The University of Akron Athletics
Adam Najem, Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio - Adam Najem (Clifton, N.J.), a junior on the men's soccer team, was named the Zips' Student-Athlete of the Week, presented by The University of Akron, Ohio's Polytechnic University.
A perfectly executed free kick from Najem at the 101:55 mark of the second overtime snared the coveted golden goal propelling the Akron men's soccer team to its fourth NCAA College Cup berth and first since 2010 with a dramatic 3-2 double-overtime triumph past third-ranked Creighton (19-4-0) on Dec. 5, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
The game-winning goal was setup by a heady play from sophomore Richie Laryea (Toronto, Ontario (Canada)), who garnered a foul just outside the top of the box to set the stage for Najem to deliver his 10th goal and fourth game-winning tally of the season.
Najem was not to be denied after having an opportunity at a game-winning shot in the initial overtime period off a free kick at the 96:41 mark blocked.
Sophomore Stuart Holthusen (Auckland, New Zealand) directed Akron's offensive attack with a game-high five shots, including a pair on frame. Najem added four strikes of his own.
2015-16 ZIPS' STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK, PRESENTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, OHIO'S POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
Aug. 31, 2015 - Sam Gainford, Men's Soccer
Sept. 8, 2015 - Kelsey Wilson, Women's Volleyball
Sept. 14, 2015 - Richie Laryea, Men's Soccer
Sept. 21, 2015 - Cody Grice, Football
Sept. 28, 2015 - Thomas Woodson, Football
Oct. 5, 2015 - Adam Najem, Men's Soccer
Oct. 12, 2015 - Thomas Woodson, Football
Oct. 19, 2015 - Frida Fougberg, Women's Golf
Oct. 26, 2015 - Alice Hottensmith, Swimming and Diving
Nov. 2, 2015 - Team, Women's Soccer
Nov. 9, 2015 - Jatavis Brown, Football
Nov. 16, 2015 - Jatavis Brown, Football
Nov. 23, 2015 - Ragen Engel, Swimming and Diving
Nov. 30, 2015 - Zach Paul, Football
Dec. 7, 2015 - Adam Najem, Men's Soccer
