A pretty impressive winning streak for the University of Akron men’s soccer team came to an end on Sunday when Ohio State defeated the Zips 2-0 at Cub Cadet Field.
The loss ended a 24-game home winning streak that began with a 3-1 loss to Georgia State on Oct. 9, 2021, and left Akron (0-1-1) winless this season.
Ohio State scored early when David Ajagbe scored early in the game on an assist from Anthony Samways.
The Buckeyes (1-0-1) scored their second goal with 27:12 left in the first period on a nice one-two. St. Ignatius graduate Luciano Pechota passed the ball to Deylen Vellios, who got it right back to beat Mitch Budler on the right side.
The Zips return to action on Friday at Western Michigan.
Follow the game with our live updates here:
Akron shows some life against Ohio State, but is it too late?
The immediacy that the Zips seemed to lack earlier in the game has returned. The problem is that Ohio State leads 2-0 and seems content to hold back and counterattack when necessary.
Ohio State narrowly misses the chance to extend the lead against Akron
The Buckeyes didn’t let up and that was evident with 17:09 minutes left when David Wrona received a through ball. However, goalkeeper Mitch Budler narrowed the angle for the Zips and the Alabama native’s shot went high.
Akron continues to catch up against Ohio State
The Zips dug themselves a hole almost immediately in this game, and Ohio State continues to play its optimistic brand of football. The Buckeyes, who lead 2-0 with 23:17 left, have a 15-4 shot advantage and continue to apply pressure against an Akron team that appears to be a step slower.
Buckeyes don’t let up against Akron’s men’s soccer team
This time, David Wrona’s shot came after five minutes, forcing Mitch Budler to make another save. The redshirt junior had to do it again on a shot by Ashton Bilow. It’s Ohio State 2, Akron 0 with 34:00 remaining.
Halftime statistics for the Akron-Ohio State men’s soccer team
The Buckeyes continue to apply pressure and it shows everywhere. Ohio State has goals from David Ajagbe (3rd minute) and Luciano Pechota (29th minute) and has a 9-4 lead in shots on goal and a 5-2 lead in corner kicks. Ohio State also has a 9-4 lead in shots on goal and controls possession 60 percent of the time.
Ohio State continues to apply pressure and scores another goal
The Buckeyes’ sustained push paid off again. Deylen Vellios took a pass from Luciano Pechota on the left side and played it back to the St. Ignatius graduate, who buried it in the right corner.
Ohio State 2, Akron 0, 16:09 remaining before halftime.
Ohio State fends off Akron attack; Buckeyes still lead
The Zips ran a two-on-one attack and appeared to be on the verge of tying the score when Stefan Dobrijevic fired a pass to a completely open Emil Jaaskelainen. St. Ignatius graduate Patrick McLaughlin slid over in time to get enough power to put Ohio State ahead with 30:19 minutes left in the first half.
Ohio State narrowly misses a two-point lead against Akron
David Ajagbe almost made it 2-0 for Ohio State after a one-two, but his shot at the near post went just wide to the left and Akron survived. The Buckeyes lead 1-0.
Ohio State’s pressure pays off against Akron
A goal by Ohio State’s David Ajagbe at the 3:42 mark appeared to give the Buckeyes an early lead, but video review did not change it. Anthony Samways sent a cross down the middle and Akron’s offside trap failed as the British Columbia freshman fired the ball past Mitch Budler.
Starting lineup for the Akron, Ohio State men’s soccer team
State of Ohio – Patrick McLaughlin, GK; Siggi McLaughlin, GK; Nathan Demian, D; Thomas Gilej, D; Deylen Vellios, D’ Marko Borkovic, M; Luciano Pechota, M; Ashton Bilow, M; Anthony Samways, M; Michael Adedokun, M; David Ajagbe, F
Akron – Mitch Budler, GK; Jonas Büchte, D; Ashton Kamdem, D; Malik Henry, D; Beto Yrdrach, D; Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal, M; Caleb Borneo, M; Dyson Clapier, M; Matt Dreas, M; Stefan Dobrijevic; Emil Jaaskelainen, F
How to watch the Akron vs. Ohio State men’s soccer game
As with all home games, you can watch the action between the Zips and Buckeyes either on your TV or via the app on ESPN+.
How did the Akron, Ohio State men’s soccer team open the season?
Both teams enter the match at 0-0-1, but there’s no doubt the Zips turned heads when they earned a 1-1 draw with No. 2 Notre Dame on the road with 30 minutes left thanks to a goal from Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal.
Ohio State comes into the game after a 1-1 draw with Cleveland State thanks to a goal from David Ajagbe.
What happened for Akron, Ohio State last season?
The Zips finished 9-2-7 last season and finished 2-1-5 in the Big East Midwest Division. They missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2020. Coach Jared Embick has been with the program since 2007 and has missed the tournament only three times.
Ohio State finished the 2023 season with an even 6-6-6 record and a 3-4-1 record in conference play.
University of Akron Men’s Soccer: Zips star players Jason Shokalook, Malik Henry and Dyson Clapier selected in MLS SuperDraft
How does the series look and how good is Akron against the Big Ten?
Akron and Ohio State are meeting for the 43rd time, with the Zips holding a 29-7-6 advantage. The Zips are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 meetings, including a 3-3 tie two seasons ago.
Akron has a 109-77-21 record against the Big Ten and a 26-11-7 record since 2012.
Attentive Akron players against Ohio State
Forward Emil Jaaskelainen was selected as a third-team selection to the Preseason Best XI by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Jaaskelainen joins forwards Maximus Barbarboto and Dyson Clapier and defenseman Malik Henry on the preseason top 100 list, according to the same source. Defenseman Jonas Buechte was selected as an All-Big East player in the preseason.
Ohio State players to watch against Akron
Ohio State midfielders Michael Adedokun and Luciano Pechota and defender Siggi Magnusson are among the Big Ten players to watch for the Buckeyes, who are projected to finish sixth in their conference.
Contact Brad Bournival at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival.
This article originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal: Akron men’s soccer team’s winning streak ends with loss to Ohio State
