What Is 2022 Akron Zips men's soccer team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Akron Zips men's soccer team represented the University of Akron in the NCAA Division I men's soccer season, finishing with a 10–5–3 record and reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament after winning the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship.

Key Facts

The 2022 Akron Zips finished the season with a 10–5–3 overall record
They won the 2022 MAC Men's Soccer Tournament, defeating Western Michigan 1–0 in the final
Head coach Jared Embick led the team in his sixth season at Akron
Akron advanced to the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament before losing to Syracuse
The team played its home games at Lee Jackson Field in Akron, Ohio

Overview

The 2022 Akron Zips men's soccer team represented the University of Akron during the 2022 NCAA Division I men's soccer season. Competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the team was led by head coach Jared Embick in his sixth full season at the helm.

Building on a legacy of national prominence, including a 2010 NCAA Championship, the 2022 squad aimed to restore Akron to the upper echelon of college soccer. Despite not reaching the College Cup, the Zips demonstrated strong performance, particularly in conference play.

Season Record: The team finished with a 10–5–3 overall record, including a 6–1–1 mark in MAC play, securing the conference regular-season title.
MAC Tournament Champions: Akron won the 2022 MAC Men's Soccer Tournament by defeating Western Michigan 1–0 in the final on November 13, 2022.
NCAA Tournament Appearance: As MAC champions, the Zips earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the second round.
Home Field: The team played its home matches at Lee Jackson Field, a historic soccer venue on the University of Akron campus.
Head Coach: Jared Embick continued to rebuild the program with a focus on defensive stability and disciplined midfield play.

How It Works

The structure and operations of the 2022 Akron Zips men's soccer team followed standard NCAA Division I collegiate soccer models, integrating recruiting, training, competition, and postseason eligibility.

Roster Composition: The team fielded 28 players, including 12 underclassmen, highlighting a transitional phase in program development.
Recruiting Pipeline: Akron continued to attract talent from Ohio and nationally, with 7 signed recruits joining the 2022 roster, primarily defenders and midfielders.
Regular Season: The non-conference schedule included matches against four top-25 teams, testing the Zips early in the season.
Conference Play: The MAC season began in September, with Akron winning 6 of 8 conference games, losing only to Western Michigan in the regular season.
Postseason Path: Winning the MAC Tournament granted Akron an automatic NCAA Tournament berth, their 15th appearance in program history.
Player Development: The program emphasized player progression, with 3 Zips drafted in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft following the season.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2022 Akron Zips compared to recent seasons and conference rivals:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Postseason Result	Head Coach
2022	10–5–3	6–1–1 (MAC)	NCAA Second Round	Jared Embick
2021	8–7–3	5–3–0 (MAC)	NCAA First Round	Jared Embick
2019	12–7–1	5–3–0 (MAC)	NCAA Quarterfinals	Jared Embick
2018	14–5–3	6–1–1 (MAC)	NCAA Semifinals	Jared Embick
2010	21–1–2	7–0–0 (MAC)	NCAA Champions	Gregg Blasingame

The 2022 season marked a steady improvement over 2021, with better conference dominance and deeper postseason advancement. While not matching the heights of 2010 or 2018, the team showed signs of resurgence under Embick’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was significant for maintaining Akron’s reputation as a national soccer powerhouse despite recent rebuilding phases. Success on the field reinforced recruiting efforts and fan engagement.

Program Legacy: The MAC title reaffirmed Akron’s status as the most successful program in conference history, with 10 MAC championships to date.
Player Development: The season provided crucial experience for young players, with 5 freshmen starting at least 10 games.
MLS Pipeline: Akron remains a top producer for Major League Soccer, with 18 Zips drafted since 2005, including recent 2022 contributors.
Community Impact: Home games at Lee Jackson Field drew average crowds over 2,000, boosting local interest in collegiate soccer.
Conference Strength: Akron’s performance elevated the MAC’s national profile, with the conference earning multiple NCAA bids in 2022.
Future Outlook: The 2022 foundation set expectations for a competitive 2023 season, aiming for a return to the College Cup.

In summary, the 2022 Akron Zips men's soccer team delivered a successful campaign that balanced immediate success with long-term program growth, continuing a tradition of excellence in collegiate soccer.