Two days after Caleb Porter was given a new five-year contract, ending speculation that he'd fill the D.C. United head coaching vacancy, the University of Akron announced plans to upgrade its soccer facility at Lee Jackson Field. According to Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill, the first phase of a two-phase project has been approved.

Plans call for a new field and irrigation system, new lights and new fencing around the stadium to be in place for the 2010 season. Fundraising efforts are underway to add dugouts and a rest area for each team, a new grandstand, a new multipurpose press box/suite, concessions, public restrooms and event plaza for the 2011 season.

''That was something that was very important to me,'' Porter said. ''I think it's the final piece that would make our facilities comparable to the other top programs. We're very excited about that. It's been a long time coming." The Zips regularly sold out Lee Jackson Field during its unbeaten run to the College Cup. The upgrades will bring the capacity to ''just over 4,000,'' according to Wistrcill. Read the original story...