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Home , Adam Najem, Andrew Epstein, Andrew Tarbell, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, Ben Polk, Ben Speas

2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

61st Season • 2010 National Champions • 4 College Cup Appearances • 30 NCAA Tournament Appearances • 12 MAC Championships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DEC. 10, 2015 2015 Schedule and Results AKRON SET TO BATTLE STANFORD IN COLLEGE CUP 18-3-2/4-0-1 MAC No. 4 Akron (18-3-2) DATE OPPONENT TIME/RESULT vs. No. 8 Stanford (17-2-2) Aug. 28 at VCU (1) W, 3-2 (2OT) Friday, Dec. 11 Aug. 30 at No. 24 Old Dominion (1) L, 1-4 Sporting Park (18,467) Sept. 4 at No. 4 Georgetown (2) W, 1-0 Kansas City, Kan. • 8:30 p.m. ET Sept. 7 at No. 6 Maryland (2) W, 3-2 Sept. 11 No. 14 SAINT LOUIS W, 3-2 Live Stats: www.gozips.com Sept. 16 OHIO STATE T, 3-3 (2OT) Television: ESPNU/Watch ESPN Sept. 22 No. 8 WAKE FOREST L, 1-2 Sept. 25 at No. 25 UC Santa Barbara W, 2-0 WHAT’S AHEAD Sept. 30 PENN STATE W, 1-0 Fourth-seeded Akron continues its quest to capture its second-ever NCAA Championship Oct. 3 at UAB W, 2-1 (OT) on Friday, Dec. 11, as the Zips battle eighth-seeded Stanford in the second semifinal of the Oct. 6 SANTA CLARA W, 2-0 NCAA College Cup at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. Game time is set for approximately Oct. 9 at Buffalo * W, 2-1 8:36 p.m. ET. ESPNU and Watch ESPN will carry the game with Glenn Davis and Taylor AKRON MEN Oct. 17 NORTHERN ILLINOIS * W, 4-0 Twellman calling the action. Clemson will face Syracuse in the other College Cup semifinal Oct. 21 MICHIGAN STATE W, 4-1 at 6:06 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 11. Oct .24 at Western Michigan * T, 1-1 (2OT) ZIPS’ NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY Oct. 28 at West Virginia * W, 2-0 Akron maintains an 25-24-7 mark in 56 matches in NCAA Championship history, including Nov. 1 No. 25 UCLA L, 2-4 capturing the school’s first national championship in any sport in 2010. The Zips are 4-1-1 Nov. 8 BOWLING GREEN * W, 4-0 under head coach . Since 2005, Akron owns a 16-4-7 ledger. Nov. 13 WEST VIRGINIA & W, 3-2 Senior Andrew Souders (Amherst, Ohio) is Akron’s active leader in NCAA Tournament Nov. 15 BUFFALO & W, 1-0 games started (7). Sophomore Stuart Holthusen (Auckland, New Zealand) own a team- Nov. 22 No. 23 RUTGERS (3) W, 6-1 high three goals each in career tournament play, while juniors (Clifton, Nov. 29 No. 11 SMU (3) W, 2-1 N.J. and Victor Souto (Sao Paulo, Brazil), sophomore (Toronto, Ontario (Canada)), and redshirt junior (Lisbon, Portugal) have recorded two, two,

Dec. 5 No. 3 Creighton (3) W, 2-1 (2OT) Goncalo Soares ’

Dec. 11 No. 1 Stanford (4) 8:36 p.m. two and one tournament goal(s) in their Akron careers. Najem has registered a team-best S SOCCER four tournament assists as a Zip, while recording two, one and one helper, respectively, All home matches in bold has been Laryea, Holthusen and senior Sean Sepe (West Islip, N.Y.). Najem enters action All times listed are Eastern versus Stanford as the team’s NCAA Tournament career scoring leader with eight points * Denotes Mid-American Conference match on the strength of two goals and four assists. Najem has recorded a team-best 20 shots, including 10 on goal. Najem, Holthusen, & Denotes MAC Championship (Highest Seed) Laryea, Sepe, Souto, redshirt sophomore Robby Dambrot (Akron, Ohio), Soares, senior (1) denotes VCU Tournament Brad Ruhaak (Akron, Ohio), sophomore Adi Dakwar (Fassouta, Israel ), redshirt sophomore (2) denotes Georgetown Tournament Sam Gainford (Liverpool, England), sophomore Anthony Macchione (Camas, Wash.), (3) denotes NCAA Tournament sophomore Jesse Garcia-Aguilar (Portland, Ore.), redshirt junior Danilo Radjen (Broadview (4) denotes NCAA College Cup Heights, Ohio), redshirt sophomore Tyler Sanda (North Royalton, Ohio), sophomore Nate Shultz (Mayfield, Ohio), Souders, have recorded 20, 16, 11, 12, six, six, five, five, three, three, two, one, one, one, one and one shot, respectively. In six NCAA Tournament starts in Akron Athletic Communications goal, senior Jake Fenlason (San Diego, Calif.) has made 33 saves. Cathy Bongiovi, Assistant A.D./Athletics Communications Akron maintains 2-0-1 all-time mark in College Cup semifinal contests. The Zips bettered E-mail: [email protected] Office Phone: (330) 972-6106 Fresno State, 1-0, in 1986, and Michigan, 2-1, in 2010, while earning a 0-0 double-overtime Sean Palchick, Associate AC Dir. (MSOC Contact) draw with North Carolina in 2009. E-mail: [email protected] When postseason play began, the Zips joined an elite group of just five Division I programs Office Phone: (330) 972-2677 that have qualified for the NCAA Championships in each of the past nine seasons. Only Chelsea Andorka, Graduate Assistant Indiana, Maryland, UCLA, and Virginia can share that claim. E-mail: [email protected] Office Phone: (330) 972-7171 AKRON-STANFORD NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY Jonathan Platten, Graduate Assistant The Zips have met Stanford one other time in NCAA Championship play with Akron E-mail: [email protected] registering a 2-0 victory in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 29, 2009, at Office Phone: (330) 972-6584 FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field.

Year Location Round Result FOLLOW AKRON 2009 Akron, Ohio Third Round W, 2-0

ATHLETICS ON AKRON VERSUS THE PAC-12 CONFERENCE FACEBOOK AND TWITTER • The Zips are meeting a team from the Pac-12 Conference for the second time this season after suffering a 4-2 home setback versus UCLA on Nov. 1. Akron played that contest against the Bruins without two starters in then leading scorer Richie Laryea (card accumulation) and redshirt junior Danilo Radjen (injury). • In all, Akron is 3-4-1 (.438) versus teams from the Pac-12 Conference.

#ZipsGameday 1 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

• The Zips are encountering a Pac-12 team in NCAA Tournament play for the third time. Akron bested Akron Quick Facts Stanford, 2-0, in 2009, before garnering a 3-3 double-overtime draw with California in 2010. The Zips advanced to the College Cup in 2010 after outlasting the Bears in penalty kicks, 3-2. Location:...... Akron, Ohio 44325 Population:...... 200,000 SCOUTING THE CARDINAL ...... (5th largest in Ohio) Stanford (17-2-2) enters its showdown versus Akron on Friday, Dec. 11, having earned 3-1, 3-1 and 2-1 Founded:...... 1870 as Buchtel College victories over Santa Clara, Ohio State and top-seeded Wake Forest in the first three rounds of the NCAA ...... 26,000 Tournament. The Cardinal own a 4-1-0 mark in their last five games. Junior leads Stanford’s Enrollment: offensive efforts having recorded team-high marks in goals (11), points (25), shots (53), shots on goal (28) Nickname:...... Zips and game-winners (5). Junior Eric Verso and sophomore own 12 and 11 assists, respectively, Colors:...... Blue (282) & Gold (871) to lead the Cardinal. Junior owns the majority of minutes in goal for Stanford this season Conference:...... Mid-American and has recorded 56 saves, while owning a 0.69 goals against average and nine shutouts. As a team, ...... (East Division) the Cardinal are rated second, seventh, ninth, 11th, 14th, 14th, 20th, 24th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 41st in President:...... Dr. Scott L. Scarborough the NCAA in winning percentage (.857), total assists (44), assists per game (2.10), team goals against Director of Athletics:...... Larry Williams average (0.69), points per contest (5.81), total points (122), total goals (39), scoring offense (1.86), shutout Faculty Athletics Rep:...... Dr. Deborah Owens percentage (0.43), shots per game (14.90), shots on goal per contest (6.33) and save percentage (.795). Athletics Dept. Phone:...... (330) 972-7080 Ticket Office Phone:....1-888-99-AKRON (-25766) STANFORD AKRON Overall Record 17-2-2 18-3-2 Season of Soccer:...... 61st (1955) Conference Record 7-1-2 4-0-1 All-Time Record:...... 682-249-87 Goals 39 56 Goals-Shot Attempts 39-313 56-411 All-Time MAC Record:...... 114-12-7 Goals Per Game 1.86 2.43 MAC Tournament Titles:...... 12 Assists 44 47 ...... [1998, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, Shots 313 411 ...... 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015] Shots On Goal 133 169 MAC Regular-Season Titles:...... 18 Shot Percentage .121 .136 NCAA Tournament Appearances:...... 30 Shots On Goal Percentage .425 .411 NCAA College Cup Appearances:.....3 [1986, 2009, 2010] Shots Per Game 14.9 17.9 S SOCCER

’ NCAA Championshop Appearances: ... 2 [2009, 2010] Corner Kicks 124 139 Opponent Corner Kicks 69 90 Stadium:...... FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field Penalty Kicks 4-5 7-10 Capacity:...... 5,000 Opponent Penalty Kicks 3-3 3-5 Field Dimensions:...... 120 x 77 SERIES HISTORY ...... Natural Grass Surface: Friday evening’s game is the third meeting between Akron and Stanford. The Zips lead the all-time AKRON IN THE NATIONAL POLLS series, 2-0-0. Akron posted a 4-3 overtime decision at Stanford on Oct. 2, 1994, while besting the Cardinal, 2-0, in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 29, 2009. NCAA RPI...NSCAA...TDS...... CSN THE COACHES Preseason NA...... 25...... RV...... 24 Stanford: is in his fourth season as head coach of the Stanford program, owning a Aug. 31 NA...... NA...... NA...... RV 49-20-10 (.684) record. In 17 years overall as a head coach he maintains a 236-81-41 (.716) ledger. AKRON MEN Sept. 8 NA...... RV...... NA...... 22 Akron: In his third year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and ninth season overall, is Jared Embick, Sept. 15 NA...... 11...... 11...... 7 who has a 48-13-5 mark (.765), including 95-34-15 (.712) overall, in his seventh year as a head coach. Sept. 22 NA...... 9...... 12...... 6 Sept. 29 6...... 9...... 7...... 11 AKRON HEAD COACH JARED EMBICK Oct. 6 5...... 8...... 7...... 10 Jared Embick, who had previously served as the Zips’ associate head coach and recruiting Oct. 13 3...... 6...... 6...... 6 coordinator, officially became the seventh head coach in the history of The men’s soccer program in December of 2012. Oct. 20 4...... 5...... 6...... 6 The 2015 campaign marks his third year leading the Zips and the squad has registered a 48-13-5 Oct. 27 4...... 6...... 6...... 6 (.765) ledger after going 13-6-2 a season ago. Nov. 3 5...... 10...... 7...... 10 During Embick’s time at Akron, the Zips have posted the highest winning percentage in the nation Nov. 10 3...... 10...... 4...... 9 with an overall record of 158-26-21 (.822), including a 48-2-2 (.942) mark in Mid-American Conference Nov. 17 6...... 5...... 3...... 9 play, while securing seven conference tournament titles, eight trips to the NCAA Tournament and two Nov. 24 6...... 5...... 3...... 9 appearances in an NCAA final. Dec. 1 6...... 5...... 4...... 9 Akron entered the 2014 season seeking to reload the Zips’ talented foundation with a young squad Dec. 8 6...... 5...... 2...... 9 following the departure of six starters from a 2013 team that posted a 17-4-1 record and a No. 7 national ranking. NSCAA - National Soccer Coaches Association Recording their 14th consecutive double-digit victory campaign, the Zips finished the season with of America; TDS - TopDrawerSoccer.com; CSN - a 13-6-2 ledger, including 4-1-0 mark in the Mid-American Conference. Akron’s efforts were rewarded News as the Zips earned the MAC’s regular season and tournament crowns en route to collecting a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the 29th time in program history. The Zips became one of just six Division I programs to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in each of the past eight seasons with their 29th overall selection. Led by Adam Najem, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Jake Fenlason and Andrew Souders, who were selected as first-team All-MAC men’s soccer selections, seven Akron student-athletes garnered All-MAC accolades a year ago. Additionally, Stuart Holthusen, Richie Laryea and Victor Souto were recognized as second- team selections. 2 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

The Zips came into the campaign maintaining a No. 13 preseason ranking by the National Soccer 2015 MAC Standings Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as well as being tabbed preseason No. 14, 15 and 23 by TopDrawerSoccer.com, College Soccer News and Soccer America, respectively. AS OF DEC. 11 Akron’s opening night line-up featured seven players making their initial collegiate starts for the MAC Overall Zips, while six first-year players took to the field at No. 5 New Mexico. Akron 4-0-1 18-3-2 Individually, Najem, who garnered first-team All-Great Lake Regional honors, ranked fourth, fifth, Western Michigan 3-1-1 11-4-4 eighth, eighth and 24th in the NCAA in goals scored (14), total points (32), goals per game (0.67), Buffalo 2-2-1 8-7-4 points per match (1.52) and game-winning goals (4). Jake Fenlason was equally impressive in goal West Virginia 2-3-0 7-12-0 Northern Illinois 1-3-1 7-7-1 rating 27th, 32nd and 53rd nationally in goals against average (.785), save percentage (.811) and Bowling Green 1-4-0 9-9-1 total saves (73). In January, 2015, Abdul-Salaam became the 10th Zip to have his name called during the first round Friday, Dec. 11 of the MLS SuperDraft with his selection 12th overall in the MLS SuperDraft by . Stanford vs. Akron Due in large part to Embick’s recruiting efforts, Akron identified and secured some of the best Clemson vs. Syracuse prospects in the country – and around the world – with top-five recruiting classes in each of the past five seasons. The Zips’ classes of 2012 and 2009 were ranked No. 1 in the country, while the classes of Sunday, Dec. 13 2011 and 2010 each received a No. 2 designation. NCAA Title Game More importantly, Akron’s recruits have flourished in the Zips’ system, which features a style of play that is attractive and attack-oriented, yet effective on both sides of the ball. In total, Embick recruited or helped develop 24 players who have gone on to play professionally either in MLS or overseas since AKRON MEN 2007. The success of this formula was no more evident than at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft where seven Zips had their names called, including five with the first eight selections overall, to set a pair of MLS records. Embick has also served as a staff coach with the Under-16 and Under-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s club team for the past five years. Prior to joining the Zips, Embick spent four seasons (2003-06) as the head men’s soccer coach at Missouri Baptist University where he led the Spartans to a record of 47-21-8 and the program’s first NAIA regional tournament berth in 2003. In all, Embick spent six seasons at MBU, including two seasons as a graduate assistant (2000-01) and one season as an assistant coach (2002). During his time at Missouri Baptist, Embick also served as assistant coach for River Cities FC of the

Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) whom he helped lead to a 13-2-1 record in its inaugural ’ season and an appearance in the WPSL national final. S SOCCER A 2000 graduate of Indiana Wesleyan, Embick was named an All-American by the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) in 1998 and 1999 as a player. He was also an NAIA honorable mention All-America honoree in 1999 and was twice named to the All-Mid-Central Conference squad.

2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER ROSTER No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Wt. Hometown/High School/Last School 2 Andrew Souders D 5-11 Sr. 171 Amherst, Ohio (Amherst Steele) 3 Sean Sepe F 5-11 Sr. 152 West Islip, N.Y. (West Islip/St. John’s (N.Y.) 4 Niko De Vera D 5-5 So. 140 Camas, Wash. (Camas) 5 Danilo Radjen D 6-2 Jr. (R) 163 Broadview Heights, Ohio (Brecksville-Broadview Heights/Cleveland State) 6 Richie Laryea MF 5-9 So. 151 Toronto, Ontario (Canada) (Dante Aligheri Academy) 7 Sam Gainford F 6-1 So. (R) 162 Liverpool, England (Liverpool Academy) 8 Victor Souto MF 5-11 Jr. 156 Sao Paolo, Brazil (Sport Club Corinthians Paulista) 9 Stuart Holthusen F 6-0 So. 146 Auckland, New Zealand (Wanderers SC) 10 Adam Najem MF 5-8 Jr. 153 Clifton, N.J. (Paramus Catholic) 11 Jesse Garcia-Aguilar MF 5-6 So. 145 Portland, Ore. (Century) 12 Adi Dakwar F 5-9 So. 161 Fassouta, Israel (Ort Tarshiha) 13 Pau Belana MF 5-11 Fr. 158 Barcelona, Catalonia (Turbula/Universitat de Barcelona) 14 Bryce Cregan D 5-10 So. 161 Dallastown, Pa. (Dallastown Area) 15 Ezana Kahsay D 6-2 Fr. (R) 179 Asmeras, Eritrea (International Prepratory School at Grover) 16 Shane Wiedt D 6-2 Fr. (R) 184 Akron, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban) 17 Anthony Macchione F 6-3 So. 176 Camas, Wash. (Camas) 18 Nate Shultz F 6-0 So. 167 Mayfield, Ohio (Mayfield) 19 Tyler Sanda MF 6-0 So. (R) 181 North Royalton, Ohio (St. Ignatius) 20 Brad Ruhaak D 6-0 Jr. (R) 170 Akron, Ohio (Copley) 21 Skye Harter MF 5-11 Fr. 148 Copley, Ohio (Copley) 22 Robby Dambrot MF/D 6-1 So. (R) 161 Akron, Ohio (St. Vincent-St. Mary) 23 Barth-Luther Mouafo D 5-10 Jr. 193 Potomac, Md. (Montverde Academy (Fla.)/Gardner-Webb) 24 Jake Fenlason GK 6-0 Sr. 175 San Diego, Calif. (Rancho Bernardo) 25 Goncalo Soares MF 5-10 Jr. (R) 182 Lisbon, Portugal (Colégio Maristas de Carcavelos) 26 Alonzo Clarke D 5-9 Fr. 179 New Carrollton, Md. (Parkdale) 27 Elliott Rubio GK 6-5 Fr. (R) 226 Chicago, Ill. (Highland Park) 28 Nick Costa GK 5-11 Fr. 225 North Royalton, Ohio (North Royalton) 29 Dener Dos Santos MF 5-8 Jr. 152 Joinville, Brazil (Dulles (Texas)/UCF)

Head Coach: Jared Embick Assistant Coaches: Leo Chappel and T.J. Kolba Goalkeepers Coach: Ger Coppinger Director of Operations: Oliver Slawson

#ZipsGameday 3 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

2015 Honors NAJEM’S GOLDEN GOAL PROPELS ZIPS INTO COLLEGE CUP A perfectly executed free kick from Adam Najem at the 101:55 mark of the second overtime snared the Jake Fenlason, GK coveted golden goal, propelling the Akron men’s soccer team to its fourth NCAA College Cup berth and • Second-Team All-MAC Selection first since 2010 with a dramatic 3-2 double-overtime triumph past third-ranked Creighton last Saturday, Dec. 5, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. Sam Gainford, F The game-winning goal was setup by a heady play from Richie Laryea, who garnered a foul just • Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Week (Aug. 31) outside the top of the box to set the stage for Najem to deliver his 10th goal and fourth game-winning • First-Team All-MAC Selection tally of the season. Najem was not to be denied after having an opportunity at a game-winning shot in the initial overtime Stuart Holthusen, F • Named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its National Team period off a free kick at the 96:41 mark blocked. of the Week (Nov. 10 and Dec. 8). The Zips registered a 5-2 advantage in shots in overtime, but were bettered 26-19 overall in shots in • First-Team All-MAC Selection the contest, including 12-8 on goal. • Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Month - November Stuart Holthusen directed Akron’s offensive attack with a game-high five shots, including a pair on frame. Najem added four strikes of his own, while Sean Sepe recorded three shots. and Richie Laryea, MF Fernando Castellanos led Creighton with five shots apiece. • First-Team All-MAC Selection Jake Fenlason was stellar in goal for the Zips corralling a season-best 10 saves. Connor Sparrow was • Named by TopDrawerSoccer.com as its National nearly as impressive for the Bluejays garnering five stops. Player of the Week (Sept. 15). • Named by NSCAA as its National Player of the Week Akron and Creighton battled to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes, despite the Bluejays (Sept. 15 and Oct. 20). owning an 8-5 advantage in shots, including 5-2 on net. • Named by College Soccer News as its National Player The Zips finally broke through in the 60th minute (59:04) when Creighton was whistled for a tackle in of the Week (Oct. 19). the box on Laryea resulting in a penalty kick. • Named by College Soccer News to its National Team Stepping over the ball and delivering his eighth goal of the season with a perfectly executed penalty of the Week (Sept. 14, Nov. 23). kick was Victor Souto. • Named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its National Team The lead was fleeting for Akron as Castellanos netted the equalizer for the Bluejays with his third goal of the Week (Sept. 14, Oct. 19, Nov. 24 and Dec. 8). of the season at the 63:09 mark off an assist from Herbers. • MAC Athlete of the Week (Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Oct. 19) Najem, Sepe and Holthusen created scoring opportunities at the 70:18, 71:32 and 75:52 marks, • Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Week (Sept. 14) respectively, for Akron which each narrowly missed giving the Zips a 2-1 lead. • Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Month - October The attacking strikes by Akron finally netted a go-ahead goal in the 80th minute (79:51). Laryea served a ball into the box where Holthusen accepted the ball and struck a shot that found the corner of the net

S SOCCER Adam Najem, MF to provide the Zips with a 2-1 lead. The tally marked the eighth goal on the campaign for Holthusen,

’ • First-Team All-MAC Selection giving Akron a NCAA-leading five players with eight or more goals on the year. • Named to 2015 MAC Watch List The advantage didn’t hold up as Ricardo Perez squared the contest at two converting his sixth goal of • Named as the third-most player in men’s college the season at the 84:17 mark off assists from Herbers and . soccer by TopDrawerSoccer.com The Bluejays bettered the Zips in shots in the second stanza, 16-9. • Named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its men’s soccer Creighton registered its only shots in overtime at the 91:41 and 94:25 marks. Fenlason denied a preseason Division I Best XI second-team squad • Named first-team 2015 preseason All-American by Herbers’ strike with a save, while Lopez-Espin’s shot went wide. College Soccer News The Zips garnered shots from Danilo Radjen, Holthusen and Robby Dambrot over the final three • MAC Athlete of the Week (Sept. 7 and Oct. 5) minutes of the first overtime period, each of which was thwarted by a Sparrow save. • Named by College Soccer News to its National Team of the Week (Oct. 5). ZIPS ADVANCE TO ELITE EIGHT WITH 2-1 WIN PAST SMU • Named as TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of In a defensive battle it was third-ranked Akron that earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over No. 11 SMU the Week (Oct. 6 and Dec. 8) in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 29, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. • Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Week (Oct. 5 and Dec. 7)

AKRON MEN The outcome in the affair was ultimately decided by a pair of own goals, one for each side, with the • Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Month - September Mustangs’ failed clearance resulting in the game-winning tally for the Zips in the 43rd minute (42:42). Akron registered a 40-13 advantage in shots in the contest, including an 11-6 margin on frame. Brad Ruhaak, D • First-Team All-MAC Selection Adam Najem and Stuart Holthusen each notched a game-high nine shots for Akron, with the duo combining for eight shots on goal. Sean Sepe, F Adding six, four, three and three strikes, respectively, was Richie Laryea, redshirt junior Goncalo • Second-Team All-MAC Selection Soares, Sean Sepe and in reserve duty, Robby Dambrot. Emil Cuello came off the bench to spark SMU with a team-high three shots. Additionally, Victor Souto, Brad Ruhaak and Nate Shultz turned in two Andrew Souders, D shots apiece for the Zips. • First-Team All-MAC Selection Jake Fenlason notched four saves for Akron, while Michael Nelson turned in a stellar effort for SMU • Named by College Soccer News to its National Team with nine saves. of the Week (Nov. 30). Unheralded, but the backbone of the Zips’ success in the contest was the play of the backline of Andrew Victor Souto, MF Souders, Danilo Radjen, Ruhaak and Shultz. • MAC Athlete of the Week (Oct. 26) Akron capitalized on its next scoring opportunity as Najem served a ball from the top of the box to • Named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its National Team Holthusen, who dribbled a ball along the endline towards the goal where he found Soares just outside of the Week (Oct. 26). the six-yard box. Soares took the pass and bested a nearly unstoppable Nelson in net to register his • Nominated by TopDrawerSoccer.com for its Goal of second goal of the year to give the Zips a 1-0 lead. the Week (Nov. 17) A failed clearance off a corner by Bryce Clark in the 32nd minute (31:11) resulted in an own goal for the Mustangs squaring the game at one. Team Some heady play in the offensive third from Holthusen and Laryea culminated in an own goal in the • Preseason selection to win the 2015 MAC regular- season and tournament championships by the league Zips’ favor at the 42:42 mark, one that provided the game-winning 2-1 margin. coaches. Akron bettered the Mustangs in shots in the initial stanza 17-8, including 4-3 on goal. • Won its 18th regular season Mid-American Clark nearly delivered his second goal of the season in the 61st minute (61:00) for SMU as only an Conference title and 12th tournament crown. Akron defender clearing the ball off the backline prevented the Mustangs from netting the equalizer. Sepe appeared to give the Zips a 3-1 lead at the 66:16 mark, but was whistled after touching the ball with his hand on a shot from two feet in front of a diving Nelson. Akron outshot the Mustangs in the second half, 23-5, including 7-3 on frame. 4 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

AKRON OPENS NCAA TOURNAMENT WITH 6-1 WIN OVER NO. 23 RUTGERS 2015 MAC Superlatives (As of Dec. 5) Third-ranked Akron picked an opportune time to play arguably its best game of the season as the Zips opened NCAA Tournament play with a 6-1 victory over Rutgers on Nov. 22, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub TEAM Cadet Field. All Matches After a slow start to begin the game, the Zips capitalized when Sean Sepe was tackled in the box to 1st in goals per game...... 2.43 earn Akron a penalty kick at the 4:56 mark. Stepping to the line for the penalty kick was Victor Souto, 1st in points per game...... 6.91 who calmly struck the ball into the back of the net for his seventh tally of the season to give the Zips a 1st in shots per game...... 17.87 lead they didn’t relinquish. 2nd in assists per game...... 2.04 Stuart Holthusen extended Akron’s margin to 2-0 in the 13th minute (12:28) accepting a pair of strong 2nd in saves per game...... 4.39 passes from Sepe and finallyRichie Laryea and delivering his sixth goal on the campaign. Seventeen seconds later, Laryea pushed Akron’s lead to 3-0 connecting on an unassisted tally at the 2nd in shutouts...... 0.35 12:45 mark. The goal was Laryea’s team-leading 10th of the season. 3rd in corners per game...... 6.04 Holthusen netted his second goal of the contest and his third multi-goal tilt of the year in the 17th 3rd in goals allowed...... 1.26 minute (16:09), scoring off a set piece to give the Zips a 4-0 advantage. Adam Najem garnered his 3rd in goals against average...... 1.22 team-leading ninth assist of the year on the play. Laryea posted his team-best fourth multi-goal performance on the campaign finding the back of the INDIVIDUAL net for the 11th time in 2015 at the 17:39 mark. All Matches The Zips entered the intermission holding a commanding 5-0 lead on the strength of recording a 14-6 Jake Fenlason margin in first-half shots, including 8-1 on frame. 2nd in saves per game...... 4.30 AKRON MEN Sepe capped the scoring explosion for Akron in the affair netting his second goal of the season off a 2nd in shutouts...... 0.35 Najem assist in the 60th minute (59:50). 3rd in save percentage...... 773 Sugor Al Awwad spoiled the Zips’ bid for a clean sheet in the contest delivering his second goal on the 5th in goals against average...... 1.22 campaign at the 80:08 mark. Mitchell Tainer earned the assist on the score. Akron finished the affair registering a 25-10 margin in shots, including a decisive 12-3 mark in shots Sam Gainford on goal. 5th in points per game...... 1.05 Twelve different Zips record a shot in the game, led by a pair of four-shot performances from Holthusen 7th in shots per game...... 2.64 and Laryea. Notching three strikes in reserve action was Adi Dakwar, while Sam Gainford, Brad Ruhaak, 8th in goals per game...... 0.36 Sepe, Robby Dambrot and Anthony Macchione each collected two shots apiece. 8th in assists per game...... 0.32 Taintor and Erik Sa paced the Scarlet Knights with two shots each. Akron turned in a strong defensive Stuart Holthusen effort limiting Rutgers’ leading scorer and Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Jason Wright, 5th in points per game...... 1.05 to only one shot. 6th in goals per game...... 0.38

Jake Fenlason notched two saves for the Zips, while David Greczek made six stops for the Scarlet Knights. 7th in game-winning goals...... 0.14 ’ 9th in assists per game...... 0.29 S SOCCER NAJEM, HOLTHUSEN AND LARYEA RECOGNIZED TO TOPDRAWERSOCCER.COM Richie Laryea The Akron trio of Stuart Holthusen, Richie Laryea and Adam Najem were each recognized for their TopDrawerSoccer.com 3rd in goals per game...... 0.52 play in a 3-2 double-overtime win over Creighton with their selections by to its 3rd in points per game...... 1.38 National Team of the Week on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Najem gained special acclaim as its National Player of the Week and Goal of the Week recipient. 5th in assists per game...... 0.33 6th in shots per game...... 2.76 ZIPS EARN LEAGUE-BEST 13 ACADEMIC ALL-MAC SELECTIONS 7th in game-winning goals...... 0.14 Akron earned a league-best 13 selections when the Mid-American Conference released its 2015 Men’s Adam Najem Soccer Academic All-MAC team on Dec. 1. 2nd in assists per game...... 0.48 In all, 49 student-athletes from all six men’s soccer conference institutions were honored including; 3rd in shots per game...... 2.96 Robby Dambrot, Jake Fenlason, Jesse Garcia-Aguilar, redshirt freshman Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, 4th in game-winning goals...... 0.17 Eritrea), Anthony Macchione, Adam Najem, Danilo Radjen, Brad Ruhaak, Tyler Sanda, Sean Sepe, 4th in goals per game...... 0.43 Nate Shultz, Andrew Souders and Victor Souto. 4th in points per game...... 1.35 To qualify for the Academic All-MAC Teams, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA Victor Souto and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests scheduled or completed in the particular sport. 9th in game-winning goals...... 0.13 SOUDERS GARNERS NATIONAL HONOR 9th in goals per game...... 0.35 Andrew Souders was named on Dec. 1 by College Soccer News to its National Men’s Soccer Team of the Week. He helped anchor a Zips’ defensive unit that limited a high-powered SMU attack to 11 shots, of which only six fell on frame in Akron’s 2-1 victory. LARYEA EARNS PAIR OF NATIONAL HONORS Richie Laryea was named on Nov. 24 by College Soccer News and TopDrawerSoccer.com to their National Men’s Soccer Teams of the Week. Laryea turned in his team-leading fourth multi-goal performance, while adding an assist, to spark the Zips to a 6-1 triumph over Rutgers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 22, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. Laryea recorded his sixth assist of the season with a finishing pass toStuart Holthusen, who capitalized in the 13th minute (12:28) against the Scarlet Knights to give Akron a 2-0 lead. Seventeen seconds later, Laryea pushed Akron’s lead to 3-0 connecting on an unassisted tally at the 12:45 mark. The goal was Laryea’s team-leading 10th of the season. Laryea posted his second goal of the game finding the back of the net for the 11th time in 2015 at the 17:39 mark.

#ZipsGameday 5 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

A LEAGUE-BEST EIGHT ZIPS GARNER ALL-MAC ACCOLADES National Rankings Led by Sam Gainford, Stuart Holthusen and Richie Laryea, Adam Najem, redshirt junior Brad Ruhaak and Andrew Souders who were selected as first-team All-Mid-American Conference men’s soccer [Dec. 8] selections, a conference-best eight Akron student-athletes garnered All-MAC accolades as announced by NSCAA Rank Top Drawer the league on Nov. 12. Wake Forest 1 Stanford Najem and Souders became the first three-time first-team All-MAC recipients for Akron since Chad Georgetown 2 Akron Barson was tabbed a first-team honoree in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Clemson 3 Syracuse Seniors and were tabbed second-team recipients. North Carolina 4 Clemson Jake Fenlason Sean Sepe Akron 5 Wake Forest Syracuse 6 Creighton HOLTHUSEN EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION Stanford 7 Maryland Stuart Holthusen has been named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its National Men’s Soccer Team of the Notre Dame 8 Boston College Week it was announced on Nov. 10. Creighton 9 Georgetown Denver 10 Notre Dame Holthusen turned in a stellar effort for the Zips helping the squad secure its 18th Mid-American SMU 11 SMU Conference title scoring a pair of goals, including the game-winner, while also adding an assist, in a 4-0 Maryland 12 Akron victory over Bowling Green on Nov. 7. Seattle 13 North Carolina He netted what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 12th minute (11:53) off an assist from Ohio State 14 Indiana South Florida 15 UC Santa Barbara Sam Gainford. Florida International 16 Ohio State Less than a minute later at the 12:41 mark, he garnered an assist on a Gainford goal that pushed Kentucky 17 Denver Akron’s advantage to 2-0. Virginia 18 Florida International Holthusen then recorded his second goal of the evening in the 21st minute (20:31) heading in a ball Indiana 19 South Florida Coastal Carolina 20 Virginia from the corner off assists from Nate Shultz and Adam Najem. The tally gave Holthusen his first multi- South Carolina 21 UCLA goal game of the season. UC Santa Barbara 22 South Carolina Rutgers 23 Coastal Carolina ZIPS HONOR TRIO ON SENIOR NIGHT Cal-State Fullerton 24 Dartmouth UCLA 25 Radford The Zips honored seniors Jake Fenlason, Sean Sepe and Andrew Souders prior to Akron’s game versus Bowling Green on Nov. 7. NCAA RPI Rank Soccer News Fenlason has started all 48 games in which he has appeared in as a Zip, registering 190 saves and 16 Wake Forest 1 Georgetown shutouts en route to posting a 34-10-4 mark. He was named a first-team All-MAC selection a year ago Clemson 2 Clemson Syracuse 3 Wake Forest after recording 73 saves, seven shutouts and a 0.78 goals against average. He has started all 23 games

S SOCCER North Carolina 4 North Carolina this season and owns 99 saves and eight shutouts.

’ Georgetown 5 Stanford Sepe has appeared in 42 games as a Zip, including making 31 starts. He has recorded five goals, Akron 6 Creighton while adding six assists on 74 shots, including 29 on goal during his career at Akron. This season, he has Notre Dame 7 Denver Stanford 8 Syracuse posted two goals and three assists on 39 shots. Seattle 9 Akron Souders is a two-time first-team All-MAC honoree and has played in a team-best 83 games as a Zip, Creighton 10 Notre Dame including 71 starts. He has registered a goal and two assists on 20 shots, while helping anchor an Akron Ohio State 11 Seattle defensive unit that has posted 33 shutouts during his career, including eight this fall. SMU 12 SMU Maryland 13 Maryland South Florida 14 Ohio State AKRON’S NATIONAL AWARD CANDIDATES LEAD THE ZIPS’ ATTACK Boston College 15 Kentucky The Zips have gotten strong performances from their leading All-America candidates this season in Sam Florida International 16 Florida International Gainford, Richie Laryea, Adam Najem, Andrew Souders and Victor Souto as the quintet has led Akron UC Santa Barbara 17 Indiana Denver 18 South Florida to seven wins over ranked opponents. In contests versus ranked foes, Laryea, Najem, Stuart Holthusen, South Carolina 19 Virginia Gainford, Souto and Goncalo Soares have registered five, five four, three, two and two goals, respectively. UCLA 20 Coastal Carolina

AKRON MEN Laryea and Najem lead the group with four assists apiece. Defensively, Souders has helped direct the Indiana 21 South Carolina Zips’ defensive unit to shutouts at No. 4 Georgetown (W, 1-0) and at No. 25 UC Santa Barbara (W, 2-0). Coastal Carolina 22 Hofstra Louisville 23 Rutgers Through 23 games, the fivesome of Laryea, Najem, Gainford, Holthusen and Souto are among the Dartmouth 24 Cal-State Fullerton nation’s scoring leaders having posted 11, 10, eight, eight and eight goals, respectively, entering Akron’s Elon 25 UC Santa Barbara showdown with Stanford on Friday, Dec. 11. The group also ranks, first, second, second, fourth and fifth on the team in assists with Najem, Gainford, Laryea, Holthusen and Souto having contributed 11, seven, Also receiving votes (NSCAA): UNC Charlotte, American, Boston College, Lehigh, Elon, Butler, Boston University, Drake, seven, six and three assists. Radford, Dartmouth, Cal Poly, Rider. On the other side of the ball, Souders has anchored a Zips’ defensive unit that has posted eight shutouts on the campaign. ARV (TD): Elon, Boston University, Kentucky, UNC Charlotte and Cal Poly. QUARTET OF ZIPS EARN MID-SEASON RECOGNITION FROM TOPDRAWERSOCCER.COM ARV (NCAA): Radford, Virginia, Boston University, UNC Four Zips were recognized by TopDrawerSoccer.com for their play at the halfway point of this season Charlotte and Cal Poly. with their selections to its mid-season Men’s Top 100 Player and Freshmen lists. Richie Laryea was the top-rated Akron player coming in at No. 10 nationally, while Adam Najem and ARV (CSN): Cal Poly, Drake, Dartmouth, Xavier, UNC Charlotte, UCLA, California, Radford, Boston College, Dayton, Victor Souto were tabbed 19th and 50th, respectively. Rider, Washington, SIU Edwardsville, Monmouth, Elon, On the Men’s Freshman Top 100 list, Pau Belana (Barcelona, Catalonia) checked in at No. 23. Tulsa, Rider, Winthrop, LIU Brooklyn, Furman, Lehigh, Butler, Oakland, Utah Valley. ZIPS TIDBITS 2015 Akron opponents in Bold • Akron advanced to the College Cup for the fourth time (1986, 2009 and 2010) with the Zips’ 3-2 double-overtime victory over Creighton. • The Zips enter their showdown with Stanford on Friday, Dec. 11, owning a 7-1-1 mark away from FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field this season. • Since Oct. 1, Akron owns a 12-1-1 record, with the lone setback occurring versus UCLA on Nov. 1. • Jake Fenlason recorded a season-high 10 saves in Akron’s 3-2 double-overtime triumph past Creighton. • Victor Souto has successfully converted six penalty kicks on the campaign. • The 40 shots by Akron against SMU shattered the previous school record for shots of 34 set in a 2-1 quadruple-overtime win over Northern Illinois in 2001 and against Robert Morris in a 4-0 triumph in 1997. 6 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

• The Zips set an NCAA Tournament record for corner kicks in a regulation game against SMU as Akron attempted 19 in the affair. The NCAA Tournament record for corner kicks of 20 was set by Connecticut in 2015 NCAA Superlatives 2-1 quadruple-overtime victory over Hartford in 1999. (As of Dec. 5) • Akron advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in program history and first since the Zips captured their first-ever national championship during the 2010 campaign. TEAM • The Zips are rated first in goal (11), goals per game (3.67), shots (84), second points per game (9.67), All Matches third in assists (7) and fourth in assists per contest (2.33) in NCAA Tournament play. 2nd in scoring offense...... 2.43 • Akron’s six goals against Rutgers marked the most for the Zips in an NCAA Tournament affair since 2nd in total goals...... 56 registering a 7-0 victory past Green Bay in 1983. 2nd in total points...... 159 • The multi-goal efforts from Holthusen and Laryea marked the first for an Akron player in a NCAA 3rd in points per game...... 6.91 3rd in shots per game...... 17.87 Tournament game since Reinaldo Brenes netted a pair of tallies in a 3-2 opening-round victory against 3rd in total assists...... 47 Indiana in 2013. 5th in shots on goal per game...... 7.35 • Akron’s win over Creighton also enabled the Zips to go to 12-0-2 at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet 8th in winning percentage...... 81 Field in NCAA Tournament contests since 2008. 11th in assists per game...... 2.04 • Akron will encountering third for the fourth time in program history. The Zips own a 2-0-0 series 51st in saves per game...... 4.39 advantage over the Cardinal. 54th in save percentage...... 777 • The Zips are now 11-4-1 all-time in the championship game of the Mid-American Conference Tournament 69th in shutout percentage...... 0.35 after a 1-0 win over Buffalo on Nov. 15. • The Zips have played some of their best soccer at home this season as Akron had 12 players which INDIVIDUAL

All Matches AKRON MEN contributed points. Leading the way with 22, 20, 19, 16 and 14 points, respectively, was Richie Laryea Jake Fenlason (eight goals and six assists), Adam Najem (six goals and eight assists), Stuart Holthusen (seven goals 2nd in minutes played...... 2145:30 and five assists),Victor Souto (seven goals and two assists) and Sam Gainford (four goals and six assists). 3rd in total saves...... 99 • The Zips own a 32-6-4 ledger all-time at home in the month of November in regular season contests. 46th in saves per game...... 4.30 • Akron is the only school in the NCAA (as of Dec. 5) to have five players owning eight or more goals. The 62nd in save percentage...... 773 Zips’ quintet of Richie Laryea (11), Adam Najem (10), Sam Gainford (8), Stuart Holthusen (8) and Sam Gainford Victor Souto (8) have combined to register 45 goals. 42nd in total assists...... 7 • Stuart Holthusen registered his first career multi-goal performance netting two goals in a 4-0 victory 50th in total points...... 23 over Bowling Green on Nov. 7. 68th in total goals...... 8 Stuart Holthusen • Following Stuart Holthusen’s and Richie Laryea’s two-goal outbursts versus Rutgers on Nov. 22, Akron 60th in total points...... 22 has recorded 10 multi-goal games this season. 63rd in total assists...... 6 • Victor Souto’s three-goal explosion against Michigan State represented the first multi-goal game of 68th in total goals...... 8 his Akron career. Richie Laryea ’ • Victor Souto was selected by the Mid-American Conference as the MAC Men’s Soccer Athlete of the 17th in total points...... 29 S SOCCER Week, the league announced on Oct. 26. Additionally, he was named by TopDrawerSoccer.com to its 22nd in total goals...... 11 National Team of the Week. 27th in points per game...... 1.38 • On the strength of hat tricks in back-to-back games from Richie Laryea (Northern Illinois) and Victor 42nd in total assists...... 7 (Michigan State), the Zips posted hat tricks in consecutive games from different players for the first 45th in goals per game...... 0.52 Souto 67th in assists per game...... 0.33 time since the 2010 campaign. Oct. 16, 2010, in a 4-0 home win over Buffalo, netted Adam Najem three goals before four days later on Oct. 20, 2010, Kofie Sarkodie recorded three goals of his own in a 7th in total assists...... 11 7-1 home triumph past Michigan. 7th in total points...... 31 • Richie Laryea’s four multi-goal games this season mark the most in a campaign for a Zip since Darren 18th in assists per game...... 0.48 Mattocks registered six multi-goal efforts during the 2011 season. 24th in game-winning goals...... 4 • Akron’s seven-game winning streak (Sept. 25 - Oct. 21) was the longest since the Zips rolled off 15 35th in points per game...... 1.35 straight wins from Sept. 16 - Nov. 18, 2012. 36th in total goals...... 10 • Richie Laryea has established career high marks in goals (11), shots (58), shots on goal (26), points 60th in shots per game...... 2.96 (29), game-winners (3) and assists (7). 69th in shots on goal per game...... 1.35 Victor Souto • Akron’s victory over Northern Illinois marked the 150th win for the Zips since 2007, tops in the nation. 68th in total goals...... 8 • Richie Laryea is now Akron’s active leader in multi-goal games owning four in his career, all this season. • Akron posted a season-best 13 shots on goal in the Zips’ 4-0 victory over Northern Illinois on Oct. 17. • The Zips registered a season-high 26 shots in a 2-1 win past Buffalo. • Since 2007, the Zips own a 31-2-3 mark in the month of October in games played at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field • The Zips’ contest at Buffalo marked the opening game in Akron’s five-game conference slate in this the Zips’ 23rd season in the MAC. Following a 2-1 victory over the Bulls, Akron owns a 21-1-1 mark. • Victor Souto’s game-winning tally at Buffalo was the first in his Akron career. • The Zips have finished halves strong this season as 18 of Akron’s 55 goals have occurred during the final 15 minutes of the first and second periods. The Zips own 10 tallies over the final 15 minutes of the first half and eight during the final 15 minutes of regulation. • Richie Laryea netted his third career multi-goal game knocking in a trio of tallies in Akron’s 4-0 win past Northern Illinois. He earlier added two goals in a 3-2 victory at No. 6 Maryland and in a 2-0 decision over Santa Clara. • Over the Zips’ last five contests,Stuart Holthusen (five goals and one assists) andAdam Najem (two goals and four assists) and have paced the Akron attack registering 11 and eight points, respectively, while Victor Souto and Richie Laryea have added three and two tallies, respectively. As a team, the Zips are averaging 3.00 goals per game en route to a 5-0-0 ledger. • Sam Gainford, Richie Laryea and Adam Najem have played a major role in the offensive exploits of the Zips this season as the trio has played a scoring role in 43 of Akron’s 55 goals this fall. • Jake Fenlason, Adam Najem, Brad Ruhaak, Andrew Souders and Victor Souto have started each of Akron’s 23 games this season. #ZipsGameday 7 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

• Four Zips currently owns starting streaks of 30 or more games in which they have played led by Adam Najem (57), Jake Fenlason (48), Andrew Souders (46) and Richie Laryea (41). • The Zips are rated seventh nationally in attendance averaging 2,187 fans per contest. • Adam Najem is currently ranked fourth, sixth, seventh, 10th and 14th, respectively, among active NCAA career leaders in total assists (24), assists per contest (0.36), total points (80), points per game (1.21) and goals (28). • With its win over No. 4 Georgetown on Sept. 4 and No. 6 Maryland on Sept. 7, Akron posted back-to-back regular season road victories over top 10 opponents for the first time since defeating No. 4 North Carolina (3-0) and No. 3 Wake Forest (2-0) to open the 2010 National Championship campaign. • In Akron’s 18 victories this season, Adam Najem, Richie Laryea, Sam Gainford, Stuart Holthusen, Sean Sepe and Victor Souto have recorded 54, 51, 50, 42, 27 and 24 shots, respectively. • Former Zips Saad Abdul-Salaam was a part of Sporting KC’s victory on Sept. 30, in the U.S. Open Cup as his squad prevailed in penalty kicks, 7-6, over the . • The Zips have posted a winning record in the month of September in each of the last 13 seasons, including 5-1-1 this season. • Akron has benefited from scoring contributions from 14 players this season, led by 31, 29 and 23 points, respectively, from Adam Najem, Richie Laryea and Sam Gainford. • Sam Gainford has already amassed a career-best eight goals through 23 games this season, and with his three assists versus Ohio State, he surpassed set a new career-high for points (11) after collecting nine a year ago. He will enter the showdown with Stanford owning 23 points. • Richie Laryea’s 11 goals and seven assists represent career-high marks. • Despite having only registered seven shots on the campaign, Nate Shultz owns a pair of assists on the year. • The Zips’ game at UC Santa Barbara marked a homecoming for assistant coach Leo Chappel, who played a key role in transforming the Gauchos into a national powerhouse serving as an assistant coach from 2001-06 and again from 2009-10. • Akron returned to the site of its greatest triumph when it battled UC Santa Barbara as the Zips claimed the 2010 National Championship with a 1-0 victory past Louisville in the championship game of the 2010 College Cup at Harder Stadium. • The Zips have scored two or more goals in 19 of the squad’s last 29 matches, including on 18 occasions this season. • Sam Gainford registered the Zip’ first multi-goal performance of the season with his two tallies versus VCU (Aug. 28). A year ago, only Adam Najem with his three-goal effort against Cleveland State logged a multi-goal game. • The Zips own seven victories over ranked opponents this season having defeated No. 3 Creighton (3-2 on Dec. 5), No. 4 Georgetown (1-0 on Sept. 4), No. 6 Maryland (3-2 on Sept. 7), No. 11 SMU (2-1 on Nov. 29), No. 14 Saint Louis (3-2 on Sept. 11), No. 23 Rutgers (3-1 on Nov. 22) and No. 25 UC Santa Barbara (2-0 on Sept. 25). • Najem and Brad Ruhaak have been named as team captains for the 2015 campaign.

S SOCCER • Najem was selected by United State’s Under-23 men’s national team head coach Andi Herzog to attend a college identification training camp that allowed

’ the coaching staff to evaluate collegiate players as the team continues preparations ahead of October qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The four-day camp ran Aug. 5-8 at the U.S. National Training Center in Carson, California. • Akron owns a 26-3-2 record in its last 31 home matches. • Since 2007, Akron owns a league record of 48-2-2 (.942) mark in the MAC. Furthermore, the Zips have won 10 consecutive MAC regular season championships and seven of the last eight MAC Tournament titles. • In all, Akron leads all league members with 18 regular-season and 12 tournament championships since joining the MAC in 1993, and has won both titles in the same season 11 times after doing so in 2015. • In 23 seasons in the MAC, the Zips have produced 169 All-MAC honorees, including a conference-record nine first-team selections in 2010. • In all, the Zips have produced 20 Academic All-American honors in its history, dating back to the 1998 season. • Akron has long been associated with academic excellence. In addition to posting a team GPA of better than 3.37 in 2014, the Zips finished second in Division I in 2011-12 with a cumulative mark of 3.44. The remarkable feat follows years that saw the Zips post GPAs of 3.43 in 2010-11 and 3.33 in 2009-10. • Najem is Akron’s active career leader in goals (28), assists (24), points (80), shots (161) and shots on goal (77). Andrew Souders leads active Zips on the

AKRON MEN roster in games played (83) and in contests started (71). • Saad Abdul-Salaam became the 10th Zip to have his name called during the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with his selection 12th overall in the MLS SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City in January. IN OUR LAST MEETING Akron def. Stanford, 2-0 (Nov. 29, 2009) AKRON, Ohio - Top-seeded Akron defeated Stanford, 2-0, to advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships before yet another record-setting crowd at Lee Jackson Field. The end product was another dominating performance from the Zips, who bested Stanford with a relentless attack and swarming defense; resulting in a 16-4 edge on shots, including a 9-3 margin on goal. added to his total with No. 17 on the season in the 29th minute to give Akron a 1-0 lead. Bunbury leaped high to get a head on a ball that volleyed around following one of eight Akron corner kicks. , who recorded his first career assist on the play, also got a touch to set up the score. made it 2-0 in the 37th minute on a direct free kick from 26 yards out. The two goals highlighted the Zips’ most complete half of their perfect season - out-shooting the Cardinal, 9-0, in the first 45 minutes. The Cardinal picked up its pace in the second half, but couldn’t break through the Zips’ swarming defense. Akron’s goalkeeper David Meves recorded a trio of saves, including one worthy of the highlight reel, to post his 14th shutout of the campaign, matching ’s school record (2005) for most in a season. LARYEA GARNERS NATIONAL ACCLAIM Richie Laryea continued to gain recognition for his outstanding play this fall as he was chosen by College Soccer News and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America on Oct. 19 as their respective National Player of the Week for the period spanning Oct. 12-18. The honor marks the third and fourth time, respectively, this season in which Laryea has been tabbed as the National Player of the Week after earning accolades from TopDrawerSoccer.com and the NSCAA on Sept. 15. Additionally, he was selected by the Mid-American Conference as the MAC Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week on Oct. 19. The conference award represented the second straight and third of the season/career for Laryea. Laryea turned in a dominating performance in a battle of MAC league leaders on Oct. 17 as he netted his first career hat trick to lead the Zips to their sixth straight victory, a 4-0 home decision past Northern Illinois.

8 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

SLAWSON NAMED HEAD COACH AT ASHLAND Oliver Slawson last week was named as the head men’s soccer coach as Ashland University. The Eagles are reinstating their program as the program was eliminated prior to the beginning of the 2013 campaign. NAJEM EARNS NATIONAL AND CONFERENCE HONORS Akron junior Adam Najem received national recognition for his play as TopDrawerSoccer.com named him as the National Player of the week, while College Soccer News named him to its National Team of the Week on Oct. 5. Najem also earned recognition by the Mid-American Conference named him as its Athlete of the Week as well as being named the Zips’ Student-Athlete of the Week, presented by The University of Akron, Ohio’s Polytechnic University. The conference award is the second of the season and sixth of the career for Najem. The honor marked the third weekly conference accolade for a Zip in 2015. Najem led the Zips to victories over Penn State (1-0) and at UAB (2-1, OT) as he played a hand in every goal for Akron recording a pair of goals, while adding an assist. AKRON NO. 6 IN LATEST RPI REPORT The NCAA released its eighth RPI report of the 2015 campaign on Monday, Nov. 16, and the Zips sit at No. 6 nationally. Atop this list is Wake Forest, whom Akron played on Sept. 22 at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field. ZIPS EARN NSCAA COLLEGIATE TEAM ACADEMIC RECOGNITION Akron was one of 215 school nationwide to have its men’s and women’s soccer teams recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as 2014-15 Collegiate Team Academic Award winners. AKRON MEN The Zips were also one of only two schools in the Mid-American Conference to have both of their respective soccer programs honored. Under third-year head coach Jared Embick, Akron was recognized for the eighth consecutive year and ninth time overall after registering a cumulative 3.37 grade point average for the 2014-15 academic year. LARYEA GARNERS NATIONAL ACCOLADES Akron sophomore Richie Laryea continued to garner national recognition for his play as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and TopDrawerSoccer.com named him as their National Player of the Week on Sept. 15. Laryea also earned recognition by College Soccer News as a member of its National Team of the Week. Additionally, the Mid-American Conference named him as its Athlete of the Week. In the Zips’ 3-2 road win over No. 6 Maryland on Sept. 7, Laryea registered two goals, including the game-winner, while adding an assist. He connected on four shots in the contest, with three falling on goal, and played a role in each of Akron’s three goals.

Laryea earned the assist on Adam Najem’s 22nd-minute (21:41) tally before giving the Zips a 2-0 lead registering his first goal of the season at the 38:30 ’ mark on what proved to be the game-winning tally. He later extended Akron’s margin to 3-1 on his second goal of the match at the 82:49 mark. S SOCCER In the Zips’ 3-2 come-from-behind win past No. 14 Saint Louis on Sept. 11, Laryea netted a pair of assists, including on Sam Gainford’s game-winning goal in the 71st minute (70:27). His first assist was also on a Gainford goal at the 38:58 mark. A LEGACY OF SUCCESS Since 2007, Akron men’s soccer program has posted the highest winning percentage in the nation (.822) through games of Dec. 5 with an overall record of 158-26-21. The Zips are followed by Creighton, 131-36-23 (.750), Maryland, 143-39-28 (.748), North Carolina, 130-41-30 (.721), Connecticut, 123-36-38 (.721), Wake Forest, 124-45-27 (.702) and New Mexico, 112-46-22 (.683). Akron has made eight straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2007-14), earning a first-round bye in six seasons. The Zips have advanced to the NCAA’s Round of 16 in six of the last eight years. Since 1961, the Zips have advanced to the NCAA postseason 30 times, including each of the past nine seasons and 14 of the past 15. PROTECTING OUR HOUSE Since 2007, the Zips have recorded an 94-7-12 (.885) ledger in home matches at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field. Akron owns four unbeaten campaigns during that span, including posting home marks of 12-0-1, 13-0-0, 12-0-1 and 10-0-2 during the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 seasons, respectively. FOUR FORMER ZIPS CLAIM THE 2015 MLS CUP The 2015 MLS Cup was on the line on Sunday, Dec. 6, as the hosted the at 4 p.m. at MAPFRE Stadium. The contest featured former Zips Chad Barson (Columbus), (Portland), (Portland), (Columbus Crew) and Ben Zemanski (Portland), along with former head coach . Portland registered a 2-1 triumph in the affair to claim the 2015 MLS Cup. The Timbers also posted an identical 2-1 regular-season victory over Columbus on Sept. 26, 2015. ZIPS WELL REPRESENTED IN MLS PLAYOFFS Akron was well represented when the MLS Playoffs began on Oct. 28, as 12 former Zips had their teams qualify for the playoffs. Sporting KC (Saad Abdul Salaam) battled Portland (Darlington Nagbe, Michael Nanchoff and Ben Zemanski) to a 2-2 draw in the knockout round before the Timbers advanced on penalty kicks, 7-6. D.C. United ( and Chris Korb) defeated the (Teal Bunbury and ), 2-1, also in the knockout round. D.C. United advanced to battle the in the conference semifinal round in a home-and-away, aggregate-goal series, while Vancouver (Darren Mattocks) plays Portland. Montreal (Evan Bush) squared off against Columbus (Wil Trapp and Chad Barson) also in the semifinal round. In the conference semifinals, the New York Red Bulls edged D.C. United, 2-0, Columbus edged Montreal, 4-3, and Portland bettered Vancouver, 2-0. Columbus opened the Eastern Conference Finals with a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Nov. 22 before advancing to the MLS Cup with a 2-1 aggregate-goal final triumph, despite falling 1-0 on Nov. 29. Portland bested FC Dallas, 3-1, in the Western Conference aggregate-goal finals on Nov. 22 before battling to a 2-2 draw on Nov. 29 to move into the MLS Cup by a 5-3 margin. NAGBE AND YEDLIN ADDED TO USMNT WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ROSTER A pair of former University of Akron men’s soccer standouts in Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers) and DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland) have been added to the 23-man U.S. national soccer team roster for the first two 2018 World Cup qualifiers this month by U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Receiving his first call up to the senior National Team after becoming a citizen in September was Nagbe, who is one of 10 players looking to make their debut in World Cup Qualifying competition. Yedlin has appeared in 17 of the 18 MNT matches in 2015 and has tallied four assists. #ZipsGameday 9 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

The USA’s first match of 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign was a 6-1 victory on Nov. 13, over St. Vincent & the Grenadines at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The MNT was drawn into Group C for the Semifinal Round of Qualifying along with St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and Guatemala. Following the match in St. Louis, the USA traveled to Port of Spain for the away leg with Trinidad, which ended in a 0-0 draw. SERNA AND TRAPP PLAY FOR U.S. NATIONAL SQUAD AT CONCACAF OLYMPIC QUALIFYING A pair of former Akron men’s soccer players in Dillon Serna and Wil Trapp were among the 20 players selected by U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team head coach Andi Herzog for the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship, which was played from Oct. 1-13. The Americans opened tournament play downing Canada, 3-1, on Oct. 1, at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The United States then registered a 6-1 win over Cuba on Oct. 3, also at Sporting Park. The victory, combined with the USA’s tournament opening triumph against Canada secured a top two spot for the team in Group A. The squad concluded group play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on Oct. 6, with a 4-0 win against Panama. The United States dropped a 2-0 decision to Honduras in the semifinal round on Oct. 10 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The United States logged a pair of second-half goals to beat Canada 2-0 in the third-place match on Oct. 13 to keep alive its quest to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The USA now advances to a March playoff against Colombia for the right to attend the 2016 Olympics. NAJEM NAMED TO MAC HERMANN TROPHY WATCH LIST Adam Najem added another accolade to his growing resume with his selection to the 2015 Missouri Athletic Club’s (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List. Najem is one of 30 men tabbed for consideration for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer presented annually to one male and one female athlete. The winners will be announced Jan. 8, 2016, at the trophy presentation banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis. Near the end of the collegiate regular season, NCAA Division I coaches whose programs are current NSCAA College Services members will vote on their top choices and the lists will be narrowed down to the top 15 players. College soccer fans will also have the opportunity to participate in the selection process, by voting for their favorite semifinalist in November at the MAC Hermann Trophy website, managed by LockerDome. From that pool of 30, six finalists (three men, three women) will be chosen for the award. The winners will be announced in January. ZIPS PRIMED FOR BIG THINGS IN 2015 The Zips entered the 2015 campaign looking to build upon an 13-6-2 mark last season, including a 4-1-0 ledger in the Mid-American Conference. Akron is seeking to integrate six newcomers Pau Belana, Alonzo Clarke (New Carrollton, Md.), Nick Costa (North Royalton, Ohio), Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio), Barth-Luther Mouafo (Potomac, Md.) and Goncalo Soares this season onto a roster that boasts nine returning starters from a year ago.

S SOCCER Included among the returnees are nine starters from the close of the 2014 campaign is a trio of first-team All-MAC performers in juniorAdam Najem and

’ seniors Jake Fenlason and Andrew Souders. Sophomores Stuart Holthusen and Richie Laryea along with junior Victor Souto were tabbed as second-team All-MAC honorees in 2014. Complimenting that quartet is the return of sophomore Jesse Garcia-Aguilar, junior Brad Ruhaak and senior Sean Sepe, who were each starters in 2014. AKRON TABBED TO CAPTURE MAC REGULAR AND POSTSEASON TITLES Akron was tabbed to capture the Mid-American Conference regular and postseason titles in a preseason poll of six conference coaches. The Zips under third-year head coach Jared Embick, were picked to repeat as conference champions in the MAC Coaches Preseason poll with three first- place votes. Akron (32 points) was followed by Western Michigan (28 points), who received two first-place votes, while West Virginia (28 points) also garnered a first-place tally. Rounding out the rest of the poll was 2014 MAC Tournament runner-up Bowling Green (16 points), Buffalo (13 points) and Northern Illinois (nine points). Also voted on by the coaches was the predicted 2015 MAC Tournament Champion. Akron received three of the six first-place votes. Western Michigan collected two championship votes and West Virginia garnered the final tally.

AKRON MEN MLS TOP 24 UNDER 24 The annual MLSsoccer.com’s “24 Under 24” list was released on Sept. 22 and a number of familiar names on it, including Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew) and Perry Kitchen (DC United). The duo was rated fourth and eighth, respectively. Trapp was tabbed as the ninth-best prospect on the 24 under 24 list a year ago, while Kitchen was 18th. Trapp, who was a two-time first-team All-MAC selection in 2011 and 2012 and a third-team NSCAA All-American in 2012, moved up five spots after being tabbed as the ninth-best prospect on the 24 under 24 list a year ago. Moving up 10 spots from his No. 18 ranking in 2014 was Kitchen, who as a freshman in 2010, started 25 games, scoring six goals and adding one assist. He earned first-team All-MAC honors and helped Akron to the 2010 National Championship. He scored an unassisted goal on an emphatic right-footed blast from 30 yards out during Akron’s 2-1 win over Michigan in the national semifinal of the College Cup MLS TOP 24 UNDER 24 PREVIEW The annual MLSsoccer.com’s “24 Under 24” list has become an annual staple for soccer enthusiasts. Will Parchman of TopDrawerSoccer.com has revealed his award for the competition and a number of familiar names on it, including the No. 1 selection midfielder Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew), No. 11 Dillon Serna () and No. 14 Perry Kitchen (DC United). As a freshman in 2012, Serna was named by College Soccer News and TopDrawerSoccer.com to its All-Freshmen Teams as well as being chosen as the MAC Player of the Year and first-team all-conference honoree. He was signed as an MLS Homegrown Signee by the Colorado Rapids following the 2012 campaign after registering a pair of goals and adding eight assists on 48 shots to lead the Zips to a 18-1-3 record in 2012. EMBICK RECEIVES CONTRACT EXTENSION Akron men’s soccer head coach Jared Embick received a three-year contract extension, interim Director of Athletics Nathan J. Mortimer announced on July 17. The extension will keep Embick at the helm of the storied program through the 2018 season. ON THIS DATE IN ZIPS HISTORY The Zips will be playing for the second time in program history on Dec. 111 when Akron battles Stanford on Friday. The Zips garnered a 0-0 double-overtime draw with North Carolina in the College Cup semifinals of the NCAA Tournament on the date in 2009. Akron advanced to the title game, 5-4, on penalty kicks.

10 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD

ZIPS LIVE RADIO SHOW Every Thursday throughout the season from 7-8 p.m. ET, Akron head coaches can be heard on the weekly radio program Zips Live, presented by Lee Hyder and Associates. The show airs locally on 1350 AM (WARF) and originates from Johnny J’s Pub and Grill in the Valley (1282 Weathervane Lane). A free audio stream is available on SportsRadio1350.com. WHAT IS A ZIP? • One of the unique nicknames in collegiate athletics belongs to The University of Akron. • Originally Zippers, athletic director Kenneth “Red” Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the Zips in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname for the University’s athletics teams. • Suggestions submitted by students, faculty, and alumni included Golden Blue Devils, Tip Toppers, Rubbernecks, Hillbillies, Kangaroos, and Cheveliers. • The winner, freshman Margaret Hamlin, received a prize of $10 for Zippers, a $6 pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the BF Goodrich Company. • The evolution of Zippy, UA’s mascot, began 40 years ago when the student council decided the University needed a mascot. • “Zippy” the kangaroo was officially declared the school’s mascot on May 1, 1953. The first known printed reference to the mascot as “Zippy” was a 1965 Zip football press brochure. The Buchtelite’s first use of the name “Zippy” came Sept. 24, 1965, in an identification of a photo of the cheerleaders listing “Mascot - ‘Zippy’ - Charles Huettner.” • In 2007, Zippy was named the Capital One National Mascot of the Year.

DID YOU KNOW? • Redshirt sophomore MF/D Robby Dambrot is the son of Zips’ men’s basketball coach Keith Dambrot. • Akron men’s soccer has produced 20 Academic All-Americans since 1998. AKRON MEN • Nine Zips have had their names called during the first round of the MLS SuperDraft, including a league record five selections in the first eight picks in 2011 following the Zips’ national championship season. • Akron broke a second MLS record that day as seven Akron players were chosen in the first two rounds, the most from a single team in draft history. • Zippy is just one of five female-gendered college mascots in Division I athletics. Do you know the other four? (YoUDee, the Delaware Blue Hen; Mrs. Wuf of N.C. State; Lucy Lobo of New Mexico; and Wilma Wildcat of Arizona).

UP NEXT A victory sends the Zips into the College Cup final versus the winner of the Clemson/Syracuse game. ’ S SOCCER

#ZipsGameday 11 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD POTENTIAL COLLEGE CUP OPPONENTS

AKRON-CLEMSON NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY AKRON-SYRACUSE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY The Zips would be meeting Clemson for the first time in Akron NCAA The Zips would be meeting Syracuse for the first time in Akron NCAA Tournament history. Tournament history.

AKRON VERSUS THE ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE AKRON VERSUS THE ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE • The Zips would meet a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference for the • The Zips would meet a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference for the second time this season after suffering a 2-1 home setback versus Wake second time this season after suffering a 2-1 home setback versus Wake Forest on Sept. 22. Forest on Sept. 22. • In all, Akron is 34-23-9 (.438) all-time versus teams from the Atlantic Coast • In all, Akron is 34-23-9 (.438) all-time versus teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Conference. • The Zips would encounter an ACC team in NCAA Tournament play for the • The Zips would encounter an ACC team in NCAA Tournament play for the sixth time. Akron bested Louisville in the title game of the 2010 College Cup sixth time. Akron bested Louisville in the title game of the 2010 College Cup in 2010, while earning double-overtime ties in the 2009 College Cup versus in 2010, while earning double-overtime ties in the 2009 College Cup versus North Carolina and Virginia. North Carolina and Virginia. COMMON OPPONENTS COMMON OPPONENTS • Clemson registered a 3-2 victory past UC Santa Barbara, Nov. 29, while posting • Syracuse registered 2-1 and 3-0 victories, respectively, over Rutgers, Sept. 1-1 double-overtime draws against Wake Forest and Maryland on Sept. 26 and 6, Bowling Green, Oct. 13, while dropping a 3-1 decision versus Wake Forest, Dec. 4, respectively. Akron bested Maryland, 3-2, on Sept. 7, UC Santa Barbara, Sept. 19. Akron bested Bowling Green, 4-0, Nov. 7, Rutgers, 6-1, Nov. 22, while 2-0, Sept. 25, while dropping a 2-1 decision against Wake Forest on Sept. 22. dropping a 2-1 decision against Wake Forest on Sept. 22. SCOUTING THE TIGERS SCOUTING THE ORANGE Clemson (17-2-2) enters its showdown versus Syracuse on Friday, Dec. Syracuse (16-5-3) enters its showdown versus Clemson on Friday, Dec. 11, 11, having earned 5-2, 3-2 and 1-1 decisions over Elon UC Santa Barbara having earned 2-1, 3-1 and 1-0 victories over Dartmouth, Seattle and Boston and Maryland in the first three rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers College in the first three rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Orange own a own a 3-1-1 mark in their last five games. Senior T.J. Casner leads Clemson’s 5-0-0 mark in their last five games. Junior leads Syracuse’s offensive offensive efforts having recorded team-high marks in goals (10), points (24) efforts having recorded team-high marks in goals (12), points (28), shots on and game-winners (6), while ranking second in shots (49) and shots on goal goal (36) and game-winners (5), while ranking second in shots (63). Junior (24). Junior owns the majority of minutes in goal for Clemson Chris Nanco paces the team in shots (64), while sophomore Julian Buescher

S SOCCER this season and has recorded 75 saves, while owning a 0.79 goals against owns a team-best 11 assists. Freshman Hendrik Hilpert owns the majority of

’ average and eight shutouts. As a team, the Tigers are rated first, first, second, minutes in goal for Syracuse this season and has recorded 31 saves, while third, third, third fourth, 19th, 19th, 20th and 24th in the NCAA in assists per owning a 0.84 goals against average and five shutouts. As a team, the Orange game (2.36), total assists (52), points per contest (7.09), scoring offense (2.36), are rated sixth, eighth, ninth, 13th, 17th, 21st, 22nd and 24th in the NCAA total points (156), winning percentage (.841), total goals (52), shots per game in total points (134), total goals (46), total assists (42), winning percentage (15.50), shots on goal per tilt (6.64), team goals against average (0.79) and (.729), shots on goal per contest (6.75), points per game (5.58), scoring offense save percentage (.809). (1.92) and assists per game (1.75). CLEMSON AKRON SYRACUSE AKRON Overall Record 17-2-2 18-3-2 Overall Record 16-5-3 18-3-2 Conference Record 6-1-1 4-0-1 Conference Record 3-4-1 4-0-1 Goals 52 56 Goals 46 56 Goals-Shot Attempts 52-341 56-411 Goals-Shot Attempts 46-327 56-411

AKRON MEN Goals Per Game 2.36 2.43 Goals Per Game 1.92 2.43 Assists 52 47 Assists 42 47 Shots 341 411 Shots 327 411 Shots On Goal 146 169 Shots On Goal 162 169 Shot Percentage .152 .136 Shot Percentage .141 .136 Shots On Goal Percentage .428 .411 Shots On Goal Percentage .495 .411 Shots Per Game 15.5 17.9 Shots Per Game 13.6 17.9 Corner Kicks 147 139 Corner Kicks 182 139 Opponent Corner Kicks 93 90 Opponent Corner Kicks 88 90 Penalty Kicks 5-5 7-10 Penalty Kicks 2-2 7-10 Opponent Penalty Kicks 0-1 3-5 Opponent Penalty Kicks 2-2 3-5 SERIES HISTORY SERIES HISTORY Sunday afternoon’s potential game would mark the second meeting between Sunday afternoon’s potential game would mark the second meeting between Akron and Clemson. The Zips posted a 3-1 victory over the Tigers in the lone Akron and Syracuse. The Zips posted a 2-1 home victory over the Orange in encounter between the schools at the Clemson/Nike Invitational on Oct. 3, 1999. the lone encounter between the schools on Sept. 5, 1987. The squads most recently battled in an exhibition tilt at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field THE COACHES on Aug. 22, 2014, a 2-1 Syracuse victory. Clemson: is in his sixth season as head coach of the Clemson program, owning a 59-42-20 (.570) record. In 27 years overall as a head coach THE COACHES he maintains a 283-158-61 (.625) ledger. Syracuse: Ian McIntyre is in his sixth season as head coach of the Syracuse Akron: In his third year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and ninth program, owning a 61-44-12 (.573) record. In 17 years overall as a head coach season overall, is Jared Embick, who has a 48-13-5 mark (.765), including he maintains a 168-108-44 (.594) ledger. 95-34-15 (.712) overall, in his seventh year as a head coach. Akron: In his third year on the Akron sidelines as head coach, and ninth season overall, is Jared Embick, who has a 48-13-5 mark (.765), including 95-34-15 (.712) overall, in his seventh year as a head coach.

12 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD ZIPS’ SUPERLATIVES

ZIPS CAREER GAME-WINNING GOALS Nate Shultz (1) Adam Najem (10) 2015 2013 at Georgetown (1-0) (62:54) (Najem) Sept. 4 at Buffalo (1-0) (107:54) Oct. 18 at Cleveland St. (2-1) (69:42) Oct. 9 Goncalo Soares (1) 2014 2015 at Northern Illinois (2-1) (82:01) Nov. 1 vs. Northern Illinois (4-0) (32:58) (Laryea) Oct. 17 vs. Cleveland State (5-0) (5:40) Oct. 28 at Bowling Green (1-0) (15:54) Oct. 11 Andrew Souders (1) vs. UAB (1-0) (65:07) Oct. 4 2014 2015 vs. UAB (1-0) (65:07) (Najem) Oct. 4 at Georgetown (1-0) (62:54) Sept. 4 vs. Penn State (1-0) (76:18) Sept. 30 AKRON CAREER MULTIPLE-GOAL GAMES at UAB (2-1 OT) (98:18) Oct. 3 Richie Laryea (4) vs. Creighton (3-2 2OT) (101:55) Dec. 5 2015 at Maryland (3-2) (38:30) (82:49) Sept. 7 Stuart Holthusen (4) vs. Santa Clara (2-0) (39:04) (82:09) Oct. 6 2014 vs. Northern Illinois (4-0) (32:58) (59:23) (61:02) Oct. 17 vs. Michigan (3-0) (6:34) Oct. 14 vs. Rutgers (6-1) (12:45) (17:39) Nov. 22 vs. Tulsa (3-0) (12:28) Sept. 20 2015 Stuart Holthusen (3) vs. Bowling Green (4-0) (11:53) Nov. 7 2015 vs. West Virginia (3-2) (48:58) Nov. 13 vs. Bowling Green (4-0) (11:53) (20:31) Nov. 7 vs. West Virginia (3-2) (48:58) (67:53) Nov. 13 Victor Souto (4) vs. Rutgers (6-1) (12:28) (16:09) Nov. 22 2015 at Buffalo (2-1) (83:05) Oct. 9 Sam Gainford (2) vs. Michigan State (4-1) (24:59) Oct. 21 2015 vs. Buffalo (1-0) (44:30) Nov. 15 at VCU (3-2, 2OT) (54:48) (77:12) Aug. 28

vs. Rutgers (6-1) (4:56) Nov. 22 vs. Saint Louis (3-2) (38:58) (70:27) Sept. 11 AKRON MEN Richie Laryea (3) Adam Najem (2) 2015 2013 at Maryland (3-2) (82:49) Sept. 7 at Cleveland State (2-1) (19:10) (69:42) Oct. 9 vs. Santa Clara (2-0) (39:04) Oct. 6 2014 vs. Northern Illinois (4-0) (32:58) Oct. 17 vs. Cleveland State (5-0) (5:40) (17:08) (41:17) Oct. 28 Sam Gainford (2) Victor Souto (1) 2015 2015 vs. Saint Louis (3-2) (70.27) Sept. 11 vs. Michigan State (4-1) (24:59) (33:55) (57:47) Oct. 21 at UC Santa Barbara (2-0) (34:29) Sept. 25 AKRON CAREER HAT TRICKS Anthony Macchione (2) Richie Laryea (1) 2014 2015 vs. Bowling Green (2-1) (78:10) Nov. 16 vs. Northern Illinois (4-0) (32:58) (59:23) (61:02) Oct. 17 2015 at VCU (3-2, 2OT) (107.09) Aug. 28 Adam Najem (1) 2014

Brad Ruhaak (1) vs. Cleveland State (5-0) (5:40) (17:08) (41:17) Oct. 28 ’

2015 S SOCCER at West Virginia (2-0) (3:00) Oct. 28 Victor Souto (1) 2015 Sean Sepe (1) vs. Michigan State (4-1) (24:59) (33:55) (57:47) Oct. 21 2014 at Ohio State (3-1) (34:26) Sept. 24 THE LAST TIME Akron scored... Nate Shultz (1) 4 goals W 4-0 vs. Bowling Green Nov. 7, 2015 2014 5 goals W 5-0 vs. Cleveland State Oct. 28, 2014 vs. West Virginia (3-2) (51:29) Oct. 17 6 goals W 6-1 vs. Rutgers Nov. 22, 2015 7 goals W 7-1 vs. Michigan Oct. 19, 2010 ZIPS CAREER GAME-WINNING ASSISTS 8+ goals W 8-0 vs. Wright State Oct. 15, 2008 Adam Najem (8) 2013 Akron allowed... vs. West Virginia (3-0) (44:42) (Stevenson) Nov. 15 3 goals T 3-3 vs. Ohio State Sept. 16, 2015 at Western Michigan (2-1) (104:00) (Derschang) Nov. 9 4 goals L 4-2 vs. UCLA Nov. 1, 2015 vs. Northern Illinois (2-1) (75:58) (Derschang) Oct. 26 5 goals L 5-0 vs. UC Santa Barbara Aug. 25, 2006 vs. San Diego St. (2-1) (104:07) (Stevenson) Sept. 15 6 goals L 6-0 at SIU Edwardsville Oct. 14, 1978 vs. Ohio State (1-0) (6:12) (Portillos) Sept. 24 7+ goals L 7-0 at Saint Louis November 1970 2014 vs. Buffalo (4-0) (12:25) (Caso) Nov. 8 Akron won by... 2015 4 goals 4-0 vs. Bowling Green Nov. 7, 2015 at VCU (3-2, 2OT) (107.09) (Macchione) Aug. 28 5 goals 6-1 vs. Rutgers Nov. 22, 2015 at West Virginia (2-0) (3:00) (Ruhaak) Oct. 28 6 goals 7-1 vs. Michigan Oct. 19, 2010 vs. West Virginia (3-2) (48:58) (Holthusen) Nov. 13 7+ goals 8-0 vs. Wright State Oct. 15, 2008 Stuart Holthusen (3) Akron won in overtime... 2014 3-2 (2OT) vs. Creighton Dec. 5, 2015 at Ohio State (3-1) (34:26) (Sepe) Sept. 24 2015 Akron lost in overtime... vs. Santa Clara (2-0) (39:04) (Laryea) Oct. 6 2-1 (2OT) at South Florida Sept. 4, 2014 at West Virginia (2-0) (3:00) (Ruhaak) Oct. 28 GOALS SCORED IN 15-MINUTE INTERVALS Bryce Cregan (1) Team 1-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76-90 OT 2OT Total 2014 Akron 7 10 10 9 9 8 1 2 56 vs. Hartford (2-0) (30:54) (Abdul-Salaam) Sept. 14 Opp. 4 5 1 5 8 6 0 0 29 Robby Dambrot (1) MISCELLANEOUS 2015 2014 Zips Opponents vs. West Virginia (3-2) (51:29) (Shultz) Oct. 17 Quickest Goal: Ruhaak (3:00) Brown (2:22) 10/28 at West Virginia 9/11 vs. Saint Louis Sam Gainford (1) Game-Winning Goals after 75’: Macchione (107:09) NA 2015 8/28 at VCU vs. Bowling Green (4-0) (11:53) (Holthusen) Nov. 7 Game-Tying Goals after 75’: Najem (76:43) Castillo (87:41) 9/16 vs. Ohio State 8/28 at VCU Jesse Garcia-Aguilar (1) Own Goals: 11/13 vs. West Virginia (67:48) 11/29 vs. SMU (42:42) 2014 11/29 vs. SMU (31:11) vs. UCF (2-1) (32:54) (Abdul-Salaam) Sept. 12 Richie Laryea (1) 2015 vs. Saint Louis (3-2) (70.27) (Gainford) Sept. 11 Tyler Sanda (1) 2015 at UAB (2-1 OT) (98:18) (Najem) Oct. 3 #ZipsGameday 13 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD ZIPS IN THE PROS

DeAndre Yedlin Perry Kitchen

AKRON, Ohio - Former University of Akron men’s aggregate-goal series on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8…made reserve duty in a 0-0 draw versus Dallas (Oct. 7). soccer standouts have found success this season four saves in a 2-1 victory over Toronto (Oct. 25)… as more than 20 former Zips are currently playing recorded two and three saves, respectively, in 1-0 Darlington Nagbe – Portland Timbers professional soccer both in the United States and shutout victories over New England (Oct. 17) and Has started all 33 matches for the Timbers S SOCCER

’ abroad. Colorado (Oct. 10)…collected five stops in a 2-1 loss registering five goals and five assists...ranks second against New York Red Bulls (Oct. 7)…made on save on the team in goals (5), third in assists (5) and in MLS in a 2-1 setback versus Orlando (Oct. 3). shots (50), including 16 on net...started and played Saad Abdul-Salaam – Sporting KC all 120 minutes in Portland’s 2-2 knock-out round Appeared in 23 matches for Sporting KC recording Scott Caldwell – New England Revolution draw versus Sporting KC (Won in PK’s 7-6) in the five shots...started and played all 120 minutes Started 32 of 34 matches for the Revolution this MLS Playoffs on Oct. 29…Portland will play the in Sporting KC’s 2-2 knockout round draw versus season owning two goals, while ranking fourth Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Playoff semifinals Portland (Lost in PK’s 7-6) in the MLS Playoffs on on the squad with five assists...recorded 14 shots, in a home-and-away, aggregate-goal series on Oct. 29…played all 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over including five on goal...started and played 87 Nov. 1 and Nov. 8…started in each of Portland’s LA Galaxy (Oct. 25), while starting and going the minutes in the Revolution’s 2-1 knock-out round MLS four matches in October and played all but four distance in a 2-0 setback versus Colorado (Oct. 21)… Playoff setback versus DC United (Oct. 28)…started minutes…scored a pair of goals and assisted on came off the bench to play 26 minutes in reserve all three games for New England in October…went another registering three shots in a 4-1 victory over in a 1-0 loss at San Jose (Oct. 16)…registered one all 90 minutes in a 3-1 victory past New York FC (Oct. Colorado (Oct. 25)…netted goal in a 5-2 win past shot in a 1-0 win against Seattle (Oct. 3)…helped 25)…played 79 and 75 minutes, respectively, in LA Galaxy (Oct. 18)…registered two and four shots,

AKRON MEN Sporting KC to third U.S. Open Cup championship starts against Montreal (Oct. 17), a 1-0 setback, and respectively, in a 1-0 triumph versus since 2004 and the team’s third major title in the in a 3-1 loss at Chicago (Oct. 3). (Oct. 14) and Sporting KC (Oct. 3). past four seasons prevailing 7-6 in an eight-round penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw with the Perry Kitchen – D.C. United Michael Nanchoff – Portland Timbers Philadelphia Union on Sept. 30. Has started 31 of the 33 matches he has appeared in Portland will play the Vancouver Whitecaps in for D.C. United and is fifth on team in goals (3), while the MLS Playoff semifinals in a home-and-away, Chad Barson – Columbus Crew adding an assist on 14 shots, including six on goal... aggregate-goal series on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 after Appeared in 10 matches, including four starts for the started and played all 90 minutes in D.C. United’s besting Sporting KC in penalty kicks, 7-6, in a 2-2 Columbus Crew this season. 2-1 knock-out round MLS Playoff victory past New knock-out round draw in the MLS Playoffs on Oct. England (Oct. 28)…D.C. United will play the New 29…after missing nearly four months for Portland Teal Bunbury – New England Revolution York Red Bulls in a home-and-away, aggregate-goal after hernia surgery, played 15 minutes of reserve Appeared in 30 matches for the Revolution, semifinals on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8…started and played action in a 5-0 setback at Los Angeles (June 24)... including 20 starts and owned four goals and five all 90 minutes in all three of the United’s matches in came off the bench to contribute seven minutes in a assists...registered 26 shots, with 10 falling on net... October…recorded one shot in a 2-1 win over New 3-0 setback at Philadelphia (July 11)...only previous ranked fourth on the squad in assists (5) sixth in York City FC (Oct. 2). appearance of the campaign came in the season goals (4), sixth in shots (26) and seventh in shots on opener versus Real Salt Lake on March 4 where he goal (10)...came off the bench to play 39 minutes in Chris Korb – D.C. United contributed four minutes in reserve duty. the Revolution’s 2-1 knock-out round MLS Playoff Started 17 of the 18 matches in which he has setback versus DC United (Oct. 28)…started and appeared in for D.C. United before an ACL injury - Houston Dynamo played all 90 minutes, recording a pair of shots, in ended his campaign in August. Started 15 of the 16 matches he appeared in for a 3-1 win over New York FC (Oct. 25)…came off the Houston contributing an assist on four shots... bench to play 31 minutes in a 3-1 setback against Darren Mattocks – Vancouver Whitecaps started and played 45 minutes in a 2-0 setback at Chicago (Oct. 3). Owns starts in nine of the 22 matches he has Philadelphia (Sept. 20). appeared in...ranked fifth on the squad with three Evan Bush – Montreal Impact goals, while adding an assist...is rated seventh Dillon Serna – Colorado Rapids Has started all 31 matches in which he has appeared in shots on goal (9) and in shots (24)...Vancouver Appeared in 15 matches for the Rapids this season, for Montreal...owns 99 saves and nine shutouts will play the Portland Timbers in the MLS Playoff including eight starts...ranked fourth on the team this season...Montreal will play Columbus in the semifinals in a home-and-away, aggregate-goal with three goals...was among the 20 players semifinals of the MLS Playoffs in a home-and-away, series on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8…played 15 minutes in selected by U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team head 14 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD ZIPS IN THE PROS AKRON MEN

Saad Abdul-Salaam coach Andi Herzog for the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Anthony Ampaipitakwong – Bangkok United (Thailand) Robbie Derschang – Arizona United Qualifying Championship, which was played from Has appeared in 18 matches for Bangkok United, Appeared in 16 matches for Arizona, including seven Oct. 1-13...started and played 90 minutes in a 4-0 including 12 starts and recorded one goal. starts and registered a goal on six shots. triumph past Panama (Oct. 6) at 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship…went all Reinaldo Brenes – Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica) Blair Gavin –

90 minutes in a 2-0 setback to Honduras in the Has appeared in reserve duty in two matches for Started 20 of the 24 matches in which has appeared, ’ semifinals (Oct. 10)…started and played 73 minutes Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica. and was tied for the team lead in assists (3) and S SOCCER in a 2-0 win over Canada in the third-place match ranked third on the team in goals (4)...owned 22 (Oct. 13)… the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team – FK Bodø/Glimt (Norway) shots, including nine on goal. will face off with Colombia in a home-and-away Has appeared in 22 matches for FK Bodø/Glimt, playoff in March of 2016 for the final berth in the including 21 starts and has registered three assists. – Louisville FC 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Signed a contract with Louisville on May 11... DeAndre Yedlin – Tottenham (England) started all 23 matches with Louisville and played Wil Trapp – Columbus Crew Loaned on Sept. 1 to fellow Premier League side all 90 minutes in 20 of those contests...played all Started 22 of the 24 matches in which he has Sunderland...made his Sunderland debut in a 4-1 120 minutes in a 2-0 double-overtime victory over appeared and has tallied three assists on 11 shots... setback versus Manchester City (Sept. 22)...collected Charleston (Oct. 3) in the opening round of the USL Columbus will open the MLS Playoffs hosting start in a 3-0 triumph past Newcastle United (Oct. Playoffs registering a match-high six shots…started Montreal on Nov. 1…has started each of the 25)…started in a 1-0 setback versus West Bromwich and played 79 minutes and posted a shot in a 1-0 Crew’s last 14 matches helping Columbus to a 9-3- Albion (Oct. 17)…earned the start in a 2-2 draw with playoff setback at Rochester (Oct. 10)…owned two 2 mark...registered an assist in a 5-0 win over DC West Ham United (Oct. 3). goals and a pair of assist en route to posting 38 United (Oct. 25), playing all 90 minutes…recorded shots. a pair of shots in a 2-0 triumph at Toronto (Oct. NASL 17)…was among the 20 players selected by U.S. David Meves – Fort Lauderdale Strikers Others Under-23 Men’s National Team head coach Andi Has started nine contests in goal for Fort Lauderdale – Retired Herzog for the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying and has made 30 saves. Eric Stevenson – Is out for year with hip surgery Championship, which was played from Oct. 1-13... Bryan Gallego – retired earned the start as the United State’s team captain Zach Portillos ¬– and tallied his first assist of the year on a Jordan Started each of the two games he appeared in for Morris 73rd-minute goal in a 3-1 victory over Canada Tampa Bay before suffering a season-ending injury (Oct. 1)…started and played all 90 minutes in a 6-1 on April 15. win versus Cuba (Oct. 3)…went all 90 minutes in a 2-0 setback to Honduras in the semifinals of the Sinisa Ubiparapovic – Ottawa Fury Olympic Qualifying Championship (Oct. 10)… Has appeared in 24 games for Ottawa, including 20 started and played all 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over starts and owns five goals and a team-best seven Canada in the third-place match (Oct. 13)…the U.S. assists...started and played 87 minutes en route to Under-23 Men’s National Team will face off with scoring a goal in a 3-1 victory over Jacksonville (Oct. Colombia in a home-and-away playoff in March of 21)…recorded a pair of shots in a 2-2 draw against 2016 for the final berth in the 2016 Olympic Games Tampa Bay (Oct. 10)…netted a pair of goals on three in Rio de Janeiro. shots in playing all 90 minutes in a 2-0 win past FC Edmonton (Oct. 4). Ben Zemanski – Portland Timbers Is out for the season for the Timbers after tearing his ACL in the preseason.

International USL #ZipsGameday 15 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON GAME-BY-GAME BOXSCORES

GAME 1 GAME 2 AKRON 3, VCU 2 (2OT) NO. 24 OLD DOMINION 4, NO. 24 AKRON 1 AUG. 28 • RICHMOND, VA. AUG. 30 • NORFOLK, VA.

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer Akron vs VCU (Aug 28, 2015 at Richmond, Va.) #24 Akron vs #24 Old Dominion (Aug 30, 2015 at Norfolk, Va.)

Akron (1-0-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Akron (1-1-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Old Dominion (1-1-0) VCU (0-1-0) Akron 0201 3 Akron 0 1 1 Date: Aug 30, 2015 • Attendance: 348 Old Dominion 2 2 Date: Aug 28, 2015 • Attendance: 1237 VCU 0200 2 4 Weather: Weather: 76 degrees, overcast & breezy Akron Old Dominion Akron VCU Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 TIESENHAUSEN, Alex - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 13 CYPRUS, Garrett - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d3JOLY, Sebastian - ---- 2 SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- 3 CASTILLO, Dennis 1 1 1 - - f3SEPE, Sean 2 ---- d4MACSICZA, David 1 1 - - - 3 SEPE, Sean 3 1 - 1 - 4 DAL MOLIN, Steven - ---- f6LARYEA, Richie - ---- f7MILITAR, Ivan 1 1 - 1 - 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 5 FAJARDO ORTIZ, Juan - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 1 ---- mf 8 STRINGER, Cole 1 ---- 7 GAINFORD, Sam 2 2 2 - - 6 EATON, Brandon - ---- mf 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- mf 10 MIRALRIO, Jesse 1 ---- 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- 7 FATTON, Luc - ---- f 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 2 - - - d 14 WIRTH, Christian - - - 1 - 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 3 1 - - - 8 BARNATHAN, Dakota 2 2 - 1 - mf 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- f 20 HENRIQUEZ, Josue 5 3 3 - - 10 NAJEM, Adam 1 - - 1 - 10 ANDRADE SANTOS, R - ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - - - 1 - mf 21 KLOSTERHALFEN, Nik 3 3 1 1 - 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- 11 MARSHALL, Kai - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 22 WILLBYE, Jack 1 ---- 18 SHULTZ, Nate 1 ---- 15 ROBERTS, RJ - ---- d 22 DAMBROT, Robby 2 1 - - - d 26 NELSON, Michael - ---- 20 RUHAAK, Brad 2 1 - - - 18 BATES, Jack 3 1 - - - -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 6 CONDOTTA, Ryan 1 1 - - - 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 2 OWUSU, Isaac - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 9 EDWARDS, Tyler 1 ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana 1 ---- 14 KARGBO, Simond - ---- 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 11 HILL, Geoffrey - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony 1 1 1 - - 16 SWEATTE, Cody 2 1 - 1 - 14 CREGAN, Bryce - ---- 16 DE PICKER, Johan - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- 20 HERRANZ, Jorge - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana 1 ---- Totals 15 9 4 3 20 Totals 14 6328 31 McGLOTHERN, Jason 1 1 1 - - 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony 4 3 1 - - 77 COSTA-DORSEY, Rahi 1 ---- 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- Totals 10 6228 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- Totals 13 6 1 1 17 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 24 FENLASON, Jake 107:09 2 4 13 CYPRUS, Garrett 107:09 3 3 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 4 5 1 TIESENHAUSEN, Alex 90:00 1 5

Shots by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Saves by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Akron 2732 14 Akron 0310 4 Akron 8 5 13 Akron 1 4 5 VCU 2710 10 VCU 0210 3 Old Dominion 7 8 15 Old Dominion 3 2 5

Corner kicks 1 2 OT O2 Total Fouls 1 2 OT O2 Total Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Akron 1210 4 Akron 5300 8 Akron 1 2 3 Akron 5 12 17 VCU 1210 4 VCU 4400 8 Old Dominion 1 5 6 Old Dominion 10 10 20

Scoring summary: Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 54:48 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (unassisted) Strike from outside the box 1. 17:20 ODU HENRIQUEZ, Josue (1) WIRTH, Christian Shot into top corner from inside the six off of 2. 63:01 VCU McGLOTHERN, Jason (1) SWEATTE, Cody Off of rebound off of post long ball BARNATHAN, Dakota 2. 20:59 ODU HENRIQUEZ, Josue (2) MILITAR, Ivan Off counter, deflected shot into left side of the 3. 77:12 AKR GAINFORD, Sam SEPE, Sean Bicycle kick on assist from 3 net 4. 87:41 VCU CASTILLO, Dennis (1) (unassisted) Off of rebound in fron tof net 3. 45:54 ODU KLOSTERHALFEN, Niko (1) (unassisted) Off rebound, shot into open net from 10 yards o 4. 47:15 ODU HENRIQUEZ, Josue (3) KLOSTERHALFEN, Niko Off counter, shot from 15 yards out off through 5. 107:09 AKR MACCHIONE, Anthony NAJEM, Adam Header for the win ball 5. 75:49 AKR MACCHIONE, Anthony (2) SHULTZ, Nate Low cross into the box, finished into left side of Cautions and ejections: net YC-AKR #2 (11:53) Cautions and ejections: Win-FENLASON, Jake (1-0-0). Loss-CYPRUS, Garrett (0-1-0). YC-ODU #4 (20:35); YC-AKR #26 (53:22); YC-ODU #22 (53:50); Stadium: SportsBackers Stad. YC-AKR #6 (70:52); YC-ODU #7 (78:37) Officials: Offsides: Akron 0, VCU 3. S SOCCER Win-TIESENHAUSEN, Alex (1-1-0). Loss-FENLASON, Jake (1-1-0). Official's signature Stadium: ODU Soccer Complex

’ Officials: Referee: Richonne Clark; Asst. Referee: Wesley Howell; Daniel Shenk Moreno; Alt. Official: Kurt Schueler; Timekeeper: Pierce Yarberry; Scorer: Tim Wentz; Offsides: Akron 2, Old Dominion 5. Official's signature

GAME 3 GAME 4 AKRON 1, NO. 4 GEORGETOWN 0 AKRON 3, NO. 6 MARYLAND 2 SEPT. 4 • WASHINGTON, D.C. SEPT. 7 • COLLEGE PARK, MD.

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer Akron vs #4 Georgetown (Sep 04, 2015 at Washington, D.C.) Akron vs #6 Maryland (Sep 07, 2015 at College Park, Md.)

Akron (2-1-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (3-1-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Georgetown (0-2-1) Akron 0 1 1 Maryland (2-1-1) Akron 2 1 3 Date: Sep 04, 2015 • Attendance: 1137 Georgetown 0 0 0 Date: Sep 07, 2015 • Attendance: 4003 Maryland 0 2 2 Weather: Sunny and 89 degrees Weather:

AKRON MEN Akron Georgetown Akron Maryland Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 MARCINKOWSKI, JT - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 99 St. Clair, Dayne - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- m4 LEMA, Christopher - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d2Crognale, Alex 1 ---- f3SEPE, Sean 2 1 - - - m7 BASULJEVIC, Arun 1 1 - - - f3SEPE, Sean - ---- d4Magalhaes, Ivan 1 ---- d4DE VERA, Niko - ---- m9 MUYL, Alex 2 ---- d4DE VERA, Niko - ---- d5Dainkeh, Suli - ---- m6 LARYEA, Richie 4 3 - - - f 10 ALLEN, Brandon 1 1 - - - m6 LARYEA, Richie 4 3 2 1 - m8 Corboz, Mael 3 - - 2 - f7GAINFORD, Sam 3 1 - - - d 12 ROSENBERRY, Keega - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam - ---- f9Elney, Sebastian 1 1 1 - - m8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- d 14 SEILER, Cole - ---- m8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- m 10 Endoh, Tsubasa 1 1 - - - m 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 2 1 - - m 15 ZAJEC, Kyle 1 ---- m 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 1 1 - - m 11 Sejdic, Amar 2 ---- m 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- f 16 CAMPBELL, Brett 2 ---- m 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- m 15 Areman, Jake - ---- f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - - - 1 - m 20 GOODMAN, Bakie 2 ---- f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- f 19 Williamson, Eryk - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- d 21 KOSCHER, PJ - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- d 28 Odoi-Atsem, Chris ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 3 WITKOFF, David - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 1 ---- 6 Campbell, George - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 6 LEDDER, Matthew - ---- 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 7 Smith, Connor 1 ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 18 MCCABE, Declan 2 2 - - - 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 12 Reeves, DJ - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- 22 AZZINNARI, Jon - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 13 Samuels, Andrew - ---- 25 SOARES, Goncalo 1 ---- 25 MCDONOUGH, Brenda 2 1 - - - 19 SANDA, Tyler - ---- 16 Kabelik, David 1 1 1 - - 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- Totals 13 5009 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- 17 Calix, Jorge 2 ---- Totals 13 7 1 1 16 Totals 8 4 3 1 13 18 Edwards, Dakota - ---- Totals 13 3 2 2 12 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 5 1 MARCINKOWSKI, JT 90:00 1 6 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 2 1 99 St. Clair, Dayne 90:00 3 1 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Akron 9 4 13 Akron 2 3 5 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Georgetown 5 8 13 Georgetown 5 1 6 Akron 5 3 8 Akron 0 1 1 Maryland 5 8 13 Maryland 0 1 1 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Akron 2 1 3 Akron 8 8 16 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Georgetown 1 5 6 Georgetown 5 4 9 Akron 1 0 1 Akron 6 7 13 Maryland 1 3 4 Maryland 8 4 12 Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 62:54 AKR NAJEM, Adam SHULTZ, Nate Half touch over the keeper from the right side to Scoring summary: top left corner No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 21:41 AKR NAJEM, Adam (2) LARYEA, Richie through ball, from 13 yards to back post Cautions and ejections: 2. 38:30 AKR LARYEA, Richie (1) (unassisted) off turnover, from 19 yards YC-GU #14 (12:02); YC-AKR #18 (44:45); YC-AKR #25 (77:20); 3. 66:28 UMD Elney, Sebastian (3) Corboz, Mael off corner kick, header from five yards YC-GU #25 (84:31) 4. 82:49 AKR LARYEA, Richie (2) (unassisted) open net chip from five yards 5. 83:14 UMD Kabelik, David Corboz, Mael off cross, from six yards Win-FENLASON, Jake (2-1-0). Loss-MARCINKOWSKI, JT (0-2-1). Stadium: Shaw Field Cautions and ejections: Officials: Referee: Jason Cullum; Asst. Referee: Dustin Schulman; Chris Alvarenga; YC-UMD #2 (41:44); YC-AKR #TM (85:25) Alt. Official: Bryan Roslund; Scorer: Barbara Barnes; Offsides: Akron 3, Georgetown 3. Win-FENLASON, Jake (3-1). Loss-St. Clair, Dayne (1-1). Official's signature Stadium: Ludwig Field Officials: Referee: Andrew Chapin; Asst. Referee: Georgios Zervos; Rob Fereday; Alt. Official: Steve Thur; Scorer: Jodi Fick; Offsides: Akron 0, Maryland 0. Official's signature

16 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON GAME-BY-GAME BOXSCORES

GAME 5 GAME 6 NO. 22 AKRON 3, NO. 14 SAINT LOUIS 2 NO.7 AKRON 3, OHIO STATE 3 (2OT) SEPT. 11 • AKRON, OHIO SEPT. 16 • AKRON, OHIO

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer #14 Saint Louis vs #22 Akron (Sep 11, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) Ohio State vs #7 Akron (Sep 16, 2015 at Akron, Ohio)

Saint Louis (2-1-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Ohio State (1-4-1) vs. Goals by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Akron (4-1-0) Akron (4-1-1) Ohio State 0300 3 Saint Louis 2 0 2 Date: Sep 16, 2015 • Attendance: 3889 Date: Sep 11, 2015 • Attendance: 2734 Akron 1 2 3 Akron 1200 3 Weather: Weather: Ohio State Akron Saint Louis Akron Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 32 Froschauer, Chris - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 29 OTTE, Sascha - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- mf 3 Culbertson, Kyle 3 2 1 1 - d2SOUDERS, Andrew 2 1 - - - d2HESKAMP, Marco - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew 2 1 - - - mf 5 Doyle, Liam 1 1 - 1 - f3SEPE, Sean 5 2 1 - - mf 3 KARCHER, Max - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 2 ---- d6Robertson, Hunter - - - 1 - d4DE VERA, Niko - ---- d4PAVISIC, Filip 2 2 1 - - d4DE VERA, Niko - ---- mf 7 Mason, Zach 1 ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 3 2 - - - mf 5 DAVID, Tyler 1 1 - - - mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 2 - - 2 - f9Jensen, Danny 1 1 1 - - f7GAINFORD, Sam 3 1 - 3 - mf 6 HEIN, Lennart - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 5 3 2 - - d 11 Bergstrom, Austin - ---- mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 ---- f9CICCIARELLI, Vince - - - 1 - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 - - 1 - d 12 Kidwell, Tyler 1 1 - - - mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 4 1 1 1 - d 13 DAVIES, Eric - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 6 3 1 - - f 17 Cunningham, Kenny 1 ---- mf 13 BELANA, Pau 1 ---- f 17 MINORS, Jair 3 2 - - - mf 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- f 19 McCrary, Marcus 2 1 - - - f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- mf 19 SARR, Patrick 1 ---- f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- mf 26 Mohamed, Abdi 1 1 1 - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- f 21 BROWN, Anthony 3 1 1 - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 2 ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 10 Chancy, Henry - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana 1 ---- 7 SAAD, Joe - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 21 Duska, Jacob - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 12 POPOVIC, Nebojsa - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony 1 1 - - - 23 Amankwa, Yaw 2 1 - 1 - 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 1 1 - - 23 GRAYDON, David 2 ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby 1 ---- Totals 13 8 3 4 10 22 DAMBROT, Robby 2 1 - - - Totals 12 6 2 1 13 Totals 23 8336 Totals 24 9 3 4 11 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 32 Froschauer, Chris 110:00 3 6 24 FENLASON, Jake 110:00 3 5 29 OTTE, Sascha 90:00 3 5 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 2 4 Shots by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Saves by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Ohio State 7411 13 Ohio State 1212 6 Saint Louis 6 6 Saint Louis 1 4 12 5 Akron 6 11 4 3 24 Akron 3011 5

Akron 13 10 23 Akron 2 2 4 AKRON MEN Corner kicks 1 2 OT O2 Total Fouls 1 2 OT O2 Total Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Ohio State 6112 10 Ohio State 2602 10 Saint Louis 0 3 3 Saint Louis 7 6 13 Akron 6302 11 Akron 7301 11 Akron 3 4 7 Akron 2 4 6

Scoring summary: Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 7:44 AKR SEPE, Sean (1) GAINFORD, Sam ball played from corner of box into streaking Sep 1. 2:22 SLU BROWN, Anthony (1) CICCIARELLI, Vince thru ball slide along sideline lifted into far chested in corner 2. 48:09 OSU Jensen, Danny (1) Culbertson, Kyle throw-in loose ball knocked in 2. 6:58 SLU PAVISIC, Filip (2) (unassisted) knocked in rebound off of initial shot Doyle, Liam 3. 38:58 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (3) LARYEA, Richie ball slide into box and lifted into corner of net 3. 55:15 OSU Culbertson, Kyle (2) Amankwa, Yaw play in from corner of delivered from 13 yards SOUTO, Victor 4. 68:46 AKR SANDA, Tyler (1) GAINFORD, Sam ball slid right in front of GK sliding kick for NAJEM, Adam goal 4. 52:17 AKR NAJEM, Adam (2) (unassisted) free kick from 25 yards out 5. 69:34 OSU Mohamed, Abdi (1) Robertson, Hunter knocks in deflection 5. 70:27 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (4) LARYEA, Richie ball slide in front center of field to top of box 6. 76:43 AKR NAJEM, Adam (4) GAINFORD, Sam header from five yards out on ball from corner for strike Cautions and ejections: Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #22 (42:37); YC-OSU #11 (84:30); YC-OSU #7 (93:21) YC-SLU #2 (5:06); YC-SLU #19 (38:35); YC-SLU #13 (44:51); YC-AKR #8 (61:19); YC-AKR #18 (71:21) Ohio State-Froschauer, Chris (1-4-1). Akron-FENLASON, Jake (4-1-1). Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Win-FENLASON, Jake (4-1-0). Loss-OTTE, Sascha (2-1-0). Officials: Referee: Michael Allie; Asst. Referee: Brian Miller; Jeff Mellon; Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Offsides: Ohio State 1, Akron 0. Officials: Referee: Marc Lawrence; Asst. Referee: Aaron Vnuk; John Safar; Official's signature Offsides: Saint Louis 4, Akron 6. Official's signature ’ S SOCCER

GAME 7 GAME 8 NO. 8 WAKE FOREST 2, NO. 6 AKRON 1 NO. 6 AKRON 2, NO. 25 UC SANTA BARBARA SEPT. 22 • AKRON, OHIO SEPT. 25 • SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer #8 Wake Forest vs #6 Akron (Sep 22, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) #6 Akron vs #25 UC Santa Barbara (Sep 25, 2015 at Santa Barbara, Calif)

Wake Forest (7-1-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (5-2-1) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (4-2-1) Wake Forest 1 1 2 UC Santa Barbara (4-3-1) Akron 1 1 2 Date: Sep 25, 2015 • Attendance: 7283 Date: Sep 22, 2015 • Attendance: 2516 Akron 1 0 1 UC Santa Barbara 0 0 0 Weather: Weather: low 70s, clear, humid Wake Forest Akron Akron UC Santa Barbara Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 0 Alec Ferrell - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 22 Vom Steeg, Justin - ---- d2Kris Reaves - - - 1 - d2SOUDERS, Andrew 1 1 - - - d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d3Mendonza, Randy - ---- d4Kevin Politz - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 3 1 - - - f3SEPE, Sean 1 ---- d4Adeniyi, Fuad - ---- f7Jon Bakero 2 2 1 - - fm 6 LARYEA, Richie 3 2 1 - - d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- f6DePuy, Nick - ---- f8Jacori Hayes 6 4 - - - f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 2 - - - mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 2 1 - - - d8Backus, Duncan - ---- f 10 Michael Gamble 6 2 1 - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 3 3 1 - - f9Selemani, Ahinga 3 1 - - - mf 12 Brad Dunwell - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 1 - - 1 - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 1 1 - - - mf 10 Espana, Josue - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 1 - - - mf 11 Acheampong, Geoffrey 1 ---- f 16 1 ---- mf 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- f 18 SHULTZ, Nate 2 2 - - - d 13 Brockway, Brandon - ---- mf 20 Hunter Bandy - ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 16 Feucht, Kevin 1 ---- mf 22 Jack Harrison 2 1 - 1 - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- mf 17 Perez, Andy - ---- d 26 Sam Raben - ---- d 22 DAMBROT, Robby ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 1 1 1 - - 5 Carn-Saferstein,Adam - ---- 6 Jared Odenbeck - ---- 4 DE VERA, Niko 2 1 - - - 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 12 Rehl, John - ---- 14 Thomas Haws - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- 14 Kim, Seo-In - ---- 15 Steven Echevarria - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- Totals 13 9 2 0 16 18 Moni, Kosti - ---- 24 Chase Rhode - ---- 19 SANDA, Tyler - ---- 23 Strong, Sam 1 ---- 25 Ricky Greensfelder - ---- 25 SOARES, Goncalo 2 1 - - - Totals 6 1 0 0 17 28 Tane Gent 1 ---- Totals 14 8 1 1 20 Totals 18 9 2 2 19 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 1 22 Vom Steeg, Justin 90:00 2 7 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 0 Alec Ferrell 88:08 1 7 24 FENLASON, Jake 88:08 2 7 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Akron 7 6 13 Akron 1 0 1 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total UC Santa Barbara 3 3 6 UC Santa Barbara 4 3 7 Wake Forest 11 7 18 Wake Forest 1 6 7 Akron 3 11 14 Akron 3 4 7 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Akron 3 2 5 Akron 10 6 16 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total UC Santa Barbara 2 1 3 UC Santa Barbara 6 11 17 Wake Forest 2 2 4 Wake Forest 7 12 19 Akron 0 3 3 Akron 10 10 20 Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description Scoring summary: 1. 34:29 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (5) (unassisted) 7 picks off ucsb back pass. jvs makes first save, No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 7 finishes rebound 1. 20:54 WF Jon Bakero (3) Jack Harrison give and go from eight yards out 2. 86:49 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (1) (unassisted) 9 intercepts UCSB deep in off zone, beats GK s Kris Reaves side to far post 2. 29:10 AKR LARYEA, Richie (3) NAJEM, Adam dribble into box cut onto left played behind GK 3. 50:39 WF Michael Gamble (6) Penalty kick Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #25 (21:51); YC-UCSB #9 (24:48); YC-UCSB #10 (81:06); Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #20 (81:06) YC-WF #20 (13:40); YC-AKR #9 (46:54); YC-WF #4 (71:39); YC-AKR #8 (73:07); YC-WF #15 (80:29) Win-FENLASON, Jake (5-2-1). Loss-Vom Steeg, Justin (4-2-0). Stadium: Harder Stadium Win-Alec Ferrell (5-0-0). Loss-FENLASON, Jake (4-2-1). Officials: Referee: Ian Anderson; Asst. Referee: Luis Gutierrez; Vicente Lozada; Stadium: FirstEnegy Stadium Timekeeper: Alan Way; Scorer: Andrew Wagner; Officials: Referee: Cesar Ibarra; Asst. Referee: Ryan Slack; Tim Dicken; Offsides: Akron 3, UC Santa Barbara 8. Offsides: Wake Forest 0, Akron 0. Official's signature Official's signature

#ZipsGameday 17 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON GAME-BY-GAME BOXSCORES

GAME 9 GAME 10 NO. 7 AKRON 1, PENN STATE 0 NO. 7 AKRON 2, UAB 1 (OT) SEPT. 30 • AKRON, OHIO OCT. 3 • BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer Penn State vs #7 Akron (Sep 30, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) #7 Akron vs UAB (Oct 03, 2015 at Birmingham, Ala.)

Penn State (4-3-2) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (7-2-1) vs. Goals by period 1 2 OT Total Akron (6-2-1) Penn State 0 0 0 UAB (3-7-0) Akron 0 1 1 2 Date: Oct 03, 2015 • Attendance: 632 Date: Sep 30, 2015 • Attendance: 2103 Akron 0 1 1 UAB 0 1 0 1 Weather: Weather: 56 degrees, spitting rain Penn State Akron Akron UAB Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 24 gk 0 gk 1 Bersano, Matt - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- FENLASON, Jake - ---- WEBER, Hunter - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d2SONNENSCHEIN, Berr - ---- d3Lee, Nate - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 1 ---- f3CHESTER, Karl 1 ---- mf 5 Maloney, Connor 1 ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- d5WILLEMSE, Lars - ---- mf 8 Klerks, Mason - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 6 1 - - - mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 6 2 1 - - mf 6 ROBINSON, DeAndre 1 ---- f 10 Harris, Dayonn - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 5 1 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 1 ---- mf 8 WHITE, William - ---- d 13 Sagel, Robby 2 2 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 1 1 1 - f 10 RUIZ, Freddy 3 2 1 - - mf 15 Gonzalez, Michael - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 2 1 1 - - mf 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- d 13 ABRAHART, Stewart - ---- mf 17 mf 11 James, Brian 2 ---- GARCIA, Jesse 1 1 - - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 14 VALVERDE, David - ---- d 18 Marks, Dani - ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- mf 22 DAMBROT, Robby 4 2 - - - d 19 SVANTESSON, Ian 2 1 - - - mf 20 Klingenberg, Drew 1 1 - - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 1 ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- d 21 STROUPE, Chandler - ---- f 23 Grant, Riley - ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo 2 ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 7 GAINFORD, Sam 2 ---- 7 SULLIVAN, Ryan - ---- 4 Ireland, Brennan - ---- 3 SEPE, Sean 1 ---- 13 BELANA, Pau 1 ---- 9 DAJANI, Rami - ---- 6 MacDonald, Kyle - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 3 1 - - - 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony 1 ---- 11 SPOSITO, Henrique - ---- 7 Kaschak, Christian - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau 1 ---- 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 1 - 1 - 16 NGOE, James - ---- 14 Curran, Mac - ---- Totals 24 5 1 0 17 Totals 20 6227 17 SCARBROUGH, Evan - ---- 26 Bollinger, Sam - ---- 20 G E T M A N - P I C K E R I N G , - - -1 - Totals 6 3 0 0 14 Totals 7 3119

# Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 1 Bersano, Matt 90:00 1 3 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 3 24 FENLASON, Jake 98:18 1 2 0 WEBER, Hunter 98:18 2 4 TM TEAM 0:00 0 1 Shots by period 1 2 OT Total Saves by period 1 2 OT Total Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Akron 6 11 3 20 Akron 1 1 0 2 Penn State 3 3 6 Penn State 2 2 4 UAB 4 3 0 7 UAB 1 2 1 4 Akron 11 13 24 Akron 2 1 3 Corner kicks 1 2 OT Total Fouls 1 2 OT Total Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Akron 4 4 1 9 Akron 3 4 0 7 Penn State 2 1 3 Penn State 4 10 14 UAB 4 0 0 4 UAB 4 5 0 9 Akron 3 3 6 Akron 8 9 17

Scoring summary: Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 72:18 AKR LARYEA, Richie (4) NAJEM, Adam give and go, 6-10-6 1. 76:18 AKR NAJEM, Adam (5) Penalty kick 2. 74:39 UAB RUIZ, Freddy (3) GETMAN-PICKERING, Aa 3. 98:18 AKR NAJEM, Adam (6) SANDA, Tyler Cautions and ejections: YC-PSU #3 (28:10); YC-AKR #6 (86:20) Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #8 (78:02); YC-UAB #2 (88:54) Win-FENLASON, Jake (6-2-1). Loss-Bersano, Matt (4-3-2). Win-FENLASON, Jake (7-2-1). Loss-WEBER, Hunter (0-1-0). Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Stadium: West Campus Field Officials: Referee: Shane Butler; Asst. Referee: Ron Stuver; Sorin Stoica; Officials: Referee: Robert Sibiga; Asst. Referee: Griff Sims; Matt Gunnin; Offsides: Penn State 4, Akron 2. Alt. Official: Mike Brett; Timekeeper: Luke McCarthy; Scorer: Brandon Lee; Official's signature Offsides: Akron 4, UAB 1. Official's signature S SOCCER ’

GAME 11 GAME 12 NO. 7 AKRON 2, SANTA CLARA 0 NO. 7 AKRON 2, BUFFALO 1 OCT. 6 • AKRON, OHIO OCT. 9 • BUFFALO, N.Y.

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer Santa Clara vs #7 Akron (Oct 06, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) #7 Akron vs Buffalo (Oct 09, 2015 at Buffalo, NY)

Santa Clara (5-6-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron9-2-1 (1-0-0 MAC) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (8-2-1) Santa Clara 0 0 0 Buffalo5-5-3 (0-1-0 MAC) Akron 1 1 2 Date: Oct 06, 2015 • Attendance: 1813 Akron 1 1 2 Date: Oct 09, 2015 • Attendance: 512 Buffalo 1 0 1 Weather: Weather: Cloudy and cool

AKRON MEN Santa Clara Akron Akron Buffalo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 24 MCINTOSH, Kendall - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 KUTA, Joseph - ---- d5KUCERA, Benjamin - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew 2 ---- d2FISHER, Alec - ---- mf 6 ORNSTIL, Max - ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo 1 ---- m3 CRAMAROSSA, Daniel 2 ---- mf 9 MEDOZA, Keanu - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 4 2 2 - - m6 LARYEA, Richie 2 ---- d5SLOTEMAKER, Fox - ---- d 12 HOLLAND, Parker 1 1 - - - f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 4 1 - 1 - m6 ENSTROM, David - ---- mf 14 GILLINGHAM, Brandon 1 1 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 ---- m8 SOUTO, Victor 2 1 1 - - f7CICERONE, Russell 1 1 1 - - d 15 CASTRO, Brennan - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 2 2 - - - f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 2 1 - - - m 10 CULVER, Braden 1 ---- d 20 ANDERSEN, Valdemar - ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- m 10 NAJEM, Adam 4 1 - - - d 12 PLACE, Austin - ---- f 27 CHAFFIN, Satoshi 2 ---- mf 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 - - 1 - f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- f 14 STRYKER, Steven 1 ---- f 28 DELGADILLO, Carlos 2 1 - - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 2 ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 4 2 1 - - d 15 FORRESTER, Nick - ---- d 30 SCHUMANN, Kyle 1 1 - - - mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo 1 ---- m 25 SOARES, Goncalo 1 1 - - - m 24 SCALES, Braden ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 7 EDMONDS, Alfred - ---- 3 SEPE, Sean 1 1 - - - 3 SEPE, Sean 3 2 - - - 8 WALSH, Hunter - ---- 8 AUTRAN, Dylan - ---- 4 DE VERA, Niko 2 1 - - - 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 9 NETSKAR, Nicolay 1 1 - - - 11 CARDONA, Edson - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - - - 1 - 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 11 HANSON, Marcus - ---- 17 JIMENEZ, Andres - ---- 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 19 DONEY, Scott - ---- 19 URIAS, Luis - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau 1 1 - 1 - 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 ---- Totals 6 2 1 0 18 26 JARRETT, Jonathan - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- 29 ESCOBAR, Matt - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby 2 2 - - - Totals 26 9 2 1 12 Totals 7 4 0 0 13 Totals 20 9 2 3 10 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 1 1 1 KUTA, Joseph 90:00 2 7 24 MCINTOSH, Kendall 90:00 2 7 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 4 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Akron 15 11 26 Akron 0 1 1 Santa Clara 1 6 7 Santa Clara 1 6 7 Buffalo 2 4 6 Buffalo 4 3 7 Akron 7 13 20 Akron 1 3 4 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Akron 5 10 15 Akron 6 6 12 Santa Clara 2 0 2 Santa Clara 8 5 13 Buffalo 0 1 1 Buffalo 8 10 18 Akron 1 3 4 Akron 5 5 10

Scoring summary: Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 2:34 BUF CICERONE, Russell (9) Penalty kick 1. 39:04 AKR LARYEA, Richie (5) HOLTHUSEN, Stuart slide back to center of box, finds back of net 2. 43:59 AKR RUHAAK, Brad (1) GAINFORD, Sam corner into box, 20 scored left corner 2. 82:09 AKR LARYEA, Richie (6) BELANA, Pau 3. 83:05 AKR SOUTO, Victor (1) Penalty kick SANDA, Tyler Cautions and ejections: Cautions and ejections: YC-BUF #19 (35:55); YC-AKR #6 (37:05); YC-AKR #2 (85:23); YC-SCU #14 (29:15) YC-BUF #5 (88:13)

Win-FENLASON, Jake (8-2-1). Loss-MCINTOSH, Kendall (5-6-0). Win-FENLASON, Jake (9-2-1). Loss-KUTA, Joseph (1-2-1). Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Stadium: UB Stadium Officials: Referee: Hilario Grajeda; Asst. Referee: Cory Richardson; Brian Miller; Officials: Scorer: Louie Spina; Offsides: Santa Clara 1, Akron 5. Offsides: Akron 0, Buffalo 1. Official's signature Official's signature

18 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON GAME-BY-GAME BOXSCORES

GAME 13 GAME 14 NO. 6 AKRON 4, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 0 NO. 5 AKRON 4, MICHIGAN STATE 1 OCT. 17 • AKRON, OHIO OCT. 21 • AKRON, OHIO

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer Northern Illinois vs #6 Akron (Oct 17, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) Michigan State vs #5 Akron (Oct 21, 2015 at Akron, Ohio)

Northern Illinois (7-4-0, 1-1 MAC) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Michigan State (7-5-2) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (10-2-1, 2-0 MAC) Northern Illinois 0 0 0 Akron (11-2-1) Michigan State 0 1 1 Date: Oct 21, 2015 • Attendance: 2062 Date: Oct 17, 2015 • Attendance: 1719 Akron 2 2 4 Akron 2 2 4 Weather: Weather: Northern Illinois Akron Michigan State Akron Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 1 GLAESER, Andrew - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 Bennett, Zach - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake 1 ---- d3 d2 d2ROCHE, Jerome - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew 1 ---- Fiscus, Jimmy 1 ---- SOUDERS, Andrew 1 ---- d4Corrigan, Connor - ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- mf 4 GARCIA, Giovanni 1 ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- d7Barens, Josh - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie - - - 1 - d8URRUTIA, Nixon 1 ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 3 3 3 - - d8Centala, Brad 1 1 - - - f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 1 1 - - mf 9 RODRIGUEZ, Kevin - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 4 2 - 2 - mf 10 Stacy, Jason 3 2 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 4 3 3 1 - d 13 COLE, Taylor 1 1 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 1 1 - - f 11 Sierakowski, Ryan - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 2 1 - - - mf 15 OLIVER, Charlie - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 2 - - - mf 12 Herr, Andrew - ---- mf 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- mf 20 GASCHOT, Bertrand 2 1 - - - mf 13 BELANA, Pau 1 1 - - - mf 14 Lewis, Dewey - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- f 21 PACHECO, Giovanni 2 1 - - - d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- mf 18 Winterfield, Brian - ---- d 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- d 22 d 20 READ, Luke 1 ---- RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 22 Krolicki, Ken 4 2 - - - mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- mf 26 LEVETT, Albert - ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo 2 1 - 2 - -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 0 McAnaney, Quinn - ---- 3 SEPE, Sean - ---- 3 HALL, Richard 2 2 - - - 3 SEPE, Sean - ---- 2 Scott, Ryan - ---- 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 6 COARDOS, Adrian 1 ---- 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 6 Jones, DeJuan 2 1 1 - - 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 7 WANDL, Nicolas - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 9 Marcantognini, M. 1 1 - 1 - 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 10 VOSS, Max 1 ---- 11 GARCIA, Jesse 1 1 - - - 13 Cort, Robbie - ---- 12 DAKWAR, Adi - ---- 23 WITKOWSKI, Cody - ---- 12 DAKWAR, Adi - ---- 15 Scheib, Ali - ---- 14 CREGAN, Bryce 1 ---- Totals 12 5008 14 CREGAN, Bryce - ---- 16 Miller, Asa - ---- 16 WIEDT, Shane - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana 1 ---- 17 Rutz, Kyle 1 ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 16 WIEDT, Shane - ---- 20 Barone, Hunter - ---- 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 21 Skamiera, Blake - ---- 19 SANDA, Tyler - ---- 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 ---- 24 Cristobal, Jerome 1 ---- 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby 2 2 - - - Totals 14 7 1 1 12 Totals 11 5 4 2 16 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- AKRON MEN Totals 21 13 4 4 19 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 1 Bennett, Zach 64:20 4 1 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 1 6 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 0 McAnaney, Quinn 25:40 0 0 1 GLAESER, Andrew 90:00 4 9 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 5 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Michigan State 6 8 14 Michigan State 0 1 1 Northern Illinois 5 7 12 Northern Illinois 4 5 9 Akron 6 5 11 Akron 5 1 6 Akron 10 11 21 Akron 1 4 5 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Michigan State 1 3 4 Michigan State 8 4 12 Northern Illinois 2 3 5 Northern Illinois 3 5 8 Akron 4 0 4 Akron 6 10 16 Akron 1 6 7 Akron 10 9 19 Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description Scoring summary: 1. 24:59 AKR SOUTO, Victor (3) Penalty kick No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 2. 33:55 AKR SOUTO, Victor (4) Penalty kick 1. 32:58 AKR LARYEA, Richie (7) SOARES, Goncalo knocked in deflection off of GK save 3. 57:47 AKR SOUTO, Victor (5) Penalty kick 2. 36:09 AKR SOUTO, Victor (2) Corner kick serve of corner deflects off defender and then 4. 58:57 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (6) LARYEA, Richie give-and-go center of box sent int SOUTO, Victor 3. 59:23 AKR LARYEA, Richie (8) GAINFORD, Sam redirects deflection off of save 5. 89:35 MSU Jones, DeJuan (2) Marcantognini, M. goes top shelf 4. 61:02 AKR LARYEA, Richie (9) SOARES, Goncalo give and go passes lead to 1v1 beats GK GAINFORD, Sam Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #6 (64:20) Cautions and ejections: YC-NIU #9 (81:12); YC-NIU #8 (85:20) Win-FENLASON, Jake (11-2-1). Loss-Bennett, Zach (7-5-2). Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Win-FENLASON, Jake (10-2-1). Loss-GLAESER, Andrew (6-4-0). Officials: Referee: Sorin Stoica; Asst. Referee: Jeffrey Mellen; Aaron Vnuk; Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Offsides: Michigan State 2, Akron 2. Officials: Referee: Michael Allie; Asst. Referee: Michael Farmer; Joe Kuzma; Official's signature Alt. Official: Colin Gentry; ’ Offsides: Northern Illinois 1, Akron 6. Official's signature S SOCCER

GAME 15 GAME 16 NO. 5 AKRON 1, WESTERN MICHIGAN 1 NO. 6 AKRON 2, WEST VIRGINIA 0 OCT. 24 • KALAMAZOO, MICH. OCT. 28 • MORGANTOWN, W.VA.

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer #5 Akron vs Western Michigan (Oct 24, 2015 at Kalamazoo, Mich.) #6 Akron vs West Virginia (Oct 28, 2015 at Morgantown, W.Va.)

Akron (11-2-2, 2-0-1 MAC) vs. Goals by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Akron12-2-2 (3-0-1 MAC) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Western Michigan (8-3-3, 1-1-1 MAC) Akron 1000 1 West Virginia6-10-0 (1-3-0 MAC) Akron 1 1 2 Date: Oct 24, 2015 • Attendance: 971 Western Michigan 1000 1 Date: Oct 28, 2015 • Attendance: 371 West Virginia 0 0 0 Weather: 64 degrees, light rain Weather: Rain, low 60s Akron Western Michigan Akron West Virginia Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 0 SHEPHERD, Drew - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 0 Diaz, Daniel - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d2HAZEN, Sean - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew 1 ---- d2Thomas, Louis - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 2 ---- f3SUAREZ, Carlos 6 3 - - - d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- d4Henry, Francio - ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- d4BOCK, Zach - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 1 ---- mf 6 Elliott, Jack 1 1 - - - mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 1 1 - - - d5FURGASON, Connor 1 ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 1 1 - - d 11 Leedom, Zak - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam - ---- mf 8 VANDENBOOM, Hunter 1 1 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 1 - 1 - mf 12 Merriam, Jamie 3 1 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- mf 9 CONERTY, Sean 5 2 1 - - f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 1 - - 1 - mf 14 Desiderio, Mike - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 2 2 1 - - mf 12 TIMMER, Greg - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam - - - 1 - f 15 Piatczyc, Joey 2 2 - - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 1 ---- mf 15 JIMENEZ, Edu 3 2 - - - f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- f 17 Stephenson, Tucker - ---- d 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- mf 18 WYSONG, Nick - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 1 1 1 - - f 19 Honold, Heath - ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- mf 19 BYE, Brandon 4 2 - - - mf 22 DAMBROT, Robby 1 ---- d 26 Bennett, Haydon ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 10 NEZIREVIC, Dzenan - ---- 3 SEPE, Sean - - - 1 - 8 Angerer, Felix - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart - ---- 13 RUSSELL, Esteban - ---- 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 9 Cain, Ryan 1 ---- 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- Totals 20 10 1 0 9 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 10 Arslan, Jad 1 ---- 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- 20 Larmond, Rushawn - ---- 18 SHULTZ, Nate 1 1 - - - 19 SANDA, Tyler - ---- 22 Hester, Colin - ---- 19 SANDA, Tyler - ---- 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- 24 Peprah, Michael - ---- Totals 7 4 1 0 13 Totals 9 3246 28 Cabral, Ivo - ---- Totals 8 4007 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 24 FENLASON, Jake 110:00 1 9 0 SHEPHERD, Drew 110:00 1 2 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves TM TEAM 0:00 0 1 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 3 0 Diaz, Daniel 90:00 2 1 TM TEAM 0:00 0 1 Shots by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Saves by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Akron 1600 7 Akron 5301 9 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Western Michigan 9515 20 Western Michigan 0300 3 Akron 5 4 9 Akron 0 4 4 West Virginia 1 7 8 West Virginia 0 1 1 Corner kicks 1 2 OT O2 Total Fouls 1 2 OT O2 Total Akron 1420 7 Akron 3820 13 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Western Michigan 1200 3 Western Michigan 6111 9 Akron 2 1 3 Akron 4 2 6 West Virginia 1 2 3 West Virginia 5 2 7

Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description Scoring summary: 1. 22:01 AKR NAJEM, Adam (7) (unassisted) goalie out, volley over No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 2. 27:40 WMU CONERTY, Sean (unassisted) free kick through goalies' hands 1. 3:00 AKR RUHAAK, Brad (2) HOLTHUSEN, Stuart NAJEM, Adam Cautions and ejections: 2. 66:38 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (7) SOUTO, Victor GK came out of the net to get the cross, but YC-AKR #25 (27:36); YC-WMU #3 (61:22); YC-WMU #4 (76:10); SEPE, Sean slipped, forcing empty ne YC-AKR #18 (76:10); YC-AKR #10 (88:57); YC-WMU #5 (105:43) Cautions and ejections: Akron-FENLASON, Jake (11-2-2). Western Michigan-SHEPHERD, Drew (5-0-2). YC-AKR #6 (12:55); YC-AKR #TM (12:55); YC-WVU #10 (32:43); Stadium: WMU Soccer Complex YC-WVU #11 (73:55); YC-WVU #2 (86:30) Officials: Referee: Abbey Okulaja; Asst. Referee: Anthony Vasoli; Jason White; Alt. Official: Tim Wells; Scorer: Kristin Keirns; Win-FENLASON, Jake (12-2-2). Loss-Diaz, Daniel (2-6-0). Offsides: Akron 1, Western Michigan 0. Stadium: Dick Dlesk Stadium Official's signature Officials: Referee: Peter Dhima; Asst. Referee: Paul Deverse; Lucas Feathers; Alt. Official: Sean Regan; Timekeeper: Amy Salvatore; Scorer: Charlie Healy; Offsides: Akron 1, West Virginia 3. Official's signature

#ZipsGameday 19 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON GAME-BY-GAME BOXSCORES

GAME 17 GAME 18 NO. 25 UCLA 4, NO. 6 AKRON 2 NO. 7 AKRON 4, BOWLING GREEN 0 NOV. 1 • AKRON, OHIO NOV. 8 • AKRON, OHIO

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer #25 UCLA vs #6 Akron (Nov 01, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) Bowling Green vs #7 Akron (Nov 07, 2015 at Akron, Ohio)

UCLA (8-7-1) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Bowling Green (9-9-2, 1-4-0 MAC) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (12-3-2) UCLA 2 2 4 Akron (13-3-2, 4-0-1 MAC) Bowling Green 0 0 0 Date: Nov 07, 2015 • Attendance: 1691 Date: Nov 01, 2015 • Attendance: 2169 Akron 1 1 2 Akron 3 1 4 Weather: Weather: UCLA Akron Bowling Green Akron Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 00 Barroso Silva, Pepe - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 LANDSBERGER, Nick - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- d2Torre, Javan 1 ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- mf 2 AGYEMAN, Bismark - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew 1 - - 1 - d4GENRICH, Jake - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 3 2 - - - mf 4 Howe, Grady - ---- d3SEPE, Sean - ---- mf 6 MARTIN, Jake - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 2 - - 1 - d5Gasper, Chase 2 ---- d4DE VERA, Niko 1 1 - 1 - mf 7 JAMES, Ryan 1 ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 3 1 1 1 - mf 6 Vale, Jordan - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 ---- d8SOUAHY, Alexis - ---- mf 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- f9Danladi, Abu 1 - - 3 - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- mf 17 AUDEN, Max - ---- f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 4 2 2 1 - mf 15 Yueill, Jackson - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 4 1 1 - - d 18 ROTH, Jacob 3 2 - - - mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 1 - - 2 - f 17 Adekoya, Seyi 3 3 2 - - mf 13 BELANA, Pau 1 ---- mf 22 SULLIVAN, Joe 1 ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - - - 1 - mf 18 Hernandez, Jose 2 2 2 - - f 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- f 23 ROSS, Ryan - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- d 24 Smith, Nathan - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- f 26 ROBERTSON, Tate - ---- d 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- d 30 Contreras, Edgar - ---- mf 22 DAMBROT, Robby 1 ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 9 MACOMBER, Brad - ---- 12 DAKWAR, Adi - ---- 3 Amick, Michael - ---- 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 1 1 - 2 - 12 PUGLIESE, Peter - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau 1 1 - - - 7 Vobejda, Felix 2 ---- 11 GARCIA, Jesse - ---- 13 SHEA, Danny - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana 1 ---- 20 Holt, Erik - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 14 REYNOLDS, Keaton 2 1 - - - 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony - ---- 22 Payne, Stephen - ---- 25 SOARES, Goncalo 1 1 1 - - 20 GIANNINI, Vincent 1 1 - - - 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 1 1 - - Totals 11 5 4 3 17 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- 21 MUSTAFA, Moe - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- Totals 11 4 2 3 15 Totals 8 4 0 0 10 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- Totals 17 7 4 7 12 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 00 Barroso Silva, Pepe 90:00 2 2 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 4 1 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 1 LANDSBERGER, Nick 90:00 4 3 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 4 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total UCLA 5 6 11 UCLA 0 2 2 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Akron 4 7 11 Akron 0 1 1 Bowling Green 4 4 8 Bowling Green 1 2 3 Akron 11 6 17 Akron 2 2 4 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total UCLA 0 1 1 UCLA 10 7 17 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Akron 1 2 3 Akron 7 8 15 Bowling Green 1 0 1 Bowling Green 6 4 10 Akron 2 0 2 Akron 6 6 12

Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description Scoring summary: 1. 7:14 UCLA Adekoya, Seyi (10) Danladi, Abu turnover in defensive third give-and-go into box No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 2. 28:12 AKR NAJEM, Adam (8) HOLTHUSEN, Stuart give-and-go long ball from 9 to 10 at top of box 1. 11:53 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (2) GAINFORD, Sam off of deflection of blocked shot hit crossbar and DE VERA, Niko in 3. 29:58 UCLA Hernandez, Jose (10) Danladi, Abu turnover in box shot from top of six 2. 12:41 AKR GAINFORD, Sam (8) HOLTHUSEN, Stuart give-and-go and shot across face from top of bo 4. 53:14 AKR SOARES, Goncalo (1) HOLTHUSEN, Stuart pass from 9 to 25 curled in from top right of box LARYEA, Richie 5. 74:27 UCLA Adekoya, Seyi (11) Danladi, Abu give-and-go shot from right side of six far corner 3. 20:31 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (3) SHULTZ, Nate 10 played to corner to 18 served to center head 6. 81:08 UCLA Hernandez, Jose (11) Penalty kick NAJEM, Adam home 4. 73:18 AKR SANDA, Tyler (2) SOUDERS, Andrew feed ball in lofted one to upper corner Cautions and ejections: NAJEM, Adam YC-UCLA #6 (53:14); YC-UCLA #24 (59:04); YC-AKR #20 (81:08); YC-AKR #15 (83:13) Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #9 (16:29); YC-AKR #6 (59:12); YC-BGSU #17 (59:12); Win-Barroso Silva, Pepe (3-1-0). Loss-FENLASON, Jake (12-3-2). YC-BGSU #2 (60:51) Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Win-FENLASON, Jake (13-3-2). Loss-LANDSBERGER, Nick (0-2-1). Officials: Referee: Jorge Cuate; Asst. Referee: Eulogio Villalpando; Tom Dicken; Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Alt. Official: Nicholas Vass;

S SOCCER Officials: Referee: Donovan Noocha; Asst. Referee: John Safar; Slobodan Ilibasic; Offsides: UCLA 3, Akron 2. Alt. Official: Aaron Vnuk;

’ Official's signature Offsides: Bowling Green 1, Akron 1. Official's signature

GAME 19 GAME 20 NO. 4 AKRON 3, WEST VIRGINIA 2 NO. 4 AKRON 1, BUFFALO 0 NOV. 13 • AKRON, OHIO NOV. 15 • AKRON, OHIO

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer West Virginia vs #4 Akron (Nov 13, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) Buffalo vs #4 Akron (Nov 15, 2015 at Akron, Ohio)

West Virginia (7-12-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Buffalo (8-7-4) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (14-3-2) West Virginia 0 2 2 Akron (15-3-2) Buffalo 0 0 0 Date: Nov 15, 2015 • Attendance: 1335 Date: Nov 13, 2015 • Attendance: 1238 Akron 1 2 3 Akron 1 0 1 Weather: Weather:

AKRON MEN West Virginia Akron Buffalo Akron Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 18 Boerner, Alec - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 KUTA, Joseph - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- d2Thomas, Louis - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d2FISHER, Alec - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d4Henry, Francio - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 2 1 - - - mf 3 CRAMAROSSA, Daniel - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 2 ---- mf 6 Elliott, Jack 2 1 - - - f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 ---- d5SLOTEMAKER, Fox 2 2 - - - mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 2 1 - - - f9Cain, Ryan - ---- mf 8 SOUTO, Victor - ---- mf 6 ENSTROM, David - ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 8 3 - - - d 11 Leedom, Zak 4 3 - - - f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 5 2 2 - - f7CICERONE, Russell 4 2 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 1 1 - - mf 12 Merriam, Jamie 3 2 1 - - mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 4 2 1 1 - mf 10 CULVER, Braden - ---- f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 4 2 - - - f 15 Piatczyc, Joey 2 ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- f 11 HANSON, Marcus 1 ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 3 2 - - - mf 17 Stephenson, Tucker 1 1 - - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 12 PLACE, Austin 2 1 - - - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad - ---- mf 19 Honold, Heath - ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo - ---- f 14 STRYKER, Steven 1 ---- d 22 DAMBROT, Robby 2 1 - - - d 26 Bennett, Haydon 1 ---- d 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- mf 24 SCALES, Braden - ---- d 26 CLARKE, Alonzo ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 8 Angerer, Felix 1 1 - - - 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- 8 WALSH, Hunter 1 1 - - - 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 10 Arslan, Jad - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 9 NETSKAR, Nicolay - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau 2 1 - - - 16 COPE, Dylan - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- 14 Desiderio, Mike - - - 1 - 16 WIEDT, Shane - ---- 18 ASPENLEITER, Ryan - ---- 16 WIEDT, Shane - ---- 24 Peprah, Michael - ---- 19 SANDA, Tyler - ---- 19 DONEY, Scott - ---- 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- TM TEAM - 1 1 - 23 22 DAMBROT, Robby - ---- Totals 11 6 0 0 27 25 SOARES, Goncalo 1 ---- Totals 14 9 2 1 23 Totals 13 5318 Totals 26 11 1 0 16 # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 18 Boerner, Alec 90:00 3 2 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 2 7 1 KUTA, Joseph 90:00 1 10 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 0 6 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total West Virginia 6 8 14 West Virginia 2 0 2 Buffalo 3 8 11 Buffalo 6 4 10 Akron 8 5 Akron 4 3 7 13 Akron 16 10 26 Akron 3 3 6

Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total West Virginia 0 4 West Virginia 14 9 4 23 Buffalo 1 6 7 Buffalo 19 8 27 Akron 1 1 2 Akron 4 4 8 Akron 5 4 9 Akron 9 7 16

Scoring summary: Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 22:23 AKR NAJEM, Adam (9) (unassisted) free kick from just outside the box, top shelf 1. 44:30 AKR SOUTO, Victor (6) Corner kick shot from middle of box off defensive deflection 2. 48:58 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (4) NAJEM, Adam ball served in from middle, shot top of box to corner Cautions and ejections: 3. 67:48 WVU OWN GOAL Corner kick YC-BUF #5 (4:56); YC-AKR #9 (10:36); YC-BUF #10 (43:14); YC-BUF #3 (47:41); 4. 67:53 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (5) (unassisted) first touch after restart YC-BUF #14 (57:42); YC-AKR #16 (64:40); RC-BUF #18 (65:40); 5. 71:17 WVU Merriam, Jamie (7) Desiderio, Mike RC-BUF #TM (65:40); YC-BUF #16 (82:50)

Cautions and ejections: Win-FENLASON, Jake (15-3-2). Loss-KUTA, Joseph (5-4-2). YC-WVU #12 (13:36); YC-WVU #18 (22:22); YC-WVU #26 (34:59); Stadium: FirstEnergy Field YC-WVU #19 (50:46); YC-WVU #11 (63:13); YC-AKR #26 (68:00) Officials: Referee: Cesar Ibarra; Asst. Referee: Anthony Vasoli; Eulogio Villalpando; Alt. Official: Ted Grigoriou; Win-FENLASON, Jake (14-3-2). Loss-Boerner, Alec (5-5-0). Offsides: Buffalo 3, Akron 5. Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Official's signature Officials: Referee: Pawel Wydra; Asst. Referee: Khalaf Al-Latayfeh; Art Arustamyan; Alt. Official: Ted Grigoriou; Offsides: West Virginia 2, Akron 2. Official's signature

20 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON GAME-BY-GAME BOXSCORES

GAME 21 AKRON 22 NO. 3 AKRON 6, RUTGERS 1 NO. 3 AKRON 2, NO. 11 SMU 1 NOV. 22 • AKRON, OHIO NOV. 29 • AKRON, OHIO

Soccer Box Score (Final) Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer 2015 Akron Soccer #23 Rutgers vs #3 Akron (Nov 22, 2015 at Akron, Ohio) #11 SMU vs #3 Akron (Nov 29, 2015 at Akron, Ohio)

Rutgers (12-7-2) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total SMU (15-3-4) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Total Akron (16-3-2) Rutgers 0 1 1 Akron (17-3-2) SMU 1 0 1 Date: Nov 29, 2015 • Attendance: 2280 Date: Nov 22, 2015 • Attendance: 2025 Akron 5 1 6 Akron 2 0 2 Weather: Weather: Rutgers Akron SMU Akron Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 1 Greczek, David - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- gk 1 NELSON, Michael - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- d2Guzman, Niel 1 ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- d2CANO, Jordan - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- mf 5 Taintor, Mitchell 2 2 - 1 - d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- mf 3 LUJANO, John - ---- f3SEPE, Sean 3 ---- mf 6 Tetro, Brandon - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 4 3 2 1 - d6RICE, Jared - ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo - ---- mf 8 Hawkins, Brian 1 ---- f7GAINFORD, Sam 2 ---- mf 8 SMITH, Caleb - ---- mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 6 1 - - - mf 9 Correa, JP 1 ---- mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 1 1 1 - - f 14 CICHERO, Mauro 1 1 - - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 2 ---- mf 10 Sa, Erik 2 ---- f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 4 3 2 - - d 17 LEE, Brenden 2 2 - - - f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 9 3 - 1 - mf 21 mf 10 d 14 Lurie, Mitch - ---- mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 1 - - 2 - GARCIA, Stanton 2 ---- NAJEM, Adam 9 5 - 1 - mf 22 CLARK, Bryce 1 1 - - - d 18 SHULTZ, Nate 2 ---- d 15 Morgan, Drew 1 ---- d 18 SHULTZ, Nate - ---- d 24 SPEED, Jacob - ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 2 ---- f 20 Wright, Jason 1 ---- d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 2 1 - - - mf 28 BOOROM, Christian 1 ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo 4 1 1 - - d 22 Morris, Tyler - ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo 1 1 - - - -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 7 CURTIS, Taylor - ---- 22 DAMBROT, Robby 3 ---- 3 Al Awwad, Sugor 1 1 1 - - 3 SEPE, Sean 2 1 1 1 - 11 CAMARA, Idrissa 2 ---- TM TEAM - 1 1 - 8 11 McKoy, Sheldon - ---- 4 DE VERA, Niko - ---- 19 CUELLO, Emil 3 1 - - - Totals 40 11 2 2 8 25 Faheem, Ahmad - ---- 12 DAKWAR, Adi 3 1 - - - 30 MEINECKE, Kevin 1 ---- 26 Dovell, Thomas - ---- 13 BELANA, Pau - ---- TM TEAM - 1 1 - 15 28 Farrell, Thomas - ---- 15 KAHSAY, Ezana - ---- Totals 13 6 1 0 15 Totals 10 3 1 1 20 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony 2 1 - - - 19 SANDA, Tyler 1 ---- # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 22 DAMBROT, Robby 2 ---- 1 NELSON, Michael 90:00 2 9 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 1 4 26 CLARKE, Alonzo - ---- TM TEAM 0:00 0 1 Totals 25 12 6 4 14 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves AKRON MEN SMU 8 5 13 SMU 2 7 9 1 Greczek, David 90:00 6 6 24 FENLASON, Jake 90:00 1 2 Akron 17 23 40 Akron 2 3 5 Shots by period 1 2 Total Saves by period 1 2 Total Rutgers 6 4 10 Rutgers 3 3 6 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total SMU 3 0 3 SMU 6 9 15 Akron 14 11 25 Akron 1 1 2 Akron 9 10 19 Akron 6 2 8 Corner kicks 1 2 Total Fouls 1 2 Total Rutgers 1 1 Rutgers 10 10 2 20 Scoring summary: Akron 5 2 7 Akron 7 7 14 No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 24:53 AKR SOARES, Goncalo (2) HOLTHUSEN, Stuart dribbled on end line, played right to top of 6 NAJEM, Adam yard box Scoring summary: 2. 31:11 SMU OWN GOAL Corner kick own goal No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 3. 42:42 AKR OWN GOAL (unassisted) own goal 1. 4:56 AKR SOUTO, Victor (7) Penalty kick 2. 12:28 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (6) LARYEA, Richie cross from left side of box, 9 in SEPE, Sean Cautions and ejections: 3. 12:45 AKR LARYEA, Richie (10) (unassisted) 6 dribbled into box, shot right side of goal, YC-AKR #3 (66:16); YC-SMU #14 (72:55); YC-SMU #3 (75:57); 4. 16:09 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (7) NAJEM, Adam set piece 10 to 9 at top of box, goal left side of YC-SMU #22 (85:19) goal 5. 17:39 AKR LARYEA, Richie (11) (unassisted) dribble ball in, shot from outside the box, goal Win-FENLASON, Jake (17-3-2). Loss-NELSON, Michael (15-3-4). 6. 59:50 AKR SEPE, Sean (2) NAJEM, Adam 10 sent ball from midfield, 3 1 v1, goal Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium 7. 80:08 RU Al Awwad, Sugor (2) Taintor, Mitchell cross into box, 3 goal Officials: Referee: Peter Dhima; Asst. Referee: Andrew Bigelow; Jeffrey Mellen; Alt. Official: Brandon Artis; Cautions and ejections: Offsides: SMU 1, Akron 0. YC-RU #5 (17:05) Official's signature Win-FENLASON, Jake (16-3-2). Loss-Greczek, David (12-7-2). Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Officials: Referee: Hilario Grajeda; Asst. Referee: Cory Richardson; Ross Kleinstuber; Alt. Official: John Safar; Offsides: Rutgers 1, Akron 5. ’ Official's signature S SOCCER

GAME 23 NO. 4 AKRON 3, NO. 3 CREIGHTON 2 DEC. 5 • AKRON, OHIO

Soccer Box Score (Final) 2015 Akron Soccer #3 Creighton vs #4 Akron (Dec 05, 2015 at Akron, Ohio)

Creighton (19-4-0) vs. Goals by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Akron (18-3-2) Creighton 0200 2 Date: Dec 05, 2015 • Attendance: 3043 Akron 0201 3 Weather: Creighton Akron Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo Pos# Player ShSOG G A Fo gk 0 SPARROW, Connor - ---- gk 24 FENLASON, Jake - ---- d4KELLER, Vincent - ---- d2SOUDERS, Andrew - ---- mf 6 RYDSTRAND, Joel 1 ---- f3SEPE, Sean 3 2 - - - f7LOPEZ-ESPIN, Ricky 4 ---- d5RADJEN, Danilo 1 1 - - - mf 10 PEREZ, Ricardo 3 1 1 - - mf 6 LARYEA, Richie 1 - - 1 - mf 11 CASTELLANOS,Fernan 5 3 1 - - mf 8 SOUTO, Victor 1 1 1 - - d 12 STAUFFER, Lucas 2 2 - - - f9HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 5 2 1 - - d 13 FRANKE, Noah 2 1 - - - mf 10 NAJEM, Adam 4 1 1 - - f 14 HERBERS, Fabian 5 3 - 2 - d 18 SHULTZ, Nate 1 ---- f 18 PITTER, Timo 3 2 - 1 - d 20 RUHAAK, Brad 1 ---- d 22 DEJULIO, Eric 1 ---- mf 25 SOARES, Goncalo ------Substitutes -- -- Substitutes -- 16 ENGLIS, Myles - ---- 7 GAINFORD, Sam 1 ---- Totals 26 12 2 3 24 22 DAMBROT, Robby 1 1 - - - Totals 19 8 3 1 13

# Goalkeepers Min GA Saves # Goalkeepers Min GA Saves 0 SPARROW, Connor 101:55 3 5 24 FENLASON, Jake 101:55 2 10

Shots by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Saves by period 1 2 OT O2 Total Creighton 8 16 2 0 26 Creighton 2030 5 Akron 5941 19 Akron 5410 10

Corner kicks 1 2 OT O2 Total Fouls 1 2 OT O2 Total Creighton 4300 7 Creighton 12 10 1 1 24 Akron 1310 5 Akron 6700 13

Scoring summary: No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description 1. 59:04 AKR SOUTO, Victor (8) Penalty kick 2. 63:09 CU CASTELLANOS,Fernando (3) HERBERS, Fabian ball served into corner of box, header home 3. 79:51 AKR HOLTHUSEN, Stuart (8) LARYEA, Richie served to nine, took into box shot to top right 4. 84:17 CU PEREZ, Ricardo (6) HERBERS, Fabian give and go to center of the box PITTER, Timo 5. 101:55 AKR NAJEM, Adam (10) (unassisted) free kick top of box

Cautions and ejections: YC-AKR #9 (54:54); YC-AKR #20 (56:01); YC-CU #6 (57:21); YC-AKR #3 (62:02); YC-CU #14 (88:09)

Win-FENLASON, Jake (18-3-2). Loss-SPARROW, Connor (19-4-0). Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium Officials: Referee: Hilario Grajeda; Asst. Referee: Anthony Vasoli; Igor Reznik; Alt. Official: John Douglas; Offsides: Creighton 3, Akron 2. Official's signature

#ZipsGameday 21 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

Akron defeats Creighton 3-2 in double overtime; Adam Najem’s Akron soccer headed to the NCAA College Cup after 3-2 win over golden goal just as he pictured Creighton Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Dec. 6, 2015 Elton Alexander • The Plain Dealer • Dec. 6, 2015 While he slept Friday, Adam Najem envisioned a game-winning free kick AKRON, Ohio -- Akron’s Adam Najem matched his dreams when he aced that would send the University of Akron to the College Cup. a free kick with 8:05 left to play in the second overtime to lift Akron to a 3-2 So imagine the junior midfielder’s distress when he missed one in the victory over Creighton Saturday afternoon at Cadet Field. 97th minute that would have beaten Creighton in the first overtime Saturday That boot sends the Zips to their fourth NCAA College Cup in Kansas at FirstEnergy Stadium. City, Missouri, next week. And it came less than 24 hours after the junior “I messed up the first one, and I made these guys play a little extra time,” midfielder went to sleep for the final time before the Elite Eight matchup Najem said. “I just wanted to get that game over with.” with one thing on his mind. When Najem got another chance on a free kick in the second overtime, “I was visualizing that moment last night,’’ he said. he put his shot high and to senior goalie Connor Sparrow’s right. Najem’s Yes, he visualized a free kick winner, from anywhere on the field. “Anything golden goal in the 102nd minute gave the fourth-seeded Zips a 3-2 victory is possible in your dreams,’’ Najem said. over 12th-seeded Creighton and sent them to the NCAA Tournament Only this was reality, set up by Creighton’s Vincent Keller, who committed semifinals for the fourth time in school history. a pair of miscues in the game that aided the Zips. The bigger was against “I visualized my celebration, too, after the golden goal,” UA coach Jared Akron’s Richie Laryea to give Najem his second overtime free kick. Embick said. “I lost track of what I did out there. I know [assistant coach] Leo The first was was a weak attempt, but the second was high and hard to the [Chappel] is going to be making fun of it on tape.” goalie’s right. It nestled into the net to send the crowd screaming. Told there might be photo­graphs, Embick said, “Let’s hope not.” “I just messed up the first one,’’ Najem said. As for the second one, “I just UA (18-3-2) will face eighth-seeded Stanford at either 6 or 8:30 p.m. ET wanted to get it over with. I just calmed myself down. I know where the goal Friday at Sporting Park in Kansas City. Stanford eliminated top-seeded Wake is. I just focused on the ball and just hit it right.” Forest 2-1 in overtime Saturday night. Second-seeded Clemson meets sixth- The Zips had two second-half leads, 1-0 and 2-1, but could not hold either seeded Syracuse in the other semifinal. The championship game is at 2 p.m. as the match went into overtime tied 2-2. The first overtime was scoreless, but next Sunday. the Zips had their chances, including a missed free kick that was blocked and The Zips also reached the College Cup in 1986, 2009 and 2010, winning two headers in front of the net that were well defended. the school’s only team national championship on their last trip. They have In the second 10-minute overtime, Najem took over to send Akron back to lost only once in their last 16 matches dating back to Sept. 22 and have not familiar territory. trailed in three NCAA Tournament games. The No. 4-seeded Zips entered the match looking to make their fourth trip The Zips were outshot 24-14 in regulation, but dominated the overtimes. (1986, 2009, 2010) to the NCAA Final Four, and first since 2010, when Akron S SOCCER “They may have been a little better in the first half, but I thought the won the NCAA title. In 1986 and 2009, the Zips finished second. ’ second half and on we were better,” Embick said. “Then you just need special No. 12-seed Creighton, ranked No. 1 much of the early season, showed its plays. We’ve got special players and that’s what it came down to. This team early season form from the outset. has always found a way to dig deep in big games this year and this was no The Bluejays muscled Akron immediately, and by the end of the opening different. I couldn’t be prouder, but we’ve got two more games.” half had spent a good deal of time in the Zips half of the field. Creighton had Creighton twice rallied from deficits, including when UA took a 2-1 lead on eight shots to Akron’s five, but Akron goalie Jake Fenlason was busy with five Stuart Holthusen’s goal off a Richie Laryea assist in the 80th minute. Senior saves. Creighton’s aggressive play showed in the number of fouls collected goalkeeper Jake Fenlason, who came to UA as a walk-on, recorded 10 saves. by the break, 12, to only six for the Zips. “Sometimes in these games those goals can change momentum,” Embick In the end, Creighton had 24 fouls to 13 for Akron, but also had 26 shots said. “Psychologically, we could have really felt sorry for ourselves. But our on goal to 19 for the Zips. But it was 24-14 after the end of regulation. And guys, they weren’t going to lose tonight. They bounced back and we went Creighton coach said it should have been more. right back on top of them. I just never in my mind thought we were going to “It was the shots we didn’t take that bit us in the rear,’’ he said, noting lose the game.” many missed chances, particularly the first half. “We had the opportunities AKRON MEN Creighton senior center back Vincent Keller, who coach Elmar Bolowich and squandered them.” said was playing with a high ankle sprain, fouled UA sophomore midfielder But the Zips didn’t, and are on their way to KC for the College Cup, against Laryea to set up Najem’s heroics. the winner of Wake Forest-Stanford, as Najem fulfilled his dream. “I got the ball from Sam [Gainford] wide and saw open space, so I just “A strike by the Akron player ended it for us,’’ Bolowich said. starting dribbling,” Laryea said. “I was getting grabbed from behind. I was hoping to knock it past that guy, but he followed me. Then the great Adam Najem stepped up and scored the goal.” It was the 10th goal of the season (along with 11 assists) for Najem, the Zips’ leading scorer. Najem said after his first overtime miss, he calmed himself down before his strike. “I’m going to be honest with you guys; I was actually visualizing that moment when I was sleeping last night. I told myself, ‘If I get a free kick outside the box, I’m going to try to put it in,’ ” Najem said. “That’s why I was a little disappointed after the first one. It was just surreal after the second one. “I’m just focused on the ball. I know where the goal is, where the goalie is. Hopefully just hit it right and hopefully the goalie doesn’t get a good read on it and it goes in the back of the net.” Asked if he pictured his kick coming from the same spot where it happened, Najem said, “Anywhere. Anything’s possible in your dreams.”

22 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

With Zips in elite eight, blueprint drawn up by Caleb Porter, Jared Embick again reaping dividends Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Dec. 5, 2015 By University of Akron men’s soccer standards, the previous two seasons to the program and may eventually bypass the MLS Draft. Each team may were disappointments. sign two of those players a year to senior or developmental contracts. But UA coach Jared Embick never wavered, never deviated from the plan “The top American players are getting harder and harder to get,” Porter said that he and his predecessor Caleb Porter devised during their six seasons of Embick’s dilemma. “Ultimately there’s less of them coming into college. together. That was something I knew was coming. Ultimately he’s done a good job of Now, after ’s homegrown player rule forced Embick to going back to more internationals and getting more guys who are going to place more emphasis on international recruiting, their blueprint is reaping stay three or four years. dividends once again. “We were getting the best Americans leaving every one or two years. That Fourth-seeded UA (17-3-2) hosts 12th-seeded Creighton (19-3) Saturday at made it very difficult. He’s done a good job of adapting. And as the team 4 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium in the NCAA Tournament’s elite eight. The Zips has become more and more his, the more the players have bought into him are one victory away from their fourth appearance in the NCAA semifinals because we’re different. There’s always a transition there.” and their first since winning the school’s only team national championship Embick said a player like Trapp, a Zips midfielder from 2011-12, would in 2010. never make it to college now. Ironically, 24 hours later, Embick plans to be at MAPFRE Stadium in “The new homegrown rules and the growth of MLS teams taking their own Columbus, where Porter will lead the Portland Timbers against Columbus academy players ... we had that period, how do we figure out these holes

Crew SC in the MLS Cup, with Porter’s club seeking its first league title. in recruiting and how do your adjust your strategy?” Embick said. “That’s AKRON MEN In a telephone interview from Portland on Tuesday, Porter said he considers kind of what we’ve done, not only with this team, but in the future with our the success of UA’s program part of his legacy. He is grateful that university upcoming classes. Now we have a good plan going forward. officials promoted Embick when Porter left for the Major League Soccer job in “We’ve been lucky to find some very good players internationally and December 2012. Porter and Embick may share the same vision and strategic throughout the country and locally. For me when you put all those different style, but Embick, 37, is much more soft-spoken in public than the fiery and cultures and styles together, it makes it even more beautiful.” charismatic Porter, 40. Even after the Zips fell to Hartwick or Western Michigan, Embick said he “Not to get too nostalgic, but it’s really cool that the Akron program’s never thought of drastically changing the style he and Porter created. healthy, my assistant has taken over and done a great job, which is what I “There’s always a subtle difference that we may do that people won’t know. had hoped would happen because I want my legacy to remain there,” Porter But never, even despite maybe a bad result or two, it’s not like, ‘Let’s abandon said. “He was with me through the building of the program. He was the only this and go into get-result mode and play differently,’ ” Embick said. guy I felt could continue to keep our brand of soccer and the blueprint that “I believe winning takes time, winning’s a process, so is developing teams. we built going. We stayed patient at the beginning of this. If you believe in it, it will come ’

“I think a lot of people might have questioned that. There were certainly back around for you. I think that’s where we are now.” S SOCCER sexier hires out there. I didn’t want to leave and the program to go down, Porter knows the ultimate measure of Embick’s success will be national which is why I pushed so hard to have Jared stay there because I thought that championships. But if Embick brings UA more titles, he won’t mind that he was the best chance to continue as a nationally prominent program.” will have done it by following Porter’s blueprint. In Porter’s seven years at UA, the Zips went to the NCAA Tournament six “For me it wasn’t hard, it wasn’t, ‘I’ve got to play Caleb’s way because that’s times and reached the final in 2009 and ’10. He finished with a career record what got me the job,’ ” Embick said. “When we both started that, that’s what of 123-18-17, the highest winning percentage (.832) among active Division we both believed in and I still believe in it strongly. That’s the main reason I coaches. why I keep it. But after capturing the national title, UA saw a mass exodus of players to “If I went someplace tomorrow, I’d play the same way.” MLS. A league-record five were taken in the first eight picks in 2011. More than 20 former Zips are playing in that league and abroad. Darlington Nagbe (of the Timbers) joined DeAndre Yedlin (with Sunderland of the English Premier League) in the U.S. National team’s recent World Cup qualifier, while Wil Trapp (Crew) and Dillon Serna (Colorado Rapids) were members of the U.S. under-23 team that played in last month’s CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship. With a roster to rebuild, the Zips went 17-4-1 in Embick’s first season and lost to Marquette in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That campaign included a 2-0 loss to Hartwick, snapping UA’s streak of 49 unbeaten Mid-American Conference matches. Last year, UA finished 13-6-2 and after playing to a 1-1 double-overtime draw was ousted 13-12 on penalty kicks at Ohio State in the first round of the NCAAs. That season included a 1-0 home loss to conference foe Western Michigan. But Embick didn’t panic. In July, he was rewarded with a three-year contract extension. “I remember losing to Hartwick — they only won five games all year — then Western Michigan last year,” Embick said after training Wednesday. “But that’s part of my growth and that transition period. “[Going into 2013] we lost Wil Trapp, DeAndre Yedlin, Scott Caldwell. We had some key seniors; some of them had to step up. We were all right that year, but that (Hartwick) loss probably cost us a seed. Then the next year you transition to playing six or seven freshmen. They just sometimes don’t get the message. That experience you see this year, no bad losses, the team’s flying and now it’s full steam ahead.” Porter said he realized what effect the MLS hometown program would have on UA. Players residing in a team’s territory for at least one year can be added #ZipsGameday 23 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

Akron soccer success has Terry Talkin’ about the remarkable THE PORTER ERA story of how it happened during a coaching change Embick soon became the recruiting coordinator. Porter began to attract Terry Pluto • The Plain Dealer • Dec. 4, 2015 elite players from across the country, along with many of the best from Northeast Ohio. AKRON, Ohio -- It was not long after the University of Akron soccer team In 2009, the Zips were 23-1-1 and lost in the Finals. won the NCAA title. In 2010, they were 22-1-2 and returned to the Finals. This time, the Zips Zips assistant coach Jared Embick and others associated with the soccer won it. team were talking about head coach Caleb Porter. The last Division I team to reach The Finals in consecutive seasons was “Heaven help the guy who replaces him,” Embick said at one point. “I feel Indiana in 2003-04. Porter was an assistant coach on those teams. sorry for the guy. He’s set up to fail.” That’s part of where he gained the inspiration for his big dreams for Akron Telling the story now, Embick laughs. He is the guy who took over for Porter, soccer -- and he delivered. who now coaches the Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer. “We had a period of about 50 games where we never lost,” said Porter. Embick has the Zips one victory away from being in the NCAA Final Four, Embick emerged as the top assistant, a key to keeping the soccer engine called the College Cup. The Zips host Creighton on Saturday at 4 p.m. at running. What the Zips were doing in college soccer was astounding, given Akron’s FirstEnergy Stadium. their mid-major status from the Mid-American Conference. On Sunday, Porter’s team plays the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup Final at After the 2010 season, Porter signed a stunning 10-year contract to stay 4 p.m. at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus. with the Zips. He had a base salary of $270,000 with perks that could take the “I’m so proud of what Jared has accomplished this season,” said Porter. deal up to $350,000 annually. It made him one of the highest paid college “This team is truly his, and he’s making the most of it.” soccer coaches in the country. “At that point, I could see myself staying in Akron for 20 years,” Porter said DYNASTY DREAMS Monday. Caleb Porter was 31 years old when he was hired to coach the Zips in 2006. But the same relentless drive and desire that helped him lead the Zips up He had been an assistant at Indiana University. the Mount Everest of college soccer made it hard for him to keep turning Porter began talking championships. National championships. As in more down chances to coach in the pros. than one national championship. Porter stayed two more years at Akron, leading the Zips to the NCAA’s Sweet “Winning one national title was not going to be enough,” said Porter. Sixteen in 2011 and 2012. And he planned to do it in Akron, where the Zips had a very good program. Porter had wanted to be pro player, but major knee injuries cut short his But they had never won a national title before. The closest Akron came was career. Those close to him knew at some point he would grab a chance to losing in the 1986 Finals. coach in the MLS. That came with Portland, one of pro soccer’s hotbeds. Porter also talked about “building a dynasty.” I wrote about his dreams in S SOCCER this story. ’ THE REPLACEMENT Porter took over for , who went to six NCAA tournaments in 13 Porter met with Akron officials and sensed, “They wanted to make a big years as Akron’s head coach. He left after the 2005 season for Louisville. splash, hire a big name” as his replacement. The deepest Lolla ever took the Zips was the Sweet Sixteen. Porter believed Porter had other ideas. Don’t mess with success. Keep the identity of the Akron could do more. program. “But we had to build a brand,” he said. “We were not a big, sexy name. We “By then, coaches knew the type of players that we wanted,” said Embick. were not in a big conference like the ACC or Big 10.” “I’d get a call and a coach would say, ‘I have an Akron player for you.’” So he developed his aggressive brand of soccer to attract more athletic I know some people thought there was only one place we could go ... players who wanted to take more shots on goal -- and perhaps enhance their Down. chances to become pros. That meant the aggressive, quick athlete suited for the Zips blistering pace. “I was worried if they hired the wrong coach, he’d change things and we’d HOW THEY MET never be the same,” said Porter. “I knew Jared was ready.” “I’m not the typical guy who ends up being the coach at a school like

AKRON MEN To the credit of former Akron athletic director Tom Wistrcill and other Akron,” said Embick. “At this level, most coaches played in Division I. Some decision makers, they turned to Embick. He signed a three-year deal with a were former pros. They usually come from big programs and they have a lot $175,000 base salary. of contacts.” Portland had to pay Akron about $200,000 for allowing Porter to leave his Embick had none of that. Embick played soccer at Indiana Wesleyan. He contract. coached at one place -- Missouri Baptist, an NAIA school in St. Louis. “In my mind, it was a no brainer for Jared to take over,” said Porter. “I was Embick would help out at the Indiana summer soccer camps. Porter had convinced he was a hidden gem and absolutely ready for the job. Jared and been a star player for the Hoosiers, and later an assistant coach. They got to I developed the blueprint together that is Akron soccer.” know each other. “I was just trying to learn more about game and be exposed to the best ONE PLACE TO GO ... DOWN? coaching possible,” Embick said. Embick was 34. His head coaching experience consisted of four years at Embick mentioned that he and Porter were among a small group of Missouri Baptist, a four-year record of 47-21-8 at the NAIA school. coaches at the camp who tended to sit around and talk soccer rather than The view in the college soccer community was that Embick was taking over go out at night. a powerhouse program. But was it simply a product of Porter, who seemed Porter was impressed with Embick. He hired the small college coach to an like a coach for the ages? entry level position as an assistant for the 2007 season. “I know some people thought there was only one place we could go ... “I was really surprised when Caleb offered me a job,” said Embick. “He Down,” said Embick. has so many connections with so many players and coaches from bigger Porter said that was true. programs.” “The bar had been set so high,” said Porter. “I knew we’d have a hard time Porter said there were several reasons why he hired Embick. Work ethic, repeating. We were losing players early for the pros.” integrity and knowledge of the game were part of it. Porter wondered if he could get the Zips back to the title game in the next “But he also believed in the aggressive style that we wanted to play,” said few years. Porter believed Embick would have to take a slight step back, Porter. “I didn’t want a normal coach who looked at things like everyone else rebuilding the program with more freshman. They had been taking some does. We knew we had to be different. transfers to keep the program contending for a national title.

24 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

GOOD, BUT GOOD ENOUGH? BIG DRAW, GREAT STADIUM In his first two seasons, Embick had records of 17-4-1 and 13-6-2. He made The Zips ranked No. 8 in the country in attendance at 2,121. The leader is the NCAA tournament both years, but didn’t survive the round of 32. Creighton at 3,298. “There are enormous expectations around the program,” said Embick. FirstEnergy Stadium is a superb place to watch a game, students and “We had to bring in more young players and build if we really wanted to get families love it. back to highest level (of the NCAA tournament). Would people be patient? I “If we get recruit on campus and they watch one of our games, it’s a WOW wondered about that.” factor,” said Embick. “They want to come.” In Embick’s first two seasons, the Zips won the MAC and were in the NCAA The Zips attacking style shows up in the team being ranked No. 3 in the tournament in 2013 and 2014. Any other MAC program (and many in major NCAA in scoring and shots on goal. conferences) would love that resume for a coach in his first two seasons. Since 2007, the Zips have a winning percentage of .821 -- ranked No. 1 in In the process, he brought in 14 new players and used a lot of freshmen all of Division I. and sophomores in his first two seasons. Embick had 10 losses in those two “Our style is fun to play and great to watch,” said Embick. “If you love years. soccer, this is the place to be.” Porter had only 18 in seven years! Porter has three former Akron players on his Portland roster: Darlington To the credit of Akron’s administration, they knew Embick was entering into Nagbe, Michael Nanchoff and Ben Zemanski. Columbus has former Zips Wil the final season of his contract in 2015. They gave him a three-year extension. Trapp, Chad Barson and , who also played at North Carolina. But in Embick’s mind, he knew good wasn’t enough. The blueprint was “It’s an amazing weekend for Akron soccer,” said Porter. “We both have about greatness. huge games and are having great seasons. I’m so proud of what Jared has done.” BREAKTHROUGH SEASON AKRON MEN Akron opened this season with eight returning starters. This was the year to As pressure ramps up and his career winds down, Zips goalie make a major move in the NCAA tournament. Jake Fenlason focuses on revenge for 2012 seniors The Zips are ranked No. 3 in the nation with a 17-3-2 record. They are only Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Dec. 3, 2015 one victory away from the Final Four. “I know some people figured we could win the MAC,” said Embick. “But they wondered if I could get them deep in the NCAA tournament.” Jake Fenlason’s playing days at the University of Akron are nearly done, It’s happened this year. and the senior goalkeeper from San Diego has two things he wants to Here is the field of eight: Boston College, Syracuse, Maryland, Wake Forest, accomplish. Clemson, Stanford, Creighton and Akron. Six are from major conferences. Winning the Zips’ second NCAA soccer championship comes above all. But Only Akron and Creighton would be considered mid-majors. in doing that, Fenlason would like to avenge a painful loss for one of the “This is Jared’s team,” said Porter. “The only kid playing now who was a big players he admired most. recruit for me was (Andrew) Souders from Amherst. He’s built the team and In 2012, goalie David Meves saw his career end in the third round of the ’ now he’s showing what he can do.” NCAA Tournament against Creighton. After a 1-1 double-overtime draw, the S SOCCER Porter is a natural leader. His voice rises at the right times. His eyes burn Zips were eliminated 5-4 on penalty kicks. with passion. He could make your heart beat faster simply by describing what It was also the final game for coach Caleb Porter, seniors Scott Caldwell, you and he will eat for breakfast. Chad Barson and Thomas Schmitt and teammates Wil Trapp, DeAndre Yedlin “Caleb could run any business, do anything that he set his mind to,” said and Dillon Serna. Embick. “He is so smart. No one who knows Caleb is surprised with all the Fenlason won’t be the only Zip thinking about that match when fourth- success he’s having in the pros.” seeded UA (17-3-2) hosts 12th-seeded Creighton (19-3-0) Saturday at 4 p.m. Embick is quiet, thoughtful. He comes across as a really nice guy. In many in a NCAA Tournament quarterfinal at FirstEnergy Field. ways, his personality is like that of many top assistant coaches. They are detail “I brought it up, ‘We need to take care of this for guys in the program men, extremely hard-workers. They often play the good cop when the head who have done well for us,’ ” UA coach Jared Embick said Wednesday after coach has to be the bad guy to keep discipline. practice. “ ‘We’ve got to get it back for them.’ ” “Don’t underestimate Jared,” said Porter. “The competitive fire burns. I’m A victory would send the Zips to the NCAA semifinals for the fourth time more vocal, but he’s just as competitive as I am.” in school history (1986, 2009, 2010). The College Cup is Dec. 11 and 13 at Sporting Park in Kansas City. SMART PLAYERS, SCHOLARSHIP LIMITS To get there, the Zips will likely need a big day from Fenlason. Embick talked about how the NCAA limits soccer scholarships to 9.9 per UA ranks third in the nation in scoring offense (2.41 goals per game) team. and Creighton is fourth (2.32). On Tuesday, two Blue Jays were named “Compare that to 85 in football,” said Embick. “It doesn’t cost as much to semifinalists for the Hermann Trophy given to the nation’s top collegian. field a team. We divide up the 9.9 scholarships between a lot of players. Junior midfielder/forward Fabian Herbers leads the NCAA in points scored Several of our players also receive academic aid.” with 15 goals and 15 assists. Senior midfielder/forward Timo Pitter ranks The Zips had 13 players named to the MAC All-Academic team. among Creighton’s all-time top 10 for career goals (33) and points (87), the Souders, now a senior, has a 3.7 GPA in economics. Adam Najem is a 3.7 latter third among active Division I players. GPA in marketing. Souders and Najem are three-time first-team All-MAC Statistically, this isn’t Fenlason’s best season. His goals-against average of selections. 1.19 is the highest of his career, his saves percentage of .767 his lowest. Walk-on-turned-starter and team captain Brad Ruhaak (Copley) has a 3.7 But Fenlason isn’t worried about numbers. He remembers a 2013 first- GPA in mechanical engineering. round NCAA game against Indiana, when he faced 23 shots and made seven Robby Dambrot is a 3.9 student in marketing. The sophomore is a key saves in a 3-2 victory. reserve and son of Zips basketball coach Keith Dambrot. “One of my better games I’ve ever played came in the tournament against Danilo Radjen (Brecksville) has a 3.7 in health sciences. Nate Shultz Indiana,” Fenlason said. “Just look back on that and say, ‘I’ve done it before, (Mayfield) is 3.4 GPA in accounting. I can do it again.’ ” The team has a grade point average in the 3.3 range. Embick has seen growth from Fenlason since he thrust the former walk- “There is a lot of competition on the team to get good grades,” said Embick. on into the lineup in the semifinals of the 2013 Mid-American Conference “We want the standards high, just like we do for soccer.” Tournament. What also helps is that the top coaches aren’t paid millions. So Akron can “Now you see a little more composure, more presence and confidence,” keep a top coach if it makes a significant commitment to soccer. That’s not Embick said. “He went through a whole season last year, so he had the ups true in the big revenue sports of football and basketball. #ZipsGameday 25 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

and downs, being very successful and having a mini-slump. He had to UA redshirt junior midfielder Goncalo Soares scored the only legitimate work through it and keep competing. This year he’s been more consistent. I goal in the 25th minute off assists from sophomore forward Stuart Holthusen think he’s playing the best he’s played since he’s been here.” and junior midfielder Adam Najem. It was the second goal of the season for The fact that little has been said about Fenlason is a good sign, Embick said. Soares, a native of Lisbon, Portugal. “The more quiet he can be without having a big game, the better we’ve The game-winning goal came in the 43rd minute when Richie Laryea’s done in front,” Embick said of Fenlason. “He’ll need to make a couple saves pass bounced off SMU midfielder John Lujano’s foot and into the net for UA. in the stretch run to hopefully propel us.” “On the corner, it looked like it was a battle in the box and a collision of Fenlason represents the most visible gamble of Embick’s three years as players and it came off their guy’s head,” Hudson said of the own goals. “Our coach. In 2013, after first-team all-MAC honoree Fernando Pina gave up a guy, you’ve only been on the field for three minutes and he’s facing his own couple of what Embick called “soft goals,” he went to Fenlason. goal and he’s got a bad position and it comes off his foot. It’s not the way you “You usually let goalkeepers play through it,” Embick said. “But when want the game to go down, but it’s part of the game.” your backup goalie is playing really well in training and making saves, you Ruhaak said of his: “It was a good service and I had a clean path at it. It kind wonder if it’s not the right decision to switch ’em, take some pressure off Pina of bent at the last second, I was still trying to get my head on it and it just and put the hot hand in. deflected the wrong way. It was kind of unlucky.” “That was definitely a gutsy move. Not many people recommended doing UA’s 19 corner kicks — all by Najem — were an NCAA Tournament record it. As a coach you sometimes go with your gut. It wasn’t easy, but I still feel for a regulation game. Connecticut holds the mark of 20 in a 2-1 quadruple- strongly we made the right call.” overtime win over Hartford in 1999. A member of the under-17 U.S. national team, Pina transferred to Coastal In that role, Najem was subbing for redshirt sophomore forward Sam Carolina. He started all 20 games this season for a team that went 13-3-4 and Gainford, sidelined with a leg injury suffered in the second-round victory lost to North Carolina in the NCAA’s second round. over Rutgers. “It was just hard work and persistence,” Fenlason said of beating out Pina. “That’s a lot of corners. I was just hoping one of them could find someone,” “When I was sitting and not playing those three years, I was doing extra work, Najem said. “Everyone battled in the box and got in the right positions and being more attuned to the things that I lacked ability-wise. He was kind of we were just unlucky. I think we’ll get one soon.” struggling, I was kind of doing well in practice. I saw that as motivation to push myself every day and be noticed.” Balanced five-man attack provides rare challenge for Zips’ foes Fenlason isn’t allowing himself time to get nostalgic, to think about going Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 29, 2015 from walk-on to starting 47 consecutive games. “It kind of creeps in at times, but you’ve got to push it back,” he said, bringing up Meves and the 2012 seniors’ loss to Creighton instead. “Extend In 2010, when the University of Akron men’s soccer team won the national championship, Darren Mattocks and Michael Nanchoff reached double

S SOCCER the career a little bit longer, that’s all you’ve got to hope for.”

’ figures and scored 44 percent of the Zips’ goals. In 2012, the last time UA reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament, Two own goals, 19 corner kicks later, Zips advance to NCAA Reinaldo Brenes and Scott Caldwell accounted for 43 percent. quarterfinals with victory over SMU The Zips have had one-man shows, with Steve Zakuani in 2008, Mattocks in Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 30, 2015 2011 and Adam Najem last season. They have had two-man shows, with Teal Bunbury and Darlington Nagbe in 2009 another example. As a center back, University of Akron co-captain Brad Ruhaak is used to But what UA coach Jared Embick is trying to develop this season seems scoring an occasional own goal. rare. It happened to the redshirt junior defender from Copley High School as Going into Sunday’s 4 p.m. third-round NCAA game against unseeded recently as Nov. 13 in the Mid-American Conference Tournament against SMU (15-2-4) at FirstEnergy Stadium, fourth-seeded UA (16-3-2) has built West Virginia. a five-man attack. But on Sunday, Ruhaak’s header into the wrong net came in the third Sophomore midfielder Richie Laryea leads the team with 11 goals, junior midfielder Najem has nine, redshirt sophomore forward Sam Gainford eight

AKRON MEN round of the NCAA Tournament. Fortunately for Ruhaak, SMU midfielder John Lujano returned the favor 11 minutes later for the deciding score. and sophomore forward Stuart Holthusen and junior midfielder Victor Souto Fourth-seeded UA defeated unseeded SMU 2-1 Sunday before an anxious seven each. crowd of 2,280 at FirstEnergy Stadium. In a game that featured two own Holthusen is the hottest, scoring six goals in the last four games. Five of goals and UA’s NCAA Tournament record 19 corner kicks, the Zips (17-3-2) Souto’s seven have come on penalty kicks. hung on through a scoreless second half. The balance gave Rutgers fits in the Zips’ 6-1 second-round victory on With a 40-13 advantage in shots, UA shattered the school record of 34 set Nov. 22, when Laryea and Holthusen both scored twice, Souto connected in a 2-1 quadruple-overtime victory over Northern Illinois in 2001 and in a on a penalty kick and senior forward Sean Sepe, summoned when Gainford 4-0 triumph over Robert Morris in 1997. suffered a leg injury in the fifth minute, finished off the rout. “Wow, that’s a big number, 40, I’ve never seen anything like that. Must “It’s nice. When you’re playing out there, there’s not guys not only marking have been some home stat crew,” SMU coach Kevin Hudson said as his team you,” Laryea said afterward. “If they come tighter to you there’s Stu, Sean, finished 15-3-4. Vic, Adam, Sam, keep going with the guys that can score. You saw today they In the numbers more important to Hudson, UA held an 11-6 advantage in didn’t have a game plan on who to mark because everyone else beyond front shots on goal. SMU’s Michael Nelson, a 6-foot-4 sophomore and two-time six was dangerous.” American Athletic Conference goalkeeper of the year, had nine saves. Rutgers coach Dan Donigan said the Zips “in the middle of the park were The Zips advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals against 12th-seeded exceptional.” Creighton (19-3-0), which upset fifth-seeded North Carolina 1-0 Saturday in “Laryea and Adam Najem, [Gainford] who got hurt early and had to Chapel Hill. One victory away from a trip to the College Cup Dec. 11 and 13 come out, thank God ... you’ve got to make sure you’re firing on all facets, in Kansas City, the Zips will host the Blue Jays in a game tentatively set for especially defensively,” Donigan said. “You can’t sit back on Akron because Saturday at 4 p.m. they’ll eventually break you down and pick you apart. We didn’t have the UA is seeking to capture its second national championship, following the physical ability to come out and press them higher on the field, which is what program’s breakthrough in 2010. I think you need to do to them to try to be competitive with them. “I thought we were very good on the day,” UA coach Jared Embick said. “I “They move the ball so fast and so quick, they find the open man, and it’s know we had the own goal and it got a little scary, but I thought we were close all because of their movement off the ball. It’s really difficult as a coach to to breaking the game open. It didn’t happen, but the most important thing prepare for those guys.” is we really didn’t give up much the other way. Our second-half performance Embick said when the Zips scout opponents, most teams have two or at was outstanding.” best three main threats. 26 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

“We have four or five guys, five if Sean gets hot,” Embick said. “We have “We’ve been trying to get it back,” Embick said. “In my eyes he’s a very so many options, that’s why teams have difficulty playing against us. You key good player and we needed him.” on one, you leave space and time for another player to take advantage of. It’s Donigan remembered Sepe from his two years playing at St. John’s in one of those things we’re trying to build with, become a balanced, attacking 2012 and ’13. team with many weapons. It’s starting to come through now.” “I didn’t realize how fast that kid is,” Donigan said. “He’s really taken off as Embick said Laryea has drawn the most attention. Against Rutgers, Embick a player. He adds a whole ’nother element. You’re worried about Laryea and moved Najem deeper and he responded with two assists and had passes not Najem and his playmaking ability and his dynamic play in the final third and been on the wrong side of teammates, Embick said Najem might have had then Sepe comes flying out of the flank. It’s hard for young players who are two more. still developing to deal with that when you’re getting hit from every angle by “When we played Adam and Richie kind of high next to each other, we numerous guys.” got teams early in the year that weren’t able to figure out how to stop both If the Zips needed motivation, they only had to go back 12 months. Last of them in the same area,” Embick said. “Then teams caught on and started season UA was forced to play a first-round match at Ohio State despite being to figure out a way. That’s when we adjusted and dropped Adam deeper. If the higher seed and defeating the Buckeyes during the regular season. OSU teams now want to stop Adam, that means Richie has more space. With Stu, prevailed 13-12 on penalty kicks. Sean and Sam all going, that’s just too much for teams to figure out.” “I think this was definitely a message, a statement from Ohio State last Embick isn’t sure Gainford will play against SMU, calling him “questionable” year,” Holthusen said. “Really good step forward for the team. I’m glad we can on Wednesday. Embick hopes Sepe can repeat a string like he did in August, forget about what happened last year and focus on this NCAA Tournament.” when he scored four goals in two preseason games before suffering a shoulder injury.

Of Speedos and scalpers: Spring trip to Brazil gives Zips AKRON MEN The Mustangs come in unbeaten in their last 14 games. chemistry, confidence for NCAA run Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 21, 2015 Newly blond Sean Sepe sparks Zips’ second-most goals in NCAA play, Rutgers falls 6-1 Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 23, 2015 While some of his University of Akron teammates were buying soccer jerseys at scalpers prices, Andrew Souders decided the perfect souvenir of the Zips’ trip to Brazil this spring would be one that helped him blend in at Before the University of Akron men’s soccer team opened NCAA Tournament the beach. play, senior forward Sean Sepe decided his brown hair needed a front shock So the senior defender from Amherst, Ohio, invested in a Speedo. of blond. “Everyone had it,” Souders said. “I was the only one on the team, but the The new color seemed to give Sepe new confidence and he used it to locals ... I was trying to fit in.” spark the Zips’ 6-1 rout of Rutgers on Sunday in a second-round match at Junior midfielder Victor Souto, a native of Sao Paolo, Brazil, revealed

FirstEnergy Stadium. Souders’ purchase Monday. Souders seemed unfazed. ’ “New me, new playoffs, new team,” Sepe said. “I guess it’s been working “I figured I had to get some kind of memento from Brazil, so what’s better S SOCCER out — did the hair, got the goal.” than a Speedo?” he said. With sophomore midfielder Richie Laryea and sophomore forward Stuart Asked if he’d pulled it out of his drawer since, Souders said, “I thought Holthusen recording two goals apiece, UA (16-3-2) scored five goals in the about wearing it on family vacation, but I decided against it.” first 18 minutes and totaled its second-most in NCAA play. Its output trailed Co-captain Adam Najem watched as Souto eagerly shared his cellphone only a 7-0 victory over Green Bay in 1983. The last time the Zips notched six snapshot of Souders lying in the sand in the tight trunks, but didn’t want to goals in a match came in 2009 in a shutout victory over Bowling Green. be drawn into the fray. UA had a 25-10 edge in shots and 12-3 in shots on goal. “We have a lot of characters on this team,” said Najem, a junior midfielder. “They scored five goals in 13 minutes,” Rutgers coach Dan Donigan said. “It was great to be around them for that long.” “You can’t do that in this game, especially against an Akron. As fourth-seeded UA (15-3-2) opens NCAA Tournament play against “They were exceptional in every facet of the game. They bottled us up unseeded Rutgers (12-6-2) in a second-round match Sunday at 4 p.m. at defensively. They were getting incredible numbers into the attack and their FirstEnergy Stadium, Zips coach Jared Embick believes the team’s 10-day movement off the ball along our back line was something I’ve never really trip to Brazil from May 20-30 fueled them for a run at the school’s second seen before and I’ve been in the game a long, long time.” NCAA title. Donigan started his career as an assistant at Connecticut in 1994. Embick purposely beefed up UA’s schedule to boost its RPI, with the goal The Zips will host a third-round match at 4 p.m. Nov. 29 against SMU who of improving its postseason seeding. The Zips had nine starters and 19 letter advanced over 13th-seeded Denver with a 1-0 win in overtime. winners returning this season, including All-Mid-American Conference first- UA coach Jared Embick wanted the Zips to start fast against Rutgers (12-7- team selections Najem, Souders and senior goalie Jake Fenlason. Embick 2), but he didn’t expect such an avalanche. Sepe played a big part. knew they could compete with the best, but they had trouble putting tough When sophomore forward Sam Gainford left with a leg injury in the fifth opponents away. minute that sidelined him the rest of the way, Sepe came off the bench. Facing some of Brazil’s legendary teams like Sao Paulo FC, Flamengo and Fifteen seconds after he entered, Sepe was tripped up in the box, drawing a Fluminense, Embick said UA’s mentality changed. penalty kick, and Victor Souto converted. “That moved us to where we are now,” Embick said recently. “Gave us the “I did not expect two minutes into the game to start warming up,” Sepe confidence and belief to come into this season to deal with the schedule and said. “Unfortunately Sam got hurt. Throughout the year I’ve been doing the grow from there.” same things, gather the ball, going at guys. I saw the guy stepping in hard Najem said: “It goes to the chemistry and confidence and the belief all the and he looked like a clumsy defender and he just took me out. Then 1-0 guys have. Over there we played great competition and we started clicking Akron.” towards the end of that trip. We believe we can beat anyone in this country Less than eight minutes later, Sepe and Laryea assisted on a Holthusen and that’s what we’re doing now.” goal. Seventeen seconds later, Laryea scored an unassisted goal for a 3-0 NCAA rules allow universities a trip abroad every four years. Embick said lead. he knows of soccer teams that have gone to Mexico, Germany and Spain. But UA led 5-0 at the half. The onslaught ended in the 60th minute when Sepe after donors and alumni helped the fundraising effort, he purposely picked scored off Adam Najem’s second assist. 2015 as the time the Zips could benefit most. Sepe’s only other goal in 2015 came Sept. 16 against Ohio State. Sepe “You continue to look at it every four years and see if you can make it started early in the season, but Embick said he lost his confidence midway happen. I hope we can afford it, there’s a lot of people who helped us and through. worked hard so we could do it,” Embick said. “Also when is the best time to #ZipsGameday 27 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

take it? That’s why I was so adamant to do it [this spring]. I knew this team had “We saw Akron’s name over on the West Coast and it really meant the potential to compete for a national championship, but we were missing something to me.” some key things. That trip could really get us closer to what we wanted to do. The Zips (15-3-2) open NCAA Tournament play Sunday at 4 p.m. at “This year mostly the returners have carried us. There have been some FirstEnergy Stadium when they host the winner of Thursday’s first-round new guys who have filled some holes and added some key moments, but game between Rutgers and LIU Brooklyn. it’s been that core group that spurred us on. That was formed last season and The Zips went 4-3 against nationally ranked teams this season, but this spring in Brazil.” Embick’s plan of boosting their RPI worked. UA finished the regular season The competition in Brazil did more than toughen the Zips, it bonded them. sixth in the RPI poll and were seeded fourth in the NCAA bracket, giving them They’d been ousted in the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Ohio the possibility of playing three home games. State, eliminated 13-12 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 double-overtime draw. UA went 4-2-1 against teams that made the NCAA field of 48. UA had reached the NCAA Tournament 13 times in 14 years, and it was its Redshirt junior Brad Ruhaak, a Copley High School graduate and UA co- earliest exit since 2004. captain, still recalls details of the Zips photo he saw. Eleven players in the “Last year, half the team was new. We went through the year, ended a little picture were drafted by Major League Soccer and two others signed through earlier than we wanted, the relationships, the trust wasn’t always there,” the MLS Homegrown program. Darlington Nagbe of the Portland Timbers is Embick said. a member of the U.S. national team. The Zips found that trust during four days in Sao Paolo, where Souto’s “The guys that were there, we know a handful of them, we’ve been in touch parents and brother saw him play in person for the first time since he of some of them and some of them we like from afar because we’re fans of departed for UA, before heading to Rio de Janiero. theirs,” Ruhaak said of the 2010 team. “In the background you could see “All of us trying to speak Portuguese and trying to figure out the whole Jared on the bench. It was cool to see that and know the history of where we culture together, that was kind of fun,” Souders said. were actually playing.” Asked if they ever got lost, redshirt sophomore Tyler Sanda of North Embick, who spent six seasons as UA’s associate head coach and recruiting Royalton said, “Unfortunately no. There were a couple times we explored. coordinator under current Timbers coach Caleb Porter, was named 2010 The food was the best I’ve ever eaten.” national assistant coach of the year. What Embick appreciated most about “We spent every minute of every day doing everything together,” Sanda the picture was that it was of the Zips in the huddle. said. “You really, really get to know people, especially since we’re the only “That picture was even better because it didn’t show an individual,” Embick people speaking English. We had one or two people who could translate.” said recently. “[Our] guys seeing that was a big boost to say, ‘At the end of Souto called himself “the tour guide, the financial exchange guy, the the day it’s about the team and what the team can accomplish if we stick translator. I was everything.” together.’ ” “When you stay two weeks in the same place in a different country, you Junior co-captain Adam Najem said players carried the image with them

S SOCCER want to know more about your teammates because you became a family. We throughout the season as they try to reach the College Cup Dec. 11 and 13 at

’ need to know our brothers,” Souto said. “I was so happy to help my brothers Sporting Park in Kansas City. out.” “We have signs and pictures all over campus, in our locker room, everything Souto summed up the value of the experience for a blog on gozips.com is motivation to get back to that national championship and win it again,” posted in June. He was already looking to the College Cup, soccer’s version Najem said. of the Final Four, Dec. 11 and 13 at Sporting Park in Kansas City. Embick didn’t know more would come of the Zips’ trip to Santa Barbara than “We have grown so much as a team and family because we got to know their 2-0 victory. But he’s glad the unexpected photo made an impression. ourselves better,” Souto wrote. “We also identified the gaps that needed “When it hits home with a couple leaders, then it’s definitely going to hit improvements. home with the rest of the guys,” Embick said. “The most important thing, the Brasil trip differentiated us from the rest. Sanda, a North Royalton native and Cleveland St. Ignatius graduate who Any team can have a great coaching staff like we do, any team can have has endured five surgeries, said the picture reinforces the goal he had when talented players like we do. But no one in the country has the chemistry we he came to UA. have now, no one in the country wants this trophy more than us.” “The whole team, what we’ve been through is unbelievable,” Sanda said.

AKRON MEN “It would be the ultimate reward.” Zips find more motivation for NCAA title run during September trip to Santa Barbara No disrespect this year as Zips earn coveted No. 4 seed in Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 19, 2015 NCAA Tournament Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 17, 2015

As morning training before an evening match ended at UC-Santa Barbara In recent years, University of Akron men’s soccer players and coaches left on Sept. 25, members of the University of Akron men’s soccer team gathered the NCAA Tournament watch party with chips on their shoulders. for a team huddle. Only in 2009, when the Zips went undefeated in the regular season, did But before they left, one of the assistant coaches had spied something the they receive the seeding they thought they deserved. Zips had to see. When they won the only team national title in school history in 2010, they In 17,000-seat Harder Stadium, with the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north were seeded third. In 2013, the Zips finished the regular season 9-0-1, but and the Pacific Ocean a mile away, is a College Cup room that includes all the were not among the top 16. After UA defeated defending champion Indiana Gauchos’ trophies and plaques from two national title game appearances in the first round, IU coach Todd Yeagley said the two should not have met and a 2006 championship. Among the memorabilia is a photo of the 2010 that early in the tournament. Zips, who captured UA’s first national team championship the only time A year ago, the Zips were sent on the road for a first-round game at Ohio soccer’s version of the final four has been held there. State even though they had the higher RPI and defeated the Buckeyes 3-1 “It’s almost chilling,” UA redshirt sophomore Tyler Sanda said recently in in Columbus during the regular season. After playing to a double-overtime describing his reaction. “You see it and you weren’t expecting it. You’re like, draw, UA was eliminated 13-12 on penalty kicks. ‘This is us. This is Akron.’ ” The aura of disrespect was nowhere to be found Monday afternoon as UA coach Jared Embick scheduled more games against national opponents the Zips gathered at Rhodes Arena to watch a streamed version of the NCAA like UCSB to boost his team’s RPI and hopefully secure a higher seed in this selection show. Sixth in the latest RPI poll released Sunday, UA (15-3-2) was year’s NCAA Tournament. In doing so, he unintentionally gave the Zips more seeded fourth in the 48-team NCAA field and received a first-round bye. tangible motivation. The Zips will host the winner of Thursday’s match between LIU Brooklyn “At least for me, it was a great feeling,” senior defender Andrew Souders (11-5-4) and Rutgers (12-6-1) on Sunday at 4 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. said Monday. “I could feel the energy of being a champion in that stadium, a The No. 4 seeding gave UA the possibility of three home games. Third- huge stadium. It was really exciting and inspiring. round games will be played Nov. 28 or 29, the quarterfinals Dec. 4 or 5. 28 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

Soccer’s version of the Final Four, the College Cup, is set for Dec. 11 and 13 at “I was just worried about the [adjacent] softball field,” joked Embick. “I was Sporting Park in Kansas City. as surprised as anyone when it went in. But he’s done that two or three times UA reached the NCAAs for the 30th time since 1961 and will make its ninth this year. consecutive appearance, a feat shared in Division I by Indiana, Maryland, “He’s worked hard over the last couple years for those opportunities. Now UCLA and Virginia. it’s paying off and you can see what confidence does. There’s not been a The Zips have had their eye on a top-four seed and another national bigger goal this year than that one.” championship since August. It was the sixth goal of the year for Souto, a junior midfielder from Sao “We created a family, we’re more mature. We worked hard through these Paolo. 20 games. I think we’re ready to get a national championship,” junior “We’ve been working hard throughout the whole year and the goal means midfielder Victor Souto said. a lot to me,” said Souto. “Akron provides everything to me and I was blessed “We knew if we could get a top-four seed we’d play all of our games at here to give something back to Akron and help my teammates and coaching home going into the Final Four,” junior midfielder Adam Najem said. “Just staff.” the environment around here, having the best fans in the country, one of A disputed play worked in the Zips’ favor 15 minutes into the second half the best stadiums in the country, it’s really an advantage for us. Anyone who when Akron defender Shane Wiedt fouled a Buffalo player in front of the comes here is going to be nervous to play us at our home field.” goal. UA is 8-2-1 at home this season, with its only losses to Wake Forest, seeded It was ruled outside the box, though, and not a penalty kick. The Buffalo No. 1 in the tournament, and UCLA, unseeded. The Zips’ average attendance sideline erupted and assistant coach Cody Camp was given a red card and of 2,115 ranks eighth nationally after finishing 14th (1,825) a year ago. ejected. “The two years we went to the Final Four [2009, ‘10] we had all three home Zips’ senior goalkeeper Jake Fenlason (six saves) saved the free kick by games and that helped,” UA coach Jared Embick said. “That’s a position of . Akron held the Bulls at bay after that. AKRON MEN strength for us, that’s where you want to be in the tournament. If we can For sophomore forward Sam Gainford, a native of Liverpool, England, it get everyone there, get the crowd behind us and make this a difficult place was a weekend to remember. He celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday to play, it’s only going to spur us on to hopefully do what we really want do, and was active on Sunday with eight shots, three on goal. which is win another national championship.” “It couldn’t have went any better for me,” said Gainford. “A birthday The Zips feature a balanced attack that has Najem and sophomore yesterday and to top it off with a win. That’s massive.” midfielder Richie Laryea leading the team with nine goals, redshirt sophomore Sam Gainford with eight, Souto with six and sophomore Stuart Enduring five surgeries, redshirt sophomore Tyler Sanda Holthusen with five, four in the past three games. provides season’s turning point The Zips are 8-1-1 in their past 10 matches and Najem cites chemistry and Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 13, 2015 confidence as the reasons. “The team chemistry has really evolved since last year,” Najem said. “The team has an overall belief that we can win this thing. Everyone has the ’

Tyler Sanda was 20 years old, he’d already undergone four surgeries in two S SOCCER confidence we can do it and that’s showing on the field now.” years and it was soon to be five. Zips clip Buffalo 1-0 for MAC championship, earn NCAA No one would have blamed the University of Akron redshirt sophomore tournament berth from North Royalton if he’d quit the Zips soccer team this spring. Fred Clay • Akron Beacon Journal • Nov. 16, 2015 Since his senior year at Cleveland St. Ignatius, he’d needed two reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, torn twice in six months, including during his third college practice. A happy University of Akron soccer fan shouted it for all to hear. After a year of rehab came labrum repairs in both hips, caused by a likely It never gets old. congenital abnormality of his hip sockets. He was about to learn that the Winning championships, that is. As the man said during Sunday’s October 2013 surgery on his left meniscus, fixed with the ACL, hadn’t taken postgame ceremony, it really doesn’t get old. The Zips captured their 12th and he would need another arthroscopic procedure in July. Mid-American Conference championship with a 1-0 victory over Buffalo at “I was tired. I felt like I wasn’t really recovering. I was still having a lot of FirstEnergy Stadium. pain in my hips because I have arthritis. I was getting to a point where it was Akron (15-3-2) officially punched its ticket to another NCAA tournament like, ‘Is it worth it? I’m really struggling,’ ” Sanda said Wednesday. berth, its 30th all-time. That was already assured because of the Zips’ top 10 The Zips were embarking on a 10-day trip to Brazil on May 20. Trainer Brett ranking nationally, as well as third in the RPI poll. They also won the regular- Draper heard Sanda was thinking of leaving the team and told UA coach season MAC crown. Jared Embick he could save money if Sanda didn’t go. But Embick thought The Zips are hoping to earn a top eight seed and a home game when the Sanda still had much to offer in terms of leadership. NCAA tournament starts this week. Pairings will be announced Monday “I said, ‘Whether he wants to quit or not, with what he’s been through, I’m afternoon. taking him to Brazil. After Brazil we can talk about it if he can’t come to grips A game Buffalo (8-7-4) squad battled until the end but a goal by Victor with how things are,’ ” Embick said. Souto just before halftime stood up. An appreciative Sanda decided to postpone his decision to quit. “I’m very pleased to win the championship and the double [MAC title],” Then on May 26, during the third game in Brazil, Sanda’s key moment said Akron coach Jared Embick, who has won it in each of his three years arrived. The Zips were playing legendary Fluminense FC’s under-20 team as head coach. “These championship games sometimes aren’t the prettiest. and trailed 2-1 in a match Embick thought they should have been winning. When they play Friday night/Sunday afternoon, sometimes you’ve just got to “We’d been playing Tyler in a midfield role. We didn’t have a guy in the gut it out and grind it out and find goals somewhere. front half giving the little extra heart and determination,” Embick recalled “We didn’t play well for 90 [minutes] but we had some good spurts, after practice Wednesday. “I subbed him in and said, ‘You’re going up top. could’ve scored more goals and still kept the shutout and found the victory, We need two goals. I need you to run hard and play your game.’ He scored which was most important.” two goals and won us the game.” The Zips defeated West Virginia 3-2 in Friday’s semifinal. They also won 2-1 In a blog post Sanda wrote for gozips.com, Sanda said he played only the at Buffalo on Oct. 9, and are 26-1-1 against the Bulls. final five minutes and his goals came about two minutes apart. On Sunday, they owned a decisive margin in shots (26-11) and shots on Now the Zips are 13-3-2 and ranked third in the latest RPI poll going goal (11-6). But Souto’s blast from the middle of the box, off a defender’s into Friday night’s 7 p.m. Mid-American Conference tournament semifinal deflection a mere 30 seconds before the first half ended, was the only one against West Virginia at FirstEnergy Stadium. The championship is set for 1 that found the net. p.m. Sunday. Two victories should earn UA a top-eight seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament and the right to host its first game. #ZipsGameday 29 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

Embick calls that victory over Fluminense FC “the turning point for the “I look back at that day a lot and I’m happy that I said, ‘We’re not going to whole team.” And it wouldn’t have happened without Sanda. let you call it this early. You’ve got four years, you might as well play your four “We’d been playing well, but finding ways to lose. We never got over the years. Then if you never play again, you never play again. I believe you have a hump against a good opponent up until that stage and we finally did and he lot to offer and you’re definitely going to Brazil,’ ” Embick said. was a key reason why,” Embick said. “He scores the next game, we win 2-0. “Just a great person. I’m happy for him. He loves the school and the team. That kind of propelled us into the season with confidence.” You want to see those guys succeed.” Of course, Sanda is glad he continued to play. “Oh, yeah. This year has been so fun,” Sanda said. “We grew so much as a In quest for second national title, Zips embrace sports science, team in Brazil, they kind of became family. This is the year to be part of this follow King James into cryotherapy great team.” Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Oct. 24, 2015 With Sanda just four months removed from his fifth surgery, Embick came to realize that if Sanda played in three consecutive games he “kind of lumbers around” in the third. For that reason, Sanda has played in 11 of 18 Midfielder Victor Souto thought he was ready for the cryotherapy chamber’s games. He scored his first career goal in a 3-3 double-overtime tie against minus 200 to 290 degrees Fahrenheit. Ohio State on Sept. 16 and notched his second on Saturday against Bowling But it took all the mental toughness the University of Akron junior could Green. He had an assist on Oct. 3 at Alabama-Birmingham. muster to survive the maximum three minutes as he became the first Zip Sanda continues to go in up top, just like against Fluminense. into the tube. “My role is almost like an energy boost,” Sanda said. “I like to think people “I was ready to be cold, but not as cold as when I got in the machine,” Souto get more focused, start running harder. Sometimes I’m used as a stability said. guy, help calm things down.” This season, on the recommendation of director of strength and That might not have been possible without Sanda’s hip surgeries, which conditioning Tim Campbell, UA men’s soccer coach Jared Embick decided came four weeks apart last year. to try the treatment in hopes of helping the players’ bodies recover more Luke Kuchta, Sanda’s physical therapist at Strength Fitness and Therapy in quickly so they could increase their energy and intensity during games. It has Parma, said misshaped hip joints are common. But those who play soccer, drawn positive reviews from the Zips, 11-2-1 and fourth in this week’s NCAA hockey, wrestle or are cheerleaders might eventually need surgery. RPI ratings going into Saturday afternoon’s match at Western Michigan. “Think of it as a puzzle piece and you kind of force it in,” Kuchta explained. When it comes to sports science, the Zips believe they are ahead of the “It gets exacerbated with athletes, especially soccer players, because they’re curve among the nation’s top programs. They use GPS devices during putting their hips in a lot of different positions, a lot of pressure through their games and practice and have made training sessions shorter and more skill- hips. If you keep trying to force that puzzle piece, the edges break down.” specific as a result. Embick has concluded that 90 percent of hamstring and

S SOCCER Kuchta said Sanda’s arthritis made the hip surgery more urgent. quadriceps injuries can be attributed to him pushing the players too hard.

’ “The doctor told him his was more extreme than most kids his age,” Kuchta UA added sports-specific massage therapy in 2015, along with monitoring said. “I think he told him if he didn’t have it done, there would have been a players’ food intake during the preseason, which revealed some were chance he would have needed total hip replacements in his 30s or early 40s.” lethargic because they were 1,500 calories a day short. Sanda said the surgeon told him his hip angle was an “unheard of” 98 But when the entire Zips team went to Fairlawn for their first visit to percent, and that was probably the reason he tore his ACL twice. CryoTherapy Plus, a center frequented by Cavaliers four-time NBA MVP “They said, ‘You probably had such restricted range of motion that it put LeBron James, there was trepidation. too much pressure on your knees,’ ” Sanda said. “I’m terrified every time,” junior midfielder Adam Najem said after A physical therapist for six years and owner of Strength Fitness and Therapy Wednesday’s home victory over Michigan State. That was the night before for two years, Kuchta said he never doubted Sanda would return to the field, session No. 5. even after five surgeries. Souto led the way during the first visit, confident he’d psyched himself for “It’s pretty incredible,” Kuchta said. “On paper you think, ‘Will he play what was to come. But he admitted he had to tell himself the entire time that again?’ But once I started working with him I never really questioned it. he must take advantage of all the UA program was providing to keep him at

AKRON MEN “I can honestly say he worked harder in the gym than any patient I’ve ever optimum health. had. If you told him to do two sets of 10, he’d do three of 15. He’d been Campbell snapped a picture with his cellphone to commemorate the in here for three or four hours a day. He’d come early to work out with the moment. hockey players. You’d be trying to break him, thinking, ‘He’ll be dying after “It’s all in your head,” Campbell said. this. He won’t be able to do any more’ and he’d do it. He just had the drive.” “The longest three minutes of my life,” sophomore midfielder Richie Sanda has three years of eligibility remaining at UA. Embick can see him Laryea said. developing into more of a key role, especially with a hopefully healthy Najem said he’s the most fit he’s been at this point in the season in his three offseason. years at UA and credits all the Zips are doing to speed the recovery process. Even if that happens, Sanda won’t forget the days when he wondered if he Junior defender Brad Ruhaak agreed, saying he could never imagine his could keep going. body feeling this good two months into the season. “It was to a point with all these surgeries where they said, ‘The chance of A Copley High School product, Ruhaak also enjoys the fact that the Zips are you getting back to your full self are very slim,’ ” Sanda said. “One ACL is frequenting the same facility James trusts. 80 percent. Two hip surgeries are 80 percent. Add another knee on ... you “We haven’t seen him. The ladies were telling us all the stories about how multiply them all together and I ended up with like a 50-50 shot of being often he comes in, so we felt pretty cool being on the same level as LeBron,” capable again. Ruhaak said. “If it works for him, it works for us for sure.” “I’ve definitely lost a little bit of speed since my high school days. Who Campbell has worked with the soccer team since 2005, which includes knows if it’s still going to come. I’ve had to change the way I play. A little bit the final season under Ken Lolla and the tenure of now-Portland Timbers of athletic ability got taken away, but a little more soccer smarts came with it.” coach Caleb Porter, who led the Zips to their first national championship in After an 82-3-3 career record, a 2010 national title and being named a 2010 before departing in December, 2012. Campbell said the players would high school All-American at St. Ignatius, Sanda could not have imagined a need to spend 20 minutes a day in the cold tub, which their bodies could college career marked by potholes of hardship. not tolerate, to get the same reduction in inflammation as three minutes of “It was definitely a transition from having a lot of good things coming my cryotherapy. way in high school and then kind of having everything stripped away,” Sanda That’s not to say the sessions aren’t costly. CryoTherapy Plus is giving UA said. “It was a complete change. I guess it was a life lesson for a lot of things.” a team rate of $25 per player for what Campbell said is a group of 30. An But the Zips have a national championship dream and Sanda could provide employee at the center said walk-ins pay $25 for the first visit and $55 for a spark at the right time, just as he did in May. single visits after that, unless they buy a package plan, which Campbell compared to a monthly car payment. 30 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

Despite the expense, Embick hopes to continue the sessions next season. A soccer friend of the Ruhaaks emailed UA coach Jared Embick, then an Laryea said cryotherapy is used in professional soccer; Campbell said it’s assistant to Caleb Porter, on Ruhaak’s behalf. Embick admitted he rarely has been done overseas. time to attend high school games and wasn’t familiar with Ruhaak’s name. The UA basketball team also plans to go to CryoTherapy Plus. According to As Embick remembers it, he didn’t pick up the phone. He said Copley an employee at the center, the Highland High School football team comes coach Dave Antal, who played for the Zips from 1995-98, called him to tout frequently, as do quarterbacks and receivers training with college football Ruhaak. Antal said the Zips needed help at defender, and Embick reached hall of famer Jim Ballard of Mount Union at Air It Out Inc. in Canton. out to him in his search. “When I sit down and talk to Jared, it’s one of those things we have to But both agree Antal wasn’t sure Ruhaak would ever become a starter. figure out how to do,” Campbell said. “Our recovery shakes ... our recovery “He said, ‘Worst case you’ll have a great person, teammate, student. I tights are $100 apiece. You can’t put a price on it when a guy’s fresh and don’t know if he’s ever going to help you on the field,’ ” Embick said of the ready. discussions with Antal. “ ‘I think he’s a good player, a tough kid, but you guys “It’s just one more tool in our arsenal.” have a high level, I can’t really promise that.’ ” That arsenal also includes GPS trackers, now in their third season. The Zips Even after Embick and assistant Oliver Slawson saw Ruhaak in a couple experimented with five of the devices in 2013, then purchased 20 in the of matches for his long-time Hudson club Pennine United, Embick was spring of 2014. Embick said all but goalies and walk-ons wear them. “indecisive” on Ruhaak. During a game, the trackers measure the number of sprints run, distance Because the Zips can award only 9.9 scholarships, the roster includes 16 run, intensity, heart rate, average speed and calories burned. Campbell said to 18 walk-ons each season. Some eventually earn scholarships, including there are about 380 sprints a night and players hit 12,000-plus meters current goalie Jake Fenlason, Saad Abdul-Salaam and Scott Caldwell, who per game. Game data gives the Zips the benchmark for practice numbers. scored the game-winning goal that gave UA its 2010 national championship. Campbell said he now tells Embick when the Zips need a “speed day” or a But Embick isn’t looking for practice players, he wants walk-ons who might AKRON MEN “distance day,” which leads to shorter and crisper sessions. develop into contributors. Najem said when he’s at his best, he has a 3-to-2 or 2-to-1 work-rest ratio, Now Embick is grateful Antal was so persuasive. common for midfielders who run non-stop. That means for every three “I’m calling him and thanking him,” Embick said. seconds working, Najem is resting two seconds. Campbell said defenders After redshirting in 2012 and playing only 82 total minutes the following and forwards have a 1-to-1 ratio. season, Ruhaak became a starter in 2014. This season Embick named Ruhaak “What we’ve found is we’ve got a lot of useless running in practice,” a co-captain with Adam Najem. The Zips (9-2-1), winners of five consecutive Campbell said. “I just come with the information, I’m not the soccer coach. matches and ranked No. 3 in the latest RPI poll going into Saturday night’s He’ll try these drills out. I’ll say, ‘We need drills that are faster.’ home game against Northern Illinois, are talking about another title. “We’ve come up with a specific formula that gets us to where we need to And redshirt junior Ruhaak has become their vocal leader, the one who be a lot quicker.” calms his teammates when the going gets frantic, wakes them up when The number of calories burned also helps the staff plan better meals for there’s a lull and isn’t afraid to call out someone who is slacking. players to refuel, especially on road trips. “To this day, we’re surprised he’s turned out as well as he has, to be a ’ All the data the Zips are compiling has forced Embick to change the way captain and a starter and a key guy,” Embick said by telephone Tuesday. “I S SOCCER he coaches. don’t think we envisioned that when we first saw him play. He had a long “You tend to want to coach more and solve problems and do more activities way to go.” so the guys are going to get the information they need to play,” Embick said. Antal feels the same way. “But sometimes that’s not the best for the body. If guys can’t run or don’t “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see him where he is today,” have the energy to run, your strategies or tactics don’t really matter, in the Antal said. “I guess I should have seen it, knowing the kind of kid that he is.” game they won’t be able to execute it.” Ruhaak’s soccer path virtually repeated itself. When he was a sophomore at Campbell said he receives two to three emails a week about the Zips’ use Copley, he got his chance due to an injury and started on the defensive line of the GPS. with his brother Brian, a senior. “The GPS we’re definitely ahead of the curve,” Campbell said. “The “He went from being a little brother to a guy who started every game,” nutrition stuff, for our level, I think we’re ahead of the curve. Bigger schools Antal, who teaches fifth grade at Copley Middle School, said by phone. “From with bigger budgets have been doing it a long time. that point on we knew Brad would never leave our field. Once he was able to “Cryotherapy, I don’t think there’s a ton of people doing it. It will become be in a position where he was completely confident, you couldn’t tell he was more mainstream. I think you’ll actually see universities in the next couple a sophomore. He was a leader on the back line. You would have thought he years putting it in their athletic training rooms.” was a senior his sophomore year.” Cryotherapy is the most extreme of the Zips’ new methods, which the The same thing happened at UA in 2014, when defender Danilo Radjen players enthusiastically endorse. But even if the Zips just get a mental boost was injured. Ruhaak started 19-of-21 games and scored his first career goal from receiving the same treatment as the best player in the NBA, Embick against Hartford. But that leap was set up in the spring of 2014. sees value. “That spring is when I really took control,” Ruhaak said. “I pushed myself “If you think you’re doing everything to recover, you’re going to feel like in the weight room, fitness wise, stepped up trying to be a leader and trying you’re more prepared for the game,” Embick said. “Even if it’s minimal, that to get things going.” psychological edge is all you need.” He still doesn’t consider that his now-or-never moment. “I’m not sure I’ve ever had that moment,” Ruhaak said Wednesday at the Brad Ruhaak’s journey from walk-on to captain surprises even Stile Athletics Field House. “Not playing in ’13, there were so many good his Copley High School coach players in front of me ... I’d been out of playing in competitive games for Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Oct. 16, 2015 almost two years. At that point it was more like, ‘I need to get back on the field and enjoy the competitive nature of the games.’ ” The conversations that brought Brad Ruhaak to the University of Akron Embick said those who haven’t come from the highest levels of club soccer soccer team bordered on negotiations. And for much of the time, Ruhaak’s need time to adjust to the speed of play and reach the physical maturity side wasn’t winning. needed at UA. But Embick said Ruhaak trained hard, picked up the strategies No scholarship was at stake. A two-time captain at Copley High School and and concepts and performed well in two spring games to earn a role last a key player in the Indians’ run to the state semifinals his senior year, Ruhaak season. wanted to be a walk-on. Embick said by next year Ruhaak will be awarded a scholarship. Embick He planned to major in mechanical engineering and might have gone to has already rewarded him by bringing him forward on corner kicks, which UA regardless. But Ruhaak hoped to be part of the tradition-rich program enabled Ruhaak to score his second career goal in the Zips’ last game against where he could push himself to the highest level. Buffalo. #ZipsGameday 31 #RiZeUP! 2015 MEN’SOCCER GAME NOTES • MATCH 24 VS. STANFORD 2015 AKRON MEN’S SOCCER NEWS CLIPS

“He’s smarter than me. That’s what I tell him every day, ‘It’s not easy for me A tough schedule of Embick’s own making will help him find out whether to talk about anything but soccer with you,’ ” Embick said. the Zips can handle opponents’ best shots. The next three foes are ranked “He reads the game well and he’s very tough physically. He doesn’t make or received votes in the latest coaches poll. UA hosts No. 7 Wake Forest on many mistakes, which is the biggest key. He’s a guy who gets it. If you Tuesday, travels to UC-Santa Barbara on Sept. 25 and hosts No. 13 Penn State show film, he can understand and take it to the game. He’s learned from on Sept. 30. his experiences and his confidence has grown and his belief has grown in Down the road come three more — Western Michigan, 2014 NCAA runner- himself that he can be a key guy in a top program. That’s what’s happened up UCLA and Bowling Green — who have received votes in the coaches poll. here.” The first NCAA RPI, used by the tournament selection committee, willbe When Ruhaak arrived, his primary college goals involved engineering. released on Sept. 28. Now carrying a 3.75 GPA, the 2014 Academic All-Mid-American Conference Embick’s goal for the Zips is to be among the top 16 seeds in the NCAA selection said that field might take him into research and development for Tournament. But because of the Mid-American Conference’s low RPI, he was airplanes or automobiles. forced to strengthen the Zips’ schedule, which included a 4-1 loss to then-No. But he hopes to help engineer another UA championship first. 24 Old Dominion, which has risen to No. 12. “There have been guys here with all different paths to getting to the starting Last year, UA played only four ranked teams and defeated only No. 21 lineup and being successful. So it never put a damper on me knowing how Alabama-Birmingham. I got here,” Ruhaak said. “There will be an opportunity if you work hard and “We need big wins. So we have to go and get the big wins,” Embick said. “I the coaches will treat everyone the same. always feel like the years we’ve been high in the RPI we’ve still been seeded “Once they invited me to be a part of this thing, even just the shot they two or three spots lower than we were in the RPI. If we want to be a top four gave me my first year and knowing I had to prove myself, to stick around as seed, we have to finish one or two because they’ll probably move us down a long as I have has really been something special.” couple spots. We have less margin for error.” Coming into this season, UA’s winning percentage of .821 (140-23-19) UA men’s soccer on the rise again, but big victories bring since 2007 was the highest in the nation. On July 17, Embick received a pressure three-year contract extension that runs through 2018. Marla Ridenour • Akron Beacon Journal • Sept. 18, 2015 “Despite not making it far enough in the tournament ... they felt confident we would have a year that we’re starting to have now,” said Embick, whose Three consecutive victories over top-15 opponents in the past two weeks 2013 team lost in the second round of the NCAA. “It helps recruiting. For me, helped put the University of Akron men’s soccer team back on track to where you stay focused on one at a time. But it’s nice to know that not every result is it wants to go. life or death for you like it could have been if I didn’t get it.” That’s back to national prominence and NCAA championship contention. Now the challenge for Embick is to encourage two players to raise their

S SOCCER But now the 11th-ranked Zips face a question they haven’t dealt with in games, push his leaders to be more vocal and find his most reliable lineup. ’ the previous two seasons — can they handle having a target on their backs? As they once again record program-elevating victories, the Zips must learn to It was a way of life at UA from 2008-12 under former coach Caleb Porter, handle the pressure that follows. now directing the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. The Zips went to the College Cup in 2009 and 2010 and won the national title on their second trip. Porter’s Zips knew that many foes considered playing UA one of the biggest games of the season. Coach Jared Embick has kept alive UA’s string of NCAA appearances, now at eight, a feat achieved by only five other programs in the nation. But last season, the Zips finished 13-6-2 and were ousted in an NCAA first-round match at Ohio State. The two were tied 1-1 after two overtimes and UA was eliminated on penalty kicks 13-12.

AKRON MEN The Zips served notice this season could be different when they defeated No. 4 Georgetown, No. 6 Maryland and No. 14 St. Louis, the first two on the road, to improve to 4-1. But Embick was dismayed that Wednesday’s home game against Ohio State ended in a 3-3 draw, with the Buckeyes improving to 1-4-1. A year ago, Embick said the Zips would have been competitive with the likes of Georgetown, Maryland and St. Louis, but might not have put them away. Now they’ve learned they can. “Now we’re back to a spot to where you have the target on your back and these guys are getting other team’s best shots,” Embick said Wednesday. “Ohio State was looking to turn its season around.” “We’ve got to be ready to play every game in those. The talent’s there, it’s now can we learn lessons and mature?” These are not Porter’s Zips. The 2010 national championship team boasted 11 future pros. Embick said he sees four or five on this roster, with perhaps two other young players who could develop. But he isn’t sure the two will step up in the next two months. “You keep trying to push them every day to do that and learn from mistakes and grow and have confidence,” Embick said. “Sometimes it’s just maturity and going through situations.” Embick said UA has special players who can push it toward a championship. He put junior midfielder Adam Najem, sophomore midfielder Richie Laryea, redshirt sophomore forward Sam Gainford and junior midfielder Victor Souto in the same class as the stars of the past. Gainford, of Liverpool, England, came to the interview room Wednesday bloodied after being forced to leave the game to receive stitches in his nose, yet still assisted on all three goals. 32 GoZips.com/ZipsMSOC 2015 Akron Soccer Akron Combined Team Statistics (as of Dec 05, 2015) All games

RECORD: OVERALL HOME AWAY NEUTRAL ALL GAMES 18-3-2 11-2-1 7-1-1 0-0 CONFERENCE 4-0-1 2-0 2-0-1 0-0 NON-CONFERENCE 14-3-1 9-2-1 5-1 0-0

Date Opponent Score Att. ## Player gp g a pts sh sh% sog sog% gw pk-att Aug 28 at VCU Wo2 3-2 1237 10 NAJEM, Adam 23 10 11 31 68 . 1 4 7 31 . 4 5 6 4 1 - 3 Aug 30 at #24 Old Dominion L 1-4 348 6 LARYEA, Richie 21 1 1 7 2 9 5 8 . 1 9 0 2 6 . 4 4 8 3 0 - 0 Sep 04 at #4 Georgetown W 1-0 1137 7 GAINFORD, Sam 22 8 7 23 58 . 1 3 8 22 . 3 7 9 2 0 - 1 Sep 07 at #6 Maryland W 3-2 4003 9 HOLTHUSEN, Stuart 21 8 6 22 43 . 1 8 6 19 . 4 4 2 3 0 - 0 Sep 11 #14 SAINT LOUIS W 3-2 2734 8 SOUTO, Victor 23 8 3 19 26 . 3 0 8 10 . 3 8 5 3 5 - 5 Sep 16 OHIO STATE T o 2 3-3 3889 3 SEPE, Sean 22 2 3 7 3 9 . 0 5 1 1 3 . 3 3 3 0 0 - 0 Sep 22 #8 WAKE FOREST L 1-2 2516 25 SOARES, Goncalo 18 2 2 6 1 6 . 1 2 5 6 . 3 7 5 0 0 - 0 Sep 25 at #25 UC Santa Barbara W 2-0 7283 19 SANDA, Tyler 13 2 2 6 7 . 2 8 6 3 . 4 2 9 0 0 - 0 Sep 30 PENN STATE W 1-0 2103 20 RUHAAK, Brad 23 2 0 4 1 8 . 1 1 1 5 . 2 7 8 1 0 - 0 Oct 03 at UAB Wot 2-1 632 17 MACCHIONE, Anthony 13 2 0 4 9 . 2 2 2 6 . 6 6 7 1 0 - 0 Oct 06 SANTA CLARA W 2-0 1813 18 SHULTZ, Nate 22 0 3 3 7 . 0 0 0 3 . 4 2 9 0 0 - 0 * Oct 09 at Buffalo W 2-1 512 2 SOUDERS, Andrew 23 0 1 1 1 1 . 0 0 0 3 . 2 7 3 0 0 - 0 * Oct 17 NORTHERN ILLINOIS W 4-0 1719 13 BELANA, Pau 20 0 1 1 9 . 0 0 0 4 . 4 4 4 0 0 - 0 Oct 21 MICHIGAN STATE W 4-1 2062 4 DE VERA, Niko 16 0 1 1 5 . 0 0 0 3 . 6 0 0 0 0 - 0 * Oct 24 at Western Michigan T o 2 1-1 971 22 DAMBROT, Robby 21 0 0 0 2 3 . 0 0 0 1 0 . 4 3 5 0 0 - 0 * Oct 28 at West Virginia W 2-0 371 15 KAHSAY, Ezana 13 0 0 0 5 . 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 Nov 01 #25 UCLA L 2-4 2169 12 DAKWAR, Adi 4 0 0 0 3 . 0 0 0 1 . 3 3 3 0 0 - 0 * Nov 07 BOWLING GREEN W 4-0 1691 11 GARCIA, Jesse 12 0 0 0 2 . 0 0 0 2 1.000 0 0 - 0 ^ Nov 13 WEST VIRGINIA W 3-2 1238 5 RADJEN, Danilo 12 0 0 0 2 . 0 0 0 1 . 5 0 0 0 0 - 0 ^ Nov 15 BUFFALO W 1-0 1335 24 FENLASON, Jake 23 0 0 0 1 . 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 % Nov 22 #23 RUTGERS W 6-1 2025 14 CREGAN, Bryce 3 0 0 0 1 . 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 & Nov 29 #11 SMU W 2-1 2280 26 CLARKE, Alonzo 10 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 Dec 05 #3 CREIGHTON Wo2 3-2 3043 16 WIEDT, Shane 4 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 Total 23 56 47 159 411 . 1 3 6 169 . 4 1 1 18 6 - 9 * Mid-American Conference Game Opponents 23 29 24 82 273 . 1 0 6 130 . 4 7 6 3 3 - 5 ^ Mid-American Conference Championship % NCAA Tournament Second Round ## Goalie GP Min. GA GAAvg Saves Pct W-L-T Sho & NCAA Tournament Third Round 24 FENLASON, Jake 23 2145:30 29 1.22 99 . 7 7 3 18-3-2 8/0 Total 23 2145:30 29 1.22 101 . 7 7 7 18-3-2 8 TEAM STATISTICS AKR OPP Opponents 23 2145:30 56 2.35 113 . 6 6 9 3-18-2 0 SHOT STATISTICS Goals-Shot attempts 56-411 29-273 Goals by Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total Goals scored per game 2.43 1.26 Akron 27 26 1 2 56 Shot pct. .1 3 6 .1 0 6 Opponents 10 19 0 0 29 Shots on goal-Attempts 169-411 130-273 SOG pct. .4 1 1 .4 7 6 Shots by Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total S h o t s / G a m e 17.9 11.9 Akron 189 202 14 6 411 CORNER KICKS 139 90 Opponents 117 145 5 6 273 PENALTY KICKS 6-9 3-5 PENALTIES Saves by Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total Yellow cards 34 49 Akron 44 52 3 2 101 Red cards 0 2 Opponents 43 62 6 2 113 ATTENDANCE T o ta l 30617 16494 Corners by Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total Dates/Avg Per Date 14/2187 9/1833 Akron 62 70 5 2 139 Neutral Site #/Avg 0/0 Opponents 37 49 2 2 90

Fouls by Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total Akron 143 147 2 1 293 Opponents 172 156 2 4 334