The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Soccer Alum Steve Zakuani Retires from MLS
October 29 | Men's Soccer
AKRON VIDEO
AKRON, Ohio — Akron men's soccer alumnus Steve Zakuani (2007-08) announced his retirement from professional soccer on Wednesday.
"It is with great sadness that I have to announce my retirement from football," Zakuani said via his official website, SteveZakuani.com. "To call this the most difficult decision I've ever had to make in my life would be a massive understatement. I've wrestled with this decision for months, but after weighing up all of my options, and listening to my heart, even though it is painful to reach this conclusion, I know that it is the right one."
Born in Zaire, Zakuani grew up in London, England. He played two seasons at the University of Akron under head coach Caleb Porter and scored six goals as a true freshman in 2007. As a sophomore in 2008, Zakuani was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy after leading the nation with 20 goals and seven assists. He became just the second sophomore to be named Soccer America's men's collegiate Player of the Year. Zakuani was an All-American in 2008 and a two-time first-team All-Great Lakes Region honoree. He was also named the 2008 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year as well as the 2007 MAC Newcomer of the Year and two-time first-team All-MAC selection.
In Akron's record book, Zakuani stands No. 5 in points in a season (47), No. 6 in goals in a season (20), and No. 5 in shots in a season (85).
Zakuani was the No. 1 draft pick by the Seattle Sounders FC in 2009 on a Generation Adidas contract, allowing him to return to school to finish his education. He was a finalist for the 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year after leading MLS rookies with four goals and four assists. The Sounders advanced to the MLS championship and won the U.S. Open Cup tournament in their first season. Zakuani started in the championship match.
Last season, Zakuani saw limited action with the Sounders due to injury.
In December 2013, Zakuani was selected by the Portland Timbers as the No. 2 pick in the MLS Re-Entry Process. He appeared in 17 games before announcing his retirement on Oct. 29, 2014, citing difficulty recovering from numerous injuries.
