Akron Set to Battle Western Michigan

Thursday, October 5

Akron, Ohio

7:00 PM

University of Akron

Western Michigan

October 04 | Women's Soccer

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron women's soccer team is set to square off against Western Michigan in a 7 p.m. tilt at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday (Oct. 5).

GAME INFO
Akron vs. Western Michigan | Oct. 5 | 7 PM | FirstEnergy Stadium | Live Stats | No Stream

PARKING UPDATE
Akron fans are strongly encouraged to park in Lot 1 (Parking Garage) at the corner of Carroll and Spicer Streets off Route 8 for all Akron fall home sporting events due to construction on Exchange Street in Akron. Please allow extra time getting to campus.

HEAD COACHES
Western Michigan: Lewis Robinson (Davenport, 2008), Overall Record: 11-12-7 (Second Season), Record at Western Michigan: 11-12-7 (Second Season)
Akron: Jen Simonetti (Dayton, 2005), Overall Record: 47-57-13 (Eighth Season), Record at Akron: 5-18-4 (Second Season)

SCOUTING AKRON
The Zips come into their match against Western Michigan on Thursday (Oct. 5) at 2-9 on the campaign, including 0-4 in the Mid-American Conference, following a 1-0 setback versus Northern Illinois on Oct. 1.

Sophomore Emma King (Akron, Ohio) owns a team-high totals in goals (3), points (6), shots (16), shots on goal (8) and game-winners (1). Additionally, juniors Morgan Pentz (Broadview Heights, Ohio) and Katie Stafford (Gahanna, Ohio) have each recorded a pair of goals for the Zips. Juniors Caitlin Bruni (Canal Fulton, Ohio), Ella Hadley (Concord, Ohio) and Laurie-Anne Renaud (Quebec City, Quebec) along with freshman Rachel Wenzel (Akron, Ohio) have each tallied an assist. Freshman Sara Bower (Cincinnati, Ohio) has pulled in 38 saves for Akron.

The Zips under the leadership of second-year head coach Jen Simonetti return 10 starters in 2023, including 2022 All-Mid-American Conference performers, Hadley and King, who garnered Second-Team All-MAC and MAC All-Freshman Team accolades. Additionally, a quartet of team captains in senior Bailee Bowers (Dublin, Ohio) and juniors Clara Knoepke (Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany), Pentz and Katie Stafford (Gahanna, Ohio) lead the Zips.

The Zips boast 13 newcomers to the squad in Sara Bower (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kiana Harsh (Waterville, Ohio), Olivia Heskett (Lewis Center, Ohio), Lucia Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio), Sophie Kirsten (South Elgin, Ill.), Abby Koly (Avon, Ohio), Hannah Langstaff (Washington, Ill.), Jordanne Oberhaus (Wadsworth, Ohio), Kylie Schiemann (Geneva, Ohio), Anna Simmons (Manassas, Va.), Karlie Sugar (Medina, Ohio), Emalee Szablewski (Lancaster, N.Y.) and Wenzel.

SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN
Western Michigan enters play against with Akron with a 6-3-2 mark this season, including a 2-0-2 record in the Mid-American Conference, following a 2-2 draw versus Ball State on Oct. 1.

The Broncos are led by senior Jen Blitchok, who owns team-high marks in goals (5), points (12) and game-winners (3), while senior Jenna Blackburn leads the squad in shots (27) and shots on goal (11). Junior GK Lauren Boafo has pulled in 24 saves en route to posting a 1.00 team goals against average and five shutouts.

SERIES HISTORY
The Zips will square off against Western Michigan for the 19th time in program history with the Broncos leading the all-time series 15-1-2. A year ago, Akron dropped a 3-1 decision at Western Michigan on Oct. 20, 2022.

TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased now by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during our business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).