Zips Open Three-Match Homestand Battling Cornell

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MATCH NO. 7 - AKRON VS. CORNELL GAME NOTES (9/28)

Akron (0-6-0) vs. Cornell (4-2-0)
Saturday, Sept. 28
FirstEnergy Stadium (5,000)
Akron, Ohio • 7 p.m.

Series History: Cornell leads 1-0-0
Live Stats: www.gozips.com
Live Stream: ESPN+
Television: ESPN+

MATCH PREVIEW WITH HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK

WHAT'S AHEAD

For the first time in nearly a month the Akron men's soccer team returns to FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, as the Zips host Cornell in a 7 p.m. match. The tilt will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with Dave Bacon and Dino Campellone calling the action.

AKRON VERSUS THE IVY LEAGUE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Ivy League for the first time this season and seventh time overall.
• Akron owns a 3-3-0 (.500) all-time record versus the current eight men's soccer members [Brown (0-1), Cornell (0-1), Penn (1-0) and Princeton (2-1)] of the Ivy League.
• In their last encounter with a school from Ivy League, the Zips registered a 1-0 triumph over Princeton on Sept. 18, 2005.

SCOUTING CORNELL
Winners of four of its last five matches, Cornell enters play against Akron having won its last two contests following a 1-0 victory past Sienna on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Junior Harry Fuller leads the offensive exploits for the Big Red owning team-high marks in goals (4), points (9), shots (15), shots on goal (11) and game-winners (2). Senior goalkeeper Ryan Shellow has recorded 13 saves en route to posting three shutouts on the strength of a 0.78 goals against average.

As a team, the Big Red are ranked seventh in the NCAA in shots (17.50) and corner kicks (7.33) per game and 25th in shots on goal per contest (6.67). Individually, Fuller is rated 20th in the NCAA in game-winning goals (2), 24th in shots on goal per outing (1.83), 40th in goals per game (0.67), 44th in points per contest (1.50) and 49th in total goals (4).

SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Cornell are playing for only the second time in program history and first since 1980 with the Big Red owning a 1-0-0 series advantage. In the last meeting between the two schools, Akron was bested in overtime, 3-2, on Oct. 5, 1980, as part of the Akron Children's Hospital Classic.

THE COACHES
Cornell: John Smith is in his fourth season as head coach of the Cornell program, owning a 23-30-4 (.439) record, while sporting a 85-56-14 (.594) ledger in 10 years overall as a head coach.
Akron: In his seventh year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and 13th season overall, is Jared Embick, who owns a 94-36-13 mark (.703), including 141-57-21 (.692) 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 94-36-13 (.703) 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 94 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 204-49-29 (.775), 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 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.

MARSHALL RALLIES PAST AKRON, 2-1
A pair of unanswered tallies over a nearly three-minute span late in the decisive second half lifted Marshall to a come-from-behind men's soccer victory past Akron on Sept. 21.

After freshman Mani Austmann (Gardabaer, Iceland) gave the Zips a 1-0 lead with his first collegiate goal in the 55th minute (54:39), the Thundering Herd netted the equalizer from Jan-Erik Mar Leinhos on a penalty kick at the 78:07 mark, before Milo Yosef connected on what proved to be the game-winning tally for Marshall in the 82nd minute (81:01).

Each side posted 11 shots in the match, with Akron registering a 5-4 edge in shots on goal in the contest.

Austmann and redshirt junior Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon, Portugal) paced the Zips' attack recording a team-best two shots apiece. Jamil Roberts led the Thundering Herd with a game-high three shots.

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Tor Saunders (Seattle, Wash.) garnered a pair of saves for Akron, while Paulo Pita made four stops for Marshall.

Sophomore Colin Biros (Jackson, Ohio) connected on the first shot on goal of the evening for either side, a strike that was corralled for a save by Pita at the 12:31 mark.

Saunders denied Vitor Mar Dais' shot on frame in the 24th minute (23:20).

A header shot for Akron by Pacheco at the 25:18 mark was again thwarted by a stop from Pita.

The Zips earned a 2-1 margin in shots on the goal in the opening stanza, while the Thundering Herd maintained a 6-5 overall edge in shots.

Akron took advantage of its scoring opportunity in the 55th minute (54:39) as Austmann bested Pita with a header to give the Zips a 1-0 lead. Garnering assists on the tally were sophomores Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) and Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.).

Freshman Will Jackson (Hudson, Ohio) and junior David Egbo (Enugu, Nigeria) added shots on net for Akron at the 60:15 and 68:52 marks, respectively. Both scoring chances for the Zips were denied by saves from Pita.

Saunders pulled in a shot on goal from Roberts in the 75th minute (74:05) for a save to maintain Akron's 1-0 edge.

The Zips were then whistled for a foul in the box that resulted in a successful penalty kick from Mar Leinhos at the 78:07 mark to square the tilt at one.

Mar Yoseff then lofted a shot into the net in the 82nd minute (81:01) off an assist from Roberts to give the Thundering Herd a 2-1 lead, one they didn't relinquish.

PEDIATRICS CANCER AWARENESS NIGHT
The Zips will host their inaugural Pediatrics Cancer Awareness Night to benefit Akron Children's Hospital this Saturday, Sept. 28, when Akron welcomes Cornell to FirstEnergy Stadium for a 7 p.m. match. The Zips will don custom yellow adidas warm-ups for the contest that are highlighted by Akron men's soccer's Z-star logo on the chest. On the left sleeves will be a yellow ribbon adorned with an "M" for Maverick Westover, the Zips' Team Impact team member since 2016. An auction for each of the 30 warm-ups will commence at the Gate One marketing table beginning when gates open and running through the conclusion of the match. Bidding starts at $30 with all proceeds being donated to Akron Children's Hospital. Fans may also make donations to Akron Children's Hospital at the marketing table. Winners will be notified by email the week of Sept. 30.

HARTER NAMED CANDIDATE FOR SENIOR CLASS AWARD
Akron senior Skye Harter was selected as one of 30 men's soccer candidates for the 2019 Senior CLASS Award® in collegiate soccer. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

Harter has appeared in all six contests for the Zips this season, including three starts, and has registered four shots, with a pair coming on goal.

Outside of academics and athletics, all candidates also have been consistently involved in community service on their campus or in their communities.

The men's class will be narrowed to 10 finalists midway through the regular season, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select one male candidate and one female candidate who best exemplifies excellence in the four Cs of community, classroom, character and competition.

The Senior CLASS Award winners will be announced during the 2019 NCAA Men's and Women's College Cup® championships in December.

ZIPS TO HOST ALUMNI GATHERING
The University of Akron men's soccer program will welcome back its legendary alumni for a special evening celebrating the Zips' success on Friday, Oct. 11.

The evening will feature a beer and food-tasting opportunity from 7-10 p.m. at the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company in Akron, Ohio (529 Grant Street, Akron, Ohio 44311).

Space for this special evening of memories is limited and the cost is $65 per person. For more information on the securing your seat to this unique and intimate event, please register online at www.uakron.edu/giving/soccer65, text Soccer65 to 41444 or contact George Van Horne at the University of Akron Athletics Development office at (330) 972-8255.

The event will mark the start of a memorable weekend for the Zips as the 2009 men's soccer team will be honored as part of the 45th Annual Varsity "A" Sports Hall of Fame ceremonies on Oct. 12.

EMBICK TO BE ENSHRINED IN GRANITE CITY SPORTS HOF
The Granite City Sports Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2019 and University of Akron head men's soccer coach Jared Embick will be among 17 individuals and five teams inducted into the prestigious class on Nov. 8, 2019.

A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Since 2007, Akron men's soccer program has posted the highest winning percentage in the nation (as of games on Sept. 25) (.775), with an overall record of 204-49-29. The Zips are followed by Maryland, 188-53-38 (.742), North Carolina, 179-53-38 (.733), Wake Forest, 173-53-33 (.732) and Creighton, 181-62-27 (.720). Akron has made 12 straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2007-18), earning a first-round bye in eight seasons. The Zips have advanced to the NCAA's Round of 16 in eight of the last 11 years. Since 1961, the Zips have advanced to the NCAA postseason 33 times, including each of the past 12 seasons and 17 of the past 18.

SEPTEMBER SUCCESS
The Zips have found their stride in the month of September in recent history as over the last 17 seasons (2003-present), Akron boasts a 85-24-12 (.752) ledger in the month of September.

ZIPS TIDBITS
• The Zips own the 21st-best strength of schedule in the country in 2019 according to RPI Update.
• Akron has also faced the 36th-most difficult schedule in the NCAA this season as tabulated by NCAA.com, the most-challenging ledger in the MAC.
• The Zips face upcoming tests versus a trio of top-50 teams in the latest RPI Update rankings. Akron hosts No. 26 Florida International (Oct. 5), while facing road tests at No. 40 West Virginia (Nov. 7) and No. 46 Butler (Oct. 8). Additionally, the Zips battle No. 74 Bowling Green (Oct. 12), No. 87 Cornell (Sept. 28) and No. 91 Western Michigan (Oct. 20).
• For the second consecutive season and only the third time overall since joining the MAC in 1993, the Zips will play only two home matches in the month of September (2018, 1996).
• Diogo Pacheco is ranked second in the Mid-American Conference in shots per contest (3.00) 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 Zips have seen action this season, including eight newcomers.
• Fifteen different Zips have registered a shot this season, including five newcomers.
• As a team, the Zips are rated 47th in the NCAA in corner kicks (5.83).
• Skye Harter enters play against Cornell among the active NCAA leaders in assists and games played. He is rated sixth in games played (70) and 18th in assists (16) among Division I players, while ranking18th and overall, across all divisions, in games played.
• Will Jackson has paced a talented core of freshmen for Akron this season leading the newcomers in assists (1), shots (9) and shots on goal (5), while ranking second in points (1).
• Five Akron newcomers have garnered a start in the Zips' initial six contests this season. Will Jackson has recorded six starts, while owning four starts are freshmen Bradley Chick (Melbourne, Australia) and Henrique Cruz, while Mani Austmann and senior Tom Smart (Birmingham, England) and have posted three and two starts, respectively.
• The Zips rank first nationally in average attendance in 2019 after a crowd of 3,617 against Stanford. A year ago, Akron ranked 16th in the country averaging 1,419 for nine home games. In 2016 and 2017, the Zips rated 10th nationally in attendance averaging 2,147 and 1,819 fans per contest, respectively.

UP NEXT
Akron hosts VCU in a 7 p.m. match on Wednesday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Zips Open Three-Match Homestand Battling Cornell

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Players Mentioned

Mani Austmann

Colin Biros

Bradley Chick

Henrique Cruz

David Egbo

Skye Harter

Will Jackson

Diogo Pacheco

Carlo Ritaccio

Tor Saunders

Tom Smart

Sam Tojaga

The University of Akron Athletics