BR-8 Akron made it to the D1 Men's Soccer Final Four last season, and has its eye on a run to the championship game this year. Adam Najem returns to the pitch after leading the team with 31 points (10 goals, 11 assists) and will be joined by Victor Souto, who had eight goals of his own.
One glaring loss on the roster is between the posts, as Jake Fenalson graduated after playing every minute of the 24 games in 2015. Keep an eye on the battle for the starting 'keeper spot between sophomore Ben Lundt and freshman Jeremy Pollard, of Australia.
FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field at sunset (Courtesy of Akron Athletics)
Head Coach: Jared Embick
2015 Finish: 18-3-3 (Lost to Stanford in the Final Four)
Key Returners: Adam Najem (MF), Victor Souto (MF), Brad Ruhaak (D)
Games to Watch: “National Championship game. That's the goal.” – bold prediction from head coach Jared Embick
Key Newcomers: Hinds, Lewis, Perez, Zajac
What Else? "We play attacking soccer with flair all over the field," coach Jared Embick told HERO Sports. "We score goals and entertain our fantastic fans. Come out and watch a game!”