Akron takes down Wake Forest

By Parker Perry, Sports Editor


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The No. 20 Akron Zips beat No. 15 Wake Forest 1-0 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Aodhan Quinn hammered a penalty shot into the top-right corner of the net Tuesday night and gave his team a 1-0 lead.

Quinn, a senior forward, is considered to be one of the top college soccer players in the country. He is currently the second-leading goal scorer for the Zips, according to Akron Athletics.

Though Akron was only able to fire off five shots on goal, the name of their game was possession. Akron controlled the pace of the match from start to finish. Wake Forest was unable to find a quality opportunity throughout the night.

Akron goalkeeper Fernando Piña did not have to do much in the net on Tuesday. Though he was accredited with four saves, his defense was staunch the entire night. Rarely did Wake Forest make an open run, and when they did, it was quickly shut down by Akron defenders.

If one thing was questionable in the match, it was Akron and their lack of discipline when it came to fouls. Akron, which is known for playing clean, precise soccer, had trouble getting the ball.

They were called for 14 fouls while Wake Forest was only called for six. However, while Akron was called for more regular fouls, Wake Forest received two yellow cards and the only Akron yellow card was issued to Eric Stevenson in the 72nd minute.

Akron’s victory silenced many doubters who accused Akron of being over their prime. The victory will have large implications when the tournament field is being created. Akron is likely to get a higher seed because they beat the Demon Deacons.

Akron next will play at Buffalo as they try to get on the right track inside the Mid-American Conference. Akron lost to Hartwick in their last conference match.