Akron aims to build on early-season momentum against Cleveland State
The University of Akron women's soccer team returns to FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday night to host Cleveland State in the 15th meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., and the match will be available via ESPN+ and live stats provided by the Akron athletics department.
The Zips opened their season with consecutive wins at home before running into a difficult road swing. Akron began with a 3-0 victory over Oakland in the home opener, followed by a 2-1 win over Southern Indiana. The two-match winning start was interrupted by back-to-back losses away from Akron: a 2-0 defeat at Duquesne and a 5-0 result at Louisville.
Through four matches, the Zips sit at 2-2, while Cleveland State enters Thursday’s contest seeking its first positive result of the year after an 0-4 start. The Vikings were shut out in four matches this season, losing to Kent State, Eastern Kentucky, Duquesne and Morehead State.
Scoring, goalkeeping and personnel to watch
Akron’s offense in the early season has been led by Rachel Wenzel, who opened the scoring for the Zips and finished with a brace in the 3-0 victory over Oakland. Wenzel’s first goal came in the 33rd minute off an assist from Olivia Heskett. Freshman Emma Ogdahl added her first collegiate goal in the 42nd minute on a pass from Callee DalBon, and Wenzel sealed the win with her second goal in the 78th minute assisted by Olivia Pilato.
In the 2-1 win over Southern Indiana, Akron again struck late. Grace Shondel scored the opener in the 66th minute with an assist from Eesha Sutharshan. Southern Indiana equalized two minutes later, but Callee DalBon provided the game-winner in the 82nd minute, assisted by Hattie Yugovich and Olivia Pilato.
Between the posts, Sara Bower recorded a shutout in the season opener against Oakland with four saves. Akron’s coaching staff will be looking for more consistent defensive shape after conceding multiple goals during the road losses.
Series history and stakes for Akron
This will be the 15th meeting between Akron and Cleveland State. Akron holds the series advantage with a 10-4-0 record against the Vikings, and the Zips have won the last three matchups, including two one-goal victories at FirstEnergy Stadium.
- Game: Akron vs. Cleveland State
- Date & time: Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Akron
- Broadcast: ESPN+ and live stats online
| Team | Record (2026) | Recent form |
|---|---|---|
| Akron | 2-2 | W, W, L, L |
| Cleveland State | 0-4 | L, L, L, L |
“The series history and home environment give Akron an edge, but the Zips must shore up defensive lapses from the road,”
— analysis based on recent results and team statistics.
Local impact and outlook
Thursday’s game offers Akron a chance to reassert control of its season at home and provide a boost to first-year and returning contributors alike. For fans, the match is an opportunity to see several players who have already made early-season impacts: Wenzel’s scoring, DalBon’s late-game decisiveness and Bower’s early clean sheet.
For the coaching staff, the focus will likely be on tightening defensive organization and converting home possession into consistent goal-scoring chances. A win would push Akron to 3-2 and extend its winning streak in the series, while a loss could stall the Zips’ momentum and raise questions ahead of Mid-American Conference play.
FirstEnergy Stadium is expected to host a crowd eager to see how Akron responds after the challenges of its road trip. With the series tilt favoring the Zips and Cleveland State still seeking its first victory, the matchup presents a manageable, but meaningful, test as Akron prepares for the bulk of its conference slate.
