College Cup 2017: Dec 8, Akron v. Stanford

[UAZipster0305]

Lots of great observations and thoughts here, many of which I share. These are mine:

 

1) Being there in person allowed me to see how amazing Stanford was at getting into our passing lanes. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Same with their relentless pressure for 90 minutes. This is how you beat the Zips. Don't allow them to play their game and get into a rhythm. If that can't be done by intercepting passes and winning one-on-one battles, foul.

 

2) I normally don't think a referee makes a difference in the outcome. Quite the contrary on Friday night. Stanford's ability to press and take away any technical advantage we had was fully enabled by the referee not awarding a free kick or giving a yellow card for persistent misconduct.The no-call near the beginning of the second half on the soft pass-back to the keeper where our player was in on goal and clearly held from behind was absolutely horrible. It should have resulted in a red card and penalty kick, which likely would have tied the game and changed its entire dynamic. Had our player ended up on the ground, I think the call would have been made.

 

3) The field was close to frozen and a bit choppy. It too took away from our technical advantage leading to many missed touches and errant passes. Stanford had the same problem, but possession is not their style, so it affected their game much less.

 

4) Although Embick did well to make changes in the second half with Holthusen and Gainford wide and Egbo up top, it was clear we were uncomfortable playing the ball long or through rather than working lots of combination passes. We were way out of our comfort zone and have no experience being forced to play more directly.

 

5) Egbo gave us a chance up top and did a wonderful job beating a player and taking a shot. The Stanford GK did well to make the initial save and smothered the rebound. This was another potentially game-changing moment that didn't go our way.

 

6) #'s 1-5 above were a perfect storm for the Zips to lose and be dominated in a way that I had never seen before. A game against UCLA a few years ago may be the last time this happened, but I missed that game.

 

7) Stanford clearly deserved to win, but I had hopes that we'd get a goal back after which anything could have happened. In soccer, the better team often loses, but Stanford just knows how to win. They are a very complete and experienced team. Stanford is the best in the country, and I think today will again prove that.

 

8) Zip_ME87, I had no problem with Stanford's first goal celebration in front of the Rowdies.The goal was on the Rowdies' side of the field. Had it been us scoring and being in the face of their fan group, I would have loved it! Besides, one of my best Zips soccer memories was against Stanford at home in the NCAAT - Elite 8, circa 2010, right when Tiger Woods' personal problems were blowing up in the media. Bunbury scored on a header to the near post then ran to the corner where I was standing. A teammate held the flag like a caddy and Bunbury simulated a putt, walking towards it and fist pumping just like Tiger. Absolutely classic!

 

9) MDZip, I had the same observation regarding our banner. I walked the concourse and found every one but ours. After asking several staff members on my way out, I was told it was near the media entrance, which was restricted to fans. The staff member was kind enough to escort me and allowed me to get a few pictures. If you'd like a copy, PM me your email address, and I'll pass it along.

 

10) In asking around for our banner, I spoke to the Tulsa coach who was wearing an NCAA badge. He was wonderful...had nothing but respect and praise for our program and said he'd personally look for and inquire about our banner. He gave me his personal phone number and said he'd let me know if/when he found it and where it was. Interestingly enough, Tulsa won 2-0 at Stanford this season; he seemed surprised that I knew that. Great guy. I am now a supporter of Tulsa, except when they play the Zips.

 

11) I agree with MDZips and Zip_ME87, the stadium was wonderful, but this event should not be held in December in a cold climate region. It's unfortunate because such playing conditions take away the technical aspects of the game, thus forcing it to be more direct and physical. These are already huge criticisms of the college game from a player development standpoint. Why not just alternate between locations in Florida and those in the southwest (SoCal, AZ, NV, etc.). Perhaps this is a good reason to make soccer an NCAA spring sport instead? Then, the four best teams in the country could play warm-weather, highly skilled matches anywhere in the country.

 

12) The event staff was excellent. Even though against policy, I was allowed re-entry to get my gloves from the car. It would been a long and miserable night had I not been permitted to get back in with my gloves. This in addition to the banner locating (#8, above) and speaking to the Tulsa coach (#10, above) made my night in spite of the Zips loss. Kudos to everyone involved in those experiences.

 

13) Zips fans showed up in greater numbers than the other schools, though IU's were likely close.Very encouraging for the program and university.

 

14) I watched most of the IU-UNC game. It was clear to me that neither are at Stanford's level. I would have liked our chances against either. I think we are the second best team in the country, and the best team caught us on a bad day. Nothing wrong with that. Great season, Zips!

Edited December 10, 2017 by UAZipster0305

[Let'sGoZips94]

Stanford just 3peated.

 

Embick needs to have the team watch tape on them. They ALWAYS look to score. I think there can be a nice balance between our style and their style. 

[TennZip]

Uazipster

 

some great observations

however, you are giving Ezana credit for the good work done by David Egbo

egbo had the great first shot followed up by Niko

[UAZipster0305]

28 minutes ago, TennZip said:

Uazipster

 

some great observations

however, you are giving Ezana credit for the good work done by David Egbo

egbo had the great first shot followed up by Niko

 

FIFY, thanks.

Edited December 10, 2017 by UAZipster0305

[UAZipster0305]

Regarding the banner at the College Cup, does anyone have an interest in writing to the NCAA and requesting that it be given to UA? Now that the College Cup is over, it may otherwise be disposed of, which would be tragic. It could also be an awesome addition to someone's man-cave!

Edited December 10, 2017 by UAZipster0305

[fknbuflobo]

22 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

 

FIFY, thanks.

TennZip beat me to that correction.  We have not seen David Egbo’s best stuff yet.  You can bet on that one.  

 

 

[Z.I.P.]

22 hours ago, fknbuflobo said:

TennZip beat me to that correction.  We have not seen David Egbo’s best stuff yet.  You can bet on that one.  

 

 

I saw a tweet with the College Cup Best XI, and David was one of two Zips on it.  Other... Joao?  Have looked, and not on NCAA website.  Anyone seen?

[Zip_ME87]

1 hour ago, Z.I.P. said:

I saw a tweet with the College Cup Best XI, and David was one of two Zips on it.  Other... Joao?  Have looked, and not on NCAA website.  Anyone seen?

 

 

[Zip_ME87]

The banner that UAZipster0305 mentioned.

 

 

Edited December 11, 2017 by Zip_ME87

[malonepioneer12]

Glad Egbo played only 30 minutes j/k....not saying that would have changed the game but would not have hurt. 

Edited December 11, 2017 by malonepioneer12

[skip-zip]

On 12/10/2017 at 3:07 PM, UAZipster0305 said:

Besides, one of my best Zips soccer memories was against Stanford at home in the NCAAT - Elite 8, circa 2010, right when Tiger Woods' personal problems were blowing up in the media. Bunbury scored on a header to the near post then ran to the corner where I was standing. A teammate held the flag like a caddy and Bunbury simulated a putt, walking towards it and fist pumping just like Tiger. Absolutely classic!

 

I remembered seeing that.  I think it was in UA's game highlights.

 

I agree that it was a classic.  I wish I could see it again sometime.  

[Zip_ME87]

On 12/10/2017 at 3:07 PM, UAZipster0305 said:

8) Zip_ME87, I had no problem with Stanford's first goal celebration in front of the Rowdies.The goal was on the Rowdies' side of the field. Had it been us scoring and being in the face of their fan group, I would have loved it! Besides, one of my best Zips soccer memories was against Stanford at home in the NCAAT - Elite 8, circa 2010, right when Tiger Woods' personal problems were blowing up in the media. Bunbury scored on a header to the near post then ran to the corner where I was standing. A teammate held the flag like a caddy and Bunbury simulated a putt, walking towards it and fist pumping just like Tiger. Absolutely classic!

 

I guess I see things a bit differently. Most of the goal celebrations I recall at Akron were either in front of the Rowdies on the northeast berm (which happens to be in front of the opponent's fans, but the players were facing the Rowdies) or in front of our fans along the berm to the west of our bench. I like to see our team celebrate with our fans, allowing their fans to share in their success. That's why I love sitting in the front row as opposed to being high up in the stands so far from them.  I don't see the point in celebrating in the face of the other team's fans. I certainly didn't see our guys do that in Louisville nor did I want them to (as much as I would like to be in Lolla's face).

 

[UAZipster0305]

15 hours ago, Zip_ME87 said:

 

I certainly didn't see our guys do that in Louisville nor did I want them to (as much as I would like to be in Lolla's face).

 

 

I don't understand the negative feelings towards Lolla. He hasn't made any disparaging remarks about UA, and his teams are yet to get the best of us when it matters in the NCAAT, quite the opposite.

 

Lolla was burnt out and frustrated here. Why would we want him to stay if he no longer believed in the program and/or university? Besides, his leaving made way for Porter to take the program to new heights. As with KD, it was just Lolla's time to leave. Such transitions don't have to come with harsh feelings, and both programs are better off because of the leadership changes.

 

Now, if you make the argument that playing and beating Louisville is interesting and exciting because of the story-line involving Lolla, I get it. I just don't see it as personal.

Edited December 12, 2017 by UAZipster0305

[Zip_ME87]

49 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

Lolla was burnt out and frustrated here. Why would we want him to stay if he no longer believed in the program and/or university? Besides, his leaving made way for Porter to take the program to new heights. As with KD, it was just Lolla's time to leave. Such transitions don't have to come with harsh feelings, and both programs are better off because of the leadership changes.

 

I agree with this. He did us a big favor by leaving.

 

Commenting that it couldn't be done at Akron [winning a National Championship] when he left is reason enough to like defeating his team. There is more to it than that, though. I'll say that he is not the same gentleman now that he was when he left Akron and leave it at that. However, I will say that I had no issue with the Louisville fans or players. I wish them the best.

Edited December 12, 2017 by Zip_ME87

[Hilltopper]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Lolla leave Louisville. The money train that was feeding the soccer program there went off the tracks when the Addidas story hit. 

[Zip_ME87]

15 hours ago, Hilltopper said:

I wouldn't be surprised to see Lolla leave Louisville. The money train that was feeding the soccer program there went off the tracks when the Addidas story hit. 

 

He's been at Louisville 12 seasons and has not won a National Championship. Looks like it can't be done at Louisville.

[Let'sGoZips94]

On 12/12/2017 at 10:39 AM, UAZipster0305 said:

 

I don't understand the negative feelings towards Lolla. He hasn't made any disparaging remarks about UA, and his teams are yet to get the best of us when it matters in the NCAAT, quite the opposite.

 

Lolla was burnt out and frustrated here. Why would we want him to stay if he no longer believed in the program and/or university? Besides, his leaving made way for Porter to take the program to new heights. As with KD, it was just Lolla's time to leave. Such transitions don't have to come with harsh feelings, and both programs are better off because of the leadership changes.

 

Now, if you make the argument that playing and beating Louisville is interesting and exciting because of the story-line involving Lolla, I get it. I just don't see it as personal.

 

Declaring that his departure from Akron was due to his feelings that he couldn't win a championship here, might be considered disparaging and lead fans to have negative feelings towards him. 

 

It's similar, on a much smaller scale, to LeBron leaving back in 2010. Leaving and how he did it left a bad taste in LOTS of fans' mouths. 

[UAZipster0305]

On 12/13/2017 at 12:13 PM, lilroodude said:

 

Declaring that his departure from Akron was due to his feelings that he couldn't win a championship here, might be considered disparaging and lead fans to have negative feelings towards him. 

 

It's similar, on a much smaller scale, to LeBron leaving back in 2010. Leaving and how he did it left a bad taste in LOTS of fans' mouths. 

 

I think Lolla was justified in making his comments and departing. What precedent was there for an Akron team winning a National Championship? What about any other MAC school? Answer: Zilch. And this just after we had been undefeated nearly all of the 2005 season and got screwed in seeding for the NCAAT. Can you blame him? I don't. If you can't even be recognized as a top four team after being nearly perfect, why would that change going forward? Expecting otherwise would be the epitome of insane. It required a change in leadership to make that happen, and miraculously, it did. Even with arguably one of the best NCAA men's soccer teams of all-time in 2009, it still took Porter another year to win it. The 2010 men's soccer team remains the only Akron and MAC program to win a National Championship.

 

KD said the exact same thing about getting an at-large NCAAT bid (i.e. "The only thing that matters is the MACC."). Though I vehemently disagreed with the statement, I didn't see anyone coming for him with pitch forks. Quite the contrary, many fans seemed content with the 20+ consecutive win streak, an appearance in the MACC, and annual flame outs in post-season tournaments. I don't blame KD for leaving either.

 

The common denominator for both Lolla and KD is that if the bars were National Championships and NCAAT wins, respectively, neither were the men for the jobs. Porter proved that, and I think Groce will too. In that light, those statements aren't too disparaging about UA, but rather reflective of their limitations as coaches. That says it all. We are much better without both. AND Lolla is yet to beat Akron when it matters after having two opportunities, so there's no need for the negative feelings on our side of things.

 

I do like the attitude of having a chip-on-our-shoulder. It is necessary to survive as a northeast Ohio sports fan. However, it's important to keep perspective. I guess some people just don't know how to channel all the energy of so much winning. (<-- This is definitely not intended as political commentary! )

Edited December 14, 2017 by UAZipster0305

[Zip_ME87]

43 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

 

I think Lolla was justified in making his comments and departing. What precedent was there for an Akron team winning a National Championship? What about any other MAC school? Answer: Zilch. And this just after we had been undefeated nearly all of the 2005 season and got screwed in seeding for the NCAAT. Can you blame him? I don't. If you can't even be recognized as a top four team after being nearly perfect, why would that change going forward? Expecting otherwise would be the epitome of insane. It required a change in leadership to make that happen, and miraculously, it did. The 2010 men's soccer team remains the only Akron and MAC program to win a National Championship. Even with arguably one of the best NCAA men's soccer teams of all-time in 2009, it still took Porter another year to win it.

 

I disagree with anyone being "justified"...it was Lolla's responsibility to do what he did and more; he did not. Caleb Porter totally believed in Akron. When he came here, Akron had not yet won a National Championship but he made it happen. He embraced our program and its history...just ask the Parry's, Doc Nash, and others. Caleb flat out told Akron fans who wore tOSU stuff in front of him that they were part of the problem, pointing to whatever tOSU crap they had. Ask fknbuflobo. When Porter left, he personally told me that Akron could be more. We had to keep it going and make it happen in more than just soccer. Wow, a BIG grad, player, coach who was totally invested in UA when he was here, and when I last spoke to him still cared.

 

43 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

 AND Lolla is yet to beat Akron when it matters after having two opportunities, so there's no need for the negative feelings on our side of things.

 

No negative feelings. I just said I wouldn't mind celebrating our wins over his teams in his face. He left Akron for another NCAA program saying we were holding him back from greatness. Really? His successor at Akron coached US soccer youth national teams while he was at Akron and moved on to become a successful professional head coach, winning not only an NCAA National Championship at Akron but also an MLS Cup while leading the Portland Timbers (who, by the way, did not have good prior seasons).

 

We're waiting Ken. Where's the greatness that shedding yourself of Akron has brought you?

 

 

 

 

Edited December 14, 2017 by Zip_ME87

[UAZipster0305]

4 minutes ago, Zip_ME87 said:

 

I digree with anyone being "justified"...it was Lolla's responsibility to do what he did and more; he did not. Caleb Porter totally believed in Akron. When he came here, Akron had not yet won a National Championship but he made it happen. He embrace our program and its history...just ask the Parry's, Doc Nash, and others. Caleb flat out told Akron fans who wore tOSU stuff in front of him that they were part of the problem, pointing to whatever tOSU crap they had. Ask fknbuflobo. When Porter left, he personally told me that Akron could be more. We had to keep it going and make it happen in more than just soccer. Wow, a BIG grad, player, coach who was totally invested in UA when he was here, and when I last spoke to him still cared.

 

 

No negative feelings. I just said I wouldn't mind celebrating our wins over his teams in his face. He left Akron for another NCAA program saying we were holding him back from greatness. Really? His successor at Akron coached US soccer youth national teams while he was at Akron and moved on to become a successful professional head coach, winning not only an NCAA National Championship at Akron but also an MLS Cup while leading the Portland Timbers (who, by the way, did not have good prior seasons).

 

We're waiting Ken. Where's the greatness that shedding yourself of Akron has brought you?

 

 

 

 

 

I am not going to argue over semantics, Zip_ME87. I agree with nearly everything you say, and the differences are not worthy of discussion.

 

I think Porter believed in himself AND Akron. His attitude with anything regarding tOSU is why we all love him...that in your face attitude of we are gonna kick your ass any time, any where. Lolla believed in only himself and was mentally checked out of Akron after giving it everything he had. So be it. I just seem to be more indifferent about it than you do.

[Zip_ME87]

1 minute ago, UAZipster0305 said:

 I just seem to be more indifferent about it than you do.

 

Not sure you're any more indifferent than I am. I just like beating Lolla's team when we play. If you look back at the thread concerning the tournament (prior to the bracket announcement), you'll notice I was among those that said I had no need to face Lolla's team in the NCAA Tourney. I don't feel the need to play and beat his team, but if the Zips are forced to, I get great pleasure from the Zips winning...so much winning!!! peace

[skip-zip]

Let me just say this.  

 

Lolla left here after 12 years, no Final 4 appearances, and Akron had not been to a Final 4 since 1986.

He's now taken a team to the Final 4, and a Championship game. 

And he made more money.  

 

I don't think the guy thinks he made a bad move. 

 

Good for him.  Thankfully for us, we caught "lightning in a bottle" with the guy we chose to replace him.  I'll take it.  Because, as all of us know who've been around here awhile, Akron's had a way of ending up on the bad end of many coaching transitions.  

[skip-zip]

6 hours ago, UAZipster0305 said:

I think Porter believed in himself AND Akron. His attitude with anything regarding tOSU is why we all love him.

 

I absolutely loved that he had that attitude.  

 

Edit: Just to add, that night we played the Suckeyes, and we asked everyone to turn in their OSWho gear, that was the best promotion ever !!

Edited December 15, 2017 by skip-zip

[Let'sGoZips94]

Lolla was justified by his First Amendment right, but that doesn't mean he hasn't had egg on his face since, and it doesn't excuse the disrespect towards Akron behind the comment. 

 

I come from a thought process of beat the system, don't flee from it. Lolla fled. Porter beat it.