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We do disservice to WSOC by continuing on this thread a referendum on MSOC. My apologies for that.

You need never doubt my sincerity or deliberation. I was formally trained in compositional deconstruction at the University of Akron. I too would be satisfied with Zips WSOC hosting (and losing) the MAC Tournament. That would be quite an improvement over struggling to achieve mediocrity. But this is an unacceptable goal for MSOC, who are accustomed to much greater heights. The histories of Zips MSOC and Zips WSOC are not comparable. For a long while WSOC have not even been respectable. MSOC enjoy a long and storied legacy. It is far past time for WSOC to catch up to MSOC. But MSOC have not recently been worthy of that stellar legacy. They have instead become woefully pedestrian. So, I am challenging them, calling them out. Certainly, crosspollination between the Men's and Women's programs is healthy and mutually beneficial. The two programs share the same facilities and resources; they should likewise share methodologies and techniques. But MSOC must regain relevance and stature before any of us download their instructional video or enroll in their weekend seminar.

I too attended Thursday night versus Dayton. A long-time season ticket holder for MSOC, I attend 2-3 WSOC matches per season. I love futbol. If I am the HC, I would make adjustments in my personnel once I go up early 2-0 to a side thought to be superior. Especially since defending is my team's weakness. Keep formation and system the same but move my best talent back in the formation. In particular, move F to MF. (Defensive midfield is where the Zips got crushed.) Give some bench players a fresh look at forward. Close out the contest. I am familiar with freshman F Rachel Wenzel, having watched her play for many years in HS and in club. She played the full 90. I was surprised to discover that Rachel is among the best players on the roster. In fact, most of the Zips players who caught my eye are underclassmen. Sophomore F Emma King is a player. Freshman GK Sara Bower is tough and technical, if not a bit short to play GK. Freshman D Hannah Langstaff had a rough night, but her talent is evident. Freshman Anna Simmons showed some spark off the bench at offensive MF. Players listed above will be better in the future, and they are already among the best on the quad right now. So, I disagree with zippy-claws regarding the recruiting of late. Coach Jen Simonetti is a coach I would have hired as an Athletic Director. She has the player pedigree and the coaching experience perfect for the position. To speak with her personally, or to watch her conduct practice, one comes away impressed. "There is a leader I would fight for," is the common response. But you guys are right; results are what matter at this level. Jen must convert these players and/or bring in a few of her own. She has until next year to show real improvement. It bears repeating that the facilities and resources at Akron deserve a topflight WSOC team. And the girls' programs in NEO are among the very best in the country, whether HS or club. Recruiting in this area should not require superhuman effort. In summary, the Zips are a team of fast athletes playing the game very slowly. They are thinking way too much instead of letting it flow. Passes are tentative and without conviction, leading to passing inaccuracy and possession turnover. Futbol is not classical music, it is improvisational jazz. Zips are making sure to read the music correctly instead of just finding the groove. Sorry zippy-claws, but the coaching staff of MSOC hardly should be held up as a shining example for WSOC to emulate. The current MSOC staff has never won an NCAA Tournament match, and Embick/Coppinger last won an NCAA Tournament match in 2018. MSOC have their own problems to fix.

To whomever made the decision to turn down the music/announcements for the post-match "I believe" chant: Thank You! Very Much! Video from last night's post-match "I believe" celebration is not yet available. But it was a good one. Student attendance vs. Vermont was as good as we have seen in recent memory. Instead, here is video from a few years ago, after an NCAA Tournament victory (remember those?).

USMNT should really push to cap BENJAMIN CREMASCHI forthwith. Because Argentina are likely to make the same push.

Indeed!

It is continually disappointing that the post-match music and/or announcements cannot be turned off for 90 seconds during for the Players/Students "I believe" chant celebrating a victory. This (now) traditional chant is what collegiate athletics is ALL ABOUT. Why would we not encourage this organic and (I'll say it) beautiful expression? To whom do I need to direct this complaint? 💓

‘‘Twas a pleasure to see both WSOC and MSOC teams @ Infocision for the kickoff event. Can hardly believe the season is already upon us. Special shout-out to CB from Morgantown. Hang in there; the future is bright!

Come for the atmosphere; stay for the Quality.

How is Aodhan Quinn NOT in MLS!?

Well done, AN10!

Hey, wasn't Micaletto well offside there?

RLaryea with the fantastic dish! Superb!

Tremendous run and strike by R. Laryea!!!

Fair question. I do not have the answer, and I am not even sure who to ask. It looks weird.

AKR 2-0 St. Bonaventure Very inhospitable weather! Strong winds gusted from the west throughout! Rain, sleet, and everything in between. Thankfully, the hail stopped before kickoff. 4-2-3-1 (ref Arsenal) Jason Shokalook was injured and did not take off his warmups, so Stefan Dobrijevic filled in nicely up top, playing the full 90. He stroked in a fantastic looping right-footed goal from the left corner of the box to the far top corner. Great. But Stefan also missed several other opportunities that, from the sideline, looked like pedestrian finishes. Dobrijevic arguably should have had a hat-trick. At least he got in threatening positions. Later in the first half, Josh Hallenberger scored a goal that (from my vantage point) looked like the exact same goal, from the identical spot, that Dobrijevic scored earlier. Halle put in a rock-solid shift, box to box. Though not the most talented on the squad, Joey Paulus is a joy to watch compete. He plays with a relentless and unquenchable fire. His linking play is greatly improved, and he is emerging as a team leader. Joey's left-footed shot is surprisingly powerful. He is obviously having fun out there. ZipsNation can hope for a strong Fall season from Paulus. For reasons undisclosed, Joel Sangwa did not take off his warmups. Mani Diop filled in and was the best revelation of the match. Impressive. Diop really plays a very similar style to Sangwe, calmly handling the ball, confidently tackling, and efficiently distributing. Diop will push for playing time soon, not to mention 2024. All in attendance, players, coaches, referees, fans, were bundled up for warmth. It was tough to identify, even at close range, those not playing.

We care about WSOC. But the program has never realized it’s potential. Same resources as MSOC. Same facilities. Some of the very best high school programs in the nation are a short drive from Akron, not to mention the various academies in the area. It should be very doable to recruit at least red chip talent - without ever boarding a plane. Hopefully, Simonetti can do that. If she cannot, I know coaches who can. Give her some time.

Are you suggesting our WSOC program forgot to sign players?

Like I said; I jumped to my feet. Well done!

Joey Paulus’ lefty screamer from the D forced me to my feet! Wow! Joey should always have the green light to fire. Without a net around the goal, that ball just may have left campus. (Not really hyperbole considering the pitch is literally on a hilltop.)

Very competitive match. And Zips were missing some key players. It was cold. Standout for Zips was (no surprise) Joel Sangwa. Highmark is a beautiful venue. Shoutout to David Egbo for showing! (He will never read this.)

I am rooting for Trialist 2.

Good Call! Zarek Valentin actually could host SportsCenter. He has the gift of ham. I was thinking more along the lines of standup comedy (tough gig), but definitely public speaking of some sort. Great guy is ZV.