Anthony Ampaipitakwong for the IMG Bradenton Academics
His team’s season ended in heartbreaking fashion, but University of Akron midfielder and IMG Soccer Academy alum Anthony Ampaipitakwong will still have some individual accolades to celebrate the year.
After being named third-team All-American as a sophomore last year, Ampai this year was named to the NCAA D-I first team All-American team.
The Zips won 23 straight games this season before defeated UNC on penalty kicks in the semi-finals and losing on penalty kicks to the University of Virginia in the finals. Ampai, struggling with injuries, played only about half of the final two games. Said Goal.com about Ampai’s effect on the Akron team:
Anthony Ampaipitakwong: The popular saying is, Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well (Akron forward) Teal Bunbury might have invented a new phrase this weekend with, Absence makes a wallet go lighter. The lack of the playmaker in the Akron offense was glaring and his effort to play at 70% health was admirable. He is the Steve Nash of the Akron offense. I would not be shocked if Ampaipitakwong did not snatch up a Generation adidas slot if his coach does leave for MLS.
While at IMG, Ampai was named three-time MVP, while also leading the team to a prestigious Dallas Cup title in 2007. He also played for the IMG Bradenton Academics during the 2009 PDL season.
