best goalkeeper in the country.

Akron knows this and more, which is why they secured his verbal commitment to join the program next season.

Fernando Pena

The Houston, Texas, standout will bring quite the experience to the college level. He was the leading keeper for the U.S. U17 squad last year when he earned his stripes in international competition.

We have Pina ranked No. 10 in our 2012 Top 100 class, and he makes the grade in just about any other criterion as well.

He's rangy and tough to beat, and also brings a confidence that helps him command his team. Pina has extensive U.S. National Team experience and will join another star-studded group of players in the next phase of his career.

Akron already has 2012 commitments from Matthew Foldesy, Alfred Koroma, Dillon Serna and Andrew Souders.

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...-keeper-commits

Ranked #10 overall, #2 in Texas. #1 as a goalkeeper. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...4/Fernando-Pina

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

[bobbyake]

The only thing you need to know about Fernando Pina is that he's the best goalkeeper in the country.

Akron knows this and more, which is why they secured his verbal commitment to join the program next season.

Fernando Pena

The Houston, Texas, standout will bring quite the experience to the college level. He was the leading keeper for the U.S. U17 squad last year when he earned his stripes in international competition.

We have Pina ranked No. 10 in our 2012 Top 100 class, and he makes the grade in just about any other criterion as well.

He's rangy and tough to beat, and also brings a confidence that helps him command his team. Pina has extensive U.S. National Team experience and will join another star-studded group of players in the next phase of his career.

Akron already has 2012 commitments from Matthew Foldesy, Alfred Koroma, Dillon Serna and Andrew Souders.

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...-keeper-commits

Ranked #10 overall, #2 in Texas. #1 as a goalkeeper. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...4/Fernando-Pina

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

4 players out of the Top 11, I think it's safe to say Akron has the #1 recruiting class for 2012. If Porter does well in the Olympics, Akron's going to need to build this: it would only cost $16 Million

[fknbuflobo]

Today we commence the vetting of Fernando Pina.

He comes highly recommended by all. At 5’10”, I would think him somewhat undersized for GK. He is purportedly cat-quick with exceptional ball skills. In fact, some say he could easily play in the field for most top collegiate programs.

*I apologize for lack of proper attribution; I am supposed to be working after all . There is much more to come on this.

[bisbee]

Today we commence the vetting of Fernando Pina.

He comes highly recommended by all. At 5’10”, I would think him somewhat undersized for GK. He is purportedly cat-quick with exceptional ball skills. In fact, some say he could easily play in the field for most top collegiate programs.

*I apologize for lack of proper attribution; I am supposed to be working after all . There is much more to come on this.

So presuming no keeper leaves how many do we have on the roster for next year...it's a huge number.

[Zip_ME87]

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

We could also be helped by the number of players we now have in the professional ranks. I noticed that Pina is in the Dynamo Academy. I wonder if he's asked Kofi about Akron (like Yedlin with Zakuani).

[TheTank123]

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

We could also be helped by the number of players we now have in the professional ranks. I noticed that Pina is in the Dynamo Academy. I wonder if he's asked Kofi about Akron (like Yedlin with Zakuani).

If Pena is as good as his reputation would have us believe it's going to be interesting to see whether he starts over Meves. The kid is supposed to be just ridiculous.

[fknbuflobo]

The only thing you need to know about Fernando Pina is that he's the best goalkeeper in the country.

Akron knows this and more, which is why they secured his verbal commitment to join the program next season.

Fernando Pena

The Houston, Texas, standout will bring quite the experience to the college level. He was the leading keeper for the U.S. U17 squad last year when he earned his stripes in international competition.

We have Pina ranked No. 10 in our 2012 Top 100 class, and he makes the grade in just about any other criterion as well.

He's rangy and tough to beat, and also brings a confidence that helps him command his team. Pina has extensive U.S. National Team experience and will join another star-studded group of players in the next phase of his career.

Akron already has 2012 commitments from Matthew Foldesy, Alfred Koroma, Dillon Serna and Andrew Souders.

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...-keeper-commits

Ranked #10 overall, #2 in Texas. #1 as a goalkeeper. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/players-to-...4/Fernando-Pina

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

[Z.I.P.]

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

We could also be helped by the number of players we now have in the professional ranks. I noticed that Pina is in the Dynamo Academy. I wonder if he's asked Kofi about Akron (like Yedlin with Zakuani).

If Pena is as good as his reputation would have us believe it's going to be interesting to see whether he starts over Meves. The kid is supposed to be just ridiculous.

First things first. It's P-i-n-a. Apparently its an ene, not an enye. (i.e., No tilda included). Bienvenido a Akron, Fernandito (the diminutive is no mistake).

[Z.I.P.]

Could the amount of top players in this particular class we're getting, be in effect to the previous national championship appearances, or the fact that Coach Porter is the U-23 coach for the Olympics? Or a little bit of both?

We could also be helped by the number of players we now have in the professional ranks. I noticed that Pina is in the Dynamo Academy. I wonder if he's asked Kofi about Akron (like Yedlin with Zakuani).

If Pena is as good as his reputation would have us believe it's going to be interesting to see whether he starts over Meves. The kid is supposed to be just ridiculous.

First things first. It's P-i-n-a. Apparently its an ene, not an enye. (i.e., No tilda included). Bienvenido a Akron, Fernandito (the diminutive is no mistake).

Perdone me, esto requires mas que un edito. El nombre es Pina con un enye. Pero, no tengo ninguno aqui'. Tambien, he's grown to 6' (seis pies).

[yazan07]

I had heard that this was in the works, glad to see it's happening! Right now we have five goalkeepers, and Fernando would make six. Two things that I have heard to be almost certain are that a ) McAdams will be transferring out, and b ) despite having a year of eligibility on the table, Poni will be graduating and will probably move on from there. That still leaves four. Now there are a couple of questions still left. Did JP come all the way from South Africa just to sit on the bench? I say probably not. If I were him, I would transfer somewhere to get playing time. I don't really know anything about the other freshman, Jake Fenalson, except that he is from California. The really big question though, is all of these other GKs aside, is there going to be some type of showdown between Meves and the new kid? I know some people thought that we should have been playing around with other goalkeepers this year, but really there is only room for one starting keep. Here's the way I see it: the new kid is probably good enough to start anywhere in the country. He is not coming to Akron to sit the bench or redshirt or something like that. He is coming to play now. We could be saying goodbye to Meves. After starting for three years, I don't think he will be choose to sit the bench either. One thing for sure, I am excited for next year, and more hopeful than I was going into this year. I don't see how we don't have the best recruiting class for next fall. Should be interesting to see how everything unfolds.

[bobbyake]

I believe Meves will start while Pina is being groomed for the year after. It is not easy for a goalkeeper to make it into the MLS. See Evan Bush for example. Porter seems to like Meves and probably wants him around to help prepare Pina for 2013.

[Z.I.P.]

I believe Meves will start while Pina is being groomed for the year after. It is not easy for a goalkeeper to make it into the MLS. See Evan Bush for example. Porter seems to like Meves and probably wants him around to help prepare Pina for 2013.

Absolutely agree! Look around and tell me which GK ever received a GA contract, or left early to the pros. Goalies are a different animal from field players. I know, I was one!

[jem101]

I believe Meves will start while Pina is being groomed for the year after. It is not easy for a goalkeeper to make it into the MLS. See Evan Bush for example. Porter seems to like Meves and probably wants him around to help prepare Pina for 2013.

Absolutely agree! Look around and tell me which GK ever received a GA contract, or left early to the pros. Goalies are a different animal from field players. I know, I was one!

Zak McMath and David Bingham from Cal received GA contracts last year I do believe.

[Crew8]

I believe Meves will start while Pina is being groomed for the year after. It is not easy for a goalkeeper to make it into the MLS. See Evan Bush for example. Porter seems to like Meves and probably wants him around to help prepare Pina for 2013.

Absolutely agree! Look around and tell me which GK ever received a GA contract, or left early to the pros. Goalies are a different animal from field players. I know, I was one!

Zak McMath and David Bingham from Cal received GA contracts last year I do believe.

List of former GA players including keepers

I will say, I don't think Meves will fall into this class of GA keepers, but I do think he'll hold onto the #1 spot between the posts in 2012 for Akron. It won't be given to him, he'll still need to prove he is #1.

[bobbyake]

In Porter we trust!!

[yazan07]

I believe Meves will start while Pina is being groomed for the year after. It is not easy for a goalkeeper to make it into the MLS. See Evan Bush for example. Porter seems to like Meves and probably wants him around to help prepare Pina for 2013.

Absolutely agree! Look around and tell me which GK ever received a GA contract, or left early to the pros. Goalies are a different animal from field players. I know, I was one!

Zak McMath and David Bingham from Cal received GA contracts last year I do believe.

Jacob is correct, but I wasn't suggesting that Meves would be taking off to go to the MLS, I am well aware that young GKs don't make it in the MLS as easy as field players do. I was saying that Meves could potentially be forced to transfer if he wanted to keep playing. This is all just speculation, I'm just throwing out possible scenarios we could see. I understand the idea of grooming the new kid under Meves for a year, but that wouldn't make much sense if he is better than Meves (he may or may not be, I don't know). I don't think we have had a GK of this caliber ever, have we? If someone can do the digging or maybe just remembers, how were Meves and Bush ranked coming out of high school? I don't think they were top 10 recruits, were they? I know Meves has had an extra couple years of playing which might give him the edge over Pina, but if Pina is so good that he is ready to start now, why wouldn't he? Redshirting makes sense for a kid who would have to go a much smaller program to compete for a starting spot right out of the gate, but for someone who could potentially player anywhere, why would he come to Akron to sit for a year?

[Z.I.P.]

I found that Kendall McIntosh started all three games for the USA at the U17 World Cup in Mexico. So, perhaps there's some conflict over who's #1.

[bisbee]

I found that Kendall McIntosh started all three games for the USA at the U17 World Cup in Mexico. So, perhaps there's some conflict over who's #1.

Andrew Souders and Dillon Serna did not play in any of the games either.

[yazan07]

Does anyone know if any of the new recruits will be joining the team in the Spring?

[akronsoccer]

Jacob is correct, but I wasn't suggesting that Meves would be taking off to go to the MLS, I am well aware that young GKs don't make it in the MLS as easy as field players do. I was saying that Meves could potentially be forced to transfer if he wanted to keep playing. This is all just speculation, I'm just throwing out possible scenarios we could see. I understand the idea of grooming the new kid under Meves for a year, but that wouldn't make much sense if he is better than Meves (he may or may not be, I don't know). I don't think we have had a GK of this caliber ever, have we? If someone can do the digging or maybe just remembers, how were Meves and Bush ranked coming out of high school? I don't think they were top 10 recruits, were they? I know Meves has had an extra couple years of playing which might give him the edge over Pina, but if Pina is so good that he is ready to start now, why wouldn't he? Redshirting makes sense for a kid who would have to go a much smaller program to compete for a starting spot right out of the gate, but for someone who could potentially player anywhere, why would he come to Akron to sit for a year?

Meves' knowledge of the game has visibly increased. He also has a great throwing arm and reasonable reflexes. However I imagine that if a top 10 goal keeping talent was introduced into the Akron system... he could very possibly start the first year. Akron has never had qualms about starting qualified freshmen over experienced upperclassmen.

I would personally be sad to see a dedicated player have to transfer for playing time senior year... but as we all know, avoiding hurt feelings has never been Porter's main concern.

If it turns out this new guy is an all around "complete" keeper, he could very well start over Meves. On the flip side, Akron is still the kind of program that even a top 10 talent freshman could find being red shirted for one season time well spent.

[yazan07]

Jacob is correct, but I wasn't suggesting that Meves would be taking off to go to the MLS, I am well aware that young GKs don't make it in the MLS as easy as field players do. I was saying that Meves could potentially be forced to transfer if he wanted to keep playing. This is all just speculation, I'm just throwing out possible scenarios we could see. I understand the idea of grooming the new kid under Meves for a year, but that wouldn't make much sense if he is better than Meves (he may or may not be, I don't know). I don't think we have had a GK of this caliber ever, have we? If someone can do the digging or maybe just remembers, how were Meves and Bush ranked coming out of high school? I don't think they were top 10 recruits, were they? I know Meves has had an extra couple years of playing which might give him the edge over Pina, but if Pina is so good that he is ready to start now, why wouldn't he? Redshirting makes sense for a kid who would have to go a much smaller program to compete for a starting spot right out of the gate, but for someone who could potentially player anywhere, why would he come to Akron to sit for a year?

Meves' knowledge of the game has visibly increased. He also has a great throwing arm and reasonable reflexes. However I imagine that if a top 10 goal keeping talent was introduced into the Akron system... he could very possibly start the first year. Akron has never had qualms about starting qualified freshmen over experienced upperclassmen.

I would personally be sad to see a dedicated player have to transfer for playing time senior year... but as we all know, avoiding hurt feelings has never been Porter's main concern.

If it turns out this new guy is an all around "complete" keeper, he could very well start over Meves. On the flip side, Akron is still the kind of program that even a top 10 talent freshman could find being red shirted for one season time well spent.

Yeah that's in a nutshell what I was trying to say in that big paragraph up there. I Completely agree.