Akron Zips
Overall Rank: #8
Conference Rank: #1 Mid-American
Akron Team Page
Akron came off the 2010 season as national champions and almost repeated that feat last season making it to the sweet sixteen. Akron will be looking to take another shot at both the MAC and national titles this year but will have to do it without the help of their star forward Darren Mattocks. Mattocks was drafted to the Vancouver Whitecaps back in January. Head Coach Caleb Porter will be looking to the new and returning forwards for a player to take over the vacant position.
2011 Record: 9-10-2, 4-4-0
2011 Postseason: None
Coach: Caleb Porter
Strengths:
The Zips are not without talent and filling any spot will not be hard for Coach Porter. The Zips have already showcased their talent back in the spring by winning all matches except against Xavier when they tied 1-1. The Zips also had a stand out performance by forward Thomas Schmitt where he netted five goals in the Zips 6-2 victory over Wright State in the spring. Schmitt will have help this season on offense from midfielders Aodhan Quinn and Scott Caldwell who both contributed goals last season. Another stand out for the Zips is returning keeper David Meves who finished the 2011 season with 57 saves and only allowed 17 goals.
Weaknesses:
One major disadvantage that the Zips had in the 2011 season was the size of their roster. They had 26 players but only 18 saw time on the pitch. The remaining eight were out for injuries or were just subs that never had the opportunity to play, but Coach Porter made it work. Although Akron has increased their numbers this year by only a couple, Coach Porter needs to utilize everyone if he expects to be a contender. Akron will need everyone to stay healthy as well because of their tough 2012 schedule. Not just conference matches, but regular season play brings in powerhouses like Ohio State, Indiana, St John’s, Notre Dame and Creighton. They won’t be able to afford too many losses to these teams or they won’t get a bid for the NCAA tournament. West Virginia will be their biggest threat in both the MAC regular season and the tournament. Coach Porter will also be looking for a player or players to step up and fill the hole left by former Zip, Darren Mattocks, after his impressive 21 goal season last year.
Final Projection:
As another season is about to begin for the Zips, they make the final preparation before their exhibition matches start. And as the season begins, we will see Akron take a top ten spot and stay there the rest of the season. Akron again will be a favorite for the MAC title and will most likely see another sweet sixteen. With the front line being led by Schmitt, the net filled by Menes, and all players in between, they will prove early on that they won’t go lightly into the dark.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Scott Caldwell, Senior, MF, 6
Assists: Scott Caldwell, Senior, MF, 11
Shots: Aodhan, Quinn, Junior, MF, 59
Saves: David Meves, Senior, GK, 57
Madness 2013 MLS Draft Rankings:
#6 Aodhan Quinn
#13 Scott Caldwell
#29 Bryan Gallego
#30 DeAndre Yedlin
#37 Alfred Koroma
#48 Wil Trapp
#50 Chad Barson
#56 Andrew Souders
Madness 2012 Men’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#2 Alfred Koroma
#7 Andrew Souders
#18 Fernando Pina
#20 Dillon Serna
#49 Matt Foldesy
#134 Omari Morris
