The University of Akron Athletics
Monday, September 2
Akron, Ohio
7:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
Cleveland State
Akron Opens Homestand Hosting Cleveland State
September 01 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's soccer team is set to open a six-game homestand welcoming Cleveland State to FirstEnergy Stadium on Monday (Sept. 2). The 7 p.m. match with the Vikings will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Chad Welker on the call.
Tickets for the contest against the Vikings are available for purchase at http://www.gozips.com/Tickets. Fans are asked to park in Lots 6, 9 and 10 surrounding InfoCision Stadium and the Stile Athletics Field House. For complete parking information click here.
GAME INFO
Akron vs. Cleveland State | Sept. 2 | 7 PM | FirstEnergy Stadium | Live Stats | ESPN+
HEAD COACHES
Cleveland State: Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Cleveland State, 2006), Overall Record: 37-33-12 (Sixth Season), Record at Cleveland State: 37-33-12 (Sixth Season)
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 180-78-42 (15th Season), Record at Akron: 133-57-34 (12th Season)
SCOUTING AKRON
The Zips under the leadership of 12th-year head coach Jared Embick enters its tilt versus Cleveland State on Monday (Sept. 2) at 0-1-2 following a 1-1 draw at No. 5 Western Michigan on Friday (Aug. 30).
Senior Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.) and redshirt senior Victor Gaulmin (Guipavas, France) pace the Zips in goals (1), while junior Stefan Dobrijevic (Uniontown, Ohio), redshirt senior Emil Jaaskelainen (Bolton, England) and senior Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario) have each posted an assist on the campaign. Redshirt senior Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah) directs the squad in shots (6) and shots on goal (4). Redshirt junior GK Mitch Budler (Lincoln, Neb.) has collected eight saves and owns a 1.33 goals against average.
The Zips rated first in the NCAA a year ago 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). Budler was 14th in goals against average (0.757) and 19th in shutouts (8).
Akron returns six starters in 2024, including 2023 All-BIG EAST Conference performers, seniors Jonas Buechte (Rantigen, Germany) and Henry.
The Zips will also be bolstered by the return of key 2023 contributors in Budler, Clapier, Dobrijevic, juniors Ashton Kamdem (West Chester, Ohio) and Daragh Reilly (Meath, Ireland) and Wan Kamal.
Additionally, Jaaskelainen was tabbed by United Soccer Coaches among its Forwards to Watch List for 2024.
SCOUTING CLEVELAND STATE
Cleveland State enter action against the Zips on Monday (Sept. 2) at 2-0-1 on the campaign following a 3-1 triumph past Chicago State on Friday (Aug. 30).
Redshirt senior Bojan Kolevski leads the Vikings in goals (2), points (4), shots (9), shots on goal (4) and game-winners (1) this season. Sophomore goalkeeper Stephen Yerian has posted 19 saves en route to posting a 0.67 goals against average with one shutout.
The Vikings are ranked 13th in the NCAA in saves per game (6.33), 22nd in save percentage (.905), 31st in goals against average (0.67) and 36th in shutout percentage (.333).
Individually, Yerian is rated 11th in the NCAA in saves per game (6.33), 24th in shutouts (1) and total saves (19), 32nd in save percentage (.905) and 41st in goals against average (0.67).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Cleveland State are meeting for the 57th time in program history with the Zips owning a 42-11-3 series advantage, including winning 21 of the last 23 overall. In the previous encounter between the two schools, the Zips recorded a 3-0 triumph over the Vikings on Oct. 10, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.
AKRON VERSUS HORIZON LEAGUE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Horizon League for the first time this season and 146th time overall.
• Akron owns a 107-29-9 (.785) all-time record versus the current 12 members of the Horizon League.
• A year ago, the Zips registered a 2-0 home victory over Northern Kentucky on Oct. 3, 2023, before besting Cleveland State, 3-0, on Oct. 10, 2023.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 10, 2023 – CLEVELAND, OHIO)
Third-rated Akron got a massive performance from Jason Shokalook, who recorded his second career hat trick and fourth consecutive multi-goal effort in a 3-0 shutout victory over Cleveland State on Oct. 10, 2023, at Krenzler Field.
After the two rivals battled through a scoreless opening half, Akron broke a 0-0 tie when Shokalook notched his 11th goal of the season in the 66th minute, assisted by Will Jackson and Joel Sangwa.
The Zips tacked on another score on a goal from Shokalook - in the 69th minute, assisted by Stefan Dobrijevic and Dyson Clapier.
Akron expanded its lead to 3-0 on Shokalook's 74th-minute goal. Dobrijevic assisted the goal.
AKRON NOTES
• Friday's game at Western Michigan marked the 300th contest in the head coaching career of Akron's Jared Embick.
• Six of the 10 matches between Akron and Cleveland State with head coach Jared Embick on the Zips' sideline have resulted in a shutout, including six of the last eight, with the Zips owning a 8-2-0 mark in those contests.
• The Zips have outscored Cleveland State, 91-29 all-time in 31 home games against the Vikings.
• Akron has scored two or more goals in 38 all-time meetings with Cleveland State.
• Twenty-seven of the matches between the Zips and Vikings have resulted in a shutout with Akron owning a 22-3-2 mark in those contests.
• Two different Zips have scored a goal this season, including one newcomer.
• Fifteen Zips have registered a shot this season, including eight newcomers.
• Nine Akron newcomers have appeared in a match for the Zips this season.
• Freshman Connor Filsinger (Frankfurt, Germany) made his Akron debut at Western Michigan and recorded a shot on goal, while freshman James Buebendorf (O'Fallon, Mo.) posted his first two collegiate shots against the Broncos.
• Dyson Clapier posted his 100th career shot at Western Michigan (Aug. 30) and is two shots on goal shy of 50 for his career entering play versus Cleveland State (Sept. 2).
• Akron has posted double-digit shots in one tilt this season.
• The Zips are 0-0-2 versus ranked teams this season following a 1-1 draw at No. 2 Notre Dame (Aug. 22) and a 1-1 tie at No. 5 Western Michigan (Aug. 30). A year ago, Akron was 2-0-1 against ranked squads after a 0-0 draw with No. 15 Notre Dame (Sept. 19), a 2-0 victory over No. 11 Florida International (Sept. 11) and a 1-0 triumph past No. 7 Vermont (Aug. 28).
• Akron outscored its opposition 24-6 in 11 homes games last season at FirstEnergy Stadium, while registering a 20.4-6.8 advantage in shots per contest. Jason Shokalook led the Zips in goals (10), assists (3), points (23), shots (52) and shots on goal (28).
• Since 2021, the Zips own 23-2-7 record in regular season home games at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Since the start of the 2015 campaign, the Zips own a 33-22-10 mark against ranked opponents.
• Dyson Clapier is Akron's active career leaders in goals (14), points (40), shots (101), shots on goal (48) and game-winners (6), while ranking second in assists (12). Stefan Dobrijevic and Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal have scored five goals apiece.
• The Zips own a 133-57-34 mark over the last 12 seasons under head coach Jared Embick.
• Under head coach Jared Embick, Akron's record following a loss is 27-13-7.
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 101 of the squad's last 187 matches.
• Akron has held opponents scoreless in 41 of its last 83 home contests at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Akron owns a 84-16-14 record in its last 114 home matches.
UP NEXT
Akron hosts VCU on Friday (Sept. 6) at 7 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium.
AKRON ATHLETICS NOW CASHLESS
The University of Akron Athletics Department announced its transition to cashless payments for all ticketing, concessions, and merchandise purchases at all Akron athletic venues, concession stands, and gear shops, beginning with the start of the 2024-25 sports seasons. For more information click here.
Tickets for the contest against the Vikings are available for purchase at http://www.gozips.com/Tickets. Fans are asked to park in Lots 6, 9 and 10 surrounding InfoCision Stadium and the Stile Athletics Field House. For complete parking information click here.
GAME INFO
Akron vs. Cleveland State | Sept. 2 | 7 PM | FirstEnergy Stadium | Live Stats | ESPN+
HEAD COACHES
Cleveland State: Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Cleveland State, 2006), Overall Record: 37-33-12 (Sixth Season), Record at Cleveland State: 37-33-12 (Sixth Season)
Akron: Jared Embick (Indiana Wesleyan, 2000), Overall Record: 180-78-42 (15th Season), Record at Akron: 133-57-34 (12th Season)
SCOUTING AKRON
The Zips under the leadership of 12th-year head coach Jared Embick enters its tilt versus Cleveland State on Monday (Sept. 2) at 0-1-2 following a 1-1 draw at No. 5 Western Michigan on Friday (Aug. 30).
Senior Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (Carbondale, Ill.) and redshirt senior Victor Gaulmin (Guipavas, France) pace the Zips in goals (1), while junior Stefan Dobrijevic (Uniontown, Ohio), redshirt senior Emil Jaaskelainen (Bolton, England) and senior Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario) have each posted an assist on the campaign. Redshirt senior Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah) directs the squad in shots (6) and shots on goal (4). Redshirt junior GK Mitch Budler (Lincoln, Neb.) has collected eight saves and owns a 1.33 goals against average.
The Zips rated first in the NCAA a year ago 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). Budler was 14th in goals against average (0.757) and 19th in shutouts (8).
Akron returns six starters in 2024, including 2023 All-BIG EAST Conference performers, seniors Jonas Buechte (Rantigen, Germany) and Henry.
The Zips will also be bolstered by the return of key 2023 contributors in Budler, Clapier, Dobrijevic, juniors Ashton Kamdem (West Chester, Ohio) and Daragh Reilly (Meath, Ireland) and Wan Kamal.
Additionally, Jaaskelainen was tabbed by United Soccer Coaches among its Forwards to Watch List for 2024.
SCOUTING CLEVELAND STATE
Cleveland State enter action against the Zips on Monday (Sept. 2) at 2-0-1 on the campaign following a 3-1 triumph past Chicago State on Friday (Aug. 30).
Redshirt senior Bojan Kolevski leads the Vikings in goals (2), points (4), shots (9), shots on goal (4) and game-winners (1) this season. Sophomore goalkeeper Stephen Yerian has posted 19 saves en route to posting a 0.67 goals against average with one shutout.
The Vikings are ranked 13th in the NCAA in saves per game (6.33), 22nd in save percentage (.905), 31st in goals against average (0.67) and 36th in shutout percentage (.333).
Individually, Yerian is rated 11th in the NCAA in saves per game (6.33), 24th in shutouts (1) and total saves (19), 32nd in save percentage (.905) and 41st in goals against average (0.67).
SERIES HISTORY
Akron and Cleveland State are meeting for the 57th time in program history with the Zips owning a 42-11-3 series advantage, including winning 21 of the last 23 overall. In the previous encounter between the two schools, the Zips recorded a 3-0 triumph over the Vikings on Oct. 10, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.
AKRON VERSUS HORIZON LEAGUE
• The Zips are meeting a team from the Horizon League for the first time this season and 146th time overall.
• Akron owns a 107-29-9 (.785) all-time record versus the current 12 members of the Horizon League.
• A year ago, the Zips registered a 2-0 home victory over Northern Kentucky on Oct. 3, 2023, before besting Cleveland State, 3-0, on Oct. 10, 2023.
IN OUR LAST MEETING (OCT. 10, 2023 – CLEVELAND, OHIO)
Third-rated Akron got a massive performance from Jason Shokalook, who recorded his second career hat trick and fourth consecutive multi-goal effort in a 3-0 shutout victory over Cleveland State on Oct. 10, 2023, at Krenzler Field.
After the two rivals battled through a scoreless opening half, Akron broke a 0-0 tie when Shokalook notched his 11th goal of the season in the 66th minute, assisted by Will Jackson and Joel Sangwa.
The Zips tacked on another score on a goal from Shokalook - in the 69th minute, assisted by Stefan Dobrijevic and Dyson Clapier.
Akron expanded its lead to 3-0 on Shokalook's 74th-minute goal. Dobrijevic assisted the goal.
AKRON NOTES
• Friday's game at Western Michigan marked the 300th contest in the head coaching career of Akron's Jared Embick.
• Six of the 10 matches between Akron and Cleveland State with head coach Jared Embick on the Zips' sideline have resulted in a shutout, including six of the last eight, with the Zips owning a 8-2-0 mark in those contests.
• The Zips have outscored Cleveland State, 91-29 all-time in 31 home games against the Vikings.
• Akron has scored two or more goals in 38 all-time meetings with Cleveland State.
• Twenty-seven of the matches between the Zips and Vikings have resulted in a shutout with Akron owning a 22-3-2 mark in those contests.
• Two different Zips have scored a goal this season, including one newcomer.
• Fifteen Zips have registered a shot this season, including eight newcomers.
• Nine Akron newcomers have appeared in a match for the Zips this season.
• Freshman Connor Filsinger (Frankfurt, Germany) made his Akron debut at Western Michigan and recorded a shot on goal, while freshman James Buebendorf (O'Fallon, Mo.) posted his first two collegiate shots against the Broncos.
• Dyson Clapier posted his 100th career shot at Western Michigan (Aug. 30) and is two shots on goal shy of 50 for his career entering play versus Cleveland State (Sept. 2).
• Akron has posted double-digit shots in one tilt this season.
• The Zips are 0-0-2 versus ranked teams this season following a 1-1 draw at No. 2 Notre Dame (Aug. 22) and a 1-1 tie at No. 5 Western Michigan (Aug. 30). A year ago, Akron was 2-0-1 against ranked squads after a 0-0 draw with No. 15 Notre Dame (Sept. 19), a 2-0 victory over No. 11 Florida International (Sept. 11) and a 1-0 triumph past No. 7 Vermont (Aug. 28).
• Akron outscored its opposition 24-6 in 11 homes games last season at FirstEnergy Stadium, while registering a 20.4-6.8 advantage in shots per contest. Jason Shokalook led the Zips in goals (10), assists (3), points (23), shots (52) and shots on goal (28).
• Since 2021, the Zips own 23-2-7 record in regular season home games at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Since the start of the 2015 campaign, the Zips own a 33-22-10 mark against ranked opponents.
• Dyson Clapier is Akron's active career leaders in goals (14), points (40), shots (101), shots on goal (48) and game-winners (6), while ranking second in assists (12). Stefan Dobrijevic and Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal have scored five goals apiece.
• The Zips own a 133-57-34 mark over the last 12 seasons under head coach Jared Embick.
• Under head coach Jared Embick, Akron's record following a loss is 27-13-7.
• The Zips have scored two or more goals in 101 of the squad's last 187 matches.
• Akron has held opponents scoreless in 41 of its last 83 home contests at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Akron owns a 84-16-14 record in its last 114 home matches.
UP NEXT
Akron hosts VCU on Friday (Sept. 6) at 7 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium.
AKRON ATHLETICS NOW CASHLESS
The University of Akron Athletics Department announced its transition to cashless payments for all ticketing, concessions, and merchandise purchases at all Akron athletic venues, concession stands, and gear shops, beginning with the start of the 2024-25 sports seasons. For more information click here.
Players Mentioned
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MF
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MF
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MF
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MF/F
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D
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