The University of Akron Athletics
Saturday, October 29
DeKalb, Ill.
8:00 PM ET
University of Akron
at
Northern Illinois
No. 20 Akron Faces Key League Test at Northern Illinois
October 28 | Men's Soccer
No. 20 Akron (9-2-4, 3-0-2 MAC) at Northern Illinois (5-6-4, 2-3-1 MAC)
Saturday, Oct. 29
NIU Soccer Complex
DeKalb, Ill. • 8 p.m. ET
Series History: Akron Leads 27-7-1
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Television: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Live Stats:Â www.GoZips.comÂ
WHAT'S AHEAD
The 20th-rated University of Akron men's soccer team travels to DeKalb, Ill., for a key Mid-American Conference showdown on Saturday, Oct. 29. The 8 p.m. ET tilt with the Huskies will be broadcast on NIU All-Access with a link on GoZips.com.
HEAD COACHES
Northern Illinois: Ryan Swan (Drury, 2000), Overall Record: 149-94-18 (14th Season), Record at Northern Illinois: 43-47-10 (Sixth Season)  Â
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 169-73-32 (14th Season), Record at Akron: 122-52-24 (10th Season)
SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois comes into play on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5-6-4 on the campaign, including a 2-3-1 record in the Mid-American Conference, following a 3-1 setback versus Bowling Green on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
Sophomore Taisei Arima leads the Huskies in goals (3) and points (7), while redshirt senior Enrique Banuelos directs Northern Illinois in shots (31), shots on goal (11) and game winners (2). Redshirt senior GK Martin Sanchez has pulled in 40 saves en route to posting a 1.75 goals against average and four shutouts.
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Northern Illinois are meeting for the 36th time in program history with the Zips owning a 27-7-1 series advantage. Earlier this season, Akron earned a 4-1 victory over the Huskies on Oct. 2 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 2, 2022 - AKRON, OHIO)
The 21st-rated Akron men's soccer team opened Mid-American Conference play with a bang as four first-half goals propelled the Zips to a 4-1 victory over Northern Illinois on Oct. 2 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Sophomore Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah) gave Akron a lead it didn't relinquish scoring his team-leading fifth goal of the season at the 6:30 mark off an assist from sophomore Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario).
A header from junior Joel Sangwa (Phoenix, Ariz.) in the 14th minute (13:18) off a free kick from sophomore Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.) extended Akron's lead to 2-0.
Freshman Ashton Kamdem (West Chester, Ohio) found the back of the net at the 18:26 mark redirecting a deflection off a shot by sophomore Jason Shokalook (Erie, Pa.) to give the Zips a 3-0 advantage.
Junior Josef Paulus (Hinckley, Ohio) capped Akron's scoring in the 39th minute (38:13) with a goal to the upper corner off an assist from sophomore Josh Hallenberger (San Antonio, Texas).
The Huskies thwarted the shutout recording a tally off an own goal at the 88:53 mark.
The Zips finished the evening posting a 17-5 edge in shots, including 9-1 on goal. Shokalook led Akron with a game-high three 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 83-16-13 (.799) ledger in the month, including a 46-7-6 (.831) 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 (.748), with an overall record of 232-65-40. The Zips are followed by Wake Forest, 221-71-38 (.727), Maryland, 220-69-48 (.724), North Carolina, 209-75-50 (.701) and Creighton, 204-82-37 (.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.
CLAPIER AND SANGWA EARN TDS TOP-100 MIDSEASON HONORS
Akron's Dyson Clapier and Joel Sangwa were named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its Midseason Top-100 men's soccer squad. Clapier and Sangwa were tabbed No. 16 and No. 47, respectively.
BUDLER AND KAMDEM GARNER TDS TOP-100 MIDSEASON FRESHMEN ACCOLADES
Akron's Mitch Budler and Ashton Kamdem were named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its Midseason Top-100 Freshmen men's soccer squad. Budler and Kamdem were tabbed No. 8 and No. 18, respectively.
ZIP TIDBITS
• Thirteen of the 21 matches between Akron and Northern Illinois with head coach Jared Embick on the Zips' sideline have resulted in a shutout, including four of the last nine, with Akron owning a 11-1-1 mark in those contests.
• The Zips have outscored Northern Illinois, 30-14 all-time in 15 road games against the Huskies.
• Akron has scored two or more goals in 22 all-time meetings with Northern Illinois.
• Akron has scored three or more goals in eight of its 15 games this season.
• The Zips are rated second in the NCAA in total goals (40) and total points (126), third in assists per game (3.07), points per outing (8.40), scoring offense (2.67) and total assists (46), sixth in goal differential (24), 19th in shot accuracy (.482), 21st in winning percentage (.733), 39th in shots on goal per contest (6.20), 43rd in shutout percentage (.400) and 44th in corner kicks per game (5.87).
• Individually, Dyson Clapier is ranked 15th in the country in game-winning goals (3), 17th in shot accuracy (.586), 44th in total goals (7) and total points (18). Additionally, GK Mitch Budler is ranked 14th in minutes played (1350:00) and 18th in shutouts (6).
• Fourteen different Zips have scored a goal this season, including five newcomers.
• Twenty-one Zips have registered a shot this season, including eight 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 (12). Additionally, Shokalook leads the team in points (35), assists (13) and shots (76), while Ryan Kingsford has scored 10 goals. Junior Will Jackson (Hudson, Ohio) paces the squad in shots on goal (35) and Clapier in game-winning goals (5).
• The Zips own a 122-52-24 mark over the last 10 seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 122 wins are ranked seventh in all of Division I.
UP NEXT
Akron welcomes Chicago State to FirstEnergy Stadium for a 7 p.m. game on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
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Saturday, Oct. 29
NIU Soccer Complex
DeKalb, Ill. • 8 p.m. ET
Series History: Akron Leads 27-7-1
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Television: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required)
Live Stats:Â www.GoZips.comÂ
WHAT'S AHEAD
The 20th-rated University of Akron men's soccer team travels to DeKalb, Ill., for a key Mid-American Conference showdown on Saturday, Oct. 29. The 8 p.m. ET tilt with the Huskies will be broadcast on NIU All-Access with a link on GoZips.com.
HEAD COACHES
Northern Illinois: Ryan Swan (Drury, 2000), Overall Record: 149-94-18 (14th Season), Record at Northern Illinois: 43-47-10 (Sixth Season)  Â
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 169-73-32 (14th Season), Record at Akron: 122-52-24 (10th Season)
SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois comes into play on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5-6-4 on the campaign, including a 2-3-1 record in the Mid-American Conference, following a 3-1 setback versus Bowling Green on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
Sophomore Taisei Arima leads the Huskies in goals (3) and points (7), while redshirt senior Enrique Banuelos directs Northern Illinois in shots (31), shots on goal (11) and game winners (2). Redshirt senior GK Martin Sanchez has pulled in 40 saves en route to posting a 1.75 goals against average and four shutouts.
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Northern Illinois are meeting for the 36th time in program history with the Zips owning a 27-7-1 series advantage. Earlier this season, Akron earned a 4-1 victory over the Huskies on Oct. 2 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 2, 2022 - AKRON, OHIO)
The 21st-rated Akron men's soccer team opened Mid-American Conference play with a bang as four first-half goals propelled the Zips to a 4-1 victory over Northern Illinois on Oct. 2 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Sophomore Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah) gave Akron a lead it didn't relinquish scoring his team-leading fifth goal of the season at the 6:30 mark off an assist from sophomore Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario).
A header from junior Joel Sangwa (Phoenix, Ariz.) in the 14th minute (13:18) off a free kick from sophomore Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.) extended Akron's lead to 2-0.
Freshman Ashton Kamdem (West Chester, Ohio) found the back of the net at the 18:26 mark redirecting a deflection off a shot by sophomore Jason Shokalook (Erie, Pa.) to give the Zips a 3-0 advantage.
Junior Josef Paulus (Hinckley, Ohio) capped Akron's scoring in the 39th minute (38:13) with a goal to the upper corner off an assist from sophomore Josh Hallenberger (San Antonio, Texas).
The Huskies thwarted the shutout recording a tally off an own goal at the 88:53 mark.
The Zips finished the evening posting a 17-5 edge in shots, including 9-1 on goal. Shokalook led Akron with a game-high three 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 83-16-13 (.799) ledger in the month, including a 46-7-6 (.831) 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 (.748), with an overall record of 232-65-40. The Zips are followed by Wake Forest, 221-71-38 (.727), Maryland, 220-69-48 (.724), North Carolina, 209-75-50 (.701) and Creighton, 204-82-37 (.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.
CLAPIER AND SANGWA EARN TDS TOP-100 MIDSEASON HONORS
Akron's Dyson Clapier and Joel Sangwa were named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its Midseason Top-100 men's soccer squad. Clapier and Sangwa were tabbed No. 16 and No. 47, respectively.
BUDLER AND KAMDEM GARNER TDS TOP-100 MIDSEASON FRESHMEN ACCOLADES
Akron's Mitch Budler and Ashton Kamdem were named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its Midseason Top-100 Freshmen men's soccer squad. Budler and Kamdem were tabbed No. 8 and No. 18, respectively.
ZIP TIDBITS
• Thirteen of the 21 matches between Akron and Northern Illinois with head coach Jared Embick on the Zips' sideline have resulted in a shutout, including four of the last nine, with Akron owning a 11-1-1 mark in those contests.
• The Zips have outscored Northern Illinois, 30-14 all-time in 15 road games against the Huskies.
• Akron has scored two or more goals in 22 all-time meetings with Northern Illinois.
• Akron has scored three or more goals in eight of its 15 games this season.
• The Zips are rated second in the NCAA in total goals (40) and total points (126), third in assists per game (3.07), points per outing (8.40), scoring offense (2.67) and total assists (46), sixth in goal differential (24), 19th in shot accuracy (.482), 21st in winning percentage (.733), 39th in shots on goal per contest (6.20), 43rd in shutout percentage (.400) and 44th in corner kicks per game (5.87).
• Individually, Dyson Clapier is ranked 15th in the country in game-winning goals (3), 17th in shot accuracy (.586), 44th in total goals (7) and total points (18). Additionally, GK Mitch Budler is ranked 14th in minutes played (1350:00) and 18th in shutouts (6).
• Fourteen different Zips have scored a goal this season, including five newcomers.
• Twenty-one Zips have registered a shot this season, including eight 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 (12). Additionally, Shokalook leads the team in points (35), assists (13) and shots (76), while Ryan Kingsford has scored 10 goals. Junior Will Jackson (Hudson, Ohio) paces the squad in shots on goal (35) and Clapier in game-winning goals (5).
• The Zips own a 122-52-24 mark over the last 10 seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 122 wins are ranked seventh in all of Division I.
UP NEXT
Akron welcomes Chicago State to FirstEnergy Stadium for a 7 p.m. game on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
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Players Mentioned
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MF
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MF
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MF/F
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F
/ Men's Soccer
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F
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MF
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F
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MF
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