“The end of last year’s men’s soccer season left doubt in the minds of Zips fans. If the start of the 2008 season is any indication, those doubts should be erased. The Adidas/ IU Credit Union Classic saw the previously No. 12, currently the No. 5 University of Akron men’s soccer team convincingly defeating the No.”
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The end of last year’s men’s soccer season left doubt in the minds of Zips fans. If the start of the 2008 season is any indication, those doubts should be erased.

The Adidas/ IU Credit Union Classic saw the previously No. 12, currently the No. 5 University of Akron men’s soccer team convincingly defeating the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish by a count of 3-0.

While the final score may not appear close, the teams were deadlocked at zero the entire first half.

They’re a very good program, UA head coach Caleb Porter said of the Fighting Irish.

The second half, however, belonged to the Zips as they would score 3 goals in under 22 minutes.

We played as if we were nervous in the first half, and then a light bulb went off at halftime, Porter said of the halftime adjustments.

For an encore, the Zips played No. 7 and tournament host Indiana to a 0-0 tie on Sunday.

In addition to the team’s success, there were individual accomplishments awarded to the Zips as well.

Sophomore Steve Zakuani was named MAC player of the week after posting both a goal and assist in the win over Notre Dame.

Kofie Sarkodie was honored as well. The defender was named to Soccer America’s Team of the Week.

Nothing he does surprises me, Porter said of the freshman phenom. He’s a tremendous leader who is very wise beyond his years.

The weekend definitely belonged to the Zips, but Porter still isn’t satisfied just yet.

I’m not interested in the rankings until the end of the year, he said.

The Zips will have another tough test this Friday as they welcome the West Virginia Mountaineers to Lee Jackson Field for their 2008 home opener.

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