It’s game day! No. 10 WVU men’s soccer is heading into their first real battle of 2025 against No. 16 Akron. Can the Mountaineers’ high-powered offense break through Akron’s notoriously stingy defense? Plus, get updates on sold-out football tickets and a former Mountaineer heading overseas! Don’t miss the details of this pivotal matchup!
The West Virginia University men’s soccer team faces its most formidable challenge of the 2025 season tonight, as the No. 10 WVU Soccer squad travels to Akron to take on the No. 16 Zips. This highly anticipated matchup marks the first true road test for the Mountaineers, promising an intense clash between two nationally ranked programs in NCAA Soccer.
Dan Stratford’s team has enjoyed a stellar start to the year, securing two comfortable home victories against Manhattan and La Salle with a combined score of 9-2. The attacking prowess of Marcus Caldeira and Pablo Pozos has been a highlight, with both players netting three goals apiece, making them the only teammates in the nation to achieve this feat. Caldeira, in particular, has been exceptional, accumulating nine points through three assists and three goals in just two matches, showcasing the offensive firepower of West Virginia Athletics.
However, the Akron Zips present a significantly tougher opponent. Ranked No. 16 nationally and picked as Big East co-favorites, Akron is led by seasoned head coach Jared Embick. Their defense has been impenetrable so far this season, boasting back-to-back clean sheets against VCU and Northern Kentucky. Anchoring this formidable defense is Mitch Budler, the Preseason Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, who will undoubtedly test the Mountaineers’ offensive capabilities.
Historically, the series between West Virginia and Akron has favored the Zips, who hold a commanding 18–4–2 all-time lead. The Mountaineers have not claimed a victory over Akron since 2018, with their last encounter in 2021 ending in a 2–0 win for Akron. This historical context adds another layer of intensity to tonight’s contest, as WVU seeks to reverse recent trends against a long-standing rival in College Sports.
For the WVU Soccer team, this away game is not just another match; it’s an opportunity to prove their early-season offensive fireworks can stand up against one of the stingiest defenses in college soccer. It’s the first road trip of the season, and a critical benchmark to assess their national championship aspirations and overall team resilience. The outcome will be a significant indicator of the team’s ability to perform under pressure outside the comforts of home.
Beyond the pitch, West Virginia Athletics has seen other notable developments. Mountaineers Football season tickets for 2025 have officially sold out, marking the highest sales since joining the Big 12. The highly anticipated Backyard Brawl against Pitt is also a sell-out, though Family Day packages remain available for the upcoming opener against Robert Morris. Additionally, former WVU center Kylee Blacksten has signed to play overseas in Sweden, continuing her professional basketball career after a distinguished Mountaineer career.
Other College Sports updates include the WVU women’s soccer team competing at the Quest for the Crown, the golf team at the Lehigh Invitational, and various Mountaineers Football players battling for NFL roster spots. As West Virginia sports continue to captivate fans, tonight’s men’s soccer match against Akron stands out as a pivotal moment, potentially shaping the narrative for the remainder of the season and solidifying the team’s position among the nation’s elite.
