The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Penn State
Men's Soccer Scores Early, Tops Penn State, 1-0
October 12 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio – The No. 5 University of Akron men's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Penn State Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
With the win, the Zips improved to 9-1-2 on the season and extended their NCAA-record home unbeaten streak to 45 matches. Akron also upped its record to 12-0-1 against Big Ten schools since the start of the 2009 season.
Akron sophomore Darren Mattocks scored the lone goal of the game in the 25th minute off a free kick from Aodhan Quinn. It was Mattocks' team-leading 11th goal of the season and his fourth in his last three matches.
The Nittany Lions (6-5-2) were forced to play the final 40 minutes of the game a man down after Julian Cardona was shown a straight red after getting tangled up with UA defender Bryan Gallego.
It was another strong game for UA goalkeeper David Meves, who managed his box superbly and came up with key saves in dangerous situations. The Preseason All-American finished the game with three saves overall while leading the Zips to their eighth shutout in 12 matches.
PSU was the sharper team early on and threatened to score in the opening minutes, but UA Meves was up to the task and turned the Nittany Lions away twice.
Penn State's best opportunity to score came in the 16th minute when Mackenzie Arment turned and fired from 15 yards out. Meves, who finished with three saves, deflected the shot with his hands before the ball glanced off the cross bar and out of bounds.
Akron then took the lead less than 10 mintues later after junior Thomas Schmitt, who had a very active night, was fouled just outside the box on the right side of the field following a strong run. Quinn whipped the ensuing free kick into the box where Mattocks drove it into the back of the net from four yards out with a diving header.
That duo nearly combined for another UA goal in the 33rd minute when Quinn won the ball from a Penn State attacker near midfield and slipped Mattocks near the top of the box. But Mattocks' shot from straight was turned away by Nittany Lions keeper Andrew Wolverton. It was one of four saves on the night for the true freshman.
For the game, Akron out-shot Penn State, 10-8, including a 5-4 edge on frame.
The Zips will next conclude their homestand Saturday night when Hartwick comes to FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field for a 7:30 p.m. kick off.
Zips Notebook: Wednesday's win was the 99th of UA head coach Caleb Porter's career ... Akron has won its last 12 matches at home against a Big Ten opponent and are 16-4-5 all-time against the conference under Porter ... Mattocks has netted the game-winning goal in back-to-back matches and leads the team with four overall.
