Why Akron Keeps Producing Pros

Former MLS star and general manager Alexi Lalas knows why Akron keeps producing pros.

''It's the coach, No. 1,'' Lalas said on ESPN during the MLS draft. ''It's a factory. What he's done there is say, 'I'm going to make it a professional environment. My job is to make sure they get an education, but my job is also to prepare them for the chance of going professional.'

''It's great because it gives credibility back to collegiate soccer, which has been lacking because of the time [of year] that they play. It also recruits itself because it's not all about just creating professionals. They win.''

Competitive in class, too

Porter said he should also get a boost from his team's cumulative 3.5 grade-point average last semester, which he said ranked eighth-highest in NCAA Division I.

''That makes a great statement that not only we're a soccer school, but we're a university that's looking to prepare kids for life after soccer,'' Porter said. ''That plays into the decision a lot, especially with the parents.''