The University of Akron men’s soccer team opens its home season on Sunday at 7 p.m. against Ohio State.
The Zips and Buckeyes aren’t in the rankings, but that should change this week with Akron.
Follow the game with our live updates here:
Starting lineup for the Akron, Ohio State men’s soccer team
State of Ohio – Patrick McLaughlin, GK; Siggi McLaughlin, GK; Nathan Demian, D; Thomas Gilej, D; Deylen Vellios, D’ Marko Borkovic, M; Luciano Pechota, M; Ashton Bilow, M; Anthony Samways, M; Michael Adedokun, M; David Ajagbe, F
Akron – Mitch Budler, GK; Jonas Büchte, D; Ashton Kamdem, D; Malik Henry, D; Beto Yrdrach, D; Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal, M; Caleb Borneo, M; Dyson Clapier, M; Matt Dreas, M; Stefan Dobrijevic; Emil Jaaskelainen, F
How to watch the Akron vs. Ohio State men’s soccer game
As with all home games, you can watch the action between the Zips and Buckeyes either on your TV or via the app on ESPN+.
How did the Akron, Ohio State men’s soccer team open the season?
Both teams enter the match at 0-0-1, but there’s no doubt the Zips turned heads when they earned a 1-1 draw with No. 2 Notre Dame on the road with 30 minutes left thanks to a goal from Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal.
Ohio State comes into the game after a 1-1 draw with Cleveland State thanks to a goal from David Ajagbe.
What happened for Akron, Ohio State last season?
The Zips finished 9-2-7 last season and finished 2-1-5 in the Big East Midwest Division. They missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2020. Coach Jared Embick has been with the program since 2007 and has missed the tournament only three times.
Ohio State finished the 2023 season with an even 6-6-6 record and a 3-4-1 record in conference play.
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How does the series look and how good is Akron against the Big Ten?
Akron and Ohio State are meeting for the 43rd time, with the Zips holding a 29-7-6 advantage. The Zips are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 meetings, including a 3-3 tie two seasons ago.
Akron has a 109-77-21 record against the Big Ten and a 26-11-7 record since 2012.
Attentive Akron players against Ohio State
Forward Emil Jaaskelainen was selected as a third-team selection to the Preseason Best XI by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Jaaskelainen joins forwards Maximus Barbarboto and Dyson Clapier and defenseman Malik Henry on the preseason top 100 list, according to the same source. Defenseman Jonas Buechte was selected as an All-Big East player in the preseason.
Ohio State players to watch against Akron
Ohio State midfielders Michael Adedokun and Luciano Pechota and defender Siggi Magnusson are among the Big Ten players to watch for the Buckeyes, who are projected to finish sixth in their conference.
Contact Brad Bournival at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival.
