The Akron Zips will play in the College Cup on Friday against Michigan State in Santa Barbara, California.

It’s the third time in four years the Zips have reached the College Cup. But for one Freshman, this achievement feels like a long time coming.

“I was a huge fan. I came to as many games as I could for as long as I can remember,” said forward Colin Biros.

Biros grew up in Northeast Ohio, attending Jackson High School in Stark County where he played soccer.

Last week, in the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament the Zips played Stanford.

Biros headed in the game-winning goal, leading the Zips to a 3-2 victory.

“It was probably one of the biggest moments of my life, of my soccer life,” Biros said. “Me not only playing but scoring the goal that capped off a great move by my team, it was an unbelievable feeling.”

But Biros and his teammates are not satisfied, as they are hungry to defeat a Michigan State team they’ve already beaten this season, 2-1.

“We know we can beat them,” said the Zips leading scorer David Egbo. “We have played them twice in last two seasons and we’ve won.”

While the team is confident, they know they are not invincible. The Zips dropped six games in the regular season but their early struggles have transformed into their postseason edge.

“We didn’t get seated. We felt a little disrespected by that and it kind of just added fuel to the fire and these guys have a little chip on their shoulder” said Akron’s head coach Jared Embick.

As the team laces up and aims for their second national title, their young forward, Biros, knows that the next generation of local soccer players will have their eyes on Friday’s game. For him, this run is not only about winning at Akron but also winning for Akron.

“I want to pass on that it is possible,” said Biros. “When you come here is it possible for you to play. It is possible for you to win and bring something home to this city.”

