Cleveland, Ohio - The No. 24 Akron Zips will open up the 2016 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament today against Villanova. The Zips are entering the NCAA Tournament off of their fifth consecutive MAC Tournament Title after beating Buffalo, 2-1, in the MAC Championship match on Sunday. Freshman Nick Hinds recorded both goals for the Zips, while Russell Cicerone netted the Bulls' lone goal.
This is the first match between Akron and Villanova in team history. The Zips are 19-3-9 all-time against the Big East, which includes a 1-0 win over Georgetown on August, 26. In 57 NCAA Tournament matches, the Zips hold a 25-24-8 mark, which includes a 4-1-2 record under head coach Jared Embick.