Zip_ME87

You may be able to figure out your question about the staff from the roster picture which is on GoZips.com at https://gozips.com/roster.aspx?path=msoc In my opinion, the midfield was not in control much, and we didn't get a lot going offensively. A few good looks, but as Skye said, Maryland imposed their style on the game. The Zips didn't play much Akron soccer in the final. Great weekend and season, though. Proud of what our players, coaches, and staff accomplished. Wanted so much for them to get the trophy to top off all their hard work. What a run of tournaments (MAC and NCAA)!!! Only 1 home game in that span.

Why Valentin, Timbers committed to each others' futures Great read about a great person.

Thanks @TennZip Good to see this story was also posted on BigSoccer.com (by buflobo). As noted there, few knew this. Grateful that Pacheco shared his inspirational story and wish him the best as his treatment continues. Pleased to read this quote... “I think I’m living the dream right now,” Pacheco said. “It’s perfect to be in Akron. I love the people inside the university and I’m really enjoying it. For me it’s a pleasure to be a player of Akron.” So glad to know this awesome young man, thankful that he chose Akron and that he's happy being here.

Thanks 72 Roo!!! The Athletic Dept did an outstanding job with this College Cup. The pre-game parties at the Beachside restaurant were outstanding and they also held a soccer alumni dinner on Saturday evening during which we watched Darlington Nagbe and Zarek Valentin in the MLS Cup. Interim President Green and his wife were in attendance. George Van Horne asked everyone in attendance to stand up and talk about their connection to Akron Men's Soccer. Great stories. Speaking of the UCSB folks, we had a number of UCSB alumni sit in our section. Told us we were the team to support! Truly, Soccer Heaven! I have to reiterate your statement that Jared deserves National Coach of the Year. As you said, "he replaced 7 out of 11 starters and at the beginning of the season it was 9 out of 11 due to injuries." If I recall correctly, in August the 2018 Zips had 19 of 32 players who were not Zips in 2017 and he and staff took this team to the National Championship Game!

So PROUD of this team. Everyone worked so hard. So much to be thankful for and happy with. Can’t wait til we get going again!!!

I suggest going to WIll Call. I think the Akron staff will be handling our tickets there. They may have extras to sell. They also have the wrist bands that get you into the Akron section and may be able to provide you one even if you have to buy a ticket from the event staff or if you already bought one online. See you tonight! Go Zips!!!

Well said. I would only add ... UCSB deserves better [from the NCAA], too. They are GREAT HOSTS. Many THANKS to them!!!

Zips fans in Georgia....

I love the smiles on the 3 police officers' faces as Carlo and Skye celebrate with a slide in front of them. Courtesy Ohio.com (in the linked article).

There were 3 male Gauchos students who sat in the front of our section last night. I don't know who they were, if they had any connections to Akron, or were there because we're the mid-major in this College Cup of B1G teams + 1, or that they appreciate great Zips soccer. They were fun and seemed to be cheering for Akron. One of them even wore a blue mask (think Lone Ranger type mask)...Gauchos, of course. The clock for our game counted up (strange that it counted down in the 2nd game). Anyway, at 68:50 they started counting down..."10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1" ... and turned to face all of us ... "69 YAY!!!" Strange, but funny! You probably had to be there.... We all had puzzled looks on our faces as they started that countdown. But, we were all "high" on what our team was doing on the field; so, who couldn't just love those guys and that bizarre moment. I thought, hey they have 2 games tonight in which to do this...Perhaps the clock counted down in the 2nd game so that they couldn't do it again... NCAA / ESPN party poopers.

Yes, Willy is here in Santa Barbara and doing his always fantastic job leading our cheers! It's too bad that he cannot be in 2 places at once...he was awesome at the JAR for the Elite8 match. We need another Willy.......Clone...can we get someone to clone Willy, please? Perhaps they could do a Skype, Facetime, or Facebook Live at the JAR focused on Willy and the Zips fans in attendance at UCSB. The crowd back there could join in. Just need to get a 2nd screen / audio system.