The Akron women's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign in convincing fashion, routing Oakland by a 3‑0 margin on home turf. From the first whistle the Zips pressed forward, creating numerous chances and capitalizing on a disciplined attacking approach.
A Strong Start Under New Leadership
Senior goalkeeper Sara Bower anchored the defense, turning away every shot the visitors managed and preserving a clean sheet. Meanwhile, forward Rachel Wenzel found the back of the net twice, underscoring her role as a key offensive weapon.
Head coach Maggie Kuhn, who was officially named to the position on Dec. 11, 2025, observed the victory as a first step toward implementing her vision of a balanced, attacking style. Kuhn’s appointment marked a new chapter for the program, and the win provided early confidence in her system.
Road Trip Begins
The Zips now turn their attention to a three‑game road swing that begins Aug. 20 at Southern Indiana, a matchup scheduled for 6 p.m. The contest will be the first of a series that also includes games at Duquesne on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. and at Louisville on Aug. 30 in Kentucky.
Both upcoming venues present distinct challenges, but the team appears eager to test its depth and chemistry against a variety of opponents. The schedule also offers freshmen Addison Hall and Jordanne Oberhaus additional playing time as they continue to develop.
Hall, who earned a spot on the 2025 All‑Freshman team, and Oberhaus, a 2025 Second‑Team All‑MAC honoree, are expected to contribute significantly as the Zips progress through the early portion of the season. Their performances will be closely watched as the squad looks to build momentum under Kuhn’s guidance.