AKRON, Ohio - Sophomore Darlington Nagbe netted his second game-winner in as many contests to lift the University of Akron men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Hartwick and their third-consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament championship Sunday at Lee Jackson Field.

Nagbe put the finishing touch on a give-and-go with Anthony Ampaipitakwong in the 77th minute as the Zips had to come from behind for the second time in three games. With the win, Akron (20-0-0) tied Evansville (1990) for the fourth longest, single-season win streak in NCAA history.

"We knew this was going to be a physical and direct game with balls being thrown and kicked in the box for 90 minutes," said UA head coach Caleb Porter. "Hartwick defended well and their goalkeeper was incredible so my hats off to them for putting up a good fight. I am so proud of our guys for not backing down and playing like men. I have asked this team to deal with this type of thing all year long even though it's not enjoyable. But they do it because they want to win and that's why they are champions."

"What is most pleasing though is not only do they battle with the best of them, but they continue to play attractive soccer and I think they have been rewarded because of that."

Hartwick caught a break early in the game when UA defender Zarek Valentin slipped while trying to corral a loose ball in the backfield. Dan Summers made the most of the opportunity by beating goalkeeper David Meves on a 1v1 to put the Hawks up 1-0 in the 10th minute.

But Valentin and the rest of the UA defense had the last laugh, shuting Hartwick out ther rest of the way. For the game, the Zips dominated possession, posting a 20-6 advantage in shots, and remained composed despite a physical style of play from Hartwick, which drew four yellow cards and two straight reds.

"It was unfortunate to give up the early goal but I thought we responded well," Porter said. "This is three games in a row now where we've had some adversity but we continue to respond. We'll draw on that and take it with us as we make a run in the NCAA Tournament."

Sophomore Teal Bunbury, the 2009 MAC Player of the Year, pulled the Zips even in the 19th mintue following a well-struck free kick from Michael Nanchoff. Nanchoff, who assisted Nagbe's game-winner Friday night against Northern Illinois, lofted the ball 45 yards from the right sideline following the Hawks' second yellow card of the match. Bunbury put a head on it from 14 yards out for the equalizer.

The Zips' relentless attack created a number of scoring opportunities the rest of the way. Akron actually appeared to take the lead with eight minutes left in the first half when Kofi Sarkodie headed in a lob from Nanchoff, but an offsides call negated the score. Hartwick goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolo had a strong game in net with eight saves.

The Zips will not have to wait long to find out who their next opponent is as the NCAA will announce its Soccer Championship selections on ESPNews Monday, Nov. 16, between 5:30 and 6 p.m. (EST). The Akron Athletics department will host an official Watch Party at the Barley House, located on 222 S. Main Street. Fans are encouraged to attend the free event, which will feature a number of food specials.

"We are looking forward to starting the NCAA Tournament next weekend," Porter said. We have prepared for this moment and we will be ready to take it one game at a time toward the accomplishment of our ultimate vision – to be the last team standing on Dec. 13th."

Zips Notebook: Akron has won the MAC Tournament championship six times in the last eight years ... UA has won three MAC Tournament titles in four seasons under head coach Caleb Porter ... Including the Zips' regular season game versus Hartwick on Nov. 7th, the Hawks have drawn a combined total of five yellow and three red cards in two contests against Akron.

2009 MAC All-Tournament Team
Chad Barson, UA
Darlington Nagbe, UA
Michael Nanchoff, UA
Teal Bunbury, UA
Jumol Harewood, HC
Steven Amaya, HC
Michael Cunningham, HC
Kai Mendes, WMU
Saeed Sulemana Baba, WMU
Josh Karsten NIU
Danny Lopez, NIU