“The University of Akron’s men’s soccer team has a tough road ahead of them this weekend. On Friday, the Zips will play the eighth-ranked team in the NSCAA Poll, the Indiana Hoosiers at 7:30 p.m. Indiana (2-1-1) lost to second-ranked Wake Forest and tied 15th-ranked St.”
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The University of Akron’s men’s soccer team has a tough road ahead of them this weekend.

On Friday, the Zips will play the eighth-ranked team in the NSCAA Poll, the Indiana Hoosiers at 7:30 p.m.

Indiana (2-1-1) lost to second-ranked Wake Forest and tied 15th-ranked St. Johns.

There are a lot of story lines riding on the game versus Indiana.

First of all, Indiana is UA coach Caleb Porter’s alma mater. Porter played at Indiana from 1994-97 and was only the second three-time IU captain in school history.

As a senior, Porter also finished as runner up for the prestigious Hermann Trophy which is awarded to the top soccer player in the nation.

Porter also spent six years at Indiana as an assistant coach. During Porter’s time as an assistant, the team amassed a record of 98-25-14.

Indiana will prove to be a tough opponent as they are the last team to beat the Zips at Lee Jackson Field in 2006, a 2-0 Zips loss.

Ofori Sarkodie, the brother of Zips defender Kofi Sarkodie, plays defender for Indiana.

Kofi is looking forward to be able to play on the same field as his brother.

To me, every time I get to play on the same field as him it is an honor, Kofi said. He has taught me a lot along with my other brother Quami.

The atmosphere is always great. Every time I get to play against my brother it changes the atmosphere. It almost becomes a family affair.

Kofi has in fact played with Ofori before.

Last time we played together was on the national team. I actually played one match with him there.

A win for the Zips could give them momentum for the rest of the season and give them experience against such a good team.

The question is if the Zips are prepared for Indiana.

I’m confident in the team and or boys. We’ve worked hard and have a lot of returning players, Kofi said. We tied them at their place. If we’re ready to go I’m very confident in our team and our squad.

Kofi has done well thus far in the season and has even scored a goal already against High Point last weekend.

It felt great. It felt good to start the season off with a good tally. It’s always a good thing to start off on the right track.

There is no question that this weekend Kofi will do everything possible to help the Zips win.

Every game I come in and hope everything goes well. I’m a bit more excited to play against my brother. I’m focused and will try to do what I can do.

The game versus Indiana Friday night is expected to have a large crowd.

The University of Akron’s Athletics Department has already let students know that there will be a limit of 1,000 students allowed into the game.

Because of this, students are urged to come early to ensure that they are able to get in.

Tickets will be handed out at Lee Jackson Field starting at 4 p.m. Friday.

On Sunday the men’s soccer team will play St. Louis as part of the weekend’s Akron Tournament.

St. Louis started the season ranked number 21 in the preseason NCSAA poll.

Since then St. Louis has suffered a 3-0 loss to New Mexico, as well as a 3-1 loss to Portland.

Regardless, St. Louis is still a high caliber team that is able to compete with anybody.

Game time for the St. Louis match is 2:30 p.m.

Last year, the Zips won the Akron tournament with big wins against West Virginia and Cincinnati.

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