By Andrew Melnykovych

Story lines to watch as the University of Louisville soccer team goes for the school’s first NCAA team championship in a sport other than men’s basketball on ESPN2 Sunday at 4 p.m.:

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Ken Lolla

Ken Lolla Times Two: In Akron, the Cards face the program that Ken Lolla built before he came to Louisville five years ago and built another national title contender.

Mirror images: Not surprisingly, Louisville and the Zips play a very similar style, built on pressing defense the length of the field, a solid back line, ball possession, quick passes and attacks down the flanks to open the middle. Watch who finds space down the wings for an early indication of how this game might go.

Colin Rolfe vs. Darlington Nagbe: The game features two of the three Hermann Trophy finalists in the Louisville forward and the Akron midfielder. The outcome of the game could do much to decide who takes home the Hermann in January.

Aaron Horton again?: Can Horton do it for a third time straight? If the game is tied heading toward 90 minutes, you can bet Lolla will put the freshman into the game to see if lightning can strike thrice.

It ought to be great game. Both sides play attractive soccer. Judging from their game against Michigan Friday, though, Akron doesn’t look to be quite as strong a side as Louisville.

And the Cards are most assuredly on a roll. Given the way they won their quarterfinal and semifinal games, they have look of a team with destiny – and luck – on their side.

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2 thoughts on “Ken Lolla has Louisville soccer on the brink”
  1. We were in the same spot 2 years ago in womens basketball. Only this time I think we pull it out 1-1(4-3) on PKs. And the game is on ESPN2

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