MONSTER F-ing Soccer Schedule!

[Captain Kangaroo]

Seven NCAA Tournament Teams Highlight 2005 Men's Soccer Schedule

Zips will take on seven teams that made the NCAA Tournament field in 2004, including National Champion Indiana

March 31, 2005

AKRON, Ohio - Defending NCAA Champion Indiana, Round of 16 participant Ohio State, and Elite Eight qualifier St. John's University highlight the 2005 University of Akron men's soccer schedule released today. Akron will be in search of its fifth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance as it opens regular-season play at Lee Jackson Field on Sept. 2 against Evansville University.

"We are very excited about this schedule, said head coach Ken Lolla, who is entering his 13th season at the school. "Not only did we retain some top opponents we have played each of the last few years, but we also picked up nationally prominent programs in Indiana and St. John's."

Northeast Ohio's own version of the NCAA College Cup will take place on Aug. 18-21 as the Zips play host to the inaugural Westfield Cup at Lee Jackson Field. The preseason tournament will match Connecticut (NCAA Tournament) against Maryland (2004 College Cup participant) in the first game on Aug. 19, with the Zips taking on Southern Methodist (NCAA Round of 16) in the nightcap. August 21 will feature consolation and championship matches.

After nonconference matches vs. Robert Morris (Sept. 4) and Wright State (Sept. 11) on the road, and Cleveland State (Sept. 9) at home, the Zips will travel to New Jersey for the Princeton Tournament. UA faces host Princeton on Sept. 16, followed by a match against powerhouse Loyola (Md.) on Sept. 18.

IPFW visits Lee Jackson Field on Sept. 23, followed by a trip to Oakland University on Sept. 25. The Zips then play host to a pair of Big Ten foes in Ohio State (Sept. 30) and Penn State (Oct. 3). Both were NCAA Tournament teams last season with the Buckeyes advancing to the third round.

"I feel like this schedule is as good as we have had in recent history," Lolla said. "To get into the NCAA Tournament we can't just rely on winning the conference. Strength of schedule is very important in the selection process and this will prepare us for the postseason."

The defending Mid-American Conference tournament champions, Akron opens MAC play at Buffalo on Oct. 7, followed by its first-ever trip to St. John's on Oct. 12. The Red Storm were 12-6-4 last season and made their third Elite Eight appearance in the last four seasons. The trip is followed by a pair of home games against league foes Bowling Green (Oct. 16) and Northern Illinois (Oct. 21).

"This season the No. 1 seed for the MAC Tournament will play host to the semifinal and final matches, so that puts a premium on doing well during the regular season," Lolla said.

The Zips wrap-up MAC action at Western Michigan on Oct. 23 and close out the regular season with three nonconference matches. Michigan comes to Lee Jackson Field on Oct. 28 as the Zips will try to avenge last year's first-round NCAA Tournament loss to the Wolverines. UA then plays host to Kentucky on Oct. 30. The Wildcats are beginning their first season as a member of Conference USA.

Akron's final tune-up before the MAC Tournament (Nov. 11-13) is a big one as it travels to Bloomington, Ind., to take on the defending NCAA Champion Indiana Hoosiers on Nov. 3.

[Zipsrifle]

The soccer program continues to be on the move. Continually being one of the best teams in the confrence. Booking more quality teams will only help the Zips get better and give us more opportunities to pull off an upset. Nice job! I might have to attend the game at Oakland University if there isn't a football game that weekend.

[Z.I.P.]

Couple of notes to add to the schedule notes placed by CK:

It was disappointing to see that the Westfield Cup will be played as a pre-season (exhibition) event. The line-up -- SMU, Maryland and UConn could be the top tournament in the nation. I understand the staff is working to make it a regular season event in 06, hopefully with another strong field. In the meantime, give a little aloha to my braddah, SMU forward Duke Hashimoto of the national U-19 champs, Honolulu Bulls.

In other soccer news, I notice that Jim Barlow has replaced Ken Lolla as coach of the US National U-15 boys team. His name's been listed since February. Not sure what Ken's future is with the 15s, or Bruce Arena's youth program overall. Ken was able to put his and Akron's name in the national spotlight, and should have more opportunities for national and international prominence at the US Soccer level, not to mention with national-caliber camps and scouting. Good luck Chief!

No news on the wahine Zips schedule yet, but look for continued improvement in the OOC grid. This is a key year for the Roogals, as they need to move up and become more competitive in the MAC.