The University of Akron Athletics
Thursday, October 13
Kalamazoo, Mich.
4:00 PM
University of Akron
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Western Michigan
Akron Squares off with League-Leading Western Michigan
October 12 | Men's Soccer
No. 18 Akron (7-2-2, 2-0-1 MAC) at Western Michigan (9-1-1, 3-0-1 MAC)
Thursday, Oct. 13
WMU Soccer Complex
Kalamazoo, Mich. • 4 p.m.
Series History: Akron Leads 37-6-5
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Television: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Live Stats:Â www.GoZips.comÂ
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WHAT'S AHEAD
The 18th-rated University of Akron men's soccer team closes out its three-game Mid-American Conference road swing traveling to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a showdown with league-leading Western Michigan on Thursday, Oct. 13. The 4 p.m. tilt with the Broncos will be broadcast on Bronco All-Access.
HEAD COACHES
Western Michigan: Chad Wiseman (Western Michigan, 2007), Overall Record: 152-77-32 (14th Season), Record at WMU: 99-52-26 (10th Season)  Â
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 167-73-30 (14th Season), Record at Akron: 120-52-22 (10th Season)
SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN
Western Michigan comes into play on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 9-1-1 on the campaign, including a 3-0-1 record in the Mid-American Conference, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak following a 0-0 draw at Northern Illinois on Sunday, Oct. 9.
Senior Charlie Sharp leads Western Michigan in goals (8), points (20), shots (39), shots on goal (18) and game-winners (2), while ranking second in assists (4). Senior GK Hunter Morse has pulled in 24 saves en route to posting a 0.36 goals against average and eight shutouts.
Western Michigan leads the NCAA in goals against average (.364) and shutout percentage (.727), while ranking third in goal differential (24), fourth in corner kicks (7.45), save percentage (.867) and winning percentage (.864), 12th in total assists (30) and points per outing (7.82), 13th in scoring offense (2.55) and total points (86), 15th in total goals (28), 19th in shots on goal (7.09), 25th in shots per tilt (15.45) and 45th in shot accuracy (.459).
Individually, Morse is rated first in the NCAA in shutouts (8), second in goals against average (.364), fifth in save percentage (.857) and 32nd in goalie minutes played (990:00), while Sharp is 10th in total points (20) and points per tilt (1.82), 11th in total goals (8), 14th in shots per outing (3.55), 15th in goals per game (.730), 19th in shots on goal (1.64) and 41st in game-winning goals (2).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Western Michigan are squaring off for 49th time in program history with the Zips owning a 37-6-5 series advantage. A year ago, the Broncos earned a 4-3 overtime triumph past Akron on Nov. 4, 2021 in Kalamazoo, Mich.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (NOV. 4, 2021 - KALAMAZOO, MICH.)
A golden goal in the 96th minute (95:12) from Mike Melaragni propelled Western Michigan to a 4-3 overtime victory past 21st-rated Akron on Nov. 4, 2021 in Kalamazoo, Mich.
The Broncos assumed an early 1-0 lead on a successful penalty kick from Caden Jackman at the 8:18 mark.
Carlo Ritaccio leveled the contest at one in the 25th minute (24:36) finding the corner of the net off an assist from sophomore Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah).
Western Michigan regained the advantage at the 31:20 mark when Charlie Sharp found the back of the net.
Diogo Pacheco scored the first of two goals on the afternoon with a tally in the 44th minute (43:13) to send the Zips into the intermission tied at two. Sophomore Jason Shokalook (Erie, Pa.) registered the assist on the goal.
Western Michigan regained the lead at the 65:35 mark on a tally from Dylan Sing.
Just over a minute later, Pacheco recorded a goal in the 67th minute (66:51). Sophomore Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.) earned the assist on the score.
Akron posted an 8-6 advantage in shots on goal in the match, while the Broncos won the overall shot count, 11-10. Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal led the Zips' efforts with a game-high four shots.
OWNING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
The recent successes of the Akron men's soccer program over the past 16 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 81-16-12 (.798) ledger in the month, including a 45-7-5 (.833) mark in matches at FirstEnergy Stadium.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Since 2007, the Akron men's soccer program has posted the highest winning percentage in the nation (.747), with an overall record of 230-65-39. The Zips are followed by Wake Forest, 219-70-38 (.728), Maryland, 218-68-47 (.725), North Carolina, 208-74-48 (.703) and Creighton, 203-82-35 (.689). Akron 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 their last 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. Since 1961, the Zips have advanced to the NCAA postseason 34 times, including 18 of the past 21 seasons.
ZIP TIDBITS
• Twelve of the 22 matches between Akron and Western Michigan with head coach Jared Embick on the Zips' sideline have resulted in a shutout, including six of the last 13, with the Zips owning a 9-3-1 mark in those contests.
• The Zips own a 15-4-2 ledger in games versus the Broncos at the WMU Soccer Complex and have outscored Western Michigan, 54-20.
• Akron has scored three or more goals in seven of its 12 games this season.
• The Zips are rated first in the NCAA in total goals (35) and total points (110), second in scoring offense (2.92), total assists (40), assists per tilt (3.33) and points per game (9.17), 11th in goal differential (19) and shot accuracy (.513), 28th in shots on goal per contest (6.67) and 32nd in winning percentage (.708).
• Individually, Dyson Clapier is ranked eighth in the country in game-winning goals (3) and shot accuracy (.640), 24th in total points (16), 34th in points per tilt (1.45) and 39th in total goals (6) and shots on goal per game (1.45). Additionally, GK Mitch Budler is ranked sixth in minutes played (1080:00).
• Thirteen different Zips have scored a goal this season, including five newcomers.
• Twenty Zips have registered a shot this season, including seven newcomers. A year ago 19 different Akron players recorded a shot, including five newcomers.
• The Zips are 2-2-2 versus ranked teams this season following a 1-0 victory over No. 24 Duquesne (Sept. 28), a 1-0 setback at No. 18 Penn State (Sept. 25), 3-3 draw at No. 3 Pitt (Sept. 19), 3-3 draw versus No. 22 Ohio State (Sept. 13), a 2-0 loss at Indiana (Sept. 9) and a 5-3 victory past No. 18 FIU (Aug. 25).
• Dyson Clapier and Jason Shokalook are Akron's active career leaders in goals (11). Additionally, Shokalook leads the team in points (31) and assists (11), while Ryan Kingsford has scored 10 goals. Will Jackson apaces the squad in shots (71) and shots on goal (34) and Clapier in game-winning goals (5).
• The Zips own a 120-52-23 mark over the last 10 seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 120 wins are ranked seventh in all of Division I.
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 89 of the squad's last 158 matches.
UP NEXT
Akron opens a two-game homestand entertaining Bowling Green in a 7 p.m. match on Monday, Oct. 17 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Thursday, Oct. 13
WMU Soccer Complex
Kalamazoo, Mich. • 4 p.m.
Series History: Akron Leads 37-6-5
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Television: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Live Stats:Â www.GoZips.comÂ
Â
WHAT'S AHEAD
The 18th-rated University of Akron men's soccer team closes out its three-game Mid-American Conference road swing traveling to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a showdown with league-leading Western Michigan on Thursday, Oct. 13. The 4 p.m. tilt with the Broncos will be broadcast on Bronco All-Access.
HEAD COACHES
Western Michigan: Chad Wiseman (Western Michigan, 2007), Overall Record: 152-77-32 (14th Season), Record at WMU: 99-52-26 (10th Season)  Â
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 167-73-30 (14th Season), Record at Akron: 120-52-22 (10th Season)
SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN
Western Michigan comes into play on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 9-1-1 on the campaign, including a 3-0-1 record in the Mid-American Conference, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak following a 0-0 draw at Northern Illinois on Sunday, Oct. 9.
Senior Charlie Sharp leads Western Michigan in goals (8), points (20), shots (39), shots on goal (18) and game-winners (2), while ranking second in assists (4). Senior GK Hunter Morse has pulled in 24 saves en route to posting a 0.36 goals against average and eight shutouts.
Western Michigan leads the NCAA in goals against average (.364) and shutout percentage (.727), while ranking third in goal differential (24), fourth in corner kicks (7.45), save percentage (.867) and winning percentage (.864), 12th in total assists (30) and points per outing (7.82), 13th in scoring offense (2.55) and total points (86), 15th in total goals (28), 19th in shots on goal (7.09), 25th in shots per tilt (15.45) and 45th in shot accuracy (.459).
Individually, Morse is rated first in the NCAA in shutouts (8), second in goals against average (.364), fifth in save percentage (.857) and 32nd in goalie minutes played (990:00), while Sharp is 10th in total points (20) and points per tilt (1.82), 11th in total goals (8), 14th in shots per outing (3.55), 15th in goals per game (.730), 19th in shots on goal (1.64) and 41st in game-winning goals (2).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Western Michigan are squaring off for 49th time in program history with the Zips owning a 37-6-5 series advantage. A year ago, the Broncos earned a 4-3 overtime triumph past Akron on Nov. 4, 2021 in Kalamazoo, Mich.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (NOV. 4, 2021 - KALAMAZOO, MICH.)
A golden goal in the 96th minute (95:12) from Mike Melaragni propelled Western Michigan to a 4-3 overtime victory past 21st-rated Akron on Nov. 4, 2021 in Kalamazoo, Mich.
The Broncos assumed an early 1-0 lead on a successful penalty kick from Caden Jackman at the 8:18 mark.
Carlo Ritaccio leveled the contest at one in the 25th minute (24:36) finding the corner of the net off an assist from sophomore Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah).
Western Michigan regained the advantage at the 31:20 mark when Charlie Sharp found the back of the net.
Diogo Pacheco scored the first of two goals on the afternoon with a tally in the 44th minute (43:13) to send the Zips into the intermission tied at two. Sophomore Jason Shokalook (Erie, Pa.) registered the assist on the goal.
Western Michigan regained the lead at the 65:35 mark on a tally from Dylan Sing.
Just over a minute later, Pacheco recorded a goal in the 67th minute (66:51). Sophomore Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.) earned the assist on the score.
Akron posted an 8-6 advantage in shots on goal in the match, while the Broncos won the overall shot count, 11-10. Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal led the Zips' efforts with a game-high four shots.
OWNING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
The recent successes of the Akron men's soccer program over the past 16 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 81-16-12 (.798) ledger in the month, including a 45-7-5 (.833) mark in matches at FirstEnergy Stadium.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Since 2007, the Akron men's soccer program has posted the highest winning percentage in the nation (.747), with an overall record of 230-65-39. The Zips are followed by Wake Forest, 219-70-38 (.728), Maryland, 218-68-47 (.725), North Carolina, 208-74-48 (.703) and Creighton, 203-82-35 (.689). Akron 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 their last 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. Since 1961, the Zips have advanced to the NCAA postseason 34 times, including 18 of the past 21 seasons.
ZIP TIDBITS
• Twelve of the 22 matches between Akron and Western Michigan with head coach Jared Embick on the Zips' sideline have resulted in a shutout, including six of the last 13, with the Zips owning a 9-3-1 mark in those contests.
• The Zips own a 15-4-2 ledger in games versus the Broncos at the WMU Soccer Complex and have outscored Western Michigan, 54-20.
• Akron has scored three or more goals in seven of its 12 games this season.
• The Zips are rated first in the NCAA in total goals (35) and total points (110), second in scoring offense (2.92), total assists (40), assists per tilt (3.33) and points per game (9.17), 11th in goal differential (19) and shot accuracy (.513), 28th in shots on goal per contest (6.67) and 32nd in winning percentage (.708).
• Individually, Dyson Clapier is ranked eighth in the country in game-winning goals (3) and shot accuracy (.640), 24th in total points (16), 34th in points per tilt (1.45) and 39th in total goals (6) and shots on goal per game (1.45). Additionally, GK Mitch Budler is ranked sixth in minutes played (1080:00).
• Thirteen different Zips have scored a goal this season, including five newcomers.
• Twenty Zips have registered a shot this season, including seven newcomers. A year ago 19 different Akron players recorded a shot, including five newcomers.
• The Zips are 2-2-2 versus ranked teams this season following a 1-0 victory over No. 24 Duquesne (Sept. 28), a 1-0 setback at No. 18 Penn State (Sept. 25), 3-3 draw at No. 3 Pitt (Sept. 19), 3-3 draw versus No. 22 Ohio State (Sept. 13), a 2-0 loss at Indiana (Sept. 9) and a 5-3 victory past No. 18 FIU (Aug. 25).
• Dyson Clapier and Jason Shokalook are Akron's active career leaders in goals (11). Additionally, Shokalook leads the team in points (31) and assists (11), while Ryan Kingsford has scored 10 goals. Will Jackson apaces the squad in shots (71) and shots on goal (34) and Clapier in game-winning goals (5).
• The Zips own a 120-52-23 mark over the last 10 seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 120 wins are ranked seventh in all of Division I.
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 89 of the squad's last 158 matches.
UP NEXT
Akron opens a two-game homestand entertaining Bowling Green in a 7 p.m. match on Monday, Oct. 17 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
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Players Mentioned
GK
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MF
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F
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F
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MF/F
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D
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F
/ Men's Soccer
MF
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