Zips Square Off Against Top-Seeded Wake Forest

Sunday, November 25

Winston-Salem, N.C.

5:00 PM

University of Akron

Wake Forest

November 24 | Men's Soccer

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MATCH NO. 21 - AKRON AT WAKE FOREST GAME NOTES (PDF) (11/25)

Akron (12-6-2) at Wake Forest (18-2-0)
Sunday, Nov. 25
Spry Stadiums (3,500)
Winston-Salem, N.C. • 5 p.m.

Series History: Wake Forest leads 4-3-1
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPN3
Television: ESPN3

MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK

WHAT'S AHEAD
The 10th-ranked University of Akron men's soccer team continues its quest for its second-ever NCAA Championship on Sunday, Nov. 25, as the Zips travel to Winston-Salem, N.C. to face top-seeded and second-rated Wake Forest in the third round of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. The 5 p.m. contest will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app.

ZIPS' NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Akron maintains a 30-26-9 mark in 65 matches in NCAA Championship history, including capturing the school's first national championship in any sport in 2010. The Zips are 9-3-3 under head coach Jared Embick. Since 2005, Akron owns a 21-6-9 ledger.

Senior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) is Akron's active leader in NCAA Tournament games played (9), while redshirt junior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio) has started a team-high six games. Junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) enters action versus Wake Forest as the team's NCAA Tournament career scoring leader with three goals and an assist, while sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) and seniors Morgan Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.) and Abdi Mohamed (Westerville, Ohio) have contributed two, one and one goal, respectively.

Egbo has recorded a team-best 11 shots, including six on goal. Zajac, Mohamed, Harter, Kahsay, freshman Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio), Hackworth, freshman Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.), sophomore Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio), senior Marco Micaletto (Rome, Italy) and redshirt sophomore Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal) have registered 11 (3), 8 (4), 8 (2), 8 (2), 5 (2), 4 (2), 3 (0), 2 (0), 1 (1) and 1 (1) shot (shots on goal), respectively.

Senior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) registered a shutout in his first-ever NCAA Tournament game versus Villanova in 2016 and has started eight tournament contests for Akron allowing seven goals, while pulling in 23 saves en route to posting a trio of shutouts.

AKRON VERSUS THE ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference for the fifth time this season, seventh time in NCAA play and 71st time overall.
• Akron owns a 39-25-6 (.600) all-time record versus the current 12 members of the ACC.
• In their last encounter with a school from the ACC, the Zips earned a 3-1 victory over Syracuse on Nov. 18 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Hamilton, N.Y. Earlier this season, the Zips suffered a 3-1 home setback against Syracuse on Oct. 1 at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field, while besting Pittsburgh, 1-0, on Sept. 1, and dropping a 2-0 decision versus No. 17 North Carolina State on Aug. 27. A year ago, Akron battled No. 6 Louisville to a 0-0 double-overtime draw in the Elite Eight of the 2017 NCAA Tournament, before advancing to the program's fifth College Cup with a 4-3 triumph in penalty kicks. A year ago, Akron also registered a 1-0 win at Syracuse, 1-0, on Oct. 3, while besting No. 8 Notre Dame, 2-0, on Oct. 17, before earning a 3-0 triumph over No. 20 Pittsburgh on Oct. 24.

SIX SENIORS CONCLUDE HOME ZIPS' CAREERS
The Zips' contest versus Rider on Nov. 15, marked the final home game in the careers of seniors Morgan Hackworth, Ezana Kahsay, Joe Korb (Willowick, Ohio), Ben Lundt, Marco Micaletto and Abdi Mohamed.

A two-year member of the Zips, Hackworth has appeared in 38 matches, including 17 starts and owns four goals, while adding nine assists.

Kahsay has played in a team-best 76 games over his Akron career, including 13 starts. He has registered 10 goals, while adding nine assists on the strength of a team-high 91 shots, including 30 on goal.

Korb joined the Zips prior to the 2016 season and has appeared in 21 matches, including 11 starts and has posted three career assists.

Lundt has started all 60 contests he has appeared in for Akron since joining the squad for the 2016 campaign. He ranks among the top-10 career lists for the Zips in goals against average (0.934), shutouts (26) and wins (38).

Mohamed has started 19 of the Zips' 20 contests this season owning a goal and a trio of assists, while adding 24 shots, including 12 on frame and has helped Akron's defense to record seven shutouts.

Micaletto joined the Zips' squad this fall after playing his first three seasons at Young Harris College and has started eight of 20 games for Akron in 2018 en route to ranking fourth on the team in shots (25) and sixth shots on goal (9), while also netting one goal.

SCOUTING WAKE FOREST
Wake Forest enters play on Sunday, Nov. 25, versus the Zips having won eight of its last 10 matches, following a 2-0 victory over at Colgate in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 18. Sophomore Omir Fernandez directs the offensive exploits for the Demon Deacons owning team-high marks in goals (12), points (30), shots (48), shots on goal (29) and game-winners (5), while junior Bruno Lapa paces the squad in assists (9) and ranks second in goals (10). Junior goalkeeper Andreu Cases Mundet has recorded 47 saves and posted seven shutouts, while maintaining a 0.88 goals against average this season.

As a team, Wake Forest is ranked first in the NCAA in total assists (60), total points (164), assists (3.00) and points per game (8.20), second in scoring offense (2.60) and total goals (52), third in winning percentage (.900), 32nd in shots on goal (6.25) and 36th in goals against average (.934). Individually, Hernandez is 11th in game-winning goals (5), 12th in total points (30), 15th in total goals (12), 23rd in points per game (1.50) and 28th in goals per contest (0.60).

SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Wake Forest are squaring off for the ninth time in program history with the Demon Deacons leading the all-time series, 4-3-1. In the last meeting between the two programs, Wake Forest registered a 2-1 victory over the Zips on Sept. 22, 2015 at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field. In Akron's last visit to Winston-Salem, N.C., the Zips suffered a 2-1 setback against the Demon Deacons on Sept. 30, 2014.

IN OUR LAST MEETING (SEPT. 22, 2015 - AKRON, OHIO)
In a battle of top 10 nationally ranked teams, a successful penalty kick by Michael Gamble proved to be the game-winning goal that lifted Wake Forest to a 2-1 victory over Akron in men's soccer action on Sept. 22, 2015 at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

The Zips recorded six of their eight shots on goal over the final 45 minutes to mount a furious second-half attack in the affair, but Akron was not able to net the equalizer as the Demon Deacons outshot the Zips in the game, 18-14.

Wake Forest took the early advantage in the showdown as Jon Bakero capitalized off passes from Jack Harrison and Kris Reaves to notch the goal from eight yards out at the 20:54 mark.

Richie Laryea was played into the box by Adam Najem and was able to spin around a beat the defender to net the game-tying goal for the Zips in the 30th minute (29:10).

Akron entered the intermission tied at one despite the Demon Deacons posting an 11-3 advantage in shots in the initial stanza.

The Zips were whistled for a handball in the box in the 51st minute (50:39) that set the stage for a Wake Forest penalty kick. Stepping over the ball and delivering the tally was Gamble.

The Zips nearly squared the contest at two at the 62:48 mark when Victor Souto slid a ball into the box for Sam Gainford, who was denied in his shot attempt by a save from Wake Forest goalkeeper Alec Ferrell.

Laryea followed with a strong shot on goal in the 73rd minute (72:16) that was again stopped by a Farrell save.

A corner kick by Gainford at 79:44 mark squared the ball into the box to Andrew Souders, whose shot on the goal was denied by a save from Ferrell.

The Zips registered three shots, including a pair from Niko De Vera, over the final 10 minutes, but were not able to find the back of the net.

Laryea and Sean Sepe paced the Akron offensive attack with three shots apiece, while Gainford, De Vera and Goncalo Soares added two shots each. Jacori Hayes and Gamble each registered a game-high six shots for the Demon Deacons.

Jake Fenlason recorded seven saves for the Zips, while Ferrell matched him with seven saves of his own for Wake Forest.

THE COACHES
Wake Forest: Bobby Muuss is in his fourth season as head coach of the Wake Forest program, owning a 73-10-7 (.850) record. Overall in 12 years as a head coach he maintains a 147-66-32 (.665) mark.

Akron: In his sixth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 12th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 91-29-13 mark (.733), including 138-49-21 (.714) overall, in his 10th 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 2018 campaign marks his sixth year leading the Zips having registered a 91-29-13 (.733) ledger after posting an 18-4-2 record a season ago en route to earning the program's fifth College Cup berth. Akron also posted a perfect 12-0 ledger at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field in 2017.

During Embick's time at Akron, the Zips have posted the highest winning percentage in the nation with an overall record of 201-42-29 (.792), including a 56-6-4 (.879) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing 11 conference tournament titles, 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and two appearances in the College Cup final.

The Zips became one of just four Division I programs in 2018 to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in each of the past 12 seasons.

Due in large part to recruiting efforts of Embick and his staff, Akron identified and secured some of the best prospects in the country – and around the world – with top-five recruiting classes. The Zips' classes of 2015, 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, Akron'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 37 players who have gone on to play professionally either in MLS or overseas since 2007.

Since 2008, Akron leads the country with eight players selected among the top-five selections in the MLS SuperDraft. The Zips also boast the highest total of players chosen among the top-10 draftees over the same span with 12.

AKRON DOWNS SYRACUSE, 3-1, IN NCAA SECOND ROUND
The University of Akron men's soccer team garnered second-half goals from Marcel Zajac and Morgan Hackworth to propel the Zips to a 3-1 victory over Syracuse in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 18, on the campus of Colgate University.

The Zips have now won six straight matches on the strength of outshooting the Orange, 20-18, including 11-7 on net.

David Egbo and Zajac directed Akron with a team-high four shots apiece, while Mohamed, Ezana Kahsay and Daniel Strachan added three, two and two shots, respectively. Hugo Delhommelle led Syracuse with a game-high five shots.

Ben Lundt pulled in five saves for the Zips, while Hendrik Hilpert posted eight stops for the Orange.

Freshman Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) came up with a key play for Akron in the third minute (2:31) as he got in front of a shot off the foot of Ryan Raposo for a team save.

Lundt turned in back-to-back saves at the 20:35 and 21:19 marks, respectively, off the leg of Delhommelle. He finished the opening stanza turning in four saves for the Zips.

Abdi Mohamed gave the Zips a 1-0 lead at the 36:43 mark connecting on his first goal of the season. Egbo knocked a ball off the Syracuse defender in the box which Mohamed corralled and redirected the rebound into the corner of the net.

The Orange netted the equalizer in the 42nd minute (41:54) when Massimo Ferrin scored his fifth goal of the year.

Akron was outshot in the opening half, 12-10, including 6-5 on goal.

Colin Biros nearly extended the Zips' lead to 2-1 at the 52:00 as his shot off a pass from Zajac narrowly missed hitting the underside of the crossbar for a goal.

Kahsay added a strike of his own from inside the box in the 71st minute (70:31), one that was slightly off target high of the net.

Tajon Buchanan delivered a solid shot in the box for Syracuse at the 71:22 mark, one that also went high.

Zajac scored what proved to be the game-winning tally in the 74th minute (73:47) for his seventh goal of the season. Mohamed struck a ball from the corner of the box, approximately 15 yards out, that deflected off the hand of Hilpert for a save. Zajac was right on the spot to punch in the rebound for the goal.

A defensive miscue allowed Egbo to get a 1v1 opportunity in the box in the 78th minute (77:33), but unfortunately for the Zips, Hilpert garnered a clutch save on the shot.

Hackworth capped the scoring headed home his fourth goal of the season at the 80:03 mark. Sam Tojaga served a ball in from outside the box into the far post where Hackworth connected for the game's final score.

Lundt thwarted another shot from Raposo in the 84th minute (83:30) with a diving save.

Mohamed and Kahsay capped the Zips' efforts on the day with shots on goal at the 88:06 and 89:23 marks, respectively.

ZIPS MOURN THE LOSS OF FORMER COACH STEVE PARKER
The University of Akron men's soccer team mourns the passing of its former head coach Steve Parker, who guided the Zips for 11 seasons (1982-1992), including taking Akron to its first-ever College Cup in 1986, falling to Duke, 1-0, in the title game.

Born in Slough, England, Parker died on Nov. 9th, 2018 in Franklin, Tenn., at the age of 72. He was surrounded by his loving family on all sides, through his last days until the very end.

Steve is survived by his wife Paula, and his 4 children Eric, Andrew, Stephannie, and Craig. His long list of contributions to our world include services to a vast array of schools, universities, clubs, and sporting organizations, such as the United States Soccer Federation.

In 11 seasons leading the Akron program, Parker's teams posted an overall record of 139-59-25 (.679) and won double-figures games in all but one season.

MOHAMED PULLS IN NATIONAL ACCOLADES
Abdi Mohamed was rewarded for his efforts leading the Zips to a pair of NCAA Tournament victories last week as College Soccer News and TopDrawerSoccer.com named him to their National Men's Soccer Teams of the Week on Nov. 20.

Additionally, he was selected as the Akron Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Week on Nov. 20

Mohamed turned in a stellar week for the Zips helping spark the team to a pair of 3-1 victories over Rider and at 16th-seeded Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament. For the week, he registered a goal and an assist, while recording team-high marks in shots (8) and shots on goal (4), while helping limiting Rider and Syracuse to five and seven shots on goal, respectively.

In the Zips' 3-1 win over Rider on Nov. 15, he collected a game-and season-high five shots, while holding the Broncs' leading scorer Elliott Otmani to two shots, only one of which came on goal.

In Akron's 3-1 win versus Syracuse on Nov. 18, Mohamed tallied his first goal of the season at the 36:43 mark to give the Zips an early 1-0 lead. He later earned his fourth assist of the year on Marcel Zajac's game-winning tally in the 74th minute (73:47). Mohamed finished the contest with three shots, all of which fell on frame, while also helping limit Tajon Buchanan, Syracuse's leading scorer to only two shots in the contest, neither of which were on goal.

On the season, he has sparked the Zips defensively to seven shutouts, while recording a goal and four assists on 24 shots, including 12 on goal.

ZIPS TIDBITS
• The Zips will be playing in the third round of the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in the last 11 seasons and 10th time overall since the 2003 campaign when it battles Wake Forest on Sunday, Nov. 25.
• For only the second time in the last 20 seasons, the Zips have advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament after having to play an opening-round match.
• In two NCAA Tournament games, Akron is posting 21.0 shots per contest, while holding its opponents to 15.0 shots per outing. Four different Zips have recorded goals. Akron has outshot its opposition in the second half, 25-12, while being bettered in first-half shots, 18-17.
• The victory over Western Michigan on Nov. 11 enabled the Zips to extend their run of double-digit victory campaigns to 18 straight seasons.
• The Zips have won six consecutive games for the first time this season.
• During Akron's current winning streak, the Zips have outshot their opponents, 108-72, including 44-25 on goal. Akron has also posted a 60-21 advantage in corner kicks.
• Marcel Zajac has recorded a point in eight of Akron's last nine matches.
• Akron owns a Mid-American Conference-best five victories over opponents ranked in the top-50 of the latest NCAA RPI report. The Zips have bettered No. 19 Syracuse (3-1 on Nov. 18), No. 21 West Virginia (3-1 on Nov. 9), No. 31 Creighton (1-0 on Oct. 16), No. 33 Michigan State (2-1 on Oct. 9) and No. 42 Pittsburgh (1-0 on Sept. 1).
• Akron also had a pair of scheduled matches versus No. 6 Notre Dame (Oct. 23) and No. 24 Connecticut (Sept. 15) canceled due to Hurricane Florence.
• The Zips own a 7-1-1 mark in their last eight matches away from home on the strength of four, three and three goals, respectively, from David Egbo, Marcel Zajac and Diogo Pacheco. Akron has averaged 14.9 shots per contest in those matches, while limiting its opponents to 10.1 shots per tilt. The Zips have also posted a 75-28 margin in corner kicks and a 134-91 edge in total shots.
• Marcel Zajac, Skye Harter, Ezana Kahsay, Marco Micaletto, Morgan Hackworth, Abdi Mohamed and David Egbo have contributed seven, six, four, four, four, four and three assists, respectively, to the Zips' total of 45.
• As a team, the Zips are rated second in the NCAA in corner kicks (7.30), eighth in assists per game (2.25) and in total assists (45), 10th in total points (125), 13th in points per contest (6.25) and in total goals (40), 15th in scoring offense (2.00), 32nd in shots per game (14.05) and 38th in winning percentage (.650).
• Individually, David Egbo is ranked fifth in the NCAA in game-winning goals (6), 15th in total goals (12), 21st in total points (28), 22nd in goals per contest (0.63) and 26th in points per game (1.47).
• Marcel Zajac is Akron's active career leaders in goals (14), points (36) and shots on goal (38). Ezana Kahsay paces the squad in shots (91), games played (76), while David Egbo leads the team in game-winning goals (6). Skye Harter directs the squad in assists (16). Ben Lundt has started a team-high 60 games.
• In Akron's 12 wins this season the Zips have outscored their opponents 34-8. Akron has outshot the opposition 187-122, including 81-41 on goal. Fifteen different Zips have contributed points in the contests with David Egbo leading the way registering 10 goals and three assists. Ben Lundt owns five shutouts in those matches.
• The Zips own a 91-28-13 mark over the last six seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 91 wins are ranked second in all of Division I.
• Akron is averaging 12.9 shots per contest in eight games against ranked opponents this season. David Egbo paces the squad with a trio of goals on the strength of a team-high 17 shots.
• Ben Lundt ranks among the active career leaders in Division I rating fifth in career shutouts (27), sixth in minutes played (5,973.29), 23rd in goals against average (.949) and 31st in saves (177). He is also 17th across all divisions in career shutouts. Additionally, Marco Micaletto is ranked 37th in games played (77), 38th in career points (60), 40th in assists (16) and 44th in goals (22).

UP NEXT
A victory by the Zips will send Akron into a quarterfinal-round showdown against the winner of the match between Stanford and St. Mary's (Calif.) next weekend.