bmaker

All the polls I've seen have Akron at No. 2. The second issue of the NCAA RPI is due today.

The Zips played an uninspiring yet sufficient game tonight to best the Broncos, 2-0. Ben Zemanski scored in the first half off a nice cross from the end line by Kofi Sarkodie. Nicely executed all-around. The second goal came in the second half on a pretty shot by Teal Bunbury. My position in the stands was such that I could line up the shot right into the right corner past the diving WMU keeper.Western Michigan had zero attack and 80% of the game was played in their defensive half. Which is why I feel the game was uninspiring. Akron should have walked all over these guys.One question: tonight was senior night and Andrew Tipton didn't play. Anyone know why?

It was definitely chilly out there tonight, with a steady breeze coming straight into the stands from the north. Crowd was good and the AKR's were awesome and numerous (as usual). Akron's goal came early in the first half on a hard-fought run down the right side by Ben Zemanski, who placed a low hard cross about eight yards out. A waiting Anthony Ampaipitakwong calmly re-directed it into the goal. In the second half Michigan was awarded a PK on what I think most of us thought was a questionable call. There was a high ball in the box that a lot of players jumped up for, and after everyone came down one of the Wolverines cried out in pain and grabbed his leg. I have no doubt he was struck by someone but it seemed like the ref waited a bit too long to blow the whistle...almost like he didn't really see a foul but figured there must have been something since a player was down. Anyway, on the ensuing spot kick Evan Bush guessed correctly, dove right, and deflected the shot outside the left post.This was not Akron's best effort tonight. Michigan controlled much of the mid field and had about 8 or 9 corners. They also had several shots on goal so Bush was busier than normal. At one point late in the second half one of the Akron defenders misplayed a clearance and the ball almost deflected into the open net.So luck was with the Zips tonight. But as someone once said, sometimes I'd rather be lucky than good. Hopefully luck won't be needed on Saturday when Akron gives Western Michigan a sound thrashing.

Agreed. I DID attend last night and the Rowdies were awesome. Nothing questionable at all that I could see or hear.

A gutsy performance tonight against a dug-in CSU side. But I'd rather they not wait until a minute left in the second OT to dispense with a team like Cleveland State. Hopefully Stony Brook won't cause so much difficulty.

I did not attend but I was told by someone who did that the Rowdies took things a bit too far in their disrespect for the opponents during team introductions. Good natured ribbing is fine...I question the need to be mean-spirited.

Our boys regained momentum in grand fashion today in a noonday match against MAC newcomer Florida Atlantic University. The Zips gave the Owls a very cool welcome as four separate players participated in the scoring, including Cam Carris' first collegiate goal late in the second period.Keep it up, boys. See you on Sunday against Cleveland State at 6:00 pm. CSU defeated Missouri State 2-0 earlier in the season so they will not be push-overs.

And Louisville goes on to prevail 1-0 against John Rennie's Duke Blue Devils. It's a bittersweet win for Lolla, with so much wrapped up in that game. Rennie had already announced that this would be his last season (his 35th, I believe) at Duke. Add to that the fact that Lolla played for Rennie '80 to '83 and then assistant-coached there for a few seasons. Plus, this is Louisville's first ever game (and victory) in the NCAA tournament. Oh, and one more item of interest to Zips fans: between the pipes for Louisville was former Akron player David Simolike--he went with Lolla when Kenny left after the 2005 season.

I believe Kenny's last year at Duke was 1983, so he couldn't have been on the team that beat UA in 1986. But he sure left a legacy there!By the way, Louiville is up 1-0 against Duke at half time of their opening round game.

Very interesting set of stats. Thanks for putting this together. I think it demonstrates that Akron will have the advantage, at least by the numbers. Seems like the biggest challenge will be on our defense, at least if the opponent turns out to be USF. Hope Ossie, Corey, Devin, and Elliott come out smokin'!

Louisville ends up with a first round match against Duke, normally a soccer power but a little off their game this season. Louisville has the home field advantage and could pull off a victory. Assuming that happens, their next challenge will be Ohio State in Columbus. As noted above, they have already proven themselves "equal" to the task against the Buckeyes. Should be interesting. Best of luck to Lolla's squad!

The NCAA published it's new RPI table today and Akron is unchanged at No. 12. I think this bodes well for NCAA tournament seeding (assuming they get things done this weekend in the MAC tourny) despite the fact that they dropped to No 18 in the Soccer Times poll. They actually rose a step, to No 16, in the College Soccer News poll.On a related note, Ohio State beat Indiana in the Big Ten tourny and now carry an RPI rating of 4th.

Louiville's RPI ranking is No 33 as of October 30. They have tied two respectable teams since then but I don't expect a significant move in the RPI as a result. Perhaps a slight boost.

According to the NCAA Men's Soccer Committee memorandum of August 13, the RPI won't be updated again until November 13. See NCAA website.

Were you referring to another senior? Zemanski is a soph (playing brilliantly none-the-less). Hey people! The might, might Penn State Lions did not have ONE shot on goal for ninety minutes!!! Zips are Lion slayers, who seemed to play with the little beasts. 900+ minutes and counting of clean goal-keeping sheets! Holy spumoni, that's some defensive calcio Caleb!Clearly this team is creating chemistry, as we had hoped early on, and our own cubs are growing into their new roles on a smaller stage than they had played with US national squads. And the seniors, Ben Zemanski especially, are playing brilliantly (pass the Guinness, master Bradbrook (are you 18 yet?). If we can keep up the momentum, I think we could go deep into the tournament. Knock on plywood.Go Caleb and the Kids.

Yeah, I saw the Rowdies all lined up at the TV sets in the Student Union. However, I wouldn't be too hard on them; they have been a huge boost to the soccer team and I as a player's parent sure appreciate their efforts!

Congratulations to Corey Sipos for being named to the College Soccer News team of the week. Corey has produced big time at both ends of the field over the past several games and deserves the recognition.Oh, and by the way, CSN has the Zippers up from #19 to #16 now. Expect similar gains in the other polls.

After losing to the Huskies twice (ugh!) last season, the Zippers are going to demolish them this Saturday. Any thoughts?