2013 Recruiting

[fknbuflobo]

https://twitter.com/VertexSoccer/status/311933111376171008

I sure hope this is true about Ismail Seremba.

[Z.I.P.]

Can't find much about him. Appears he was born in London to Ugandan parents. Been with Chelsea Youth since age 12 (will be 18 May 1). Used at attacking mid and withdrawn forward. Two goals in 10 games with Chelsea Academy. Well, that's a little.

[fknbuflobo]

Anything more on Ismail Seremba?

Born in London, he chose Chelsea over Arsenal?

I am already skeptical on this kid.

[yazan07]

J.R. Eskilson @JREskilson

"Former U.S. U17 forward Alfred Koroma granted his release from Akron. Usual suspects in play for transfer (UNC, UCLA, SMU, Creighton) #zips"

At best this can be an April Fool's joke

[akrowdygirl8]

[fknbuflobo]

sadly this is correct. Last time i talked to Alfred he was interested in transferring to Creighton because it is where a lot of his family goes (mainly his brother)

There is no way It is difficult to rationalize this as anything other than a crushing blow.

I believe Koroma is poised for a breakout season.

This is precisely the sort of thing that cannot occur if the program is to remain nationally relevant.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads....1979845/page-2[/url

[Zip_ME87]

sadly this is correct. Last time i talked to Alfred he was interested in transferring to Creighton because it is where a lot of his family goes (mainly his brother)

That's too bad. I really like Fred and was hoping he would settle in and have a great year for us. However, I understand that he may need the family support, and feel the need to be closer to home (especially given his unfortunate situation last Fall).

[fknbuflobo]

Snagging Ismail Seremba seems all the more important now.

[LZIp]

Anything more on Ismail Seremba?

Born in London, he chose Chelsea over Arsenal?

I am already skeptical on this kid.

I hope you are joking.

Anyways, on Koroma, I didnt watch as much Zips soccer as what I usually do last year, but saw a ton of potential in him.

[Big Zip]

I'm very interested in seeing how the program progresses this year and next. I think these are extremely important years for the program. The transition from Lolla to Porter went well. I sure hope the transition from Porter to Embick goes equally well. It would be a shame if the program didn't continue with the success that has been all to common at Akron.

[Blue & Gold]

I'm very interested in seeing how the program progresses this year and next. I think these are extremely important years for the program. The transition from Lolla to Porter went well. I sure hope the transition from Porter to Embick goes equally well. It would be a shame if the program didn't continue with the success that has been all to common at Akron.

IIRC, Porter's first season was a little under-whelming. We're we afraid the program had slipped from the Lolla days?

So we may want to keep that in mind during Embick's 1st year.

[fknbuflobo]

I hope you are joking.

Anyways, on Koroma, I didnt watch as much Zips soccer as what I usually do last year, but saw a ton of potential in him.

Yes. Definitely joking on the Chelsea/Arsenal rivalry.

I too see hunormous potential in Alfred Koroma.

Koroma is poised for a breakout year, and Creighton is poised to win a championship. Koroma is just one of their incoming transfers this offseason.

[TennZip]

I want to wish Alfred Koroma well. It had to be very tough for him to be in the hospital and not to be able to play the game that he loves. I hope that he does very well wherever he ends up.

[TennZip]

http://akronsportsnow.com/former-top-recru...s-soccer-43821/

[fknbuflobo]

IIRC, Porter's first season was a little under-whelming. We're we afraid the program had slipped from the Lolla days?

So we may want to keep that in mind during Embick's 1st year.

No!

Last September, UA had ample opportunity to recruit several top flight coaches. I know for a fact that many were interested, though I am less certain of the names.

There will be no honeymoon for Jared Embick. Nor will there be any quarter for Tom Wistrcill should this go poorly. Not here. Not now. The standard has been set very high.

Step to or step off!

[Zip_ME87]

I know for a fact that many were interested, though I am less certain of the names.

Without knowing the names, how do you "know for a fact"?

[fknbuflobo]

Without knowing the names, how do you "know for a fact"?

I was told by more than one source that there were several qualified candidates considered. These sources refused to divulge candidates names. I may be able to pry free those names now, don't know. Story sounds plausible to me.

Regardless, the salient point is that Embick does not get a pass on his first year. Love Lolla, but Porter did not inherit the same infrastructure that Embick has.

I hope you are not insinuating that the Akron job was not a widely attractive one back in September. I believe there was much interest. You are closer to the fire nowadays. Do you know differently?

[Zip_ME87]

I was told by more than one source that there were several qualified candidates considered. These sources refused to divulge candidates names. I may be able to pry free those names now, don't know. Story sounds plausible to me.

Regardless, the salient point is that Embick does not get a pass on his first year. Love Lolla, but Porter did not inherit the same infrastructure that Embick has.

I hope you are not insinuating that the Akron job was not a widely attractive one back in September. I believe there was much interest. You are closer to the fire nowadays. Do you know differently?

No, I don't know differently. There's only 1 name whom I heard for certain expressed an interest, and I'm not sure he is a top flight coach. All the others I heard mentioned were wishful thinking, but no confirmation any of them were actually interested.

I was absolutely calling you out on saying that you know something for a fact when you don't have facts. You have rumors and someone else's opinion. Without knowing names, how can you say "top flight coaches" were actually interested.

[fknbuflobo]

No, I don't know differently. There's only 1 name whom I heard for certain expressed an interest, and I'm not sure he is a top flight coach. All the others I heard mentioned were wishful thinking, but no confirmation any of them were actually interested.

I was absolutely calling you out on saying that you know something for a fact when you don't have facts. You have rumors and someone else's opinion. Without knowing names, how can you say "top flight coaches" were actually interested.

A fact is an indisputable certitude.

I do not know for a fact that other coaches were interested back in September. I misspoke; I apologize. It is possible, though I do not believe it for a second, that no one besides Jared Embick even wanted the Akron job.

I consider Brian Maisonneuve a top flight assistant coach with big upside. I consider Shaun Docking a top flight coach with a proven track record (an alum). Claudio Reyna was an all-time great US international player, though a bit unproven as a coach. These are three that were copiously rumored to be inquiring about the job. I have not been able to confirm any of that. Those who know are not talking.

In the unlikelihood that Embick has assumed a job that no one else wanted, he has inherited a program in fine shape, with great resources, and a loyal, active following. He does not need to build anything. He need only (only, ha) recruit, administrate, and coach. Should he do even a decent job, he will win the MAC and go to the NCAA tournament. A championship is highly unlikely. Should Embick fail to win the MAC, or (God forbid) have a losing record, or fail in some other awful way, he will be pilloried, and rightly so.

Why are folks cutting Embick slack before he even fails? Expect excellence and then settle for what is necessary only after we fall short.

[Zip_ME87]

A fact is an indisputable certitude.

I do not know for a fact that other coaches were interested back in September. I misspoke; I apologize. It is possible, though I do not believe it for a second, that no one besides Jared Embick even wanted the Akron job.

I consider Brian Maisonneuve a top flight assistant coach with big upside. I consider Shaun Docking a top flight coach with a proven track record (an alum). Claudio Reyna was an all-time great US international player, though a bit unproven as a coach. These are three that were copiously rumored to be inquiring about the job. I have not been able to confirm any of that. Those who know are not talking.

In the unlikelihood that Embick has assumed a job that no one else wanted, he has inherited a program in fine shape, with great resources, and a loyal, active following. He does not need to build anything. He need only (only, ha) recruit, administrate, and coach. Should he do even a decent job, he will win the MAC and go to the NCAA tournament. A championship is highly unlikely. Should Embick fail to win the MAC, or (God forbid) have a losing record, or fail some other awful way, he will be pilloried, and rightly so.

Why are folks cutting Embick slack before he even fails? Expect excellence and then settle for what is necessary only after we fall short.

Why do you consider Shaun Docking "top flight". He is an alum, but what has he done. Has he won a D-I National Championship? Is he involved in US Soccer. He's been at Coastal Carolina for 15 seasons, I believe. How many College Cup appearances in that time? Zero, if this is accurate. I won't dispute the others you mentioned, but we don't know they, or even Shaun, were actually interested. I never said there weren't others besides Jared interested in the job. I was just picking on your "facts".

My question to you is why are you so against Jared before he's had the chance to prove himself? If you think for a moment that recruiting wasn't going to be off some this season then you don't live in reality. A program doesn't change head coaches without there being questions as to where it is going no matter who is hired as the replacement.

Also, when you say that Jared "has inherited a program in fine shape", that, in my opinion, is totally due to Caleb Porter and staff. The Mens Soccer Team has basically had to do all of their own marketing by winning and by Caleb, staff, and players talking with the students and fans. Do you see Tom W and the marketing staff doing anything for Men's Soccer like they have been for football and Mens Basketball? Last season, we hosted 2 NCAA Tournament games, and what signs did you see all over campus..."Bowden Ball" and "Think Bigger". I don't have a problem with those signs, but where were the signs for Mens Soccer given that we were hosting NCAA Tournament games as a top 5 seed (out of 200+ D-I programs). I hate to admit it, but I'm not certain other "top flight" coaches wanted to step into a program with that kind of support from its Athletics Department.

[fknbuflobo]

Why do you consider Shaun Docking "top flight". He is an alum, but what has he done. Has he won a D-I National Championship? Is he involved in US Soccer. He's been at Coastal Carolina for 15 seasons, I believe. How many College Cup appearances in that time? Zero, if this is accurate. I won't dispute the others you mentioned, but we don't know they, or even Shaun, were actually interested. I never said there weren't others besides Jared interested in the job. I was just picking on your "facts".

My question to you is why are you so against Jared before he's had the chance to prove himself? If you think for a moment that recruiting wasn't going to be off some this season then you don't live in reality. A program doesn't change head coaches without there being questions as to where it is going no matter who is hired as the replacement.

Also, when you say that Jared "has inherited a program in fine shape", that, in my opinion, is totally due to Caleb Porter and staff. The Mens Soccer Team has basically had to do all of their own marketing by winning and by Caleb, staff, and players talking with the students and fans. Do you see Tom W and the marketing staff doing anything for Men's Soccer like they have been for football and Mens Basketball? Last season, we hosted 2 NCAA Tournament games, and what signs did you see all over campus..."Bowden Ball" and "Think Bigger". I don't have a problem with those signs, but where were the signs for Mens Soccer given that we were hosting NCAA Tournament games as a top 5 seed (out of 200+ D-I programs). I hate to admit it, but I'm not certain other "top flight" coaches wanted to step into a program with that kind of support from its Athletics Department.

1. I believe Shaun Docking is poised to take one of the bigger jobs in NCAA Soccer, Akron being one of those higher profile jobs. Yes, I consider him a top flight coach despite his career record. I suspect Coastal Carolina does not enjoy the same resources as does Akron.

2. I am not against Jared Embick; I very much want him to succeed. But he does not have an excuse to fail before competition even begins.

3. Perhaps I do need a reality check. Maybe Akron Soccer does not have the AD support that I wish it had. I am hardly ever on campus nowadays. If what you suggest is true, then it is shameful.

I will see you Saturday?

[Zip_ME87]

1. I believe Shaun Docking is poised to take one of the bigger jobs in NCAA Soccer, Akron being one of those higher profile jobs. Yes, I consider him a top flight coach despite his career record. I suspect Coastal Carolina does not enjoy the same resources as does Akron.

2. I am not against Jared Embick; I very much want him to succeed. But he does not have an excuse to fail before competition even begins.

3. Perhaps I do need a reality check. Maybe Akron Soccer does not have the AD support that I wish it had. I am hardly ever on campus nowadays. If what you suggest is true, then it is shameful.

I will see you Saturday?

First, thanks for a good exchange. I take none of this personally. Just a good discussion. As far as #3, it is shameful. When I pushed on TW via e-mail last Fall about the lack of marketing for Mens Soccer, I believe his reaction was to get Scott Caldwell and some of the other players to go through the dorms talking to students. There's nothing wrong with that, but I expected more. We were a top 5 (ugh, should have been higher) seed in the NCAA Tourney, hosting games, and the Athletics Dept/Marketing should have done more.

Yes, you'll see me Saturday. I hope we're still "friends".

[LZIp]

First, thanks for a good exchange. I take none of this personally. Just a good discussion. As far as #3, it is shameful. When I pushed on TW via e-mail last Fall about the lack of marketing for Mens Soccer, I believe his reaction was to get Scott Caldwell and some of the other players to go through the dorms talking to students. There's nothing wrong with that, but I expected more. We were a top 5 (ugh, should have been higher) seed in the NCAA Tourney, hosting games, and the Athletics Dept/Marketing should have done more.

Yes, you'll see me Saturday. I hope we're still "friends".

Isnt Brad Swanson the head of marketing?

The fact is Soccer is already established and has great support. The University is trying to get the other sports caught up. Feel like that was kind of obvious.

[UAZipster0305]

Why do you consider Shaun Docking "top flight". He is an alum, but what has he done. Has he won a D-I National Championship? Is he involved in US Soccer. He's been at Coastal Carolina for 15 seasons, I believe. How many College Cup appearances in that time? Zero, if this is accurate. I won't dispute the others you mentioned, but we don't know they, or even Shaun, were actually interested. I never said there weren't others besides Jared interested in the job. I was just picking on your "facts".

My question to you is why are you so against Jared before he's had the chance to prove himself? If you think for a moment that recruiting wasn't going to be off some this season then you don't live in reality. A program doesn't change head coaches without there being questions as to where it is going no matter who is hired as the replacement.

Also, when you say that Jared "has inherited a program in fine shape", that, in my opinion, is totally due to Caleb Porter and staff. The Mens Soccer Team has basically had to do all of their own marketing by winning and by Caleb, staff, and players talking with the students and fans. Do you see Tom W and the marketing staff doing anything for Men's Soccer like they have been for football and Mens Basketball? Last season, we hosted 2 NCAA Tournament games, and what signs did you see all over campus..."Bowden Ball" and "Think Bigger". I don't have a problem with those signs, but where were the signs for Mens Soccer given that we were hosting NCAA Tournament games as a top 5 seed (out of 200+ D-I programs). I hate to admit it, but I'm not certain other "top flight" coaches wanted to step into a program with that kind of support from its Athletics Department.

Shaun Docking is a top flight coach. True, he might not have all of the accolades that you selectively mentioned, but he does have everything else...

All-Americans

MLS players

Scholar Athlete of the Year

Academic All-Americans

Regular league championships

Regular NCAA Tournament victories

Top-25 rankings

US Youth Soccer Regional Coach

Member of Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Award Committee

Member of NSCAA National Ranking Committee

He's an Akron alum!

And his program continues to grow stronger

These things are miraculous at a school like Coastal Carolina especially considering it's in the backyard of some major soccer programs...Duke, UNC, Wake Forest, Clemson, NC State, and the University of South Carolina! Just this past year, CC beat Wake Forest (on the road in the NCAA Tournament) and South Carolina (away) and tied UNC (neutral) and OSU (away). What would Akron soccer be if throughout its history, Ohio State, Pitt, Cincinnati, or Michigan had strong programs?

Embick is our coach, and I want to see him succeed. However, to belittle Shaun Docking's resume' as a means of supporting Embick is simply ignoring the real facts and hand picking ones of convenience based on the only things Docking hasn't achieved. This kind of stuff might be worthy of Faux News, but here at ZNO, we're better than that.

I might remind you too that Embick's resume' isn't even in the same universe as Docking's. Embick is our coach only because of continuity from what Porter started and Embick's potential that likely comes with Porter's endorsement.

[fknbuflobo]

Shaun Docking is a top flight coach. True, he might not have all of the accolades that you selectively mentioned, but he does have everything else...

All-Americans

MLS players

Scholar Athlete of the Year

Academic All-Americans

Regular league championships

Regular NCAA Tournament victories

Top-25 rankings

US Youth Soccer Regional Coach

Member of Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Award Committee

Member of NSCAA National Ranking Committee

He's an Akron alum!

And his program continues to grow stronger

These things are miraculous at a school like Coastal Carolina especially considering it's in the backyard of some major soccer programs...Duke, UNC, Wake Forest, Clemson, NC State, and the University of South Carolina! Just this past year, CC beat Wake Forest (on the road in the NCAA Tournament) and South Carolina (away) and tied UNC (neutral) and OSU (away). What would Akron soccer be if throughout its history, Ohio State, Pitt, Cincinnati, or Michigan had strong programs?

Embick is our coach, and I want to see him succeed. However, to belittle Shaun Docking's resume' as a means of supporting Embick is simply ignoring the real facts and hand picking ones of convenience based on the only things Docking hasn't achieved. This kind of stuff might be worthy of Faux News, but here at ZNO, we're better than that.

I might remind you too that Embick's resume' isn't even in the same universe as Docking's. Embick is our coach only because of continuity from what Porter started and Embick's potential that likely comes with Porter's endorsement.

Bravo. Well said. Thanks for listing Docking's resume. I did not have access to it when I was previously posting.

Embick has much to live up to. He will be compared to every past Zips coach, not just Porter.