Akron Hosts League-Leading SIU Edwardsville in Key MAC Tilt

Friday, October 25

Akron, Ohio

7:00 PM

University of Akron

SIU Edwardsville

Akron Hosts League-Leading SIU Edwardsville in Key MAC Tilt

October 24 | Men's Soccer

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MATCH NO. 14 - AKRON VS. SIU EDWARDSVILLE GAME NOTES (10/25)

Akron (3-8-2, 1-0-1 MAC) vs. SIU Edwardsville (8-3-2, 2-0-0 MAC)
Friday, Oct. 25
FirstEnergy Stadium (5,000)
Akron, Ohio • 7 p.m.

Series History: SIU Edwardsville leads 12-5-1
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPN3
Television: ESPN3 (Chad Welker - pxp and Dino Campellone - color)

MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK

WHAT'S AHEAD

The University of Akron men's soccer team is set to square off against league-leading SIU Edwardsville on Friday, Oct. 25, as the Zips host the Cougars at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 7 p.m. tilt will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the ESPN app with Chad Welker and Dino Campellone calling the action.

SCOUTING SIU EDWARDSVILLE
SIU Edwardsville comes into play against the Zips unbeaten in its last seven matches following a 2-0 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday, Oct. 19. Senior Jorge Gonzalez leads the Cougars in goals (9), points (22), shots (54), shots on goal (26) and game-winners (4), while ranking second in assists (4). Junior goalkeeper Noah Heim has recorded 49 saves en route to posting a pair of shutouts on the strength of a 1.63 goals against average.

As a team, the Cougars are ranked sixth in the NCAA in saves per game (5.92), eighth in save percentage (.828), 31st in winning percentage (.692), 34th in shutout percentage (.462), 40th in scoring offense (5.38) and points per game (5.38), 44th in total goals (24), 45th in assists per contest (1.69) and 49th in total points (70). Individually, Gonzalez is sixth in the nation in shots per game (4.15), ninth in game-winning goals (4), 10th in shots on goal per tilt (2.00), 16th in total goals (9) and total points (22), 22nd in points per contest (1.69) and 26th in goals per game (0.69).

SERIES HISTORY
Akron and SIU Edwardsville are meeting for the 19th time in program history with the Cougars owning a 12-5-1 series advantage. A year ago, the Zips earned a 2-1 victory over SIU Edwardsville in the quarterfinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at FirstEnergy Stadium on Nov. 6, 2018, after besting the Cougars in the regular season, 1-0, on Oct. 27 in Edwardsville, Ill.

IN OUR LAST MEETING (NOV. 6, 2018 - AKRON, OHIO)
Marcel Zajac scored what proved to be the game-winning tally in the 33rd minute (32:51) to propel the fourth-seeded Zips to a 2-1 men's soccer victory over SIU Edwardsville in the opening round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament on Nov. 6, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Akron parlayed a stout defensive effort along with tallies from Morgan Hackworth at the 7:59 and Zajac, as part of an overall 15-4 advantage in shots, into the squad's second straight triumph.

Playing with the wind at their back in the second half, the Zips registered a 10-1 margin in shots, en route to the overall 15-4 edge, including a 4-1 spread in shots on goal.

Zajac and sophomore Colin Biros (Jackson, Ohio) directed the Akron attack with a game-high three shots apiece, while junior David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria), Hackworth, Ezana Kahsay and sophomore Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.) added two shots apiece for the Zips. Greg Solawa led the Cougars with a team-high three shots.

Goalkeeper Ben Lundt garnered the victory in net for Akron without needing to make a save, while Noah Heim recorded a pair of stops for SIUE.

The Zips struck first in the match when Hackworth connected on the goal off an assist from Kahsay in the eighth minute (7:59). Hackworth redirected a deflection of Kahsay's initial strike into the back of the net to give Akron a 1-0 lead.

The Zips maintained the advantage until the 17:11 mark when Solawa bent a beautiful shot from just outside the corner of the box through a stiff wind to find the corner of the net for the equalizer.

A defensive miscue by SIU Edwardsville in the box corralled by redshirt junior Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal) led to Zajac's game-winning goal in the 33rd minute (32:51).

Akron registered a 5-3 advantage in first-half shots, including 2-1 on goal, to maintain a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Zajac nearly netted a two-goal performance as his shot in the box at the 46:23 mark hit the crossbar before being cleared out by the Cougars.

Tojaga and Ebgo delivered shots on frame in the 72nd (71:13) and 74th (73:04) minutes for the Zips, both of which were denied by saves from Heim.

THE COACHES
SIU Edwardsville: Cale Wassermann is in his first season as head coach of the SIU Edwardsville program, owning a 8-3-2 (.692) record.
Akron: In his seventh year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 13th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 97-38-15 mark (.697), including 144-59-23 (.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 97-38-15 (.697) 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 97 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 207-51-31 (.770), including a 57-6-5 (.875) 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 BATTLE WESTERN MICHIGAN TO 1-1 DOUBLE-OT DRAW
The University of Akron men's soccer team earned a key Mid-American Conference point on the strength of a hard-fought 1-1 double-overtime draw at Western Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the WMU Soccer Complex.

The result for the Zips was even more impressive as Akron played the final 33 minutes of the match a man down.

Each side recorded 10 shots on the afternoon, with the Broncos posting a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.

Freshman Mani Austmann (Gardabaer, Iceland) directed the Zips' offensive attack with a game-high four shots, while David Egbo added three shots of his own. Eric Conerty led the Broncos with a team-best four shots.

Junior goalkeeper Joe Bowles (Stratford, England) finished the contest with a game-high three saves for Akron, while his counterpart for Western Michigan, Isaac Walker, made a pair of stops.

The Broncos took the early lead in the tilt on a goal from Conerty. Brennan Creek and Charlie Sharp played the ball into the box where it found the foot of Conerty in the corner to give Western Michigan a 1-0 lead just 44 seconds into the game.

Austmann delivered Akron's first shot of the afternoon, a strike on goal that was pulled in for a save by Walker.

Egbo nearly bent in a free kick from 25 yards in the 21st minute (20:59) as his shot was blocked resulting in a corner kick.

Diogo Pacheco leveled the game at one at the 44:07 mark as he headed home a ball inside the six-yard box off a pass from the corner from senior Christian Lue Young (Plantation, Fla.). The tally was the second of the season for Pacheco.

The Zips registered a 5-4 edge in first-half shots, while the Broncos posted a 3-2 margin in shots on goal.

Austmann nearly found the upper 90 of the net at the 59:03 mark as his strike in the box off pass from freshman Will Jackson (Hudson, Ohio) went high of the net.

The Zips played the final 13:31 of regulation and all of overtime a man down after being carded just outside the box in the 77th minute (76:29).

Western Michigan nearly regained the lead in the 77th minute (76:33) as the Broncos had a potential go-ahead goal wiped off by an offsides call.

A scoring chance at the 87:15 mark by Pacheco was denied as his header off a corner kick by Colin Biros went high.

Western Michigan registered a 3-2 advantage in second half shots, with none falling on frame.

Each side had a shot blocked in the initial overtime period, before Austmann nearly ended the contest with a header from just outside the six-yard box in the 100th minute (99:29), a strike that was denied by a save from Walker.

Bowles made a spectacular leaping save of a strike in the box from Anthony Bowie in the second-overtime period at the 101:32 mark to keep the score tied at one.

The Zips had one final shot in the game as Egbo delivered a shot that was blocked in the 106th minute (105:04).

ZIPS FINDING THEIR FORM
The Zips have begun to find their form in October as Akron owns a 3-1-2 mark in the month with remaining contests versus SIU Edwardsville (Oct. 25) and Cleveland State (Nov. 29). The Zips are averaging 15.5 shots and 1.33 goals per game in those contests, while limiting their opponents to 10.2 shots and 0.67 goals per tilt. Akron has outscored its opponents in the first half by a 6-1 margin, while posting a 46-25 edge in corner kicks. Mani Austmann, Will Jackson and David Egbo pace the Zips with 16, 14 and 14 shots, respectively. In goal, Joe Bowles owns a 0.55 goals against average on the strength of two shutouts and 13 saves.

FOUR SENIORS NEAR END OF THEIR HOME ZIPS' CAREERS
The Zips' contest versus Northern Illinois on Nov. 2, will mark the final home games in the careers of seniors Skye Harter, Christian Lue Young, Tom Smart (Birmingham, England) and Leonard Sohn (Richmond Hill, Ontario).

Harter has played in a team-best 74 games over his Akron career, including 46 starts. He has registered nine goals, while adding 17 assists on the strength of 57 shots, including 26 on goal.

Lue Young joined the Zips prior to the 2017 season and has appeared in 18 matches, including seven starts and has posted a goal and an assist on 11 shots, including five on frame.

Smart has appeared in seven of the Zips' 13 contests this season, including a pair of starts. He has yet to record his first shot at Akron.

A two-year member of the Zips, Sohn has appeared in 15 matches, including six starts and owns a assist on three shots.

HARTER AND RITACCIO EARN MID-SEASON ACCOLADES
A pair of University of Akron men's soccer standouts in Carlo Ritaccio and Skye Harter garnered accolades when TopDrawerSoccer.com unveiled its Midseason National Top-100 Upperclassmen list.

Ritaccio and Harter checked in at No. 67 and No. 75, respectively, on the upperclassmen list. Ritaccio and Harter represented two of the three players ranked from the Mid-American Conference.

Ritaccio has started all 11 matches he has appeared in for Akron, recording an assist on the strength of four shots, including a pair on net, while anchoring a Zips' defensive unit that has posted a pair of shutouts.

Harter has played in 10 of Akron's 13 contests this season, including four starts, and has responded with eight shots, four of which have fallen on frame.

JACKSON GARNERS MID-SEASON FRESHMAN HONORS
The accolades continue to be bestowed upon the Akron men's soccer program as Will Jackson garnered recognition on TopDrawerSoccer.com's list of the top-100 freshmen in college soccer this season checking in at No. 90.

Jackson has started all 12 games he has appeared in for Akron this fall and leads the squad in assists (2) and game-winers (2), while ranking second in goals (2), points (6), shots (24) and shots on goal (12).

EGBO EARNS SC TOP 10 RECOGNITION
David Egbo's second-half goal in a 2-0 win over Michigan State on Oct. 15 was tabbed as the No. 1 play on ESPN Sports Center's Top 10 Plays.

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 75-14-10 (.808) ledger in the month, including a 40-6-4 (.840) mark in matches at FirstEnergy Stadium.

ZIPS TIDBITS
• Since SIU Edwardsville joined the Mid-American Conference prior to the 2017 campaign, the Zips have met the Cougars both during the regular and postseason in each of the last two campaigns.
• Four of the last five matches between Akron and SIU Edwardsville have been decided by a goal or less. The Zips own a 5-0 mark in those encounters, including a 2-0 ledger at home.
• Akron's match at Western Michigan marked Jared Embick's 150th game as head coach of the Zips and 225th contest overall as a head coach.
• David Egbo has been stellar in Akron's six home games this season owning team-high marks in goals (4), points (9), shots (18) and shots on goal (10).
• On the strength of 97 shots, including 39 on goal, the Zips are registering 16.2 shots per game at FirstEnergy Stadium in 2019, while limiting their opponents to 11.0 shots a night.
• Will Jackson made the most of his MAC debut versus Bowling Green on Oct. 12 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 game-winning goals (1), while ranking fourth in assists per game (0.50), 6th in goals per night (0.50) and seventh in points per tilt (1.50) per game in conference-only matches.
• Three Zips are among the league leaders in several statistical categories for conference-only matches as Diogo Pacheco is second in goals (1.00) and points (2.00) per contest, Joe Bowles is second in goals against average (0.90), while Mani Austmann and David Egbo rank third in shots per outing (3.00).
• The NCAA released its second men's soccer RPI report on Oct. 21 and the Zips (No. 43) face upcoming road tests at No. 87 West Virginia (Nov. 7) and No. 99 Cleveland State (Oct. 29), as well as a home match against No. 68 SIU Edwardsville (Oct. 25).
• 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.
• Ten different Akron players have earned an assist this season.
• The Zips own the 13th-best strength of schedule in the country in 2019 according to RPI Update.
• Akron has also faced the 14th-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. 92 West Virginia (Nov. 7) and No. 98 Cleveland State (Oct. 29), while also battling No. 67 SIU Edwardsville (Oct. 25) at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Diogo Pacheco is ranked second in the MAC in shots per contest (2.67) 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 (6.62).
• Skye Harter enters play against SIU Edwardsville among the active NCAA leaders in assists and games played. He is rated ninth in games played (74) and 30th in assists (16) among Division I players.
• Will Jackson has paced a talented core of freshmen for Akron this season leading the newcomers in goals (2), assists (2), points (6), shots (24), shots on goal (12) and game-winners (2).
• Seven Akron newcomers have garnered a start in the Zips' initial 13 contests this season. Will Jackson has recorded 12 starts, while owning seven and six starts, respectively, are Mani Austmann and Henrique Cruz. Joe Bowles, freshman Bradley Chick (Melbourne, Australia), senior Tom Smart, and freshman Johnny Fitzgerald (Tallahassee, Fla.) have posted six, four, two and two starts, respectively.
• Four different Zips in Christian Lue Young and Tom Smart and Mani Austmann and Will Jackson earned their first-ever Akron starts versus Xavier.
• Four additional newcomers in sophomore Federico Serra (Cagliari, Italy) and Bradley Chick, Henrique Cruz and freshman Jaden Wright (Lorain, Ohio) made their Zips' debuts against Xavier, while freshman Nicolas Alt (Basel, Switzerland) saw his first collegiate playing time versus Florida International (Oct. 5).

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 earned a 1-0 win over No. 7 New England, while No. 4 Toronto bested No. 5 D.C. United, 5-1, on Oct. 19. Richie Laryea score what proved to be the game-winning goal in overtime for Toronto. In the Western Conference, No. 2 Seattle downed No. 7 F.C Dallas, 4-3, No.3 Real Salt Lake edged No. 6 Portland, 2-1, and No. 4 Minnesota fell to No. 5 Los Angeles Galaxy, 2-1.

In conference semifinal action, No. 4 Toronto bested top-seeded New York City FC, 2-1, on Oct. 23, while second-seeded Atlanta welcomes No. 3 Philadelphia to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 24. In the Western Conference, No. 2 Seattle defeated No. 3 Real Salt Lake, 2-0, on Oct. 23 before the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Galaxy wage a cross-town showdown with Los Angeles FC on Oct. 24.

UP NEXT
The Zips face their final regular season non-conference match of the season as Akron travels to Cleveland for a showdown with Cleveland State on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in a 7 p.m. match at Krenzler Field.