The Akron Zips women's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign at home, defeating Oakland 3-0 in a rain‑delayed match at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 16.
Key performers
Freshman forward Rachel Wenzel opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing a pass from Olivia Heskett with an assist from Addison Hall, and later added a second goal in the 77th minute, set up by Olivia Pilato.
Sophomore Emma Ogdahl recorded her first goal of the season in the 42nd minute, extending the lead after a feed from Callee DalBon.
Goalkeeper Sara Bower kept a clean sheet with four saves, while the defense limited Oakland to just six shots on target.
Despite a two‑hour weather pause, the Zips controlled the tempo, finishing with 58 percent possession, 20 total shots and six corner kicks, and earned a single yellow card.
Looking ahead
The victory sets up a road test on August 20 at Southern Indiana in Evansville, Ind., where kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., giving the Zips a chance to build on the early chemistry displayed by their fresh attacking trio.