Zip_ME87

There was a lot of good in this game. Lots of good ball movement and players working together. Good defense with just the one breakdown, inability to clear inside the box. Not sure how it works, but I think the PK’s only figure in if a tiebreaker is needed.

Brett Kaminski played well in both Spring games. blOSU went first in PKs. Zips missed one pk (not saved by blOSU) going down 4-3. When blOSU made their 5th pk, there was no need for the Zips to take a 5th one. As for the run of play, Zips need to finish. It’s Spring with 9 new players. Lots to figure out.

1-1 final blOSU 5-3 on PKs

Stefan is starting for Austin FC II this evening. Game is on YouTube…

As I recall, Remi scored in the 24th minute and Aiden in the 65th minute.

Game #1 - at CSU, March 7, Kickoff now 4:30 pm EST per @ZipsMSoc X Account.

https://liroughriders.com/tyler-morck-returns-to-the-midfield/

Akron City FC - Matt Dreas, Brett Kaminsky, Matthew Paiva Flint City Bucks - Jack Roman Long Island Rough Riders - Tyler Morck

https://www.riverhounds.com/news/2026/03/02/mitch-budler-signing/ …Budler, 23, was a four-year starter for the Zips, recording 36 clean sheets and allowing only 65 goals across 76 starts on his way to being a two-time Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and a Third Team All-American as a junior in 2024. With Budler in goal, the Zips won the 2022 Mid-American Conference regular season title and reached the NCAA Tournament three times, advancing all the way to the Elite Eight last fall. “Mitch is a first-year pro out of the University of Akron with tremendous upside, and we believe he’ll make significant strides this year working under goalkeeper coach Jon Busch,” Sporting Director Dan Visser said. …

Thanks @TennZip. Love watching/listening to one former Zip (Zarek Valentin) interview another (Wil Trapp) and talk about another (Coach Cameron Knowles) in their discussion.

It seems to be a better path to MLS than USL if that NEXT Pro team has an MLS affiliate; a player who plays well has the potential for recommendation to be picked up by the MLS club.

NOTE - I revised my Feb 3, 2026 post above per this change to reflect the Spring Schedule reposted by @ZipsMSoc.

https://worldfootballindex.com/2026/02/jason-shokalook-on-mls-next-pro-and-representing-erie/

deleted due to UMich game date/time change noted below.