Part of the NPSL’s mission is to develop players at the collegiate level. That mission is accomplished if you look at some of the nation’s marquee matchups in NCAA soccer this season. The matchup between the University of Akron and Virginia Commonwealth University has to be at the top of that list. Five RVA FC players made the starting XI for VCU, while three former and current AFC Cleveland players were part of the UA squad. Photo Credit: Pam Moody/ISNSoccer.com Romena Bowie,
Photo Credit: Gary L. Moody Jr./ISNSoccer.com The No. 8 University of Akron men’s soccer team took to the pitch Wednesday for their first official training session of the fall collegiate season. The program is now in the capable hands of former assistant Jared Embick, who was promoted to head coach when Caleb Porter left for the Portland Timbers. Fans shouldn’t expect a lot of changes under Embick’s watch. “With Caleb I had a great mentor so I don’t have to change much,”
The University of Akron men’s soccer team wrapped up its spring exhibition schedule on a strong note, playing 2012 NCAA semifinalist Maryland to a 1-1 draw at Ludwig Field Saturday. The Zips, who were playing without starters Reinaldo Brenes and Robbie Derschang due to injuries, rallied from a 1-0 deficit when Zac Portillos took a pass from Aodhan Quinn and buried the equalizer late in the match. “We came here to win so we’re not satisfied with the draw,” said UA head coach Jared Embick. “That being said, we had
The University of Akron men’s soccer team fell behind early and couldn’t catch up in a 1-0 spring exhibition defeat at Butler Sunday afternoon. Experimenting with a new shape and playing without a number of key players, the Zips allowed a counterattack goal in the first minute of the match. UA found its stride shortly thereafter and had the ball for much of the contest – putting together a number of quality moments – but couldn’t find the equalizer. “We wanted to
Four matches against NCAA Tournament qualifiers, including home games versus Kentucky and Xavier, highlight the 2013 University of Akron men’s soccer spring exhibition schedule, as announced by head coach Jared Embick Wednesday. The Zips will first take the field on March 8, when they travel to Horizon League champion Cleveland State for a 7:30 p.m. kick off. The Vikings advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1980 last fall and were defeated by Michigan State in the
