The University of Akron Athletics
Friday, September 18
Akron, Ohio
7:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
Butler
The Zips will face Butler on Jersey Night in their BIG EAST opener.
Men's Soccer Opens BIG EAST Play at Home Against Butler
September 17 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio — The Akron men's soccer team returns home to FirstEnergy Stadium to face Butler in their BIG EAST opener. The match is set for 7 p.m., and fans are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey on Jersey Night.
After victories over then-No. 18 Cornell and Saint Louis last week, the Zips (4-0-1) have moved up to No. 6 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 2 in Top Drawer Soccer's poll. The match against the Billikens was a rematch from last season's 3-2 loss in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal.
For their efforts, Brett Kaminski was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week, and Thomas O'Rourke earned a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll. Additionally, O'Rourke notched a spot in Top Drawer Soccer's Team of the Week.
Butler (0-6-1) is coming off a 3-2 loss at Dayton and is playing its third of four consecutive road matches. The Zips lead the overall series against the Bulldogs, 2-1-2, and won, 1-0, last season. They first met in 2018, where a 2-2 draw occurred after double overtime.
Bulldogs assistant coach Perry Kitchen is making his return to Akron for the first time since helping lead the Zips to the NCAA title in 2010. In his lone season of collegiate soccer, Kitchen started 25 matches, scoring six goals and adding an assist. The All-MAC First Team selection scored an unassisted goal during Akron's win over Michigan in the College Cup national semifinal and was teammates with current Zips assistant coach, Michael Nanchoff.
Kitchen was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and spent more than 10 seasons playing professionally. He also earned five senior caps with the U.S. Men's National Team.
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After victories over then-No. 18 Cornell and Saint Louis last week, the Zips (4-0-1) have moved up to No. 6 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 2 in Top Drawer Soccer's poll. The match against the Billikens was a rematch from last season's 3-2 loss in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal.
For their efforts, Brett Kaminski was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week, and Thomas O'Rourke earned a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll. Additionally, O'Rourke notched a spot in Top Drawer Soccer's Team of the Week.
Butler (0-6-1) is coming off a 3-2 loss at Dayton and is playing its third of four consecutive road matches. The Zips lead the overall series against the Bulldogs, 2-1-2, and won, 1-0, last season. They first met in 2018, where a 2-2 draw occurred after double overtime.
Bulldogs assistant coach Perry Kitchen is making his return to Akron for the first time since helping lead the Zips to the NCAA title in 2010. In his lone season of collegiate soccer, Kitchen started 25 matches, scoring six goals and adding an assist. The All-MAC First Team selection scored an unassisted goal during Akron's win over Michigan in the College Cup national semifinal and was teammates with current Zips assistant coach, Michael Nanchoff.
Kitchen was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and spent more than 10 seasons playing professionally. He also earned five senior caps with the U.S. Men's National Team.
FOLLOW ALONG
Watch (ESPN+)
Stats
Tickets
Players Mentioned
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