The Akron Zips are right back where they wanted to be -- in the College Cup NCAA soccer championship.
View full sizeKofi Sarkodie delivered the game-winning goal against Michigan goaltender Chris Blais in the second half of Akron's 2-1 triumph late Friday night in the NCAA men's soccer national semifinal.• College Cup final: Akron vs. Louisville, 4 p.m. ET, Santa Barbara, Calif. TV: ESPN2.
Kathryn L. Knapp
Special to The Plain Dealer
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The Akron Zips are right back where they wanted to be -- in the College Cup NCAA soccer championship. Akron has proven they're resilient. They've earned the right to play in the final.
"Our journey really began on Dec. 14 [2009]," Akron head coach Caleb Porter said after Friday night's 2-1 semifinal win over Michigan. "We were one kick away from the championship last year. As I met with the guys, all of the returning players all vowed to do whatever it took to get back to the finals. They've taken care of business against one of the toughest schedules in the nation."
This year, the Zips (21-1-2) come in with experience and without the pressure of an undefeated record. Their opponent, Louisville is just the opposite. The Cardinals (20-0-3) are playing in their first College Cup final.
"We're excited. It's been a long journey to get here," Porter said. "We're the No. 3 seed. We're the underdog. Now the pressure's off of us. We get to show the country who we are."
Michigan stunned Akron with a second-minute goal Friday night, but the Zips pulled themselves together. Akron is no stranger to success. The Zips trailed in just five matches this season, dropping only one decision, 2-1, to Cleveland State on Oct. 30. The Zips own a (3-1-2) record in that span.
But Akron's players will be the first to tell you that it hasn't been easy.
"Things came easier for us last year," sophomore defender Zarek Valentin said. "This year we've come through more adversity. We've been battle-tested throughout the year. We had a tie in the first 10 games and a loss. We looked ourselves in the mirror and said this is what we need to improve. The loss was a good turning point for us."
Porter said the loss helped his team get a reality check.
"We had 40 games without really losing," Porter said. "I started to see our guys lose that hunger and passion. I told them you've gotta show up. If you don't show up, you can lose. I think it went in one ear an out the other. If they never actually felt the pain, it doesn't sink in."
In the first semifinal Friday night, Louisville topped North Carolina, 2-1. The Cardinals made things interesting with Aaron Horton scoring in the final minute of play to earn the victory.
"Louisville is a good team," Porter said. "But we've seen everything this year. We've faced the best strikers in the country. Every team and every game offers something different. You have to be aware in every single moment. There are players on these teams who will punish you."
Akron has outscored its opponents, 63-16, in 24 games, ranking second in the nation for scoring offense. Louisville has outscored opponents, 49-18, in 23 games, eighth nationally.
Defensively Zips goalkeeper David Meves ranks ninth in the nation, allowing 16 goals all season. Cardinals goalkeeper Andre Boudreaux is 21st, allowing 18. Akron has 13 shutouts, Louisville has eight.
The Cardinals said they'll be ready for the final on Sunday. They also will not take their competition lightly.
"They're a technical team," Louisville head coach Ken Lolla said. "We understand what their strengths and weaknesses are. But we have to play to our strengths and weaknesses. I've told the guys all along, it's about us playing well and doing what we do well."
As for pre-game nerves, Cardinals senior Charlie Campbell said they're not a factor.
"Ken has always told us that pressure is felt by the untrained and unprepared," Campbell said. "We don't feel pressure, but we are anxious to play."
Lolla vs. Porter: Lolla spent 13 seasons at Akron where he led the Zips to a 160-68-25 record and six NCAA Tournament bids. Porter took over in 2006 when Lolla headed to Louisville. Lolla is 60-28-16 record at Louisville, Porter is 89-13-10 with the Zips.
"I took over a program that had tradition," Porter said. "Ken Lolla built the strong foundation. I tweaked it a bit."
Lolla said he looks forward to facing his former club.
"It's not a big surprise to face Akron," Lolla said. "They've done very well. They were expected to be very good. The best two teams are facing off in the final. I don't know if it's ironic or appropriate."
All in the family: Akron's sophomore defender Zarek Valentin's older brother, Julian, played four seasons at Wake Forest (2004-2007). Julian twice played in the College Cup, losing in the semifinals in 2006 before beating Ohio State a year later for the title.
"Earlier in the year my brother sent me a picture of his championship ring and said it's your turn now," Zarek Valentin said. "I kept the picture for inspiration."
Traveling fans: Friday night, the Zips fans weren't exactly scarce in California. They made their way around the field chanting their favorite tunes to the delight of Akron's players and coach. "I think we have the best fans in the country," Valentin said. "We really do feed off that energy."
It's been a while: The last undefeated team to win a men's soccer College Cup was Santa Clara in 1989. The Broncos actually ended in a 1-1 draw with Virginia in the title game, and the two teams were named co-champions. Santa Clara ended the season 20-0-3.
Kathryn L. Knapp is a freelance writer in Santa Barbara, Calif.