AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zips women’s soccer team opened the 2026 season with a 3-Nil win over Oakland as Rachel Wenzel scored a pair of goals while Sara Bower registered the shutout at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday (Aug. 16).
Akron and Oakland battled back-and-forth until the 23rd minute when play was suspended due to weather. After a a two-hour weather delay play resumed and Akron didn’t waste time getting on the scoreboard. Wenzel netted the Zips first goal in the 33rd minute on an assist by Olivia Heskett and Addison Hall.
The Zips generated a two-nil lead before halftime, in the 42nd minute, as Emma Ogdahl netted her first goal of the season from Callee DalBon.
After the break, Wenzel found the back of the net for a second time, scoring off a pass from Olivia Pilato.
Akron held the advantage in time of possession, securing the ball for 58-percent of the game and led in shots (20-6), shots on target (13-4) and corner kicks (6-5).
Bower recorded four saves in the shutout effort.
How it Happened
Akron grabbed a 1-0 lead when Wenzel scored her second goal of the season in the 33rd minute, assisted by Olivia Heskett and Addison Hall.
The Zips extended their lead to 2-0 on a goal from Emma Ogdahl — her first goal of the season — in the 41st minute, assisted by Callee Dalbon.
Akron went up 3-0 on Wenzel’s 77th-minute goal, her second of the season. Olivia Pilato assisted the goal. The 3-0 score held to the finish.
Game Notes
Akron received one yellow card.
Sara Bower totaled three saves for the Zips out of six total Golden Grizzlies shots.
Akron peppered 13 shots on goal.
Up Next
The Zips will be back in action on Thursday, August 20 in Evansville, Ind. against Southern Indiana. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.