Victor Souto netted the University of Akron’s second hat trick within a week to send the Zips past Michigan State, 4-1, Wednesday evening at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

The Spartans (7-5-2) recorded the first four shots of the game, but could not get one past goalie Jake Fenlason, who recorded three quick saves.

The first Akron (11-2-1) shot came at the 23:50 mark by Souto, but his attempt was wide of the goal.

Less than a minute later, the Spartans were whistled for a foul in the box. Souto stepped up to the line and buried the ball into the net for his third goal of the year and a 1-0 lead for Akron.

Then, at the 33:55 mark, Michigan State was guilty of another infraction within the box and Souto made them pay with his fourth goal on the year.

On the strength of Souto’s play the Zips led 2-0 at the half. Both team had 6 shots, but Michigan State enjoyed a 5-3 advantage with shots on goal. Jake Fenlason was amazing in goal in the first half with five saves.

The second half was looking like a carbon copy of the first when at 57:47 the Spartans committed another violation in the box. Souto completed the unusual hat trick by connecting on his fifth goal this year, and giving the Zips a 3-0 lead.

Later on at 58:57, some great pass play between Richie Laryea and Adam Najem ended up with the ball on the foot of Sam Gainford, who scored his fifth of the season.

Michigan State scored a meaningless goal in the last minute of the game to close the scoring at 4-1.

For the game, Michigan State outshot the Zips 14-11, including 7-5 on goal. Fenlason ended the game with six saves and just narrowly missed his sixth shutout on the year.