Men's Soccer Shuts Out Florida Atlantic in Regular-Season Finale

Sunday, November 6

2 pm

University of Akron

Florida Atlantic

Men's Soccer Shuts Out Florida Atlantic in Regular-Season Finale

November 06 | Men's Soccer

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The No. 6 University of Akron men's soccer team found the net in each half and allowed just one shot on goal in a 2-0 victory at Florida Atlantic Sunday afternoon.

Akron senior Luke Holmes netted the game winner in the 39th minute Sunday while sophomore Darren Mattocks added his team-leading 18th goal of the season in the 62nd minute.

It was the final match of the regular season for the Zips (13-3-3), who will host the Mid-American Conference Tournament next weekend at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. As the No. 1 seed and MAC regular-season champion, UA will face No. 4-seed Western Michigan Friday at 5 p.m. (ET) in search of its fifth-straight conference tournament crown.

With the win, the Zips recorded a perfect 6-0 mark in MAC play for the fourth consecutive season and have now won 27 consecutive contests versus the league. Moreover, UA extended its conference unbeaten streak to 37 games (35-0-2), which is the fourth-longest streak in NCAA history.

"It was great to end the regular season with a win and complete the conference portion with a perfect 6-0 record," UA head coach Caleb Porter said. "In all the years I've been coaching in the MAC, this year's team has probably won by a wider margin, in terms of results, than any other team I've had. Obviously, we will have to continue that next weekend for two more games starting with the semifinal Friday at home."

UA dominated the league again this season, earning five shutouts in six matches and out-scoring the competition 17-2 overall.

The Zips defense smothered the Owls all match and allowed just three shots (none on goal) after halftime. For the game, Akron doubled up Florida Atlantic on shots, 14-7. Junior goalkeeper Anthony Ponikvar recorded his first career win, logging all 90 minutes between the pipes for UA.

"We have certainly had some ups and downs throughout the season but we have played a very challenging schedule with a new group," Porter said. "To sit at 13-3-3 heading into the postseason shows our resiliency to grind out results while facing some of the best teams in the country, home and away."

Following the Zips' semifinal match against the Broncos at 5 p.m., No. 2-seeded Northern Illinois will face No. 3 Buffalo at 8 p.m. The winners of the two games will meet in the final, Sunday at 4 p.m.

"From here on out, it will continue to be about results," Porter added. "This team has been eager to start the postseason and it is finally upon us. All our goals are still in our grasp and if we play the way we are capable, there is no reason why we shouldn't succeed."