Yeah, the College Cup run was great. Many of the older players were still recruited while Porter was there (don't have the numbers, but I'm sure many were committed before Embick took over). I just don't see the recruits coming in like they had -- IMG guys, USYNT guys, and top recruits in the country. Now, it's hard to replicate that when Porter had his ties that he did. Porter's last season (2012) they had one international player. This season there were 12. That tells me one thing, there's some struggle in recruiting top-level domestic players. The move towards more international rosters can be thought of as being more "competitive" players with more experience. Sure. I don't see that being the case here. At least in the DI tournament, it's seemed to me that rosters are lesser international than domestic with successful teams. Maybe I'm wrong. I would love to see Embick be successful, like I said...I like his story. But, I just don't see the same team on the field. Especially with the comments of "This was a sloppily played match, but entertaining nonetheless. Zips were sleepwalking through portions of the contest." That was the story of the season. Even in the College Cup run, I wasn't overly impressed by the level and standard of play.
I took down the A-Roo flag, folded it, put it away. Too early! Zips were supposed to still be playing after Thanksgiving. Coming off last campaign, 2016 held much promise. Key injuries, bad luck, and critical dismissal of our cornerstone DMF, all but killed the season.
Jeremy Pollard posted this on Instagram today... jeremy_pollard Looking back at the past year in Akron I couldn't of asked for a it to have been any better. The people I met will forever have a place in my heart and so will Akron soccer. I've made life long friends and I can honestly say this has been the greatest year of my life so far. Unfortunately it's time to move on from Akron towards a new chapter in my life, but I will always remember my brothers in blue and gold who helped me become a better player and person everyday. Good luck to you all in the future, I'm sure we will meet again. And you know what they say ... it's always a great day to be a zip ⚽️ #reggieisstillugly Pollard has transferred to Grand Canyon.
On a sadder note, boyhood friends and team mates are parting ways. Not yet sure where Anthony Macchione is transferring. Niko De Vera is staying: nikookin30"You know our presence but you don't know our history"-G.S It's been real man. Growing up and playing with you basically my whole life. We've been through a lot together. Sad it has to come to an end but excited for your future. Go kill it brother. #portlandboys
I think he got nicked up during summer ball, fell behind in rotation, then decided to redshirt. As it turned out, he would have played down the stretch but for red shirting. Good person to have on a team. Better on ball played into space than ball played to his feet, not a stereotypical Zip. 6'3". Hustles.
Another Sigma FC player heading to @ZipsMSoc in 2017: midfielder/defender @FaisalGhaffur.— Travis Clark (@travismclark) January 5, 2017
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