The University of Akron Athletics
Zajac Signs Pro Contract with Forge FC of Canadian Premier League
January 08 | Men's Soccer
Follow Akron Men's Soccer on Twitter and Facebook
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's soccer junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) has agreed to a multi-year contract with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League that begins play in April, thus deciding to forego his final year of eligibility with the Zips.
"I have decided to make the next step in my career and sign with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League," said Zajac. "I want to say a huge thank you to Jared (Embick), Ger (Coppinger), TJ (Kolba), Tim (Campbell), Brett (Draper) and Drew (Crawford) for always pushing and shaping me into the player that I am and for putting me through the experiences that have made me tougher mentally as well. I'd also like give a shout-out to all my teammates, who are like brothers to me, and helped me become the player I am today."
"I am delighted Marcel has this opportunity to start his pro career," Akron head coach Jared Embick commented. "I think it was important for him to be playing in the Inaugural year for the Canada Premier League. He had a tremendous season and NCAA tournament where he proved he was one of the top players in college soccer. I wish him the best as he starts his career and look forward to watching him play at the next level."
Zajac appeared in 19 matches for the Zips in 2018, including 15 starts, and registered 11 goals and a team-high eight assists for 30 points on the strength of 42 shots, including 22 on net. A second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection, he helped direct Akron to its sixth appearance in the NCAA College Cup this past season and fourth title game berth recording six goals in NCAA Tournament play.
Over his three-year Zips' career, Zajac appeared in 54 matches, including 35 starts, and garnered 18 goals and nine assists on 92 shots, with 43 falling on goal.
During Akron's 2018 NCAA Tournament run, Zajac garnered the game-winning goals in 3-1 and 1-0 victories past No. 20 Syracuse (Nov. 18) and top-seeded and second-ranked Wake Forest (Nov. 25), in the second and third rounds of the NCAA Tournament, respectively, while also recording a pair of goals in a 3-1 triumph against three-time defending NCAA Champion Stanford (Nov. 30) in the Elite Eight.
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is Canada's professional men's soccer league set to debut in April 2019 with Forge FC based in Hamilton, Ontario.
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's soccer junior Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario) has agreed to a multi-year contract with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League that begins play in April, thus deciding to forego his final year of eligibility with the Zips.
"I have decided to make the next step in my career and sign with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League," said Zajac. "I want to say a huge thank you to Jared (Embick), Ger (Coppinger), TJ (Kolba), Tim (Campbell), Brett (Draper) and Drew (Crawford) for always pushing and shaping me into the player that I am and for putting me through the experiences that have made me tougher mentally as well. I'd also like give a shout-out to all my teammates, who are like brothers to me, and helped me become the player I am today."
"I am delighted Marcel has this opportunity to start his pro career," Akron head coach Jared Embick commented. "I think it was important for him to be playing in the Inaugural year for the Canada Premier League. He had a tremendous season and NCAA tournament where he proved he was one of the top players in college soccer. I wish him the best as he starts his career and look forward to watching him play at the next level."
Zajac appeared in 19 matches for the Zips in 2018, including 15 starts, and registered 11 goals and a team-high eight assists for 30 points on the strength of 42 shots, including 22 on net. A second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection, he helped direct Akron to its sixth appearance in the NCAA College Cup this past season and fourth title game berth recording six goals in NCAA Tournament play.
Over his three-year Zips' career, Zajac appeared in 54 matches, including 35 starts, and garnered 18 goals and nine assists on 92 shots, with 43 falling on goal.
During Akron's 2018 NCAA Tournament run, Zajac garnered the game-winning goals in 3-1 and 1-0 victories past No. 20 Syracuse (Nov. 18) and top-seeded and second-ranked Wake Forest (Nov. 25), in the second and third rounds of the NCAA Tournament, respectively, while also recording a pair of goals in a 3-1 triumph against three-time defending NCAA Champion Stanford (Nov. 30) in the Elite Eight.
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is Canada's professional men's soccer league set to debut in April 2019 with Forge FC based in Hamilton, Ontario.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Soccer2025 Akron Zips Men's Soccer Post-Game Press Conference vs. Saint Louis (NCAA Elite 8) - 12/6/25
Saturday, December 06
2025 NCAA Men's Soccer Third Round Post-Game Press Conference (Duke) - 11/30/25
Monday, December 01
2025 Akron Zips Men's Soccer Post-Game Press Conference vs. Duke (NCAA Third Round) - 11/30/25
Monday, December 01
2025 NCAA Men's Soccer Second Round Post-Game Press Conference Notre Dame Coach Riley - 11/23/25
Sunday, November 23
