The University of Akron Athletics
No. 1 Zips Set Program Standard With 2-0 Victory
October 14 | Men's Soccer
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Sophomore Teal
Bunbury scored his fifth goal in four games to lead the No. 1/1
University of Akron men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over
Virginia Tech Tuesday night at Thompson Field.
With the win, the Zips, who recorded their 10th shutout in 12
games, stayed perfect on the season with 12 wins in 12 games -
achieving the best start in program history.
"This was a dangerous game," said UA head coach Caleb
Porter. "We knew Virginia Tech would be fighting for their
lives tonight and anytime you play an ACC team on the road it's
going to take a good performance to get a result."
Bunbury, who has been on an incredible run with nine goals in his
last seven matches, found the net for the 10th time in 2009 in the
37th minute. The native of Prior Lake, Minn., took a pass from Kofi
Sarkodie, slipped through the Virginia Tech defense and beat
the 'keeper in a one-on-one situation. Bunbury entered the game
ranked seventh in the nation for goals scored.
With a 1-0 lead to start the second half, the Zips were
relentless on the attack with six shots in the first 15 minutes en
route to a 12-5 shots advantage for the period. But Virginia Tech
'keeper Stefan Caulfield was up to the task early until junior Blair
Gavin put the game away for good with a successful penalty kick
in 80th minute. The team co-captain is a perfect 3-for-3 in penalty
situations this season.
"Our first half was strong and we did well to earn a 1-0 lead at
halftime," Porter said. "We were unfortunate to not pull ahead in
the second half and it could have come back to haunt us. In the
end, our team defending held us in until we were able to get the
second goal."
UA goalkeeper David Meves, who leads the
nation in goals-against-average, continued to be up to the task as
the true freshman posted three saves while notching his eighth
shutout of the campaign.
For the game, the Zips doubled up the Hokies (3-7-2) in shots,
18-9, and posted advantages in shots on goal (8-3) and corner kicks
(8-3). The victory put the finishing touches on a 4-0 road trip for
UA, which also made stops at Florida Atlantic, Western Michigan and
UIC.
"This has been a tough road stretch," Porter said. "To be on the
road for four straight games in 10 days and get results is a credit
to this team's focus and determination."
Akron will next return to Lee Jackson Field Saturday night when
Northern Illinois comes to town for a rematch of last year's
Mid-American Conference Tournament finals. The Zips and Huskies
will kick off at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets in advance, call the
Athletics Ticket Office at 1-888-99-AKRON.
"I know the boys are looking forward to being back home this
weekend," Porter said. "Special thanks to the 50-plus Rowdies who
made the trip to Blacksburg. Our players can't wait to play NIU at
Lee Jackson Field with all the Rowdies behind them again."
Zips Notebook: Tuesday's game marked the first
ever meeting between Akron and Virginia Tech ... The Zips have yet
to allow a goal in the first half this season, out-scoring
opponents 19-0 before the intermission ... UA has gone 24 games
since it allowed a goal in the opening period and 48 games since it
last trailed at the break ... UA improved to 57-11-7 under
fourth-year head coach Caleb Porter ... Akron has
out-shot opponents 200-51 in 2009.
