Michael Nanchoff hired as University of Akron assistant coach

AKRON, Ohio (Via University of Akron) – University of Akron head men’s soccer coach Jared Embick named former Zips’ captain Michael Nanchoff to his staff as an assistant coach on Thursday, Feb. 28.

Nanchoff’s hiring is pending approval by the University’s Board of Trustees.

“Akron has always held a special place in my heart since I was little,” said Nanchoff. “I had the opportunity to play my college ball for the Zips winning a national championship in 2010. I now have a greater opportunity to join this national power house as an assistant coach and I look forward to the challenge.”

“I am really excited to bring Michael on board,” Embick commented. “He is a winner and he is one of our own! He was a member of our National Championship team, played professionally for eight years and won an MLS cup. He has tremendous passion for this University and soccer program. He is an outstanding person with great character and I couldn’t be more thrilled for him to bring his experiences and enthusiasm to our team as an assistant coach. I can’t wait to see the impact he has on the field with the players.”

Nanchoff starred for the Zips from 2007-10, helping elevate the Akron men’s soccer program to new heights, including capturing the school’s first-ever national title in 2010. The Zips posted a remarkable 77-8-9 (.867) record during his four seasons at Akron, including advancing to the NCAA title match in 2009 and 2010, while winning the Mid-American Conference regular and postseason titles in each of his four campaigns.

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.

A native of Cleveland, Nanchoff earned a bachelor’s degree in sport sciences from Akron in 2011 and maintains a National “B” Coaching License.

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