Michigan

[bigzipguy]

Looks like, according to Livestats, Zips beat Mich 1-0

[MDZip]

Certainly appears that way - that's a huge win, if so. And it keeps the Akron-Michigan streak alive, home team always wins, so when if we meet them in the NCAA playoffs, it needs to be at home (or at the final four).

[Blue & Gold]

Thanks for the update; Live Stats wasn't loading for me for some reason. Nice win! If anyone was in attendance, can you give us a rundown on the atmosphere @ the game? How was the crowd on such a cold, Wednesday night?

[bmaker]

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.

[Captain Kangaroo]

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.

I was at the match. Your summary is excellent. Zamanski's feet are ridiculously fast...that assist was sweet. As far as the Michigan player (#10) going down...it looked like a flop to me. He screamed like he was shot and the ref waited a couple seconds...then figured he had to call something. Shockingly, 5 minutes later, the previously near-death #10 was back on the field.Cold, fun night.

[UAZipster0305]

It's not that we got out played, it's that we sat on the lead and didn't push forward in numbers. Yes, Michigan had a penalty kick that shouldn't have been awarded and a couple more corners, but no other huge scoring opportunities. Keep in mind too that Steve Zakuani hit the post off a long dribble from midfield where he beat two or three other players with 15 minutes left in the game. There was a similar situation with about 5 minutes remaining where Steve crossed the ball instead of shooting to a wide open Tutich in front of a wide open goal at the corner of the six yard box and Tutich just couldn't get it out of his cleats. I think it was a bit out of his reach. The score easily could have been 3-0.Nonetheless, a great night for soccer, a quality win for the Zips, and yet another shut out. Great effort from Bush on the PK save! Well worth the trip from Pittsburgh even though I missed the goal and most of the first half.