A rather impressive streak for the University of Akron men’s soccer team came to an end Sunday when Ohio State beat the Zips 2-0 at Cub Cadet Field.
The loss ended a 24-match unbeaten streak at home that dated back to a 3-1 loss to Georgia State on Oct. 9, 2021, and kept Akron (0-1-1) winless this season.
Ohio State scored early when David Ajagbe took an assist from Anthony Samways and scored 2:41 into the game.
The Buckeyes (1-0-1) picked up goal No. 2 with 27:12 left in the first half and a nifty give and go. St. Ignatius grad Luciano Pechota fed the ball to Deylen Vellios and got it right back to beat Mitch Budler to the right.
The Zips return to action Friday at Western Michigan.
Follow along here to see how the game unfolded throughout with our live updates:
Akron shows some life against Ohio State, but is it too late?
The immediacy that seemed to be missing at the beginning of the game for the Zips has returned. The problem is Ohio State holds a 2-0 edge and look to be content to hang back and counter attack when needed.
Ohio State just misses chance to increase the margin against Akron
The Buckeyes haven’t let up and it showed with 17:09 left when David Wrona took a through ball with 17:09 remaining. Keeper Mitch Budler cut the angle for the Zips, however, and the Alabama native’s shot sailed high.
Akron continues to play catch up against Ohio State soccer
The Zips dug themselves a hole almost immediately in this one and Ohio State continues to play its brand of upbeat soccer. The Buckeyes, who are up 2-0 with 23:17 left hold a 15-4 shots advantage and continue to press the action against an Akron squad that appears to be a step slwo.
Buckeyes don’t let up against Akron men’s soccer
This time the shot came from David Wrona five minutes in, forcing Mitch Budler to make another save. The redshirt junior had to do it again on a shot from Ashton Bilow. It’s Ohio State 2, Akron 0 with 34:00 remaining.
Halftime statistics for Akron-Ohio State men’s soccer
The Buckeyes continue to press and it is showing up everywhere. Ohio State has goals from David Ajagbe (3 minutes in) and Luciano Pechota (29) and holds a 9-4 edge on shots and 5-2 cushion on corner kicks. Ohio State also holds a 9-4 edge on shots and controlled possession 60 percent of the time.
Ohio State continues to push, adds another goal
The Buckeyes’ continued push paid off again. Deylen Vellios collected a give and go from Luciano Pechota from the left side and dished it back to the St. Ignatius grad, who buried it in the right corner.
Ohio State 2, Akron 0, 16:09 remaining before the break.
Ohio State snuffs Akron attack; Buckeyes still lead
The Zips had a two-on-one attack and looked poised to tie things up when Stefan Dobrijevic passed to a wide open Emil Jaaskelainen. St. Ignatius grad Patrick McLaughlin slid over in time to get enough of the shot to keep Ohio State up a goal with 30:19 left in the first half.
Ohio State just misses going up by two against Akron
David Ajagbe almost made it 2-0 Ohio State on a give and go, but his shot to the near post went just left and Akron survived. The Buckeyes lead 1-0.
Ohio State pressure pays off against Akron
A goal from Ohio State David Ajagbe 3:42 into things appeared to give the Buckeyes and early lead and video review held it up. Anthony Samways sent a cross into the middle and Akron’s offside trap failed when the freshman from British Columbia put it past Mitch Budler.
Starting XI for Akron, Ohio State men’s soccer
Ohio State – 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 Buechte, 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 Akron vs. Ohio State in men’s soccer
As will be with all home games, you can catch the action between the Zips and Buckeyes on ESPN+ either on your television or through the app.
How did Akron, Ohio State men’s soccer open the season?
Both team come in 0-0-1, but there’s no doubt the Zips got people talking when they went on the road and tied No. 2 Notre Dame 1-1 thanks to a goal from Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal with 30 minutes left.
Ohio State enters action after a 1-1 tie with Cleveland State thanks to a goal from David Ajagbe.
What happened last season for Akron, Ohio State?
The Zips went 9-2-7 a season ago and posted a 2-1-5 mark 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 only missed the tournament three times.
Ohio State finished the 2023 season an even 6-6-6 with a 3-4-1 record in conference play.
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What does the series look like and how good is Akron against the Big Ten?
Akron and Ohio State meet for the 43rd time with the Zips holding a 29-7-6 advantage. The Zips are unbeaten in 13 of the last 14 contests and tied 3-3 two seasons ago.
Akron is 109-77-21 against the Big Ten and are 26-11-7 since 2012.
Akron players to watch against Ohio State
Forward Emil Jaaskelainen comes in as a Preseason Best XI third-team selection by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Jaaskelainen, joins forwards Maximus Barbarboto and Dyson Clapier and defender Malik Henry as preseason top 100 players according to the same outlet. Defender Jonas Buechte is a preseason All-Big East pick.
Ohio State players to watch against Akron
Ohio State midfielders Michael Adedokun and Luciano Pechota join defender Siggi Magnusson as Big Ten players to watch for the Buckeyes, who are slated to finish sixth in their conference.
Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival
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