The University of Akron Athletics
Ruhaak Inks Contract with North Carolina FC of NASL
May 23 | Men's Soccer
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AKRON, Ohio – North Carolina FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL) have signed former University of Akron men's soccer standout Brad Ruhaak to a contract to join its club.
"I'm extremely excited, it's my first pro contract and a great opportunity," Ruhaak commented. "It's a great team and a great group of guys. There is a high level to this team. Everything they do in training is sharp and they transfer that to games. They like to attack and keep the ball. It's a great style to play and exciting to watch. I'm a center back and right back. Nothing flashy, but I'm here to work."
"I am very happy to see Brad get an opportunity to play at the professional level," said Akron head coach Jared Embick. "His character and drive is contagious to his teammates. He has been a great student, player, captain and ambassador for the University of Akron and our program. I know he will be a tremendous pro, and look forward to watching him further his career at NCFC."
A three-year starter for the Zips, Ruhaak started 66 of the 70 games in which he appeared in for Akron. He helped spark a Zips' defensive unit that posted 27 shutouts over the last three campaigns, including 11 this past fall.
A two-time team captain, Ruhaak was a member of Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament championship squads during each year of his distinguished Zips' career. Twice named a first-team All-MAC honoree, he finished his Akron career registering seven goals, while adding a trio of assists.
The University of Akron men's soccer program, which owns the highest winning percentage in the nation since 2007, has developed into a perennial contender for the NCAA title since capturing the school's first team national championship in any sport in 2010. While incorporating a style of play that is attractive and attack-oriented, yet effective on both sides of the ball, the Zips reached the NCAA final in 2009 and 2010 while advancing to the College Cup in 2015.
Additionally, developing players for the next level has become commonplace for the Akron staff as now 31 Zips have gone on to play professionally either in Major League Soccer, NASL, USL or overseas since 2006, including No. 1 overall pick Steve Zakuani in 2009, and No. 2 overall picks Darlington Nagbe in 2011 and Darren Mattocks in 2012. Nagbe was part of a draft class that set MLS draft day records for most players drafted from a single school in the first round (5) and overall (7).
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AKRON, Ohio – North Carolina FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL) have signed former University of Akron men's soccer standout Brad Ruhaak to a contract to join its club.
"I'm extremely excited, it's my first pro contract and a great opportunity," Ruhaak commented. "It's a great team and a great group of guys. There is a high level to this team. Everything they do in training is sharp and they transfer that to games. They like to attack and keep the ball. It's a great style to play and exciting to watch. I'm a center back and right back. Nothing flashy, but I'm here to work."
"I am very happy to see Brad get an opportunity to play at the professional level," said Akron head coach Jared Embick. "His character and drive is contagious to his teammates. He has been a great student, player, captain and ambassador for the University of Akron and our program. I know he will be a tremendous pro, and look forward to watching him further his career at NCFC."
A three-year starter for the Zips, Ruhaak started 66 of the 70 games in which he appeared in for Akron. He helped spark a Zips' defensive unit that posted 27 shutouts over the last three campaigns, including 11 this past fall.
A two-time team captain, Ruhaak was a member of Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament championship squads during each year of his distinguished Zips' career. Twice named a first-team All-MAC honoree, he finished his Akron career registering seven goals, while adding a trio of assists.
The University of Akron men's soccer program, which owns the highest winning percentage in the nation since 2007, has developed into a perennial contender for the NCAA title since capturing the school's first team national championship in any sport in 2010. While incorporating a style of play that is attractive and attack-oriented, yet effective on both sides of the ball, the Zips reached the NCAA final in 2009 and 2010 while advancing to the College Cup in 2015.
Additionally, developing players for the next level has become commonplace for the Akron staff as now 31 Zips have gone on to play professionally either in Major League Soccer, NASL, USL or overseas since 2006, including No. 1 overall pick Steve Zakuani in 2009, and No. 2 overall picks Darlington Nagbe in 2011 and Darren Mattocks in 2012. Nagbe was part of a draft class that set MLS draft day records for most players drafted from a single school in the first round (5) and overall (7).
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