Coming off a win over 10th-ranked Notre Dame on Sunday, St. Louis University's men's soccer team faces fourth-ranked Akron, the defending NCAA champion, tonight at 7 at Hermann Stadium. SLU, which remains unranked, is 1-2 amid a challenging nonconference schedule; their first five opponents are all ranked in the top 20 this week.

"The guys are in a good place mentally" after beating Notre Dame, SLU coach Mike McGinty said. "We have a number of young kids who haven't been through a ton of college soccer games and to get a win against a very good Notre Dame team gives them a little bit of confidence. If you can play Indiana and then play Notre Dame 36 hours later and get a result, then you have a chance. Going into this game 0-3 would been a difficult proposition. It still is, but the win helps."

Forward Mike Roach, who saw limited time last weekend as he recovers from a hip flexor, is available, but probably can't go 90 minutes, McGinty said. Midfielder Alex Sweetin (not his brother Eric, as I said in an earlier version) isn't still out. "Roach is doing OK," McGinty said. "He played about 50 minutes against Notre Dame. He adds a little presence and composure. We hope to use him again on Saturday."

Akron is 2-0-1 and lost some key players from last season's team, but there's been a steady stream of excellent talent going through the Zips program. Akron is 2-0-1 this season.

"I've talk to handful of people, I haven't seen them myself," McGinty said. "They've replaced a number of people but have the same kind of approach to the game, they're a similar style of team. They play soccer the right way. Coach (Caleb) Porter does a good job. Even if the names change, their approach will be the same. It's a great opportunity for our program."

SLU has moved up to No. 4 in the Middle Atlantic region rankings, but its next three games, against Akron, South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast, will all be tough.

Prior to the game, America Scores St. Louis, a non-profit youth development program that brings soccer, poetry and service learning to urban youth, will try to set a record for the most people dribbling a soccer ball at once. About 250 people have already registered to take part, which would set the record. Anyone interested can register at www.greatstlsoccerdribble.kintera.org. All proceeds from the $25 registration fee go to America Scores St. Louis. The dribble will take place at 6 p.m. Check in and registration begins at 5 p.m. Registrants also get admission to the game.

Also, all military personnel and first responders (fire, police, EMS) get free admission. They and their families will also get access to a VIP tent with free food and beverage.