By: Parker Perry

Akron women’s soccer split the weekend going 1-1 in the South Florida Tournament.

The lady Zips opened up play with a 1-0 loss to South Florida Friday.

“I was very proud of our effort tonight. We competed very well and really controlled the game at the beginning of each half,” Pfau said.

The Zips allowed the South Florida Bulls to take 25 shots in the game, while Akron got off four. The decisive score came in the 64^th minute off the foot of attacker Demi Stocks. Goalkeeper Jenny Wolbert saved eight shots throughout the game.

With a day off Saturday, Akron was able to regroup and focus on their next game against the Florida Atlantic Owls. The Owls flew in with a 3-1 record before being dominated by a UA attack. Before the match, Akron had produced one goal in four matches. With 11 shots, seven of them on goal, Akron came away with four points and the victory.

The first score against the Owls came from Ashley Hughes. Hughes was followed by Karina Atkinson in the 30^th minute to push UA’s lead to 2-0. The Zips were not finished, as before the half ended, Kyarah Foushee picked up her second goal of the season, helping Akron go into the break with a 3-0 lead.

Coming out of halftime, the Zips were able to hold the Owls at bay. Hughes capped off the victory in the 65^th minute with her second goal of the game. The goal put Hughes in a tie with Foushee for most goals scored on the team. The Zips came away with a 4-0 win, helping their record to 2-3-0.

With non-conference play almost out of the way, Pfau has taken a strong focus to what lies ahead. Pfau said that the experience in playing in the South Florida tournament will help his squad better prepare themselves for the upcoming schedule.

“This weekend was a perfect preparation for our conference season,” Pfau told reporters.

The Zips will host their second home game this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be played at First Energy Stadium—Cub Cadet Field.