One thing is for certain. The University of Akron is known for soccer. Caleb Porter helped put the Zips on the soccer map, but the women’s program is now the program on the rise. The program experienced an encouraging 2012 fall season that showed progress on all fronts, including setting the program record for attendance on September 28th. But the biggest reason for optimism is a strong coaching staff, led by head coach Vernon Croft and assistant Keri Sarver. Many regard Sarver
The University of Akron women’s soccer program announced the hiring of Andrew Hoggarth to Assistant Coach on Wednesday, Feb. 20. “We are excited after an exhausting search that Andy chose to accept our offer to be a part of our staff and program. His experience as a goalkeeper, goalkeeping coach, head coach at the collegiate level, and head coach at the professional level will bring numerous ideas and insights of the game to help our staff become better and most
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
The University of Akron (18-1-2) is quite possibly facing their most challenging match of 2012. Fresh off an electric 2-1 win over Michigan last week, the Zips now head to their next opponent, the Bluejays of Creighton University (16-3-2). Creighton had four players drafted in January 2012, including Crew winger Ethan Finlay, a speedster that has a bright future in MLS. But like every other top program, Creighton reloaded nicely for the fall season. Bolstered by incoming freshmen and elite transfers
Saying Caleb Porter is going to be difficult to replace is a bit of a simplistic statement. Porter, one of the top coaches in collegiate soccer history, has made The University of Akron a soccer school in the middle of American football country. Hiring someone to take over for Porter is a historic move for Akron AD Tom Wistrcill, who must carefully weigh all the options on the table. The options are many and the university appears to be investigating
