The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Soccer Plays North Carolina to 1-1 Tie in Spring Match
April 06 | Men's Soccer
The University of Akron men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with
North Carolina, the 2008 national runner-up, and earned a 1-1 tie
in Greensboro, N.C. Sunday in an exhibition match.
Trailing 1-0 at the intermission, the Zips (3-0-1) received a goal
from freshman Darlington Nagbe, his third score of the spring
season, midway through the second half to remain undefeated.
Nagbe, the 2008 Mid-American Conference Newcomer of the Year,
received a pass from Teal Bunbury, who drove past his defender
on the left flank. Nagbe then split two defenders and buried the
shot back post.
UA continued to press forward for the winner and had several
chances to pull ahead but ran out of time.
"We are not satisfied with the tie but I was really pleased that we
responded after giving up the early goal," said UA head coach Caleb
Porter. "Having to come from behind against that type of team
will probably benefit us more in the long run.
"Overall, we performed very well, especially considering we gave so
much on Friday night (in a 3-0 win) against Wake Forest and were
playing a fresh UNC team. For us to control much of the game on
both sides of the ball after playing a game 36 hours prior is a
credit to our fitness level, mental toughness and character."
North Carolina scored its goal early in the first half on a corner
kick that was headed home at the back post. It was the first goal
allowed by Akron, the nation's top defensive team in 2008, this
spring.
"This weekend provided a lot of positive growth for our team and
going undefeated against two of the nation's best programs will
give our players even more confidence and belief that we can beat
anyone," Porter added. "The scary thing is we still can be a lot
better and haven't come close to reaching our potential. We are
looking forward to having three more weeks to continue to build for
next Fall."
The Tar Heels had some dangerous moments on the counter as the Zips
pressed forward for the win, but the backline of Chad
Barson, Kofi Sarkodie, Matt
Dagilis and Chris Korb held strong. Team captains Blair
Gavin and Ben Zemanski also were especially dominant in
midfield on both sides of the ball.
Porter also noted the solid contributions of Scott
Caldwell, who started at attacking mid and logged 80
minutes, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, Michael
Nanchoff and Stefan Ostergren. Redshirt freshman Josh
Pantazelos and incoming freshman David Meves
split time in goal for UA.
The Zips will have a week off from competition before heading to
Ft. Wayne, Ind. to take on the Indiana Hoosiers on Apr. 18 at 7
p.m.
2009 UA Men's Soccer Spring Schedule
Mar. 28 vs. Oakland, W, 2-0
Mar. 28 vs. Michigan, W, 4-0
Apr. 3 vs. Wake Forest, W, 3-0
Apr. 5 vs. North Carolina, Greensboro, T, 1-1
Apr. 18 vs. Indiana, Ft. Wayne, Ind., 7 p.m.
Apr. 26 vs. Columbus Crew, Akron, Ohio 5 p.m.
