The University of Akron Athletics
#14 Akron Falls 1-0 (2OT) to USF in NCAA 2nd Round
November 29 | Men's Soccer
A goal by South Florida's Yohance Marshall two minutes into the
second overtime lifted the Bulls to a 1-0 victory over the #14
seeded Zips of Akron in the second round of the 2007 NCAA Men's
Soccer Championship, played Wednesday night at Lee Jackson
Field.
South Florida (14-5-2) will play at #3 seed Connecticut this
Sunday, while the 2007 MAC regular-season and tournament champion
Zips end their season with a 15-4-2 record.
The lone goal of the match came off a free kick. Simon Schoendorf
sent the ball towards the net and Akron goalkeeper Evan Bush
punched the ball out. Amidst several UA defenders, Marshall was
able to use his body to sneak the ball into the lower left side of
the goal. It marked Marshall's second goal of the season and second
game-winner in overtime during the NCAA Championship. (USF beat
Colgate 2-1 in overtime in the first round.)
Akron lost despite controlling the action most of the match. The
Zips took 17 shots compared to eight by the Bulls. Ten of UA's
shots were on goal with USF having just four on goal, including the
game winner. Leading the way for the Zips was freshman Steve
Zakuani, who had five shots with four being on goal. Schoendorf
had two shots for the Bulls, including two on goal.
USF keeper Diego Restrepo came through with 10 saves while Akron's
Bush had three.
"This game can be cruel sometimes," said UA head coach Caleb
Porter. "We had several opportunities, but just could not
finish. I have to give credit to USF and keeper (Diego Restrepo).
He made several key saves and they found a way. Even though we fell
short I am very proud of this team, they played like champions
tonight and there is not much more I can ask. I will miss coaching
our six seniors and appreciate all they have done to elevate this
program to new heights. We will never be satisfied ending the
season with a loss, but this team accomplished a lot. I am pleased
with our progress and there is much to look forward to in the
future of this program"
