The Creighton men’s soccer team hosts Akron tonight at Morrison Stadium. The matchup between the #2 Bluejays and #7 Zips, the 2010 National Champions, is one of the more anticipated games in recent seasons.
With Futbol Friday festivities planned (WBR is co-hosting a BBQ and Beer Garden from 4:30-7:00 tonight outside Morrison Stadium) and the fans ready for this top-ten showdown, we talked to CU head coach Elmar Bolowich about Friday’s match (7:30 p.m., TV: NET):
WBR: Can you tell us a little bit about Akron and what fans can expect in this highly touted matchup?
EB: Well, from playing them in the past, I know they are a very well coach team and will have a very talented squad. Their players have a good mixture of technical skills and athleticism and they will play fast and aggressive. It will be a very good game and I am really looking forward to the matchup. It is good we play teams like this as it is a great way to see where we are as a team. You always want to play top opponents, as it will benefit you come tournament time.
WBR: We have yet to see Bruno Castro on the pitch this season, how is he holding up?
EB: He actually trained with a ball for the first time yesterday. We will likely see him maybe 15-20 minutes per half. We don’t want to push him as he has had a history of hamstring issues.
WBR: What was the biggest thing you took away from the Northern Illinois game?
EB: I thought we showed a lot of focus that game. After they went up 1-0, I watched the reactions on the field. Our players did not put their heads down or give up; they keep their focus and played their game. Because of that, we were able to come back and win that game. That will help as the year goes on. They will know that they are never out of a match.
WBR: Can you talk a bit about Sean Kim and how he ended up at Creighton?
EB: Well, Johnny (Torres) had seen him play at a club tournament in California two years ago and was impressed with him then. He had an injury to his knee and was playing at a junior college. Because of his injury, he was not able to play much and actually graduated from that school last year. Johnny got word that Sean would be eligible and ready to play at the Division 1 level and we actually signed him in June of this year. He really flew under the radar and we were luck to land him. It is very unusual for a player to sign the June before the season, and he is working out very nicely.
WBR: I know you like to focus on the next game, but can you talk a little about Rutgers.
EB: Really that game depends a lot on the Akron game. There are so many variables in regards to injuries and fatigue that it is really difficult to say how we will approach that game.
WBR: As far as the Akron game goes, will we see the same starting 11 we saw last week?
EB: Yes. We will keep the same lineup, but will look to have a lot of rotation up top. With two games in one weekend, we need to be sure everyone has legs.
WBR: Akron’s coach accepted a position with a professional club this week. Do you see that as a distraction for Akron?
EB: I think they still have the same goals. He will remain focused through the year. I don’t think a lot will change.
