Two Late Goals Drop Zips, 2-0, To WMU Despite Battling With Broncos

Sunday, September 24

Akron, OH

3 pm

University of Akron

1-8-1 (0-2-0MAC)

Western Michigan

6-3-0 (0-2-0MAC)

Western Michigan

Akron

Photo by: David Dermer

Two Late Goals Drop Zips, 2-0, To WMU Despite Battling With Broncos

September 24 | Women's Soccer

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AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron women's soccer team continued to fight in its second Mid-American Conference match of the season against Western Michigan, but two late goals by the Broncos edged the Zips, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

The Zips recorded 12 shots in the contest, six in the initial stanza and six in the second half. Sophomore Ashley Amato (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was aggressive in the Akron offensive third and garnered four shots, while freshman Rylie Howman (Ashland, Ohio) pulled two shots, and six other Zips collectively tallied a shot.

Freshman Amani Jiu (Brooklyn, N.Y.) made four saves in the match to increase her season total to 44 saves.

Amato had a pair of chances early on in the contest to give the Zips an advantage, but could not capitalize on her opportunities. Three of the forward's shots came within the first 13 minutes of the game. Her first shot was knocked away for a team save by a Bronco defender, and two other shots landed wide of frame.

Freshman Ally Brown's (Batavia, Ohio) lone shot of the match was turned away by a diving stop by WMU's keeper. Sophomore Catie Corrigan (Avon Lake, Ohio) played a spectacular through ball to her teammate, Brown, down the right side of the field. Brown outran the last defender and had the keeper to beat but was denied.

Akron and Western Michigan were nearly locked in shots in the first half, with the Broncos holding the slight advantage, 7-6, but the Zips edged WMU in shots on goal, 3-0.

Junior Kiana Zuk (Windsor, Ontario) had a good look at the goal at the 65:25 mark in the second half. Brown sent a cross pass to the opposite side of the field over to Zuk. The midfielder corralled the ball, planted, and ripped a shot that was heading towards the frame but WMU's keeper jumped and poked the ball out of play with her hand.

Western Michigan scored two straight goals to take a lead in the 74' and 78'.

Junior Erica Schrader (Blacklick, Ohio) and Howman each made an attempt to get the Zips back into the contest, but their shots were saved and sailed high, respectively.

The Zips return to action on Friday, Sept. 29, on the road in Mount Pleasant, Mich., when Akron takes on Central Michigan at 6 p.m.