The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Encounter Michigan State in College Cup Semifinal
December 06 | Men's Soccer
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Akron (14-6-2) vs. Michigan State (14-4-4)
Friday, Dec. 7
Harder Stadium (17,000)
Santa Barbara, Calif. • 8 p.m. ET
Series History: Akron leads 28-13-12
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPNU
Television: ESPNU
MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK
WHAT'S AHEAD
The second-ranked University of Akron men's soccer team continues its quest for its second-ever NCAA Championship on Friday, Dec. 7, as the Zips travel to Santa Barbara, Calif. to face fourth-rated Michigan State in the semifinal round of the College Cup as part of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. The 8 p.m. ET contest will be broadcast on the ESPNU Network.
ZIPS' NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Akron maintains a 32-26-9 mark in 67 matches in NCAA Championship history, including capturing the school's first national championship in any sport in 2010. The Zips are 11-3-3 under head coach Jared Embick. Since 2005, Akron owns a 23-6-9 ledger.
Senior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) is Akron's active leader in NCAA Tournament games played (11), while senior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) has started a team-high 10 games. Junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) enters action versus Michigan State as the team's NCAA Tournament career scoring leader with six goals and a pair of assists, while sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria), freshman Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio) and seniors Morgan Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.) and Abdi Mohamed (Westerville, Ohio) have contributed two, one, one and one goal, respectively.
Egbo has recorded a team-best 16 shots, including seven on goal. Zajac, Kahsay, Mohamed, Biros, redshirt junior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio), Hackworth, freshman Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.), senior Marco Micaletto (Rome, Italy), sophomore Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio), redshirt sophomore Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal) and freshman Pol Hernandez (Teia, Spain) have registered 14 (6), 11 (3), 10 (4), 8 (3), 8 (2), 6 (2), 6 (1), 3 (2), 2 (0), 1 (1) and 1 (1) shot (shots on goal), respectively.
Lundt registered a shutout in his first-ever NCAA Tournament game versus Villanova in 2016 and has started 10 tournament contests for Akron allowing nine goals, while pulling in 32 saves en route to posting four shutouts.
AKRON VERSUS THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Big Ten Conference for the second time this season, 186th time overall and 24th time in NCAA Tournament play.
• Akron owns a 102-66-17 (.597) all-time record versus the current 14 members of the Big Ten Conference.
• The Zips have gone 20-3-4 against the league since 2012.
• Earlier this season, Akron registered a 2-1 victory at then No. 8 Michigan State on Oct. 9. A year ago, the Zips posted a 3-2 double-overtime victory past No. 13 Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament Third Round on Nov. 25, 2017, after earning a 4-1 triumph past then No. 1 Michigan State on Sept. 27, 2017 at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.
• In all, Akron is 37-8-7 (.779) versus teams from the Big Ten since 2007. During that time, the Zips have out-scored the competition, 102-43.
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 40 matches, including 19 starts and owns four goals, while adding nine assists.
Kahsay has played in a team-best 78 games over his Akron career, including 13 starts. He has registered 10 goals, while adding 10 assists on the strength of a team-high 94 shots, including 31 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 62 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 (0.937), shutouts (27) and wins (40).
Mohamed has started 21 of the Zips' 22 contests this season owning a goal and four assists, while adding 26 shots, including 12 on frame and has helped Akron's defense to record eight shutouts.
Micaletto joined the Zips' squad this fall after playing his first three seasons at Young Harris College and has started eight of 22 games for Akron in 2018 en route to ranking fourth on the team in shots (27) and sixth shots on goal (10), while also netting one goal.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State enters play on Friday, Dec. 7, versus the Zips having won its last four matches, following a 2-1 victory over James Madison in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament on Dec. 1. Senior Ryan Sierakowski directs the offensive exploits for the Spartans owning team-high marks in goals (8), points (21), shots (43) and game-winners (4), while ranking second in assists (5) and shots on goal (20). Senior goalkeeper Jimmy Hague has recorded 79 saves and posted nine shutouts, while maintaining a 0.66 goals against average this season.
As a team, Michigan State is ranked sixth in the NCAA in corner kicks (6.86), ninth in total assists (44), 10th in save percentage (.827), 13th in winning percentage (.727),18th in assists per game (2.00), 20th in goals against average (.734) and in total points (114), 26th in total goals (35), 31st in points per contest (5.18), 36th in shutout percentage (.409) and 50th in scoring offense (1.59). Individually, Hague is fourth in minutes played (2,060:58), ninth in shutouts (9), 10th in save percentage (.840), 11th in goals against average (.655) and 18th in total saves (79), while junior Giuseppe Barone is seventh in total assists (10) and 33rd in assists per game (0.45).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron is encountering Michigan State for the 54th time in program history with the Zips owning a 28-13-12 series advantage. Earlier this season, the Zips posted a 2-1 triumph over the eighth-rated Spartans on Oct. 9, 2018 in East Lansing, Mich. Akron and Michigan State have met three times in NCAA Tournament play (1966, 1967 and 1968).
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 9, 2018 - EAST LANSING, MICH.)
University of Akron men's soccer sophomore David Egbo and redshirt junior Skye Harter stole the show for the Zips in a 2-1 road triumph over No. 8 Michigan State on Oct. 9, in East Lansing, Mich., as the duo accounted for both goals in the Akron victory.
Coming off the bench in the 71st minute, Egbo scored what proved to be the game-winning tally at the 81:20 mark to give Akron a 2-1 lead. Harter delivered a ball into the center of the box, one which Egbo struck into the back of the net.
The Zips dialed up their defensive efforts sparked by the backline play of Abdi Mohamed, Daniel Strachan, Pol Hernandez (Teia, Spain) and freshman Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) over the final nine minutes to extend their then unbeaten road streak to four with the victory.
Fueled by a 9-6 edge in second-half shots, Akron finished the night posting a 12-10 advantage in shots, while each side recorded four shots on goal.
Harter directed the Zips' offensive efforts scoring a goal and adding an assist on the strength of a team-best three shots, while Marcel Zajac collected a pair of shots. Ryan Sierakowski led the Spartans with a game-high four shots.
Goalkeeper Ben Lundt made three saves in net for Akron to record the victory, while Jimmy Hague stopped a pair of shots in net for Michigan State.
On a ball placed just beyond the 18-yard box, Harter gave the Zips an early 1-0 advantage connecting on a free kick that found the corner of the net at the 8:40 mark for his first goal of the season.
Sierakowski followed striking a ball from the middle of the box for the Spartans, one which bent and struck the far post in the 12th minute (11:08) to deny the scoring chance.
Lundt made a diving save to the near post off a shot by Sierakowski at the 20:47 mark, before corralling another stop off the foot of DeJuan Jones' foot at the 24:58 mark.
Akron held a 1-0 advantage at the intermission despite being outshot in the opening stanza, 4-3, including 2-1 on goal.
Michigan State netted the equalizer in the 54th minute (53:47) when Michael Wetunga redirected a rebound off a Jones' shot for the goal.
Harter followed unleashing a strike in the box at the 77:08 mark that deflected off the Michigan State defender and narrowly missed finding the corner of the net for a go-ahead goal.
A shot by Zajac in the 80th minute (79:05) resulted in a save by Hague.
The momentum then swung in the Zips' favor on the strength of Egbo's goal.
A diving header by Jones at the 82:28 mark failed to hit the mark and stood as the last shot of the evening for the Spartans.
THE COACHES
Michigan State: Damon Rensing is in his 10th season as head coach of the Michigan State program, owning a 117-65-30 (.623) record.
Akron: In his sixth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 12th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 93-29-13 mark (.737), including 140-49-21 (.717) 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 93-29-13 (.737) 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 203-42-29 (.794), 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 EARNS 3-2 VICTORY AT STANFORD
The University of Akron men's soccer team garnered a game-winning goal from Colin Biros in the 81st minute (80:08) to end the reign of three-time defending NCAA Champion Stanford with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Cardinal in the Elite Eight on Nov. 30.
On the strength of their eighth straight triumph, the Zips advanced to the College Cup for the sixth time in program history (1986, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018).
The Zips garnered a two-goal performance on the evening from Marcel Zajac, who has now scored a point in eight consecutive matches for Akron, and in 10 of the last 11 tilts for the Zips overall.
The Zips recorded an 18-11 margin in shots on the night, including a 7-6 edge in shots on goal. David Egbo and Biros posted a game-high three shots each for Akron, while the Zips also received two shots apiece from Morgan Hackworth, Abdi Mohamed and Marco Micaletto, along with Sam Tojaga and Zajac. Recording a team-best two shots each for the Cardinal were Amir Bashti, Logan Panchot, Zach Ryan and Charlie Wehan.
Ben Lundt made four saves en route to earning the victory for the Zips, while Stanford goalkeeper Andrew Thomas also garnered four stops for the Cardinal.
Zajac gave Akron an early 1-0 lead scoring a tally off an assist from freshman Marco Milanese (Isernia, Italy) at the 14:09 mark. Zajac flashed a burst of speed strolling inside the corner of the 18-yard box where he struck a ball, which hit the far post before bouncing back off the other post and into the net for his ninth goal of the season.
It was the first postseason goal Stanford had allowed since Dec. 5, 2015 at Wake Forest and ended the program's NCAA-record tournament shutout streak at 1,428:09 minutes.
Lundt came up with a key save in the 23rd minute (22:02) off a shot from Ryan Ludwick, before Egbo unleashed a shot at the 24:35 mark that was blocked to deny the scoring chance.
Micaletto tallied a shot on goal in the 41st minute (40:54), one that was thwarted by a save from Thomas.
Zajac extended Akron's lead to 2-0 collecting his third career multi-goal performance and second of the postseason connecting on a tally in the 44th minute (43:01) off assists from Ezana Kahsay and Tojaga. Kahsay fed a beautiful ball from the top of the box to a streaking Zajac, who struck a shot off Thomas and into the corner of the net.
The Zips maintained a 2-0 lead at halftime on the strength of posting a 6-2 advantage in shots, including 3-1 on net.
The Cardinal recorded three of the first four shots in the final stanza, including a strike from Panchot that was saved by Lundt in the 51st minute (50:53).
Stanford cut Akron's lead in half when Tanner Beason connected on a penalty kick at the 56:14 mark.
Egbo's header at the 57:31 mark was denied by another save from Thomas.
Less than 10 minutes later in the 68th minute (67:11), Ryan netted the equalizer after a ball was played into the box off a free kick and headed off the post before the rebound was struck into the net for the goal.
Panchot again struck a header in the box for Stanford at the 69:51 mark that was disrupted by a save from Lundt.
Biros had back-to-back shots in the box blocked in the 79th minute (78:50 and 78:53) before delivering the game-winning tally at the 80:08 mark. The first career game-winner for Biros came off a cross served from the corner of the box by Micaletto to the far post where Zajac headed ball back towards a surging Biros, who had a header of his own for his third goal on the campaign.
Lundt denied the final scoring opportunity for the Cardinal making a stop off a shot from Wehan in the 87th minute (86:12).
ZIPS TAKE DOWN TOP-SEEDED WAKE FOREST, 1-0
The University of Akron men's soccer team registered a dramatic 1-0 victory over top-seeded Wake Forest in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 25, in Winston-Salem, N.C.
The Zips advances to the Elite Eight for the second straight season and seventh time in program history on the strength of the triumph.
Marcel Zajac recorded the game-winning goal in the 46th minute (45:51) off assists from David Egbo and Abdi Mohamed. The tally marked the ninth time in the last 10 games in which Zajac has recorded a point for the Zips.
Akron withstood a talented Wake Forest attack which posted a 13-6 advantage in shots on the evening, including a 5-2 edge on goal.
Sparked by the defensive efforts of goalkeeper Ben Lundt along with Mohamed and Pol Hernandez, Marco Milanese and Carlo Ritaccio the Zips held the Demon Deacons, who came into the match owning the second-best scoring offense in the NCAA this season, without a goal for only the second time on the campaign.
Lundt was a rock for Akron in net making five saves en route to earning his seventh clean sheet of the year.
Egbo and Ezana Kahsay led the Zips with a team-high two shots each. Omir Fernandez led Wake Forest with a game-high three shots.
The Demon Deacons netted a furious second-half rally and nearly netted the equalizer with a minute to play as a goal from Aristotle Zarris was waved off due to an offsides call.
The contest proved to be a defensive battle from the start as neither side recorded a shot in the affair until Machop Choi posted a shot in the 16th minute (15:50), one that was denied by a save from Lundt.
Lundt again came up aces for the Zips making a diving save off of Choi's shot at the 25:18 mark.
Kahsay got off back-to-back shots in the 33rd minute (32:40/32:42) for Akron initial strikes of the game, both of which were blocked.
Akron's best scoring chance in the opening half came off a sequence commenced with a corner kick by Colin Biros in the 34th minute as Egbo headed a ball inside the six-yard box at the 33:14 mark that was saved by Wake Forest goalkeeper Andreu Cases Mundet. The deflection off the save went to Sam Tojaga, whose header narrowly missed finding the corner of the net at the 33:27 mark.
The Demon Deacons nearly found the back of the net if not for a high-arching lunge for a save by Lundt off a strike from Isaiah Parente in the 42nd minute (41:11).
Each side recorded four shots in the initial stanza, with Wake Forest owning a 3-1 margin in shots on goal.
The Zips scored what proved to be the game-winning tally at the 45:51 mark when Zajac delivered his eighth goal of the season. A pair of strong passes in the box from Egbo and Mohamed allowed Zajac to find the back of the net with a sliding shot inside the six-yard box.
Aristotle Zarris narrowly missed netting the equalizer for the Demon Deacons in the 47th minute (46:41) as a free kick from Parente along the end line was placed into the box for the attempt which went wide.
A strike from 12 yards out in the box off the foot of Fernandez at the 51:04 mark again went wide to thwart the Wake Forest scoring chance. Lundt followed with a stop off a shot from Fernandez in the 58th minute (57:15) to maintain Akron's 1-0 lead.
A 1v1 scoring chance from Justin McMaster was thwarted by a diving save by Lundt inside the six-yard box at the 69:19 mark.
The Zips had a 1v1 scoring opportunity of their own as Egbo's shot from 15 yards out off a pass from Morgan Hackworth went high over the goal.
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.
EGBO AND MOHAMED COLLECT REGIONAL HONORS
University of Akron men's soccer sophomore David Egbo added to his impressive Zips' resume on Wednesday, Dec. 5, as the United Soccer Coaches tabbed him as a 2018 First-Team All-North Regional honoree.
Garnering third-team regional accolades for the Zips was senior Abdi Mohamed.
Earning All-North Regional honors for the first time, Egbo is now eligible to garner All-America accolades when the United Soccer Coaches unveils its 2018 class on Friday, Dec. 7.
ZAJAC LEADS ZIPS' TRIO EARNING NATIONAL ACCOLADES
Marcel Zajac was honored for his efforts leading the Zips to a 3-2 victory over three-time defending NCAA Champion Stanford in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament as TopDrawerSoccer.com named him as their National Men's Soccer Player of the Week on Dec. 4.
Additionally, Ezana Kahsay and Colin Biros joined Zajac as members of the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Men's Soccer Team of the Week. Zajac also garnered Akron Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Week honors.
ZAJAC NAMED ZIPS' NOVEMBER STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Marcel Zajac was selected as the Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Month for November.
Zajac led Akron to a 7-0 mark in the month of November on the strength of posting team-high marks in goals (8), points (18), shots on goal (10) and game-winner (3), while ranking second in shots (19) and adding a pair of assists.
He was named the Most Valuable Player of the Mid-American Conference Tournament and connected on game-winning tallies in victories over SIU (2-1 on Nov. 6), Syracuse (3-1 on Nov. 18) and Wake Forest (1-0 on Nov. 25) as well as earning an assist on game-winner in a 3-2 win at Stanford.
ZIPS TIDBITS
• Akron is playing in the College Cup for the sixth time (1986, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018) in program history.
• This season marks the second time that the Zips have gone to the College Cup in back-to-back seasons. The last time this occurred in 2010, Akron won its first-ever team title in Santa Barbara, Calif.
• The Zips became the 10th team since the NCAA Tournament field expanded to 48 teams in 2001 to earn a berth in the College Cup coming through the draw as an unseeded squad. Akron joins UMBC (2014), Charlotte (2011), UMass (2007), UC Santa Barbara (2006-NCAA Champion), SMU (2005), Duke (2004), Santa Clara (2003), Stanford (2002) and Creighton (2002). Michigan State-became the 11th member of this exclusive list as well.
• Akron's victory over the Cardinal snapped Stanford's 17-match postseason unbeaten streak. It was the Cardinal's first tournament defeat in 1,469 days, since losing in the second round to UC Irvine, 1-0, on Nov. 23, 2014.
• The Zips will be playing in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four seasons and sixth time overall when it battles Michigan State on Friday, Dec. 7.
• For first time in the last 20 seasons, the Zips have advanced to the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament after having to play an opening-round match. Akron is one of two unseeded teams in the tournament this season to do so, joining Michigan State.
• During Akron's current winning streak, the Zips have outshot their opponents, 132-96, including 53-36 on goal. Akron has also posted a 66-29 advantage in corner kicks.
• Marcel Zajac has recorded a point in eight consecutive games and in 10 of Akron's last 11 matches overall.
• Akron owns a Mid-American Conference-best seven victories over opponents ranked in the top-50 of the latest NCAA RPI report. The Zips have bettered No. 1 Wake Forest (1-0 on Nov. 25), No. 9 Stanford (3-2 on Nov. 30), 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 also hold a league-best four victories over top-10 opponents this season bettering No. 2 Wake Forest, No. 2 Stanford, No. 8 Michigan State and No. 8 Creighton by scores of 1-0, 3-2, 2-1 and 1-0, respectively, on Nov. 25, Nov. 30, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16.
• The Zips have registered six consecutive victories over ranked opponents bettering Creighton, Michigan State, West Virginia, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Stanford after opening the year going 0-3-1 versus ranked teams.
• The Zips own a 9-1-1 mark in their last 11 matches away from home on the strength of six, four and three goals, respectively, from Marcel Zajac, David Egbo and Diogo Pacheco. Akron has averaged 14.4 shots per contest in those matches, while limiting its opponents to 10.5 shots per tilt. The Zips have also posted a 81-36 margin in corner kicks and a 158-115 edge in total shots.
• In 17 games since returning from injury, Marcel Zajac has provided the Zips with a huge lift offensively contributing 10 goals and team-high eight assists, while adding 36 shots, including 20 on goal.
• As a team, the Zips are rated third in the NCAA in total assists (52), fourth in corner kicks (6.91), fifth in assists per game (2.36) and in total points (140), sixth in total goals (44), 12th in points per contest (6.36), 15th in scoring offense (2.00), 25th in winning percentage (.682), 38th in shots per game (13.86) and 49th in shutout percentage (0.364).
• Individually, David Egbo is ranked fifth in the NCAA in game-winning goals (6), 15th in total goals (12), 17th in total points (29), 31st in goals per contest (0.57) and 42nd in points per game (1.38).
• Marcel Zajac is Akron's active career leaders in goals (17), points (43) and shots on goal (41). Ezana Kahsay paces the squad in shots (94), games played (78), 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 62 games.
• In Akron's 14 wins this season the Zips have outscored their opponents 38-10. Akron has outshot the opposition 211-146, including 90-52 on goal. Fifteen different Zips have contributed points in the contests with David Egbo leading the way registering 10 goals and four assists. Ben Lundt owns six shutouts in those matches.
• The Zips own a 93-28-13 mark over the last six seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 93 wins are ranked first in all of Division I.
• Akron is averaging 12.7 shots per contest in 10 games against ranked opponents this season. Marcel Zajac paces the squad with four goals on the strength of 15 shots.
• Ben Lundt ranks among the active career leaders in Division I rating fifth in career shutouts (28), sixth in minutes played (6,153.29), 25th in goals against average (.951) and in saves (182). He is also 17th and 20th across all divisions in career shutouts and minutes played. Additionally, Marco Micaletto is ranked 31st in games played (79), 35th in career assists (17), 36th in points (61), and 44th in goals (22), while Ezana Kahsay is rated 35th in games played (78) and Abdi Mohamed is 24th in games played (80) and 42nd in career assists (16).
UP NEXT
A victory by the Zips will send Akron into the College Cup final for the third time in program history for a showdown against the winner of the match between Indiana and Maryland on Sunday, Dec. 9.
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MATCH NO. 23 - AKRON VS. MICHIGAN STATE GAME NOTES (PDF) (12/7)Â
Akron (14-6-2) vs. Michigan State (14-4-4)
Friday, Dec. 7
Harder Stadium (17,000)
Santa Barbara, Calif. • 8 p.m. ET
Series History: Akron leads 28-13-12
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPNU
Television: ESPNU
MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK
WHAT'S AHEAD
The second-ranked University of Akron men's soccer team continues its quest for its second-ever NCAA Championship on Friday, Dec. 7, as the Zips travel to Santa Barbara, Calif. to face fourth-rated Michigan State in the semifinal round of the College Cup as part of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. The 8 p.m. ET contest will be broadcast on the ESPNU Network.
ZIPS' NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Akron maintains a 32-26-9 mark in 67 matches in NCAA Championship history, including capturing the school's first national championship in any sport in 2010. The Zips are 11-3-3 under head coach Jared Embick. Since 2005, Akron owns a 23-6-9 ledger.
Senior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) is Akron's active leader in NCAA Tournament games played (11), while senior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) has started a team-high 10 games. Junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) enters action versus Michigan State as the team's NCAA Tournament career scoring leader with six goals and a pair of assists, while sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria), freshman Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio) and seniors Morgan Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.) and Abdi Mohamed (Westerville, Ohio) have contributed two, one, one and one goal, respectively.
Egbo has recorded a team-best 16 shots, including seven on goal. Zajac, Kahsay, Mohamed, Biros, redshirt junior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio), Hackworth, freshman Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.), senior Marco Micaletto (Rome, Italy), sophomore Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio), redshirt sophomore Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal) and freshman Pol Hernandez (Teia, Spain) have registered 14 (6), 11 (3), 10 (4), 8 (3), 8 (2), 6 (2), 6 (1), 3 (2), 2 (0), 1 (1) and 1 (1) shot (shots on goal), respectively.
Lundt registered a shutout in his first-ever NCAA Tournament game versus Villanova in 2016 and has started 10 tournament contests for Akron allowing nine goals, while pulling in 32 saves en route to posting four shutouts.
AKRON VERSUS THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Big Ten Conference for the second time this season, 186th time overall and 24th time in NCAA Tournament play.
• Akron owns a 102-66-17 (.597) all-time record versus the current 14 members of the Big Ten Conference.
• The Zips have gone 20-3-4 against the league since 2012.
• Earlier this season, Akron registered a 2-1 victory at then No. 8 Michigan State on Oct. 9. A year ago, the Zips posted a 3-2 double-overtime victory past No. 13 Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament Third Round on Nov. 25, 2017, after earning a 4-1 triumph past then No. 1 Michigan State on Sept. 27, 2017 at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.
• In all, Akron is 37-8-7 (.779) versus teams from the Big Ten since 2007. During that time, the Zips have out-scored the competition, 102-43.
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 40 matches, including 19 starts and owns four goals, while adding nine assists.
Kahsay has played in a team-best 78 games over his Akron career, including 13 starts. He has registered 10 goals, while adding 10 assists on the strength of a team-high 94 shots, including 31 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 62 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 (0.937), shutouts (27) and wins (40).
Mohamed has started 21 of the Zips' 22 contests this season owning a goal and four assists, while adding 26 shots, including 12 on frame and has helped Akron's defense to record eight shutouts.
Micaletto joined the Zips' squad this fall after playing his first three seasons at Young Harris College and has started eight of 22 games for Akron in 2018 en route to ranking fourth on the team in shots (27) and sixth shots on goal (10), while also netting one goal.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State enters play on Friday, Dec. 7, versus the Zips having won its last four matches, following a 2-1 victory over James Madison in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament on Dec. 1. Senior Ryan Sierakowski directs the offensive exploits for the Spartans owning team-high marks in goals (8), points (21), shots (43) and game-winners (4), while ranking second in assists (5) and shots on goal (20). Senior goalkeeper Jimmy Hague has recorded 79 saves and posted nine shutouts, while maintaining a 0.66 goals against average this season.
As a team, Michigan State is ranked sixth in the NCAA in corner kicks (6.86), ninth in total assists (44), 10th in save percentage (.827), 13th in winning percentage (.727),18th in assists per game (2.00), 20th in goals against average (.734) and in total points (114), 26th in total goals (35), 31st in points per contest (5.18), 36th in shutout percentage (.409) and 50th in scoring offense (1.59). Individually, Hague is fourth in minutes played (2,060:58), ninth in shutouts (9), 10th in save percentage (.840), 11th in goals against average (.655) and 18th in total saves (79), while junior Giuseppe Barone is seventh in total assists (10) and 33rd in assists per game (0.45).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron is encountering Michigan State for the 54th time in program history with the Zips owning a 28-13-12 series advantage. Earlier this season, the Zips posted a 2-1 triumph over the eighth-rated Spartans on Oct. 9, 2018 in East Lansing, Mich. Akron and Michigan State have met three times in NCAA Tournament play (1966, 1967 and 1968).
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 9, 2018 - EAST LANSING, MICH.)
University of Akron men's soccer sophomore David Egbo and redshirt junior Skye Harter stole the show for the Zips in a 2-1 road triumph over No. 8 Michigan State on Oct. 9, in East Lansing, Mich., as the duo accounted for both goals in the Akron victory.
Coming off the bench in the 71st minute, Egbo scored what proved to be the game-winning tally at the 81:20 mark to give Akron a 2-1 lead. Harter delivered a ball into the center of the box, one which Egbo struck into the back of the net.
The Zips dialed up their defensive efforts sparked by the backline play of Abdi Mohamed, Daniel Strachan, Pol Hernandez (Teia, Spain) and freshman Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) over the final nine minutes to extend their then unbeaten road streak to four with the victory.
Fueled by a 9-6 edge in second-half shots, Akron finished the night posting a 12-10 advantage in shots, while each side recorded four shots on goal.
Harter directed the Zips' offensive efforts scoring a goal and adding an assist on the strength of a team-best three shots, while Marcel Zajac collected a pair of shots. Ryan Sierakowski led the Spartans with a game-high four shots.
Goalkeeper Ben Lundt made three saves in net for Akron to record the victory, while Jimmy Hague stopped a pair of shots in net for Michigan State.
On a ball placed just beyond the 18-yard box, Harter gave the Zips an early 1-0 advantage connecting on a free kick that found the corner of the net at the 8:40 mark for his first goal of the season.
Sierakowski followed striking a ball from the middle of the box for the Spartans, one which bent and struck the far post in the 12th minute (11:08) to deny the scoring chance.
Lundt made a diving save to the near post off a shot by Sierakowski at the 20:47 mark, before corralling another stop off the foot of DeJuan Jones' foot at the 24:58 mark.
Akron held a 1-0 advantage at the intermission despite being outshot in the opening stanza, 4-3, including 2-1 on goal.
Michigan State netted the equalizer in the 54th minute (53:47) when Michael Wetunga redirected a rebound off a Jones' shot for the goal.
Harter followed unleashing a strike in the box at the 77:08 mark that deflected off the Michigan State defender and narrowly missed finding the corner of the net for a go-ahead goal.
A shot by Zajac in the 80th minute (79:05) resulted in a save by Hague.
The momentum then swung in the Zips' favor on the strength of Egbo's goal.
A diving header by Jones at the 82:28 mark failed to hit the mark and stood as the last shot of the evening for the Spartans.
THE COACHES
Michigan State: Damon Rensing is in his 10th season as head coach of the Michigan State program, owning a 117-65-30 (.623) record.
Akron: In his sixth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 12th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 93-29-13 mark (.737), including 140-49-21 (.717) 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 93-29-13 (.737) 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 203-42-29 (.794), 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 EARNS 3-2 VICTORY AT STANFORD
The University of Akron men's soccer team garnered a game-winning goal from Colin Biros in the 81st minute (80:08) to end the reign of three-time defending NCAA Champion Stanford with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Cardinal in the Elite Eight on Nov. 30.
On the strength of their eighth straight triumph, the Zips advanced to the College Cup for the sixth time in program history (1986, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018).
The Zips garnered a two-goal performance on the evening from Marcel Zajac, who has now scored a point in eight consecutive matches for Akron, and in 10 of the last 11 tilts for the Zips overall.
The Zips recorded an 18-11 margin in shots on the night, including a 7-6 edge in shots on goal. David Egbo and Biros posted a game-high three shots each for Akron, while the Zips also received two shots apiece from Morgan Hackworth, Abdi Mohamed and Marco Micaletto, along with Sam Tojaga and Zajac. Recording a team-best two shots each for the Cardinal were Amir Bashti, Logan Panchot, Zach Ryan and Charlie Wehan.
Ben Lundt made four saves en route to earning the victory for the Zips, while Stanford goalkeeper Andrew Thomas also garnered four stops for the Cardinal.
Zajac gave Akron an early 1-0 lead scoring a tally off an assist from freshman Marco Milanese (Isernia, Italy) at the 14:09 mark. Zajac flashed a burst of speed strolling inside the corner of the 18-yard box where he struck a ball, which hit the far post before bouncing back off the other post and into the net for his ninth goal of the season.
It was the first postseason goal Stanford had allowed since Dec. 5, 2015 at Wake Forest and ended the program's NCAA-record tournament shutout streak at 1,428:09 minutes.
Lundt came up with a key save in the 23rd minute (22:02) off a shot from Ryan Ludwick, before Egbo unleashed a shot at the 24:35 mark that was blocked to deny the scoring chance.
Micaletto tallied a shot on goal in the 41st minute (40:54), one that was thwarted by a save from Thomas.
Zajac extended Akron's lead to 2-0 collecting his third career multi-goal performance and second of the postseason connecting on a tally in the 44th minute (43:01) off assists from Ezana Kahsay and Tojaga. Kahsay fed a beautiful ball from the top of the box to a streaking Zajac, who struck a shot off Thomas and into the corner of the net.
The Zips maintained a 2-0 lead at halftime on the strength of posting a 6-2 advantage in shots, including 3-1 on net.
The Cardinal recorded three of the first four shots in the final stanza, including a strike from Panchot that was saved by Lundt in the 51st minute (50:53).
Stanford cut Akron's lead in half when Tanner Beason connected on a penalty kick at the 56:14 mark.
Egbo's header at the 57:31 mark was denied by another save from Thomas.
Less than 10 minutes later in the 68th minute (67:11), Ryan netted the equalizer after a ball was played into the box off a free kick and headed off the post before the rebound was struck into the net for the goal.
Panchot again struck a header in the box for Stanford at the 69:51 mark that was disrupted by a save from Lundt.
Biros had back-to-back shots in the box blocked in the 79th minute (78:50 and 78:53) before delivering the game-winning tally at the 80:08 mark. The first career game-winner for Biros came off a cross served from the corner of the box by Micaletto to the far post where Zajac headed ball back towards a surging Biros, who had a header of his own for his third goal on the campaign.
Lundt denied the final scoring opportunity for the Cardinal making a stop off a shot from Wehan in the 87th minute (86:12).
ZIPS TAKE DOWN TOP-SEEDED WAKE FOREST, 1-0
The University of Akron men's soccer team registered a dramatic 1-0 victory over top-seeded Wake Forest in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 25, in Winston-Salem, N.C.
The Zips advances to the Elite Eight for the second straight season and seventh time in program history on the strength of the triumph.
Marcel Zajac recorded the game-winning goal in the 46th minute (45:51) off assists from David Egbo and Abdi Mohamed. The tally marked the ninth time in the last 10 games in which Zajac has recorded a point for the Zips.
Akron withstood a talented Wake Forest attack which posted a 13-6 advantage in shots on the evening, including a 5-2 edge on goal.
Sparked by the defensive efforts of goalkeeper Ben Lundt along with Mohamed and Pol Hernandez, Marco Milanese and Carlo Ritaccio the Zips held the Demon Deacons, who came into the match owning the second-best scoring offense in the NCAA this season, without a goal for only the second time on the campaign.
Lundt was a rock for Akron in net making five saves en route to earning his seventh clean sheet of the year.
Egbo and Ezana Kahsay led the Zips with a team-high two shots each. Omir Fernandez led Wake Forest with a game-high three shots.
The Demon Deacons netted a furious second-half rally and nearly netted the equalizer with a minute to play as a goal from Aristotle Zarris was waved off due to an offsides call.
The contest proved to be a defensive battle from the start as neither side recorded a shot in the affair until Machop Choi posted a shot in the 16th minute (15:50), one that was denied by a save from Lundt.
Lundt again came up aces for the Zips making a diving save off of Choi's shot at the 25:18 mark.
Kahsay got off back-to-back shots in the 33rd minute (32:40/32:42) for Akron initial strikes of the game, both of which were blocked.
Akron's best scoring chance in the opening half came off a sequence commenced with a corner kick by Colin Biros in the 34th minute as Egbo headed a ball inside the six-yard box at the 33:14 mark that was saved by Wake Forest goalkeeper Andreu Cases Mundet. The deflection off the save went to Sam Tojaga, whose header narrowly missed finding the corner of the net at the 33:27 mark.
The Demon Deacons nearly found the back of the net if not for a high-arching lunge for a save by Lundt off a strike from Isaiah Parente in the 42nd minute (41:11).
Each side recorded four shots in the initial stanza, with Wake Forest owning a 3-1 margin in shots on goal.
The Zips scored what proved to be the game-winning tally at the 45:51 mark when Zajac delivered his eighth goal of the season. A pair of strong passes in the box from Egbo and Mohamed allowed Zajac to find the back of the net with a sliding shot inside the six-yard box.
Aristotle Zarris narrowly missed netting the equalizer for the Demon Deacons in the 47th minute (46:41) as a free kick from Parente along the end line was placed into the box for the attempt which went wide.
A strike from 12 yards out in the box off the foot of Fernandez at the 51:04 mark again went wide to thwart the Wake Forest scoring chance. Lundt followed with a stop off a shot from Fernandez in the 58th minute (57:15) to maintain Akron's 1-0 lead.
A 1v1 scoring chance from Justin McMaster was thwarted by a diving save by Lundt inside the six-yard box at the 69:19 mark.
The Zips had a 1v1 scoring opportunity of their own as Egbo's shot from 15 yards out off a pass from Morgan Hackworth went high over the goal.
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.
EGBO AND MOHAMED COLLECT REGIONAL HONORS
University of Akron men's soccer sophomore David Egbo added to his impressive Zips' resume on Wednesday, Dec. 5, as the United Soccer Coaches tabbed him as a 2018 First-Team All-North Regional honoree.
Garnering third-team regional accolades for the Zips was senior Abdi Mohamed.
Earning All-North Regional honors for the first time, Egbo is now eligible to garner All-America accolades when the United Soccer Coaches unveils its 2018 class on Friday, Dec. 7.
ZAJAC LEADS ZIPS' TRIO EARNING NATIONAL ACCOLADES
Marcel Zajac was honored for his efforts leading the Zips to a 3-2 victory over three-time defending NCAA Champion Stanford in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament as TopDrawerSoccer.com named him as their National Men's Soccer Player of the Week on Dec. 4.
Additionally, Ezana Kahsay and Colin Biros joined Zajac as members of the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Men's Soccer Team of the Week. Zajac also garnered Akron Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Week honors.
ZAJAC NAMED ZIPS' NOVEMBER STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Marcel Zajac was selected as the Summa Health Student-Athlete of the Month for November.
Zajac led Akron to a 7-0 mark in the month of November on the strength of posting team-high marks in goals (8), points (18), shots on goal (10) and game-winner (3), while ranking second in shots (19) and adding a pair of assists.
He was named the Most Valuable Player of the Mid-American Conference Tournament and connected on game-winning tallies in victories over SIU (2-1 on Nov. 6), Syracuse (3-1 on Nov. 18) and Wake Forest (1-0 on Nov. 25) as well as earning an assist on game-winner in a 3-2 win at Stanford.
ZIPS TIDBITS
• Akron is playing in the College Cup for the sixth time (1986, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018) in program history.
• This season marks the second time that the Zips have gone to the College Cup in back-to-back seasons. The last time this occurred in 2010, Akron won its first-ever team title in Santa Barbara, Calif.
• The Zips became the 10th team since the NCAA Tournament field expanded to 48 teams in 2001 to earn a berth in the College Cup coming through the draw as an unseeded squad. Akron joins UMBC (2014), Charlotte (2011), UMass (2007), UC Santa Barbara (2006-NCAA Champion), SMU (2005), Duke (2004), Santa Clara (2003), Stanford (2002) and Creighton (2002). Michigan State-became the 11th member of this exclusive list as well.
• Akron's victory over the Cardinal snapped Stanford's 17-match postseason unbeaten streak. It was the Cardinal's first tournament defeat in 1,469 days, since losing in the second round to UC Irvine, 1-0, on Nov. 23, 2014.
• The Zips will be playing in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four seasons and sixth time overall when it battles Michigan State on Friday, Dec. 7.
• For first time in the last 20 seasons, the Zips have advanced to the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament after having to play an opening-round match. Akron is one of two unseeded teams in the tournament this season to do so, joining Michigan State.
• Akron has traveled nearly 9,100 miles (9,087) during its tournament run to reach Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. In comparison, Michigan State, Maryland and Indiana have traveled 4,234, 4,388 and 2,154 miles, respectively.
• In four NCAA Tournament games, Akron is posting 16.5 shots per contest, while holding its opponents to 13.5 shots per outing. Five different Zips have recorded goals. Akron has outshot its opposition in the second half, 39-30, while bettering its opponents in first-half shots, 27-24.
• The Zips have won eight consecutive games for the first time this season. Akron's winning streak is currently the best in the NCAA.• During Akron's current winning streak, the Zips have outshot their opponents, 132-96, including 53-36 on goal. Akron has also posted a 66-29 advantage in corner kicks.
• Marcel Zajac has recorded a point in eight consecutive games and in 10 of Akron's last 11 matches overall.
• Akron owns a Mid-American Conference-best seven victories over opponents ranked in the top-50 of the latest NCAA RPI report. The Zips have bettered No. 1 Wake Forest (1-0 on Nov. 25), No. 9 Stanford (3-2 on Nov. 30), 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 also hold a league-best four victories over top-10 opponents this season bettering No. 2 Wake Forest, No. 2 Stanford, No. 8 Michigan State and No. 8 Creighton by scores of 1-0, 3-2, 2-1 and 1-0, respectively, on Nov. 25, Nov. 30, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16.
• The Zips have registered six consecutive victories over ranked opponents bettering Creighton, Michigan State, West Virginia, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Stanford after opening the year going 0-3-1 versus ranked teams.
• The Zips own a 9-1-1 mark in their last 11 matches away from home on the strength of six, four and three goals, respectively, from Marcel Zajac, David Egbo and Diogo Pacheco. Akron has averaged 14.4 shots per contest in those matches, while limiting its opponents to 10.5 shots per tilt. The Zips have also posted a 81-36 margin in corner kicks and a 158-115 edge in total shots.
• In 17 games since returning from injury, Marcel Zajac has provided the Zips with a huge lift offensively contributing 10 goals and team-high eight assists, while adding 36 shots, including 20 on goal.
• As a team, the Zips are rated third in the NCAA in total assists (52), fourth in corner kicks (6.91), fifth in assists per game (2.36) and in total points (140), sixth in total goals (44), 12th in points per contest (6.36), 15th in scoring offense (2.00), 25th in winning percentage (.682), 38th in shots per game (13.86) and 49th in shutout percentage (0.364).
• Individually, David Egbo is ranked fifth in the NCAA in game-winning goals (6), 15th in total goals (12), 17th in total points (29), 31st in goals per contest (0.57) and 42nd in points per game (1.38).
• Marcel Zajac is Akron's active career leaders in goals (17), points (43) and shots on goal (41). Ezana Kahsay paces the squad in shots (94), games played (78), 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 62 games.
• In Akron's 14 wins this season the Zips have outscored their opponents 38-10. Akron has outshot the opposition 211-146, including 90-52 on goal. Fifteen different Zips have contributed points in the contests with David Egbo leading the way registering 10 goals and four assists. Ben Lundt owns six shutouts in those matches.
• The Zips own a 93-28-13 mark over the last six seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 93 wins are ranked first in all of Division I.
• Akron is averaging 12.7 shots per contest in 10 games against ranked opponents this season. Marcel Zajac paces the squad with four goals on the strength of 15 shots.
• Ben Lundt ranks among the active career leaders in Division I rating fifth in career shutouts (28), sixth in minutes played (6,153.29), 25th in goals against average (.951) and in saves (182). He is also 17th and 20th across all divisions in career shutouts and minutes played. Additionally, Marco Micaletto is ranked 31st in games played (79), 35th in career assists (17), 36th in points (61), and 44th in goals (22), while Ezana Kahsay is rated 35th in games played (78) and Abdi Mohamed is 24th in games played (80) and 42nd in career assists (16).
UP NEXT
A victory by the Zips will send Akron into the College Cup final for the third time in program history for a showdown against the winner of the match between Indiana and Maryland on Sunday, Dec. 9.
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Monday, October 20
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2025 Akron Zips Men's Soccer Post-Game Press Conference vs. Saint Louis - 9/23/25
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