Lolla Update

[Captain Kangaroo]

Just for curiosity's sake I checked out the final standings in the Big East. They split their conference, and it appears Lola's Louisville Cardinals finished 4th or 5th, depending upon how you want to interpret the divisions and records.

[ziptrumpet87]

sounds like we got the better end of the deal this time... hope the trend continues!

[Z.I.P.]

sounds like we got the better end of the deal this time... hope the trend continues!

But Ken has already proved himself as a great coach -- not just in AKron but now at UL. His squad pulled off a huge victory at Indiana this season, and drew with OSU in Cow'bus. His team has at least a 50-50 shot at the NCAA -- not sure what their RPI is. How about a Zips-Cardinals matchup at Lee Jackson in Round 1? Go Zip futballaz!

[bmaker]

Louiville's RPI ranking is No 33 as of October 30. They have tied two respectable teams since then but I don't expect a significant move in the RPI as a result. Perhaps a slight boost.

[ziptrumpet87]

story on Lolla's early results at UL

[OldZipper]

story on Lolla's early results at UL

Ken is a phenomenal person and coach. I am pretty sure his team will be playing in the tournament this year. That said, I like what we have going on at Akron right now under Caleb and I think the Zips are going to keep growing to maintain a consistent presence on the national level.I hope everyone comes out and supports the Zips on the 16th!

[GoZips88]

story on Lolla's early results at UL

Ken is a phenomenal person and coach. I am pretty sure his team will be playing in the tournament this year. That said, I like what we have going on at Akron right now under Caleb and I think the Zips are going to keep growing to maintain a consistent presence on the national level.I hope everyone comes out and supports the Zips on the 16th!

Looking forward to it. My son and I will be there. I never attended a soccer game before this year. This will be my 3rd and I'm hoping for a couple of more after that! I was sorry to see Lolla go but Porter has stepped in and done a nice job so far.

[UAZipster0305]

Coach Lola is a very good coach and one who I expect to develop a strong program at UL. It's too bad that things didn't work out with him at UA, but fortunately for us, Coach Porter also seems very solid.

[bmaker]

Louisville ends up with a first round match against Duke, normally a soccer power but a little off their game this season. Louisville has the home field advantage and could pull off a victory. Assuming that happens, their next challenge will be Ohio State in Columbus. As noted above, they have already proven themselves "equal" to the task against the Buckeyes. Should be interesting. Best of luck to Lolla's squad!

[UAZipster0305]

Ironically, Lola is a Duke alum where his dad was head coach and he was a two-time all-american. When Lola played his Duke team beat UA in the 1986 National Championship 1-0.

[bmaker]

Ironically, Lola is a Duke alum where his dad was head coach and he was a two-time all-american. When Lola played his Duke team beat UA in the 1986 National Championship 1-0.

I believe Kenny's last year at Duke was 1983, so he couldn't have been on the team that beat UA in 1986. But he sure left a legacy there!By the way, Louiville is up 1-0 against Duke at half time of their opening round game.

[bmaker]

And Louisville goes on to prevail 1-0 against John Rennie's Duke Blue Devils. It's a bittersweet win for Lolla, with so much wrapped up in that game. Rennie had already announced that this would be his last season (his 35th, I believe) at Duke. Add to that the fact that Lolla played for Rennie '80 to '83 and then assistant-coached there for a few seasons. Plus, this is Louisville's first ever game (and victory) in the NCAA tournament. Oh, and one more item of interest to Zips fans: between the pipes for Louisville was former Akron player David Simolike--he went with Lolla when Kenny left after the 2005 season.

[Z.I.P.]

And Louisville goes on to prevail 1-0 against John Rennie's Duke Blue Devils. It's a bittersweet win for Lolla, with so much wrapped up in that game. Rennie had already announced that this would be his last season (his 35th, I believe) at Duke. Add to that the fact that Lolla played for Rennie '80 to '83 and then assistant-coached there for a few seasons. Plus, this is Louisville's first ever game (and victory) in the NCAA tournament. Oh, and one more item of interest to Zips fans: between the pipes for Louisville was former Akron player David Simolike--he went with Lolla when Kenny left after the 2005 season.

Thanks for the very interesting news on John Rennie's retirement. Will watch to see if Lolla is considered to take over there. Would be nice to see an ex-Zip as an ACC HC.