No. 8 Akron Opens MAC Play at No. 12 Western Michigan

Saturday, October 7

Kalamazoo, Mich.

1:00 PM

University of Akron

Western Michigan

No. 8 Akron Opens MAC Play at No. 12 Western Michigan

October 06 | Men's Soccer

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MATCH NO. 10 - AKRON AT WESTERN MICHIGAN GAME NOTES (10/7)

No. 8 Akron (6-2-1, 0-0-0 MAC) at No. 12 Western Michigan (9-2-1, 0-0-0 MAC)
Saturday, Oct. 7
WMU Soccer Complex
Kalamazoo, Mich. • 1 p.m.

Series History: Akron leads 35-3-3
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: www.gozips.com
Television: None

WHAT'S AHEAD
The eighth-rated University of Akron men's soccer team commences Mid-American Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 7, as the Zips travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a showdown at No. 12 Western Michigan. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m.

SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN
Western Michigan enters its Mid-American Conference opener versus Akron having dropped back-to-back decisions following a 1-0 home setback against Michigan State on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Senior Brandon Bye lead the Broncos' offensive efforts this season pacing the team in goals (7), points (18), shots (58), shots on goal (31) and game-winners (3), while ranking second in assists (4). Senior goalkeeper Drew Shepherd owns the majority of minutes in goal for the Broncos having recorded 21 saves and owning six shutouts on the strength of a 0.86 goals against average.

As a team, Western Michigan is ranked fourth in the NCAA in total assists (28), fifth in total points (73), sixth in assists per game (2.42), eighth in shots per contest (16.08), 11th in shots on goal per tilt (7.08), 12th in total goals (22), 19th in winning percentage (.792) and points per game (6.08), 21st in shutout percentage (0.50), 36th in scoring offense (1.83) and 39th in goals against average (0.90). Individually, Bye is second in shots per game (5.27), third in shots on goal per contest (2.82), ninth in game-winning goals (3), 12th in total points (18), 17th in total goals (7), 24th in points per outing (1.64) and 37th in goals per game (0.64), while Shepherd is rated ninth in shutouts (6), 15th in minutes played (1,041:28) and 40th in goals against average (0.864).

SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Western Michigan are squaring off for 42nd time in program history with the Zips owning a 35-3-3 series advantage. A year ago, Akron bettered the Broncos during the regular season, 3-0, on Nov. 5, 2016, at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field, before downing Western Michigan, 4-0, in the semifinals of the MAC Tournament on Nov. 11, 2016.

IN OUR LAST MEETING (NOV. 11, 2016 - AKRON, OHIO)
Akron garnered scoring contributions from four players as the Zips registered a 4-0 victory past Western Michigan in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference Championship on Nov. 11, 2016, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

The Zips bettered the Broncos on the evening in shots, 16-7, including a dominating 10-2 advantage over the final 45 minutes. Akron posted a 6-2 margin in shots on goal en route to collecting its 10th clean sheet of the season.

Redshirt junior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) sparked the Zips in reserve duty with a game-high four shots, while senior Sam Gainford (Liverpool, England) and sophomore Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) added three and two shots, respectively. Diego Lopez led Western Michigan with a team-high four shots.

Junior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) made two saves in net for Akron to garner the shutout, while Drew Shepherd recorded two stops for the Broncos.

After a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes of play, senior Stuart Holthusen (Auckland, New Zealand) took control of a ball near the midfield and glided down the sideline in a 1v1 opportunity. He was able to move down the flank before sliding back into the box where he unfurled a laser that deflected off the shoulder of sophomore Nick Hinds (Plantation, Fla.) into the back of the net for the goal at the 23:33 mark.

In the 36th minute (35:32), Western Michigan was whistled for a take down in the box that resulted in a penalty kick for the Zips. Stepping to the line and delivering the goal was Gainford.

Akron carried a 2-0 lead into the intermission, outshooting the Broncos in the initial stanza, 6-5.

It was not long before Zajac stretched the margin to 3-0 at the 51:54 mark striking his third tally of the year. Earning the assist on the goal was Goncalo Soares.

Kahsay was rewarded for his tenacity going at the goal in the second half as he recorded a goal in the 60th minute (59:12). The tally was setup by a pair of beautiful passes from Hinds and Jonathan Lewis.

THE COACHES
Western Michigan: Chad Wiseman is in his fifth season as head coach of the Western Michigan program, owning a 46-28-14 (.602) record. Overall in nine years as a head coach he owns a 99-53-20 (.634) mark.

Akron: In his fifth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 11th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 67-21-10 mark (.735), including 114-42-18 (.707) overall, in his seventh year as a head coach.

AKRON HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK
Jared Embick, who had previously served as the Zips' associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, officially became the seventh head coach in the history of The University of Akron men's soccer program in December of 2012.

The 2017 campaign marks his fifth year leading the Zips having registered a 67-21-10 (.735) ledger after posting an 13-6-3 record a season ago.

During Embick's time at Akron, the Zips have posted the highest winning percentage in the nation with an overall record of 177-34-26 (.802), including a 51-3-3 (.921) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing nine conference tournament titles, 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament and two appearances in an NCAA final.

The Zips came into the 2016 campaign on the heels of the program's fourth appearance in the College Cup in 2015 and boasted seven returning starters and the second-rated recruiting class in the country as heralded by TopDrawerSoccer.com.

The Zips began the season as the preseason No. 1 according to Soccer America before ascending to the consensus No. 1 team after the opening weekend of play. Akron went on to post its 16th consecutive double-digit victory campaign and concluded the year with a 13-6-3 ledger, including a 3-1-1 mark in the MAC. The Zips earned the MAC regular season and tournament titles en route to collecting the program's 31st NCAA Tournament.

The Zips became one of just five Division I programs to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in each of the past 10 seasons with their 31st overall selection.

Akron was led by the play of Adam Najem, who garnered third-team National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America accolades, respectively, en route to directing the Zips to rank third in the NCAA in goals (45), points (135) and shots per game (16.95), fourth in points per contest (6.14), fifth in assists (45), sixth in assists per game (2.05) and scoring offense (2.05) and eighth in shots on goal per tilt (6.91).

The Zips also found success in the classroom as Akron boasted a team 3.09 grade-point average, while Najem was tabbed a first-team NSCAA Academic All-American for the second straight season.

Led by Pau Belana, Najem and Brad Ruhaak, who were selected as first-team All-MAC men's soccer selections, eight Akron student-athletes garnered All-MAC accolades a year ago. Additionally, Sam Gainford, Nick Hinds, Stuart Holthusen, Jonathan Lewis and Ben Lundt were recognized as second-team selections.

Najem was honored as the MAC Player of the Year, while Lewis was selected as the MAC Freshman of the Year.

In January, 2017, Lewis became the 12th Zip to have his name called during the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with his selection third overall in the MLS SuperDraft by New York City FC. Additionally, Danilo Radjen was selected in the fourth round (No. 36) by the Houston Dynamo.

Due in large part to Embick's recruiting efforts, Akron has identified and secured some of the best prospects in the country – and around the world – with top-five recruiting classes. The Zips' classes of 2012 and 2009 were ranked No. 1 in the country, while the classes of 2016, 2011 and 2010 each received a No. 2 designation.

More importantly, UA's recruits have flourished in the Zips' system, which features a style of play that is attractive and attack-oriented, yet effective on both sides of the ball. In total, Embick recruited or helped develop 31 players who have gone on to play professionally either in MLS or overseas since 2007.

Prior to joining the Zips, Embick spent four seasons (2003-06) as the head men's soccer coach at Missouri Baptist University where he led the Spartans to a record of 47-21-8 and the program's first NAIA regional tournament berth in 2003. In all, Embick spent six seasons at MBU, including two seasons as a graduate assistant (2000-01) and one season as an assistant coach (2002).

A 2000 graduate of Indiana Wesleyan, Embick was named an All-American by the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) in 1998 and 1999 as a player. He was also an NAIA honorable mention All-America honoree in 1999 and was twice named to the All-Mid-Central Conference squad.

DEFENSIVE EFFORT PROPELS AKRON TO 1-0 VICTORY AT SYRACUSE
A staunch defensive effort and a 35th-minute goal from redshirt junior Ezana Kahsay proved to be the winning formula for the Akron men's soccer team as the eighth-rated Zips extended their unbeaten streak to seven with a 1-0 victory at Syracuse on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

Fueled by a 7-4 margin in second-half shots, Akron finished the contest outshooting the Orange, 10-9, including a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Senior Manuel Cordeiro (Porto, Portugal) and freshman Joao Moutinho (Lisbon, Portugal) directed the Zips' offensive efforts recording two shots apiece. Syracuse was paced by a team-high three shots from Jonathan Hagman and Tajon Buchanan.

Junior goalkeeper Ben Lundt came up with four key saves for Akron en route to earning his fourth clean sheet on the campaign. Conversely, Hendrik Hilpert made four saves for the Orange.

Buchanan nearly gave Syracuse an early 1-0 advantage only 19 seconds in the game as his strike struck the left post.

Moutinho garnered the Zips' first shot of the evening in the 10th minute (9:58), one that was saved by Hilpert.

Kahsay gave Akron a 1-0 lead at the 34:18 mark delivering a ball into the corner of the net for his first goal of the season. Earning assists on the tally with a pair of pinpoint passes were redshirt sophomore Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio) and junior Joe Korb (Willowick, Ohio).

Pulling in Hagman's attempt on goal for a save in the 44th minute (43:15) was Lundt.

The Zips were outshot in the initial stanza, 5-3, including 2-2 on frame.

Syracuse opened the second half firing shots on net as Buchan and Jan Breitenmoser unleashed shots at the 48:57 and 50:14 marks, respectively, which were corralled for stops by Lundt.

Hackworth had a strong chance in the 64th minute (63:39) in the box, but his strike went just high.

Cordeiro and Korb recorded shots on goal at the 66:10 and 66:39 marks that was denied by saves from Hilpert.

Senior Nate Shultz (Mayfield, Ohio), the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week, nearly pushed Akron's lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute (73:23) as his shot inside the box went just high.

Syracuse narrowly missed on a pair of scoring opportunities at the 79:09 and 81:17 marks, respectively, as Buchanan's and Hagman's shots each hit the side of the net.

Senior Stuart Holthusen capped the scoring chances for the Zips in the 86th minute (85:49) as a Hilpert save thwarted his strike on frame.

GOLDEN GOAL LIFTS ZIPS TO 2-1 DOUBLE-OT VICTORY PAST SAINT MARY'S
A golden goal in the 104th minute (103:05) from freshman Faisal Ghaffur (Mississauga, Ontario) propelled the 24th-rated University of Akron men's soccer team to the 700th victory in program history with a 2-1 double-overtime triumph past Saint Mary's on Sept. 30, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

Entering the contest as a second-half substitution at the 80:31 mark, Ghaffur collected not only the game-winning tally for the Zips in double overtime, but also netted his first collegiate goal off an assist from sophomore Nick Hinds.

The Zips outshot Saint Mary's in overtime, 2-1, and for the game, 18-11. Akron also registered a 6-3 margin in shots on goal.

Freshman Joao Moutinho (Lisbon, Portugal) directed the Zips' offensive attack collecting a game-high five shots, including two on frame, while Stuart Holthusen added four shots. Jake Rudel and Jakub Svehlik each tallied a team-high two shots for the Gaels.

The Gaels nearly got on the board in the 11th minute (10:12) as only freshman Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio) clearing the ball off the goal line for a team save prevented a goal.

Akron went on to outshot the Gaels in the opening stanza, 7-4, while the two sides combined to register three shots on goal in the first half, including two for Akron. The shots on goal for the Zips came at the 6:48 and 11:07 marks off the foot of Moutinho.

Holthusen broke the stalemate in the 56th minute (55:20) notching his second goal of the season to give Akron a 1-0 advantage. Ezana Kahsay made the play happen dribbling the ball through the top of the box to a driving Holthusen, who unfurled a laser past Saint Mary's goalkeeper Remi Prieur from 15 yards out.

A corner kick by Stephen Dougherty set up a goal from Svehlik at the 69:02 mark. Dougherty's shot from the corner was punched out for a clearance by goalkeeper Ben Lundt. Svehlik was on the spot to drive the rebound past Lundt for the equalizer.

Both sides had opportunities down the stretch in regulation, but neither team was able to capitalize with a game winner. The Zips bettered Saint Mary's in second-half shots, 8-6.

Lundt posted a save on Ever De La Torre's shot at the 94:53 mark of the first overtime period, while Prieur pulled in Holthusen's strike in the 98th minute (97:30). Lundt finished the evening making one save for the Zips, while Prieur pulled in two stops for the Gaels.

AKRON IN MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OPENERS
The Zips' contest versus Western Michigan marks the opening game in Akron's five-game conference slate in this the Zips' 25th season in the Mid-American Conference. In the previous 24 conference openers, Akron owns a 22-1-1 mark. A year ago, the Zips garnered a 4-0 home win over Buffalo on Oct. 7, 2017.

ZIPS NO. 24 IN INITIAL NCAA RPI REPORT
The NCAA released its first RPI report of the season on Monday, Oct. 2, and the Zips checked in at No. 24 nationally.

SHULTZ GARNERS NATIONAL ACCOLADES
University of Akron senior Nate Shultz capped his award-winning week with his selection on Tuesday, Oct. 3, as the United Soccer Coaches Division I National Player of the Week, as well as being named NCAA.com National Player of the Week on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

On Monday, Oct. 2, College Soccer News and TopDrawerSoccer.com named Shultz to their National Teams of the Week. Additionally, Akron Athletics honored him as the Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Week.

He was also recognized as the Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

Shultz helped Akron extend its unbeaten streak to six on the strength of registering a pair of goals to lead the Zips to victories over Michigan State and Saint Mary's on Sept. 27 and Sept. 30, respectively.

In the Zips' 4-1 victory over No. 1 Michigan State on Sept. 27, Shultz recorded the first multi-goal effort of his career with two goals on his only shots of the game to spark Akron to the win.

The Spartans came into their showdown with the Zips having surrendered only one goal on the campaign and it was Shultz' first tally of the season, a game-winner, in the 16th minute (15:55) that ended Michigan State's run of three consecutive shutouts.

Shultz earned his second tally of the evening in the 45th minute (44:28) off a pair of key inside-out passes for assists from Skye Harter and Stuart Holthusen to push Akron's lead at halftime to 2-0.

Defensively, he helped limit Michigan State and Saint Mary's to a combined six shots on goal.

SHULTZ NAMED SUMMA HEALTH ZIPS' STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Nate Shultz was named the Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Week award winner for the week of Sept. 25-Oct. 1, Akron Athletics announced on Oct. 2.

GAINFORD NAMED SUMMA HEALTH ZIPS' STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Sam Gainford (Liverpool, England) was selected as the Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Month, Akron Athletics announced on Oct. 2.

Gainford helped sparked the Zips to a 5-0-1 mark in the month of September on the strength of team-high marks in goals (4), points (9), shots (14), shots on goal (7) and game-winners (1).

Akron registered victories over a trio of ranked opponents defeating No. 10 Washington (2-0, Sept. 1), No. 21 UMass Lowell (5-0, Sept. 24) and No. 1 Michigan State (4-1, Sept. 27).

ZIPS EARN NSCAA COLLEGIATE TEAM ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
Akron was one of 195 school nationwide to have its men's and women's soccer teams recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as 2016-17 Collegiate Team Academic Award winners.

The Zips were also one of only two schools in the Mid-American Conference to have both of their respective soccer programs honored.

Under fifth-year head coach Jared Embick was recognized for the 10th consecutive year and 11th time overall after registering a cumulative 3.09 grade point average for the 2016-17 academic year.

ZIPS TIDBITS
• Akron's contest at Western Michigan marks the 175th game in the head coaching career of Jared Embick.
• The Zips recorded the 700th victory in program history with a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Saint Mary's on Sept. 30.
• Akron is 2-0-1 over teams ranked in the top 75 of the NCAA RPI report, including a 4-1 victory past No. 1 Michigan State.
• Akron's triumph over No. 1 Michigan State marked highest-rated team the Zips have defeated at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field since then top-rated Akron handed No. 2 Tulsa a 4-0 setback on Sept. 24, 2010.
• After missing the first two games of the season due to injury, Sam Gainford has directed Akron to a 6-0-1 mark in it last seven contests en route to collecting team-high marks in goals (4), points (9), shots on goal (7) and game-winners (1).
• The Zips have made the most of the final 15 minutes of each half this season as the team has scored nine of their 17 goals in that span. Akron has posted six tallies in the last 15 minutes of the first half and three over the final 15 of regulation.
• For the fourth time in their respective Akron careers, Sam Gainford and Stuart Holthusen tallied goals in the same game for the Zips. In those contests, Akron owns a 4-0 record, including a 1-0 mark this season. The first time the duo achieved this feat was in a 2-0 victory at No. 25 UC Santa Barbara on Sept. 25, 2015.
• Led by a team-best 20 shots from Stuart Holthusen, 20 different Zips have recorded a shot this season.
• The Zips have played some of their best soccer at home this season as 13 players have contributed points for Akron. Leading the way with six, six, five, four and four points, respectively, is Sam Gainford (three goals), Nick Hinds (two goals and two assists), Stuart Holthusen (two goals and one assist), David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) one goal and two assists) and Nate Shultz (two goals). Additionally, 20 Akron players own at least one shot, led by Joao Moutinho with a team-high 10 shots at home on the campaign.
• Fourteen different Zips have recorded at least one point this season.
• Sam Gainford enters play versus Western Michigan with 182 career shots, 21 shy of equaling Michael Apple (1995-98) for fifth place on the all-time career list at Akron.
• Ben Lundt surpassed 2,500 career minutes in goal versus Saint Louis on Sept. 16 and now owns the sixth-best career goals against average (0.933) in program history.
• The Zips have outshot the opposition in the opening half of play this season by a count of 49-23.
• Akron owns a decided 31-15 advantage in second-half corner kicks on the campaign.
• Ben Lundt earned the weekly Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Week honors for the 2017-18 academic year, Akron Athletics announced on Sept. 18.
• Sam Gainford was recognized as the Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week, the league announced on Sept. 26.
• A pair of freshmen in Joao Moutinho and Daniel Strachan have cracked the starting line-up for the Zips this season and have started nine and eight games on Akron's defensive line this year.
• Akron's shutouts at Utah Valley and Denver marked only the second and third time since the start of the 2015 campaign in which the Zips have been shutout in a setback during the regular season.
• Daniel Strachan garnered the initial start of his collegiate career for the Zips against No. 3 Denver on Aug. 28.
• Three Zips' newcomers in senior Nate Brown (Scarborough, Ontario), junior Morgan Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.) and freshman Joao Moutinho garnered the starting assignment in their Akron debuts versus Utah Valley on Aug. 25.
• Under head coach Jared Embick, Akron's record following a loss is 15-3-3.
• Joao Moutinho was tabbed as one of eight Impact Freshmen to Know in 2017 by Travis Clark of TopDrawerSoccer.com.
• Morgan Hackworth was recognized as one of 11 Division I transfers to watch by Travis Clark of TopDrawerSoccer.com.
• Stuart Holthusen is Akron's active career leader in goals (21), points (54) game-winning goals (8) and ranks second in assists (12) and shots (117) and third in games played (63). Sam Gainford paces the squad in assists (13) , games played (68) and started (59), shots (182) and shots on goal (75) and in points (51). Nate Shultz is tied with Gainford for first in games played (68) and second in contests started (45).
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 38 of the squad's last 61 matches.
• Akron has held opponents scoreless in 11 of its last 16 home contests at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.
• Akron owns a 40-4-3 record in its last 47 home matches.
• Since the start of the 2015 campaign, the Zips own a 13-9-1 mark against ranked opponents after a 2-0 victory past Washington on Sept. 1, a 5-0 triumph over No. 21 UMass Lowell on Sept. 24 and a 4-1 win versus No. 1 Michigan State on Sept. 27.
• The Zips are ranked 15th nationally in attendance in 2017 averaging 1,894 for four home games. In 2016, Akron rated 10th nationally in attendance averaging 2,147 fans per contest.
• Since 2007, Akron maintains a league record of 51-3-3 (.921) mark in the Mid-American Conference. Furthermore, the Zips have won 11 consecutive MAC regular season championships and eight of the last nine MAC Tournament titles.
• The Zips made the most of the initial and final 15 minutes of their games last season as Akron recorded 17 of its 45 goals in this span. Three of the Zips' nine tallies in the final 15 minutes were game-winners.
• The Zips registered a trio of wins over ranked opponents last season following victories past No. 7 Georgetown (Aug. 26, No. 9 Seattle (Aug. 28) and No. 5 UC Santa Barbara (Sept. 12).
• In all, Akron leads all league members with 19 regular-season and 13 tournament championships since joining the MAC in 1993, and has won both titles in the same season 12 times after doing so in 2016.
• In 24 seasons in the MAC, the Zips have produced 177 All-MAC honorees, including a conference-record nine first-team selections in 2010.
• Ben Lundt recorded 11 shutouts on the strength of 59 saves a season ago.
• Akron's 1-0 victory over No. 9 Seattle on Aug. 28, 2016, represented the 50th career win for Zips' head coach Jared Embick at Akron.
• By virtue of its back-to-back shutouts to open the 2016 campaign, Akron opened a season with consecutive shutouts for the sixth time in the last nine years.
• Akron advanced to the College Cup for the fourth time (1986, 2009, 2010 and 2015) in program history in 2015.
• Since Oct. 1, 2015, Akron owns a 28-9-6 record.
• Sam Gainford, Nick Costa (North Royalton, Ohio) and Ben Lundt have been named as team captains for the 2017 campaign.
• In all, the Zips have produced 23 Academic All-American honors in its history, dating back to the 1998 season.
• Akron has long been associated with academic excellence. Over the last three seasons, the Zips have posted team GPA's of 3.09 (2016), 3.20 (2015) and 3.37 (2014). Akron finished second in Division I in 2011-12 with a cumulative mark of 3.44. The remarkable feat follows years that saw the Zips post GPAs of 3.43 in 2010-11 and 3.33 in 2009-10.
• Jonathan Lewis became the 12th Zip to have his name called during the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with his selection third overall in the MLS SuperDraft by New York City FC in January.

OWNING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
The recent successes of the Akron men's soccer program over the past 11 seasons (2007-present) can be attributed to its play in the month of October. Since the start of the 2007 campaign, the Zips own a 63-9-7 (.842) ledger in the month, including a 32-4-3 (.859) mark in matches at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.

EGBO HONORED BY TOPDRAWERSOCCER.COM
Akron freshman David Egbo garnered recognition for his play in the Zips' 5-0 victory over No. 21 UMass Lowell on Sept. 24, as TopDrawerSoccer.com named him to its National Team of the Week on Sept. 26.

Egbo turned in a career game against nationally-ranked UMass Lowell registering a goal and an assist.

A defensive substitution in the 31st minute, Egbo immediately made a contribution recording his first career assist on Sam Gainford's game-winning tally at the 32:50 mark.

Less than seven minutes later in the 40th minute (39:32), Egbo connected on his first career goal off an assist from Joao Moutinho to give the Zips a 2-0 lead. His goal came on his only shot of the contest.

ZAJAC PICKS UP NATIONAL HONORS
Akron sophomore Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) was named by College Soccer News and TopDrawerSoccer.com to their National Teams of the Week, it was announced on Sept. 11.

Zajac helped spark the Zips to a 3-1 victory at UC Santa Barbara on Sept. 9, with his first collegiate multi-goal contest.

Zajac got the scoring started in the affair connecting on his initial goal of the season at the 6:15 mark off an assist from freshman João Moutinho to give Akron a 1-0 lead.

Zajac extended the Zips' advantage to 2-0 in the 40th minute (39:52) hammering a cross in the box by Sam Gainford for his second goal of the match.

SEPTEMBER DOMINANCE
The Zips found their stride in the month of September as Akron registered five victories in month, bettering No. 10 Washington (2-0, Sept. 1), UC Santa Barbara (3-1, Sept. 9.), No. 21 UMass Lowell (5-0, Sept. 24), No. 1 Michigan State (4-1, Sept. 27) and Saint Mary's (2-1, Sept. 30).

For the month, the Zips were led by four goals and one assist from Sam Gainford, while Nick Hinds added two goals and a pair of assists. Akron outshot the opposition, 83-49, including 34-22 on frame. Ben Lundt was stellar in goal for the Zips owning a 0.47 goal against average on the strength of 17 saves and a trio of shutouts.

Over the last 15 seasons (2003-present), Akron boasts a 81-17-12 (.791) ledger in the month of September, including a 5-0-1 mark this fall.

GAINFORD HONORED BY TOPDRAWERSOCCER.COM
University of Akron men's senior Sam Gainford was recognized as one of the game's best when TopDrawerSoccer.com unveiled its Men's Preseason Best XI squads on Aug. 21.

Gainford was honored as a third-team honoree as a forward.

GAINFORD NAMED TO HERMANN TROPHY WATCH LIST
Sam Gainford added another accolade to his growing resume with his selection on Aug. 8, to the 2017 Missouri Athletic Club's (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Gainford is one of 31 men tabbed for consideration for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer presented annually to one male and one female athlete. The winners will be announced Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at the trophy presentation banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

EMBICK GARNERS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Akron head coach Jared Embick received high praise for his efforts leading the Zips as TopDrawerSoccer.com named him as the top-rated coach in the country.

TopDrawerSoccer.com described Embick as having now fully emerged from the shadow Caleb Porter once cast over the Akron program and taken it in a direction wholly his own. Anyone who watched the Zips storm into the College Cup in 2015 with a beautifully possession-oriented style usually rejected by the college game's speed could see the genius at work here. He's as tactically clued in as any coach yet to reach 40 in American history.

GAINFORD AND HINDS GARNER MEN'S NATIONAL TOP 100 HONORS
Sam Gainford and Nick Hinds were honored as members of the initial Men's National Top 100 list compiled by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Gainford was tabbed as the No. 24 player in the country, while Hinds came in at No. 96.

A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Since 2007, Akron men's soccer program has posted the highest winning percentage (through games of Oct. 4) in the nation (.802), with an overall record of 177-34-26. The Zips are followed by Maryland, 169-39-33 (.770), North Carolina, 155-45-34 (.735), Creighton, 162-53-21 (.731) and Connecticut, 138-46-41 (.704). Akron has made 10 straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2007-16), earning a first-round bye in seven seasons. The Zips have advanced to the NCAA's Round of 16 in seven of the last 10 years. Since 1961, the Zips have advanced to the NCAA postseason 31 times, including each of the past 10 seasons and 15 of the past 16.

DEFENSIVE ZIPS
The Zips have displayed strong defensive efforts in their first eight games this season as Akron has limited a quartet of top-25 opponents to only 16 shots on goal.

In the Zips' 1-0 setback at No. 3 Denver, the Pioneers' lone shot on goal came on a first-half penalty kick en route to Akron registering a 10-5 advantage in overall shots.

Against No. 10 Washington on Sept. 1, the Zips held the Huskies to only two shots on goal in a 2-0 victory, before limiting No. 21 UMass Lowell and No. 1 Michigan State to three shots on frame in 5-0 and 4-1 wins on Sept. 24 and Sept. 27, respectively.

On the season, the Zips have outshot the opposition, 111-69 and have posted a 51-31 margin in corner kicks.

ZIPS' 1986 SQUAD TO BE HONORED
The 1986 Zips' men's soccer team, which became Akron's first College Cup team, will be honored as part of the 43rd Annual Varsity "A" Sports Hall of Fame ceremonies on Oct. 7.

Setting their preseason goals on a national championship, the Zips secured two road wins over nationally ranked teams [Fresno State, 2-1; Penn State, 1-0] and Akron's first win over Indiana since 1975, 1-0, to prove they were going in the right direction.

Under the direction of head coach Steve Parker, Akron closed its regular season with six wins, including a 1-0 victory over No. 1 ranked Evansville on Lee Jackson Field. That victory earned the Zips a sixth spot, their highest national ranking ever up to that time.

Akron earned its 15th NCAA Tournament bid in its then 32-year history. After receiving a bye in the first round, Akron traveled to Evansville again where it claimed a 2-1 win in overtime.

The Zips hosted the NCAA quarterfinal match against Penn State, and came away with another 2-1 overtime victory.

Akron had to make a return trip to Fresno State for the national semifinals and downed the Bulldogs, 1-0.

Akron's only remaining hurdle to a national championship was a highly regarded Duke squad, which prevailed by the narrowest of margins, 1-0.

Akron finished with a 17-4-3 record as the national runner-up, and Parker was accorded National Coach of the Year.

ALFRED TO BE INDUCTED INTO VARSITY "A" SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Eugene Alfred '73 – A four-year letterwinner in soccer will be honored as part of the 43rd Annual Varsity "A" Sports Hall of Fame ceremonies on Oct. 7.

A native of Ibadan, Nigeria, Alfred earned second-team All-Ohio and All-Midwest Honorable Mention honors as a freshman in 1969 during an 8-4 campaign.

As a sophomore halfback, Alfred performed well enough to be selected first team on both the All-Ohio and All-Midwest squads and then was accorded 1970 All-America Honorable Mention accolades as he helped Akron earn an NCAA I Tournament berth while compiling an 8-5-1 record.

In 1971, he helped Akron capture its 10th Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association title and another postseason NCAA I Tournament berth with a 9-3-3 record.

As a senior in 1972, the Zips put together a 9-3-2 campaign and their third straight NCAA Tournament bid.

PROTECTING OUR HOUSE
Since 2007, the Zips have recorded a 108-8-13 (.888) ledger in home matches at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field. Akron owns four unbeaten campaigns during that span, including posting home marks of 12-0-1, 13-0-0, 12-0-1 and 10-0-2 during the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 seasons, respectively.

LEAGUE-BEST EIGHT ZIPS EARN ALL-MAC HONORS
Led by Pau Belana (Barcelona, Catalonia) and Adam Najem and Brad Ruhaak, who were selected as first-team All-Mid-American Conference men's soccer selections, a league-best eight Akron student-athletes garnered All-MAC accolades in 2016.

Sam Gainford, Nick Hinds, Stuart Holthusen, Jonathan Lewis and Ben Lundt were tabbed second-team honorees.

NAJEM SELECTED AS MAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Adam Najem was selected as the 2016 Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Year in a vote of the league coaches.

Najem became 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 joined 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 joined Anthony Ampaipitakwong (2007-10) and Matt Tutich (2005-08) as the only other Akron standouts to be so recognized. Additionally, he was the seventh Zip to be 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).

LEWIS NAMED MAC FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Jonathan Lewis was selected as the 2016 Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer Freshman of the Year in a vote of the league coaches.

Lewis' selection marked the 12th time a Zip has taken home the top newcomer award in the conference and first since Dillon Serna was honored in 2012.

ZIPS PRIMED FOR BIG THINGS IN 2017
The Zips entered the 2017 campaign looking to build upon a 13-6-3 mark last season, including a 3-1-1 ledger in the Mid-American Conference, and a return to the College Cup in search of winning the program's second national championship.

Akron is seeking to integrate 11 newcomers this season in Marc Alexander (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Nate Brown, David Egbo, Faisal Ghaffur, Morgan Hackworth, Christian Lue Young (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), João Moutinho, Codie Lynd (Belleville, Ill.), Braden Petno (Hudson, Ohio), Daniel Strachan and Declan Watters (Dublin, Ireland) onto a roster that boasts seven returning starters from a year ago.

AKRON TABBED TO CAPTURE MAC REGULAR AND POSTSEASON TITLES
Akron was tabbed to capture the Mid-American Conference regular and postseason titles in a preseason poll of six conference coaches.

The Zips under fifth-year head coach Jared Embick, were picked to repeat as conference champions in the MAC Coaches Preseason poll with five first-place votes. Following Zips (35 points) in the rankings were West Virginia (21 points) and league newcomer SIU Edwardsville (21 points). The Mountaineers garnered the lone remaining first-place tally.

Rounding out the rest of the poll was 2017 MAC Tournament participants Bowling Green (20 points) and Western Michigan (20 points), along with Northern Illinois (nine points). Also voted on by the coaches was the predicted 2017 MAC Tournament Champion where Akron was selected to repeat as league tournament winner.

NAJEM EARNS 2016 ALL-AMERICA HONORS
University of Akron men's soccer standouts Adam Najem garnered All-America accolades when the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) unveiled its 2016 All-American teams last season. Najem earned All-America status for the second time in his respective Akron career. Najem was tabbed as second- and third-team honoree in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The NSCAA All-America citations were the 55th and 56th in the Zips' storied men's soccer history.

NAJEM SELECTED AS FIRST-TEAM ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN
Adam Najem was selected as a First-Team Scholar All-America award winner for the second consecutive year when the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) unveiled its 2016 Scholar All-American team last season.

Najem became the third Zip to garner First-Team NSCAA Scholar All-America accolades twice joining Chad Barson (2011, 2012) and Kofi Sarkodie (2009, 2010).

The NSCAA Scholar All-America citation is the 10th in the Zips' storied men's soccer history, while also marking the 23rd overall academic All-America honor in program history.

WHAT IS A ZIP?
• One of the unique nicknames in collegiate athletics belongs to The University of Akron.
• Originally Zippers, athletic director Kenneth "Red" Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the Zips in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname for the University's athletics teams.
• Suggestions submitted by students, faculty, and alumni included Golden Blue Devils, Tip Toppers, Rubbernecks, Hillbillies, Kangaroos, and Cheveliers.
• The winner, freshman Margaret Hamlin, received a prize of $10 for Zippers, a $6 pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the BF Goodrich Company.
• The evolution of Zippy, UA's mascot, began 40 years ago when the student council decided the University needed a mascot.
• "Zippy" the kangaroo was officially declared the school's mascot on May 1, 1953. The first known printed reference to the mascot as "Zippy" was a 1965 Zip football press brochure. The Buchtelite's first use of the name "Zippy" came Sept. 24, 1965, in an identification of a photo of the cheerleaders listing "Mascot - 'Zippy' - Charles Huettner."
• In 2007, Zippy was named the Capital One National Mascot of the Year.

DID YOU KNOW?
• Twelve Zips have had their names called during the first round of the MLS SuperDraft, including a league record five selections in the first eight picks in 2011 following the Zips' national championship season.
• Akron broke a second MLS record that day as seven Akron players were chosen in the first two rounds, the most from a single team in draft history.
• Zippy is just one of five female-gendered college mascots in Division I athletics. Do you know the other four? (YoUDee, the Delaware Blue Hen; Mrs. Wuf of N.C. State; Lucy Lobo of New Mexico; and Wilma Wildcat of Arizona).

UP NEXT
Akron opens a four-match homestand hosting Cleveland State at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.