Zips Vs. Michigan (soccer)

[RootforRoo44]

Good to see this game will be on tv locally. Looking forward to seeing if another station will make the mistake of putting a mic on the rowdies .

Either way, should be a good game. No way this Michigan team wasn't embarrassed last year when we came to town and hammered them, I have a feeling this one will be more like the PSU game and a lot less like last year.

btw, check out STO's website. Look at the "on air" box below the featured stories on the left. Akron University...again?!

[tpsjugglerdude]

I was at last years game in that state up north. Pure domination. I loved thier fans saying sh!t to the rowdies about we couldn't play soccer when they left and we were just like what? The score is 6-0 and we are #1 in the nation. They responded no we mean YOU guys can't play soccer. Our response? That's why we are here watching!

[Zip_ME87]

I was at last years game in that state up north. Pure domination. I loved thier fans saying sh!t to the rowdies about we couldn't play soccer when they left and we were just like what? The score is 6-0 and we are #1 in the nation. They responded no we mean YOU guys can't play soccer. Our response? That's why we are here watching!

I was also there. The 5-1 final score, in Ann Arbor, was awesome.

I must admit that when the Zips defeated Michigan in the Spring at Ultimate Soccer Arenas, I remember at least 1 UM player shaking hands with 2 Rowdies on the sideline after the game and saying he would see them in Akron in the Fall. From what I could overhear, it sounded like a very classy acknowledgment of the AK-Rowdies involvement in the game vs little-to-none from his own fans (in his own state).

EDIT: Article from last year in the Michigan Daily:

Zips tear Michigan men's soccer to shreds

By Jake Feldman

Daily Sports Writer On October 20th, 2009

The Michigan men's soccer team battled No. 1 Akron yesterday at the U-M Soccer Complex, but if you had sat in the stands with your eyes closed, you wouldn’t have known you were in Ann Arbor.

A small pack of Akron enthusiasts overpowered the lethargic Michigan crowd, hooting and hollering every time the Wolverines slipped up or the Zips made a play.

Unfortunately for Michigan, they had a lot to hoot and holler about.

The Zips pummeled the Wolverines 5-1 in one of Michigan’s poorest performances of the season. Akron (14-0-0) pressured Wolverine defenders and forwards alike, forcing errant passes that often translated into Michigan turnovers. The Zips were equally as aggressive on the attacking half, moving the ball quickly and catching the Wolverines out of position.

“We knew we were going to be up against a good team,” senior captain Julian Robles said. “I don’t know why, maybe we just gave them too much respect and didn’t play our game.”

Akron’s stingy defense has surrendered just three goals on a mere 25 shots on goal this season. Nevertheless, Michigan (1-2 Big Ten, 9-4-1 overall) hung with the top-ranked Zips early on. In the 10th minute, freshman forward Hamoody Saad sent a perfect pass to junior forward Justin Meram who streaked into the opposing box. With a clear shot at the goal, Meram was blanked by the keeper.

“He certainly could have put the score at 1-0 for us,” Michigan coach Steve Burns said. “You score early, and suddenly, the game takes on a whole different flavor.”

But the Wolverines didn’t score first, and the only flavor Burns’s team would taste for the remainder of the contest would be sour. The Wolverines allowed three goals in a five-minute span and trailed 3-0 at halftime. Meram netted Michigan’s only goal in the 48th minute, but the Zips quickly quelled any hopes for a comeback by scoring on the ensuing possession. Sophomore forward Darlington Nagbe notched his first career hat trick in the Akron victory.

While the Zips joined their rowdy fans at the edge of the field to celebrate their 14th consecutive victory, Michigan players circled their disgruntled coach. Frustrated, they shook their heads as they reflected on the woes of the game. The Wolverines had not been so handily outplayed since a humbling 5-0 loss to Notre Dame in the season opener back on Sept. 1.

They responded to that defeat with seven straight wins.

“Sometimes a thorough ass-kicking cleanses your soul,” Burns said. “And sometimes that’s what your team needs. I think we’ll be a team that responds to that because now you get to pay attention to some of the little details that slip away from you.”

[ZachTheZip]

I really, really hate the Big Ten. I hope the Zips destroy Michigan and dominate even more than last year.

[yazan07]

I was at last years game in that state up north. Pure domination. I loved thier fans saying sh!t to the rowdies about we couldn't play soccer when they left and we were just like what? The score is 6-0 and we are #1 in the nation. They responded no we mean YOU guys can't play soccer. Our response? That's why we are here watching!

I was also there. The 5-1 final score, in Ann Arbor, was awesome.

I must admit that when the Zips defeated Michigan in the Spring at Ultimate Soccer Arenas, I remember at least 1 UM player shaking hands with 2 Rowdies on the sideline after the game and saying he would see them in Akron in the Fall. From what I could overhear, it sounded like a very classy acknowledgment of the AK-Rowdies involvement in the game vs little-to-none from his own fans (in his own state).

I was one of the four ROWDIES that made the trip to Pontiac for that tournament. It ended up being a blast, especially because I won a raffle and received a Jabulani. I don't remeber a player talking to us, but there was a Michigan fan who if I recall, mentioned he played soccer with Perry at I forget what level. As the four of us walked down to our end that kid said "yeah Akron!" and high fived each of us. He came down later and asked when the rest of us ROWDIES we're going to be there haha. He was surprised to hear there were only four of us coming after all of the students that showed up last year. After chatting with us for a bit he said "well I'm gonna go back to my seat and watch you guys destroy us," then he took of the Michigan vest he had on. What a great sport. Hopefully we get a big turnout tomorrow night

[Zip_ME87]

I was at last years game in that state up north. Pure domination. I loved thier fans saying sh!t to the rowdies about we couldn't play soccer when they left and we were just like what? The score is 6-0 and we are #1 in the nation. They responded no we mean YOU guys can't play soccer. Our response? That's why we are here watching!

I was also there. The 5-1 final score, in Ann Arbor, was awesome.

I must admit that when the Zips defeated Michigan in the Spring at Ultimate Soccer Arenas, I remember at least 1 UM player shaking hands with 2 Rowdies on the sideline after the game and saying he would see them in Akron in the Fall. From what I could overhear, it sounded like a very classy acknowledgment of the AK-Rowdies involvement in the game vs little-to-none from his own fans (in his own state).

I was one of the four ROWDIES that made the trip to Pontiac for that tournament. It ended up being a blast, especially because I won a raffle and received a Jabulani. I don't remeber a player talking to us, but there was a Michigan fan who if I recall, mentioned he played soccer with Perry at I forget what level. As the four of us walked down to our end that kid said "yeah Akron!" and high fived each of us. He came down later and asked when the rest of us ROWDIES we're going to be there haha. He was surprised to hear there were only four of us coming after all of the students that showed up last year. After chatting with us for a bit he said "well I'm gonna go back to my seat and watch you guys destroy us," then he took of the Michigan vest he had on. What a great sport. Hopefully we get a big turnout tomorrow night

I could be wrong, but I swore there was a Michigan player, at the very end of the game, who walked around the right end of the field (as you faced the pitch from the seats) and stopped long enough to say he would see you in Akron in the Fall. I'm probably wrong. I did remember there were 4 of you, but I only remember 2 on the sideline when the Michigan player walked by.

[yazan07]

I was at last years game in that state up north. Pure domination. I loved thier fans saying sh!t to the rowdies about we couldn't play soccer when they left and we were just like what? The score is 6-0 and we are #1 in the nation. They responded no we mean YOU guys can't play soccer. Our response? That's why we are here watching!

I was also there. The 5-1 final score, in Ann Arbor, was awesome.

I must admit that when the Zips defeated Michigan in the Spring at Ultimate Soccer Arenas, I remember at least 1 UM player shaking hands with 2 Rowdies on the sideline after the game and saying he would see them in Akron in the Fall. From what I could overhear, it sounded like a very classy acknowledgment of the AK-Rowdies involvement in the game vs little-to-none from his own fans (in his own state).

I was one of the four ROWDIES that made the trip to Pontiac for that tournament. It ended up being a blast, especially because I won a raffle and received a Jabulani. I don't remeber a player talking to us, but there was a Michigan fan who if I recall, mentioned he played soccer with Perry at I forget what level. As the four of us walked down to our end that kid said "yeah Akron!" and high fived each of us. He came down later and asked when the rest of us ROWDIES we're going to be there haha. He was surprised to hear there were only four of us coming after all of the students that showed up last year. After chatting with us for a bit he said "well I'm gonna go back to my seat and watch you guys destroy us," then he took of the Michigan vest he had on. What a great sport. Hopefully we get a big turnout tomorrow night

I could be wrong, but I swore there was a Michigan player, at the very end of the game, who walked around the right end of the field (as you faced the pitch from the seats) and stopped long enough to say he would see you in Akron in the Fall. I'm probably wrong. I did remember there were 4 of you, but I only remember 2 on the sideline when the Michigan player walked by.

You're probably right. I just remember the one fan, but a player probably came up while I was running around doing something stupid and I don't remember it. Also, towards the end of the tournament, the 13 year olds behind us, who had been making fun of US the whole game, were at that point gawking over the soccer ball I had won. Maybe I was busy entertaining them. Either way, between the fan and the player, I was surprised by their class. Probably because it was just Spring season. We'll see if any players come up to congratulate us after tonight's game

[jem101]

I just got a message from the Rowdies. Supposedly UM is bringing some students along. Should be a great environment. Go Zips!

[MDZip]

Zips up 3-1 at the half. Two goals from Sarkodie and one by Nagbe.

[you am i]

Rasor is giving regular updates on his Ohio.com blog. Its 4-1 now.

[Buckzip]

Come on Zips. Nothing like seeing scUM beaten.

[MDZip]

Rasor is giving regular updates on his Ohio.com blog. Its 4-1 now.

Yep, Mattocks gets yet another one, his 11th. Another thing I noted on Rasor's blog - out of the 11 starters only two are seniors (Korb and Ampaipatakwong). Now I fully expect Sarkodie to be gone after this year as well, but this team is still well stocked.

[MDZip]

5-1 (Ampaipatakwong, Thomas Schmitt with the assist) and the subs are now rolling in.

[MDZip]

7-1 final, Hat Trick for Sarkodie. I remember the Zips getting seven against FAU a few years ago, but Michigan? Wow.

[Zipsrifle]

Wow. Can we start banking the points scored by our futbol team and use them for our Football team? I mean, we might win a football game if we start tonight?

[akzipper]

Glad to see Michigan's cheering section of 5 fans made the trip, bunch of loudmouths wouldn't shup up at the beginning of the game. Looks like we shut them up...

[GoZips88]

Used up quite a bit of Whoop-Ass tonight! UM students were pretty quiet as they exited out gate 2 after the game. Long ride back to Michigan knowing they got it handed to them. Man I love it when we take it to the big ten!

What a ride ...

[jem101]

Awesome game tonight, awesome atmosphere! UM fans made it even more fun with the chants back and forth. I wish more teams would bring fans along.

As an aside, when UM was taking pregame shots, us Rowdies were doing our typical thing where we'd keep any loose balls at our feet and kick them away when they'd come to pick them up. The whole activity is harmless, just kinda gets in the other teams head a little bit. Since only half Michigan's shots were on goal, there was quite a line of balls lined up ready to be kicked away. As the Michigan assistant was walking down the line, he got fed up and told me and the guy next to me to knock it off because he was wearing metal cleats. We figured he was just messing with us. As he went to get the ball from the guy to my right it was inevitably kicked away. Without even giving me a chance to kick my ball away he turned and stomped right on my ankle with his cleats. It didn't hurt that bad, but I was in shock! Way to stay classy coach! The Big Ten teams seem to all play dirty and lack class. Thankfully the soccer team got some pay back for us. Great game for the Zips!

[yazan07]

Awesome game tonight, awesome atmosphere! UM fans made it even more fun with the chants back and forth. I wish more teams would bring fans along.

As an aside, when UM was taking pregame shots, us Rowdies were doing our typical thing where we'd keep any loose balls at our feet and kick them away when they'd come to pick them up. The whole activity is harmless, just kinda gets in the other teams head a little bit. Since only half Michigan's shots were on goal, there was quite a line of balls lined up ready to be kicked away. As the Michigan assistant was walking down the line, he got fed up and told me and the guy next to me to knock it off because he was wearing metal cleats. We figured he was just messing with us. As he went to get the ball from the guy to my right it was inevitably kicked away. Without even giving me a chance to kick my ball away he turned and stomped right on my ankle with his cleats. It didn't hurt that bad, but I was in shock! Way to stay classy coach! The Big Ten teams seem to all play dirty and lack class. Thankfully the soccer team got some pay back for us. Great game for the Zips!

Do you remember which guy it was? Because there was one guy with a little lighter hair doing this for a while and he seemed to be extremely irritated and then after a while another guy with darker hair came over and seemed to be a much better sport about it. I felt like the first guy sent the other one to do it because he was so mad. Also, unlike some other keepers, Chris was actually playing along with our giving him a hard time. Well, at least he was BEFORE the game

[jem101]

Do you remember which guy it was? Because there was one guy with a little lighter hair doing this for a while and he seemed to be extremely irritated and then after a while another guy with darker hair came over and seemed to be a much better sport about it. I felt like the first guy sent the other one to do it because he was so mad. Also, unlike some other keepers, Chris was actually playing along with our giving him a hard time. Well, at least he was BEFORE the game

It was their assistant coach with the baseball cap on. I think it was this guy, but I'm not sure. I'm still shocked that a coach would do something like that. Guess we did our job and got under their skin. lol

[yazan07]

Do you remember which guy it was? Because there was one guy with a little lighter hair doing this for a while and he seemed to be extremely irritated and then after a while another guy with darker hair came over and seemed to be a much better sport about it. I felt like the first guy sent the other one to do it because he was so mad. Also, unlike some other keepers, Chris was actually playing along with our giving him a hard time. Well, at least he was BEFORE the game

It was their assistant coach with the baseball cap on. I think it was this guy, but I'm not sure. I'm still shocked that a coach would do something like that. Guess we did our job and got under their skin. lol

Haha yup that's the guy that I was thinking of. He was really getting mad. So then he sent one of the other assistants who was a much better sport. And after looking on the link you just sent me, I was trying to figure out who the older guy was who was on their staff, because he was really cool and very friendly and he kept asking when the drums were going to be there. It turns out he actually played soccer for Brazil's national team! Too bad his talents couldn't help Michigan tonight...actually its not too bad at all, because we won 7-1.

[Blue & Gold]

Great game. Lots of fun. Great atmosphere. Was proud to be an Akron fan (haven't had that feeling in a while.) Took a couple of middle school soccer players that I know. They had a blast & want to return (can't say that for the NIU football experience a couple weeks ago.)

I remember reading that the atmosphere behind the east (Rowdies) goal is worlds apart from the atmosphere behind the western goal. Couldn't be more true. But both locations were a lot of fun.

The AK-Rowdies are truly great! Not only rowdy, but knowledgeable of the game as well! Even when the Zips didn't score, The Rowdies could all see when plays were developing, or good passes & moves were made & their excitement was tangible for all of these developments & not only for scores or shots-on-goal. GOOD STUFF! The AK-Rowdies are America's soccer hooligans!!!

[johnnyzip84]

I really liked having the Michigan fans there as well. I was also in Ann Arbor last year, so getting the chance to witness a cumulative 12-2 beat-down over 2 games is quite remarkable and rewarding! I question whether UM will want to schedule UA again any time soon. It might be better for both programs to stay away from each other for a while, since the game last night got pretty chippy in the 2nd half. Go Zips!

[UAZipster0305]

I want another classic quote from the UM coach similar to last year's. Something to the extent of...sometimes a thorough butt kicking cleanses the soul. Classic!

[Captain Kangaroo]

“Sometimes a thorough ass-kicking cleanses your soul,” Burns said.

Then Rob Ianello's soul is so clean it makes surgical instruments jealous.