'We showed quality': 3-game stretch shows Akron men's soccer can make deep tournament run

It was a nine-day stretch akin to what the University of Akron men’s soccer team could face in the NCAA Tournament.

When Tuesday’s 0-0 result against No. 15 Notre Dame was finished, the second-ranked Zips finished the stretch unbeaten.

It started Sept. 11 against No. 11 Florida International where Akron rolled to a 2-0 win. It continued Friday in a 3-3 Big East opener against Providence.

Add the end result against the Fighting Irish (4-1-3) and the Zips (5-0-3) are feeling pretty solid about their future not only in the Big East but in games in November.

“We showed quality in all three games,” Akron coach Jared Embick said. “We can make a run at this thing. You look at our record (over the last week) and you wonder why not three wins. But I think when you look at how the game's played out, for the most part, we still felt like we had the majority of the chances and opportunities.  I think it shows how we can manage a season and move on and learn lessons and be better the next game. And we did it against three good opponents and we got more coming and we just got to stay with it.”

What Akron saw in three games is equal to an NCAA Tournament bracket

There’s a solid argument that FIU, Providence and Notre Dame could make the NCAA Tournament.

The Zips saw three different styles which helps as well.

FIU chose to play with Akron and fell behind early.

Providence blitzed the Zips and led 3-1 at the break only to see Akron come back to earn a draw.

The Fighting Irish chose to play 10 men back and got thoroughly outplayed by the Zips.

“We expect it from some teams,” Akron defender Will Jackson said. “It's hard to score when they sit 10 behind the ball. We have to break them down. We know it's going to happen. We just need to keep working at it. We got chances tonight. Obviously, one didn't fall, but we’ve got to keep pushing forward and eventually we'll work it out and get where want to be.”

The score doesn't show it, but Akron soccer dominated Notre Dame

The Zips held a 23-3 edge on shots against the Irish — 12-0 in shots on goal.

There were a few chances in the first half by Jason Shokalook where Notre Dame keeper Bryan Dowd was up to the task in front of a packed house of 2,535.

The best opportunity came with 3:18 remaining when Jonas Buechte’s shot was ticked over the bar to result in a corner kick – Akron held an 8-1 edge there.

“The team has made very good improvements,” Shokalook said. “You can see it, obviously, when we made a great comeback against Providence. We had a good win against ranked FIU and now we just tied another ranked opponent. We've made very good progress and we're just going to keep moving forward.”

An All-American is close to returning for Akron soccer

There’s even better news down the pipe with injured All-American Dyson Clapier near 100%.

Clapier has only played in a game and a half this season after a 2022 season where he led the team in game-winners (3), assists (7) and shots.

He’s still day-to-day, but should be back soon.

“Everyone knows the level he plays,” Shokalook said. “Having Dyson back will help out tremendously. That means teams have to focus more on having Dyson at left wing and also they have to worry about me. He's a great player. When we get him back, then obviously everything is going to open up. When he comes back we’re really going to be dangerous.”

Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips men's soccer dominates draw vs. Notre Dame