The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Open Spring Exhibition Campaign Splitting Pair of Matches
March 18 | Men's Soccer
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AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron men's soccer team opened its spring exhibition campaign splitting a pair of contests on Friday, March 18, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
The Zips edged Pittsburgh of the United Soccer League in the opener before suffering a 2-1 setback versus Notre Dame College in the nightcap.
An own goal with 3:09 left to play lifted Akron to a 1-0 victory in its opening contest versus Pittsburgh.
The Zips outshot the Riverhounds in the affair, 15-12, with each side recording five shots on goal.
Junior Stuart Holthusen (Auckland, New Zealand) gave Akron its best scoring opportunity in the 53rd minute getting 1v1 with the Pittsburgh goalkeeper only to see his shot hit the lower post and bounce out.
He again got off a strong shot in the 73rd minute redirecting a deflection off a blocked shot from redshirt junior Sam Gainford (Liverpool, England).
Redshirt sophomore Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) sent a shot just wide for Akron in the 78th minute.
Redshirt junior Elliott Rubio (Chicago, Ill.) made five saves for the Zips playing all 90 minutes. Two Pittsburgh goalkeepers combined to make four stops for the Riverhounds.
In the nightcap, the Falcons registered goals in the game's third and 42nd minutes, respectively, to notch the victory over Akron.
Notre Dame College held its own offensively in the affair registering an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Kahsay netted the lone tally for Akron notching a goal in the 53rd minute off an assist from redshirt freshman Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio).
Redshirt freshman Nick Costa (North Royalton, Ohio) got the start in goal the Zips and made one stop before freshman Jeremy Pollard (Manly Beach, Australia) played the final 45 minutes for Akron registering five saves.
2016 Akron Men's Soccer Spring Schedule
Fri., March 18 - vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, W, 1-0
Fri., March 18 - Notre Dame College, L, 1-2
Sat., April 9 - vs. Cleveland State/Slippery Rock, FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field, 6/8 p.m.
Sat., April 16 – vs. Wright State/Pittsburgh, FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field, 1/4 p.m.
Sun., April 24 – at Columbus Crew (Closed Scrimmage) – Columbus, Ohio 11 a.m.
Sun., May 1 – at FC Cincinnati (USL)/vs. Dayton Dynamo (NPSL), Cincinnati, Ohio 1/6 p.m.
