UAZipster0305

Only the great, GP1.

For those of you looking for holiday gifts... http://www.zipssoccerjersey.com/ I'm not involved in this business at all. I just saw the link posted on Facebook and thought I'd share.

We might be on their list, albeit pretty far down. They would look at LA Tech first, based on geography. Maybe one of the Sunbelt schools from Florida to replace UCF. NMSU as a travel partner for UTEP, or they could go after MTSU and WKU. MAC schools just aren't in the area they want to be associated with. UC is outside of the typical C-USA footprint but were there before entering the Big East. Also, Marshall is still a current member and could use a rival. We offer that in addition to some solid programs. I don't associate any of those things with the schools you just mentioned with the exception of WKU in basketball.

If the Big East takes UCF that leaves a void in C-USA. I could also see the MWC inviting C-USA schools. If so, who could be showing up on C-USA's radar? I think we must certainly at least get some consideration. The facilities along with soccer and basketball success should be enough by themselves.

Any other school in Ohio. The Buckeye infection is everywhere. I've seen tOSU gear in every MAC school in the state. Well, we aspire to be different than those other Ohio schools. So, the Bucks should stop (end) here. Pun intended.

FYI - Northern California is not San Diego. They also don't play in Tahoe. The Bay Area is very mild relative to Saturday's forecast in Akron. The 25 degree difference (relative to Bay Area averages) and potential wet conditions are a huge advantage for us.

Thanks, UAZips0510. Though, I see it as almost intentionally inflammatory to wear OSU gear to a Zips game. And it shouldn't be too much to ask them to leave the OSU gear at home even if they don't have Zips equipment. At what other school would this be common and tolerated? Certainly not at one that aspires to be at OSU's level. That's just how I see it, and I will no longer debate the issue. Go ZIPS!!!

but expecting them to stop wearing OSwho crap to Akron games/events, is perfectly reasonable. +1. When this happens, the Rowdies should ridicule the guilty person with chants to the point of utter humiliation. Perhaps that would curtail it from happening again. Yeah, because then they'd want to come to another game for sure... Who cares what they wear? They are a PAYING customer who, on that night, made the decision to go to an Akron Zips game over other forms of entertainment. If they have a good game experience, they'll probably come back. If they're ridiculed for wearing a shirt of a school that isn't a rival, isn't in our conference, and never plays us because some of our fans have an inferiority complex with Ohio State, they will probably say screw it and go to the movies next time. When we start selling out games, you can start being concerned with what fans wear. If it's not graphic or vulgar, who cares? Good God...it's no surprise our fan base (especially student fan base) has trouble growing with short-sighted, ignorant attitudes like this. Our fan base has trouble growing because of the short-sightedness of allowing people to think they can get away with wearing the colors of a school we actively compete against for recruits and TV time. How can you be taken seriously when nobody cares that half the fans are wearing the gear of another team and not the one they're watching? Complacency kills. You are on to something here. I have always felt that there are too many people attending Akron sporting events that should not be allowed to attend. Something must be done about this problem before it goes any further. You are brilliant. I'm going to try once more to get some points across... Attendance - Akron was 6th in the conference last year. For this program to grow, more people need to go to games. Publicly ridiculing people who wear OSU gear (or anything else you may not like) to a game will not increase attendance. The irony is that growing the fan base is essential to reaching the goal you (and I) want to reach - Akron being on the same level as Ohio State as far as basketball programs go. If you're going to alienate fans, get used to 2,800 at the JAR every night, which hurts the program going forward. Recruiting vs. OSU - We very rarely compete with Ohio State for recruits, unless I missed Jared Sullinger's visit to campus. Take a look at OSU's recruiting targets for the next three years (http://ohiostate.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=9&cfg=bb&c=4&yr=2010). ZERO of them have Akron listed as a school of interest. Aside from a rare case, we just don't go after the same players at this point in time. Competing with OSU - Different conferences...never play each other in the regular season...the only time we'd see them is the NCAA Tournament. Aside from a very rare occurrence, we don't and won't directly compete with OSU on the court. Look, I'm a die-hard UA sports fan, but anyone who thinks our program is on the same level as theirs right now is delusional. That's not to say we can't get to that point. But for that to happen, increasing attendance and expanding the fan base is a must. Simply put, to get this program to the next level, we need more fans...and if you're pushing them away because you can't get over them waring an OSU shirt to a game, you're hurting the program. Let them have a good time at the game and enjoy our wonderful basketball team in action, and I won't just guarantee that they'll come back, I'll also guarantee that they'll eventually trade in their scarlet and gray shirt for a blue and gold one. The fan base will grow, which helps the program grow, which helps Akron eventually become a major college basketball program. Or you can be petty and childish, ridicule these people, push them away, and we can keep the status quo. Up to you Zips fans... Your points are valid and your passion true. However, I am not going to perpetuate the argument because it really is political in that neither of us will ever be proven correct. I would appreciate an apology for being called ignorant earlier. I am far from it. Let's not make this personal. I think we are both above that.

The band is not a soccer thing either, but I enjoyed having them at a few of the bigger soccer games a few years ago. It added energy to the atmosphere and demonstrated a higher level of University support. Cheerleaders are no different, but give me the band any day.

I see a near repeat of the Stanford game from last year. Give me 3-0 Zips in front of a record crowd of nearly 5,000. The California boys can't handle the cold. I bet they don't even have winter gear for their bench players to wear.

Who's everyone rooting for? Would you rather play Lolla in the championship or the Suckeyes? I want the Suckeyes because that would feel so much better saying we won the title against the "big" Ohio school. I'd rather play Louisville. Because OSU is better than them. Let's be honest, we already own the Buckeyes in men's soccer. Besides, on a national stage, our supposed inferior university and programs would look that much better beating a coach who left us because he couldn't win a national championship here. Also, we don't have a lead in the all-time matchup against Louisville. I love seeing us beat teams like that and Indiana was by far the best example. They have owned us, but the tables have turned. Bring on Louisville! (However, I don't see either Louisville or OSU getting past the winner of UNC-SMU.)

but expecting them to stop wearing OSwho crap to Akron games/events, is perfectly reasonable. +1. When this happens, the Rowdies should ridicule the guilty person with chants to the point of utter humiliation. Perhaps that would curtail it from happening again. Yeah, because then they'd want to come to another game for sure... Who cares what they wear? They are a PAYING customer who, on that night, made the decision to go to an Akron Zips game over other forms of entertainment. If they have a good game experience, they'll probably come back. If they're ridiculed for wearing a shirt of a school that isn't a rival, isn't in our conference, and never plays us because some of our fans have an inferiority complex with Ohio State, they will probably say screw it and go to the movies next time. When we start selling out games, you can start being concerned with what fans wear. If it's not graphic or vulgar, who cares? Good God...it's no surprise our fan base (especially student fan base) has trouble growing with short-sighted, ignorant attitudes like this. Our fan base has trouble growing because of the short-sightedness of allowing people to think they can get away with wearing the colors of a school we actively compete against for recruits and TV time. How can you be taken seriously when nobody cares that half the fans are wearing the gear of another team and not the one they're watching? Complacency kills. +1. Not caring sets us up to always be second best. I can just imagine what might be said to someone wearing Akron gear to an OSU event.

We win 2-1. Nerve wracking, but we get the result, and that is what ultimately matters.

It's too easy to relax with a multiple-goal lead, especially when you're tiring.. I'd like to think that we are better than that though. I love how high our standards are.

UNC advances over MSU 1-1 (5-4). Seems like the Tar Heels are much better in penalty kicks this year having advanced in two consecutive tournament games.

2-1 on what sounds like another scrappy goal with less than 10 minutes left. Why are we so vulnerable in the last 10 minutes of a game?

Sounds like dominant soccer to me!

Mattocks had the assist on the first goal.

I really hope the crowd is huge. There is no reason for it not to be. I'd be there if I could. Cal just went up 1-0 on Brown. UNC tied the game against MSU in the last 10 seconds. They are in OT now.

but expecting them to stop wearing OSwho crap to Akron games/events, is perfectly reasonable. +1. When this happens, the Rowdies should ridicule the guilty person with chants to the point of utter humiliation. Perhaps that would curtail it from happening again.

I would expect them to be at will call. In my experience, they always have been.

Great form! I can't wait to listen over the internet on 1350. I really hope there is a much bigger crowd than there was for the WVU game! GO ZIPS! My prediction: 3-1 Zips, and bring on Cal-Berkley.

So when is this story going to break? Can't be soon enough so that I can see TCU slide into the #2 spot!

I enjoy following the rifle team because it is great to see UA getting the best of big name schools like OSWho, Purdue, and West Virginia. Rifle also lays claim to one of our few National Championships. I love the tradition. Keep up the great shooting!

Or he decides that building a long-running national soccer dynasty in Akron, Ohio, is a more impressive career accomplishment than anything he or any other coach could accomplish at one of the "name" schools where everyone automatically expects success. +1. Building a soccer dynasty at UA is a true legacy. Take notes, Lebron. The only thing worth leaving for is head coach of the USMNT and the World Cup. If he chooses to do so, we should appoint an interim head coach and welcome Coach Porter back with open arms after his international tenure is up.