Welcome to Camp Adventure!

Head Coach

Jared Embick, who had previously served as the Zips’ associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, officially became the seventh head coach in the history of The University of Akron men’s soccer program in December of 2012.The 2020 campaign marks his eighth year leading the Zips having registered a 100-40-15 (.694) ledger after earning the program's 20th regular-season Mid-American Conference title in 2019.

During Embick’s time at Akron, the Zips have posted the highest winning percentage in the nation with an overall record of 210-53-31 (.767), including a 60-6-5 (.880) mark in MAC play, while securing 11 conference tournament titles, 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and three appearances in the College Cup final.  Akron’s 100 victories since Embick took the helm of the Zips’ program in 2013 rank third among all men’s soccer programs in Division I.

Assistant/GK Coach

Ger Coppinger is in his eighth season on the Zips’ staff in 2020 after spending four seasons on the Missouri State coaching staff where he was tasked with the training of the Bears’ goalkeepers, while also assisting on the recruiting front.

During Coppinger’s time at Akron, the Zips have posted the an overall record of 70-30-12 (.679), including a 16-4-4 (.750) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing four conference tournament titles, four trips to the NCAA Tournament and three appearances in the College Cup.  Eleven Akron players have been selected in the MLS SuperDraft during Coppinger’s tenure, including three players chosen in the first round. That list includes; Joao Moutinho (No. 1 - 2018), Jonathan Lewis (No. 3 - 2017) and Richie Laryea (No. 7 - 2016).  During his time training Akron goalkeepers, the Zips have posted 44 shutouts, while recording a 1.017 goals against average. 

Assistant Coach

University of Akron head men's soccer coach Jared Embick named former Zips' captain Michael Nanchoff to his staff as an assistant coach on Feb. 28, 2019.

Nanchoff was tabbed as the No. 8 overall selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps where he starred for two seasons (2011-12) before playing three campaigns (2013-15) with the Portland Timbers.  While in Portland, he helped the Timbers capture the 2015 MLS Cup under the leadership of his collegiate coach Caleb Porter. Nanchoff capped his playing career starring the last three seasons (2016-18) for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League.  

A two-time First-Team All-MAC performer, Nanchoff played in 62 games for the Zips, including 38 starts, and registered 16 career goals and 22 assists on the strength of recording 116 shots. He crafted a dynamic senior campaign in 2010 notching 10 goals and adding nine assists en route to be tabbed an All-College Cup selection.

Assistant Coach

Attila Schmidt is entering his fourth season as an integral member of the Akron Zips Men's Soccer staff. 

Attila Schmidt has helped the Benedictine College men's soccer program soar to new heights since taking over as head coach in 2016. Prior to his arrival at Benedictine, Schmidt helped guide Amherst College to the 2015 NCAA Division III National Championship.

As a collegiate coach:
• Secured the first two NCAA Tournament victories in program history
• Produced the two best single-season win totals in program history
• Won the program's first ever NACC Tournament in 2016
• Ranked 16th nationally in the final 2016 United Soccer Coaches Poll
• Two NACC Tournament Championship appearances including 2019
• Capped the 2017 season ranked No. 10 nationally in goals per game (3.15)
• Earned 50th career win in Benedictine's comeback win in the NACC Tournament on Nov. 2, 2019