Reports surfaced late last night that Akron’s sensational freshman forward Alfred Koroma would be leaving the Zips program. Koroma was the #3 rated incoming freshman by topdrawersoccer, yet failed to live up to those lofty expectations following injuries and illnesses. Koroma appeared in only 14 matches for the Zips, starting only 4 under previous Akron coach Caleb Porter. Koroma netted 3 goals including the game-tying goal against Creighton last August in the teams 1-1 draw.
Koroma has been seen as one of the top US youth prospects for many years now. Koroma shined in the 2011 Under 17 World Cup making four substitute appearances for the United States whiling scoring two goals. Koroma vs. Czech Rep U17 WC
Koroma vs. Germany U17 Photo courtesy of: ussoccer.com
According to JR Eskilson of topdrawersoccer.com UCLA, SMU, Creighton and North Carolina are in-line for Koroma. However, I am hearing that Koroma is between SMU and Creighton.
Koroma does have a special tie to the Creighton program. His brother Oshick Shams, a promising red-shirt goalkeeper, has already spent a year in Omaha. Koroma is originally from Sierre Leone, but left the war torn country in 2003 for America. The Shams family took Alfred in and became his legal guardian when Alfred was in middle school. Alfred and Oshick played together at both Southlake high school as well as Solar Chelsea, a top club team in Texas. Shams will be an important part for the 2013 Jays following the departure of Jeff Gal. Shams will be expected to battle starter Alex Bolowich for time and provide a more than capable #2.
The Addition of Koroma would give the 2013 Jays a top-notch striker to spearhead their attack. The Jays utilized a striker-by-committee last season following the graduation of Creighton legend Ethan Finlay. Koroma possess a lethal left foot possibly only matched by current Creighton ace Timo Pitter. Koroma could also be deployed on the opposite wing of Pitter, sitting behind a target striker.
Koroma as Striker
Koroma on Wing
Whatever happens it appears Jays coaching staff are being proactive in enhancing the roster for the upcoming season in the Big East. While Coach Bolowich and his staff were preparing to play another top-notch non-conference, the addition of schools like Georgetown, Marquette and Xavier to the schedule are enough to keep the staff up at night. Adding Koroma would help them sleep just a little better.