Zip_ME87

The bandwagon jumpers will lose interest and the die hard fans will remain as with any other sport. I have to believe 20k+ will show up for the football game this weekend, or TW should take his talents (read lack thereof) to South Beach where a marketing department is no longer required.

Syracuse isn't the New York flagship university, Buffalo is. I thought it was Army. Since Syracuse and Army are private they can't be a state flagship university. BTW...since the US Military Academy is operated by the US Government, I wouldn't consider it "private". But, yes, it's not a State of New York run university.

Syracuse isn't the New York flagship university, Buffalo is. I thought it was Army. Since Syracuse and Army are private they can't be a state flagship university. Since "Buffalo's in Canada", it can't be a flagship NY university.

Syracuse isn't the New York flagship university, Buffalo is. I thought it was Army.

South bleachers were open for today's women's game. View from the top row in front of the press box (in the shade) was great. I think the folks who purchased mens soccer season tix in the reserved bleachers are going to be happy with their seats! Go Zips!

I also find it disappointing. Our Athletic Dept. is probably too busy kissing the backside of someone who never played basketball at UA (and changes with the wind) to concern themselves with an NFL star who is one of our own. I think it is more complicated than that. A problem we have is the constant turnover when ADs change every 3 years. A positive about George Van Horne working in Athletics is he is committed to UofA and should develop a lasting relationship with JT. Even if George takes another job in Development, he should always maintain the JT "account". I agree with the LBJppreciation Day nonsense was just that...nonsense. What good came out of it? I'm sure it's more complicated than I was making it. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to poke at "NBA Player who never played for UofA"-Appreciation Day. I agree George is a good man who is committed to UofA; perhaps he will work something with JT.

lost 2-1 i believe. Unfortunately, yes.

I also find it disappointing. Our Athletic Dept. is probably too busy kissing the backside of someone who never played basketball at UA (and changes with the wind) to concern themselves with an NFL star who is one of our own.

I agree...Best wishes and thanks for all you did here at Akron!

Our upgraded soccer stadium is beautiful. But, what really makes it better than others is the fans, especially the AK-Rowdies, and the awesome team that plays in it. I defy anyone to match the atmosphere we have! Go Zips!

In addition to the game result, the atmosphere was awesome last night...especially for an exhibition game. It was amazing the number of Rowdies who showed up and packed the east goal. The new stadium is great, and I also give kudos for the team's entrance. Sitting in the chairbacks, I could hear the Rowdies "march to the match" chanting as they followed behind the team. The music, like the South Africa World Cup music, was a great touch as the Zips entered followed by the huge mass of Rowdies. BTW...I loved the "Akron Rejects" cheer, and it was great to hear "...........You SUCK!" Looking forward to September 17th when the south stands are open and filled. Go Zips!

The Great GP1 will not be attending. Going to the mountains for the weekend. To be honest, I wouldn't drive across the street to watch a college soccer game let alone 70 miles to Winston-Salem. Go to downtowon WS and start at the Mellow Mushroom. It is kind of in the center of the "things to do" area of the city. Pizza is good. Walking distance from Marriott and Embassy Suites. If you want to go to a really good BBQ place, go to a place called Gadzooks (I think). It is on the street that runs between the basketball arena and the football stadium up the hill on the same "block" and side as the football stadium. You will have to drive there as the bb arena and fb stadiums are off campus a few miles. Jim Noble has a great place to eat in WS as well. Eat a good dinner and go to the Fox and Hound across the street to watch sports after dinner. Thanks for the info. Sorry we won't be meeting, but have a great time in "the mountains"...Smokies? Obviously, I would go much further than across the street to watch Zips Mens Soccer, but no problem if you don't "get it" or "get into it". Just not sure why the sarcasm was necessary. Apparently you've never read any of GP's other posts on this board. Don't take it personally, and don't be such a pussy. You're feeding our stereotype of soccer players and the boys that admire them. Obviously there are enough A--holes in the world. I don't need to join that crowd!

Awesome! Thanks for the great pic!

I think in order to fall as far as #5 (based on just the UNC game), the team would have to lose -- on the road -- by at least 3 goals. Maybe if they lost to both UNC AND WFU by a total of 3 or more, then maybe #5 would be reasonable. But remember both opponents are themselves ranked top-5. In my opinion Carolina and Wake should each be between #2-4. Two draws would quite possibly keep us in #1 -- depending on what Maryland and whoever else is in the top-5 does. But that's spoken like an Obama-voting futbol fan. We could, on the other hand, just go 2-0 and not worry about the election season. You're right...lets just win the games so we don't have to worry about that. I would hope that we'd still be in the Top-5 if we lost. I respect you if you love soccer, but I might really have to question your choice for president. Choice? Was there a real choice?

The Great GP1 will not be attending. Going to the mountains for the weekend. To be honest, I wouldn't drive across the street to watch a college soccer game let alone 70 miles to Winston-Salem. Go to downtowon WS and start at the Mellow Mushroom. It is kind of in the center of the "things to do" area of the city. Pizza is good. Walking distance from Marriott and Embassy Suites. If you want to go to a really good BBQ place, go to a place called Gadzooks (I think). It is on the street that runs between the basketball arena and the football stadium up the hill on the same "block" and side as the football stadium. You will have to drive there as the bb arena and fb stadiums are off campus a few miles. Jim Noble has a great place to eat in WS as well. Eat a good dinner and go to the Fox and Hound across the street to watch sports after dinner. Thanks for the info. Sorry we won't be meeting, but have a great time in "the mountains"...Smokies? Obviously, I would go much further than across the street to watch Zips Mens Soccer, but no problem if you don't "get it" or "get into it". Just not sure why the sarcasm was necessary.

Now there's dedication...driving for 8 hours after the football game! Get plenty of rest that Saturday morning. Go Zips!

Awesome! Are you going to the UNC game on the 3rd? I opted to go to the Syracuse Football game on the 4th and then fly into Greensboro on the morning of the 5th. So, I'll only be at the WF game. Hope we can meet up.

I just made arrangements to attend the game at WF on September 5th and am wondering if GP1 or anyone else on ZN.O is planning to be there. I tried to PM GP1 , but it wasn't working. If anyone is going, please PM me so we can try to get together on gameday.

At this point (pre-season), what matters is respect...others respect Akron and Akron gets attention from its high ranking. However, as Caleb said, what really matters is being #1 at the end of the season...to be peaking at the right time. I think this team has the talent to be #1 throughout the season, but it's going to be tough, especially given that the Zips play UNC and WF on hostile pitches to start the season.

Coach gave a great interview on Top Drawer Soccer. Included a mention of the AK-Rowdies. Go Zips! Top Drawer Soccer interview & SI.com article. Gotta love the national coverage of UA!

I would say LeBron still has a lot of growing up to do. I could respect him if he took the high road and just said that he really appreciated all the love and support Cavs fans showed him while he was here. He doesn't have to love Cleveland. I don't love Cleveland; there's a lot of bass-ackward things I hate about it. I wish the lame mayor and city council could get their sh*t together and really make a plan and stick to it. It actually has a lot going for it except the dumb*sses in charge. But, I just can't believe anything LeBron says, even when he professes his love for Akron. I never liked the guy and like him less now.

I hope to be wearing mine this Friday after returning from LA. Ordered it before I left last Friday and was promised it would go out right away upon the bookstore receiving them. After all the noise we made about wanting these, I hope they sell out.

I would think Tulsa and Creighton would be more challenging than UM or UC. But, never take any opponent for granted.

Did you notice the graduation rate and what it is based on? ... Percentage of students who began their studies in fall 2002 and completed their degree program within 4 years Most engineering students take 5 years to complete their degrees because of Cooperative education, which is encouraged. Basing graduation rates on completing degrees in 4 years negatively skews the data.

Here is an exchange that I had concerning this through "Ask the AD" a few months ago... My Question/comment: Dear Tom, I'm very interested when the Akron Athletics Department is going to either offer some better apparel options themselves or work a deal with Barnes & Noble to do so. The apparel options currently available are not very good. For example, it would be awesome to show my pride in our nationally ranked Men's Soccer team. An Akron Soccer polo that I could wear to work on casual day would be outstanding. A replica soccer jersey would also be a nice choice. How about some apparel that has "The University of Akron" and "Fear the Roo" both on it. I'm very fortunate to have an Akron Soccer Scarf because I bought a season ticket last year. But, I think it's time to offer Soccer scarves in the team shop for anyone to buy. The university could make a good profit, and everyone who wants to do so, can show their pride in our awesome team. Thanks as always for your attention. AD Response: Thanks for the note and it's good to hear from you. You raise a great point about our merchandise options at this point, but I've copied Bryan Huettmann, our licensing director who I think will have some good news for you and our other fans who want Zips Merchandise. Thanks again for your support and Go Zips! Tom Bryan Huettmann's response: I am pleased to inform you that Barnes & Noble Bookstores is planning on offering new soccer items for the upcoming season including a jersey, various apparel and a scarf. They will have a visible presence at all home soccer matches, in the student union and football game day at the stadium. Please feel free to contact me about anything. Your opinion is appreciated. Go Zips! Bryan Huettmann InfoCision Stadium Manager Director of Licensing The University of Akron Department of Athletics 373 Carroll Street, Suite 75 Akron, OH 44325-5201 O: (330) 972-2639 Not sure what was meant by "a scarf", but it appears that only season ticket holders will have access to them once again this season. In my opinion, that might be ok to start the season, but when we show up in the NCAA playoffs, and especially at the College Cup, all Zips' Soccer fans who want one should have a scarf. Go Zips!