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We will be in the championship

So frustrating to see our team regress. I love and support every one of our players, but some of them I think need an attitude adjustment. I'm not good at confrontation, but I sure wanted to ask a few of them what they thought they were doing last night. Have they not bought into the system? Lackadaisical play, some unnecessarily long (off target) passes when nearer options were there, and not making use of the width of the field at times, among other breakdowns ... not Akron Soccer. And, I don't care where/how any of them previously played soccer, THIS IS AKRON, and our coaches have a system that has been very successful. Perhaps our players should take a long, contemplative look at those banners hanging in First Energy Stadium. They're not just there for decoration. They represent a justifiably proud program that's been extremely productive since 2007 thanks to a lot of hard work by a lot of dedicated players & staff and a successful system. Work hard, Buy into the system... Learn... Ask questions...but don't go out on the field with a half-hearted attitude thinking you know better than the coaches or your teammates who are playing the system and giving their all.

Redshirt watch (I may have missed a walk on or two in this and I'm only looking at freshman): Morgan State: Brandon Bischoff, Keyondre White, Daishawn Brimage, Devanier Floyd, Jalen Hooks, Zach DiLauro, RJ Kelly, Vincent Fonte, Logan Hawkins, Tim Scippio. Northwestern: Brandon Bischoff, Daishawn Brimage, Jalen Hooks Iowa State: Brandon Bischoff, Daishawn Brimage, Jalen Hooks, Tim Scippio Info pulled from post game stats - participation report.

Two "controversial" thoughts - first, we've sorta become the "Kentucky" of college soccer? One and done? Too many players lately have come here, play one season, and leave for the pros. DeAndre even said it in an interview earlier this year. So does this tie in to the lack of "buy in" to the program, maybe thoughts of "why should I, if I'm leaving after this season"? Also, does this lend itself to lack of attendance, as some long-time fans I've talked to have said they can't get excited about a team with all new players season after season, even when winning. They want more than a handful of guys they can identify, watch come up through the program, to root for. Just somethings to think about.

I am not done with this team by any means, but last night was a shocker. For such a big game and nice weather I couldn't understand the lack of attendance, both from the students and general public. We have talent but that talent does not have faith in the guys on either side of them. In the past whenever a midfielder or defender was beat they were covered by a teammate. Not so last night. The short, controlled passing and the switching of the attack were not there. The coaches can coach our style, but if the players don't buy into it we will be beat by lesser teams. I will not call out players or name names. We have the talent, now use it the way the coaches want. Our goals are still in front of us. Not one has been lost. We just have a tougher road to follow. I hope the fans have not given up. Let's get back in those stands and keep First Energy a miserable place to play for opponents.

RJ Kelly and Vincent Fonte are two names I would have expected to play in more games to-date. I wonder if the staff is trying to get by with what we've got on the o-line until the last 3 games of the year, and then play them? It would be nice to have those two for 2019-22.

I like to think of myself as a long time fan. I don't buy the Kentucky one and done argument. JLew left after one year. Joao left after one year. The 2017 team had Stuart, Sam, Niko and Nate...just to name a few and was a final four team and attendance was not glory days like. The 2016 team was captained by Brad and Adam...who both definitely came up thru the program. Richie Laryea left after 2 years. The players that left were most top 5 picks and were being offered over $150K a year. Kentucky is having 5 of their top 6 players leave every year. That is not the case with Akron. The 2010 team was an exception to that as Perry, Kofi, Zarek, Darlington, et al were all top 5 draft pick caliber. We are never going to have the student support like we did in 2009 and 2010. Social media and the internet are too much of a distraction for students these days. Many college football teams are struggling to get students to the games. The AK rowdies had a charismatic leader back in those days. Porter was a charismatic crowd gatherer.

I am still confused by the lineup that we started last night. In my mind those are not the best 11. Why can’t Zajac and Diogo play at the same time on opposite sides? I would not start Kahsay.....ever.

Ja-BERRY was berry berry good.

This team is halfway thru the regular season. It was very discouraging to read Jared's comments. Getting beat to the ball, not hustling back on transition, turnovers, too many long passes, ball watching...that is not Akron soccer. They need to bounce back quickly. Bowling Green is going to be a very hostile environment. The zips are going to get harassed by the fans and the opposing players. The Falcons are going to play ugly soccer but they will punish the zips if the zips don't get back when BG sends the ball long. Copley native Chris Brennan has not been able to elevate BG to MAC contenders....but I can guarantee that he will want to beat the zips to every ball and score many goals against the powerhouse home town team. The 2 holding midfielders, the center backs and the outside backs for the zips need to rely on each other...and talk constantly. BG has a senior (Tate Robertson )that was named to the college soccer news and Top drawer soccer team of the week for scoring 2 goals last week. Robertson and Brennan are going to want to make their seasons and kick some dirt and crap all over the mighty zips. I believe in the talent and skills of the players on this team. However, the effort and the passion and the desire to work as a team has to be much better than what this team of 11 showed last night.

Nebraska ended up scheduling Bethune-Cookman to replace the Akron game. Probably a wise decision on their part so they can avoid a winless season.

Now my weather app says sunny & 82 ?

Diogo selected for the college soccer news team of the week https://www.collegesoccernews.com/index.php/awards/team-of-the-week/1218-college-soccer-news-national-team-of-the-week-week-ending-september-30-2018

I've said it a million times, and I'll say it one more; Terry Bowden will retire as head football coach of the Akron Zips. Go Zips.