The University of Akron Athletics
Najem Honored as MAC Men's Soccer Player of the Year
November 10 | Men's Soccer
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - University of Akron senior Adam Najem (Clifton, N.J.) has been selected as the 2016 Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Year in a vote of the league coaches released on Thursday, Nov. 10.
Najem becomes the 12th Zip to garner league Player of the Year accolades and first since Aodhan Quinn was named the conference's best player in 2013.
Najem joins an exclusive club as only the third Akron player to earn first-team All-MAC honors in each of his four campaigns as a Zip. He joins Anthony Ampaipitakwong (2007-10) and Matt Tutich (2005-08) as the only other Akron standouts to be so recognized. Additionally, he is seventh Zip to tabbed as a four-time All-MAC (first- or second-team honoree) recipient joining Ampaipitakwong, Tutich, Orjan Bjanese (1998-2001), Kyle Milligan (1998-2001), Cameron Knowles (2001-04) and Ossie Michalsen (2005-08).
"I am happy for Adam with this award, it is well deserved," Akron head coach Jared Embick commented. "He is a tremendous all-around player that is very deserving of this award."
Arguably the most well-rounded player in the conference, Najem, a first-team All-MAC honoree in each of his four campaigns as a Zip, has started all 18 games for Akron this season, owning team-high marks in points (15) and shots (43), while ranking second in goals (5), assists (5) and shots on goal (15) and third in game-winners (1).
He is rated third in the MAC in assists (5), points (15), points per tilt (0.83) and shots (43), fourth in goals (5) and goals per contest (0.28) and fifth in assists (0.28) and shots per game (2.39).
During his decorated Akron career he has appeared in 85 career tilts, including making 83 starts and has recorded 33 goals, while adding 29 assists and currently stands as the active leader in D1 with more than 25 goals and 25 assists.
Najem and the Zips (10-5-3) open MAC Championship play hosting Western Michigan in the second semifinal on Friday, Nov. 11. Game time at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field is set for 7 p.m.
