2008 Men's Soccer Press Clippings

2008 Men's Soccer Press Clippings

The following links are to news clips written about the University of Akron men's soccer team during the 2008 season.

NEWS/FEATURE STORIES
For Zips Soccer Team, The Time Is Now- Akron Beacon Journal, Aug. 25, 2008
Coach Caleb Porter believes that lofty goals are attainable goals for his University of Akron men's soccer team. The Zips, who open Friday against Notre Dame in the Indiana Classic in Bloomington, Ind., are coming off a 2007 season that saw them seeded 14th in the NCAA Division I Tournament and finish 10th nationally in the final Ratings Percentage Index.

Nationally-Ranked Zips on Attack - The Buchtelite, Aug. 25, 2008
Usually a 15-4-1 season, an unbeaten conference record and a MAC Tournament victory would be viewed as a huge success. However, yet another early departure from the NCAA tournament left Zips men's soccer fans wondering what could have been.

Zips Move to No. 5 After Tourney - The Buchtelite, Sept. 4, 2008
The end of last year's men's soccer season left doubt in the minds of Zips fans. If the start of the 2008 season is any indication, those doubts should be erased. The Adidas/ IU Credit Union Classic saw the previously No. 12, currently the No. 5 University of Akron men's soccer team convincingly defeating the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish by a count of 3-0.

Syracuse Win Could Inspire Zips to Go Far- Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 9, 2008
In truth, these are good times for UA sports, with new facilities being built or planned. Football had a big win, and men's soccer is off to a good start toward a national title chase. Several football players were part of a huge student turnout for the Zips soccer win Sunday over Cincinnati, a turnout that indicates the student body has heard the buzz.

Zips' Soccer Team No. 2 In The Nation- Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 10, 2008
The University of Akron men's soccer team has moved up to No. 2 in the nation in the NSCAA/adidas pool, which was released Tuesday. The Zips, winners of titles at the Indiana University Classic and the UA Tournament the past two weekends, were previously ranked No. 5 in the poll.

Akron's Steve Zakuani Again Named MAC Player of the Week - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept. 10, 2008
Akron sophomore soccer player Steve Zakuani brought home three more individual awards this week. Zakuani was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Week for the second straight time in addition to being named to the College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week.

Zakuani Leads Zips to Unbeaten Record - The Buchtelite, Sept. 11, 2008
Steve Zakuani has a lot to brag about. Whether it's being named to Soccer America's Team of the Week, winning last week's offensive most valuable player for The University of Akron Tournament, or making the watch list for The Hermann Trophy List, college soccer's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, the University of Akron's sophomore forward has had quite an eventful season thus far.

Zips Prove They're Here To Stay - ESPNsoccernet, Sept. 11, 2008
Akron sits second in the latest NSCAA rankings. They trounced a good Notre Dame team 3-0 in the season opener, the only setback yet for the No. 5 Irish. With sophomore forward and Hermann Trophy candidate Steve Zakuani leading the way, could this be the year the Zips make a deep tourney run? Don't be surprised if it happens.

Ex-Firestone High Soccer Star Shines For Zips - Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 12, 2008
Matt Dagilis entered this summer with the hope of getting minutes as a reserve player on the nationally ranked University of Akron men's soccer team. Dagilis realized that he was a redshirt freshman walk-on and that the odds were stacked against him with so many other talented players on the Zips roster.

Pat McManamon's Beside The Point - Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 13, 2008
The University of Akron soccer team headed into the weekend ranked No. 2, and coach Caleb Porter has seen the excitement grow. Nine hundred students showed for a recent game at Lee Jackson Field. ''That's as much as or more than they get at basketball games,'' Porter said. ''That certainly fuels us.''

Zips Eye a National Title Run - ESPNsoccernet, Sept. 15, 2008
The list is prominent in the locker room of the University of Akron men's soccer team. Senior midfielder Matt Tutich, right, is a three-time All-MAC selection. Each item, a goal for the season. "We make goals as a team," midfielder Matt Tutich said. "They're realistic expectations and they're posted right there so you can always look at them and know what you're working for everyday."

From London to Akron, Zakuani Drives the Zips - ESPNU.com, Sept. 16, 2008
The Akron men's soccer team's torrid start to the 2008 season, which saw the Zips rise to No. 2 in the national rankings, came back to earth after a weekend trip to New Mexico ended with a 1-0 loss to New Mexico and a 0-0 tie to Missouri State. It took the shine off an opening weekend that saw the Zips beat then-No. 3 Notre Dame, 3-0 and tie then-No. 5 Indiana, 0-0. But you'd never get that impression talking to Steve Zakuani.

Getting to Know... Steve Zakuani - MAC-Sports.com, Sept. 25, 2008
Sophomore Steve Zakuani is the featured guest for a question and answer segment on MAC-sports.com this week. Zakuani has been named MAC Men's Soccer Player of the Week three times already this season and is on the Hermann Trophy Watch List, which is considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer.

Sarkodie Has Regal Manner Well-Fit For A Freshman King - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept. 30, 3008
It is tough to rule if you have no kingdom. It's tough to lead if there are none to follow. For Kofi Sarkodie, the son of a princess and the grandson of a queen from Kumasi, Ghana, his kingdom is now soccer. And, even as a freshman, he leads the Akron Zips.

Akron Men's Soccer Team Moves Up to No. 6 in National Poll - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Oct. 1, 2008
After dispatching Stony Brook, 1-0, in the closing seconds last Saturday, the University of Akron men's soccer team jumped three slots to No. 6 in the latest NSCAA/adidas poll, released Tuesday. UA (6-1-2, 1-0-0 Mid-American Conference) is also ranked second in the Great Lakes Region, behind undefeated Northwestern (8-0-1), which shut out Ohio State, 1-0, last weekend.

UA Men's Soccer Team No. 6 in National Poll - Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 1, 2008
The University of Akron men's soccer team has moved up to No. 6 in the nation in the NSCAA/adidas poll, which was released Tuesday. UA (6-1-2, 1-0-0 Mid-American Conference) defeated Stony Brook 1-0 this past Saturday following a goal by sophomore Steve Zakuani with nine seconds remaining in the game. The Zips were previously ranked No. 9 and held the No. 2 spot when the poll was released on Sept. 9.

Bush Has Sights On National Title - The News-Herald, Oct. 18, 2008
Evan Bush says he will take time at the end of his senior soccer season at Akron to reflect on everything he has accomplished. He might want to clear a day or two out of his schedule for such contemplation. On Oct. 4, Bush, a 2004 Lake Catholic graduate, tied the Mid-American Conference record for shutouts by a goalkeeper in a 4-0 win over Northern Illinois. A week later, he became the MAC's all-time leader when he posted career shutout No. 43 in a 2-0 victory over another conference foe, Bowling Green.

Second-Ranked Zips in Final Stretch - The Buchtelite, Oct. 30, 2008
The University of Akron men's soccer team's current 10-game winning streak was catalyzed in a unique way: with a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings. The Zips, the No. 2 ranked team at the time, were coming off of a weekend in Albuquerque when they lost to New Mexico and then tied Missouri State.

Zipping to the Top - ESPNU.com, Oct. 30, 2008
With less than two weeks to go before the end of the regular season, it's time to take a look at some of college soccer's top individual performers. As a reader recently (and rightly) pointed out, Akron forward Steve Zakuani deserves some long-overdue props in this space.

Tough Week Prepares Zips - The Buchtelite, Nov. 4, 2008
A week that saw the Zips 10-game winning streak snapped as well as ending the conference schedule undefeated for the second consecutive season has further prepared the No. 2 team in the country for a nation title run, coach Caleb Porter said.

Zakuani Looks to Get Past Last Season - The Buchtelite, Nov. 11, 2008
Steve Zakuani stood near midfield on a typically chilly late-November evening, anxiously waiting. In front of him, the South Florida forward Simon Schoendorf stood behind the ball, trying to put a free kick near the goal to break the scoreless tie in the second round of last year's NCAA tournament, against Zakuani's Zips, the 14th seed.

Zakuani Helps Zips Stride Toward Goal - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 12, 2008
he opportunity comes a few times each game for Steve Zakuani to make a special play on a soccer field. He hasn't disappointed. Using his speed and skill, Zakuani leads not only the University of Akron men's soccer team, but also the nation in goals and points.

Zips Soccer Team Scores Big In Conference Awards - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 13, 2008
The Mid-American Conference announced its men's soccer awards today, and the University of Akron earned the three major individual awards and was well represented on the first and second teams.

Bad Weather on Soccer Field is No Match for UA Spirit - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 17, 2008
The wind whipped across Akron's Lee Jackson Field, straight into the faces of anyone heading toward the west goal. The temperature was barely above freezing, with wind chills much worse. A layer of snow covered the field at the start of the second half, and by game's end, the field was sloppy wet and plenty chopped up.

Zips Gain Bye, Home Game in NCAA Tournament - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 18, 2008
The University of Akron men's soccer team received the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament on Monday. The announcement of the highest seed in the program's history came one day after the Zips won the Mid-American Conference Tournament for the second consecutive season and for the sixth time in the past 11 seasons.

Zips Seeded 5th in NCAA Soccer Tournament - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 18, 2008
The University of Akron soccer team was awarded a school-best fifth seed in the NCAA soccer tournament and will have a first-round bye in the 48-team field. The Zips will host a second-round match at Lee Jackson Field at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 against the winner of this weekend's Ohio State-Oakland contest in Columbus.

UA Soccer Gunning For Title - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 25, 2008
The University of Akron men's soccer team enters today just five games away from a national championship title. UA was in a similar position last year in the NCAA Tournament, yet the Zips lost a second-round match 1-0 in double overtime to South Florida. Zips coach Caleb Porter and his players are expecting a positive result from the second-round match tonight when UA (16-1-4) hosts Ohio State (9-8-3) at Lee Jackson Field. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Goalkeeper Evan Bush Key to Zips Match Against Ohio State - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 25, 2008
Evan Bush knows this is his time. The senior goalkeeper for the Akron men's soccer team knows if the Zips are going to advance from Tuesday's NCAA Tournament second-round match against Ohio State, he will be key. With teams being so evenly matched, the difference between winning and losing quite often comes down to penalty kicks. As Bush, a product of Lake Catholic High, will be Akron's last line of defense.

Rising Star: Steve Zakuani - Soccer America, Nov. 25, 2008
Englishman Steve Zakuani eerged this fall as one of college soccer's most feared strikers and a leading candidate for Player of the Year honors. The sophomore leads all NCAA Division I scorers with 20 goals and 47 points.

Sloppy Field Muddies Zips' Home Advantage - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov 29, 2008
Despite the University of Akron being awarded the fifth seed in the NCAA Tournament and winning its second-round game Wednesday against Ohio State University, the NCAA Men's Soccer Committee has ruled that the UA men's soccer team will travel to unseeded Northwestern for its third-round match Sunday at 2 p.m.

NOTE: The following feature on Steve Zakuani was posted to this page because the link was no longer active on the Akron Beacon Journal's website.

Pat's Beside the Point: Superstar Gazing
Akron Beacon Journal – Aug. 24, 2008
By Patrick McManamon

Steve Zakuani didn't know Akron, didn't know the university, didn't know the Mid-American Conference.

His life in the Woodgreen area of London didn't expose him much to Zips, Akron's or otherwise.

Yes, that is London as in England, across the pond, as it were.

''I had only heard of places like Michigan and UCLA back home,'' Zakuani said last week before a Zips soccer team practice. ''But as soon as I met the people here, I had no doubt this was where I wanted to be.''

Talk about a journey.

When Zakuani was 4, he moved to London from the Republic of Congo. He was all set to turn pro two years ago, when University of Akron coach Caleb Porter came calling.

Now he's recognized as one of the nation's best soccer players — for a program that is establishing itself nationally, as well.

UA plays outstanding soccer, and it has a team that has legitimate national title hopes. It might be a ''minor'' sport to some, but Porter has made the Zips into a major power.

UA has gone 45-10-7 since 2005, the nation's best winning percentage. The Zips are ranked 12th in the NSCAA/adidas preseason poll. They have been to the NCAA Tournament six of the past seven years.

UA's recruiting class was ranked as high as fifth in the nation — highlighted by the signing of defender Kofi Sarkodie, who played for the United States at the 2007 Under-17 World Cup in South Korea.

''This team can go a long way,'' Zakuani said. ''It's a cliche, but we can go as far as we want. We have the right coach. We have the right mentality in place. The pieces are there.

''This time last year, I didn't feel as good. This year, I think we can turn some heads. Our recruiting class is very good. My class, we have one year under our belt. Our coach is more experienced.

''The pieces are there.''

Including a key piece in Zakuani, one of the nation's best.

The proof? He is one of 48 players on the preseason watch list for the prestigious Hermann Trophy, the Heisman of NCAA Division I soccer.

This follows a freshman year when Zakuani scored six goals, three game-winners, and was a member of the College Soccer News All-Freshman team.

Of the 48 on the watch list, there is one underclassman: Zakuani — or ''Steve O,'' as his teammates call him.

Ponder that thought again: The nation's best soccer player might just be playing in 10 home games right here at Lee Jackson Field.

UA found Zakuani when Porter sent one of his assistant coaches to scout Zakuani's teammate in England.

Zakuani was talented enough to have professional options in the soccer-rich Europe. But he said he put those plans on hold to come to UA, saying as soon as he talked to the people with the Zips, he knew it was where he wanted to be.

He knows he might get more pro offers, and he plans to rely on Porter's advice, but he hopes to finish at Akron.

''If all goes well, I'll last four years here,'' he said. ''That would be my dream.''

That is just one of several dreams, actually. Another is to play professionally for Barcelona, and yet another is to use his degree in sports management to help disadvantaged kids. He would like to open a sports club in neighborhoods where kids could use a sport like soccer to further themselves.

Why help the disadvantaged?

''Because I was one of them,'' he said.

GAME RECAPS
Zips Soccer Team Upsets Fighting Irish- Akron Beacon Journal, Aug. 30, 2008
The No. 12 Zips men's soccer team opened its season Friday by upsetting the No. 3 Fighting Irish at the Indiana University Classic on Jerry Yeagley Field in Bloomington. It was the program's second win versus a top-five opponent and its first on the road. UA now leads the all-time series against Notre Dame 7-2-3.

Draw Still Gives Zips The Victory in IU Tourney- Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 1, 2008
The No. 12 Zips men's soccer team concluded the Indiana University Classic on Sunday with a scoreless tie against the host No. 7 Hoosiers before 3,000 fans at Jerry Yeagley Field in Bloomington, Ind. UA, which beat No. 3 Notre Dame 3-0 Friday, won the Classic title based on goal differential in the tournament. IU, the alma mater of Zips coach Caleb Porter, claimed the runner-up spot.

Zakuani Provides All Zips Require- Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 6, 2008
Steve Zakuani did what he does best, and the defense did the rest. The University of Akron soccer team (2-0-1), ranked fifth in the country in one poll, edged West Virginia 1-0 on Friday night in the second game of the UA Tournament at Lee Jackson Field before a crowd of 1,936.

Falling Behind Kick-Starts Offense For Zips- Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 8, 2008
The nationally ranked University of Akron men's soccer team faced its first deficit of the season Sunday afternoon. The No. 5 Zips responded with two goals to defeat Cincinnati in the final game of the UA Tournament at Lee Jackson Field before a crowd of 972.

Host Zips Win Tourney - The Buchtelite, Sept. 9, 2008
For the first time all year, the fifth-ranked University of Akron men's soccer team found themselves trailing an opponent. They would not stay trailing for long. The Zips defeated Cincinnati 2-1 to claim the University of Akron Tournament title, held last weekend at Lee Jackson Field.

Zips Take Out Frustrations With Offensive Outburst - Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 20, 2008
University of Akron men's soccer coach Caleb Porter had been waiting patiently for his team's offense to have a big game. Friday afternoon, the host Zips delivered in a 7-0 Mid-American Conference victory over Florida Atlantic at Lee Jackson Field.

Zips Get Victory in Second Overtime - Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 22, 2008
Junior Stefan Ostergren scored a goal in the 109th minute to lead the host Zips men's soccer team to a double-overtime victory Sunday night at Lee Jackson Field. Ostergren, a North Canton Hoover graduate who entered the game in the 80th minute, tallied the game winner from about 6 yards away.

Zips Soccer Ekes Out 1-0 Victory - Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 28, 2008
Sophomore forward Steve Zakuani scored a goal with nine seconds remaining in a physical men's soccer match to lead the No. 9 Zips to a 1-0 victory Saturday night at Lee Jackson Field.

No. 6 Zips Knock Off Northern Illinois, 4-0 - Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 4, 2008
Sophomore forward Steve Zakuani scored three goals, and senior goalkeeper Evan Bush recorded his 42nd career shutout to lead the Zips (7-1-2, 2-0-0) past the host Huskies (6-2-2, 1-1-0) 4-0 in a Mid-American Conference men's soccer match Saturday afternoon.

Zips Shut Out BGSU - Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 11, 2008
Senior goalkeeper Evan Bush recorded his 43rd career shutout, a Mid-American Conference record, to lead the Zips (9-1-2, 3-0-0) past the host Falcons (3-7-1, 0-2-0) in a men's soccer match Saturday afternoon.

Zips Soccer Team Beats Raiders, 8-0 - Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 16, 2008
It didn't take the UniversitCustomer Care - Akron Zipsy of Akron long to take control of its soccer match against visiting Wright State on Wednesday night at Lee Jackson Field. Zips sophomore Steve Zakuani scored three goals in the first 18 minutes in Akron's 8-0 win against the Raiders (3-9-1).

Zips Shut Down Wolverines Attack - Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 23, 2008
One goal was all that was needed for the fourth consecutive season when the University of Akron and Michigan met in a men's regular-season soccer match. The host Zips defeated the Wolverines 1-0 in a game between two nationally ranked teams in front of 1,123 fans at Lee Jackson Field on Wednesday night.

Zips Barely Edge Ranked Wolverines - The Buchtelite, Oct. 23, 2008
After blowing through the Mid-American Conference opposition, the 5th-ranked University of Akron men's soccer team stepped out of conference to welcome Big Ten power Michigan to Lee Jackson field Wednesday night.

Zips Blank Broncos, Win 4th MAC Title in Row - Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 26, 2008
The University of Akron men's soccer team won its fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference regular-season championship Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over Western Michigan at Lee Jackson Field. The Zips (13-1-2, 5-0-0), ranked No. 3 by Soccer America and No. 5 in the NSCAA/adidas poll, will host the MAC Tournament Nov. 13-16.

Steve Zakuani Lifts Zips Past Hartwick - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 2, 2008
Sophomore Steve Zakuani scored two goals Saturday night to lead the Zips men's soccer team (14-1-3, 6-0) past the host Hawks (5-5-5, 1-2-1) in UA's final Mid-American Conference regular-season match.

Zips Get Their Kicks In OT Win - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 15, 2008
The University of Akron continued its dominance in MAC soccer Friday night with a thrilling victory on penalty kicks over visiting Hartwick in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

Zips' Goalkeeper Bush Plays Big In Shootout - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 15, 2008
On paper, it seemed like a mismatch.The University of Akron and Hartwick entered the second semifinal of the Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer Tournament on Friday night at Lee Jackson Field with completely different records and players.

Zips Are Champions After Mushing Huskies - Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 17, 2008
The weather was undesirable and the field conditions were sloppy Sunday afternoon at Lee Jackson Field, despite the best efforts of head groundskeeper Jim Fleming. Cold temperatures were joined by rain, and then snow accumulated on the field as the day progressed. It was hardly the ideal situation for the Mid-American Conference men's soccer championship game.

Zakuani's Goal Secures Zips' Second Straight Title - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 17, 2008
When Steve Zakuani woke up Sunday morning, the University of Akron men's soccer sophomore thought the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship would go on without him.

The University of Akron Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Evan Bush

Matt Dagilis

Stefan Ostergren

Kofi Sarkodie

Matt Tutich

Steve Zakuani

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