Yes, Ampai is now classified, in my mind anyway (others can confirm what I'm seeing), simply as an attacking MF. He is rarely back on D to the extent Zemanski and Gavin were last year. There's no doubt that was tweaked in the off season to add more numbers forward.
Ben and Blair were almost inseparable on the field by more than 10-20 yards. Ampai is consistently up field while Perry is back waiting for clearances, etc. It's great when we are attacking, however the goals that we have given up in the past few games lead me to believe that the D was supported by the holders just dominating last year and breaking down a lot of attacks before it even got to the D level.
Just my two cents. Anyone can feel free to post other observations.
Ampai was never a holding MF; he has always been an attacking MF. Before Zemanski became a full time starter, there were other holding MFs.
Yes, Gavin, and especially Zemanski, are sorely missed in the D. Kitchen is a fine player who will get even better.
You are correct that the formation has changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-1-3-2 with Kitchen at the 1. I am not sure the rationale behind this.
If we reverted back to a standard 4-4-2, Reinaldo Brenes would be the choice along side Kitchen as holding MFs, leaving Caldwell on the sideline. Actually I prefer Speas to Caldwell, regardless of scenario.
Zips have shown abundant defensive weakness late in the season, especially at GK. I am not sure why Meves has suddenly shown so much indecision.
This does not bode well.
Short passing teams cannot out possess Akron; play that game and Zips win. However, Indiana plays a direct, ball in flight style, similar to OSU. This has proven trouble for Akron this year. Will Bruin is just the type of big, rough-n-tumble F that finds success versus the Zips.
Pains me to say it, but I predict 2-1 IU. Season over!
I would love to be wrong.