The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Saint Louis
Men's Soccer Tops Saint Louis, 1-0, In Exhibition Opener
August 15 | Men's Soccer
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AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Saint Louis Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field in its first of two home exhibition matches.
Sophomore defender DeAndre Yedlin slotted the game's lone goal from a difficult angle in the 51st minute to lead the Zips, who dominated the second half – out-shooting the Billikens, 10-2, after the break.
It was also a good night for senior goalkeeper David Meves, who made a pair of big saves in the first half while the UA attack was still searching for its stride.
In all, 17 Zips saw playing time in the exhibition, including seven freshmen who took the field for the first time. First-year players Matt Foldesy, Alfred Koroma and Dillon Serna each earned starting roles while Phil Fives started the second half.
Akron was forced to play without sophomore Wil Trapp and junior transfer Robbie Derschang, who were held out due to injuries.
UA put together a number of good sequences in the first half, but had few scoring chances against an entrenched SLU backfield. Nonetheless, Akron had an opportunity to take the lead in the 34th minute when Eric Stevenson found space in front of the net after receiving a well-placed cross from Koroma.
Stevenson gathered the ball and fired from close range, but his shot glanced off the glove of SLU keeper Nick Shackelford and out of harm's way.
The Zips were a much more efficient team after the break and dominated play with their possession. After getting just two shots in the first half, Akron earned five in the first 10 minutes of the second, including Yedlin's goal.
Thomas Schmitt initiated the play with a through ball to Yedlin, who beat his man with a deep run down the right flank. The Seattle-native then made a turn and fired the ball off a Billiken defender and into the net.
For the match, the Zips posted a 12-7 advantage in shots, including a 5-2 margin on frame. Akron also recorded 11 corner kicks to SLU's three.
Akron will play its second and final exhibition match Friday against in-state foe Wright State. The Zips and Raiders will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. UA officially opens the regular season at home as well on Fri., Aug. 24, when Florida Gulf Coast makes the trip north.
