The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Clinch MAC Title With 2-0 Win at Western Michigan
October 23 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 23, 2005
Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- - On a day when it wasn't its sharpest, the top-ranked University of Akron men's soccer (14-0-1, 5-0-0 MAC) team found a way to pull out a 2-0 victory at Western Michigan (6-7-2, 2-2-1 MAC) Sunday afternoon, clinching its eighth Mid-American Conference regular season title.
"Admittedly this was not our sharpest effort, but we did well staying with the game and limiting Western Michigan's opportunities," said head coach Ken Lolla. "We defended very well, and it feels good to win our first outright regular season title in several years."
The game-winning score came off the head of freshman midfielder Matthew Tutich (Westmont, Ill./Hinsdale Central) in the 19th minute. Tutich capitalized on a beautifully played ball from Jonathan McClain (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne/Wright State) and Ross McKenzie (Whangamata, New Zealand/Mount Albert), heading the ball in past WMU keeper Brent Miller for his sixth goal of the season.
Akron carried the 1-0 lead into the second half, holding an 8-3 advantage in shots taken in the first period. The Zips held the one-goal advantage until 84:51 as Amico DiFranco (Chesterland, Ohio/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin) gave Akron an insurance score with a low shot inside the far post for goal number four on the season.
The Zips took 15 shots in the match, compared to eight for the
Broncos. Miller picked up five saves in the loss, while UA
goalkeeper Evan Bush (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic) notched his
ninth shutout of the year, picking up one save in the process.
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Akron outscored its opponents 17-1 in MAC play this season, with the lone goal allowed coming on a penalty kick. It is the Zips' first outright regular-season title since 1999. As the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament, the Zips will play host to the semifinal and final rounds at Lee Jackson Field, with semifinal matches on Nov. 11 and the championship game scheduled for Nov. 13.
The Zips have three nonconference games remaining in the regular season, beginning with the Michigan Wolverines (7-6-1) Friday night at Lee Jackson Field. The 7:30 p.m. match will be followed by a postgame fireworks display.
1 2 Total
No. 1 Akron 1 1 2
Western Michigan 0 0 0
UA: Matthew Tutich (Jonathan McClain, Ross McKenzie)- 18:23
UA: Amico DiFranco (unassisted)- 84:51
