The University of Akron Athletics
Thursday, August 22
South Bend, Ind.
8:00 PM
University of Akron
at
Notre Dame
Akron Battles No. 2 Notre Dame in Season Opener
August 21 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's soccer team opens its 2024 campaign traveling to South Bend, Ind., for a showdown with second-ranked Notre Dame on Thursday (Aug. 22). The 8 p.m. match with the Fighting Irish will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
GAME INFO
Akron at No. 2 Notre Dame | Aug. 22 | 8 PM | South Bend, Ind. | Live Stats | ACC Network Extra
HEAD COACHES
Notre Dame: Chad Riley (Notre Dame, 2004), Overall Record: 115-65-31 (12th Season), Record at Notre Dame: 64-39-17 (Seventh Season)
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 180-77-40 (15th Season), Record at Akron: 133-56-32 (12th Season)
SCOUTING AKRON
The Zips under the leadership of 12th-year head coach Jared Embick enters its showdown at Notre Dame on Thursday (Aug. 22) following a 9-2-7 record in 2023 including a 2-1-5 mark in the BIG EAST.
Jason Shokalook posted team-high marks in goals (14), assists (5), points (33), shots (83), shots on goal (41) and game-winners (3). Redshirt junior GK Mitch Budler (Lincoln, Neb.) collected 33 saves and owned a 0.76 goals against average with eight shutouts last season.
The Zips rated first in the NCAA in corner kicks (8.33), third in shots per game (18.56) and in shots on goal per contest (7.94), fourth in shutout percentage (.556) and in team goals against average (.667), 19th in goal differential (19), 25th in winning percentage (.694) and in save percentage (.782), 31st in total assists (36), 32nd in assists per game (2.00), 37th in total points (98), 41st in points per tilt (5.44), 45th in total goals (31) and 47th in scoring offense (1.72).
Individually, Shokalook finished second in the NCAA in shots on goal per match (2.41) and in shots per outing (4.88), third in points per tilt (1.94), fifth in goals per game (0.82), sixth in total points (33), seventh in total goals (14) and 48th in game-winning goals (3). Budler was 14th in goals against average (0.757) and 19th in shutouts (8).
Akron is set to return six starters in 2024, including 2023 All-BIG EAST Conference performers, seniors Jonas Buechte (Rantigen, Germany) and Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario).
The Zips will also be bolstered by the return of key 2023 contributors in Budler, redshirt senior Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah), juniors Stefan Dobrijevic (Uniontown, Ohio), Ashton Kamdem (West Chester, Ohio) and Daragh Reilly (Meath, Ireland) and senior Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.).
Additionally, redshirt senior Emil Jaaskelainen (Bolton, England) was tabbed by United Soccer Coaches among its Forwards to Watch List for 2024.
SCOUTING NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame enters action on Thursday (Aug. 25) on the heels of a 13-3-6 record a season ago en route to advancing to the championship game of the 2023 College Cup. The Fighting Irish suffered a 2-1 setback to Clemson in the title tilt.
Notre Dame returns two of its top-three leading scorers from 2023 in seniors Matthew Roou and Bryce Boneau. The duo registered 10 and four goals, respectively, on the strength 51 combined shots, including 27 on goal. Goalkeeper Bryan Dowd appeared in 21 games for Notre Dame a year ago en route to All-America accolades, and pulled in 70 saves en route to posting a 0.70 goals against average and posting 11 shutouts.
The Fighting Irish ranked fourth in the NCAA in 2023 in save percentage (.833), fifth in total assists (48) and goals against average (.668), sixth in shutout percentage (.545), seventh in goal differential (29), eighth in total points (136), ninth in total goals (44), 15th in winning percentage (.727) and assists per game (2.18), 18th in points per outing (6.18) and scoring offense (2.00) and 44th in shots on goal per tilt (5.82).
Individually, Dowd rated second in the NCAA in shutouts (11), sixth in goalie minutes played (1930:00), eighth in save percentage (.824), ninth in goals against average (.699) and 20th in total saves (70).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Notre Dame are meeting for the 16th time in program history with the Zips owning a 8-3-4 series advantage. In the last encounter between the two schools, Akron battled the 15th-rated Fighting Irish to a 0-0 draw on Sept. 19, 2023 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
AKRON VERSUS ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time this season and 92nd time overall.
• Akron owns a 47-30-14 (.593) all-time record versus the current 15 members of the ACC.
• In their last encounter with a school from the ACC, the Zips battled Notre Dame to a 0-0 draw on Sept. 19, 2023.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (SEPT. 19, 2023 – AKRON, OHIO)
In a showdown of top-15 programs, second-rated Akron statistically dominated No. 15 Notre Dame, but was unable to garner the game-winner, as the two sides played to a 0-0 draw Sept. 19, 2023 at home at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Akron recorded 23 shots in the scoreless tilt, 12 of them on goal. The Zips held Notre Dame to only three shots without a shot on goal.
Jason Shokalook recorded a game-high seven shots, including four on goal.
ZIPS IN SEASON OPENERS
Now in its 70th season of intercollegiate soccer in 2024, the Akron men's soccer team have posted a record of 42-19-8 overall in season openers since the Zips first took the field against Ohio Wesleyan on Oct. 8, 1955. Over the last 10 campaigns, Akron owns a 5-3-2 mark in season openers.
JAASKELAINEN NAMED TO TDS PRESEASON BEST XI SQUAD
Emil Jaaskelainen was named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its Preseason Best XI Third-Team squad. He will be making his Akron debut against Notre Dame on Thursday, Aug. 22.
AKRON NOTES
• Eight of the 15 matches between Akron and Notre Dame have resulted in a shutout with the Zips owning a 4-1-3 mark in those contests.
• Akron maintains a 5-1-1 mark in its seven home encounters with the Fighting Irish. The Zips have outscored Notre Dame, 17-5, all-time at home.
• Akron has scored two or more goals in seven all-time meetings with Notre Dame.
• Akron posted double-digit shots on goal seven times a year ago.
• The Zips recorded 20 or more shots in eight games last season.
• Through 35 career games, Mitch Budler has been dominant in net for Akron having recorded 84 saves en route to owning a 0.99 goals against average on the strength of 15 shutouts, including eight in 15 matches last fall.
• Mitch Budler is rated 23rd among active career leaders in D1 in goals against average (0.985) and 26th in solo shutouts (14).
• Thirteen different Zips scored a goal last season, including three newcomers.
• Twenty Zips have registered a shot last season, including six newcomers.
• The Zips were 2-0-1 versus ranked teams a season ago after a 0-0 draw with No. 15 Notre Dame, a 2-0 victory over No. 11 Florida International (Sept. 11) and a 1-0 triumph past No. 7 Vermont (Aug. 28).
• The Zips rated first in the NCAA in corner kicks (8.33), third in shots per game (18.56) and in shots on goal per contest (7.94), fourth in shutout percentage (.556) and in team goals against average (.667), 19th in goal differential (19), 25th in winning percentage (.694) and in save percentage (.782), 31st in total assists (36), 32nd in assists per game (2.00), 37th in total points (98), 41st in points per tilt (5.44), 45th in total goals (31) and 47th in scoring offense (1.72).
• Individually, Jason Shokalook finished second in the NCAA in shots on goal per match (2.41) and in shots per outing (4.88), third in points per tilt (1.94), fifth in goals per game (0.82), sixth in total points (33), seventh in total goals (14) and 48th in game-winning goals (3). Mitch Budler was 14th in goals against average (0.757) and 19th in shutouts (8).
• Dyson Clapier is Akron's active career leaders in goals (14), points (40), shots (95), shots on goal (44) and game-winners (6), while ranking second in assists (12). Stefan Dobrijevic and Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal have scored five and four goals, respectively.
• The Zips own a 133-56-32 mark over the last 12 seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 133 wins are ranked seventh in all of Division I.
• Under head coach Jared Embick, Akron's record following a loss is 27-13-6.
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 101 of the squad's last 184 matches.
UP NEXT
Akron welcomes Ohio State to FirstEnergy Stadium for a 7 p.m. tilt on Sunday (Aug. 25).
GAME INFO
Akron at No. 2 Notre Dame | Aug. 22 | 8 PM | South Bend, Ind. | Live Stats | ACC Network Extra
HEAD COACHES
Notre Dame: Chad Riley (Notre Dame, 2004), Overall Record: 115-65-31 (12th Season), Record at Notre Dame: 64-39-17 (Seventh Season)
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 180-77-40 (15th Season), Record at Akron: 133-56-32 (12th Season)
SCOUTING AKRON
The Zips under the leadership of 12th-year head coach Jared Embick enters its showdown at Notre Dame on Thursday (Aug. 22) following a 9-2-7 record in 2023 including a 2-1-5 mark in the BIG EAST.
Jason Shokalook posted team-high marks in goals (14), assists (5), points (33), shots (83), shots on goal (41) and game-winners (3). Redshirt junior GK Mitch Budler (Lincoln, Neb.) collected 33 saves and owned a 0.76 goals against average with eight shutouts last season.
The Zips rated first in the NCAA in corner kicks (8.33), third in shots per game (18.56) and in shots on goal per contest (7.94), fourth in shutout percentage (.556) and in team goals against average (.667), 19th in goal differential (19), 25th in winning percentage (.694) and in save percentage (.782), 31st in total assists (36), 32nd in assists per game (2.00), 37th in total points (98), 41st in points per tilt (5.44), 45th in total goals (31) and 47th in scoring offense (1.72).
Individually, Shokalook finished second in the NCAA in shots on goal per match (2.41) and in shots per outing (4.88), third in points per tilt (1.94), fifth in goals per game (0.82), sixth in total points (33), seventh in total goals (14) and 48th in game-winning goals (3). Budler was 14th in goals against average (0.757) and 19th in shutouts (8).
Akron is set to return six starters in 2024, including 2023 All-BIG EAST Conference performers, seniors Jonas Buechte (Rantigen, Germany) and Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario).
The Zips will also be bolstered by the return of key 2023 contributors in Budler, redshirt senior Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah), juniors Stefan Dobrijevic (Uniontown, Ohio), Ashton Kamdem (West Chester, Ohio) and Daragh Reilly (Meath, Ireland) and senior Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.).
Additionally, redshirt senior Emil Jaaskelainen (Bolton, England) was tabbed by United Soccer Coaches among its Forwards to Watch List for 2024.
SCOUTING NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame enters action on Thursday (Aug. 25) on the heels of a 13-3-6 record a season ago en route to advancing to the championship game of the 2023 College Cup. The Fighting Irish suffered a 2-1 setback to Clemson in the title tilt.
Notre Dame returns two of its top-three leading scorers from 2023 in seniors Matthew Roou and Bryce Boneau. The duo registered 10 and four goals, respectively, on the strength 51 combined shots, including 27 on goal. Goalkeeper Bryan Dowd appeared in 21 games for Notre Dame a year ago en route to All-America accolades, and pulled in 70 saves en route to posting a 0.70 goals against average and posting 11 shutouts.
The Fighting Irish ranked fourth in the NCAA in 2023 in save percentage (.833), fifth in total assists (48) and goals against average (.668), sixth in shutout percentage (.545), seventh in goal differential (29), eighth in total points (136), ninth in total goals (44), 15th in winning percentage (.727) and assists per game (2.18), 18th in points per outing (6.18) and scoring offense (2.00) and 44th in shots on goal per tilt (5.82).
Individually, Dowd rated second in the NCAA in shutouts (11), sixth in goalie minutes played (1930:00), eighth in save percentage (.824), ninth in goals against average (.699) and 20th in total saves (70).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Notre Dame are meeting for the 16th time in program history with the Zips owning a 8-3-4 series advantage. In the last encounter between the two schools, Akron battled the 15th-rated Fighting Irish to a 0-0 draw on Sept. 19, 2023 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
AKRON VERSUS ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time this season and 92nd time overall.
• Akron owns a 47-30-14 (.593) all-time record versus the current 15 members of the ACC.
• In their last encounter with a school from the ACC, the Zips battled Notre Dame to a 0-0 draw on Sept. 19, 2023.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (SEPT. 19, 2023 – AKRON, OHIO)
In a showdown of top-15 programs, second-rated Akron statistically dominated No. 15 Notre Dame, but was unable to garner the game-winner, as the two sides played to a 0-0 draw Sept. 19, 2023 at home at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Akron recorded 23 shots in the scoreless tilt, 12 of them on goal. The Zips held Notre Dame to only three shots without a shot on goal.
Jason Shokalook recorded a game-high seven shots, including four on goal.
ZIPS IN SEASON OPENERS
Now in its 70th season of intercollegiate soccer in 2024, the Akron men's soccer team have posted a record of 42-19-8 overall in season openers since the Zips first took the field against Ohio Wesleyan on Oct. 8, 1955. Over the last 10 campaigns, Akron owns a 5-3-2 mark in season openers.
JAASKELAINEN NAMED TO TDS PRESEASON BEST XI SQUAD
Emil Jaaskelainen was named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its Preseason Best XI Third-Team squad. He will be making his Akron debut against Notre Dame on Thursday, Aug. 22.
AKRON NOTES
• Eight of the 15 matches between Akron and Notre Dame have resulted in a shutout with the Zips owning a 4-1-3 mark in those contests.
• Akron maintains a 5-1-1 mark in its seven home encounters with the Fighting Irish. The Zips have outscored Notre Dame, 17-5, all-time at home.
• Akron has scored two or more goals in seven all-time meetings with Notre Dame.
• Akron posted double-digit shots on goal seven times a year ago.
• The Zips recorded 20 or more shots in eight games last season.
• Through 35 career games, Mitch Budler has been dominant in net for Akron having recorded 84 saves en route to owning a 0.99 goals against average on the strength of 15 shutouts, including eight in 15 matches last fall.
• Mitch Budler is rated 23rd among active career leaders in D1 in goals against average (0.985) and 26th in solo shutouts (14).
• Thirteen different Zips scored a goal last season, including three newcomers.
• Twenty Zips have registered a shot last season, including six newcomers.
• The Zips were 2-0-1 versus ranked teams a season ago after a 0-0 draw with No. 15 Notre Dame, a 2-0 victory over No. 11 Florida International (Sept. 11) and a 1-0 triumph past No. 7 Vermont (Aug. 28).
• The Zips rated first in the NCAA in corner kicks (8.33), third in shots per game (18.56) and in shots on goal per contest (7.94), fourth in shutout percentage (.556) and in team goals against average (.667), 19th in goal differential (19), 25th in winning percentage (.694) and in save percentage (.782), 31st in total assists (36), 32nd in assists per game (2.00), 37th in total points (98), 41st in points per tilt (5.44), 45th in total goals (31) and 47th in scoring offense (1.72).
• Individually, Jason Shokalook finished second in the NCAA in shots on goal per match (2.41) and in shots per outing (4.88), third in points per tilt (1.94), fifth in goals per game (0.82), sixth in total points (33), seventh in total goals (14) and 48th in game-winning goals (3). Mitch Budler was 14th in goals against average (0.757) and 19th in shutouts (8).
• Dyson Clapier is Akron's active career leaders in goals (14), points (40), shots (95), shots on goal (44) and game-winners (6), while ranking second in assists (12). Stefan Dobrijevic and Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal have scored five and four goals, respectively.
• The Zips own a 133-56-32 mark over the last 12 seasons under head coach Jared Embick. Akron's 133 wins are ranked seventh in all of Division I.
• Under head coach Jared Embick, Akron's record following a loss is 27-13-6.
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 101 of the squad's last 184 matches.
UP NEXT
Akron welcomes Ohio State to FirstEnergy Stadium for a 7 p.m. tilt on Sunday (Aug. 25).
Players Mentioned
GK
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MF
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MF/F
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MF
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