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Great assessments TennZip and Zip_ME87. I definitely agree with the apparent lack of speed last year. I'll also add that it took a while (maybe 5 or 6 games?) for the coaches to settle on a lineup. Left and right backs, in particular, were a bit of rotating cast and that impacted midfield possession and quality chances up top. There were key injuries as well, right? And then there was the lack of good finishing - - that was a bit hard to watch at times. Looks like there's some great attacking talent on this year's squad along with many important returners. Hopefully the coaches can figure out the attacking pieces of the puzzle soon.

Does anyone know if they plan to stream home games? That would be some consolation.

I'm already looking forward to next year - we should see a very motivated group. We already know the talent is there. Regarding this year, nearly every opposing goal keeper seemed to have the game of his life against our Akron Zips. That was extremely annoying.

Great shots! This game felt like a massive reset button.

What a friggin crazy season. Fat lady has yet to sing.

I missed the game but just saw the stat line. 10-5 shot advantage. What the heck happened?

Couldn't agree more with everyone's assessment of Hernandez and Lue Young. With their contributions to the attack, Akron now looks like Akron. I would also like to add Strachan and Biros to the praise party -- their play have helped Akron control the midfield, something that was sorely lacking before.

Sadly, I won't be in attendance - I'll have to watch on my screen. Hopefully this game brings new beginnings. They just need to eek out a win by any means necessary. I believe they can do it.

Is Harter injured too? Yikes.

Pacheco is due!

This was well done - I enjoyed learning more about these guys. Thanks for sharing.

I wouldn't have thought the backline would be part of the problem...

Outstanding crowd! I was impressed with their response to an unfortunate PK. They created several quality chances which is a positive sign. And how about some love for Will Jackson? Kid was a beast out there and played with a ton of heart. Also impressed with Cruz - nice skill with the ball at his feet. Pacheco also looked dangerous all night. 0-2 (ugh) but this group is damn good and is going to start winning soon. That was just a heart breaker -- I really felt for the boys.

They took one on the chin - it's all good, they'll be fine.

It seems like there's a ton of depth on this year's squad, especially on the back line -- maybe Tom Smart at LB, but you also have Hernandez and Sohn. Strachan can play either CB position, RB and holding mid (didn't he play there a bit last year?), and judging by TennZip's quote above, Chick at RB? It looks like Lue has had time at RB this preseason. Strachan is such a quality player, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. I didn't see any preseason matches so this going by memory from last year and looking over this year's roster. I guess this is why Embick gets the big bucks - putting together the pieces of a talented team!

Just dropping by to say that I'm excited, as ever, about the start to the season. There's some excellent continuity from last year's squad and some exciting new additions as well. Go Zips!

Awesome. And what's really crazy, I thought they'd played just okay at times. Good work, boys!!

Another fantastic article. Thanks for sharing!

I'm stunned at this group's turnaround. I was at that infamous WVU home game and wrongly assumed 2018 was just a rare down year....it happens to the best, after all. From that moment to now feels like a lifetime. Incredible fight in these Zips!

After finally watching the full reply, I was most impressed by the team's defensive fight. Ritaccio had a couple clutch and skillful tackles that probably saved a goal or two. Wake is/was a very good side. On another note, I was perplexed at the commentators frequent use of "kids" to describe the players. A kid is a child - children don't play soccer nearly that well. It just felt disrespectful. Ok, I'm getting off my high horse now.

I thought they looked solid yesterday. Nice to see Akron soccer back in Akron. I agree that Kahsay had a fantastic game. I also thought Biros looked very comfortable out there, maybe his best performance this year. Friday should be a good one.

Holy cow. Pacheco for the win!

That stinks - I hope he recovers soon.

Is Marcel Zajac injured? I don't think I saw his name pop up in the preseason matches.

It will be interesting to see that back line evolve! I'm especially interested to see who ends up at right & left back - those players are always so damn fun to watch in the Akron system.