The University of Akron Athletics
Women's Soccer Takes On Kent State, Buffalo
October 21 | Women's Soccer
The University of Akron women's soccer team continues its push towards the MidAmerican Conference tournament this weekend, as they host the final two home matches of the regular season. The Zips play host to rival Kent State on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Buffalo on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field.
Match Coverage: Live Stats | Live Video Streaming
Zoning in on the Zips: After drawing against Bowling Green and defeating Miami in overtime last weekend the Zips stand at 4-10-1 overall and 2-5-1 in the MAC. Rachel Phillip scored both goals in the 2-1 overtime win over Miami and is tied with Katie Wise - who scored in the draw with Bowling Green - for the team lead in goals with four.
Scouting the Flashes: After defeating Ball State on Sunday, Kent State enters Friday's match at 2-9-4 and 1-6-1 in MAC play. Jessica Gironda's six goals and two assists lead the Flashes offense. Kelly Sherwood has played in 14 games in the net for KSU and holds a goals against average of 1.69.
Scouting the Bulls: Buffalo - who faces Ohio on Friday before taking on the Zips Sunday - are 1-13-2 overall and 0-6-2 in MAC matches. Megan Abman has scored three goals to lead the Bulls. Lindsey Bailey has added two goals and two assists. Ainsley Wheldon has been the primary goalkeeper this season for the Bulls. UA owns a 6-3-0 record all-time versus UB.
Coach Pfau on the Weekend: "We have been playing good soccer and working hard as a team. I have been very happy with the way we have been playing and if we continue to play like that over this should be a good weekend for us."
Playoff Picture: UA currently sits in ninth place in the MAC, and is one place out of the eighth and final MAC tournament spot. The Zips, who trail both Bowling Green and Ohio by just two points, control their own destiny. If the Zips win both of this weekend's contests, as well as the season finale against Ohio, UA will guarantee a spot in the MAC tournament field.
PTP: Junior Rachel Phillip's performance against Miami on Sunday garnered her national attention, as she was named a Primetime Performer of The Week by CollegeSoccer360.com Phillip scored both UA goals in the overtime victory and is the second Zip to be honored with the weekly honor this season. Katie Wise was honored after she tallied a hat trick in the season opener against Illinois State.
A Helping Hand: After tallying assists in both of last weekend's matches, freshman Kelly DeNiro now has four helpers on the season. That places her in a tie for second on the season assists record list - just one back of the record set by Sarah Artuso in 2002. DeNiro also tallied an assist in the loss to Western Michigan, giving her assists in three straight games.
Next Up: The Zips will play the regular season finale at Ohio on Thursday at 3 p.m.
