Akron Invitational

[Z.I.P.]

Is Balogun injured? I did not notice during the match, but after viewing the recorded broadcast, I wonder if Brenes will start vs. CalPoly.Also, I wonder who will start at Forward with Mattocks serving a minimum (and well deserved) one game suspension.I would rather a look at Chiu than see Schmidt start.

I don't think Chiu is being looked at as a contributor this year. Not sure if he has played -- but I'd look at a red-shirt year as best for Andy. Schmitt can do the job when called on.The game: The team picked up where they left off in Northridge -- I was hoping there would be a chance at a similar tumultuous finish, but it was not to be. It seemed as if the red card deflated the players emotionally. Another thing that we are seeing, despite the amazing level of skill on Akron's side, size does matter, and opponents are using their larger, and taller bodies to stay in games with us this year. How about that guy Sandoval? He looked like he towered over Akron in the box, and he kept the play alive that allowed the Lobos to put in the equalizer. Is he the Brian Urlacher of college soccer?Couple of side things I saw last night: Quinn (I wish I could spell his first name!) has a great future in front of him. He continues to see the game better than anyone on the field. He just has great soccer instincts. It would be something to witness if we could combine those instincts with DeAndre's pace down the sideline. DeA runs like a deer, but when he gets the ball in the forward third he sometimes looks like he's caught in the headlights! He still needs to "get" the feel of the college game, but when he does he's going to be special. He just holds onto the ball longer than he should -- when he starts finding open runners he's going to start creating scoring chances. How did Cal Poly look vs Syracuse? I was in Pomona couple wks ago -- the school there calls themselves the Big Brothers of the Poly family. Rowdies might want to do something with that. Hey -- another idea: throw tortillas! They do that on the C. Coast

[TheTank123]

this has been an ugly first half. dagillis doesn't look up to the task. baloguns been sloppy in possession and we aren't getting any production from whoever is playing up on the left. Holmes should hopefully solves this in a few games. We are very fortunate to be up 1 at the break.

Like my first half suggested, we were in trouble. I knew going in to this game it was going to be tough, even at home. It seems as though Porter agreed with my assesment of the players I thought struggled. Dagillis was subbed at half, Balogun came off in th second half too for the (imo) more polished and savy Brenes. The left side continues to be a problem too. Player ratings:Meves: 4 - The mistake early was a real howler but thankfully it didn't cost him. However, he didn't look comfortable the rest of the way.Yeddelin - 6 - Tried to get forward but wasn't able to convert a lot of his runs into successful attacks. Still like the way he plays and is only going to get better.Barson - 7 - Solid. Saved Meves on one occasion and overall had a commanding presence to him.Gallego - 6 - As I expected he struggled at left back and was better at center back. Still not one of his best games.Dagillis - 3 - Really thought he looked off the pace. I just view him as a utility center back and not someone that you can start at centerback if you want to be a realistic national contender. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh but he looked slow and his distribution wasn't good.Balogun - 4 - Again I found his distribution to be poor. At defensive midfield he needs to be a link-player and he doesn't quite seem up to it. Good that he scored a goal and put out some fires, but still might not have what it takes to play in this spot.Trapp - 7 - A solid shift from the youngster, really like his game. Has a good head on his shoulders and is someone that the team is gonna have to really count on this season.Caldwell - 7 - Does such a good job of keeping the ball and finding the next player. Really is a leader on the field. Played a number of great balls thru to Barrett when down to ten men.Quinn - 8 - the Akron M.O.M. Did a nice job of being active, finding the ball and making things happen. Served a class ball to Balogun on the goal as well. Will need to be consistent all season.Schmidt - 5 - Was ok but I think is much better suited at coming off the bench then starting. Didn't seem to assert himself enough on the game and really needs to take these chances because when Holmes is back his minutes will dwindle. Mattocks - 3 - Obviously the red card was a poor sign of maturity on his part but he was offside countless times this game and I'm sure his frustration is what led to the red card. Cost the team the win.Portillos - 4 - Didn't look comfortable and was sloppy in possession. Disapointed, because he doesn't look to be very useful in big games.Mayer - 6 - Gave away a few balls with errant long passes but really solidfied the backline. Think he is the left back answer until I'm proven otherwise.Brenes - 7 - Was a bright spot for sure, coming in and helping the team outplay New Mexico despite being down a man. May get a chance to start now - can he take the opportunity?Barrett - 5 - Really was annoyed with his play. I know he had a hard situation, being the lone forward against bruising NM centerbacks, but didn't take his chances and looked too erratic in his play. Has use, but more as a wide player then a center forward. Does Akron have someone who can play center forward if Mattocks is out? probably not...

My only gripe with your ratings is Quinn. He takes way too long on the ball to do what he should have done 3 touches previously. His service is exceellent, it just needs to be faster.

[Zip_ME87]

There should have been another card on that altercation... but no question that Mattocks eraned his red card for a hit in the face.Maybe it will be good to see Barrett for a whole game... he's got 2 goals to Mattacks 4... playing far less than half the time that Mattocks plays.

There was only one player involved in any "altercation", and it was the out-of-control Darren Mattocks who needs to have his chill pill allocation upped. He'll do well to sit out the next game and learn from this experience. There was a (minor) collision with the keeper, who reached out to hold Darren up. Keith Tabatznik on the broadcast got it exactly right -- Mattocks took two separate swings at opponents. Frankly, he's fortunate if he only sits one game. Very immature. Is there any post-game review by the MAC or anyone?

I agree Z.I.P. I re-watched on my DVR today, and Darren was the one swinging. He should have walked away immediately.

[bobbyake]

now that Mattocks has shown he can lose composure, expect a lot of teams to try to bring this out of him again.