Second-Half Surge Propels No. 9 UCLA past Akron, 6-1

Monday, September 5

Los Angeles, Calif.

8 pm

University of Akron

2-2-0

UCLA

2-1-1

Akron

UCLA

Second-Half Surge Propels No. 9 UCLA past Akron, 6-1

September 05 | Men's Soccer

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. - A quartet of second-half goals propelled No. 9 UCLA (2-1-1) to a 6-1 victory over top-rated Akron (2-2-0) on Monday, Sept. 5.

"When you look at the score you feel like there are no positives," said Akron head coach Jared Embick. "But I do think we can take away some things from this; UCLA is a great team and tonight like all good teams, they were ruthless."

"We created many chances, but did not convert them in key moments. If we score, I think it changes the game. Even after halftime, we had a great 10 minute spell and almost scored. When we gave up the third goal we put our head down and they made us pay. We have to regroup, there is a lot of soccer left. We need to come back to our fans and get two wins against a pair of undefeated teams."

Directed by a game-high four shots apiece from senior Adam Najem (Clifton, N.J.), redshirt sophomore Ezana Kahsay (Asmeras, Eritrea) and freshman Marcel Zajac (Mississauga, Ontario), the Zips outshot the Bruins on the evening, 19-13. UCLA bested Akron in shots on goal 8-5. Abu Danladi led the Bruins with a team-best three shots.

The Zips' offensive attack was able to push the ball into UCLA's defensive third on the evening posting an 11-3 margin in corner kicks, but were unable to convert on their scoring opportunities. UCLA goalkeeper Juan Cervantes made four saves, while sophomore Ben Lundt (Berlin, Germany) recorded two stops in goal for Akron.

The Zips carried the early momentum on the night outshooting the Bruins in the initial 15 minutes, 7-1, including three shots from Kahsay.

UCLA took the lead in the 20th minute (19:51) when Seyi Adekoya found the back of net off an assist from Felix Vobejda.

Redshirt junior Sam Gainford (Liverpool, England) had his shot at the 29:57 mark blocked.

Najem placed a shot on goal in the 35th minute (34:04) that was pulled in for a save by Cervantes.

The Bruins extended their advantage to 2-0 at the 42:37 mark after Brian Iloski registered his second goal of the season off a free kick.

The Zips bettered UCLA in first-half shots, 11-5, including 4-2 on net.

The Bruins took control of the affair early in the second half scoring three goals in 32 seconds to push their lead at 5-0 at the 53:00 mark.

Danladi netted tallies at the 52:28 and 52:39 marks, respectively, while Blayne Martinez connected for a goal at 53:00 mark.

Najem broke up the shutout in the 54th minute (53:38) delivering his first goal of the season and 29th of his career on a successful penalty kick.

Jose Hernandez pushed the margin to 6-1 with his tally at the 57:36 mark.

Making their collegiate debuts in the second half of the match for the Zips was redshirt freshman Skye Harter (Copley, Ohio) and freshman Reggie Laryea (Toronto, Ontario).

The Zips return to action on Friday, Sept. 9, hosting Oregon State at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field as part of the University of Akron Tournament. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. UC Santa Barbara and Butler will open the tournament with a 4:30 p.m. tilt.