Western Michigan Edges Akron in MAC Title Game, 2-1

Saturday, November 12

Akron, Ohio

1:00 PM

University of Akron

11-3-5, 5-0-3

Western Michigan

14-2-2, 5-1-2

Western Mich.

Akron

Western Michigan Edges Akron in MAC Title Game, 2-1

November 12 | Men's Soccer

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AKRON, Ohio – A first-half goal proved too much for the 12th-rated University of Akron men's soccer team to overcome as Western Michigan claimed the Mid-American Conference Tournament title on the strength of a 2-1 victory over the Zips on Saturday, Nov. 12 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Bronco's earned the league's automatic NCAA Tournament berth by virtue of the triumph, while Akron must await the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. to learn the 48-team tournament draw.

Western Michigan garnered a lead they didn't relinquish with a third-minute tally (2:57) from Jaylen Shannon off an assist courtesy of Charlie Sharp.

The Broncos extended their advantage to 2-0 at the 50:20 mark when Sharp delivered a tally off a corner kick from Carson Hodgson.

Overcoming playing an extended period of the second half a man down, junior Johnny Fitzgerald (Tallahassee, Fla.) headed home his fourth goal of the season in the 78th minute (77:25) off an assist from junior Will Jackson (Hudson, Ohio) to cut the Zips' deficit to 2-1.

Akron outshot the Broncos on the afternoon, 10-9, with sophomore Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah) directing the Zips with a game-high three shots. Fitzgerald and Jackson added two strikes apiece for Akron, while redshirt freshman GK Mitch Budler (Lincoln, Neb.) registered a trio of saves in net for the Zips.

Clapier and Jackson were named to the All-Tournament team for Akron.

UP NEXT
The NCAA Selection Show is on Monday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. when the 48-team is unveiled. Opening-round games begin on Thursday, Nov. 17 at campus sites.

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Founded in 1870, The University of Akron (UA) is one of Ohio's most influential public urban research universities, conducting high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines. The University offers more than 200-degree programs, including unique, highly ranked associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and law degrees — with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. UA is focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, investment in community and economic growth. Akron sponsors 17 NCAA Division I sports with more than 500 student-athletes. Learn more at gozips.com.