Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Another great night for soccer, even if slightly sticky. About 2,000 on hand. Support is there for sure. Better than last week and perhaps B+ for needed effort, but the storyline is essentially the same:

- MF never took ownership of the game. What has happened to that mandate in terms of style of play? Are we just trying to hustle a little more here and there on the field in random skirmishes and hope to end up w more goals at 90:00 mark or are we determined to own and dictate as deserved? You can own the ball and lose at times, but that is a better way to go out and will get you where you want to be. Is Souto in jail for some reason, new 1/3 minutes guy former starter and recently fine player? This is key issue number 1 to me, and until that is fixed with whatever combination in the MF the engine is out of the car and it affects us both ways as the other team actually has the ball to play with at least half the time for the first time in 6 years and then we have to defend in the normal run of play, not just counters and set plays as before.

- Back line + Keeper gave 2 poor goals. That is just too easy and honestly inexcusable for a team at this level. First Ekblom simply squirts thru 2 defenders and keeper watches on the line w/o contesting. Second one LB out of play, Keeper scoops/pushes ball over to unmarked man who waltzes in far post for tap in 3 second left. Again the opposing team far more stout in the back than Zips and the previous tendency to be goal stingy seems suddenly elusive. Past comment was that Embick ran the offense and Caleb ran the defense. Offense was fabulous 2008-12, no quarrels there.

Use of field/width was better and fwds showed ability to be dangerous, even if not delivered in the match. That will come as it shows with the group, starting with Holthusen. He should have had one tonight and he knew it. They will come as long as they use the field and stretch the defenders. Let Najem and Laryea lurk the perimeter to free up and shoot or attack. Lots to handle and once on the same page, should produce.

Lastly we liked the fouls and even the 3 yellows. Showed some spirit, passion. Those attributes will come in handy in what could be a rough and tumble early regular season where players come and go in the lineup until the mix is set and the MAC Tourney grants her generous means into the NCAA gates. We have the players to get there.

What is missing in the recipe?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know how I feel about Embick.

+1.

This season will be the real test regarding his abilities. With the loss of a large number of seniors last season, the team is beyond Porter's direct influence. The season is going to be long and tough. If the team gels and certain players step up, we have an average or slightly below average (for us) in a rebuilding year. Otherwise, Embick may be looking for a new job. I hope that is not the case!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do any of the "insiders" know why Ezana Kahsay did not play in the 2 exhibitions?

I did see some good things last night from Sam Gainford, Sean Sepe and Richie Laryea.

I know last night is only one game and it is unfair to pick on a freshman. However, I would prefer to see Stuart Holthusen or Anthony Macchionne up front with Sam and Sean. The whole team was very tentative and cautious last night...and Nate Shultz also exhibited those symptoms.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, I know it is obviously incredibly early to be hitting the panic button, and I'm not yet. But I was thinking last night at the game why it's incredibly important to have a good season this year. Soccer blew up in Akron for a number of reasons: winning, winning against big teams, national championship, top players in the country, consistently high rankings, and a fantastic coach who was easy to get behind. But one factor that I think can't be overlooked is that our football team has been pretty awful over the last few years in a city looking for a winner. When your football team wins 1 game a year, people will look for something else to fill that void, and people who maybe wouldn't normally care as much about soccer were willing to get behind it. Porter and Ianello coincided perfectly for the soccer program. But here is what worries me: I absolutely want our football program to get better, and I think it will, and last year we had a big year which I was happy about. But if that team continues to get better, and this team starts to decline...well I think soccer goes back to being an afterthought around here, which is sad to think about. I think our program could easily go back to being what they were like the pre-Porter era.

Am I getting ahead of myself here?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, I know it is obviously incredibly early to be hitting the panic button, and I'm not yet. But I was thinking last night at the game why it's incredibly important to have a good season this year. Soccer blew up in Akron for a number of reasons: winning, winning against big teams, national championship, top players in the country, consistently high rankings, and a fantastic coach who was easy to get behind. But one factor that I think can't be overlooked is that our football team has been pretty awful over the last few years in a city looking for a winner. When your football team wins 1 game a year, people will look for something else to fill that void, and people who maybe wouldn't normally care as much about soccer were willing to get behind it. Porter and Ianello coincided perfectly for the soccer program. But here is what worries me: I absolutely want our football program to get better, and I think it will, and last year we had a big year which I was happy about. But if that team continues to get better, and this team starts to decline...well I think soccer goes back to being an afterthought around here, which is sad to think about. I think our program could easily go back to being what they were like the pre-Porter era.

Am I getting ahead of myself here?

Is there a reason they can't coexist and be successful? Shouldn't they feed off of each other an create an overwhelming pride for the school that carries forward to the basketball season? Our soccer program has been a powerhouse for a while…..that is how we got Porter and we then beat his predecessor who went to Louisville (former UA coach)….the "pre-Porter" era was pretty darned good……we just need to make sure the momentum is maintained…..if football continues to get better…….everyone should benefit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

for what it is worth, akron's first 2 regular season opponents also struggled in exhibitions this year

#5 New Mexico lost 1-0 to Air Force and tied Denver 1-1

2nd opponent...South Florida tied St. Leo 1-1 and lost 1-0 to Tampa University

hopefully, the zips can get it cranked up in the regular season

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...