The University of Akron Athletics
Tuesday, November 6
Akron, Ohio
4:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
SIU Edwardsville
Zips Open MAC Tournament Play Versus SIU Edwardsville
November 05 | Men's Soccer
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Akron (7-6-2) vs. SIU Edwardsville (9-4-4)
Tuesday, Nov. 6
FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field (5,000)
Akron, Ohio • 4 p.m.
Series History: SIU Edwardsville leads 12-4-1
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPN3
Television: ESPN3
MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK
WHAT'S AHEAD
The fourth-seeded University of Akron men's soccer team begins its quest for its 15th Mid-American Conference Championship title battling fifth-seeded SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, in the quarterfinals of the MAC Championship. Game time at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field is set for 4 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app with Dave Bacon calling the action.
ZIPS' MAC CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Akron maintains an 33-8-5 mark in 46 matches in Mid-American Conference Championship history, including a 10-0 mark under head coach Jared Embick. The Zips are 22-1-3 in home matches at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field in tournament play. With the return of MAC Tournament Quarterfinal matches this season, Akron is playing in the opening round for the first time since 2004 and for the eighth time overall. The Zips own a 6-2 record in those contests.
AKRON MAC CHAMPIONSHIP TIDBITS
Sophomore Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio) is Akron's active leader in MAC Tournament games started (2). Senior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea), redshirt junior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio) and junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) own a team-high one goal apiece in career tournament play, while Kahsay and Zajac enter action versus SIU Edwardsville as the team's MAC Tournament career scoring leaders having recorded three points each. Kahsay and Harter also pace the squad in assists with one apiece.
Kahsay has posted a team-best nine shots, including four on goal. Kahsay, Zajac, sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) and Harter have recorded 9 (4), 8 (4), 3 (2) and 1 (1) shots (shots on goal), respectively.
Senior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) owns four starts and eight saves in MAC Tournament play.
AKRON-SIU EDWARDSVILLE MAC TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The Zips are meeting SIU Edwardsville for the second time in MAC Championship play. A year ago, Akron registered a come-from-behind 2-1 double-overtime victory past the Cougars in the semifinal round in Kalamazoo, Mich. The two teams have met in the postseason before with the Cougars earning 2-0 and 3-2 triumphs past the Zips in the NCAA Tournament in 1971 and 1972, respectively.
SIX SENIORS CONCLUDE HOME ZIPS' CAREERS
The Zips' contest versus SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, will mark the final home games in the careers of seniors Morgan Hackworth, Ezana Kahsay, Joe Korb (Willowick, Ohio), Ben Lundt, Marco Micaletto (Rome, Italy) and Abdi Mohamed (Westerville, Ohio).
A two-year member of the Zips, Hackworth has appeared in 33 matches, including 12 starts and owns a pair of goals, while adding eight assists.
Kahsay has played in a team-best 71 games over his Akron career, including 12 starts. He has registered nine goals, while adding seven assists on the strength of a team-high 82 shots, including 26 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 55 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 (0.95), shutouts (25) and wins (33).
Mohamed has started 14 of the Zips' 15 contests this season owning an assist, while adding 12 shots, including four on frame and has helped Akron's defense to record six shutouts.
Micaletto joined the Zips' squad this fall after playing his first three seasons at Young Harris College and has started eight of 15 games for Akron in 2018 en route to ranking second on the team in shots (20), fifth in assists (2) and shots on goal (8), while also netting one goal.
SCOUTING SIU EDWARDSVILLE
SIU Edwardsville enters play on Tuesday, Nov. 6, versus the Zips having dropped its last three contests, including a 1-0 home setback against Akron on Oct. 27, following a 2-0 loss at Bowling Green on Saturday, Nov. 3. Junior Lachlan McLean directs the offensive exploits for the Cougars owning team-high marks in goals (9), assists (5), points (23), shots (65), shots on goal (32) and game-winners (3). Sophomore goalkeeper Noah Heim has recorded 58 saves and posted six shutouts, while maintaining a 1.16 goals against average this season.
As a team, SIU Edwardsville is ranked 44th in the NCAA in winning percentage (.647). Individually, McLean is ninth in shots on goal per game (1.88), 16th in shots per contest (3.82), 41st in total goals (9), 44th in total points (23) and 49th in goals per contest (0.53).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and SIU Edwardsville are meeting for the 18th time in program history with the Cougars owning a 12-4-1 series advantage. Earlier in the season, the Zips bested SIU Edwardsville, 1-0, on Oct. 27 in Edwardsville, Ill.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 27, 2018 - EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.)
The University of Akron men's soccer team garnered a pivotal 1-0 Mid-American Conference road victory besting SIU Edwardsville on Oct. 27, on the strength of sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) connecting on what proved to be the game-winning tally in the 64th minute (63:47).
Playing in their first true road game against the Cougars since Oct. 14, 1978, the Zips parlayed Egbo's heroics into their first-ever road triumph past SIU Edwardsville.
Marcel Zajac earned the assist on Egbo's team-leading ninth goal of the season, posting his team-best sixth assist of the year.
The Cougars finished the evening outshooting the Zips, 22-14, while also edging Akron in shots on goal, 6-5.
Zajac directed the Zips with a team-high four shots, including three on goal, while Marco Micaletto contributed three shots in reserve duty. Lachlan McLean led SIU Edwardsville with a game-best seven shots, while three other Cougars added three shots apiece.
Delivering a dominating performance in net for Akron was Ben Lundt, who collected six saves, en route to posting his fifth shutout of the season and the 25th clean sheet of his Zips' career. Noah Heim wrapped up his evening making four stops in goal for the Cougars.
A shot from Jorge Gonzalez at the 11:21 mark nearly found the upper 90 for a SIU Edwardsville goal, but the attempt hit the crossbar and went out of play.
Lundt then made a diving save off a strike by Gonzalez in the 14th minute (13:30) to retain the scoreless contest.
Freshman Marco Milanese (Isernia, Italy) delivered a header that went wide for the Zips at the 19:30 mark.
Lundt came up with a diving save to deny a shot by McLean in the 30th minute (29:34), before catching another strike by McLean at the 33:50 mark.
Zajac unleashed a shot from the top of the box in the 38th minute (37:30), one that was pulled in for a save by Heim.
Micaletto garnered his third first-half shot right before halftime, a strike that was denied by a save from Heim.
The two teams entered the intermission locked in a scoreless contest. SIU Edwardsville posted a 10-8 margin in shots in the opening stanza, with each side collecting three shots on goal.
Zajac registered a shot from inside the six-yard box at the 56:06 mark, an attempt that was denied by a diving save from Heim.
Lundt came up with a strong save off a shot by Gonzalez in the 62nd minute (61:20), before the Zips got a fortuitous bounce on a shot by McLean that struck the post at the 62:09 mark.
Egbo gave Akron a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute (63:47) finding the back of the net on a ball slotted into the box by Zajac.
Greg Solawa's shot at the 74:12 mark for the Cougars was denied by diving save from Lundt.
Morgan Hackworth had a great look on goal in the 84th minute (83:24), a shot that went just wide of frame.
TC Hull was denied by a save from Lundt at the 87:00 mark.
SIU Edwardsville posted three additional shots to close the evening, each failed to find the mark.
THE COACHES
SIU Edwardsville: Mario Sanchez is in his fourth season as head coach of the SIUE program, owning a 38-23-14 (.600) record. Overall in eight years as a head coach, Sanchez holds a 62-64-23 (.493) mark.
Akron: In his sixth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 12th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 86-29-13 mark (.723), including 133-49-21 (.707) 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 86-29-13 (.723) 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 196-42-29 (.788), including a 56-6-4 (.879) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing 10 conference tournament titles, 11 trips to the NCAA Tournament and two appearances in the College Cup final.
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.
ZIPS TIDBITS
• Since joining the Mid-American Conference for the 1993 campaign, Akron owns a 22-1-2 ledger in regular season home finales, including a 5-0 mark under head coach Jared Embick.
• In the last five regular season finales for the Zips, Akron has outscored the opposition 17-1, including shutout victories past Buffalo (4-0 in 2014), Bowling Green (4-0 in 2015), Western Michigan (3-0 in 2016) and Northern Illinois (4-0 in 2017).
• Marcel Zajac has recorded a point in three of Akron's last four matches.
• Akron owns a Mid-American Conference-best three victories over opponents ranked in the top-50 of the latest NCAA RPI report. The Zips have bettered No. 30 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 also hold a league-best two victories over top-10 opponents this season bettering No. 8 Michigan State and No. 8 Creighton by scores of 2-1 and 1-0, respectively, on Oct. 9 and Oct. 16.
• The Zips have proven to be a challenge for league opponents defensively as Akron paced the MAC in conference-only matches goals allowed (1.00) and shutouts (0.50), while finishing second in goals against average (0.94).
• Ben Lundt directed the MAC in league-only tilts in goals against average (0.62) and shutouts (0.67) and was second in saves per game (4.33).
• Akron played its first contest at SIU Edwardsville since Oct. 14, 1978 when the two teams collided on Oct. 27 with the 1-0 victory serving as the Zips first-ever road victory past the Cougars.
• Marcel Zajac, Skye Harter, David Egbo and Morgan Hackworth have contributed six, five, three and three assists, respectively, to the Zips' total of 29.
• As a team, the Zips are rated 12th in the NCAA in corner kicks (6.33), 22nd in assists per game (1.93), 34th in points per contest (5.40) and in shutout percentage (.400), 37th in total assists (29) and 43rd in scoring offense (1.73).
• Individually, David Egbo is ranked 22nd in the NCAA in game-winning goals (4), 29th in goals per contest (0.64) and in points per game (1.50) and 41st in total goals (9).
• The shutout for Ben Lundt in a 1-0 victory at SIU Edwardsville on Oct. 27 was the 25th of his Akron career to move him into fourth place on the all-time career list for the Zips.
• In Akron's seven wins this season the Zips have outscored their opponents 20-4. Akron has outshot the opposition 93-72, including 42-22 on goal. Thirteen different Zips have contributed points in the contests with David Egbo leading the way registering seven goals and two assists. Ben Lundt owns four shutouts in those matches.
• The Zips own a 86-28-13 mark over the last six seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 86 wins are ranked second in all of Division I.
• Ben Lundt ranks among the active career leaders in Division I rating fifth in career shutouts (26), eighth in minutes played (5,523.29), 27th in goals against average (.961) and 34th in saves (163). He is also 17th across all divisions in career shutouts. Additionally, Marco Micaletto is ranked 36th in career points (58) and 43rd in goals (22).
• Akron has equaled or bettered the opposition in shots in a game in 29 of its last 31 matches at home.
• Akron has held opponents scoreless in 19 of its last 31 home contests at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.
• Akron owns a 51-7-4 record in its last 62 home matches.
• The Zips are ranked 14th nationally in attendance in 2018 averaging 1,713 for seven home games. In 2016 and 2017, Akron rated 10th nationally in attendance averaging 2,147 and 1,819 fans per contest, respectively.
UP NEXT
A victory by Akron advances the Zips to the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament for a showdown with top-seeded West Virginia on Friday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. in Morgantown, W.Va.
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MATCH NO. 16 - AKRON VS. SIU EDWARDSVILLE GAME NOTES (PDF) (11/6)Â
Akron (7-6-2) vs. SIU Edwardsville (9-4-4)
Tuesday, Nov. 6
FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field (5,000)
Akron, Ohio • 4 p.m.
Series History: SIU Edwardsville leads 12-4-1
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPN3
Television: ESPN3
MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK
WHAT'S AHEAD
The fourth-seeded University of Akron men's soccer team begins its quest for its 15th Mid-American Conference Championship title battling fifth-seeded SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, in the quarterfinals of the MAC Championship. Game time at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field is set for 4 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app with Dave Bacon calling the action.
ZIPS' MAC CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Akron maintains an 33-8-5 mark in 46 matches in Mid-American Conference Championship history, including a 10-0 mark under head coach Jared Embick. The Zips are 22-1-3 in home matches at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field in tournament play. With the return of MAC Tournament Quarterfinal matches this season, Akron is playing in the opening round for the first time since 2004 and for the eighth time overall. The Zips own a 6-2 record in those contests.
AKRON MAC CHAMPIONSHIP TIDBITS
Sophomore Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio) is Akron's active leader in MAC Tournament games started (2). Senior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea), redshirt junior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio) and junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) own a team-high one goal apiece in career tournament play, while Kahsay and Zajac enter action versus SIU Edwardsville as the team's MAC Tournament career scoring leaders having recorded three points each. Kahsay and Harter also pace the squad in assists with one apiece.
Kahsay has posted a team-best nine shots, including four on goal. Kahsay, Zajac, sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) and Harter have recorded 9 (4), 8 (4), 3 (2) and 1 (1) shots (shots on goal), respectively.
Senior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) owns four starts and eight saves in MAC Tournament play.
AKRON-SIU EDWARDSVILLE MAC TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The Zips are meeting SIU Edwardsville for the second time in MAC Championship play. A year ago, Akron registered a come-from-behind 2-1 double-overtime victory past the Cougars in the semifinal round in Kalamazoo, Mich. The two teams have met in the postseason before with the Cougars earning 2-0 and 3-2 triumphs past the Zips in the NCAA Tournament in 1971 and 1972, respectively.
SIX SENIORS CONCLUDE HOME ZIPS' CAREERS
The Zips' contest versus SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, will mark the final home games in the careers of seniors Morgan Hackworth, Ezana Kahsay, Joe Korb (Willowick, Ohio), Ben Lundt, Marco Micaletto (Rome, Italy) and Abdi Mohamed (Westerville, Ohio).
A two-year member of the Zips, Hackworth has appeared in 33 matches, including 12 starts and owns a pair of goals, while adding eight assists.
Kahsay has played in a team-best 71 games over his Akron career, including 12 starts. He has registered nine goals, while adding seven assists on the strength of a team-high 82 shots, including 26 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 55 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 (0.95), shutouts (25) and wins (33).
Mohamed has started 14 of the Zips' 15 contests this season owning an assist, while adding 12 shots, including four on frame and has helped Akron's defense to record six shutouts.
Micaletto joined the Zips' squad this fall after playing his first three seasons at Young Harris College and has started eight of 15 games for Akron in 2018 en route to ranking second on the team in shots (20), fifth in assists (2) and shots on goal (8), while also netting one goal.
SCOUTING SIU EDWARDSVILLE
SIU Edwardsville enters play on Tuesday, Nov. 6, versus the Zips having dropped its last three contests, including a 1-0 home setback against Akron on Oct. 27, following a 2-0 loss at Bowling Green on Saturday, Nov. 3. Junior Lachlan McLean directs the offensive exploits for the Cougars owning team-high marks in goals (9), assists (5), points (23), shots (65), shots on goal (32) and game-winners (3). Sophomore goalkeeper Noah Heim has recorded 58 saves and posted six shutouts, while maintaining a 1.16 goals against average this season.
As a team, SIU Edwardsville is ranked 44th in the NCAA in winning percentage (.647). Individually, McLean is ninth in shots on goal per game (1.88), 16th in shots per contest (3.82), 41st in total goals (9), 44th in total points (23) and 49th in goals per contest (0.53).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and SIU Edwardsville are meeting for the 18th time in program history with the Cougars owning a 12-4-1 series advantage. Earlier in the season, the Zips bested SIU Edwardsville, 1-0, on Oct. 27 in Edwardsville, Ill.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 27, 2018 - EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.)
The University of Akron men's soccer team garnered a pivotal 1-0 Mid-American Conference road victory besting SIU Edwardsville on Oct. 27, on the strength of sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) connecting on what proved to be the game-winning tally in the 64th minute (63:47).
Playing in their first true road game against the Cougars since Oct. 14, 1978, the Zips parlayed Egbo's heroics into their first-ever road triumph past SIU Edwardsville.
Marcel Zajac earned the assist on Egbo's team-leading ninth goal of the season, posting his team-best sixth assist of the year.
The Cougars finished the evening outshooting the Zips, 22-14, while also edging Akron in shots on goal, 6-5.
Zajac directed the Zips with a team-high four shots, including three on goal, while Marco Micaletto contributed three shots in reserve duty. Lachlan McLean led SIU Edwardsville with a game-best seven shots, while three other Cougars added three shots apiece.
Delivering a dominating performance in net for Akron was Ben Lundt, who collected six saves, en route to posting his fifth shutout of the season and the 25th clean sheet of his Zips' career. Noah Heim wrapped up his evening making four stops in goal for the Cougars.
A shot from Jorge Gonzalez at the 11:21 mark nearly found the upper 90 for a SIU Edwardsville goal, but the attempt hit the crossbar and went out of play.
Lundt then made a diving save off a strike by Gonzalez in the 14th minute (13:30) to retain the scoreless contest.
Freshman Marco Milanese (Isernia, Italy) delivered a header that went wide for the Zips at the 19:30 mark.
Lundt came up with a diving save to deny a shot by McLean in the 30th minute (29:34), before catching another strike by McLean at the 33:50 mark.
Zajac unleashed a shot from the top of the box in the 38th minute (37:30), one that was pulled in for a save by Heim.
Micaletto garnered his third first-half shot right before halftime, a strike that was denied by a save from Heim.
The two teams entered the intermission locked in a scoreless contest. SIU Edwardsville posted a 10-8 margin in shots in the opening stanza, with each side collecting three shots on goal.
Zajac registered a shot from inside the six-yard box at the 56:06 mark, an attempt that was denied by a diving save from Heim.
Lundt came up with a strong save off a shot by Gonzalez in the 62nd minute (61:20), before the Zips got a fortuitous bounce on a shot by McLean that struck the post at the 62:09 mark.
Egbo gave Akron a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute (63:47) finding the back of the net on a ball slotted into the box by Zajac.
Greg Solawa's shot at the 74:12 mark for the Cougars was denied by diving save from Lundt.
Morgan Hackworth had a great look on goal in the 84th minute (83:24), a shot that went just wide of frame.
TC Hull was denied by a save from Lundt at the 87:00 mark.
SIU Edwardsville posted three additional shots to close the evening, each failed to find the mark.
THE COACHES
SIU Edwardsville: Mario Sanchez is in his fourth season as head coach of the SIUE program, owning a 38-23-14 (.600) record. Overall in eight years as a head coach, Sanchez holds a 62-64-23 (.493) mark.
Akron: In his sixth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 12th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 86-29-13 mark (.723), including 133-49-21 (.707) 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 86-29-13 (.723) 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 196-42-29 (.788), including a 56-6-4 (.879) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing 10 conference tournament titles, 11 trips to the NCAA Tournament and two appearances in the College Cup final.
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.
ZIPS TIDBITS
• Since joining the Mid-American Conference for the 1993 campaign, Akron owns a 22-1-2 ledger in regular season home finales, including a 5-0 mark under head coach Jared Embick.
• In the last five regular season finales for the Zips, Akron has outscored the opposition 17-1, including shutout victories past Buffalo (4-0 in 2014), Bowling Green (4-0 in 2015), Western Michigan (3-0 in 2016) and Northern Illinois (4-0 in 2017).
• Marcel Zajac has recorded a point in three of Akron's last four matches.
• Akron owns a Mid-American Conference-best three victories over opponents ranked in the top-50 of the latest NCAA RPI report. The Zips have bettered No. 30 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 also hold a league-best two victories over top-10 opponents this season bettering No. 8 Michigan State and No. 8 Creighton by scores of 2-1 and 1-0, respectively, on Oct. 9 and Oct. 16.
• The Zips have proven to be a challenge for league opponents defensively as Akron paced the MAC in conference-only matches goals allowed (1.00) and shutouts (0.50), while finishing second in goals against average (0.94).
• Ben Lundt directed the MAC in league-only tilts in goals against average (0.62) and shutouts (0.67) and was second in saves per game (4.33).
• Akron played its first contest at SIU Edwardsville since Oct. 14, 1978 when the two teams collided on Oct. 27 with the 1-0 victory serving as the Zips first-ever road victory past the Cougars.
• Marcel Zajac, Skye Harter, David Egbo and Morgan Hackworth have contributed six, five, three and three assists, respectively, to the Zips' total of 29.
• As a team, the Zips are rated 12th in the NCAA in corner kicks (6.33), 22nd in assists per game (1.93), 34th in points per contest (5.40) and in shutout percentage (.400), 37th in total assists (29) and 43rd in scoring offense (1.73).
• Individually, David Egbo is ranked 22nd in the NCAA in game-winning goals (4), 29th in goals per contest (0.64) and in points per game (1.50) and 41st in total goals (9).
• The shutout for Ben Lundt in a 1-0 victory at SIU Edwardsville on Oct. 27 was the 25th of his Akron career to move him into fourth place on the all-time career list for the Zips.
• In Akron's seven wins this season the Zips have outscored their opponents 20-4. Akron has outshot the opposition 93-72, including 42-22 on goal. Thirteen different Zips have contributed points in the contests with David Egbo leading the way registering seven goals and two assists. Ben Lundt owns four shutouts in those matches.
• The Zips own a 86-28-13 mark over the last six seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 86 wins are ranked second in all of Division I.
• Ben Lundt ranks among the active career leaders in Division I rating fifth in career shutouts (26), eighth in minutes played (5,523.29), 27th in goals against average (.961) and 34th in saves (163). He is also 17th across all divisions in career shutouts. Additionally, Marco Micaletto is ranked 36th in career points (58) and 43rd in goals (22).
• Akron has equaled or bettered the opposition in shots in a game in 29 of its last 31 matches at home.
• Akron has held opponents scoreless in 19 of its last 31 home contests at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.
• Akron owns a 51-7-4 record in its last 62 home matches.
• The Zips are ranked 14th nationally in attendance in 2018 averaging 1,713 for seven home games. In 2016 and 2017, Akron rated 10th nationally in attendance averaging 2,147 and 1,819 fans per contest, respectively.
UP NEXT
A victory by Akron advances the Zips to the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament for a showdown with top-seeded West Virginia on Friday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. in Morgantown, W.Va.
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