The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Saint Louis
Men's Soccer Falls At Saint Louis In Final Exhibition
August 24 | Men's Soccer
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St. Louis – Despite out-shooting the opposition by a count of 17-6, The No. 8 University of Akron men's soccer team came up short in a 2-0 exhibition defeat at No. 15 Saint Louis at Hermann Stadium Saturday night.
The Zips controlled the large majority of the contest but some defensive miscommunication led to an early goal for the defending Atlantic 10 champion Billikens, who made the most of their limited opportunities in converting two of their three shots on goal for the night.
In just the eighth minute of play, Alex Sweetin served a free kick into the box from the left sideline. The ball bounced around before Julian Gieseke slipped a pass to Tyler David, who skipped a shot around a block of Zips defenders and into the net.
Akron had a number of chances to pull even – with an advantage of 7-3 in shots in the first half and 10-3 after halftime – but couldn't cash in.
In particular, UA had a trio of prime scoring oppportunities in the second half.
First, in the 54th minute, Reinaldo Brenes found himself all alone from 12 yards out but the SLU goalkeeper David Andre just got a hand up in time to punch the ball into the air. Brenes jumped on the rebound but his second shot sailed high over the cross bar.
Then, just three minutes later, Adam Najem was in a similar position and fired a rocket into the goalie box from straight away but once again Andre, who finished with three saves on the night after entering the match at halftime, was there to punch the ball clear.
Finally, with four minutes left in regulation, Ismail Seremba, who came on for Eric Stevenson late, got around his mark and caught the keeper out of position. But this time, a Billikens' defender was there to clear the mid-ranged shot off the line.
After surviving a number of scares throughout the game, Saint Louis capitalized off an Akron turnover in the back field to put the match away on a goal by Josh Kohring at the 87:22 mark.
Saturday night served as the final preseason tune-up for the Zips, who will officially kick off the 2013 campaign at the College of Charleston Tournament next weekend in South Carolina.
