Game 7 - Temple Owls

[Zip_ME87]

3 hours ago, Reslife4Life said:

 

 

A couple of guys falling asleep? How about the head coach sleeping on the bench???!!! One sub in the first half on a hot, sunny day? Really? The other coach understood the weather and his team and made subs in the last 15-20 minutes of the first half to not only rest his guys but get other players into the flow of the game before the crucial waning minutes.  Bench full of players our coaches recruited, and only 1 is worthy to be subbed into the game? BEYOND PEE POOR!!!

 

I'm with @Let'sGoZips94, I'm seeing a "comfortable" coaching staff who who are unjustifiably arrogant. All I hear is "this player" and "that player" hurt or didn't do x, y, or z. WTF coaches? Isn't your job to coach these players? If they're not doing x, y, or z, it's because you're not coaching them effectively! Get off your collective @rses ... coach and manage the game.

 

 

 

 

[Zip_ME87]

2 hours ago, fknbuflobo said:

You need to be very careful with what you are asking for.  MSOC does not get the support from AD that they once enjoyed.  And the Akron brand has been severely degraded.  Which quality coach will come to Akron to replace Embick?  If it is just another guy with a license, looking for a job,  then we may as well stick with what we’ve got.

 

Being concerned about the choice the AD might make is not reason to stay with this trajectory. Who thought when Ken Lolla left, we would do better?

 

 

[fknbuflobo]

How Maximus Barboto #21 does not get more playing time is beyond my reckoning.  I would start Max, in the hole.  At minimum, he should be in the regular rotation.  Maybe Max is not entirely fit, I don't know.  I do not understand it.

 

In my estimation, Victor Gaulmin #25 and Max are both among the best eleven.  They should both start.

Edited September 16 by fknbuflobo

[72 Roo]

This thread is fueled by frustration as well it should be if you care about Zip soccer. I am not an apologist for the staff, but I think they are being asked to keep the standards on an elite level w/o elite backing and resources.

 

They have no director of operations that all top programs have. They are short a full-time asst coach and have no GA's. They are now losing players to NIL offers because they can't match them. The recruiting budget has been cut. Their equipment budget (uni's, gear, jackets, backpacks, field equipment, etc.) from Nike is nearly half what Nike offers the elite programs. Those are a lot of limitations to overcome. The talent pipeline has shifted from elite high school players to 1) transfer portal D3 & D2 players wanting to upgrade, and 2) overseas club players who have been told they are not going to make the top professional side. Academy players are being told to steer away from college as the academy route offers a better way to the top MLS team and money to boot.

 

This does not give our staff a pass. They have underperformed. If the same problem keeps coming up they are either coaching it or allowing it. They need to correct it. I hope they do. In the meantime don't expect a savior to come in if a change is made. Our program is devolving into a stepping stone for a coach on his way to an elite program. We cannot compete at the financial level that an elite program now runs. Our best hope is for Jared and company to fix it. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

14 minutes ago, 72 Roo said:

This thread is fueled by frustration as well it should be if you care about Zip soccer. I am not an apologist for the staff, but I think they are being asked to keep the standards on an elite level w/o elite backing and resources.

 

They have no director of operations that all top programs have. They are short a full-time asst coach and have no GA's. They are now losing players to NIL offers because they can't match them. The recruiting budget has been cut. Their equipment budget (uni's, gear, jackets, backpacks, field equipment, etc.) from Nike is nearly half what Nike offers the elite programs. Those are a lot of limitations to overcome. The talent pipeline has shifted from elite high school players to 1) transfer portal D3 & D2 players wanting to upgrade, and 2) overseas club players who have been told they are not going to make the top professional side. Academy players are being told to steer away from college as the academy route offers a better way to the top MLS team and money to boot.

 

This does not give our staff a pass. They have underperformed. If the same problem keeps coming up they are either coaching it or allowing it. They need to correct it. I hope they do. In the meantime don't expect a savior to come in if a change is made. Our program is devolving into a stepping stone for a coach on his way to an elite program. We cannot compete at the financial level that an elite program now runs. Our best hope is for Jared and company to fix it. 

 

What type of resources/funding did Porter have compared to other "elite" programs? (Legitimate question as I do not know)

[fknbuflobo]

I too want to learn a detailed accounting of how Akron AD has cut resources to MSOC.  Exactly when did this change occur?  Perhaps the needed change is within the Athletic Department.

[zippy-claws]

11 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

What type of resources/funding did Porter have compared to other "elite" programs? (Legitimate question as I do not know)

It is a legitimate question, but I don't think you can compare what Caleb got/had in 2010-12 with what is now standard practice funding and such in 2024.  14 years is a long time, and we have all said how the game, recruiting, players, clubs, etc. have changed during that time frame.  @72 Roo is correct that what we have now is not what others have from our school and our equipment deals.  One things has changed - Nike vs. Adidas.  Not sure if that means anything or not,, probably not.  

[fknbuflobo]

If Akron MSOC is operating at a strategic disadvantage, I want it out in the open.  I want transparency.   If these are legitimate excuses, these must be bared for all to see.  Zips should have the same support that another public research university to the south enjoys.  Marshall.  Akron MSOC has earned full financial support from AD.  If we are receiving second class treatment from Akron AD, I want everyone to know about it.

 

Only then can appropriate pressure be appropriately applied.

[Zip_ME87]

13 hours ago, fknbuflobo said:

I too want to learn a detailed accounting of how Akron AD has cut resources to MSOC.  Exactly when did this change occur?  Perhaps the needed change is within the Athletic Department.

 

I suggest that you call Charles and set up a meeting to discuss.

 

It would be nice if the "awesome" staff he hired did their jobs like the previous staff and actually reached out to the fan base to fund raise for Men's Soccer. Of course, it would also be helpful if the coach was engaging of the whole fan base as Porter was.

 

The Akron way of just schmoozing large donors continues to not work well; as the old adage goes, you have to spend money to make money. Akron Ath and Dev Depts need to be willing to provide some bling at lower donation levels...e.g., accept that you may only get 70% return on donations by using 30% to provide sport specific gear at lower donation levels but get more donors invested. Inform the fan base and build their willingness to help.

 

Edited September 16 by Zip_ME87

[Zip_ME87]

13 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

What type of resources/funding did Porter have compared to other "elite" programs? (Legitimate question as I do not know)

 

I don't think you can solely ask about the Porter years v now. From 2013-18, our ZipsMSoc team was quite successful under Jared, with 3 College Cup appearances, including one title game appearance. When did the financial situation get this bad? Have the Head Coach and AD talked about most critical needs? Is the Department of Development engaged? (I don't hear from them unless I call, which I quit doing. They come across as uninterested.)

 

13 hours ago, 72 Roo said:

The talent pipeline has shifted from elite high school players to 1) transfer portal D3 & D2 players wanting to upgrade, and 2) overseas club players who have been told they are not going to make the top professional side. Academy players are being told to steer away from college as the academy route offers a better way to the top MLS team and money to boot.

 

This does not give our staff a pass. They have underperformed. If the same problem keeps coming up they are either coaching it or allowing it. They need to correct it. I hope they do. In the meantime don't expect a savior to come in if a change is made. Our program is devolving into a stepping stone for a coach on his way to an elite program. We cannot compete at the financial level that an elite program now runs. Our best hope is for Jared and company to fix it. 

 

Agreed. The talent pool has changed, but our coaching hasn't seemed to change with it. We're no longer able to defeat teams with our "elite" style of play. Looking at the stats, our team has outplayed most of our opponents other than blOSU, which is looking better than expected. The little extra from our players and coaches matter more than ever.

 

[TennZip]

72Roo's post raises some good points.

 

If Charles Guthrie is diverting funds away from men's soccer to try to make the gridiron (American football) team relevant, I am as upset as anyone.   I know that Charles Guthrie is very, very ambitious and likely wants to move on to a power 5 conference.   As an Akron alum, I know that myself and many other soccer fans feel that Akron being a top 10 mens soccer program.....makes Akron a college that future students and alumni can feel proud about.   I wear a lot of A-Roo Akron polos and I have had people in airports comment to me...."Am I correct that Akron is a powerhouse in soccer?".     Many alumni take great pride in Akron soccer.  I would hate to think that Akron's history of great soccer is being jeopardized by the ambitions of the current Athletic Director..

 

I also am not happy if NIL and the equipment providers (Adidas/Nike) are helping the Clemsons, the Stanfords and the Indianas have an unfair advantage over schools like Akron and Western Michigan and St. Louis.

 

That being said, let me mention a few things that show that a mid major can still succeed at the highest levels of college soccer.

 

The first link shows the top ranked schools for the 2024 recruiting period.  St. Louis Billikens are #2 and the Portland Pilots are #5.  It is hard for me to believe that those 2 mid-major schools are using NIL dollars and that they have lucrative equipment deals.   Both schools have charismatic coaches that reach out to their fan bases and they both coach an attractive, exciting brand of soccer. 

 

The second link shows this week's top drawer men's top 25.    I will list what I consider...non traditional, non power schools.   - Denver #1 ;  Penn #3 ; Western Michigan #8 ; Elon #10 ; Hofstra #12 ; Duquesne #18; College of Charleston #23 and Dayton #25.

 

Do those programs have a great facility like Cub Cadet Field at First Energy Stadium?    Are their resources and funding much greater than Akron (I do not know).  How many of those programs have won a national title and have been to 3 college cups in the last 10 years (that answer would be zero).

 

What I do know....is that this Akron team played great against VCU and they could have won at Kalamazoo.   This team has talent and they are capable of turning this season around if the coaches and the players can start working as a team.    I believe in Malik and Emil and Jonas and Mitch and others.   Go, Zips !!!

 

 

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/article/?categoryId=26&articleId=53661&articleTitle=final-2024-mens-di-recruiting-rankings

 

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-national-rankings/men

[Hilltopper]

Reality; 

No reduced budget 

Actually we are spending more to be in the Big East

MSOC has a healthy fundraising account unlike other teams to do things. 

The only glaring issue is no Director of Operations position but that was cut during COVID. Other teams  lost their DO's too.

People also forget that when Caleb was here they had camps with thousands of kids making a ton of cash.

MSOC has active alumni and they always step up. 

The locker was just updated this summer.

Jared and Ger both just got new contracts.

[fknbuflobo]

@Hilltopper

Please forgive the repetitive and frank questioning.  We The Faithful are mightily frustrated at the moment.  It would be impossible to overstate our consternation.

 

Has MSOC recruiting budget been cut?

If so, when did this occur?

Procuring talent is vital to any athletic organization, collegiate or otherwise.

 

Has the MSOC equipment budget been cut (uniforms, boots, socks,  warmups, Gatorade) at all?

Rumor has it that the Nike deal is not so good for UA Soccer programs.

if so, when did this occur?

 

There are additional specific questions, but let us start with the two above.

 

Please review and advise.

 

[Captain Kangaroo]

3 hours ago, TennZip said:

If Charles Guthrie is diverting funds away from men's soccer to try to make the gridiron (American football) team relevant, I am as upset as anyone.   

The football team has zero NIL money. No grad assistants. No travel recruiting budget. And after this week they will have played games against Ohio State, Rutgers and South Carolina to pay their bills (in addition to selling a home game against Kentucky for $800,000). They aren't siphoning money away from soccer.

 

3 hours ago, TennZip said:

I know that Charles Guthrie is very, very ambitious and likely wants to move on to a power 5 conference. 

I want to date Scarlett Johansson. Ambition and reality are sometimes a mismatch. 

 

Guthrie fired a bb coach at Wisconsin GB who was 92-80. His hand-picked replacement went 15-61. What P5 school would trust him with a hire? He did design a great "A" though. Selling like hotcakes.

[zipsrule]

12 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

I want to date Scarlett Johansson. Ambition and reality are sometimes a mismatch. 

I got a good chuckle over this.  

[Zip_ME87]

24 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

Guthrie fired a bb coach at Wisconsin GB who was 92-80. His hand-picked replacement went 15-61. What P5 school would trust him with a hire? He did design a great "A" though. Selling like hotcakes.

😂

[fknbuflobo]

Arby’s just called; they want their A back.

[Zip_ME87]

I’m sure Charles cringes every time he sees me wearing the A Roo. 😝 

 

Edited September 17 by Zip_ME87

[Let'sGoZips94]

So what we're back to is Embick needing to get his ass in gear and rediscover the magic?

[72 Roo]

It seems I have started a bit of a wildfire here, much of which is spinning out of reality. Here are some thoughts:

 

It seems Guthrie is the focus of many disgruntled fans. I do not believe, nor have I seen, any evidence that he cut the MSOC budget for FB. Athletics took a $3M hit that Charles is trying to make up thru big paycheck games. Still FB had its budget cut by nearly $1M. All sports took a 10% budget hit. I think Charles is doing the best he can in face of declining enrollment, resources and struggling FB. 

Most schools that are elite do have a Dir of Operations. We don't have one supposedly because the women would also need one funded. That's too much to spend. Charles thought about hiring one for both programs and found that unworkable.

The equipment budget (primarily gear and Uni's) is less than most other schools with D1 football. When Louisville tried to hire Jared away they revealed they were getting double what Akron got. The disparity has grown in light of the contracts given to the P4 football schools with soccer. Soccer has benefited at those schools.

Coaching counts. The NCAA has allowed full-time soccer coaching staffs to expand and many schools have taken advantage. Akron can't afford more coaches, just like its DoO position.

The renovations to the soccer locker room have been funded by the alumni and day of giving. That has taken place over two years and two fundraising campaigns. The former players are generous and are to be thanked. The university did not fund the improvements and it has not happened all of a sudden. 

NIL money is a growing issue. We lost a kid last winter/spring who wanted money to live off campus. We couldn't afford the $ he wanted nor the precedent it would set. Contrast that to the University of Kentucky. They have set up a collective for soccer. My relative, a CFP and former captain, sits on the collective board.

 

I only sought to offer a fuller perspective as to the challenge Akron faces. We can debate the hell out of it on this forum, but at the end of the day, the coaches have to figure a path out of this and back to elite performance. 

[fknbuflobo]

Does Akron MSOC right now have the minimum resources required for elite performance?

 

if that answer is “Yes,” then it is on Embick to right the ship.  This task will not be achieved by publicly blaming anyone but himself, however accurate his claim might be.

 

If that answer is “No,” then I fundamentally do not understand what we are actually doing.  Participating?