The University of Akron women’s soccer team fell short in the exhibition match at Duquesne University on Saturday afternoon by a score of 2-1. Junior Lani Smith, a transfer from South Carolina, provided the lone goal for the Akron offense in Friday’s match. A native of Solon, Ohio, Smith is one of five newcomers to UA, and owns two career collegiate goals from her time at USC. Smith’s goal was assisted by fellow newcomer Sarah Sivic. Sivic is a native of Broadview Heights, Ohio
Maeve Gallagher has been named assistant women’s soccer coach at the University of Mount Union. Gallagher was a three-sport student-athlete at Point Park (Pa.) University, playing four years of soccer, basketball and softball. She was a team captain for both soccer and women’s basketball teams. A 2008 graduate of Perry (Pa.) High School, Gallagher was the school’s women’s soccer team captain during her junior and senior year. A native of Perry, Pennsylvania, Gallagher earned her bachelor’s degree from Point Park in 2013.
Carter Poe has been named assistant men’s soccer coach at the University of Mount Union. Poe played college soccer at NCAA Division I Duquesne University. He played in 79 games and made 52 starts over his career and was team captain in both his junior and senior seasons. After college, he played for AFC Cleveland where he led the team to a conference championship and national quarterfinal appearance. A 2008 graduate of West Geauga High School, Poe was a four-year letterwinner, two-time team
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,”
University of Akron head men’s soccer coach Jared Embick announced Monday that English winger Sam Gainford has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Zips next fall. Gainford, who trained at Liverpool Academy since age 10, was a member of the club’s Under-18 team where he played forward and attacking midfield. The native of Whitehaven also played in several NextGen Series games for Liverpool U-21. He is expected to play forward for the Zips. Gainford, who will have four years of eligibility at
Photo Courtesy of Montreat College Montreat College men’s soccer Head Coach David Knapp announced on Wednesday the signing of Oxford United Academy captain Ryan Buick (Banbury, England) for the 2013 season. ‘‘Looking forward with anticipation and excitement to be joining the Montreat College men’s soccer team next season,” said Buick. “Sharing with them my enthusiasm, skills and talent to have a successful season.” The versatile 5-foot-8 midfielder/defender brings that enthusiasm to Gaither Circle following a successful career where he was named Oxford United Academy’s
Many critics worried about the direction of the Akron men’s soccer program after the departure of Caleb Porter to MLS. If this signing class is any indication, there is absolutely no reason to worry. New head coach (and Porter’s former top assistant) Jared Embick is picking up where Porter left off. The future of Akron men’s soccer is very bright. As they always say “Akron doesn’t rebuild; they just reload.” That was certainly the case here as Embick officially announced the
Brandon Ponchak is always up for a challenge. He has gained a reputation as the go-to coach in non-traditional markets. We are talking about places where soccer is still gaining ground, in markets without professional teams, and in places where people say soccer can’t grow. You might as well call him “The Johnny Appleseed of Soccer” for all the work he has done to push the beautiful game forward. “I really enjoy going to non-traditional markets because there are always hungry minds and
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