East Michigan News

The Eastern Michigan University (EMU) soccer team is set to commence a new chapter under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Taylor Clarke. The Eagles will face Oakland University in their season opener on Thursday, August 15, at 4:30 p.m. at Scicluna Field.

Clarke, who replaced Scott Hall following his retirement at the end of the 2023 season, becomes the third head coach in EMU soccer history. Hall concluded his tenure with a record of 210-215-67 and led the team to Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships in 1999, 2003, and 2013.

Joining Clarke's coaching staff are Associate Head Coach Matt Hinds and Assistant Coach Mary Carlson. The team returns sophomores Kate Robinson and Olivia Sipsock, both of whom earned Freshman All-MAC honors last year.

Eastern Michigan holds an all-time record of 249-246-70 and stands just one win away from achieving its 250th victory milestone. In their previous match against Oakland on August 20, 2023, EMU lost narrowly by a score of 1-0 despite outshooting their opponents.

Kate Robinson was named MAC Freshman of the Year in 2023 and led the conference with seven assists. Olivia Sipsock also had a standout freshman season with twelve points.

Oakland University enters this match under new Head Coach Devin Zvosec after finishing last season with a record of 5-6-7 overall. Frankie Mudd leads Oakland’s returning players after scoring four goals last year.

Historically, EMU trails Oakland with an all-time series record of 3-9-2 but has secured two victories and two draws in their last five encounters.

Taylor Clarke brings extensive experience from various coaching roles prior to joining EMU. He most recently served as Associate Head Coach at Bowling Green State University from 2021 to 2023.

Associate Head Coach Matt Hinds joins from Calvin College where he served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Assistant Coach Mary Carlson comes from Grace Christian Academy where she was Girls Associate Head Coach.

The entire eligible roster remained intact through the spring slate except for Kevser Guendogdu who returned to Germany. The team now consists of thirty-six players including three transfers and seven freshmen recruits.

Eastern Michigan ranks fourth nationally in returning players from last year’s squad without any collegiate transfers outnumbering McNeese State’s twenty-two returners without transfers out.

As they prepare for their first home game since September 5th, EMU seeks its first victory at Scicluna Field since defeating Morehead State by a scoreline of 2-1 back then while aiming for its first home shutout since October18th when they beat Miami (OH).

Looking ahead beyond this opening fixture against Oakland; Eastern Michigan embarks on road contest taking UIC scheduled August22nd followed closely hosting Youngstown State next up thereafter marking busy start new campaign hoping build positive momentum early stages season.

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