Zip_ME87

You make it sound as if the Zips were a complete disaster last night. LOL Not even close. They played a good game. Just needed that bit extra to finish...perhaps fresher legs, more experience. You watched a different game than I did if you saw the team playing either expecting to get a great chance or for Army to make a mistake and give us one. For most of the game, the Zips were pressing and attacking while not giving up much the other way. "I'm in my mid-40s and still play multiple 90 minute games in a week at a high level"...curious, against whom?

Often the Zips wear teams down. However, it's not a stretch to believe that Army cadets are well-conditioned. Especially tough to wear them down when they used 6 subs for a total of 177 minutes. The Zips, on the other hand, used 5 subs for 68 minutes. Our guys were attacking to the end, but given 2 games in 4 days and 3 games in 8 days, I trust that our deep bench can lighten the load a bit more.

Watching it occur live in front of me, I didn't think it was even a foul, but the Dayton player sold it, and the ref was behind the play. When the ref went to VAR for possible red, I thought he would rescind the yellow, which he upheld (too prideful to admit his mistake). Looking at it again on ESPN+ On Demand, it should not have even been a foul. GREAT sliding tackle. I'll reiterate your statement ... Keep up the strong work, Matthew! That was beautiful!!

Apparently so. Over the past weekend, I noticed the link on ESPN+ for Akron v Dayton Men's Soccer when specifically searching soccer.

2026 Akron Zips Men's Soccer Preseason Preview with Coach Embick - 08.17.2026

Thanks.

Edit: https://gozips.com/news/2026/8/11/mens-soccer-akron-selected-to-win-big-east-midwest-division-agunbiade-and-dreas-earn-preseason-accolades

Edit: https://gozips.com/news/2026/8/11/mens-soccer-akron-selected-to-win-big-east-midwest-division-agunbiade-and-dreas-earn-preseason-accolades

Hoping we can use this thread throughout the season to list all of the polls and RPI updates. Zips at #12 in the United Soccer Coaches Pre-Season Poll. https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/rankings/college-rankings/ncaa-di-men/

AGREED

Bad news...Venezuela U21 won 3-2 yesterday. So the Dominican Republic U21 did not advance to the semifinals. Great news...Thomas O'Rourke will be returning to Akron soon...hopefully in time to be available for the August 8th exhibition match. Go Zips!!!

will include in first post as well as here.