Ger Coppinger named top assistant coach for Akron men’s soccer

AKRON, Ohio (Via University of Akron) – The University of Akron head men’s soccer coach Jared Embick announced that Ger Coppinger has been elevated to the program’s top assistant coach after serving as an assistant coach for the Zips with emphasis on the goalkeeping position for the past four seasons.

Coppinger’s promotion is pending approval by the University’s Board of Trustees.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue to be part of Jared’s staff with this promotion,” said Coppinger. “It is the proudest moment for my professional career to date and I am thankful to Jared for the continued support. The hard work has already begun to get the second star for our great fans. I can’t wait for the upcoming season this fall.”

“Ger has been terrific coach,” Embick commented. “He has coached our goalkeepers, does many of our scouts and is a top recruiter. Everyone has seen the work he has done with Ben Lundt and Jake Fenlason and their development into professional goalkeepers. He has also done a tremendous job recruiting, identifying and bringing in many players in our recent classes. He has shown to be one of the best assistant coaches in the country and is crucial to the success of our program.”

During his time training Akron goalkeepers, the Zips have posted 40 shutouts, while recording a 0.977 goals against average. In postseason play, Akron has recorded eight clean sheets and garnered a 0.848 goals against average en route to advancing to College Cups in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Coppinger helped mentor Jake Fenlason and Ben Lundt to Second-Team All-MAC accolades in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Both players have gone on to play professionally with Fenlason starring for Saint Louis FC of the United Soccer League and Lundt on loan to Louisville City FC of the USL for the 2019 campaign from FC Cincinnati of the MLS.

Fenlason started all 24 games for the Zips in 2015 registering nine shutouts, 105 saves and 1.16 goals against average and surrendered a goal or less in 15 games. In NCAA Tournament play, he posted a 0.92 goals against average, including holding eventual national champion Stanford without a goal in a 0-0 double-overtime draw in the national semifinals.

Lundt started all 22 games in which he played in this past season registering 71 saves and posted a 1.11 goals against average. He was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player at the College Cup and finished the campaign recording 14 victories on the strength of collecting seven shutouts.

The Zips open their spring exhibition campaign on March 1 as Akron travels to square off versus the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL in a 3 p.m. match in Pittsburgh, Pa.