The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Eastern Michigan
Women's Soccer Beats EMU, 2-1, in MAC Play
October 03 | Women's Soccer
HIGHLIGHTS
AKRON — Akron women's soccer picked up its third consecutive home win with a 2-1 victory over Eastern Michigan in Mid-American Conference play on a rainy Friday night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
The Zips improved to 5-5-1 overall and 1-2 in MAC play, while the Eagles fell to 6-3-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
Akron jumped on the scoreboard first as sophomore midfielder Madison Kaser (Silver Lake, Ohio) converted a pass from sophomore forward Sarah Sivic (Broadview Heights, Ohio) in the 12th minute for her first goal of the season.
Junior goalkeeper Klaire Adee (Rockford, Ill.) made a huge save in the 22nd minute. EMU hit one off the cross bar, feeding Bianca Rossi's kick which Adee stopped, preserving the lead.
EMU had another shot on goal in 44th minute by Molli Krick, saved by Adee. The Zips led at 1-0 at intermission.
"I thought the weather conditions weren't great," UA head coach Vernon Croft said. "But our kids persevered. They had a great commitment to this program."
In the second half, EMU had several chances to score. Angela Vultaggio missed a shot on a wide open goal at the 57th minute. One minute later, Chelsie Oddan booted one over the crossbar.
Akron made it 2-0 on an unassisted goal from senior forward Lani Smith (Solon, Ohio).
EMU was awarded a penalty kick for a hand ball in the box in the 81st minute as Vultaggio scored for the Eagles.
The Zips tried for an insurance goal in the 87th minute as a shot by Smith hit off the left post, followed by a shot by junior forward Sydney Blomquist (Bel Air, Md.) that was saved by EMU goalie Megan McCabe.
"There's a saying in soccer that the greatest equalizer is a rainy day," Croft said. "I think it effected the game in our favor. I thought we attacked well tonight. It's a great springboard for Sunday."
Overall, EMU out-shot Akron, 23-12 overall and 9-4 in shots on goal. The Eagles had two corner kicks, while the Zips had one.
Adee recorded eight saves in 90 minutes of action.
Mid-American Conference action continues on Sunday, Oct. 5 as Akron hosts Bowling Green at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field at Noon.
