gazip11

Akron is a fantastic team. I know they didn't finish the year ranked #1 or anything, but it's obvious why they're ranked in the top 10. That team is LOADED. -- Akron is very athletic and exceptionally fast. That doesn't make them better soccer players, but it sure doesn't hurt. Some things can be countered with schematic adjustments, like double-teaming a stud pass rusher, denying the ball to a great shooter in basketball or intentionally walking a great hitter. But this team was flying all over the field. -- Ben Hill is pretty good. Earlier in the year, he got spot duty when Juan Castillo got a rest, but it's time to give this guy his due. He's really strong and created some space in the offensive end because he couldn't be pushed around. He'll play more next year, and deservedly so. -- Our defense played pretty well. Their offense played better. The first goal (by #10 - Maddux?) was great, a diving header on a cross from the other side of the field, bouncing the shot into the lower left corner. The second goal, by the bald kid (I think his name is Holmes) was better, a free kick that he absolutely crushed through a gap in the line. Maybe Ibarra was screened or something, but it looked like he never saw it, or maybe it was such a hard shot that he didn't have time to react. Shot could have been 20 yards longer and would have gone in. The third goal might be the best goal I ever have seen in person: Maddux chased down a loose ball, shook off an SMU defender who was trying to tackle him (football tackle, that is) and kept his head enough to turn and somehow get a shot in under the crossbar from a very tough angle. No idea how that thing went in. -- Maddux got two goals, so he'll be viewed as the man of the match, but I really liked that bald kid (Holmes). He held possession all day in the midfield, and it seemed like he had the ball on a string. For a while, it looked like our guys were flailing at the ball, and he was the reason why. He seemed like the point guard who makes that team go. Akron was the better team tonight and deserved to win. When we were down 3-0, I didn't think they were three goals better, but it also felt more convincing than the 1-goal margin on the scoreboard. Maybe 3-1 would have been appropriate.

We'll get in, we'll have a game Thursday at home, and we're going to make a run for the Cup. I'm expecting a Big 10 school possibly for the first round. I'm calling it now...Northwestern at home in the first round. And we finally have a chance to return the favor from circa 2006! I think we have a chance at making a strong run too. We need to play consistently and Mattocks needs to return to his scoring prominence. His lack of goals in the last few big games may have cost him the Herman Trophy. I'd love to see a 4-4-2 with Mattocks and Holmes up top...I'd love to see that two-headed monster Their speed and willingness to make things happen one-on-one could shift the balance of play towards the opponent's goal. And having Holmes up top with him would prevent the defense from exclusively keying on Mattocks. I hope Coach Porter makes some such adjustments next game. We need them. 100% agree

I thought Holmes was supposed to provide that additional option. He was supposed to be a scoring machine. What's happened to him? For Luke to score big goals he needs to be placed central in the area between Scott and Darren, Luke has been used left right and a little in midfield but NEVER in the area of the field were he can cause maximum damage, Darren needs help!

the problem with soccer stats is that they don't keep stats for things like preventing shots on goals. Meves is really good and with a little leg strength, could find himself playing in the MLS. His stats for USL Chicago Fire: SOG - 38 GA - 3 Saves - 35 GAA - .426 SO - 5 He saved 92% of the shots on goal. http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2011/22315.html#STATS I remember the Chicago Fire PDL got kicked out of the US Open Cup on a 3-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City (the senior squad, not a PLD team) so if he really only had three goals against him all summer, that means all three came from a professional team. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011...chicago-pdl-3-0 It’s extremely difficult being a keeper in a team which is always on the attack were he has very little to do for much of the time then all of a sudden he’s required to make a save or deal with a dangerous cross in to his box, this takes supreme concentration and is much more difficult than it looks. Compare this to a keeper playing in a team where he is constantly in the action having to make save after save and always involved, a keeper playing in this fashion stays warm and loose and can produce good stats. Another thing that is important in a top keeper is having “Presence” someone who dominates his box and takes command of his area, defenders need a keeper to have this skill as it also gives them more confidence while doing their job of defending.

Yeah,.....that is pretty much it. Does anyone have any thoughts about the game?????...I thought they played their best game so far......Discuss!

I agree 100% with your comments skip-zip, I would also like to point out it takes time to rebuild a new team after losing so many starters to the pro's, I'm sure Caleb will mould this team and feel sure it will be ready for the fall. KEEP THE FAITH!

Did Luke Holmes go on the Spanish trip? No

GAZip11? Is that you Steve-o? You don't get to go! Sigie says. Sorry you have the wrong person, I'm based in Europe and have family a connection with the Zips so will be in Madrid supporting the team.

Who's going to Madrid?