Akron Hosts Michigan State in Non-Conference Showdown

Tuesday, October 15

Akron, Ohio

7:00 PM

University of Akron

Michigan State

Akron Hosts Michigan State in Non-Conference Showdown

October 14 | Men's Soccer

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MATCH NO. 12 - AKRON VS. MICHIGAN STATE GAME NOTES (10/15)

Akron (2-8-1) vs. Michigan State (2-6-3)
Tuesday, Oct. 15
FirstEnergy Stadium (5,000)
Akron, Ohio • 7 p.m.

Series History: Akron leads 29-13-2
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPN+
Television: ESPN+ (Dave Bacon - pxp and Dino Campellone - color)
Radio: WARF 1350 AM (Steve French - pxp and Oliver Slawson - color)

MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK

WHAT'S AHEAD

The University of Akron men's soccer team is set for a rematch of its 2018 College Cup semifinal match with Michigan State on Tuesday, Oct. 15, as the Spartans invade FirstEnergy Stadium. The 7 p.m. contest will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with Dave Bacon and Dino Campellone calling the action. The match will also air on Fox Sports Radio (WARF 1350 AM) with Steve French and Oliver Slawson on the call.

AKRON VERSUS THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Big Ten Conference for the second time this season and 189th time overall.
• Akron owns a 103-68-17 (.593) all-time record versus the current 14 members of the Big Ten Conference.
• The Zips have gone 21-5-4 against the league since 2012.
• Earlier this season, Maryland registered a 1-0 victory over Akron on Sept. 13 in College Park, Md.
• A year ago, Akron recorded a 2-1 victory at then No. 8 Michigan State on Oct. 9 before handing the Spartans a 5-1 setback on Dec. 7. The Zips then dropped a 1-0 decision versus No. 3 Maryland in the title match of the 2018 College Cup on Dec. 9.
• In all, Akron is 38-10-7 (.755) versus teams from the Big Ten since 2007. During that time, the Zips have out-scored the competition, 107-46.

SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State comes into play against the Zips unbeaten in its last two contests following a 1-1 double-overtime draw with Maryland on Friday, Oct. 11. Redshirt sophomore Alex Shterenberg paces the Spartans in goals (2) and points (5), while sophomore Farai Mutatu leads Michigan State in assists (2), shots (35) and shots on goal (12). Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Hunter Morse has recorded 55 saves en route to posting one shutout on the strength of a 1.13 goals against average.

The contest will be a reunion of sorts for MSU assistant coach TJ Kolba, who served as an assistant coach at Akron under head coach Jared Embick from 2015-19.

As a team, the Spartans are ranked 14th in the NCAA in saves per game (5.27), 19th in save percentage (0.817) and 39th in corner kicks (6.00). Individually, Morse is rated seventh in total saves (55), 17th in saves per game (5.00) and 22nd in save percentage (0.81).

SERIES HISTORY
Akron is encountering Michigan State for the 55th time in program history with the Zips owning a 29-13-12 series advantage. A year ago, the Zips registered a 5-1 triumph over the fourth-rated Spartans in the semifinals of the NCAA College Cup on Dec. 7, 2018 in Santa Barbara, Calif., after besting No. 8 Michigan State, 2-1, on Oct. 9, 2018 in East Lansing, Mich.

IN OUR LAST MEETING (DEC. 7, 2018 - SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.)
The University of Akron men's soccer team registered a five-goal explosion lifting the Zips to a 5-1 victory over Michigan State in the semifinals of the College Cup on Dec. 7, 2018 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The Zips garnered goals from junior David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria), sophomore Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N,Y.), senior Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio), Marcel Zajac and Braden Petno en route to posting the triumph.

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.

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 sophomore Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio).

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 the goal.

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.

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 a goal off an assist from Jack Beck at the 78:32 mark.

Petno capped the scoring efforts for Akron registering his first career goal in the 85th minute (84:46).

THE COACHES
Michigan State: Damon Rensing is in his 11th season as head coach of the Michigan State program, owning a 119-72-33 (.605) record.
Akron: In his seventh year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 13th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 96-38-14 mark (.696), including 143-59-22 (.688) overall, in his 11th 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 2019 campaign marks his seventh year leading the Zips having registered a 96-38-14 (.696) ledger after posting an 15-7-2 record en route to earning the program's second consecutive and sixth overall College Cup berth in 2018. Akron's 96 victories since Embick took the helm of the Zips' program in 2013 rank second among all men's soccer programs in Division I.

During Embick's time at Akron, the Zips have posted the highest winning percentage in the nation with an overall record of 206-51-30 (.770), including a 57-6-4 (.881) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing 11 conference tournament titles, 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and three 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. Akron's 2018 class was tabbed No. 9 nationally.

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 OPEN MAC PLAY WITH 2-1 WIN OVER BOWLING GREEN
The University of Akron men's soccer team garnered goals from redshirt junior Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal) and freshman Will Jackson (Hudson, Ohio) en route to opening Mid-American Conference play with a 2-1 triumph past Bowling Green on Saturday, Oct. 12, at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Zips dominated the contest registering a 20-6 edge in shots, including a season-high 10 shots on goal for a 10-3 advantage in shots on frame.

Jackson and senior Christian Lue Young (Plantation, Fla.) led Akron's offensive attack posting a game-high four shots apiece, including two shots on goal each, while Pacheco added three shots in reserve duty. Six different Falcons added one shot apiece.

Junior goalkeeper Joe Bowles (Stratford, England) collected two saves in net for the Zips to earn the victory, while Anthony Mwembia turned in a stellar effort for the Falcons registering eight saves.

Making his return to the Akron line-up after missing the last two contests, Pacheco made an immediate impact for the Zips after being inserted into the match at the 26:51 mark, as he connected on a goal in the 34th minute (33:06). Sophomore Pol Hernandez (Teia, Spain) delivered a ball just to the top of the box that was deflected by Jackson to the feet of Pacheco, who struck a laser into the corner of the net for his first goal of the season.

Akron took a 1-0 lead into the intermission on the strength of a 4-2 edge in shots in the opening half.

The Zips dialed up their offensive firepower in the second half recording a 16-4 margin in overall shots and a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.

Jackson netted his first collegiate goal, a game-winner, at the 58:36 mark, off a strike from 22 yards out, one that bested Mwembia and gave the Zips a 2-0 lead.

Colin Biros, Jackson, Hernadez and freshman Mani Austmann (Gardabaer, Iceland) connected on shots on goal in the 60th (59:25), 65th (64:22 and 64:57) and 67th (66:24) minutes, respectively, that were thwarted by saves from Mwembia.

A defensive turnover at the 69:32 mark allowed Bowling Green to cut the Zips' lead in half as Chris Sullivan scored his fifth goal of the season.

Akron continued to pepper the Falcons with shots as the Zips closed the contest with a 6-2 edge in shots, including strikes on net from Lue Young (71:42 and 77:27), Hernandez (73:31), and Austmann (77:20).

Bowles notched saves at the 86:30 and 87:48 marks, respectively, off shots from Achille Robin and Abdi Faqi.

OWNING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
The recent successes of the Akron men's soccer program over the past 13 seasons (2007-present) can be attributed to its play in the month of October. Since the start of the 2007 campaign, the Zips own a 74-14-9 (.809) ledger in the month, including a 39-6-4 (.837) mark in matches at FirstEnergy Stadium.

ZIPS TIDBITS
• Since the series between Akron and Michigan State resumed in 2009, following a 26-year gap between games, the two sides have met every year since, with the Zips owning a 7-3-1 mark in those contests.
• Eight of the 11 matches between Akron and Michigan State since 2009 have been decided by a goal or less, with the Zips going 3-1-1 at FirstEnergy Stadium, outscoring the Spartans, 10-4.
• Will Jackson made the most of his Mid-American Conference debut versus Bowling Green as he posted his first collegiate goal, a game-winner, while also tallying an assist on Diogo Pacheco's first-half goal.
• On the strength of his efforts against the Falcons, Will Jackson leads the MAC in assists per game (1.00), goals per outing (1.00), game-winning goals (1) and points per tilt (3.00) per game in conference-only matches, while also ranking second in shots per game (4.00).
• Three Zips are atop the league statistical categories for conference-only matches as Pol Hernandez is first in assists per game (1.00), Diogo Pacheco is atop goals per game (1.00) and Joe Bowles paces the MAC in goals against average (1.00).
• The NCAA released its initial men's soccer RPI report on Monday, Oct. 14 and the Zips (No. 103) face upcoming road tests at No. 31 Western Michigan (Oct. 20) and No. 67 West Virginia (Nov. 7), as well as home matches against No. 76 SIU Edwardsville (Oct. 25) and No. 87 Michigan State (Oct. 15).
• Akron opened its MAC slate, at home on Oct. 12 versus Bowling Green, for the first time since Oct. 7, 2016 when the Zips bested Buffalo, 4-0.
• Since 2010,the Zips are 20-3-0 at FirstEnergy Stadium in regular season conference games. Overall during that span, including postseason, Akron boasts a 35-4-1 mark versus league foes at home.
• Since joining the MAC in 1993, the Zips are 25-2-0 in home conference openers and 22-2-1 overall when facing a league foe following a loss.
• Akron registered a season-best 22 shots against Florida International on Oct. 5, while freshmen Will Jackson and Mani Austmann established career-high marks in shots recording six and five, respectively. Jackson's six strikes stand as the top single-game mark for a Zip in 2019.
• Five different Zips have garnered their first-ever collegiate goals this season. Will Jackson was the latest to join the group with a second-half goal against Bowling Green on Oct. 12. Junior Daniel Strachan (Lakewood, Ohio) and Sam Tojaga tallied goals against VCU (Oct. 2). They join Christian Lue Young and Mani Austmann, who recorded goals versus Creighton (Sept. 6) and Marshall (Sept. 21), respectively.
• David Egbo recorded his 100th career shot in the Zips' 2-0 win over VCU on Oct. 2.
• Nine different Akron players have earned an assist this season.
• The Zips own the fifth-best strength of schedule in the country in 2019 according to RPI Update.
• Akron has also faced the 16th-most difficult schedule in the NCAA this season as tabulated by NCAA.com, as well as the most-challenging ledger in the MAC.
• The Zips face upcoming tests versus top-100 teams in the latest RPI Update rankings. Akron faces a road tests at No. 54 Western Michigan (Oct. 20) and No. 61 West Virginia (Nov. 7), while also battling No. 77 SIU Edwardsville (Oct. 25) and No. 88 Michigan State (Oct. 15) at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Diogo Pacheco is ranked second in the MAC in shots per contest (2.75) after equaling a career-best mark with a five-shot effort at Maryland on Sept. 13. A year ago, he posted five strikes, including a career-high three shots on goal versus Syracuse on Oct. 18, 2018. He also played a career-best 90 minutes against the Terrapins.
• Twenty-four Zips have seen action this season, including 11 newcomers.
• Eighteen different Zips have registered a shot this season, including six newcomers.
• As a team, the Zips are rated 15th in the NCAA in corner kicks (6.82).
• Skye Harter enters play against Michigan State among the active NCAA leaders in assists and games played. He is rated ninth in games played (72) and 28th in assists (16) among Division I players.

FORMER ZIPS CLINCH BERTHS INTO MLS CUP PLAYOFFS
Seven former Zips saw their respective MLS clubs earn a berth into the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs following Decision Day slated on Oct. 6. In the Eastern Conference, Teal Bunbury (New England), Scott Caldwell (New England), Richie Laryea (Toronto) and Darlington Nagbe (Atlanta) have secured a postseason berth. In the Western Conference, Perry Kitchen (Los Angeles), Saad Abdul-Salaam (Seattle) and Zarek Valentin (Portland) locked down spots.

In the Eastern Conference, second-seeded Atlanta hosts No. 7 New England, while No. 4 Toronto entertains No. 5 D.C. United on Oct. 19. In the Western Conference, No. 2 Seattle hosts No. 7 F.C Dallas (Oct. 19), No.3 Real Salt Lake welcomes No. 6 Portland (Oct. 19) and No. 4 Minnesota hosts No. 5 Los Angeles Galaxy (Oct. 20).

DEVERA EARNS CALL-UP TO PHILIPPINE NATIONAL TEAM
Niko DeVera, who played for Akron from 2014-17, garnered first international call-up, joining the Philippine National Team for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022/AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 which resumes with a match against China PR on October, 15 in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

LARYEA DEBUTS FOR TEAM CANADA
Richie Laryea, who played for the Zips from 2014-15, earned his first international cap for Canada against Cuba on Sept. 7. A member of Toronto FC, he has been added to the Canadian roster for a friendly against the United States on Oct. 15.

KAHSAY EARNS FIRST INTERNATIONAL CAP
Ezana Kahsay, who played for the Zips from 2013-18, earned his first international cap for the Eritrea National Team in September. The Red Sea Boys fell in the opening leg of FIFA World Cup qualifying versus Namibia on Sept. 4, 2-1, before dropping a 2-0 decision in the second leg on Sept. 10.

LEWIS CALLED UP TO U-23 USMNT TEAM
Jonathan Lewis, who played for the Zips during the 2016 campaign, was among 25 called to a training camp and match vs. El Salvador from Oct. 6-15 in Miami, Fla. The match vs. El Salvador will take place on Oct. 15. It marks another step in the U-23 MNT's path to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

UP NEXT
The Zips face a key conference test traveling to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a 2 p.m. showdown at Western Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 20.