“The University of Akron’s men’s soccer team has been given the number one ranking in the nation by the latest NSCAA/Adidas poll. This marks the second time in school history that this has happened. A big factor in the ranking is the two wins this past weekend to start off the season.”
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The University of Akron’s men’s soccer team has been given the number one ranking in the nation by the latest NSCAA/Adidas poll.

This marks the second time in school history that this has happened.

A big factor in the ranking is the two wins this past weekend to start off the season.

Akron defeated the number 14 ranked Tulsa Hurricanes, who proved to be a tough opponent, by a score of 1-0. The Zips also knocked off the SMU Mustangs by a count of 1-0.

We proved tonight how dominant we can be when we are pressing defensively and finding rhythm in possession, said UA head coach Caleb Porter. We still need to do better in the final third and making the most of our opportunities. But we are creating very good chances and, in the end, having to ride out 1-0 wins in both games will probably help us more in the long run.

The Zips are the only Mid-American Conference team in any sport to ever achieve a number one ranking.

Akron also achieved a number one ranking in 2005 when they held the position for four weeks.

Coach Porter has made his mark with the Zips soccer team. In the four years, he has coached the Zips to a (47-11-7) record.

Indiana, who will play the Zips Friday Sept., 17, at Lee Jackson Field, are ranked number 12 team on the current NSCAA poll.

The game will be a challenge for the Zips as Porter will coach against his alma mater. Also sophomore defender Kofi Sarkodie will be up against his brother Ofori Sarkodie who plays defender for Indiana.

Sarkodie has received individual achievements during this week as well, and he was named to the Soccer America’s National Team of the Week on Sept. 18.

The defense has really been a key to Akron’s success thus far in the season.

Both games this past weekend were shutouts.

Alongside Sarkodie has been junior defender Chris Korb who has been named to Top Drawer Soccer’s National Team of the Week.

Both Sarkodie and Korb played on the Zips number one ranked defense in 2008.

This weekend the Zips will travel to Cincinnati for the Adidas Bearcats Classic.

Akron is slated to play the High Point Panthers on Friday and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats on Sunday.

The last time the Zips played the Bearcats was last year in the Akron Tournament.

The Zips posted a 2-1 victory in which they came from behind to win the Akron Tournament.

Anthony Ampaipitakwong scored one of the two goals in the game.

Ampaipitakwong has already scored a goal this season in the game against Tulsa and looks to score again this weekend.

A successful weekend for the Zips should keep them atop the NSCAA poll for another week.

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