Zips to Play Maryland for NCAA Title

Sunday, December 9

Santa Barbara, Calif.

8:00 PM

University of Akron

Maryland

December 08 | Men's Soccer

Follow Akron Men's Soccer on Twitter and Facebook

Purchase 2018 Men's Soccer Season and Single-Game Tickets Click Here

MATCH NO. 24 - AKRON VS. MARYLAND GAME NOTES (PDF) (12/9)

Akron (15-6-2) vs. Maryland (12-6-4)
Sunday, Dec. 9
Harder Stadium (17,000)
Santa Barbara, Calif. • 8 p.m. ET

Series History: Akron leads 2-1-1
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 Sunday, Dec. 9, as the Zips travel to Santa Barbara, Calif. to face third-rated Maryland in the championship match 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 33-26-9 mark in 68 matches in NCAA Championship history, including capturing the school's first national championship in any sport in 2010. The Zips are 12-3-3 under head coach Jared Embick. Since 2005, Akron owns a 24-6-9 ledger.

Senior Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) is Akron's active leader in NCAA Tournament games played (12), while senior goalkeeper Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) has started a team-high 11 games. Junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) enters action versus Maryland as the team's NCAA Tournament career scoring leader with seven goals and a pair of assists, while sophomore David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria), freshman Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio), senior Morgan Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.), redshirt junior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio), senior Abdi Mohamed (Westerville, Ohio), redshirt freshman Braden Petno (Hudson, Ohio) and freshman Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) have contributed three, one, one, one, one, one and one goal, respectively.

Egbo has recorded a team-best 18 shots, including eight on goal. Zajac, Kahsay, Mohamed, Harter, Biros, Hackworth, freshman Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.), senior Marco Micaletto (Rome, Italy), sophomore Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio), redshirt sophomore Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal), freshman Pol Hernandez (Teia, Spain), Ritaccio, Petno and redshirt freshman Daniel Oliveira (LIsbon, Portugal) have registered 16 (7), 12 (4), 10 (4), 9 (3), 8 (3), 7 (2), 6 (1), 5 (3), 2 (0), 1 (1), 1 (1), 1 (1), 1 (1) and 1 (0) shot (shots on goal), respectively.

Lundt registered a shutout in his first-ever NCAA Tournament game versus Villanova in 2016 and has started 11 tournament contests for Akron allowing 10 goals, while pulling in 37 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 third time this season, 187th time overall and 25th time in NCAA Tournament play.
• Akron owns a 103-66-17 (.599) all-time record versus the current 14 members of the Big Ten Conference.
• The Zips have gone 21-3-4 against the league since 2012.
• Earlier this season, Akron registered a 2-1 victory at then No. 8 Michigan State on Oct. 9 before handing the Spartans a 5-1 setback on Dec. 7. 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 38-8-7 (.783) versus teams from the Big Ten since 2007. During that time, the Zips have out-scored the competition, 107-44.

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 41 matches, including 20 starts and owns four goals, while adding 10 assists.

Kahsay has played in a team-best 79 games over his Akron career, including 13 starts. He has registered 10 goals, while adding 10 assists on the strength of a team-high 95 shots, including 32 on goal.

Korb joined the Zips prior to the 2016 season and has appeared in 22 matches, including 11 starts and has posted three career assists.

Lundt has started all 63 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 (0.938), shutouts (27) and wins (41).

Mohamed has started 22 of the Zips' 23 contests this season owning a goal and five 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 23 games for Akron in 2018 en route to ranking fourth on the team in shots (29) and fifth shots on goal (11), while also netting one goal.

SCOUTING MARYLAND
Maryland enters play on Sunday, Dec. 9, versus the Zips having won its last four matches, following a 2-0 victory over Indiana in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament on Dec. 7. Senior Amar Sejdic directs the offensive exploits for the Terrapins owning team-high marks in goals (7), points (15), shots (62), shot on goal (32) and game-winners (2). Redshirt junior goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has recorded 79 saves and posted 11 shutouts, while maintaining a 0.71 goals against average this season.

As a team, Maryland is ranked ninth in the NCAA in save percentage (.833) and shutout percentage (.545), 15th in goals against average (.684), 37th in total assists (31), 44th in winning percentage (.636) and 50th in total points (89). Individually, St. Clair is fourth in shutouts (11), fifth in minutes played (2,104:55), 12th in goals against average (.684), 13th in save percentage (.830) and 20th in total saves (78).

SERIES HISTORY
Akron is encountering Maryland for the fifth time in program history with the Zips owning a 2-1-1 series advantage. In the last meeting between the two schools, Akron posted a 3-2 victory past the then No. 6 Terrapins on Sept. 7, 2015 in College Park, Md. The Zips and Maryland have met twice in NCAA Tournament play (2003 and 2005). The Terrapins edged Akron, 1-0, in the third round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament. In the quarterfinals of the 2005 NCAA Tournament, the Zips and Maryland battled to a 1-1 draw before the Terrapins advanced to the College Cup on penalty kicks, 4-1. Akron also registered a 4-1 home triumph past Maryland on Sept. 4, 1993 as part of the Children's Hospital Classic.

IN OUR LAST MEETING (SEPT. 7, 2015 - COLLEGE PARK, MD.)
Richie Laryea scored a pair of goals and assisted on a third to spark the Zips to a 3-2 men's soccer victory past No. 6 Maryland on Sept. 7, 2015 in College Park, Md.

Akron registered a pair of first-half goals from Laryea and Adam Najem and withstood a late second-half charge from Terrapins to register the Zips' first-ever road victory over Maryland.

After having their initial two shots of the evening blocked, Najem gave the Zips an early 1-0 advantage connecting on a through ball from Laryea at the 21:41 mark.

In the 39th minute (38:30) Laryea converted a Maryland turnover into a goal to push Akron's advantage to 2-0.

Each side registered five shots apiece in the initial stanza with the Zips owning and scoring on each of the two shots on goal.

The Terrapins posted the first two shots of the second half with Maryland cutting Akron's lead to 2-1 on Sebastian Elney's goal at the 66:28 mark. Mael Corbez delivered the ball into the box off the corner kick to Elney, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Jake Fenlason.

Laryea registered the Zips' first shot of the second half at the 82:40 mark, a strike that was saved by Dayne St. Clair.

Nine seconds later, Laryea connected on his second goal of the evening chipping in a ball from five yards out to extend Akron's lead to 3-1 in the 83rd minute (82:49).

Twenty-five seconds at the 83:14 mark, David Kabelik brought Maryland to within a goal at 3-2, scoring off an assist from Corboz.

The Terrapins were unable to get off a shot over the final 6:46 and suffered the loss.

The Zips were outshot in the affair, 13-8, but Akron was able to outshoot the Terrapins on goal, 4-3.

Laryea registered a match-high four shots, including four on goal, while Najem added three shots to Akron's offensive attack. Corboz paced the Maryland attack with three shots.

Both Fenlason and St. Clair recorded a save in the game.

THE COACHES
Maryland: Sasho Cirovski is in his 26th season as head coach of the Maryland program, owning a 386-142-53 (.710) record, while maintaining a 412-155-60 (.705) mark in 28 years overall.

Akron: In his sixth year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 12th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 94-29-13 mark (.739), including 141-49-21 (.718) 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 94-29-13 (.739) 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 204-42-29 (.795), 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.

ZIPS ADVANCE TO TITLE GAME WITH 5-1 WIN OVER MICHIGAN STATE
The University of Akron men's soccer team will play for a national title after a five-goal explosion lifted the Zips to a 5-1 victory over Michigan State in the first semifinal of the College Cup on Friday, Dec. 7.

Akron will play for the national title for the fourth time in program history and first since 2010 on the strength of the squad's ninth consecutive triumph.

The Zips garnered goals from David Egbo, Carlo Ritaccio, Skye Harter, Marcel Zajac and Braden Petno en route to posting the victory.

Akron was outshot on the evening, 13-12, with each side collecting seven shots on goal.

Goalkeeper Ben Lundt was stout in net for the Zips recording five saves, while Abdi Mohamed cleared a ball off the line for a team save in the first half. Jimmy Hague made a pair of stops for the Spartans.

The opening minutes of the first half proved to be a feeling out period for both teams as neither side posted a shot until Egbo struck a shot high at the 13:33 mark.

The Zips struck first in the affair as Harter served a ball into the box which was headed off the crossbar by Morgan Hackworth in the 15th minute before Egbo knocked in the deflection for what proved to be the game-winning tally. The goal was Egbo's team-leading 13th tally of the year.

Lundt made the first of five clutch saves in the match as his sliding stop at the 13:33 mark thwarted a 1v1 scoring chance by Hunter Barone.

He was even more impressive denying a strike by DeJuan Jones in the 25th minute (24:37) before Mohamed cleared a shot from Ryan Sierakowski off the line for a key team save at the 24:56 mark.

Akron extended its advantage to 2-0 in the 32nd minute (31:06) as Ritaccio headed home a ball served into the box off a corner from Colin Biros for his third goal of the season.

Ezana Kahsay capped the half with a shot on goal at the 35:23 mark that was saved by Hague.

The Zips posted a 5-4 advantage in first-half shots, while each side collected three shots on frame.

Lundt denied a shot on goal in the 48th minute (47:18) with a kick save off the strike from Robbie Cort.

Zajac drew a foul outside the box at the 52:26 mark that gave Harter a free kick. Harter struck the ball perfectly finding the top of the net for his second goal of the season.

Lundt again thwarted a shot on goal by Jones in the 58th minute (57:23) for a save.

Hackworth set up the Zips' fourth tally of the evening slicing a pass into a streaking Zajac, who dribbled past the defender before unleashing a strike that found the back of the net at the 64:19 mark. Zajac has now scored a point in 11 of Akron's last 12 matches.

Making his final save of the night in the 78th minute (77:46) off a shot from Michael Miller was Lundt.

The Spartans denied the shutout when Patrick Nielsen headed home his third goal of the year off an assist from Jack Beck at the 78:32 mark.

Petno capped the scoring efforts for Akron registering his first career goal knocking in a deflection off of a strike by Daniel Oliveira in the 85th minute (84:46). The score marked the first career points for both Petno and Oliveira.

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 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 NAMED THIRD-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN
University of Akron men's soccer sophomore David Egbo garnered Third-Team All-America accolades when the United Soccer Coaches unveiled its 2018 All-American teams on Dec. 6.

Egbo captured All-America accolades for the first time, while the United Soccer Coaches All-America citation is the 59th in the Zips' storied men's soccer history.

A First-Team All-Mid-American Conference performer for the initial time in 2018 was Egbo, who has started 20 of the 22 games in which he has appeared for Akron this season, owning team-high marks in goals (13), points (31), shots (61), shots on goal (23) and game-winners (6), while rating third in assists (5). He is second in the MAC in goals per game (0.59) and game-winning goals (0.27) and third in points per contest (1.41) and in shots per tilt (2.77).

EGBO AND MOHAMED COLLECT REGIONAL HONORS
University of Akron men's soccer sophomore David Egbo added to his impressive Zips' resume on 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.

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.

ZIPS TIDBITS
• Akron's five goals scored against Michigan State on Dec. 7 are the most in a College Cup tilt since UC Santa Barbara bested Duke, 5-0, in the semifinals of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. Indiana also scored five goals against Hartwick in the 1980 semifinals. The most goals ever scored in a College Cup game is believed to be six by Clemson in a third-place game over Philadelphia in 1978.
• The Zips have advanced to the title match of the College Cup for the fourth time in program history (1986, 2009, 2010, 2018).
• Akron's five goals against Michigan State marked the most for the Zips in an NCAA Tournament match since recording a 6-1 victory past Rutgers in second-round play in 2015. Akron also scored seven and five goals, respectively, against Green Bay (1983) and West Virginia (2005).
• 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 are the fourth unseeded team to reach the title match of the College Cup since the NCAA Tournament field expanded to 48 teams in 2001. Akron joins Charlotte (2014), UC Santa Barbara (2006) and Stanford (2002). Of that group, the Gauchos were the lone squad to capture the NCAA title.
• 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.
• The Zips are 5-1-0 in their last six games played at Harder Stadium on the UC Santa Barbara campus and have outscored their opponents 15-6.
• The Zips played in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four seasons and sixth time overall when it battled Michigan State on Dec. 7.
• 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.
• 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.
• In five NCAA Tournament games, Akron is posting 15.6 shots per contest, while holding its opponents to 13.4 shots per outing. Eight different Zips have recorded goals. Akron has outshot its opposition in the second half, 46-39, while bettering its opponents in first-half shots, 32-28.
• The Zips have won nine 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, 144-109, including 60-43 on goal. Akron has also posted a 69-38 advantage in corner kicks.
• Marcel Zajac has recorded a point in nine consecutive games and in 11 of Akron's last 12 matches overall.
• Akron owns a Mid-American Conference-best eight 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 5-1 on Dec. 7) 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 five victories over top-10 opponents this season bettering No. 2 Wake Forest, No. 2 Stanford, No. 4 Michigan State, No. 8 Michigan State and No. 8 Creighton by scores of 1-0, 3-2, 5-1, 2-1 and 1-0, respectively, on Nov. 25, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16.
• The Zips have registered seven consecutive victories over ranked opponents bettering Creighton, Michigan State (twice), West Virginia, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Stanford after opening the year going 0-3-1 versus ranked teams.
• The Zips own a 10-1-1 mark in their last 12 matches away from home on the strength of seven, five and three goals, respectively, from Marcel Zajac, David Egbo, Diogo Pacheco and Carlo Ritaccio. Akron has averaged 14.2 shots per contest in those matches, while limiting its opponents to 10.7 shots per tilt. The Zips have also posted a 84-45 margin in corner kicks and a 170-128 edge in total shots.
• In 18 games since returning from injury, Marcel Zajac has provided the Zips with a huge lift offensively contributing 11 goals and team-high eight assists, while adding 38 shots, including 21 on goal.
• As a team, the Zips are rated second in the NCAA in total points (154), third in total assists (56) and assists per game (2.43), fourth in total goals (49), seventh in corner kicks (6.74) and in points per contest (6.70), 11th in scoring offense (2.13), 20th in winning percentage (.696) and 42nd in shots per game (13.78).
• Individually, David Egbo is ranked fifth in the NCAA in game-winning goals (6), 10th in total goals (13), 11th in total points (31), 29th in goals per contest (0.59) and 32nd in points per game (1.41).
• Marcel Zajac is Akron's active career leaders in goals (18), points (45) and shots on goal (42). Ezana Kahsay paces the squad in shots (95), games played (79), while David Egbo leads the team in game-winning goals (6). Skye Harter directs the squad in assists (17). Ben Lundt has started a team-high 63 games.
• In Akron's 15 wins this season the Zips have outscored their opponents 43-11. Akron has outshot the opposition 223-159, including 97-59 on goal. Seventeen different Zips have contributed points in the contests with David Egbo leading the way registering 11 goals and four assists. Ben Lundt owns six shutouts in those matches.
• The Zips own a 94-28-13 mark over the last six seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 94 wins are ranked first in all of Division I.
• Akron is averaging 12.6 shots per contest in 11 games against ranked opponents this season. Marcel Zajac paces the squad with five goals on the strength of 17 shots.
• Ben Lundt ranks among the active career leaders in Division I rating fifth in career shutouts (28), sixth in minutes played (6,243.29), 24th in saves (191) and 25th in goals against average (.951). He is also 17th and 19th across all divisions in career shutouts and minutes played. Additionally, Marco Micaletto is ranked 26th in games played (80), 35th in career assists (17), 36th in points (61), and 44th in goals (22), while Ezana Kahsay is rated 34th in games played (79) and Abdi Mohamed is 23rd in games played (81) and 42nd in career assists (16).

UP NEXT
A victory by the Zips will give Akron its second NCAA title and first since 2010.