The city of Akron now has something they can truly be proud of. No, it's not LeBron James and his antics. It's the University of Akron's men's soccer team, who on Sunday brought home the 2010 Division I National Championship. The Zips went out to UC-Santa Barbara last week and defeated Michigan and previously-unbeaten Louisville to win the College Cup. This is Akron's first National Championship in any sport in school history, avenging last year's defeat in the national title game against Virginia.
The Coach
Akron coach Caleb Porter left his assistant post at his alma mater, Indiana University, to head up the Akron soccer program. Akron's team had qualified for the NCAA Playoffs numerous years in the past, but Porter wanted to take the Zips to the next level. Porter had been to two College Cups as a player and five times as a coach for Indiana, winning it three times (1998, 2003, and 2004). He utilizes a style designed to attack and take clean, open shots. The Zips did it well, averaging 2.64 goals per game, which is basically the equivalent of 30 points a game in football. To realize this dream, he needed to get the right players no matter where they came from.
The Players
Caleb Porter set out to bring in the players who were the best fit of their system. These are just a few of the many that have brought the program to prominence.
Porter's first blue-chip recruit has been through the process. Senior midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong from Carrollton, Texas paved the way for future recruits when he chose to play at Akron. Local standouts such as Walsh Jesuit graduate Michael Nanchoff joined the fray, as well as Lakewood St. Edward's Darlington Nagbe who is up for Player of the Year honors. Other Ohioans include Huber Heights' Kofi Sarkodie and Lewis' Chad Barson who's open-net save in the final minute of the National Championship preserved the win. Leading scorer Darren Mattocks came from Jamaica and title game heroes Scott Caldwell came by way of Braintree, Massachusetts and David Meves from Arlington Heights, Ill. 2009 Player of the Year and current MLS player Teal Bunbury is an Akron product.
My Thoughts
I've watched Akron play live one time, and that was in the Elite Eight last season. My cousin, Billy Berger is a team manager for the squad and hooked myself and my brother up with tickets at Lee Jackson Field. The atmosphere was intoxicating. Organized and clever chants directed at the other team were loud and proud. The unofficial cheering section, the AK-Rowdies were in full-force. The pitch was glistening in the light snowfall. If you were a recruit considering a college to further your academic and soccer career, this scene would have sealed the deal.
Give credit to the University of Akron because they realized what they had in this team. The college provided over $2 million to bolster the program from a renovated field, to equipment and the like. They believed Caleb Porter when he said that his program can win multiple national championships. The first one is in the books; now it's time to repeat.
I always enjoy an underdog story like this. Not that Akron was underdogs, actually it is quite the contrary as they were ranked #1 to begin the season. It is a school like Akron who is more known for their nursing program than their sports, that can get to the top of the sport and compete with the big boys like Michigan, North Carolina, Virgina, etc. It's the fans and support that they harbor that makes you want to cheer them on. This is why it is fulfilling for such fans when a National Championship is won.
Just think if this was college football, this wonderful story wouldn't have come to fruition....
What do you think about the Zips' first National Championship in any sport? Any Akron alums want to comment? Provide your thoughts to us!
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