The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Marshall
Men's Soccer Cruises To 4-1 Exhibition Win Over Marshall
August 20 | Men's Soccer
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AKRON, Ohio – The No. 8 University of Akron men's soccer team opened up its preseason schedule with a resounding 4-1 victory over Marshall Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
Akron jumped ahead early with a trio of goals before the break and never looked back – out-shooting the Thundering Herd 19-3 for the match and 11-1 on goal. In particular, it was an impressive Zips' debut for freshman midfielder Adam Najem, who tallied two goals and an assist to lead the charge for UA.
Despite being a Tuesday night exhibition match before the start of classes, Akron had the benefit of playing in front of a lively crowd of 1,826 fans.
The Zips wasted little time giving the crowd something to cheer for as Aodhan Quinn buried a cross from Saad Abdul-Salaam in the ninth minute, then Bryan Gallego flicked home a free kick from Najem just three minutes later.
Marshall cut its deficit in half in the 20th minute on its lone shot on goal. Freshman Daniel Jodah made the most of the opportunity by uncorking an unassisted laser from more than 30 yards out into the far corner of the net.
But that's as close as the Herd would get as the Zips continued to dominate play and limited Marshall to just one shot – an attempt that sailed high over the goal – after the break. Conversely, UA continued to threaten the MU goal and broke through twice in the second half with both scores coming off the foot of Najem.
The U.S. Under-18 National Team product skipped a shot past the keeper in the 39th minute then finished a through ball from Phil Fives from the top of the box in the 64th to close out the scoring.
Akron will play one final exhibition match – at Saint Louis Saturday at 8 p.m. ET – before officially kicking off the 2013 campaign at the College of Charleston Tournament from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.
Zips single-game and season tickets can be purchased online anytime at ZipsTickets.com, or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Mondays through Fridays by either calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets).
