Akron Ends Marquette Soccer Season With 2-0 Win

Akron clinched a share of the Midwest title and a Big East tournament berth with the Friday night shutout.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer

Akron Ends Marquette Soccer Season With 2-0 Win

Marquette men's soccer lost 2-0 to No. 5 Akron on Friday night, ending its season at 10-6-1 overall and 3-5-0 in Big East play. Sam Bunch scored Akron's first goal in the 7th minute, and Akron added a second in the 41st minute.

Why it matters

The loss means Marquette missed the Big East tournament for the sixth straight season, while Akron secured a share of the Midwest title. Marquette's 10-win season was its first since 2013 and its strongest Big East record in six years.

Marquette's 63% second-half possession did not translate into scoring, as Akron had all but one of its seven first-half shots on goal. The result leaves Akron at 11-1-4 overall heading into the Big East tournament, while Marquette's campaign ended at 10 wins.

The players

Akron Zips men's soccer

The University of Akron's men's soccer program, which finished 11-1-4 and clinched a share of the Midwest title before facing Marquette.

Marquette Golden Eagles men's soccer

Marquette University's men's soccer program, which finished the 2026 season at 10-6-1 and missed the Big East tournament for a sixth straight year.

The details

Akron opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Sam Bunch and added its second goal in the 41st minute to take control of the match. The game was played at Valley Fields, Marquette's home field, and closed Marquette's regular season.

7th minute: Sam Bunch scored Akron's first goal.
41st minute: Akron scored its second goal.
Friday night: Marquette's season ended with the 2-0 loss to Akron.

Season Trajectory

Marquette's 2026 campaign extended a six-season run without a Big East tournament berth, even as the team posted its best Big East record in six years. The result leaves the program still outside the postseason picture while Akron advances as a Midwest title co-holder.

Marquette fans lose a season that ended without a Big East tournament trip for the sixth straight year, leaving the program's postseason hopes unchanged. The 10-win total still marks the first 10-win season since 2013, a useful benchmark for tracking the program's progress.

The takeaway

Marquette's best Big East record in six years shows the program is trending up even without a tournament berth. Fans tracking the team should watch for roster continuity heading into next season.