The University of Akron Athletics
Saturday, October 24
Akron, Ohio
6:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
No. 14 Xavier
Thomas O'Rourke and the Zips look to earn an important BIG EAST victory against No. 14 Xavier.
Photo by: Jeff Harwell
October 23 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio — The No. 9-ranked Akron men's soccer team is set to host No. 14 Xavier on Saturday, October 24 at 6 p.m. in a crucial BIG EAST matchup.
Last season, the Zips won 3-1, marking their 800th victory in program history.
Akron (8-1-4) is coming off a 3-2 nonconference victory over Cleveland State. Farrel Ngongang notched two goals, including the game-winner in the 84th minute. It marked the seventh game-winning or tying goal with less than 10 minutes remaining in a match this season. Twelve different Zips have found the back of the net this season, including eight who have notched two or more — the most since 2022.
Xavier is unbeaten on the year (9-0-4), one of three Division I teams that do not have a loss (SMU and Creighton). The Musketeers also have the second longest active unbeaten streak in Division I, last losing on November 1 of last year. Their nine wins this season are the most they have had since 2023 and have scored 28 goals — their most in a single season since 2018. Much like the Zips, Xavier possesses a by-committee approach to goal scoring as 13 different players have scored this season. Osi Onwudiwe leads the crew with four goals, while four others have registered three scores. Johnny Mennell has also been outstanding in net this year. The four-year starter has made 39 saves on a .867 save percentage (third best in Division I) with a 0.47 GAA and nine shutouts.
The Zips own a 9-2-1 all-time record against the Musketeers and first met in 1981. Akron is 5-0 at home all-time against Xavier as well.
Last season, the Zips won 3-1, marking their 800th victory in program history.
Akron (8-1-4) is coming off a 3-2 nonconference victory over Cleveland State. Farrel Ngongang notched two goals, including the game-winner in the 84th minute. It marked the seventh game-winning or tying goal with less than 10 minutes remaining in a match this season. Twelve different Zips have found the back of the net this season, including eight who have notched two or more — the most since 2022.
Xavier is unbeaten on the year (9-0-4), one of three Division I teams that do not have a loss (SMU and Creighton). The Musketeers also have the second longest active unbeaten streak in Division I, last losing on November 1 of last year. Their nine wins this season are the most they have had since 2023 and have scored 28 goals — their most in a single season since 2018. Much like the Zips, Xavier possesses a by-committee approach to goal scoring as 13 different players have scored this season. Osi Onwudiwe leads the crew with four goals, while four others have registered three scores. Johnny Mennell has also been outstanding in net this year. The four-year starter has made 39 saves on a .867 save percentage (third best in Division I) with a 0.47 GAA and nine shutouts.
The Zips own a 9-2-1 all-time record against the Musketeers and first met in 1981. Akron is 5-0 at home all-time against Xavier as well.
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